Archive for 2015

English Whisky Company “Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte of Cambridge Limited Edition Release” – English Whisky News

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Limited Edition Release

By popular demand, we are releasing a commemorative limited edition release to mark the birth of Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte of Cambridge, born 2nd May 2015.

The engraved decanter bottles are presented in our red tubes and look fantastic, definitely fit for a princess.

On week commencing 22nd June 2015, only 499 bottles will be released worldwide, of which 199 will be for sale within the UK.

ORDER YOUR EXCLUSIVE BOTTLE INLOINE HERE

Wolfburn – The Laydown – Scotch Whisky News

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Spring turns to summer and as we approach the middle of the year and our annual quiet period for maintenance it’s our final summer before the casks in Warehouse 1 reach their third birthday.

It has been a good winter at Wolfburn with plenty of cold water to help productivity and lots of casks laid down. We’ve had many visitors from far and wide, notably a film crew from Japan who returned for the 3rd time to continue a documentary film about Wolfburn in the making, as well as two Morgan enthusiasts who’d travelled up from London in their pride and joy. Being at the northernmost tip of Scotland we are pretty remote, yet people of all shapes and sizes turn up on the doorstep wanting a whiff of the good stuff. And who are we not to oblige? It wouldn’t be the Highlands without a traditional warm welcome and a wee dram to warm the cockles.

We’ve also been busy behind the scenes making sure that our carefully crafted spirit has something very beautiful to live in once it leaves the distillery. Time is moving rapidly towards the day when we will start to fill our specially blown bottles and close the lid on the first of many cases.

In this edition of The Laydown we continue our look at wood, moving on to the cooperage side of things and also have a quick chat with Shane Fraser, our Distillery Manager to get his thoughts on a few things Wolfburn. Then for those who may be interested, and you all are, a look at some of the less than legal operations that ran in the past in the world of Scotch whisky. In the meantime we have a mash tun to clean, washbacks to scrub and a set of stills to polish to get ready for the second half of the year.

Sláinte

The Wolfburn Team

Wolfburn Henderson Park, Thurso, Caithness KW14 7XW United Kingdom

www.wolfburn.com

Ralfy Publishes Whisky Review #539 – Scotch Whisky News

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www.ralfy.com considers how peat influences traditional blended scotch with Whisky Review 539 – 12yo Islay Mist Blended Scotch Whisky

The typical Islay whisky is… not from Islay – Scotch Whisky News

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The typical Islay whisky is… not from Islay

Whisky recommendation engine Whisky Suggest analysed nearly 50,000 whisky tasting notes, to calculate the typical whiskies for all important whisky regions. The most striking result was Talisker’s 10 Year Old bottling showing the most resemblance to the average Islay flavour profile. After all, Talisker isn’t an Islay-based distillery. Talisker 10 Year Old is bottled on the Island of Skye, but scores slightly better as an ‘average Islay-Scotch’ than Ardbeg 10 Year Old.

Redbreast 12 Year Old Irish whiskey is the perfect representative of Irish whiskey. Redbreast 12 has the highest resemblance to the average flavour profile of Irish whiskey. In fact, the 12 year old single pot still is more similar to its home region than any other whisky.

Other regional whisky ambassadors include Auchentoshan 12 Year Old (Lowlands), Springbank 15 Year Old (Campbeltown), The Glenlivet 18 Year Old (Speyside) and Four Roses Single Barrel (United States). These ‘typical’ whiskies feature all local characteristics, making it the perfect regional entry whiskies. From there, whisky-beginners can fine tune their way up or down the ladder, to find the whisky that matches their personal preferences the best.

For more details, see http://www.whiskysuggest.com/typical-whiskies-flavour-profile-research/

About Whisky Suggest

Whisky Suggest features the world’s most comprehensive whisky flavour profiles, which are based on nearly 50,000 whisky reviews and tasting notes. The Whisky Suggest recommendation engine is one of its kind, offering the option to search by flavour, or to get recommendations based on your favourite whisk(e)ys.

Afternoon Tea by the River Tay – Scotch Whisky News

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A Scottish summers day, so a drive and a wee bit of “my time”.  A few wee gems I know, hidden whisky shops and nice wee places to hide.

I came across a few whisky bottles that took my fancy, so just had to get them!  Driving around my own country always gives me the best of feelings, to be accompanied by these characters, even better!

With a break for afternoon tea by the River Tay, a nice day all round.

TOMINTOUL 12 YEAR OLD GLENLIVET by Whyte and Mackay, Distillers Glasgow. Very unusual early 1990’s 12 year old Glenlivet now discontinued. Round bottle of fluted glass. Large silver screw top. This single malt was produced by Whyte and Mackay when they took over the Tomintoul Distillery in 1973 and launched in 1975 as something quite different. Known with affection as the ” perfume bottle” or the “aftershave” it contains the finest Speyside single malt. Light, floral and fragrant it is typical of it’s class and much lamented in whisky circles. Now too rare to open on anything but very special occasions. In original packaging in top condition. What do I do with it???

