Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 217: Johnnie Walker White Walker

Mark Dermul, Belgian whiskyblogger, tries the Johnnie Walker White Walker. You are most likely aware that the television series Game of Thrones is very popular (unless you spent the last few years north of The Wall). Johnnie Walker gladly jumps on that bandwagon with this special release of the ‘White Walker’, bottled at a rather unconventional 41.7% ABV. Mark frowned a bit upon the recommendation to ‘serve it from the freezer’, but that did not stop him from trying it. But at the end of the day, he realized that this is a bottle for the collectors, not so much for the drinkers, as it was unable to fulfill his expectations.

https://youtu.be/3__ZGegETGw

FAMED STREET ARTIST FELIPE PANTONE PARTNERS WITH BALLANTINE’S FOR TRUE MUSIC SERIES

OCTOBER 8^th 2018 – Ballantine’s whisky, Europe’s No. 1 Scotch whisky and the world’s No. 2 Scotch whisky, has this month announced Felipe Pantone as the latest True Music Series collaborator following previous partnerships with beatboxer, Reeps One and graphic designers Leif Podhajsky and Dave Ma.

At the cutting edge of street art, Felipe Pantone is an Argentinian-Spanish visual and kinetic artist whose work fuses bold graphics, strong contrasts and vivid colours with mixed typography to create ultra-modern art that often brings music to life.

His work to date has adorned iconic music spaces around the globe including Ushuaia Ibiza Beach Hotel and the Life is Beautiful Music Festival in Las Vegas, as well as featuring in a music video for Anderson Paak and on album artwork for The Stroke’s Julian Casablancas. His latest pieces for Ballantine’s have been inspired by underground club culture, the recording and production process, and music soundwaves.

Featuring his distinctive geometric patterns, vivid colours, holograms and optical art, Felipe has created three inspiring artworks which form this year’s True Music Series limited edition gift packaging for Ballantine’s Finest and Ballantine’s 12 Year Old, which will be available around the world from September.

The True Music Series will take Felipe’s artwork across the globe – from Moscow to Johannesburg via Santiago – to transform a range of different music spaces with the distinctive geometric patterns, vibrant flavour and optical art that form his Ballantine’s limited-edition designs. Felipe’s artwork will connect to sound reactive projectors in each space, creating its own equaliser and allowing musicians to experience a visual representation of the music they produce and play within the space, ensuring a performance experience like no other for music fans.

Felipe Pantone said of the partnership: “I’ve always been surrounded by musicians and collaborating with Ballantine’s – a whisky brand that’s all about music – allowed me to explore a style marked by sound waves and flowing bits, juxtaposed with my signature elements. It’s always a pleasure to work around music artists, the spaces and the fans.”

Tom Elton, Head of Music at Ballantine’s, added: “There are a few artists who are really making waves internationally while creating forward-thinking and truly striking art, and Felipe is definitely one of them. With a passion and affinity for music as well as art, Felipe was an obvious choice for us and we couldn’t be happier with the bold and futuristic gift packs he has produced.

“But the limited-edition packaging is only the beginning; we have some really exciting plans to bring Felipe’s artwork to life in some of the coolest music communities around the world, including Gost Zvuk in Russia, Primavera Fauna in Chile and with Kid Fonque in South Africa – it’s going to be epic.”

The Ballantine’s True Music Series is an annual project that gives uncompromising artists a unique platform to share and visualise music and music scenes that inspire artists and fans worldwide.  The latest limited-edition gift packs created by Felipe Pantone will be available globally from September 2018. Find out more, here: http://www.ballantines.com/truemusicseries. 

About Ballantine’s

Ballantine’s is the No.1 Scotch whisky in Europe and the No.2 Scotch whisky in the world with the range selling over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won more than 130 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past ten years for its outstanding quality, as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the exclusive 40 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by Master Blender Sandy Hyslop, continuing the brand’s tradition of Master Blenders that dates back to 1827. In 2013, Ballantine’s continued its innovative approach by launching Ballantine’s Brasil, a spirit drink made from selectively cask steeping Scotch whisky with Brazilian lime peel.

www.ballantines.com

Instagram: @Ballantines

Facebook: facebook.com/ballantines

Twitter: twitter.com/ballantines

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ballantines

About Felipe Pantone

Felipe Pantone is an Argentinian-born Spanish graffiti and street artist based in Valencia. Influenced by his apprehension of the digital age and technological advancement, Pantone’s futuristic style uses sharp colours and geometric shapes to capture its viewer. His work has adorned a multitude of iconic music spaces across the globe including the Ushuaia Ibiza Beach Hotel and Life is Beautiful Music Festival in Las Vegas as well as within music videos and album artwork for the likes of The Stroke’s Julian Casablancas and singer-songwriter Anderson Paak. 

About Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s co-leader 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.chivasbrothers.com

Twitter: @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.

Just Whisky Auction Live – Amazing Selection of Whisky 

Just Whisky are delighted and rather excited to be live with their 59th auction, with a vast array of bottles for your collection, for a wee dram and for the investor.  Whatever you are looking for Just Whisky have you covered.  The Auction ends Sunday 21^th October from 8.00pm (BST)

Chichibu 2010 – 2018 Mizunara Cask No.1000 Number One Drinks

A special bottling from Ichiro’s Malt Chichibu, distilled in 2010 and matured fully in Japanese Mizunara Oak for eight wonderful years before being bottled exclusively for Number One Drinks from single cask number 1000.

Rumoured to be limited to under 300 bottles produced this is one highly collectable offering from Ichiro’s Malt.

Macallan Easter Elchies – 2009

 

Single sherry hogshead #14016. 2009 release for the Elchies Cask Selection series. Beautifully presented Macallan bottled at full strength normally available only at the distillery.

Glenfarclas 40 Years Old – Warehouse Edition

An award-winning whisky from Glenfarclas, aged for an incredible 40 years and bottled in a presentation box replicated by the unmistakable red warehouse door at Glenfarclas.

John Grant purchased the distillery for £511.19s.0d on the 8th June 1865, Glenfarclas now marks 180 years in production under the Grant family, six generations so far.

TWE Whisky Show 10^th Anniversary Series 2018 (Arran 21, BenRiach 28, Ardbeg 18) 

2018 saw the 10th anniversary of The Whisky Exchange Whisky Show in London which was bigger and better than previous years. Releasing two sets of bottlings: The Whisky Show 10th Anniversary Series and The Future of Whisky Set, as well as bottlings from Chichibu and Karuizawa.

The 10^th Anniversary Series Features:

Arran 21 Year Old – Limited to only 217 bottles
BenRiach 28 Year Old – Limited to only 106 bottles
Ardbeg 18 Year Old – Limited to only 225 bottles

Talisker 40 Years Old 1978 – The Bodega Series

New for 2018. Talisker proudly releases a very special bottling, not only is it bottled at 40 years old but it is the oldest official bottling from the distillery. Limited to only 2,000 bottles, of which only 400 were made available for the UK market.

This is the 1st from Talisker’s Bodega Series, matured in refill American Oak barrels and finished in Delgado Zuleta Sherry casks. Beautifully housed in a wooden box which reflects the arches from a bodega.

Enough talk! Let’s view the auction!

www.just-whisky.co.uk

Welcome to the Soleo Collection.

You may have noticed some changes going on at The Glenrothes recently. The arrival of our new collection of whiskies presented with some striking colours…you can’t really miss us!

Here at The Glenrothes, we wanted to highlight the importance of sherry seasoning to our whisky by choosing a name inspired by the origins of the finest Sherry. ‘Soleo’ is the natural sun-drying process that was used to prepare grapes to be placed in oak casks. The colours of the collection are inspired by the evolution of the grape as it matures from bright yellow to a rich, deep purple.

Our collection of age statement single malts are matured exclusively in sherry seasoned casks and bottled at natural colour. We’re proud to present The Glenrothes Soleo Collection.

The Glenrothes Soleo Collection will soon be available for purchase directly from our online shop.

The new Soleo Collection consists of a 10, 12 , 18 and 25 year old, alongside a stunning high strength non-age statement – Whisky Makers Cut. We’re already making waves, having won the Chairman’s award recently for The Glenrothes 25 year old, being rated 97 out of 100 ‘extraordinary’ with the ultimate recommendation!

#SpiritOfRothes

‘Spirit of Rothes’ is more than the name of our community. It’s a declaration that captures our approach to life and our love of whisky: no-nonsense, real and dedicated to whisky, above all else. By being signed up to our newsletter, you now have exclusive access to our distillery news and limited edition bottles!

Halloween Limited Edition

Trick or treat?  We say treat yourself to one of these, before they all fly away into the night.
As one of the only distilleries in the world next to a graveyard, we’ve always had a special affection for all things ghostly. That’s why we’ve decided to celebrate Halloween this year with a unique special edition single malt.

