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 and one more to round it out. 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. We will have the full list and pricing which will go out in the email Monday or Tuesday.  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.

Joe Howell

Federal Wine & Spirits

Email: info@federalwine.com

Phone: (617) 367-8605

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

Head of Whisky Creation Dr. Bill Lumsden will take you to his candy shop this coming Tuesday, February 16th at 6:30 pm for a discovery of his latest Private Edition “Milsean”, Gaelic for “sweet things”. The event itself will be private, and only a small group can fit in our downstairs den…RSVP asap!

Brandy Library, 25 N. Moore Street, New York, NY 10013

February Auction *LIVE*

Ends Sunday 21st February 8PM (GMT) Just Whisky is proud to present its 27th auction, and in fine fashion, they have some of the oldest bottles that have gone through the doors, including lots from as far back as 1937. In complete contrast to the large selection of old whiskies on the shelves, they have some brand new releases from the likes of Springbank with their Local Barley 16 Year Old, the final instalment, Milsean in the Private Edition Series from Glenmorangie and even Yamazaki with their 2016 Sherry Cask Release. Without further ado – here are some auction highlights! Bidding will end from 8PM on Sunday 21st February.

Yamazaki Sherry Cask – 2016 Release

This is the hotly anticipated 2016 release of Yamazaki’s Award Winning Sherry Cask matured whisky. Famous for the 2013 release which was described as ‘near incredible genius’ by Whisky Guru Jim Murray, the 2016 edition promises more of the same magic. Supply for this bottle was extremely limited, and the rumour mill suggests less than 200 bottles made their way to UK shores.

View Now on The Auction

Johnnie Walker Excelsior

Limited Release Anno: MCMXCVII Blended and bottled by John Walker & Sons, Kilmarnock. Distilled 1947, Double matured in Port seasoned oak casks and released in 1997. A very nice rare bottle from Johnnie Walker.

View Now on The Auction

Talisker 100° Proof (26 ⅔ Fl Ozs)

An ultra-rare bottle from G&M; a fantastic 100° Proof Talisker. Very hard to find for the Talisker collector. We believe this to have been distilled in the late 50’s to early 60’s with bottle code SC295.

View Now On the Auction

The Celtic Whiskey Shop, renowned as one of Ireland’s premiere whiskey retailers, has announced that they are expanding with the development of the Irish Whiskey Experience, Celtic Bar and Larder. The premises, located on New Street in Killarney, will focus on whiskey appreciation and education by hosting extensive classes and tours. The Irish Whiskey Experience will be a prime destination for whiskey experts, novices, and anyone interested in learning the Distillery process. Private tours, tastings, and corporate events will also be catered for. An experienced team will lead a series of masterclasses, workshops, and tasting events focused on promoting Irish distilleries. A variety of classes will run daily, Introduction to Irish whiskey, Premium Irish whiskey tasting, cocktail-making, and Irish whiskey and food pairing.  Working with a local cheesemonger, the food and Irish whiskey tasting class will highlight the flavour dynamic of Irish whiskey and the best Kerry cheeses.

www.celticwhiskeyshop.com

STORM BREAKERS
New Authentic Range February 2016

It’s been a weird old winter here in London from balmy +13 deg evenings to -2 deg in a matter of days. SO it was a task to get the tastings done as you can imagine but we are not the kind of company to let things stand in our way. The new range from Cadenheads has a few truly one off vintages with a few that I know will make the average drinker think how do they do it? We also have one additional dram to add to last months small batch range and the return of a missing dram from the last decade! (How very odd you might be thinking)

Bladnoch Distillery 1990 25 50.7%
The first dram I would like to draw your attention to is the new rare vintage Bladnoch from the Lowlands. This is the first bottling and we expect high demand so don’t dilly dally if you require a bottle, we only have 1 delivery coming in so can’t keep bottles on hold indefinitely.

ORD 11y/o 60.6% vol
Next is a very rare – NO ORDINARY ORD. Amazing rich smooth with a flavour profile way beyond its 11 years. I am sure a lot of you will be thinking this is an odd age to release given the ages of the rest in this first major Authentic release of 2016. I can assure you this dram will not disappoint.
Nose: Quite rich way beyond it’s younger age with a rather complex rich toffee note that then gives way to more green notes with earl grey tea and honey.
Palate: Big and chewy from the moment it lands on the palate with rich caramel that coats the mouth with some great flavours including dark chocolate and dark cherries.
Finish: As we head to the finish we find red-currants come into play along with a soft flinty note and growing spice. A far more complex dram that the age would have you believe.

