Archive for January, 2017

Highland Park Dark Origins at Loch Fyne Whiskies – Scotch Whisky News

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Highland Park Dark Origins

Celebrates Magnus Eunson, the founder of the distillery, this expression uses double the amount of first fill sherry casks normally found in Highland Park bottlings. Bitter chocolate on the nose with pears, over-ripe banana and a touch of cinnamon. The palate is rich with spices on a faintly peaty base, honey and red berries before chocolate-dipped dark fruits behind sweet smoke in the finish.

£54.99 Buy Now

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SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY RESTAURANT SCOOPS AA AWARD – Scotch Whisky News

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SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY RESTAURANT SCOOPS AA AWARD

Innovative dishes and use of local seasonal produce sees The Dining Room earn two AA rosettes

The team at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s Dining Room restaurant is celebrating after being awarded two AA rosettes.

The Dining Room restaurant, on the first floor of the Society’s 28 Queen Street venue in Edinburgh, was recognised for its culinary excellence and the work of head chef James Freeman and his team.

Freeman’s inventive menu combines traditional fine dining with seasonal local ingredients and beautiful yet unfussy presentation. His dishes include lobster cannelloni with fennel puree, orange and tarragon cream, and roast wood pigeon with elderberry, onion and red cabbage.

The restaurant was recently relaunched with a new stylish contemporary look and expanded capacity as part of a makeover of the Society’s Georgian townhouse at 28 Queen Street venue, which now includes Kaleidoscope Whisky Bar & Shop on the ground floor.

UK Operations Manager, Jan Willem-Damen, credited the achievement to the hard work of head chef, James Freeman, who has worked with the Society for over 15 years.

Jan said: “It’s fantastic to have been awarded two AA Rosettes.  In James, we have an extremely talented chef in the kitchen who creates innovative dishes using quality, local produce.  Together with manager Francois Guillemet, The Dining Room team is an incredible asset to The Scotch Malt Whisky Society and are key to the success behind the restaurant.”

The Dining Room will feature in the 2018 edition of AA Restaurant Guide.

http://www.thediningroomedinburgh.co.uk/

Notes:

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society 

  • The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is an international whisky club which bottles rare single cask, single malt whisky, and a range of other spirits
  • The Society releases a new batch of around 20 single cask single malt whiskies every month
  • The Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and now has more than 26,000 members and branches around the world
  • The Society bottles the finest single malt whisky from around 350 single casks every year and has bottled whisky from a range of more than 132 distilleries in its history.
  • The Society offers 3 levels of membership
  1. Membership Pioneer with gift box containing 3 samples, £122
  2. Member at £61.50 – without gift box
  3. Sample Subscription – free.

For more details, visit https://www.smws.com/society-membership

Glenturret 16 Year Old – Fly’s 16 Master Edition at Abbey Whisky – Scotch Whisky News

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Glenturret 16 Year Old – Fly’s 16 Master Edition

We’ve managed to secure further stock of this wonderful Glenturret, a limited edition bottling, aged for 16 years and released to celebrate a unique and historic tail. An award winning malt, rated 96 points by Jim Murray, receiving a ‘Liquid Gold Award’ in the 2017 whisky bible.

AA Abbey

Limited stock available for only £89.98.
(RRP £95.00)

“It is, as is fitting to old Fly, the dog’s bollocks…”
Jim Murray – The Whisky Bible 2017

The inspiration for this bottling came from a photo which was unearthed at the distillery, which dated back to 1905. It pictured 16 stillman and a collie dog called Fly, which was believed to be the distillery managers dog.

£89.98

Milroy’s of London “Stagg Junior, back in store!!!” – American Whiskey News

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The Milroys Insider.

Patricks Picks. Vol. 1

~Weekly insight into the best of the best~

STAGG JUNIOR RETURNS TO MILROYS.
Looking for a bottle of Stagg Junior? Can’t find it anywhere else? Not to worry, we have stock!
Order direct from our website or call the shop on 0207 734 2277.

