We are excited to announce the full schedule for the Campbeltown Malts Festival 2016 which begins NEXT WEEK! We are excited to see everyone who will travel to Campbeltown next week and final preparations are well underway to make your trip worthwhile!

The festival will take place from Wednesday 18th-Friday 20th May with various events each day, celebrating the quality malts produced at Campbeltown’s three distilleries. The full schedule is as follows:

Wednesday 18th May 2016

Glen Scotia Distillery will be hosting their second annual Open Day at the distillery with doors opening at 10am. There will be a selection of local stalls and demonstrations from their Loch Lomond coopers throughout the day as well as tours and tastings at the following times:

11am:  Manager’s Office with Staff Member (£30 per person – maximum of 6 people)

11:30am:  Free Tour

12pm:  Food Pairing Demo

1pm:  Dunnage Warehouse Tasting with Distillery Manager (£20 per person – maximum of 20 people)

3pm:  Free Tour

4pm:  Manager’s Office with Distillery Manager (£50 per person – maximum of 6 people)

For bookings or more information, contact Glen Scotia on +44 (0) 1586 552288 or email glenscotiashop@lochlomondgroup.com

The following events will also be taking place on Wednesday 18th May 2016:

11:30am:  Springbank Society Tasting in the Malt Barns at Springbank Distillery (FULLY BOOKED)

3pm-6pm:  Whisky Impressions Liquid History Tour (FULLY BOOKED)

7pm:  Mitchell’s Glengyle Distillery 12th Anniversary Dinner (FULLY BOOKED)

9pm:  Whisky Quiz (more information below)

In addition to the dinner held at Mitchell’s Glengyle Distillery, the Ardshiel Hotel, Craigard House Hotel and the Harbourview Grille at the Royal Hotel will also be hosting whisky themed dinners. For menu information and bookings, please contact each hotel directly:

Ardshiel Hotel:  +44 (0) 1586 552133

Craigard House Hotel:  +44 (0) 1586 554242

Royal Hotel:  +44 (0) 1586 810033

After the success of the 2015 quiz, Whisky Macs Bar & Grill will be hosting another Whisky Quiz at 9pm on Wednesday 18th May. Teams of up to 4 will be accepted and the cost will be £2 per player (£8 for team of 4). The only two rules are ‘no mobile phones’ and ‘the quizmaster is always right’!

Thursday 19th May 2016

The Springbank Open Day will take place on Thursday 19th May and we hope to attract a range of locals and visitors to the event. The gates will open at 11am and the following will take place throughout the day:

• Free tours of Springbank & Mitchell’s Glengyle distilleries on the hour from 12-4pm
• A selection of over 25 stalls from local businesses
• Hot Food and Cakes
• Three special Springbank Open Day bottlings
• Warehouse Whisky Bar
• Fyne Ales Bar (plus tastings – more information below)
• Marquee Bar
• Various Masterclasses and Tastings, as listed below:

11:30am:  Springbank Intimate Tasting: How wood influences our spirit (FULLY BOOKED)

12:30pm:  The Distillery Manager’s Springbank Warehouse Tasting (FULLY BOOKED)

12:45pm:  Kilkerran Mini Masterclass: Trio of Single Casks (£15) (SPACES AVAILABLE)

1:30pm:  Springbank Masterclass: New and Forthcoming Releases (FULLY BOOKED)

2:30pm:  The Distillery Manager’s Springbank Warehouse Tasting (FULLY BOOKED)

2:45pm:  Springbank Intimate Tasting: Favourites from the past (FULLY BOOKED)

3:45pm:  Cadenhead Masterclass: Cask Samples & Current Bottlings (FULLY BOOKED)

4:30pm:  The Distillery Manager’s Springbank Warehouse Tasting (FULLY BOOKED)

New and exciting news for 2016 is that as well as having their usual bar set up in our marquee, Fyne Ales will also be hosting 3 tasting sessions throughout the day. The tastings will be held at 1pm, 2pm and 5:30pm and should last 30-40 minutes each. The tastings will be bookable on the day at the Fyne Ales bar in the marquee and there will be a cost of £5 per tasting with 15-20 people on each. The tastings will take place in Warehouse 10 and all people taking part in the tasting should meet at the Fyne Ales bar 10 minutes before the tasting begins to be led over to the warehouse. 

Look out your dancing shoes in the evening as from 7pm-11pm, the Malt Barns will be brought to life with live music. Upcoming young local band Rhuvaal will kick proceedings off at 7pm before the return of popular local band THE WEE TOON TELLERS who received rave reviews after a lively set at Springbank Open Day 2015. Local photographer Raymond Hosie will be in the Malt Barns from 8:30pm-10:30pm with his popular photobooth service, there will be a licensed bar and Callie Catering will be pitched up outside, serving hot rolls until 11pm. Entry is free and no ticket is required.

