TASTINGS GALORE!

SUMMER AND AUTUMN EVENTS SCHEDULE

We’ve got lots of exciting whisky tasting events coming up over the next few months. From a premium Glenfiddich tasting through to the opportunity to try some very fine and rare whiskies. We always look forward to hosting our events as we make sure that we only open bottles we would like to drink ourselves – which hopefully counts as quality control! Very soon we will have our winter and spring events schedule but we thought it pertinent to remind you of all the great tastings we have in the meantime.

All of our events are hosted at Milroy’s of Soho 3 Greek Street, London, W1D 4NX and begin at 18:30 and conclude at approximately 20:00.

Glenfiddich Premium Ambassador Night 20/07/15

Enter Glenfiddich, the best-selling single malt in the world. We didn’t think it was appropriate to just hash out any old tasting to celebrate this venerable Speysider, so we elected to host our very first Premium Ambassador Night. Due to the calibre of the whisky we are trying, we have been politely asked to not promote the specific whiskies being presented. Needless to say, you will be sampling the cream of the crop under the expert tutelage of the tour-de-force that is Mark Thomson. To cap it all off every attendee will be presented with a complimentary bottle of the Glenfiddich 21 Year Old.

£125

Feis Ile 2015 Masterclass 03/08/2015

We sent an intrepid member of staff up to Islay. His task was to fill our shop and bar shelves with a host of limited edition bottles from the festival and the famous Islay distilleries. Naturally, as we took stock of his impressive haul, we thought it would only be fair to give everyone the chance to try some of these (largely) smoky drams. As such, we have set up our very first Feis Ile masterclass where you can sample six of the festival releases from: Bunnahbhain, Caol Ila, Bowmore, Laphroiag, Kilchoman, and even a very special 24 year old Lagvulin!

£35

Scotland v. The World Masterclass 10/08/15

Back by popular demand. Our Scotland v. The World tasting pitches the best that the Scottish can muster against whiskies from the rest of the world. Each whisk(e)y is presented blind and it will be your task to figure out where each dram originates from. There may even be a prize for the participant with the top score. Don’t worry if you are a newcomer, our staff will be talking you through the different styles produced all over the planet and will give the odd hint too!

£35

Introduction To Whisky Masterclass 24/08/15

Tonight we will be journeying into the world of whisky (and whiskey). From the shores of Scotland to the heartland of Bourbon. Our expert staff will take you from the grain which produces the amber nectar, through to the oak trees that become the casks. Furthermore, you will be regaled with the myths and legends that surround iconic distilleries and be introduced to the science employed to create this the most complex of spirits. This tasting is perfect for newcomers and connoisseurs alike. We only open whisky that we want to drink too, so expect the very best!

£35

Fine & Rare Masterclass 07/09/15

Our Fine & Rare whisky tasting is the jewel in our crown. The purpose of the tasting is to sample a combination of old, rare and unequivocally top quality whisky. The majority of whisky opened at this event is unavailable to purchase and has been sought at great effort by our buying team – the motivation is purely to showcase the finest that whisky can be. This tasting begins with a Champagne/cocktail reception followed by a minimum of six whiskies, and is hosted by our most experienced staff (we don’t have to ask them twice!).

£95

Bootleggers & Bourbon Masterclass 21/09/15

We’ve resurrected our popular American whiskey evening. Since we’ve reopened we’ve been bowled over by the growth in popularity of Bourbon and rye whiskey, and now, more than ever, is a tasting dedicated to Scotch’s transatlantic cousins more appropriate. Our resident American whiskey enthusiast Angus will be taking us through his favourite whiskeys and the honourable and illicit tales that surround them, from the Civil War to Mad Men!

