British Polo Day GB

Author: Jennifer Stevenson

British Polo Day Great Britain took place on Saturday 20 June 2015 at The River Field, Black Bears, Henley-on-Thames – with Royal Salute among its sponsors.

In celebration of the Dual Year of Mexico and the UK, the event marked the ties between the two countries while raising almost £150,000 for charity. VIP guests included host Urs Schwarzenbach, HH Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh, The Marquess of Blandford, Viscount Melville, The Duke of Argyll, Lady Violet and Alice Manners, Ron Wahid, Nikki Mehta, Sir Jackie Stewart and Stephanie Powers.

At the Royal Salute ‘Neolithic’ bar designed by British architect Sally Mackareth – handcrafted out of 8,000 year old petrified oak – guests were treated to an aperitif. Guests then sat down to an exclusive three-course lunch created by InterContinental London Park Lane Chef, Theo Randall.

Torquhil Campbell, The Duke of Argyll drew lunch to a close, with guests standing on their seats for a traditional Quaich experience with Royal Salute 21 Year Old whisky – a fitting way to toast the noble sport of polo and kick-off the eagerly-anticipated Live Auction.

As part of an ongoing commitment to philanthropy – which has so far raised an impressive US$1.5 million – a half hour of bidding raised over £144,000 for the Born Free Foundation, Head Injury Through Sport (HITS), the Brooke, The Eve Branson Foundation, NSPCC and – fittingly – Mexican charity Doña en Vida.

The opening game was one of Brompton Bicycle Polo, in which the InterContinental London Park Lane Rest of World team clinched a well-deserved 3–1 victory. The afternoon’s polo saw the Qatar Airways British Exiles took on the Royal Salute Commonwealth team in the opening Hackett Cronan Cup. These two very closely-matched teams – at 13 goals – battled hard. The Royal Salute Commonwealth team’s Tom Hunt and Simon Keyte left the Qatar Airways British Exiles adrift by 3-1, however a subsequent three goals resulted in a 5-5 draw.

Next the RJI Capital British Schools team took to the pitch against the Mexico Polo Team – kind hosts of British Polo Day Mexico. Undeterred by the thunderstorm overhead, the Mexico Team drew first blood with Diego Solorozano scoring a penalty from the 40 yard spot, and they remained in the lead, eventually triumphing with a 3 – 2 victory.

The official British Polo Day Great Britain Prizegiving marked the end of a great day’s polo. The crowd gathered to see Urs Schwarzenbach jointly present the Royal Salute Commonwealth and Qatar Airways British Exiles teams with the Hackett Cronan Cup. Joined by Ron Wahid, the two then presented the visiting Mexico team with the Land Rover River Field Plate. The Royal Salute ‘Most Valuable Player’ was presented to JJ de Alba.

Commenting on British Polo Day Great Britain Ed Olver, CEO of British Polo Day said: “We were delighted to return once again to Black Bears – by kind permission of the Schwarzenbach family – for the home leg of British Polo Day’s Global Series. With 2015 being the Dual Year of Mexico and the UK, it was with great pleasure that we hosted British Polo Day Mexico hosts and great friends the de Alba family – who head home across ‘the pond’ victorious in their efforts.”

Glenlivet 18 Year Old 1997

Single cask refill hogshead bottled May 2015 by Douglas Laing & Co. for the Old Particular series. Yielding just 108 bottles!

Buy – $118.84

FEIS ILE 2015 – A SECOND TRANCHE

(PLUS A SPRINGBANK 21 YEAR OLD CLARET WOOD)

As we have previously mentioned, we had a member of staff up at the Islay Festival this year collecting bottles of whisky for our bar, tastings and shelves. To give everyone the best chance to purchase a bottle of these Feis Ile 2015 expressions, we decided it was best to split them into two releases. Below you will find the second and final release of our haul (including some repeats and some new bottles!). Better still we’ve also managed to get our hands on some Springbank 21 Year Old matured in ex-Bordeaux wine casks. Those who remember the stunning 12 Year Old Claret Wood from a few years back will know just how well Springbank takes to this cask type, so take a peek!

In other news, we will have an allocation of the Ardbeg Perpetuum soon, so keep your eyes on your inbox and our social media channels for more information.