GLEN GRANT  I don’t know much about this old bottle, so any ideas gladly taken.

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CARN MOR Vintage collection; 1991 Macduff, distilled 1991, bottled 2012, Bourbon barrel, cask 1365, limited to 360 bottles.  46%, non chil filtered, no colours added.

Paul Mclean of MCLEANSCOTLAND

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Grant’s Launches #IOU Africa – Scotch Whisky News

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Grant’s launches #IOU Africa  

First time Award Winning Family Owned Distiller, William Grant & Sons has created a campaign specifically for Africa 

27th May 2015: Today, in a first for both the brand and its owner, Grant’s, the world renowned and award winning blended Scotch whisky, officially launched a new TV campaign entitled ‘#IOU Africa’. The 30 second TV spot will be shown exclusively on TV across Sub-Saharan Africa from May.

Shot in Johannesburg, South Africa and directed by Jono Hall, the TV spot which can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/jJeZmwoIDzQ challenges the notion of individual success and reflects the reality that none of us have made it this far in life on our own but sometimes we find it hard to express gratitude to the people who have helped us along the way.

Two of Africa’s best rappers, M.ANIFEST and HHP teamed up to collaborate on the track entitled, ‘Jigah’ which features in the TV commercial.

Julie Pender, Grant’s Global Marketing Manager with responsibility for IMEA commented, “As one of the most enjoyed blended Scotch whiskies in the world, we wanted to talk about success in a way that stayed true to our heritage but also resonated with a broader demographic. We know that guys find it easier to show gratitude through physical actions rather than vocalising it and wanted to bring that to life in our latest TV commercial. From a fist bump or a knowing nod to buying a good friend a Grant’s, the spot brings to life the notion that actions truly do speak louder than words.”

Muiris Ó’Riada, Head of Marketing for IMEA, William Grant & Sons added, “2015 has been a very exciting year for Grant’s in Africa with the launch of Grant’s Select Reserve, our new premium whisky developed specifically for African consumers, and now the launch of our new African TV ad. We are excited about the premium whisky opportunity in the region and look forward to continuing the roll out of our aggressive growth plans across the year.”

#IOU launches across Sub Saharan from May 2015. The TV spot will be supported digital and PR which will run across 2015.

Editors 

About Darling http://heydarling.tv/

Darling is a production house with an approach as unconventional as its name. Headed up by Lorraine Smith and Melina McDonald, it is currently comprised of seven directors who were selected for their versatile set of creative skills that go over and above directing – including photography, art, music and design. 

About Director Jono Hall

Jono Hall is a Director, Cartoonist, chef and writer – but most of all a storyteller with a fresh approach to everything he tackles. 

About Stand Together and #IOU

At Grant’s we know that none of us have made it on our own. We are all supported, inspired and guided by others. We all owe something to those around us. We believe in acknowledging and celebrating the collective actions that lead to success – that it can only be achieved with the support of friends and that it’s certainly best celebrated with them over a whisky. After all, what’s the point in making it if you can’t share it?

Over the last 12 years, Stand Together has rolled out across nearly 40 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America across OOH, owned digital, trade and off-trade, as part of a revised business strategy focusing on men who are adapting to the responsibilities of adulthood, and acquiring more sophisticated tastes that introduce them to the world of Scotch whisky. In response to this, Grant’s has also renewed its commitment to leading the way in innovation in the blended whisky category, with the introduction of Grant’s Select Reserve exclusive to Africa this year.

We want men to Stand Together with the people in their lives who’ve played a part in their success to express and action their gratitude through #IOU, without the need for formalities or feeling awkward. As part of our Stand Together campaign, #IOU challenges the notion of individual success and reflects the reality that no one can achieve success completely on their own. 

About Grant’s

They say no man grows great alone. And at Grant’s we know this better than anyone. It all began back in 1886 when William Grant, his seven sons and two daughters began building their own distillery. Five generations later, the same family is still at the heart of everything we do. Today, we sell over 54 million bottles each year in over 180 countries, which make us one of the world’s most enjoyed whiskies. But we didn’t get here on our own. It’s taken years of passion, hard work and independent thinking. Today, the expert skills of our dedicated craftsmen keep our award-winning whisky based on a 100-year-old recipe alive. And we are still working with people around the world to innovate and grow the Grant’s range, while staying true to our heritage. To everyone who helped us along the way – we salute you.

Please join us to follow our journey:

Whisky Tastings Are Go! PLUS PREMIUM GLENFIDDICH AMBASSADOR NIGHT – Scotch Whisky News

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GLENFIDDICH PREMIUM AMBASSADOR NIGHT

(AND A HOST OF OTHER WHISKY TASTINGS!)