£35

Glenfarclas £511.19s.0d

Limited edition to celebrate the 150th anniversary of family ownership of the Glenfarclas distillery since 8th June 1865

Buy – $104.23

Scotland – Irish and Blended Scotch

• Johnnie Walker “Blue King George V” 750ml – 3 available ($599.99)

• Johnnie Walker Double Black Blended Scotch Whisky 750ml (Previously $45) ($34.99)

Scotland – Single Malt Scotch

• 1995 Imperial 18 Year Old Signatory Un-Chillfiltered Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 8 available ($79.99)

• Old Pulteney 17 year old Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 2 available ($105.99)

• The Singleton of Glendullan 12 year old Single Malt Whisky 1L (ships as 1.5L) (Elsewhere $50) ($39.99)

United States – Bourbon and Rye

• Angel’s Envy 100 Proof Rye Whiskey 750ml (one bottle limit) – 2 available ($67.99)

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

$450 Voucher Prize Draw!

To celebrate our 50,000th customer we are giving you the chance to win a $450 whisky gift voucher.

All you need to do is place an order on our website by 3rd August 2015 to enter.

Ben Nevis  15 Year Old 1998

$121.63

The Search for Heaven Hill Brands, Liquor.com 2016 “Bartender of the Year” Begins NOW!

Winner will receive $15,000 at finals in Puerto Rico in June 2016

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Brands and Liquor.com are searching for the 2016 Bartender of the Year. The event includes online submissions, regional semifinals and the crowning of the 2016 Bartender of the Year in June 2016 at the St. Regis Bahia Beach in Puerto Rico. Bartenders will be challenged to demonstrate a variety of cocktail skills including the use of Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur, Elijah Craig Small Batch, PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.

The 2016 Bartender of the Year contest will demand every aspect of bartender skills. The goal is to identify the bartender who best embodies the range of qualities to which bartenders aspire. From service to history and skills to quality preparation, the 2016 Bartender of the Year will be a celebrated example of what is means to be behind the stick. 

“Heaven Hill Brands’ portfolio of spirits is especially suited to identify the Bartender of the Year for 2016,” said Kate S. Latts, Vice President, Marketing for Heaven Hill Brands. “With uncompromising quality among our featured Liqueurs and Whiskeys, we feel we can identify the strongest talent in the U.S. Ultimately, we will hope to elevate the craft of the bartender and support the traditions and qualities that make it truly unique.”

Over eight months, Heaven Hill Brands and Liquor.com will identify candidates for Bartender of the Year first by online submissions received from August 1 to October 1. Submissions will be evaluated throughout October and November by Heaven Hill National Brand Educator Lynn House and two leading national judges. The regional finals for the competition will be hosted in Chicago, New Orleans, New York and San Francisco throughout February and March 2016. Regional finalists will vie for Bartender of the Year and $15,000 at the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort in Puerto Rico in June 2016. 

Submissions for the contest will open at liquor.com/bartender-of-the-year/ on August 1. Pre-registration for the contest will be available by submitting email addresses at the website beginning July 15.

Judges for each round of the competition will be announced throughout the duration of the contest. 

Grounded in the original Bartender of the Year hosted by Domaine de Canton starting in 2009, Heaven Hill Brands resurrected the competition due to strong demand from bartenders worldwide. Past winners of the competition include John Lermayer, Sean Kenyon and Dennis Gobis.

About: Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Brands (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams Bourbon; Larceny, Elijah Craig and Henry McKenna Bourbons, Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila; Cinerator Hot Cinnamon Flavored Whiskey and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.

Hibiki Harmony – a blend apart

Hibiki Harmony includes whiskies from Yamazaki (left) and Hakushu (right) distilleries

Japanese whisky is enjoying its moment in the sun, but its new-found popularity is putting a strain on stock levels, and as such, non-age-statement whiskies are the inevitable consequence. Hibiki’s answer is Harmony, a blend of more than 10 malt and grain whiskies.

The whiskies are from Suntory’s Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries, and also the Chita grain distillery, which acts as the dashi (‘broth’) of the blend, says the company. A number of different types of cask are used, too, including mizunara, American white oak and sherry casks.

