MICHEL ROUX JR AND THE BALVENIE JOIN FORCES IN THE ULTIMATE EXPLORATION OF CRAFTSMANSHIP

‘The Craftsmen’s Dinner’: a new film series featuring leading experts in various fields ranging from pottery to salmon smoking unearths the true meaning of craftsmanship.   

The Balvenie has a rich history of celebrating excellent craftsmanship; however the launch of ‘The Craftsmen’s Dinner’ – a six part short film series in which exceptionally skilled individuals in various fields are met and profiled by multi award winning chef Michel Roux Jr – will mark the brand’s foremost exploration of outstanding artistry to date.

The YouTube film series sees the two Michelin starred chef – naturally a master of his own trade – set out to unveil the true meaning of craftsmanship by meeting and discussing the talents and secret skills of six equally gifted people; including one of the only knife makers left in Britain, a music-loving salmon smoker, an organic farmer, a potter and a sparkling wine producer.

The series culminates with Michel creating the mouthwatering ‘Craftsmen’s Dinner’ for each of the individuals, using contributions from each artist; including salmon for the guests to enjoy, and beautiful hand crafted plates to serve it on. The first instalment of the series will launch at https://www.youtube.com/TheCraftsmensDinner on the 15^th March 2016, and will be released on a fortnightly basis thereafter.

Michel Roux Jr commented: “I have tremendous respect for people who dedicate the years required to mastering and perfecting their trade, so it was a fantastic experience to work with The Balvenie on this project, and to meet such talented individuals.”

Scores of captivating stories emerge from the films; including Ole Hansen:  a salmon smoker who lovingly plays piano music to his produce every day in the belief that it adds a certain dimension to the taste. And Will Ferraby: a Sheffield-based knife maker whose chef’s knives are famously so precise that they perfectly slice a tomato in two, even when dropped from a height.

Jonny Cornthwaite, Senior Brand Manager, The Balvenie commented: “Celebrating exceptional craftsmanship is at the heart of everything we do for The Balvenie; so it is a privilege to work with Michel Roux Jr and these six individuals who really capture the heart of our brand ethos. ‘The Craftsmen’s Dinner’ is our largest and most ambitious project to date; and we’re very excited to introduce the series to the public.”

The films will be released at www.youtube.com/TheCraftsmensDinner on the following dates:

• 15^th March 2016 (Ferraby Knives)
• 29^th March (Grierson Organic)
• 12^th April (North Street Potters)
• 26^th April (Ridgeview Wines)
• 10^th May (Hansen & Lyderson)
• 24^th May (Craftsman’s Dinner)

Hibiki 21 Years Old takes World’s Best Blended Whisky prize at the World Whiskies Awards 2016

Honored as chosen “World’s Best” for the Fourth Time, the Most Ever in the Blended Whisky Category

Hibiki 21 Years Old from Suntory Spirits Limited received the World’s Best Blended Whisky award at the prestigious World Whiskies Awards 2016 held by Whisky Magazine. This marks the fourth time and the first time in three years in which Hibiki 21 Years Old has been bestowed with the World’s Best Blended Whisky award. The award ceremony was held on Thursday, March 17 in London.

Now in its tenth year, the World Whiskies Awards, held by Whisky Magazine, is a world-wide whisky contest. Representative whiskies are selected from each of the countries submitting entries, including the UK and Japan, before the final judgment. Final judging takes place in some categories, including Single Malt Whisky and Blended Whisky. Winners in each category are selected based on rigorous blind tasting.

About Hibiki 21 Years Old This whisky is a blend of rare and painstakingly selected mature malt and grain whiskies aged over 21 years. The key Yamazaki sherry casked malt is vatted with other carefully chosen mellow unblended grain whiskies over 21 years old. With aromas of sweet dried fruit and a spicy flavor, it is characterized by a solemn, refined richness and profound, lingering echoes.

