The Good Dram Show – Episode 289 ‘North Star Series 006 Pt2’ – This weeks episode of the show is the second part of my review of the North Star Series 006. This week it’s the turn of the regional bottlings or the Stars as Iain has called them.
Whisky tasting with a background noise
Just for a change, blending a dram with music. I was bored one night … From the classic Mortlach, Glendronach, Glenmorangie brigade, try this out; Break on through to the other side – Jameson Stout finish, a beautiful wee number, velvety, smooth, doesnee bite you all the way doon the toes, with underlying notes of stout (Murphys), chocolate noises in there also. You just cannee beat it for a sit back and enjoy dram. Aye, we’ve broken through! Many thanks Jim and the Doors.
Tamdhu Batch Strength matured exclusively in sherry casks and boasting a weighty ABV of 58.3%. What did I get? Black Forest gateau, vanilla, marmalade, chocolate cake, un-chillfiltered. Each batch varies slightly in style and intensity, its deep colour and exquisite quality is a winner with me. A grand dram with a bit of fire, like a bolt of lightning. Drammed in company of the Doors, (come on baby) Light my fire.
Talisker Storm released in early 2013 as a no age statement whisky, matured in refill and toasted American oak casks. An intense dram like the song, character, smokier depth and complexity inside this island luvvy. Again thanks to Jim M. Riders on the Storm
Poison – an American metal band that achieved great commercial success in the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s, sold over 30 million records. The band’s second album, Open Up and Say… Ahh!, which became the band’s most successful album, Tamnavulin Double Cask was the first release from the distillery since the 1990s! Now they’ve got their very own expression! American oak before a finishing period in Sherry casks. The easiest of the drams tonight to linger with and open my mush and say ahhh. I can’t help singing one of my favourites to this dram; What’s right? What’s wrong? What’s left? What the hell is going on? Unskinny bop. Just blows me away, yeah, Unskinny bop, bop, All night and day, yeah, Unskinny bop, bop, bop, bop.
With a Little Help From My Friends This Lennon & McCartney song became a signature for Joe Cocker after he performed it at Woodstock in 1969. It’s grand to try and warble similar to Joe, you just can’t! But we try, so – with some help I go dramming log into The Friend at Hand. Irish Whiskey Shop. Hill Street Belfast. One of their drams, exclusive; SEVEN DEADLY SINS, 13 Years SINGLE MALT Everyone makes mistakes. Some more so than others, some with certain whiskies I won’t name. If you haven’t made any, then you haven’t lived and that’s the real sin. Only Available To Buy In The Friend At Hand.
That’s all for tonight though I could go on, looking forward to my next delve into my music background for whisky friends, hell – it’s better than pairing with food!
TOMATIN NAMED FASTEST GROWING TOP 10 SINGLE MALT WHISKY IN THE US
Highland whisky distillery Tomatin, has today (Tuesday 16th October) announced that it is officially the fastest growing top ten single malt whisky in the US. Recent figures released by Impact Databank confirm that the brand has increased its foothold in the US by a massive 52% following significant international growth.
Tomatin sold more than 35,000 cases of branded product stateside in 2017, amounting to almost £2 million worth of sales. The brand proved particularly popular in states including New York, Texas and California.
Graham Nicolson, Sales Director of Tomatin, said, “There is growing demand for Tomatin stateside and, thanks to our fantastic partnership with Phillips Distilling Co., we have been able to meet this demand and grow Tomatin’s US presence at a significant pace.”
He added, “2018 has been a year of intense acceleration for Tomatin, not just in the US, but in the UK too. We are delighted to celebrate this latest business milestone and look forward to further growing the brand in the US, and beyond, as we head into 2019.”
Commenting on the US market, Sarah Dickson, International Director at the Scotch Whisky Association, said: “The US continues to be the largest export market for Scotch Whisky, accounting for over £921.7 million in exports last year.”
