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.]

Celebrating Five years at Encore at Wynn Las Vegas!

                    The Nth 2015 – The Ultimate Whisky Experience, March 11^th-14^th 2015  

An unparalleled experience, Nth 2015 is a premiere luxury whisky tasting event not to be missed. This affair is a singular opportunity for serious whisky aficionados to come together to taste, savor, discuss and learn more about fine rare whiskies in the lavish, opulent atmosphere of the Wynn and Encore Resort. During this 4-day destination event starting March 11^th -14^th 2015 in exciting and entertaining Las Vegas, you’ll indulge in exceptional whisky tasting opportunities, mingle with master distillers and blenders, and take pleasure in epicurean delights. Come experience the most unique event of its kind – Nth 2015 by Universal Whisky Experience!

The Main Tasting Event is the best of its kind, allowing you to mingle with other whisky-lovers while tasting the most refined whiskey choices. There is an amazing assortment of whiskey personalities under one roof at the Nth 2015 including Exhibitors and Masters alike, these brand leaders will offer astounding numbers of fine whiskies for your sampling pleasure.

Super Pours are simply unrivaled at the Nth 2015 show. These rare delectable whiskeys retail for no less than $300 per dram and will be available to you for tasting amongst all the other whiskies. All our attendees will also enjoy dinner with mouthwatering cuisine after the whisky tasting.

Our Master Classes are just one of the many features at the Nth 2015 that makes this the ultimate luxury whisky event of the year on Saturday 14th March 2015. Enjoy the tutelage of the finest Masters involved in the whisky business and learn the art of premium whisky production.

Wait if all this excitement is not enough then why not enjoy a golfing experience like no other at the ‘Nth 2015’ and take advantage of this unique opportunity to golf with some of the Masters in the whisky industry on Thursday March 12th, 2015.

The Nth 2015 offers one great event – Three different experiences starting with the Connoisseur Experience allowing you to enjoy a great evening of sampling whiskies and dinner on Friday March 13th,  followed by the Enthusiast Experience our newest ticket type for the more novice whisky lover.

The High Roller Experience is our most popular and ultimate option for Whisky-Lovers starting on Thursday March 12^th  and finishing Saturday March 14^th 2015. Enjoy your extended weekend of luxurious whisky experiences with best of best products and producers. With this package, the event is considered the must-attend affair where like minded, passionate individuals share their whisky experiences with other collectors and connoisseurs. The High Roller experience includes:

Whisky Speed Dating Dinner, High Roller Lounge & Exclusive Super Pours starting at $5,000 +

The Nth 2015 main tasting show, Gourmet Dinner reception, Master Classes and a High Roller Gift Bag.

For more information on the Nth 2015 Whisky Experience, and to purchase tickets please visit the website:

http://www.universalwhiskyexperience.com/

The Whisky Exchange releases exclusive Millstone Dutch Single Rye Whisky from Zuidam

In their constant search to find the greatest whiskies from around the world, The Whisky Exchange have at last reached The Netherlands. Distiller Zuidam began producing spirits in 1975, and since the early years of the 21st century, they’ve been applying their know-how to whisky.

Since the initial releases in 2007, they have expanded their range, producing peated and finished single malts as well as award-winning rye whiskies. While their single malts are rightly praised, it’s the rye whiskey which especially caught the eye of the experts at TWE.

Spicy and rich like the best American ryes, this Whisky Exchange exclusive Dutch whisky is distinctly different and was a must-have as soon as it was sampled. It’s made with 100% rye and has been matured for a decade in American oak, producing a unique and flavoursome whisky.

Producer’s Tasting Notes

Nose: Rich and sweet to start, reminiscent of cola bottles and vanilla panna cotta. Dry, sweet, spicy and citrus notes dominate, with rye toast, salted caramel, nutmeg and kaffir lime leaves.

Taste: Maple syrup and orange zest. It sweetens as it develops in the glass, with toffee apples, barley sugar, clove and caraway leading to a soft and lingering finish of sliced apple and cinnamon toast.

Bottling details

• Bottled at barrel proof – 58.6% ABV
• Single cask #667
• Distilled in January 2004; bottled in September 2014
• Only 245 70cl bottles
• £84.95, available exclusively at The Whisky Exchange

The TWE exclusive Millstone 2004 is available now from The Whisky Exchange Shop at Vinopolis or online from http://thewhiskyexchange.com/.

Whiskey is an aromatic drink that will warm you up nicely on a cold day. Grab two of your favorite glass’s and share with someone special this Valentines Day.

