This weeks episode of the #GoodDramShow https://youtu.be/HN3LyFboA-U is the second part of my Indie @Bunnahabhain tasting. Featuring @DLaingWhisky @hlaingwhisky @CarnMorWhiskies @ADRattrayWhisky and @Murray_McDavid
Friday, June 21st 5-7PM:
Local Spirits:
Glyph Molecular Whiskey
The first whiskey made from the molecule up, Glyph is a groundbreaking addition to the whiskey world.
To make Glyph, distillery Endless West selects exact molecules from sources like fruit, citrus, yeasts, and sugars to build their spirit, eschewing traditional aging and distilling methods to create a delicious whiskey in record time. The results are then hand-bottled in the historic Dogpatch neighborhood of San Francisco, just a few miles away from The Whisky Shop.
TOKYO — Monday 10 June 2019 – The world’s foremost online retailer of Japanese whisky, dekantā, have revealed a Mizunara Japanese oak finished private label Japanese whisky, inspired by a Japanese military leader, to mark their fourth anniversary.
This private label, single cask whisky from dekantā, home to the world’s largest online inventory of Japanese whisky, has spent time maturing in a cask freshly emptied of Scotch whisky from the closed Port Ellen distillery, before being finished in a cask of Japanese Mizunara oak. The Eigashima 2011 Kigai – Ki Series (¥82,000 / USD $749.99; 60% ABV) is a highly limited release of only 352 bottles. dekantā unveiled the design of the new bottling as part of an exclusive event in central Tokyo, which was streamed to their online audience. It is the second release in the Ki Series of Japanese whiskies, the first of which was the Eigashima 2011 Kikou – Ki Series.
The Eigashima 2011 Kigai is the second in the Ki Series of independently bottled Japanese whiskies from dekantā, so called because each whisky in the series will explore an aspect of life imbued with the Japanese concept of Ki – one of the most meaningful words in the Japanese language. The label and packaging is inspired by a Shōgun military leader of the Samurai caste, and is so named Kigai, meaning ‘strong, willful and unshakeable’ in Japanese.
“In releasing our fourth anniversary whisky, we wanted to bring together Japanese whisky history with powerful aspects of wider Japanese cultural history,” said dekantā director Makiyo Masa. “The Kigai pays homage to the Scottish education of the ‘Father of Japanese Whisky’ Masataka Taketsuru with its smoky Port Ellen influence, while bringing the whisky firmly back into Japanese territory by the influence of the archetypal Japanese Mizunara wood. The Mizunara tree is the warrior of the Japanese forest, a difficult oak to work with, but a rare jewel imbued with Kigai, and so it brings the spirit of the Samurai to our second private bottling.”
Tasting notes: The nose offers up buttered toast, lemon zest, cereals, unripened pineapple and varnished oak. Sweet poached pears warm the palate, followed by fruit pastilles, sugared almonds and chilli jam. The sweetness is balanced by gentle hints of peat smoke and subtle wasabi spice that grow in the background. A touch of water brings juicy peach and bolder peaty notes. Building smoke carries a finish of gentle oakiness, hints of green chilli and white pepper spice.
Eigashima 2011 (Kigai – Ki Series) is priced at an introductory offer of ¥72,000 / USD $649.99 (which will increase to ¥82,000 / USD $749.99 after 3 days), available for worldwide delivery from dekanta.com.
Notes:
About dekantā
dekantā offers the world’s largest online selection of authentic Japanese spirits and, since the opening of its online store in 2015, has delivered to 127 countries across every continent in the world. A family owned and run business, dekantā’s founders have been selling collectibles since 1985 and specialize in rare, collectible, and new release single malt Japanese whisky. dekantā offers worldwide delivery on an extensive range of Japanese single malt whisky, Japanese grain whisky and Japanese blended whisky, in addition to Scottish whisky released for the Japanese market only. More recently, Japanese wine has been introduced through the dekantā Cellar, and spirits from wider Asia through dekantā Oriental.
About Eigashima Distillery
Fewer than 100 yards from the Harima-nada sea, Eigashima Shuzo is the closest whisky distillery to the coast in Japan, and this is reflected in the savoury, saline pure character of the distillery’s produce. A family owned distillery that has been producing traditional Japanese alcoholic beverages for over three centuries, Eigashima Shuzo was the first Japanese whisky to be granted a license to produce whisky in 1919. Eigashima is still Japan’s smallest whisky producer, with a team of just five people and very limited production.