THE SELECTION

Laphroaig Cairdeas, Feis Ile 2015, 51.5%

Laphroaig used their smaller pot stills to create an old fashioned style of their famous whisky and bottled it for the 2015 Feis Ile celebrations.  Very sweet & smokey on the nose, followed by menthol and burnt pine on the palate, with a long dry smoky finish.
£125

Bruichladdich High Noon 134, Feis Ile 2015, 48.7% – Signed by Jim McEwan

With just 1881 bottles produced, and a combined age of the whiskies that make up this stellar dram at 134 years, it’s fair to assume this is seriously old Bruichladdich! The bottle has even been signed by Jim McEwan! Gentle sweet honey and some salt on the nose, followed by more salt, then later, honey and cashews on the palate.
£199.95

Bowmore Virgin Oak, Feis Ile 2015, 55.7%

A Bowmore from the Feis Ile Festival 2015, taken solely from a virgin oak cask, spicy, peaty – delicious! One of just 1000 bottles produced. Presented in a cloth gift bag. Woody caramel, a little bit earthy on the nose with manuka honey on the palate and a lightly spiced, lingering finish.
£110

Bunnahabhain 11 Year Old, Rubha A’Mhail, Manzanilla Limited Edition, 57.4%

A small release of only 1200 bottles, this un-chillfiltered cask-strength Bunnahabhain has been matured in Manzanilla sherry casks. The result is a single malt with notes of chocolate eclairs, Maldon sea salt and gentle coastal notes.

£160

Bunnahabhain 18 Year Old, Moscatel Limited Edition, 51.8%

Matured in moscatel wine casks, this 18 year old Bunnahabhain takes on the honeyed vinous notes of the moscatel, fortified with that strong maritime Islay influence! One of only 250 bottles.

£450

Springbank 21 Year Old, Claret Wood, 46%

We picked this Springbank up from the distillery itself! A 21 Year Old that has been matured in ex-Bordeaux wine casks, lending the whisky notes of cassis fruits alongside that Springbank oiliness and fresh estery fruit!

£450

This week Joe Ellis reviews Old Pulteney 21 Year Old.

https://youtu.be/6TXzcv_dw5U

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Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Let us know!

patg@dundeedell.com

THE JAMESON WORKS x GALVIN BROTHERS WHISKEY DEN OPENS TODAY 

Jameson transforms London’s Reverend JW Simpson bar into a whiskey drinking den with furniture that enhances the drinking experience designed by Galvin Brothers.

Enjoy a unique whiskey drinking experience with bespoke furniture that you can buy and exclusive cocktails including a ‘Galvanised Jameson.’

Visit The Jameson Works x Galvin Brothers Whiskey Den at the Reverend JW Simpson, 32 Goodge Street, London, W1T 2QJ; open from today (July 2nd) until mid-August 2015, Monday – Saturday 5PM – 11:30PM.

London, 2 July 2015 – Today, The Jameson Works launches its latest venture, working with Yorkshire-based contemporary furniture makers, Galvin Brothers, to turn part of a London bar into the ideal whiskey drinking den.

Open from today until mid-August, The Reverend JW Simpson bar is the home of The Jameson Works x Galvin Brothers Whiskey Den where the public can experience, unique cocktails and even purchase the bespoke furniture they are sitting on, named The Whiskey Drinking Collection [available to buy from 2 July 2015 at www.galvinbrothers.co.uk/pages/jameson].

Made up of Matthew Galvin (designer) and Andrew Galvin (joiner) the brothers came together just over two years ago after building on their father’s 61 years of joinery and cabinet making experience. Working to the brief of Form & Function, Galvin Brothers have created a collection, which sees them working beyond their traditional skillset of furniture making. Inspired by how Jameson makes its whiskey, and by looking carefully at the way in which people consume it, they have created a space that is designed to enhance the drinking experience.

The Whiskey Den provokes different ways for drinks to be served with a range of furniture with different functions – some merely for seating, some for the presentation of cocktails and others to create a social enclose and convivial space. Copper pots are also an integral part of the distillation process of Jameson and have inspired part of the design through beautiful copper vessels and ice buckets.

The Whiskey Drinking Collection furniture range that features in the den are individually handcrafted and made from solid sustainable European Oak. The range can be purchased online with prices starting at the lower end for hand spun copper vessels to higher priced pieces such as the Drinker’s End Table, which stores everything you need to make the perfect whiskey cocktail.

The Reverend JW Simpson bar also responded to the brief of Form & Function with an exclusive Jameson cocktail to be purchased in the bar called Galvanised Jameson, made up of tea syrup, lemon juice, elderflower and Jameson, garnished with a lemon balm leaf and a charged siphon serve.

Matthew Galvin, designer at Galvin Brothers commented: “After our visit to the Jameson distillery, we wanted to create a space that reflected the true quality, craft and passion that is put into the whiskey making process. It made sense for us to use copper and wood, which are key materials involved in the Jameson distillery process but to also create a distinct, intimate, sociable and functional space for whiskey to be enjoyed in.

“The brief of Form and Function really echoes our principals of designing furniture that looks good but also has a purpose – the ‘how’ of the furniture is just as important as the why.

“Whether it’s an after work drink with mates or a date, we hope that everyone enjoys the space and people even have the chance to bring a little bit of the drinking experience into their own home, with a limited edition of the furniture range on sale from today.”

The collaboration is part of The Jameson Works series which recognises and shares the stories behind real ‘modern makers,’ who are prepared to innovate and challenge their skillsets, and who are passionate about telling the story of the process along the way. The Jameson Works is not just about what you make but how you make it, and aims to spread the knowledge of how great craftsmen work today.

