YUMI (CHICHIBU DISTILLERY CONFIRMED)

At Maltstock 2014 we had a Japanese Whisky Battle Masterclass between Tatsuya (then Suntory brand ambassador, now owner at the Highlander Inn) and Yumi (Chichibu brand ambassador ). The battle between Japanese biggest and smallest distillery was a fierce one and certainly one to remember. Tatsuya is still licking his wounds but Yumi will be back with a relaxed Japanese Masterclass this year.

www.passievoorwhiskyy.nl Stefan thank you very very much for sponsoring our international promo tour again!

Are you browsing for a relaxed dram? Try passievoorwhisky.nl or visit them in their shop in Rijswijk.

MALTSTOCK IN THE PRESS
Articles:
– Hans Offringa (Whisky Mag. 128 – 2015)
– Whisky Speller
Film:
– Nederland Whiskyland

Agenda (Maltstock visiting other festivals):

Hielander Whisky Festival Alkmaar 12-13 Feb. 2016 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

www.ralfy.com heads off to Japan for an alternative malt-moment with Whisky Review 573 – Nikka Miyagikyo single malt

JAMESON’S FIFTH ST. PATRICK’S DAY BOTTLE MARKS LAUNCH OF GLOBAL CELEBRATIONS

Watch the Jameson BeOriginal video here

Jameson, the world’s favourite Irish Whiskey, has unveiled its fifth limited edition bottle ahead of its St. Patrick’s Day 2016 celebrations. Created by Dublin street artist, James Earley, the bottle is designed to mark Jameson’s #BeOriginal celebrations launching in Dublin and around the world this March.

Earley’s design is inspired by the bridges crossing the River Liffey, the backbone of Dublin. His design reflects how these physical structures represent the soul of modern Dublin by linking together spaces, people and ideas. Taking key aspects from great Irish bridges including the Grattan, Sean O’Casey and Samuel Beckett, Earley demonstrates his passion for the Irish capital through intricate details such as the Atlantis and Anna Livia visual icons. Alongside the visual interpretations, Earley uses the slogan “Dublin, our city”, reinforcing the welcoming atmosphere of the city.

The bottle is supported by the Jameson #BeOriginal social media campaign, which is running in 12 markets in the lead up to and throughout March. Jameson fans are encouraged to share their original and authentic St. Patrick’s celebrations on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for a chance to win a trip to Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day 2017.

The Jameson #BeOriginal campaign culminates in a three-day celebration in Dublin around St. Patrick’s Day hosted by Jameson in its spiritual home city. Bringing to life the sights, sounds and provenance of Dublin in a modern way, the festivities include: a journey through underground Dublin from a local’s perspective; a walking tour of James Earley’s art, led by Earley himself; and the Bow Street Sessions 2016 gig, featuring internationally-known talent including Kodaline, Little Hours and July Talk.

Daniel Lundberg, Global Brand Director for Jameson, comments: “Jameson’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations have always been authentic and personal and the #BeOriginal campaign continues this long tradition. Our limited edition bottle represents the best of what it means to be Irish – to be part of a lighthearted, confident and inclusive family – an ideal enthusiastically embraced by John Jameson himself. We look forward to welcoming the winners of the #BeOriginal campaign to Dublin next year!”

Jameson’s #BeOriginal campaign is supported by a range of POS and promotional materials available for the on-trade, off-trade, travel retail and on e-commerce, including; tent cards, furniture, pallet wraps, gondola ends, shelf strips and Jameson editions of well-loved bar games. The fifth limited edition bottle will be available in 38 markets around the world from March 2016, with a recommended retail price of €24 or local equivalent.

#BeOriginal
@JamesonWhiskey

NOTES

About Irish Distillers
Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between Irish whiskey distillers, John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and the Cork Distillery Company. In an attempt to reverse the decline in Irish whiskey sales, the company decided to consolidate production at a new purpose-built facility alongside the existing distillery in Midleton, Co. Cork. Irish Distillers was bought by Pernod Ricard in June 1988 and today, Jameson is the No.1 Irish whiskey in the world, selling over 5 million 9L cases worldwide and contributing more than any other Irish whiskey brand to the phenomenal global growth of the category. Irish Distillers is committed to driving continued, sustainable growth of the Irish whiskey category.

Irish Distillers’ portfolio of whiskeys is comprised of Jameson, the world’s no.1 Irish whiskey; Irish favourite Paddy; Powers, the robust super premium whiskey for discerning drinkers; and the much-acclaimed brands that comprise the Irish Distillers’ Prestige Collection – the Single Pot Still Whiskeys of Midleton which includes the Spot range (Green Spot, Yellow Spot) and Redbreast, Ireland’s most awarded single pot still whiskey brand – and the pinnacle of the Prestige Collection, Midleton Very Rare.
www.irishdistillers.ie

About Pernod Ricard
Pernod Ricard is the world’s co-leader in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 7,945 million in 2013/14. 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

Single Malt Scotch Tasting Gordon & MacPhail February 18th, 2016 4:30 P.M.  OR  6:00 P.M.

Next Thursday, we will host a tasting of Scotch single-malts from independent bottler Gordon & MacPhail with Chris Reisbeck (a familiar face to those who’ve attended the last few G&M tastings) and Joe Swanson, who, going forward, will be the presenting Gordon & MacPhail in the New England region. We will taste some very nice whiskies including two from the Glenburgie distillery. Most of the single-malt produced at Glenburgie goes into the Ballantine’s blend (you may remember that Ballantine’s 17 year-old won Whisky of the Year from from Jim Murray’s popular Whisky Bible in the 2011 ed.). Because of this, Glenburgie is not known by many and those that know it do not see it enough. We will also taste lowlander Bladnoch, which should delight. We will have a couple of Cask Strength scotches: Tormore, Highland Park as well as Benromach’s Peat Smoke With winter upon us it’s a fine time to come in and taste some malts, most of which will be very limited and all of which are wonderful scotches. The tastings will run for about one hour, please try to be prompt at either 4:30 P.M. or 6:00 P.M. and let’s give Joe Swanson a warm Federal Welcome and enjoy some fine whisky. Prices listed as: regular price – sale price Glenburgie 15 Y.O. 43% $ 84.99 – $74.99 Glenburgie 21 Y.O. 43% $179.99 – $164.99 Tormore 13 Y.O. 58.4% $114.99 – $99.99 Highland Park 15 Y.O. 56.8% $149.99 – $134.99 Bladnoch 21 Y.O. 46% $199.99 – $174.99 Benromach Peat Smoke 9 Y.O. $74.99 – $66.99

Joe Howell

Federal Wine & Spirits

Email: info@federalwine.com

Phone: (617) 367-8605

Web: http://www.federalwine.com/

MON 29 FEBRUARY AT 7.30PM
£50 PER TICKET

Tickets on sale now
BOOK YOUR TICKET

ELEMENTS of ISLAY TASTING WITH OLIVER CHILTON

Join us for an evening of Islay whisky, tasting some of the latest releases from the Elements of Islay range as well as a brand-new release – Elements of Islay Peat!

Launched in 2008, the Elements of Islay are a collection of great small-batch bottlings of Islay single malt whisky. With their distinctive look and excellent pedigree, they’ve been hugely popular, selling out quickly every time they hit the shelves. Speciality Drinks are now adding a new entry to the range – Elements of Islay Peat. A blended malt, it combines single malts from across the island to create a punchy ‘full-throttle’ dram. Our host for the evening will be Oliver Chilton, TWE shop alumnus and head of cask management at Speciality Drinks – he selected the casks and small batches for all of the whiskies we will be trying, including Peat. He’s promised to tell us how he chose and created the whiskies, from cask types to age statements, and why none of those details really matter. After starting with a cocktail, we’ll taste our way through eight whiskies – seven single malts and the new Peat.

MON 29 FEBRUARY AT 7.30PM
£50 PER TICKET

Tickets on sale now
BOOK YOUR TICKET

VENUE

The Judges Court, Browns, 82-84 St Martin’s Lane, London WC2N 4AG

Please arrive at the venue from 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start

FEBRUARY UPDATE: RUMBLING, REVERBERATING RESONANCES

FEBRUARY TASTINGS

Greenock Preview Tasting – The Tontine Hotel, Fri 19 Feb  More >

Panel Beaters – The Vaults, Thu 25 Feb  More >

6 Nations Wine v. Whisky Dinner – The Dining Room, Thu 25 Feb  More >

Birmingham Preview Tasting – Hotel du Vin, Fri 26 Feb  More >

Manchester Preview Tasting – Malmaison, Fri 26 Feb  More >

Newcastle Preview Tasting – The Caledonian Hotel, Fri 26 Feb  More >

Stirling Preview Tasting – The Golden Lion Hotel, Fri 26 Feb  More >

FREE EVENTS

6 Nations on the Big Screen – The Vaults, Feb & Mar 2016   More >

Live Music with Main street Blues – The Vaults, Tue 23 Feb   More >

Browse All Events & Tastings >

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm).

