Ralfy examines sherry and colouring in Ralfy Review 643 – Bowmore 9yo sherried @ 40%vol

The Macallan unveils the newest addition to the Masters of Photography Series, with Steven Klein

The 6th installment features a new limited edition whisky and never before seen content from Klein

Today unveils The Macallan’s sixth Masters of Photography release, part of a limited edition series which showcases the mastery and art of both photography and whisky making. This edition marks a change in creative direction, with the master of visual ambiguity, Steven Klein, capturing and distilling a single moment in time through film and imagery.

Since 2008, The Macallan has partnered with some of the most well known photographers in the industry like Annie Lebowitz, Elliott Erwitt and Mario Testino to marry the art of whisky making with their incredible interpretations of the world of The Macallan. This year, The Macallan Masters of Photography series partnered with Steven Klein to explore an ingredient fundamental in the making of The Macallan: time. The unspoken fourth ingredient in The Macallan as each bottle of whisky captures a moment in time; to be enjoyed in the future – but always rooted to a time in the past.

To portray this distinctive piece, The Macallan Master Whisky Maker, Bob Dalgarno, has created a  whisky of exceptional quality. It reveals a very specific and unusual character and flavor, itself capturing a moment in time, mirroring Bob Dalgarno’s own interpretation of Steven Klein’s work.

Inspired by the past, and uncharacteristic for The Macallan, peated notes represent the smokiness of the industrial setting of Klein’s film. Some of the rare Macallan whiskies of that era were indeed peated in profile. The whisky also represents The Macallan’s first ever use of casks previously used for Rioja wine, which provides flavors of sweet berries and spices, along with an unusual pinkish red color, again reflective of the artist’s imagery. The result, a whisky with sweetness and vibrancy unseen before in any Macallan.

Steven Klein commented, “This project has given me the chance to create a film and a special edition bottle and box. This was a true merging of artist and commerce, where I had great support from the team at Macallan in this endeavour.”

Klein continued “My intention was to examine a world standing still through a moving camera. Typically with consumption of alcohol, there is always an abundance of movement. I thought what if it had all stopped for a moment and I could take a closer look at it. The idea is the perception of time. I used one of my favorite designers, Thom Brown, for the characters because I believe his clothes are bridged between the past and future in a great way.”

Klein distills a moment in time through his distinctive and disruptive lens to create a short film and ten individual images of an incredible tableau. This edition is paired with a whisky of such standout quality, itself capturing an ultimate Macallan moment, limited to only 1,000 bottles worldwide.

Ken Grier, Creative Director, The Macallan, said “Our commitment to the extraordinary is reflected in a restless spirit of dynamism, creativity and mastery to create the ultimate spirit. We bring together things which can appear ordinary and transform them into something incredible. We create, define and disrupt moments in time.”

The Masters of Photography: Steven Klein edition is presented in a stunning black case containing the limited edition whisky and one of ten different Steven Klein exclusive signed prints. A striking horse’s head bottle stopper, along with a range of custom barware tools to create special serves and flavor experiences are also included, inspired by the most innovative trio in the world of cuisine, the Roca brothers of El Celler de Can Roca in Spain and ultimately, Klein’s own dark and glamorous style.

This limited edition liquid will retail at approximately $2,995 USD, with only 100 bottles allocated to the USA. For purchasing inquiries, please email: Inquiries.us@themacallan.com. 

Explore the Whisky

Master Whisky Maker Bob Dalgarno provides his personal tasting notes on The Macallan Masters of Photography: Steven Klein Edition release. 

Color – Red Mahogany

Nose – Sweet berries, hints of chalk and light vanilla. Dried fruits, oak, caramelized ginger, citrus orange, a wisp of smoke.

Palate – Sweet spice lingers then opens up to show subtle smokiness. Dark chocolate combines with orange zest. Resinous oak is soft and textured.

Finish – Medium to long. Soft, rich fruit ending in wood smoke.

