Released from the vault!

If you haven’t heard – there’s a craze called ‘Pokemon Go’ that’s taking the country by storm. The general goal of it and Pokemon overall is to….’Catch’em all‘. Obviously some are harder to ‘catch’ than others. With that in mind – we are releasing into the wild – some of Park Avenue Liquor Shop’s classic exclusive single malt scotches. You do not need an App or smartphone to ‘catch’ these – You just need contact us. There are different quantities of these bottles available – so act fast if you see something you need for your collection. Please contact the store with any questions.  Cheers!

Jonathan & Eric & Marlon

The Park Avenue Liquor Shop 270 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10016 212-685-2442

jonathan@parkaveliquor.com

eric@parkaveliquor.com

whiskyconn@gmail.com  (Marlon)

www.parkaveliquor.com

Some of the Park Ave Liquor Shop’s ‘Exclusives’ from long ago have escaped.

The following items are recent escapees from the Park Avenue Liquor Shop’s ‘Vault of Exclusives’.

Each item listed is very limited so please contact us to make sure it is still available. 

Compass Box: “Monster” – Cask Strength Non-chill filtered.

$160/btl

With a name like “Monster” – this one could actually BE a Pokémon!

When the Park Ave collaborated with CB Master Blender John Glaser on an exclusive – we repeatedly sent back concept samples with the direction to make it peatier each time. That is, until we received a sample that John labeled as, “Monster”. The store loved it ~ as remarked on the back label  ~ and the bottling served as inspiration for the brand’s current “Peat Monster’ statement.
Gordon & MacPhail: SPEYMALT from Macallan 1993, 9Year Old – Oak Cask

$125/btl

These exclusive bottles are marked as being Speymalt’s very first importation into the USA.

“Speymalt” is the special name created by Gordon & MacPhail for all of its Macallan private bottlings. Only Macallan whisky can be used under the Speymalt moniker. So this is your chance to get the first Speymalt to come to the United States.

Gordon & MacPhail: Tomintoul 40 Year Old 1967, Cask #644 (Oak)

$1,000/btl

If our exclusive bottlings had an All-Star team – the one would be the starting pitcher…and clean-up hitter.

This one first hit our shelves in 2008 and has a finish that is still lingering. Perhaps that’s why no other bottle gets asked about like this one. We’re still amazed we got our hands on this cask. (Only 240 made) 

Montgomeries: Macallan 13 Year Old 1989, Bourbon Cask

$95/btl

“One of the best examples of a Bourbon cask Macallan I’ve ever tasted.”

– Jon Goldstein (Guy who really likes scotch and has opinions)

Old Malt Cask: Ardbeg 27 Year Old 1972, Matured in Sherry Cask, No chill

$2,500/btl

Full disclosure: THIS IS NOT ONE OF OUR EXCLUSIVES.

How it snuck into the vault no one remembers. That being said, this is our LAST BOTTLE is probably one of the oldest Ardbegs you’ll find in the market right now.

If you want one you’ll most likely need to jump into your DeLorean and push the Flux Capacitor until you hit 88mph. (Only 144 made)  

Four Roses: Single Barrel – Private Selection

OESQ = 10 Year Old ~ 120.4 proof OBSQ = 8 Years & 6 Months Old ~ 107.2 proof OBSO = 10 Years & 1 Month Old ~ 110.4 proof

$150/btl each

Once again this offer is while supplies of each item listed lasts. We cannot guarantee bottle availability. We are not responsible for any typographical errors. Please contact the store with any questions. PS: Hi Russia!

The Park Avenue Liquor Shop | 212-685-2442 | 212-689-6247 |  parkaveliquor.com

www.ralfy.com re-visits a trusty old friend with Whisky Review 594 – Springbank 10yo scotch (re-reviewed 2016)

GLEN GRANT ADDS THREE NEW PREMIUM SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKIES

AND UNVEILS NEW PACKAGING DESIGN

Award-winning Glen Grant launches new premium quality whiskies: 12 Year Old, 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered and 18 Year Old

LONDON, 14th June 2016 – Award-winning single malt Scotch whisky, Glen Grant, today announces the launch of new 12 Year Old, 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered and 18 Year Old single malt Scotch whiskies whilst unveiling a new contemporary brand identity with packaging and logo redesign. The introduction of three unique and unmatched expressions to Glen Grant’s existing portfolio aims to reaffirm Glen Grant’s position as a leading player in the luxury whisky market and answers the surge in global sales of premium single malt Scotch whisky.

