Kilchoman Sanaig and Port Askaig 8yr Have Each Won 95 Points!

Both of these core expressions exemplify what is best about Islay whiskies.  

KILCHOMAN SANAIG

Sanaig has a predominantly sherry cask influence owing to the significant time spent in oloroso sherry Hogsheads. These aged oloroso casks contribute a drastically transformed depth of colour.

PORT ASKAIG – 8 year

Yielding an eight year natural color and being non-chill filtered, this award-winning small-batch production expression daily drinker was created by Islay whisky fans for Islay whisky drinkers.  The elegant, soft, sweet, classy, minerally, medium-peated style is perfect for novices to discover Islay and connoisseurs to enjoy as their regular dram.

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 bottlings: office@impexbev.com

Single Malt Scotch Tasting
This Thursday, April 26th
4:30 OR 6:00 PM
Speyside Distillery
with Ed Kohl

We’re excited this week to have importer and industry veteran Ed Kohl joining us for a rare appearance to lead a tasting of his new partner, Speyside distillery!

Speyside Distillery (which is in Speyside, the region) was the ongoing dream of submarine captain, George Christie. Construction on the distillery was started in the 1960’s and was completed in 1987, with distillation beginning in 1990. Fermentations are long and distillation is slow, everything goes at its own pace at Speyside.

The distillery is now in the hands of The Harvey Family, who have strong ties to the whisky industry (Lord Byron presented his friends with “Harvey’s Spey Whisky” upon his wedding in 1815, though obviously it was a different “Spey”). These days, most of the whisky is destined for Asian markets, especially Taiwan, though Ed Kohl may have swayed them to work more with the States.

Pricing for this week only will be as follows:

Spey

Cuveé – Regular Price – Sale Price

Tenne – $49.99 – $44.99
Trutina – $56.99 – $51.99
Fumare – $56.99 – $51.99
Chairmen’s Choice – $114.99 – $100.00
18 Tear Old – $134.99 – $114.99
Benn Dubh – $58.99 – $52.99
Six Isles – $49.99 – $44.99

Joe Howell

APRIL AUCTION NOW LIVE
(ends Sunday 29^th April)

…place your bids at www.whiskyhammer.co.uk

With an incredible selection of whiskies and other fine spirits there is certainly something for everyone – whether you are looking to collect, invest, enjoy!

THE REVIEW

A few of you Bourbon fans may be thinking, ‘he’s a bit late with this one.’ – Well yes, you’re kind of right, however, after I only recently purchased a few bottles did I find out that people were in a rush to pick up as many as they can due to it being discontinued. Coincidentally, I had a conversation with a BA for this brand and he assured me that there are palate’s of the stuff sitting around in UK warehouses – so that stopped me from dropping my savings account on some cases and I’m now going to open them all as that’s what it’s all about anyway! Elijah Craig, The Rolling Stone of barrel maturation, loads of people did the same thing but he is the most famous for it. Using it as a storage vessel, it’s only real intended purpose, one winter the Mississippi River froze over and he had stored his spirit in a barrel that had been charred either on purpose or by accident, history still can’t really decide on that yet and here we are today with the idea of charring wood and storing whisky for a maturation process. James Pepper experimented a with this stuff and a whole heap of other famous Bourbon-ites…(new word) – Twelve years old, 47% ABV and a nose that is dominant with white chocolate, maple syrup, breakfast waffles and everything else that I love in life. Cheers.

Irish Distillers announces the appointment of Henry Donnelly as new Distiller at the Micro Distillery at Midleton 

Dublin, 17th of April 2018 – Irish Distillers, Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits and wines and producer of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys, today announced the appointment of Henry Donnelly as the new Distiller of the Micro Distillery at the Midleton Distillery in Co Cork. As part of his new role, Henry will be responsible for the day to day operations of the Micro Distillery in Midleton and will work closely with Master Distiller Brian Nation on the production of innovative and experimental new whiskeys to add to the existing Irish Distillers portfolio.

Henry graduated from University College Cork in 2016 with a degree in Process and Chemical Engineering and joined the Jameson Graduate Distiller programme. Following successful completion of the programme, Henry was appointed as Process Technologist in the Midleton Distillery, a role that combined the role of brand ambassador with process optimisation.

