Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 218: Johnnie Walker King George V

Mark Dermul, Belgian whiskyblogger, tries the Johnnie Walker King George V release. King George V reigned from 1910 until 1936. In 1934 he offered a Royal Warrant to John Walker & Sons. It took until 2007 (!) before this fact was commemorated with a ‘royal blend’, composed from whiskies of distilleries that were operational at that time (which means little as most of them still are in operation). Some of those distilleries are now closed, like Port Ellen, Cambus and Glen Albyn. Insiders claim it also contains Cardhu and Royal Lochnagar. The whisky comes in a beautiful glass decanter and magnificent box, making the whole look rather expensive. Well, it is, for a bottle will set you back around 500 EUR.

https://youtu.be/i51czuoRDHU

HRH THE PRINCE CHARLES, DUKE OF ROTHESAY, VISITS ROYAL LOCHNAGAR DISTILLERY TO BE PRESENTED WITH GIFTED CASK OF 30-YEAR-OLD SCOTCH WHISKY

HRH The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay, visited Royal Lochnagar Distillery on Royal Deeside today to be formally presented with a rare cask of single malt Scotch whisky that was laid down 30 years ago as a gift to His Royal Highness.

His Royal Highness toured the distillery and met employees, including one who worked at Royal Lochnagar when the cask was filled in 1988, before tasting the whisky. The cask was originally a gift to His Royal Highness to mark the 140th anniversary of the first royal visit to Royal Lochnagar by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1848. The Prince has generously donated the cask to be bottled and sold in aid of his charity, The Prince’s Foundation, and its new project, The Carriage in Ballater, a bistro and tearoom at the village’s restored Old Royal Station.

Diageo director Ewan Andrew, who received His Royal Highness at the distillery, said: “We are delighted to have welcomed His Royal Highness and to formally hand over this special cask, which will become the oldest single cask bottling of Royal Lochnagar Scotch whisky. We are particularly pleased that this will support the local community in Royal Deeside, which is so important to Royal Lochnagar and our people who live and work here.”

The Prince’s Foundation has already announced its intention to invest the proceeds in local projects that will provide employment and training opportunities for local people, as well as attracting visitors to the area. Earlier this year, The Prince’s Foundation opened The Carriage, a destination tearoom and bistro that is the latest of The Prince’s Foundation’s projects to help Ballater regain its footing after a fire that destroyed the Old Royal Station in 2015 and flooding in the village later that year. Royal Lochnagar Distillery will also offer support by providing Scotch whisky education to trainees on The Prince’s Foundation’s Get Into Hospitality programme at The Carriage.

Robert Lovie, deputy executive director of The Prince’s Foundation, said: “We are delighted that Diageo and Royal Lochnagar Distillery are enthusiastic about contributing greatly to His Royal Highness’s commitment to restore Ballater to its former glory. We plan to use the funds raised from this special edition Royal Lochnagar whisky to support projects in Royal Deeside such as The Carriage at Ballater Station.”

While visiting Royal Lochnagar, The Duke of Rothesay was invited to fill and sign a new cask that will now be laid down and matured at the distillery for His Royal Highness’s future charitable activity. Ewan Andrew commented: “As we pass on one cask, we are pleased that The Duke of Rothesay filled a new cask that will continue the charitable legacy and support further good causes.”

Sean Phillips, Royal Lochnagar distillery manager, who guided His Royal Highness on the tour of the distillery, said: “We are very proud of the whisky we make here and the way we make it. It was a pleasure and privilege to show His Royal Highness how we produce the finest quality spirit using traditional methods that haven’t changed much since Queen Victoria visited the distillery in 1848.”

During the visit, Royal Lochnagar brand home manager Claire Fraser introduced her father Ian Fraser, an operator at the distillery for 32 years, and her grandmother Margaret Finnie, retired distillery secretary and brand home manager, who were both present on the two previous visits by His Royal Highness (in 1995 and 1998 to mark the 150th anniversaries of the distillery and Queen Victoria’s visit).

After unveiling a plaque to commemorate the day, His Royal Highness was presented with a 70th birthday gift, which included a set of coasters, made by the coppersmiths and engineers at Diageo Abercrombie in Alloa using copper from the wash still that would have been in operation at Royal Lochnagar when the whisky was distilled in 1988. They were accompanied by four glasses made by QEST Johnnie Walker Scholar Daniel Durnin, in a box made of larch from The Duke of Rothesay’s Birkhall estate.

