https://youtu.be/zb6bIe_mu1U 

This isn’t a distillery that has seen a lot of showcase time on this channel, we’re hoping to change that as soon as we can! The King Car distillery and the whisky that they produce, Kavalan, is a very distinctive style of whisky and I’ve always felt that way about it, Having access to some of the most expensive cask selections in the world, the boys and girls of King Car will always have some huge flavours and colors to harness for the joy of drinking. 

This particular expression has picked up a host of awards over the years, notably in 2015. However, this is a different batch of the same style, produced from toasted Portuguese red and white wine barrels, bottled at cask strength and has a colour that is truly to die for. 

It’s a whisky of specific taste and for red wine fans, will no likely be a hit, but fir the whisky drinker, it is a direction of new styles, some would argue that new world whisky are all bark and no bite, i fell indifferent about it, but hopefully this review will bring out some of your opinions and whether or not what is being done at these distilleries is of any balance to the seasoned whisky drinker. Cheers!

http://thewhiskeyjar.com/

http://www.flagtimefilms.com/

https://www.facebook.com/whiskytube/

Champion Named in Heaven Hill Brands 2017 “Bartender of the Year”

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Brands and Liquor.com announced today the champion of the 2017 Bartender of the Year competition. After a nationwide search to find the top bartenders across America, Nathan O’Neill from the Nomad Bar in New York City is the 2017 Bartender of the Year and the recipient of $15,000.

“I’m excited to be the 2017 Heaven Hill and Liquor.com Bartender of the Year. It was an incredible experience, set in such a beautiful location,” said O’Neill. “The standard of the competitors was absolutely fantastic and the atmosphere was perfect the whole time.”

Eight finalists competed beachside at the St. Regis Bahia Resort in Puerto Rico on June 5. Final bartenders competed in a “beverage program” challenge creating an original cocktail utilizing ingredients native to Puerto Rico that was presented as if being considered for the St. Regis beverage program. The challenge was broken down into several sections, including selection of ingredients, concepting, ingredient preparation, recipe development, and presentation. Contestants were also asked to create two classic cocktails, one shaken and one stirred. Judging was based on the quality of the cocktails, the adherence to the guidelines, the technical performance, and the overall presentation.

Over 844 original cocktail recipes using Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur, Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon, PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur, and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky were submitted online nationwide beginning August 1, 2016. 32 semifinalists then competed in San Francisco, Las Vegas, Miami, Dallas, Nashville, Denver, Chicago and New York throughout February and March. The top contestant from each regional semifinal vied for the title of Bartender of the Year and $15,000 at the St. Regis Bahia Resort in Puerto Rico.

“Our bartender of the year competition continues to raise the bar for innovation and professionalism in the hospitality industry,” said Kate Latts, Vice President Marketing for Heaven Hill Brands. “Congratulations to Nathan O’Neill, and to each of the contestants for their commitment to excellence and creativity.”

National Brand Educator for Heaven Hill Brands Lynn House, Bar Manager of Clyde Common & Pépé Le Moko Jeffrey Morgenthaler, and Owner/Bartender of Pouring Ribbons Joaquín Simó, and 2016 Bartender of the Year Abigail Gullo judged the final eight bartenders. Finalists were challenged on their full range of skills as hospitality professionals. Judges were looking for the ultimate bartender who displays the total breadth and aptitude all bartenders aspire to embody.

Grounded in the original Bartender of the Year Competition hosted by Domaine de Canton starting in 2009, Heaven Hill Brands resurrected the competition due to strong demand from bartenders worldwide. Abigail Gullo of Compere Lapin in New Orleans set the bar as the champion of the inaugural Bartender of the Year competition in 2016. Visit the official competition website at www.bartenderoftheyear.liquor.com for complete competition details and names of this year’s semifinalists.

The following bartenders competed in the 2017 Bartender of the Year Finals:

Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Brands (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams Bourbon; Larceny, Elijah Craig and Henry McKenna Bourbons; Deep Eddy Vodka; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila; and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely.  Drink Wisely.”

R&B Distillers – 10 year membership to an exclusive whisky club – Na Tùsairean Club

R&B are building the first distillery on the Isle of Raasay in Scotland. Na Tusairean Club members are given the opportunity to invest in an evolving craft whisky brand and to add rare and exciting new drams to their personal whisky libraries. Members will receive an annual supply of single malt including as well as  exclusive use of luxury members’ accommodation on Raasay with striking views of the Cuillin mountain range on the neighbouring island of Skye.

Membership is valued at £1999 worth of benefits for 10 years but is priced at £999 (one of payment) or £55 a month over 18 months. 

Borders – Highland Single Grain from R&B Distillers 

R&B Distillers’ Borders whisky is a testament to the co-founder’s 19th century heritage; Alasdair Day’s great-grandfather blended whisky in the Coldstream and are planning to build a distillery in Peebles to honour this history. Matured in Bourbon casks and finished in Oloroso sherry casks, Borders has been produced to reflect the soft rolling landscape of this region through its light, sweet notes. Surprisingly dry on the palate with the sherry influences dominating, this herbaceous and golden whisky pairs well with dark praline chocolates.

