The Nth 2017 Master Classes Now on Sale

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

BULLEIT BOURBON UNITES LOCAL ARTISTS TO CELEBRATE LA’s TATTOO CULTURE

Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Creates 35 Ft Tattoo Art Installation in LA 

FEB. 22, 2017 – LOS ANGELES, CALIF. – Los Angeles will have a little more ink following the introduction of a new tattoo art installation at 3921 W Sunset Blvd. & Hyperion Ave. to kick off the Bulleit Frontier Works project. This is the first piece in a series of projects Bulleit will commission to celebrate and unite the thriving creative collaborator community in Los Angeles and beyond.

The tattoo, which features Bulleit Frontier Whiskey’s iconic label alongside dozens of LA-inspired tattoo designs, was crafted by 24 tattoo artists who are locals of the Los Angeles area. The artists who contributed are people who have made a serious impact on the LA tattoo community, including Kim Saigh, Charles Belñavis, Henry Lewis, Shawn Barber and Jason Schroder. Each artist was given a section of the installation’s canvas to design and as a result every illustration carefully portrays Los Angeles in a way that is unique and personal to each artist. The tattooists selected to be part of this collaboration have collectively been in the industry for more than 100 years and have drawn thousands of tattoos that have adorned the people who roam the streets of Los Angeles and cross the globe.

“Tattooing is an art form that takes years of practice to perfect,” says tattoo artist Christina Ramos. “I was honored when Bulleit approached me to help create this, as tattoos are so relevant in LA’s culture. Tattoos are typically permanent, lifelong commitments so when I was asked to be a part of this group I knew we needed to come together to create something special that really personified and paid homage to the soul of our city that would leave a lasting impression.”

The Bulleit Frontier Works sign, located in the Silverlake neighborhood, is an incredible mix of design and artistic ability that took the tattooists more than 90 hours to design and create. Flanking Bulleit’s bourbon logo are more than 24 separate etchings that were inspired by the Los Angeles vibe including favorite local food trucks, views of the LA skyline, depictions of the beach scene and tributes to the Los Angeles movie industry.

“Bulleit gave me a lot of creative freedom when designing my piece of leather for the installation,” said Nathan Kostechko, one of the tattoo artists participating in the collaboration. “The group of tattooists brought the project to life beautifully and I hope it makes people smile when they pass by.”

The Bulleit Frontier Works program will continue with another art installation in Los Angeles this spring before branching out to other cities around the country. The program aims to unite and celebrate the makers, artists and entrepreneurs who dedicate their lives to pushing the boundaries of the cultural frontier. Bulleit, a whiskey founded by Tom Bulleit who abandoned a successful law career to fulfill a lifelong dream of reviving his family’s century old high rye bourbon recipe, chose to launch in Los Angeles based on the relations made with bartenders, partners and friends who’ve embraced the whiskey so much that LA is now Bulleit’s bestselling market.

“From our partners at Coolhaus Ice Cream in Culver City to our friends at WeWork Santa Monica to dozens of bartenders we’ve known for years opening up fantastic new cocktail spots, LA is our kind of place,” said Bulleit Brand Director Ed Bello. “The kind of place where people who’ve been stirred by the frontier can unite to accomplish amazing things.”

To celebrate the installation, Bulleit will host the artists, press and members of the community at a private event thanking them for their support and appreciation of the tattoo industry. The event will allow guests to enjoy delicious Bulleit Bourbon and Bulleit Rye cocktails responsibly – a message also featured prominently on the sign.

About Bulleit Frontier Whiskey

The Bulleit Distilling Co. was founded in 1987 by Tom Bulleit, whose Bulleit Bourbon is inspired by a family tradition. Bulleit Rye, a straight rye whiskey, was added to the portfolio in 2011 to critical acclaim, and the brand’s third variant, Bulleit Bourbon 10-Years Old, was introduced in 2013. Bulleit whiskeys use a large amount of rye grain, which gives them their distinctive bold, spicy taste. Bulleit ranks as one of the fastest-growing whiskeys in America, which Tom largely credits to word of mouth recommendations. In 2014, Bulleit broke ground on a new $115 million distillery located in Shelby County, Ky., anticipated to be operational by early 2017. Guests are invited to learn more about the past, present and future of Bulleit by visiting the Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Experience at Stitzel-Weller in Louisville, Ky., a member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour. For more information, visit www.bulleit.com/.

About Diageo 

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan’s whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.  Diageo is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. 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. Follow us on Twitter for news and information about Diageo North America: @Diageo_NA.  Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

Glen Elgin 14 Year Old | Christmas 1990

A very rare and collectable bottle of Glen Elgin, released Christmas 1990 by previous owners, United Distillers. A 14 year old scotch that was only made available to staff & employees.

County Speyside Distillery Glen Elgin Age 14 Bottler Distillery Bottling Bottle Size 75cl ABV (Strength)43 Bottling Date 1990

£690.00

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Wednesday March 8th 11-3PM:

The Exclusive Malts 

Independent bottlers The Exclusive Malts bring their award winning and rare collections for one in-store tasting!

