1-2 October 2016
11.30am-6.30pm
Old Billingsgate, London

TICKETS NOW ON SALE!

BUY NOW »

TICKETS RELEASED FOR FIRST MASTERCLASS:
A BEGINNERS GUIDE TO WHISKY

We’re very excited to announce that tickets for A Beginners Guide to Whisky are now on sale for Saturday and Sunday. Becky Paskin, editor of Scotchwhisky.com, will guide you through the wonderful world of whisky from the basics of production to how to taste and understand the golden nectar in your glass. It’s a must for both those new to whisky and budding enthusiasts!

BOOK SATURDAY »

BOOK SUNDAY »

NEW WEBSITE LAUNCHED

We are also excited to announce that our new website has launched! Visit our new online home for a taster of what’s to come at the Whisky Show in 2016.

LEARN MORE »

This week Joe Ellis reviews Glengoyne 16 Year Old Distillery Cask Single Malt.

https://youtu.be/uciFc5PBwpg

http://Twitter.com/whiskytube

https://www.facebook.com/whiskytube

anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky wins Gold at the International Wine & Spirit Competition 2016 with 12YO

Single Malt Scotch whisky brand anCnoc is proud to announce the 12 year old from its core collection has won Gold at the International Wine & Spirit Competition 2016.

anCnoc’s 12 year old is renowned the world over as a must-have in any whisky drinkers’ collection. Soft and aromatic on the nose it has hints of anCnoc’s signature flavour notes of honey and lemon, resulting in a long smooth finish. The gentle amber colouring comes from its maturation in American oak ex-bourbon and ex-oloroso casks, which deliver a fantastic flavour profile with a surprise at each twist and turn.

Stephanie Allison, Brand Manager for anCnoc says “We’re thrilled to announce that our 12 year old has been recognised within the industry as a Gold winner at the IWSC Awards. Creating the finest whisky possible is at the heart of everything we do at anCnoc, so winning such a prestigious award within a global competition is a great way to share our achievements and reward our dedicated distillery teams for all their hard work.”

Now in its 47^th year, the International Wine & Spirit Competition aims to award excellence to wines and spirits across the world and sets the international benchmark for quality. This year, the competition received entries from over 90 countries which were judged by over 400 global experts judging products for 7 months of the year.

For further information, please visit http://www.ancnoc.com/

Proud to pioneer handcrafted whiskies of uncommon provenance, R&B Distillers, an exciting new whisky brand, launched their new premium whiskies in December 2015. Firmly ingrained in family history whilst simultaneously being a taste of the brand’s evolving future, Raasay While We Wait and Borders, two distinct and characterful whiskies, will mark a new chapter for R&B Distillers.

R&B stands for Raasay and Borders, two unique landscapes brought together through one unique whisky company. Co-founder Alasdair Day embodies this coupling. His great grandfather, Allan MacDonald, hailed from the Hebrides while his other great grandfather, Richard Day was a master-blender in the Borders in the early 19th Century. It is this history that has prompted R&B’s ongoing project to build distilleries at these twin roots in the Isle of Raasay and in the Scottish Borders.

R&B have now been granted permission by the Highland Council to bring the first legal distillery to Raasay in the Inner Hebrides, an island where illicit distilling was once rife. While the distillery is being built, R&B Distillers have released the aptly named While We Wait whisky, a preview of the calibre and flavour of whisky yet to come – every sip certain to transport the drinker to the rugged island of Raasay.

With While We Wait, R&B Distillers have crafted a single malt whisky by bringing together two expressions from one distillery: one peated, one unpeated. This precise combination is a tantalising prediction of the flavours that will be produced at the new distillery on the Isle of Rasaay, off the remote west coast of Skye. The smoky peat aroma is softened in the finishing process which occurs in French oak Tuscan red wine casks and results in a unique, lightly fruity aroma and a heather hue. In May 2016, While We Wait was awarded its first international award, a bronze medal in the International Spirits Challenge (ISC), a tremendous accolade for such a young whisky.

Meanwhile, the newly released Borders whisky echoes the soft rolling landscape of its future location in the South of Scotland. This single grain whisky is lighter and softer in flavour than the smoky peat dram of While We Wait. Matured in Bourbon casks and finished in Oloroso sherry casks, Borders has been produced to reflect a lowland style. Alasdair Day’s great-grandfather blended whisky in the Coldstream and now, over 150 years since the last distillery in the Scottish Borders, Alasdair is returning to his roots and planning to reinstate whisky in this forgotten region. Just announced, Peebles was selected by the Scottish general public as the preferred location for the new distillery.

