See you in 2016 on Saturday May 7!

A big thank you goes out to all the staff, exhibitors and guests who made this year’s Spirit of Toronto a night to remember!

Once again masterclasses were fully subscribed and we extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our esteemed presenters who shared their samples and knowledge with our audience.

Those of you who kept to the show floor were equally spoiled for choice courtesy of our exhibitors, as well as a selection of rarely seen Canadian whiskies, sips of the Caol Ila 30 Year Old and Glenfarclas 40 Year Old for those who dared to test their palate in our Blind Whisky Challenge, a stellar showcase of Authentic Caribbean Rum, and our Japanese whisky bar complete with freshly prepared sushi and Edo-inspired highballs.

And of course, there were the lucky few of you who braved the scrum for a precious taste of the Yamazaki Sherry Cask 2013, recently named the Best Whisky in the World.

But a picture is worth a thousand words so please check out our photo gallery to relive the good times for yourself:

Spirit of Toronto 2015 on Flickr

Have a great summer and we look forward to welcoming you back in 2016. And in the meantime, if you’d like to help us make the best show possible, please keep reading…

Win a bottle of Talisker 25 Year Old…

But of course, there’s a catch!

The success of Spirit of Toronto depends on our exhibitors, and they’d like to know more about you! Please help us to provide them with some insight into our audience so that we can work together and ensure the quality of future events!

By taking just 2 minutes to complete our survey, you can help us to program quality content AND be entered in a draw for a bottle of Talisker 25 Year Old.

All survey responses received by Wednesday, June 17, 2015 will be entered in the draw.

To take part in our survey, please click on the link below:

Yes, I would like to win a bottle of Talisker 25 Year Old

About The Workshop:

Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner there surely is a dram for all occasions!  

Together we will explore the art of matching the unique and celebrated flavours of single malts with food in a fun and interactive workshop. No other drink in the world can offer the range of flavours found in whiskies which makes it the perfect accompaniment to almost any food. In this workshop we will look at three courses of classic pairings and why they work so well. For a limited time tickets are available for just £15 which represents unbelievable value for money.

Tickets are now just £15 (reduced from £25!!) and are available now from the Stoke-on-Trent Whisky Festival website at stokewhiskyfestival.co.uk. The price includes all the food samples and whisky. Please email: info@boomwhisky.co.uk for any more information. 

About The Festival: 

Stoke’s annual whisky festival is to be held on Saturday 4th July 2015 at The Jubilee Hall, Stoke-on-Trent. The venue is part of Stoke Town Hall, a stunning grade II listed Victorian building dating back to 1834; allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the venue as you sample the fantastic range of whiskies on offer. Tickets are available now from the Stoke-on-Trent Whisky Festival website at stokewhiskyfestival.co.uk. 

About Boom Whisky: 

Boom Whisky is a tasting event group based in Manchester. They aim to offer an entertaining yet informative take on whisky tasting. Boom Whisky are available for private events, bar staff training as well as hosting a range of themed whisky tastings across Manchester’s bars and pubs. More information available at www.boomwhisky.co.uk.

OUR VERY FIRST FEIS ILE TASTING!

PEATY TREATS FROM THE ISLAY FESTIVAL 2015

So this is very exciting! If you’ve seen our Twitter or Facebook feeds lately you may have noticed that we’d sent an intrepid member of staff up to Scotland. Our man-on-the-ground visited Campbeltown (more news on this soon!) then crossed the water to the hallowed Isle of Islay.

His task was to fill our shop and bar shelves with a host of limited edition bottles from the festival and the famous Islay distilleries. Naturally, as we took stock of his impressive haul, we thought it would only be fair to give everyone the chance to try some of these (largely) smoky drams. As such, we have set up our very first Feis Ile masterclass where you can sample six of the festival releases from: Bunnahbhain, Caol Ila, Bowmore, Laphroaig, Kilchoman – and even a very special 24 year old Lagvulin!

The event will be hosted at Milroy’s of Soho, beginning at 18:30 and concluding at approximately 20:00 on Monday 3rd August 2015. The event is priced at £35 per ticket and can be purchased here – right now!

