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

The Circus

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!

Transparency Matters

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.

View the Entire Auction here

Discounted Items

Four Roses Single Barrel 10 Year Old D&M Exclusive Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Aromas of fresh herbs, mint and honey suckle flowers. Second whiff brings nectarine and citrus zest. The palate has clove right up front, bringing stone fruits and a round minty finish.$69.99

Corsair D&M Single Barrel Cask Strength Selection Triple Smoke Whiskey The nose shows aromas reminiscent of camping in Northern California with honey, earth, caramel, smoke and nuts.$74.99

Old Forester D&M Exclusive Cask Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky Dulche de leche and caramel show on the richness of the mid-palate.$34.99

Taos Lightning Governor’s Reserve D&M Exclusive Straight Rye Whiskey The nose of this whiskey has up front pepper spice, toffee, butterscotch and butter pickle essence.$57.99

Catoctin Creek Roundstone Rye D&M Private Barrel The palate is rich in flavor yet moderate weight with brown butter, spice cake, creme brûlée and a slight mint note across the tongue.$89.99

D&M, 2200 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94115

Scotland

Sheep Dip Blended Malt Scotch (750ml)  $39.99 View

United States – Kentucky

Hirsch Straight Bourbon Small Batch Reserve (750ml) $39.99 View

Medley Bros. 10 Year Private Stock Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $54.99 View

K&L Wine Merchants
http://www.klwines.com
Phone: 877-KLWines (toll free 877-559-4637)
Email: wine@klwines.com
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

Glenfiddich 31 Year Old 1977 Cask #4414 Speyside Single Malt

 

RICH & RARE RESERVE NAMED TROPHY FINALIST AT ULTIMATE SPIRITS CHALLENGE

Three other Sazerac Canadian whiskies honored 

NEW ORLEANS, lA.  (May 31, 2016) – Judges awarded four Canadian whiskies from the Sazerac Company with high honors at the 2016 Ultimate Spirits Challenge, and selected Rich & Rare Reserve as a Chairman’s Trophy Finalist.

Rich & Rare Reserve was distinguished as “Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation,”

Caribou Crossing Single Barrel and Legacy Canadian Whisky were each honored as “Excellent, Highly Recommended,” and Royal Canadian Small Batch was awarded the distinction of “Very Good, Strong Recommendation.”

Rich & Rare Reserve and Legacy Canadian were deemed to be “Great Values.” Caribou Crossing was designated as “Tried & True.”

This competition, in its seventh year, is judged by a panel of the spirit industry’s most renowned judges including award-winning authors, buyers, journalists, educators and bar owners, who rate each spirit on a 100-point scale.

Complete results for the 2016 Ultimate Spirits Challenge can be found at www.ultimate-beverage.com/usc2016results.

About the Sazerac Company

Sazerac is one of New Orleans’ oldest American family owned, privately held companies and has operations in New Orleans, Louisiana; Frankfort, Bardstown, Louisville and Owensboro, Kentucky; Fredericksburg, Virginia; Carson, California; Baltimore, Maryland; Lewiston, Maine; Manchester, New Hampshire; and Montreal Canada. For more information on Sazerac, please visit http://www.sazerac.com/.

Jameson – new look, new whiskeys

For many, Jameson is their first experience of Irish whiskey. The classic Original is the bestselling whiskey from the country (try it with ginger ale). But this week, the brand announced it is launching The Whiskey Makers series, a new range, as well as a new look to its existing heritage whiskeys. I was lucky enough to be given a sneak preview of the newly extended family, in advance of the releases due in the summer.

The extended family: the three on the left are the new Whisky Makers series; while the heritage whiskeys have been given a new look

The Whiskey Makers Series

Each of the three-strong series has been put together by a member of Jameson’s production team, who have chosen a style of whisky they each feel complements their area of expertise. The blends were put together by master blender Billy Leighton to ensure that the flavour profile could be recreated from batch to batch on an ongoing basis. Each release carries the name and fingerprint of the creator, and are named after a tool that is vital to their job. All are bottled at 43% and are non chill filtered. The trio are:

• The Cooper’s Croze – head cooper Ger Buckley’s choice focuses on the effect of maturation. Aged in a combination of virgin-American-oak barrels, bourbon barrels and sherry butts, this has the distillery’s classic barley-sugar sweetness, with a whack of vanilla along with toffee and peaches from the bourbon casks, raisins from the sherry maturation and a toastiness given by the use of virgin oak.
• The Distiller’s Safe – chosen by head distiller Brian Nation, this is a spirit-led expression that highlights the purity of the distillery’s whiskey. It is the lightest of the three, with a creamy texture, barley-sugar sweetness, and notes of apricot, cinnamon, melon and citrus zest.
• The Blender’s Dog – crafted by head blender Billy Leighton, this is the middle of the range, taking the elements of The Cooper’s Croze and The Distiller’s Safe. A medium-bodied blend, this combines lighter floral and malty notes with pepper spice, vanilla, dried fruit, raisins, sultanas and an underlying toastiness.

Heritage Whiskeys

The whiskeys in the heritage range are not changing, but will be given an updated look and greater availability:

• Crested – previously called Crested Ten and mainly sold in Ireland with small amounts in the UK and France, this is being released globally. Prior to 1963, Jameson could be bottled by bonders and even publicans themselves. The distillery decided to take control of the process and released Crested Ten, so-called as it carried the Jameson crest and was originally a 10-year-old whiskey. It’s now aged for around seven years, contains more pot-still whiskey than grain and is predominantly aged in bourbon barrels. Rich and creamy with notes of nutmeg and marzipan.
• Black Barrel – the new name for Select Reserve Black Barrel, this uses some recharred casks in the mix, intensifying the classic American-oak notes of vanilla, butterscotch and coconut. This still contains some sherry-cask-aged whiskey, too, and is a blend of pot-still whiskey, with a complex grain whisky recipe that contains, maize, malted barley and unmalted barley.
• Signature – formerly known as Signature Reserve, this is a sweeter style of Jameson but one that’s true to the ‘signature’ style of the brand. American oak adds sweeter notes of heather honey and cedar while sherry casks add a dried-fruit character.

The heritage whiskeys have proved popular within their limited markets and will soon be available worldwide, thanks in part to a doubling of Midleton distillery’s capacity in the past two years. The distillery is known for producing many varying styles of spirit and the new Whiskey Makers series showcases this, with the selection by the head blender, cooper and distiller adding a personal touch. My favourite was the rounded Blender’s Dog, but the spirit-led Distiller’s Safe and maturation-focused Cooper’s Choice are both excellent whiskeys that display their own character. All the new releases should be launched this summer and will be available on The Whisky Exchange website.

North of Scotland 44 Year Old 1971 Hart Brothers Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

$265.91

North of Scotland 44 Year Old 1971 vintage Lowland single grain Scotch whiskey. Single cask distilled August 1971 and bottled August 2015 by Hart Brothers. Just 66 bottles from the cask. North of Scotland Distillery near Cambus was originally Strathmore malt whisky distillery which was converted to a grain whisky distillery in 1960 and renamed North of Scotland. Closed in 1980 and demolished in 1993, some warehouses remain in use.