Discounted Items

Maker’s Mark Cask Strength Kentucky Straight bourbon *375 (Half Bottle)$39.99

Few Spirits Rye Whiskey$62.99

WhistlePig The Boss Hog 13 Year Old Single Barrel Rye$189.99

Evan Williams Bottled in Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey$15.99

Willett 8 Year Old Straight Rye Whiskey$99.99

About our Buying Clubs

Here at D&M we are passionate about Champagne, Single Malt Scotch whiskies and the fine brandies of France. To help make our passions a little easier on your (and our) pocketbook, we have come up with a number of different buying clubs. The purpose of these clubs is to explore these wonderful beverages, trying new things, and to save money. Look around these pages to see what we’ve offered in the past, and what is yet to come.

To sign up for a club, click on the desired link below. Your credit card will not be charged until your club items are mailed to you each month.

American Whiskey

NEW ARRIVALS

Scotland – Single Malt Scotch

• Bunnahabhain Ceobanach Peated Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 6 available ($84.99)

• Deanston 18 year Old Cognac Barrel Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 6 available ($149.99)

United States – Bourbon and Rye

• Mosswood Apple Barrel Aged American Whiskey 750ml – 9 available ($39.99)

• Mosswood Espresso Barrel Aged American Whiskey 750ml – 7 available ($39.99)

• Speakeasy Select Bottled for the Seelbach Single Barrel Cask Strength Kentucky Bourbon 750ml – 1 available ($3,999.99)

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

New in stock today, The Nadurra Oloroso from The Glenlivet distillery. How does it compare to its stable rival, Aberlour A’bunadh? Well you will need to try them to see!! Both are 100% oloroso sherry butt matured, both are unchillfiltered, both are natural colour and both are at natural cask strength. Oh, and both are discounted for this weekend only.

Happy dramming and please give us your valued feedback.

Daily Double Deal – This Weekend Only!

The Glenlivet Nadurra Oloroso 60.7% ABV | 70cl
Save £5.00 (RRP £49.99)

Nadurra in Gaelic means “NATURAL”.
Traditionally crafted in small batches with no chill-filtration. Matured in first fill oloroso sherry butts and bottled at natural cask strength. Batch OLO614

Tasting Notes

Mid amber in colour: leonine. A slight nose prickle and a rich aroma – at once fruity (baked apples, ripe pears, apricots) and creamy (rice pudding), with traces of wall-flowers and fresh oak. Later a hint of yacht varnish. Dry overall.  At full strength the taste is sweet and centre palate; slightly mouth-drying, with hazelnuts in the long, spicy finish. Lively and warming. Water broadens out the aroma, introducing a fresh herbal note (oregano?) and a touch of camphor; the texture is now soft and the taste less sweet, fresher, more scented and less dry. Some nuts remain in the aftertaste. Tasting note: CHARLES MACLEAN

Price: £37.49 ex VAT  £44.99 inc VAT

Aberlour A`bunadh (Batch 50) 59.6% ABV | 70cl
Save £6.00 (RRP £43.99)

A`bunadh, Gaelic for `of the origin` is matured exclusively in Oloroso Sherry butts. It is a natural cask strength malt whisky produced without the use of modern chill-filtering methods or the addition of water.  As Aberlour A`Bunadh is released in small batches, the flavours may vary slightly from one bottling to another.  Aberlour A`Bunadh is a natural cask strength malt whisky produced without the use of modern chill- filtering methods or the addition of water.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Aromas of mixed spices, praline and spiced orange harmonising with rich, deep notes of Oloroso sherry.
Palate: Orange, black cherries, dried fruit and ginger spiked with dark bitter chocolate and enriched with sherry and oak. Full bodied and creamy.
Finish: Robust and intense with bitter-sweet notes of exotic spices, dark chocolate and oak.
(Tasting Notes by Aberlour.)

Price: £31.66 ex VAT  £37.99 inc VAT

Shaken and stirred – Sir Sean Connery is named the Scot most people want to share a dram with in Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival poll

James Bond actor Sir Sean Connery is the Scot that most Britons would like to share a dram with, according to a new YouGov poll for the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival. The research revealed that 22% of people would prefer him as a drinking partner over historical figures and fellow stars from the world of Scottish entertainment, sport, and politics.

Mary Queen of Scots came second in the poll with 9% of the vote, fending off competition from the likes of tennis player Andy Murray (5%), football legend Sir Alex Ferguson (8%) and poet Robert Burns (5%). But there was bad news for former First Minister Alex Salmond – he tied with Britain’s Got Talent singer Susan Boyle for last place in the list of famous drinking companions (3%).