“The Queen of the Hebrides” Islay, home to Ardbeg and Laphroaig Distilleries. 1815 marks the beginning of these two iconic peaty whiskies. So grab a bottle and toast to their 200 Year Anniversaries.

Ardbeg Perpetuum Single Malt Scotch Whisky Ardbeg’s past, present, future – in a bottle.$99.99

Ardbeg 10 Year Old, Distillery Release Single Malt Scotch Whisky Stupendous spices add an extra dimension to the already complex story unfolding on the palate.$44.99

Ardbeg Auriverdes Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky Leaner than some Ardbegs, but lusciously spicy all the same. ****(4 Stars)/Highly Recommended, Spirit Journal September 2014$92.99

Laphroaig Quarter Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky Smoky and accented with hints of coconut and banana aromas.$59.99

Laphroaig Cairdeas Single Malt Scotch Whisky Finishes long, smoky, delicately sweet. ****(4 Stars)/Highly Recommended Spirit Journal December 2014 $81.99

Laphroaig 25 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky Finishing very long and warming leaving a distinct tang of Islay.$499.99

D&M | 2200 Fillmore St | San Francisco | CA | 94115 

GREEN SPOT UNVEILS FIRST BORDEAUX WINE FINISHED IRISH WHISKEY

– Two historic Irish families come together to inspire

Green Spot Château Léoville Barton – 

Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard has unveiled the first ever Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey to be finished in Bordeaux wine casks, Green Spot Château Léoville Barton. The new release adds an innovative, new dimension to the classic Green Spot expression, which is already renowned among whiskey lovers for its exceptional quality.

Set in the heart of the Saint Julien appellation in Bordeaux, one of the most revered winemaking regions in the world, Léoville Barton is a grand cru Château renowned for producing world class wine. Léoville Barton is overseen today by Anthony and Lilian Barton, direct descendants of Thomas Barton, a ‘Wine Geese’[1] winemaker who founded a wine merchant company in 1725, after migrating from his native Ireland.

Green Spot can trace its roots back to Dublin-based wine merchants, Mitchell & Son, who matured, bottled and sold the original Green Spot under bond. Established in 1805, Mitchell & Son aged whiskeys bought from John Jameson’s Bow St Distillery in Dublin in their own casks up until 1968, when the practice of selling whiskey to bonders in cask ceased. From that date, Green Spot was bottled by Irish Distillers who also produce Yellow Spot 12 Year Old and now the new Green Spot Château Léoville Barton.

Initially matured in a traditional mix of ex-Oloroso sherry, new Bourbon and ex-Bourbon barrels the whiskeys were then transferred into the ex-Bordeaux wine casks for between 12 and 24 months. This imparted distinctive, floral flavours of varying intensity, resulting in a perfectly balanced whiskey.

Kevin O’Gorman, Master of Maturation at the Midleton Distillery, commented: “With its fresh taste profile featuring notes of green apple, vanilla, toffee and liquorice, Green Spot has been a favourite among Irish whiskey lovers thanks to the Mitchell family since the 19^th Century, so it is an honour to launch a further extension to our Spot family.

“Maturing Green Spot in the Château Léoville Barton wine casks provided a fascinating assortment of floral and wood characteristics on the nose and palate, which give way to a long, spicy finish reminiscent of the terroir in France and Ireland. I hope whiskey fans enjoy this latest addition to our growing Single Pot Still family and join us in toasting this new whiskey resulting from of our shared Irish heritage.”

Anthony Barton, owner of Château Léoville Barton, added: “We are delighted to collaborate with the Midleton Distillery to create the new Green Spot Château Léoville Barton. Having been born in Ireland, whiskey is very close to my heart, and wine has been in my family for hundreds of years, so it is an enormous privilege to be able to merge the two now and share our heritage with the Mitchell family with such an exceptional result.”

Bottled at 46% ABV, Green Spot Château Léoville Barton is available from June in five markets, including Ireland, UK and France, at the recommended selling price of $65 per 70cl.