Launching in June, the new 12 Year Old, 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered and 18 Year Old expressions will allow consumers to enjoy the unfolding layers of mature and beautifully intricate taste and aroma that is achieved only through Glen Grant’s unique distillation process.

Glen Grant 12 Year Old is a remarkable single malt Scotch whisky. With a bright, golden colour and pleasant aromas of orchard fruit, almond and citrus, this exceptional whisky delights the palate with exquisite and delicate notes of apple pie crust and caramel and finishes with lingering fruit and subtle hints of spice.

The 12 Year Old Non Chill-filtered, which will be exclusively available to travel retailers, delivers a full and creamy mouth-feel, with an aroma and flavour that, is unmistakably Glen Grant. With its signature bright, golden colour and a sweet, welcoming nose, this beautifully crafted whisky offers notes of toffee and rich fruit, and a pleasingly long, nutty finish with subtle bursts of spice.

The rarest in the new collection is the Glen Grant 18 Year Old. This unrivalled single malt Scotch whisky matures for at least 18 years in the highest quality, handpicked oak casts, which creates a radiant golden colour and seductive floral and oaky aroma. Deeply layered and complex, this rich and vibrant whisky delivers beautifully intricate flavours of malted caramel, vanilla, and raisins and lingers with a long, sweet and pleasantly spicy finish.

The latest packaging features a new colour palette, allowing the consumer to easily identify the different dram varieties. The 12 Year Old and 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered feature a striking bronze label and casing, while the 18 Year Old is enclosed within a superior frosted-blue gift box with luxurious silver hues, reiterating its premium status.

The new Glen Grant logo, the Grant family monogram, stands proudly on the front of each bottle – with the letters ‘J’ ‘R’ and ‘G’ delicately intertwined in a timeless design. ‘J’ for James ‘The Major’ Grant and ‘R’ for his first wife Rose, reminding consumers of the deeply rooted family heritage which helped to produce one of the world’s finest single malt Scotch whiskies.

Melanie Batchelor, Global Vice Press President of Spirits at Gruppo Campari, commented: “We are delighted to launch our new range of aged products and unveil our brand new, contemporary logo and packaging. Glen Grant has made a significant investment in its production within the worldwide luxury whisky market to meet the increased consumer appetite for premium whisky with a rich background. We are extremely proud of our new look which perfectly represents the passion, craftsmanship and family heritage of Glen Grant, while staying true to our Scottish heritage. We are confident that through our unique quality and history, our new aged range of products will prove extremely popular with our consumers.”

Glen Grant’s new packaging will be rolled out across all Glen Grant products from June. The new 12 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky will be available to purchase from June at the Whisky Exchange, whilst the new 12 Year Old Non Chill Filtered will be available from June to purchase from duty free and travel retailers. The new 18 Year Old expression will be available from June to purchase from Tesco.

About Glen Grant:

Glen Grant’s story began in 1840, in Rothes, Speyside – Scotland’s premier region for whisky production; by brothers John and James Grant. Still produced in Rothes today, Glen Grant is currently the world’s number 5 selling single malt Scotch whisky and holds a range of prestigious industry awards, including being awarded Jim Murray’s Best Single Malt Scotch: 10 Years and Under for four years in a row and Single Malt of the Year (Multiple Casks) for 2016.

The elegant and seductively smooth taste for which Glen Grant is renowned, is the result of the innovative tall slender stills and revolutionary purifiers that James ‘The Major’ Grant, son of founder James Grant, was one of the first to introduce over a century ago. Still used to this day, this lasting legacy continues to distinguish the brand.

Today, Dennis Malcolm, the multi-award winning Glen Grant Master Distiller, directs and presides over the amber liquid. Born in the grounds of Glen Grant in 1946, he has worked for Glen Grant for over five decades, with an uncommon passion and unrivalled knowledge of the industry. Dennis’ unmatched Scotch whisky experience ensures that every expression in the Glen Grant range makes the absolute best of the complex alchemy of spirit, wood and time.

