Welcome to this weeks episode of the show in which I’ll be reviewing some new-ish releases from both Stauning and Starward. What do they have in common? Watch and find out!
SUPER LEAGUE PARTNERS WITH LOCH LOMOND GROUP
Super League is delighted to welcome The Loch Lomond Group, the company behind “The Best Whisky in the World”, as official spirit partner of the competition, a deal set to run until the end of the 2024 Betfred Super League season.
The Loch Lomond Group, a multi award-winning independent distiller and blender of some of the finest and rarest scotch whiskies, has a heritage amongst the oldest and most respected in the distilling industry.
Its portfolio also includes Loch Lomond Single Malt Scotch Whisky and Glen Scotia Whisky.
The brands first activation was at the Dacia Magic Weekend earlier this month and will be on show throughout the end-of-season run-in of Play-Offs and Grand Final.
Loch Lomond Group currently partner with several major sporting brands including with The Open, The Women’s British Open (golf), The United Rugby Championship (rugby union), The Scottish Premier Football League and Wigan Warriors.
As part of our partnership, The Loch Lomond Group will produce a range of limited-edition club branded products, which will see a percentage of the proceeds fed back into clubs as well as the charities of their choice.
The deal also includes naming rights to the “Spirit of Super League Award”, presented at the end of season Betfred Super League Awards event. The award, which is given to an individual who epitomises the values of Super League by going beyond their expected professional commitments and who places a strong emphasis on sportsmanship and community. Previous recipients of the Spirit of Super League award are Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Rob Burrow and Mose Masoe.
Super League chief commercial officer, Rhodri Jones said: “It’s fantastic to welcome The Loch Lomond Group to our family of partners in the Betfred Super League.
Loch Lomond Group’s recent experience of working with one of our clubs, Wigan Warriors, has shown them how well we, as a sport, work with partners within our game and we look forward to developing this relationship further over the coming months with the launch of bespoke club branded products.
“The presentation of the Spirit of Super League award is always one of the most poignant moments at the Super League Awards and we look forward to working with Loch Lomond Group to produce more memorable moments over the next three years.”
Loch Lomond Group, chief executive officer, Colin Matthews said: “We are truly excited to be partnering with Super League. Much like our other sports partnerships, this sponsorship will centre on contributing to the true spirit of the sport. We passionately believe that participation and interest in sport can make a real positive difference to individuals, groups and communities and so we are committed to leveraging our new association to support the wider rugby community.”
Watch Hill Proper bourbon bar
hires construction firm and creative director
Membership sales approach opening day capacity
PROSPECT, Ky. (September 14, 2021) – Watch Hill Proper, Louisville’s first premier bourbon club located in Norton Commons, is proud to announce it has chosen Louisville-based Buffalo Construction, Inc. for the construction of the 5,200 sq. ft. location anticipated to open in the first quarter of 2022. The Club has also hired Louisville native and whiskey expert Forrest Price as its Creative Director.
Both the Club’s layout and renderings were created by Design + Inc., an award-winning architectural and design firm that specializes in the restaurant industry. Buffalo Construction, Inc., a commercial construction partner, will bring The Fermenter (a waiting room with a smaller bar), the main bar, and two private rooms – a Member Lounge and a Library to life. The Member Lounge will be accessible to members during the day before official opening hours of the club. The Library will be a place for members to relax and expand their bourbon knowledge. The main bar will be in a large open room with over 1,000 bottles of bourbon behind the bar. A unique bourbon barrel ceiling feature will be a focal point of the club, with barrels located throughout the club. Construction is scheduled to begin in October.
As Creative Director, some of Forrest Price’s duties will include optimizing the flow behind the bar and serving the guests, assisting with bottle acquisition, interviewing and hiring staff, curating the wine list, creating curriculum for staff education, collaborating in the cocktail program, creating and organizing events, and guiding guests through the plethora of whiskey expressions.
“Of all the ways in which people drink spirits, none seem more pervasive than grain aged in wood, aka Whiskey,” says Price. “Being Whiskey Advisor at such a unique place as Jack Rose Dining Saloon in Washington, D.C. showed me firsthand that Kings from the Middle East, professional athletes, tourists from Peru, farmers from Idaho, the neighbor down the street, families from Nashville, and politicians from all over the world share a common interest – whiskey. This special brown liquid has spread its tentacles to nearly every corner of the planet and each place has put its own unique stamp on it. This is what draws me to be a steward of the spirit, and the hospitality industry in general. The nuances of each style are brilliant and tasty, and I love sharing their discrepancies.”
Watch Hill Proper began accepting membership applications through its website for all membership types back in May. Industry leaders affiliated with high quality brands including Four Gate, Beam Suntory, Brown-Forman, Heaven Hill, Angel’s Envy, Castle & Key, Bardstown Bourbon Company, New Riff, Four Roses, Limestone Branch and Peerless have already joined the club. Many authors and influencers have also joined, and more are being added daily. “We have received tremendous support from the entire bourbon industry,” says co-founder Josh Howes, “and we can’t wait to give our members exclusive intimate experiences with these brands through our club events.”
