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Oban: West Coast Whisky Feis
A new whisky festival to be held in Oban, written by Paul McLean of MCLEANSCOTLAND
Gather your strength and gather your pennies … there will be a superb new whisky festival in Oban this July, we will be there and it would nice to see as many friends as possible, to support this new festival. So where? When? What? And Who?
Where? My hometown, Oban, gateway to the isles and the capital of seafood in Scotland. It’s only a few hundred yards from Oban Distillery, where you are surrounded by great pubs, food outlets, shops and of course – accommodation, our advice, stay the night, or like Liz and myself, make it a weekend! Just over the water on Mull is another distillery; Tobermory, with an excellent pub within spittin’ distance, owned by a pal of ours, Macgochans Bar.
When? From 12pm – 6pm on Saturday, 22 July, at Oban’s Skipinnish Cèilidh House.
What? West Coast Whisky Feis, the brainchild of local drinks retailer, Oban Whisky and Fine Wines, good pals of ours by the way (I think everyone in the drinks industry are friends!). Skipinnish Ceilidh House will host a range of exhibits from west coast distilleries and food stalls highlighting local producers.
And who? Scotland’s west coast distillers. Distilleries such as Isle of Arran, Caol Ila and Ben Nevis. The local Diageo-owned Oban Distillery will also hold on-site master classes a couple of hundred yards away, based around their world famous whiskies.
Euan Finlayson, owner of Oban Whisky and Fine Wines, said, “We wanted to create an event that shows off the incredible whiskies that the west coast has to offer. The aim is to offer a range of whiskies and master classes that can appeal to newcomers and aficionados alike.”
Ticket holders will receive a dram glass and will be able to take samples from all of the exhibitors. There will also be a nosing competition where attendees can attempt to identify various whiskies by smell alone, with a bottle of single malt whisky up for grabs. Samples are included in the event ticket price and master classes are available for an additional fee. Tickets cost £30, available; www.westcoastwhiskyfeis.co.uk/ – the official website, go and soak up the aromas of this new dramfest. The good news just got better, they are offering subsidised UK & worldwide shipping from the Fèis shop within the venue, so no need to be stuck carrying bottles around with you when the shows over. www.whiskyfix.com/ Whisky Fix is a company specialising in single malt scotch whisky, for whisky lovers, connoisseurs and collectors alike. Working closely with distillery partners to offer very rare and collectable whisky along with your everyday whisky needs. So if you have been looking for a certain bottle to complete that collection, get in touch, you never know.
For any help with this new fest or interested in whisky tours around Scotland and Ireland,
ask Paul and Liz; info@mcleanscotland.com We can certainly assist with add on dates before/after this event.
http://www.mcleanscotland.com/ http://www.wwhiskytours.scot/
Whisky writer is the envy of thousands as he lands top job at Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival
Writer, barman, foodie, whisky aficionado – Sean Murphy wears many different hats in the course of his day-to-day working life. And now he is about to add another job title to the collection with a role that is widely considered to be the most sought-after job at one of the world’s leading Scotch whisky festivals.
Sean has been appointed as judge in the Best New Event competition at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival – a role that will see him visit five brand new events to the Festival programme and determine which one whets his appetite.
It’s a position that Sean, who is based in Glasgow, was only too happy to accept after making his inaugural visit to the Festival last year. During his five days at the event, he was amazed at just how much could be crammed into one visit and the range of activities on offer.
This year there are almost 500 events taking place across the Speyside region from April 27 to May 1. From exclusive behind the scenes distillery tours to the chance to meet the people who put their hearts and souls into the region’s most famous export, the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is truly unique.
Sean says he has become the envy of colleagues and friends since his appointment was announced, and he feels a little overwhelmed that such an important task has been placed in his hands.
He adds, “I’ve promised the people that I’ve spoken to about it that I’m there in an official capacity and not just to enjoy myself, although most of them don’t believe me when I say that. There’s some envy there, certainly!
“What I discovered last year is that the Festival itself is expansive. I don’t think I was prepared for how spread out it would be or that there would be so many events, but in the end I realised that was the beauty of it.
“The events were varied and never boring and it was amazing to meet so many people who were as massively passionate – if not more so – than I was about the subject.”
Five events have been shortlisted for the coveted Best New Event title and it seems that they have already proved a hit with this year’s revellers, as tickets have been in high demand.
