Website now fully updated

With tickets going on sale this coming Tuesday March 29 at 10am, the Spirit of Toronto website has now been fully updated including the schedule for our 2016 Masterclass Series. For those of you attending the show for the first time, these are seated tutored tastings presented by a variety of guest speakers on the lower level of Roy Thomson Hall.

Masterclass seats may be reserved when tickets for this year’s show go on sale. Those of you opting for Early Admission will attend one of the pre-show sessions starting at 5:30pm, with priority entry into the main tasting hall when the class is over.

2016 Masterclass Series

The schedule for our 2016 Masterclass Series is now online and we’re happy with the variety it offers, be it something that appeals to seasoned connoisseurs, novice tasters or those simply looking for an adventure on the palate.

Kicking off our 2016 series is another exceptional opportunity to travel back in time with Angus MacRaild. ‘American Whiskey: A History Lesson’ starts off in 1916 with a taste of pre-Prohibition whiskey, travelling through to the present with a look at some of the most famous names in the industry.

The history lesson continues as Matt Jones presents ‘Legends of Bourbon’ with his take on the figures that have made America’s whiskey great, while those in a less studious frame of mind might prefer to don a fancy hat and join Matt on the outdoor terrace for a ‘Kentucky Derby Social’. This will be a relaxed pre-show session of mint juleps, live bluesgrass and a mouthwatering Derby-inspired menu as Matt explains all about “the most exciting two minutes in sport.”

You can never go wrong with the classics and with that in mind we are pleased to be presenting an enviable selection of single malt Scotch whisky from some of Scotland’s finest distilleries including Benromach, Tomatin, Old Pulteney, Glenfiddich, The Malt Distillers Collection (Aberlour, Longmorn, Scapa) and Dewar’s Fine Whisky Emporium (Aberfeldy, Craigellachie, Aultmore and Royal Brackla). Closer to home Dr. Don Livermore returns with his arsenal of award-winning whiskies including his latest opus, Last Barrels, as part of ‘Canadian Whisky Trailblazers’.

Lastly, those of you in the mood for something different will certainly find it with the bold, rustic flavours of armagnac courtesy of the House of Delord, while rum fans will be spoilt for choice as we welcome Master Distiller Shaun Caleb from El Dorado in Guyana, and author Wayne Curtis who will be educating guests on the category’s best kept secret, rhum agricole.

The Fine Print

For those of you attending the show for the first time, masterclasses are seated tutored tastings presented by a variety of guest speakers on the lower level of Roy Thomson Hall. Seating may be reserved when purchasing tickets for this year’s show as of Tuesday March 29 at 10:00am.

Early admission includes seating in the masterclass of your choice at 5:30pm, with priority entry into the main tasting hall when the class is over. The remainder of the classes are scheduled for 7:00pm and 8:30pm and may be reserved at a cost of $15 HST included per person per class.

Automatic Ticket Notification

Those subscribed to this list will receive an automatic notification the night before tickets go on sale, Tuesday March 29. We’re often asked about the best way to purchase tickets in order to secure your first choices but regrettably we can offer no guarantees as tickets will be available online, by telephone and in person, and all three purchase methods are certain to experience a queue. Nonetheless, we look forward to welcoming you back on May 7—see you then!

United States

Angel’s Envy 100 Proof Rye Whiskey (750ml) (one bottle limit) $74.99 View

W.L. Weller Special Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) (1 Bottle Limit) $17.99 View

Willett Distillery 3 Year Old Kentucky Rye Whiskey (750ml) $44.99View

Scotland

Isle of Jura 10 Year Old Single Malt Whisky (750ml)  $42.99 View

Isle of Jura Superstition Single Malt Whisky (750ml) $49.99 View

Ireland

Green Spot Single Pure Pot Still Irish Whiskey (750ml) $44.99 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

BenRiach is today (17 March 2016) delighted to launch the very first edition of its new Cask Strength release.

Like the critically-acclaimed GlenDronach Cask Strength batches which have been eagerly snapped up by whisky enthusiasts worldwide, BenRiach plans to regularly release new batches from its award-winning Elgin distillery.

