This very special Island Single Malt from the Tobermory Distillery on the Isle of Mull is one of only 650 bottles in existence. Bottled at a cask strength of 47.7% abv, non chill-filtered with no artificial colouring, and presented in a stunning display case with a rotating door to add some drama to your dram. This is certainly deserving of a place in the collector’s cabinet!
BENROMACH UNVEILS UNIQUE SINGLE CASK 1974 MALT WHISKY
The Benromach Distillery Company Ltd has today revealed a unique single cask malt Scotch whisky with the launch of Benromach 1974.
Handcrafted using the finest natural ingredients at the Forres distillery, Benromach 1974 is a rare bottle with real heritage and is the perfect dram to pay homage to the history of Benromach.
After 41 years maturing in a sherry butt, Benromach 1974 (ABV 49.1%) is a beautiful golden amber colour with opulent sherry influences infused with plump sultana, sharp green apple and zesty orange peel flavours, with rich underlying hints of beeswax polish, menthol and dark chocolate.
Holding this precious Speyside malt is an evocative decanter-style bottle; the contours of the neck and shoulder line sculpted to represent copper stills whilst a copper-coloured neck collar adds a luxurious touch. The presentation box is inspired by the home of Benromach, also reflecting the copper of the stills in use today, as well as the dark, grained wood of the original washbacks and the white of the lime washed distillery walls. A book accompanies the whisky, delving into the Benromach history as well as providing whisky fans with some fascinating stories about the people behind the whisky.
The limited edition dates back to a time before the Urquhart family brought Benromach Distillery back to life in the 1990s and as Distillery Manager Keith Cruickshank explained, it’s a very special dram: “Benromach 1974, cask number 1583, is incredibly rare, as very few casks of Benromach remain from that time. This whisky has matured for many years in a single sherry butt and we have now decided to release it for savouring and enjoying today. For all of us at the distillery, this is a moment to be treasured.”
Former Distiller Tom Anderson, who still lives in a cottage at the distillery, was one of the men to witness the filling of the last casks at Benromach, and proudly signed his name on the wall of the filling store. Former malt man and warehouseman, Willie McArthur, was responsible for tending to the precious casks.
Keith Cruickshank, Benromach Distillery Manager, added: “Pour your dram of Benromach 1974 and settle down for an incredible journey through the history of Benromach. This is a whisky for those who take their whisky seriously and want the chance to try something which is particularly special because of its rarity.”
There are 452 bottles of the limited edition Benromach 1974 available worldwide at specialist whisky retailers with an RRP of £1200. Prices in international markets will differ due to import duties and local taxes. For more information on Benromach, and to explore the wide range of expressions available, please visit www.benromach.com/.
Notes
Benromach 1974 Tasting Notes
Pour your dram of Benromach 1974, cask number 1583, and prepare your senses for an incredible journey of unmitigated moments.
First, lift your glass to the light and appreciate the beautiful golden amber colour created by lingering for 41 years in a sherry butt as the whisky grew and matured in character. Take a short inhalation, savouring the aromas without water… enjoy the opulent sherry influences infused with plump sultana, sharp green apple and zesty orange peel aromas. Underlying all these are rich hints of beeswax polish and menthol.
Now take a sip. At first, you may taste ripe banana, succulent raspberries and blackcurrants. These develop into hints of dark chocolate, leading to a long and smooth finish. Add a few drops of water and take time to enjoy the nose as it develops… fragrant pear and apricot aromas follow the sherry notes, with developing hints of sweet-sharp candied orange peel and beeswax polish. Now lift it to your lips and enjoy a slow sip… a veritable fruit bowl of bananas, pears and red apples emerges, complemented by hints of charred oak. Finally, a superb liquorice and dark praline edge combines with a trace of smoke on the finish. Sublime.
Benromach Distillery
Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life when leading whisky specialists Gordon & MacPhail purchased it in 1993. The distillery was extensively re-equipped over a five-year period before it was officially opened by HRH Prince Charles in 1998.
In reopening Benromach Distillery, Gordon & MacPhail decided to create a classic Speyside single malt – a style that draws its influence from Speyside whiskies pre-1960s.
Benromach Distillery is located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres. A four-star visitor centre is open to the public throughout the year for tours and tastings. Benromach Distillery is a member of the world famous Malt Whisky Trail.