Sean will have his scorecard at the ready for the first stop on his tour – Whisky Tasting: The World of Duty Free Whiskies. The event, organised by The Whisky Shop Dufftown, is with critically acclaimed spirits writers Neil Ridley and Joel Harrison and participants will take an immersive flight of unusual whiskies only available from travel retail.
He will then hook himself a rare opportunity to meet a man who most definitely enjoys a little water with his whisky – ghillie Robert Mitchell, who works on beats of the River Spey owned by The Macallan.
During The Macallan Ghillie’s Tour and BBQ Lunch, Sean and the other participants will be able to chat to Robert about his life on the river, before walking one-and-a-half miles along the mighty Spey while he shares the secrets of its salmon pools. He’ll then host a BBQ lunch at one of the distillery’s fishing huts before sharing one of his favourite drams of The Macallan.
Sean will then be at Speyside Cooperage, which was the scene of one of his favourite events from 2016. He was one of a handful of visitors who witnessed the blackening of two apprentice coopers – an ancient ritual which marked the pair becoming fully-fledged coopers – which went on to win the Best New Event award last year.
This year Speyside Cooperage will be setting up four coopers in a head to head battle in a bid to set a new world record for the fastest time to build a 190-litre barrel. The minimum requirement to achieve the record is seven minutes and 30 seconds.
Speyside’s whisky smugglers will be the focus for the Glenlivet Smugglers’ One Life Livet Tour by Glenlivet Hill Trek. During the tour, experienced guides will take guests to historic sites not usually open to the public on foot and on eight-wheel drive argocat vehicles.
They will enjoy drams of malt whiskies, lunch in a renovated stone bothy on the slopes of Carn Liath and finish off with a guided tour of The Glenlivet Distillery, which became the first licensed distillery in the Glenlivet Valley after the Excise Act of 1823.
The final stop for Sean and his scorecards will be the Mortlach History and Whisky Walk organised by the Seven Stills historic inn and malt whisky bar. During the tour with a qualified guide, participants will walk just over a mile, enjoying drams of Mortlach along the way.
Although the focus will be on learning about the history of the dram and distillery, Celtic monks, grave robbers, excisemen and the temperance movement in Dufftown will also be among the topics up for discussion.
Sean has excellent pedigree for the role of judge: his passion for the amber nectar blossomed into life when he started working at Glasgow’s famous whisky watering hole, The Potstill. His cousin now owns the bar, and Sean continues to do the odd shift when he’s not writing about food and drink for The Scotsman newspaper.
During his time at the 2016 Festival, Sean was surprised at just how accessible the key players in the industry were and did not realise there would be opportunities to come face to face with the distillery managers, master distillers, blenders and ambassadors that are so critical to the industry.
The fact that he was able to meet to many of his own whisky heroes – including the likes of writers Ian Buxton, Charlie McLean and Dave Broom – made it all the more memorable for him.
Sean believes that interaction is the key to a successful event, and is excited to see what organisers have been able to put together. Sean says, “The mention of a Guinness World Record attempt caught my eye, I think that will be an exciting prospect.
“The Macallan Ghillie tour will also be very interesting. I’m intrigued to see a different side to the Spey and specifically the fishing that goes on there. The events look as varied and as enticing as last year and I can’t wait to attend them and see what the different teams come up with this year.
“Interaction is hugely important, either in the activity itself or giving people the chance to meet the producers and teams who work so tirelessly to create these stunning whiskies.
“A unique offering is also something I’m keen on. Getting the chance to experience something like the blackening event last year – an event that only a few people have been privileged enough to enjoy – is hugely important.
“Overall though, I think the ability to deliver something interesting and fun will be most important to me. Seeing people’s reaction to the events will definitely effect my judgement of them.”
Based in the heart of Scotland’s malt whisky country, the five-day Festival has events from Kingussie in the south to Forres in the west and Buckie in the east. The programme includes almost 500 different events, from whisky tastings to whisky walks.
More information about the event is available at www.spiritofspeyside.com and tickets are also available to buy on the website. The Festival is active on social media – facebook.com/WhiskyFestival and @spirit_speyside on Twitter and Instagram. Use the hashtag #dram17.
Picture caption: Sean Murphy has landed a plum role at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival – the writer and whisky enthusiast has been appointed as sole judge in the best new event competition.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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:
For updates on life at Lindores Abbey Distillery, visit http://www.lindoresabbeydistillery.com/ and our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages
