Mark the Date for 2020!
Spirit of Toronto returns to Roy Thomson Hall on Saturday, April 20 and we look forward to welcoming you back then! The on-sale date for our box office will be announced in December; until then we invite you to relive the good times (and good spirits) as recorded in this years photo gallery below:
Spirit of Toronto 2019 on Flickr
This years hugely popular Macallan Estate is back in stock. Get your hands on this limited edition expression whilst you can! This limited edition expression from The Macallan has been produced with a portion of whisky distilled from barley grown on The Macallan’s home of Easter Elchies Estate. Matured exclusively in sherry seasoned butts and hogsheads, this expression is presented in a beautiful case with aerial photography of the barley fields surrounding the new £140 million distillery.
Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 274: Ballantine’s Finest
Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tries a blend. It does not hurt to go back to basics from time to time. We whisky aficionados tend to be spoiled (usually by ourselves, obviously) and overlook the whisky that made the category great: blends. So Mark gives this one a go: Ballantine’s Finest, still one of the world’s bestselling Scotches.
FESTIVE CHEER AS DOUGLAS LAING LAUNCHES
BIG PEAT’S CHRISTMAS 2019 EDITION
Douglas Laing today announces Big Peat Christmas 2019, a Cask Strength Limited Edition Release that joins the award-winning Islay Malt Whisky range.
The Glasgow-based family business, this year celebrates a decade of their Big Peat brand, which has grown at an average of 29% year on year since “his” inception in 2009. The growth has been bolstered by the cult following the brand has established as well as a host of innovative global Limited Edition offerings.
The much-anticipated annual festive release this year shows Big Peat carefully selecting the casks for “his” 2019 Christmas expression, rolling a cask out of the cold, dark Islay warehouse on a snowy night. The premium gift tube glitters with the winter snowfall against the dark night’s sky. In its usual fashion, the Christmas Edition is bottled without colouring or chill-filtration, and at natural cask strength of 53.7%, delivering the ultimate distillation of Islay.
Fred Laing, Chairman at his family business, comments:
““Roll out the barrel – let’s have a barrel of fun” was seldom a more appropriate refrain than for this year’s Christmas bottling. We launched Big Peat 10 years ago onto an unsuspecting Whisky drinking public, and this is “his” 9th festive bottling. Every year we create a slightly different seasonal recipe but always use the same Islay Single Malts, which include amongst others Ardbeg, Bowmore, Caol Ila and even some soft, chewed-leathery Port Ellen; but we do so in different proportions, releasing it at Cask Strength – this year, a punchy 53.7% alcohol strength.”
Big Peat Christmas 2019 will be available from September via specialist Scotch Whisky retailers in key markets globally, including Europe, USA and selected Asian markets. It has an expected retail price of 55€.
TASTING NOTES:
You can expect a big ashy, beachy, creosoted, oceanic, pelagic, smoky and tarry message, all the way from the remarkably Whisky island of Islay.
ABOUT BIG PEAT:
Launched in 2009, Big Peat is a remarkable marriage of Malt Whiskies only from the island of Islay. “He” is proudly offered without colouring or chill-filtration and bottled at high alcohol strength (46%), resulting in a naturally oily spirit that promises an incredible mouth-feel. With Caol Ila spirit bringing sweetness, Bowmore the perfect balance, Ardbeg the medicinal, earthy quality and Port Ellen, a degree of elegance, Big Peat Islay Malt Scotch Whisky represents all that is Islay in a bottle.
ABOUT DOUGLAS LAING:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bigpeat
Twitter: @remarkablemalts
Instagram: @remarkable_malts
Douglas Laing & Co. is a leading independent Scotch Whisky blender and bottler specialising in the selection and release of Single Cask Single and Small Batch Malt Scotch Whiskies.
The company was founded by Fred Douglas Laing in 1948 and is still owned and run by the Laing family – Fred Laing Jr and his daughter Cara Laing.
The company philosophy is to bottle the way the distiller intended – at a high strength and without chill filtration to preserve the robust and unique character of the Whisky. Douglas Laing’s industry reputation and many awards is testament to this ethos.