The complete Glen Grant range includes the refined Major’s Reserve, 5 Year Old, 10 Year Old, 12 Year Old, 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered, 18 Year Old and a selection of limited edition bottles; each with their own distinct flavour and aroma that perfectly captures the spirit of Glen Grant’s heartland.

Glen Grant became part of the Gruppo Campari portfolio in 2006. The ABV of each Glen Grant single malt Scotch whisky differs between each expression and consumers are encouraged to always drink responsibly.

ABV of Glen Grant single malt Scotch whiskies

 The Major’s Reserve – 40% ABV

 5 Year Old – 40% ABV

 10 Year Old – 40% ABV

 12 Year Old – 43% ABV

 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered – 48% ABV (Travel retail exclusively)

 18 Year Old – 43% ABV

About Glen Grant 12 and 18 Year Old single malt Scotch whiskies:

Glen Grant 12 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky

The new Glen Grant 12 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky will be available in online at the Whisky Exchange at the recommended retail price of £37.40.

The 12 Year Old malt bears the same bright gold hue as is synonymous with the Glen Grant range. Orchard fruits combine with hints of almonds and citrus to create a lingering fruit finish which is enhanced by subtle hints of spice. The ABV is 43%.

Tasting notes:

 Colour – Bright gold

 Aroma – Honey, pear and apple with hints of almonds and citrus

 Taste – Apple pie crust, caramel and vanilla

 Finish – Lingering fruit with subtle hints of spice

Glen Grant 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered single malt Scotch whisky

The new Glen Grant 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered single malt Scotch whisky will launch only in duty free and travel retailers at the recommended retail price of £37.00. The ABV is 48%.

The 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered offers a unique aroma of butterscotch and vanilla, mixed with hints of almond and clove spice. This results in a long, fruity and nutty finish, leaving a taste of toffee apple combined with rich, complex fruit.

Tasting notes:

 Colour – Bright gold

 Aroma– Butterscotch with vanilla, almonds and clove spice

 Taste – Toffee apple with rich complex fruit

 Finish – Long, chewy with a fruity and nutty finish

Glen Grant 18 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky

A very limited number of bottles of the new Glen Grant 18 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky will be available online at the Whisky Exchange at the recommended retail price of £110.

A very limited number of bottles of the new Glen Grant 18 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky will be available.

Glen Grant’s 18 Year Old expression is rich and floral on the palate; its oaky overtones combined with baking spices to deliver the delicate aroma of malted caramel, with a sweet nutty finish. The ABV is 43%.

Tasting notes:

 Colour – Bright gold

 Aroma – Rich and floral with oaky overtones and hints of baking spices

 Taste – Malty caramel, delicate, dried raisins and vanilla

UK’s Ultimate Bartender crowned at world’s biggest cocktail festival

Sussex barman Dave White beat over 120 contestants to take the title at the final of Monkey Shoulder’s Ultimate Bartender Championship in New Orleans 

Dave White has been awarded the coveted title of Monkey Shoulder’s Ultimate Bartender Champion, for the second year running. Defending last year’s title, Dave re-entered the competition designed for bartenders to showcase their talents and put their skills to the ultimate test in a series of trials. 

After beating stiff competition from over 120 bartenders across 15 regional heats, Dave and the other finalists were flown on all-expenses paid trip to New Orleans to battle it out in the final rounds at the iconic Tales of the Cocktail event.

Dave, 36, Manager of Dead Parrot bar in Horsham won the Brighton heat which took place at the city’s Merkaba Bar in May. After winning with his team last year, Dave returned to the competition as a solo bartender with his eyes set on the trip of a lifetime to New Orleans to win the final prize.

With the competition tougher than ever before, contestants were tasked with a series of new rounds designed to separate the wheat from the chaff, including gross profit testing contestant’s business acumen, rote challenges to test management and HR skills and a mega quiz to test general bartending knowledge. New for this year, and to take advantage of the competition’s first overseas final, Monkey Shoulder also set a series of daily ‘scavenger hunt’ challenges across New Orleans.

As part of the winner’s prize, Dave will run his own bar at London Cocktail Week from the 3^rd to 9^th October 2016, which will be promoted and stocked by Monkey Shoulder. He’ll also get to keep all the takings made during the week. Last year, Dave and his team mates from Dead Parrot took home over £13,000.

