MS Society auctions rare whisky to raise vital funds for research

The MS Society is auctioning a rare bottle of 1980 Bowmore Single Malt Whisky from the Queen’s Cask to raise money for multiple sclerosis research. This is only the sixth bottle to ever be released from the cask; the five previous have all raised substantial sums for charities.

A cask of whisky was given to Her Majesty the Queen when she visited the Bowmore Distillery on the Isle of Islay in 1980. In 2002, the cask was bottled to mark the Queen’s Golden Jubilee – the bottles were specially designed and placed in commemorative boxes with individually numbered labels.

629 bottles were delivered to various Royal Palaces – but only six bottles have ever been released, with the permission of the Queen, to be auctioned to raise money for charities. One of those bottles made more than £60,000.

Michelle Mitchell is chief executive of the MS Society: “We’re incredibly grateful to have been given this bottle of whisky from the Queen’s Cask. We want to use this amazing opportunity to raise as much as we can to fund multiple sclerosis research.

“More than 100,000 people are living with MS in the UK and it’s an unpredictable and debilitating condition. We’ve already made important breakthroughs and we’re now at the start of a generation of MS research that holds incredible promise. The money raised from this auction could make a huge difference.”

The silent auction ends on 30 June at midday and there’s a reserve of £10,000. Anyone who wants to make a bid should email Fiona Foulkes, Special Events Manager at the MS Society on fiona.foulkes@mssociety.org.uk

About multiple sclerosis

• MS affects more than 100,000 of us in UK
• MS symptoms typically appear when people are in their 20s or 30s
• MS attacks the nervous system. Symptoms include sight loss, pain, fatigue, incontinence and disability
• MS is unpredictable – one day you can be fine, the next you might lose your sight or be unable to move

About the MS Society

• The MS Society is the leading UK charity for people with MS
• We have a free helpline – 0808 800 8000 and information can be found on our websitewww.mssociety.org.uk/
• We’re funding research to stop MS, we’re now at the start of a generation of MS research that holds incredible promise
• With your help we’ll beat MS

The Exclusive Dram Team are thrilled to announce that we are now open for pre-orders with order fulfilment to take place from the 14-07-16. We are a new family run business set up to fulfil everyones needs to sample the Rare and Luxurious whisky the world has to offer. We have whisky ranging from the 47 year old Glendronach to Mackmyra – Moment Bärnstvn, come in and have a look there is something for everyone. 

Come visit us at www.theexclusivedram.co.uk.  

Best Regards
David Smith
The Exclusive Dram Team

Get ready for Independence Day!

It’s just a couple of weeks until 4 July – Independence Day – and to celebrate, we’ve selected some of our favourite whiskies, all ideal if you’re planning a party, whether you’re in the US or not. We’ve chosen whiskies from across the globe – smooth bourbons, complex Scotch, whisky from the Far East and a mix of ages and prices, so you’re sure to find something good.

BOURBON

First up, two great bourbons from Blanton’s. Blanton’s Original is an award-winning textbook example – each bottle is filled from a single unblended cask. The Gold Edition is sensational, too. Bottled at 103 proof, it’s bursting with aromas of dried fruit, milk chocolate and honey. Ironically, it’s very hard to find in the US itself – but we have it!

SCOTCH

A trio of tasty Scotch whiskies next, all exclusive to The Whisky Exchange. We are lucky enough to be able to taste individual whiskies straight from the cask and bottle them for our customers. One example is Clynelish 1996 18 Year Old, a big, rich, sherried whisky we selected from independent bottler Signatory Vintage. Another is Kilchoman 2010 PX Finish, a delicious mix of peaty Islay whisky given an extra layer of rich fruit and spice from extra maturation in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks.

The third Scotch is a mature, venerable example from one of the best-known Speyside distilleries: Glenlivet. This sherry-matured example was distilled back in 1981, and adds a rich layer of spice to Glenlivet’s fruity spirit. You won’t find these whiskies anywhere else.

IRISH

Our two Irish whiskeys have more in common than just provenance. Both were chosen by our customers at an Irish Distillers tasting we held in London (read more about it here). The first, Redbreast 1999 Sherry Cask, was aged for around 15 years, with vanilla, coffee and wood spice the dominant notes. The second is a 1991 Midleton aged for 24 years in a first-fill bourbon cask – a cinnamon-tinged whiskey with delicious vanilla and tropical-fruit notes. Both are exclusive to The Whisky Exchange.

