Home of Whisky Festival, Salutation Hotel, Perth, Saturday, 19th August 2017, 1.00pm – 5.30pm

Exel Wines once again hosted the popular Home of Whisky Festival in Perth. The 2017 Festival started at 1pm with a welcome from Willie Wilson, Depute Provost (Mayor) of Perth. “C’mon Willie, wanting a dram here!”

Now then, having known the nice people at Exel for some years, Liz and myself did receive some extra guidance this year – well that’s our secret eh! There was a great selection of whiskies to try from a grand bunch of exhibitors. Guests were given 10 tokens in total (plus a complimentary dram on arrival of Old Perth) but sadly no option to buy more. There were 2 masterclasses hosted by Tomatin Distillery and Bruichladdich Distillery. The Tomatin hosted by another old contact, Ali – who provided taste-bud ticklers with whisky-based cocktails. There were 5 whiskies– Tomatin 12 Year Old, Tomatin 14 Year Old, Tomatin 18 Year Old and two mystery malts – Tomatin Mystery Malts were: Five series Earth which is peated and the Limited Release 36 Year Old.   Brooch masterclass were 5 whiskies tasted –Classic Laddie, Islay Barley, Port Charlotte Scottish Barley, Port Charlotte Islay Barley, Octomore 6.1, Liz almost hit the roof at the last one!

List of exhibitors: Benriach, GlenDronach, Glenglassaugh, The Glenturret, Bruichladdich, Douglas Laing & Co, Compass Box, Morrison & Mackay, Fraiser, Tomatin, Gordon & MacPhail, Wemyss Malts, Ian MacLeod Distillers, Murray McDavid, Indie Brands, Glenfarclas, Kilchoman. There were crackers for people to munch on as they tasted the whiskies as well as jugs of water.  All the stock for sale at the pop-up shop was at special prices for the day of the festival.  There was also a tear-off voucher on the back of the brochure that could be used when buying whisky in the shop during September.

The Glenturret Range Scotland’s oldest working distillery focuses on profiling the taste of the malt, three tastes to choose from, Sherry, Triple Wood and Peated. Here is where I got confused; Triple Wood – a combination of American sherry oak, European sherry oak and American bourbon oak casks have been used to create the distinct oaky flavour. Yet with all that sherry … a mix of orange peel, vanilla and peardrops (sweeties fae schooldays) with a taste of cedarwood, cinnamon, marzipan and a hint of coconut – so where is the oaky taste? Answers on a psot card please to Paul.

Of course there were many people “behind the tables” we knew well, having been in this whisky industry selling whisky tours for over 21 years. It was nice meeting up again, specially Jacque (Wemyss whiskies) who we also met in Oban, Helsinki and others! That girl moves about. Ali from Tomatin and Jan – a timerous beasties of a man. It was busy on Saturday, not too busy like some we have attended (one comes to mind where punters were 5 deep waiting for a dram) but just about right. I was fortunate to see the programme before the event, and a good job of this was made, not all festivals do this. Before the event – well 4 days before actually, I had been tasting in the shop and aye, went home with two Perth pals, Old Perth bottles – ha! The 21 year old was not available at the show, am chuffed with this as I have one. It’s no often I get my hands on a 21 year old these days. Dianne Wilkie, Director of Exel Wines told me, ‘We first hosted the Home of Whisky Festival in the Salutation Hotel in 2014 (I was there at that too!), and it is a privilege for us to be able to bring the event back to this venue again this year. Perth has long had a love affair with the ‘water of life’ and the Home of Whisky Festival is a great way to celebrate this by not only raising awareness of the whisky-making heritage of Perthshire, but also throughout Scotland, giving those attended an opportunity to sample some of the best whisky Scotland has to offer and learn more about whisky production and distribution across the globe.’ Can I just mention the girls at the shop, ever charming, knowledgeable and reliable; these two are great fun and classed friends of mine.

