MARCH AUCTION LIVE AND BURSTING WITH SPRINGTIME SPIRIT!

Spring has sprung here in beautiful Perthshire and with it comes our March Auction! 

This last month has seen some exciting new releases that we will be bringing to you alongside the fantastic range of rare and unusual, collectable and drinkable bottles that you have come to expect! 

SABUROMARU 1960 55 YEAR OLD

The oldest Japanese whisky released to date! Distilled in 1960 at the little known Saburomaru distillery. They have been producing heavily peated malt since 1952 but only for a few months a year. An incredible bottle! 

LAGAVULIN 1991 200TH ANNIVERSARY

This new one-off limited release is the culmination of Lagavulin’s 200th celebrations! A charity bottling, proceeds were donated to Islay charities. 

KILLYLOCH 1967 36 YEAR OLD

A wonderful bottle of this rarely seen whisky! Produced for a short time only at Moffat grain distillery, this 1967 example was taken from the last casks belonging to the distillery owners. 

BUFFALO TRACE OFC 1980, 1982, 1983

A stunning series of very rare bourbon! Our current auction features all three vintages from the charity release, beautifully presented and named in honour of the distillery’s original name, Old Fashioned Copper. 

GLEN MORAY 1959 INCLUDING 5CL

Bottle number 1 of 400 released in 1999 at close to, if not 40 Years Old! Glen Moray state on the label that this is the oldest and rarest malt they have ever bottled. A stunning whisky! 

MACALLAN SPEYMALT COLLECTION G&M 6X70CL

A spectacular collection of vintage Macallan! Ranging from 1938 through to 1987, the six bottles are presented within a finely crafted wooden display case with tartan lining. 

Auction runs Friday 24th March to Monday 3rd April. 

There is no registration fee, our commission structure is very competitive and we offer worldwide shipping. For our terms and conditions please click here. 

Happy bidding! 

KARUIZAWA AUCTION LIVE WEDNESDAY 5TH APRIL

Hot on the heels of our March Auction is our exclusive Karuizawa Auction! Featuring very nearly every release from the legendary closed Japanese distillery, this is an awe-inspiring collection. A chance to pick up some of the world’s most desirable and sought after whisky, this is an opportunity not to be missed!

Islay malt calls on fans to share in a nose, taste and toast for beloved Manager

It is ten years since Ardbeg’s beloved Mickey Heads took charge of the single malt whisky’s untamed spirit. To celebrate the acclaimed Distillery Manager’s decade at the helm, the world’s smokiest, peatiest Islay malt invites fans across the world to pour a dram of Ardbeg and give three cheers for Mickey, with a nose, taste and toast.

In 2007, when Mickey was appointed, Ardbeg was a very different place to the one the cult malt’s loyal following knows today. Saved from extinction by The Glenmorangie Company only a decade previously, it would require years of devotion to complete the Distillery’s resurgence on its remote Scottish island home. With Islay native Mickey at the forefront however, Ardbeg has gone from strength to strength. Today, it is the world’s most highly awarded smoky malt, while Mickey was singled out as Distillery Manager of the Year at respected industry awards in 2014.

In honour of Mickey’s decade of dedication to Ardbeg’s enduring spirit, the Distillery calls on smoky malt whisky fans to join in a worldwide three cheers, with a nose, taste and toast of their favourite expression, be it Ardbeg Ten Years Old, Ardbeg Uigeadail or Ardbeg Corryvreckan. Ardbeggians are invited to film and share their cheers with the hashtag #3cheers, to be part of a special anniversary surprise for Mickey which the Distillery is keeping under wraps for now.

Meanwhile on Islay, Mickey is holding some anniversary tastings of his own. In Ardbeg’s first official tasting videos, he will nose, taste and toast Ardbeg’s three Ultimate whiskies, giving his insight into the expressions that Islay’s wilderness has inspired.

Mickey, who also chairs Ardbeg’s loyal fan club, the Committee, said: “I’ve loved every minute of my years at Ardbeg. The Distillery has grown stronger and stronger in the past decade, and today its untamed spirit is enjoyed by Ardbeggians around the globe. Here on Islay, I’ll be raising a glass of Ardbeg to celebrate how far we’ve come. I hope Ardbeggians will join me to toast The Ultimate Islay Malt. Sláinte!”

What makes whisky taste like whisky? Hone your tasting skills and learn some whisky facts during our Master Class “Understanding the Wood from the Trees”. Part of Universal Whisky Experience Nth show – tickets still available!

