A ‘Dram Fine Wedding’ for Pulteney Pair

Old Pulteney has added the perfect ‘blend’ to its award-winning range of single malts – after a love match between two Pulteney staff led to a very special wedding at the Distillery in Wick.

Pulteney Distillery Visitor Centre Manager Tanya Fraser and Assistant Distillery Manager Russell Angus first locked eyes over a barrel of single malt back in 2003, so when the couple tied the knot in late summer this year, there was only one place they wanted to be.

Since Old Pulteney is such a big part of their lives, and to reflect their love of the ‘Maritime Malt’, Tanya and Russell chose to hold their big day at the Distillery in Wick amongst their closest colleagues and friends.

In keeping with their positions at the Distillery, which is one of the most northerly on the Scottish mainland, the full day had a distinctively ‘Old Pulteney’ flavour. Their romantic wedding ceremony took place in the Distillery courtyard, with photographs taken against a backdrop of casks in the warehouse.

At the reception, guests were treated to a delicious wedding cake in the shape of Pulteney’s distinctive ‘smuggler’s kettle’ stills – complete with a miniature model of the bride and groom on top. There were even table decorations held in empty Old Pulteney bottles….with the whisky inside served up as drams a plenty for guests at the end of the meal.

Bride Tanya, who has worked at the Distillery for 16 years years commented: ‘We wanted our wedding day to truly reflect us as a couple, and to represent our lives together. It’s working at Pulteney Distillery that brought Russell and I together, so it seemed very natural to us that we should make it such a big part of our wedding day.’

Old Pulteney Senior Brand Manager Margaret Mary Clarke said that she and the Old Pulteney team were honoured to have hosted such a special day for the couple. She added: ‘What a wonderful and memorable occasion for everyone at Pulteney Distillery. Tanya and Russell now have their place in Pulteney history after staging such a unique wedding and a day that we’re sure guests will be talking about for a long time to come. Cheers to them and our very best wishes for the future.’ 

www.oldpulteney.com / @OldPulteneyMalt  

Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Old Pulteney is one of the world’s finest and most distinctive single malt Scotch whiskies. Known as the ‘Maritime Malt’, it is crafted in the windswept coastal town of Wick, home to the Pulteney Distillery which is one of the most northerly on the Scottish mainland. The distillery was established in 1826 in the heart of ‘Pulteneytown’, the town created to house fishermen during Wick’s famous herring boom which drew a fleet of over 1000 boats and 7000 workers to this remote and rugged harbour.

Old Pulteney is the embodiment of this place, its people and its remarkable history. The skilled Pulteney Distillery team continues to craft whisky using the most traditional and time-honoured techniques that most others have long abandoned. This includes the uniquely shaped Pulteney stills, which are reflected in the design of the Old Pulteney bottle on shelves today.

Matured in hand-selected oak casks, the resulting whisky has been acclaimed for its excellence, its smooth drinking style and faint hint of the sea. Old Pulteney’s 21 Year Old Single Malt holds the coveted title of ‘World Whisky of the Year’ for 2012 in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible – one of the industry’s highest accolades. Earlier this year Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage was crowned the ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at Whisky Magazine’s prestigious World Whiskies Awards. The whisky also achieved top ten status in the UK single malt market in 2012 and is flourishing in many other countries around the world.

Lagavulin™ marks 200th anniversary with Limited Edition Eight-Year-Old Bottling 

Celebrated Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky distillery releases an Eight Year Old bottling in honour of original whisky scribe Alfred Barnard

TORONTO, Ontario, October 4, 2016 – 2016 is a year of celebration for Lagavulin, treasured around the world as one of the most special of all Single Malt Scotch Whiskies. Famous for its majestic nose of Hebridean peat smoke, richly textured and complex flavours and its long, sweet and power-driven finish, it encapsulates the passion, heritage and skills that lie behind its crafting. The bi-centennial features the launch of a special limited edition bottling of Lagavulin 8 Year Old in honour of Britain’s most famous Victorian whisky writer, Alfred Barnard.

In the late 1880s, Alfred Barnard, the first ever whisky journalist and traveller, sampled an 8 Year Old Lagavulin during a visit to Islay, describing it as “exceptionally fine” and “held in high repute.” He went on to declare Lagavulin to be “one of the most prominent” of the few Scotch distillers that can turn our spirit for use as Single [Malt] Whiskies.