Friday 20th May 2016

The final day of the Campbeltown Malts Festival 2016 will be dedicated to Mitchell’s Glengyle Distillery and Cadenhead’s Independent Bottler.

At 11am, the gates to Glengyle Distillery will open where there will be hourly free tours of the distillery, local stalls, tastings and a Cadenhead ‘Lucky Dip’ bar.

At 12 noon, there will be a Kilkerran Work in Progress Masterclass (FULLY BOOKED) and at 2pm, there will be a Question & Answer session with an expert panel who are, or have been, involved with the build, running or promoting of the distillery. As well as asking any questions you may have, you will also be treated to 3 drams throughout the session, including an EXCLUSIVE sample of the upcoming Kilkerran 12yo whisky which will be available to buy in selected markets from August 2016. The cost of the Q&A session is £10 per person and tickets can be purchased on the day or beforehand by emailing mairi@springbankwhisky.com. There will also be two Cadenhead Warehouse Tastings during the day (FULLY BOOKED) and events at Glengyle Distillery will conclude at 3:30pm.

In addition to the Glengyle and Cadenhead events, at 11am there will be an Architecture Tour of Campbeltown with David McEwan and at 2:30pm there will be Heritage Tour of Campbeltown with Alex McKinven. The tours of Campbeltown are very interesting and give a great insight into Campbeltown’s historic past, its rich heritage, its people and its stories as well as gaining an insight into some of Campbeltown’s finest buildings and their history. The tours are conducted by local volunteers who deliver the tours free of charge for the public. The tours last approximately one hour and booking in advance is essential. Please contact the Campbeltown Tourist Information Centre to book your spot – you can email them at campbeltown@visitscotland.com or call +44 (0) 1586 552056.

Events will conclude on Friday evening with a night of live music in the Ardshiel Hotel who will host The Coaltown Daisies as part of their ‘A Whisky For the Road’ Live Tour. For more information, please call the Ardshiel Hotel on +44 (0) 1586 552133.

The break down of events on Friday 20th May is:

10am:  Cadenhead Warehouse Tasting with Mark Watt (FULLY BOOKED)

11am:  Architecture Tour with David McEwan (SPACES AVAILABLE)

12 noon:  Reflection on the Kilkerran Work in Progress series (FULLY BOOKED)

2pm:  Kilkerran Question & Answer Session with expert panel (SPACES AVAILABLE)

2:30pm:  Heritage Tour with Alex McKinven (SPACES AVAILABLE)

3:30pm:  Cadenhead Warehouse Tasting with Mark Watt (FULLY BOOKED)

Evening:  Live Music from The Coaltown Daisies in the Ardshiel Hotel (SPACES AVAILABLE)

For more information on any of the above events, please contact Mairi by emailing mairi@springbankwhisky.com or calling +44 (0) 1586 552009. 

Kind regards,

Nathan

Nathan Currie 

Springbank Society 

Birthday Sale

Proudly Celebrating 24 Years! 

KWM is celebrating 24 years of award winning service with our 24th annual anniversary Birthday Bash! The sale begins Friday May 13 and ends Sunday May 15. You can shop online or better yet pay us a visit. All in store wines will be discounted 15% or more. Your favorite single malts and other whiskies will be discounted 10% and beer will be discounted 5%. Please join us and let’s celebrate.

We look forward to welcoming you!

Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak

Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky

MEMBER OFFER: EDINBURGH WHISKY SOLSTICE 2016

Partnering up again with the whisky Lounge for the 4th year, we’re heading back indoors and will be setting up our Edinburgh Whisky Festival in the Assembly Rooms on George St. This iconic Georgian venue has long been at the heart of Edinburgh hosting thousands of events from Royal banquets to film festivals, but for this day in June it will play host to Scotland’s most iconic drink – whisky! As in previous years you can expect to see a fantastic display of whiskies from Scotland and around the world, we’re also working on some sensational master-classes which will leave even the most seasoned whisky drinker astounded and amazed…

Date: Saturday 25 June

Time: 12 – 5pm

Location: Assembly Rooms, 54 George Street

Tickets: £30

SMWS MEMBER OFFER: 2 tickets for £40 – save £20!   

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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

www.ralfy.com spends a brief malt-moment with Whisky Review 582 – Aberfeldy 12yo @ 40%vol:   and discusses how to recognise quality in a whisky.

Diageo Brands Awarded Top Honors for Superior Quality at the 16th Annual San Francisco World Spirits Competition

Caledonian Sleeper Raises a Glass to World Whisky Day with Tomatin Distillery 

The Caledonian Sleeper is inviting overworked city slickers keen to escape the bustle of the Big Smoke to enjoy a nip of award-winning Tomatin single malt at a series of on board events in celebration of World Whisky Day (21 May).