Douglas Laing’s Remarkable Regional Malts, the Ultimate Distillation of Scotland’s Malt Whisky Regions, encompasses The Epicurean Lowland Malt Scotch Whisky, Timorous Beastie (Highlands), Scallywag (Speyside), The Gauldrons (Campbeltown), Rock Island (Islands) and Big Peat (Islay). Beyond its Blended Malts expertise, the award-winning Douglas Laing portfolio also includes Old Particular Single Casks, XOP and Provenance, collectively known as the firm’s “Exceptional Single Casks”.
BARTON 1792 DISTILLERY BOURBONS RECEIVE SIX GOLD MEDALS AT
2019 LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL SPIRITS COMPETITION
BARDSTOWN, kENTUCKY (Aug. 27, 2019) – The Los Angeles International Spirits Competition results are in and six bourbons from Barton 1792 Distillery earned Gold Medals, and one was named “Best of Category.”
Those awarded Gold include:
This competition, in its thirteenth year, is judged by a panel of the spirit industry’s most renowned judges including award-winning authors, buyers, journalists, educators and bar owners, who rate each spirit on a 100-point scale.
Complete results for the 2019 Los Angeles International Spirits Competition can be found at https://fairplex.com/competitions/spirits-competition/awards-celebration.
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 2018 Los Angeles International Spirits Competition. To learn more visit www.1792bourbon.com.
BARTON 1792 DISTILLERY BOURBONS WIN THREE GOLD MEDALS AT AMERICAN WHISKEY MASTERS COMPETITION
Two Silver Medals also Awarded to Straight Bourbon Whiskeys
BARDSTOWN, KY (Sept. 11, 2019) – Kentucky Tavern, Very Old Barton 80 Proof and Very Old Barton 90 Proof bourbons won gold medals at the 2019 American Whiskey Masters competition. In addition to the three gold medals, Barton 1792 Distillery bourbons received two silver medals, for 1792 Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Zackariah Harris Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
All awards are given at the discretion of the judges through a blind tasting. The panel of judges consisted of leading spirits specialists. The 2019 American Whiskey Masters was a competitive competition with more than 46 entries from 12 different companies.
“We are very pleased to receive the gold and silver medals,” Master Distiller Danny Kahn said. “The awards showcase the diligent work the men and women on our team contribute to the Distillery every day.”
To find more information about Barton 1792 brands, please visit https://www.1792distillery.com/
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 2018 Los Angeles International Spirits Competition. To learn more visit www.1792bourbon.com.
COL. E.H. TAYLOR JR. SMALL BATCH AND ELMER T. LEE SINGLE BARREL WIN MASTER MEDALS
Buffalo Trace Distillery Bourbons Win 10 medals at 2019 American Whiskey Masters Competition
FRANKFORT, KY (Sept. 10, 2019) – Buffalo Trace Distillery bourbon brands, Col. E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch and Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel won master medals at the 2019 American Whiskey Masters competition. In addition to the two master medals, Buffalo Trace Distillery bourbons received eight other medals. Five gold medals and three silver medals were awarded as follows:
All awards are given at the discretion of the judges through a blind tasting. The panel of judges consisted of leading spirits specialists.
“We’re honored to receive these awards, especially the master medals,” Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley said. “Our team at Buffalo Trace takes pride in our work and these awards honor the efforts we put in every day.”
To find more information about Buffalo Trace brands, please visit https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/
About Buffalo Trace Distillery
Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1773 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 21 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon was named World Whiskey of the Year by “Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible 2018.” Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 500 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com
TWO BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY BOURBONS, NAMED “BEST OF CATEGORY” AT 2019 LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL SPIRITS COMPETITION
Fourteen entries from Buffalo Trace Distillery earn Gold Medals
FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Aug. 22, 2019) Three Buffalo Trace Distillery spirits were named “Best of Category” at the 2019 Los Angeles International Spirits Competition. Eagle Rare 10 Year Old Bourbon won in the category of Small Batch Bourbon 10 years or less, Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch Bourbon was named Best Straight Bourbon 6 years or older. All also were awarded Gold Medals, as were the following spirits:
Silver Medals were awarded to:
This competition, in its thirteenth year, is judged by a panel of the spirit industry’s most renowned judges including award-winning authors, buyers, journalists, educators and bar owners, who rate each spirit on a 100-point scale.
