Ralfy goes bird-watching with Ralfy Review 662 – Eagle Rare 10yo Bourbon @ 45%vol

ON THE ROAD TO TOKYO:

CHIVAS REGAL ANNOUNCES THE 15 NATIONAL WINNERS

WHO WILL COMPETE IN THIS YEAR’S CHIVAS MASTERS GLOBAL FINAL 

21 June 2017: Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky, has revealed the 15 national winners who will compete to be crowned the 2017 Chivas Masters Global Champion, at the Chivas Masters Global Final taking place next month in Tokyo.

Now in its fourth year, the 2017 Chivas Masters Global Final (1^st – 5^th July) will focus for the first time on the celebrated traditions of Tokyo’s bartending scene – whose unique cocktail customs continue to fascinate and inspire bartenders across the world. Throughout the week, the contestants will take part in a number of individual and team challenges, and will need to showcase both exemplary bartending skills and team spirit to impress the judges.

The 15 finalists, who have each excelled in their national competitions running across four continents, will be hosted in Tokyo by Masahiro Urushido, the first ever Chivas Masters Global Champion. They will be mentored by a distinguished panel of internationally-acclaimed judges, who will share their expertise through a series of inspirational masterclasses. The panel comprises:

• Iain Griffiths, hospitality industry pioneer and co-founder of Mr Lyan Ltd;
• Micah Melton, beverage director at the Alinea Group (Aviary Chicago & NY) and renowned ‘ice chef’;
• Chris Lowder, spirits evangelist and ‘New York’s Rising Star Bartender 2015’ (StarChefs);
• Dré Masso, ex-director of bars for the Potato Head Group in Bali, Jakarta, Singapore and Hong Kong; worldwide Cocktail Mentor and spirit creator
• Rogerio Igarashi Vaz, owner of Tokyo’s Tram & Trench, celebrating the modern interpretation of Japanese bartending

Max Warner, Global Brand Ambassador for Chivas Regal, comments: “Our 15 national winners have already hugely impressed us with both their skill and character, but there’s still much more to do if they want to be crowned our 2017 Chivas Masters Global Champion. The values of community, collaboration and generosity lie at the very heart of this competition, and successful participants must not only impress a world-renowned panel of judges, but demonstrate that they embody these values every step of the way.”

The Chivas Masters cocktail competition is built on Chivas’ belief that great bartending is measured not only by the achievements of an individual, but by the ability to work in harmony with others. The ultimate winner will not only impress with their individual bartending skills, but – crucially – will also prove their ability to work collaboratively with an international bartending team, and inspire others to achieve shared success, through the Chivas Masters Collective team challenge.

Max Warner continues: “I cannot wait to put our contestants through their paces in Tokyo, and see who will walk away with the 2017 title – and beyond that, watch as they, together with their Chivas Masters Collective, take what they have learned to further develop and inspire their bartending communities back home.”

The 2017 Chivas Masters Global Champion will be decided on the evening of Wednesday 5^th July, and will win an all-access, all-expenses-paid trip to Tales of The Cocktail 2017 in New Orleans. The winning Chivas Masters Collective team will walk away with the pinnacle of the range, Chivas Regal The Icon, presented in a bespoke decanter with customised Japanese glassware.

Follow the Finalists

Follow the finalists’ journey in Tokyo and tune in live to the Global Final (05.07.17) through our Instagram Stories: @chivasregal / www.instagram.com/chivasregal%20 

Meet the 2017 Chivas Masters Global Finalists

Sandra Šalatová (Czech Republic)

Prague’s Sandra Šalatová has already achieved the remarkable feat of qualifying for the final by winning her first ever major competition – the Czech Republic regional heat. Sandra now has her eyes firmly set on a new first, becoming the first ever female Chivas Masters Global Champion.

“So far I would consider my biggest achievement to be reaching the final, competing alongside some of the greatest bartenders in the world. I’m going to go one better in Tokyo, as I hope to be crowned the first woman to win the Chivas Masters.” 