The Duke of Rothesay’s cask of 1988 Royal Lochnagar Scotch whisky will be bottled on His Royal Highness’s 70th birthday, 14th November 2018, and details of a ballot, to be run by The Whisky Exchange for the chance to purchase a bottle, will be announced on this date. On tasting the whisky with His Royal Highness and Diageo whisky specialist Maureen Robinson, leading whisky writer Charles MacLean commented: ‘This is a fine expression of Royal Lochnagar with rich fruits, citrus and honey notes, fitting for the occasion.’

Notes

About Royal Lochnagar

The Distillery, which opened as New Lochnagar in 1845 (named after the nearby munro), was renamed Royal Lochnagar following a visit, upon the invitation of founder John Begg, by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert from Balmoral Castle (a mile away) in 1848.

His Royal Highness, The Prince Charles, has visited Royal Lochnagar twice previously, in 1995 and 1998, to mark the 150th anniversaries of the distillery and Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s visit.

The smallest of Diageo’s 28 Scotch malt whisky distilleries, Royal Lochnagar retains traditional methods of manual production. The distillery visitor experience is an important tourist attraction on Royal Deeside, welcoming over 20,000 people each year.

About Diageo

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits, beer and wine categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Buchanan’s, and Windsor whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO). For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

About Diageo in Scotland

• Scotland is one of Diageo’s largest spirit supply centres responsible for producing nearly 50 million cases of leading brands of Scotch whisky and white spirits brands annually
• Around 85% of Diageo’s production in Scotland is exported overseas – exporting whisky, vodka, gin, rum, beer, wine, cream liqueurs, and other spirit-based drinks to over 180 countries.
• Major employer in Scotland with around 3,500 people
• 50 sites including 28 malt distilleries and one grain distillery, along with a 50 per cent share 
in a further grain distillery
• Engineering, technical, warehousing and packaging operations as well as distilleries – 
company’s Scottish headquarters in Edinburgh

Heritage in Scotland dates back to 1627

Very Old Barton 90 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Wins Gold at 2018 New York World Wine and Spirits Competition 

BARDSTOWN, kENTUCKY (Oct. 18, 2018) –– Six spirits from Barton 1792 Distillery won medals at the eighth annual New York World Wine & Spirits Competition (NYWSC), including Very Old Barton 90 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon, which received a Gold Medal.

The NYWSC, held in August, received more than 430 wines and 340 spirits as entries in this year’s competition, breaking all records of previous years.

Spirits from Barton 1792 Distillery which received Silver Medals:

• 1792 Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• 1792 Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Very Old Barton 80 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Kentucky Tavern Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Zackariah Harris Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Results from the 2018 New York World Wine and Spirits Competition can be found at https://www.nywscomp.com/results/.

About Barton 1792 Distillery

Barton 1792 Distillery is part of Barton Brands.  Barton Brands has facilities in Bardstown, Ky., Carson, Calif., and Baltimore, Md. Barton Brands is owned by the Sazerac Company, an American family-owned company based in New Orleans, La. Barton 1792 Distillery was established in 1879 and continues today as the oldest fully-operating Distillery in the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” The Distillery is located on 196 acres and includes 28 warehouses, 22 other buildings, the Morton Spring and the Tom Moore Spring.  Distilling, aging and bottling fine Bourbon whiskey are hallmarks of the historic Barton 1792 Distillery. 1792 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey is produced at Barton 1792 Distillery. This whiskey is named for the year Kentucky became a state and is the recent gold medal winner at the 2017 Los Angeles International Spirits Competition. To learn more visit www.1792bourbon.com

The Whisky Barrel releases their latest exclusive bottling, this time a mystery malt exclusive from North Star. 

Specialist online whisky shop, TheWhiskyBarrel.com, is proud to release the Orkney 11 Year Old 2007, a mystery malt exclusive from North Star.

Established in 2016, North Star has already created an impressive following by brining a modern design twist to the age-old industry of whisky. The Whisky Barrel is very pleased to be able to introduce a collaboration as part of the North Star Series 006 release; an exclusive single cask Orkney 11 Year Old finished in a Pedro Ximenez Sherry cask. Something different and rather special just in time for Winter.

This spirit speaks for itself with a sweet nose and notes of buttery dark fruits on the palate. Perfect for a cosy night in front of the fire. Distilled in March 2007 and bottled exclusively for The Whisky Barrel in September 2018. There are just 312 bottles available.

