Blind Islay Fury strikes again!

November Tasting Series

Greetings! It’s nearly winter again which means it’s nearly time for…BLIND ISLAY FURY! 

Join us as we celebrate with some of the Isle’s finest drams! Whether it be the sublime dry, sea air aromas and fresh, oily peatiness of Caol Ila or the wonderful dark, smoky and intense, rich earthiness of Ardbeg. With eight working distilleries but only around 3500 inhabitants, Islay’s lifeblood positively courses with whisky.

Back for its eighth annual outing, we will be sampling six of the island’s finest, as is the now long-standing tradition. In keeping with the dark and mysterious nature of the whisky you will be sampling, the tasting will take place “blind”. Not until you have tasted and judged the whisky will you be told what exactly you have been sampling. But fear not, you will not actually be blindfolded – a collected sigh of relief from most of you, a sigh of disappointment from a few…

This is our most anticipated tasting series of the year, so don’t hang about – get booking fast before you miss out!

BRUICHLADDICH MASTERCLASS  WITH  LYNNE MCEWAN

MONDAY 6 NOVEMBER
7.30PM-9PM

Tickets on sale now

BOOK »

Bruichladdich is one of the most popular distilleries on Islay, home of some of the world’s peatiest drams. While the distillery’s regular releases are entirely unpeated, it also makes smoky Port Charlotte and Octomore, officially the peatiest whisky on the planet.

We’ll be joined by Lynne McEwan from Bruichladdich to taste our way through some of the distillery’s whiskies, from the soft and sweet Classic Laddie up to the latest and peatiest Octomore yet: 08.3. On the way we’ll try a travel-retail exclusive and the newest edition of the distillery’s most mysterious whisky, Black Art 5…

Lynne McEwan is a born-and-bred Ileach. An expert in all things Islay and whisky, she’s been around distilleries her entire life, thanks to her father Jim – the legendary former manager of both Bruichladdich and Bowmore.

We’ll be trying:

Bruichladdich Classic Laddie, Bruichladdich Bere Barley, Port Charlotte Scottish Barley, Octomore Masterclass 08.1, Octomore Masterclass 08.3, Bruichladdich Black Art 5.1

MONDAY 6 NOVEMBER

7.30pm-9pm

£35 per ticket

Please arrive at the venue from 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start

BOOK »

VENUE

THE WHISKY EXCHANGE SHOP
@ COVENT GARDEN
2 BEDFORD STREET
LONDON WC2E 9HH

We will be releasing our allotments of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection and Old Rip Van Winkle and Pappy Van Winkle products this year in a variety of ways, over an undisclosed and ongoing period of time. Firstly, a raffle event will begin Wednesday, November 1st. Any and all may sign up for the raffle IN STORE ONLY; no purchase necessary. Names will be taken through November 26th. Drawings will occur after November 26th, with exact dates TBD. Winners of raffle drawings are eligible to purchase the specific preselected products for each drawing. Secondly, some of the aforementioned products will also be placed on our store shelves in varying locations at varying times. Additionally, be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook as we will have sporadic tips and special announcements on other release methods and times.

Thank you for your patronage and best of luck on your hunt this season! Cheers,

-The Party Source Liquor Department

ARDBEG TWENTY SOMETHING CELEBRATES THE ENDURING SPIRIT OF ARDBEG

Ardbeg, the iconic Islay malt whisky unveils Ardbeg Twenty Something – a rare 23-year-old whisky.

The launch of Ardbeg Twenty Something commemorates a time when the iconic Ardbeg Distillery name was almost lost forever. In the 1980s and 1990s, production slowed to a trickle and the future of the Distillery hung in the balance. During this period, only a small number of casks were laid down with the belief and vision to keep Ardbeg alive. A young Mickey Heads, now Ardbeg’s Distillery Manager, was among this group of visionaries.

Today, Ardbeg endures thanks to the perseverance of that small group of whisky enthusiasts who believed in the Distillery – and in no small part to the loyalty of the Ardbeg Committee, whose quest is to “ensure the doors of Ardbeg never close again.”

