SPREAD THE HOLIDAY CHEER WITH BUNNAHABHAIN SINGLE MALTS 

Bunnahabain’s sought-after collection of un-chillfiltered single malt whiskies offers a lux addition to your festive shopping list. A great gift for new whisky lovers and seasoned aficionados alike, the collection is exclusive to fine-whisky outlets including Whisky Brother situated in the Hyde Park Corner shopping centre in Johannesburg, Wild About Whisky in Dullstroom, as well as Makro and Norman Goodfellows outlets nationwide.

The award-winning range is also available from www.vinoteque.co.za, an online retailer of fine wines and spirits offering free delivery on purchases above R 1 100.

Bunnahabhain has in recent years developed something of a cult following amongst aficionados for the relative rarity of its whiskies and their singular flavour that is quite unlike the peaty, smoky malts traditionally associated with the island of Islay that is home to the Bunnahabhain distillery.

The distillery is the only one on the island which uses a natural spring water source and unpeated barley in the production of most of its malts, including its 12-, 18- and 25-year-old expressions that are sold in South Africa.  Lacking the influence of Islay’s peaty moors, these malts are far lighter on the palate than their Islay counterparts. They are also un-chillfiltered in a return to a very traditional technique that gives rise to a rich depth of colour, aroma and flavour – as natural as when they come out of the cask.

Bunnahabhain, founded in 1881, is pronounced Bŭ-na-ha-venn and means mouth of the river in Scots Gaelic, referring to the Margadale River that flows close by.

The price of Bunnahabhain ranges from R580 to R900 to R2 600 for the 12-, 18- and 25-year-old whiskies respectively.

Product descriptions and recent awards 

Bunnahabhain 12-year-old

Description:

Colour:            Gold.

Nose:               Aromatic with subtle smoke.

Taste:               Light fruit and nuts leading to a spectacular malty sweetness.

Finish:             Full-bodied and lingering.

Recent awards:

2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition: silver medal

2015 Scotch Whisky Masters: gold medal

2015 International Spirits Challenge: silver medal

2014 San Francisco World Spirits Competition: double gold medal

2014 International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC): silver outstanding medal

2014 World Whisky Awards: Best Islay single malt whisky (12 years and under).

Bunnahabhain 18-year-old

Description:

Colour:            Rich gold.

Nose:               Honeyed nuts and a slightly salty tang, followed by rich toffee and leathery oak aromas.

Taste:               Mellow sherried nuts and shavings of the finest natural oak.

Finish:             Dry notes interspersed with mixed spices leading to a light salt and sherry finale.

Recent awards:

2015 World Whisky Awards: Best Islay single malt whisky (13 to 20 years)

2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition: silver medal

2015 Scotch Whisky Masters: master

2015 International Spirits Challenge: silver medal

2015 International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC): silver outstanding medal

2014 San Francisco World Spirits Competition: gold medal.

Bunnahabhain 25-year-old

Description:

Colour:            Amber gold.

Nose:               Sweet caramel dessert aromas with subtle suggestions of oak and polished leather.

Taste:               Sweet berries and cream progress to roasted nut and malt.

Finish:             Soft yet dry, with a sense of lingering flavours of sugar and spiced oak.

Recent awards:

2015 World Whisky Awards: Best Islay single malt whisky (21 years and over)

2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition: double gold medal

2015 Scotch Whisky Masters: master

2015 International Spirits Challenge: gold medal

2015 International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC): silver outstanding medal

2014 San Francisco World Spirits Competition: silver medal

2014 International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC): gold medal.

Follow Bunnahabhain on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BunnahabhainSA) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/BunnahabhainSA).  Alternatively, visit the website: http://www.bunnahabhain.com/.

Join the conversation using: #TasteIslay

 This article in a Tweet: Festive gifting for aficionados: buy @BunnahabhainSA 12-, 18- and 25YO from http://www.vinoteque.co.za/ or specialty liquor retailers. #TasteIslay

The festive season is now well and truly upon us. But for the first time ever, I enter the season with a tinge of sadness, because as we say hello to Christmas it means we say goodbye to our 200th anniversary year, which has been, for me personally, my favourite year here so far (and its had tough competition).

