Win The Ultimate Whisky Experience!

We’re offering one lucky customer the chance to win a bottle of the superb Tomatin 36 year old batch 1, plus private whisky tour for four people with mystery cask tasting at one of the highest distilleries in Scotland! Six lucky runners up will receive a prize of a bottle of Tomatin 14 year old Port Wood Finish.

Simply purchase any 70cl bottle of Tomatin Highland single malt Scotch whisky from our online whisky store and you’ll automatically be entered into the draw.

ENTER NOW

Tomatin 36 Year Old Batch 1

Tomatin 36 Year Old Batch 1, created from a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-Oloroso sherry casks. Beautifully presented, only 800 bottles filled for this small batch release with each bottle individually numbered and accompanied with certificate.

RRP – £499.99

Port Ellen 33 Year Old 1982 Magnum Old & Rare

Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Dalmore prize draw – win whisky worth more than £1,750!

It’s the season of prize draws at The Whisky Exchange, and the next on the list of great whiskies to win is an impressive set from Dalmore.

With legendary master blender Richard Paterson travelling the world extolling the virtues of the distillery’s whisky, it’s unsurprising that Dalmore has the reputation that it does. Roll in their impressive stocks of old whisky and a history stretching back 1839, and you have a distillery that’s been turning heads for a long while.

We’ve put together a set of three incredible whiskies to give away to one lucky customer:

Dalmore 18 – the top of Dalmore’s regular range. With lots of fruit and spice, this is the perfect upgrade for those looking for a great, easy-drinking sherried dram.
Dalmore 21 – a limited edition bottling released this year. Matured first in American white oak before being ‘finished’ for 10 years in first-fill oloroso sherry casks.
Dalmore 30 – limited to only 888 bottles, this is the latest release of Dalmore’s impressive 30 year old. A masterpiece of sherry maturation.

In total, the three bottles come to just over £1,800 – an excellent prize, even if we do say ourselves.

To be in with a chance of winning the set, just buy a Dalmore 15 Year Old glass pack before 11.59pm on 10 January 2016 – we’ll automatically enter you into the prize draw.

While the entry-level Dalmore 12 Year Old is probably their best known whisky, the dram that we turn to as the perfect example of what the distillery does best is Dalmore 15 Year Old. It’s soft and spicy, but with the depth of flavour and richness that you get from well selected sherry casks – something that Dalmore pride themselves on.

DALMORE 15 YEAR OLD GLASS PACK

Nose: Soft and very approachable, with tempting notes of dried fruit, hazelnuts, cinnamon and nutmeg. Smells like Christmas!
Palate: Rich, classic Christmas-cake notes of raisins, currants, cherries, cinnamon and nutmeg.
Finish: Sweet and raisiny, this rich-tasting dram lingers for a long time – save this one until after dinner…
Comment: An excellent dram for this time of year and the glass pack is a great gift – either for a whisky fan or for yourself.

For full details, see the competition page.

Sigrun Whisky is an online boutique whisky seller established in Australia to provide Scandinavian and boutique as well as hard to find whiskies to the Australian Market. It also supports Defence and EMS personnel by providing an ongoing discount to members of the armed forces and emergency services.  The aim of the company is to provide a customer focused experience.  

Please visit our web site at; www.sigrunwhisky.com

www.ralfy.com delves a bit further into the stuff called ‘traditional pot still Irish whiskey’ with Whisky Review 561 – Powers Signature Pot Still Whiskey

Whisky & Ice – Curling in Scotland for our Norwegian friends

It is over, it was good, it was enjoyable, it will happen again. Our four intrepid curlers from Norway came to Scotland again for the curling, the scenery, the fun – and the whisky! They had it all.