AA Stagg

Stagg Jr shares many characteristics with its older brother George T Stagg. It’s big, it’s bold and it’s high strength! The first batch has been aged for between 8 and 9 years with a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavours. Bold, brave and burley. The younger brother of the Stagg senior, this bittersweet dram is something to be witnessed and drunk with caution at 66.05%, it’s a bourbon fans dream without breaking your wallet.

BUY NOW

Ralfy Publishes Whisky Review #620 – Scotch Whisky News

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Ralfy sails into the Atlantic off the coast of Africa with Whisky Review 620 – Glenfiddich 19yo Madeira cask finish.

THE 7th ANNUAL ULTIMATE WHISKY EXPERIENCE – APRIL 5-8, 2017 LAS VEGAS – Whisky News

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Universal Whisky Experience, 1621 Central Avenue, Cheyenne, WY 82001

REDEMPTION WHISKEY UNVEILS NEW LOOK – American Whiskey News

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REDEMPTION WHISKEY UNVEILS NEW LOOK

Premium American Whiskey Portfolio Launches New Bottle and Label Design –

Redemption Rye, Bourbon, and High Rye Bourbon

NEW YORK, NY, January 20, 2016 – With the acquisition of Redemption Whiskey one year ago, Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits entered the most dynamic segment of the spirits business: Premium American whiskey. To further the brand’s mission to reclaim rye and cement Redemption Whiskey’s status as a leading rye brand distinctive for its high rye content, high proof, quality aging and blending techniques, Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits announces a new bottle and label design, debuting November 2016.

The brand refresh is the first major evolution for Redemption Whiskey which was founded in 2010 when a cache of rye whiskey barrels, believed to be the perfect expression of the spirit were discovered just as the rye category was beginning to re-emerge. The whiskey, made with a combination of high-rye content and high proof, is sourced in Indiana at the Old Seagram’s Distillery (now owned by MGP Ingredients). While the law states that a whiskey must be 51% rye to be classified as a rye, Redemption Rye’s mash bill contains 95% rye, aged in charred new oak barrels. The brand’s award-winning portfolio also includes two bourbons: Redemption Bourbon and Redemption High Rye Bourbon, and a collection of Limited Edition Aged Barrel Proof selections released in small quantities each year.

Redemption’s new look and feel begins with a custom bottle reshape for the entire range, which has been molded with a concave back, offering a firmer grip for bartenders to handle the bottle. Upgraded features include a bold typeface, leather-like label and a cork. A rye frond is embossed onto the front of every bottle, along with a story about the pre-prohibition whiskey revival in America printed on each label:

“Rye Whiskey was once the preferred spirit in the United States. Prohibition changed that and Rye was nearly forgotten. Redemption is bringing back Rye, restoring it to its rightful place.”

“Last year we completed a most important strategic acquisition; the addition of Redemption Whiskey to the Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits portfolio,” says Tom Steffanci, President of Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits. “Since then we’ve spent a lot of time listening to consumers and bartenders, and armed with their input we designed new packaging that takes cues from a bygone era when rye was king in America. The brand’s new look better reflects Redemption Whiskey’s personality and showcases rye’s uniquely American personality. We intend to bring rye back to its pre-prohibition glory.”

Every Redemption bottle continues to be numbered to reflect the batch, an indication of the attention to detail put into making the final product. Redemption is available nationwide and new packaging will begin to hit shelves this month:

Redemption Rye Whiskey: 92 Proof; $29.99 SRP

A true expression of the grain, that starts with a high rye mash bill of 95% – using the highest quality European rye grain available worldwide and 5% malted barley, aged in new charred American oak barrels to an average of 2.5 years. Flavored with light floral and citrus notes. Slight mint, anise and dry baking spices (cinnamon, allspice and clove) on the finish. A blend of young and older whiskies that pushes the flavor forward and magnifies the unique profile of the grain. Proofed to 92%, Redemption Rye maintains all of its spicy complexity, while still managing to taste exceptionally smooth. Ideal for sipping or mixing in classic cocktails such as a Manhattan, Sazerac or Boulevardier.

Mash bill: 95% rye, 5% barley

Redemption Bourbon: 84 Proof; $29.99 SRP

A high amount of corn gives this American bourbon a classic sweet taste while the wood imparts notes of vanilla, butterscotch, toffee and caramel. The rye adds light spice flavors paired with a hint of citrus in the form of orange peel. Bottled at 84 proof for a lighter and smoother experience; enjoy on the rocks or in mixed drinks.

