VAN WINKLE SET FOR BYRES ROAD OPENING

Glasgow’s go-to bourbon bar Van Winkle has announced it will open a second branch on Byres Road on Thursday, 24 September.

Currently located opposite the iconic Barrowland Ballroom in the city’s east end, Van Winkle has Scotland’s largest selection of bourbons and now plans on bringing its signature American-style food and drink to the west end.

To mark the opening, Van Winkle is allowing anyone who has US Dollars lying around from a summer holiday that didn’t happen, to spend them at the new eatery.

Visitors to the new Byres Road location will have more than 50 bourbons to choose from, as well as a wide selection of American whiskeys, cocktails, beers and wine.

The menu will boast a variety of mouth-watering wee plates, burgers and sandwiches, not to mention a five-cheese macaroni and the Van Winkle buffalo chicken wings.

A perfect spot for dog lovers, Van Winkle also has a special nutritious dog-friendly menu, developed by BBC Scotland’s resident vet Ross Allan from Pets’n’Vets.

Situated at the former site of The Hill, the opening will create 10 jobs, with staff trained in-house and by industry experts to grow their knowledge of the bar’s extensive drinks list, and to ensure a safe environment for all its guests.

Van Winkle will extend the Eat Out To Help Out scheme until the end of October, giving people who have booked in advance a 50% discount of up to £10 per person between Monday and Wednesday. Anyone taking advantage of the scheme will also have the option to eat as many wings as they can in 90 minutes for just £10.

Derek Mallon of Van Winkle said: “Van Winkle is all about sharing a flavour of the USA and we’re incredibly excited to be opening up our second bar on Byres Road. Our aim is to bring real quality products, delivered by genuine people, in an atmosphere that transports you to Kentucky.

“The last few months have been undoubtedly tough for the hospitality industry, so it feels very positive to be opening new premises, creating jobs and bringing something new to the food and drink scene in the west of the city.

“For anyone whose holiday to America has been cancelled this summer, this is the perfect spot to enjoy a bourbon and a burger, and we’re even accepting US Dollars as a method of payment.

“There will of course be all the expected COVID-19 safety measures in place to keep our guests safe. We look forward to welcoming new faces to our west end bar on 24 September.”

Derek’s passion for bourbon blossomed when he travelled to Louisville, Kentucky in 2015 and rediscovered his love for the spirit. A tour of the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort from bourbon industry legend Freddie Johnson spurred Derek on to open Wan Winkle on the Gallowgate in November 2017.

The bar quickly became renowned for its bourbon tasting evenings, pairing great bourbons with some fabulous sharing plates. These nights will be a weekly event at the Byres Road branch for anyone looking to get clued up on the American export.

Van Winkle also has its very own Bourbon Bible to help visitors find their perfect pour. This alphabetical anthology showcases the bar’s growing range of bourbons in its entirety, which includes the sought-after Pappy Van Winkle range and exclusive Antique Collection.

Van Winkle opens at 94 Byres Rd, Glasgow on Thursday, 24 September. It will be open for dining inside and out and available for takeaway and home delivery.

For more information go to: www.vanwinkle.co.uk

Address: 94 Byres Rd, Glasgow G12 8TB

Facebook @VanWinkleBar / Instagram @VanWinkleGlasgow / Twitter @VanWinkleBar

Matsui Whisky awarded “Best Japanese Single Cask Of The Year 2021”

On September 16th, the results of the “Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2021” was announced. “Single Malt Whisky The Matsui Mizunara Single Cask -Cask#318-” from the Kurayoshi Distillery, was chosen as “Best Japanese Single Cask Of The Year 2021” by Jim Murray for his Whisky Bible 2021.

This international whisky competition is organized by one of the most renowned whisky journalists, Jim Murray, who is described as “The man who has visited more distilleries globally than any person”. Only the finest whiskies in each category are awarded. 2021 marks the 18th publication and this year, more than 30 countries and over 4500 brands were submitted to be judged by Jim Murray. The book is named “Whisky Bible, it is described as:

“This is the most comprehensive, internationally influential and thoroughly researched guide to all the world’s whiskies. In terms of whisky, this is the gospel“

With his superbly unique expressions in his tasting notes, the Whisky Bible has become an event where the international spirits industry pays close attention.

Excerpts from the tasting notes

━ “a nose to melt a thousand hearts… So soft…and has the magical ability to allow both the oak and the malt itself to express themselves individually and then together.”