The 70cl bottle is priced as £49.95

Glenrothes 2000 & 2006 Sherry Butts

Batch #1 of the Glenrothes single cask have arrived and what a treat we are in for! A trio of vintages from 1976, 2000 & 2006 exclusive to the UK market.

Glenrothes 2006 Sherry Cask #5454 – £67.98

Glenrothes 2006 vintage Speyside single malt Scotch whiskey. Single cask sherry butt #5454 bottled 2017 exclusively for the United Kingdom market. 636 bottles.

Glenrothes 2000 Sherry Cask #5454 – £97.13

Glenrothes 2004 vintage Speyside single malt Scotch whiskey. Single cask sherry butt #2364 bottled 2017 exclusively for the United Kingdom market. 575 bottles.

Glenrothes 1976 Cask #2667 – £841.76

Glenrothes 1976 vintage Speyside single malt Scotch whiskey. Single cask 2nd Fill American Oak Hogshead #2677 bottled 2015 exclusively for the United Kingdom market. 238 numbered bottles.

Ralfy explains why first-contact drams are not always the best! ~ with Ralfy Review 657 – Balblair 21yo @ 43%vol (G&MacP)

Edinburgh’s First Single Malt Whisky Distillery for 90 years Launches Fundraising Drive 

UK investors have the opportunity to invest in a brand new single malt whisky and spirits distillery which will see malt distilling brought back to Edinburgh for the first time in 90 years.

Holyrood Distillery has launched a £5.5 million funding drive to help fund the balance of its ambition to create a distillery and pioneering visitor centre, spanning 11,969 sq ft, in the heart of Scotland’s capital.

Led by Johnston Carmichael, the fundraising launch marks the latest milestone in the distillery’s development, following the City of Edinburgh Council’s decision last year to approve development of the historic Engine Shed building and site on St Leonard’s Lane into a distillery and visitor centre.

The funds will be used to renovate the 180-year old City-owned building, purchase and install equipment, create the visitor experience and provide working capital to cover the early costs of start-up and production.

A joint development by David Robertson, former Master Distiller for The Macallan, and Rob and Kelly Carpenter, founders of the Canadian branch of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Holyrood Distillery will be Edinburgh’s first single malt whisky distillery since Glen Sciennes closed in the 1920s.

The distillery will produce a range of single malts, gins, liqueurs and other spirits. Its innovative approach to ingredients, distilling processes and maturation will set Holyrood apart from more traditional approaches.

The visitor centre – Holyrood’s ‘Home of Flavour’ – will provide an immersive sensory and educational experience aimed at enlightening and delighting its visitors as they explore the world of flavour.

Distilling of Holyrood whisky will begin in late 2018, with bottles hitting the shelves as early as 2021, but only if they meet the distillery’s quality standards.  Holyrood’s ‘flavour first’ focus will be brought to life early in 2018 with prototype gins and liqueurs for test marketing. Products will then be produced ready for the distillery opening to the public later in 2018.

Rob Carpenter, Managing Director, Holyrood Distillery said:  “We feel truly fortunate to have the opportunity to be part of bringing single malt distilling back to Edinburgh after far too long an absence. Kelly, David and I all love our spirits and we’re incredibly enthusiastic about making flavour-filled single malts, gins and other cool tipples as well as creating an experience which allows our visitors to truly immerse themselves in the world of Holyrood. We are confident that by placing a working distillery in the heart of Edinburgh’s capital, with the visitor numbers and cash flow that is expected to provide, we are creating something that is quite different from the typical distillery start-up.”

Treat dad to a limited edition cask of the Cotswolds’ first-ever Single Malt whisky this Father’s Day

Looking for a unique Father’s Day gift and one he’ll treasure for years to come? Then treat him to a limited edition cask of the Cotswolds Distillery’s first ever Single Malt whisky, ahead of the big day on 18^th June.

This rare opportunity offers dads the chance to visit the distillery – based in the leafy Warwickshire countryside – fill their very own numbered cask and watch it age into the distillery’s distinctive Single Malt, the first to be distilled in this area of the UK.

Containing 200 litres of the premium spirit, the barrels are American oak first-fill ex-Bourbon, delivering a traditional finish with characteristic vanilla, honey and tropical fruit flavour notes. These perfectly complement the light, fruity character of the distillery’s spirit, which was awarded 94/100 ‘Liquid Gold’ in the last two editions of Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.

Ten years’ storage in the distillery’s bonded warehouse will be provided, but lucky recipients can opt to age their whisky for as long as they want, perfecting the liquid to suit their palette with annual check ins.

A certificate of ownership and expert advice from their team of whisky connoisseurs will also be included in the 2,995 price tag.

