Prometheus takes Gold!

Prometheus 26 Years Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky has claimed it’s first award, the coveted “Whisky Magazine Editor’s Choice Gold Award”. In each issue of Whisky Magazine they award the very best whisky from their tastings with the coveted Editors Choice Award. Prometheus 26 Years Old was given 94 points out of 100 from whisky expert Chris Goodrum who described the whisky as “…a fine old speyside!”.

Prometheus 26 Years Old has already seen some fantastic reviews since it’s release a very short time ago, with world renowned and internationally respected whisky expert and Master of the Quaich (an extremely rare title given to only a few people in the world for their work with Scotch whisky), Charles MacLean. Charles described Prometheus simply as “ an excellent dram”.

Prometheus. A legendary Speyside with the Titanic strength of barley malted by burning peat. A whisky of sublime sophistication and balance, bottled at the peak of its powers at twenty-six years old. A Single Malt Scotch Whisky of secret origins, available in the most limited quantity for just one moment in time.

Jack Daniels Select Single Barrel Barrel Proof Tennessee Whiskey 750ml ( $59.99) Finally, cask strength Jack. Not sure how long this will last, but at least we’ve got some serious juice coming out of Lynchburg. Critics, even the ones who discount the brand outright, are widely in agreement that this is some serious juice. Enjoy the massive intensity that 120-140 proof Tennessee Whiskey offers, while retaining that soft smooth body and finish.

Glenfiddich 14 Year Old Bourbon Barrel Reserve Single Malt Whisky 750ml $45.99

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

INTRODUCING THE BALLANTINE’S PRESTIGE RANGE

Ballantine’s, the No.1 Scotch whisky in Europe and the No.2 Scotch whisky in the world, maintains that staying true builds depth of character. Learning from life experiences is what makes us unique and this is the ethos that frames the Ballantine’s Prestige range of whiskies. Our rich history and the many pioneering people who have been a part of our story are all reflected in the deep character of our mature whiskies.

Ballantine’s Prestige blends single malts and grain whiskies of different ages to create an extraordinary range of luxury expressions. Information can be found below on Ballantine’s 17 Year Old, 21 Year Old and 30 Year Old, including downloadable bottle shots, tasting notes and key cocktail images and recipes.

Ballantine’s 17 Year Old
Ballantine’s 17 Year Old has a fruity and harmonious taste profile that subtly conveys the character of its original distilleries and notes of oak for an extra depth of flavour, making this Scotch revered by whisky connoisseurs. The expression has been named Best Scottish Blended Whisky by Jim Murray in each edition of the Whisky Bible between 2009 and 2013.

Ballantine’s 21 Year Old
Ballantine’s 21 Year Old is a rich and intense Scotch whisky blended with a high proportion of whiskies matured in European oak that impart their character on the spicier and richer fruity finish. The expression was awarded a Gold medal at the IWSC Hong Kong and The Scotch Whisky Masters in 2014.

Ballantine’s 30 Year Old
Ballantine’s 30 Year Old is the pinnacle of the Prestige range, conveying a perfect balance of the character of distilleries that are no longer in existence and the influence of the casks. The whisky presents a powerful and opulent taste profile with concentrated notes of fruits and was awarded with a Best in Class Gold medal at the ISC in 2015 and a Master medal at the Scotch Whisky Masters in 2014.

Ballantine’s Prestige cocktails
Ballantine’s Prestige has partnered with Salts of the Earth’s Head Cocktail Counsellor, Matt Uden, to create modern bespoke serves that hero the flavour, quality and craftsmanship of each expression within the Ballantine’s Prestige portfolio. Having spent 10 years living in Asia, Matt has a deep understanding of cocktail and consumer trends both in the continent and globally.

Notes:

About Salts of the Earth
Salts of the Earth are an innovative cocktail counselling service, who create ground-breaking drinks served with mouth-watering pairings that further enhance the drinking experience.

About Ballantine’s
Ballantine’s is the No.1 Scotch whisky in Europe and the No.2 Scotch whisky in the world with the range selling over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won more than 130 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for its outstanding quality, as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the exclusive 40 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by Master Blender Sandy Hyslop, continuing the brand’s tradition of Master Blenders that dates back to 1827. In 2013, Ballantine’s continued its innovative approach by launching Ballantine’s Brasil, a spirit drink made from selectively cask steeping Scotch whisky with Brazilian lime peel.
www.ballantines.com

Twitter @Ballantines

About Chivas Brothers
Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s co-leader in wines and spirits. Chivas Brothers’ award-winning portfolio features some of the world’s most revered Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky and the No.1 Scotch whisky in China; Ballantine’s, Europe’s No.1 Scotch whisky; The Glenlivet, the world’s No.1 single malt whisky; and Royal Salute, the world’s only exclusively prestige Scotch whisky range. The portfolio also includes two of the world’s leading English gins – Beefeater, the world’s most awarded premium gin, and Plymouth gin – plus a selection of highly acclaimed single malt whiskies, including Aberlour, Longmorn, Scapa, Strathisla and Tormore. The range is completed by a collection of blended Scotch whiskies operating in many of the world’s key whisky markets which includes 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport Scotch.
www.chivasbrothers.com

Twitter @ChivasNewsRoom

About Pernod Ricard
Pernod Ricard is the world’s co-leader in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 8,558 million in 2014/15. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Kahlúa and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, Graffigna and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,000 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 80 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics. Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index.
www.pernod-ricard.com

THE BOWMORE DEVIL’S CASK III

Introducing the Bowmore Devil’s Cask which is the third and final edition in the much loved series!