Established in 2009, Exel Wines have gone from strength-to-strength over the years to become one of the UK’s largest online retailers of wine, whisky, craft beer and spirits. With a shop on 47 South Street, it is also Perth’s best whisky retailer offering wine and whisky enthusiast a treasure trove of delights, including many rare and collectable bottles. I know this for sure, I have shopped and come out many times with more than one bottle. They also offer superb tasting nights, with a limited audience, enabling much serious dramming without a crowd, hosted by experts too! So the moral of this story is – get along to Exel shop, festival events or the tastings, or like me, all!

Paul McLean www.whiskytours.scot/

Jim Beam Unveils New Jim Beam® Vanilla, Continuing A 222-Year Tradition of Exploration

(CHICAGO) August 8, 2017 – Today, Jim Beam®, the world’s No. 1 bourbon, officially announced the latest addition to its flavored portfolio, Jim Beam® Vanilla. Jim Beam Vanilla blends Madagascar vanilla bean liqueur with classic Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey.

Continuing a 222-year family tradition of innovation and exploration, Jim Beam distillers have struck the perfect balance of subtle Madagascar vanilla bean with hints of oak and caramel bourbon notes, producing a sweet vanilla aroma and golden brown color. Bartenders with early samples of the product have suggested mixing Jim Beam Vanilla year-round with cola and a cherry garnish for extra color and flavor.

Jim Beam’s flavored whiskey portfolio continues to contribute to the brand’s positive momentum following the launch of Jim Beam® Apple in 2015. According to Nielsen research, Jim Beam’s sales saw a 15 percent growth (USD dollar share) in the 12-month period that ended July 15.

“Jim Beam pioneered flavors in the bourbon category several years ago and the trend has continued to grow. We are always innovating, and are proud to offer a variety of flavors in our portfolio,” said Jim Beam’s 7th generation master distiller Fred Noe. “Of course, our newest is Jim Beam Vanilla, with a rich and smooth profile. But don’t just take my word for it, sit back and enjoy a sip.”

Jim Beam’s global brand partner Mila Kunis is also excited about the new innovation. Kunis will be featured in social and digital content around the official campaign launch this fall.

“I’m thrilled to collaborate with my friends in Kentucky to debut Jim Beam Vanilla,” said Kunis. “If you’re like me, you love the taste of bourbon but are sometimes looking for something a little different. Jim Beam Vanilla is perfect when I want a touch of flavor.”

Bottled at 70-proof, new Jim Beam Vanilla contains vanilla liqueur blended with Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey. It offers the perfect balance of subtle vanilla sweetness and hints of oak and deep caramel bourbon notes. Jim Beam Vanilla joins the brand’s existing flavored whiskey portfolio already in market, including Jim Beam® Apple, Jim Beam® Kentucky Fire™, Jim Beam® Honey and Red Stag by Jim Beam® Black Cherry.

Jim Beam Vanilla has a suggested retail price of $15.99 for 750mL, and is now available in bars and retail locations nationwide. Prices may vary based on market and product size.

For more information about Jim Beam Vanilla, follow us on Twitter (@jimbeam) and Instagram (@jimbeamofficial) or visit www.jimbeam.com.

CIGAR PAIRING MASTERCLASS
HUNTER & FRANKAU AND IAN MACLEOD
2.00pm – 2.40pm

We’re joined by cigar expert Patrick Williams from Hunter & Frankau and Brand Ambassador Alan Wardrop from Ian Macleod Distillers, for a sensational cigar pairing session on the venue’s rooftop terrace. Don’t wait too long to secure your spot – there are only 20 tickets available!

MASTERCLASS TICKETS £15

BOOK NOW

– HUNTER & FRANKAU –

Founded in 1790, H&F are the leading importers of the world’s finest cigars and have been bringing them into Britain since they were first enjoyed over here. They even once owned two large Cuban cigar factories!

– SHOW TICKETS –

With Early Bird tickets long sold out, our Saturday tickets are selling FAST so if you’re thinking of attending our biggest show yet, grab yours now to avoid disappointment!