━ “The most Japanese of Japanese malts with its own unique signature.”

━ “The most complex whisky I have sampled this year so far (and this is number 1,058 – and took me over 90 minutes to nose and taste!) – and a definite contender for World Whisky of the Year.”

This award-winning Japanese whisky “Matsui Mizunara Single Cask” is matured and bottled from one single Japanese Mizunara oak barrel, which makes this significantly rare.

It scheduled to go on sale as a limited release with limited quantity. More information will be announced on our official website and social media accounts.

Official Website：https://matsuiwhisky.com/

Contact：info@matsuiwhisky.com

Facebook: Matsui Whisky

Instagram: matsuiwhisky

Twitter: matsuiwhisky

LINE@: matsuiwhisky

Weibo: 松井酒造

Mithuna by Paul John awarded as

One of the Top 3 Whiskies in the World

by  World Whisky Awards 

Bengaluru, India (Sept. 16, 2020) Paul John Whisky’s soon to be launched Mithuna by Paul John has been declared the 3rd Finest Whisky in the World by esteemed whisky reviewer Jim Murray in his acclaimed “Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2021.” Set to be released worldwide in November, Mithuna by Paul John is the second expression of the Zodiac series of Paul John Indian Single Malt from John Distilleries Pvt Ltd (JDPL). JDPL is a leading Indian spirits company, in which Sazerac Company, the largest family-owned distilled spirits company in the United States, is an active stakeholder.

Stagg Jr. (128.4 proof) from Sazerac has been named the second finest whisky in the world. In total, nine whiskies from Sazerac received top honors in their category.

Mithuna by Paul John scored a 97 and has also been awarded Asian Whisky of the Year 2021, while its predecessor in the Zodiac series, Kanya by Paul John, was named Asian Whisky of the Year in the 2018 edition of “Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible” with a score of 96.

In describing Mithuna for his 2021 Whisky Bible, Murray says, “If Mithuna means “Ultimate,” then it is the perfect name. Or maybe Mithuna means “Perfect,” then it is pretty close. It is that very rarest of things. And, if nothing else, announces Paul John Distillery on the world stage of truly great distilleries. This is a whisky to devour…while it devours you.”

“For our whisky to be declared the world’s 3^rd finest whisky in the world is perhaps the greatest achievement a whisky maker could possibly dream of and this speaks especially of the passion and dedication of our Master Distiller, Michael D’Souza. For an Indian whisky to attain such an honour has proven that India is on par and even better in terms of quality with other international whiskies. It marks a turning point in the emergence of India as a serious player in the world of single malt. We are humbled and honoured to have received this award and we will continue to dedicate our efforts to further improve our quality to the highest possible standards,” said Paul P John, Chairman and Managing Director, JDPL.

Murray tastes more than 4,700 whiskies for his yearly edition, and in Murray’s ranking system, any whisky which scores in the 94-97.5 range is deemed by him as “superstar whiskies that give us all a reason to live.”

            Jim Murray is a legend and leading player on the world’s whisky stage. It is now over 25 years since he became the world’s first-ever full-time whisky writer. The 2021 edition of his Whisky Bible marks the 18th year of annual publication. “Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2021” can be pre-ordered at http://whiskybible.com/ 

Mithuna by Paul John 

Mithuna by Paul John, of the Paul John Zodiac series, is named after the Indian counterpart of the zodiac sign Gemini.

Sophisticated aromas of liquorice with gentle beeswax lead to a luxuriant delivery of ulmo honey on crisp toast, and tender notes of vanilla. Chewy flavours of coffee mocha, orange peel and delicate spice float on active tannins while gentle oils enjoy a gist of dark cocoa tones. The finish is gratifyingly long and complex with multi-toned sugars and delicate honeys.

Renowned for contradictive strengths, the characteristics of Gemini are epitomized by this Indian single malt as mesmerizing layers of austere, dry tannins are challenged in equal measure by resplendent sugars and mocha on delicate oils.

Big, beautiful, and always measured for balance. 

About Paul John Indian Single Malts 

The Paul John Single Malts were launched in the UK in 2012 and were soon acclaimed to be equal to or even better than single malts produced elsewhere. Approval from single malt enthusiasts and innumerable global awards further proved our excellence and encouraged us to take our single malts across the world.

Craft, skilfully chosen indigenous ingredients, and the warm environs of Goa create the magic that is Paul John whisky.