ABV – 53.5% 

ABOUT THE MACALLAN:

Founded in 1824 in the heart of Speyside, The Macallan was one of the first distilleries in Scotland to be legally licensed. Since then it has built a reputation as one of the world’s finest single malt whiskies.  The story of The Macallan is built on the Six Pillars, each influencing the whisky in its own distinct way.  From the spiritual home of Easter Elchies House; curiously small stills giving richness to the pure spirit; finest cut or the best of the best of the distillation, to exceptional oak casks which account for up to 80% of the final flavor in the whisky; natural color and finally peerless spirit, The Macallan itself.

Wood sits at the heart of The Macallan.  The vital contributing influences of Spain, North America and Scotland, together with true mastery, set it apart from the rest. For more information on The Macallan, visit www.themacallan.com. The Macallan can also be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

ABOUT STEVEN KLEIN:

Steven Klein is one of the most challenging and provocative artists in photography and film. Klein’s riveting body of work consumes viewers and entices them into his extreme vision. The work of Steven Klein is grounded in reality but the template is constructed with elements of allure and dark glamour. Klein’s unique perspective provokes the imagination and draws the viewer into the scene, one must know more. Klein trained as a painter at the Rhode Island School of Design. He is continually commissioned by the world’s top designers and publications and his work has been exhibited worldwide at galleries and museums.

JAVIER BARDEM DROPS IN AT THE HOME OF CHIVAS REGAL 

14th March 2017 – Oscar-winning actor Javier Bardem has been spotted visiting the home of luxury Scotch whisky Chivas Regal in Speyside, Scotland.

Javier was pictured exploring Strathisla Distillery – the oldest working distillery in the Scottish Highlands, and source of the single malt that can be found at the heart of each and every Chivas Regal blend. There, Chivas Regal Custodian Master Blender, Colin Scott, the guardian of the famously generous Chivas Regal signature style, shared his secrets of the art of blending; while Director of Blending Sandy Hyslop presented the actor with his own exclusive blend of latest release, Chivas Regal Ultis.

As one of the global faces of Chivas Regal, Javier’s experience in Scotland was captured on film, and will be shared on the Chivas Regal social media channels later this year.

Javier features in the latest instalment of the global Chivas Regal Win the Right Way advertising campaign, which is a demonstration of the power and impact of working together to achieve success. Through his work with Chivas Regal, Javier aims to reinforce this belief, and inspire a new generation to succeed while making a positive impact on the lives of others.

APRIL AUCTION NOW LIVE (ends Sunday 30^th April)

…place your bids at http://www.whiskyhammer.co.uk/

With an incredible selection of whiskies and other fine spirits there is certainly something for everyone – whether you are looking to collect, invest, enjoy!

Great Direct Import Single Casks not to miss…

Introduction to Whisky

(Saturdays)

Every other Saturday, in the heart of soho, we host “Introduction to Whisky” tastings. Come on down and join a small group of people who are as eager to learn more about whisky as you are . Scotch, Bourbon and whiskies from all over the world will be sampled accompanied by an in house whisky specialist to talk you through every detail and answer any of your questions. We’ll see you there. (Links to tickets below.)

SATURDAY APRIL 22ND

SATURDAY MAY 13TH

Milroy’s of Soho
3 Greek Street
London, England W1D 4NX
United Kingdom

BARTON 1792 DISTILLERY RECEIVED FOUR TOP AWARDS

AT DENVER INTERNATIONAL SPIRITS COMPETITION 

         BARDSTOWN, kENTUCKY (April 11, 2017) – Four bourbons from Barton 1792 Distillery received high honors at the sixth annual Denver International Spirits Competition. Two received Gold and two received Silver.

            Those awarded Gold include:

• 1792 Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Kentucky Tavern Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

            Those awarded Silver include:

• Zachariah Harris Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Big House Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

The Denver International Spirits Competition was held in Broomfield, Colorado, where a panel of 20 respected spirits authorities rated entries through a double-blind process, on a 100-point scale.

Complete results for the 2017 Denver International Spirits Competition can be found at http://www.denverspiritscomp.com/.

