SPRINGBANK HAS LANDED !

We are delighted to offer our new batch of fantastic whiskies coming out of Springbank and Glengyle Distilleries. Demand has soared for this fantastic range, stocks are extremely limited and are on allocation so grab them while you can !

To start with we can offer the following two new 2018 lines as below –

Buy this sensational whisky

Springbank 18 Year Old, 46%, 2018

Springbank 18 is a multi-award-winning Campbeltown single malt which this year has been matured in 100% ex-bourbon casks. A sensational dram & extremely limited.

Buy this sensational whisky

The Springbank Distillery is a family-owned single malt whisky distillery on the Kintyre Peninsula in western Scotland. The distillery has a cult following worldwide and is unique among Scotland’s Distilleries. Every part of the process from malting to bottling is carried out at the distillery. Unlike other whiskies Springbank Single Malt Whisky is free of artificial colouring and is non-chill filtered.

Patrick McCourt for Milroys of Soho, 2018

Canada Distils

a new book from

After what seems an eternity of planning, traveling from coast to coast, and writing, Blair Phillips and I are overjoyed that our forthcoming book, called Canada Distils, will be published on the Appetite by Random House imprint of Penguin Random House Canada. Thank you to everyone who has helped and hosted us in our travels so far. We’re not done yet, so don’t be surprised if we call or drop by looking for information.

The book profiles of all of Canada’s operating distilleries, large and small, along with little-known details for visitors and armchair visitors alike. There is so much more between the pages, but you’ll just have to be patient to find out what.

Shortlist announced

International Wine and Spirits Competition

Spirits Communicator of the Year 2018 

From IWSC media release:

“Four stars of the spirits industry have been chosen to go forward to the shortlist of the IWSC’s prestigious Spirit Communicator of the Year award.

“Amanda Victoria, Davin de Kergommeaux, Tom Sandham, and Eric Zandona were selected as the four finalists by a panel of judges which included Louisa Humm, head of brand communications at Pernod Ricard, drinks journalist Douglas Blyde, editor of just-drinks.com Olly Wehring, spirits consultant Veronika Karlova, IWSC general manager Adam Lechmere, and last year’s winner and editor/co-founder of Gin Foundry Olivier Ward.

“The Spirit Communicator of the Year award, sponsored by Chivas Brothers, recognises an individual or organisation whose communication skills have made an exceptional contribution towards promoting and increasing public awareness in spirits.

“The winner will be announced at the IWSC Awards Banquet on 14 November 2018 at the Guildhall in London.”

https://iwsc.net/news/iwsc/shortlist-announced-for-spirit-communicator-of-the-year-2018

The Strath / Shelter Point exclusives

Two new Shelter Point whiskies, both exclusive to The Strath liquor store in Victoria are well worth hunting down. Shelter Point is really coming into its own and The Strath has picked two of its honeyest honey barrels to release as single-cask whiskies. A Classic Single Malt distilled in 2011 and an Avant-Garde Barley from 2013 are both bottled at 57.3%.

Look for typical lush malty notes in the Classic, underscored by baking spices, citrus fruit and fresh bread. Avant-Garde Barley matured in a Vancouver Island blackberry wine barrel, bursts with jammy fruit, toasted grain and citrus hints.

Yukon’s Two Brewers

Meanwhile, in Whitehorse, Two Brewers continue to impress with their latest whiskies including Release 10, their first cask-strength whisky to date. Bottled at 58%, its grassy notes, sweet tobacco and cereals bask in a gentle bed of Werther’s caramel.

A Pedro Ximinez finish adds sweetness and ripe fruity tones to Release 9, which is bottled at 46%.

Canadian Rockies 17 Year Old

All the excitement about the recently released Canadian Rockies 21 may have overshadowed another real gem of a whisky. Sourced from Highwood Distillers in Alberta, Canadian Rockies 17 year old is one more example of the glories of slow maturation. Canadian Rockies 17, bottled at 50% abv, delivers all the spiciness, luscious corn and crisp clean woody notes we’ve come to expect in well-aged corn whisky.

Banff Whisky Experience

On September 28 & 29, the inaugural Banff Whisky Experience will offer 15 master classes for curious drammers who want to experience new whiskies. My two classes alone include whiskies very few people will have tasted before.

This is shaping up to be one of Canada’s premiere whisky events, and you certainly can’t complain about the location. The complete schedule is now available at https://www.banffwhiskyexperience.com.