#SinglePotStill 

NOTES 

Green Spot Château Léoville Barton tasting notes by Midleton Master Blender, Billy Leighton

Nose: It is the contribution of the French oak which drives the initial aroma adding some crisp woodland notes to the spicy Single Pot Still character. The wine seasoning brings a delicate touch of floral perfume and a hint of ripe berries such as raspberries and strawberries, these are in addition to the orchard fruits typical of Green Spot.

Taste: The familiar mouth coating effect is a very satisfying balance of oak and spices. Some vanilla sweetness works in harmony with the dry wine influence, while the fresh orchard fruits and French oak combine effortlessly with barley grains to complete the complexity.

Finish: The rich French oak character is slow to fade leaving the wine and spices of France and Ireland with the last word. 

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.

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/

[1] ‘Wine Geese’ winemakers migrated from Ireland in the 16^th, 17^th and 18^th Centuries to establish wineries in countries such as France, Spain, Australia and the USA, many of which are considered among the best in the world

They grow up so fast!

It’s hard to believe that fifteen years ago saw the birth of Compass Box. To celebrate this milestone we have released a very special, very old Limited Edition grain whisky: Hedonism Quindecimus – available to enjoy just in time for Father’s Day.  

Using grain whiskies of varying ages from four distilleries across Scotland, Hedonism Quindecimus is a Blended Grain Scotch  of unusual complexity. Indulgent yet lively, you will find rich juxtapositions of flavour as deep, sweet caramel coconut succulence combines with exultant tropical fruits.

And so – as one proud parent might to another – we invite you to join us in a celebratory toast.  To all of you who have joined us on the journey since our first bottling.  To fifteen years of joyful pleasure.  And – of course – to the spirit of occasional, unabashed excess.

WhistlePig “Smokin’ Hog & Rye”

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

6:30pm-8:30pm

$60 per person

Gordon’s Fine Wines & Liquors is hosting Andy Husbands and WhistlePig

for a special dinner event to celebrate the release of the Gordon’s Private Barrel of WhistlePig!!!   

You may recognize Andy from Season 6 of Hell’s Kitchen. Andy is the Chef/Owner of Tremont 647 and Sister Sorel. He specializes in barbecuing and other carnivorous delights. He and his team were the first ever Jack Daniel’s BBQ World Champions from New England.

Andy is bringing his smoker to Gordon’s and WhistlePig is bringing a Pig. The result will be delectable smoked pork to pair with a variety of WhistlePig Rye whiskey samples. The menu will include:

Lexington Slaw

Warm Cornbread with Honey Sea-Salt Butter

Pit Beans

Stunning Collard Greens

Three of Andy’s Sauces:

Andy’s First Place Pork Glaze Golden Glaze

Red State Banana Pudding with Caramel and Mini Chocolate Chips for Dessert

We will start with some cocktails, including Whiskey Smashes, Manhattans and Mint Juleps using the WhistlePig 10-year-old Rye.

After the cocktails we will taste the following:

The WhistlePig Old World

The WhistlePig Boss Hog

Gordon’s Private Barrel

Gordon’s Fine Wines & Liquors has a great relationship with WhistlePig Farms up in Vermont. A few months ago we enjoyed a trip up to the farm and sampled several of the best WhistlePig barrels in the warehouse. We picked a 118 proof 125 month-old barrel that is stunning.  Join us for a delightful dinner and sampling and come celebrate the release of our new whiskey!

BUY TICKETS HERE

Additionally check out Nick’s Interview with Raj Bhakta, founder of WhistlePig.

Port Charlotte 12 Year Old Burns Malt

2002 vintage Gran Callejo wine cask selected for our exclusive Burns Malt series, one of 7 new releases this month including Glenrothes, Bladnoch and Arran!

Port Charlotte 12 Year Old $89.79

AD Rattray Ambassador Night

We have long been fans of the AD Rattray single cask bottlings and eagerly await each release with bated breath. On this evening we will be joined by their brand ambassador who will take us through their various single cask bottlings – expect the hard-to-find and unusual!