2 November, an early start for Paul (driving), up at a silly hour to reach Broughty Ferry for Liz and 7am, a cuppa then on the road to Aberdeen airport to meet the guys at 9.20. Once we had them we wandered to the van and loaded luggage, even before the engine turned, Liz had given each of them an Innis & Gunn beer – Toasted Oak IPA 5.6% ABV. India Pale Ale first made its name in the 19th century. Its fervent hoppy character hails from the unique addition of large quantities of hops at three separate points during brewing. The result is a beer that’s rounded yet refreshing, with delicate floral notes and oodles of zesty freshness. It didnee last long! Almost an hour later we were at Huntly, where we turned off for Dufftown (and its 7 distilleries), sadly we drove through this time on our way to Rothes, where we did stop at Glen Grant distillery. Gruppo Campari is the 6th largest worldwide in the premium spirits industry, and marketed in more than 190 countries in the world. We toured their Rothes distillery – and enjoyed it and the drams that followed. Lunch break – we drove to the leisure centre, then met up with the opposing team – Elgin Rotary Curling Club, a very local club selected a team to compete with us in the first “International” curling for 2015. Sadly we lost, actually it was 4 ends each, but Elgin had more points, no matter, always another match to play. At the hotel they relaxed a wee while, then headed out for a fish supper (fish ‘n’ chips), a very good first day.

3 November, a wee lie in, as curling started at 10am, ten minutes from the hotel. Fochabers curling club were the team this morning and aye, we won! A good two hour session and the guys were overjoyed, handing out (as they do) drams and pin badges and saying thanks you and goodbyes. We scampered doon to Glenfiddich for a great lunch. This was a good easy relaxing lunch with great food I might add, they also enjoyed Spey Stout beers. This was followed at 2pm by The secrets of Solera. Including a visit to warehouse 8, the malt masters blending room: here they enjoyed tasting a number of cask-strength samples and a chance to step into Malt Master; Brian Kinsman’s role, preparing their very own version of Glenfiddich 15 year old by combining different cask samples together. A shopping diversion then back to the hotel. Rest – drink – chill out – take a walk – for later we met up and enjoyed a few drinks at the bar, followed by a Whisky Dinner. Whisky Cured Gravlax with Talisker 10 year old, Islay Beef Fillet with Caol Ila 12 year old, Vanilla Brulee with Ice Cold Dalwhinnie 15 yo., Coffee – After Dinner Mints. All enjoyed this, Liz and Paul have experienced this many times and once again it didnee disappoint. Specially the beef – oooooooooooooooooh! As the guys drank a few more drams, Liz and Paul took a taxi back to the cottage.

4 November, the main curling event – two sessions today: 10am and 1pm, each two hours duration. First up a ladies team Moray Firth ladies: Helen, Marilyn, Susan and Linda, the Norsemen won! They were delighted, second win in three matches. Lunch of soup and sandwiches, followed by a team potched together with whisky guys from Elgin, actually one lady also. I must say, our Vikings had met their match, aye they got hammered. After one end, they knew how good these folks were, but they enjoyed the time there, two wins, two defeats. We showed them Elgin cathedral, Johnstons shop, dropping them in town (they wanted to shop in M&S!). They ended the night with an Indian meal.

Innis & Gunn Original 6.6% ABV, whose accidental discovery in 2003 lies brings its singular taste – notes of biscuit, malt and vanilla swirling within a creamy, mellow character. A pioneering beer, its flavour finds favour with brewing juries, blind tasting panels and barflies alike, also our Vikings who drank it easily. As they did with several whiskies during the trip whilst aboard the van, we always have drams (in correct glasses by the way) on tour, our drams this time included, Indian peated, Scottish peated and non peated, and Scots blends, needless to say – all were happy – apart from Paul who was driving.

5 November, an early start picking the guys up at the hotel at 7.30 for the drive to Aberdeen airport. Reaching the airport just after 9am, sad farewells and hugs and the threats “we’ll be back!” It was yet another great tour we all enjoyed.

Liz, Paul and the Norwegian Curlers; Carl, Calle, Morten & Erik from the Stabek Curling Club.

 http://www.whiskytours.scot/

Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon And Quoddy® Shoes to Release Limited Edition Gift Set for the Holiday Season

Deerfield, Ill. (October 29, 2015) – Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon, a distinctive super-premium bourbon known for its trademark spicy finish, and Quoddy®, the Maine-based footwear brand with a century-old family tradition of shoemaking, have come together to create 100 limited edition gift sets for the upcoming holiday season, perfect for bourbon fans who appreciate handcrafted, American-made finds. The co-branded gift sets will be exclusively available for purchase beginning November 1 at the “Basil Hayden’s Bourbon Holiday Shop” on Huckberry.com, an online curator and retailer of products that inspire active, adventurous and stylish lives.