Ryan Nightingale (Hong Kong)

Representing Hong Kong, Ryan Nightingale loves the variety of bartending, experienced both through the drinks that he makes, and in the exciting mix of customers coming through the door. With plentiful experience of crafting his own creations, Ryan takes his greatest enjoyment from watching his customers enjoy what he has worked tirelessly to perfect.

“The constant aim for perfection is a cornerstone of the Japanese bar community. I’m heading to Tokyo ready to gain a better understanding of this, which I then hope to express in my final serves.”

Atsushi Suzuki (China)

Having started bartending as a means to an end as a 17 year old, China’s Atsushi Suzuki’s work behind the bar has rapidly developed into a career that has enabled him to travel the world. Runner-up in 2016’s Chivas Masters China heat, Atsushi went one better in 2017, and now has his sights set firmly on Tokyo.

“Teamwork and respect are definitely a must to run a bar well. But for me the most crucial aspect to bar work is the desire to learn.” 

Masato Sakurai (Japan)

Masato Sakurai first encountered cocktail-making after the tragic passing of his grandfather, devoting his time to craft his skill as a bartender to help him deal with the grief. As a proud son of Japan, and with the hometown support fully behind him, Masato is hoping to honour his grandfather’s faith in him by being crowned the 2017 Chivas Masters Global Champion.

“I am obviously determined to be crowned Chivas Masters Global Champion, however the greatest experience that I can take away from the final will be the brotherhood that I will gain with my fellow finalists.”

Benjamin Boyce (United Arab Emirates)

Like many of this year’s finalists, Benjamin Boyce’s first experience of bartending was a chance encounter, which has blossomed into a fruitful and impassioned career. For Benjamin, the key to success for any bar team is the application of the three Ts: training, teamwork and trust.

“The Chivas Masters is an amazing opportunity to learn from the experiences of different bartenders, all coming from a wide range of countries and cultures, to experience Japanese culture, and to have a lot of fun while doing so.”

Hyacinthe Lescoët (France)

Parisian Hyacinthe Lescoët thrives amidst the pressures of his craft, providing everyday creativity in a socially demanding and highly competitive environment. But above all else, the greatest value that Hyacinthe finds in bartending is achieving the appreciation of those around him.

“Great bartending is all about passion and sharing. Once those are instilled in your work, the rest will flow.”

Wouter Bosch (The Netherlands)

Winner of the regional final in The Netherlands, philosophy graduate Wouter Bosch’s love for bartending centres upon the memories and experiences that his drinks create. Rather than be the star of the show himself, Wouter’s bartending style is all about letting the drink do the talking.

“Nothing is as rewarding as having people coming up to the bar and telling you that you’ve made their night. I’m inspired by that, and hope to create many lasting experiences for my guests.”

Adam Schmidt (USA)

Representing the USA, New York native Adam Schmidt enjoys mixing his sense of humour into his drinks. Having previously spent time exploring Barcelona’s vibrant cocktail scene, Adam can’t wait to get out of his comfort zone again in Tokyo.

“What inspired me to be a bartender? As a youngster I had a part-time job dishwashing in a local bar. To me it always looked like the bartenders were having the most fun. I was right.”

Rhys Wilson (United Kingdom)

An actor by trade, the UK’s Rhys Wilson’s bartending style stems from his belief that performance on the stage, and that behind the bar, are not too dissimilar. Rhys is already looking forward to all that he can take away from the experience in Tokyo, especially having the opportunity to collaborate with his fellow finalists.

“A great bar is not just about what’s in the glass, it’s about the whole show. I love taking care of my audience and putting on a great show for them.”

Aloisek Rodríguez Martínez (Cuba)

Winner of the national final in Cuba, Aloisek Rodríguez Martínez is a bartending purist. The art of mixology is Aloisek’s greatest passion, allowing him to showcase his creativity and share the pride that he has for his culture.

“A great bar team is one in which everyone is working for the same purpose and vision, making each individual bartender a complement of the other.”

