August Auction *LIVE*

Ends Sunday 21st August 20.00 BST

This month sees us examine GlenDronach – a distillery under new ownership. Will the new owners change things up? Will values of their Single Cask bottles skyrocket? The focus of our monthly blog piece is on the Aberdeenshire Distillery and you can read it all here: GlenDronach Distillery Takeover – Speculation, News and more … In other news – the array of bottles this month is fantastic, with a particularly nice selection of old Macallan. With in excess of 80 bottles from the Craigellachie Distillers, you’ll find beauties nestled on the shelves which include (deep breath in …) 10 Year Old 100 Proof, 1824 Decanter, 1951 Miniature, 1956, 59, 60 & 62 Campbell Hope & King bottles, 25 & 30 Year Old Sherry Oak, 50 Year Old 1949 Millennium Decanter, 617 Squadron Disbandment Edition, a gaggle of Collectable 18 Year Old’s, Cask 888, Chairman’s Release, Coronation, Diamond Jubilee, Easter Elchies bottles, Folio 1, Gran Reserva 1979, Reflexion, Robert Burns Decanter, Royal Marriage and many many more!

From Left to Right: Macallan Chairman’s Release, Robert Burns Decanter, 50 Year Old 1949 Millennium Decanter, Cask 888 & 1824 MMIX Release

Laphroaig 1960 Vintage Reserve

Of course, it’s not all Macallan here at JW Headquarters. We have something rather special for you which comes in the shape of this beautiful Laphroaig 1960 Vintage Reserve. This is an exceptionally rare and unique whisky, which was produced and distilled under the care and attention of the legendary Bessie Williamson. Some people say she was the first genuine lady whisky distiller.

During forty years in the warehouse, a percentage of the contents of the casks has been lost in evaporation. This has been replaced by the salt-laden air of the Laphroaig Bay. To produce such a rich, mellow whisky, in such a harsh climate, is something that can only be wondered at.

A fantastic lot with an individually numbered bottle and matching numbered certificate and box.

View all these Lots and many more in this month’s auction right here: www.just-whisky.co.uk

LVMH Single Malt Scotch Tasting

Sunday September 25th, 4-6pm @ Palmer’s 2298 Fillmore Street

Spirit of the Fringe

An exclusive Scotch Whisky Tasting Event at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival

3pm to 4:30pm Saturday 20th and again on Saturday 27th August 2016 

At Fringe Venue 163 – Lauriston Halls, Lauriston Street, Edinburgh

Experienced Scotch Whisky Tourist Guides Ronnie Berri and Alister McDermott are bringing a fresh experience to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this year.

Both Ronnie and Alister have many years of experience conducting Bespoke Luxury Scotch Whisky Tours bringing whisky enthusiasts from all around the world to every part of Scotland, including her distilleries and surrounding countryside. But this August they have abandoned their respective vehicles and are collaborating to bring an exclusive tasting to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

The tasting events will focus on the exclusive tastings to be found when visiting Malt Whisky Distilleries in Scotland . Participants will have the opportunity to taste and enjoy a total of 5 “Distillery Exclusive” whiskies as follows:

Deanston Distillery     

“Fill your own” – 10 yrs Bourbon Cask and 1 year Amontillado finish – 60.1%ABV

Glen Moray Distillery      

“Fill Your Own” – First fill Bourbon Cask filled 2005 – Bottled 2016 – 53.8% ABV

Aberlour Distillery  

Distillery Exclusive – 16yrs Oloroso Sherry Cask – 56.5% ABV

Springbank Distillery 

Longrow “Living Cask Fill Your Own” – Drawn from mainly Bourbon casks but also some sherry – No Age Statement – 50 to 55 ppm phenols of peat smoke in the casks used and presently 49.9% ABV

BenRiach Distillery 

Distillery Exclusive Single Cask Bottling – 18 year old – Distilled 1997 – Matured in Bourbon cask and finished in a Marsala Hogshead for an unspecified time – 55.1% ABV – One of only 373 bottles

Find out more about Member of the Keepers of the Quaich Society, Ronnie Berri, at www.ScottishWhiskyTours.co.uk

And more about Whisky Ambassador, Alister McDermott, at  www.SeeMyScotland.com

Or visit www.ScotchWhiskyTasting.com

Fringe Benefits

Probably Scotland’s smallest distillery will be exhibiting its malt spirit range at The Whisky Fringe 2016

For the first time in its three-year history, probably Scotland’s smallest distillery, Strathearn, will be attending The Whisky Fringe, in its own right, at Mansfield Traquair in Edinburgh from 12-14^th August 2016.

Having earned a reputation producing top-quality gins, Strathearn are no strangers to creative distilling; however, their classic Scotch is nearing full maturation. For the last few years, they have been maturing their whisky in oak casks and in December, it will reach three years old – the minimum age to be considered Scotch whisky – so purists will have to wait until then to sample it.

