BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY WHISKIES WIN 5 TOP AWARDS AT AMERICAN WORLD WHISKIES AWARDS  

            FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (March 21, 2017) Buffalo Trace Distillery was awarded five top awards at Whisky Magazine’s 2017 American World Whiskies Awards, including two Golds, one Silver and two Bronze.

Two bourbons received Gold in the category of Kentucky Bourbon:

• Stagg Jr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Eagle Rare 17 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

            One whiskey received Silver in the category of American Rye:

• Sazerac Rye Straight Kentucky Rye

            Two whiskies received Bronze, one in the category of American Rye, the other in the category of Kentucky Bourbon:

• Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey
• Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

“This is a great recognition for our whiskies,” Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley said. “We are very thankful and humbled to receive these awards.”

The American World Whiskies Awards were announced at the Whisky Magazine Awards America presentation held in New York on Feb. 28.

Whiskies in each category were subject to rigorous blind taste testing to determine the very best.  For more information about the World Whiskies Awards visit www.worldwhiskiesawards.com/.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1773 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 17 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named “Brand Innovator of the Year” by Whisky Magazine at its Icons of Whisky America Awards 2015.  Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 300 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com/.

The First Editions Authors’ Series

First launched by independent bottler Hunter Laing & Co. in 2015, the First Editions Authors’ Series celebrates the life and works of great writers with equally laudable single cask whiskies. With such literary giants as Dickens, Edgar Allen Poe and Robert Louis Stevenson honoured in previous releases, the latest highly limited bottlings pay tribute to French and British writers of the 19th century.

Next day delivery available on UK orders

Springbank 1996 Benjamin Disraeli

Distilled in October 1996 at Springbank distillery in Campbeltown and matured for 20 years in a single sherry hogshead before bottling in November 2016 at a strength of 57.5% abv, only 67 have been produced. Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881) was a British politician and author who served twice as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Author of more than a dozen novels, Disraeli’s popular political novels reflect an interest in social reform and include Conigsby, Sybil and Tancred.

£600 Buy Now

Bruichladdich 1990 Jules Verne

Distilled in October 1990 at Bruichladdich distillery on the isle of Islay before spending the next 25 years maturing in a refill hogshead. Bottled in September 2016 at a strength of 48.6% abv, only 140 have been produced. Jules Verne (1828-1905) was a French author who became one of the most influential writers in Science Fiction. Verne’s works such as Around the World in 80 Days, Journey to the Centre of the Earth and Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, remain enduring classics to this day.

£500 Buy Now

Port Ellen 1983 Alfred, Lord Tennyson

Distilled in March 1983 at Port Ellen distillery on Islay before being matured in a sherry butt for 33 years. Bottled in November 2016 at a strength of 55.9% abv, only 142 have been produced. Alfred, Lord Tennyson (1809-1892) is widely regarded as the finest of the Victorian poets. Poet laureate from 1851 until his death, Tennyson was the longest serving to date. The first peer to be created for his writing, he is best remembered for his tribute to British cavalrymen, The Charge of the Light Brigade.

£2800 Buy Now

Probably Speyside’s Finest 1966 Victor Hugo

Distilled in June 1966 at what may be considered one of Speyside’s finest distilleries before spending the next half century maturing in a single sherry butt. Bottled in November 2016 at a strength of 51.1% abv, only 39 have been produced. Victor Hugo (1802-1885), French novelist, poet and dramatist, is best remembered for works such as The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Les Miserables. A supporter of the Republican movement, Hugo became involved in politics in later life, eventually being elected a senator in 1876.

£1900 Buy Now

Authors’ Series 2016 Compendium

Bringing together the four single cask expressions ranging from 20 to 50 years old, this set celebrates the life and works of Jules Verne, Victor Hugo, Alfred Tennyson and Benjamin Disraeli – great writers of the 19th century. Each bottle is wax-sealed and presented in a beautiful brown leather box, embossed with gold lettering that would look perfectly at home in the grandest of libraries.