Abner Barrientos (Puerto Rico)

Having originally taken up bar work to support his studies, Abner Barrientos’ perfectionist qualities were realised through bartending, soon transforming into a passion for the trade. Abner’s flexible and open outlook to his work has enabled him to embrace new cultures and perspectives from all of the customers that he has served on his bartending journey.

“As a bartender, every day is a challenge, however every challenge should be viewed as an opportunity to grow and develop.”

Patryk Biadacz (Poland)

Poland’s Patryk Biadacz place in the final is the culmination of ten years of hard work crafting his bartending skill. Patryk’s passion for the trade stems from his love for every aspect of bar work, and he is eager to prove that in Tokyo.

“Just like the mixing of cocktails, a perfect balance of ingredients is crucial to a great bar team.” 

Daniel Huggins (Germany)

As Germany’s representative in the global final, Daniel Huggins’ love for the craft of cocktail-making is cemented by his passion for hosting – forever seeking to provide the perfect experience for his customers. For Daniel, the camaraderie and respect found within bartending is what makes it so special.

“I want to be known as a bartender with empathy and expertise, always willing to turn your evening into a great experience.”

Roger Grüter (Switzerland)

Hailing from Basel, Roger Grüter is dedicated to perfecting his craft as an expert cocktail-maker, a dream that he hopes will come true in Tokyo. Roger is looking at the final as an opportunity to enhance his bartending skills, taking away all that he can from the much-revered Japanese culture. 

“Attentiveness and authenticity are key ingredients to the cocktail experience. I always work to ensure that my guests leave happier than they came.”

Haydée Barron Flores (Mexico)

With dreams of being considered an ambassador of Mexican bartending, Haydée Barron Flores’ love for her work comes from the creativity that it allows her, and then having the opportunity to share her creations with others and witness the moment that the drinks create first-hand.

“In learning my craft I believe that I have learnt more about myself, my flaws and my strengths. It has all lead me to this moment – the chance to represent my country in the Chivas Masters Global Final.” 

Notes: 

About Chivas Regal

Launched in 1909, Chivas Regal is the world’s first luxury whisky and is considered to be a timeless classic, renowned for its benchmark quality and taste, style, substance and exclusivity. A truly global brand, Chivas Regal has been integral to the growth of the Scotch whisky category worldwide and today sells 4.5 million 9L cases annually in more than 150 countries across the globe. With generosity, entrepreneurship and integrity at the heart of Chivas Regal, the brand launched its successful Win the Right Way campaign in 2014, which aims to inspire a new generation whilst making a positive impact on the lives of others. The Chivas Regal range includes Chivas Regal 12, Chivas Regal Extra, Chivas Regal Mizunara, Chivas Regal 18, our first blended malt Chivas Regal Ultis, Chivas Regal 25, the pinnacle of the range and ultra-prestige blend Chivas Regal The Icon, and the Global Travel Retail exclusive Chivas Brothers Blend.

www.chivas.com

About Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits. Chivas Brothers’ award-winning portfolio features some of the world’s most revered Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky and the No.1 Scotch whisky in China; Ballantine’s, Europe’s No.1 Scotch whisky; The Glenlivet, the world’s No.1 single malt whisky; and Royal Salute, the world’s only exclusively prestige Scotch whisky range. The portfolio also includes two of the world’s leading English gins – Beefeater, the world’s most awarded premium gin, and Plymouth gin – plus a selection of highly acclaimed single malt whiskies, including Aberlour, Longmorn, Scapa, Strathisla and Tormore. The range is completed by a collection of blended Scotch whiskies operating in many of the world’s key whisky markets which includes 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport Scotch.

www.chivasspirit.com

@ChivasNewsRoom 

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 8,682 million in FY16. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin and Malibu, Mumm and Perrier- Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of 18,500 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 85 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics.

Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index.

100% ISLAY

The 2017 Kilchoman 100% Islay Limited Release Has Arrived!