Whats included?
• Access to all whiskies on taste
• Access to a mini Masterclasses
• Branded nosing glass to take away with you
• One Dream Dram token (exchangeable for a super premium tipple)
• Festival brochure

Early Bird Saturday Tickets £35 (Sold Out)

Saturday Tickets £40

Deluxe Glenfiddich Tasting with Stephen Rutherford (13:00-13:45) £40

Cigar Pairing with Hunters & Frankau and Ian Macleod (14:00-14:40) £15

MORE DETAILS

VENUE & SHOW TIMES

thestudio
7 CANNON STREET
BIRMINGHAM
B2 5EP

Saturday 16th Sept 12:00pm – 5:00pm
(last pour at 4:30pm)

Hi folks, that’s us live with the 77th auction! Enjoy!!

Single Casks & Special Gifts

This week we welcomed a very special single cask bottling from Tamdhu to The Whisky Shop. Aged for three decades, this Platinum Old & Rare Selection from independent bottler Hunter Laing & Co is one of only 533 bottles produced from a sherry butt at cask strength.

And speaking of special, we’ve made finding the perfect gift for that someone special even easier with our handy Gift Finder. Just answer a couple of questions on the occasion, your budget and any taste preferences, and we’ll give you some of our favourite recommendations. Simple!

With next day UK delivery and international shipping available, it’s never been easier to get your hands on something special!

Tamdhu 30 Year Old Platinum Old & Rare

Distilled at Speyside’s Tamdhu distillery in July 1987, this single cask bottling from Hunter Laing & Co.’s Platinum Old & Rare Selection has been matured in a single sherry butt for three decades. Bottled in July 2017 free from chill-filtration and without acritical colouring, only 533 bottles have been produced at a natural cask strength of 53.9% abv.

The nose has orange marmalade and candied sweetness with a touch of apricot. The palate brings dried fruits with subtle spices and rich smooth toffee alongside massive sherry notes. The finish has more complex fruits and a developing sweet note atop a hint of honey.

£250 Buy Now

Benriach 15 Year Old Pedro Ximenez Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) (Elsewhere $80) ($49.99)

The Benriach distillery makes one of the most delicious and classically Speyside single malts in the business. The 15 year old Pedro Ximenez edition takes that classic malty character and adds the richness and texture of Spain’s sweetest sherry to the mix, elevating the flavors from solely vanilla and barley into chocolate, mocha, and fudge. Normally priced at eighty dollars or more, this is a deal you won’t want to miss.

David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 19, 2017

Wowee wow…these opportunities are few and far between these days, but every now and again you get lucky. As many of you know, the BenRiach Group sold to Brown-Forman recently and, if you’re not intimately familiar with the liquor business, Brown-Forman is distributed by a different company than Anchor, who was the previous importer. What happens every now and again is that the new distributor refuses to buy the old inventory from the previous supplier, which sometimes (but not always) results in a fire sale. Since I happened to be in the right place at the right time, I made an offer for the entire lot and they took the deal! Simply put: THERE IS NOTHING THIS GOOD FOR THIS PRICE IN SINGLE MALT WHISKY RIGHT NOW. Benriach, who also owned Glendronach distillery, makes textural, rich, and mouth-coating whiskies and this 15 year old sherry-finished edition offers the sweetness and intensity of Pedro Ximenez like icing on top of a malty, vanilla-laded cake. Rich and supple on the palate, this is a throwback malt for a throwback price that is simply too good to miss. Buy six bottles if you can afford to. You’ll want to keep some of these hidden away for a rainy day.