As a precursor to the new distilleries being built, R&B Distillers also unveiled membership to their Na Tùsairean club (Scots Gaelic for ‘The Pioneers’) – an exclusive offering for whisky aficionados. The inaugural 100 casks of Raasay whisky will be bottled exclusively for Na Tùsairean members who will receive one bottle each year for ten years, gradually acquiring up a rare collection of R&B Whisky. Members will also receive miniatures so they can experience a dram of the whisky without breaking into their collector’s bottle, are entitled to the equivalent of one night’s stay per year for the duration of their membership in the luxury members accommodation.

While We Wait, priced at £56.85 and Borders priced at £49.98 will be available to buy directly from the R&B Distillers website

www.rbdistillers.com

T: 0131 564 0761 E: sales@rbdistillers.com

NOTES

RETAILERS UK:

 Master of Malt (online)

 Whiski Rooms (Edinburgh shop)

 Oban Whisky & Fine Wines (Oban)

 Shop4Whisky (online)

 JL Gill (Crieff)

 Royal Mile Whiskies (Edinburgh & online)

 Raasay Community Store (Raasay)

 Jeffrey Street Whisky & Tobacco (Edinburgh)

 The Whisky Shop (Dufftown)

 Mainstreet Trading Co. (St Boswells, Scottish Borders)

 Oblo Bar (Eyemouth, Scottish Borders)

BARS/RESTAURANTS

 Whiski Rooms (Edinburgh bar)

 Teuchters Landing (Edinburgh Leith)

 Teuchters West End (Edinburgh West End)

 Drysbrugh Abbey Hotel (Drysbrugh)

 Raasay House Hotel (Raasay)

 Sconser Lodge (Skye)

TASTING NOTES:

‘While We Wait’

Aroma: Surprisingly very little smoke on the nose but instead light fruity notes come through.

Colour: Natural colour, heather tinted imparted from Tuscan red wine oak casks.

Taste: Instantly there is peat smoke and spice (a distant campfire, black pepper, liquorice, oak and then the sea breeze) slowly this is balanced with the dry fruit from the Tuscan red wine casks (black currant, blackberry, raspberry and cherries).

Finish: A long lingering finish.

Food Pairings: Pairs well with Sconser Scallops, Smoked Salmon, game, grouse, woodcock, venison, creamy blue cheese, bacon, haggis.

ABV: 46% Non-Chill Filtered

Year released: November 2015 – 1st Release Limited Edition

‘Borders’

Aroma: Prominent sherry notes on the nose, hints of sugar-coated nuts.

Colour: Natural colour, lightly golden taken from sherry finishing casks.

Taste: Surprisingly dry on the palate with the sherry influences dominating. Walnuts balanced with vanilla, herbaceous and floral notes coming through towards the end, and just a touch of warm spice.

Finish: Lingering, dry and complex.

Food Pairings: Pairs well with Cocoa Black dark praline chocolates.

ABV: 51.7% Non-Chill Filtered

Year released: November 2015 – 1st Release Limited Edition

Couvreur – A K&L Direct Import Feature

Just outside the town of Beaune – the spiritual capital of Burgundy – is the sleepy hamlet of Bouze-les-Beaune: a collection of old stone dwellings that looks much like every other small village in the area. As you make your way there, through the well-known communes of Pernand-Vergelesses and Aloxe-Corton, you see signs pointing the direction to every producer in the area. Burgundy is one of the most highly-regarded wine regions in the world, if not the most. Yet, amidst the rolling hills of chardonnay and pinot noir vines sits one of the most unsuspecting collections of Scottish single malt in existence; a veritable treasure trove of mature whisky aging in top-quality sherry casks. If you can find the unmarked home, adorned barely with an address, you’ll likely be invited inside. The parlor is very unassuming. It seems like nothing more than a rustic French home – a classic milieu for the many winemakers in the region.