JAPAN and TAIWAN

Our final two whiskies are from Asia. The Nikka 12 Year Old is the latest release from this revered Japanese distillery – it’s an excellent blend, with toffee, butterscotch and fruit cake the key notes. And from Taiwan, we have Kavalan Solist Bourbon Cask – a rich, fruity whisky aged in ex-bourbon oak. Kavalan has won acclaim from renowned whisky writers around the world – definitely one to try.

Nine whiskies covering a wide range of styles, flavours and ages – all are available here. Choose your favourite and have a great 4th of July!

Tasting Recap: Gordon & MacPhail with Joe Swanson

Last weeks Gordon & MacPhail Tasting with Joe Swanson was a very nice evening and the malts showed very well.  If you weren’t able to join us, but are looking to maybe get a gift or for yourself or somebody else (perhaps a father), we want to make sure the chosen scotch will be enjoyed. To better assist with that, use the notes to see what works best for you, and if you need any help call Joe at 617-367-8605.

Blair Athol  9 Y.O. 46%   regularly $74.99  –  on sale $67.99  delicate sherry influences with toasted malt and citrus fruit aromas. Hints or white pepper, orange and strawberry initially on the palate, with a lingering milk chocolate edge.

Longmorn 12 Y.O. 43% regularly $72.99 –  on sale $65.99 Sherry and fruit aromas with influences of ripe summer fruits and figs. A little pepper with a milk chocolate edge. Stewed fruits and almond flavors develop. This is a great malt for the season and all year round.

Mortlach 15 Y.O. 43%  regularly $94.99  –  on sale $84.99 On the nose initially sweet, fresh and fragrant with a distinct malty nose. Citrus elements develop – fresh orange peel. Well rounded. Palate:  More subtle sweetness, hints of candied fruits. A rounded sherry edge is evident and some raisin and sultana notes emerging. Add a little water and it opens nicely. Every one should try a Morty. Precious single malt .

Secret Stills Islay 14 Y.O. 45% regularly $79.99 – on sale $71.99 Light fresh and malty with some smoke.  Not heavy on the peat, really nicely balanced, intricate and very special. A very morish malt. Very Bowmoreish.

Highland Park 24 Y.O. 43%  regularly $239.99  –  on sale $219.99 Sweet vanilla with pear and toffee aromas. A subtle smokey undertone develops. The palate is peppery initially with sweet  strawberry and raspberry  flavors. The finish is creamy with a milk chocolate edge. Just Splendid.

Caol Ila Cask Str. 59.5% regularly $119.99 – on sale $107.99 – Sweet cured bacon, with banana and vanilla aromas. The palate is peppery with apple, peat complimented by a lingering peat smoke edge.

Sale prices in effect until Friday, June 24th

Joe Howell

Federal Wine & Spirits

Email: info@federalwine.com

Phone: (617) 367-8605

Web: http://www.federalwine.com/

THE HOUSE OF SUNTORY WHISKY ANNOUNCES THE INTRODUCTION OF SUNTORY WHISKY TOKI^™ 

A Premium Blend Where Old Meets New

Deerfield, IL (June 8, 2016) – Japan is a land of contrasts and paradox: its culture holds a deep reverence for ancestry and heritage, but also a fascination with the future; and its people respect tradition, but they constantly reinvent and reinterpret the world around them. The House of Suntory, the founding house of Japanese Whisky, is proud to introduce a whisky that extends that thread forward: Suntory Whisky Toki™. Respectful of heritage, inspired by reinvention, Suntory Whisky Toki expresses both what is authentic and what is next. 

Suntory Whisky Toki, which launches exclusively in the U.S. this month and in Canada in July at a suggested retail price of $39.99, is a blend of carefully selected whiskies from the House of Suntory’s globally acclaimed Hakushu Distillery, Yamazaki Distillery and Chita Distillery. Traditionally crafted according to Suntory’s Art of Blending philosophy, the expression features the quintessential characteristics of a Suntory blend: exquisite balance, harmony and oneness.

A VIVID BLEND, TIMELESSLY MADE

While Suntory Whisky Toki respects tradition, it also challenges whisky convention by rethinking the hierarchy of its components. Suntory blends often use Yamazaki malts as their key component. Inspired by the spirits of innovation, the House of Suntory’s fourth Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo took a fresh approach with Suntory Whisky Toki, selecting the singular Hakushu American white oak cask malt whisky — with its unique freshness, mellowness and spectacular green apple notes — as one of the blend’s two pillars. To complement that selection, Fukuyo chose Chita heavy-type grain whisky as the blend’s second pillar, adding a clean taste with notes of sweetness and vanilla.

By pairing these seemingly dissimilar but deeply accordant whiskies, Fukuyo’s insight overturned the old relationship between malt and grain and created a blend that is both groundbreaking and timeless.