Dave White commented: “I’m thrilled to be crowned the UK’s Ultimate Bartender for the second year in a row. Monkey Shoulder really stepped up the competition this year but the scavenger hunt around New Orleans was the real icing on the cake. The trophy will take pride of place in the bar whilst planning for London Cocktail Week gets underway!” 

Dave beat Nick Gordon, Jonathon Arthur and Cameron Woodger, the trio of bartenders from Aberdeen and remaining finalist Adam Binnersley of Manchester who all did their upmost to smash the challenges. With only a small number of votes between first and final place, it was neck and neck right until the very end.

All finalists attended the annual William Grants & Son’s “Party on Your Palate” soiree at the Orpheum Theatre during their stay with drinks on offer from across the brands portfolio.

Grant Neave, Monkey Shoulder’s UK brand ambassador said “The Ultimate Bartender Championship is all about challenging the best bartenders on the UK bar scene. Dave did a great job across the new challenges and the scavenger hunt, proving he definitely has the skills to pay the bills. And what better place to celebrate his win at the home of cocktails; the Tales of the Cocktail event in New Orleans”.

To find out more about the Ultimate Bartender Champion visit: http://ultimatebartenderchampionship.com/

Notes to Editors 

About The Ultimate Bartender Championship

Back for a third year, the Ultimate Bartender Championship is designed to support and nurture the next generation of UK bartenders. This year saw the Monkey troupe travelling across the UK in an ultra-pimped-out tour bus, reaching more cities and more importantly more bartenders than ever before, culminating in the final challenges at Tales of The Cocktail in New Orleans. All applicants whatever their ability – from bar newbie to seasoned pro – had the chance to gain knowledge and improve their skills at each stage of the journey.

About Monkey Shoulder 

Monkey Shoulder is the world’s first 100% triple malt whisky made for mixing.

Using batches from just 27 casks, Monkey Shoulder is created by combining single malts from three of Speyside’s finest distilleries. Known for breaking conventional whisky drinking and traditions, Monkey Shoulder puts the fun back into whisky drinking. Famed for its versatility, the smooth and rich taste has hints of mellow vanilla – a flavour which works well with mixers and when included in cocktails.

The term ‘monkey shoulder’ harks back to whisky making heritage. It’s a reference to a condition that malt men sometimes picked up while working long shifts, turning the barley by hand. It had a tendency to cause their arm to hang down a bit like a monkey’s hence the nickname ‘Monkey Shoulder’. Thankfully practices have changed and the condition no longer exists!

Not that we like to brag, but Monkey Shoulder’s mantelpiece is resplendent with numerous awards – some will be impressed that Drinks International rated Monkey Shoulder as the world’s top trending Scotch in the World’s 50 Best Bars Annual Report 2015.

Monkey Shoulder retails for an RRP of £28 per 70cl bottle with 40% ABV. For further information about Monkey Shoulder, visit: http://www.monkeyshoulder.com/

Mark the date for 2017!

A big thank you goes out to all the staff, exhibitors and guests who made this year’s Spirit of Toronto a night to remember, and we look forward to seeing you all next year on Saturday, May 6, 2017 when we return with Canada’s premiere tasting event!

This year’s show boasted our biggest selection yet of whisky and premium spirits — highlights included Jim Beam’s Kentucky Derby Social complete with commemorative silver julep cups; Canada’s first taste of Wm Grant & Sons Rare Cask Reserve with the Storas 21 Year Old as well as the Canadian launch of the Dewar’s Whisky Emporium. Those of you who have yet to visit Scotland came close thanks to The Balvenie, who brought their floor maltings to this year’s show, and Glenfiddich, who offered guests a virtual tour of one of Speyside’s most renowned distilleries.

But… a picture is worth a thousand words so please check out our photo gallery to relive the good times for yourself:

Spirit of Toronto 2016 Photo Gallery

This year’s Spirit of Toronto also marked the launch of ‘Distilled’, our print magazine that explores the craft and culture of fine spirits. Issue Two will be out on November 7 and you can click here to request a copy of our next issue.

Although Spirit of Toronto 2017 is still months away, planning has already begun as we confirm some of next year’s guest speakers. Have a great summer and we’ll touch base in the coming months with a preview of what’s to come.

