Glenfarclas 2019 Events Calendar

For more information about any of the below events, please contact info@glenfarclas.com

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, 1st – 6th May 

Robbie Drams Festival, Ayr  Town Hall, Ayrshire Scotland, 1st June

Whisky Fringe, Royal Mile Whiskies, Edinburgh Scotland, 9th – 11th August

Whisky Social, Waterfront Hall Belfast, 14th September

Whisky Exchange, Old Billingsgate, London, 28th – 29th September

The Wee Dram Festival, Bakewell, Derbyshire, 19th October

Whisky Live, The Printworks, Dublin, 22nd – 23rd November

Glasgow Whisky Festival, Hampden Park Glasgow, 9th November

After an astonishing 46 years service, mashman Alistair Miller has officially retired from Glenfarclas.  He is pictured here with John and Ishbel Grant, who presented him with gifts including a bottle of 1972 Family Cask (distilled just before he started with us) and a framed picture of the distillery.  Many thanks for all your years of hard work, Ali!

Keepers of the Quaich Spring 2019 Banquet which was held at Blair Castle.

(In the picture on the left – Shareen Yew of Single Malt Sdn Bhd, with her husband, Ben Lip and in the picture on the right George Grant of Glenfarclas, Michael Urquhart of Gordon & MacPhail, Ian McWilliam of Glenfarclas)

Sunday, 3rd March saw the official “handing over” of a special 3 litre Glenfarclas bottle which John Grant donated to the CairnGorms Branch of The Gillies Club (Australia).  The bottle will be the perpetual trophy for the ‘Norman Case Whisky Of The Year Award’.

Norman Case was the first person to import Glenfarclas to Australia, so it was our honour to contribute to this memorial award in his name.

A Bucket-List Bourbon from the Folks at Heaven Hill
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof “Batch C918” Bourbon ($59.99)

Since its inaugural release back in 2013, Heaven Hill’s Elijah Craig Barrel Proof has grown into an easy favorite among collectors. But collectors weren’t the only ones thrilled with this very special bottling, as the previous release earned Whisky Advocate’s top title of “Whisky of the Year.” “Batch C918” very much follows in this tradition of excellence. A seductive mélange of sweet caramel, brown sugar, baking spice, pepper, and woodsy notes all work together in perfect harmony. Clocking in at 131.4 proof, this is no timid beast. Nonetheless, it is surprisingly approachable even without a splash of water. Coveted bourbon releases often are priced upwards of $100, as demand remains at an all-time high. So it’s nothing short of remarkable that we have it here for only $60. This coupled with its irresistible profile means our allocation won’t last long. For fans of bold, unbridled Kentucky bourbon, you can’t go wrong here.

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof “Batch C918” Kentucky Bourbon (750ml) ($59.99)

93 points Whisky Advocate: “When complex spice meets complex caramel, it makes for a wonderful American whiskey experience. That’s exactly what happens here with a cadre of baking spices over fruit, such as cinnamon baked apples, nutmeg sprinkled over pears, and peaches dusted with clove, followed by butterscotch, vanilla custard, and crème brûlée. The balanced and brilliant finish stays true to its complexity. (FM, Spring 2018)”

K&L Notes: The exceptional full strength version of Elijah Craig has become one of the most well regarded new releases in years. Luckily they’ve been able to offer it at a very reasonable price and while it continues to be allocated, it is not as elusive as some of the other high proof limited releases on the market today. An exceptional bottle that should be on most whiskey lovers’ bucket lists.

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 250: Auchentoshan 27 Year Old 1990 Single Oloroso Cask for CWS

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tries an Auchentoshan for… China! CWS is short for Chief Whisky Society, a whisky club from China. They selected this single oloroso sherry cask as an exclusive to their members. If it were not for his new friends in Taiwan, Mark does not believe he would ever have gotten hold of it. Luckily he got his hands on two bottles. One for the Toshan Temple and one to savor.

https://youtu.be/j3j8UDCBxZI

IRISH DISTILLERS WINS ITS STRONGEST-EVER HAUL OF MEDALS AT THE

SAN FRANCISCO WORLD SPIRITS COMPETITION 2019

– Strong start to the awards season underpinned by success at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge –  

Irish Distillers, the makers of the world’s most enjoyed whiskeys, has scooped a remarkable 11 Double Gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2019 – the strongest-ever haul for the family of Irish whiskeys crafted at Midleton Distillery, County Cork.

The prestigious competition honoured the Jameson family with six Double Gold medals – including for new release, Jameson Bow Street 18 Years Cask Strength – while the Redbreast and Midleton ranges collected three and two Double Gold medals respectively. Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength claimed its fourth double gold medal in a row, continuing the Redbreast legacy as the most decorated single pot still Irish whiskey in the world.