Follow dekantā on Twitter: @dekantawhisky
Like dekantā on Facebook: facebook.com/dekantawhisky/
HOW TO CHOOSE………
Compass Box whiskies are designed to be shared. With Father’s Day coming up, we have some suggestions for how you can introduce your father to Compass Box, whether he is currently a whisky drinker or not…
FOR A WINE BUFF
If your father is fond of pulling the cork on a special bottle of white Burgundy every so often, Juveniles would be a smart choice to introduce the wonders of Scotch whisky.
Taking inspiration from the world of wine, Juveniles was created for the Parisian restaurant and wine bar of the same name. An assemblage of single malts from four distilleries, Juveniles is a bright, fruity whisky made to partner great food and great company.
Try sipping it from a wine glass with an ice cube ahead of a fulfilling roast lunch.
FOR A BEER LOVER
Has dad ever tried sipping his favourite lager, IPA or wild-fermented farmhouse ale alongside a whisky? Long popularised in the United States as the boilermaker and fondly known in Scotland as the “hauf ‘n’ hauf”, serving a beer together with a glass of whisky is a terrific prelude to a sociable evening.
We have discovered that sweeter whiskies, matured in American oak barrels, make superb companions for brighter beers such as pilsners and pale ales. Great King Street Artist’s Blend, Oak Cross and Delilah’s XXV – delicious whiskies in their own right – also make for superb boilermaker material.
Whatever beer dad is partial to, after a delicious boilermaker he may end up preferring the whisky.
FOR A SHERRY AFICIONADO
For many years Scottish distillers have used Sherry butts in which to age their spirits.
Made from either American or European oak, Sherry butts typically impart rich fruit-forward flavour notes to maturing Scotch whisky. However, the style of Sherry previously matured in the cask can have its own subtle influence too, with Amontillado and Fino giving different characteristics to Oloroso or Pedro Ximenez.
The Story of the Spaniard offers a unique interpretation of this bolder style of whisky, highlighting the fruitful crossovers between Scotland and southern Spain. Full, soft and sumptuous, The Story of the Spaniard bursts with notes of citrus peel, toffee, and pears poached in red wine.
At Compass Box, we love to explore the parallels that exist in the world of drinks. If your father has adventurous tastes but has never dabbled in quality spirits, introduce him to the delicious and varied world of Scotch whisky this Father’s Day. Share our brilliant newsletter with your friends
Our mailing address is:
Compass Box Whisky Co.
Chiswick Studios
9 Power Road
London, England W4 5PY
United Kingdom
Perfect for Father’s Day, this collection of single malt whiskies has been hand-chosen by us to bear a selection of specially-created labels designed by The Whisky Exchange creative team. Personalise them with a range of beautiful illustrations and either get your own message printed on the label, or choose from a selection of messages we’ve written for you.
We’re particularly proud of these whiskies: far from being a gimmick, they allow you to create a truly personal bottle without compromising on the quality of the whisky inside. Each is a one-off release limited to just a few hundred bottles from a single cask, chosen by our team for its exemplary flavour. We hope you enjoy them.
Launched from the scenic Ardnahoe Distillery on Islay at the 2019 Feis Ile, this is now available to Pre-order. Stock expected in the next 5-7 days. A Single Islay Malt, with sea salt and peat smoke on the nose, you need to seek, and you shall find!
The Noble Collection’s Newest Expression is a Celebration of The Art, Science and Creativity Behind The World’s Best Selling Canadian Whisky
GIMLI, Manitoba, June 6, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — The Crown Royal brand continues to push the boundaries of innovation with different flavor offerings and finishing techniques, most recently highlighted by the introduction of the newest addition to the Noble Collection, Crown Royal Noble Collection French Oak Cask Finished. This limited-edition expression showcases Crown Royal Fine De Luxe, the standard of excellence for Canadian whisky, finished in new French oak barrels. The result is a whisky with captivating character, body and structure, that is still undeniably Crown Royal smooth.
Crown Royal Noble Collection French Oak Cask Finished
The Noble Collection is a multi-award-winning series of whiskies that are released on an annual basis. Now in its fourth year, each creation has provided an opportunity to highlight the artistry and skill of the Crown Royal Master Distillers and Blenders, who are dedicated to their craft of creating extraordinary whiskies inspired by the brand’s long and rich history.