The whisky chosen for Batch 1 is classic BenRiach in style. You will be treated to a voluptuous sweet taste of honey, soft fruits and gentle spices – but at a cask strength of 57.2% ABV, it packs a real punch!

Master Blender Billy Walker’s tasting notes show that the whisky chosen as the Batch 1 Cask Strength is absolutely outstanding.

Colour

Gleaming harvest gold with a burnished copper edge.

Nose

Sweet toasted oak spices are interwoven with roasted orchard fruits and dusted with cracked barley. Black vanilla pods, desiccated coconut and a gentle floral note add complexity to the ripe, fruit-laden nose.

Palate

An excellent example of the delicious BenRiach character. Creamy heather honey pours over a medley of apples, pears and apricots. Subtle notes of candied peel and fresh ginger give a delicate warmth and lead to a classic combination of vanilla, toasted coconut and sweet barley in the luscious, velvety finish.

Sales Director Alistair Walker said: “Cask Strength Batch 1 is another momentous and exciting “first” for the BenRiach distillery.

“This stunning Speyside whisky, with all its classic BenRiach characteristics, is the first Cask Strength expression to be added to our core range, allowing us to showcase the true BenRiach style in its most natural state – straight from the cask to the bottle, non-chill filtered and at its natural colour, allowing the distillery’s unique spirit to shine through.

“It is an incredibly fine dram and I am confident it will prove as successful as our wonderful GlenDronach batches.”

The BenRiach Cask Strength Batch 1 is available from specialist whisky retailers soon.

Keep an eye on our website (www.benriachdistillery.co.uk) and Facebook pages over the coming weeks for more information on the BenRiach Cask Strength Batch 1, tasting notes and exclusive product photography.

Rosebank 1990 – Rare Old / Bot. 2015

A 1990 vintage Rosebank bottled by whisky gurus Gordon & MacPhail. Bottled in 2015 for their fantastic Rare Old series, Rosebank distillery fell silent in 1993 so releases like this example are becoming harder to find of late.

£270.00

Port Ellen 1980 – Rare Old / Bot. 2015

A 1980 vintage Port Ellen, filled by Gordon & MacPhail in 2015. Aged for around 35 years, only 236 bottles have been filled at 46% vol.

£698.00

Coleburn 1981 – Rare Old / Bot. 2015

Only 161 bottles of this rare Coleburn single malt Scotch whisky were filled by Gordon & MacPhail for their Rare Old series. Distilled in 1981 and bottled in 2015, Coleburn distillery closed in 1985 and has since been dismantled.

£418.00

St.Magdalene 1982 – Rare Old / Bot. 2015

A 1982 vintage from the sadly now closed distillery, St Magdalene (Linlithgow). Bottled by Gordon & MacPhail in 2015 at 46% vol, as part of their fantastic Rare Old series.

£419.90

Brora 1982 – Rare Old / Bot. 2015

With Brora distillery being dismantled in 1983, releases from this Lost Distillery have become rather rare and hard to come by. This 1982 vintage has been bottled by Gordon MacPhail in 2015 as part of their Rare Old series. One of only 365 bottles filled…

£548.40

Amrut Single Malt Whisky Masterclass with Global Brand Ambassador Ashok Chokalingam – Tuesday 29th March at 7.30pm 

The team at Tomoka Spirits Boutique in St. Albans, Hertfordshire are delighted to announce a very special tasting of Amrut Indian Single Malt Whisky with this year’s Icon’s of Whisky ambassador of the year, Ashok Chokalingam. 

We will be exploring the history of this iconic Indian whisky distillery and tasting 6 different expressions, including the award winning Fusion, Portonova and Kadhambam and a very rare limited edition mystery bottling! 

Tickets are £20 per person and are strictly limited. 

For more information click here

Please email us on billmccoy@tomokaspiritsboutique.co.uk or call on 01727 894869 to book your tickets. 