We’re big fans of Japanese whisky here at TWE, and if you’ve never tried one, you’re missing out. Generally speaking, they have an exceptional poise and purity of flavour, typically characterised by a perfumed fruitiness, smooth mouthfeel and clean finish. This new whisky from Hibiki is packaged in the same beautiful decanter-style bottle that is well worth keeping after you’ve finished the contents.

This is what we think of Hibiki Harmony (by the way, the whisky is named after the English translation of the word ‘hibiki’, trivia fans):

HIBIKI HARMONY, 43%

Nose: Beguiling aromas of apricots, orange blossom and marmalade, bolstered by subtle spiciness, too – cinnamon and clove. Elegant and seductive.

Palate: The generous fruit continues on to the palate, with oranges and apricots in abundance. There’s a little peppery spice, but the soft, succulent fruit takes hold. Nice balance, and nicely crafted.

Finish: The spiciness takes over from the fruit and lingers, along with a little barrel char.

Comment: Something of a baby compared with much older Hibiki bottlings, this retains the classic soft, elegant orange-blossom character and generous fruitiness, with a little spice to help things along.

You’re getting a lot of whisky for the money, so forget any preconceptions you might have about NAS bottlings. This is a lovely dram and we think well worth it. Hibiki Japanese Harmony is available to buy from The Whisky Exchange website right now!

Clynelish 17 Year Old 1997

Single cask refill hogshead featuring the new Hunter Laing & Co. Old Malt Cask labels.

Buy – $127.32

Whisky Ramblings Via Video #113

Mark Dermul, Belgian Whiskyblogger, tries antoher Irish whiskey. Bushmills is one of the world’s oldest distilleries, found in Northern Island, a stone’s throw away from the Giant’s Causeway. The distillery attracts more than 100.000 visitors per year. Today I will try their 16 Year Old, which is a marriage of single malt whiskey that matured on three different casks: bourbon barrels, oloroso sherry butts and port pipes.

http://youtu.be/6uAn6MOA4MY

JULY TASTINGS & EVENTS

Whisky & Jazz with Stephen Duffy – 28 Queen Street – Fri 17 July  More >

Summer Seafood Tasting – The Vaults – Fri 24 July  More >

New Members’ Tasting – 19 Greville Street – Tue 28 July  More >

Birmingham Preview Tasting – Hotel du Vin – Fri 31 July More >

Durham Preview Tasting – Radisson Blu – Fri 31 July  More >

Stirling Preview Tasting – The Golden Lion Hotel – Fri 31 July  More >

Harrogate Preview Tasting – Hotel du Vin – Fri 31 July  More >

FREE ENTERTAINMENT AT THE VAULTS

Live Music with Scott Gilbert >  Wed 22 July

Monday Night Drop-In: Wine Cask Lovers Night >  Mon 27 July

Browse All Tastings >

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

GLANN AR MOR DISTILLERY TO CLOSE PERMANENTLY BY AUGUST 15th

The French artisanal distillery Glann ar Mor (Celtic Whisky Cie) which produces Kornog and Glann ar Mor whiskies will close its doors on August 15Th.

This closure is the direct consequence of the new “Whisky Breton” Geographical Indication (GI) laid down by the French INAO organization at the beginning of the year. The legitimacy of this GI as well as its technical file which defines what a “Whisky Breton” an be or cannot be are contested by Martine and Jean Donnay. It results in questioning the economic model of their company, and in particular of its necessary development.

Started in May 1997, the nice story of Celtic Whisky Cie and of its distillery located in Pleubian in Brittany -France- ends thus in a sad and surprising manner after 18 years of efforts and sacrifices. This, despite the fact that the business saw a 25% growth in the latest fiscal year thanks to continuously increasing sales, particularly on export.

Yet this was a Geographical Indication which originally augured well

Indeed, the Donnay were enthusiastic about the project of an appellation which aim was to protect and to valorize the whiskies produced in Brittany. Unfortunately, between the first meetings in June 2009 and the enactment of the IGP at the beginning of 2015 the project has slowly evolved to end up with a GI which Glann ar Mor regards as being too penalizing for its activity.