I would like to personally thank each and every one of you for helping make this year such a special celebration. I have travelled all round the world and the welcome I received, and indeed all of our brand ambassadors have received, in this momentous year has been amazing…. so thank you.

This year, we released four new expressions, received a visit from HRH Prince Charles, sought out your views through the #opinionswanted competition (with the winning opinions placed onto tiles which now form part of our distillery wall) and our annual Laphroaig Live broadcast attracted record views. Furthermore, we also unveiled a celebratory stone cairn, launched our Legacy Fund to support sustainability on Islay, and premiered “What do the locals think”, our 200th Opinions Welcome film!

None of this would have happened without your continued support and encouragement. It is why Laphroaig is so very special, and it’s what makes me and my team get out of bed every day. And regarding this, a special mention must go to James MacGregor who has been here man and boy for the past 40 years. James hit this amazing work milestone on October 20th this year. Well done James. In addition to keeping the distillery going 24/7 to meet unprecedented demand for our fabulous whisky, we have just put the finishing touches to The Legend of Laphroaig, a limited edition book that would make an ideal winter gift for any Laphroaig lover. Details can be found here.

We are also feeling extra festive this year as we are proudly wearing our new Christmas jumpers. It’s only taken us 200 years to finally create one, but I’m sure you’ll agree it was worth wait! To celebrate, I have hidden five in my office to give away. Just send me photos via our Facebook page of your most extreme or embarrassing Christmas jumpers, and the five most entertaining examples will win one of our very own woollen wonders.

A last word from me, I’m particularly excited about a stunning new expression which we plan to launch in Spring 2016. Let’s just say the most richly flavoured of all scotch whiskies is about to get even richer!

Once again I thank you all for making this year such a memorable one. It will be hard to beat but we will do our best.

Slàinte Friends, have a wonderful break, and here’s to the next 200 years and beyond.

John Campbell Distillery Manager, Laphroaig

The Penderyn Dragon Range

70cl, 41% ABV.  The Penderyn Dragon Range of 41% whiskies: Legend with a Madeira finish Celt a Peated finish and Myth a Bourbon finish. Each is presented in a handsome new pack featuring a new dragon animation commissioned by Penderyn. Both Legend and Myth received gold awards in the World Whisky Masters 2015.

Myth £34.25
Celt £36.50
Legend £34.57

Buy now

The Glenturret Triple Wood Edition

The Glenturret Triple Wood Edition, part of the new Glenturret Core Range. A combination of American sherry oak, European sherry oak and American bourbon oak casks have been used to create the distinct oaky flavour of the Triple Wood Edition. Want to know more?  Here’s Lucy with her Triple Wood Edition tasting video. Enjoy!

Available to buy online and in store now!

Whisky Advocate’s 22nd Annual Awards To Be Announced This Month

The 22^nd Annual Whisky Advocate Awards will be announced on the Whisky Advocate blog beginning this Friday, December 4^th. As the awards are announced, they will automatically be published to the Whisky Advocate Facebook page and the Whisky Advocate Twitter feed (@whiskyadvocate).

The Whisky Advocate Awards exist to recognize excellence in the world of whisky. Now in its 22^nd year, the program is about the world’s greatest whiskies and distilleries, and the individuals who make and promote them. As always, these awards are not simply assigned to the whiskies that get the highest ratings in our reviews. The winners might be the highest-rated, or they might instead be the most significant, or the most important, or represent a new direction for a category or niche. The awards process is not, in short, a mere numbers-based formula. It is recognition of a combination of excellence, innovation, tradition, and always, great-tasting whisky. Our Buying Guide reviewers reach a consensus on the awards.

These awards are the oldest and longest-running annual whisky awards program. We taste and sample over the course of the year, at year’s end we consider and confer, and then we make our decisions based solely on the merits of the whiskies…as we have done for over twenty years. We give you our word: that’s how it will continue to be.

Stop by each day to see the winner and read our commentary on the whisky and why it was chosen. Here’s how they’ll roll out, starting with the American whiskeys and progressing around the world to wind up in Scotland, followed by our Lifetime Achievement Awards and the big one: Distiller of the Year!