£5800 Buy Now

Peat Smoke & Chocolate ~ A tale of indulgence

Join us on the 5th of June for a Port Askaig Single Malt Whisky tasting event expertly paired with Chocolate!

Hosted by whisky expert & Port Askaig UK Brand Ambassador Mariella Romano.

BUY NOW

The single malts of Islay are arguably Scotland’s most talked-about whiskies and are recognised for their sweet, fruity flavours and smoky, peaty character. Port Askaig is a range of single Islay malt whiskies aiming to achieve the perfect balance of these flavours and embody the unique spirit of Islay and its people.

We LOVE chocolate, we LOVE whisky, it’s a no brainer.

Only 25 tickets available for this event. Please book way in advance to avoid disappointment.

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 158: Glenrothes 20 Year Old 1996 North Star Spirits

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tries a release from the new independent bottler North Star Spirits. This company, led by Iain Croucher (of A.D. Rattray fame) has in its first year released 5 malts and 1 grain. All of them are great, but Mark’s favorite is their Glenrothes 20 Year Old 1996, matured on a sherry cask.

https://youtu.be/KAxyMoQnasE

Hi folks. We are live with the 72nd auction – our biggest ever and with something for everyone.

Enjoy – and remember: Don’t Lose Your Bottle!

Andy at Malt Box reviews the Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon @maltbox

Please click HERE to view.

History in the making

Strathearn’s Cask Ownership Scheme Returns

One of Scotland’s Scotland’s smallest distilleries, Strathearn, has revealed they will reintroduce their elite Private Cask Ownership Scheme, giving customers the chance to own their own whisky or rum cask.

Whisky aficionados can purchase a 40 litre cask or a 100 litre oak cask with a variety of types on offer including Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez Sherry, Maderia, Portuguese Brandy and more. Strathearn’s Cask Aged Golden Rum will also be available to purchase in 30 litre casks.

Working on a single cask basis has allowed Strathearn to experiment with different wood types and finishes, as well as learning to appreciate the natural variations that occur throughout spirit production, influenced by the climate and ingredients.

Tony Reeman-Clark, Founder of Strathearn Distillery said: “We are excited to reintroduce our ‘club’ which allows our customers from around the world to own a little piece of our distillery history. Being VisitScotland’s Year of History and Heritage, our ownership scheme couldn’t come at a better time.

“So far, we’ve only released the first batch of our Single Malt Scotch Whisky and are yet to unveil our Scottish rum so it is great to be able to offer a huge variety of finishes, catering to all tastes. We believe rum is the next big thing in the Scottish spirits scene so there’s no better way to allow people to get their hands on a whole cask of a true pioneering Scottish spirit.”

Originally the Private Ownership Scheme was introduced by Strathearn to pay homage to The Wash Act of 1784, where simplified rates of duty were applied to small scale distilleries north of the Highland line. The Scheme embraces the ethos and the simplicity of the 1784 act.

The casks are exclusively available through the Strathearn Distillery website and will vary in price according to spirit, finish and size. The casks will be limited and offered on a first come, first fill basis.

For more information on Strathearn Distillery or the Private Cask Ownership Scheme please visit www.strathearndistillery.com/.

Notes

• Strathearn Distillery was established in 2013 by Tony Reeman-Clark who has a passion for whisky and small scale distilling.  Production began in the October of 2013, with their first cask being filled with Strathearn new-make spirit. After three years of maturation, the first bottles of Scotch Whisky were auctioned off in December 2016.
• Strathearn produces a range of highly acclaimed Scottish gins, experimenting with innovative production techniques and flavour profiles.
• Strathearn has created a range of spirits, their soon to be released Golden Rum is being distilled now.

(WS1)
Saturday May 20th 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Whiskies of the World
Price $35 – 45 attendees. Buy Now!
with Roberto Roberti & Fountana Beverage

Join Roberto Roberti on a tasting of whiskies from around the world, highlighting classic regions as well as some “off the beaten path”. This around-the-world flight will showcase the wide array of possibilities employed by global whisky producers.

