This week Joe Ellis reviews Glengoyne Scottish Oak Finish Single Malt.
THE BALVENIE’S DAVID STEWART AWARDED AN MBE FOR HIS SERVICES TO THE SCOTCH WHISKY INDUSTRY
Today, The Balvenie’s Malt Master David Stewart was presented with an MBE medal by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for services to the Scotch whisky industry at a ceremony in The Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh, Scotland.
David has dedicated almost 54 years of his life to the Scotch whisky industry. His pioneering techniques have had a profound impact on Scotch whisky production methods used today. He is renowned for his groundbreaking work particularly around ‘cask finishes’ for The Balvenie and has developed a number of award winning whiskies enjoyed and loved by whisky drinkers all over the world.
Commenting on his MBE, David said: “I feel very humbled to receive this award. I started my career as a whisky stocks clerk in 1962 and I didn’t expect to become a malt master. I feel incredibly proud. I’ve been very fortunate to work for a family run company and it has allowed me the freedom to experiment throughout my career. It’s a privilege working in this industry so to be rewarded and recognised in this manner is very humbling.”
“I’ve received a number of messages from people all around the world. I’d like to thank those who have been kind enough to congratulate me on the award and to all of the wonderful people I’ve worked with since I started almost 54 years ago.”
David has also been recognised with a number of high profile industry awards throughout his career, including the Grand Prix of Gastronomy by the British Academy of Gastronomes, and lifetime achievement awards from the International Wine & Spirit Competition and Malt Advocate magazine. He has also been named as an Icon of Whisky and a Master of the Quaich.
Simon Hunt, CEO of William Grant & Sons, said: “David’s dedication, skill and modesty have made him one of the best-loved and respected craftsmen in the business. David’s MBE is a testament to how well respected he is. He is considered to be one of the greatest master blenders and we are incredibly proud of him”
David will also be honoured with a beautiful book of congratulations, carefully designed in the style of an original whisky store register. Over the coming months pages from the book will travel across the globe, gathering well wishes and messages of congratulations from whisky enthusiasts and The Balvenie drinkers, before returning to Scotland to be bound and presented to David.
Whisky enthusiasts around the world are also invited to raise a toast at 19.45 today (the year David was born) to pay tribute to his achievements. You can share your tribute to this legendary Malt Master using the hashtag #RaiseADram.
For more information on The Balvenie and David Stewart’s MBE celebrations visit The Balvenie UK’s website, Facebook and Twitter.
*An MBE or Member of the Order of the British Empire is a medal awarded by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to individuals recognised for a significant achievement or outstanding service to their profession or community
About The Balvenie:
The Whisky Shop Exclusives
The Whisky Shop is home to a selection of single malt expressions that you simply can’t find anywhere else. From one of the rarest Single Malt Scotch Whiskies in the world to hand-selected single cask expressions, our exclusive range is a sight to be seen!
Free delivery available on all orders over £75 Next day delivery available
Distilled in 1996 and specially selected by the members of The W Club and the staff of The Whisky Shop Edinburgh in March 2013, this Highland Single Malt is a fabulous single cask expression. Brimming with vanilla notes and stewed fruits, this fabulous expression also packs some typical warming oak flavours from the fairly long maturation.
Bottled exclusively for The Whisky Shop and limited to only 1200 bottles, this expression from the family-owned Glenfarclas distillery is our very own award-winner! Scoring an impressive 95.5 in the 2016 Jim Murray Whisky Bible, this Speyside Single Malt received the coveted Liquid Gold Award. The nose has intense layers of sultanas and dessert wine, the palate offers juicy grape, toasted oak, sauternes and marmalade, while the finish is medium with notes of cocoa and vanilla.
“…not far off God’s gift to present day sherried malt whisky” – Jim Murray
This Single Malt Scotch Whisky was specially selected for The Whisky Shop, and is an utter delight from start to finish. There’s enough Glenfarclas character here for fans of the distillery to love it, but this is also a great way to start your exploration of the distillery if you’re not yet familiar with it. A great malt. Mid-amber: ex-sherry cask. Slow legs. A somewhat closed nose to start, then scents of rice pudding, perhaps with a spoonful of red jelly, becoming more cereal-like, especially with a drop of water. A sweet overall taste, with peppery spice in the warming finish, reduced somewhat by water.