“This is a special year for a much loved Single Malt Scotch Whisky revered around the world as the definitive Islay whisky,” said Alistair Kidd, Marketing Director for Whisky, Diageo Canada. “We are thrilled to celebrate such a historic occasion here in Canada with the launch of a limited edition Eight Year Old bottling.”

Lagavulin has delighted generations of whisky drinkers and this limited edition 8 Year Old bottling acknowledges the 200-year legacy of the distillery. Cramped and chaotic by nature, the sea front distillery cannot expand, and as a result, demand often exceeds supply. In the words of Alfred Barnard, “no prettier or more romantic spot could have been chosen for a distillery.”

Available in 750 mL bottles (48% ABV); this bicentenary limited edition whisky is a one-time only bottling that is magnificently full on in flavour and calls for special attention. Make time to enjoy it neat in a whisky nosing glass, or with just a drop of water.

For more information on Lagavulin, please visit www.malts.com/.

As consumers across the country join Lagavulin in celebrating 200 years of crafting extraordinary whisky, the brand reminds them to please drink responsibly.

About Diageo

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across the spirits and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness. Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO). For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at http://www.diageo.com/. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource,www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

The LAGAVULIN word and associated logos are trademarks. © 2016

FACT SHEET: 

Lagavulin Eight Year Old (Limited Edition) Product Description: To celebrate an incredible 200 years of making Lagavulin Single Malt Scotch Whisky, its timeless quality and the wonderful whiskies still being made today, we have gone back to our roots: finding inspiration from the distillery’s rich history.

In the late 1880s, Alfred Barnard, the first ever whisky journalist and traveller, sampled an Eight Year Old Lagavulin: describing it as “exceptionally fine.” He went on to declare Lagavulin as “one of the rare distilleries that could produce a single malt of quality” at that time. In honour of this, and to mark the 200th year since the formation of Lagavulin, we have decided to release an equally exceptional Eight Year Old bottling. It will provide a special experience as this is a one-time only bottling to celebrate the occasion.

Tasting Notes 

Nose: Immediately quite soft with clean, fresh notes, faint hints of milk chocolate, lemon and then developing fragrant tea-scented smoke alongside nose-drying, maritime aromas, with subtle cereal. A prickliness seen earlier now develops, while the trademark Lagavulin dryness emerges as fresh newsprint. Softly sooty. Softer, fuller and more rounded with water: it is not hugely fruity but there is just a trace of red berry preserve, perhaps, beneath the smokiness, which comes sharply into focus.

Body: Light, growing pleasantly oily.

Palate: A soothing light texture, with a magnificently full on Lagavulin taste that’s somehow even bigger than you expect; sweet, smoky and warming, with a growing, smoky pungency, then dry, with more smoke. Charred, with minty, dark chocolate. Beautifully balanced midpalate then salty, oven-charred baked potato skins and smoke. Water rounds things, the taste still mighty yet more succulent, sweeter, spicier and now tongue tingling, mint-fresh and warming.

Finish: Lovely, clean, very long and smoky. Smoothly, subtle minted smoke surrounds chocolate tannins, leaving a late drying note to emerge in time. It is warming, soft and still smoky with water, not as long or intense now, yet still leaving the palate dry as sweet smoke lingers on the breath.

Size:                                                   750 mL

Alcohol by Volume:                       48% Alcohol by Volume (ABV)

For more information on Lagavulin, please visit www.malts.com.

The Dornoch Whisky Festival 2016 ends with a day jam packed with special distillery tours, meals and a golf match!

All events outside of Dornoch include return transport.

VIP tour of Glen Ord Maltings, Distillery and Teaninich: 10am This is a very special tour indeed! You will have a Personal Guided tour of Glen Ord Maltings and Glen Ord Distillery including the new tun room, still house and warehouses. You will then visit Teaninich, which is usually closed to the public, with the tour including the mash filter. This is followed by a draw and taste from warehouse casks at Glen Ord, taste of Singleton of Glen Ord 12, 15, 18 year old & Teaninich, a bottle of Singleton of Glen Ord 12 year old & bottle of Teaninich, £5 off voucher on any 70cl bottle, free glass. This exclusive VIP Tour is restricted to eight and is £250 per person

Whisky Festival Open Stableford Golf Competition: 10.30am & 12.00pm The Championship Course is rated 5th in the world and 1st in Scotland by Golf Digest and as you play over the classic links land that borders the Dornoch Firth, you will be awed by the wild magnificence of sea, sky, mountains and ancient, grass-covered dunes while having every shot you have in your bag tested. The golfer on the Championship Course is presented with 18 holes each of character and challenge that can be recalled to mind long after the round is completed. Tee times are available from 10:30am to 12:00 noon. Prizes for the best scores. Each competitor will receive a Glenmorangie Miniature, and a Royal Dornoch bag tag and Course Planner. The competition entry fee is £60. www.royaldornoch.com