“At Basil Hayden’s, we make our bourbon in small batches, using a family recipe said to date back to 1796, to ensure our fans experience the highest quality product,” said Halley Kehoe, Director, Small Batch Bourbons at Beam Suntory. “We are constantly on a mission to uncover brands that share the same values, which is why we teamed up with Quoddy – a brand rooted in history and dedication to handcraftsmanship – to create a premium gift set this holiday season that we hope bourbon and shoe fans alike will enjoy!”

The Basil Hayden’s + Quoddy limited edition gift set brings to life what each brand is known for: American craftsmanship and style. Each gift set will feature four leather wrapped rocks glasses, artfully packaged in a handmade leather gift box. A pair of custom, made-to-order co-branded Basil Hayden’s + Quoddy shoes will accompany each gift set, giving bourbon fans the opportunity to don their “drinking shoes” as they sip Basil Hayden’s Bourbon.

Each pair of custom Basil Hayden’s + Quoddy drinking shoes is made using hand-sewn Horween® leather – the same leather used to wrap each rocks glass – in a rich whiskey color and feature a co-branded insole and stylishly branded exterior. As one of the oldest running tanneries in America, founded in 1905, Horween offers an unparalleled blend of quality, consistency, responsiveness and innovation.

“We were instantly intrigued when Basil Hayden’s approached us about working together, because our first thought was that they are a brand that has a lot in common with ours. They’re focused on doing things the right way – not the easy way,” said John Andreliunas, President of Quoddy. “The Basil Hayden’s + Quoddy limited edition gift set is a testament to two brands that hold true to their roots and never give up on striving toward unrivaled craftsmanship and innovation. We think fans of great bourbon and great shoes will love receiving the gift set during the holidays!”

The Basil Hayden’s + Quoddy limited edition gift set will be available for purchase at the Basil Hayden’s Bourbon Holiday Shop beginning November 1 and will retail for $399.98. Quoddy’s expert craftsmen will make each gift set by hand, allowing for fifty gift sets to be initially available for consumer purchase on November 1, followed by an additional fifty sets on December 1. Each limited edition gift set includes* the following items:

• Four leather wrapped rocks glasses
• Basil Hayden’s + Quoddy co-branded leather gift box
• Pair of custom, made-to-order co-branded Basil Hayden’s + Quoddy drinking shoes

In addition to selling the Basil Hayden’s + Quoddy limited edition gift sets, the “Basil Hayden’s Bourbon Holiday Shop” on Huckberry.com will also feature a curated collection of additional American-made home barware items, hand selected by Basil Hayden’s Cultural Blooodhound, Max Wastler, to provide bourbon fans with a one-stop shop for all of their home bar gift needs during the holiday season. To go behind the scenes and follow Max as he uncovers handcrafted culture and cocktails, visit Whiskey… Among Other Things at www.BasilHaydens.com.

*A bottle of Basil Hayden’s Bourbon is not included in the limited edition gift set

About Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon

Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon is known for standing out in the crowd. The distinctive flavor was originally inspired by a family recipe said to date back to 1796 when Master Distiller Basil Hayden Sr. broke ‘the rules’ and went off-the-beaten-path mixing the spiciness of rye with the smoothness of corn to create a light-bodied, mixable and smooth bourbon.  Today, Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon is crafting its own story by providing bourbon drinkers with a unique experience from the ordinary.

About Quoddy®

Quoddy® is a made-to-order shoe company based in Maine, where handcrafted, quality leather goods are designed, stitched and coaxed into bespoke footwear made to last a lifetime. Quoddy® is rooted in centuries-old handcrafted traditions, passed down through generations, and believes in the simplicity of a wooden workbench, a piece of leather and needle and thread.

About Huckberry®

Huckberry® is an online retailer devoted to curating products that inspire active, adventurous, and stylish lives through exclusive sales, original story-telling, and unique experiences for its members.

About Beam Suntory Inc.