Early June 2016 Outturn Offerings
Cask No. 73.69 $180
Dark side eclipsed by sweet joys
Speyside, Deveron
The nose delivered savoury notes, evoking tapas bars (fino, amontillado, tortilla, old polished wood, etc.) but the dessert menu was even stronger (crème caramel, rum and raisin ice-cream, apple granny cake. More complex with water – sugared seaweed, Japanese sweet omelette, earthy hazelnut and plastic toys in the sun. The taste was essentially sweet – vanilla, amaretto, caramel, carrot cake, figs – but with a slight metallic, gamey, bittersweet edge of burnt cake and walnut. With water, its darker side (Hoisin duck patrolling the farmyard in wellies) was happily dominated by the joyful sweetness of toffee, toasted marshmallows, Nutella, Dr Peppers syrup and pannacotta.
Drinking tip: Could accompany food (Spanish, oriental, e.g.) – or maybe better after a meal, with coffee
Colour: Caramelized sugar
Cask: Refill butt
Age: 22 years
Date distilled: October 1992
Alcohol: 52.9%
USA allocation: 120 bottles
Flavour profile: Deep, rich & dried fruits
Cask No. 121.80 $135
A curious and eccentric conundrum
Highland, Island
This nose was a curious and eccentric conundrum – earthy bass notes of pepper, burnt twigs, tarry wood and salty sweetness growled resonantly with sugared almonds and meatballs, yet we also found trills, triplets and tremolos of fruit (pomegranate, banana, wine gums) and even flowers. The palate also had this odd salty/sweet combination – chocolate, toffee and ice-cream ricocheting off sea-salt, sardine and salted caramel. The reduced nose suggested salt and vinegar crisps, lavender and a Bloody Mary sprinkled with celery salt. The palate remained mouth-tingling, with dark honey, salt and wood – odd as three different socks – but very tasty.
Drinking tip: Something to keep you amused while preparing dinner (or washing socks).
Colour: Suffused new gold
Cask: Refill hogshead
Age: 14 years
Date distilled: April 2000
Alcohol: 54.6%
USA allocation: 96 bottles
Flavour profile: Spicy & sweet
Cask No. 35.129 $210
Dans un auberge en Gascogne
Speyside, Lossie
The nose was slow to waken but led to comments like ‘Warm, rich, teasing’ and ‘high quality’ – toffee, chocolate éclairs, fudge and golden syrup promenaded alongside flower meadows and fresh hay – but slate, coal-tar, leather, brass and pine spoke of old-fashioned iron-mongers. The unreduced palate was pleasantly mouth-flooding with big flavours of sherry, roasted chestnuts, leather, dried fruits and heather stems after moor-burning. The second nosing had candles, fortified wine and saddles (d’Artagnan arrives at the inn?). Water helped the palate to consolidate and come together in harmony – brown sugar, dark chocolate orange creams, rum-soaked cherries, sweet liquorice and dark honey.
Drinking tip: A fine dram for reflective, contemplative moments (recalling a swashbuckling youth, perhaps).
Colour: Amber light through Crabbies ginger
Cask: Refill hogshead
Age: 27 years
Date distilled: May 1987
Alcohol: 53.8%
USA allocation: 48 bottles
Flavour profile: Old & dignified
Cask No. 3.254 $160
Sweet & salty seaweed
Islay
We were greeted by a fresh coastal sea breeze reminding some of us of walking the dog on a bright early morning along a pebble beach with scattered crab baskets and the enticing aroma of salty and sweet seaweed in the air. Salty and sweet it was on the palate too, like scallops and sweet chilli garnished with rocket leaves drizzled generously with balsamic vinegar. With a drop of water we carried on walking, passing a fisherman giving a new lick of paint to his upside down boat. The taste now like smoked haddock chowder with leeks and sweetcorn.
Drinking tip: Warning, once you start …
Colour: ‘Old Yeller’
Cask: Refill hogshead
Age: 19 years
Date distilled: March 1996
Alcohol: 58.1%
USA allocation: 120 bottles
Flavour profile: Oily & coastal
Please visit the Scotch Malt Whisky Society of America at www.smwsa.com
Announcing our 6th Anniversary Bourbon Release and Distillery Birthday Celebration Saturday June 25th 11am – 6pm
In celebration of our sixth year anniversary, Rock Town Distillery will release a limited edition bourbon whiskey called, “Rock Town Four Grain Sour Mash Straight Bourbon Whiskey.” It will be available for purchase only at the distillery in downtown Little Rock, starting at 11am on Saturday, June 25th.
