Longmorn 23 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Now available at LCBO.com and In-Store

Ever the perfectionist, Longmorn founder John Duff took every step to ensure the best for his whisky. Longmorn is the product of exceptional talent and precision.

Known for its great quality and taste, natural ingredients give Longmorn its unique Speyside character, using water from the local springs, barley from Moray and peat from nearby sources.

Longmorn 23 year old is the pinnacle of the Longmorn range, full of richly profound flavours. A rare and exquisitely crafted single malt, rested for more than two decades in the finest, hand selected traditional oak casks chosen to complement the flavours of the Longmorn spirit.

Now available online and in select LCBO stores in limited quantities, this is a perfect addition to your single malt collection.

Glenfarclas Family Casks Winter 2017

The very latest batch of Family Casks from the Speyside distillery in Ballindalloch. Vintages from 1970s to 2000s with some real sherry beauties included.

Buy – Family Casks W17

THE WHISKY MAKING WAVES IN ITS MISSION TO RID OUR DRINKS OF PLASTIC

AFTER BARRING STRAWS FROM ITS DRINKS IN OVER 100 COUNTRIES, CHIVAS CALLS ON CONSUMERS WORLDWIDE TO HARNESS THE POWER OF SOCIAL MEDIA AND HELP PROTECT THE OCEAN FROM PLASTIC

Luxury Scotch whisky brand Chivas Regal, which is enjoyed in millions of cocktails every year, has pledged to stop using single-use plastic straws and stirrers in over 100 countries – and is now calling on cocktail lovers and bar owners around the world to go strawless too.

Through its #BarStraws campaign – which encourages people to show their support through straw-free ‘selfies’ – Chivas estimates that it will save many millions of plastic straws and stirrers every year. Cocktail lovers are urged to simply take a selfie while sucking on their drink through an invisible straw, and post to Instagram tagging @chivasregal #BarStraws. For every post, Chivas will donate US$1 to the Marine Conservation Society.

Chivas Regal is committed to using business to change the world for the better, and has launched the #BarStraws campaign in support of parent company Pernod Ricard’s ongoing mission to preserve the oceans and protect the life within them from plastic.

Sandrine Ricard, Head of Sustainability & Responsibility at Chivas, commented: “Plastic straws spend a moment on our lips, and then a lifetime in the ocean or in landfill. We wanted to demonstrate that plastic no longer has a place in Chivas drinks, and that small acts – such as refusing the straw – can make a big difference. “We created the #BarStraws selfie as a simple way for cocktail lovers to make a positive impact while having fun together. Through #BarStraws, everyone can be a part of this important conversation, and can help fund conservation too.”

The Marine Conservation Society, the UK’s leading marine charity, wants to see a reduction in the volume of single use plastic in everyday use, and is challenging businesses and individuals to refuse the straw.

“A plastic straw is used for such a short time before it is thrown away”, said Chief Executive, Sandy Luk. “Chivas Regal is showing real commitment to deal with this unnecessary waste pollution, and we now need many other businesses to follow their lead”.

To prove that cocktails taste better when sipped, not sucked, Chivas Regal Global Brand Ambassador Max Warner has created a #BarStraws signature cocktail: the Strawberry Sipper. And the only straw in this cocktail is a strawberry.

The Strawberry Sipper

• 50ml Chivas Regal 12 Year Old
• 20ml Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
• 10ml Strawberry Syrup
• 50 ml Ginger Ale
• 50 ml Soda Water

Build all ingredients in a glass over ice; garnish with a fresh strawberry.

To discover more about Chivas’ #BarStraws campaign and to see how you too can help protect our oceans, visit the Chivas website.

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, 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 the Marine Conservation Society
The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) is the UK charity dedicated to protecting our seas, shores and wildlife. MCS campaigns for clean seas and beaches, sustainable fisheries, and protection of marine life. Through education, community involvement and collaboration, MCS raises awareness of the many threats that face our seas and promotes individual, industry and government action to protect the marine environment. MCS involves thousands of volunteers in projects and surveys such as the Great British Beach Clean. www.mcsuk.org

Why should you drink whiskey this St Patrick’s Day?