Success in San Francisco followed stand-out performances for the Midleton portfolio at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge earlier this month, where new whiskeys Red Spot and Jameson Bow Street 18 Years Cask Strength stole the show – scoring 98 and 97 points respectively. Following a near-perfect score, Red Spot – which was re-introduced in November 2018 after 50 years – was awarded the Chairman’s Trophy for the single pot still Irish whiskey category.

Commenting on the strong start to the 2019 awards season, Master Distiller Brian Nation commented: “We are delighted to see such excellent results for Irish Distillers, with recognition at the highest level right across the portfolio. The results are a true reflection of the passion, innovation and determination of the talented team at Midleton and hopefully signal the beginning of an exciting awards season. We look forward to further success throughout 2019!” 

Founded in 2000, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition is one of the oldest spirits tasting competitions of its kind. With nearly two decades of experience, they have fine-tuned their operation blending passion and professionalism. A blind tasting process guarantees that every entry is judged fairly and given equal consideration.

The Ultimate Beverage Challenge is one of the definitive spirits and wine evaluation companies in the world. Its two world-class competitions, Ultimate Spirits Challenge and Ultimate Wine Challenge, provide unparalleled value, offering results that are reliable and easily understandable in today’s marketplace.

Notes  

Full results from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2019:

• Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition – Double Gold Medal
• Jameson Crested Irish Whiskey – Double Gold Medal
• Jameson Black Barrel Irish Whiskey – Double Gold Medal
• Jameson 18 Year Old Irish Whiskey – Double Gold
• Jameson Bow Street 18 Year Old Irish Whiskey – Double Gold
• Jameson Cooper’s Croze Irish Whiskey – Double Gold
• Midleton Very Rare 2018 Irish Whiskey – Double Gold
• Midleton Dair Ghaelach Bluebell Forest Single Pot Still – Double Gold
• Redbreast Lustau Single Pot Still – Double Gold
• Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength – Double Gold
• Redbreast 21 Year Old Single Pot Still – Double Gold
• Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition – Gold Medal
• Jameson Signature Irish Whiskey – Gold Medal
• Jameson Blender’s Dog Irish Whiskey – Gold Medal
• Red Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey – Gold Medal
• Redbreast 15 Year Old Single Pot Still – Gold Medal
• Powers John’s Lane 12 Year Old Irish Whiskey – Gold Medal
• Jameson Irish Whiskey – Silver Medal
• Jameson Distiller’s Safe – Silver Medal
• Green Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey – Silver Medal
• Yellow Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey – Silver Medal
• Redbreast 12 Year Old Single Pot Still – Silver Medal
• Powers Three Swallow Release Single Pot Still – Silver Medal
• Powers Gold Label Irish Whiskey – Silver Medal

Full results from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2019:

• Red Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey – 98 Chairman’s Trophy
• Redbreast Cask Strength 12 Years Old Single Pot Still – 97 Tried & True Award
• Jameson Bow Street Cask Strength (Batch 1) 18 Years Old – 97 Chairman’s Trophy
• Jameson 18 Years Old – 96 Tried & True Award
• Redbreast 21 Years Old Single Pot Still– 96 Tried & True Award
• Redbreast 15 Years Old Single Pot Still– 95 Tried & True Award
• Powers John’s Lane 12 Years Old Single Pot Still – 95 Finalist
• Jameson Black Barrel– 94 Finalist
• Green Spot Chateau Montelena Single Pot Still – 94 finalist
• Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition  – 94 finalist
• Redbreast Lustau Edition Single Pot Still – 94  Tried & True Award
• Powers Gold Label Blended – 93 finalist
• Midleton Dair Ghaelach Bluebell Forest Single Pot Still  – 93
• Green Spot Chateau Leoville Barton Single Pot Still  – 93
• Yellow Spot Single Pot Still  – 93
• Jameson Signature Blended  – 92
• Jameson Cooper’s Croze  – 92
• Jameson Blender’s Dog – 92
• Midleton Very Rare 2018  – 92
• Powers Three Swallow Release  – 92
• Jameson Crested – 89
• Jameson Distiller’s Safe  – 89
• Jameson Blended Irish Whiskey – 89
• Redbreast 12 Years Old Single Pot Still – 87
• Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition  – 86 

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers is Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits and wines and producer of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys. Led by Jameson, our brands are driving the global renaissance of Irish whiskey. Jameson is the world’s fastest-growing Irish whiskey, experiencing 29 years of consecutive growth and hitting sales of 7.3m cases in 2018. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets, with over 80 of those experiencing double- or triple-digit growth.

Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and Cork Distilleries Company. In 1988 Irish Distillers joined Pernod Ricard, gaining access to unprecedented levels of investment and an extensive global distribution network. Since 2012, we have invested over €250m to double our production and bottling capacity to meet global demand for our products.

We employ over 600 people across our operations in Cork and Dublin. 

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of €8,987 million in FY18. 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, Malibu liqueur, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,900 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 86 “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.

Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index.