The event will be hosted at Milroy’s of Soho, beginning at 18:30 and concluding at approximately 20:00 on Tuesday 23rd June 2015. The ticket price is redeemable against a bottle of AD Rattray whisky on the evening.

BUY NOW | £15

Bootleggers & Bourbon Masterclass

We’ve resurrected our popular American whiskey evening. Since we’ve reopened we’ve been bowled over by the growth in popularity of Bourbon and rye whiskey, and now, more than ever, is a tasting dedicated to Scotch’s transatlantic cousins more appropriate. Our resident American whiskey enthusiast Angus will be taking us through his favourite whiskeys and the honourable and illicit tales that surround them, from the Civil War to Mad Men!

The event will be hosted at Milroy’s of Soho, beginning at 18:30 and concluding at approximately 20:00 on Monday 29th June 2015.

BUY NOW | £35

***Tamdhu whisky launches new website created by Good*** 

Tamdhu, the Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky brand, has unveiled a new website, following the relaunch of the brand two years ago.

The new, fully mobile responsive site was designed by branding and design consultancy Good, who also created the overall branding for Tamdhu at launch. The new look replaces the previous simple website which supported the reopening of the Speyside icon in May 2013.

The new website reflects Tamdhu’s Victoriana style, providing a balance of information on the brand’s heritage, production and provenance, alongside accessible product information such as tasting notes, to help those newer to the brand.

The site also features a ‘Can-Dhu’ section – containing stories of inspirational figures from the Victorian age who exemplify the sprit of adventure and optimism behind the founding of Tamdhu in the 1890s – at the time referred to as “the most modern of distilleries”.

Bespoke photography for the site, taken at Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Café, highlights the historic style of Tamdhu, as well as providing fresh images of the brand linking it to modern bar and cocktail culture.  The site also features extensive historical photography from the brand’s archives.

Video content, with tasting profiles and cocktail suggestions will also be added to the site in the coming weeks, and the site also keeps visitors up to date with the latest news and events relevant to Tamdhu.

Iain Weir, Marketing Director of Ian Macleod Distillers said:

“Tamdhu is a brand with a really great story. Since our launch two years ago, we’ve won a number of awards and re-established ourselves as a premium brand with a strong heritage – so we felt it was time to make this story better known.

“Good has brought this to life on the site with a design that works for everyone from consumers to bar owners. The site does a great job of explaining where we’ve come from, and what makes Tamdhu unique.”

Good, the branding and design agency behind both the design of the whisky brand and the website, carried out research into what consumers were looking for when they visited whisky websites.

Stewart Steel, digital director at Good, said:

“We knew we needed to make the site as relevant as possible to the modern whisky drinker – so from the start, we looked into what people were looking for from a whisky website.

“We knew that consumers wanted the reassurance of heritage from a Scottish whisky brand – but also, for the site to give them a reason to engage in the here and now – hence the tasting notes, our use of video and the events section – to deliver a site that we hope is as well-balanced as Tamdhu itself.”

About Good

Good is one of the most effective design agencies in the UK, winning six gold DBA Design Effectiveness Awards in the past six years.

We specialise in solving design challenges for a wide range of brands and organisations.

Our client list includes Ford, Campari, Unilever, Honeywell and Land Securities.

We were founded in 2004, and now have 30 staff across our offices in London and Glasgow.

Find out more at http://www.wearegood.com/

About Tamdhu

Tamdhu was founded in 1897 on the banks of the River Spey by a consortium of merchants and gentlemen investors who wanted to produce a world-beating whisky. The distillery was designed by Charles C Doig Esq – the pre-eminent distillery architect and engineer of the day. Doig insisted upon employing only the most advanced techniques of whisky production and engineering.

In 2010, the distillery closed– but in 2011, it was purchased by Ian Macleod Distillers, re-opened in 2012, and in 2013 relaunched the Tamdhu brand to the world.

Since its relaunch, Tamdhu has been recognised with a number of accolades for both taste and design, including awards from the IWSC, ISC, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and more.