WITH A SIGNATURE BALANCE OF MALT AND GRAIN.

Traditionally in Suntory blends, grain whiskies have played merely a supporting role, acting as a broth or dashi to accentuate key malts. But the unrivalled sophistication and wide range of grain whiskies produced at Suntory’s Chita distillery led Shinji Fukuyo to rethink that role. He saw these whiskies, with their exquisite balance of complexity, subtlety and refinement, not as a scaffold for the heroic malt to ascend but as true heroes in their own right.

This unique encounter between Hakushu malt and Chita grain whiskies gives Suntory Whisky Toki its silky taste and vivid character. To give the blend greater depth and complexity, Fukuyo carefully selected two Yamazaki malts. Yamazaki American white oak cask malt whisky harmonizes the Hakushu and Chita components, while bringing roundness and reinforcing the sweetness of Chita heavy-type grain whisky with peach and custard aromas. Finally, Yamazaki Spanish oak cask malt whisky adds woody and bittersweet notes to the blend. The result is a vivid, well-balanced and silky blend with a subtle sweet-and-spicy finish.

EXTRAORDINARY VERSATILITY

The smoothness of Suntory Whisky Toki allows for exceptional versatility — the expression can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, as a highball or mixed as a cocktail. The Suntory Whisky Toki highball is recommended for those interested in experiencing how whisky is enjoyed in Japan today. 

The highball is an artful blend of whisky and sparkling water over a generous serving of ice. In the 1950s, the highball was a favorite of whisky drinkers in Japan. The Japanese praised this simple, stylish cocktail as a refreshing way to drink whisky. They also loved how well it paired with Japanese cuisine. Since then, Suntory has played an important role in reestablishing the highball as a popular cocktail for a new generation of whisky drinkers.

To make the Toki highball in the proper Japanese serving ceremony, fill a tall glass to the brim with ice. Add one measure of whisky. Stir to cool the whisky and glass. Again add ice to the brim. Pour three measures of chilled sparkling water along the side of the glass to avoid melting the ice or bursting the bubbles. Add a twist of lemon. Enjoy.

TASTING NOTES – Suntory Whisky Toki (43% Alc./Vol. 750ml)

Color: clear gold

Nose: basil, green apple, honey

Palate: grapefruit, green grapes, peppermint, thyme

Finish: subtly sweet and spicy finish with a hint of vanilla oak, white pepper and ginger

ABOUT SUNTORY WHISKY

Since 1923, as the pioneer of Japanese whisky, Suntory Whisky has been renowned for its House of Master Blenders and for their Art of Blending. The founding father of Japanese whisky, Shinjiro Torii, built Japan’s first malt whisky distillery in Yamazaki, near Kyoto—a region known for the purity of its water, where the traditional Japanese tea ceremony was born. Torii dreamt of creating an authentically Japanese whisky by choosing a terrain and climate completely different to that of Scotland, thereby cultivating unique conditions for maturation.

In 1972, Torii’s son Keizo Saji, Suntory’s second master blender, built the Chita grain distillery near Nagoya to produce more of their own high quality grain whiskies. In 1973, Saji founded the Hakushu distillery amidst the deep forests of Mt. Kaikomagatake in the Japanese Southern Alps. Its high altitude and lush environment is what differentiates Hakushu from other distilleries.

With three distilleries and a great diversity in whisky making (different still shapes, five types of cask, and three varieties of wood), Suntory produces over 100 malt and grain whiskies which amounts to the whole of Scotland’s production.

With respect to heritage and a commitment to innovation, third generation master Blender Shingo Torii, and grandson of Shinjiro, now leads this most highly awarded House of Japanese Whisky. Today the House of Suntory Whisky has been named four-time Distiller of the Year at the International Spirits Challenge in London, UK (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014).

Suntory Whiskies are subtle, refined and complex. The portfolio includes two single malt whiskies:  Yamazaki—Japan’s N°1 Single Malt, multi-layered and profound, Hakushu—verdant, fresh, and delicately smoky; and two blends: the noble blend, Hibiki—Japan’s most highly awarded blended whisky and now, the new Suntory Whisky Toki.

whisky.suntory.com                            @suntoryToki                     #suntorytoki 

About Beam Suntory Inc.

As the world’s third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits Brands that Stir the World. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands and Suntory whisky Kakubin, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek bourbon, Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s, Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Sauza tequila, Pinnacle vodka and Midori liqueur.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and commitment to Growing for Good. Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit http://www.beamsuntory.com/ and http://www.drinksmart.com/.