“We’re continuously in awe of our Master Distillers and Blenders’ ability to surprise and delight with interesting takes on whisky, while still maintaining the premium standards of excellence that distinguishes Crown Royal,” said Nicola Heckles, Director, Crown Royal at DIAGEO North America. “Crown Royal Noble Collection French Oak Cask Finished is an example of our commitment to innovation and being unabashedly unafraid to try new things we anticipate people will enjoy.”
The famed French oak used in Crown Royal Noble Collection French Oak Cask Finished is sourced from the renowned Vosges region in France, known for its meticulously manicured forests and ideal climate that creates the tightest grain to helps impart subtle flavors and aromas of vanilla and baking spices into the whisky. Once harvested, the oak is open-air seasoned for two years to transform the wood in order to set the stage for the final two-step fire toasting. These precisely toasted new French oak barrels allow the brand to marry Crown Royal Fine De Luxe with rich dark notes of caramel, vanilla and fruit along with a body and structure that can only be achieved through French oak.
“We are honored to share this exceptional whisky and grateful we were given creative liberty to do so. Our ability to elevate Crown Royal Fine De Luxe using innovative materials to bring out new flavors was an exciting experience for this team of veteran blenders,” said Mark Balkenende, Master Blender for Crown Royal. “We are always looking for ways to experiment with the brand’s flavor profile and with Crown Royal Noble Collection French Oak Cask Finished, it is evident how intentional changes in barrel selection and aging can enhance the flavor while elevating the signature smoothness of Crown Royal Fine De Luxe.”
Crown Royal Noble Collection French Oak Cask Finished is packaged in a sleek bottle with a crystal-cut style base and a resealable cork top. The canister is a rich, deep purple to match the classic Crown Royal regal purple, and it is encased in the brand’s iconic purple bag with gold accents, making this whisky the perfect gift to commemorate special occasions and holidays, including Father’s Day. Crown Royal Noble Collection French Oak Cask Finished is 80 proof, 40% Alc/Vol and will be available in limited quantities nationwide at the suggested retail price of $59.99 for a 750 mL bottle.
Whether sipped neat or on the rocks, however you choose to enjoy the rich taste of Crown Royal Noble Collection French Oak Cask Finished, please do so responsibly.
About Crown Royal
Crown Royal Canadian Whisky is the number-one selling Canadian whisky brand in the world and has a tradition as long and distinctive as its taste. Specially blended to commemorate a grand tour of Canada made by King George VIand Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain in 1939, Crown Royal’s smooth, elegant flavor and gift-worthy presentation reflect its regal origins – it is considered the epitome of Canadian whisky. For more information, visit www.crownroyal.com. Crown Royal encourages all consumers to please enjoy responsibly.
About Diageo
Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan’s whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.
Diageo is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. 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.
Follow us on Twitter for news and information about Diageo North America: @Diageo_NA.
Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.
Benromach Father’s Day campaign gathers momentum
Celebrating the skills and knowledge passed down through generations, one lucky whisky fan will also win an exclusive experience at Benromach Distillery
Benromach Distillery launched a Father’s Day campaign which aims to showcase the expertise passed down through generations, and the lasting memories which shape everyday lives.
The campaign calls for individuals to share their stories of special crafts, skills or knowledge that their Fathers have shared with them, reminiscent of the passing down of distilling expertise within Benromach.
A distillery dedicated to hand crafting its whisky using all the senses, the art of traditional whisky making has been passed down from one generation of distiller to another. It’s this ethos which has helped shape Benromach and allowed the distillery to produce award-winning single malt whisky with a classic Speyside character: beautifully balanced with a light touch of smoke.
Throughout the campaign, Benromach is also offering one whisky fan and their guest the opportunity to win an exclusive experience at the distillery in Forres.
Not only will the winner receive a behind the scenes tour of the distillery with Keith Cruickshank, Distillery Manager, alongside their guest they’ll also take part in a personalised tasting and meet the Distillers. With overnight accommodation in Speyside included as well, it’s the perfect getaway for whisky lovers or anyone who wants to learn about this exciting industry.
Open to residents in the UK aged 18 years or over*, two runners up will also receive a bottle of Benromach 15 Years Old.
Kicking off the campaign, Keith Cruickshank, Benromach Distillery Manager, said: “You could say that the whisky industry is in my blood, with both my father and Grandfather having distillery connections during their careers. From spending time with my dad at a distillery in Speyside to visiting a local distillery with my Grandad to pick up draff for the farm, I’ll always remember the unique, sweet and malty smell. It’s these happy memories that sparked my interest in this wonderful industry.”