Not many Americans have heard of Michel Couvreur, and even fewer know that he passed away a few years back after more than five decades in the whisky world. Within the booze business, however, he’s a bit of a legend. A Belgian-born wine lover who moved to Burgundy for the wine trade, yet vacationed in Scotland where he developed a taste for sherry-aged single malt. Believing he could possibly improve upon the quality of his beloved whiskies, he built an expansive cellar beneath his house and travelled through Jerez in search of the finest old sherry butts. He then contracted new-make spirit from his favorite Scottish distilleries and aged the whisky in his own private cave.

Michel Couvreur K&L Exclusive Overaged Peated Malt Whisky (750ml) ($82.99)

The chance to work with Michel Couvreur on a special K&L whisky project was something that David and I had been dreaming of for years. We had heard the stories. This crazy Belgian had moved to Burgundy in the 60s, carved out a wine cellar inside a mountain, only to fill it with Scottish single malt whisky instead of pinot noir. He set up camp in Beaune, ordered new-make spirit to be delivered by tanker, and drove down to Jerez himself; selecting his own sherry butts to insure only the finest quality casks for his contracted spirit. Unfortunately, Michel Couvreur passed away in 2013 from pancreatic cancer, thus ending the career of one of the industry’s most courageous pioneers. Luckily for us, however, apprentice Jean-Arnaud has carried on after studying under Michel for more than a decade. When we visited the underground cave, we were all in total awe. The tunnels of dripping stone go on forever, and the amount of whisky stored in this secret lair is jawdropping. We put our trust completely in Jean-Arnaud and are happy we did. Our peated version of the incredible sherry expression is a seamless creation that drinks like the best version of Johnnie Black ever, mixed with the most supple and soft expressions of Macallan. It’s a lush, unfiltered, creamy, caramel-laden dream of a whisky composed only of malts 12 years and older. There’s a bit of peat on the finish, but the soft sherry is the star. (NOTE: do NOT cut the hard wax seal, tap it so that it breaks)

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 14, 2014

The magnificence that is Michel Couvreur has always been clear, but it wasn’t until we stepped into the special cave, carved out of the rock, in Bouze-Les-Beaune that you can full appreciate the incredible endeavor in process at this fine producer. While this is by definition NOT scotch, because it is aged outside of the country, the old school practices utilized at here are unusual back in Scotland. The fact that these guys literally drive to Jerez to pick out fresh sherry casks (from Equipos Navazos no less) is totally unique in modern times. In fact, no producer of malt whisky is getting access to fresher barrels than these guys. Despite not being able to use the famous moniker, does not preclude this from being one of the most authentic and absolutely delicious malts on the market. Stupendous depth and complexity even at 86 proof, while the sherry is toned down from the standard version a subtle fino/amontillado quality exists in the back ground. This is pointed by a fabulous smokey sweetness, which hints at the source whisky. Maybe an island somewhere, maybe a drop of Islay, wildly high-quality Highland whisky with a French sensibility. A truly unique gem.

Jean-Arnaud Frantzen has been working at Michel Couvreur for eighteen years and he couldn’t be happier. He adores single malt whisky and its potential for greatness when you have respect for its process. He’s carried on in Michel’s absence and continues to build relationships in Spain where he travels frequently in search of the finest barrels. Unlike Scottish producers, he drives the butts back himself so that they are as fresh as possible, thereby eliminating the need for sulfur and inoculation. Couvreur has always been just as interested in the sherry itself, rather than just the whisky that was aged inside its former receptacle. “Every wine has its own story and each cask is different,” Jean-Arnaud said. “We prefer to only use old casks, in which the sherry has sat for thirty to forty years.” Because of the Scotch Whisky Association’s strict rules about single malt classification and labelling, Couvreur has always had a difficult time calling itself what it is: Scottish single malt whisky (or sometimes blended single malt whisky) aged in France. Today, many of the labels simply say “malt whisky” without any other designation. While the industry has sought to protect itself (and consumers) from imitators and frauds looking to capitalize on Scotch whisky’s reputation, Couvreur is not a threat. In fact, his whiskies are so good and so innovative that they serve as inspiration for many of Scotland’s best producers. Because the cellar is located in the heart of French wine country, Jean-Arnaud and his team treat whisky like French wine – they’re looking for nuance and delicacy, not big alcohol and power.