In recognition of their unwavering support, Ardbeg Twenty Something will be released exclusively to Ardbeg’s loyal fan base, the Ardbeg Committee, in gratitude for their enduring support of the Distillery.

Mickey Heads, Distillery Manager and Chairman of the Ardbeg Committee says: “This magnificent whisky was created within the retired iconic still which stands proud outside our Distillery today. It’s a glimpse back into Ardbeg’s turbulent past and reaffirms just why the Distillery couldn’t be allowed to be disappear. Ardbeg Twenty Something is for all those who believe heart and soul in Ardbeg whisky, which is why it’s fitting that this most rare of drams – a 23-year-old – will be enjoyed by Committee members.”

Dr Bill Lumsden, Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation & Whisky Stocks at Ardbeg, said: “The ex-Bourbon and Oloroso casks I selected for Ardbeg Twenty Something have delivered a beautiful dram, bursting with rich, deep flavours. It has an incredibly smoky, silky quality which is outstanding. The fact that we’re releasing this 23-year-old in honour of the Ardbeg Committee makes it even more special.”

Ardbeg Twenty Something is non-chill-filtered and bottled at 46.3% ABV. Priced at RRP £430.00 it will be made available on 2^nd November from www.ardbeg.com.

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:

On the nose, sweet wood smoke and vanilla cream mingle with sherry notes, burning pine cones and chocolate. Upon tasting, rich chocolate continues with vanilla pods, dried fruits and fennel. The long finish falls away with just a hint of spiciness. 

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.  Following a long closure period in the 1980s, Ardbeg was acquired by Allied Distillers Ltd in 1989.  Back then, the Distillery was in a dilapidated state with only a small amount of whisky distilled, mainly for blending.  In 1996 Ardbeg’s doors were closed – it seemed for good.  Thankfully, Mickey Heads and a few others believed Ardbeg would rise again and they set aside a small number of casks to protect the future of the Distillery.  But 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.

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 members of the Ardbeg Committee in more than 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 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 ‘Scotch Whisky of the Year’ three years in a row by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.  It was also awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ and ‘Best Islay Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards 2013.  At the 2014 awards, Michael Heads of Ardbeg 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. 

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 whisky.

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.

Exhibition Showcasing the First Thousand Years of Silver in Scotland

Ledaig 11 Year Old 2005 vintage Island single malt Scotch whisky from Tobermory distillery. Double matured in first fill Hermitage wine casks and bottled 2017 by Gordon & MacPhail for the Private Collection series. 4,100 bottles.

Nose without Water Sweet honey roasted ham aromas mingle with vibrant summer berries and spicy citrus notes. A delicate smoky edge is present. Palate without Water Peppery yet creamy with orange marmalade flavours followed by redcurrant, raspberry, and hints of dark chocolate. Savoury roast peanut develops and leads to bonfire embers on the finish. Nose with Water Rich fruit aromas – blackberry, raspberry, and redcurrant – with citrus undertones. A cocoa powder note leads to lingering smoke. Palate with Water Sweet and smooth initially, smoky notes are brought to the fore. Fruity with chocolate and subtle citrus flavours. A hint of the sea on the finish. Body Medium. Finish Long, smooth, and fruity.

Tobermory Distillery was established by John Sinclair in 1798 and is situated in the harbour town of Tobemory on the Isle of Mull off the west coast of Scotland. Equipped with four stills fitted with unusually twisted lyne arms to create a light and fruity Tobermory malt spirit. The distillery produces an unpeated single malt whiskey called Tobermory and a peated single malt whiskey called Ledaig. In addition to the core range which includes the Lediag 18 Year Old some excellent young aged Ledaig is available from independent bottlers.

Shop – £49.68

THREE DECADES IN OAK

We have some very exciting news: we’ve just launched the long-awaited Glengoyne 30 Year Old.

EXCEPTIONAL CASKS 

This exquisite single malt has spent three decades in impossibly fine sherry oak casks.