This Whisky Shop exclusive bottling of Bowmore takes its name from the Gaelic for ‘pier,’ referring to the ancient stone pier that once served the distillery. Finished in the finest Spanish sherry butts, the cask strength, non chill-filtered Bowmore Laimrig has a rich, dark character and colour. The nose offers an instant aroma of coal tar soap, but the rich Oloroso sherry notes deliver an attractive counterbalance. On the palate it is full bodied, with a luxurious raisin and sherry taste, complemented by wood smoke. The finish is long and spicy and smoky.
Glenfiddich Rare Collection 1992 Single Cask
Hand-selected by The Whisky Shop and Glenfiddich Malt Master, Brian Kinsman, this expression was chosen to celebrate the founding of The Whisky Shop in 1992. The very first release from the Glenfiddich Rare Collection, this single cask is available exclusively from The Whisky Shop and is limited to only 200 bottles. Matured in a refill bourbon cask distilled on the 13th March 1992, bottled at 55.6% abv. This whisky really shows off the Glenfiddich distillery character, with lots of sweet, fruity notes with apple and pear and just a hint of oak and spice.
Hailing from Scotland’s shortest-lived distillery, this 40 year old is one of the rarest malt whiskies in the world. Built on the site of William Grant & Sons’ Girvan grain distillery, Ladyburn produced malt whisky for less than 10 years from 1966 to 1975 before being demolished. One of the last remaining casks from Ladyburn, Cask 89/199 No.74 was filled in 1974 and aged in the warehouses at Girvan until its 40th birthday on 21st November 2014. This Whisky Shop Exclusive is limited to only 157 bottles.
This limited edition Speyside Single Malt comes from the distillery that started it all! The Glenlivet Distillery in the Cairngorms National Park was the first legal distillery in Glenlivet and became so famous that other distilleries began to use its name leading to the owners being granted legal protection for the name The Glenlivet. Matured in a hogshead cask and one of approximately 250 bottles, this limited edition takes its name from the hill above the The Glenlivet distillery where the local gallows used to be.
This sophisticated Single Malt was hand-selected by The Whisky Shop in October 2011. Bottled non chill-filtered at cask strength from North American Oak, Cask No 11,000 quietly matured at Glen Garioch Distillery from 1978. Hailing from one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, this rich and fruity Highland Single Malt has sweet notes of vanilla and dried fruit
Glenkeir Treasures The Secret Speyside 2002
Born from an ex-sherry cask this Secret Speyside comes from one of the most famous distilleries in the world but we’re not giving anything away! This mysterious single malt is a limited release that was filled to cask on 5th April 2002. Red jelly and burnt sugar contribute to a sweet overall taste with dried fruit and sherry notes. A warming finish.
Photo Credit Charlotte Graham/Guzelian
YEAR-LONG CHARITY WHISKY TASTING MARATHON REACHES HALFWAY MARK ON JULY 25th 2016.
183 of 366 unique whiskies will have been reviewed and filmed on a daily basis as part of a challenge to raise £5000 for a UK children’s charity.
Ben Bowers, of Hemingbrough, North Yorkshire, is attempting to film a review and history of 366 different whiskies from 366 unique distilleries over the course of 366 days.
Having commenced on January 25th 2016 (otherwise known as “Burns’ Night”) Ben aims to review ‘A Dram A Day’ until January 24th 2017, uploading a video of every review on a daily basis to a YouTube channel. Each video also provides background history and anecdotes on each whisky, providing an informative guide to new drinkers.
On Monday July 25th, Ben will upload the review for Dram 183, the halfway mark of this mammoth challenge.
He aims to raise £5000 for The Childrens Heart Surgery Fund, a UK based charity helping babies and children requiring complex surgeries due to congenital heart defects, along with providing support for their families. This funding goal was inspired by the issues the best friend of his 6 year old daughter has had to endure after being born with a hole in his heart, and who will require a complete valve replacement when he is strong enough.
Donations of each 25ml sample (the equivalent of 1 unit of alcohol) have been generously supplied by whisky fans around the world, along with suppliers and distributors. At the time of writing Ben is only 30 samples short of the full 366 enabling him to complete the challenge.
Ben has had to continue the reviewing Drams during a family holiday to Florida and will also need to juggle the birth of a third child in October with the final stages of his mission.
