MALTS OF SCOTLAND

BACK IN STOCK!

The sun has been shining on Soho this week with people out enjoying the cafe culture. Offices are empty and pubs are full! Chester, the shop dog, has been sat on our front step catching some rays, and our buyer Lee is thinking of investing in a deck chair to match his Panama hat (he’s going for a look…).

The sun has also been shining on us in terms of availability of interesting independent bottlings. We have more Maltbarn and Samaroli on the horizon, and today we have had a gleaming arrival of new releases from the most excellent Malts of Scotland.

There’s a great value Deanston, a staff-pick Bruichladdich, and even a 28 year old Bowmore which we don’t need to say much more about than that! Malts of Scotland are one of the recent additions to our shelves and are part of a cohort of indie bottlers we’ve wanted on the books for some time, largely because of their quite frankly amazing ability to consistently select good casks!

THE SELECTION

Deanston 1997, 16 Year Old, 46%

A 16 year old Deanston bottled by German indie bottler Malts of Scotland, this single cask is limited to just 242 bottles. On the nose there are notes of vanilla toffee, nutmeg and freshly mown grass. The palate opens up with a firm maltiness and a oily mouth coating quality. The finish is long and complex as notes of Asian spice, baked Bramey apples and passion fruit come to the fore.

£45.95

Angel’s Choice Bowmore 1987, 28 Year Old, 35cl, 51.3%

What more do we need to say – a 28 year old sherry cask matured cask-strength Bowmore – yes please! The nose opens with blackberry fruit, summer fruit pudding and palma violet floral peat. The whisky coats the mouth with notes of blueberries, Victoria sponge cake and blackcurrants. Then comes the spectacular finish; warm spice, soothing coastal peat and demerara sugar. Sublime!

£239.95

Images of Islay, Lochindaal Lighthouse, 53.2%

A limited run of just 265 bottles, this is a stunning secret Islay bottling. The peat is sturdy but reveals itself coquettishly. The palate balances a saline maritime quality with estery fruit, pear drops and banana. The finish lingers with the peat becoming a beach bonfire on a balmy summer evening.

£78.95

Bruichladdich 2004, 11 Year Old, 55.5%

This Bruichladdich has been matured in an ex-Bourbon cask for 11 years. Expect Islay coastalness (that’s a word…) with additional notes of greengages, fennel seeds and compte shavings. A superb cask selected by one of our favourite German independent bottlers!

£78.95

Images of Dufftown, St Michael’s Episcopal Church, 53.2%

This secret bottling of a Speyside distillery is adorned with a label depicting St Michael’s Episcopal Church. Only 557 bottles were produced from a single cask and were bottled at cask-strength. The whisky has a nutty aroma with extra notes of stewing plum fruits. The palate is relatively soft for a single malt of this strength, followed by a luxuriously silky finish.

£68.95

Bunnahabhain 2000, 15 Year Old, 50.9%

A proud sherry cask matured Bunnahabhain bottled from a single cask at cask-strength. The aroma conjures up images of a calm Scottish Island bay before those assertive sherry cask scents emerge lending a richer Christmas cake-like quality to the whisky. The palate maintains an earthiness with winter spice softening the edges. The finish lingers with a coastal salinity and soft fruit notes. One of 655 bottles.

£88.95

WHISKY & JAZZ WITH STEPHEN DUFFY 

Described by the BBC as a ‘Scottish artist redefining vocal jazz in the 21st century’, Stephen Duffy will be taking a break from hosting his Jazz House radio show to lead his acoustic trio and Society members through iconic jazz tunes from the greats, including Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra. Fellow musician and SMWS Whisky Ambassador Richey Featherstone will introduce whiskies purposely-paired with the mellow tracks…

From 7pm, Friday 17 July    

Details & Tickets >

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

Advancements by John Dewar & Sons Reflect Sound Environmental Practices

DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch whisky was sustainable before sustainability was cool

Hamilton, Bermuda, June 23, 2015 – A stunning Scottish landscape, hard work and steady environmental innovation encompass the sustainable success of John Dewar & Sons Ltd., one of the most respected names in the world of Scotch whisky and part of the Bacardi group of companies. Premium DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch whisky – affectionately known as True Scotch – was sustainable before sustainability was considered cool.

“Our distilleries were set in areas of tremendous natural beauty and environmentally sensitive areas before the word sustainable was being used,” says Stephanie Macleod, DEWAR’S Master Blender, referring to the establishment of DEWAR’S in 1846.