Click “Buy Tickets” or go to: www.showpass.com/bwe/.

Space is limited, so book soon!

Canadian Whisky Awards 2019

Mark your calendars. The 2019 Canadian Whisky Awards have not yet been announced officially, but if you are planning to attend the gala presentation, reserve Thursday, January 17 at the Hotel Grand Pacific in Victoria.  See you there. Invitations for producers to enter their whiskies in the awards will be forthcoming.

Blue Mountain Whisky Tasting 

On November 10, 2018, Grand Central Lodge at Blue Mountain in Collingwood, Ontario, will treat whisky lovers to a grand tasting along with food, cocktails and a cigar pairing. Tickets can be purchased at eventbrite.ca or thedampub.ca.

Canadian Whisky, the book 

Everything you ever wanted to know about Canadian whisky, but didn’t know where to look. Now in the second printing of its second edition. Available at bookstores across Canada and the US, and from online sellers.

Crown Royal kicks off largest-ever responsible drinking initiative

Brand encourages football fans to ‘stay in the game’ through moderation and hydration, launches campaign reminding fans to take Water Breaks as football season begins in America

Whether at bars, stadiums or at home, enjoying cocktails and adult beverages can be essential parts of the football experience. But every so often, there’s a fan whose overconsumption can ruin the game for themselves and those around them.  So Crown Royal, America’s best-selling Canadian whisky, is building upon its “Hydrate Generously” platform that started in 2017, and is now launching its largest-ever responsible drinking campaign, called “The Water Break.”

Water Breaks are a must for professional football players, but what about the fans who support their teams, win or lose? This season, Crown Royal is introducing the first off-the-field Water Break – a movement that encourages responsible game day consumption and reinforces the importance of drinking in moderation and hydrating between alcoholic beverages.

“Crown Royal is taking responsible drinking to the next level with an initiative that’s more than just a message; we are looking to change behaviors and ultimately make a positive social impact. Simply put, the Crown Royal Water Break reminds sports fans to not ruin the game day celebrations for everyone else by overconsuming,” said Sophie Kelly, Senior Vice President of North American Whisk(e)ys at Diageo. “Our Water Break platform is an integrated campaign and the new spot will run in homes, bars and stadiums, and will air nationally and locally all over the country. This season make sure you moderate your drinking and hydrate to stay in the game. TAKE A WATER BREAK!”

The campaign will debut with a nationally televised 30-second commercial to air during the opening game of the American football season.  The spot features a referee signaling a time out for an official Crown Royal Water Break, encouraging a moment for fans everywhere to take a break and hydrate between alcoholic beverages. The campaign will continue to air during the first half of games throughout the entire season.

https://youtu.be/dFStecG879Q

The brand will also partner with a roster of American football legends to remind fans of the importance of taking Water Breaks.  In select markets in the U.S., these former greats will get back in the action by assisting Crown Royal in distributing tens of thousands of gallons of water in stadiums and bars to create a safer, more enjoyable game day. Consistent with the brand’s long-standing commitment to responsible drinking, this is the next in a series of social responsibility efforts that have included providing fans with free, safe rides home around big events and public service announcements promoting responsible drinking.

Five cities will play host to the 2018 Fall Whiskey Tasting Festival happening across various venues on September 29th. Chicago, Denver, Dallas, Houston, and Minneapolis are expected to bring in crowds from each of these locations and together, elevate the experience with the best whiskeys in these cities.

“Always sad to see summer come to an end but we have a tasty brown spirit to warm the heart and bring that smile back to join a variety of brands, great venues and of course other whiskey lovers this September,” William Holdeman, Social Scene president says.

It’s fall and whiskey is waiting for you. Join the special fall whiskey tasting event that will excite your pallet and tease your taste buds! Get ready to engage your senses, connect with others and enjoy a memorable moment. Enjoy an intimate setting with whiskey reps showcasing a few of their top brands.

Package Includes

The organizers have prepared an experience that you should not miss at the 2018 Fall Whiskey Tasting Festival. Enjoy the following perk as you purchase your tickets: 

• 2 Hour Whiskey Tasting (2 1/2 for VIP, VIP Start Time 3:30PM)
• 15 Tasting Tickets (.25 oz Pours)(More available for purchase – 100% charity)
• Featured Food & Drink Specials
• Vote for Top Brands (Use #FallWhiskeyFestival #Chicago, #Denver, #Dallas, #Houston, #Minneapolis and Tag Venue!)
• Fun Giveaway (VIP Only)
• VIP Perks
• First Time Lyft users, use code BeSocial for $5 in rides! 