Bottled at an exciting 56.7% volume this whisky has been matured in both first fill Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks for an undisclosed number of years and completes a series which is amongst the most coveted in the world.
The Taste:
Dark in colour, on the nose this is a rich and complex aroma of thick fruits and earthy toffee. The palate is smooth and oily, with dried fruits and treacle, which develops into smoky fruitcake on the long lasting finish.

 £190 Buy Now

The Bowmore 25 year old

This is a whisky to be savoured slowly. Every delicious drop of this exquisitely balanced malt has been matured for a quarter of a century in North American bourbon and Spanish sherry casks.

£340 Buy Now

The Bowmore 18 year old
Andrew Rankin, Bowmore’s Production Director, specifies a mix of cask types for each bottling of his single malts, including the Bowmore 18YO. The casks are matured in the distillery’s No.1 Vaults, built in the late 1700s and the oldest maturation warehouse in Scotland.

£99 Buy Now

The Bowmore Laimrig
Scottish Gaelic for ‘pier’, Laimrig celebrates Bowmore’s ancient stone pier where the distillery’s barley would once have been unloaded and the celebrated Single Malt first set sail for the four corners of the world.

£70 Buy Now

www.ralfy.com discusses (amongst other subjects) date-obsession by distillery marketeers with Whisky Review 558 – Bushmills 1608 Whiskey

Macallan 25 Year Old

Distilled 1989, bottled September 2015 for the Golden Pearl Collection. Only 170 decanters from a single cask.

Macallan 25 Year Old 1989 vintage Speyside single malt Scotch whiskey. Single cask #17894 distilled September 1989 and bottled September 2015 by Gordon & Co. for Pearls of Scotland Golden Pearl Collection. 171 bottles.

The Macallan Distillery was established by Alexander Reid in 1824 near Easter Elchies House on the Easter Elchies estate. Easter Elchies House dates back to 1700. Macallan Distillery is a malt whisky distillery situated in Scotland’s Speyside whisky region. The old still house was re-commissioned in 2008 and now Macallan Distillery operates with two still houses sheltering twenty-one copper stills. On-site maturation is carried out in traditional dunnage warehouses and by racking in large new warehouses on the estate. The Macallan visitor centre welcomes visitors throughout the year and offers distillery tours. The Macallan Distillery also participates in the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.

Macallan Golden Pearl – $548.68

This week Andy at Malt Box reviews the Benromach 30yr Old

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AT0Jb1uTpzA 

https://twitter.com/maltbox 

http://maltbox.blogspot.co.uk/

New Blog from VinspireUK.com: Innovation or Thrift? The Rise of Whisky’s Unusual Oak Finishes. 

http://www.vinspireuk.com/2015/10/whisky-oak-finishes.html

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival introduces a second annual event uniting Speyside distilleries under one roof

Speyside’s leading malt whisky producers will unite on their own doorstep for the first time – to launch a brand new ‘dramfest’ organised by the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.

Brand rivalries will be put to one side when Spirit of Speyside brings distillers from all over the region together under one roof in celebration of the area’s most famed product – malt whisky.

Plans for the first event – to take place in September 2016 – were unveiled at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival AGM yesterday (Tuesday, October 13). It will offer an alternative weekend devoted to Speyside whisky in its home and heartland and complementing the internationally-renowned Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival held annually in May.

The September whisky weekend is being introduced to sate the public’s thirst for whisky-themed events in the area that is home to more than half of Scotland’s malt whisky distilleries.

Elgin has been chosen as the central location for this Speyside showcase, which as well as whisky, will feature other drinks – including local gin and craft beer – along with fine food and produce from the region.

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival has become one of the leading events of its kind over the past 17 years. It attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world to Speyside during the May Day weekend to savour a selection of more than 400 events, from tastings to ceilidhs, food pairings to comedy.

Many events are sold out within hours of tickets going on sale and accommodation in the region reaches capacity. Festival organisers could see scope to introduce a second – but distinctive – event to its annual calendar, which will allow people to celebrate Scotland’s national drink in its spiritual home without the need to plan a five-day itinerary.

The event will be held from September 9-11, 2016 at Elgin Town Hall, drawing visitors after the summer season and helping provide an economic boost for the area.

As well as tastings, cocktail making, a food court, and masterclasses will be part of the offering. Distilleries, businesses and partners will be encouraged to develop themes to add to the visitor experience.

Festival chairman James Campbell says, “Our annual whisky festival has grown in size and stature to become one of the leading events of its kind in the world.