Its modalities favour a standardized product which corresponds to an economic model suited for industrial volumes. The “standard generic” Breton Whisky is not for us say Martine and Jean Donnay. If they want to exist beside the industrial producers the artisans need to be able to express their differences in going the full length of the qualitative approach and in expressing their creativity.

Therefore, for a Single Malt whisky one should refrain from adding E150a coloring agent, one should not chill filter it in removing some precious aromatic congeners under the excuse of making the whisky more limpid, and one should not “reduce” it down to 40% with water as is the case for the “blends” sold in hypermarkets. However, adopting a pragmatic attitude Glann ar Mor had accepted concessions on the previous points, the creation of the GI supposing that each of the four distilleries would do the same.

A Geographical Indication which drifted towards modalities being unacceptable for artisans

But what became totally unacceptable are the final modalities of the GI as they have been ratified by the French INAO organization, and this with its technical file having been finalised with only one of the four Breton distilleries.

As an example, the Single Malt rye whisky on which Glann ar Mor had been working for years had now become ineligible to be part of the GI.

Indeed, with Glann ar Mor not joining the GI this whisky is not allowed to state its origin nor to imply it in any way. On the other hand, if the distillery were to join the GI, then this Single Malt would not be allowed any more to say it is a Single Malt and would  find itself completely devalorized.

How to deal with such a situation ? In both cases the economic model does not work anymore and this whisky which was a key element of the development is simply condemned to disappear. This is only an example of the issues which lead Glann ar Mor to decide to stop its activity, yet it is the most explicit one and the easiest one to understand, knowing other whiskies are in a similar situation.

This being said, the final modalities of the GI also resulted in excluding the little full copper “alambic” column still. A true gem to which Glann ar Mor was deeply attached in order to produce new Single Malts and for which the distillery had also accepted concessions on others points. And the quality of the type of Single Malts which this still can produce had been largely demonstrated.

Despite being unable to refer to the Breton origin of its whiskies, the distillery reckons that its existing customers would still be following them, but the handicap outside of France would be insurmountable. Importers classify their whiskies by region: Scotland, Ireland, Japan… So, how to present and sell a whisky which does not have an origin ? All the more when it is a product from the terroir with a quality and a price which match this specificity.

The sad legacy of the “Whisky Breton” Geographical Indication

The company which employs six persons exports its whiskies to Germany, England, Sweden, Denmark, Austria, Singapore, Taiwan… Its Visitor Center receives over 7000 visitors per year. Its Single Malts Kornog and Glann ar Mor have been many times distinguished and awarded in prestigious contests and renowned specialized guides, with in particular six “Liquid Gold Awards”

(whiskies rated 94 on 100 or above ) in Jim Murray’s “Whisky Bible”, and Jean Donnay who owns their secrets has received the title of “Distillery Manager of the Year” in 2014.

The Donnay do not understand why nor how this project of appellation, of which they were unconditional supporters at the beginning, could eventually turn out to become a GI which clearly favours the production of a standardized whisky primarily tailored for an industrial production. And above all, a GI which does not allow the space of creative freedom so necessary to the artisans in order to exist beside the industrial producers. To this day the “Whisky Breton” Geographical Indication has been validated in France and it is being currently reviewed at the European level in Brussels with the outcome being known in a few months.

Glann ar Mor distillery, as well as its two colleagues also opposed to the GI, had sent two letters to the INAO at the beginning of 2012, asking for a confirmation of the situation since three of the four producers had then clearly positioned themselves against the GI.

Glann ar Mor is still waiting for an answer… It is now obviously too late but Martine and Jean Donnay can definitely still not understand. They would however like to be explained some day how GI’s and AOC’s are actually being laid down, what sort of advantages they bring, and who gets the benefits from them.

Facebook : Kornog Whisky

Twitter : KORNOGWHISKY@Glannarmor