Tomoka Spirits Boutique

5a Christopher Place

St. Albans, Herts. AL3 5DQ 

www.tomokaspiritsboutique.co.uk

WORLD’S BEST SINGLE POT STILL WHISKEY

“The bouquet is full of dry humidor, rich stewed fruit, marshmallow and vanilla. Almonds and dark honey dominate the palate, with hints of creme brûlée and dark sugar. The finish is long with some gentle liquorice spice.”  €69.95 *limited availability

SHOP NOW

ralfy dives into the peat-monster loch with Whisky Review 575 – Laphroaig 10yo re-reviewed 2016

MICHEL ROUX JR AND THE BALVENIE JOIN FORCES IN THE ULTIMATE EXPLORATION OF CRAFTSMANSHIP

‘The Craftsmen’s Dinner’: a new film series featuring leading experts in various fields ranging from pottery to salmon smoking unearths the true meaning of craftsmanship.   

The Balvenie has a rich history of celebrating excellent craftsmanship; however the launch of ‘The Craftsmen’s Dinner’ – a six part short film series in which exceptionally skilled individuals in various fields are met and profiled by multi award winning chef Michel Roux Jr – will mark the brand’s foremost exploration of outstanding artistry to date.

The YouTube film series sees the two Michelin starred chef – naturally a master of his own trade – set out to unveil the true meaning of craftsmanship by meeting and discussing the talents and secret skills of six equally gifted people; including one of the only knife makers left in Britain, a music-loving salmon smoker, an organic farmer, a potter and a sparkling wine producer.

The series culminates with Michel creating the mouthwatering ‘Craftsmen’s Dinner’ for each of the individuals, using contributions from each artist; including salmon for the guests to enjoy, and beautiful hand crafted plates to serve it on. The first instalment of the series will launch at https://www.youtube.com/TheCraftsmensDinner on the 15^th March 2016, and will be released on a fortnightly basis thereafter.

Michel Roux Jr commented: “I have tremendous respect for people who dedicate the years required to mastering and perfecting their trade, so it was a fantastic experience to work with The Balvenie on this project, and to meet such talented individuals.”

Scores of captivating stories emerge from the films; including Ole Hansen:  a salmon smoker who lovingly plays piano music to his produce every day in the belief that it adds a certain dimension to the taste. And Will Ferraby: a Sheffield-based knife maker whose chef’s knives are famously so precise that they perfectly slice a tomato in two, even when dropped from a height.

Jonny Cornthwaite, Senior Brand Manager, The Balvenie commented: “Celebrating exceptional craftsmanship is at the heart of everything we do for The Balvenie; so it is a privilege to work with Michel Roux Jr and these six individuals who really capture the heart of our brand ethos. ‘The Craftsmen’s Dinner’ is our largest and most ambitious project to date; and we’re very excited to introduce the series to the public.”

The films will be released at www.youtube.com/TheCraftsmensDinner on the following dates:

• 15^th March 2016 (Ferraby Knives)
• 29^th March (Grierson Organic)
• 12^th April (North Street Potters)
• 26^th April (Ridgeview Wines)
• 10^th May (Hansen & Lyderson)
• 24^th May (Craftsman’s Dinner)

Hibiki 21 Years Old takes World’s Best Blended Whisky prize at the World Whiskies Awards 2016

Honored as chosen “World’s Best” for the Fourth Time, the Most Ever in the Blended Whisky Category

Hibiki 21 Years Old from Suntory Spirits Limited received the World’s Best Blended Whisky award at the prestigious World Whiskies Awards 2016 held by Whisky Magazine. This marks the fourth time and the first time in three years in which Hibiki 21 Years Old has been bestowed with the World’s Best Blended Whisky award. The award ceremony was held on Thursday, March 17 in London.

Now in its tenth year, the World Whiskies Awards, held by Whisky Magazine, is a world-wide whisky contest. Representative whiskies are selected from each of the countries submitting entries, including the UK and Japan, before the final judgment. Final judging takes place in some categories, including Single Malt Whisky and Blended Whisky. Winners in each category are selected based on rigorous blind tasting.