In that time, these casks have worked their magic: Glengoyne 30 Year Old is a rich dram of almost limitless complexity. Intense sherry trifle at first, then cinnamon, cloves, and tangy marmalade – bottled un-chillfiltered at 46.8% ABV.

PRESENTED IN OAK

Glengoyne 30 Year Old is presented in a unique solid oak box, with an oak and rose gold bung – inspired by those long years in oak, deep in our stone-built warehouse.

Numbers are strictly limited: just 6,000 bottles of Glengoyne 30 Year Old will leave the distillery each year. It’s a rare, exceptional dram.

DISCOVER THE 30 YEAR OLD

Ralfy examines Macallan 18yo in another guise with Ralfy Review 692 – Macallan 18yo @ 43%vol (G&MacP)

Trip to Islay – Part 2 of 4

by Mark Dermul

I think it is fair to say that Port Ellen is legendary. The releases of this closed distillery command high prices. And let’s be honest: the whisky is good! So when we left Ardbeg for Kilnoughton Bay, we could not possible pass by this factory. For that is what it is nowadays. The Port Ellen Maltings provide peated barley to almost all distilleries on Islay (except Kilchoman). The Maltings are not open to the public, but you can walk freely among the warehouses. Seeing the type of padlocks on the doors, I think it is a fair bet that quite a few casks are still on site.

The finish off the day, we drove to the Mull of Oa to take the long hike up the American Monument. It has to be said: it is a dramatic sight with the waves crashing into the rocky coast, but a storm was brewing and we could hardly stay on our feet. A must-see!

When driving back to Bowmore – we were staying at the wonderful Harbour Inn, highly recommended! – we stopped at Gartbreck, but no sign of the doomed project was to be found.

Our next day brought us all the way to the northwest of Islay, where we visited the Kilnave burial site and the Ardnave Point. To our surprise, the vegetation was quite different from the south of the island which we had seen the day before.

Driving back inland, past Loch Gorm, we found our first distillery of the day: Kilchoman.

This farm distillery, founded in 2005 and therefore currently the youngest distillery on Islay, offered a great tour with some lovely drams afterwards. Everything at Kilchoman is at a smaller scale, except the passion with which they produce the liquid nectar.

But changes are afoot at Kilchoman. They recently acquired the farm and are in the process of building a much bigger kiln and stillhouse where a barn used to be. For their 100% Islay release, they use barley grown on their own fields surrounding the distillery.

Driving further south we arrived at Bruichladdich. We had not booked a tour and it appeared it was already fully booked. But the lovely tour guide gave us a big smile and said ‘We’ll make it work!’

And what a wonderful tour indeed. Our guide explained – and allowed us to taste – the different barley used for all three malts produced here: Bruichladdich, Port Charlotte and Octomore. The mash tun – the biggest in the Scottish industry – is bigger than your average swimming pool! Impressive to say the least.

It was also nice to ‘meet’ Ugly Betty, the Lomond Still used to create the popular The Botanist gin. And back at the visitor center, it was a feast to bottle our own 16 years old Port Charlotte from the distillery cask.

Speaking of Port Charlotte… just a few minutes south of Bruichladdich you can visit this lovely village of the same name, where Bruichladdich currently uses some old warehouses. And you can still clearly see some remnants of the old Lochindaal Distillery. This old warehouse turned into a Youth Center is a nice example.

We continued on south to the Rhinns of Islay. No distilleries there, but a beautiful village – Portnahaven – where we enjoyed watching the wildlife in the bay. Otters, seals, puffins… Wonderful.

to be continued… (Part 3 will be published October 29th).

Van Winkle Bourbon Takes Action against Counterfeiters

Over Half a Million Dollars Invested in past Year  

            FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Oct. 12, 2017) – Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon, the bourbon that is so hard to find it has been compared to unicorns, has become so popular it’s often being counterfeited with knock off bottles and illegally re-sold on the secondary markets online such as Craigslist.  The Van Winkles, along with partners Buffalo Trace Distillery, have taken action and successfully provided evidence of counterfeiting which resulted in a resident of New York pleading guilty for his sale of two bottles of counterfeit Pappy Van Winkle bourbon, which sold for $1,500 last year. The defendant will be sentenced in January 2018.