You can also avail of 20% discount by using discount code DWF (Drink With Friends). 

Venues & Brands 

Various venues and brands are participating at the 2018 Fall Whiskey Tasting Festival. Social Scene has partnered with great spaces and connected with different whiskey brands to offer only the best to the attendees.

• Improper City – 3201 Walnut Street, Denver, Colorado 80205
• Bottled Blonde – 505 N Good Latimer Expy, Dallas, Texas 75204
• 508 Bar – 508 N 1st Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401 

“We are so excited for another whiskey event, Fall Whiskey Festival Tasting and to be adding Texas to our list of markets in Dallas and Houston!” Holdeman says.

Among the participating whiskey brands are Art of the Spirits Whiskey LLC, Isanti Spirits, Koval Distillery, Tighe Brothers Distillery, Wood’s High Mountain Distillery, and more brands will be announced soon!

About Social Scene 

Social Scene creates a “scene” an environment to connect people, build relationships and create memories through online campaigns and on-premise social events; focusing on providing exposure to our partnering brands, venues and clients to connect with a great social audience – Experiential Marketing.

Social Scene builds brand awareness for partnering venues and brands, connecting them with a targeted audience to build relationships and create memories. Visit BeSocialScene.com for the most up to date events and to partner on an upcoming experience.

Want to build a live or online experience around your company’s brand or venue? Email info@besocialscene.com or send a message directly at BeSocialScene.com. Be Social. Be Seen

This September Outturn we’re celebrating our 35th anniversary with a colourful collection of birthday bottlings – with all 12 of our flavour profiles joining us for the party, along with five hand-picked commemorative casks. Make sure you don’t miss the festivities this First Friday, click over to our website now and browse the full listing ahead of the release on Friday, 7 September at 9am.

READ OUTTURN

Join us on 24 September as we unite members from all around the world, in our first ever global Virtual Tasting, streamed live from our home at The Vaults. Simply order an exclusive Discovery Pack, which includes five specially-selected whiskies, and join us on www. facebook.com/thesmwsuk at 7pm (UK time), where master brand ambassador John McCheyne will be hosting this once-in-a-lifetime tasting.

BUY NOW

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

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SPECIAL RELEASE

Hi everyone this is a rather special release we have put together with the team in Campbeltown, so this is more like an intermediate newsletter ahead of the main one later this month. You will notice a few look the same but dig deeper you will see they are all very different in ABV (%volume) for more information head to the web shop including images of each bottle in more detail.

Each Cadenhead’s bottling is a first time release from a selection of whiskies chosen for international release. Some of you might be aware we often have small releases of small batch single cask bottling’s appear on the web shop under the Vault section or one of the new release tabs, so keep an eye on the web shop from time to time or email us on info@whiskytastingroom.com to see if we have anything not listed on the web shop or due in soon. The only time we can’t give you info is when its a main release as even we don’t have all the info so as to keep each release a surprise until Club members get advance notice that is.

We could not do this special release Newsletter with-out a quick mention of the new Campbeltown core range release. Because Springbank does not over produce, from time to time we can sell out leaving us without any stock until the next batch reaches age. Thankfully we rarely have long to wait for the next batch to come into the shop so it is with great pleasure we can inform you that we are once again fully stocked!

OK so on to the list for our special late summer release from Cadenhead’s…

BENRIACH 10 YEARS OLD 55.2% -70CL – INTERNATIONAL RELEASE 2018.

BALMENACH – GLENLIVET 13 YEARS OLD 54.7% 2005 – 70CL – SMALL BATCH INTERNATIONAL RELEASE.

DEANSTON 10 YEARS OLD 56.7% VOL – 70CL – HIGHLANDS INTERNATIONAL RELEASE.

LINKWOOD 11 YEARS OLD 58.7% – 70CL – INTERNATIONAL RELEASE 2018.

FETTERCAIRN 2008 9 YEARS OLD 57.2% VOL – 70CL – SMALL BATCH INTERNATIONAL RELEASE.

MILTONDUFF 2009 9 YEARS OLD 61.2% VOL – 70CL – LIMITED EDITION INTERNATIONAL RELEASE 1 – SMALL BATCH.