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

Here is a link to our latest newsletter covering the latest goings on here in the centre of the middle of nowhere.  Please note the section on new releases.  As you have signed up to hear from us we will be updating you directly on the new products we get in on the run up to the festival.

Also, we now have in stock Bunnahabhain Moine Oloroso.

All the best

Mike

The Whisky Shop Dufftown Ltd
1 Fife Street, Dufftown, Keith, Scotland AB55 4AL
Telephone: +44 (0)1340 821097
http://www.whiskyshopdufftown.com/

Saturday April 1st, 12-3 PM

Indian Whiskey: Paul John

John Paul whiskey is a testament to the beauty of Goa, India, the breathtaking valley in which the distillery is located. Traditionally made in copper-pot sills, without artificial colours, flavours, or chill-filtration, Paul John’s whiskies have received multiple international awards, the most recent being Gold awards at both the 2017 World Whisky and Wizards of Whisky Awards.

Distillery representative Ajay Bhoja will present this tasting of Paul John’s award-winning lineup.

Pour List:

Paul John Brilliance

Paul John Edited

Paul John Bold

Paul John Classic Cask Strength

Paul John Peated Cask Strength 

 Click Here to RSVP on Facebook

Lindores Abbey Distillery launches its Preservation Society with opportunity to win a cask of Scotch whisky history 

Scotch’s oldest landmark sets the tone for a momentous opening year as visitor centre and distillery set to welcome the world to the site of first recorded whisky distillation from 1494.

Today (Wednesday, 15th March), Lindores Abbey Distillery in Fife, Scotland, celebrated the first of many key events set for its opening year, as it announced its Preservation Society membership sales open with the symbolic first planting of a tree in its historic orchards and the unveiling of a tantalising global whisky ballot.

‘The 1494’ members of The Lindores Abbey Preservation Society, who join with a £500 donation, will be entered into this launch ballot for a 200 litre ex-Woodford Reserve bourbon cask, which will be filled with first year of production Lindores Abbey Distillery spirit. The unique cask can then be bottled for the lucky winner at a date of their choosing, once the spirit is three years and a day old. As part of the launch ballot, the cask duty will also be paid, taking the value of the Lindores Abbey membership launch prize to in excess of £7,000.

‘The 1494’ will also have a tree planted in the new orchards in the member’s name (which they are welcome to plant with prior arrangement); they will receive a bottle from the first Limited Edition bottling of Lindores  Abbey Aqua Vitae (50CL, 40% ABV); a bottle (1 of only 1494) from the first distillery bottling of Lindores Abbey Single Malt Whisky (70CL, 40%+ ABV) – sent out when Lindores Abbey’s Distillery Manager declares it ready; first offer on any other Limited Edition bottlings and rights to own a bottle number each time; a welcome pack with wooden membership card entitling free entry at the distillery and visitor centre for the member and a guest in the year of joining; annual invitation to the Lindores Abbey ‘Bear Burning’ Ceremony and party for the member and a guest; 10% discount for the online shop and at the Visitor Centre; plus 10% discount on venue hire.

Members can donate £60 to the Preservation Society to secure a bottle from the first Limited Edition bottling of Lindores Abbey Aqua Vitae (50CL, 40% ABV); early access to any other Limited Edition bottlings; a welcome pack including two tickets to visit the Distillery and Abbey and a 10% discount for the online shop.

In a taste of what The 1494 Lindores Abbey Preservation Society members will enjoy as part of the experience, today, founders Drew and Helen McKenzie Smith unlocked the gates to the historic Lindores Abbey ruins, which date back to the 12th century, and planted the first of many apple trees, as a symbol of the renaissance which will take place at Scotch whisky’s spiritual home.

Lindores Abbey Distillery will open on 1st August this year, on the site of the earliest written reference to Scotch Whisky production (or Aqua Vitae, as it was known), from 1494. It appears in the Exchequer Roll of the same year, naming Friar John Cor, a Lindores monk, who was commissioned by King James IV to turn 8 bolls of malt into Aqua Vitae.

Lindores Abbey, or the ‘Church by the Water’, is a key site in Scotland’s pilgrim and royal heritage. Founded in 1191 by David Earl of Huntingdon, on land overlooking the Estuary of the River Tay, given to him by his brother King William I.

The Tironensian monks who built and populated the monastery in 1191 were masons, distillers, brewers, carpenters, blacksmiths, sculptors, painters, gardeners, beekeepers, farmers and husbandmen, and they all played a part in the work of the Abbey.