St Patrick’s Day is on Saturday. While it’s generally seen as an excuse to go out for some drinks, for me it’s also the ideal time to try and sneak some Irish whiskey into your drinks cabinet. Recent conversations online have shown me that not everyone is as big a fan of Irish whiskey as I am, so here are a few reasons to give it a try this weekend.

It’s not ‘just the same as Scottish whisky’

All whisk(e)y is far from the same, but Scottish whisky is made in a very similar way to other whiskies around the world – distillers from Taiwan to Canada base the way they make their whisky on Scottish tradition – but not the Irish. They’ve been doing things differently to distinguish themselves from their neighbours over the water for hundreds of years.

At first glance, it can all look very similar. But dig deeper, and you’ll find Irish whiskey is a bit different

While the debate as to who started making whisk(e)y first – Scotland or Ireland – will almost certainly never be answered, Scottish and Irish whiskey being different is much easier: they are.

The big difference people talk about is triple distillation: Scottish whisky is usually double distilled, while Irish producers almost all go for a third. This isn’t because ‘they couldn’t get it right after the first two times’ as a number of proud Scots have told me over the years, but to create a very different flavour profile. While I often ramble on about fruity Scotch whisky, Irish whiskey has a special kind of fruitiness of its own that you can taste in everything from Jameson to independently bottled single casks.

If you don’t know what I’m talking about, you definitely need a bottle in your cupboard.

There’s loads of Irish whiskey to explore

A few years ago, there were only three companies making whiskey in Ireland: Bushmills in the north, Irish Distillers and Cooley in the south. Over the past five years things have drastically changed, with tens of distilleries now making spirit, tens more sitting in planning and a handful already putting whisky and poitin on the shelves – Dingle and Echlinville, to name a couple.

This image is from a couple of years ago and is already out of date…

Getting into Irish whiskey at this moment in time gives you a chance to see the redevelopment of a whole country’s whiskey traditions.

While Scotch whisky is my first love, I’m increasingly finding myself turning to Irish whiskey when looking for something new. From the wannabe whiskey makers who are sourcing their spirit from elsewhere while building their own distilleries, to the established producers, everyone’s doing something interesting. It’s an exciting time to be an Irish whiskey fan.

It’s the classy way to celebrate St Patrick’s day

No comment

Which would you rather be doing on Saturday?

Drink pints of Guinness or Harp dosed with green food colouring while wearing an oversized novelty hat. And maybe face paint.

or

Share a selection of Irish whiskeys with friends. While wearing an oversized novelty hat. And maybe face paint.

I know which I’d choose…

You can find a wide range of Irish whiskey on our website. If you want to learn more, check out my recent blog posts on pot still whiskey and Slane distillery, Whisky Exchange boss Sukhinder’s love letter to the Ireland’s whiskey, and many others from over the years.

And in closing, if you must abbreviate St Patrick’s name, it’s Paddy not Patty.

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival reaches new international audiences as awards judging sessions hit the road

A record-breaking number of whisky drinkers from around the globe are to determine Speyside’s top drams in one of the industry’s best-loved award schemes. The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival Awards is stopping off at 18 different venues with its roving judging sessions – 10 more than it visited last year.

Whisky drinkers in Canada, the USA and Europe – as well as the UK – will be asked to cast their vote following a blind taste test of eight malt whiskies that have been distilled in Speyside – Scotland’s most prolific whisky-producing region.

The expanded number of venues taking part in the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards sessions underlines the international appeal of the event and how much it resonates with people around the globe, says Festival manager John Blyth.

He adds, “From one international judging session in 2016 to eight overseas venues in 2018 – that shows the high regard in which Speyside whisky is held on a worldwide stage.

“Traditionally, judging sessions were held on Speyside during the Festival but we felt that staging these roving sessions abroad would help to increase awareness with international audiences.

“Now, however, rather than just being a vehicle to promote the Festival, we are hosting sold-out events, with those passionate about whisky delighted with the opportunity to cast their vote in such a hotly-contested awards scheme.”