Rock Town Four Grain Sour Mash Arkansas Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• $49.99 per 375ml bottle
• 100 proof Straight Bourbon
• Available only at the distillery tasting room
• Paid 50% deposit reserves your bottle
• Call 501-907-5244 to reserve your bottle
6th Anniversary Celebration Tastings
Rock Town will also offer two exclusive sit down tastings on Saturday, June 25th at 2pm and 5pm of four rare and exceptional Rock Town whiskeys paired with local cheese and meats:
• 6th Anniversary Four Grain Sour Mash Bourbon Whiskey – 100 proof
• Single Barrel Hickory Smoked Whiskey – Cask Strength
• Single Barrel Rye Whiskey – Cask Strength
• Our now Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey – Cask Strength
Space is extremely limited for the tastings and the cost is $40 per person. Tasting reservations can be made at http://store.rocktowndistillery.com/product-category/tastings/
6th Anniversary Celebration Tours
As a thank you to our friends and supporters we will be offering:
• Free tours 11am to 6pm held periodically throughout the day on Saturday June 25th
The 2nd Annual Harlem Whiskey Festival aims to make whisky hip, fun, cool, sexy & accessible to women.
Tickets can be purchase via our site, www.harlemwhiskeyfestival.com
Cragganmore 30 Year Old 1985 Old & Rare Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Cragganmore 30 Year Old 1985 vintage Speyside single malt Scotch whiskey. Single cask refill hogshead bottled October 2015 by Hunter Laing & Co. for the Old & Rare Platinum Selection. 180 bottles. This golden coloured whisky has a delicate mellow nose sweet vanilla initially then an assortment of fruit aromas appear banana peaches blackcurrants with butter shortbread adding weight .a creamy buttery mouthfeel on the palate with red berries cinder toffee and dark chocolate giving sweetness and complexity .The finish is long satisfying sweet pleasant slightly dry with a touch of oak. Cragganmore Distillery was established by John Smith in 1869 on a site close to Ballindalloch Station in the heart of Scotland’s Speyside whisky region. Cragganmore Distillery is a malt whisky distillery equipped with four very short stills and is one of the few Scottish malt whisky distilleries which continue to cool their new spirit in traditional worm tubs. Visitors are welcomed at the Cragganmore Distillery visitor centre where distillery tours are available. Cragganmore is a participant in the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.
Whisky Tour in the Highlands & Speyside – May 2016.
We took two whisky loving Canadians on tour in May, starting from the Edinburgh hotel at 08 am on Saturday morning. Och another early start, but that’s fine, am used to it. We drove north over the Forth Road Bridge and on into highland Perthshire, taking our time, but hurrying up, to Inverness. Still a way to go, as our first appointment was with a few Dalmore drams. A distillery tour and tasting was happily received by our two whisky fans, even though it was no in production – but this meant photos allowed anywhere! King alec is my favourite dram there, but as driver … say no more, it hurts! Lunch was taken at the Storehouse doon the road, a meeting with some drams at Glenmorangie came next. I do need point out, the young guide got a few things wrong, but here main problem came when asked how they clean the stills out, she said they were sent away to be cleaned by power jets, oh dear! From here we headed back at an easy pace, to Inverness, where we all stayed overnight. I did introduce them to an excellent whisky bar here by the river, a good local pub and another – Irish bar. I left them to enjoy the city while I went away to my hotel and did some work (thanks Liz). Even on tour I cannee get away from work, Liz see’s to that.
Sunday, a day of rest? Don’t think so. Leave Inverness and call in to Culloden Battlefield, walk the moor that Bonnie Prince Charlie and his troops did, discover the “well of the dead”, take time to tour the museum and watch the provocative movie. From here to Clava Cairns, or the Prehistoric Burial Cairns of Bulnuaran of Clava – a group of three Bronze Age cairns dating back about 4,000 years. The cemetery was used in two periods. At around 2000 BC a row of large cairns was built, three of which can still be seen today. Cawdor castle, Macbeth was born about 1005. Macbeth was crowned High King of Scots at Scone outside Perth, with his Queen. Shakespeare wrote Macbeth during the spring of 1606. Although the murder of Duncan takes place in Inverness Castle, it is often associated with Cawdor Castle. The truth is, Cawdor Castle was not built until the late 14th century, therefore it is impossible for King Duncan to have lost any blood or Lady Macbeth much sleep in this particular house. Whisky today? To be sure, we always have excellent drams in the car for our stops during the day, I drove long the Loch Ness to Drumnadrochit and called in at Fiddlers, met John whom I know (owner) told him my guest had a birthday, we (I was a driver again, damn!) enjoyed almost 2 hours of personal attention, many drams including a 40 year old, gifts and presents courtesy of myself and John, she went away happy and – tiddly! Returning a final time to Inverness.