“We are now creating a brand new weekend event with the big difference that the distilleries will be together, under one roof, and that’s something that doesn’t normally happen on their home territory.

“We’ve chosen Elgin for the venue because it is central, with good transport links, and we’ll be encouraging businesses and other partners to get involved too. Further announcements on what people can expect from the new event, including its official title, will be made in the coming weeks and months.

“This is a great opportunity for distilleries and food and drink producers of Speyside to showcase their products and share what they do.

“While the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival has an international audience, and overseas visitors may be among the contingent, we expect our September event to have a particular appeal to the home market, including people from the local area.

“We look forward to developing our plans and helping keep one of Scotland’s most famous whisky producing regions well and truly on the map, inspiring more visitors to develop their interest and knowledge of our national tipple.”

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival’s position as a major tourism attraction in Scotland was underlined again this year when it attracted 26,389 visits to events from a record 34 different countries.

The 2016 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival – and its traditional musical arm the Spirit of Speyside Sessions – takes place from April 28 to May 2. For further information about the event visit http://www.spiritofspeyside.com/ with tickets on sale from January 2015.  The Festival is also active on social media – facebook.com/WhiskyFestival and @spirit_speyside on Twitter. 

Notes

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival runs from Thursday, April 28 to Monday, May 2.

Check out http://www.spiritofspeyside.com/ for up-to-date news and follow the Festival at www.facebook.com/WhiskyFestival or www.twitter.com/spirit_speyside

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is committed to promoting responsible drinking. Visitors travelling to and from festival events can take advantage of a range of transport options. Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival has received funding from EventScotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and is also financially supported by many other private and public partners.

Nova Scotia Whisky Celebrates a New Canadian Tradition

Glynn Williams today celebrates the traditions that bring family and friends together with the launch of GLYNNEVAN® Double Barrelled Canadian Rye Whisky. Born in the West and matured on the Atlantic coast by the Authentic Seacoast Distilling Company in historic Guysborough, Nova Scotia, GLYNNEVAN® is the culmination of its unique journey across our great nation.

Truly Canadian, GLYNNEVAN® whisky develops its character as it is shaped by the regions of Canada on its way to Authentic Seacoast Distilling Company’s home on Guysborough harbour. A second barreling by the sea lends a distinctive maritime character to the small-batch spirit, softening and adding depth and complexity to the whisky. At a time when so much seems to divide us, GLYNNEVAN® is the Williams family’s toast to new traditions that bring us together.

“An important belief I share with my son Evan is that character is shaped through personal journey and discovery. Travel can contribute to learning and personal development, with the journey being just as important as the destination. By exploring our limits, we learn more about ourselves,” said Glynn at the launch. “From our travels together, whether by single engine plane to Canada’s high Arctic or hiking at the southernmost point of South America, our desire for adventure has given us a strong sense of purpose in the world and strengthened the bond between father and son. GLYNNEVAN® rye whisky characterizes this spirit of adventure and life-long learning together. The GLYNNEVAN® emblem, that incorporates prairie grains and ocean waves, features the rampant lion, common to the Canadian coat of arms, the Nova Scotia flag and the Williams’ family crest, proudly illustrating the ties that bind us.”

GLYNNEVAN® opens with layers of aroma starting with sweet rye spices and honey, followed by toasted oak, vanilla, cinnamon and a hint of tropical fruit. The well-balanced taste is sweet and creamy offering vanilla, spice, hazelnut, butter, toffee and caramel sensations. A mahogany-colored whisky, at 43% alc./vol., it has a powerful, yet smooth mouthfeel, with a finish that is long and warm.

GLYNNEVAN® Double Barrelled Canadian Rye Whisky is now available at the distillery in Guysborough and throughout Nova Scotia at select Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) stores and other fine spirits retailers. Read more about GLYNNEVAN® at: www.glynnevan.com

About Authentic Seacoast Distilling Company

Authentic Seacoast Distilling Company Ltd. produces handmade, craft distilled and blended spirits including GLYNNEVAN® Whisky, Sea FeverTM Rum and FortressTM Rum at its distillery next to Osprey Shores Golf Resort on the historic Guysborough harbour. It is a key part of Authentic Seacoast Company Ltd, which also includes historic DesBarres Manor Inn, Rare Bird Pub & Eatery, Skipping Stone Café & Store, Full Steam Coffee Co., Harbour Belle Bakery, Authentic Seacoast Brewing Co. (makers of Rare Bird Craft Beer), Glanbùrn Artesian Water, Authentic Seacoast Soaps and the Authentic Seacoast Store.

Authentic Seacoast Company’s vision is to restore the proud trading legacy of a seacoast village in Nova Scotia and to create jobs in the community on a sustainable basis by producing and sharing high quality products and experiences that are authentic and memorable. The Authentic Seacoast Company embodies the fresh sea air, industrious people and proud determination that has kept this special place by the sea alive over the past four centuries.

Read more at: www.glynnevan.com www.authenticseacoast.com