The roving sessions will kick off later this month at Dr Jekyll’s Bar, Oslo followed by Scotia Spirit in Cologne – the venue that started the overseas trend – and will go on to visit new venues including The Brandy Library in New York and the Hopscotch Pub and Brewery in Toulouse.

Sessions have already taken place at the Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh as it celebrate its 30th anniversary, and there are also plans to host a round at renowned Glasgow whisky bar The Pot Still. Visitors to the Festival from May 3 to 7 will also be able to cast their votes at a number of venues across Speyside.

The eight finalists in four categories have been whittled down from an extensive entry list by a panel of industry experts. The awards, sponsored by coppersmiths Forsyths of Rothes, are unique in that the winners are determined by the whisky-loving public.

In the Non Age Statement category, Glen Moray Classic Chardonnay and The Glenlivet Nàdurra Peated will go head to head, while Strathisla 12-year-old and Glenfiddich 12-year-old are contenders in the 12-year-old and under category.

Aberlour 18-year-old and Glen Moray 18-year-old will be vying for top honours in the 13-20-year-old category and in the class for malts aged 21 years and over, it will be a battle between Cragganmore Special Release 25-year-old and Glenfiddich 21-year-old.

Judging will be in the form of a blind taste test, ensuring that drinkers have to pick a favourite on taste alone and cannot be swayed by brand loyalty. The winners will be announced at the festival’s closing ceilidh, hosted by The Craigellachie Hotel, on May 6.

John says, “It’s a real honour for the distillers because they know the award is being given to them by the public – the people who will actually go out and buy their whisky.

“The awards judging sessions are always one of the most popular activities on the programme, with thousands of votes being cast over the years. The beauty of the awards is that you don’t have to be an expert to take part – you vote simply for the one you think tastes best.

“That approach mirrors the whole ethos of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival in that we want to provide something for everyone, whether you are a malt connoisseur or a curious novice. With 500 events taking place over five days, we have everything from exclusive distillery tours to wildlife walks – it’s even possible to come to the Festival and revel in the atmosphere without touching a drop.”

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is one of the biggest events of its kind in the world. The five-day celebration includes a packed programme of events involving food, music, heritage and crafts alongside a wide range of distillery tours and tastings from some of the biggest names in Scotch whisky.

Tickets for all events, including the judging sessions, are available at www.spiritofspeyside.com. Keep up-to-date with the Festival on social media – facebook.com/WhiskyFestival and @spirit_speyside on Twitter and Instagram.

Ends

Picture caption: Whisky fans taking part in the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards judging sessions will cast their votes in a blind taste test.

The new name in  

Irish Whiskey

The Dead Rabbit

From the NYC bar with the same name…

The Dead Rabbit Grocery & Grog is celebrating its 5th Anniversary with the launch of their very own five year old Irish Whiskey. We’ve only stocked the whiskey for a couple of weeks and the reports have all been positive. This St. Patrick’s Day ~ pull a five year old Dead Rabbit off your shelf!

Cheers!
Jonathan, Eric & Marlon
The Park Avenue Liquor shop
270 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10016
212-685-2442 PH
212-689-6247 FAX
jonathan@parkaveliquor.com
eric@parkaveliquor.com
whiskyconn@gmail.com (Marlon)
www.parkaveliquor.com

~ The Dead Rabbit ~
5 Year Old Irish Whiskey  

“When it comes to whiskey, wood matters. We use two types: firstly, we age our whiskey in old, seasoned bourbon casks. This lends a distinctly American accent to an Irish story. We then finish Dead Rabbit Irish Whiskey* in small, specially made, first-fill American oak barrels.  

The smaller the barrel, the better the whiskey-to-wood ratio. The result is real depth and depth and character over a lingering note of bourbon vanilla sweetness. 

A unique five-year-old blend of Irish malt and grain whiskey finished in half-sized, specially crafted virgin American oak barrels. crafted by world renowned whiskey expert and Master Distiller, Darryl McNally.”  

APPEARANCE

Dark golden honey

NOSE  

Rich overtones of bourbon and vanilla 

TASTE 

Irish Whiskey heart, with a burst of bourbon vanilla attitude

FINISH  

A long vanilla finish

(88 proof) 

PRICE: $38/btl  

*“The Dead Rabbit Irish Whiskey is crafted by Master Distiller, Darryl McNally of the Dublin Liberties Distillery, in Dublin’s traditional home of distilling.