All parts of the production process for the 100% Islay have taken place at the distillery – from barley to bottle; grown, malted, distilled, matured and bottled, making for a unique character. Kilchoman distillery is proud to be the only Islay distillery distilling single malt from barley both grown and malted on Islay. Bottled at 50% ABV and peated to a lower level to that the other releases, 100% Islay has a lighter, fresher feel to it. Citrus and lemon notes come through with soft peat smoke and a long smooth finish. First launched in 2010, a new edition of the 100% Islay has been released every year since.

• Every bottle of Kilchoman is hand bottled on Islay at a minimum of 46% ABV allowing for the full-bodied character of the whisky to shine through.
• Kilchoman Distillery ships all their barrels whole directly to Islay. Their Bourbon Barrels are sourced exclusively from Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky, and their Sherry Casks from Miguel Martin in Jerez, Spain.
• Kilchoman Distillery’s stills are amongst the smallest in Scotland, increasing copper contact and creating unmatched balance and complexity.
• Kilchoman Single Malt is never chill-filtered or colored; the whisky is a pure, unfiltered representation of traditional whisky distilling.

Nose: Light, fresh and vibrant with soft peat smoke.

Palate: Fresh and light with citrus and lemon notes with sweetness on the finish.

Finish: Long, clean and sweet with graceful peat smoke.

“At seven years old, this is the most mature 100% Islay we have released to-date, we are very proud of it’s quality as well as the traditional methods revived to create it”.

FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING & THE LOWEST UK PRICE ON THE AWARD WINNING TOMATIN 36 YEAR OLD ONLY AT HARD TO FIND WHISKY

Watch out for our In-store Tomatin tasting evening coming soon. PS. Anything else you add to you basket will also qualify for FREE worldwide shipping.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WITH FREE SHIPPING ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD

Ardbeg Kelpie Limited Stock!

Ardbeg Kelpie Only £91.98!

Ardbeg Kelpie, matured in Russian virgin oak casks, produced from wood grown on land in the Adyghe Republic, near the Black Sea. Released during Ardbeg day, towards the end of the Feis Ile 2017, bottled at 46% vol.

 £91.98

https://youtu.be/-sfzlN6jfDc 

It’s not everyday that you get to try, as well as talk about one of the rarest Japanese whiskies in the world. One of only 795 bottles across the planet, Akashi 15yo is a combination of twelve and a half years in a former Pedro Ximinez cask and then being further transferred into a Konara cask (Same family as Mizunara/Japanese White Oak) – As a result of these huge flavors and made by a distillery who are most renowned for producing, Sake. This charming little pearl from the Far East is arguably one of the best whiskies that I’ve ever tried. Subtle and robust all at the same time, it sets your sense alight with ginger, sage, pork, slightly off sherry notes, white pepper and cedar wood. A truly mysterious and complex whisky from what is a relatively unknown distillery in the world of whisky. Cheers!

Whisky Reviews every Wednesday
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Wolfburn Appoints Maverick Drinks as UK Distributor 

Wolfburn Distillery has signed craft spirits specialist Maverick Drinks as its UK distributor. Winner of the 2016 IWSC Spirits Distributor of the Year award, Maverick is the perfect partner for Wolfburn’s award-winning range of single malt scotch whiskies.

‘For Wolfburn it’s a great step forward,’ comments Shane Fraser, distillery manager. ‘We’re hugely proud of our hand-crafted whiskies so it makes a lot of sense to team up with Maverick Drinks, as they’re at the forefront of the spirits revolution in the UK with a genuine focus on craftsmanship and quality.’

The symmetry between Maverick and Wolfburn extends beyond corporate ethos, with both companies having come top in class in recent International Wine & Spirits Competitions: Wolfburn scooped the gold medal at the recent IWSC Hong Kong awards, while Maverick was awarded the prize for IWSC Spirits Distributor of the Year. Wolfburn’s ‘Northland’ expression has now won an unprecedented four consecutive gold medals in international competitions.

‘We’re absolutely thrilled to represent Wolfburn in the UK.’ says Michael Vachon, Maverick Drinks’ Head of Brand Development. ‘Wolfburn have everything we look for in a brand: extraordinary quality, great design, and amazing people. Shane and his team have a burgeoning reputation for making some of the best whisky in the world and I know we’re going to have a great time working together.’