Tour of Glen Ord Distillery and Maltings: 11am Join this ‘Grain to Glass’ tour, for a guided tour of Glen Ord Maltings, Distillery and Warehousing. You will then enjoy a tasting of Whisky from each distillery that the maltings produces malt for, The Singleton of Glen Ord, Teaninich, Clynelish & Talisker. The package includes a £5 off voucher on any 70cl bottle and a free glass. The cost of the tour is £90 per person.

Stillman’s Tour of Glen Ord Distillery: 11am This guided tour of the Glen Ord Distillery and warehouse is conducted by a Stillman and includes a tasting of the Singleton of Glen Ord 12, 15 & 18 year old. You will also receive a £5 off voucher on any 70cl bottle. This special tour is restricted to 10 people. £50 per person

Vintage Tour of Balblair Distillery: 11am Balblair is situated on the beautiful Dornoch Firth in the village of Edderton. It was featured in the film The Angel’s Share, directed by Ken Loach. Each Balblair Vintage captures the essence of its year in a bottle. They are only ever selected at the absolute peak of perfection and hand picked to represent the very best the Distillery has to offer. The Balblair Distillery tours are intimate and personal – an insight into their pursuit of producing the finest quality Vintage Malt Whisky, using methods that have changed very little over the years. The Vintage tour includes tasting 3 vintages. The cost is £40

Whisky Themed 3 Course Sunday Lunch: 12pm The Restaurant at Links House is building a reputation for its excellent  dining and will be offering a Whisky themed Sunday Lunch cooked by Head Chef Jon-Paul Saint. This will be a relaxed meal for 16 in luxurious surroundings and an ideal conclusion to the Whisky Festival, so book your table now! – £35 per person.

Sunday Carvery with Scottish Theme: 12pm The Scottish Themed Sunday carvery in the One Up restaurant provides a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy their selection of quality produce (much locally sourced) prepared and presented with care for your enjoyment. 2 courses from £11.95 12 noon to 3pm

Guided Archaeological tour at Ferintosh, the site of an 18th century distillery: 12.45pm The site of the Mulchraich Distillery has been surveyed and recorded by North of Scotland Archaeological Society (NOSAS) and the tour is led by Anne Coombs the former chair of NOSAS. Anne has been a part time guide with the Scottish Tourist Guide Association for nearly 20 years and worked in archaeology for 15 years before retiring. She now enjoys volunteering at local excavations and leading walks and discussions with NOSAS. For more information, click here Walking shoes/boots & waterproofs required for this trip. The cost is £25 per person, which includes transport, leaving the Carnegie Visitor Centre at 12:45 pm and returning at 4pm – journey time approx. 1 hour. Anne will provide background information during the journey and answer any queries you may have. Please contact Anne via the Presenter link below, with any queries.

Tour of Teaninich Distillery: 1pm Teaninich distillery was founded in 1817 with water from the Dairywell Spring. It has been going strong ever since and though is not as well known as it’s industrious neighbours at Dalmore and Glenmorangie, it produces a fantastic Malt Whisky which can equal any other. Teaninich is not normally open to the public so grab this chance to experience a guided tour of this very special distillery. During the tour you will get to see the mash filter, have a taste of Teaninich and also recieve a £5 off voucher on any 70cl bottle. This exclusive tour is restricted to ten people and the cost of £80

VIP The Brora Experience: 1pm Clynelish  will be exclusively offering a viewing of Old Brora Distillery which was previously closed to the public and warehouse tour. The VIP Brora Experience Tour is a private extended guided tour of the Brora Distillery with tasting. Tasting includes Clynelish Distillery Only Bottling, Clynelish Select Reserve, Special Release Brora 2013 and Brora 2014. As the distillery is normally closed at the weekend, those on the Dornoch Whisky Festival tour be the only ones on site, making this an exclusive event and you will be given the chance to taste some rare malts not available on the standard VIP tour to compliment the experience! The cost of this exclusive tour is £160 per person.  There is a £5 discount off the purchase of any one 70cl bottle of single malt.

Tasting of Local Malts: 3pm What could be better than a Sunday afternoon tour of the local malts at the oldest established hotel in Dornoch? The Eagle is a friendly and relaxing hotel. Enjoy a lazy Sunday afternoon in their cosy bar tasting malts from across the local area at a cost of only £15 per person.