Visitors at the Whisky Fringe will be able to taste limited batch Uisge Beathas and learn about the history of Strathearn and its whisky development. This is the Gaelic phrase meaning ‘Water of Life’ and believed to be where the word ‘whisky’ originated. These spirits will reflect the innovative approach to distilling that Strathearn employs because none of them have been near an oak cask, but instead have been aged in cherry, mulberry, chestnut and other casks. Pre-Great War whiskies recreated.

Tony Reeman-Clark, Founder of Strathearn Distillery said:

“Strathearn is the first of a new generation of small distilleries to bring its single malt single cask whisky to market. The Whisky Fringe 2016 provides the perfect opportunity to start the countdown to our third birthday on 23^rd August and the soon to be released 100 bottles.”

The Whisky Fringe is an annual event celebrating this Scottish spirit hosted by Royal Mile Whiskies with the stunning backdrop of the Mansfield Traquair in Edinburgh. There will be 26 exhibitors with over 200 whiskies to try each day.

Notes 

• Strathearn Distillery was established in 2013 by Tony Reeman-Clark who has a passion for whisky and small scale distilling.  Production began in the October of 2013, with their first cask being filled with Strathearn new-make spirit. After three years of maturation, the first Scotch Whisky will be released before the end of this year.  Strathearn also produces a range of highly acclaimed Scottish gins, experimenting with innovative production techniques and flavour profiles.
• Working on a single cask, single malt basis allows Strathearn to experiment with different wood types and finishes, as well as appreciating the natural variations that occur throughout spirit production, influenced by the climate and ingredients used.

Early August 2016 Offerings

Cask No. 71.42 $150

Sinbad preparing for a journey

Speyside, Lossie

The invigorating nose gave us cinder toffee, crème brûlée, burnt sugar, maple syrup, smoky bacon crisps, pork crackling and patchouli; also something between an old-fashioned boat-builder’s yard and an Eastern rug shop – we thought of Sinbad preparing for a journey. Adding water brought Dairy Milk chocolate in a steamroller cab and an Asian dish of prunes and roast pork. The palate was big, tasty and dark – treacle cake, pancakes and bacon with maple syrup, caramel pop-corn, vanilla ice-cream, chilli chocolate, caramelized apples with pork; beef jerky and leather. In reduction – sweeter and more pleasant –tarte tatin, bacon, custard and cigars.

Drinking tip: Not an all night drinking dram – but could be very useful after chopping logs in the snow.

Colour: Treacly tan shoe polish

Cask: Refill butt

Age: 17 years

Date distilled: March 1998

Alcohol: 57.5%

USA allocation: 150 bottles

Flavour profile: Spicy & dry

*PRESIDENT’S CHOICE

Cask No. 26.106 $290

‘Say it with flowers’

Highland, Northern

The first impression is of sweet pastry – shortbread – with vanilla notes, increasingly supported by fruit cake or dried fruits steeped in tea. In time it lightens: fresh figs, melon, fresh grass, rosemary. At natural strength, the taste is heavier: herbal tea and jasmine tea, musty/waxy, nutty (macaroons, hazelnuts and almonds), flower honey. The last increases with a dash of water, becoming more waxy/oily – sunflower oil, crème Anglais, light nuts. Now the texture is soft, the taste sweet with honeycomb, then slightly bitter (edible flowers like nasturtiums) in the finish. Complex and ever-changing.

Drinking tip: For a special tea party

Colour: Imperial ivory

Cask: Refill butt

Age: 29 years

Date distilled: November 1984

Alcohol: 58.0%

USA allocation: 120 bottles

Flavour profile: Sweet, fruity & mellow

Cask No. 41.71 $115

Refreshing and lip-smackingly tasty

Speyside, Spey

The nose was sweet, creamy and fruity – wine gums, Gummi Bears, Randoms, pineapple humps, vanilla slices and donuts filled with cream and covered in chocolate. The palate was also sweet and fruity (pineapple, lemon) but our mouths were warmed by aniseed and fiery ginger beer and our curiosity aroused by perfume, quinine and lemon zest. The reduced nose kept our interest – Tangfastics, sherbet lemons, laundry, vanilla-scented candles and lemon and lime. The palate had pineapple, lemon and lime sorbet, a flake of ginger, a lemon balm leaf but still retained some yoghurt creaminess. Simple but very refreshing, perfumed and lip-smackingly tasty.

Drinking tip: A palate cleanser – or a wee treat for a relaxing summer day.