(WS2)
Saturday May 20th 1:45 – 2:45 PM
Tullibardine/Kilchoman
Price $35 – 45 attendees. Buy Now!
with Roberto Roberti & Fountana Beverage

Classic Highland malts meet the newest offerings from Islay in this sampling of whiskies from Tullibardine and Kilchoman. Roberto Roberti will lead you through a tasting of whiskies from both distilleries, and will preview a dram brand new to BC.

(WS3)
Saturday May 20th 3:30 – 4:30 PM
Amrut/Kavalan
Price $35 – 45 attendees. Buy Now!
with Roberto Roberti & Fountana Beverage

Climate has an effect on the production and ageing of whisky. Roberto Roberti will guide you through a tasting featuring premiere whiskies produced in distinctly warmer regions of the globe.

(WS4)
Sunday May 21st 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Regions of Scotland, The Beautiful Myth
Price $35 – 45 attendees. Buy Now!
with Andrew Campbell Walls & Macaloney Distillers

A discussion of the regions of Scotland and their flavour profiles. Leading into the prevalent myth of terroir and the reality that still shape and production methods are more important that water source and terroir.

(WS5)
Sunday May 21st 1:45 – 2:45 PM
The Douglas Laing Scottish Regional Malt Collection
Price $35 – 45 attendees. Buy Now!
with Stacy Kyle of Rare Drams

Remarkable Regional Malts; Containing some of the very best Single Malts from their respective regions, Timorous Beastie from the Highlands, Scallywag from Speyside, Rock Oyster from the Islands and Big Peat from Islay, Douglas Laing’s Remarkable Regional Malts deliver the Ultimate Distillation of Scotland’s Malt Whisky regions

(WS6)
Sunday May 21st 3:30 – 4:30 PM
Nature vs. Nurture, the Oak Masterclass
Price $35 – 45 attendees. Buy Now!
with Andrew Campbell Walls & Macaloney Distillers

With 50-70% of a whiskies flavour profile coming from the cask it is matured in, it is important to understand the differences between oak types and fill types.

(WS7)

Monday May 22nd 12:00 – 1:30 PM
Whisky and Local Food Pairing
Price: $45.00 – 45 attendees. Buy Now!
with Bill Jones

Join Deerholme Farm owner, Cookbook Author and Celebrity Chef, Bill Jones as he guides you through a sensory journey pairing single malt whiskies with delectable local food choices. Bill will lead you through a variety of local food choices paired with outstanding whiskies. For more information on Bill, visit www.deerholme.com.

(WS8)
Monday May 22nd 2:45PM – 3:45 PM
Whisky and Local Charcuterie Pairing
Price: $45.00 – 45 attendees. Buy Now!
with Corey Pelan.

New to the whisky school this year, join The Whole Beast Owner Corey Pelan as he leads you through a selection of local made charcuterie paired with outstanding single malt whiskies. For more information on Corey and The Whole Beast, visit www.thewholebeast.ca.

Tickets on sale (TODAY) Monday March 27 at 10:00am

This is your reminder: tickets for Spirit of Toronto 2017 go on sale this morning, Monday March 27, at 10:00am!

These may be purchased as follows:

• In person at Roy Thomson Hall’s box office at 60 Simcoe Street
• By calling Roy Thomson Hall’s box office at (416) 872-4255
• Online through Roy Thomson Hall’s website

Buying tickets online for several people? Please keep reading!

Masterclasses: the more, the merrier?

May we make a suggestion based on feedback from our regular guests?

If this is your first time coming to the show, one masterclass will be plenty, leaving you with ample time to explore the tasting halls, take in some live jazz and see why everyone is queuing for the prime rib and Yorkshire pudding.