A conscious decision was taken to create high quality single malts at affordable prices allowing us to introduce many more to the flavourful taste of single malts.

The range of Paul John Single Malts include an entry level expression, 3 flagship expressions, 2 select casks, and the occasional limited or special editions.

Today, the Paul John Single Malt is present in over 40 countries.

Attention All Whisky Enthusiasts!

Kensington Wine Market is thrilled to announce that “25 Days of Dram Fine Whisky” is returning for the 7^th straight year. We are now taking orders for the KWM 2020 Whisky Calendar, and this year we have an amazing Early Bird Offer. Pay in full for a Calendar by midnight October 15, and you will Save $50 on this year’s edition!

Normally we would have made this announcement in August, but Covid-19 and the port strike in Montreal have made it a challenge to confirm our product list and pricing, until now. In past year’s we have taken a $150 deposit for each Calendar ordered. This year rather than charge a deposit, we are offering two options to Pre-Order a KWM 2020 Whisky Calendar.

You can either Pre-Order and Pay Later (a week before it is ready for pickup you will be billed the full price $385+gst), or a very special Early Bird Pre-Pay Option ($335+gst). If you select the Early Bird Pre Pay Option you will Save $50 on the full retail price and will be charged $335+gst per Calendar now. Note there are no further discounts or promotions on the Early Bird price.

Our Kensington Wine Market 2020 Whisky Calendar makes a great gift and is a great way to get into the Holiday spirit. The 2020 Edition consists of 25 premium all-new, never before featured whiskies. There are 24 50ml bottles and a special 100ml Scotch Malt Whisky Society single cask for Christmas Day.  The KWM 2020 Whisky Calendar also includes a custom logo Glencairn Single Malt Glass and a Discount Card (good for 10% off  regular-priced whisky at KWM for all of 2021).

You or your recipient can follow along every day December 1-25 (or at your own pace), as we introduce you to each whisky on our blog and through our social media channels. We are really excited about this year’s edition, and we hope you are too.

We can’t host a Whisky Calendar Launch Party in-store this year, but we will host a gathering online, on Tuesday December 1. Details will follow later in the Fall.

We encourage you to order online, but you can also purchase the KWM 2020 Whisky Calendar in-store, or by phone at 403-283-8000 /888-283-9004. We anticipate we will have the Calendars ready for pickup by the start of November.

We are not taking deposits for the KWM 2020 Whisky Calendar this year, instead we have two options for ordering:

1. Early Bird Pre-Pay Pricing – $335+gst – SAVE $50 until midnight October 15 by pre-paying in full for the KWM 2020 Whisky Advent Calendar – No further discounts or promotions, but the early bird price in previous years used to only be a $35 savings!
2. Pre-Order & Pay Later – $385+gst – Secure a Calendar(s) and you won’t be charged anything until 1 week before it is ready for pickup.

Sincerely your friends at Kensington Wine Market!

1257 Kensington Road NW Calgary Alberta T2N3P8

403.283-8000 Toll Free. 888.283.9004

www.kensingtonwinemarket.com

Two Whiskeys from Sazerac Company Receive Top Spots

in World Whiskey Awards

Second Year in a Row Sazerac Brands Receive Highest Honor 

LOUISVILLE, Ky (Sept. 16, 2020) Two whiskeys produced by the Sazerac Company, Stagg Jr. (128.4 proof) and Paul John Mithuna, have been named the second and third finest whiskeys in the world, respectively, by esteemed whisky reviewer Jim Murray in his “Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible 2021.” In total, nine whiskeys from Sazerac received top honors in their category, including eight produced at its Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Ky.

These awards follow a momentous win last year in which three whiskeys from Sazerac were named the top three whiskeys in the world in “Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible 2020,” the first time any one company has accomplished this feat.

The 2021 second finest whiskey in the world, Buffalo Trace Distillery’s Stagg Jr., was first introduced in 2013 and has won countless double gold, gold and various other accolades, but has never placed in the top three in the prestigious “Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible.”  Its forefather however, George T. Stagg, is well known to Whiskey Bible fans, having been named the finest or second finest whiskey in the world a staggering four times since the Whiskey Bible started in 2004, holding the top spot more times than any other spirit in the world.

In describing the Stagg Jr. second finest whiskey in the world, and bourbon of the year for 2021, Jim Murray scored it a 97.5 and called it “Spectacularly mind-blowing!”  Murray tastes more than 4,700 whiskies for his yearly edition, and in Murray’s ranking system, any whiskey which scores in the 94-97.5 range is deemed by him as “superstar whiskies that give us all a reason to live.”

