ralfy talks ‘Game of Thrones’ stuff !

https://youtu.be/n8CC9PjK1WY

WHISKY FANS TREATED TO ULTIMATE MONTH OF MALTS WITH THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY FESTIVAL TOUR

The iconic whisky club will take show on the road to Speyside, Campbeltown and Islay 

May is a month to celebrate for whisky lovers, with The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) taking its colourful events and characterful cask strength whisky to the Speyside, Campbeltown and Islay festivals.

The whisky experts, with branches and members across the world, have an extensive programme of events and an exceptional range of special celebratory bottlings.

The Society will begin its festival tour at the start of May at the Spirit of Speyside festival (1 – 6 May), before its first appearance at the Campbeltown Malts Festival (21 – 22 May) and finishing at the renowned Feis Ile, the Islay Festival of Music and Malt (24 May – 1 June).

Firstly, the Society’s Speyside shenanigans will include partnering with whisky writers Hans Offringa, Charlie MacLean and Dave Broom to host a series of events at the Dowan’s and Craigellachie hotels as well as hosting a special drop-in bar with rare drams.

There will be a series of exclusive Spirit of Speyside bottlings available at the festival and then on sale to members from Friday, 3 May. This will feature an 11-year-old from the Sweet, Fruity & Mellow flavour profile and a 21-year-old named ‘Succulent, scintillating and substantial’.

In the West of Scotland later in the month, the SMWS will be taking over the Ardshiel Hotel in Campbeltown from Tuesday, 21 May, with celebratory malts available throughout.

The Campbeltown festival experience will also be shared with the Society’s global membership through a virtual tasting, meaning if they can’t attend in person they can take part in the event with fellow whisky enthusiasts online. For more information on the Campbeltown virtual tasting, visit; https://bit.ly/2HXEp9P

Ambassadors John McCheyne and Matt Bailey will join forces to taste drams of exclusive festival whisky live from Campbeltown, which will be broadcast to members via Facebook.

For the first time, there will be a dedicated SMWS bottling specially for the Campbeltown Festival, which will be a Lightly Peated 10-year-old whisky with lovely sweet mellow notes backed up with peatiness to give it added complexity.

An essential fixture in any whisky fan’s diary is Feis Ile, the annual Islay Festival of Music and Malt, where distilleries and venues across this magical whisky island open their doors for tastings and events.

Much like previous years, the SMWS will be hosting a variety of events throughout the festival and producing an exclusive range of bottles, kicking-off with its open day in the splendid surroundings of Islay House, where members and non-members alike are all welcome.

In what promises to be a memorable experience for members, the Society is also hosting a ‘Tour de Islay’, which will see a peloton of whisky fans cycle around the island, stopping off at each of the nine distilleries and collecting stamps as they go. For information on how to sign-up, contact unfiltered@smws.com.

In between masterclasses, guests can also fulfil any fantasies of taking part in a Highland Games with two rounds of Islay-inspired games on the grounds of Islay House, which will include hi-jinks, soft landings, and liquid gold prizes for the winners.

The coveted Islay Festival bottlings for 2019, which range from 10 to 27-years-old and include four different cask types, will go on sale to members on Friday, 24 May. The first is called ‘Cuquillo black olives’, and is a full-term bourbon maturation of unpeated spirit, giving it an Oily & Coastal character. By contrast, there’s no mistaking the Heavily Peated character of ‘Cooking for Hades’, which has spent eight years in an ex-bourbon hogshead.

Those looking for a big bruising Peated Islay dram should be delighted by ‘A beachcomber’s stash’, whereas the final bottle, named ‘A visceral, elemental experience’ is incredibly dark, fruity, smoky and sweet.

For more information on SMWS membership, festival bottles and activities, visit www.smws.com

Notes:

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society 

• The Scotch Malt Whisky Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and now has more than 26,000 members and branches around the world
• The SMWS bottles rare single cask, single malt whisky, and a range of other spirits
• The Society bottles single malts, unique single casks and exclusive blends
• The Society has bottled whisky from more than 138 distilleries from Scotland and beyond
• The Society offers a new batch of around 30 single cask, single malt whiskies every month
• The Society offers a variety of membership’s packages which can be tailored. Please see https://bit.ly/2uqKanT
• For more information about the Society, visit https://bit.ly/2HHiNyC
• Twitter: @SMWSUK Facebook: @thesmwsuk Instagram: @smws_uk

Only 3 More Sleeps. Buy Tickets.

Check your calendar – Spirit of Toronto is this Saturday May 4, and tickets are almost sold out. Read on for more details…

We broke the Internet – sorry!

We apologize to those of you who had trouble connecting with us online this past week! Higher than usual traffic crashed the Spirit of Toronto website but we are back up and running, and the remaining tickets can be purchased online through Roy Thomson Hall’s box office.

Rumour has it that some masterclass seats have become available thanks to last minute returns, so please call the box office directly at 416-872-4255 if you’d still like to reserve a seat!