Mash bill: 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% barley

Redemption High Rye Bourbon: 92 Proof; $29.99 SRP

mash bill, creating a rye-forward bourbon that is 92% proof. Dynamic balance of sweet and dry; enjoy neat or in classic cocktails such as an Old Fashioned.

Mash bill: 60% corn, 36% rye, 4% barley

About Redemption Whiskey

Redemption Whiskey, founded in 2010, was created when a cache of rye whiskey barrels, believed to be the perfect expression of the American spirit, were found, just as the Rye category was beginning to reemerge. Distinctive for its high rye content, high proof, quality aging and blending techniques, the whiskey is sourced in Indiana at the Old Seagram’s Distillery (now owned by MGP Ingredients). A combination of high rye content and high proof allows the whiskey to gain significant flavor in new charred oak barrels. Each bottle of Redemption whiskey is hand numbered to reflect the batch, an indication of the attention to detail put into making the final product. For more information visit: http://www.redemptionrye.com/ and follow on Instagram @RedemptionWhiskey.

About Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits

Initially called W.J. Deutsch & Sons, Ltd., the company was founded in 1981 by Chairman Bill Deutsch to market quality wines produced by prestigious families from major wine regions of the world. In 2009, it announced the expansion of the award-winning company to include a Spirits Portfolio. Today the company is renowned for its brand-building prowess and its ability to meet the needs of the modern consumer. Bill’s son Peter Deutsch is CEO; thus two generations of the Deutsch family work side by side in their continuous quest to build strong brands and relationships throughout the wine and spirits industry.

The portfolio includes award-winning wines from Australia: [ yellow tail ], [ yellow tail ] The Reserve, [ yellow tail ] Bubbles; California: Eppa SupraFruta Sangria, Girard Winery, Kunde Family Estate, Joseph Carr, Josh Cellars, The Calling; France: Andre Lurton, Hob Nob Vineyards, Sauvion et Fils, Vidal- Fleury; Italy: Barone Fini, Villa Pozzi; New Zealand: The Crossings; Portugal: Quinta Do Vale Meao; Spain: Mar De Frades, Cruz de Alba, and Ramon Bilbao Vinos Y Vinedo; Argentina: Ruta 22, and award-winning spirits from LUKSUSOWA Vodka (Poland), VILLA MASSA® Limoncello (Italy), LICOR 43® (Spain) and REDEMPTION Whiskey (U.S.A.). www.deutschfamily.com

Classic bourbon flavor with strong notes of rye and dry baking spices, vanilla and caramel flavors. A recipe that approaches the maximum amount of rye in a bourbon

Choose life. Choose a job. Choose a career. Choose a family. Choose Springbank – Scotch Whisky News

Springbank Society

Choose life. Choose a job. Choose a career. Choose a family. Choose Springbank.

Hello everyone!

I hope 2017 is treating you well so far. I’m sure it is. We are all back at work, some of our sales team have even been away to whisky shows already. Life in Campbeltown plows on as usual, largely unaffected by the outside world. It has not been that cold though (relatively speaking) considering it is January in Scotland. I’m sure winter will come.

And when it does we have whisky to keep us warm and on that note…

I am pleased to be writing to you all to talk about 2 Springbank releases.

Springbank 25yo

Yes, it’s finally ready. After unfortunate delays, I am pleased to say the new Springbank 25yo (46% abv) is bottled and ready to go.

Tasting notes

Nose: Lots of fruit with a mixture of grapefruit peel, dried tropical fruits, wine gums and a touch of cassis

Palette: Orange peel, honeycomb, brandy snaps, black pepper and tobacco leaf

Finish: Mineral notes combining with fennel, tea leaf and leather against a background of soft burning embers

It is available in our Campbeltown Cadenhead shop now and elsewhere in the UK from the end of this week. Releases in other countries/markets will vary throughout the weeks ahead. Please contact your local retailers and stockists for more information, details of whom can be found by visiting shop@wmcadenhead.com .

