WHAT KIND OF CASK ARE YOU?

The theme of  Whisky Show 2019 is The Journey of the Cask – a journey which begins prior to, then runs parallel to, the journey of whisky itself. To help you get excited about casks and, hopefully, about this year’s Whisky Show (not to mention provide a fun and engaging way to learn about wood, whisky, and the relationship between the two) we’ve put together this fun quiz to determine, more or less, what kind of cask you most resemble.

Let’s start off easy: of the following, which would be your preferred snack?

( )  Scotch egg

( )  Crisps (potato chips, y’all)

( )  Oatcakes

( )  Cheese is the best snack

( )  A banana

( )  None of the above. Give me yoghurt or give me death

We say holiday, you say…?

( )  Cycling in Southern France

( )  White sandy beaches on an island somewhere

( )  European city break

( )  Roadtrip, stateside

( )  Staycation in Devon

( )  Sailing around the Horn

Choose a hot drink

( )  Tea, please!

( )  Coffee. Now. Thank you.

( )  Hot chocolate.

( )  Bovril… Look, I just really love golf, okay?

( )  Lemsip. My glands hurt.

( )  Grande Chai Tea Latte.

What kind of flavours do you primarily look for in your whisky?

( )  Elegant and floral.

( )  Fresh fruit and vanilla.

( )  Dried fruit and nut.

( )  Malt and honey.

( )  Rich fruit and spice.

( )  Whatever’s new and exciting.

What’s your favourite journey?

( )  The Journey of the Cask, obviously.

( )  Catching the train into London every year to attend Whisky Show.

( )  The Lord of the Rings.

( )  That of Daenerys of the House Targaryen, the First of Her Name, The Unburnt, Queen of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, Queen of Meereen, Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, Protector of the Realm, Lady Regent of the Seven Kingdoms, Breaker of Chains and Mother of Dragons from the grand hope of Westeros and People’s Champion to widely reviled, wild-eyed city-burner in the space of a single episode.

( )  Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman’s BBC-documented odyssey, Long Way Down.

( )  Stop it.

Question 1 of 5

SECRETS FROM THE VAULTS

This month saw SMWS members from all over the world make the pilgrimage to our spiritual home at The Vaults, and to celebrate, we’ve selected three extra special casks from the depths of our warehouse to share with our members.

These three magnificent bottlings will go on sale at 2pm (GMT) on Monday, 23 September. Due to their rarity and age, numbers are extremely limited, and sales of each cask will be restricted to one per member, so head to the website in plenty of time.

Drams this good deserve to be opened, shared and appreciated, so please don’t be one of those members who sells them to an auction site.

Please note, bottles are for presale, and will begin shipping the week of 14 October.

READ MORE

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

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

Macallan Estate Back In Stock

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.

£195.00

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.

https://youtu.be/i4A2pDBQpV8

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:

www.douglaslaing.com

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:

• 1792 Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• 1792 Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – also named “Best of Category” in the Bourbon-Overproof Category with 92 points
• Very Old Barton 80 proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Very Old Barton 90 proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Kentucky Tavern Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Zackariah Harris Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

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:

• Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Gold
• Eagle Rare 10yr Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Gold
• Stagg Jr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Gold
• Col. E.H. Taylor Jr. Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey – Gold
• Old Weller Antique 107 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Gold
• Weller Special Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Silver
• Weller 12yr Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Silver
• Weller CYPB Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Silver

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:

• Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Weller Special Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Weller CYPB Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Old Weller Antique Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• William Larue Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• George T. Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Stagg Jr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye
• Elmer T. Lee Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Blanton’s Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon (no age)
• Benchmark Kentucky Straight Bourbon 

Silver Medals were awarded to:

• W.L. Weller 12 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Colonel E.H. Taylor Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Colonel E. H. Taylor, Jr. Straight Rye Whiskey

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.