Available exclusively from The Whisky Barrel, shipping to customers Worldwide including the United States of America, Canada and Japan.

Mystery Malt Orkney 11 Year Old North Star Exclusive |2007| TheWhiskyBarrel.com| 63.7% 

Tasting notes 

Colour: Deep rusty golden colour.

Nose: Manuka honey (that’s premium honey). 

Palate: Buttery dark fruits. Richness and mood. 

Finish: Goes with chocolate sherry cake during your elevenses. 

Price: £51.50 GBP / $55.93 USD (+ P&P) 

Notes:-

1. Q) What is the product called?
   A)  Mystery Malt Orkney 11 Year Old 2008 North Star Exclusive
2. Q) When will this product be released/was it released?
   A) Friday 19^th October 2018
3. Q) Where is it available?
   A) Scotland, off-trade, TheWhiskyBarrel.com.Q) Is this product already available in other markets?
   A) Scotland only, TheWhiskyBarrel.com ships worldwide.

   Q) How much is it?
   A) £51.50 GBP / $55.93 USD (+ P&P)

5. Q) Who handles the product’s distribution?
   A) In-house at TheWhiskyBarrel.com.Q) What is the ABV of this product?
   A) 63.7% ABV natural cask strength.
6. Q) Why has this product been launched?
   A) Limited Edition single cask distillery exclusive for The Whisky Barrel. 

The Whisky Barrel is a specialist online whisky and spirits merchant based in Fife, Scotland and  was established in 2007. The Whisky Barrel won Whisky Magazine Online Retailer 2018 and was International Wine & Spirits Competition runner-up in 2016.

2010 Caol Ila 7 Year Old Sovereign” K&L Exclusive Single Sherry Finished Butt Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $49.99 View

2006 Craigellachie 12 Year Old “Sovereign” K&L Exclusive Single Sherry Butt Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $54.99 View

2009 Caol Ila 8 Year Old Signatory 1st Fill Bourbon Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $89.99 View

1997 Ben Nevis 21 Year Old “Old Malt Cask” K&L Exclusive Single Sherry Butt Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $99.99 View

1997 Benrinnes 21 Year Old K&L Exclusive Signatory Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $119.99 View

1996 Linkwood 22 Year Old K&L Exclusive Signatory Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky (750ml) $129.99 View

1969 Strathclyde 48 Year Old “Sovereign” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Grain Scotch Whisky (750ml) $299.99 View

The Good Dram Show – Episode 288 ‘North Star Series 006 Pt1‘ – This weeks epsiode takes a look at the single cask bottling’s in the the North star Spirits Series 006 releases.

https://youtu.be/3nk8Sk1IJG8

THE ‘KING OF WHISKY’ LAUNCHES LATEST CELEBRATION OF THE SPORT OF KINGS 

Royal Salute unveils limited edition 21 Year Old Beach Polo Edition 

The ‘King of Whisky’ Royal Salute, continues to celebrate the harmony between the Sport of Kings and exceptional Scotch whisky, this month unveiling the latest in its annual Polo Collection: Royal Salute 21 Year Old Beach Polo Edition.

Inspired by the lingering bonfires, evocative salty winds and warm seaside air synonymous with the sport, the limited edition has been expertly crafted by Royal Salute Director of Blending Sandy Hyslop. The result is an outstanding new expression that features a tantalising smoky flavour with soft peaty tones, rich fruits and sweet honey.

It is the second in Royal Salute’s annual Polo Collection and follows last year’s inaugural 21 Year Old Polo Edition. Like its predecessor, the Beach Polo Edition is endorsed by long-time Royal Salute World Polo Ambassador and former captain of the England Polo Team, Malcolm Borwick, with his signature and iconic red helmet featured on the packaging. The porcelain flagon is a striking shade of deep blue, designed to evoke typical beach polo tournament backdrop of blue skies and sea.

Royal Salute Marketing Director, Mathieu Deslandes, said of the new product: “Royal Salute has a longstanding affinity with polo; we share values with the noble game of honour, skill and integrity, and are proud to support more than 10 international tournaments annually. 

“Beach polo embodies all the qualities of the traditional sport which is why it’s a natural fit for our brand, however, it is slightly more playful fun, which is an exciting space for us to be playing in. 

“We’re thrilled add another exceptional expression to our Polo Collection, and our Director of Blending Sandy Hyslop has done a remarkable job in creating something new and different, that still has all the prestigious hallmarks of Royal Salute.”