Ben also hopes to seal a publishing deal for a personal diary of the challenge to raise even more funds for the charity upon completion.
www.ralfy.com does an unusual comparison of ‘generational’ bourbons with Whisky Review 591 – Bourbon de Luxe (2016 and 1970’s)
WORLD TRAVELLERS CAN DISCOVER ISLAND INTENSITY AS JOHNNIE WALKER ISLAND GREEN LAUNCHES IN DUTY FREE
Johnnie Walker introduces first Blended Malt Scotch Whisky exclusive to world travellers
Diageo GTME, 4th July 2016: Tempted to explore the fascinating world of Single Malt Scotch Whisky, but overwhelmed by choice? Johnnie Walker, the world’s No. 1 Scotch Whisky brand has introduced the perfect solution in an exciting new addition to its world famous portfolio – Johnnie Walker Island Green.
A rare blend of rich single malt whiskies from the four corners of Scotland, Johnnie Walker Island Green provides drinkers with a distinctive flavour experience allowing them to explore the character of these celebrated malts in a signature Johnnie Walker style. A duty free exclusive, Johnnie Walker Island Green is available solely to travellers, adding to its exclusiveness.
Aromas of wood smoke, pepper and spice mingle with layers of orchard fruit, gentle vanilla and sandalwood while the taste experience delivers all the character of a single malt but with greater depth and complexity amplified by the unique Island style.
Showcasing the same blended malt craftsmanship as the critically acclaimed Johnnie Walker Green Label, the exclusive taste of Johnnie Walker Island Green offers a more intense expression with a greater influence of smoky maritime malt whisky. This is balanced with robust fruity Highland malts including Clynelish™, lighter Lowland malts represented by Glenkinchie™ and the characteristically sweet and fragrant Speyside style of Cardhu™.
Jim Beveridge, Johnnie Walker Master Blender, said: “As whisky makers, we’re passionate about flavour. We captured the distinctive style of individual mature malts from the four main whisky regions of Scotland, ensuring Johnnie Walker Island Green offers all the character of a single malt, but with a richer flavour experience.”
Doug Bagley, Managing Director of Diageo Global Travel and Middle East, said: “Johnnie Walker Island Green is the perfect purchase for traditional Johnnie Walker fans or those seeking to explore the world of Scotch malts.
“The blend was recently awarded a ‘Master’ at The Global Scotch Whisky Masters 2016, the highest possible ranking available at this international competition, proving just how special a whisky it is. And, as an exclusive product to travellers which cannot be purchased outside of duty free, this is truly a unique addition to the Johnnie Walker range.”
Best enjoyed neat or on the rocks, global travellers can now discover true island intensity through the taste of Johnnie Walker Island Green. Pick up a bottle in selected airports now and in duty free stores worldwide from July 2016.
For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.
Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.
Notes
JOHNNIE WALKER ISLAND GREEN has a RRP of $60
JOHNNIE WALKER ISLAND GREEN has an ABV of 43%
JOHNNIE WALKER ISLAND GREEN is available in 1L bottles
ABOUT JOHNNIE WALKER
About Johnnie Walker
Johnnie Walker is the world’s number one Scotch whisky brand, enjoyed by people in over 180 countries around the world. Since the time of its founder, John Walker, those who blend its whiskies have pursued flavour and quality above all else.
Six generations of skilled Master Blenders have pioneered and crafted bold new flavours that have transformed a small Scottish grocery store business, founded in 1820, into an international whisky business selling stylish, authentic, and iconic blends.
Today’s range of award-winning whiskies includes Johnnie Walker Red Label, Black Label, Double Black, Green Label, Gold Label Reserve, Platinum Label and Blue Label. Together they account for nearly 19 million cases sold annually (IWSR, 2015), making JOHNNIE WALKER the most popular Scotch whisky in the world.
ABOUT DIAGEO
Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits, beer and wine categories. These brands include JOHNNIE WALKER, CROWN ROYAL, J&B, BUCHANAN’S, WINDSOR, SMIRNOFF, CÎROC, CAPTAIN MORGAN, BAILEYS, DON JULIO, TANQUERAY
Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Buchanan’s and Windsor whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.
Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO). For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com/.
Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.
Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.