Visit the Society 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

Springbank 22 Year Old 1993 Old & Rare

Campbeltown Single Malt Scotch Whisky

$519.20

Springbank 22 Year Old 1993 vintage Campbeltown single malt Scotch whisky. Single cask refill hogshead bottled January 2016 by Hunter Laing & Co. for the Old & Rare Platinum series. 212 numbered bottles. The nose contains fresh and fruity notes of oranges and apricots, with a dash of pepper and coconut. The palate has underlying notes of vanilla, coupled with toffee, a touch of smoke, and more oranges. The finish is long and fruity, with warming oak notes.Springbank Distillery was established in 1828 in Campbeltown at the foot of the Mull of Kintyre on the west coast of Scotland. Springbank produces three different types of single malt whisky Hazelburn which is non-peated and triple distilled, Longrow which is highly peated and double distilled and Springbank which is medium peated and partially triple distilled having been distilled two and a half times. Barley is spread across traditional malting floors at Springbank where it germinates and is then dried on the perforated floor of the malt kiln. Springbank Distillery welcomes visitors and offers distillery tours.

This week Joe Ellis reviews DYC 10 Year Old Spanish Single Malt.

https://youtu.be/Y5zpAVUdZkY

http://Twitter.com/whiskytube

https://www.facebook.com/whiskytube

Whiskey Obsession Festival Panel and Classes Announced

The Fourth Annual Whiskey Obsession Festival will be held in Sarasota, Florida from March 30 to April 1, 2016.  The three day event is one of the largest whiskey festivals in the U.S. and features a dance party, interactive panel discussion, master classes, VIP pours, on site package sales, cigar pairing, culminating with a grand tasting with 250 whiskies from around the world.  Dozens of master distillers and professional ambassadors participate, sharing their knowledge and passion for fine spirits from Japan, Scotland, Ireland, Canada, France, and the United States.

Fourth Annual Whiskey Obsession Festival Schedule of Events

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

The Dram Dance @ The Gator Club

8:00 pm to 11:00 pm

Enjoy our special chillwave musical guest Brothertiger at a private Whiskey Obsession Festival event upstairs at the Gator Club, featuring a performance by Black Diamond Burlesque.  $10 ticket includes one Old Forester cocktail.

Thursday, March 31, 2016

The Panel of Whiskey Experts Interactive Tasting and Discussion @ The Francis

7:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Join four master distillers and four brand ambassadors for this unique interactive panel and tasting as they share and discuss sixteen of their favorite spirits.  Tickets are $45 and seating is limited to 75 guests; please reserve early.  Panelists are:

Chris Morris, Woodford Reserve Master Distiller & the Chairman of the Kentucky Distillers Association

Pam Heilmann, Michter’s Distiller

Brendan Coyle; High West Distiller

Rob Dietrich, Stranahan’s Distiller

Bernie Lubbers, Heaven Hill Ambassador and Whiskey Professor

David Blackmore, Glenmorangie and Ardbeg Master Ambassador

Gardner Dunn, Yamazaki Ambassador

Philip Pepperdine, Bowmore Ambassador

Friday, April 1, 2016

Grand Tasting and Master Classes, Michael’s on East

• 6:30 pm VIP Admission
• 7:30 pm General Admission
• 8:00 pm Class I, II, and III
• 9:15 pm Class IV, V, VI
• 10:30 pm Last Pour
• 10:45 pm After Party at Made Restaurant

Session 1, 8:00 pm to 8:45 pm

• Class I The History of North American Whisk(e)y History One Sip at a Time with Michael Ring, Brown Forman Brand Champion
• Class II Michter’s: It’s All About the Whiskey with Pam Heilmann, Distiller
• Class III The Art of Japanese Whisky with Gardner Dunn, Yamazaki Ambassador

Session 2, 9:15 pm to 10:00 pm

• Class IV Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey with Jess Graber, Founder of Tincup Whiskey
• Class V Glenmorangie: Finishes and More with David Blackmore, Global Brand Ambassador
• Class VI: Cigar and Whisky Pairing with Montecristo cigars presented by Atul Solanki, owner of the Cigar Castle in Tampa and Philip Pepperdine, Bowmore Ambassador.