Mr Salmond did not fare much better when respondents were asked to indicate which celebrity – living or dead – they would most like to share a drink with. The poll showed that more people wanted to have a dram with UKIP leader Nigel Farage than the Scots politician.

As the nation marks the 50^th anniversary of his death, Winston Churchill was found to be the famous figure that most people wanted to sit down and enjoy an alcoholic drink with (7%). The formidable former Prime Minister beat comedian Stephen Fry into second place (2%), while Elvis Presley was third (2%).

The poll was commissioned by the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival as part of a study into whisky drinking habits ahead of this year’s event. The five-day celebration of Scotland’s national drink, which takes place in the country’s most prolific whisky-producing region, takes place from April 30 to May 4.

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival chairman James Campbell says he can understand why Sir Sean was such a popular choice. He adds, “I suppose he could be compared to a fine single malt – sophisticated, full of flavour, very rich and distinctly Scottish.

“Sir Sean may be more accustomed to picking up awards and being recognised for his acting, but I hope that he will be delighted with this slightly more unusual honour. Sir Sean has lived in the Bahamas for many years, but if he wants to come home to Scotland for the Festival there will clearly be no shortage of people queuing up to share a dram with him.”

The poll of over 2,000 UK adults found that whisky was the most popular spirit drink with the nation’s men (27%), and particularly for adults aged 55 and over (22%). However, the 25-34 age group represented the second biggest segment of whisky drinkers (18%).

Whisky remains more loved in Scotland than in any other part of the UK, with 22% of Scots surveyed saying it was their tipple of choice. It tied with vodka for the most popular spirit in Scotland.

Vodka was the most popular spirit across the UK at 20%, but whisky is the nation’s second most favoured spirit overall at 17%. Gin (13%), rum (10%) and brandy (5%) all trailed behind.

Mr Campbell says, “I think that we can really take heart from the results of this survey, which shows that whisky remains a popular drink across the UK. For many years it had the perception of being a stuffy old man’s drink, so we are particularly pleased to see that males in the 25-34 age group represented the second-largest sample of whisky drinkers.

“The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival has grown year on year, and last year we attracted 27,227 visits to events. Our visitors come from all over the UK, but a huge number also come from overseas, and this underlines how passionate people are about Scotch whisky.

“Tickets for this year’s Festival go on sale on February 3, and this year there are over 400 events on the programme. We offer exclusive behind the scenes tours of distilleries, nosing and tasting experiences, food pairing, music events, art exhibitions and wildlife walks.

“The programme is incredibly diverse – so much so that it’s even possible to visit and enjoy the magical atmosphere of Speyside and the Festival without even touching a drop of whisky.”

Respondents were asked to choose from Sir Alex Ferguson, Andy Murray, Robert Burns, William Wallace, John Logie Baird, Susan Boyle, Alex Salmond, Sir Sean Connery, Mary Queen of Scots, and Alexander Graham Bell. Other trends the poll by YouGov found were:

• More women than men wanted Sir Sean Connery as their drinking partner (24% vs. 20%)
• More people living in London than Scotland wanted to have a drink with Andy Murray (9% vs. 7%)
• More Welsh than Scottish respondents wanted to dram with Scotland’s national hero William Wallace (12% vs. 6%)
• Football legend Sir Alex Ferguson was the joint second most popular Scots drinking companion in Wales (12%)
• Those in the North East of England (12%) were the least likely region to prefer whisky as an alcoholic spirit
• Prince Harry and Prince Phillip were found to be equally popular choices as drinking partners
• More people opted to have a dram with Margaret Thatcher than the Queen

Tickets for all events in the 2015 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival programme can be bought via the website – www.spiritofspeyside.com from February 3. The Festival is also active on social media – facebook.com/WhiskyFestival and @spirit_speyside on Twitter.

PERTH WHISKY FESTIVAL SATURDAY 2nd MAY 2015

Friday 1 May – arrive in Perth, a 3pm check in to The Mercure Hotel, a 3 star city centre hotel just minutes’ walk from the whisky festival location. This evening we meet for a meal, then decant to the pub to chat with locals and have a couple of complimentary drams of whisky.   Overnight Perth.

Saturday 2 May –  a full cooked Scottish breakfast then time to explore the city before the whisky festival.  Based on last year’s whisky festival, many drams will be available via tokens which are included, more can be purchased during the day.  Maybe try our pubs & restaurants this evening, no shortage of choice for more drams.   Overnight Perth.