Kilchoman Sanaig 46% ABV SHERRY CASK MATURED
Kilchoman, Islay’s Farm Distillery, has continued its recent success at the International Whisky Competition, where it was awarded Best Peated Scotch Whisky, with medals at both the Los Angeles Spirits Competition and San Diego Wine and Spirits Challenge.
Sanaig, the latest additional to the Kilchoman range scored a stunning 92 points “Best of Category Award” at the LA Competition and Double Gold at the San Diego Wine and Spirits Challenge. The results are even more impressive given the short history of Islay’s newest distillery, having only started distilling in 2005. Founder Anthony Wills commented “results like these are extremely pleasing, we have a belief that what we do at Kilchoman is unique and such recognition reaffirms that believe. It’s only nice to get one over on your rivals”.
First launched in the US in 2009, Kilchoman has quickly established itself in the world of single malt. Sanaig, their latest core range release has a predominantly sherry cask influence, the Scotch first being matured in Buffalo Trace bourbon barrels before being transferred to further maturation in Oloroso sherry casks. The result of this dual cask maturation allows for both the caramel and vanilla from the Bourbon barrel to combine with the richness of the sherry casks along with the signature maritime peat smoke, saltiness and citrus sweetness of Kilchoman.
Founded in 2005, Kilchoman is one of the smallest distilleries in Scotland and was the first distillery to be built on Islay for 125 years. Kilchoman, the only independently owned Islay distillery is most famous as the only distillery in Scotland to produce a portion of it’s whisky from barley grown onsite, completing all stages of the whisky-making process themselves using traditional farm distillery methods. Kilchoman Sanaig is bottled at 46% ABV and is available in the majority of the US markets, priced between $70 and $75.
Tasting Notes: Kilchoman Sanaig Single Islay Malt Scotch Whisky
Colour: Beech wood
Nose: Soft cooked fruits with caramel and vanilla.
Palate: Toffee, peat smoke and citrus with lingering sweetness.
Finish: A lovely balance of peat smoke, fruit and sweetness.
Notes: Kilchoman Distillery is a small family run farm distillery based on the rugged west coast of Islay. The distillery was established by Anthony Wills in 2005, the idea was to build a new distillery which took whisky production back to its roots. Anthony and wife Kathy have now been joined by their three sons: George, James and Peter. Kilchoman produces its 100% Islay single malt from barley which is grown in fields surrounding the distillery and completes every stage of the whisky-making process at the distillery, including traditional floor malting. Kilchoman is the only distillery in Scotland to do this. Kilchoman is now very much a family affair: Since the first bottling was released in 2008, Kilchoman has quickly established itself as a high quality Islay Single Malt Whisky with these notable awards:
Armorik French Single Malt Whiskies
When was the last time you had the pleasure of trying a French Single Malt? That’s right, not Scotch, American, or Japanese single malt; but French Single Malt! These are a couple super-cool bottles of whisky to further diversify one’s collection, and please one’s palate. The Double Maturation is malty and dry, with orchard fruit and salty caramel undertones. The Sherry Cask is big and warming, with noticeable peat and sherry influence and a big long finish. Both have all natural color and are non-chill filtered. These are some super-cool whiskies.
1997 Glen Garioch 15 Year Old “K&L Exclusive” Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ( $89.99) Let me bring you back to March of 2013; back when whisky kids could still be kids. David OG and I drove to Glen Garioch to meet Rachel Barrie. We picked out a delicious 15 year old cask from the Morrison-Bowmore stocks. We toasted to a successful journey, placed our order, and left with a smile. Then a funny thing happened in between the time our cask was bottled and the time our cask was due to be received: Suntory and Beam merged, Campari (who was acting as an importer to the U.S. for Suntory) was given the boot, and all hell broke loose. We never got our cask. We never knew what happened to it. After a few years went by, we kinda just forgot about it. Three years later the cask has been found and finally delivered to K&L, more importantly for the same price we were quoted back in 2013. The whisky explodes on the palate with sweet grains, rich vanilla, malted barley, and stonefruit. You get spiced apples and notes of butterscotch as well. They still couldn’t get the peat out of the distillery even after halting peated whisky production in 1994 as there’s just a smidge of smoke on the finish. Distillery-direct casks from Scotland have become almost extinct at this point, making this selection that much more special. It took three years to get it here, but it was worth the wait. (David Driscoll, K&L Spirits Buyer)
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
Invergordon 30 Year Old 1984 Sovereign