Auchroisk 27 1988 48.6%
Now we look at Auchroisk one of my top malts for richness, this is one I also like to add to the tasting room as a surprise dram (Giving the game away here)
Nose: Amazing rich nose of toffee, lots of syrupy fruits, lemon, mango and kiwi fruits.
Palate: So rich it’s impossible to narrow down a few notes but we can get some white chocolate, soft pastry notes and then more fruits to lift the palate from front to back and sides.
Finish: Truly stunning as it delivers lingering tropical fruits, becoming creamier and more orangey tones that go on and on with the return of a hint of rich white chocolate.

Cadenhead’s Whisky Shop & Tasting Room
26 Chiltern Street
London
W1U 7QF

Tel: 020 7935 6999

A SELECTION FROM OUR LOCAL DISTILLERY ‘SPRINGBANK’
Some rare and delicious Springbank whiskies – available to order while stocks last!
Plus, free postage on all orders over £75 delivered to the UK

Springbank 21 year old – 2015

Whenever you combine the words ‘collectable’ and ‘Springbank’ in the same sentence people start to get excited. The Springbank 21 year old needs no introduction and, to top it all, we’ve reduced the price on this cult favourite. Buying one to drink and one to collect never sounded so good.

Was £229
Save £50
£179 Click to buy

Springbank 16 year old Local Barley

The first in a series of annual releases distilled from barley grown locally around Campbeltown. Limited to only 9000 bottles. Tasting notes from our friends at Springbank: ‘Sweet and rounded with a very subtle peat influence combining with butter tablet, soft fruit and mineral notes.’

£129 Click to buy

Springbank 15 year old

Looking for a fyne whisky to enjoy with a cigar? Then look no further! Scotland’s oldest family-run distillery has created a dark monster of a whisky which boasts flavours that make for the perfect cigar pairing. Get ready to enjoy notes of rich fruit and treacle!

£75 Click to buy

Springbank 12 year old Cask Strength

Crafted using both bourbon (70%) and sherry casks (30%) and bottled at a cask strength of 54.1% volume. Tasting notes from our friends at Springbank: ‘Bold and beautifully rounded. Vanilla and pepper notes are present alongside stewed apples, pear drops, orange marmalade and tropical fruits.’

£65 Click to buy

One of our most successful series of whisky casks ever is the selection of sherry-aged Glenlivet single malt from Signatory. Sadly, the last cask from this now-legendary stock is upon us and we’ll have to find a substitute on this year’s trip out to Scotland, but there was a nice little caveat to this final statement. Des McCagherty, the manager of Signatory’s warehouse, emailed us a few months back to tell us there had been a small mishap. Apparently they had forgotten to reduce the proof of the final Glenlivet whisky before bottling, meaning this last barrel would come in at full proof, cask strength.

Like a true gentleman, however, Des agreed to honor the original price. In celebration of that relationship, we’ve decided to pass that savings long to you. Whereas normally cask strength whiskies cost 25-35% more, we’re keeping the price at right at $89.99 – and at that price, these won’t last long. Enjoy the rich, decadent, sherry-matured flavor of this 19 year old Glenlivet in full glory!

1996 Glenlivet 19 Year Old “K&L Exclusive” Signatory Cask Strength Single Sherry Butt Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($89.99)

We’ve got another round of 19-year-old sherry-matured Glenlivet magic for you, but this time at cask strength! And the best news is: the price is still $89.99! Signatory actually made a mistake not proofing down the whisky to 46% ABV, but they were gracious enough to honor the same price given the mishap. That makes what was already a great deal an even better one! Dark sherry notes of fig, cake bread, baking spices, toffee, and cocoa swirl in a symphony of rich Oloroso flavor. That extra proof on the finish, however, makes all the difference and adds lift to an experience that would normally end with a soft whisper. Instead there’s a quick zip of peppery goodness, sealing the deal on one of the best single-malt deals we’ve ever offered. A mistake, of course, but we’re passing the savings on to you nonetheless! Cask-strength whiskies normally sell for an extra premium, but not in this case.

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

NEW TO THE PARTY

John J Bowman Single Barrel The Bourbon Guys Private Barrel ($51.99) Nose: Rich and sweet velvety nose with very little heat. Taste: Excellent spicy cinnamon, caramel, and apple flavor with very well balanced oak flavor. Amazing balance between sweetness and oak. Finish: the finish is very long with just the right amount of heat which end with rich vanilla oak flavor.

