Archive for 2016

Whiskey Obsession Festival March 30th to April 1st, 2016 Sarasota, Florida – Whisky News

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Whiskey Obsession has become one of the biggest whiskey events in the Southeast, this year it’s March 30 to April 1, 2016, with dozens of master distillers and professional brand ambassadors presenting over 250 whiskies from around the world to around 650 guests. The Festival features three nights of whiskies and cocktails, master classes, interactive panel discussion and tasting, VIP pours, and a massive grand tasting.

The Panel of Whiskey Experts; the four distillers and four ambassadors on  Thursday 3/31/16: Chris Morris, Woodford Reserve distiller and the President of the Kentucky Distillers Association; Pam Heilmann, Michter’s distiller; Brendan Coyle, High West distiller; Rob Dietrich, Stranahan’s distiller; plus Bernie Lubbers from Heaven Hill; David Blackmore from Glenmorangie; Philip Pepperdine from Bowmore; and Gardner Dunn from Yamazaki. These are only a few of the industry professionals participating over the three day Festival.

Video:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=effaR6VmB6g (2016)

             and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVwmQOkOVfs (2015)

Photos: https://www.instagram.com/sarasota_whiskey_obsession

Website: http://www.whiskeyobsessionfestival.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Exploring-Whiskey

Brora 37 year old (2015) at Loch Fyne Whiskies – Scotch Whisky News

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Brora 37 year old – 2015

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Introducing one of the most collectable whiskies of 2015 at a price that will make you ask, “How many can I buy?” We have a limited amount of bottles left, so orders will be sold on a first come first served basis. Give your whisky collection a head start with this rare Highland gem. Was £1300 Save £174. In stock and available for immediate delivery.

£1126 Click to buy

Glendronach 24 Year Old Grandeur Batch #6 at The Whisky Barrel – Scotch Whisky News

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Glendronach 24 Year Old Grandeur Batch #6

Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Glendronach 24 Year Old Grandeur Highland single malt Scotch whiskey. Batch #006 matured in Oloroso sherry butts. Limited release. A truly memorable and captivating GlenDronach expression.

Nose: A magnificent combination of honey-drenched dates and succulent raisins which gently ebb and flow with waves of delicate orange blossom, mint and cracked black pepper. Hints of glazed cherries and toasted almonds perfectly complement the seductive nose. A nose to be appreciated slowly and often.

Palate: A fabulously full-bodied, vibrant palate captures a multitude of classic sherry cask characteristics. The delicate sweetness of rum-soaked golden sultanas refines rich espresso, dark chocolate and treacle toffee. Zesty orange oil softens to a deep clove spice and prolongs the ever changing palate. A sublime example of understanding the relationship between cask and single malt perfectly.

Finish: The Grandeur 24 years old encapsulates the perfect harmony of exquisite sherry oak casks, masterful maturation and traditional, crafted Highland single malt. A dram to be savoured in order to reveal the depth of dramatic flavours held in the glass. A truly memorable and captivating GlenDronach expression.

Glendronach malt whisky distillery was established north east of Huntley in Scotland’s Highland whisky region by James Allardice in 1826. The malting floors at Glendronach Distillery closed in 1996 and it was the last distillery in Scotland to heat its stills directly with flames from a coal-fired furnace, until it had to comply with new regulations in 2005. Glendronach Distillery is resplendent with a traditional cask iron mash tun, wooden washbacks, four stills matures its malt whisky in top quality sherry casks. Glendronach Distillery has a distillery visitor centre offering a range of distillery tours and the distillery participates is the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.

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RARE BENROMACH 35 YEARS OLD SINGLE MALT WHISKY UNVEILED – Scotch Whisky News

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RARE BENROMACH 35 YEARS OLD SINGLE MALT WHISKY UNVEILED

The Benromach Distillery Company Ltd. today reveals one of their rarest expressions to date, Benromach 35 Years Old, an exclusive whisky crafted at the distillery before the Urquhart family, owners of leading whisky specialist Gordon & MacPhail, revived it in 1998.

Handcrafted using the finest natural ingredients at the Forres distillery, Benromach 35 Years Old is an exceptional whisky with real heritage and an original tale or two, having been laid down to mature in the 1980’s.

Golden amber in colour, Benromach 35 Years Old (ABV 43%) is a most satisfying Speysider with cinnamon hints and beeswax polish, stewed pear and a delicate charred Oak edge.

The bespoke decanter style bottle protecting the precious whisky is encased within a wooden presentation box, reflecting the various elements which have gone into making the whisky; the copper stills, the dark, grained wood of the original washbacks, and the white of the limewashed distillery walls.

This rare whisky, dating back to a time before Benromach was restored in the ‘90s, exudes the heritage of the Speyside distillery. Created under the watchful eye of Donald MacDonald, former Distillery Manager, the casks this whisky was matured in have long been a part of the Benromach history. Willie McArthur, former malt man and warehouseman, was one of the workers responsible for protecting the precious casks remaining in the bonded warehouses.

