Liz and Paul of MCLEANSCOTLAND attend the 2015 Speyside whisky festival (Spirit of Speyside).

As guests of The Glenlivet, we did enjoy our wee outing. It made a nice change from taking our guests to Glenlivet (Strathisla and Aberlour) to being taken there ourselves!  We had our very own guide/hosts in Rachel MacDonald and James Collins, Ambassadors. FRIDAY 1 MAY  We took the early (and I mean early! 6am) morning train to Aberdeen and then Elgin, where we met up with Rachel and James – our driver/hosts. We four set out from Elgin to The Glenlivet Distillery to partake and enjoy the Dram Room Specials – a tasting from the Glenlivet range; a handpicked selection of some of the best limited edition whiskies, mostly single casks. The whiskies where sampled in the Malt Loft. They included 3 cask strength, a single cask expressions of The Glenlivet – Valiant, Uisge Beatha and Auchbreck bottled exclusively for the Festival. In addition we tasted the 1983 Cellar Collection, vatted from a limited selection of casks and finished for its last couple of years of maturation in French Limousin oak casks before bottled in 2003 – this is one of very few remaining bottles of this outstanding dram and we both scooped it doon, beautiful. The final cask strength dram was the exclusive 18 year old Glenlivet.  We sat down and chilled for a wee time and enjoyed some lunch.

Lunch was followed by a session with an old friend, Charlie Maclean (Patron of our whisky club don’t you know), who gave an entertaining account of the visit to Edinburgh in 1822 by King George IV and how this led to the single malt that started it all. This visit by King George IV, orchestrated by Sir Walter Scott, was the first visit to Scotland by any monarch for over 180 years (even a German one sitting on a sassunach throne). When the said King asked for Glenlivet malt whisky by name this led to a change in the law which laid the foundations of today’s Scotch whisky industry. George Smith of Glen Livet was the enterprising illicit distiller who spotted the opportunity presented by the Excise Act 1823 and went on to establish his original Glenlivet Distillery at Upper Drumin. We also enjoyed a selection of special drams, some rare and drawn again from single casks. Charlie’s interest in Scotch whisky was originally stimulated by visits as a teenager to The Glenlivet Distillery and the surrounding area. The Glenlivet was the single malt that instigated his enthusiasm. At the end, Charlie gave us a personally signed copy of his book “Whiskypedia” which we had signed for a future guest of ours (we both have his book), so two of our guests – we know who they are – will find the books in their welcome packs.  We rounded off a superb day of whisky experiences with a whisky dinner at Strathisla distillery, did we have another dram? Does a horse have four legs???

SATURDAY 2 MAY  Open day! Whisky, music, fun and entertainment in the Malt Barn at Glenlivet Distillery, an exhibition area focussing on local food and drink producers as well as artists and crafts businesses. The Sma’ Still ran both morning and afternoon (I had experienced this ages ago – Paul) when at the 3 day whisky school, there was barrel making demonstrations and a range of competitions to try, we were hopeless. Musical performances throughout the day.  OUR DAY started with an exclusive chat with Alan Winchester – The Glenlivet Master Distiller, answering questions and served more delicious drams of the single malt. This year Alan celebrate’s 40 years making whisky. Rare and special drams of The Glenlivet aged 25, 30 and 40 years old were served during this event, just in case we hadnee tried them previously. Slightly smiling and giggling in a glorious Glenlivet haze, we dropped down for some lunch, many thanks to The Glenlivet team for our lunches by the way.  Some music, aye – more drams and then a private chat with Ian Logan upstairs in the Library, Liz and myself are both Guardians. The Glenlivet Distillery, now one of the largest in Scotland. The Library at The Glenlivet Distillery is exclusively reserved for groups of up to five Guardians at a time – we were welcomed by Ian Logan, International Brand Ambassador and the ultimate Guardian of The Glenlivet to share special drams including some rare specials up to 40 years old.