ABOUT WOLFURN: 

The original Wolfburn Distillery was founded just to the west of Thurso by William Smith in 1821. In its day it was one of the largest distilleries in Scotland, producing, according to HMRC records, 28,056 “gallons of proof spirit” in a single year. Taking its name from the stream that provided the water – the Wolf Burn – the distillery operated until around 1870. The reasons for its closure are lost in time, but by 1877 the newly produced Ordnance Survey maps showed it being in ruins.

In 2011 plans were laid to resurrect the old distillery. Construction began in 2012 and in January 2013 the new Wolfburn Distillery commenced production, thereby becoming the most northerly distillery on the Scottish mainland. Situated 300m from the site of the original distillery, the new Wolfburn operates in much the same way as the old: craftsmen use traditional methods to produce fine spirit, which is laid down in best quality oak casks to await the day when it is bottled as single malt scotch whisky. Wolfburn’s single malt scotch whiskies are now available in 24 countries globally.

ABOUT MAVERICK DRINKS:

Established in 2013, Maverick Drinks brings great drinks and craft spirits to the UK. We represent a number of distilleries from the UK, US and Europe and distribute craft and well-sourced spirits throughout the UK. We focus on craft spirits because consumers are increasingly looking for products with provenance, authenticity, and craftsmanship they admire.

Maverick Drinks was awarded IWSC Spirits Distributor of the Year in 2014 and 2016 and our portfolio now includes some of the finest and most award-winning spirits in the world, which we make available through our ever-growing network of partners in the UK: drinks wholesalers, high street outlets, online retailers, and more.

Maverick Drinks continues to lead the UK in distributing craft spirits whilst also working with trade organisations and industry bodies to drive awareness of the global trends in craft distilling.

Wolfburn Distillery, Henderson Park, Thurso, Caithness KW14 7XW

www.wolfburn.com

www.facebook.com/wolfburn

“Each year, Master Distiller, Billy Walker, specially selects a handful of individual casks from the warehouses at the GlenDronach Distillery, to be bottled as the GlenDronach ‘Limited Release’.”

The Single Cask selection are some of the most eagerly anticipated bottles of the year.  From the germination of the barley to the flow of the purest middle cuts of distilled spirit, every step in the GlenDronach journey is taken with meticulous care and immaculate timing. Their malt mill, glistening copper mash tun and traditional wooden washbacks form part of a vigorous but carefully attended process. Without a doubt, this year has not disappointed.

“The ‘Sherry Connoisseurs’ strike again”

Milroys web store currently have 4 bottlings in stock. Each bottle having its own nuanced flavour profile based around a strong Pedro Ximénez barrel style. Rich Chocolate and plums accompanied by stewed fruits and walnuts. Truly delightful.

Glendronach Single Cask, #4418, 1995, 21YO, 52.6%

Glendronach Single Cask, #3379, 1994, 22YO, 52.8%

Glendronach Single Cask, #43, 1993, 24 YO, 59.2%

Glendronach Single Cask, #89, 1992, 25YO, 58.1%

Shop GlenDronach

United States – Kentucky

Jim Beam K&L Exclusive Single Barrel #JB5456 Kentucky Bourbon (750ml) (Previously $35)  View

Baker’s Bourbon (750ml) (Previously $55)  View

1902 Belmont 8 Year Old Bottled in Bond Handmade Sour Mash Whisky (750ml) (Previously $2500)  View

1941 Pebbleford 8 Year Old Bottled in Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon (750ml) (Previously $2000) View

1979 Old Rip Van Winkle 10 year Bourbon (750ml) (Previously $5000)  View

Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637) Email: wine@klwines.com

K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

Macallan Sienna

While Hamish is away on his holidays we have decided to reduce some of your favourite whiskies. Starting with this sherry bomb from Macallan. Packed with sweet richness, now available at an eye watering price of £67.99! Just don’t tell Hamish!

 £67.99 Buy Now
(Was £82)
Available while stocks last
Online offer only