She continued: “Single malts are extremely popular in the USA, with the country representing 26% of overall value of single malt exports – and the equivalent of 23.7 million bottles shipped to the country in 2017. On a global level, single malts continue to perform strongly, and since topping £1bn in exports in 2016 are now valued at £1.2 billion.”
Christopher Null, a California-based whisky blogger and Editor of Drink Hacker, commented: “This is huge news for a generally under sung brand that is known for both its impressive – and often unique – expressions and reasonable pricing.”
He added: “Tomatin hasn’t been well-known by most US consumers, so annual growth of 52% is a huge accomplishment that will seemingly be changing things in short order. I’m very much looking forward to seeing more of these whiskies on the US market.”
Back in June, Tomatin reported a double-digit increase in turnover and profit. Sales in 2017 were 25 per cent higher on the previous year at £18m, driven by growth in the UK, the US and Europe. In addition, turnover from the distillery’s visitor centre – an important income stream for the business, surpassed £1 million for the very first time.
Tomatin’s portfolio of core whiskies spans four decades and the distillery also produces Cù Bòcan, a lightly peated single malt whisky, and range a range of blended whiskies.
Notes
Tomatin is located in the Scottish Highlands (near Inverness) and is famous for its portfolio of soft and mellow whiskies, including a core range, a limited-edition range and a premium archive range (prices range from £35 – £2,500). Tomatin is one of the fastest growing whisky brands in the UK and ranks within the Top 10 Single Malt brands in the USA. Tomatin recently reported its turnover increased by almost 25% during the company’s most recent financial year (Dec 2016 – Dec 2017). Tomatin won Distiller of the Year 2016 and Brand Innovator of the Year 2017 at the Icons of Whisky Scotland Awards.
Bonhams Whisky Sale
American Hogshead Cask from Macallan Distillery. 1996-22 year old
The Whisky section of the sale is particularly strong with 530 lots and leading with an American Hogshead Cask from Macallan Distillery, 1996-22 year old, estimated at HK$2,200,000 to HK$2,800,000.
The sale also presents the largest selection of Japanese whisky with over 70 bottles from the closed distillery Karuizawa, a further 50 bottles of single cask Yamazaki and a selection from the highly sought after Hanyu Card series. Highlights include:
Other notable whisky lots include:
| Auction Previews | ||
| Taipei 2 and 3 November
Le Meridien |
Singapore 10 and 11 November
The Regent Hotel
|
Hong Kong 13–16 November
Bonhams Gallery Suite 2001 One Pacific Place 88 Queensway Hong Kong |
Auction Details Fine and Rare Whisky
Bonhams Hong Kong Gallery Suite 2001, One Pacific Place, Admiralty Friday 16 November at 10:30am
Specialist: Daniel Lam, Director of Wine & Whisky, Asia
Tel: +852 2918 4321; E: winehk@bonhams.com
About Bonhams
Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest and most renowned auctioneers, offering fine art and antiques, motor cars and jewellery. The main salerooms are in London, New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong. With a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 22 countries, Bonhams offers advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full list of forthcoming auctions, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com.
Matured in a uniquely complex combination of casks, The Macallan Triple Cask Matured range offers an extraordinarily smooth and delicate yet complex character drawn from European and American sherry seasoned oak casks and ex-bourbon American oak casks.
This triple cask combination gives a more complex style, from the prominent character of American oak in the younger ages to the more developed European oak character as you progress through the range.
Previously known as The Macallan Fine Oak, the range offers the same whisky with a new name and a new bottle; reflecting the quality of our whiskies and unveiling the skills and craft of the Macallan Masters.
The Macallan Triple Cask Matured 12 Years Old and 15 Years Old are now available to purchase from The Macallan Online Shop.
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.
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
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:
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)
| The Whisky Barrel | E: info@thewhiskybarrel.com |
| Visit www.thewhiskybarrel.com | T: +44 (0)845 2248 156 |
| Find us on: Facebook, Twitter & Instagram |
Notes:-
Q) How much is it?
A) £51.50 GBP / $55.93 USD (+ P&P)
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.