INCHMURRIN 2001  15YO SINGLE CASK TWE EXCLUSIVE

£79.95

BUY NOW »

‘A grown-up Inchmurrin, mixing gummi bears and orchard fruit. Juicy and delightful’

BILLY
WEB CONTENT EDITOR

ARDBEG ‘AN OA’ – THE NEWEST ADDITION TO THE CORE RANGE IN A DECADE 

At the heart of Ardbeg’s Distillery, in its intriguing new Gathering Room*, a smoky, sweet and rounded single malt is taking shape. Ardbeg An Oa (pronounced “an oh”) is inspired by the most untamed part of The Ultimate Islay Malt’s remote Scottish island home. Released in September 2017, it will be the first new permanent expression to emerge from Ardbeg for almost ten years.

Like the complex whisky which shares its name, Islay’s Mull of Oa is noticeably rounded.  At the Island’s southernmost point, the headland’s towering cliffs stand defiantly against the raging Atlantic storms, providing welcome shelter for Islay’s south coast, to which the Ardbeg Distillery has clung for more than 200 years.  Ardbeg An Oa pays homage to its untamed provenance, with contrasts of powerful intensity and sweet silkiness that celebrate the spot where storm meets calm.

Inside Ardbeg Distillery’s new and bespoke Gathering Room lies the vast Gathering Vat – specially created from French oak to bring Ardbeg An Oa into being. The different layers of whisky slowly mellow together within; the richness of spirit matured in Pedro Ximénes casks, the spice of whisky aged in virgin oak, and all the hallmark intensity of Ardbeg matured in ex-bourbon barrels. Culminating in an untamed single malt far more complex and rounded than the sum of its parts.

Ardbeg’s Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation & Whisky Stocks, Dr Bill Lumsden, said: “There is a wonderfully Ardbeggian magic to The Gathering Room, where the parcels married together in this whisky merge over time, to reach new levels of complexity.  Ardbeg An Oa’s rounded and subtly smoky aromas reflect all the contrasts of the Mull of Oa, with notes of creamy toffee, aniseed, dates and hints of peach and banana.  The whisky’s smooth, creamy texture leads to a huge syrupy sweetness on the palate, as milk chocolate, orange and smoky tea leaves mingle with sweet spices, cigar smoke and – unusually – grilled artichokes, before a lingering, seductive and smoky finish.  It is years since the world’s smokiest, peatiest Islay malt added to its core range.  We hope smoky malt whisky fans everywhere will be drawn to Ardbeg An Oa.”

Ardbeg An Oa is non-chill filtered and bottled at ABV 46.6%. Priced at RRP £49.00, it will be available in specialist retailers from September 2017.

#ardbeg #untamed #islay 

www.ardbeg.com

Follow us on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ardbeg

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ardbeg_com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ardbeg/ 

NOTES:

TASTING NOTES

Colour: Harvest gold

Aroma: Rounded and subtly smoky (applewood smoked), with creamy toffee, aniseed, treacle and dates.  A curious suggestion of juicy fruits, such as peach and banana.  With a drop of water, come reminders of Ardbeg’s classic fragrance – lime, pine resin, fennel, saddle soap and tar.  A gentle waxiness, like fragrant candle wax, and hints of smoked herbs.

Taste: A smooth, creamy texture leads into a huge syrupy sweetness, flavours of milk chocolate, treacle toffee, aniseed, orange and smoky tea leaves.  Gentle, sweet spices (nutmeg and cinnamon), some cigar smoke, and a very unusual flavour of grilled artichokes.  Long and sweet, with floral overtones, mint toffee and some gentle malty/biscuity notes.

Finish: Lingering, seductive, gentle yet intense, with flavours of aniseed, hickory and distant subtle smoke. 

Ardbeg:

Ardbeg prides itself on being The Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky.  Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts.  Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’.  During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future and it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction.  Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following.

*The Gathering Room:

The Gathering Room, created from a former grain store at Ardbeg, has been custom designed to hold Ardbeg’s Gathering Vat.  Crafted from French oak, the vast Gathering Vat allows the different cask types used to create Ardbeg An Oa to marry.  With the magic of time, their flavours are rounded into a whisky which reaches new heights of complexity.  The rounding that takes place in The Gathering Room has its origins in centuries-old whisky practices, whereby distillers would sometimes combine different casks in one vat, with intriguing results.