The building is over 400 years old and, believe it or not, was once a tannery where rabbit fur was processed. In whiskey, as in life, some things are just meant to be.”

 
We cannot guarantee bottle availability but will always do our best to fulfill your order. We are not responsible for any typographical errors or or the lack of Free Agency agreements thus far by the NY Giants. Please contact the store with any questions.

The Park Avenue Liquor Shop | 212-685-2442 | 212-689-6247 |  parkaveliquor.com

Balblair 26 Year Old 1991 vintage Highland single malt Scotch whisky. Double matured in first fill Spanish Sherry Oak Butts. Nose: Rich citrus fruits, toffee and chocolate developing into juicy apricots with just a hint of liquorice in the background. Palate: Rich creamy chocolate and layers of stewed apples and pears. Christmas pudding with hot vanilla sauce on the finish. Balblair Distillery was originally established by John Ross at his Balblair Farm just to the west of Ederton by the southern shore of the Dornoch Firth. Whilst distillation was probably in progress as early as 1749 Balblair malt whiskey distillery was officially established in 1790. Then a short move into new Balblair Distillery buildings situated right beside Ederton railway station in 1894. Balblair is a fantastic Scottish Highland malt distillery which has retained its round red brick chimney, single pagoda roof and dunnage warehouses. The Balblair Vintage series encompasses single malts from the 1970s to the 2000s.

Balblair 1991 3rd Release 46.0% 26 Year Old 1991 Sherry & Bourbon Cask Matured

$143.15

MARCH AUCTION NOW LIVE
(ends Sunday 25^th March)

…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 CURE STARTS NOW
PAPPY VAN WINKLE RAFFLE

Our friends at The Cure Starts Now Foundation are raffling off a once-in-a-lifetime selection of whiskeys and we wanted to make sure our bourbon-loving audience is well aware of the opportunity. Don’t delay on this amazing opportunity to support a great cause. Click the link below for more info and to purchase raffle tickets directly from The Cure Starts Now.

The first ticket drawn will win the collection of 5 bottles and the second ticket drawn will win the grand prize Old Rip Van Winkle bottle.

5 Bottle Pappy Van Winkle Collection includes:
• 10-year bottle
• 12-year bottle
• 15-year family reserve bottle
• 20-year family reserve bottle
• 23-year family reserve bottle
Grand Prize Bottle: Old Rip Van Winkle 25 year

Once a ticket is drawn it does not get reentered into the raffle, so purchase multiple tickets for multiple chances to win!

Winner must pick up the bourbon in person for age verification.

THE SURE STARTS NOW BOURBON RAFFLE

ARDBEG DISTILLERY TO CELEBRATE ALL THINGS ‘PEAT & LOVE’ FOR ARDBEG DAY 2018 

Ardbeg Day falls on Saturday, 2^nd June 2018. This year, the Islay distillery will be rolling back the years to the Ardbeg Village of the late 1960s 

Each year, Ardbeg Day marks the end of Islay’s Festival of Music and Malt, Fèis Ìle, with a global celebration of the untamed spirit of Islay. Eagerly anticipated by Ardbeggians and smoky malt whisky enthusiasts the world over, this year will take them back in time for a celebration of all things ‘Peat & Love’.

Inspired by the alternative lifestyle and unorthodox spirit of a previous generation, Ardbeg will release this year’s celebratory Limited Edition, Ardbeg Grooves. In his latest experiment, Dr Bill Lumsden, Ardbeg’s Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation and Whisky Stocks has used re-toasted red wine casks to mature a portion of the whisky. While still sticky with the residue of the wine, these casks were intensely charred to produce heavy grooves into the surface of the wood, a technique that has produced more intense flavours. The result is a whisky aromatic with smoked spices, distant bonfires and chilli-seasoned meats.

Meanwhile, all across the world, Committee Members and lovers of smoky malt will be invited to don their flares, channel some ‘flower power’ and celebrate their passion for the peaty whisky they “dig” above all others.