Join the conversation this Father’s Day by sharing your story on social media using #WhatDadTaughtMe and tagging @Benromach. Whether you were taught how to bake, shared a passion for crafting from wood together, or perfected the art of painting thanks to your Father, get involved for a chance to win a trip for two to Benromach Distillery.
For more information on Benromach Distillery or the Father’s Day campaign please visit www.benromach.com.
Notes
Father’s Day competition
The closing date for entries to the Benromach Father’s Day competition is midnight on Monday 17th June. To enter the competition, entrants have to:
*The Competition is only open to residents in the UK aged 18 years or over, except:
The winner will be announced on 21st June 2019 and full terms and conditions can be found on the Benromach website: https://www.benromach.com/news/fathers-day-2019-competition
Main prize
Runner up prize
Two runners up will also be selected, and will each receive 1 x 70cl bottle of Benromach 15 Years Old.
Benromach Distillery
Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life when the Urquhart family realised a lifelong dream to own a distillery and purchased it in 1993. The distillery was extensively re-equipped over a five-year period before it was officially opened by HRH The Duke of Rothesay in 1998.
In reopening Benromach Distillery, the Urquhart family wanted to create a single malt whisky that has a classic Speyside character: beautifully balanced with a light touch of smoke.
Benromach Distillery is located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres. A five-star visitor centre is open to the public throughout the year for tours and tastings. Benromach Distillery is a member of the world-famous Malt Whisky Trail.
For more information, visit: www.benromach.com.
Islay Festival Auction
NOW LIVE
Hot on the trail of last weeks stellar Fèis Ìle, we are excited to launch our exclusive Islay Festival Auction
The Whisky Auctioneer team were lucky enough to join the festival, but for those who were not able to make the trip don’t worry – you will find all of the new 2019 festival releases as well as some of the greatest bottlings from previous years in our auction.
2019 Official Festival Releases
Once again, 2019 saw at least one official release from each distillery during the Fèis (Islay devotees rejoice!). Explore Bruichladdich’s oldest Octomore release, exciting twists on traditional expressions from Lagavulin and Caol Ila as well as Ardbeg’s surprise single cask.
Bowmore 23 Year Old Fèis Ìle 2019
This years vintage Fèis Ìle edition is a spectacular 23 year old sherried single cask, of which there are just 325 bottles! Credit to all those who camped out in Bowmore’s legendary queue to get their hands on this highly-sought after malt!
Bunnahabhain 1988 Champagne Finish
Bunnahabhain certainly didn’t disappoint with their experimental 2019 Fèis Ìle releases. One of which is this vintage expression with an astonishingly unique Champagne cask finish. A limited run of only 120 covetable bottles.
2019 Hunter Laing Kinship Collection
At this years Fèis, the spotlight was on not only the proprietary bottlings, but also some fantastic indy releases including the third Kinship collection from Hunter Laing to celebrate the commencement of distilling at Ardnahoe.
Bunnahabhain 13 Year Old Marsala Finish with Signed Cask End
Aged for 13 years and finished in Marsala wood, this is number 50 of 100 bottles gifted specially to Fèis Ìle volunteers in 2017. Alongside this is a Fèis Ìle branded cask end, featuring an autograph from each of the Islay Distillery Managers.
All proceeds from the sale of this lot will go to the Fèis Ìle Committee, the charitable organisation behind the planning and running of the world’s most famous whisky festival.
Campbeltown Malts Festival 2019
On the run up to Fèis Ìle, we must not forget the four day event which celebrated the best malts Kintyre has to offer. Our auction also features some of these exclusive festival releases from Springbank, Glengyle and Glen Scotia.
Charity Partner:Islay Pollinator Initiative
We are delighted to announce that we will partner with the Islay Pollinator Initiative for our Islay Festival Auction. A portion of the profits from the auction will be donated to assist in their plan to develop an observation hive and information displays within the Islay Nature Centre.
Find out more here.
If you would like us to provide a free expert valuation for your bottle(s) please send an email to info@whiskyauctioneer.com
Our link includes all the details we will require from you.
June 2019 Auction | 21 June – 1 July
Interested in selling in our next auction?
The deadline date for receiving bottles is the 10 June. Find out more about our complimentary collection service below.
If you would like us to provide a free expert valuation for your bottle(s) please send an email to info@whiskyauctioneer.com Our link includes all of the details we will require from you.