Sazerac’s third finest whiskey of the world comes from India, at its Paul John Distillery and is Mithuna, which scored a 97. Mithuna is part of Paul John’s Zodiac series. Mithuna will be released worldwide at the end of 2020, and will be available in the United States in Spring 2021.  Mithuna’s predecessor in the Zodiac series is Kanya, which was named Asian Whiskey of the Year in the 2018 edition of “Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible” with a score of 96.

In describing Mithuna for his 2021 Whiskey Bible, Murray says, “If Mithuna means “Ultimate,” then it is the perfect name. Or maybe Mithuna means “Perfect,” then it is pretty close. It is that very rarest of things. And, if nothing else, announces Paul John Distillery on the world stage of truly great distilleries. This is a whisky to devour…while it devours you.”

“To have our whiskeys be named the second and third finest whiskeys in the world is astonishing, especially following last year’s three top spots in the Whiskey Bible, said Mark Brown, president and chief executive officer, Sazerac Company.  “It is truly a testament of the skill and dedication of not only our Master Distillers Harlen Wheatley at Buffalo Trace Distillery, and Michael D’souza at Paul John Distillery, but to all of our team members at Sazerac. We could not be happier and motivated to continue our quest to create the world’s best whiskey.”

The complete Sazerac whiskeys winning awards in “Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2021” are:

• Second Finest Whisky in the World – Stagg Jr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (128.4 proof) 

• Third Finest Whisky in the World – Paul John Mithuna

• AMERICAN WHISKEY WINNERS

• • Bourbon of the Year – Stagg Jr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (128.4 proof)
  • Second Finest Bourbon of the Year – William Larue Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Bourbon No Age Statement (Multiple Barrels) Stagg Jr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (128.4 proof)
  • Bourbon No Age Statement (Single Barrel) – Elmer T. Lee 100 Year Tribute Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Rye of the Year – Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
  • Rye No Age Statement – Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
  • Rye 11-15 Years – Old Rip Van Winkle Family Reserve 13 Year Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
  • Rye Over 15 Years – Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

• Asian Whisky of the Year
  • Paul John Mithuna

Jim Murray is a legend and leading player on the world’s whisky stage. It is now over 25 years since he became the world’s first-ever full time whisky writer. The 2021 edition of his Whisky Bible marks the 18th year of annual publication. “Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible 2021” can be pre-ordered at http://whiskybible.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 1775 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” and its William Larue Weller and Thomas H. Handy Sazerac were named 2^nd and 3^rd finest whiskeys in the world, respectively, in the “Jim Murray Whiskey Bible 2020.”  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

JIM MURRAY’S WHISKY BIBLE 2021 – THE WINNERS

INTRODUCING OUR NEW WHISKY RELEASE

Gently Smoked Sherry Cask 

As we move towards Autumn and with social outings curtailed, a gently smoked Single Malt whisky that has been asleep in a wonderful sherry cask for most of its life is all that you need to lift your spirits. A truly spectacular whisky – well worth a try.

The result is a nose of gently smoke with raisins, dried fruit and candied peel.  dates and maraschino cherries with a hint of marzipan. Lovely notes of soft warm leather.  A beautiful waft of slightly charred oak.

On tasting, it offers a creamy, rich and oily palate with a soft spicy sweetness.  dry with oaky, wooden overtones.  The fruits come across with the cherries dominating. Lovely floral hints along with a slightly honeyed aftertaste, with a fantastic lingering finish.

Only 1458 bottles released.

£56.50 70cl 46% ABV

BUY NOW

Don’t forget that we are offering FREE delivery on all orders over £75 for Mainland UK Delivery.

ralfy review 843 Extras – I just bought whisky at auction !

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY RELEASES ITS

MUCH ANTICIPATED 2020 ANTIQUE COLLECTION WHISKEYS 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Sept. 9, 2020) Just in time for the fall, Buffalo Trace Distillery is releasing its 2020 Antique Collection of whiskeys (BTAC). The highly regarded collection will once again feature five limited-release whiskeys of various ages, recipes and proofs.  Here’s what fans can expect:

George T. Stagg

The proverbial powerhouse favorite of the Antique Collection, George T. Stagg, comes in at 130.4 proof this year.  Last year’s release was awarded 97 points in the 2020 Ultimate Spirits Collection, and fans will find the familiar Stagg taste profile they know and love with cinnamon, caramel and cherries on the nose, and a creamy vanilla with lightly smoked oak on the palate.  The finish is black coffee, dark cherries and herbs.