December 4^th: Craft Whiskey of the Year December 5^th: American Whiskey of the Year December 6^th: Canadian Whisky of the Year December 7^th: Irish Whiskey of the Year December 8^th: Japanese Whisky of the Year December 9^th: World Whisky of the Year December 10^th: Blended/Blended Malt Whisky of the Year December 11^th: Speyside Single Malt of the Year December 12^th: Islay Single Malt of the Year December 13^th: Highland Single Malt of the Year December 14^th: Lowlands/Campbeltown Single Malt of the Year December 15^th: Lifetime Achievement Awards December 16^th: Distiller of the Year

The Irishman Chosen As New York’s Whiskey Brand Of The Year

New York, November 2016:– Walsh Whiskey Distillery are proud to announce that The Irishman has been chosen as Best Irish Whiskey Brand of the Year in the highly accredited New York International Spirits Competition (NYISC).

In its 6th year, the prestigious NYISC evaluated and judged almost 500 of the world’s best-distilled spirits covering over 35 countries. The competing brands were critiqued by a hand-chosen panel of ‘A-List’ and key TRADE ONLY judges.

Commenting on the growth of the competition, Adam Levy, founder of the NYISC said: “This year’s significant increase in submissions is a clear sign that the industry truly recognizes and appreciates NYISC’s overall philosophy of judging for real sales impact.”

Woody Kane of Wash Whiskey Distillery said: “It is a great honour and privilege for The Irishman to be awarded New York’s Irish Whiskey Brand of the Year in such a high-calibre competition as the NYISC.  This honour from such a great city and the impending commissioning of our world-class distillery in Royal Oak in January make for very exciting times for everyone associated with Walsh Whiskey.”

Notes:

A range of photography is available including The Irishman product shots; Walsh Whiskey founder Bernard Walsh holding The Irishman at the distillery location Royal Oak and also of Bernard taking recent delivery of the three copper pot stills at the distillery. 

About The Irishman (Founder’s Reserve)

The Irishman Founder’s Reserve is a unique take on the old Irish Pot Still Whiskey and is the original and signature blend created by founder Bernard Walsh. It is a blend of two styles, Single Malt and Single Pot Still. The proportions used are 70% Single Malt and 30% Single Pot Still. This is unusual in itself, as it is the only Irish blended whiskey to contain 100% whiskey distillates from the copper pot still and 0% Grain or Column still whiskey. This results in a much more flavoursome whiskey. The Founder’s Reserve is triple distilled and matured in Bourbon Casks.

Nose: A Zesty Spice, with hints of caramel, black pepper, cinnamon and peaches. A slight hint of vanilla too, with a suggestive savour of Green Apple.

Palate: Pot Still Spice, malt, dark chocolate, bourbon oak, and crème caramel

Finish: Everlasting finish with oak and butterscotch. Lingers for what seems like an eternity!

Awards:

• Irish Whiskey Brand of the Year 2016 – NYISC
• Gold Medal at International Spirits Challenge London.
• Gold Medal at International Spirits Competition San Francisco.
• 94 Points Beverage Tasting Institute USA.
• 93 Points Jim Murray Whiskey Bible
• Gold Medal at International Spirits Competition San Francisco 2013 

About Walsh Whiskey Distillery:

Established in 1999 by husband and wife, Bernard and Rosemary Walsh, and located on the 18^th century Royal Oak estate by the River Barrow in County Carlow, the Walsh Whiskey Distillery Company is a leading independent producer of super-premium and ultra-premium, triple-distilled, craft, Irish whiskies.

Led by founder Bernard Walsh, and with a strong board of industry veterans, the company has built a portfolio of international award winning drinks brands. These include a range of six Irish whiskies under The Irishman and Writerṣ Tears brands, the Hot Irishman Irish coffee and The Irishman Irish Cream liqueur. Demand for the critically acclaimed The Irishman and Writerṣ Tears brands currently exceeds supply in the 36 countries they are distributed to worldwide.