About Hibiki 21 Years Old This whisky is a blend of rare and painstakingly selected mature malt and grain whiskies aged over 21 years. The key Yamazaki sherry casked malt is vatted with other carefully chosen mellow unblended grain whiskies over 21 years old. With aromas of sweet dried fruit and a spicy flavor, it is characterized by a solemn, refined richness and profound, lingering echoes.

Major Awards Received by Hibiki 21 Years Old

World Whiskies Awards – “World’s Best Blended Whisky” 2010, 2011, 2013

International Spirits Challenge – Category’s Top Award “Trophy” 2013, 2014, 2015 and “Gold medal” 2004, 2005, 2006, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015

Competition Summary

Name of Competition – World Whiskies Awards 2016

Sponsor – Whisky Magazine (Paragraph Publishing Limited)

Prize – World’s Best Blended Whisky

Winner – Hibiki 21 Years Old

Awards ceremony – Thursday, March 17, 2016 *GMT

For more information on whisky, visit our homepage http://www.suntory.com//

Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day comes a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow! Our buyers located the sister cask to one of the most highly-rated Irish whiskies in modern history—a Madeira-finished, cask strength delight that highlights all of the soft vanilla and easy-drinking character that makes Irish whisky such a wonderful spirit. 380 bottles were captured from this wonder of a barrel, all exclusively bottled for K&L. You could drink a glass of Jameson to celebrate the occasion, or you could show up to the party with this bespoke bottle from the Exclusive Malts – easily the most dynamic Irish whisky selection on our shelf.

2002 Irish Malt Whiskey 13 Year Old K&L Exclusive “Exclusive Malt” Single Madeira Cask #20024 Strength Irish Whiskey (750ml) ($129.99)

Here is a fun one from our friends at the Creative Whisky Company. They made waves last year by bottling a single barrel of Irish Malt at full strength and 13 years of age. While those details are unusual without a doubt, what shocked the whiskey world was that very humble cask (#20012) received a WHOPPING 96 points from the Whiskey Advocate. While we’ve become accustomed to seeing high scores in the wine world, this type of score is reserved at WA for the most special offerings and is never doled out lightly. The list of whiskies scoring above 95 points is short and reads like a list of legends. Needless to say we were sad to only acquire a few bottles of that spectacular whiskey. Luckily our good name and strong ties put us first in line when Mr. Stirk offered up a sister cask for sale in its entirety. This special cask #20024 is unique, yet very reminiscent of that special beauty. The third fill Madeira casks has still done wonders to the this already spectacular malt. This is bottled at full strength and only 380 bottles were made despite the large size of the cask.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 16, 2016

This is a massive score for K&L and our first cask strength Irish Single Cask Single Malt that we’ve ever bottled exclusively. This special whiskey was distilled at the exceptional Cooley distillery now owner by Jim Beam and is truly one of a kind. Last year, a bottling from this lot was named the top bottling in Whisky Advocates Fall issue. That whisky, garnering an astounding 96 points, disappeared almost instantly. This one will last a little long, but not by much. The subtle influence from the refill Madeira cask has added incredible depth and complexity, but also a wonderful liveliness not typical for Cooley. Expect vibrant green apples, salted oats, galangal sizzling in a hot wok, nutty richness, and the finest floral honey. Slightly deeper and more saline than its sister, the palate has a rush of sweetness before opening to a long, candied apple finish. Absolutely spectacular! This is top tier Irish malt is one of the best the Emerald Isle has ever sent our way.

Andrew Stevens | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 27, 2016

Wow, this is simply a stunning whiskey that David has procured for us. Clean, light, and bright, there is a wonderful core of apple, dried fruit, and lemongrass with hints of soft vanilla and spice. Super elegant, this whiskey still manages to show a good complexity and has medium heat on the finish. Everyone who I have spoken to who tried it has enjoyed it, as did I.

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 29, 2016

This has beautiful, expressive aromas with seductive sweet floral and fruity notes. In the mouth it is soft and delicate, with the fruit flavors dominating. There is a nice long finish.

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