“Whether we are using barley or water in the making of our whiskies, the natural environment is crucial to us,” says Iain Lochhead, Operations Director for John Dewar & Sons Ltd. “Our goal is to leave our surroundings in same condition we find them.”

John Dewar & Sons is an industry leader, advancing more than half-a-century’s worth of spirited, sustainability practices. Across its distillation and production facilities there are: robust recycling efforts, state-of-the-art blending centers, sophisticated water filtration, fuel-efficient transportation and landscaping that enhance the natural habitat.

DEWAR’S® WHITE LABEL® bottles now are lighter weight – by 25 grams per bottle – and easier to ship. A new biomass boiler at the Aberfeldy Distillery is expected to deliver a phenomenal 90 percent reduction in the brand’s carbon footprint at that site. That brings the total expected drop in greenhouse gas emissions at all five John Dewar & Sons distilleries in Scotland from 20 to 34 percent in just the past eight years. And, whisky by-products from the John Dewar & Sons distilleries generate energy for local residents and provide feed for livestock through an industry consortium facility that produces energy called Combination of Rothes Distillers (CoRDe). These achievements bring credibility and recognition to the world’s most awarded blended Scotch whisky.

“We are still one of a very few companies in the distilling industry accredited by the Carbon Trust Standard,” adds Lochhead. “We are not just patting ourselves on the back; rather we are proud to have approval from a widely respected external body.” The Carbon Trust Standard rating reflects the move to a sustainable, low carbon economy and recognizes companies for efficient energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, water and waste management.

“Scotland is a small country of just five million people – and Scotch whisky is at the heart of our economy,” explains David Williamson, Public Affairs & Communications Director for the Scotch Whisky Association. “The industry supports 35,000 jobs. We want to take this industry forward, invest and grow – while ensuring we protect that natural, pristine environment to support Scotch whisky for many years to come.”

These sustainability innovations are part of a broad scope of sustainability initiatives for John Dewar & Sons, producers of DEWAR’S Blended Scotch whisky, WILLIAM LAWSON’S® Blended Scotch whisky and the single malt brands of ABERFELDY®, AULTMORE®, CRAIGELLACHIE®, THE DEVERON® and ROYAL BRACKLA®.

As part of the Bacardi group of companies, John Dewar & Sons honors the spirit of sustainability with these benchmarks at its five malt distilleries:

• 34 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 2006
• 46 percent reduction in water use since 2009
• 30 percent reduction of waste to landfill since 2010

Since 2006, when Bacardi began tracking its global impact on the environment, it has reduced nonrenewable energy use by nearly 28 percent and decreased its greenhouse gas emissions from production by more than 28 percent. Building on current programs and efficiencies that reduce its environmental impacts, the Bacardi Limited “Good Spirited” sustainability program sets specific goals in three areas to help reach its vision of a net zero impact:

1. Responsible Sourcing: Bacardi strives to obtain all raw materials and packaging from sustainably sourced, renewable or recycled materials while maintaining or enhancing the economic status of growers and suppliers. By 2017, the goal is to obtain 40 percent of the sugarcane-derived products used to make its rum from certified, sustainable sources – and 100 percent by 2022. This pledge from Bacardi is an industry first.
2. Global Packaging: Bacardi commits to use eco-design to craft sustainability into its brand packaging and point-of-sale materials. By 2017, Bacardi plans to reduce the weight of its packaging by 10 percent and achieve 15 percent by 2022.
3. Operational Efficiencies: Bacardi continues to focus on reducing water use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions with a 2017 goal to cut water use by 55 percent and GHG emissions by 50 percent. In addition, Bacardi aims to eliminate landfill waste at all of its production sites by 2022.

To learn more about Bacardi Limited and its “Good Spirited: Building a Sustainable Future” environmental initiative for sourcing, packaging and operational efficiencies across the entire Bacardi family of premium spirits and wine brands, visit http://www.bacardilimited.com/good-spirited.

About John Dewar & Sons Ltd.
John Dewar & Sons Ltd. employs 300 people at seven locations throughout Scotland. The Company currently operates whisky distilleries in Aberfeldy, Macduff, Aultmore, Craigellachie and Nairn with ageing, blending, bottling and packaging facilities in Glasgow and additional maturation facilities in Poniel in Central Scotland.