MILTONDUFF 2009 9 YEARS OLD 62.1% VOL – 70CL – LIMITED EDITION INTERNATIONAL RELEASE 2 – SMALL BATCH.

GLENTAUCHERS 9 YEARS OLD 59.8% VOL -70CL – SMALL BATCH INTERNATIONAL RELEASE.

GLENTAUCHERS 9 YEARS OLD 57.8% VOL -70CL – SMALL BATCH INTERNATIONAL RELEASE

GLENROTHES 21 YEARS OLD 50.8% VOL – 70C – SMALL BATCH INTERNATIONAL RELEASE

MORTLACH 15 YEARS OLD 54.3% VOL – 70CL – SPEYSIDE INTERNATIONAL RELEASE.

ORD 13 YEARS OLD 54.9% VOL 70CL HIGHLAND SINGLE MALT – INTERNATIONAL RELEASE.

ORD 13 YEARS OLD 55.1%VOL 70CL HIGHLAND SINGLE MALT – INTERNATIONAL RELEASE.

ORD 13 YEARS OLD 52.4% VOL – 70CL – HIGHLAND SINGLE MALT INTERNATIONAL RELEASE.

IRISH SINGLE MALT 12 Years Old 45.5% VOL – 70CL – INTERNATIONAL RELEASE.

This seasons range from Campbeltown:

SPRINGBANK Distillery 10 Years Old 46% VOL – 70CL – New Season 2018/19.

SPRINGBANK Distillery 15 Years Old 46% VOL – 70CL – New Season 2018/19 Sherry Cask Matured.

LONGROW CLASSIC 46% VOL – 70CL – 48 Hour Peat dried barley. New Season 2018/19.

LONGROW 18 YEARS OLD 46% VOL – 70CL – PEATED CAMPBELTOWN SINGLE MALT – 2017 EDITION.

HAZELBURN 10 Years Old 46% Vol – 70CL – Triple Distilled.

Until the next time have a great month from all at Cadenhead’s London Shop

Cadenheads Whisky Shop & Tasting Room
26 Chiltern Street, London, W1U 7QF

Saturday, September 15th 11AM-5PM:

Tipperary Irish Whiskey with Co-founder Jennifer Nickerson

Join us for a taste of Tipperary Irish Whiskey with co-founder Jennifer Nickerson! A variety of new and rare whiskies will be shared with Nickerson herself present for all your whiskey questions. The daughter of internationally acclaimed whiskey expert Stuart Nickerson, Jennifer continues her family legacy through their family owned distillery and exclusively sourced Irish whiskey bottlings, with a grain-to-glass single malt scotch on the way.

RSVP to be notified as more details & pourlist are revealed.

More Details & RSVP

Michel Couvreur “Peaty Overaged” K&L Exclusive Malt Whisky (750ml) $79.99 View

Invergordon 26 “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Grain Scotch Whisky (750ml) $89.99 View

Port Dundas 28 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Grain Scotch Whisky (750ml) $89.99 View

Michel Couvreur 16 Year Old “Mrs Couvreur” Single PX Sherry Butt Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky (750ml) $299.99 View

Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
Email: wine@klwines.com
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

Auction records broken by incredibly rare ‘lost distillery’ whisky bottled for the Queen’s visit to Islay

This £50,000 Port Ellen 12 year old Queen’s Visit 1980 is the only known official bottling released while the distillery was still active

PERTH, SCOTLAND – One of the most iconic, well-regarded and rare whiskies ever produced – the Port Ellen 12 Year old Queen’s Visit 1980 – has been purchased for a record-breaking £50,000 hammer price in an online auction held by Perth-based Whisky Auctioneer (www.whiskyauctioneer.com).

Thought to be the only official bottling of Port Ellen released while the distillery was active, it was produced to commemorate the visit of Queen Elizabeth II to the island on 9th August 1980.

The exact number of bottles is unknown, but it is thought that enough were bottled so that the Queen and all senior staff present on the day could have one. Unofficial estimates are that around 40 were made.

In terms of taste, it has the reputation of being a truly outstanding dram. Indeed, this is the only whisky to score a near-perfect 99/100 on Whiskyfun – the highest rating Serge Valentin has ever awarded.

The bottle attracted a lot of global interest, particularly from Europe and Asia, with over 50 bids being lodged and the eventual winner from Hong Kong.

According to Rare Whisky 101, the most recent previous auction price received for the Port Ellen Queen’s Visit was £11,200 in January 2017, with a previous high auction sale in 2016 for £12,100.