            Although this case is the first successful prosecution for counterfeit Van Winkle Bourbon to date, other cases are under investigation. Buffalo Trace Distillery has spent over a half million dollars over the past year alone, to curb online marketplaces potentially selling fake bottles.

            With the annual release of the much anticipated Van Winkle bourbons coming up soon, Buffalo Trace would like to take this opportunity to remind consumers to only buy Van Winkle bourbons from licensed retailers.

            “Sadly, the Van Winkle bourbons are the latest victim of counterfeiting where innocent consumers are duped,” said Mark Brown, president and chief executive officer, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “Avoid buying any bourbon or whiskey, especially the highly sought after ones, from anyone in the secondary market, which includes online private sellers, or in these social media groups that claim to offer genuine products.  The only legal and reputable source you should be buying from is a licensed retailer.”

            Scam artists have been operating in a variety of ways, some of which include taking empty Van Winkle bottles and refilling them with a variety of other liquids, sometimes cheaper bourbons, sometimes mixtures of products only known to the deceiver.

            Nowadays, the con artists have gotten more sophisticated with the ability to print counterfeit labels on home printers and other technological advances. “It’s disheartening to see this happening and to see innocent consumers being swindled,” said Julian Van Winkle, president, Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery. “We cannot stress enough to be careful, and do not buy your Van Winkle products on the secondary market.  The old adage of if seems too good to be true, it probably is, definitely applies here.”

            Van Winkle cautions that if you see a bottle that does not have a matching face label with a capsule on top with the proper corresponding color, that’s a sure sign of fraud. Any consumers that run across suspicious looking bottles or may have purchased a bottle from a source other than a liquor store are urged to call their local law enforcement, their state’s Attorney General, http://www.naag.org/naag/attorneys-general/whos-my-ag.php, or their state Alcohol and Beverage Control Board, http://www.ttb.gov/wine/state-ABC.shtml.

About Van Winkle Bourbon

The Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery has a four generation history. The Van Winkle

family’s involvement in the bourbon industry began in the late 1800s with Julian P. “Pappy” Van Winkle, Sr. He was a traveling salesman for the W.L. Weller and Sons wholesale house in Louisville. Pappy and a friend, Alex Farnsley, eventually bought the wholesale house and also partnered with Mr. A. Ph. Stitzel on the purchase of Mr. Sitzel’s distillery.  The three of them merged the two companies and became the Stitzel-Weller Distillery.

In May of 1935 at the age of 61, Pappy opened the newly completed Stitzel-Weller Distillery in South Louisville. Its prominent brands were W.L. Weller, Old Fitzgerald, Rebel Yell, and Cabin Still.  Pappy had a heavy influence on the operations there until his death at the age of 91. His son, Julian, Jr. took over operations until he was forced by stockholders to sell the distillery in 1972. The rights to all of their brands were sold to Norton Simon, Inc. Later, United Distillers, who eventually ended up with the Stitzel-Weller Distillery, sold off all of the original labels around 1999.              After selling the distillery, Julian Jr. resurrected a pre-Prohibition label, the only one to which the Van Winkles kept the rights, called Old Rip Van Winkle. He used whiskey stocks from the old distillery to supply his brand. Julian Jr.’s son, Julian, III took over in 1981 when Julian, Jr. passed away. Julian III has continued with the Van Winkle tradition of producing high-quality wheated bourbon. His son, Preston, joined the company in 2001 and the Van Winkles look to continue that tradition for generations to come.             In 2002 the Van Winkles entered into a joint venture with Buffalo Trace Distillery in Franklin County, Frankfort, Ky. All of the Van Winkle’s whiskey production now takes place at Buffalo Trace Distillery under the same strict guidelines the family has always followed. For more information on the Van Winkle family of bourbon please visit htwww.oldripvanwinkle.com