Drew and Helen Mackenzie Smith want to see Lindores Abbey flourish again as a site for research, learning, brewing, distilling, horticulture, and even beekeeping, reinstating distilling and heritage orchards and gardens.  Members of the Preservation Society will share in that vision. As part of the Preservation Society’s commitment to protect the Abbey for future generations, members will become part of a very small group of people who have directly contributed to the preservation of this historic site.

The distillery is in its final phases of construction, created by converting and enlarging the old Abbey farm steading, which was built from original Abbey stone and most recently used as a dairy. Organic Architects have been responsible for the design and delivery of the distillery buildings, which champions local sustainability and low carbon footprints with Denmylne wood and stone from nearby Clatchard Quarry. Visitor experience experts Bright 3D are responsible for the innovative interior design.

Renowned fabricators, Forsyths of Rothes will complete the Lindores Abbey Distillery copper stills, and fermented wooden washbacks will come from Joseph Brown of Dufftown. Distilling will flow this year from the very same water supply as was first used in 1494, with the glass-fronted stillroom looking directly out over the Abbey grounds in full recognition of the incredible historical prestige of the revival of Scotch Whisky’s oldest location.

Founder of Lindores Abbey Distillery, Drew McKenzie Smith said:

“Casks from the first year of revived production at Scotch whisky’s oldest landmark will be special indeed, and we are excited to offer this unique whisky ballot for enthusiasts around the world in our opening year.

“As custodians of Lindores Abbey, we have made a sincere commitment to protect this important landmark for future generations. We are building a Single Malt distillery in the grounds of the former Abbey, and reinstating the heritage orchards and extensive gardens, which were first introduced here by the Tironensian Monks in the 12th Century.

“Our Preservation Society members will support the revival of so many ancient crafts and traditions, as we return Scotch Whisky’s oldest landmark to its former glory. The 1494 members of the Preservation Society will play a vital part in the story of Lindores Abbey Distillery, as we see life flourish here once again, as will all whisky fans and future pilgrims to this most special of places.”

 Notes:

1. Images from today’s launch will be available here from 11am. Images of Lindores Abbey are available for download here. More information can be found on the Lindores Abbey Distillery website.
2. The £500 Lindores Abbey Preservation Society membership will be limited to the first 1494 members. It includes: Donation to the Preservation Society and a tree planted in the new orchards in the member’s name (which they are welcome to plant with prior arrangement); A bottle from the first Limited Edition bottling of Lindores  Abbey Aqua Vitae (50CL, 40%ABV); A bottle (1 of only 1494) from our first distillery bottling of Lindores Abbey Single Malt Whisky (70CL, 40%+ ABV), ready and sent out when our Distillery Manager declares it ready; First offer on any other Limited Edition bottlings and rights to own bottle number each time; A welcome pack with wooden membership card entitling free entry at the distillery and visitor centre for member and a guest in the year of joining; Annual invitation to the Lindores Abbey ‘Bear Burning’ Ceremony and party for member and a guest; 10% discount on Online Shop and at the Visitor Centre; 10% discount on venue hire.

• The £60 Lindores Abbey Preservation Society membership includes: Donation to the Preservation Society; A bottle from the first Limited Edition bottling of Lindores Abbey Aqua Vitae (50CL, 40%ABV); Early access to any other Limited Edition bottlings; A welcome pack including two tickets to visit the Distillery and Abbey; 10% discount on Online Shop

• Lindores Abbey Distillery will open on 1st August 2017, with a limited number of Lindores Abbey single malt casks for private ownership released after distillation commences.

• The Lindores Abbey Bear is a depiction of the stone statue taken from the Abbot’s Abbey lodgings at the time of the Reformation. Each year Lindores Abbey Distillery will burn the bear into the ground to toast the past and future of this historic location.

• Lindores Abbey was founded in 1191 by David Earl of Huntingdon, on land overlooking the Estuary of the River Tay, given to him by his brother King William I. It was visited by Kings and Queens (including Edward I of England, John Balliol, David II, James III and IV), warriors and statesmen. William Wallace even took refuge with 300 of his men after their victory over the English at the nearby Battle of Black Earnside.

• Lindores Abbey Farm was bought by Drew McKenzie Smith’s grandfather in 1913. Drew now holds the title of ‘Custodian of Lindores’.  Along with his wife, Helen, Drew has spent the past two decades tirelessly researching, planning and campaigning to bring a distillery back to Lindores Abbey.