As you may have heard earlier in the week our online shop is up-and-running again, and now you can book onto our whisky tasting events right here. We have tastings ranging from an Introduction To Whisky session through to events celebrating Bourbon and Rye plus a whole load more. Most exciting of all we have teamed up with Glenfiddich, the best-selling single malt in the world, for our very first Premium Ambassador Night.

Such is the calibre of the whisky we will be sampling at this tasting, we have been politely asked not to promote the specific whiskies being presented. Needless to say, you will be sampling the cream of the crop under the expert tutelage of the celebrated tour-de-force that is Mark Thomson. To cap it all off every attendee will be presented with a complimentary bottle of the Glenfiddich 21 Year Old Gran Reserva.

Sign up here to join us for this exclusive evening.

Below you will find a selection of the other tastings we are looking forward to. If you’d like more information feel free to get in touch, we’re always happy to help.

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 AD Rattray Ambassador Night

Tuesday 23rd June 2015

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.

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BUY NOW | £15

Mackillop’s Choice Ambassador Night

Monday 6th July 2015

If there was ever an independent bottler who is so consistent in the quality of the casks they choose it has to be Mackillop’s Choice. These premium single cask bottlings are selected by Master of Wine Lorne Mackillop, and having seen his desk literally littered with samples he certainly tries enough to make a good choice! A night not to be missed for whisky purists.

The event will be hosted at Milroy’s of Soho, beginning at 18:30 and concluding at approximately 20:00 on Monday 6th July 2015. The ticket price is redeemable against a bottle of Mackillop’s Choice or Montmogerie’s whisky on the evening.

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Scotland V’s The World

BUY NOW | £15

Monday 10th August 2015

Back by popular demand. Our Scotland v. The World tasting pitches the best that the Scottish can muster against whiskies from the rest of the world. Each whisk(e)y is presented blind and it will be your task to figure out where each dram originates from. There may even be a prize for the participant with the top score. Don’t worry if you are a newcomer, our staff will be talking you through the different styles produced all over the planet and will give the odd hint too!

The event will be hosted at Milroy’s of Soho, beginning at 18:30 and concluding at approximately 20:00 on Monday 10th August 2015.

BUY NOW | £35

Back in Stock at K&L California – Whisky News

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Ireland – Irish and Blended Scotch

  • Yellow Spot Single Pure Pot Still Irish Whiskey 750ml (1 bottle limit) ($99.99)

Scotland – Single Malt Scotch

  • Highland Park 25 year old, Isle of Orkney Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 1 available ($499.99)

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

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There’s Change afoot at Balblair – Scotch Whisky News

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VINTAGE

There’s change afoot…

There’s change afoot in the Gathering Place, but it’s no cause for concern. In fact, we’re confident you’ll find it’s a change for the better…

As Balblair’s popularity continues to grow with Scotch lovers far and wide, we’re eager to ensure as many of them as possible can share their passion for our award-winning Highland Single Malt Scotch whisky.

While the Gathering Place has established itself as a vibrant online members community, we know that there are many more Balblair devotees around the world who have yet to take the opportunity to unlock the exclusive content on offer.

We’ve therefore decided to broaden our reach by opening up the ever-engaging Balblair blog to everyone who accesses our website – and by doing so ensure that nobody misses out on the latest Distillery updates, news of our forthcoming Vintages or the chance to connect with some of the world’s leading whisky authorities.

This means that the Gathering Place as we’ve come to know it will be no more, but for our long-standing and much-valued community there’s still much to embrace as we reshape the way our audience connects with Balblair.

Those on our members’ mailing list will also continue to receive first news of our offers and promotions. So, whether you’re a long-standing member or a more recent recruit to our community, we look forward to your continued loyalty as we bring a fresh dimension to Balblair’s online presence.

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Explore our Collection

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Map flavour characteristics

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EXPLORE OUR DISTILLERY

Scotch Malt Whisky Early June Tastings & Events – Scotch Whisky News

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EARLY JUNE TASTINGS & EVENTS 

New Outturn Open Tasting – 19 Greville Street – Sat 6 June   More >

Steak & Whisky Tasting – 19 Greville Street – Mon 8 June  More >

Steak and Chips Sampling Session ‘New Style’ – 28 Queen Street – Tue 9 June  More >

Afternoon Whisky & Ice Cream Tasting – The Vaults – Sat 13 June  More >

Eats, Malt and Staves – 19 Greville Street – Tue 16 June  More >

FREE ENTERTAINMENT AT THE VAULTS

Leith Jazz Festival at The Vaults >  Sat 6 & Sun 7 June

The Vaults Poker Night >  Wed 10 June

Monday Night drop-in: Sherry Cask Lovers Night >  Mon 15 June

Browse All Tastings >

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


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