We were driven back to the hotel, tired oot, drammed out (maybe), but looking for some food to soak up all those drams.  We felt as if we had each drank at least 3 bottles worth over the two days!  Ooo it’s hard being a whisky tour operator. We just put it down to “research & development”, someone has to do it, we do this for the good of all our future whisky tour guests, so we have the knowledge (and the drams) to trust us with your whisky tour. Amen to that.

MCLEANSCOTLAND – your spiritual advisors.

I do have to say, we did also enjoy meeting friends old and new from Speyside whisky world, but as we were guests of The Glenlivet, it’s unfair to add other drams, names and celebrities into this story. Paul McLean.

Strathisla and Aberlour Distilleries Whisky Award Wins

Strathisla and Aberlour distilleries won two out of three categories in this year’s Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival Whisky Awards.

The picture above shows Rikki Scott, Supervisor at Aberlour Visitor Centre, with the award for Aberlour 18 Years.

The event claims it is the only awards in which the winners are determined by members of the whisky-loving public.

Strathisla 12 Years beat finalist Cardhu Gold Reserve to take first place in the 12 Years & Under/Non-Age Statement section.

Aberlour 18 Years took the top award in the 13-20 Years section, beating Glenfiddich 18 years for the title.

Six finalists were voted on at a series of judging sessions across Speyside in the run up to and during the Festival, which ran from 30 April to 3 May, 2015.

The malts had previously been shortlisted by a panel of industry leaders, acclaimed writers and specialist retailers.

The 37 distillery entries in the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival Whisky Awards had been shortlisted by a panel of industry leaders, writers and specialist retailers in a blind tasting event.

It was then down to festival visitors to taste the shortlisted malts in each category.

The winners were announced at the closing ceilidh held on Sunday, 3 May, at the Laichmoray Hotel in Elgin.

James Campbell, festival chairman, said, “Well done to our 2015 winners. It is a huge honour to receive one of these awards because they are voted for by the public, as opposed to a panel of experts, and are not influenced by any kind of consumer loyalty or external influences.

“Festival visitors have used their noses, knowledge and taste buds to vote on these drams at judging sessions that were held across Speyside and the  judging sessions are equally loved by people who are just starting to learn about whisky as well as those with expert knowledge.”

POPULAR PICKS: FRUIT-LADEN FRIENDS RETURN FOR SPRING

Inspired by a touch of sunshine and long, leisurely evenings, we decided to share a selection fruit-laden delicacies. These ripe, juicy drams disappeared for a while but we found just a handful of each tucked away in a dark corner: let them out into the light before they’re gone for good…

Light & delicate

5.39 A vibrant promise of Spring £54.10

The nose is a profusion of flowers conveying the vibrant promise of Spring – the palate is zesty, lively and perfectly balanced…

15yo, Refill ex-bourbon hogshead

Buy >

37.62 Easy like a Sunday morning £44.00

Apple, pear, quince, lemon and lime are the overriding aromas in this summery dram. Fizzy and sweet on the palate…

10yo, Refill ex-bourbon hogshead

Buy >

Young & spritely

2.91 Buck’s Fizz and Gewurtztraminer £58.20

The nose eventually finds honey and fruit (peach, pear, apple, kiwi) – Juicy Fruit gum and Gewürztraminer with water. The palate is bright and tongue-coating…

12yo, Refill ex-bourbon barrel

Buy >

48.50 Mirror, mirror on the wall…£44.70

Imagine Snow White feasting on shiny red apples, juicy peaches whilst perched on a newly varnished pine stool. Confectionery sweetness follows…

13yo, First-fill ex-bourbon barrel

Buy >

Spicy & dry

9.83 Tiger Balm, Limoncello and scented candles £98.00

The aromatic nose carries linseed oil, tiger balm, Limoncello, lime zest and scented candles. The palate combines peaches, strawberries, ice-lolly sticks…