For updates on life at Lindores Abbey Distillery, visit http://www.lindoresabbeydistillery.com/ and our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages

Website now fully updated

With tickets going on sale this coming Monday March 27 at 10am, the Spirit of Toronto website has now been fully updated, including the schedule for our 2017 Masterclass Series.

For those of you attending the show for the first time, these masterclasses are seated tutored tastings presented by a variety of guest speakers on the lower level of Roy Thomson Hall. Seats may be reserved when purchasing tickets for the show. For full details please visit us online at http://www.spiritoftoronto.ca

Canada150: Let’s Celebrate!

For our 2017 edition we have programmed some special guests and special whiskies to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday. In addition to our Canada150 showcase, we look forward to offering previews of a number of new Canadian releases, as well as taking guests back in time as we unearth some special gems and look back at Canada’s rich distilling heritage. For lovers of history, whisky and Canada this year’s Spirit of Toronto should not be missed!

2017 Masterclass Series

The word rare is bandied about easily these days. Too easily in most cases, so let’s skip the hyperbole and simply state that this year’s headline masterclass is not one that you’re likely to attend anywhere else. On that note we ask you to extend a warm welcome to Canadian whisky ambassadors Johanne McInnis and Graham MacKenney as they take guests back to the dawn of Confederation to taste and learn more about the silent stills of a bygone era — ’nuff said.

Fast forwarding to the present, Dr. Don Livermore and Drew Mayville, two of the foremost blenders of Canadian whisky, will also be joining us to unveil the impending releases from the Hiram Walker distillery and the Sazerac Co. We also look forward to welcoming brand ambassador Chris Thompson of Forty Creek as he presents some highlights from its short but storied past and – fingers crossed – a possible sneak preview of the near future. Warning: exceptional whiskies will be tasted.

While we celebrate our whiskies past and present, we don’t for a moment forget that Canada owes a debt of gratitude to Scotland for our rich distilling heritage. On that note, rest assured that this year’s line-up offers an embarrassment of single malt riches showcasing the best of Scotland courtesy of The Balvenie, Benromach, Bowmore, Bunnahabhain, The Dalmore and John Dewar’s Fine Whisky Emporium including Aberfeldy, Craigellachie, Aultmore and Royal Brackla.

Looking south of the border, we are excited to have Matt Jones regale guests with bourbon and lore as he presents the Legends of Bourbon, a must for fans of the late, great Booker Noe. Also to be noted is that Irish whiskey is experiencing its own renaissance and there is no better way to learn about its DNA than through Jamesons, the world’s best selling Irish whiskey, to be presented by Conor Timmons as he walks guests through a line-up that includes the latest releases.

Automatic ticket notification

Those of you subscribed to this list will receive an automatic notification the night before tickets go on sale next week.

First time purchasing tickets to the show? We’re often asked about the best way to secure your first choices for masterclasses but regrettably we can offer no guarantees as tickets will be available online, by telephone and in person, and all three purchase methods are certain to experience a queue, but do note that there is always the possibility of attending on a stand-by basis for the 7pm and 8:30pm classes—for the ins and outs of the masterclass series, please visit our FAQ.

CRAFT WHISKY CLUB BRINGS UNDISCOVERED DRAMS DIRECT TO YOUR DOOR

Based in Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh, the Craft Whisky Club promises subscribers the chance to discover a new generation of whisky classics with small batch and limited editions direct to their doors.

As the premier subscription-based craft whisky members club, it offers either one or two full bottles of limited edition whisky accompanied with artisan delicacies, every two months delivered direct to subscribers’ homes. The club specifically targets whisky adventurers looking to try small batch and limited edition whiskies from distilleries across Scotland, Europe and further afield.

From $49.95 per month, subscribers can expect a range of exceptional whiskies from a selection of craft whisky makers including Wolfburn, Mackmyra, Teeling Whiskey Co and Compass Box Scotch Whisky Maker. Alongside these fine whiskies are a range of specially paired delicacies including ginger oatcakes, sea salted chocolate, creamy fudge or organic oatcakes. Craft Whisky Club members enjoy free shipping on all of their subscription boxes, shipped once every two months.

Founder and Managing Director David Nicol, said: “Introducing the Craft Whisky Club to US subscribers is a major step forward in our business evolution. We know how much interest and passion there is around craft whisky in the States and are confident our innovative approach will appeal to these consumers.