Guests looking for a break north of the border will avoid the hassle of airport queues and begin their experience with a showcase of the distillery’s range of whiskies on board the Caledonian Sleeper to Inverness on Wednesday 11 and Wednesday 25 May.

The tasting provides the perfect nightcap before tucking into bed and being teleported overnight from the hubbub of London to the majesty of the Scottish Highlands, awaking refreshed and revived at their destination.

Alistair Mutch at Tomatin, said: “World Whisky Day has become an annual phenomenon which shines a spotlight on Scotland’s national drink and we are excited to share these tastings with guests to mark the occasion.

“What better way to celebrate than to raise a toast to ‘the water of life’ than with a dram on board the historic Caledonian Sleeper.”

The Tomatin tasting events form part of a series of on board food and drink events that were introduced last year to the Caledonian Sleeper.

Caledonian Sleeper Guest Experience Director, Ryan Flaherty, added: “Enjoyed from the comfort of the lounge car, the on board events are the perfect place to relax and unwind whilst socialising with family and friends.

“Guests can enjoy a wide variety of locally sourced produce, freshly prepared in our Highland kitchen and with kids under the age of 12 eating free, there’s something for everyone to indulge in before bedding down for the night.”

For more information about the Caledonian Sleeper and future on board events, visit www.sleeper.scot/.

For more information about Tomatin, visit www.tomatin.com/

Notes

About the Caledonian Sleeper

• The Caledonian Sleeper service is an overnight rail journey between the Scottish Highlands and central London.
• Scotland’s Caledonian Sleeper service has been hailed as one of Lonely Planet’s ‘Super Sleeper Trains’ and the London to Fort William service made the world’s best-selling travel guidebook’s top ten list.
• Every night, apart from Saturday, guests are transported both north and south between Inverness, Aberdeen, Fort William, Glasgow, Edinburgh and London Euston.
• Travel bookings can now be made up to one year in advance on www.sleeper.scot/.
• The Caledonian Sleeper service currently offers a range of ways to travel – comfortable and affordable seated carriages, shared berths and first-class private accommodation – with a dining car offering an extensive locally-sourced menu.
• Caledonian Sleeper is committed to supporting local communities and suppliers:
  • 92% of food produce is sourced within 50 miles of the food production operation in Dingwall.
  • All guests are provided with an Arran Aromatics sleep pack which includes sleep mask, socks and toiletries.
  • The Head Office and Guest Services Centre are located in Inverness employing around 30 people from the locality.
• Brand new trains are going to be launched in 2018, which will offer innovative ways to travel in comfort on the Caledonian Sleeper service as well as a brasserie-style club car for dining.
• The Caledonian Sleeper service is operated by Serco on behalf of Transport Scotland.

About Tomatin Distillery 

• The Tomatin Distillery Co Ltd is a producer and blender of Scotch whisky, boasting a strong core range of single malt whiskies along with a range of popular blends.
•  Website: www.tomatin.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/Tomatin1897 www.facebook.com/CuBocan Twitter: www.twitter.com/Tomatin1897
• More information on the products here http://www.tomatin.com/home-1
• Press Kit can be downloaded here: http://www.tomatin.com/contact/
• The distillery was established in 1897, and while historically the whisky produced was primarily sold for use in other brands of blended whisky, the company is now very focussed on growing the Tomatin single malt brand in its own right.
• Tomatin Distillery also produces Cù Bòcan Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
• The company’s most popular blends are The Antiquary, The Talisman and Big ‘T’.
• The distillery is owned by Japanese company Takara Shuzo: http://www.takarashuzo.co.jp/english/index.htm

AMERICA’S OLDEST REGISTERED DISTILLERY TURNS 150 IN 2016

Jack Daniel’s celebrates the 150^th anniversary of the Jack Daniel Distillery

LYNCHBURG, Tenn. – Jack Daniel’s has announced plans to celebrate the 150^th anniversary of the Jack Daniel Distillery in Lynchburg and around the world in 2016. Through events, special promotions and new products, Jack Daniel’s will share the authentic stories of America’s oldest registered distillery with friends of Jack, both old and new.

In 1866, Jasper “Jack” Daniel had the foresight to place his distillery at a source of limestone water flowing from a cave spring in Lynchburg, Tennessee. Jack Daniel’s has been at the forefront of whiskey-making ever since. Today, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey is a true global icon found in more than 165 countries around the world and is revered for its individual character and authenticity.