If you would like to buy it directly from us you can contact our Campbeltown Cadenhead shop by calling +44 (0)1586 551710 or email shop@wmcadenhead.com. I will not be taking orders for this as I am not aware of our shop’s stock or allocation. There will be approximately 900 bottles available worldwide.

Need to know:

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  • The Campbeltown Cadenhead shop will be selling the Springbank 25yo for £350.00
  • This is not a Society exclusive bottle
  • This is not considered a core product so there will be no Society discount on this bottling.

Springbank 12yo Cask Strength

The second bottling I am happy to tell you all about is the Springbank 12yo CS, matured in 70% Sherry casks, 30% Bourbon casks and bottled at 54.2%.

Tasting notes

Nose: Forest full of pine and chestnut trees with iodine and a hint of peat

Palette: rich citrus marmalade on toast and toasted marshmallows, hint of vanilla and pepper. Meaty.

Finish: Viscous, with salty edge. Ham join marinated in a honey sauce.

It is available in our Campbeltown Cadenhead shop now and elsewhere in the UK from the end of this week. Releases in other countries/markets will vary throughout the weeks ahead. Please contact your local retailers and stockists for more information, details of whom can be found by visiting http://www.springbankwhisky.com/distributors/.If you would like to buy it directly from us you can contact our Campbeltown Cadenhead shop by calling +44 (0)1586 551710 or email shop@wmcadenhead.com. I will not be taking orders for this as I am not aware of our shop’s stock or allocation.

Need to know:

AA SS2

  • The Campbeltown Cadenhead shop will be selling the Springbank 12yo Cask Strength for £47.00
  • This is not a Society exclusive bottle
  • This is a core product so the Society discount does apply on this bottling!

As you should all see below, there are some product sheets attached to this email which has tasting notes and other product information on them in a bit more detail than I included above. I am sure we shall all speak soon.

Slainte,

Nathan

For the Springbank Society

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/officialspringbankwhisky/

Twitter –  https://twitter.com/Springbank1828

Instagram –  Search Springbank Whisky (@springbankwhisky1828)

(I hope enough of you got the Trainspotting reference at the start of the newsletter)

Please contact Nathan if you wish to join the Springbank Society

New Charges at Scotch Whisky Auctions – Whisky News

AA SWA

Hi folks. We are making a change to our terms and conditions. From the 71st auction there will be a new insert fee of £15 for non-alcohol items. Cask ends, paintings, prints, magazines, books, glasses, toys, water jugs etc will have the higher charge levied. These items are very bulky or awkward to handle and pack and therefore take up more time than bottles of whisky.

Regards from Glasgow

The SWA Team

Unbelievable Savings On Single Malt of Uncompromising Quality – Scotch Whisky News

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Unbelievable Savings On Single Malt of Uncompromising Quality

2002 Dailuaine 14 Year Old “Old Particular K&L Exclusive” Single Sherry Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)

($59.99)

“Is it too early in 2017 to call this the single malt deal of the year?” – David Driscoll, K&L Assistant Head Buyer

While the dollar has made serious headway against the pound over the last year, there are few retailers in a position to pass along that currency savings to their customers; namely, because few other than K&L are buying their Scotch directly. In the wake of Brexit and the increased buying power we’ve experienced since the initial vote took place, we’ve been able to offer serious single malt selections for some prices that would have been unthinkable only a few years ago. While we thought our capacity to bring sherry-matured joy to the masses had peaked this past December when we offered a 9 year old cask strength barrel of Dailuaine for a mere $49.99, it appears the whisky gods intend to smile upon us for just a bit longer.

We managed to track down an even older version of the same whisky—a 14 year old sherry-matured Dailuaine—for only ten dollars more! Given the market for sherry-aged, cask strength whisky of this maturity, one might expect a whisky of this magnitude and quality to approach three figures. Yet, due to our relationship with Old Particular and the fact that we’re going directly to the source, we’ve passed along the savings in currency to you. Expect to see a number of great deals as we move forward in 2017, but few as enticing as this one. Is it too early in 2017 to call this the single malt deal of the year?