Greetings fellow whisky-lovers!

Stuff Brexit – who knows what’s going to happen??? At no other time in history have the good people of the UK been in more need of dram than right now! So we are here to help soothe and comfort you, with our unique experiences. Together we can truly enjoy the last days of Babylon!

Read on for festival updates, masterclass tickets and all things whisky…

London-folk; are you ready for The Whisky Lounge’s biggest and most ambitious event to date? The legendary London Whisky Weekender takes place over the weekend of the 10th-12th of May and we’re flat out here at TWL HQ making absolutely sure this year’s whisky weekender is the biggest and best Whisky consumer show ever!

Tickets are already sold out for the Saturday early session, so don’t miss out on the last tickets available for our other sessions. You won’t want to miss this!

BUY FESTIVAL TICKETS

As well as the usual shenanigans, this year the Whisky Weekender will see a few new additions to the festival – plus a series of featured tastings, masterclasses, workshops + more. Tickets for these are now available online so check out what’s on offer below and get booked in!

First come, first served…

The Founder’s Tasting
with TWL’s Eddie Ludlow

The Art of Blending
with Chivas Regal

Whisky Cocktail Workshops
with The Whisky Lounge
BenRiach & GlenDronach
with Matt Chambers

Berry Brother’s & Glenrothes
with Ronnie Cox

The Ultimate ‘GOT’ Tasting
with Tam Gardiner and Eddie Ludlow

Amazon’s ‘Three Drinkers’ do Glenmorangie
with the show’s stars, Colin, Helena and Aidy

BUY MASTERCLASS TICKETS

Whisky Heaven at TWL 2019 Festivals

We’ll be welcoming our friends at Scotch Whisky Auctions as they host London’s legendary ‘Whisky Heaven’; an area with drams that one can only dream of. Escape the main hustle and bustle of the festival and join the SWA team as they talk you through an incredible line-up of carefully and selected bottlings, most of which are long out of ‘print’.

With entry costing just one black token (£10), and drams ranging from 1-3 black tokens, this is truly an unmissable opportunity for festival-goers to experience the finer drams in life. Tam and his SWA Ambassadors will be on hand to offer their vast knowledge and recommendations; well-worth taking advantage of.

Black tokens are available to purchase once inside the festival from one of The Whisky Lounge stands. Both orange and black tokens can be redeemed against ‘Under the Counter Drams’, whilst only black tokens can be used in Whisky Heaven.

Join us as we sample some of the finest whiskies from Fèis Ìle 2019!

After celebrating all things Islay in May, we’ll be bringing back an array of our favourite festival bottlings from some of the island’s most recognisable and treasured distilleries! We welcome you all to these special tasting series, in which you’ll get to taste through these truly rare and exciting drams. Find your nearest venue below and get booked in!

Dates and Venues:

Wednesday 5th June –
York – Brigantes, YO1 6JX

Friday 7th June –
Newcastle – Blackfriars, NE1 4XN

Wednesday 12th June –
London – Green Man, NW1 3AU

Wednesday 19th June –
Leeds – The Northern Monk, LS11 9YJ

Thursday 20th June –
Manchester – The Briton’s Protection, M1 5LE

MORE INFO & TICKETS

Newsflash – Springbank 24yo: UK Single Cask

The Springbank Team are delighted to announce the release of the new Springbank UK Single Cask, available to buy from tomorrow (1st May 2019).  The Springbank 24yo 46.2% has been matured in a Fresh Sherry Hogshead and there will be 294 bottles available. This new UK Single Cask will be available from tomorrow – contact your preferred Springbank retailer or visit the Where To Buy section of our website for help finding where you can get your hands on a bottle.

• The Campbeltown Cadenhead Shop will be selling the Springbank 24yo for £390.00.
• This is not a core range product
• There will be no Society discount offered for this bottling

Slainte,

The Springbank Team

To join the Springbank Society please contact them at Springbank Society society@springbank.scot

FOR SELLERS!

WE’RE DELIGHTED TO SAY WE WILL BACK IN NEWCASTLE ON THE 7TH MAY,

RUNNING OUR SPLENDID COMPLIMENTARY COLLECTION SERVICE.

MAY 7TH:
1.00 PM – 1.30 PM
Craigleith Sainsbury’s Car-Park,185 Craigleith Rd, Edinburgh EH4 2EB

PLEASE LET US KNOW YOU’RE PLANNING TO COME BY CLICKING HERE. THIS LINK ALSO GIVES YOU FURTHER DETAILS.

ADDITIONALLY PLEASE COMPLETE THE SUBMISSION SHEET AND HAND IT IN TO THE COLLECTION TEAM.

FIND OUT MORE

Welcome to this weeks episode of the show. This week I’ll be reviewing some new and new-ish releases from Mackmyra as well as comparing an old and new bottling of the Brukswhisky.

https://youtu.be/j-gbonBNuTU