“In a world where change is a constant, it is an incredible achievement to be making whiskey in the same way, in the same place, after 150 years,” said Mark McCallum, President of Jack Daniel’s. “I believe the endurance and success of Jack Daniel’s is the result of our ability to continue to operate according to Mr. Jack’s lifelong motto, ‘Every day we make it, we’ll make it the best we can.’ During this milestone anniversary, we will celebrate our history, traditions and values by continuing to tell the unique and powerful stories that make Jack Daniel’s the unique and very special global brand that it is today. We are looking forward to delighting our brand fans all over the world in some very special ways to celebrate this milestone for Jack Daniel’s.”

Jack Daniel’s 150^th yearlong celebration includes:

• Commemorative 150^th Anniversary Bottles
• Global Barrel Scavenger Hunt
• Global Master Distiller for a Day Contest
• Renovations and New Facilities at the Jack Daniel Distillery
• Celebration Event in Lynchburg in October
• Closing Bell Ringing and Anniversary Reception at the New York Stock Exchange

In the 150 years of the Jack Daniel Distillery, the distilling process has largely remained unchanged. From meticulously crafting each barrel to mellowing each drop of whiskey through 10 feet of charcoal, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey is made with the same process pioneered and perfected by Mr. Jack himself. Today, the quiet town of Lynchburg still produces every single drop of the world’s Jack Daniel’s, proof that mastering a craft with a focus on quality can propel a brand beyond borders and across cultures.

For updates and more information, visit www.jackdaniels.com/.

About Jack Daniel’s

Officially registered by the U.S. Government in 1866 and based in Lynchburg, Tenn., the Jack Daniel Distillery, Lem Motlow, proprietor, is the oldest registered distillery in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Jack Daniel’s is the maker of the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select and Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails.

Your friends at Jack Daniel’s remind you to drink responsibly.

JACK DANIEL’S and OLD NO. 7 are registered trademarks. © 2016 Jack Daniel’s. Tennessee Whiskey Alcohol 40% by Volume (80 proof). Distilled and Bottled by JACK DANIEL DISTILLERY, Lynchburg, Tennessee.

Malt of the Month

The Malt of the Month is Lagavulin Distillers Edition 1998. Thiss bottling was introduced in 1997 with the 1979 vintage and is the most popular entry in Diageo’s range of cask-finished whiskies. This has been bottled at around 18 years of age after a final maturation in ex-Pedro-Ximénez sherry casks, which adds richness and freshness to the classic peaty and maritime character. We’ve knocked a tenner off and it’s £63.95 for the whole of May.

Lagavulin Distillers Edition 1998, 43%

Producer’s Tasting Notes

Nose: Intense peat and vanilla. A raisin sweetness checks the smoke. Iodine-edged peat and crisp, roasty malt. Satisfying and enticing.

Palate: Full bodied and rich in texture. A clear, grassy malt, then the peat lands – smoke filling the mouth. A very salty tang, the middle offers coffee, vanilla and fruit.

Finish: Incredibly long, even by Islay standards. Fruit, peat and long-lasting oak. Very chewable.

MAY OUTTURN: MAGICAL SPECTRUM 

May Outturn beams a magical spectrum of 17 flavoursome new single casks. This First Friday, all 12 of our flavour profiles make a mouth-watering appearance, bringing a colourful diversity of tastes and aromas for you to explore. If you need some extra help choosing your bottles this month, SMWS Ambassador Phoebe Brookes shines a light on our favourites, read the reviews on our blog

Young & spritely

39.123 A juicy jamboree
Price: £46.00
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Sweet, fruity & mellow

73.75 Raspberry Atholl Brose
Price: £61.80
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9.106 Fun without fireworks
Price: £95.80
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Spicy & sweet

41.73 One night in Bangkok
Price: £48.80
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46.39 Continental breakfast
Price: £95.80
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123.16 Madagascan white chocolate mice
Price: £51.00
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Spicy & dry

7.131 Apples in the cellar
Price: £55.10
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Deep, rich & dried fruits

30.91 Deliciously dark and sweet
Price: £69.70
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Old & dignified

35.144 Punch with a punch
Price: £98.30
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Light & delicate

26.117 Silky smooth sundowner
Price: £68.50
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Juicy, oak & vanilla

36.102 After the rain
Price: £55.30
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Oily & coastal

ONLINE EXCLUSIVES & LOW AVAILABILITY

3.259 An old sea-dog
Price: £91.40
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31.33 Avuncular intrigue
Price: £124.20
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Lightly peated

3.260 Delicate perfumed sweetness
Price: Exclusive to May offers
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Peated

10.93 Sweet but dangerous
Price: £58.10
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66.83 A memory of summer
Price: £54.00
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Heavily peated

29.180 An apothecary shop on the shore
Price: £80.80
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Browse Current Outturn >
Browse All Bottlings >

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