DEWAR’S Blended Scotch whisky, the world’s most-awarded blended Scotch; WILLIAM LAWSON’S® Blended Scotch whisky, the world’s second fastest growing Scotch; and the single malt brands of ABERFELDY®, AULTMORE®, CRAIGELLACHIE®, THE DEVERON® and ROYAL BRACKLA® are part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited.

About Bacardi Limited
Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held spirits company in the world, produces and markets internationally recognized spirits and wines. The Bacardi brand portfolio comprises more than 200 brands and labels, including BACARDÍ® rum, GREY GOOSE® vodka, DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch whisky, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, MARTINI® vermouth and sparkling wines, CAZADORES® 100% blue agave tequila, and other leading and emerging brands including WILLIAM LAWSON’S® Blended Scotch whisky, ERISTOFF® vodka, and ST-GERMAIN® elderflower liqueur. Founded 153 years ago in Santiago de Cuba on February 4, 1862, family-owned Bacardi manufactures its brands at 29 facilities and sells in more than 160 countries. http://www.bacardilimited.com/

WHISKY WAILERS

Just like whisky, jazz music incites a passionate response. This month we explore the mysterious arrangement that makes whisky such a fine accompaniment to music with a Whisky & Jazz playlist… Richard Havers (Universal Music/The Jazz Cafe) matches 15 of our whiskies to different tracks. Let us know what you think of our musical matches #whiskyjazz.

Sweet, fruity & mellow

85.31 A toy shop in an orange grove £46.80

76.123 Warm, joyous and gratifying £126.00

Spicy & sweet

35.135 A pure stouter! £69.50

55.30 Remarkable freshness, beguiling sweetness £43.30

Spicy & dry

77.37 Baked fruits and nuts £49.40

Old & dignified

7.114 Ode to Grown up George £110.00

Light & delicate

48.59 Cidre de Glace £42.80

Juicy, oak & vanilla

50.65 Tutti Frutti £110.00

44.64 You can fly £89.60

Lightly peated

66.68 Bon Appétit  £45.90

29.160 Fifty shades of dark** £62.40

Heavily peated

53.223 Angels and Demons £94.00

129.7 An artist in an antique boat** £70.00

Browse New Outturn >
Browse All Bottlings >

**Limited to 1 per Member and only available in our Members’ Rooms or by phone (0131 555 2929, 9am-4.45pm Mon-Fri)

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

www.ralfy.com tracks down a little unusual and singular treasure with Whisky Review 543 – Glenfarclas 15yo 103Proof @ 58.6%vol (TWE)

British Polo Day GB

Author: Jennifer Stevenson

British Polo Day Great Britain took place on Saturday 20 June 2015 at The River Field, Black Bears, Henley-on-Thames – with Royal Salute among its sponsors.

In celebration of the Dual Year of Mexico and the UK, the event marked the ties between the two countries while raising almost £150,000 for charity. VIP guests included host Urs Schwarzenbach, HH Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh, The Marquess of Blandford, Viscount Melville, The Duke of Argyll, Lady Violet and Alice Manners, Ron Wahid, Nikki Mehta, Sir Jackie Stewart and Stephanie Powers.

At the Royal Salute ‘Neolithic’ bar designed by British architect Sally Mackareth – handcrafted out of 8,000 year old petrified oak – guests were treated to an aperitif. Guests then sat down to an exclusive three-course lunch created by InterContinental London Park Lane Chef, Theo Randall.

Torquhil Campbell, The Duke of Argyll drew lunch to a close, with guests standing on their seats for a traditional Quaich experience with Royal Salute 21 Year Old whisky – a fitting way to toast the noble sport of polo and kick-off the eagerly-anticipated Live Auction.

As part of an ongoing commitment to philanthropy – which has so far raised an impressive US$1.5 million – a half hour of bidding raised over £144,000 for the Born Free Foundation, Head Injury Through Sport (HITS), the Brooke, The Eve Branson Foundation, NSPCC and – fittingly – Mexican charity Doña en Vida.

The opening game was one of Brompton Bicycle Polo, in which the InterContinental London Park Lane Rest of World team clinched a well-deserved 3–1 victory. The afternoon’s polo saw the Qatar Airways British Exiles took on the Royal Salute Commonwealth team in the opening Hackett Cronan Cup. These two very closely-matched teams – at 13 goals – battled hard. The Royal Salute Commonwealth team’s Tom Hunt and Simon Keyte left the Qatar Airways British Exiles adrift by 3-1, however a subsequent three goals resulted in a 5-5 draw.