On Monday 13th June, award-winning Scotch whisky brand, R&B Distillers, commenced their momentous endeavour – to build the first legal distillery on the Isle of Raasay. With construction now underway, R&B plan to open, and begin production, in April 2017.

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. The former, on Raasay, is steadily becoming a reality.

In February 2016, R&B Distillers received permission from the Highland Council to bring the first legal distillery to the remote Isle of Raasay, an island where illicit distilling was once rife. The island’s striking Victorian villa and ex-hotel, Borodale House, has stood empty since 2006, and will now be converted into a visitors centre and luxury members’ accommodation with adjacent distillery. Designed by Olli Blair from ABIR Architects and Allen Associates, the distillery will be independently owned and operated and is expected to generate employment for up to 10% of the island’s 120 residents. Having subsequently secured grants for the distillery build from the FPMC (Food Processing Marketing and Co-Operation Grants Scheme), and the Highlands and Islands Enterprise, for the development of a visitor’s centre, construction for this long-anticipated project can at last commence.

Patience is imperative to the whisky business but R&B are satisfying their notorious impatience with Raasay style whisky already on the shelves. In December 2015, R&B Distillers released the aptly named, Raasay While We Wait whisky, a lightly peated single malt offering a handcrafted tantalising impression of the calibre and flavour of whisky yet to come from their Isle of Raasay Distillery. The distillery on Raasay will be furnished with two copper pot stills from Frilli in Tuscany, thus R&B decided to finish While We Wait in Tuscan red wine casks, endowing the whisky with its distinctive soft heather hue. Its profile signifies the care and attention the company will take to handcraft uncommon Scotch whisky with quality ingredients and a local water supply filtered through volcanic rock, on an island boasting some of Scotland’s most unique geology. In May 2016, it was awarded its first international award, a bronze medal in the International Spirits Challenge (ISC), a tremendous accolade for such a young whisky and an exciting taster of things to come. With the distillery set to open and begin production in April 2017, the first single malt from Raasay will be bottled in 2020. R&B Distillers predict that they will produce 150,000 bottles of Scotch whisky a year.

Borodale House will be transformed into the Isle of Raasay Distillery visitor centre which is projected to bring in 12,000 visitors to the island in the first year. Nestled below the magnificent Dùn Caan and with some of the best views of the Isle of Skye; uninterrupted sight of the Cuillin mountain range, Borodale House will offer an atmospheric escape for R&B Distillers’ Na Tùsairean Club members.  Na Tùsairean is Scot Gaelic for ‘The Pioneers’, members are invited to join R&B Distillers on their whisky journey and watch the distilling process unfold. Members will own whisky from the first 100 casks distilled, and be able to enjoy the luxury members’ lounge and five members’ ensuite rooms – three with views towards Skye and two looking onto the distillery itself.

Environmental concerns are always paramount when undergoing a construction project of this scale thus in 2015 R&B Distillers carried out a host of wildlife surveys to ensure they were accommodating the islands diverse wildlife. This revealed that the UK’s most North-Westerly population of Brown Long Eared bats, were nesting in the roof. R&B have now accommodated this colony in a new ‘Bat Hotel’ in the roof and bat boxes up in the trees to protect these precious creatures during, and after, the build.

Of this exciting news, co-founder Alasdair Day comments “it has taken an enormous amount of effort and endeavour to get to this point and we are all aware of what we still have to achieve, however we are delighted that work has commenced on site. We are all full of excitement and anticipation for the future as we aim to be Scotland’s leading craft distiller”.

HIGHLAND PARK CELEBRATES SOLSTICE WITH MIDSUMMER SOCIAL 

Highland Park Single Malt Scotch Whisky, the ‘Orkney Single Malt with Viking Soul’ distributed by Maxxium UK, is taking over London’s Dalston Roof Park for two evenings to celebrate Midsummer Solstice.

The narrative of Highland Park is deeply rooted in Nordic traditions and the people on Orkney (1 in 3 have Viking ancestry) take huge pride in honouring the spirit of their Viking ancestors by hosting a week’s worth of events dedicated to Midsummer Solstice, the official start of summer and when the evenings are at their longest.

The Highland Park Midsummer Social at Dalston Roof Park will bring to life this wonderful Solstice heritage through the following:

• Torchlight whisky tastings with Highland Park’s global brand ambassador Martin Markvardsen
• Highland Park infused cocktails
• Nordic inspired food curated by Root + Bone
• Highland Park Boilermaker pairings with 40ft Brewery
• DJ Eelke Kleijn will play a set on Tuesday 21 June
• Acoustic band Slow Club will provide live music on Wednesday 22 June
• Live streaming of the events on Highland Park Facebook page 

The brand is also extending celebrations with several bars surrounding Dalston adding special Highland Park Solstice serves to their bar menus.