For those determined to attend masterclasses at both 7pm and 8:30pm, please allow enough time to check-in, check your jacket, collect your glass and event programme, and queue for the class itself. But please keep in mind that attending two classes leaves little time to enjoy the event itself

Buying Multiple Tickets Online

If you are buying multiple tickets and wish to attend different masterclasses than your fellow ticketholders, please note that you will be required to build these different selections as separate packages before proceeding to the checkout to pay for the full order.

Furthermore please note that masterclasses cannot be purchased without including a ticket to Spirit of Toronto as part of your package.

For example…

Buying tickets to the show for yourself and a friend, but planning on attending different masterclasses? Purchase your tickets as follows…

Select the following as Package #1 and and click ‘Continue’:

Sat 5/6/17 6:30PM Spirit of Toronto 2017 Sat 5/6/17 5:30PM Balvenie Malt Master Memories Sat 5/6/17 7:00PM Bowmore’s Hidden Depths

You will then be prompted for the number of tickets being purchased for Package #1, after which you may either “Go to Cart” to pay for your purchase, or “Build Another Package” to select a different grouping of masterclasses as Package #2:

Sat 5/6/17 6:30PM Spirit of Toronto 2017 Sat 5/6/17 5:30PM Legends of Bourbon Sat 5/6/17 8:30PM Bunnahabhain: Islay’s HIdden Gem

When finished building all your packages you may now select ‘Go to Cart’ to review your order and proceed to the checkout page.

There’s always standby…

Didn’t get the classes you wanted? Not much of a planner? There may still be hope: any empty seats courtesy of no-shows will be assigned to those waiting on standby. Note that this only applies to the classes at 7pm and 8:30pm; please review the About section of the website for more details.

Springbank Society 

How are we all?

Feels like we haven’t spoken in ages. Don’t worry, you will hear from me a lot more in the next few months. For today, however, I am very happy to drop you all this quick, little email to tell you about Spirit of Freedom which is available in the UK Cadenhead shops now. Containing 62 different Scotch Whiskies, this blend is the perfect dram for the 62% ahead of Article 50.

Tasting notes:

Nose – A lovely introduction to this whisky; sweet and fresh with a minty background. It then becomes really fruity with apricots, bananas and pears.

Palate – A light and easy-drinking dram.The fruity theme continues with melon and raspberries, combined with vanilla cream; a Scottish malty panna cotta.

Finish – You’ll want to share it with your pals or then again, maybe better to keep it to yourself, it’s very moreish and buttery.

Please see the advert above for full details or check out our website.

It will likely retail at about £25.00; please contact your preferred retailer or stockist if you would like a bottle.

And although I am sure you will know this, please be aware of the following:

• This is not a Society bottle
• This is not a core range product

Swedish Society Members

Our Springbank Burgundy and Hazelburn Barolo are being launched in Sweden today (Thursday 23rd March 17). The Springbank Burgundy 12yo has been matured in Fresh Burgundy Casks and bottled at cask strength 53.5%vol. The tasting notes for this (as included in the newsletter back in June):

Nose:  Bold and rich with mineral and dunnage warehouse notes combining with maple syrup, pancetta, cranberry and red currants.

Palate:  A soft velvet like texture with buttered brown toast and chocolate shortbread complimenting light herb & oak notes.

Finish:  A medium dry finish gives up liquorice and mint accompanied woody tannins

The Hazelburn 9yo Barolo (57.9% abv) spent 6 years in a fresh bourbon cask and then 3 years in a refill Barolo wine cask (which had previously contained Springbank).

Nose: The dram begins with perfume and confectionary, then the essence of sugared almonds is revealed, complimented by the sweetness of sherbet

Palate: Peppery with light tannins and the sweetness is continued with dry fruits and the subtle hint of coconut shavings

Finish: Sugary, with dark chocolate guiding us throughout the pineapple custard combined with vanilla

Please click on the link here for all the details you need.

I will be speaking to you all again very soon, in fact I will be in touch so often you will be tired of hearing from me.

Until then,

Slainte

Nathan

For the Springbank Society

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