Bowmore Devil’s Cask Single Malt ($104.99) This is a whiskey with a great story, and thankfully that’s not all it has going for it. This is also a delicious whiskey. Finished is first fill Sherry casks, this scotch is rich and full of fruit and chocolate flavors with a long finish. Keep some around as an after dinner sipper.

LOW PRICE ALERT!

Angel’s Envy Port Finish Bourbon ($39.99 was $44.99) From the producer: Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon is finished in port wine casks for an award-winning spirit. We guide each batch’s conditioning, blending our handcrafted bourbon in small batches of 8 to 10 barrels at a time. It’s typically aged for up to 6 years. While we lose about 5% of the spirit each year to evaporation, or “the Angel’s Share,” what’s left behind after we’re done is truly worthy of envy. Once it’s deemed ready, we finish our bourbon in ruby port wine casks, adding subtle nuances that enhance the flavor without challenging it. Our port finishing process lasts between three to six months depending on taste. We use 60-gallon ruby port barrels made from French oak and imported directly from Portugal. This creates a whiskey of unprecedented smoothness, sweetness and balance.Appearance: gold color laced with reddish amber hues, nearly copper in tone Nose: notes of subtle vanilla, raisins, maple syrup and toasted nuts Palate: vanilla, ripe fruit, maple syrup, toast and bitter chocolate Finish: clean and lingering sweetness with a hint of Madeira that slowly fades.

www.thepartysource.com

95 Riviera Drive, Bellevue, KY 41073  (859) 291-4007

Abbey Whisky Samples

Benromach 35 Year Old 

What did we think of Benromach 35 Year Old?

A very sophisticated nose – delicate orange blossom, sultanas, mixture of soft spices, cinnamon & cloves, honey, ginger, very ripe honeydew melon, even a touch of eucalyptus. As the dram warms up, the oak becomes more prevalent. The Palate gives off cloves, orange zest, oak, white pepper, dried fruit, melon, touch of ripe banana. A full bodied mouthfeel, a touch oily, hints of white chocolate with tobacco lingering. Quite a long finish, gentle warmed spice with orange zest…

You can read the full tasting notes and blog post via this link.

Rich Peat Edition of Angels’ Nectar Blended Malt Scotch Whisky launched

Grantown-on-Spey based Highfern Ltd, have released a new heavily peated edition of Angels’ Nectar, their Angels’ share inspired whisky.

As the name suggests the Rich Peat Edition of Angels’ Nectar Blended Malt Scotch Whisky is heavily peated, and is described as oozing peat smoke, like the welcoming smoke from the chimney of an old bothy, after a long day on the hill. The smoke is followed by a subtle fruity sweetness akin to toffee apples and dark chocolate.

Created from a selection of Highland malts, the Rich Peat Edition has been bottled at 46% vol., and is thus stronger and more robust than the First Edition of Angels’ Nectar.

Like the First Edition, the Rich Peat Edition bottle features an Angel shaped fractal design, but this time the Angel is pewter in colour, is larger, and has been printed directly onto the bottle, for greater impact. Commenting on the new addition, Highfern Ltd founder Robert Ransom said, ‘Its great to see our range of malts expand. International interest in the Rich Peat Edition has also been particularly exciting. Our Dutch launch will take place at the Hielander Whisky Festival in Alkmaar next week, and we also have bottles on their way to Germany and South Korea’.

Notes for Editors: 1. Angels’ share – the traditional name given to the whisky lost to evaporation during maturation.

2. Blended Malt – a category of whisky which is a blend of malt whiskies, with no grain whisky, previously known as Vatted Malt.
3. Hielander Whisky Festival – 12^th & 13^th February http://www.hielanderwhiskyfestival.nl/
4. The Rich Peat Edition of Angel’s Nectar is available from Elephants in the Pantry (Grantown), Deli Mair (Aviemore), Dow’s (Boat of Garten), Master of Malt (on-line), Nickolls & Perks (Stourbridge), Speyside Centre (Grantown) amongst others. 5. Web: http://www.angelsnectar.co.uk/ Twitter: @angelsnectar     Facebook: angelsnectarwhisky 6. For pictures, more information and sales enquires please contact; Robert Ransom, Highfern Ltd, robert@highfern.co.uk  Mobile: 07811 640778