JANUARY OUTTURN UPDATE: TOP FIVE FAVOURITES

Last week’s January Outturn brought us a marvelous mix of interesting and unusual casks with a great range around £50 or less, for those feeling the festive over-indulgence. Don’t miss out on these never-to-be-repeated single casks, we’ve picked our top five favourites still available in our online shop.

Looking for some tasty savings? Pick-up one of our parcel offers, choose between our Day & Night Pair, Spectacular Trio or Flavour Feast Case, all at great January prices.

BROWSE THE OUTTURN

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

Ralfy gets old-aged with Ralfy Review 618 – 46 yo Glenburgie Malt (G&MacP)

Parker Beam, Heaven Hill Master Distiller Emeritus and Bourbon Legend, passes away at age 75

Parker Beam, Heaven Hill Master Distiller Emeritus and Bourbon Legend, passes away at age 75

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Distillery’s Master Distiller Emeritus Parker Beam, a much revered and lauded figure in the American Whiskey industry, passed away on January 9, 2017 from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or ALS, at age 75.  Beam was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, in 2010 and had been waging a very courageous and public battle with the dreaded disease, raising enormous sums for the ALS Association of Kentucky through his Parker Beam Promise of Hope Fund and Heaven Hill’s sales of his signature line of Parker’s Heritage Collection American Whiskeys.

Earl Parker Beam was born into Kentucky Bourbon royalty in 1941—his grandfather, Park Beam, was brother and colleague of James Beauregard “Jim” Beam at the original D.M. Beam & Co., predecessor to Jim Beam Brands.  Parker’s father, also named Earl, was a brother to Carl “Shucks” Beam, Master Distiller at the Jim Beam Brands Company.  Parker’s father Earl left Beam to become Master Distiller at Heaven Hill in 1946, ushering in an era of Bourbon category leadership and critical acclaim under the Beams, first through Earl, then Parker, and then Parker’s son Craig.

Parker joined Heaven Hill alongside his father in 1960, where his baptism into the distilling industry began by washing windows and scrubbing lime scale out of the cypress fermenters.  “It wasn’t glamorous,” Parker used to say, “But I learned how everything worked in the distillery, because back then you had to be chief cook and bottle washer.”  Parker learned how to culture his family’s 6-generation old proprietary yeast strain under his father’s tutelage, and eventually began to put his own unique fingerprint on Heaven Hill’s American whiskeys—it was under Parker’s supervision that the company raised barreling proof to 125, it was Parker who first created the industry’s first Small Batch Bourbon when Elijah Craig was introduced in 1986, and Parker who oversaw the launch of the company’s Single Barrel Bourbons in 1994.

Parker was also one of the most celebrated of distillers—a charter member of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame,  winner of Whisky Advocate Magazine’s Lifetime Achievement Award, member of Whisky Magazine’s Hall of Fame, and many more honors.  And last year, the Board of Directors of the Kentucky Distillers Association, the Kentucky Bourbon industry’s trade association which dates back to 1880, voted unanimously to name the industry’s Lifetime Achievement Award after Parker.

“Parker has certainly etched his name, and that of Heaven Hill, deeply in the annals of Kentucky Bourbon history,” noted Heaven Hill President Max L. Shapira, “But he has done so with a humility and grace that will forever be admired.  His dedication to his craft, to his family, to Heaven Hill, and now to battling the scourge that is ALS, will live on far past his time.”

After being diagnosed with ALS, Parker and his wife Linda met their newest challenge head-on by creating and curating the Parker Beam Promise of Hope Fund through the ALS Association of Kentucky.  The fund established a research and treatment endowment that has seen millions of dollars generated through contributions, events and on-going sales of Parker’s eponymous line of super-premium American Whiskeys.

In a statement issued by the Kentucky Distillers Association, President Eric Gregory noted that “Parker Beam wasn’t just a name on a bottle – he was the living embodiment of the whiskey inside: authentic, classic, well-seasoned and distilled from old-fashioned hard work and gentlemanly integrity.  His place in our industry’s rich distilling history is beyond reproach, as few can match his 56 years of passionate service and leadership, charter selection to the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame and award-winning Bourbon portfolio crafted under his watch as Master Distiller.”

Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin also paid tribute, tweeting that “An award-winner, mentor & innovator of the highest caliber, Master Distiller Emeritus Parker Beam’s presence will surely be missed.”

About Heaven Hill Distillery: Founded in Kentucky by the Shapira family in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery continues its legacy as one of the foremost American Whiskey producers. Heaven Hill has cultivated the traditions and history of America’s Native Spirit with its fierce independence, passionate family ownership, dedication to quality, and thoughtful innovation. Today, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains over 1.2 million barrels aging in 53 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Larceny Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Pikesville Rye Whiskey, Rittenhouse Rye Whisky and Parker’s Heritage Collection. Heaven Hill Distillery currently holds the titles of Whisky Magazine’s Distillery of the Year and Whiskey Advocate’s American Whiskey of the Year. For more information, please visit http://www.heavenhill.com/home

January Auction Live!

Ends Sunday 22nd January from 8pm

We have got an absolutely cracking auction lined up this month to cure those January blues! Quality, collectable and very drinkable whiskies are crammed into every nook and cranny waiting on your bids. Let’s start with one of the show stoppers – a 1951 Macallan.

Only two sherry butts met the required quality threshold deemed necessary for this bottling. Just 62% of the spirit that was originally filled in to these two ancient sherry butts remained after the angels had their share, leaving just 37% for your enjoyment, producing only 632 bottles.

In this month’s auction, we have a marvellous array of Port Ellen’s mainly consisting of the official Special Releases.

In fact, it’s a complete set with the exception being the 2016 bottling.

The distillery holds a grip of many enthusiasts as it does to any visitor arriving on Islay via ferry. Today it might exist as a maltings but its warehouses dominate the final approach to the island and confirm that you’re in peated whisky country.

Check out the entire auction which ends on Sunday 22^nd right here at

www.just-whisky.co.uk/

One Of The Most Requested Irish Whiskeys Is Finally Here Writer’s Tears Pure Pot Still Irish Whiskey ($39.99) “For its price and strength it is amazing.” – Whisky Advocate

The elusive Writer’s Tears Pot Still Irish Whiskey has been a darling of the whiskey cognoscenti for years. This unusual product from the Walsh Distillery in Carlow Ireland has gained notoriety across the globe as one of the finest whiskey the Emerald Isle has to offer. It begins with Single Malt (likely distilled at Cooley Distillery in Louth) and Single Pot Still Whiskey (Distilled at Midleton in County Cork), which are vatted together and aged in ex-bourbon casks. A true recreation a style of Irish Whiskey not seen since last century and named for the great Irish writers and playwrights of the 19th century that would have sought inspiration from a similar beverage in their time.

create one of the most drinkable yet exciting whiskies of any kind. Lauded worldwide as one of the best whiskies available, it has been conspicuously unavailable in California until now. Winner of Gold Medals from the World Whiskies Award and listed on Ian Buxton’s 101 Whiskies to Try before You Die, and 93 points from Jim Murray’s “Whisky Bible,” Writer’s Tears is easily one of the highest ranking Irish Whiskey available at any price point. We’ve been lucky enough to grab an exclusive deal on the first few pallets to show up in CA, but don’t wait to try it as when it moves to normal distribution we’ll likely see a significant price increase. Thanks to our exclusive deal K&L is the only place in California you’ll find this gem.

Writer’s Tears Pure Pot Still Irish Whiskey (750ml) ($39.99)

Whisky Advocate: “Like the Writers Tears reviewed in this issue, this is from an independent company linked to renowned whiskey maker Bernard Walsh. It is described as of a style popular in James Joyce’s Dublin (hence the name). Grain whiskey was a no-no at that time, so this uses no grain and is a mix of malt and pot still whiskeys. For its price and strength it is amazing a big-hearted and full-flavored whiskey with an oily, apple-y pot still heart and cinnamon, nutmeg, and pepper spices. (DS, Summer 2012)”