Monday: We left Inverness at 10am, driving south to Tomatin. The Taste of Tomatin tour – an in-depth tour, a tutored nosing and tasting of 6 different whiskies, including two distillery exclusive single cask expressions. I think they enjoyed that! While they toured I enjoyed the “drivers share” a cup of tea and shortcakes, I did enjoy my chat’s with the girls here, especially young Nicole, whose whole family work here, including cousins, uncles, dad, granny used to. 2 hours later they appeared looking really happy. From Tomatin to Aviemore for lunch picking up Liz at the station. We departed for Glenfarclas Distillery. This is one of the few privately owned distilleries and one of 3 Grant Family distilleries in Speyside. It’s hard for us to say, but it’s one of our favourites, as most of them are! They produce excellent drams and bottles. From here around 35 minutes’ drive to Cardhu where we all fed the hairy coo’s. Another great whisky day ends, guests happy and smiling, Elgin overnight. Liz and myself stayed up in Lossiemouth as usual, we use a nice wee apartment there as a base (office away from home).
Tuesday: We left Elgin at 9.15 heading south to Dufftown, booked on the 10am Balvenie Distillery tour, superb, we know, we have done it many times. The best way to get to know The Balvenie is at the distillery. Tours are very personal each is limited to a maximum of eight people. Bottling your own Balvenie in Warehouse 24 costs £25 (is not a full size bottle, but it is worth it). Only 6 people were on the tour and as usual, it was excellent, thank David (Muir) for your help and see you next month. We took lunch locally at Glenfiddich Distillery, this allowed our guests to see the fabulous ladies bathrooms at the distillery. The Macallan Distillery called our names at 3pm for the 6 Pillars Tour. After a thorough immersion into the world of The Macallan, they enjoyed an experience/nosing and tasting of Macallan whiskies as well as the rich new make spirit. We did call into a fab whisky bar en route to the hotel, where we met up with our other tour that was in, Derek was driving this one, great – we had everyone in the bar on tour with us, a mcleanscotland bar! Elgin again that evening. Liz and myself enjoyed some great food in Lossie and at the apartment a good selection of drams were consumed.
Liz (left) Andrew (right) in red jumper.
Wednesday: We departed Elgin at 9am to Dalwhinnie Distillery to call in for drams (tour not included), 6 Dalwhinnie drams including a dram from the £350 bottle, then down to Pitlochry for free time, lunch and Edradour Distillery. We saw Andrew wandering doon so hailed him, all hello’s and intro’s, as he guided us to the shop/bar, then introduced us to several drams (not me!!!) and spent maybe 40 minutes with us, before back to the shop for purchases, an good Edradour for Liz, an Imperial for Gary. Thanks Andrew.
From here we take a scenic route back to Edinburgh, dropping our guests at their Edinburgh hotel. Took Liz home and got back myself into the second half of the Euro Cup Final, Liverpool lost out! Another good whisky tour done and dusted.
Written by Paul McLean, http://www.whiskytours.scot/
CHIVAS BROTHERS LAUNCHES NEW BURSARY TO MAXIMISE EMPLOYEES’ POTENTIAL
A new bursary scheme has been launched by Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, which gives its employees the opportunity to take their talents to the next level via further education or vocational training
The company has joined forces with the Scottish International Education Trust (SIET) – which aims to provide talented men and women with grants to complete further study and help them be the best they can be – to create the Chivas Brothers Bursary.
The dedicated Chivas Brothers Bursary will make it easier for employees and their families to apply for support from the SIET, with up to £5,000 a year on offer over three years.
Chivas Brothers previously donated £100,000 to SIET – set up in 1971 by Sir Sean Connery and Sir Jackie Stewart, who both remain Trustees.