This Limited Edition is 13 years old, presented in a highly collectible black gloss Glenrothes bottle. The new make spirit was distilled on Halloween 2004, then filled in to casks the next day. Matured in 100% first-fill American Oak sherry-seasoned casks for 13 years, this is a perfectly balanced whisky that delivers notes of vanilla, banana and ginger.

As this whisky sold out so quickly on our shop we wanted to give our Spirit of Rothes community a heads-up that the remainder of the 2,202 limited bottles will be available soon through the following channels: amazon.co.uk (UK) amazon.es (Spain), whisky.de (Germany) and through selected retailers in Taiwan, China and the Philippines.
Keep your eyes peeled!

#SPIRITOFROTHES

Saturday, October 20th, 12-3PM:

Bruichladdich

Trickle Distilled from 100% scottish barley, Bruichladdich distillery’s methods date back to the 19th century – including some of the original Victorian machinery still used today. The process is both time and labor-intensive, but the results are well worth it. Guests will be treated to a variety of Bruichladdich’s highly-rated catalogue, presented by whisky ambassador Trent Simpson.

More Details & RSVP

From Guy Phenix at The WhiskyCrowd;

We are a Glasgow based Whisky start up that want to be the first to crowdfund a whisky cask. We have an amazing ex-Bordeaux cask filled with whisky distilled on Islay and has been maturing for the last 7 years. We are offering up 360 parts that correspond to a bottle, 50cl or 70cl. This enables people to own part of a whisky cask and then get a single cask, 61% hand bottled and labelled whisky from £58 with free UK shipping. When placing your order enter the exclusive Whisky Intelligence discount code WHINT5 to receive £5 off!

More info over at our website www.TheWhiskyCrowd.com or visit them on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TheWhiskyCrowd also on Instagram www.instagram.com/TheWhiskyCrowd

Glen Garioch 25 Year Old – Douglas Laing Platinum XOP

A rare example of Glen Garioch released as part of the 70th anniversary of Douglas Laing. The platinum collection represents some of the finest stocks of Single Malt in their vast warehouses.

Nose: A true sherry bomb . . . ripe stone fruits, raspberry conserve and spicy complexity.

Palate: Thick mouthfeel full of chocolate, coffee, and dried.

Finish: Sweet and oaky, with mature cedar spice.

£299.95

Buy Glen Garioch 25

https://youtu.be/dLQ-gVq2KB4

Eighteen years old! It’s coming in a quite a price tag but is it worth it? In a way yes, in a way, no – Yes in the sense of flavour! This is a big, bold and powerful style from OP – nothing like what I’ve tried before from them. Savory and sweet with contrasting notes of chocolate, salt, lemon, peanut butter and toffee. Putting it next to the 15 is like comparing a a Tesla to a Lamborghini, both brilliant but go about things in very different ways – I scored it quite high but it is putting itself in a very competitive area of pricing, i hope it’s sales reflect its true quality. Cheers

Opera in tune with distilling to be performed at Glen Scotia 

Glen Scotia distillery in Campbeltown is set to host one of the first performances of an exciting new opera set in a distillery and featuring music by Scot indie stars Admiral Fallow.

Navigate The Blood, which is written by Sian Evans, is about a couple whose son has disappeared in mysterious circumstances, with the action taking place in a small family distillery.

The new production combines singing, music, theatre and storytelling, and has been created to reflect the lives of the distillery community in Scotland. By being relevant to those based in Scotland’s distilling regions, it also aims to encourage new audiences to experience opera.

Distilling is an industry that employs, directly and indirectly, 41,000 people in Scotland and attracted two million tourists to various Scottish distilleries last year.

The contemporary opera features music by top Scottish indie-folk band, Admiral Fallow, who joined forces with composer Gareth Williams to push the collaborative boundaries and form this exciting new partnership. Working with Gareth, Sian and classical opera singers, they have embraced an intense writing process, resulting in a compelling first new work of modern opera by the talented and versatile musicians

The production will tour Scotland’s traditional distilling regions, from the Highlands, to the Lowlands, via Speyside, Islay and Campbeltown, where Glen Scotia will host the sole performance. Glen Scotia is one of only three surviving distilleries in Campbeltown, formerly known as the Victorian capital of Scotch.

Iain McAlister, Distillery Manager at Glen Scotia, said: “Navigate The Blood has been created to showcase Scotland’s distilling industry and we can’t wait for it to be performed here at Glen Scotia. Campbeltown, one of Scotland’s five official malt-producing regions, has a rich distilling heritage, with over 30 distilleries based in the town during its Victorian heyday when it was known as the Scotch capital of the world. We are extremely proud of our role as the sole host for Campbeltown.”