While there we let Jean-Arnaud know we were looking to do a custom cuvee with Michel Couvreur, something rich and supple on the palate, but with peat. Within a few months we had a real winner on our hands: the “Overaged” Peated malt whisky, a marriage of single malts all over the age of twelve. The whisky has been so popular over the last few years that we’re now on our third batch and, personally, it’s my favorite by far. The sherry flavor is bright and fruity rather than savory, and the peat smoke is oily and phenolic, like something in between Lagavulin and Bunnahabhain. It’s simply tremendous stuff. This year we decided to add a customized blend of the decadent “Blossoming Auld Sherried” malt whisky, a a recreation of the legendary malt whiskies of the Victorian Era – a time when Sherry and Scotch were both kept on hand in the cellars of England and Scotland’s great estates and drawn for consumption as needed. Matured in one single butt of the freshest possible Montila Morales casks, this whisky is redolant of that great wine of Jerez in a way that’s simply not available in modern bottlings. This ultra saturated butt from a solera started in the 1950s at Toro Albala is one of a kind and Couvreur is the only producer allowed to buy from the venerable Bodega. Getting to work directly now with the estate is a huge win for us and for serious fans of sherry-aged single malt who shop with K&L. Working directly now, we’ve been able to negotiate pricing that makes these whiskies even more attractive to consumers in the know. If you’re a fan of smooth, rich, supple, and complex malt whiskies, then you owe it to yourself to try one of these royal blends. In the world of sherry-aged Scotch, Michel Couvreur is king. – David Driscoll, K&L Spirits Buyer

Michel Couvreur K&L Exclusive “Blossoming Auld Sherried” Malt Whisky (750ml) ($219.99)

Michel Couvreur established his business selling Burgundy wines in the early 1950s in Scotland. In 1978, French friends suggested that he add a top quality Scotch to his portfolio, which began Couvreur’s interest in the whisky industry. He believes that the oak whisky is aged in has an outsized influence on the character of the finished product. He also strongly prefers Sherry casks for the maturation process, and has gone to great lengths to source what he believes are the finest casks from Andalusia. The Blossoming Auld Sherry is a recreation of the legendary malt whiskies of the Victorian Era. An era when Sherry and Scotch were both kept on hand in the cellars of England and Scotland’s great estates and drawn for consumption as needed. Matured in one single butt of the freshest possible Montila Morales casks, this whisky is redolant of that great wine of Jerez in a way that’s simply not available in modern bottlings. This ultra saturated butt from a solera started in the 1950s at Toro Albala is one of a kind. Couvreur is the only producer able to buy from the venerable Bodega and they receive the choicest butts delivered still wet to the cellars in Burgundy. The casks was kept in medium humidity for the majority of it’s maturation before being moved to the wettest part of Couvreur’s cellar where extractive atmosphere is at a maximum. Age is inconsequential in terms of the quality here, but it is indeed older than all but the most expensive of Couveur’s offerings. A Triumph.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 22, 2016

The first time I tasted the Blossoming Auld Sherry was at a wonderful little bistro in Levernois outside of Beaune called Du Bord De L’Eau. After a wonderful meal at this exceptional casual restaurant, the director of Couvreur Jean Arnauld suggested we finish the night with a taste of something special from his exceptional collection. We could have taken the exceptionally expensive vintage offerings, but he recommended this special little treat. From the moment I put my nose to the glass I was transfixed. Of course, I know Couvreur’s style and what to expect, but this was unlike anything I’d yet come across. It was truly like diving head first into the finest Sherry, but at 90 proof!!! The nose exhibits an intoxicating bouquet of plum preserves, old exotic wood, fresh leather, tobacco and the intricately carved wooden pipe to pack it. The palate is SO smooth. When someone says they like something “smooth,” it’s such a vague notion, and difficult quality to guarantee in a product, but THIS is what they’re talking about. The density of the fruit remains on the palate, but it’s pointed with wonderful dried citrus and sweet herbal notes. This is the real deal, and while not inexpensive, it out-performs its price point by a mile and then some. Imagine having a bottle of sherry that never goes bad, which you can sip by the ounce and clocks in at 45%! You’d never stop, so you know, you shouldn’t. We’re the exclusive source for this product in California and will likely buy the entire US allocation of 20 cases.

David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 20, 2016

While the Blossoming label is not a custom one like the peated blend we make with Couvreur, this particular batch of the Blossoming Auld Sherried was bottled specifically for us and shipped as part of our exclusive order. It is utterly divine. It is the softest, smoothest, more concentrated sherry-aged whisky on the shelf by far. Its like the sherry and the whisky have fused to become one perfect entity. As we know from our visit, Couvreurs specialty is sherry. They select their own butts from Jerez personally and have connections going back to the 1960s. The result of that sherry is on display here.