Major Awards Received by Hibiki 21 Years Old

World Whiskies Awards – “World’s Best Blended Whisky” 2010, 2011, 2013

International Spirits Challenge – Category’s Top Award “Trophy” 2013, 2014, 2015 and “Gold medal” 2004, 2005, 2006, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015

Competition Summary

Name of Competition – World Whiskies Awards 2016

Sponsor – Whisky Magazine (Paragraph Publishing Limited)

Prize – World’s Best Blended Whisky

Winner – Hibiki 21 Years Old

Awards ceremony – Thursday, March 17, 2016 *GMT

For more information on whisky, visit our homepage http://www.suntory.com//

Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day comes a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow! Our buyers located the sister cask to one of the most highly-rated Irish whiskies in modern history—a Madeira-finished, cask strength delight that highlights all of the soft vanilla and easy-drinking character that makes Irish whisky such a wonderful spirit. 380 bottles were captured from this wonder of a barrel, all exclusively bottled for K&L. You could drink a glass of Jameson to celebrate the occasion, or you could show up to the party with this bespoke bottle from the Exclusive Malts – easily the most dynamic Irish whisky selection on our shelf.

2002 Irish Malt Whiskey 13 Year Old K&L Exclusive “Exclusive Malt” Single Madeira Cask #20024 Strength Irish Whiskey (750ml) ($129.99)

Here is a fun one from our friends at the Creative Whisky Company. They made waves last year by bottling a single barrel of Irish Malt at full strength and 13 years of age. While those details are unusual without a doubt, what shocked the whiskey world was that very humble cask (#20012) received a WHOPPING 96 points from the Whiskey Advocate. While we’ve become accustomed to seeing high scores in the wine world, this type of score is reserved at WA for the most special offerings and is never doled out lightly. The list of whiskies scoring above 95 points is short and reads like a list of legends. Needless to say we were sad to only acquire a few bottles of that spectacular whiskey. Luckily our good name and strong ties put us first in line when Mr. Stirk offered up a sister cask for sale in its entirety. This special cask #20024 is unique, yet very reminiscent of that special beauty. The third fill Madeira casks has still done wonders to the this already spectacular malt. This is bottled at full strength and only 380 bottles were made despite the large size of the cask.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 16, 2016

This is a massive score for K&L and our first cask strength Irish Single Cask Single Malt that we’ve ever bottled exclusively. This special whiskey was distilled at the exceptional Cooley distillery now owner by Jim Beam and is truly one of a kind. Last year, a bottling from this lot was named the top bottling in Whisky Advocates Fall issue. That whisky, garnering an astounding 96 points, disappeared almost instantly. This one will last a little long, but not by much. The subtle influence from the refill Madeira cask has added incredible depth and complexity, but also a wonderful liveliness not typical for Cooley. Expect vibrant green apples, salted oats, galangal sizzling in a hot wok, nutty richness, and the finest floral honey. Slightly deeper and more saline than its sister, the palate has a rush of sweetness before opening to a long, candied apple finish. Absolutely spectacular! This is top tier Irish malt is one of the best the Emerald Isle has ever sent our way.

Andrew Stevens | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 27, 2016

Wow, this is simply a stunning whiskey that David has procured for us. Clean, light, and bright, there is a wonderful core of apple, dried fruit, and lemongrass with hints of soft vanilla and spice. Super elegant, this whiskey still manages to show a good complexity and has medium heat on the finish. Everyone who I have spoken to who tried it has enjoyed it, as did I.

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 29, 2016

This has beautiful, expressive aromas with seductive sweet floral and fruity notes. In the mouth it is soft and delicate, with the fruit flavors dominating. There is a nice long finish.

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

Port Ellen 1980 Rare Old (2015)

Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

This week Joe Ellis reviews the Highland Park 25 Year Old Single Malt and his life is now all the better for it!

https://youtu.be/RdT3vpr7qVo

http://Twitter.com/whiskytube

https://www.facebook.com/whiskytube

Barrel of laughs: Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival aims to find a high roller on the streets of the world’s malt whisky capital

The casinos of Las Vegas may have their high rollers, but the streets of the world’s unofficial malt whisky capital will soon have their very own barrel rollers. Visitors to the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival will have the chance to compete in the ancient ‘sport’ of barrel rolling – a tribute to the warehousemen who perform the task on a daily basis.