Colour: Transparent canary yellow

Cask: First-fill barrel

Age: 11 years

Date distilled: May 2004

Alcohol: 59.5%

USA allocation: 120 bottles

Flavour profile: Light & delicate

Cask No. 10.90 $95

Muckle, massive immensity of smoke

Islay

The nose chucked a muckle, massive, immeasurable immensity of peat-smoke and smouldering sawdust all over us – we also found dark toffee, grilled prawns, liquorice, American Cream Soda and a wet dog scampering through flower-beds. The palate was simply breath-taking – tar, smoke, ash and liquorice – but developing cheekily in the glass – barbecued scallops, grass, earth, stone, school cagoules and waxed jackets. The reduced nose gave us nougat, dark honey, heather and ‘Snickers in a humidor’. The palate now – no nonsense, big peat smoke – but balanced with sweetness and savoury pork crackling. Even meek peat freaks will keech their breeks for this!

Drinking tip: End of the night dram – or after Serious Exertion.

Colour: Blonde mermaid

Cask: Refill hogshead

Age: 8 years

Date distilled: December 2006

Alcohol: 61.4%

USA allocation: 60 bottles

Flavour profile: Heavily peated

For more information on the Scotch Malt Whisky Society of America please visit them at www.smws.com

Lagavulin Limited Edition – Last chance to purchase

Two very special whiskies will be arriving on the shelves of The Whisky Shop in the next two weeks and we’re giving you the chance to get a hold of a bottle before they fly off again! Commemorating two special occasions, Lagavulin 8 Year Old celebrates the distillery’s 200th Anniversary while the Dalmore Quintessence marks Master Distiller, Richard Paterson’s five decades in the industry. Both whiskies are available on a first come first served basis due to the limited nature of the release.

Free delivery on orders over £75 Worldwide delivery available

Lagavulin 8 Year Old

One of our most popular limited edition whiskies of recent times, the Lagavulin 8 Year Old marks 200 years since local farmer John Johnston founded the iconic Islay distillery.

Inspired by 19th Century whisky writer Alfred Barnard, who visited the distillery and described the “exceptionally fine” 8 year old expression of the day, this whisky is matured using a combination of European and American oak casks and is bottled at 48% abv.

£56 Pre-Order Now

Michter’s American Whiskey Tasting

Sunday August 28th, 4-6pm @ Palmer’s 2298 Fillmore Street

EDINBURGH Psychologist CREATES TEST TO PREDICT the PERFECT WHISKY FOR YOUR PERSONALITY 

Dr Adam Moore and The Scotch Malt Whisky Society launch ‘Flavour Behaviour’ test after six-month international scientific study

How does your personality determine what flavours you prefer? And is there a way to predict the perfect whisky flavour for someone? Those are the questions Dr Adam Moore and The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) are seeking to answer with the launch of their ‘Flavour Behaviour Test’.

The psychometric test (http://www.flavourbehaviour.com/), which matches personality types to flavours of whisky, is the result of a six-month international scientific study carried out by Dr Moore, a psychologist and research scientist based at the University of Edinburgh*, and the SMWS.

To create the predictive test, Dr Moore and the SMWS conducted quantative research with more than 300 volunteers at tasting events in Edinburgh, London, Islay, Washington D.C., Vancouver and Melbourne.

Each volunteer answered a personality test measuring the ‘Big 5’ personality dimensions (Openness to Experience, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism). They then rated the 12 core flavours found in whisky by the experts at the SMWS such as sweet, fruity & mellow; light & delicate; juicy, oak & vanilla; oily & coastal; and heavily peated.

Dr Moore analysed the data from the test events and discovered some fascinating correlations between personality and flavour preferences. He used these findings to create an algorithm that analyses answers to the Flavour Behaviour questionnaire to predict which whisky flavours are suited to different personality types.

Dr Adam Moore said: “This has been a particularly exciting research study to be involved in as taste is the least understood of our senses, and this is the first project I’m aware of that has investigated the links between personality traits and preferences for whisky flavours.

“Together with the Society, we’ve used decision-making science and psychometric techniques to gather data from research events around the world to create this test, which we hope will help people to find the perfect whisky for them. These are early stages for this kind of research, but it’s fascinating to think where this type of study could lead for both how food and drink producers make goods and how consumers choose them.”

Helen Stewart, Senior Brand Manager at the SMWS, said: “At the Society, we explore the kaleidoscope of flavours in the whisky spectrum, rather than follow the traditional notions of whisky regions or distillery brands.

“We believe there is a perfect whisky flavour out there for everyone. The Flavour Behaviour Test is a fun and scientifically researched way to help with that search for the perfect dram – from novices struggling to find a whisky flavour they like among all the different varieties, or aficionados looking for inspiration for new whisky flavours to try.” 