About Barton 1792 Distillery

Barton 1792 Distillery is part of Barton Brands.  Barton Brands has facilities in Bardstown, Ky., Carson, Calif., and Baltimore, Md. Barton Brands is owned by the Sazerac Company, an American family-owned company based in New Orleans, La. Barton 1792 Distillery was established in 1879 and continues today as the oldest fully-operating Distillery in the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” The Distillery is located on 196 acres and includes 28 warehouses, 22 other buildings, the Morton Spring and the Tom Moore Spring.  Distilling, aging and bottling fine Bourbon whiskey are hallmarks of the historic Barton 1792 Distillery. 1792 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey is produced at Barton 1792 Distillery. This whiskey is named for the year Kentucky became a state and is the recent gold medal winner at the 2015 Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition. To learn more visit http://www.1792bourbon.com/.

Niven Miller

CUTTER BOAT SETS SAIL TO SING!

The Murray McDavid, a cutter boat built in 1954, is setting out on the first ever singing voyage, taking opera ‘doon the watter’, to the marinas down the Clyde.

Interestingly, the boat already has a remarkable link with singing. It was built by the father of Scottish singer Niven Miller, famous in the 1950s for his operatic style.

This June, as part of Scottish Opera’s Pop-Up Tour, songs from Pirates of Penzance and Bubble McBea will be performed on board the beautifully restored Murray McDavid. Children and members of the public will be given the chance to enjoy opera on the water.The Murray McDavid on the Clyde

The boat is owned by the independent scotch whisky company Murray McDavid. Its Managing Director, Edward Odim, is delighted to be supporting Scottish Opera’s Pop-Up Tour: ‘It’s very exciting to work with Scottish Opera and to be part of such an innovative project. I fell in love with opera when I was young and it means a great deal to me to help bring opera to others, especially children.’

The Murray McDavid

For more information, contact:Eilidh.Clark@scottishopera.org.uk

www.scottishopera.org.uk

Alexandra.Roberts@aceo.co.uk www.murray-mcdavid.com

Tel: 01452 762024 Mob: 07919 037335 

History of the Murray McDavid

The Murray McDavid (aka ‘NewCraig’) was built in St Monans, Fife in 1954 by shipbuilders James N. Miller & Sons Limited; a family run business established 270 years ago. In the 50s, the company was run by brothers Tom and Willie Miller. Willie’s son, Niven, like his father before him, served as an apprentice boat engineer in Glasgow. However, he gave up boat building for a life as a singer and went on to find fame as a singer of traditional Scottish songs, receiving worldwide acclaim.

he Murray McDavid began life as a pilot boat transporting mariners (pilots) to and from ships in the open sea. The pilot’s job was to guide and manoeuvre larger ships through the shallow waters of the busy harbour of Dundee. As such, the Murray McDavid needed to be able to withstand heavy seas and bumping against the much bigger vessels she worked alongside. 

Renovation

Fast forward 60 years, and the boat has been acquired by the Murray McDavid company, fully renovated and given a new lease of life. It has been nearly seven years since the advert for the sale of the ‘NewCraig’ first caught the attention of Edward, who had always dreamed of restoring an old boat. Since buying the boat in 2010, it’s taken a team of four, five years to lovingly restore the boat. 

The Murray McDavid in Dundee Harbour in 1954

One More Dram has launched a Kickstarter campaign (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/onemoredram/whisky-journal) seeking funding to mass produce and distribute a pocket-sized whisky journal. The journal provides a convenient way to record whisky tasting notes whether at home or on the go:

• It’s small enough to fit in a pocket or purse and bring to a whisky bar or tasting
• Provides plenty of space to write down tasting notes
• Includes a color reference chart and table of contents
• It’s designed with all whiskies in mind: Scotch, Bourbon, Irish, Canadian, Japanese, and other whiskies from around the world

The Kickstarter campaign has until May 11th to reach it’s fundraising goal. If successful, the whisky journal will begin shipping in June.” Kickstarter campaign video on YouTube

Four Roses 10 Year Old “OBSV – K&L Exclusive” Single Barrel Cask Strength Kentucky Bourbon (750ml)$64.99 View

Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637) Email: wine@klwines.com

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