In the best of spirits,

Johanna Ngoh Executive Producer Spirit of Toronto 2017

This month’s auction is positively chock-a-block with delightful drams, brilliant bourbons and wonderful whiskies.

Big Petrie once again gives us a sneak peak of this month’s auction here.

This month we have many marvelous Mortlachs and up first we are excited to present the oldest Scotch whisky ever bottled, the simply stunning Mortlach 75 year old from Gordon & MacPhail. Distilled in 1939 this incredible whisky comes in a beautiful handcrafted decanter which bares 75 multi-level cuts, each representing a year in the life of this spectacular whisky.

We also have a Mortlach distilled in 1938, this one is a mere 70 years old, which was the oldest single malt every bottled before Gordon & MacPhail outdid themselves with the aforementioned 75 year old. Finally from Gordon & MacPhail we have a spritely 46 year old that was distilled all the way back in 1936 and bottled for their incredibly popular Connoisseurs Choice range.

Macallan moves the the fore with a 52 year old whisky distilled in 1946. We also have Macallans from 1938 and two from 1950. An 888 and MMIX are also in attendance and for those interested in mini Macallans we have a Fine & Rare Miniature Collection.

Next to the stage is a Dalmore 1926 50 year old. This venerable dram is presented in a beautiful black decanter and along with a 50 year old Springbank from their Millennium Collection and North British grain whisky is one of three fifty year old bottles in this auction. There is also a 52 year old grain from the lost Carsebridge distillery.

We have bevy of beautiful blends in the auction this month with Old Parr and Antiquary bottles from the 1920s, a Haig from the 1930s and White Horse from the 1941. There is also a Glen Calder which was distilled in 1949 and bottled 40 years later.

Ardbeg offers a lovely selection of single cask releases including bottles from casks #3475, #1376, #4717 and #2394 which were all distilled in the 1970s. As

single cask releases go few are as wonderfully presented as the Ardbeg Double Barrel which comes in a hand made gun case made by Purdey.

From Bowmore we have three bottles which were distilled in the 1960s. First up we have the 1964 38 year old which was aged in a Bourbon cask, then a 32 year old from 1968 and another 1968 which was bottled by Signatory. Finally there is a Bicentenary bottling which was released at cask strength.

We have two lovely Taliskers from 1953 and a wonderful 21 year old single cask offering from Cadenhead’s. There are two Springbank single cask bottles from the 1960s, one from 1965 and the other from 1968 as well as two 46 year old offerings from Probably Speyside’s Finest distillery.

“Guid gear comes in sma‘ bulk” as my Granny would say and she probably had in mind this Karuizawa 1964 Mini 5cl & Book. There are also plenty of lots from other lost distilleries like, Port Ellen, Glen Mhor, Brora, Rosebank and Littlemill.

Phew! There are many more wonderful bottles in this month’s auction so please take time to get in and have a look around and remember, Don’t Lose Your Bottle!

All the best from us here at SWA HQ!

AUGUST TASTINGS & EVENTS 

EDINBURGH

Monday Research: Bunnahabhain – The Vaults, Mon 1 Aug  

Join Angus Upton, Global Brand Ambassador for Distell as he guides us through some of his company’s brands which include Bunnahabhain, Tobermory, Ledaig and Deanston. During the evening you will also enjoy a Society supper and a couple of the Society’s Single Cask whiskies alongside.  More >

FREE EVENTS AT THE VAULTS

Live Music Night with Hot Tin Roof – Tue 9 Aug More >

Drop-in Evening: Closed and Rare Drams – Tue 16 Aug More > 

LONDON

New Outturn Tasting – 19 Greville St, Sat 6 Aug  More >

Steak & Whisky Tasting – 19 Greville St, Mon 8 Aug  More >

New Member’ Sensory Tasting – 19 Greville Street, Wed 31 Aug  More >

UK-WIDE PREVIEWS WITH UISGE SOURCE

Last chance to buy tickets

Durham – Radisson Blu, Fri 29 July  More >

Stirling – The Golden Lion, Fri 29 July More >

Sheffield – Leopold Hotel, Fri 29 July  More >

Browse All Events & Tastings >

The Vaults, Leith – will close for a private function all day on Friday 5 August 2016. Please accept our invitation to our newly refurbished Members Room at Queen Street and accept our sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused.

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