Take the Flavour Behaviour test at www.Flavourbehaviour.com

@SMWSUK

#Flavourbehaviour

*Project not in official association with the University of Edinburgh

Tickets to Flavour Behaviour events during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival at 28 Queen Street available here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/project-flavour-behaviour-personality-test

ARRAN’S INDEPENDENT SPIRIT INSPIRES THE FUTURE OF WHISKY

The Isle of Arran Distillers Ltd. is toasting impressive annual results with 2015 showing a 25% growth in net profit. In a market perceived to have stalled, the results offer a more positive view of the category and a reflection of changing market dynamics.

Driven by a 16% growth in brand sales and increased visitor numbers to Lochranza, the results, which will be filed with Companies House in the next few days, are the latest in a succession of healthy profits reported over the last six years with a 130% increase since 2010.

A consistent and considered export strategy has also led to another year of impressive growth across over 45 markets. For the industry as whole, exports are under pressure with a 2.4% downturn. Arran, however is flourishing with export representing 61% of total turnover in 2015. While France remained a core market, the tough US market made up 9% exports with rising star Taiwan contributing 7% of total overseas sales.

Despite an apparent struggle within the Scotch whisky industry to grow sales in such an established sector, Arran believe that its results represent a shift within the category and proof of the sustainability of their business model.

Euan Mitchell, managing director, commented: “We are delighted with the results which renew our dedication to creating quality whisky with a story to tell. There is an undeniable consumer desire for authenticity, something which we can deliver as an independently owned Scottish business. In contrast, three quarters of Scottish distilleries are in the hands of international businesses.

“Our success shows that it is not only possible to survive in a challenging market, but to thrive. While the larger companies might be struggling, and that prompts a negative tone, we believe that the future for whisky is very promising.

Currently celebrating its 21^st Anniversary, the distillery continues with a programme of ongoing investment. A new blending and tasting building was constructed in 2016 to welcome distributors from around the world and increase the focus on export sales. Planning permission has also been submitted for a new distillery site and visitor centre on the south of the island at Lagg.

With visitor numbers to the distillery at Lochranza up to 85,000 (from 66,000 in 2014), the new centre will accommodate this increase in whisky tourism as well as increasing capacity to meet the rising demand for the Arran Malt.

Euan Mitchell concluded: “As we toast our 21^st anniversary, we remain very buoyant about future prospects and confident that our success represents a positive outlook for Scotch whisky.”

Notes:

For more information visit www.arranwhisky.com

* Accolades for Isle of Arran Distillery include Winner for: Best New Exporter (2004), Queen’s Award for International Trade (2005), Scottish Distiller of the Year (2007), Scottish Drinks Producer of the Year (2007.) Distillery Visitor Experience of the Year (2014, 2015)

Product awards include: Best Whisky Liqueur (2007), ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 12 Years & Under’ for The Arran Malt Amarone Cask Finish (2008) ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for The Arran Malt Sherry Single Cask 1998 (2010) and ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for the Icons of Arran Peacock (2011.) ‘Double Gold Award’ for Arran’s 14 Year Old Single Malt and ‘Gold Award’ for Arran’s 10 Year Old Single Malt at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2012). Double Gold in FiftyBest.com awards (2012). Double Gold Medal for the 12 year-old Cask Strength in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2013). Double Gold for both the 10 year-old and 12 year-old Cask Strength at the China Wine & Spirits Best Value Awards 2014.

J. & G. Grant are delighted to announce the arrival of the Glenfarclas 1986 Refill Sherry Butts V, which takes its place as the fifth limited edition bottling from the Family Collector Series. This expression represents the 5^th generation of the Grant family and current chairman of the distillery, John L. S Grant.

Previous Family Collector editions have spanned the generations and included vintage stocks from Fino Sherry Casks, first fill Oloroso Sherry Casks and Port Casks. The fifth addition now includes a vatting of specially selected refill Sherry Butts, adding a lighter sherry influence to this unique family collection. A small batch production of 1,094 bottles at 53.8% are to be rolled out to international markets next month.

Both John L. S Grant and his father, George S. Grant, would have watched over the filling of these casks in the 1980s. This was a significant time period in the history of the Scotch whisky industry, and also for Glenfarclas. Due to a steady over-production of whisky and falling demand many distilleries were closed, moth-balled or cut back production.

Despite these tough circumstances, in 1984, the Grant’s decided to do the exact opposite and increase production. Their decision was straightforward – “where was all the mature stock going to come from in a few years’ time?” A combination of risk taking and visionary genius, today the Grant family proudly introduce this 1986 vintage, released 30 years after its creation as a treasured collector’s edition.

Glenfarclas
Email: info@glenfarclas.co.uk
Website: www.glenfarclas.co.uk
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/glenfarclas/
Tel: +44 (0) 1807 500257
Fax: +44 (0) 1807 500234
Address: Glenfarclas Distillery, Ballindalloch, Banffshire AB37 9BD, UK