Walsh Whiskey entered a partnership with Illva Saronno in 2013 to expand the business through constructing a world-class distillery, maturing warehouses and a visitor centre at Royal Oak that will adhere to the best traditions of Irish whiskey distilling from its halcyon era in the 19^th century.

Once commissioned in early 2016, the distillery will be one of the largest independent whiskey distilleries in Ireland. The two production lines, using both pot stills and column stills, will give Walsh Whiskey Distillery the capacity to produce 650,000 cases (two and a half million litres of pure alcohol (LPA’s) or 8 million bottles) of whiskey annually. The expansion of the business will lead to increased supplies of Irishman Whiskey and Writers Tears brands from 2019 when distribution will increase to over 100 countries including China and India.

Whisky Enlightenment at The Scotch Whisky Experience This December, The Scotch Whisky Experience is lighting up the Royal Mile by hosting a Whisky Enlightenment tour to coincide with Virgin Money’s Street of Light.

Launching on 30 November and running until Christmas Eve, the Whisky Enlightenment tour and tasting experience is perfectly timed so visitors can either begin or end their visit to Street of Light with an illuminating whisky experience.

Visitors will warm up with a delicious winter toddy on arrival, before taking a light-hearted look at the world of Scotch Whisky, where they can sample a specially selected single malt matched with chocolate. Guests can then enjoy a relaxed viewing of all 3,384 bottles in the World’s Largest Collection of Scotch Whisky.

Susan Morrison, director and general manager of The Scotch Whisky Experience, said: “Christmas is a very special time of year in Edinburgh but much of the buzz is often concentrated in Princes Street Gardens and the annual markets. This year, we’re really excited to bring some attention to the Royal Mile with Street of Light, and being so close to the action, we thought it would be a great idea to welcome people in from the cold and warm them up with a dram!

“Visitors can either join us before their walk through the illuminated arches, or stop by afterwards, as we’ve timed the Whisky Enlightenment tour to coincide with Street of Light’s twice daily performances.”

The Virgin Money Street of Light is a breathtaking new event which is set to light up Edinburgh’s Old Town this Christmas. An architectural installation comprising 26 arches and 60,000 lights, it will run along the Royal Mile, from City Chambers to the Tron Kirk, creating a stunning canopy of light which will rise into the wintery skies.  Running twice per evening, the experience is accompanied by music and songs from a variety of Edinburgh choirs, all of which will be synchronised to the lights.

The Whisky Enlightenment tour lasts for one hour and runs Monday to Saturday at 7:15 p.m. and Sunday at 6:15 p.m. The price is £15.00 and the tour is for adults only.  Tickets can be booked by logging-on to http://www.scotchwhiskyevents.co.uk/

A japanese whisky for every taste and any occasion

Japanese whisky has never been so popular, with the quality and reputation at an all time high. Here at The Whisky Shop we have a terrific selection of some of the finest Japanse whiskies available anywhere. The Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve is a wonderful balanced whisky. Full of soft, fresh fruits and Mizunara (Japanese Oak) aromas, this is a classic example of Japan’s number one whisky. Accompanied by The ice sphere mould to make the perfect ice ball and a stylish whisky tumbler.

£85 Click to buy

HIBIKI JAPANESE HARMONY

A new blend from Suntory that brings to life the harmony of Japanese nature and craftmanship. A delicate and well balanced expression that is both subtle and complex. A blend of more than 10 malt and grain whiskies to create a harmony of flavours and aromas.

Pale amber in colour. A delicate scent of polished copper and light vanilla to start with, developing complex floral, green, mossy then fresh oaky notes, changing all the time. A surprisingly dry mouthfeel, and a lightly sweet, then chilli-pepper taste, at full strength, mellowing with a little water, leaving a charred, oaky aftertaste.

£54 Click to buy

Hibiki 12 year old

Hibiki means resonance in Japanese. It speaks to the soul and emotions of the most discerning whisky lover. The legendary Hibiki represents true harmony, the ideal of perfection, the paragon of ‘The Art of Japanese Whisky’ and its artisans.