Complete results for the 2019 Los Angeles International Spirits Competition can be found at https://fairplex.com/competitions/spirits-competition/awards-celebration.
About Buffalo Trace Distillery
Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1773 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 21 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon was named World Whiskey of the Year by “Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible 2018.” Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 500 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.
THE MACALLAN UNVEILS THE FINE & RARE 1979 VINTAGE
New Release Joins Ranks of Unrivaled Collection of Single Malts
(NEW YORK, September 11, 2019) Forty years in the making – The Macallan Fine & Rare 1979 is the prestigious new vintage to be welcomed into the brand’s Fine & Rare collection, which was created to portray the very best array of The Macallan.
The Macallan Fine & Rare collection presents some of the greatest vintage single malts produced, and now features the 1979, which was filled on February 19, 1979 and after slumbering for forty years, was captured in 2019 to become part of the liquid history of The Macallan.
“The release of the 1979 Fine & Rare vintage is an exceptional addition to the collection, which displays an inviting burnished antique oak color after being held in a single puncheon cask for forty years,” said Polly Logan, Whisky Maker at The Macallan. “On the nose rich dried fruits with gentle peat smoke, gives way to a hint of orange citrus, balanced with antique oak spice and warming ginger. The journey of discovery continues on the palate with oak spice followed with a richness of dried figs and dates, the gentle peat smoke in the background throughout. The expression finishes with the signature richness of The Macallan with warming oak spice and honey sweetness. By capturing this single malt at natural cask strength of 57.2 percent, it embodies the true spirit of The Macallan and compliments the outstanding array of the Fine & Rare collection.”
Reflecting on the era when this exceptional single malt was distilled, Jaume Ferras, Prestige Marketing Director at The Macallan, said, “This expression delivers an insight into the long-standing heritage of our brand. It is a reflection of the time in which it was distilled – an era of global progression, and an age where our award-winning single malt was also growing and developing. In 1979, The Macallan appointed a new Chairman in Peter Shiach, and his influence is still evident in the brand today, much like The Fine & Rare Collection itself, which demonstrates the unmistakable legacy of The Macallan.”
Over the years, the Fine & Rare range has underpinned The Macallan as the world’s most valuable and collectable single malt whisky, leading the secondary market around the world and setting world record prices. The Macallan Fine & Rare 1979 will be available in the U.S. market and select global markets for a suggested retail price of $14,500 per 750ml bottle. For purchasing inquires, please email: Inquiries.us@themacallan.com
Fine & Rare 1979 Tasting Notes
Color:rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00);”> Burnished antique oak.
Aroma: Rich dried fruits with gentle peat smoke. A hint of orange citrus, balanced with antique oak spice and warming ginger.
Palate: Fresh with oak spice followed with richness of dried figs and dates, the gentle peat smoke in the background throughout.
Finish: Medium long, with warming oak spice and honey sweetness.
ABV: 57.2% (natural cask strength)
For further information visit www.themacallan.com/en-us
About The Macallan
Founded in 1824, The Macallan is one of the worlds’ most admired and awarded single malt whiskies. The reputation of The Macallan is based on a product of outstanding quality and distinctive character. An obsession with excellence has been the hallmark of The Macallan since its founding, by Alexander Reid, on a plateau above the river Spey in north-east Scotland.
In May 2018, The Macallan unveiled its new £140 million distillery and visitor experience on its Speyside estate, increasing investment in whisky, warehousing and in The Macallan’s signature sherry-seasoned oak casks. The striking contemporary architecture, cut into the slope of the land, takes its cues from ancient Scottish hills. It stands nearby Easter Elchies House, the Highland Manor built in 1700 which has been The Macallan’s spiritual home since 1824. The new distillery marks an important milestone, recognising the significant journey of The Macallan since 1824 and marking an exciting new chapter in the evolution of the luxury single malt.”