Old and Rare Balblair Tasting: 8.30pm Join the Simon and Phil Thompson whilst they guide you in a tasting of old, rare and vintage Balblair Whiskies at the Dornoch Castle Hotel.

• Balblair 1964 20 Year Old Connoisseurs Choice for ‘Highland Fabricators’
• Balblair 1969 31 Year Old ‘Highland Selection’
• Balblair 1973 21 Year Old ‘G&M Centenary’
• Balblair 1975 22 Year Old ‘First Cask Series’ Cask 7283
• Balblair 1980 9 Year Old ‘SMWS 70.2 61.3% abv’
• Balblair 1988 21 Year Old ‘Own Bottling Single Cask 60.7% abv’

The cost of the old and rare Balblair whisky tasting is £60 per person, so please book now to reserve your place today!

ONE WEEK WHISKY SALE

We are offering a $10.00 discount PER ITEM* that you order from our online store when your total order is greater than $100.00 until the evening of Wednesday October 19th. Just enter the coupon code 10%off at checkout to receive great savings. Please check out: www.whiskyshopusa.com

The Whisky Shop 360 Sutter Street

San Francisco, CA, 94108

415 989-1030   www.whiskyshopusa.com

Glenrothes 1971 MacPhail’s Collection

$507.78 SHOP NOW >

Glenrothes 1971 vintage Speyside single malt Scotch whiskey. Matured in 1st fill Sherry butt and refill American casks bottled 2015 by Gordon & MacPhail for the Macphail’s Collection series. Nose: Reminiscent of Christmas cake – rich fruits with some fresh orange peel notes and a hint of chocolate. Taste: Underlying sweetness, fresh pear notes and a subtle almond in the background. Glenrothes Distillery was established in the narrow valley of the Rothes Burn on the west side of Rothes in the Speyside whiskey region by James Stuart & Co. in 1878. This is a large malt whiskey distillery owned by Berry Bros & Rudd of London, with eighteen washbacks, ten copper stills singing in their own mighty cathedral and has retained its traditional pagoda roof. Popular distillery releases include Glenrothes 1995, 1998 and Glenrothes Peated.

CHIVAS REGAL ULTIS: THE ESSENCE OF CHIVAS REGAL

Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky, has launched Chivas Regal Ultis; the first blended malt Scotch whisky from the House of Chivas.

Capturing the true essence of Chivas Regal, Chivas Regal Ultis uses only five of Chivas Regal’s most precious, signature single malts from Speyside, Scotland, and represents the style and diversity of this prestigious, world-renowned whisky region.
The latest release has been crafted with hand-selected malts from Tormore, Longmorn, Strathisla, Allt A’Bhainne and Braeval, presenting complex flavours, a golden hue and a commanding rich aroma. Out of millions of casks in inventory at Chivas Brothers, less than 1% are used to create Chivas Regal Ultis, with the expert blending team individually nosing and selecting those of the highest quality to craft the blend; a traditional method of hand-selection that is no longer standard in the Scotch whisky industry today.
Since 1909, only five men have ever mastered the iconic Chivas Regal house style, and Chivas Regal Ultis pays tribute to the strength of vision, commitment and mastery of Master Blenders; Charles Howard, Charles Julian, Allan Baillie, Jimmy Lang and of Custodian Master Blender, Colin Scott.

The luxurious Chivas Regal Ultis bottle mirrors the precious whisky within and is designed to provide impactful on-shelf stand-out with a slender shape and contemporary crest in gold champagne. In honour of the Chivas Regal Master Blenders and representing the five signature malts within, the bottle features a unique pen-clip closure which is etched with five rings, and a striking placement of the Roman numeral figure for five on the highly crafted base and within the textured crest label.

Colin Scott, Chivas Regal Custodian Master Blender, comments: “I am honoured to have been one of only five Master Blenders for Chivas Regal, and I believe that Chivas Regal Ultis represents the true essence of this iconic Scotch whisky. With the release of Chivas Regal Ultis, only the most precious single malts from five signature Speyside distilleries have been selected to craft this luxury blended malt whisky from the House of Chivas.”

“The crystalline freshness of Tormore shines through along with the contrasting, hint of spicy warmth present in Allt A’Bhainne, while the Longmorn single malt adds balance to the blend. The floral style of Braeval complements the fruity sweetness of Strathisla to create a complex and rich blended malt Scotch whisky. Chivas Regal Ultis is a blend that draws on expertise that has been handed down throughout the centuries and it will delight whisky connoisseurs around the world.”