The Royal Salute 21 Year Old Beach Polo Edition launched as a Global Travel Retail Exclusive from 1st July and is now available globally for a limited time from select luxury whisky retailers around the world for, RRP USD $140.

For more information, visit www.royalsalute.com.

Notes 

Royal Salute 21 Year Old Beach Polo Edition Tasting notes

This new Royal Salute whisky has a slightly smoky flavour and peaty tones with a long, luxurious finish.

Nose:

Rich, sweet, fruity notes of poached pears, vanilla syrup, salted caramel and runny honey, perfectly balanced with soft, peat smoke.

Taste:

A burst of sweet bonfire smoke followed quickly by a medley of ripe, soft fruits and species including apricot jam, candied lemons, nutmeg and oak.

Finish:

Long and tantalisingly smoky.

About Royal Salute

Royal Salute is a careful blend of matured malt and grain whiskies – with its youngest whisky matured for a minimum of 21 years. Created to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, which was honoured with a traditional 21 gun salute, Royal Salute is steeped in tradition, while still firmly engaged in the modern world by constantly pushing the art of blending into new, creative and ambitious forms. Royal Salute is deeply involved in polo – the world’s oldest surviving team sport and a game that’s expanding in the modern era. The brand sponsors more than 15 international tournaments from the UK and the USA through Argentina and China to Korea. www.royalsalute.com

Instagram | @royalsalute Twitter | @royalsalute Facebook | RoyalSalutePolo

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 single malt whisky that set the standard; 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

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, Kahlúa and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier‐ Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, Graffigna and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,000 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.

The 2018 Kilchoman 100% Islay 8th Edition Limited Release Has Arrived!

The 8th Edition 100% Islay can trace its origins to the fertile soil of the Kilchoman barley fields. It was here that the distillery harvested Optic barley between 2007 and 2011. Once harvested the barley was hand malted, peated and distilled before being matured in a combination of Bourbon and Sherry casks. The combination of cask types allowing for an elegant balance of rich spices, citrus sweetness and earthy peat smoke. The 8th Edition 100% Islay was born and bottled on site without coloring or chill-filtration, standing alone as Islay’s only Single Farm Single Malt, 100% Islay – from barley to bottle.

Though the name might suggest a heavier peating level than Kilchoman’s standard 50ppm offerings, the 100% Islay range is in fact peated to a lower level of roughly 20ppm, though this is not an exact measurement given the small batches and old-style techniques make it almost impossible to peat each batch to exactly the same level.

The key difference between this and previous batches of the 100% Islay is the addition of Sherry Cask maturation. The seven oloroso Sherry Casks included in the vatting give the whisky added depth and richness compared to previous editions.

Color: Burnished gold.

Nose: Fresh, light citrus notes with a hint of caramel and sherry sweetness.

Palate: A lovely balance of fresh fruit, spice and cinnamon with soft lingering peat smoke.

Finish: Well balanced with a long clean finish.

Thanks again for being part of our family and enjoying these fine whiskies with us!

We’ll be in touch about other exciting news as the year drinks on … ;

Please feel free to reach out for more details on the bottling: office@impexbev.com

Exclusive Highland Park from North Star Spirits

Orkney 11 Year Old 2007 North Star

Single Pedro Ximenez Sherry Cask bottled at a whopping 63.7% ABV. From the secret Orcadian distillery just outside Kirkwall. Selected exclusively for The Whisky Barrel, 312 bottles. Brimming with chocolate cake, dark fruits and honey flavours. Highland Park 11 Year Old 2007 vintage Orcadian single malt Scotch whiskey. Single cask Pedro Ximinez sherry hogshead bottled 2018 by North Star Spirits exclusively for The Whisky Barrel. 312 bottles at cask strength. MAXIMUM 3 BOTTLES PER CUSTOMER. Nose: Manuka honey. Palate: Buttery dark ruits. Finish: Chocolate sherry cake during your elevenses. Mystery single malt that don’t want to reveal their true identity. Rummage around and with a bit of investigation you are sure to find a rare unspecified bottling from independent bottler.

Buy – Orkney 11 Year Old  2007 – £51.50

October 31st, 5-7PM:

Glen Grant with Master Distiller Dennis Malcolm

What better Halloween treat than a tasting featuring legendary Speyside distillery Glen Grant, presented by Master distiller Dennis Malcolm! Malcolm joins us all the way from Scotland to present a variety of Glen Grant’s new and award-winning releases.  

More Details & RSVP