Released from the vault!

If you haven’t heard – there’s a craze called ‘Pokemon Go’ that’s taking the country by storm. The general goal of it and Pokemon overall is to….’Catch’em all‘. Obviously some are harder to ‘catch’ than others. With that in mind – we are releasing into the wild – some of Park Avenue Liquor Shop’s classic exclusive single malt scotches. You do not need an App or smartphone to ‘catch’ these – You just need contact us. There are different quantities of these bottles available – so act fast if you see something you need for your collection. Please contact the store with any questions.  Cheers!

Jonathan & Eric & Marlon

The Park Avenue Liquor Shop 270 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10016 212-685-2442

jonathan@parkaveliquor.com

eric@parkaveliquor.com

whiskyconn@gmail.com  (Marlon)

www.parkaveliquor.com

Some of the Park Ave Liquor Shop’s ‘Exclusives’ from long ago have escaped.

The following items are recent escapees from the Park Avenue Liquor Shop’s ‘Vault of Exclusives’.

Each item listed is very limited so please contact us to make sure it is still available. 

Compass Box: “Monster” – Cask Strength Non-chill filtered.

$160/btl

With a name like “Monster” – this one could actually BE a Pokémon!

When the Park Ave collaborated with CB Master Blender John Glaser on an exclusive – we repeatedly sent back concept samples with the direction to make it peatier each time. That is, until we received a sample that John labeled as, “Monster”. The store loved it ~ as remarked on the back label  ~ and the bottling served as inspiration for the brand’s current “Peat Monster’ statement.
Gordon & MacPhail: SPEYMALT from Macallan 1993, 9Year Old – Oak Cask

$125/btl

These exclusive bottles are marked as being Speymalt’s very first importation into the USA.

“Speymalt” is the special name created by Gordon & MacPhail for all of its Macallan private bottlings. Only Macallan whisky can be used under the Speymalt moniker. So this is your chance to get the first Speymalt to come to the United States.

Gordon & MacPhail: Tomintoul 40 Year Old 1967, Cask #644 (Oak)

$1,000/btl

If our exclusive bottlings had an All-Star team – the one would be the starting pitcher…and clean-up hitter.

This one first hit our shelves in 2008 and has a finish that is still lingering. Perhaps that’s why no other bottle gets asked about like this one. We’re still amazed we got our hands on this cask. (Only 240 made) 

Montgomeries: Macallan 13 Year Old 1989, Bourbon Cask

$95/btl

“One of the best examples of a Bourbon cask Macallan I’ve ever tasted.”

– Jon Goldstein (Guy who really likes scotch and has opinions)

Old Malt Cask: Ardbeg 27 Year Old 1972, Matured in Sherry Cask, No chill

$2,500/btl

Full disclosure: THIS IS NOT ONE OF OUR EXCLUSIVES.

How it snuck into the vault no one remembers. That being said, this is our LAST BOTTLE is probably one of the oldest Ardbegs you’ll find in the market right now.

If you want one you’ll most likely need to jump into your DeLorean and push the Flux Capacitor until you hit 88mph. (Only 144 made)  

Four Roses: Single Barrel – Private Selection

OESQ = 10 Year Old ~ 120.4 proof OBSQ = 8 Years & 6 Months Old ~ 107.2 proof OBSO = 10 Years & 1 Month Old ~ 110.4 proof

$150/btl each

Once again this offer is while supplies of each item listed lasts. We cannot guarantee bottle availability. We are not responsible for any typographical errors. Please contact the store with any questions. PS: Hi Russia!

The Park Avenue Liquor Shop | 212-685-2442 | 212-689-6247 |  parkaveliquor.com

www.ralfy.com re-visits a trusty old friend with Whisky Review 594 – Springbank 10yo scotch (re-reviewed 2016)

GLEN GRANT ADDS THREE NEW PREMIUM SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKIES

AND UNVEILS NEW PACKAGING DESIGN

Award-winning Glen Grant launches new premium quality whiskies: 12 Year Old, 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered and 18 Year Old

LONDON, 14th June 2016 – Award-winning single malt Scotch whisky, Glen Grant, today announces the launch of new 12 Year Old, 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered and 18 Year Old single malt Scotch whiskies whilst unveiling a new contemporary brand identity with packaging and logo redesign. The introduction of three unique and unmatched expressions to Glen Grant’s existing portfolio aims to reaffirm Glen Grant’s position as a leading player in the luxury whisky market and answers the surge in global sales of premium single malt Scotch whisky.