Only a limited number of this one-of-a-kind gift are available for purchase. Visit www.cotswoldsdistillery.com and give your dad the gift he deserves this Father’s Day.

The details:

• Recipient will receive a commemorative certificate with the number of the cask
• At the bottling stage, recipients will be responsible for bottling and labelling costs, excise duty and VAT costs
• Additional years of storage are available at 25 per year
• Thinking a barrel is too much whisky for you? No worries, Cotswolds Distillery provide three different options to suit your needs:
  • Bottling of 1/3 of your cask at no additional charge to you, in which the distillery retain 2/3 of the barrel;
  • Or if you change your mind, you have the option of selling the cask back to the distillery under bond. 

Notes

• The Cotswolds Distillery began production on its idyllic North Cotswolds site in September 2014 and already has an award-winning product – Cotswolds Dry Gin – on sale nationally and in over 15 countries.  Key national accounts include M&S, Majestic, Oddbins, Laithwaites, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, and Fortnum & Mason.
• Its young Cotswolds Single Malt, made entirely using local Cotswolds barley, was recently rated as ‘Liquid Gold’ – scoring 94 out of 100 points – by noted whisky writer Jim Murray, in both the 2016 and 2017 editions of his Whisky Bible.  It will officially become whisky (3 years and 1 day in the cask) at the end of September 2017, with the Inaugural Release scheduled for the first week of October.
• The distillery has become a premier local attraction, offering tours and tastings daily, and receives nearly 15,000 visitors a year.  It represents an investment of 5 million, much of which was by the founder, but also through local investors and its highly successful ‘Angels’ Share’ crowdfunding round in 2016.

New arrivals at Park Ave.
Father’s Day ideas: wink, wink – cough, cough

Dad’s Hat ~ Straight Rye  

A lush and complex rye in the classic, spicy Pennsylvania Style. The nose reveals rye grass and burnt sugar with hints of vanilla. The flavor coats the tongue in layers of pepper and cinnamon spice, green apple, fig and cocoa powder with a long smooth and lingering finish.  “fresh but fully realized at just 3 years.”  ~ Clay Risen author of American Whiskey Bourbon & Rye reports $65/btl

Copper Dog ~ Blended Whiskey

A blended malt Scotch whisky named after a little piece of kit used once upon a time by distillery workers to covertly sneak whisky home. Eight different whiskies from Speyside were combined to create this well-balanced blend, which was designed to be well-suited for enjoying in cocktails and mixed drinks. Nose: Peach, pear and dried apple. Classic Speysider honey’d cereal notes. Palate: Chocolate digestives, nutty malt, orange peels and soft simmering spices.Finish: Baked goods and honey-covered fruit.” (notes from Master of Malt) $33/btl

Woodford Reserve Bourbon
WhiskyLive Hall of Fame bottle
Exclusive to Park Ave. Liquor Shop

This single barrel bottling, is a Hall of Fame edition celebrating of Master Distiller, Chris Morris’ induction into the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame. The Park Avenue Liquor Shop is honored to be the exclusive NY retailer for this bottle. Distillery Tasting notes: “This unique barrel of Woodford Personal  Selection Bourbon is Sweet, Nutty and Malty; soft and smooth with notes of Oak, mild chocolate, pecans and light touch of toasted coconut.” Mash bill =  72% Corn/ 18% Rye / 10% barley . Limited to 162 bottles. $75/Liter bottle

Glenfiddich Experimental Series #2
Project XX

Glenfiddich asked its 20 ambassadors to choose their favorite cask from the distillery’s warehouses. From the character of these casks, malt master Brian Kinsman created a new, experimental whisky – Project XX. Notes from Billy Abbott (The Whisky Exchange). NOSE Barley sugar and lardy cake (spiced bread) are followed by dry cinnamon and nutmeg notes. Then things get juicy, with pine needles, freshly peeled orange zest, lime jelly and hints of Haribo candy. Water adds in layers of fruity toffee.PALATE Chocolate-covered caramels, black pepper, orange cream and singed orange peel lead things, with milk-chocolate truffles and hazelnuts bringing up the rear. Water reveals the toffee from the nose on the palate as well as adding sweet stewed apples and sharp Granny Smiths. FINISH Dry and softly spicy to start, with sweet hints of digestive and shortbread biscuits building with butter and spice. $90/btl

Whisky An’A’That 2017 Festival Quaich Challenge

Robbie’s Drams Whisky Merchants are delighted to announce the winning results from last weeks festival.

These whiskies were chosen by the attendees on the day as their favourites and over 80% of our discerning guests cast a vote.

First Place

Glenfiddich 21 Year Old Gran Reserva Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Second Place

Glenfarclas 25 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Third Place

Berry Brothers & Rudd Glen Garioch 1989 24 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Many Congratulations to Bill Bowman of Ayr who was the lucky winner of a £50 Gift Voucher.