Sean McGlone, director at Whisky Auctioneer, said: “Port Ellen has been a ‘lost distillery’ since 1983 and its near mythical status has grown each year since then – an opportunity to acquire a bottle from this distillery is rare, but this Port Ellen Queen’s Visit is the only known official bottling while the distillery was active.  Only a select handful of people received this bottle in honour of the Queen visiting in 1980 so from a collectability point of view, this is essentially unsurpassed.  But to also have such a highly regarded spirit in terms of taste means this is truly an iconic whisky for collectors and connoisseurs alike.”

Another record-breaker in the August Auction was a 50 year old The Macallan – one of only 200 – which went for £56,000 hammer price, up from the last sale at auction in April 2018 for £32,525 and from the retail price of £25,000 upon its release earlier in 2018.

These lots are amongst a growing line of rare treasures to be sold by Perthshire firm Whisky Auctioneer which specialises in auctioning fine, old, rare and collectable whisky. Over the past two years, Whisky Auctioneer has broken auction records on a monthly basis, and in addition to the recent Laphroaig 1967 15 year old Samaroli sold for £61,000, a Bowmore 1966 Samaroli Bouquet sold for £51,611, standout lots include a rare collection of Corti Brothers whiskies for £52,865, and the world’s largest known collection of rare and collectable Karuizawa whisky from Japan for £770,000.

The auction ran from 24 August and closed on 3 September.

The listing for the Port Ellen 12 Year Old Queen’s Visit 1980 is here: https://www.whiskyauctioneer.com/lot/121951/port-ellen-12-year-old-queens-visit-1980

For more information on the auction or to register to participate please visit www.whiskyauctioneer.com

Additional Information

1. Whisky Auctioneer specialises in auctioning whisky, whether it be fine, old, rare, collectable or affordable.
2. Formed in 2013 and based in Perth, central Scotland, Whisky Auctioneer aims to be the most comprehensive website available for the buying and selling of whisky.
3. Whisky Auctioneer holds regular monthly online auctions as well as specialist auctions for collectible whiskies and exclusive releases – for example, there is currently an exclusive auction for Teeling Distillery’s Celebratory Single Pot Still Whiskey – the first Dublin distilled spirit available for nearly half a century. This auction represents a revival for Dublin in more ways than one, with all of the Teeling Distillery’s profits from the sale of these bottles being donated to local charitable causes in its surrounding Liberties area. (https://www.whiskyauctioneer.com/teeling-celebratory-single-pot-still-exclusive-auction)
4. To buy or sell on the Whisky Auctioneer website, a free account must be first set up here: https://www.whiskyauctioneer.com/register
5. Social Media Handles:
   1. twitter: @whisky_auction
   2. facebook: @WhiskyAuctioneer
   3. web: whiskyauctioneer.com

Global First, Whisky Cask Sale at Mulberry Bank Auctions

Mulberry Bank Auctions are pleased to announce what is the world’s first Whisky Cask Auction, to be held on Wednesday 19^th September at 2pm.  This unique auction, the first dedicated solely to casks of Scotch Whisky, brings together some of Scotland’s finest produce and offers it to a global market of investors, collectors and enthusiasts.

With a line up ranging from a 2008 Tomatin, to perhaps the star of the show, a 29 year old hogshead of Macallan the casks on sale offer a range of opportunities for prospective buyers.  Acquiring a cask has traditionally only involved the purchase of New Make Spirit which then requires years and/or decades to mature, with this sale Mulberry Bank Auctions are opening the way for buyers to get hold of a mature cask and avoiding the long wait for the whisky to mature.

Estimates range from £8,000-90,000

A tasting event, limited to 40 spaces, will be held in Glasgow’s Trades Hall on Wednesday 12th September at 7pm where interested parties will be able to try out the whiskies for themselves.

As Whisky sales continue to rise globally and the spirit gains new enthusiasts from unusual markets Mulberry Bank’s Inaugural Cask sale is sure to create excitement around the globe.

Auction Date: Wednesday 19^th September
Time: 2pm
Location: Mulberry Bank Auctions, 15 Kelvin Avenue, Hillington Park, Glasgow G52 4LT

Tasting Evening: Wednesday 12^th September
Time: 7pm
Location: Trades Halls of Glasgow, 85 Glassford St. Glasgow G1 1UH

For further information contact:

Stewart Smith
StewartS@Mulberrybankauctions.com
01412558181