The event takes place in Dufftown – recognised as the hub of Scotland’s whisky industry because it is surrounded by seven distilleries, including the world famous Glenfiddich – and takes place over a 50m track.

It is just one of many quirky events taking place at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival from April 28 to May 2 in the heart of Scotland’s best known – and best loved – whisky producing region.

Thousands of visitors from all over the world will descend on Speyside to raise a glass to the national drink at almost 500 separate events. The programme includes distillery tours, exclusive tastings, food events, music, comedy and outdoor activities for whisky connoisseurs and novices.

Barrel racing takes place on a closed road in the town centre of Dufftown on Sunday, May 1 and has been organised by the Dufftown and District Community Association. Nicola Alexander, a trustee of the group, says the event will offer something very different.

She adds, “The idea came about because we wanted to do something different from all the tours and nosings and tastings, but still keeping with the whisky theme. We hope the community will come out for this event, along with the visitors, and enjoy the Festival spirit.

“Competitors will be asked to race a 50m track and back up again, when the other member of the team will take over and do the same. The winner will be the fastest team.

“Before the race, two experienced warehouse men from a local cooperage will show everyone how’s it’s done. We hope to make this a yearly event and even get all the local distilleries to have a competition between each other.”

The event is open to teams of two – individuals can be paired up – and there’s even prizes on offer for the fastest finishers. The action takes place under the shadow of Dufftown’s iconic clock tower from 2.15 – 3.15pm. It forms part of the wider Dufftown Whisky Street Festival, with lots of Scottish entertainment throughout the afternoon.

For those who still have the energy, there’s the chance to take in all seven of the town’s distilleries in the 7 Stills Race. The course will take in all the famous and lesser known names and offers a varied and challenging route. The race takes place from 2pm to 6pm.

Other quirky events on the programme include the opportunity to canoe down the mighty River Spey and sample some drams inside a tepee at the end of the trip; trying out craft skills by carving a wooden whisky tumbler and needle felting a Highland cow; and taking part in a ‘dramble’ through the Quarrelwood in Elgin where experts from renowned whisky merchants Gordon and MacPhail will discuss the importance of wood in whisky production.

There’s also a women-only event, Whisky Women & WAGS. Dufftown whisky expert Michelle Myron will be leading a walk around the local distilleries, showing how chocolate is the perfect match for whisky. And there’s even the chance to enjoy a whisky pancake breakfast at Grantown YMCA – with a special limited edition Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival topping.

Whisky festival manager Pery Zakeri says, “We pride ourselves on offering something for everyone, regardless of their level of interest in whisky. It’s possible to come and enjoy the Festival and the atmosphere without touching a drop – although we thoroughly recommend that all our visitors give the region’s fantastic whisky a try.

“There are almost 500 events on the programme this year and we defy anyone not to be able to find something that they will enjoy.”

Tickets for all events in the 2016 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival programme are available to buy now at http://www.spiritofspeyside.com/ The Festival is also active on social media – facebook.com/WhiskyFestival and @spirit_speyside on Twitter and on Instagram.

Picture caption: Barrel racing will take place in the distillery town of Dufftown during the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.

The former Chief Blender of Suntory Whisky Koichi Inatomi has been inducted into Hall of Fame

The Second Japanese in Whisky Magazine “Hall of Fame”

Koichi Inatomi, former Chief Blender of Suntory Whisky (former Director of Suntory Limited) has been inducted into the Whisky Magazine “Hall of Fame”, becoming only the second Japanese member of the Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony was held together with the awards ceremony for the World Whiskies Awards 2016 (also hosted by the magazine) in London, England on Thursday, March 17.