Sunday 3 May; after breakfast we head to Edradour Distillery in the Victorian town of Pitlochry for a tour and taste of four drams.  Est 1825, it is renowned for being one of the smallest and most picturesque distilleries in Scotland. The distillery started life named Glenforres, changing to Edradour circa 1835, then briefly changing to Glenforres-Glenlivet in the 1920s. Andrew Symington’s Signatory Company purchased Edradour in 2002, with excellent bottles of whisky to purchase, from their vast cask stocks. Time for an early lunch in Pitlochry at the Old Mill (or elsewhere), before heading to Aberfeldy for the Dewar’s Connoisseur Tour – enjoy a short video before exploring the heritage centre, distillery tour, cask tasting in the warehouse and  a choice of four drams to taste in a complimentary glass.

Monday 4 May; – the tour ends after breakfast – or add on as many days and nights as you wish

COST:  320 pounds per person sharing, 90 pounds single supplement *The whisky package includes: 3 nights bed and fully cooked Scottish breakfasts in 3 star city centre hotel, 1 dinner, 2 complimentary whiskies in a local pub, Entry ticket to the Perth Whisky Festival and a whisky tasting glass, Fully guided day trip to 2 distilleries including tastings and tours, Complimentary drams en route (you drink, we drive!), Tour brochure.

Suggested ADD ON TOUR Monday 4th May  A fully guided day trip – after breakfast we go to St Andrew’s Eden Distillery/Brewery, quite unique as they are both at the same location.  Sample small batch real ales, gin and new make spirit before travelling a few mintues to see the coastal town of St Andrews itself.   We then head to the river town of Broughty Ferry (near Dundee) for a traditional pub lunch (not included) then to Glencadam Distillery in Brechin for a tour and taste a few drams. Return to Broughty Ferry where you stay overnight.  There is a good whisky pub attached to the hotel where we meet for drinks this evening.  A tour around some of the local pubs maybe tonight? Tuesday 5th May – the tour ends after a fully cooked Scottish breakfast.

COST:  149 pounds per person sharing, 15 pounds single supplement. Add on tour includes: 1 night bed and fully cooked Scottish breakfast in 3 star hotel, Fully guided day trip to 2 distilleries/brewery including tastings and tours, Complimentary drams en route (you drink, we drive!)

 Bookings of both tours by 6 March receive a complimentary bottle of whisky.

 * we require a minimum of four guests on tour, we welcome sole travellers.

Travelling from outwith Scotland? We can build this event into any tour plans, we would love to see as many worldwide visitors to Perth as possible. It’s where we live, so we can guide you really well!

A FULL LIST OF suppliers, distillers and other whisky industry people will be posted as soon as we can get it.  http://www.angelswhiskyclub.com/

TOP PICKS

• Michel Couvreur K&L Exclusive Overaged Peated Malt Whisky 750ml ($89.99) The chance to work with Michel Couvreur on a special K&L whisky project was something that David and I had been dreaming of for years. We had heard the stories. This crazy Belgian had moved to Burgundy in the 60s, carved out a wine cellar inside a mountain, only to fill it with Scottish single malt whisky instead of pinot noir. He set up camp in Beaune, ordered new-make spirit to be delivered by tanker, and drove down to Jerez himself; selecting his own sherry butts to insure only the finest quality casks for his contracted spirit. Unfortunately, Michel Couvreur passed away last year from pancreatic cancer, thus ending the career of one of the industry’s most courageous pioneers. Luckily for us, however, apprentice Jean-Arnaud has carried on after studying under Michel for more than a decade. When we visited the underground cave this past Spring, we were all in total awe. The tunnels of dripping stone go on forever, and the amount of whisky stored in this secret lair is jawdropping. We put our trust completely in Jean-Arnaud and are happy we did. Our peated version of the incredible “Overaged” sherry expression is a seamless creation that drinks like the best version of Johnnie Black ever, mixed with the most supple and soft expressions of Macallan. It’s a lush, creamy, caramel-laden dream of a whisky composed only of malts 12 years and older. There’s a bit of peat on the finish, but the soft sherry is the star. (NOTE: do NOT cut the hard wax seal, tap it so that it breaks)

• Macallan 25 Year Old Distillery Bottling Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 6 available ($1,099.99) Wine Spectator: “An intense candy treat of a whisky that announces itself with rose petal, honey and hard candy on the nose. On the palate this cycles through a number of candied notes-fruity for the most part, with cherry character, but including butterscotch and a slight pine forest flavor. The long finish serves as another tour of the palate, with a nutty element. Sherry casks.” (02/2011) K&L Notes: Extremely Limited! Macallan’s 25 year old sherry casks are a modern classic.

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