2002 Dailuaine 14 Year Old “Old Particular K&L Exclusive” Single Sherry Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($59.99)

This past December we thought we’d uncovered the deal of a lifetime when we were able to sell a 9-year-old sherry butt of Dailuaine at cask strength for $49.99 thanks to the improved Brexit dollar-to-pound ratio. Now, however, with a new shipment of Old Particular single-cask selections upon us, we may have a new contender. The only thing possibly better than 9-year-old, cask-strength, sherry-matured single-malt whisky for $49.99 is a 14-year-old version of that same whisky for a mere ten dollars more! Dailuaine is one of Diageo’s classically styled Highland whiskies used primarily for Johnnie Walker, but we’ve found over the years that the malt drinks pretty well on its own. Much like the 9-year-old edition, this version was aged in a refill butt, meaning the sherry influence isn’t quite as overpowering. In this case, it works in conjunction with the creamy malt flavors of the whisky itself. It starts with notes of dark chocolate and spiced nuts before moving forward into cakebread and flavors of sticky figs and syrup. The nose is a pure essence of caramel, and the finish dances with cocoa and candied ginger. After years of finding the best single casks of whisky Scotland has to offer, there are few hidden gems for us in today’s market. There’s really not much left we can accomplish other than to provide better pricing. The dollar-to-pound ratio has significantly upped our quality-to-value ratio, and it’s very possible we’re still far from peaking on that front.

David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 17, 2017

Let’s be clear: sherry-aged cask strength whisky is in incredibly high demand. In fact, it’s so popular that prices for whiskies in that style have gone way, way up, completely changing the idea of “value” when it comes to Scotch. With this cask of Dailuaine 14 year, however, we’ve outdone ourselves once again. Not so much with the selection, mind you. Anyone who tastes this whisky can tell it’s absolutely delicious. It doesn’t take a genius to figure that out. It’s brimming with sweet sherry flavors, a creamy mid-palate, and loads of baking spice on the finish. The real accomplishment here is the price. We’ve managed to offer a single barrel, cask strength, sherry-matured Highland whisky for less than what a standard market, water-reduced, general offering would normally cost! The Arran 14 year sherry cask edition is a hundred bucks!! That’s probably the closest comparison on the market right now. Yet, this Dailuaine is better.

Gary Westby | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 17, 2017

This is my first taste of Dailuaine, but I know it will not be my last! This came from one special Sherry butt that yielded 602 bottles, and has the creamy richness and rancio complexity that one would expect from a 14 year old aged in sherry cask. I enjoyed it most with a good splash of water, which opened up the whisky and added layers that the fire of the cask strength hid at first. When David told me the price, I could not believe it… Nothing comes close to this quality in well-aged sherry cask malt even at double the price. Time to make room in the liquor cabinet!

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 17, 2017

Sweet, rich, pretty, and powerful. The nose packs a wallop — it’s jammed full of baking spices, dried fruits, marmalade, sherry’s salty and sweet complexity, a little bit of baked apples and warm bread. Not to mention that it brings the heat. On the palate it is warm and rich, full of love and doubles up on the nose profile, but adds a small amount of cocoa that really shines when you add a little water. I loved the 9 year we had before the holidays, but this is, no joke, leaps and bounds ahead. For only $10 bucks more, it’s a true no brainer.

Alex Schroeder | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 17, 2017

Great Scotch thats loaded with integrated flavors, complexity and richness. The extended time in sherry cask imparts a broad, creamy butterscotch core with nuanced flavors of toffee, orange marmalade and a little cocoa. Even at cask strength it is inviting and pleasant, and a small addition of water makes it more so, opening up the flavors quite a bit. Great Scotch priced well below its class!

Sal Rodriguez | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 17, 2017

We enjoy getting worked up about some great Scotch, if you haven’t noticed. Here is one such Scotch. Rich, powerful, and expressive! There’s no shortage of minerality and sherry butt influence here. If you’re a fan of spicy, rich, flavorful, toasted maple, then this is your next bottle. And at about 50 bucks, this can easily be your nightly “go-to” bottle of Scotch. Act now, ’cause this is another bottle that’s sure to go quickly.

Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637) Email: wine@klwines.com K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

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