25yo, Refill ex-sherry butt

Buy >

Browse New Outturn >
Browse All Bottlings >

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

NEW ARRIVALS

Scotland – Single Malt Scotch

• 2003 Auchroisk 11 Year Old “Exclusive Malts” Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 6 available ($99.99)

• 1983 Caol Ila 30 Year Old Signatory Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 3 available ($349.99)

• 1996 Caol Ila Samaroli Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 6 available ($249.99)

• 1992 Glen Scotia Samaroli Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 6 available ($249.99)

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

SINGLE POT STILL IRISH WHISKEYS OF MIDLETON PRESENT THEIR FIRST EVER GOOGLE HANGOUT ON AIR LIVE FROM THE GOOGLE FOUNDRY, DUBLIN  

On Monday, May 18th, in honour of World Whisky Day, the Masters of The Midleton Distillery will come together for their first ever live Google Hangout ON AIR. Broadcast live from the Foundry in Dublin’s Google HQ, the show will be streamed from 6pm GMT. The event aims to raise awareness and educate whisk(e)y lovers about Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey.

The event will be hosted by International Brand Ambassador, Dave McCabe, who will discuss all things Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey with Master Distiller Brian Nation, Master Blender Billy Leighton, Master of Maturation Kevin O’Gorman, Master of Whiskey Science David Quinn and Master Cooper Ger Buckley.

The seminar will cover everything from the history of Single Pot Still Irish whiskey, the Midleton Distillery’s unique maturation and wood programme as well as a tasting of some of the most revered Single Pot Still Irish whiskeys, Redbreast 12 Year Old, Green Spot, Powers John’s Lane and Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy.

The link to the live Single Pot Still Irish Whiskeys of Midleton Google Hangout ON AIR will go live one hour prior to the event.

In the meantime, join us in spreading the word about the Google Hangout ON AIR and follow the Single Pot Still Irish Whiskeys of Midleton on Google+ https://plus.google.com/+SinglePotStillIrishWhiskey/posts

#SinglePotStill

#WorldWhiskyDay

A NEW CHAPTER FOR THE ANTIQUARY

The Tomatin Distillery Co Ltd has given its premium blended Scotch Whisky brand, The Antiquary, a new look in a move to give it a new lease of life, while still retaining the history and provenance of one of the oldest Scotch Whisky brands in the market.

The iconic diamond cut bottle remains, however it is in a taller, sleeker, and more sophisticated form. Pocket Rocket Creative has designed new labels and secondary packaging to highlight the unique shape of the bottle which, aside from the high content of malt whiskies inside, is arguably one of the brand’s biggest selling points.

The Antiquary, along with its 12 year old and 21 year old expressions, is sold worldwide, with significant market success in France, Portugal, Russia, Angola, UK and the USA. The new label designs were trialled in Chile in 2014 and will now be rolled out worldwide.

“The Antiquary has been around since 1888 and, particularly in the UK, is known as the blend that ‘my Grandfather used to drink’”, explains Jennifer Masson, Marketing Manager. “We want to challenge that perception and give this deserving institution a new lease of life. The new packaging will attract a wider, and younger, demographic without distancing our existing customers. The Antiquary is a cut above other blends in the market; with 45% malt content all three expressions are smooth and easy drinking.”

Stephen Bremner, Sales Director, expects to see an upturn in sales as a result of the redesign: “Much like the Tomatin Distillery, the Antiquary brand has been a sleeping giant. With the new packaging I expect to attract new customers in new markets, particularly in South America. We’ve tweaked the recipe for our entry level expression too, to better reflect the original recipe used by the Hardie brothers in 1888, resulting in the smoothest blend in recent years.”