As an independent bottler, The Exclusive Malts works with a variety of distilleries to produce rare and award-winning drams from all over the world. As such, they’ve bottled 85 different distilleries so far and netted consistently high ratings and awards, the most recent being a 2016 “Best Blended Whisky” award from the International Spirits Competition. 

Click Here to RSVP on Facebook

Glenkeir Treasures Secret Islay

Salty Citrus Spicy Peaty Fruity Fresh Fruit Smoky

DESCRIPTION

This mysterious single malt is a limited release that is exclusively available at The Whisky Shop. Part of the Glenkeir Treasures range, every whisky that bears the label is unique, different and special. We guarantee its quality and we confidently expect that it will bring great pleasure to all who enjoy it.

Aromas of smoke from a beach bonfire and a refreshing fruitiness. The peat smoke characteristics continue on the palate where they are joined by a slight saltiness and fresh citrus notes. The finish is complex with a combination of warming spices and green fruits.

£55.00

Ralfy gets immersed in Ralfy Review 629 – Ledaig 1996 Vintage (19yo) @ 46.3%vol

IRISH DISTILLERS’ MASTERS AND APPRENTICES UNITE TO CREATE THE NEXT GENERATION OF IRISH WHISKEY

Irish Distillers introduces METHOD AND MADNESS; a new range of experimental super premium whiskeys designed to push the boundaries of Irish whiskey. METHOD AND MADNESS launches with a series of unique whiskeys that underpin a continued commitment by Irish Distillers to experimentation and innovation at the home of Irish whiskey in Midlelton, Co. Cork, Ireland.

METHOD AND MADNESS aims to harness the creativity of Midleton’s whiskey masters through the fresh talent of its apprentices. Taking inspiration from the famous Shakespearean quote, ‘Though this be madness, yet there is method in ’t’, METHOD AND MADNESS is designed to reflect a next generation Irish spirit brand with a measure of curiosity and intrigue (MADNESS), while honouring the tradition and expertise grounded in the generations of expertise at the Midleton Distillery (METHOD).

The METHOD AND MADNESS range launches with four new Irish Whiskeys, each with its own twist; a Single Grain Irish Whiskey Finished in Virgin Spanish Oak; a Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in French Chestnut; a Single Malt Irish Whiskey enhanced with French Limousin Oak; and a 31 Year Old Single Cask, Single Grain Limited Edition bottled at cask strength.

Brian Nation, Master Distiller at Irish Distillers commented: “At the Midleton Distillery, we are committed to innovation and experimenting with new whiskey styles. We are also invested in training and nurturing the next generation of Irish whiskey makers and this project really brings that commitment to life. The passing on of knowledge and skills is part of our DNA from our long line of master distillers, to the generations of coopers that served their apprenticeships at the Midleton Distillery. In fact, this summer our apprentice cooper, Killian O’Mahony will become our first qualified cooper in over 40 years’’.

Karen Cotter, who joined Irish Distillers as a graduate distiller in 2012 said: “METHOD AND MADNESS is a great opportunity for myself and the team to work closely with and learn from the whiskey masters. Our Micro Distillery in Midleton will act as an experimental hub enabling us to trial and test new spirit types followed by aging in new cask types. The process will see new METHOD AND MADNESS releases but also others that may never see the light of day. It’s a really exciting project to be involved with”.

Brendan Buckley, Global Innovation & Prestige Whiskeys Director at Irish Distillers added: “At Irish Distillers, we are constantly searching for new ways to bring Irish whiskey to a wider audience. Jameson has been the iconic brand which has led the way, supported by niche connoisseur brands such as Redbreast, The Spot Range and Midleton Very Rare so with METHOD AND MADNESS, we are able to not only create an outlet for our whiskey makers to really experiment but also to create a uniquely original brand which will pique the interest of spirits drinkers throughout the world”.

The METHOD AND MADNESS Single Grain, Single Pot Still and Single Malt Irish Whiskeys will be available in the UK, France and Ireland from this month at the respective RRPs of €49, €69 and €79. The METHOD AND MADNESS 31 Year Old, Single Cask, Single Grain will be available in the same territories from April 2017, priced at €1,500.

NOTES

METHOD AND MADNESS Single Grain Irish Whiskey Finished in Virgin Spanish Oak
After maturing in ex-Bourbon barrels to achieve a light, perfumed flavour on the exceptional grain distillate, the whiskey has uniquely been finished for 12 months in toasted, virgin Spanish oak from Galicia, North West Spain. The process added complexity, cask character and a spicy note until the perfect balance between the subtlety of the grain spirit and the contribution of the Spanish oak was skilfully mastered. The expression is bottled without chill filtration at 46% ABV and is available at the RRP of €49.

Tasting notes by Master Blender, Billy Leighton:
Nose: New pencil shavings, light rose petal and fresh rain on pine
Taste: Warm toasted oak, fresh peeled grapefruit and zesty wood spices
Finish: Sweet cereal, clove spiciness and fresh mint

METHOD AND MADNESS Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in French Chestnut
This Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey has been matured in a combination of ex-Oloroso sherry and ex-Bourbon barrels, before being transferred to chestnut casks sourced from the Isére region in France. In a world-first, the French chestnut casks impart a distinctive sweetness that lightens the mouth-feel, increases depth and adds a mahogany glow. The expression is bottled without chill filtration at 46% ABV and is available at the RRP of €69.