Launching in June, the new 12 Year Old, 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered and 18 Year Old expressions will allow consumers to enjoy the unfolding layers of mature and beautifully intricate taste and aroma that is achieved only through Glen Grant’s unique distillation process.

Glen Grant 12 Year Old is a remarkable single malt Scotch whisky. With a bright, golden colour and pleasant aromas of orchard fruit, almond and citrus, this exceptional whisky delights the palate with exquisite and delicate notes of apple pie crust and caramel and finishes with lingering fruit and subtle hints of spice.

The 12 Year Old Non Chill-filtered, which will be exclusively available to travel retailers, delivers a full and creamy mouth-feel, with an aroma and flavour that, is unmistakably Glen Grant. With its signature bright, golden colour and a sweet, welcoming nose, this beautifully crafted whisky offers notes of toffee and rich fruit, and a pleasingly long, nutty finish with subtle bursts of spice.

The rarest in the new collection is the Glen Grant 18 Year Old. This unrivalled single malt Scotch whisky matures for at least 18 years in the highest quality, handpicked oak casts, which creates a radiant golden colour and seductive floral and oaky aroma. Deeply layered and complex, this rich and vibrant whisky delivers beautifully intricate flavours of malted caramel, vanilla, and raisins and lingers with a long, sweet and pleasantly spicy finish.

The latest packaging features a new colour palette, allowing the consumer to easily identify the different dram varieties. The 12 Year Old and 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered feature a striking bronze label and casing, while the 18 Year Old is enclosed within a superior frosted-blue gift box with luxurious silver hues, reiterating its premium status.

The new Glen Grant logo, the Grant family monogram, stands proudly on the front of each bottle – with the letters ‘J’ ‘R’ and ‘G’ delicately intertwined in a timeless design. ‘J’ for James ‘The Major’ Grant and ‘R’ for his first wife Rose, reminding consumers of the deeply rooted family heritage which helped to produce one of the world’s finest single malt Scotch whiskies.

Melanie Batchelor, Global Vice Press President of Spirits at Gruppo Campari, commented: “We are delighted to launch our new range of aged products and unveil our brand new, contemporary logo and packaging. Glen Grant has made a significant investment in its production within the worldwide luxury whisky market to meet the increased consumer appetite for premium whisky with a rich background. We are extremely proud of our new look which perfectly represents the passion, craftsmanship and family heritage of Glen Grant, while staying true to our Scottish heritage. We are confident that through our unique quality and history, our new aged range of products will prove extremely popular with our consumers.”

Glen Grant’s new packaging will be rolled out across all Glen Grant products from June. The new 12 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky will be available to purchase from June at the Whisky Exchange, whilst the new 12 Year Old Non Chill Filtered will be available from June to purchase from duty free and travel retailers. The new 18 Year Old expression will be available from June to purchase from Tesco.

About Glen Grant:

Glen Grant’s story began in 1840, in Rothes, Speyside – Scotland’s premier region for whisky production; by brothers John and James Grant. Still produced in Rothes today, Glen Grant is currently the world’s number 5 selling single malt Scotch whisky and holds a range of prestigious industry awards, including being awarded Jim Murray’s Best Single Malt Scotch: 10 Years and Under for four years in a row and Single Malt of the Year (Multiple Casks) for 2016.

The elegant and seductively smooth taste for which Glen Grant is renowned, is the result of the innovative tall slender stills and revolutionary purifiers that James ‘The Major’ Grant, son of founder James Grant, was one of the first to introduce over a century ago. Still used to this day, this lasting legacy continues to distinguish the brand.

Today, Dennis Malcolm, the multi-award winning Glen Grant Master Distiller, directs and presides over the amber liquid. Born in the grounds of Glen Grant in 1946, he has worked for Glen Grant for over five decades, with an uncommon passion and unrivalled knowledge of the industry. Dennis’ unmatched Scotch whisky experience ensures that every expression in the Glen Grant range makes the absolute best of the complex alchemy of spirit, wood and time.