Del Sneddon, lead designer on the Antiquary Project said: “The distinctive bottle of The Antiquary with its unique facets has charmed many for decades. We decided to enhance its form further by creating a bespoke label that follows the geometric shape of the front face and also improves standout. More detailing and calligraphy within the label was also added to ‘premiumise’ the design and cleaner typography for the brand name was introduced to bring it up-to-date. The outer cartons proudly depict The Antiquary’s distinguishing contours for ultimate impact.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• The Antiquary brand is owned by the Tomatin Distillery Co Ltd, which also owns the Tomatin and Cù Bòcan single malts, along with a portfolio of blended whisky brands.
• See http://www.theantiquary.com/ and http://www.tomatindistillery.com/ for more information
• The new packaging is being rolled out worldwide gradually over the coming months – the 12 and 21 year old expressions are only available in selected markets.
• John & William Hardie began their quest to create the perfect blended Scotch Whisky more than 150 years ago. In 1888, using only the finest and rarest malts, they succeeded in creating what was considered to be superior to all other blends; The Antiquary. The name is taken from the famous gothic novel written by Sir Walter Scott, redolent with family secrets, stories of hidden treasure and hopeless love.
• Pocket Rocket Creative Ltd, based in Stirling – Central Scotland – was established in 2007 and operates with 5 staff, 3 of whom are Directors (Gary Dawson, Gary Doherty, Del Sneddon)
• Awarded World’s Best Design Agency at the World Whisky Awards, 2014

Brand Evolution

The Authors’ Series is an exclusive range of Single Malt Whiskies created by prestigious blenders and bottlers, Hunter Laing Ltd.

The range features specially selected, unique high end single malts. Each whisky paired with a famous author, ensuring that author’s life and work relate to the distinct taste and character of the malt contained within. The first four author’s in the series were Charles Dickens, Robert Lewis Stevenson, Rudyard Kipling & Edgar Allan Poe.

Each bottle is individually dipped in wax and then sealed with the monogram design. Then packaged in a brown leather presentation box finished with a gold metallic foil to bring a touch of luxury to this limited edition malt.

Ardbeg 1993 Rudyard Kipling 

This Ardbeg 21 year old was matured in 1993 and bottled in January 2015. It is one of only 120 bottles which have been drawn from a Refill Hogshead and bottled at a natural cask strength of 56.4% volume.

£900 Buy Now

Macallan 1993  Charles Dickens

This 21 year old single malt from the Macallan distillery in Speyside. This particular expression was distilled in 1993 and bottled in 2015 from a Refill Barrel at a natural cask strength of 54.8% volume. One of only 99 bottles. Full of rich, dried fruit flavours with a hint of spice.

£600 Buy Now

Clynelish 1996 Edgar Allan Poe

This particular expression is a Clynelish 18 year old, originally filled to cask in December 1996 and bottled in 2015 at a natural cask strength of 56.1% volume. Drawn from a refill Hogshead it is one of only 243 bottles. Sweet yet spicy, with a creamy fudge flavour and some citrus notes.

£280 Buy Now

Probably Speyside’s Finest 1986 Robert Louis Stevenson

This whisky comes from the Glenfarclas distillery, and was originally filled to cask in 1986. Matured for 28 years in a Sherry Butt and bottled in 2015 at 48% volume. One of only 306 bottles. Rich and sweet, with delicious Christmas pudding and sherry flavours.

£190 Buy Now

Hunter Laing Collection

Hunter Laing & Co are an independent bottling company based in Glasgow that provide The Whisky Shop with a superb range of single cask malt whiskies under the labels Old Malt Cask, Platinum Old & Rare and Douglas of Drumlanrig.

Every Hunter Laing bottle available from us has been hand picked by members of The Whisky Shop staff based on its fantastic flavour and outstanding quality.