By bringing together these specially selected limited edition whiskies and carefully matched delicacies, we have been able to curate taste experiences, which offer real value. Importantly the club also allows us to showcase less-known distillers and enable our subscribers to explore and discover the craft side of the whisky industry.”

www.craftwhiskyclub.com

About Craft Whisky Club

Craft Whisky Club is the Number 1 craft whisky members club, based in Edinburgh, Scotland. Members benefit from experiencing the best small batch, artisan blends and whisky expressions.

The club offers either 1 or 2 bottles of limited edition whisky accompanied with artisan food items every two months delivered to your home. The service is specifically for whisky adventurers who are looking to try whiskies from small batch and limited edition distilleries from around the world.

www.craftwhiskyclub.com/

Old Forester “1920 Prohibition Style” Kentucky Bourbon Whisky (750ml) ($59.99)

91 points Wine Enthusiast: “The perfect proof. Rich in color, aroma, and flavor. It begins with powerful caramel, baking spice, chocolate, cherries, cinnamon, and toffee. Then nuance and complexity. Honey, jalapeño, rosemary, crème brûlée, malt, and fruit, from the spicy citrus of grapefruit to prunes and dried apricots. Hard to believe this is over 100 proof, as you never sense the strength challenging you to find whats next amidst the subtlety. Extremely long finish with cherry, cinnamon, and caramel. Value Pick.(FM, Winter 2016)”

K&L Notes: As one of the few distilleries allowed to remain operational during Prohibition, Old Forester is celebrating this part of its history with with its Whiskey Row series. According to the distillery: “The 115 proof expression represents a barrel sample that company president Owsley Brown I would have batched at the beginning of Prohibition. The nose is an intense medley of cherry preserves, drippy caramel, dark chocolate, thickened maple syrup and seasoned oak spiciness. Dark caramel coats layers of malt nuttiness and sweet graham cracker all warmed by green peppercorn and coriander spice brightened with a hint of cedar. Tart apple crispness gives way to a long smoky finish full of toasted marshmallow, chocolate and graham cracker sweetness.”

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 03, 2017

The Old Forester 1920 is as fabulous as it is frustrating. Yes, it’s no age statement! Some of the marketing has alluded to it being an old expression, but nothing concrete can be found. The mashbill remains a mystery, though we can assume it’s the modern Old Forester recipe (72%, 18% Rye, 10% Malt), Brown-Foreman isn’t above experimenting. All we know about this stuff is that it’s high proof, it’s got something to do with Prohibition and it’s absolutely delicious. Big powerful nose of pepper and rye spice unfolds into caramelized apples and dark exotic spice. The spice takes front and center on entry, but brings in some red fruits and burnt sugar as it lingers toward a long soft finish of nutmeg, cloves and green apples. The only other fact we know for sure is that we’ll all be kicking ourselves when we finish our bottle and realize we should have bought more.

David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 03, 2017

This was my favorite single Bourbon release of 2016 and I’m thrilled we were able to get another large allocation of it. Regardless of whether you want to get wrapped up in the story about how this was based on the Prohibition era recipe, there’s no doubt about it: this is a delicious bottle of American whiskey and it easily stands out from the crowd of currently available options. There’s a weight and a richness that coats the palate and the 115 proof brings plenty of punch with a flurry of baking spices. I love the graham crackery goodness as well. I don’t taste a lot of Bourbons these days that really have a deeply concentrated flavor of dark grains. This has it in spades. Add this to your short list of new and exciting Bourbons right now.

30 SEPTEMBER – 1 OCTOBER 2017, 11.30AM – 6.30PM
OLD BILLINGSGATE, LONDON

THE WHISKY EXCHANGE
WHISKY SHOW 2017:
EARLY-BIRD TICKETS END SOON!

Our reduced-price early-bird deals on Sunday and weekend tickets must end on 31 March! From 1 April they will go up to £99 and £175 respectively, so grab one now before the price increase.

WHISKY SHOW GIFT PACKAGES

The Whisky Exchange is offering gift packages, combining a Sunday ticket to the show with a bottle of whisky, a glass or hip flask and a Whisky Exchange Tasting Book – the perfect present for the whisky lover.

SATURDAY TICKETS: £99

BUY NOW »

SUNDAY TICKETS: £99
EARLY BIRD DEAL: £80!

BUY NOW »

WEEKEND TICKETS: £175
EARLY BIRD DEAL: £165!

BUY NOW »

WHISKY SHOW GIFT PACKAGES

The Whisky Exchange is offering gift packages, combining a Sunday ticket to the show with a bottle of whisky, a glass or hip flask and a Whisky Exchange Tasting Book – the perfect present for the whisky lover.