Commenting on the announcement, Henry Donnelly, Distiller at the Micro Distillery, said: “I started my journey with Irish Distillers in 2016 when I was accepted on the graduate distiller programme and was lucky to learn from the masters about the intricacies of the entire whiskey production process – from grain to glass. As the new Distiller of the Micro Distillery, I am looking forward to working closely with Brian and using my training and experience to produce a range of exciting and innovative new whiskeys.”

Commenting on the appointment, Brian Nation, Master Distiller at Midleton Distillery, said: “We opened the Micro Distillery in 2015 and since then it has allowed us to explore experimental and innovative new mash bills and distillates, all of which are currently maturing. We are also looking to the past and experimenting with recipes and production techniques used by the great distillers that have come before us from the Jameson and Powers families and the Murphy family of the Cork Distilleries Company. On top of that, it is a space where we can train the up and coming distillers of tomorrow. It is a fully manual operation which requires our young talent to hone and test their skills every day and to really understand the fundamentals of how to make the finest whiskeys in the world. We are delighted to announce the appointment of Henry to the role, we have no doubt that he will play his part in adding exciting new chapters to the incredible story of Irish whiskey.”

As the Distiller in the Micro Distillery, Henry will also provide training to colleagues on the entire production process and enhance the visitor experience in the Jameson Experience Midleton.

Henry replaces Karen Cotter, who has moved into a role on the main site of the Midleton Distillery.

Notes 

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard is Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits and wines and producer of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys. Led by Jameson, our brands are driving the global renaissance of Irish whiskey. Jameson is the world’s fastest-growing Irish whiskey, experiencing 28 years of consecutive growth and hitting sales of 6.5m cases in 2017. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets, with over 71 of those experiencing double- or triple-digit growth.

Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and Cork Distilleries Company. In 1988 Irish Distillers joined Pernod Ricard, gaining access to unprecedented levels of investment and an extensive global distribution network. Since 2012, we have invested over €250m to double our production and bottling capacity to meet global demand for our products.

We employ over 600 people across our operations in Cork and Dublin. 

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the world’s no.2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of €9,010 million in FY17. 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, Malibu liqueur, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,500 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 86 “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.

Ever wanted to know more about the most diverse spirit in the world?

The Whisky School is designed for anyone with an interest in whisky and wants to learn more in an informal but informative fashion. All in the atmospheric and grand setting of the Malmaison.

Find out how whisky is made and discover the different styles produced all over Scotland and the rest of the World. The history, regionality and provenance will be discussed as well as in-depth looks at wood maturation and the new-make spirit.

PLUS attendees will get the chance to blend their very own whisky, choose a brand name for it and take a miniature of it home with them!

After completing the course and successfully passing a final exam, the ‘candidate’ will receive a signed certificate and more importantly the confidence to speak the ‘language of whisky’.

A rough outline of the ‘syllabus’:

Introduction.

History overview. Look at whisky regions of Scotland and tasting.

Production:

Looking at what makes each single malt ‘tick’. All processes looked at with particular emphasis on maturation and wood management.

Blending Workshop:

History of blending, tasting and hands-on blending workshop World Whiskies:

History and production of world whiskies (Japanese, Taiwanese, Indian, American). Maturation/wood management.

Final Exam & ‘graduation dram’

The price includes:

All whiskies sampled (around 20-25)

All course material

2-course light lunch

A Glencairn Whisky Tasting Glass to take home with you A signed Whisky Lounge ‘Whisky School’ Certificate – for successful candidates!

June 23rd

The Whisky Lounge – Whisky School

Malmaison, Barbican, London

https://thewhiskylounge.com/event/whisky-school-london-23-june/

Glenglassaugh 1986 30 Year Old Batch 3

The signature expression within the batch 3 Glenglassaugh limited edition series.Part of the third batch of Rare Cask Releases from Glenglassaugh, this Highland single malt was distilled on 19th February 1986 and aged in a single Pedro Ximenez sherry puncheon, cask #1393, for three decades before bottling in November 2016 at a cask strength of 42.6% abv. Limited to just 425 bottles.

The nose has dark chocolate notes with red grape and blackcurrant, black pepper and a floral oak spice. On the palate there’s fresh plum syrup, heather honey, gentle chocolate notes and candied ginger, with soft barley sugar.