ISLE OF RAASAY DISTILLERY
WINS TOURISM DESTINATION OF THE YEAR
Isle of Raasay Distillery is delighted to announce that it has been awarded Tourism Destination Of The Year at last night’s inaugural Scottish Whisky Awards. Taking place in Edinburgh and welcoming over 400 guests, The Scottish Whisky Awards celebrate the best in the whisky industry, awarding on taste and business performance. Beating off competition from some of the country’s finest distilleries, Isle Of Raasay Distillery is proud to be recognised for its dedication to providing a welcoming and enlightening tourist experience to whisky connoisseurs and newcomers alike, all in one of the most unforgettable locations in Scotland.
Raasay Distillery is pioneering a new provenance for Scotch Whisky and, since opening the visitors centre in January 2018, has become a popular tourist destination for whisky pilgrims. Visitors to the Raasay Distillery can now experience first-hand the exciting journey from converting a disused Victorian building to handcrafting the first Isle of Raasay single malt.
Raasay Distillery is independently owned by co-founders Alasdair Day and Bill Dobbie. The pair worked with local architect Olli Blair (ABIR Architects) and Allen Associates to incorporate Borodale House, a
disused Victorian villa, within the design for a modern distillery, visitors centre and accommodation.
Alasdair Day comments:
“As Dave Broom noted when he opened the distillery back in 2017, through history the people of Raasay have shown they don’t just make do, they make better. The distillery team strives every day to challenge the limitations of producing premium distilled spirits in the Hebrides, and welcomes visitors to experience this with them and gain a true sense of Raasay’s past, present and thriving future as a whisky producing island.
We are confident this award will encourage more people to visit us at our Isle of Raasay Distillery!”
Distillery tours cater for all levels of whisky knowledge, from the curious to the connoisseur, and offer an insight into the innovative whisky making process. Raasay Distillery’s tour guides are local islanders who share their unrivalled knowledge of Raasay’s geography and community. The distillery offers tours seven days a week, throughout the year.
Raasay Distillery is also the only distillery in Scotland to provide luxury accommodation within the same building. Three of the bedrooms offer views of the Cuillin mountains on Skye, while the other rooms overlook the production yard and are designed for the ultimate whisky lover. Raasay Distilleryis also planning a calendar of events throughout the year, including Raasay Tunes which celebrates local musicians, and is an integral part of the annual ‘Whisky, Fire and Song’ community festival.
Bringing a significant number of new visitors to the island, the distillery is an ideal destination for whisky tourists and those looking for an unusual off-the-beaten track holiday. Isle Of Raasay Distillery last year further increased visitors to the region by connecting with three neighbouring distilleries tocreate the Hebridean Whisky Trail, a spectacular 115-mile route across the islands.
NOTES
RAASAY DISTILLERY:
Raasay Distillery began producing whisky in September 2017. It is owned by independent Scottish whisky company R&B Distillers. Co-founder Alasdair Day embodies this coupling: his great-grandfather, Allan MacDonald, hailed from the Hebrides, while his other great grandfather, Richard Day, was a master-blender inthe Scottish Borders during the early 19th Century.
In February 2016, the Highland Council granted permission for the construction of a distillery on Raasay. Subsequent grants were secured from the Food Processing Marketing and Co-Operation Grants Scheme, as well as the Highlands and Islands Enterprise for the development of a visitor centre, which is projected to bring 12,000 visitors to Raasay in its first year.
Raasay Single Malt will be ready to drink from 2020 and will encapsulate the rugged elegance of the island terroir. The high mineral content of the island’s water, which filters through the volcanic rock of Dun Caan, will be integral to the flavour of the whisky. A long fermentation time helps to retain the minerality, resulting in a fruity whisky that will become a characteristic of Raasay single malt.
The team hold the long-term ambition of using all-local ingredients – water, peat and barley – to create a spiritthat is a true reflection of this uncommon provenance. In June 2017, Raasay Distillery commenced a barley trial with farmers and crofters to assess the possibility of growing barley locally and concluded that Bere and IsKria (ancient and Icelandic varieties respectively) can be grown the island. Raasay Distillery intend to create a special release of 100% Raasay single malt.
Isle of Raasay Distillery will produce Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