The Mull of Oa:

The Mull of Oa is Islay’s most untamed spot.  Situated at the end of the Oa peninsula, its dramatic cliffs form the most southerly point of Islay.  On one side, this rounded headland – 202m at its height – bears the brunt of storms that rage in from the Atlantic.  On the other, it provides shelter from the wild weather to the southern coast of Islay, including Ardbeg Cove, where the Ardbeg Distillery is nestled.  These contrasts – and the Mull’s rounded shape – are reflected in the power and silky sweetness of Ardbeg An Oa.

Ardbeg Committee:

The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded in 2000 by the formation of the Ardbeg Committee.  The Committee is made up of thousands of Ardbeg followers worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”.  Today there are more than 100,000 members of the Ardbeg Committee in over 130 countries.  Committee members are regularly consulted on new bottlings and expressions and are offered exclusive Committee bottlings.  Members also receive invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events.  The Committee, chaired by Mickey Heads, is free to join at ardbeg.com. 

Awards:

Ardbeg is the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whisky.  Since 2008, Ardbeg has won more than 50 gold and double gold medals in key whisky competitions.  Ardbeg was voted ‘World Whisky of the Year’ twice by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible (2008, 2009) and has twice been awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards (2010, 2013).  At the 2014 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, Mickey Heads was voted ‘Distillery Manager of the Year’.  The following year, Ardbeg’s expressions took the top three spots in Whisky Advocate magazine’s review of the best single malt Scotch whiskies under US$100.  Meanwhile, both Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Ardbeg Uigeadail have been awarded gold medals at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Ardbeg’s core range:

Ardbeg An Oa (pronounced “an oh”) is the first expression to be added to Ardbeg’s core range for almost a decade.  In 2000, the Distillery released Ardbeg Ten Years Old.  In 2003, it was followed by Ardbeg Uigeadail and in 2009, by Ardbeg Corryvreckan. 

The Glenmorangie Company:

The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton.  Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay Malt.

Responsible Drinking:

Ardbeg and The Glenmorangie Company advocate responsible drinking and suggest that drinkers savour Ardbeg whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption

This year, we’re honouring our distillery team, in the best way we know how.

The realities of living on a remote island in a small community mean that everyone has to work together for the benefit of one and all. Nowhere is this bond stronger than at Jura Distillery. We’re marking the distillery team’s dedication and craftsmanship with a very special limited edition release, created in their honour.

On 6th February this year, the Jura Distillery team got together to try five whiskies and choose the next Limited Edition bottling. Their choice is a whisky that is a true product of its environment, full of the spirit of celebration, and the perfect tribute to the passion and tenacity each person brings to every last drop of our whisky. We can’t wait to hear what you think.

One And All – Coming 1 September 2017

Douglas Laing

Established in 1948, the bottler enjoys over half a century of experience. Each cask has been carefully selected by them and then tasted by us. Here are some of our favourites.

Benrinnes 20: From the heart of Speyside, this single cask demonstrates the pinnacle of this distillery. The use of a unique partial triple distillation, which ceased in 2007, creates its signature flavour.

RRP: £89.95
Web Exclusive: £70.95

Braeval 15: Also known as Braes of Glenlivet, this distillery is the joint highest in Scotland, and is rarely seen as a single malt.

RRP: £59.95
Web Exclusive: £52.95

Craigellachie 21: One of the classic styles of malt production, this expression typifies the marriage of the orchard fruit notes representative of the distillery character and the rich tropical fruit notes of American oak and age. Incredible value bottle.

RRP: £78.95
Web Exclusive: £63.95

Ben Nevis 21: One of the most traditional distilleries in Scotland, this release combines the delicate influence of the refill sherry cask with 21 years of influence culminating in ripe, stewed fruits and a full body.

RRP: £94.95
Web Exclusive: £83.95

Buy Now