Tasting notes by Master Blender, Billy Leighton:
Nose: Red Liquorice laces, Fresh Rosemary mint and grated root ginger
Taste: Sweet fruit and spice, cinnamon toast and ripe banana
Finish: Aromatic green tea, dissipating fruit and spice and rich wood farewell

METHOD AND MADNESS Single Malt Irish Whiskey Enhanced with French Limousin Oak
The first Single Malt Irish Whiskey released from Midleton in recent memory, the whiskey has been initially matured in ex-Bourbon barrels, imparting flavours of malt and biscuit, and in a first for the category, has been part-finished in French Limousin oak for one year to add a lighter, floral and herbal note. The expression is bottled without chill filtration at 46% ABV and is available at the RRP of €79.

Tasting notes by Master Blender, Billy Leighton:
Nose: Freshly shelled peanut and cereal malt aroma
Taste: Cracked cinnamon stick and ice cream cone wafer
Finish: Fragrant bon bons and a hint of tasted barley

METHOD AND MADNESS Single Grain Irish Whiskey 31 Year Old
A bottling of exceptional single grain distillate matured in an ex-Bourbon cask for 31 years, this rare single cask release has developed a full deep grain character and a taste of honey, juicy mango and ripe melon with an endless dark wood and spicy finish. The expression which includes 3 Single Cask offerings is bottled without chill filtration ranging from 51.3%, 51.8 and 52.5% ABV and will be available from April 2017 at the RRP of €1,500.

Tasting notes by Master Blender, Billy Leighton:
Nose: Crisp floral, black liquorice and succulent fruit
Taste: Creamy honey, wood spice and honeydew melon
Finish: Endless dark wood, lingering fruit and gentle spices

About Irish Distillers
Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard is Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits and wines and producer of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish Whiskeys. Led by Jameson, our brands are driving the global renaissance of Irish Whiskey. Jameson is the world’s fastest-growing Irish Whiskey, experiencing 27 years of consecutive growth and hitting sales of 5.7m cases in 2016. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets, with over 60 of those experiencing double- or triple-digit growth. Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between John Powers & Son, John Jameson & Son and Cork Distilleries Company. In 1988 Irish Distillers joined Pernod Ricard, gaining access to unprecedented levels of investment and an extensive global distribution network. In 2015, we completed a €220m investment which doubled our production and bottling capacity to meet global demand for our products.
We employ over 600 people across our operations in Cork and Dublin.

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

Bring your Craic! 

YORK 4th March, Brigantes            BOOK NOW

NEWCASTLE 11th March, Civic      BOOK NOW

Good News for Members!

We still have a few free spots available for members at one or two of these. To book in, please email Vicky on vicky@thewhiskylounge.com. This is strictly first come, first served, so get your skates on!

Dr. Jim Swan, 1941-2017

We were all really gutted to hear the news that friend of The Whisky Lounge, Industry legend and all-round nice guy, Dr. Jim Swan passed away last week.

He was responsible for many of the whiskies and distilleries we now take for granted, including Kilchoman, Penderyn and Kavalan as well as newer distilleries such as The Dublin Distillery and The Cotswolds Distillery.

I knew him personally and was lucky enough to spend some good time with him over the last 8 years or so.

Grab a dram, raise it to him and be thankful for those around you and still with us.

I have written a short piece about him – Click HERE

Sláinte!

Eddie, Amanda, Rupert, Georgina, Vicky and Guy

INTERESTING CASKS WITH CHRIS BOLTON

MONDAY 13 MARCH
7.30-9PM

BOOK

Join us for an evening of exploration, examining the casks used to mature whisky. Casks supply most of the flavour of a whisky, but when you move whisky from one cask to another, how does it change things? We aim to investigate and find out over the space of six whiskies

Balblair 1997 Gordon & MacPhail

Glenfiddich 21yo

Glen Garioch 1998 Wine Cask

Clynelish 1995 20yo Signatory

Benriach 21yo Port Wood

Lagavulin 1999 Distillers Edition

Our host for the evening is Chris Bolton, Whisky Exchange shop assistant manager and whisky obsessive. Chris has been seeking out weird and wonderful whiskies since he started working for us more than a decade ago, and he’ll be bringing along some excellent examples for our tasting.

MONDAY 13 MARCH
7.30-9PM

£35 PER TICKET

Please arrive at the venue from 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start

BOOK

VENUE

THE WHISKY EXCHANGE SHOP
@ COVENT GARDEN
2 BEDFORD STREET
LONDON WC2E 9HH

Loch Fyne Range

Here in our workshop on the shores of Loch Fyne we do just one thing, and we do it very well. That’s to know what people like in a whisky. You’ve told us everything we need to know and we’ve heard you, because, like whisky, the skill of listening improves with age.