The complete Glen Grant range includes the refined Major’s Reserve, 5 Year Old, 10 Year Old, 12 Year Old, 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered, 18 Year Old and a selection of limited edition bottles; each with their own distinct flavour and aroma that perfectly captures the spirit of Glen Grant’s heartland.

Glen Grant became part of the Gruppo Campari portfolio in 2006. The ABV of each Glen Grant single malt Scotch whisky differs between each expression and consumers are encouraged to always drink responsibly.

ABV of Glen Grant single malt Scotch whiskies

 The Major’s Reserve – 40% ABV

 5 Year Old – 40% ABV

 10 Year Old – 40% ABV

 12 Year Old – 43% ABV

 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered – 48% ABV (Travel retail exclusively)

 18 Year Old – 43% ABV

About Glen Grant 12 and 18 Year Old single malt Scotch whiskies:

Glen Grant 12 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky

The new Glen Grant 12 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky will be available in online at the Whisky Exchange at the recommended retail price of £37.40.

The 12 Year Old malt bears the same bright gold hue as is synonymous with the Glen Grant range. Orchard fruits combine with hints of almonds and citrus to create a lingering fruit finish which is enhanced by subtle hints of spice. The ABV is 43%.

Tasting notes:

 Colour – Bright gold

 Aroma – Honey, pear and apple with hints of almonds and citrus

 Taste – Apple pie crust, caramel and vanilla

 Finish – Lingering fruit with subtle hints of spice

Glen Grant 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered single malt Scotch whisky

The new Glen Grant 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered single malt Scotch whisky will launch only in duty free and travel retailers at the recommended retail price of £37.00. The ABV is 48%.

The 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered offers a unique aroma of butterscotch and vanilla, mixed with hints of almond and clove spice. This results in a long, fruity and nutty finish, leaving a taste of toffee apple combined with rich, complex fruit.

Tasting notes:

 Colour – Bright gold

 Aroma– Butterscotch with vanilla, almonds and clove spice

 Taste – Toffee apple with rich complex fruit

 Finish – Long, chewy with a fruity and nutty finish

Glen Grant 18 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky

A very limited number of bottles of the new Glen Grant 18 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky will be available online at the Whisky Exchange at the recommended retail price of £110.

A very limited number of bottles of the new Glen Grant 18 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky will be available.

Glen Grant’s 18 Year Old expression is rich and floral on the palate; its oaky overtones combined with baking spices to deliver the delicate aroma of malted caramel, with a sweet nutty finish. The ABV is 43%.

Tasting notes:

 Colour – Bright gold

 Aroma – Rich and floral with oaky overtones and hints of baking spices

 Taste – Malty caramel, delicate, dried raisins and vanilla

UK’s Ultimate Bartender crowned at world’s biggest cocktail festival

Sussex barman Dave White beat over 120 contestants to take the title at the final of Monkey Shoulder’s Ultimate Bartender Championship in New Orleans 

Dave White has been awarded the coveted title of Monkey Shoulder’s Ultimate Bartender Champion, for the second year running. Defending last year’s title, Dave re-entered the competition designed for bartenders to showcase their talents and put their skills to the ultimate test in a series of trials. 

After beating stiff competition from over 120 bartenders across 15 regional heats, Dave and the other finalists were flown on all-expenses paid trip to New Orleans to battle it out in the final rounds at the iconic Tales of the Cocktail event.

Dave, 36, Manager of Dead Parrot bar in Horsham won the Brighton heat which took place at the city’s Merkaba Bar in May. After winning with his team last year, Dave returned to the competition as a solo bartender with his eyes set on the trip of a lifetime to New Orleans to win the final prize.

With the competition tougher than ever before, contestants were tasked with a series of new rounds designed to separate the wheat from the chaff, including gross profit testing contestant’s business acumen, rote challenges to test management and HR skills and a mega quiz to test general bartending knowledge. New for this year, and to take advantage of the competition’s first overseas final, Monkey Shoulder also set a series of daily ‘scavenger hunt’ challenges across New Orleans.

As part of the winner’s prize, Dave will run his own bar at London Cocktail Week from the 3^rd to 9^th October 2016, which will be promoted and stocked by Monkey Shoulder. He’ll also get to keep all the takings made during the week. Last year, Dave and his team mates from Dead Parrot took home over £13,000.