£310 Buy Now

LET’S GO OUTSIDE

We’ve released five new bottlings that sing with the promise of being outdoors – clean and fragrant aromas lift the spirits with wildflowers, crisp linens, floral herbs, cut grass freshness and salty rock pools. Each whisky brings a colourful spectrum of tastes and aromas to explore, al fresco.
Exclusively available online.

VIEW WHISKY      READ OUTTURN

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

BENROMACH LAUNCHES ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS WITH 20^TH ANNIVERSARY BOTTLING  

The Benromach Distillery Company Ltd celebrated a significant milestone in the distillery’s history today (23^rd April 2018) with the release of the Benromach 20^thAnniversary Bottling.

This special whisky celebrates 20 years since production started at Benromach after the distillery was refurbished and re-opened in 1998. Distilled in the first year of production, only 3,000 bottles of this highly anticipated limited edition single malt will be available worldwide.

Matured in first fill oak casks in the traditional dunnage warehouses at the distillery in Forres, Scotland, the 20^th Anniversary Bottling is part of the classic range of Speyside single malt Scotch whiskies.

This single malt whisky epitomises Benromach’s classic style. It has an exceptional vintage character, with rich fruits, fresh citrus and charred oak with subtle spice and a light touch of smoke on the finish.

The 20^th Anniversary Bottling is presented in a special Benromach bottle, nestling in an elegantly lined wooden box. It also features copper detailing, reminiscent of the distillery’s two gleaming copper pot stills. A beautifully written and presented hardback book accompanies the whisky and celebrates the time-honoured traditions that are employed into lovingly crafting this unique single malt Scotch whisky.

There will be 3,000 bottles and 400 of these will be available for purchase at the Benromach Visitor Centre in Forres.

Keith Cruickshank, Distillery Manager at Benromach, who joined as a Distiller in 1998 said: “When we began distilling again in 1998, we wanted to recreate the unique Speyside whisky taste which historically had a touch of smoke. The 20^th Anniversary Bottling uses the finest ingredients to create a gorgeous whisky that has exceptional depth and smoothness.

“This new expression gives Benromach lovers around the world the chance to own and taste a moment in time from the distillery’s rich history. Part of the Benromach classic range of single malts, this is a rare and exceptional whisky and a fitting dram to unite Benromach consumers globally to celebrate our 20^th anniversary year.”

Desired by many, owned by few, the Benromach 20^th Anniversary Bottling captures the classic character of Benromach Speyside single malt Scotch whisky – rich, smooth and beautifully balanced, with a hint of smoke. This is the traditional taste, which was almost lost forever, but brought back by the distillery when it reopened in 1998. Benromach is one of only a few distilleries in Scotland to use traditional methods, without any automated machinery. The small team of distillers employ all their senses when crafting this classic Speyside single malt Scotch whisky, managing the process by sight, sound and touch to create the unique, handcrafted and authentic Benromach taste.

The Benromach 20^th Anniversary Bottling is available worldwide from Monday 23^rd April 2018, with a UK RRP of £299. Prices in international markets may vary depending on local taxes and duty.

For more information on Benromach, and to explore the wide range of expressions available, please visit www.benromach.com

Notes 

Tasting Notes

Pour your dram of Benromach 20^th Anniversary Bottling and prepare your senses to encounter an experience as rare as this gorgeous whisky. First, lift your glass to the light and appreciate the beautiful deep amber hue created by lingering for many years in first fill oak casks as the whisky grew and matured in character. Take a short inhalation, appreciating the wonderful aromas without water. Enjoy the rich notes of fruit cake, mingling with sweet demerara sugar and vanilla. Underlying hints of zingy citrus and dark chocolate develop with a touch of warm spice.

Benromach Distillery

Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life when the Urquhart family realised a lifelong dream to own a distillery and purchased it in 1993. The distillery was extensively re-equipped over a five-year period before it was officially opened by HRH Prince Charles in 1998.

In reopening Benromach Distillery, the Urquhart family decided to create a classic Speyside single malt – a style that draws its influence from Speyside whiskies pre-1960s.

Benromach Distillery is located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres. A four-star visitor centre is open to the public throughout the year for tours and tastings. Benromach Distillery is a member of the world-famous Malt Whisky Trail