View The Full Collection Now

BACK IN STOCK

Scotland – Single Malt Scotch

• Aberlour 12 Year Old Non Chillfiltered Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($49.99)

• 1994 Glen Garioch Single Vintage Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 5 available ($119.99)

• Glenfiddich 15 year Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($42.99) 95 points Wine Enthusiast: “Look for rich, rounded flavors with lots of honey, vanilla and baking spice notes. The palate is creamy, with a mouth-filling texture and smoky finish. ” (12/2013) Wine Spectator: “A deceptive delight that starts sweet with honey, leather and orange peel on the nose, then turns to spice on the palate. After a spot of honey on the tongue tip, the spices come on in earnest, with cinnamon and ginger. Leaves a long, spicy finish. Three types of cask: Sherry, Bourbon and new oak.” (02/2011) K&L Notes: Awarded Double Gold Medal at the 2013 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

• Scapa 16 year old “The Orcadian” Isle of Orkney Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 10 available ($69.99)

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

Whisky Ramblings Via Video #109

Mark Dermul, Belgian Whiskyblogger, tries a wine-finished GlenDronach. Since Billy Walker and his team took over the GlenDronach Distillery in 2008, it has truly been put back on the map. Walker and his team are well-known for experimenting with different types of casks, and the whisky Mark tried today fits that bill perfectly: the GlenDronach 14 Year Old Sauternes Finish. It is sweet and creamy, with the wine putting its stamp on the spirit, but in this case it worked wonderfully.

http://youtu.be/3B1SxBa7Kyk

MAKER’S MARK PREVAILS IN CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT

Loretto, Kentucky, May 5, 2015 – The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida on Monday ruled in favor of Maker’s Mark and parent company Beam Suntory in a class action lawsuit alleging misleading marketing in the labeling of Maker’s Mark as “handmade.” The ruling by U.S. District Judge Robert L. Hinkle dismissed the complaint of two Florida consumers “with prejudice,” ending the case. “In all events, the plaintiffs have not stated a claim on which relief can be granted,” the ruling concludes.

“We have asserted all along that the complaints in this case were frivolous and without merit, and we are very pleased the court agreed with our position so emphatically,” said Rob Samuels, chief operating officer of Maker’s Mark. “This ruling is very good news, and it should send a strong message to those who would seek to gain from similar baseless and irresponsible litigation,” added Kent Rose, senior vice president and general counsel of Beam Suntory.

The case dismissed by the court is Dimitric Salters and A.G. Waseem, etc. v. Beam Suntory Inc. and Maker’s Mark Distillery, Inc., etc.

About Maker’s Mark® Bourbon

In 1954, at a small Victorian distillery in Loretto, Kentucky, Bill Samuels, Sr., fulfilled his dream to create a pioneering handmade bourbon that, for the first time, would appeal both to bourbon and to non-bourbon drinkers alike, that tasted good and exemplified good taste, and wouldn’t “blow your ears off,” which was the measure by which bourbons were judged at the time. He decided to make his whisky in small-batches of 19 barrels, developed a proprietary barrel char to enhance the softness and sweetness of his whisky, and then rotated each barrel by hand to ensure exposure to consistent temperatures throughout the warehouse, and, ultimately, he aged each barrel to taste. Bill Samuels,

Sr., unknowingly and unintentionally, fired the shot that started the Bourbon Revolution, and transformed bourbon from a “commodity” into a premium handcrafted spirit, giving rise to the modern era of bourbon. Today, Maker’s Mark continues to make its bourbon the same way Bill Samuels, Sr., did 60 years ago, in small batches by craftsmen who hand-dip each bottle. In 2010, in tribute to his father’s spirit of innovation, Bill Samuels, Jr. unveiled Maker’s 46®, a totally new bourbon that reflects the distinct character of Maker’s Mark® but has a bigger, bolder and complex taste without any hint of bitterness. Maker’s Mark® Bourbon (45% alc./vol.) and Maker’s 46® (47% alc./vol.) are distilled, aged and bottled by the Maker’s Mark Distillery, Inc., in Loretto, Kentucky. In 1980, the distillery was designated a National Historic Landmark, becoming the first distillery in America to be so recognized, and has also been decreed as the “world’s oldest operating bourbon whisky distillery” by Guinness World Records®. The Maker’s Mark Distillery is one of the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. For more information, please visit the Maker’s Mark® website (www.makersmark.com)