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 09, 2017

This elusive and quite wonderful little whiskey has been on constant request at the story for years. Actually, I’ve been telling people “No, sorry we can’t get that” every other week of so for over 7 years now! It’s one of those things that people fall in love with over there and don’t realize they can’t just pick it up when they get home. Well, the wait is finally over. This wonderful offering from the exceptional Walsh Distillery in County Carlow is easily one of the best values in Irish Whiskey. Hailing from Ireland’s historic east, this area is famous for whiskey and beer thanks to the incredible waters that bubble below the surface, but no large distillery has had a presence here for more than 100 years. In the 1800s, the Irish Whiskey industry was on fire. Consumption, production and exports, continued to break records despite social and political upheaval in Ireland. Funny thing about Irish Whiskey, because of the unique process of blending malted and un-malted barley and distilling in pot-stills, it was actually considered the top quality whiskey in the world pre-prohibition. That’s because then, and now, the majority of people didn’t want stinky peaty malty single malt from Scotland, but instead were looking for a whiskey that’s rich, smooth and easy to drink. Irish Whiskey was the best choice for most consumers before the controversial introduction of grian (column still) production in the 1830s. When this low cost and low flavored spirit was introduced there were legal battles across the world about whether the product could actually be called whiskey. The Scots realized early that they could cut their flavorful malts with this new type of whiskey. This new lower flavored Scotch started to beat the Irish in terms of cost and attain similar levels “smoothness”. Across the Irish Sea, Ireland’s stalwart large distillers considered the grain whiskies inferior and committed to producing only higher quality pot still whiskey. By never adopted this cheaper technology despite the nationality of it’s inventory, Aeneas Coffey, they’d unwittingly caused the decline, which would almost destroy the industry completely. In the coming decades, the loss of Ireland’s primary market due to alcoholic prohibition, was the final blow to the struggling Irish Whiskey industry. It wasn’t until the ’70s that the industry acquiesced and began to produce whiskey in the style most know it today, Jameson Blended Whiskey. Any even LESS flavorful version of the Scottish style blend. Now, we have this special whiskey, a recreation of what might have been served to Yeats or Joyce might have been served at the pub in Dublin during their youth. It takes us back to that era when the Irish dominated both the whiskey and literary world. Regardless of the historical importance of this style of whiskey, what really matters is that it’s absolutely LOVELY to drink. It’s the sort of thing that makes you realize why in the 19th century Irish Whiskey was widely considered to be the world’s best dram. Like Redbreast or Green Spot, the Writer’s Tears sets a new bench mark for people who want rich, complex yet ultra smooth whiskey. The whiskey is even more open than those other two, shedding the dense grainy fruitiness, for a lifted nose of citrus, rich malt, and rich wild honey. The palate shows more of the pot still intensity, with dark grains and rich spicy malt relenting to the dense floral and more honey notes on the finish. The finish is soft and round, bringing the whole package together with a pretty little knot. Maybe this isn’t the whiskey to buy for Scotch nerd friend that loves Laphroaig, but it’s probably a great choice for just about everyone else in the world.

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 09, 2017

This should please people who are looking for an easy, soft and delicious whiskey. At first one smells beautiful and mouth watering vanilla aromas. In the mouth it is soft and easy with a creamy mouth feel.This is a fun whiskey to have for simple enjoyment.

Olivia Ragni | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 06, 2017

This is absolutely lovely pure pot still Irish Whiskey. Aromas of flowers, tea and bananas lead to a palate of chestnuts, caramel, malt and spice. This is rich, full-bodied and textural whiskey that is extremely smooth and easy to drink. The only problem is the bottle will be gone faster than you intended, so stock up!

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

Only available in The Whisky Shop Paris

Our French store is really something to behold. A beautiful Parisienne townhouse only a stone’s throw from the Presidential Palace and home to the Johnnie Walker Salon Prive. And while nothing comes close to the experience of a visit, our French website provides the next best thing: access to its amazing stock!

From limited editions sold out in the UK, to exclusive expressions only available in our French store, you can purchase them all from the comfort of your own home by visiting

www.whiskyshop.fr

If you don’t parle français, all you have to do is click “translate this page” when prompted by your web browser.

MONDAY 23 JANUARY
7.30PM
£65
Tickets now on sale
BOOK NOW »

DIAGEO SPECIAL RELEASES 2016 WITH COLIN DUNN

Join us for the chance to try some of the most anticipated whiskies of the past 12 months.