As the world’s third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits Brands that Stir the World.  Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands and Suntory whisky Kakubin, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek bourbon, Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s, Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Sauza tequila, Pinnacle vodka, and Midori liqueur.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and commitment to Growing for Good.  Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.  For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

November Auction *ENDS SOON*
Runs from 6th – 15th November

Just Whisky is now live with their latest whisky auction! Their November ends this Sunday evening at 8PM! Here are some auction highlights.

Bowmore 38 Years Old 1957

 An outstanding Islay malt from the No.1 Vault of Bowmore, described by the distillers as ‘Saved from extinction’. Distilled on the 14th of January 1957, the new spirit was filled into 5 casks and left to mature for 38 years when Islay Campbell, Distillery Manager, found the spirit was sitting just above the critical 40% alcohol volume strength for Scotch Whisky. So he moved with haste to have the whisky bottled, if he had waited a moment longer the whisky would have become extinct.

Bruichladdich 40 Years Old

Bruichladdich Forty is the oldest official release from the Islay distillery. Distilled on the 24th October 1964 and matured in a single bourbon cask for four decades before being bottled on the 23rd November 2004. No 114 of only 550 bottled ever released, comes with original presentation tin and a signed certificate from Mr Jim McEwan himself.

Milton-Duff 13 Years Old (75cl)

A late 1970’s bottle of Milton-Duff-Glenlivet, bottled in the classic Ballantine’s bottle by George Ballantine & Son Ltd of Dumbarton.

Karuizawa 30 Years Old – Single Cask No.5347

An astonishing 30 year old sherry matured single malt whisky from closed Karuizawa distillery. This single cask bottling was one of 2 exclusive “Show Bottlings” for The Whisky Exchange’s 2014 whisky show in London.

You can view the Auction Here

It’s been a while in the making, but we’ve now officially launched our new website at glengoyne.com – and we wanted you to be the first to know. We hope you like it!

New website: tradition, preserved

No-one takes more time and care. That has always been true of our whisky – and we took the same meticulous approach to our website. Every page, every image, every word has been crafted to bring you closer to the Glengoyne Way.

As a member of the Glengoyne Family, we always want to hear your feedback. Keep in touch with us on Facebook and Twitter, or send us an email. Maybe even raise a celebratory dram to this new and exciting chapter in the history of Glengoyne! If you have the time, please take a moment to fill in the questionnaire that will pop-up during your visit to the new website. This will help us develop the website further. Visit www.glengoyne.com

Robbie Hughes

Distillery Manager

MARK WATT BACK AT MALTSTOCK

Ohhh wow, what a relaxed time we had at Maltstock 2015. Plenty of great masterclasses, the Campfire Gathering hosted by Highland Park (Sietse and Daryl), a pyjama tasting…. yes… A tasting with a group of people all dressed in pyjamas, hosted by Tony (Maxxium). Inge Lanckacker with her delicious sweet treats paired with Wemyss whisky, Reypenaer Cheese who matched their cheeses to the whisky you were having. The Best Of Whiskies Midnight Cafe. The Whisky Quiz hosted by Hans Offringa, the Big Bockje Blind Bottle Battle, the Swedish pop up tasting, our awesome guests and much much more. Thank you all very much for making Maltstock fun!

Although we had great fun, something, someone was missing.

The Man, the Myth, the Legend and Fashion Guru, Mark Watt! He will be present at Maltstock 2016. Responsible for selecting the casks going into the Cadenhead’s single cask whisky range and always thinking of new ways to push fashion forward. Mark we are very happy to have you at Maltstock 2016 again. Slainte!

MALTSTOCK AT WHISKY FESTIVAL DEN HAAG

Maltstock will be present at International Whisky Festival Den Haag the whole weekend. Come and have a dram with us. Ps. if you find a wanted person, please drag him to our stand, thank you!

Agenda (Maltstock visiting other festivals):

International Whisky Festival Denhaag 13-15 Nov. 2015
International Whisky Festival Gent 12-13 Mar. 2016
Whisky Festival Noord Nederland 18-20 Mar. 2016
Whisky Weekend Twente 9 Apr. 2016
Whisky in Leiden 16 Apr. 2016
Limburg Whisky Messe 23-24 Apr. 2016
Speyside Whisky Festival 28 Apr. – 2 May 2016