This year’s release contains bourbon from barrels filled in the spring of 2005.  Storage location of these barrels varied across warehouses L, K and Q. The evaporation loss for this year’s batch was 59%, a bit higher than the last few year’s releases.

William Larue Weller

The Antique Collection’s uncut, unfiltered, wheated recipe bourbon is William Larue Weller. Previous editions of this wheater have won many accolades, including the 2019 release receiving a Gold Medal at the Los Angeles International Spirits Competition and also named 2^nd finest whiskey in the world in the esteemed “Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible.”  The 2020 release was distilled in the winter of 2008 and aged in Warehouses I and C.  This bourbon registers at 134.5 proof.  Flavors of a soft caramel chew, spearmint and cinnamon can be found on the palate in this year’s offering.

Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye

Thomas H. Handy is the uncut and unfiltered straight rye whiskey. Last year’s release earned The Chairman’s Trophy, scoring 99 points at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge and was also named 3^rd finest whiskey in the world in “Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible.”  This year’s Handy was distilled in the spring of 2014; aged in warehouses K, M, and N, and weighs in at 129.0 proof.  The flavor profile includes cinnamon, anise and honey.

Eagle Rare 17 Year Old

This 101 proof whiskey was distilled in Spring of 2002 and aged on the first floor of Warehouse P.  The 2019 release of this bourbon was named “Best of Category” at the Los Angeles International Spirits Competition.  This bourbon has a nose of ripe cherries, vanilla cream and oak, followed by a taste of caramel and coffee and a long finish of oak, pepper and fresh herbs.

Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old

The previous edition of Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old was named “Best Rye Whiskey Aged 11 Years and Over” by “Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.”  This 2020 straight rye whiskey release has notable flavors of oak, caramel and dark chocolate, with a finish of coffee, black pepper and cherries. The barrels for this whiskey were filled in the spring of 2002 and it rested on the third floor of Warehouse K.  It is bottled at 90 proof.

The Antique Collection was introduced two decades ago and has become a cult favorite among whiskey connoisseurs. Since 2000 these whiskeys have garnered numerous awards from such notable publications as Whisky Advocate Magazine, Spirit Journal, and “Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.”

The 2020 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC) whiskeys will be available in limited quantities starting in late September or early October.  Suggested retail price is $99 each.  For more information visit http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/brands/antique-collection.

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 1775 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 35 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” and its William Larue Weller and Thomas H. Handy Sazerac were named 2^nd and 3^rd finest whiskeys in the world, respectively, in the “Jim Murray Whiskey Bible 2020.”  Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com

Every year – the most updated whisky book on the market!
Malt Whisky Yearbook 2021 will be published 1st October

This is the 16th edition of a book that whisky enthusiasts look forward to every autumn.

The main part of the book (200 pages) covers 665 malt whisky distilleries around the worldwith all the facts updated
New exciting articles by distinguished writers such as Charles MacLean, Gavin D Smith,
Neil Ridley, Jonny McCormick, Joel Harrison and Ian Wisniewski
More than 200 tasting notes, including independent bottlings
New feature – meet seven Whisky Legends with 358 years of experience between them
A listing of more than 150 of the world´s greatest whisky shops
The Whisky Year That Was – the most comprehensive summary you´ll find of the news and trends in the industry
An entire chapter about the world´s leading independent bottlers
All the latest info on bottlings and web sites as well as the latest statistics and figures
More than 500 colour photos

The Malt Whisky Yearbook is the brainchild of editor Ingvar Ronde and was first published in autumn 2005. Since then a new and completely revised edition has been published yearly. What started out as a go-to book for whisky enthusiasts wanting to keep abreast of the ever-changing malt whisky world, soon became a tool also for the whisky industry. Many producers now buy it for their staff (brand ambassadors, tour guides, sales people etc.) to keep them informed about the latest developments.

The Malt Whisky Yearbook 2021 is sold through www.maltwhiskyyearbook.com
for £14.95 plus shipping. Available for preorder now with shipping starting 1st October.
Ingvar Ronde – Editor Malt Whisky Yearbook and Keeper of the Quaich
ingvar.ronde@magdig.com