For our first tasting of the year, we’ll be trying seven whiskies from the incredible Diageo Special Releases 2016 line-up. This limited-edition range is one of the biggest launches of the whisky year, and the tasting will include rare drams from closed Port Ellen and Brora.

VENUE

BROWNS COVENT GARDEN
THE JUDGE’S COURT
82-84 ST MARTIN’S LANE
LONDON WC2N 4AG

PLEASE ARRIVE AT THE VENUE FROM 7.15PM FOR A 7.30PM START

Michter’s 10 Year Old Bourbon. Limited stocks.

Milroy’s have a few bottles left of the much sought after Michter’s 10 Year Old! Get them while stocks last via the link below or call the shop on 020 7 734 2277

BUY NOW

Michter’s 10 Year Old Bourbon is aged for a decade in new charred American white oak barrels, with each bottling being from a single cask. Big and bold with a sweet flavour profile.

CHIVAS STARTS GLOBAL SEARCH FOR ITS NEXT MASTER

9th January 2017: Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky, has launched its search for the 2017 Global Chivas Master. Now in its fourth year, the Chivas Masters cocktail competition is built on Chivas’ belief that great bartending is measured not only by the achievements of an individual, but by the ability to work together as a team. This year’s competition is set to celebrate the impact of Asia’s innovative and booming cocktail scene on the world, by holding the Global Final in Tokyo for the first time ever.

National stages of the competition will challenge entrants to celebrate the versatility and international appeal of Chivas Regal, through the creation of three new cocktails showcasing its smooth, rich and generous house style. Bartenders will be invited to take inspiration from the classic cocktails of New York, where Chivas was first launched in 1909; local flavours from their individual countries; and the celebrated traditions of Tokyo’s bartending scene, which is renowned for its extraordinary craftsmanship, kind service and precision.

The move to hold the Global Final in Tokyo – whose unique cocktail customs fascinate bartenders from across the world – continues Chivas Regal’s exploration of Asia’s cocktail capitals, following last year’s final in Shanghai. The most talented competitor from each market will be invited to spend an immersive week in Tokyo at the Chivas Masters Global Final, where the internationally-acclaimed panel of judges will share some of their insights and expertise through inspirational masterclasses.

The ultimate winner will not only impress with their individual bartending skills, but – crucially – will also prove their ability to work with an international bartending team, and collaborate and share success with international peers, through the Chivas Masters Collective team challenge. The 2017 Global Chivas Master will win the opportunity to travel to an iconic bar in the city of their choice, to work alongside some of the world’s most influential bartenders.

Max Warner, International Brand Ambassador for Chivas Regal, comments: “2016 was a year of firsts for the Chivas Masters: the first time the final of a global cocktail competition had been held in Shanghai, and the first time the concept of the Chivas Masters Collective was realised. The 2017 Chivas Masters competition is set to build on these innovations, cementing Chivas Regal’s commitment to hospitality and collaboration – traits central to the bartending industry – and set against the backdrop of Tokyo, one of the world’s great cocktail capitals. We welcome entry from bartenders from across the world, who believe they epitomise our values of brotherhood and generosity.”   Do you think you have what it takes to be the next Chivas Master? Visit chivas.com/chivasmasters to find out more about the competition, or get in touch with your local Pernod Ricard representative.

 NOTES

About Chivas Regal Launched in 1909, Chivas Regal is the world’s first luxury whisky and is considered to be a timeless classic, renowned for its benchmark quality and taste, style, substance and exclusivity. A truly global brand, Chivas Regal has been integral to the growth of the Scotch whisky category worldwide and today sells 4.5 million 9L cases annually in more than 150 countries across the globe. With generosity, entrepreneurship and integrity at the heart of Chivas Regal, the brand launched its successful Win the Right Way campaign in 2014, which aims to inspire a new generation whilst making a positive impact on the lives of others. The Chivas Regal range includes Chivas 12, Chivas Extra, Chivas 18, Chivas 25, the pinnacle of the range ultra-prestige blend, Chivas Regal The Icon and the Global Travel Retail exclusive, Chivas Brothers Blend. Launched in October 2016, Chivas Regal Ultis is the first blended malt Scotch whisky from the House of Chivas and represents the true essence of Chivas Regal. www.pernod-ricard.com

About Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits. Chivas Brothers’ award-winning portfolio features some of the world’s most revered Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky and the No.1 Scotch whisky in China; Ballantine’s, Europe’s No.1 Scotch whisky; and Royal Salute, the world’s only exclusively prestige Scotch whisky range. The portfolio also includes two of the world’s leading English gins – Beefeater, the world’s most awarded premium gin, and Plymouth gin – plus a selection of highly acclaimed single malt whiskies, including Aberlour, Longmorn, Scapa, Strathisla and Tormore. The range is completed by a collection of blended Scotch whiskies operating in many of the world’s key whisky markets which includes 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport Scotch. www.chivasbrothers.com @ChivasNewsRoom

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 8,682 million in FY16. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Kahlúa and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier‐ Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, Graffigna and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,000 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 85 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics. Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index.

www.pernod-ricard.com

New arrivals to think about for the New Year.

Happy New Year!

“Baby it’s Cold outside!”
Hopefully your 2017 isn’t starting with a “Dry January”.
If it is – much respect – However, come Feb 1st we hope you’ll consider the following items that will help start your new year on a delicious…warming note. And don’t forget…Valentine’s Day is just around the corner.

Feel free to contact the store with any questions.

Cheers to a great 2017

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
www.parkaveliquor.com

Virgil Kaine ‘ Ashcat’
Blended Bourbon Whiskey

This limited edition strikes a balanced blend between the sweetness of a 5 year old wheated bourbon, the spice of High-Rye bourbon plus the tannins derived from sherry casks. This is all just a fancy way of saying they have created a great tasting bourbon. Savor this one. When it’s gone, it’s gone.
NOSE: Cane sugar & sherry
TASTE: Butterscotch, orange peel & dried figs
FINISH: Smooth & long
PRICE = $76/btl

 Stop by the store for our tasting with Virgil Kaine Bourbon on Friday, January 27th from 3-6pm

Usquaebach: An Ard Ri Cask Strength

Usquaebach’s first new release in nearly 25 years is here: Usquaebach An Ard Ri Cask Strength, a blended malt composed of more than 20 single malts (no grain whisky), each aged 10 to 21 years, packaged in a blue glass version of its traditional flagon decanter. This limited release is made with casks from Master Blender Stewart H. Laing’s personal collection. He selected from a range of Highlands whiskies, including Inchgower, Benrinnes, Craigellachie, Glengoyne, Dailuaine, Blair Athol, and Auchroisk. At 57.1% ABV, the finished product is a powerfully complex and structured, yet harmoniously smooth cask strength blend. The nose has notes of roasted carrots, anise, pipe tobacco, and leather. The palate shows a bit more sweetness, including some molasses notes, burnt bread, coffee grounds, and a touch of torched citrus peel. The finish is modest and drying, coaxing out a bit of prune alongside notes of dried herbs. PRICE = $210/btl

Loch Lomond: Single Grain Whisky

This addition to the Loch Lomond line-up is an elegant and full bodied Single Grain with a satisfying smoothness – making it exceptionally easy to drink. This is one Single Grain Scotch Whisky with a distinctive background character of soft fruits and creamy vanilla with a hint of peat smoke. Perfect anytime over ice or with a hint of water. PRICE = $35/btl

Ichiro’s Malt & Grain

A lovely blended whisky from Japan, created by Ichiro Akuto (founder of the Chichibu distillery), the Japanese whisky extraordinaire. This particular gem is made with both malt and grain whisky from Japan as well as (possibly) some whisky from as many as 8 other distilleries too – The label describes it as “a worldwide blended whisky’.

Nose: Peach and dried apricot, sweet butterscotch, vanilla cream, citrus zest, synthetic bananas and gooey malt.
Palate: Toffee first and foremost, with notes of barley malt, gingerbread, tropical fruits, honeyed pipe tobacco leaves, black pepper, roasted chestnut and freshly cut hay.
Finish: Medium length with vanilla and dried tropical fruit.
PRICE = $140/btl

Due to ever-changing inventory – we cannot guarantee bottle availability. We are not responsible for any typographical errors or the demise of the New York Giants season. Please contact the store with any questions.

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

The Park Avenue Liquor Shop, 270 Madison Avenue, Corner of 39th Street, New York, NY 10016