The bursary is open to the 1,600 employees of Chivas Brothers spread throughout the country at 32 sites in Orkney, Speyside, Central Scotland, Ayrshire, London and Plymouth, as well as direct family members.
Anthony Schofield, Public Affairs Director at Chivas Brothers said: “The Chivas Brothers Bursary is an exciting initiative which we hope will help employees, or a member of their family pursue education and open up future opportunities.
“We’re part of so many communities through our employees and this is just one way we can show how dedicated we are to helping them and the communities in which they live.”
Michael Ewart, Director of SIET, said: “Chivas Brothers’ gift to SIET enables us to make many more awards to talented young Scots over the three years of our relationship. I am pleased that Chivas Brothers employees and their families also have an opportunity to benefit from the bursary scheme.”
NOTES
About Chivas Brothers
Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s no.2 in wines and spirits. Chivas Brothers’ award-winning portfolio features some of the world’s most revered Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky and the No.1 Scotch whisky in China; Ballantine’s, Europe’s No.1 Scotch whisky; The Glenlivet, the world’s No.1 single malt whisky; and Royal Salute, the world’s only exclusively prestige Scotch whisky range. The portfolio also includes two of the world’s leading English gins – Beefeater, the world’s most awarded premium gin, and Plymouth gin – plus a selection of highly acclaimed single malt whiskies, including Aberlour, Longmorn, Scapa, Strathisla and Tormore. The range is completed by a collection of blended Scotch whiskies operating in many of the world’s key whisky markets which includes 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport Scotch.
www.chivasspirit.com
@ChivasNewsRoom
About Pernod Ricard
Pernod Ricard is the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 8,558 million in 2014/15. 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 85 “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.
About the Scottish International Education Trust
The Scottish International Education Trust (SIET) was set up by Sir Sean Connery and Sir Jackie Stewart in 1971. Sir Sean donated his $1m fee for the film “Diamonds are Forever” – at the time the largest fee ever commanded by an actor for a single film. Both Sir Sean and Sir Jackie remain Trustees and take an active interest in the Trust’s work. SIET’s principal aim is to give awards to mainly young Scots who have shown particular promise and who need help to take their education or professional training further – usually at post-graduate of equivalent level. www.scotinted.org.uk
Enlightenment – Available Now!
Inspired by the writers, philosophers and scientists of the Age of Enlightenment, this Limited Edition release is our way of highlighting the issues of a regulatory system that currently prevents Scotch producers from sharing information about the age of every component whisky used in their blends. And of course the whisky itself is something rather special. A summery blend of fruity, fragrant Highland Single Malt whiskies, it is bursting with aromas of fresh orchard fruit, flavours of vanilla, soft spice and an alluring apple peel waxiness on the finish. An uplifting whisky with which to ponder the world of Scotch not only as it is but also as it could be!
Whiskymaker John Glaser
Also available from today, The Circus is built around a core of old Blended Scotch and Blended Grain whisky parcels that were aged pre-blended in sherry butts for many years. The resulting whisky has a lithe frame and opulent mouthfeel brimming with dried fruit character, a luscious maltiness and nuances of almond and hazelnut. Like all the best circuses, this whisky is transient, ephemeral, in town for one night only. All the more reason to enjoy it while it’s here!
If you haven’t already done so, please take a look at our Scotch Whisky Transparency campaign, which sets out to change EU and UK regulations that currently prevent us from sharing information about the age of every component whisky used in our blends. If you agree with our proposal, please take a moment to sign our Statement of Beliefs. Every signature we receive in support helps us lobby the industry to change the regulations for the better.
June Whisky Auction – LIVE NOW!
Welcome to Just Whisky’s post-Feis Ile 2016 Auction! We are now Live and taking bids on over 1,000 lots. As you can imagine, we have a fantastic array of bottles from the recent Islay Festival with lots from Bowmore, Bunnahabhain, Caol Ila, Kilchoman, Lagavulin & Laphroaig.
Other highlights include an incredible 1965 Ardbeg in Museum Case with Miniature, a huge selection of Rare Malts bottles, a 1953 Glenfarclas. In amongst the auction, we also have a very rare and sought after Old Parr hand blown Elizabethan decanter. Macallan fans will be bidding on the 1946 Select Reserve and Easter Elchies bottles.
Bidding comes to an end from 8PM on Sunday the 19th June.