Mike Mackenzie, Highland Park Brand Manager said: “Highland Park’s Midsummer Social is a unique and exciting event to celebrate the brand’s Viking heritage and the beginning of summer. The fantastic rooftop setting at Dalston provides an opportunity for guests to fully immerse themselves in Highland Park Single Malt Scotch Whisky and enjoy great cocktails and food”.

A limited number of tickets are available for Tuesday 21 June and Wednesday 22 June at 6.30pm priced at £15. To reserve your place please click here or visit www.skiddle.com/ and search ‘Highland Park’. 

Notes

Please enjoy Highland Park responsibly, visit www.drinkaware.co.uk for the facts.

Join the conversation on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook with #HPSolstice

Like Highland Park on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HighlandParkWhisky

Follow Highland Park on Twitter: www.twitter.com/@HighlandPark

Follow Highland Park on Instagram:  www.instagram.com/@highlandparkofficial   

About Highland Park

Established in 1798 on Orkney, Highland Park is one of the most remote Scotch whisky distilleries in the world. For over 200 years, the distillery has combined time old tradition and the very best craftsmanship to achieve perfection. Its range of 12, Dark Origins, 15, 18, 21, 25, 30 and 40 year old single malts is consistently acclaimed by connoisseurs and experts.  Highland Park has won a string of prestigious awards across its portfolio, most recently Highland Park ICE Edition was awarded 99 points and the Chairman’s Trophy at the Ultimate Beverage Challenge. While Highland Park 12, 15 and 18 Year Old were all awarded 96 points or above and the Tried and True Award at the Ultimate Beverage Challenge.

www.highlandpark.co.uk/

Bars supporting Highland Park Midsummer Social activity:

• BULL IN A CHINA SHOP, 196 Shoreditch High Street, London, E1 6LG
• HIGH WATER, 23 Stoke Newington Rd, N16 8BJ
• FONTAINES, 176 Stoke Newington Rd, London, N16 7UY
• VICTORY MANSION, 18 Stoke Newington High St, London, N16 7PL

• POND DALSTON, Unit G2, Stamford Works, 3 Gillett St, London, N16 8JH

• ORIGINAL SIN, 129 Stoke Newington High St, London, N16 0PH
• APPLES AND PEARS, 26 Osborn St, London, E1 6TD 

Livestreaming of the Midsummer Solstice events:

Livestreaming can be viewed at:  https://www.facebook.com/HighlandParkWhisky/?fref=ts  

Eelke Kleijn

Eelke Kleijn is a Dutch producer and DJ hailing from Rotterdam, the Netherlands. He is known mostly for his electronic dance music, but nowadays also produces music for other media, such as television series, commercials, movie trailers and animations. 

Slow Club

Slow Club are an English duo formed in Sheffield in 2006. The band consists of multi-instrumentalists Charles Watson and Rebecca Taylor, with Watson contributing piano, Taylor contributing drums, and both performing guitar and vocals.

Limited Edition Release To Celebrate The Queen’s 90th Birthday.

The 6^th English Whisky Bottling Of The Royal Range

The Queen’s 90^th Royal Bottling

We have produced a beautiful hand engraved decanter bottle to celebrate HRH Elizabeth II 90th birthday. This release is strictly limited to 480 bottles worldwide. The engraved decanter bottles are presented in our red tubes and look fantastic. The content is every bit as good – David Fitt our master distiller has vatted together whisky from a selection of casks to create a unique and beautiful whisky that is worthy of the occasion. Order now to avoid disappointment. With only 480 bottles released worldwide, this is a very limited edition.

ORDER YOURS ONLINE FOR £75.00

Scotland

Arran 18 Year Old Single Malt Whisky (750ml) $119.99 View

Kilkerran “Work In Progress #7” Bourbon Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky (750ml) $74.99 View

Ireland

Redbreast 21 Year Old Pure Pot Still Irish Whiskey (750ml) (1 bottle limit) $249.99 View

K&L Wine Merchants
http://www.klwines.com
Phone: 877-KLWines (toll free 877-559-4637)
Email: wine@klwines.com
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

Whisky Ramblings Via Video #134

Mark Dermul, Belgian Whisky blogger, has just released his second bottling for MMM – Mark & Manny’s Malts. This time around, it is a candy-like Tamdhu at drinking strength, matured on an ex-bourbon cask. It is again limited to only 50 bottles. It turned out to be a very honest Tamdhu: WYSIWYG whisky. 

https://youtu.be/5eako56LSRE