Distillery Manager Mickey Heads said: “The Ardbeg Village of the 1960s was a very different place – a groovy wee community, with its own post office, billiards hall, two choirs and even a football team. These days the Ardbeg community is a worldwide one, and Ardbeg Day is the best way for us all to come together and raise a dram to the ultimate Islay single malt.”

Ardbeg Day in the UK will play host to a live online tasting, broadcasting to all Ardbeg Embassies nationwide, uniting them in a celebration of Islay’s peatiest malt. The day will also see the launch of Ardbeg’s Summer of Peat & Love Campaign, where Ardbeg’s own 1960s inspired VW van will tour the country making stops at a number of leading music festivals, bars and Ardbeg Embassies serving smoky drams to the masses, spreading a taste of Islay’s ‘Peat & Love’ and good vibes along the way. More details on Ardbeg’s Summer of Peat & Love will be released in the forthcoming weeks.

The Committee release of Ardbeg Peat & Love bottled at 51.6% goes on sale at 9am on 14^th March 2018, RRP: £89. Committee Members will receive a link to purchase their own special bottle. www.ardbeg.com

Follow Ardbeg on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ardbeg

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ardbeg_com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ardbeg/ 

NOTES  

Ardbeg Day:

Every year, the Islay Festival of Malt and Music takes place in May or June on Ardbeg’s island home. On the Festival’s final Saturday, Ardbeg Day, the Distillery traditionally throws open its doors to welcome fans from all over the world. In 2012 Ardbeg Day became a global event, enabling the whisky’s passionate international following to take part in a worldwide celebration of all things Ardbeg in their own country. Recent Ardbeg Day themes have included the Islay-limpics and the Peat Football World Cup, while in 2015, Ardbeg Day celebrated the single malt’s 200th anniversary by looking forward 200 years to a retro-futuristic version of Islay in 2215.  For 2016, Ardbeg Day became Ardbeg Night, as fans across the globe recalled Islay’s dark past as a smugglers’ haunt. And in 2017, Ardbeg Day plunged deep under the sea for another legendary celebration.

Ardbeg Grooves:

Ardbeg Grooves is a limited-edition bottling created to celebrate Ardbeg Day 2018. It is the Distillery’s first whisky with a heart matured in wine casks that have been intensely charred to carve heavy grooves in the surface of the wood. The result is a whisky with perfect harmony between smouldering, smoky cinnamon and the sweetness of vanilla popcorn, treacle and pear – with an intensity Ardbeg lovers will adore.

Tasting notes:

Ardbeg Grooves is non-chill filtered and bottled at 46% ABV. 

Nose: Intense aromas of smoked cinnamon and paprika, antique leather and saddle soap, with classic Ardbeg scents of pine resin, tar and briny sea spray in the background. A distant hint of a fragrant bonfire by the shores of the distillery and, finally, an unusual savoury note, like chilli-seasoned meats. A little splash of water releases some beautiful, unexpected aromas: lavender scented soap, ground white pepper, floral and herbal notes entwined. Fresh flowers mix with coriander leaves and mint.

Taste: A powerfully salty mouthfeel drifts into sweet vibes of treacle toffee, vanilla popcorn, salted fruits with soot and tar. Again, those distinctive savoury notes of smoky BBQ, paprika and mustard spice, fading into an unexpected haze of smoked pears and apples, almost like pear cider. 

Finish: Smoked paprika and bonfires with a mellow sweetness throughout.

Ardbeg:

Ardbeg is The Ultimate Islay Single Malt Whisky. Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by whisky lovers around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most intense 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 and it was not until it 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 in 130 countries worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”.  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, chaired by Mickey Heads, is free to join at ardbeg.com.

Awards:

Since 2008, Ardbeg has won more than 50 gold and double gold medals in key whisky competitions. Ardbeg was voted ‘World Whisky of the Year’ twice by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible (2008, 2009) and has twice been awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards (2010, 2013). At the 2014 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, Mickey Heads 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. In 2017 Ardbeg Kelpie, released to celebrate Ardbeg Day, was named Whisky of the Year International Whisky 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 Highland Single Malt whisky and Ardbeg Islay Single Malt.

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.