Richard Black, Chivas Regal Global Brand Director, adds: “To launch the first blended malt Scotch whisky from the House of Chivas is truly a momentous occasion. Chivas Regal Ultis represents the essence of Chivas Regal and is a fitting tribute to our legendary craftsmen of the past, with recognition of the luxury quality of our Scotch whisky portfolio. Chivas Regal Ultis is set to appeal to discerning drinkers looking to impress at special occasions as well as Scotch whisky aficionados searching for their next luxury whisky experience.”

Chivas Regal Ultis will be launching globally in all major retailers and travel retail from October 2016 at a RRP of USD$200.

About Chivas Regal
Launched in 1909, Chivas Regal is the world’s first luxury whisky and is considered to be a timeless classic, renowned for its benchmark quality and taste, style, substance and exclusivity. A truly global brand, Chivas Regal has been integral to the growth of the Scotch whisky category worldwide and today sells 4.5 million 9L cases annually in more than 150 countries across the globe. With generosity, entrepreneurship and integrity at the heart of Chivas Regal, the brand launched its successful Win the Right Way campaign in 2014, which aims to inspire a new generation whilst making a positive impact on the lives of others. The Chivas Regal range includes Chivas 12, Chivas 18, Chivas 25 and the Global Travel Retail exclusive, Chivas Brothers Blend. In October 2014, Chivas Regal announced the addition of a fifth permanent expression in the Chivas Regal family, Chivas Regal Extra, a new blend with a unique richness derived from selective maturation in rare ex-sherry casks. In 2015, the iconic brand welcomed the pinnacle of the range with the introduction of the new ultra-prestige blend, Chivas Regal The Icon.
www.chivas.com

About Chivas Brothers
Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s n°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; 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.chivasbrothers.com
@ChivasNewsRoom

About Pernod Ricard
Pernod Ricard is the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 8,682 million in FY16. 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.
www.pernod-ricard.com

We pride ourselves in treading the balance between rich tradition and daring innovation, and we’ve decided to take this ideology to the next level. 

Please join us in welcoming to America the Ohishi Japanese Whiskies! 

Ohishi Brandy Cask Whisky is a marriage of just a few casks of whisky that have been matured in ex-brandy barrels. The brandy casks give an elegance of soft oak, vanilla, pineapple and a touch of oxidation and rancio that compliments the silkiness of the rice in a very complex manner.

Ohishi Single Sherry Cask Whisky distilled from rice and is matured fully in fresh Sherry Casks. Each cask is hand selected by the master distiller Oishi-san and represents the beauty of light and dark juxtaposition that is the soft silky texture of rice whisky synchronized with the massive sherry influence of the cask. Big raisins, figs, and oak spice cover the nose and palate. Like sherry cask scotch whisky, but uniquely its own in mouth feel and aroma.

Ohishi is the closest distillery to the Kuma River, one of the three fastest flowing in Japan, renowned for its superb water quality. The Distillery is blessed with fertile soil and clear underground water, elements of an environment in which it upholds tradition but is always open to experimenting with new approaches. In addition to mochi rice from Kumamoto, they also use gohyakumanishi which is grown with an organic farming method that involves koi carp to control weeds in paddy fields.

With about 1200 Sherry and Brandy casks, Ohishi diligently matures its products over a long stretch of time until the whisky has reached a proper balance of oak and sherry influence. 

We are very proud of representing these two whiskies and hope you are just as excited as we are! Feel free to reach out for more information and to get your hands on this stunning new arrival. 

RRP $74.99

Sam & the GRC Imports Team

sam@grcimports.com

Following the success of the London Sessions and the New York Sessions, October 2016 will see the first ever installment in Scotland, adding a third city to the London Sessions map.

The first of its kind in the drinks industry, The London Sessions are the brain child of Rebekkah Dooley, a drinks industry professional with over 12 years experience in the hospitality industry who wanted to re-position “education” within the bar world.  Set up as a series of thought provoking seminars with the industry’s most respected professionals, over 24 sessions have taken place since the first one in summer 2015.

With the support of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, the Glasgow Sessions will see three inspirational speakers from the world of drinks take the stage at St Luke’s Music and Arts venue.

It’s only fitting that the day would kick off with a Scotsman…  One of Europe’s most acclaimed bartenders and owner of world-renowned Edinburgh venues; The Tales of the Cocktail “Best Restaurant Bar” The Bon Vivant, El Cartel and Devil’s Advocate, Stuart McCluskey will kick off proceedings with a session focusing on entrepreneurialism.