Benromach Distillery Manager Keith Cruickshank said: “Benromach 35 Years Old is a very special whisky for everyone at the distillery, as very few casks of Benromach remain from this time period.

“Benromach today is created respecting the traditional working practices of yesteryear and is lovingly handcrafted by sight, by sound, and by touch, using the finest natural ingredients.

“The 35 Years Old is the perfect dram to toast the past, present and future of Benromach.”

Benromach 35 Years Old is available to purchase at specialist whisky retailers with an RRP in the United Kingdom of £425. Prices may vary in international markets due to duty and import taxes. For more information on Benromach, and to explore the wide range of expressions available, please visit www.benromach.com.

Notes

Benromach 35 Years Old, 43% ABV

Colour: Golden amber

Aroma without water: rich sherry influences with orange marmalade, kiwi and grapefruit aromas, complemented by gorgeous cinnamon spice

Taste without water: initially, it is sweet on the palate with honey, fruitcake, ripe banana and melon flavours. Watch out for the smooth white chocolate edge as it develops, combined with a soft menthol note, giving a full body and long and smooth fruity finish

Aroma with water: sherry influences with honey, blackcurrant and beeswax polish aromas, complemented by a subtle hint of cloves

Taste with water: a fabulous combination of white pepper followed by dried tobacco, dewy stewed pear, raisin and zesty orange peel flavours, heightened by a delicate edge of charred oak… the result of lingering for over three decades in oak casks.

About Benromach

Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life when leading whisky specialists Gordon & MacPhail purchased it in 1993. The distillery was extensively re-equipped over a five-year period before it was officially opened by HRH Prince Charles in 1998.

In reopening Benromach Distillery, Gordon & MacPhail decided to create a classic Speyside single malt – a style that draws its influence from Speyside whiskies pre-1960s.

Benromach Distillery is located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres. A four-star visitor centre is open to the public throughout the year for tours and tastings. Benromach Distillery is a member of the world famous malt whisky trail.

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The New ‘Chiefs’ in Town: Chieftain’s Run #9 From Impex Beverages – Scotch Whisky News

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Since 1936, Ian Macleod Distillers, through its dedication to tradition and quality, has amassed an unrivaled cask stock from Scotland’s many distilleries. This enviable collection includes extremely rare malts, some from closed or mothballed distilleries. The Chieftain’s collection hallmark is that each bottling must be fit for a King, a Leader or,  in the Celtic world, a Chieftain. The small batch releases of Chieftain’s are selected for the Spring and Autumn collections each year with a variety of distilleries, vintages, wood maturations and strengths. Please welcome Chieftain’s Run #9.

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1996 Fettercairn 19 yr, Highland (Oloroso Finish) 57.4%

Nose:  Cottonseed, green apple, marzipan nougat Palate:  Creamy, soft spice of cinnamon and nutmeg Finish:  Long with sweet toffee and light spice.

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1997 Mortlach 18 yr, Speyside (PX Cask Finish) 46%

 Nose:  Heavy sweet sherry nutty Palate:  Creamy sweet sherry, hazelnuts, walnuts and tar Finish:  Sherry-ed malt moving to a creamy nutty finish

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1996 Braeval 19 yr, Speyside (Beaune Cask Finished) 46%

Nose:  Toffee, nougat, wood tones with vanilla Palate:  Creamy, bright spicy anise, vanilla Finish:  Lingering with a blended mix of flavors and slight peat

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1997 Linkwood 17 yr, Speyside (Oloroso Finish) 46%

Nose:  Light tar, sherry and wood tone Palate:  Sweet malt, nutty, some camphor Finish:  Spicy malt finishing sweet

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1995 Glen Grant 20 yr, Speyside (Bourbon Finish) 55.1%

Nose:  Light and fruity, soft malt Palate:  Fruity, moving to a creamy toffee flavor with sweet malt. Finish:  Mouth-coating with a sweet, spicy malt finish

ImpEx Beverages Inc.

360 Swift Ave

Side B # 9

South San Francisco, CA 94080

Whisky Auction “Our January auction is now LIVE” – Whisky News

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JANUARY AUCTION IS NOW LIVE!

Our January auction is now live, and will end on Tuesday 9 February. We have some very rare bourbons from Stitzel-Weller distillery bottled in Lawrenceburg between 1983 and 2002 – these are some of the greatest bourbons ever made and are almost impossible to find.

You’ll also find a good selection of Japanese whiskies, including Hanyu The Joker (monochrome label).  Don’t forget to look at our impressive line-up of blended whisky, too – alongside the 1940s there is also a good range from the 1960s and 1970s. Look out for the following bottles, and good luck with your bids!
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You can bid in two ways: either increase the highest bid by a fixed amount, or place your maximum bid straightaway – ideal if you can’t be online on the last day of our auction. Be the first to bid!