James Robert Carson, the founder and artistic director of New Opera in Scotland Events (NOISE), which is producing Navigate The Blood, said: “Scotland has a deep and historic involvement with the art of distilling. By performing Navigate the Blood in each of the five distinct distilling regions, NOISE has designed an opera that reflects and celebrates the success and continued innovation of this remarkable industry. The band Admiral Fallow and composer Gareth Williams have created a truly magical and original score, with a story set in a distillery.

“NOISE is delighted to be able to tour this new production to audiences who live and work in some of the country’s most important and unique working communities, such as Glen Scotia in Campbeltown.”

Navigate The Blood is to be performed at Glen Scotia Distillery on November 9. Tickets are available from www.seeticket.com.

Follow Glen Scotia on social media using the Twitter handle @GlenScotiaMalts or by visiting www.facebook.com/GlenScotiaWhisky/ 

Notes:

About Glen Scotia:

• Independent distiller Glen Scotia has been producing single malt whisky in Campbeltown since 1832.
• Glen Scotia is one of three surviving distilleries in Campbeltown.
• The Glen Scotia 18 Year Old Single Malt and Glen Scotia 25 Year Old Single Malt were each awarded Double Gold at the San Francisco International Spirits Competition 2018
• Glen Scotia was named Best Campbeltown Distillery of the Year at the 2017 Berlin International Spirits Competition
• Glen Scotia Victoriana won best Campbeltown Single Malt at World Whisky Awards 2017.
• Glen Scotia Double Cask was named Scottish Field Whisky of the Year 2016
• Glen Scotia 15 Year Old won Double Gold at the San Francisco International Spirits Competition 2016 

www.glenscotia.com

@glenscotiamalts

Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2019 – The Winners

It’s that time again: Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2019 is landing imminently and Jim’s picks of the world’s top whiskies are in.

After a few years of controversial choices, with Scotch whisky bouncing in and out of the top three, and Japanese and Canadian whisky making headlines around the world, we’re back to safer ground with the most traditional set of results since 2014.

To grab all the results you can grab your own copy of the bible from our website, but in the meantime…

The winner of Jim Murray’s award for 2019 World Whisky of the Year is:

William Larue Weller 128.2 Proof – Buffalo Trace Antique Collection 2017

An old favourite and one of Jim’s top three whiskies in every year but one since 2012. Unfortunately, as is always the case with the whiskies in the yearly Buffalo Trace Antique collection (BTAC), it’s sold out. You can sign up for an email alert in case we do find some more on the William Larue Weller 2017 page.

Second finest whisky in the world: Glen Grant 18 Years Old

A third appearance in the top three for the Glen Grant: second in the Whisky Bible 2017, third in 2018 and now second in the 2019 edition. Not bad for a whisky that hadn’t been officially released when it received its first award. It’s a delicate and complex dram and a worthy entry in the line-up. As of writing we have a few bottles left, but it’s sure to be sold out shortly – you can find out over on our Glen Grant 18 year old page.

Third finest whisky in the world: Thomas H Handy Sazerac 127.2 Proof – Buffalo Trace Antique Collection 2017

Another BTAC entry, the Thomas H Handy has long been the geek’s choice in the yearly collection, and it has popped up in Jim’s top list a few times. Again it’s sold out, but you can sign up to get an email if we find more on the Thomas H Handy Sazerac 2017 page.

While full-sized bottles of both the Weller and Handy are sold out, we’ve just had a few more sample packs of the whole of the 2017 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection arrive – you can find them on our website here.

Jim Murray’s Single Cask of the Year: Blanton’s Gold Edition Single Barrel Bourbon

A potentially contentious winner: a bourbon that’s not regularly available in the USA. Blanton’s Gold almost all goes overseas, and a lot of it ends up being sent back to American whiskey lovers. It’s, as the award name suggests, a single-barrel bourbon, with every bottle produced from a single cask, without any mixing with others. Unfortunately, this does mean that it’s unlikely that you’ll get to try the same one as Jim, as we get a mix of different bottlings in every order and can’t guarantee which you’ll get. However, if you do get a bottle of barrel #40 dumped on 3 June 2017 and matured in warehouse H, rick 79 then you’re in luck – that’s the winner.

It’s in stock as I type, but it probably won’t last long – don’t worry, we get it in regularly. You can grab a bottle from our Blanton’s Gold Edition page.