With 250 whiskies available to sample, the Grand Tasting features dozens of the world’s premium global brands as well as many emerging craft distillers.  Taught by industry professionals, our six seminar-style master classes present an opportunity for in-depth learning and interactive tastings with distillers and brand ambassadors.

Ticket levels are available:

VIP $195:

• VIP admission is limited to 150 guests and includes one commemorative Glencairn glass and one hour early entrance at 6:30 pm.
• VIP hour pours of ultra-premium, fine, expensive, and rare spirits (details will be available on the event website).
• One $50 retail voucher for purchases and special orders placed on Friday, April 1, 2016 during the Whiskey Obsession Festival grand tasting.
• Greater opportunity to interact with distillery ambassadors and industry professionals.
• Unlimited tasting of over 200 spirits.
• Priority seating at small group seminar classes (first come first served).
• Wine, soft drinks, buffet and hors d’ oeuvres.

General Admission $95:

• General admission is limited to 500 guests and includes one commemorative Glencairn glass and entrance at 7:30 pm
• Unlimited tasting of over 200 spirits.
• Seating as available at small group seminar classes (first come first served).
• Wine, soft drinks, buffet and hors d’ oeuvres.

Companion $45:

• Companion admission is limited to 75 guests and includes entrance with VIP or general admission ticket holders.
• Wine, soft drinks, buffet and hors d’ oeuvres.

For Information Please Contact

Turner C. Moore

President, Whiskey Obsession LLC

Turner@WhiskeyObsessionFestival.com

941-400-9889

Video:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=effaR6VmB6g (2016)

and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVwmQOkOVfs (2015)

Photos: https://www.instagram.com/sarasota_whiskey_obsession

Website: www.whiskeyobsessionfestival.com

Facebook events:

Dram Dance: https://www.facebook.com/events/1522059821428001/

Panel: https://www.facebook.com/events/816724438437560/

Grand Tasting: https://www.facebook.com/events/1825168421043341/

Addresses of Venues

Gator Club, 1490 Main Street, Sarasota, Florida  34236

The Francis, 1289 North Palm Avenue, Sarasota, Florida 34236

Michael’s on East, 1212 East Avenue, Sarasota, Florida 34239

AILSA BAY

A new whisky which has created its very own position on the flavour map!  A uniquely balanced single malt whisky which combines the flavours smoky and sweet perfectly. Distilled at the trailblazing Girvan distillery, Ailsa Bay’s singular vision of precision-balance in whisky is driven by whisky visionaries Peter Gordon, Brian Kinsman, John Ross and Conn Lynch. Bottled at 48.9% volume.  Official Tasting Notes:  Palate: Zingy, peaty kick layered with beautiful sweetness. A meaty character too – crispy rasher with a hint of maple syrup.

£55 Click to buy

GLENFIDDICH 1992 WHISKY SHOP EXCLUSIVE

Distilled on 13th March 1992, matured in a refill bourbon cask, and bottled at 55.6% ABV. This whisky really shows off the Glenfiddich distillery character, with lots of sweet, fruity notes, including apple, pear, and just a hint of oak and spice.  Click here to discover how this whisky was created and selected.  Tasting notes:  Apple, oak and citrus combine beautifully to create a warming and lasting whisky.

£1200 Click here to buy

LADYBURN 1974 40 YEAR OLD THE WHISKY SHOP EXCLUSIVE

Ladyburn was the shortest-lived distillery in Scotland and is therefore source of some of the rarest malt whiskies in the world.  Built by William Grant & Sons on the same site as their Girvan grain distillery, Ladyburn produced malt whisky for less than ten years from 1966 to 1975 and was then demolished.  Watch the video of this exceptionally rare whisky here.  Cask 89/199 No.74 has produced only 157 bottles.

£2600 – Click here to buy