Scotch Whisky Auctions 58th Auction – Scotch Whisky News

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Hi folks.

The 58th auction is now live!

ENJOY!!!!!!

THE SWA TEAM

 

 

New Arrivals at K&L California – Scotch Whisky News

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Scotland

Bruichladdich Octomore 7.3 Heavily Peated Islay Single Malt Whisky (750ml) $169.99

1997 Glen Grant 20 Year Old Chieftain’s Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky (750ml) $139.99

Kilchoman Madeira Cask Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)  $119.99

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

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FEBRUARY TASTINGS at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society – Scotch Whisky News

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FEBRUARY TASTINGS

New Outturn 19 Greville Street, Sat 6 Feb  More >

Steak & Whisky 19 Greville Street, Mon 8 Feb  More >

Valentines Champagne & Whisky Tasting – 28 Queen Street, Sat 13 Feb  More >

Whisky & Sushi Valentines Tasting  – 19 Greville Street, Sat 13 Feb More >

Greenock Preview Tasting – The Tontine Hotel, Fri 19 Feb  More >

Panel Beaters – The Vaults, Thu 25 Feb  More >

Birmingham Preview Tasting – Hotel du Vin, Fri 26 Feb  More >

Manchester Preview Tasting – Malmaison, Fri 26 Feb  More >

Newcastle Preview Tasting – The Caledonian Hotel, Fri 26 Feb  More >

Stirling Preview Tasting – The Golden Lion Hotel, Fri 26 Feb  More >

FREE EVENTS

The Vaults Poker Night – The Vaults, Tue 9 Feb   More >

 

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm).

Visit the Society 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

SPIRIT OF SPEYSIDE WHISKY FESTIVAL, SCOTLAND – Scotch Whisky News

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SPIRIT OF SPEYSIDE WHISKY FESTIVAL, SCOTLAND

*News Flash* The Festival programme will be online from the 28th January and tickets going on sale at 12 noon (GMT) on 2nd February – go and see our fantastic exclusive events mcleanscotland and whisky tours; Ian Buxton night, a fab coach tour and whisky school with Vic Cameron.  Vic Cameron is in a rather unique position in being (a good friend of ours) a local minister as well as working in the whisky industry. He left Diageo in 2014 after 23 years to work in the church, having built up a wide range of experience in his time with the distilling giant; from labs to cereal procurement, from process optimisation to production management. As well as running the church, Vic uses his vast experience to run two industry related businesses. Discerning of Spirits provides expert yet independent whisky nosing and tasting experiences for companies and private individuals, he also writes a monthly whisky article for the Northern Scot and is currently Lecturer in Whisky for the University of the Highlands and Islands. VC Services provides training and consultancy solutions for the barley, malting and distilling industry with current clients based in the UK and Europe. Vic has a passion for single malt Scotch whisky and wants to share that passion with as wide an audience as possible.

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Vic is taking two half day whisky schools for us, one as a part of our coach tour, the other open for ticket sales;

“Stairway to Heaven” presentation…

  1. Barley breeding, how and why?
  2. Barley varieties and differences, with brief history and timeline of varieties.
  3. Testing and Evaluation System – micro and macro scale, who does what and when?

This would be of interest to those really into their whisky in a big way, probably for the “anoraks”.

There will also be a tasting hosted by Vic and Krish Kumar from Paul John Distilleries.

7.30 @ Mansion House Hotel, Elgin, Wednesday 28 April 2016.  tickets are limited supply only available on the SoS website.

The whisky for this evening has been kindly donated by Paul John Distillery, India.

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“DOES PACKAGING AFFECT YOUR PURCHASES”?  It’s not about a winning dram, taste and packaging, an evening with Ian Buxton, sharing drams and chatting on the merits of packaging – does it influence your purchases?

We have 5 drams to taste, but will have more packaging on show.

Max of 50 tickets – only available on the SoS website.

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Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 2016.  28th April – 2nd May COACH TOUR  The best Speyside whisky tour package; a programme of visits and events – we have only 24 tickets on offer. You can also upgrade to the 4 star Mansion House Hotel (limited rooms – email for details). INCLUDED: 3 days coach transport, 2 whisky dinners, Ian Buxton evening ticket, 5 nights accommodation with en suite bathrooms, 5 fully cooked Scottish breakfasts, 4 distillery visits (Speyside, Benromach, Glen Grant & Glen Moray), half day whisky school, extra drams daily whilst on our coach, outdoor whisky tasting at Rannoch Barracks, 2 days free time, whisky first aid kit, fully printed tour notes, guided and managed throughout with Liz and Paul on tour.

ALL OF THESE EVENTS can be seen/booked on http://www.spiritofspeyside.com/

You can also enquire on any of these events and more, via http://www.whiskytours.scot/  or  http://www.mcleanscotland.com/

Probably   the best whisky tour company in the world – DRAMS ARE MADE OF THIS!

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