Dave White commented: “I’m thrilled to be crowned the UK’s Ultimate Bartender for the second year in a row. Monkey Shoulder really stepped up the competition this year but the scavenger hunt around New Orleans was the real icing on the cake. The trophy will take pride of place in the bar whilst planning for London Cocktail Week gets underway!” 

Dave beat Nick Gordon, Jonathon Arthur and Cameron Woodger, the trio of bartenders from Aberdeen and remaining finalist Adam Binnersley of Manchester who all did their upmost to smash the challenges. With only a small number of votes between first and final place, it was neck and neck right until the very end.

All finalists attended the annual William Grants & Son’s “Party on Your Palate” soiree at the Orpheum Theatre during their stay with drinks on offer from across the brands portfolio.

Grant Neave, Monkey Shoulder’s UK brand ambassador said “The Ultimate Bartender Championship is all about challenging the best bartenders on the UK bar scene. Dave did a great job across the new challenges and the scavenger hunt, proving he definitely has the skills to pay the bills. And what better place to celebrate his win at the home of cocktails; the Tales of the Cocktail event in New Orleans”.

To find out more about the Ultimate Bartender Champion visit: http://ultimatebartenderchampionship.com/

Notes to Editors 

About The Ultimate Bartender Championship

Back for a third year, the Ultimate Bartender Championship is designed to support and nurture the next generation of UK bartenders. This year saw the Monkey troupe travelling across the UK in an ultra-pimped-out tour bus, reaching more cities and more importantly more bartenders than ever before, culminating in the final challenges at Tales of The Cocktail in New Orleans. All applicants whatever their ability – from bar newbie to seasoned pro – had the chance to gain knowledge and improve their skills at each stage of the journey.

About Monkey Shoulder 

Monkey Shoulder is the world’s first 100% triple malt whisky made for mixing.

Using batches from just 27 casks, Monkey Shoulder is created by combining single malts from three of Speyside’s finest distilleries. Known for breaking conventional whisky drinking and traditions, Monkey Shoulder puts the fun back into whisky drinking. Famed for its versatility, the smooth and rich taste has hints of mellow vanilla – a flavour which works well with mixers and when included in cocktails.

The term ‘monkey shoulder’ harks back to whisky making heritage. It’s a reference to a condition that malt men sometimes picked up while working long shifts, turning the barley by hand. It had a tendency to cause their arm to hang down a bit like a monkey’s hence the nickname ‘Monkey Shoulder’. Thankfully practices have changed and the condition no longer exists!

Not that we like to brag, but Monkey Shoulder’s mantelpiece is resplendent with numerous awards – some will be impressed that Drinks International rated Monkey Shoulder as the world’s top trending Scotch in the World’s 50 Best Bars Annual Report 2015.

Monkey Shoulder retails for an RRP of £28 per 70cl bottle with 40% ABV. For further information about Monkey Shoulder, visit: http://www.monkeyshoulder.com/

Mark the date for 2017!

A big thank you goes out to all the staff, exhibitors and guests who made this year’s Spirit of Toronto a night to remember, and we look forward to seeing you all next year on Saturday, May 6, 2017 when we return with Canada’s premiere tasting event!

This year’s show boasted our biggest selection yet of whisky and premium spirits — highlights included Jim Beam’s Kentucky Derby Social complete with commemorative silver julep cups; Canada’s first taste of Wm Grant & Sons Rare Cask Reserve with the Storas 21 Year Old as well as the Canadian launch of the Dewar’s Whisky Emporium. Those of you who have yet to visit Scotland came close thanks to The Balvenie, who brought their floor maltings to this year’s show, and Glenfiddich, who offered guests a virtual tour of one of Speyside’s most renowned distilleries.

But… a picture is worth a thousand words so please check out our photo gallery to relive the good times for yourself:

Spirit of Toronto 2016 Photo Gallery

This year’s Spirit of Toronto also marked the launch of ‘Distilled’, our print magazine that explores the craft and culture of fine spirits. Issue Two will be out on November 7 and you can click here to request a copy of our next issue.

Although Spirit of Toronto 2017 is still months away, planning has already begun as we confirm some of next year’s guest speakers. Have a great summer and we’ll touch base in the coming months with a preview of what’s to come.

In the best of spirits,

Johanna Ngoh Executive Producer Spirit of Toronto 2017