Next the RJI Capital British Schools team took to the pitch against the Mexico Polo Team – kind hosts of British Polo Day Mexico. Undeterred by the thunderstorm overhead, the Mexico Team drew first blood with Diego Solorozano scoring a penalty from the 40 yard spot, and they remained in the lead, eventually triumphing with a 3 – 2 victory.

The official British Polo Day Great Britain Prizegiving marked the end of a great day’s polo. The crowd gathered to see Urs Schwarzenbach jointly present the Royal Salute Commonwealth and Qatar Airways British Exiles teams with the Hackett Cronan Cup. Joined by Ron Wahid, the two then presented the visiting Mexico team with the Land Rover River Field Plate. The Royal Salute ‘Most Valuable Player’ was presented to JJ de Alba.

Commenting on British Polo Day Great Britain Ed Olver, CEO of British Polo Day said: “We were delighted to return once again to Black Bears – by kind permission of the Schwarzenbach family – for the home leg of British Polo Day’s Global Series. With 2015 being the Dual Year of Mexico and the UK, it was with great pleasure that we hosted British Polo Day Mexico hosts and great friends the de Alba family – who head home across ‘the pond’ victorious in their efforts.”

Glenlivet 18 Year Old 1997

Single cask refill hogshead bottled May 2015 by Douglas Laing & Co. for the Old Particular series. Yielding just 108 bottles!

Buy – $118.84

FEIS ILE 2015 – A SECOND TRANCHE

(PLUS A SPRINGBANK 21 YEAR OLD CLARET WOOD)

As we have previously mentioned, we had a member of staff up at the Islay Festival this year collecting bottles of whisky for our bar, tastings and shelves. To give everyone the best chance to purchase a bottle of these Feis Ile 2015 expressions, we decided it was best to split them into two releases. Below you will find the second and final release of our haul (including some repeats and some new bottles!). Better still we’ve also managed to get our hands on some Springbank 21 Year Old matured in ex-Bordeaux wine casks. Those who remember the stunning 12 Year Old Claret Wood from a few years back will know just how well Springbank takes to this cask type, so take a peek!

In other news, we will have an allocation of the Ardbeg Perpetuum soon, so keep your eyes on your inbox and our social media channels for more information.

THE SELECTION

Laphroaig Cairdeas, Feis Ile 2015, 51.5%

Laphroaig used their smaller pot stills to create an old fashioned style of their famous whisky and bottled it for the 2015 Feis Ile celebrations.  Very sweet & smokey on the nose, followed by menthol and burnt pine on the palate, with a long dry smoky finish.
£125

Bruichladdich High Noon 134, Feis Ile 2015, 48.7% – Signed by Jim McEwan

With just 1881 bottles produced, and a combined age of the whiskies that make up this stellar dram at 134 years, it’s fair to assume this is seriously old Bruichladdich! The bottle has even been signed by Jim McEwan! Gentle sweet honey and some salt on the nose, followed by more salt, then later, honey and cashews on the palate.
£199.95

Bowmore Virgin Oak, Feis Ile 2015, 55.7%

A Bowmore from the Feis Ile Festival 2015, taken solely from a virgin oak cask, spicy, peaty – delicious! One of just 1000 bottles produced. Presented in a cloth gift bag. Woody caramel, a little bit earthy on the nose with manuka honey on the palate and a lightly spiced, lingering finish.
£110

Bunnahabhain 11 Year Old, Rubha A’Mhail, Manzanilla Limited Edition, 57.4%

A small release of only 1200 bottles, this un-chillfiltered cask-strength Bunnahabhain has been matured in Manzanilla sherry casks. The result is a single malt with notes of chocolate eclairs, Maldon sea salt and gentle coastal notes.

£160

Bunnahabhain 18 Year Old, Moscatel Limited Edition, 51.8%

Matured in moscatel wine casks, this 18 year old Bunnahabhain takes on the honeyed vinous notes of the moscatel, fortified with that strong maritime Islay influence! One of only 250 bottles.

£450

Springbank 21 Year Old, Claret Wood, 46%

We picked this Springbank up from the distillery itself! A 21 Year Old that has been matured in ex-Bordeaux wine casks, lending the whisky notes of cassis fruits alongside that Springbank oiliness and fresh estery fruit!

£450

This week Joe Ellis reviews Old Pulteney 21 Year Old.

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