The “Hall of Fame” is a prestigious award from Paragraph Publishing Ltd’s Whisky Magazine, and is presented to individuals who have made a significant contribution to the world of whisky over many years. Winners have been announced every year since 2004. The host awarded trophy to Inatomi with commenting “I have known Dr Inatomi – or ‘Tomi’ as we know him – for over 20 years. Japan stands tall in the world of whisky, and he has genuinely changed the industry he works within. The results of his work have laid the foundations for the reputation of Suntory whisky and, as an honorary researcher at Glasgow University, he continues to live, breathe and shape the world of whisky today.” Inatomi expressed his joy and pride at receiving the award, commenting “The very honorable award of induction of me into the Whisky Magazine ‘Hall of Fame’ this time is totally unexpected joy and would like to say many thanks to all the people who supported me throughout my life long whisky career. My special thanks are directed to the people including scientists, producers, journalists, distributers and bartenders for their kind yet hard comments and advices. Without the kindness of these people the road of Japanese whisky would have been much harder.”

Koichi Inatomi – Brief Personal History

Born in 1936. Joined Kotobukiya Limited (now Suntory Holdings Limited) in 1959. His career took him through the Whisky production, Technology Development Department and Research Laboratories of Distilled Spirits and Liqueurs etc., becoming the Chief Blender in 1982. He played a leading role in developing well-known products such as Hibiki blended whiskies, Yamazaki and Hakushu single malt whiskies. He retired in 2000.

Also this month, we launched our Famous For A Reason Competition. We’re looking for you to nominate somebody who you think is Famous For A Reason. It could be anything, big or small, but they have to be deserving of their Famous title. Nominate them here and they could win their very own personalised bottle of The Famous Grouse. For T&C please visit our website. Find out what else is going on at Scotland’s award winning, five star visitor attraction this month…

The First Famous Gloag

The history of The Famous Grouse is as rich and tantalising as the whisky itself. Over the coming months we plan to tell you some of the standout Famous stories. And, there isn’t one more Famous and worthy of a look to the past, than that of our founder, the very first ‘Famous’ Matthew Gloag. Take a look at our blog here.

New Master Blender

Kirsteen Campbell has been appointed to the role of Master Blender for The Famous Grouse, taking over from current Master Blender Gordon Motion this month. Kirsteen will now become one of the few people allowed to share the secret of the unique blend of whiskies that combine to make The Famous Grouse. Read more here.

Easter at Wilde Thyme at Glenturret

Looking for somewhere special to go this Easter Sunday? Wilde Thyme at Glenturret Distillery have a delicious Easter Lunch menu, available from 12pm-2.30pm or treat yourself to Afternoon Tea from 3pm-5.30pm. Take a look at the menus here.

Blending Experience

Fancy yourself as a Master Blender? With our Blending Experience, enjoy a tour of the most traditional distillery in Scotland and a guided whisky tasting followed by an in-depth blending session where guests create their own blended whisky to take home. Find out about our Blending Experience here.

Wolfburn Single Malt

Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

 

EXQUISITELY PRICED PARCELS & BRAND NEW BOTTLINGS

Colourful eggs bring spring brightness but you can enhance your nest even further with a rainbow of flavours. New out with only 24 bottles produced from the cask, 7.127 Nectar of the Gods glows a deep, inviting amber. Shadowy purples and sun-bleached golds of southern Spain come to life in our new Sherry Pair; 33.143 & 9.104 are a mouth-coating match of savoury, sweet and smoke. And we couldn’t leave out green today; Paddy’s Pair shines emerald with the best Irish drams. Hurry and find your pot of (liquid) gold before the Easter rainbow shimmers out in the sunlight…

SHERRY POPPING PAIR ONLY £199

Old & dignified

9.104 Lychee Martini
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33.143 Thank you and goodnight!
£120.00
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DOUBLE GRAINER ONLY £179

Sweet, fruity & mellow

G7.8 Sweet seduction in a car-wash
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G7.7 Old Codger with a Jammy Dodger
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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