Numerous pure single malt whiskies aged in a variety of cask types, including Mizunara, a rare Japanese oak, all combine to create a dazzling, echoing roundness in the Hibiki 12 year old.

£49 Click to buy

Taketsuru 21 year old

The Taketsuru range is named after the founder of the Nikka Whisky Company, Masataka Taketsuru.

The Taketsuru whiskies are a combination of single malt whiskies from Nikka’s two distilleries, Yoichi and Miyagikyo. This award winning bottling is made up of whiskies which have been aged for a minimum of 21 years.

£195 Click to buy

Taketsuru 17 year old

In the 17 year old, a high percentage of the whiskies have been aged in ex-sherry casks, resulting in a deep, rich, complex whisky with more than a hint of smoke and oak.

The strength of this whisky lies in the way the subtle aroma of peat builds up over time,” says world-renowned British whisky critic Jim Murray in appreciation of Taketsuru 17 Years Old. Its mellow, well-rounded nose and palate are sure to please.

£135 Click to buy

Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt

Released in 2014, this no-age statement Taketsuru bottling is a blend of malts aged 10 years on average in different types of oak casks A high percentage of Miyagikyo malt gives a fresh fruity character, joined by mature aromas from an important sherry-cask influence.

Both masculine and feminine, traditional and innovative, this outstanding pure malt whisky is a worthy tribute to Masataka Taketsuru, the father of Japanese whisky and founder of Nikka.

£65 Click to buy

Miyagikyo

In the heart of a preserved natural setting, the MIYAGIKYO distillery in Japan combines expertise and modernity in a constant search for finesse and elegance. Intense fruit aromas characterize the younger malts of the Miyagikyo distillery. Smooth and delicious, light yet intense, this no age statement Single Malt bottling is a fine whisky to enjoy before a meal, and a fine introduction for those new to Japanese whisky.

£55 Click to buy

CHRISTMAS PARCEL PREVIEW: HEAVENLY PEATY TRIO

Next week sees the launch of our December Outturn; a stocking-full of indulgent and extravagant casks, packaged up in ready-to-go Christmas Parcels. All tastes will be catered for on First Friday, but today’s sneak preview is about peat, peat and – yes, you guessed it – peat! This tasty trio has the kind of ‘grab you by the goulies’ peaty goodness that is sure to send our Islay lovers to a heavenly place. And did we mention we’re releasing a wee drop of the 33.132, all on its own? So, if you’re a fan, beat the rush and snap one up now before they go right up in smoke…

Heavenly Peaty Trio

£269

33.132 Beauty and the Beast

Honey glazed chicken breasts, smoky bacon and a Bavarian smoked beer to start with and surprisingly, nevertheless very pleasant, explosion of chilli smoke in the mouth. Diluted, slightly singed wellies appeared and the flavour on the palate had a ‘gamey’ texture.

Flavour: Peated
Age: 8 years
Cask: Second fill ex-sherry butt

Only 60* preview bottles available to buy individually
on the phone from 9am Fri 27 Nov
(0131 555 2929) or in both Edinburgh venues from 11am – 1 bottle per member.

£120 More >

29.171 Essence of Islay

Essence of Islay! The nose carries peat smoke, TCP, carbolic. Seaweed, bog myrtle and barbecue-smoked mackerel. The palate has elemental peat-reek and ash, balanced by deep savoury notes of roasted meats and buttery corn cobs, joyful sweetness and berry fruit surprises.

Flavour: Peated
Age: 20 years
Cask: Refill ex-bourbon barrel

More >

10.84 Grabs you by the goulies!

Crisp green nettle and wasabi with gin and tonic freshness. Warm crab meat, barbecued swordfish and peppered steak. A sunny deck with seafood and sourdough. Spray misted hessian rope. Grubby engine room and oily grills, then sea pinks and sphagnum moss.

Flavour: Peated
Age: 10 years
Cask: Refill ex-bourbon barrel

More >

BUY Heavenly Peaty Trio >

Browse Latest Outturn >
Browse All Bottlings >

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ Contact:mailto:sales@smws.comor 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

This week Joe Ellis reviews the the Swiss Santis Malt Cask Strength Peated Single Malt.

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