Next up, the formidable Erik Lorincz Head Bartender at The American Bar at The Savoy and multiple Tales of Cocktail award winner; there is nothing about mixology and making drinks that defy expectations this man doesn’t know. Hence, his session will be all around creativity.

Finally, the session will end on a high, with a talk around quality, from non other than Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller, Jeff Arnett. Jeff is the seventh master distiller and has held the coveted position since 2008, overseeing the quality and consistency of the world’s biggest premium whiskey brand.

http://us10.campaign-archive2.com/?u=a8de9ec15d715c946cbb77b14&id=39afe10ed0&e=0ccfbdb7ab

RSVP: Rebekkah@RebekkahDooley.com

October Outturn brings a colourful collection of vibrant and lively drams that dance across the tongue. Taste and explore 7 new single casks that strike dramatically at the senses.  Beautifully balanced but powerful, expect zingy zest, lip-smacking sweetness and spice, and intense, super smoke.

CASK No. 55.24  CHERRY PIE MOONSHINE

20 years old; 2nd fill hogshead; 52.7%; Spicy & sweet

Evocative aromas of late summer cornfields in the Midwest as Tom Sawyer begins to whitewash a fence. The taste neat was that of corn on the cob or homemade blackcurrant jam. Water added root beer and ‘cherry pie moonshine’.

CASK No. C1  NECTAR CÉLESTE

XO years old; french oak barrel; 48.4%; Spicy & sweet

Magical intensity on the nose; wood smouldering through a magnifying glass, burning incense as well as curled-up treacle scones. The taste was creamy, sweet with a teasing spiciness. Add a drop of water; you might just get ‘un petit coin de paradis’.  The Society’s very first Cognac!

CASK No. 9.88  A HEART STARTER

25 years old; refill butt; 55.3%; Spicy & dry

Dry and unusually smoky: Brazil nuts, over-steeped jasmine tea, mushrooms, high strength cocoa powder, treacle toffee. Some liquorice, salted caramel, figs, dark chocolate, coffee and burnt toast (with jam) on the palate. Very different from the familiar light-weight proprietary bottlings.

CASK No. 128.6  RUMBLING, REVERBERATING RESONANCES

7 years old; 1st fill Madeira hogshead; 59.9%; Spicy & sweet

Black Forest cherry cake, cinder toffee, dried dates, tobacco and furniture restoration workshops. Then, old books in libraries, cherry brandy, Christmas pudding and after-dinner chocolate mints. Perfectly delicious and mightily intriguing, this whisky emerged from the cask with a natural haze.

CASK No. 4.217  NORDIC NOSH

19 years old; refill hogshead; 53.9%; Oily & coastal

Aromas of smoked mackerel salad, sweet cured marinated herring and potato salad with sour cream, whilst on the palate Swedish meatballs, dry-cured smoked ham and summertime sweet pickles. Diluted, a vegetarian kebab skewer and in the finish slightly burnt marshmallows.

CASK No. 66.82  GRITTY TURNED PRETTY

17 years old; refill gorda; 57.5%; Deep, rich and dried fruits

A heavily Sherry-fed fruit cake and a roast leg of lamb, before we tasted God’s wrath in the form of smoke, embers and brimstone. Even with a liberal amount of water it’s still massive.  Don’t say we didn’t warn you!

CASK No. 10.90  MUCKLE, MASSIVE INTENSITY OF SMOKE

9 years old; refill hogshead; 64.1%; Heavily peated

The nose hurls a wave of peat-smoke and smouldering sawdust – surfing that wave are grilled prawns and a wet dog smoking a cigar. The breath-taking palate has tar, smoke and ash, barbecued scallops, pork crackling, liquorice, toffee and school cagoules.

SMWS Canada

It’s that time of year again when Diageo unleash their annual Special Releases, which, as usual, are all limited editions and tend to sell out pretty quickly. At the time of writing this newsletter we still have stocks of everything except the Port Ellen release so in compensation we have listed an amazing value for money Port Ellen bottled by our friends at Gordon & Macphail.

Hopefully next week we will be able to reveal the details of our new Single Cask Casino Series bottlings which are pretty special to say the least. Simply click on each bottle image to be taken to our website where further in-depth information will be provided for each bottle. Why not pay us a visit at our Retail Store in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter? To take a virtual walk around our store please click here

Until next time Jason Kirby