Head to thejamesonworks.com to find out more and see the Galvin Brothers’ journey from brief to production or join the conversation @Jameson_UK #thejamesonworks

Time to blow our (and Balblair’s!) trumpet – we are proud to present an exclusive single cask, cask strength bottling of some of the last remaining 1997 vintage available. If you’re lucky enough to be in Edinburgh, London or Pitlochry call in at one of our shops for a wee sample (while stock lasts!)

BALBLAIR 1997 RMW Excl. 52.6% £99.95

RMW staff have all been saving up their pennies for this exclusive, specially selected single cask. It’s no secret that we love Balblair, but what a treat to get a rare cask strength bottling!

We’ve come a long way in the last 200 years. So this Ardbeg Day, as well as looking back into the past, we donned our jet packs and glimpsed the future of Ardbeg. And we have to say, it looks fantastic.

15,000 of you made this one not only the best, but the biggest Ardbeg Day ever, at 135 events around the world.

Japan had a time travel tunnel, the US had Shortie Circuit racing, while in Germany five cities competed against each other with games involving drones and robotic barrel racing, amongst other things.

Here on Islay, we welcomed friends old and new for futuristic food, music, and of course, drams of Ardbeg Perpetuum. Take a look at the pictures from around the globe and share your own at facebook.com/Ardbeg and Twitter @ardbeg_com using #ArdbegDay.

So how can we possibly top Ardbeg Day 2015? You’ll just have to wait until next year to find out…

Mickey Heads

Committee Chairman

JUNE AUCTION ENDS TODAY!

The latest auction at whisky.auction ends today from 7.30pm BST, so if you haven’t looked at the wide range of whiskies and fine spirits available, don’t miss your chance. The chance to purchase single-cask and old vintage whiskies is getting more difficult, so whisky.auction gives a great opportunity to stock up on bottles no longer made and explore styles of whisky that are hard to find, including bottles from the 1970s and 1980s. There are some rare bottles still at low prices at whisky.auction, so don’t miss out on a potential bargain:

• Black & White Bot.1940s
• Midleton Master Distiller’s Selection
• Bowmore 1983 Feis Ile 2011
• Bowmore 1985 Feis Ile 2012
• Ichiro’s Blend 33 Years Old
• Highland Park 1957 BBR
• Macallan Coronation
• Springbank 1972 Chieftain’s
• North Port-Brechin 1977 Cadenhead

Finally, a larger-than-usual range of miniatures. To make it easier for bidders, each category has a different end time – this is a great way of simplifying placing your final bids, without having to bid on multiple items in a rush. These are the closing times for each category:

• 7.30pm – Books, jugs, memorabilia and miniatures
• 7.40pm – American, blends, grains, Irish and other whisky 
• 7.50pm – Japanese
• 8.00pm – Islands
• 8.10pm – Lowland
• 8.20pm – Highland
• 8.30pm – Speyside
• 8.40pm – Campbeltown
• 8.50pm – Islay

Our shipping rates are very competitive, and for customers in the US, India and Russia, Customs duty will be included in your delivery fee, and your order will not be subject to any further charges. Our next auction will start on Monday 27 July – If you have bottles to sell, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

SA’S SINGLE GRAIN WHISKY LAUNCHING IN THE USA 

The multiple award-winning Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky – South Africa’s first and only premium, 100% single grain whisky – is making its United States debut this July in Illinois, Minnesota and Missouri.

Andy Watts, master distiller, has just arrived in the USA where he will introduce Bain’s to consumers and media in selected parts of Illinois and Minnesota.

Lee-Anne van Wyk, Bain’s Global Marketing Manager, says the plan is for Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky to roll out across the USA over the next couple of months.

“Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky showcases South Africa’s ability to produce a premium, specialist whisky that reflects a unique taste of place, while holding up to award-winning, world-class standards,” said Lee-Anne van Wyk,. “The whisky is elegant, lightly flavoured and a refined spirit that is overdue for the American consumer who appreciates a smooth, easy-drinking whisky and is interested in trying new products.”

Named World’s Best Grain Whisky at the 2013 World Whiskies Awards, Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is skillfully crafted at the James Sedgwick Distillery, in the historic farming town of Wellington, South Africa.  The inimitable single-grain whisky owes its delicate aroma and distinctive flavours to the finest-quality South African grain and double maturation in carefully selected first-fill bourbon casks – first for three years before being re-vatted into a fresh set of casks for a further 18 to 30 month period. 

The exceptional interaction between spirit and wood produces an incredibly balanced whisky with vanilla, toffee and floral aromas and flavours, and a hint of spice softened by the sweet undertones of the oak casks in which the product is matured.  The result is a warm and extended mouth-feel, with an exceptionally smooth finish.

For more information about Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky in USA visit the website especially created for the launch www.bainswhisky.com