The full list of winners

The Whisky Bible is more than just the top awards, with Jim’s year-long tasteathon throwing out more great drams. Here’s the full list:

2019 World Whisky of the Year
William Larue Weller 128.2 Proof

Second Finest Whisky in the World
Glen Grant Aged 18 Years

Third Finest Whisky in the World
Thomas Handy Sazerac Rye 127.2 Proof

Single Cask of the Year
Blanton’s Gold Edition Single Barrel

SCOTCH

Scotch Whisky of the Year
Glen Grant Aged 18 Year Old

Single Malt of the Year (Multiple Casks)
Glen Grant Aged 18 Year Old

Single Malt of the Year (Single Cask)
The Last Drop Glenrothes 1969 Cask 16207

Scotch Blend of the Year
Ballantine’s 17 Year Old

Scotch Grain of the Year
Berry Bros & Rudd Cambus 26 Years Old

Scotch Vatted Malt of the Year
Collectivum XXVIII

Single Malt Scotch

No Age Statement
Laphroaig Lore

10 Years & Under (Multiple Casks)
Laphroaig 10 Year Old

10 Years & Under (Single Cask)
Berry Bros & Rudd Ardmore 9 Year Old

11-15 Years (Multiple Casks)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old 17th Release Special Releases 2017

11-15 Years (Single Cask)
Cadenhead’s Rum Cask Mortlach 14 Year Old

16-21 Years (Multiple Casks)
Glen Grant Aged 18 Year Old

16-21 Years (Single Cask)
Bowmore 19 Year Old The Feis Ile Collection

22-27 Years (Multiple Casks)
Talisker 25 Year Old Bot.2017

22-27 Years (Single Cask)
Scotch Malt Whisky Society Glen Grant Cask 9.128 24 Year Old

28-34 Years (Multiple Casks)
Convalmore 32 Year Old

28-34 Years (Single Cask)
Gleann Mor Port Ellen Aged 33 Year Old

35-40 Years (Multiple Casks)
Benromach 39 Year Old 1977 Vintage

35-40 Years (Single Cask)
Glenfarclas The Family Casks 1979

41 Years & Over (Multiple Casks)
Tomatin Warehouse 6 Collection 1972

41 Years & Over (Single Cask)
The Last Drop Glenrothes 1969 Cask 16207

BLENDED SCOTCH

No Age Statement (Standard)
Ballantine’s Finest

5-12 Years
Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old

13-18 Years
Ballantine’s 17 Year Old

19 – 25 Years
Royal Salute 21 Year Old

26 – 50 Years
Royal Salute 32 Year Old Union of the Crowns

IRISH WHISKEY

Irish Whiskey of the Year
Redbreast Aged 12 Year Cask Strength

Irish Pot Still Whiskey of the Year
Redbreast Aged 12 Year Cask Strength

Irish Single Malt of the Year
Bushmills Distillery Reserve 12 Year Old

Irish Blend of the Year
Bushmills Black Bush

Irish Single Cask of the Year
The Irishman 17 Year Old

AMERICAN WHISKEY

Bourbon of the Year
William Larue Weller 128.2 Proof

Rye of the Year
Thomas H. Handy Sazerac 127.2 Proof

US Micro Whisky of the Year
Garrison Brothers Balmorhea

US Micro Whisky of the Year (Runner Up)
Balcones Peated Texas Single Malt

BOURBON

No Age Statement (Single Barrel)
Blanton’s Gold Edition Single Barrel

No Age Statement (Multiple Barrels)
William Larue Weller 128.2 Proof

Up To 10 Years
Eagle Rare 10 Year Old

11 – 15 Years
Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 15 Year Old

16 – 20 Years
Abraham Bowman Sweet XVI Bourbon

11 Years & Over
Orphan Barrel Rhetoric 24 Year Old

RYE

No Age Statement
Thomas H. Handy Sazerac 127.2 Proof

Up to 10 Years
Knob Creek Cask Strength

11 Years & Over
Sazerac 18 Year Old (2017 Edition)

CANADIAN WHISKY

Canadian Whisky of the Year
Canadian Club Chronicles: Issue No. 1 Water of Windsor 41 Year Old

JAPANESE WHISKY

Japanese Whisky of the Year
The Hakushu Paul Rusch

EUROPEAN WHISKY

European Whisky of the Year (Multiple)
Nestville Master Blender 8 Years Old Whisky (Slovakia)

European Whisky of the Year (Single)
The Norfolk Farmers Single Grain Whisky (England)

WORLD WHISKIES

Asian Whisky of the Year
Amrut Greedy Angels 8 Year Old (India)

Southern Hemisphere Whisky of the Year
Belgrove Peated Rye (Australia)