Waiting until Saturday to see how your weekend shapes up? We understand, but please note that any tickets left will go up to $199 apiece.

Our biggest show to date!

We’ve come a long way since our humble beginnings in 2004, and fifteen years later we look forward to presenting our largest showcase to date!

Once again we invite you to stretch your wings and palate as we offer a taste of le cinq à sept courtesy of Martell Cognac, a piece of Islay courtesy of Bowmore, la dolce vita courtesy of the Italian Trade Commission, and the best of Scotland, Ireland, the US and Canada courtesy of our esteemed exhibitors. Of special note is Canada’s latest crop of homegrown whiskies which leave us much to be proud of. Last but not least fans of Islay and its whiskies are in for (another) treat – enough said.

In the mood for something off the beaten path? Seek and ye shall find hidden gems from Japan, the Caribbean and Europe (and Israel!) scattered throughout the show floors.

Some last minute reminders…

A few things to note, particularly if you’re joining us for the first time:

• We ask you that you eat dinner before coming to the show, but will provide a hot and cold table d’hote throughout the evening, and a smorgasbord of antipasti and salumi will also be available on the Mezzanine level. Bottled water will be readily available throughout the tasting halls so when you’re feeling thirsty please remember to hydrate!
• Should you have been fortunate enough to reserve a masterclass, pleasedo not be late. Empty seats will be allocated on a stand-by basis by the ushers 5 minutes before class starts.
• Please don’t lose your glass! It’s yours to keep and replacements must be purchased for $10 apiece (or a box of 6 glasses for $50, for those looking to stock their home bar – cash sales only)
• Consult the event programme once you collect your glass and use it to help plan your evening… but keep in mind that Spirit of Toronto is all about new discoveries and serendipity. See you this Saturday!

CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS

Rebel Yell^® Launches New Look for Brand Lineup

Bourbon brand releases packaging enhancements and new variant 

BARDSTOWN, KY (April 22, 2019) – Rebel Yell Kentucky Straight Bourbon has a new look for its brand lineup. The updated packaging reinforces the brand’s rebellious spirit and elevates the brand’s look, bridging the gap between its proud heritage and modern tastes. The new bottle features an embossed rounded shoulder in addition to a revised front and back label. The new bottle is topped with a matted capsule closure and a natural cork, further enhancing the packaging, which was designed by David Cole.

“By adding the new capsule closure with hints of silver and updating the label with bolder lettering, the new Rebel Yell look aligns with the brand attitude,” says Eric Winter, whiskey brand manager at Luxco.

“The glass embossing on the bottle also adds a tactile component to the consumer’s experience, further elevating the overall look of the package,” adds designer David Cole.

The new packaging will roll out in April and will apply to the full family lineup including Rebel Yell Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Rebel Yell Straight Rye, Rebel Yell Root Beer and Rebel Yell Ginger.

Brand Launches New Variant 

In addition to the new packaging, the brand is launching a new variant this year: Rebel Yell Kentucky Straight Bourbon 100 proof. This whiskey – crafted according to the original time-honored recipe with a smooth ‘wheated’ mash bill – features honey, vanilla and caramel notes followed by oaky tones and a deep, warm finish. This whiskey will also have the new brand packaging enhancements and has an SRP of $19.99.

“Our traditional 80 proof Rebel Yell is an approachable bourbon, softer on the palate than the new 100 proof Rebel Yell, which brings a bit more bite in the finish,” says John Rempe, head distiller at Lux Row Distillers. “We wanted to offer consumers a higher proof option in this brand family, and this bourbon holds up well with balance of smoothness and flavor, whether providing fuller flavor in a cocktail or as a sipper”.

Award-winning Rebel Yell 10 Year Single Barrel Also Available for 2019 

This year, Rebel Yell 10 Year Single Barrel will also be available nationwide in a very limited allocation once again. This year, about 2,600 cases of this highly-acclaimed bourbon will be available in its original packaging, 750ml bottle sold in individual boxes. A limited amount will be available for sale at the Lux Row Distillers gift shop as well. 

ABOUT LUX ROW DISTILLERS

Real roots, real family, real products: Lux Row Distillers – a new bourbon distillery experience on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail – is a family-owned venture, bringing the Lux family history and spirits tradition to the bourbon industry. Lux Row Distillers is the home of Luxco’s bourbon brands, including Rebel Yell, Blood Oath, David Nicholson and Ezra Brooks Kentucky Straight Bourbons.

Located in the heart of Bardstown, Kentucky, the 18,000-square foot Lux Row Distillers includes a visitor center, barrel warehouses, a tasting room, and event space, making for an all-encompassing bourbon experience. The 90-acre property is home to an 18^th century stone house – which is registered as a National Historic Place – and a long, tree-lined driveway providing a scenic entrance to the distillery.

For more information about the distillery, visit www.luxrowdistillers.com. You can also like Lux Row Distillers on Facebook at www.facebook.com/luxrowdistillers or follow the distillery on Instagram @luxrowdistillers.

The Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade 2019

ONLINE SCOTCH WHISKY RETAILER, THEWHISKYBARREL.COM, IS HONOURED TO HAVE WON THE QUEEN’S AWARD FOR ENTERPRISE 2019.

A family run company in the Kingdom of Fife has been honoured with The Queen’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade 2019.

TheWhiskyBarrel.com is one of 200 organisations nationally to be recognised with a prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise. Announced today (Tuesday 23 April 2019) TheWhiskyBarrel.com has been recognised for its excellence in international trade.

TheWhiskyBarrel.com was established in 2007 and since then has gone from strength to strength and become a World-renowned online retailer of premium Scotch whisky. The company collaborates with independent whisky merchants and micro distillers to make Scotch whisky and single cask rum available to international customers, primarily in North America and Asia-Pacific.

Managing Director, Alastair Brown, said “we are delighted that the company has been recognised for its achievements in and contributions to international trade. Winning this award is a great boost for TheWhiskyBarrel.com as we continue to expand over the coming years.”

TheWhiskyBarrel.com continues to grow rapidly and to further develop its own range of original and exclusive cask bottlings.

Now in its 53rd year, the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are the most prestigious business awards in the country, with winning businesses able to use the esteemed Queen’s Awards emblem for the next five years.

TheWhiskyBarrel.com will celebrate its award during a royal reception at Buckingham Palace for Queen’s Awards winners in the summer.

Applications for Queen’s Awards for Enterprise 2020 open on the 1st May 2019.

For more information, visit  https://www.gov.uk/queens-awards-for-enterprise.

NOTES

Please find images attached to this email for use.

Q) What is the Queen’s Award
A)  The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are the most prestigious awards for UK businesses, recognising and celebrating business excellence across the UK. Winners have demonstrated outstanding success in their respective fields of innovation, international trade, sustainable development and promoting opportunity (through social mobility.)

Q) What is the name of the Award won by TheWhiskyBarrel.com?
A) Queen’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade 2019.

Q) When will TheWhiskyBarrel.com receive the award?

A) The award will be presented to TheWhiskyBarrel.com by the Lord-Lieutenant of the County in the early summer. In addition, HRH The Prince of Wales will be hosting a Reception for The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise winners at Buckingham Palace in the summer.

TheWhiskyBarrel.com is a specialist online whisky and spirits merchant based in Fife, Scotland and was established in 2007. TheWhiskyBarrel.com won Whisky Magazine Online Retailer 2018 and was International Wine & Spirits Competition runner-up in 2016.

Read our Blog article about winning a Queen’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade 2019.

DISCOVER THE INDIES: BERRY BROTHERS & RUDD

WITH DOUG MCIVOR

Tuesday 21 May 2019
7pm-8.30pm
£30

Spaces limited. Tickets on sale now.

BOOK NOW

Independent bottlers have always been a hugely important part of the whisky industry. Today there are dozens of great indie bottlers bringing us excellent whisky without distilling a drop, whether it’s a note-perfect example of your favourite dram, or a totally different spin on a favourite style.

Discover these indies with our new series of events at The Whisky Exchange Fitzrovia – each of which will highlight one of the bottlers we love. We’re immensely privileged to kick off our discovery series with industry legend Doug McIvor, a wizard of cask selection and master blender for Britain’s oldest wine and spirit merchant – Berry Bros & Rudd.

Berry Bros & Rudd are the innovators behind an impressive range of whiskies bearing their own label, and even hold a Royal Warrant for both Her Majesty The Queen and HRH The Prince of Wales. Join us as we explore some of the whiskies bottled by Berry Bros & Rudd under Doug McIvor’s expert tutelage.

THE LINE-UP

Berry Bros & Rudd Sherry Cask Blended Malt
Berry Bros & Rudd Islay Blended Malt
Berry Bros & Rudd Orkney 2000 17 Year Old
Berry Bros & Rudd North British 1996 20 Year Old
Berry Bros & Rudd Glen Keith 1994 23 Year Old
Berry Bros & Rudd The Perspective Series 35 Year Old

TUESDAY 21 MAY 2019
7PM-8.30PM

£30

Spaces limited. Tickets on sale now.

BOOK NOW

VENUE

THE WHISKY EXCHANGE
FITZROVIA

90-92 GREAT PORTLAND ST
LONDON
W1W 7NT

Glenlivet 40 Year Old – 1978

An incredible 1978 vintage Glenlivet, matured for 40 long years in refill sherry hogshead #9044401. Released as part of the Private Collection series from Gordon & MacPhail, presented in redesigned bottle and presentation case. Distilled 3rd August 1978 and bottled 9th October 2018, only 319 bottles filled at cask strength, 53.5% vol.

Buy Now

https://youtu.be/8OlPzAu0Ly8

It’s that time of year again. Last years release won this channels whisky of the year award…how will this years competitor stand up?