The current membership drive underway has a limited number of 300 memberships and about half have been accepted to date. Once memberships reach the cap of 300 members, applicants will be placed on a membership waiting list. More memberships may be released at a future date, but the initial cap of 300 ensures a premier member experience. Memberships are not required to visit the club as it will be open to the public. However, members will have reservation privileges, receive a discount on drinks, have access to purchase the club barrel picks, and can attend special member-only events amongst more than a dozen additional privileges.
Watch Hill Proper plans to deliver a large and rare selection of bourbon and create a unique whiskey cocktail program. Light fare food and wine will also be served. For more information or for membership details, please visit the Watch Hill Proper website at www.watchhillproper.com or contact Bev Reese at (502) 230-1982.
About Watch Hill Proper:
Watch Hill Proper is Louisville’s first premier membership bourbon club anticipated to open early in 2022. Our purpose is to be a community built around a common interest – bourbon. Our goal is to be a community of ambassadors for Kentucky’s signature industry and do it in style. For more information about Watch Hill Proper, or to apply for membership, visit www.watchhillproper.com.
About Buffalo Construction:
Buffalo Construction, Inc. is driven by the pursuit of Building Better! As a Solutions Partner, Buffalo Construction, Inc. fosters a collaborative environment of exploration, innovation, and execution. Headquartered in Louisville, KY Buffalo Construction, Inc. has a presence in 49 states with expertise in a variety of markets, including restaurant, hospitality, fuel, retail and multi-family. Whether starting from a seed of an idea or developing a current investment, the Buffalo Construction, Inc. team and their portfolio of services has the capabilities to bring any project to life from design through development, construction and operations. Building Better! delivers on one overriding promise: to do the right thing every time, no matter what. For more information, visit www.buffaloconstruction.com.
About Forrest Price:
Forrest Price, a Louisville, KY native, is a former Whiskey Advisor for Jack Rose Dining Saloon in Washington, D.C., the current standard-bearer for whiskey establishments the world over. A contributor to writing publications, curator of private collections, organizer of charity barrel picks, and the creator of a Dewey Decimal-like system for whiskey, he also teaches private whiskey classes, works with spirits brands, and has consulted for famous establishments such as the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado.
We’re delighted to announce the online Diploma in Single Malt Whisky dates for 2022. Our flagship course and highest award allows you to indulge your interest in whisky, while accumulating professional skills with piles of potential to set you up for success.
Friday 26 November 2021
Time zone: Asia
While dates are advertised by time zone, please don’t feel you need to be in that particular region to join the course. You must simply be able to attend (or catch up on) the scheduled sessions. In BST/GMT, Europe = tutorials at 7.30pm, North America = tutorials at 10pm & Asia = tutorials at 11.30am. Pick whatever times work best for you.
Today marks the start of our third course delivered in the online format and feedback so far has been excellent:
So, what are you waiting for? Sign yourself up for a challenging yet enjoyable journey into the heart of Scotch.
Sláinte 🥃
2000 Scapa 20 Year Old “Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseur’s Choice” K&L Exclusive Cask #1098 Single Refill Sherry Hogshead Nonchillfiltered Cask Strength Orkney Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $179.99 View
Distilled May 2nd, 2000 and bottled on November 30th, 2020 at 56.2% ABV. Scapa is Orkney’s “other distillery,” sitting just half a mile south of its famous neighbor, but it deserves to be recognized in its own right as one of Scotland’s great malts. An unusual still setup, water source, and island environs lend Scapa its unique character. The wash still is a Lomond still—one of only a handful of functional Lomond stills in Scotland. The spirit still is a more traditional onion bulb still. Unpeated and laden with Scapa’s signature honey flavors, this choice cask from Gordon & MacPhail is a treasure to behold. Aged in a refill sherry hogshead the whisky is rich with warm spices, chocolate, cooked fruits and salted nuts. Sweet marzipan, piquant black pepper, citrus peel and cherry compote dance across the palate. A finish of honey, apple pie, and sweet oak round out the whisky.
Just in the door we have some exciting new drams matured in the finest of sherry casks. Here we have the latest cask strength release from Tamdhu distillery, which as ever has been exclusively matured in Oloroso sherry casks. An excellent dram and a mighty one at that. Batch 6 has been bottled un-chillfiltered, natural colour and filled from cask to bottle at 56.8% vol.
1979 vintage cask #5331 bottled April 2021 at 56.6%. Only 198 bottles for the Private Collection. Glentauchers 41 Year Old 1979 vintage Speyside single malt Scotch whisky. Single refill American hogshead #5331. Distilled June 1979 & bottled April 2021 by Gordon & MacPhail for the Private Collection series. Just 198 hand-blown crystal decanters have been produced.
Aromas of vanilla pod lead to Seville orange peel and soft flambeed bananas. Baked apples and rich pineapple undertones develop.
Sweet red apple and flavours of poached pear combine with mature oak. Roasted cashews and grapefruit come to the fore, balanced by soft white pepper.
A light and delicate finish with lingering notes of tropical fruit.
The Glentauchers Distillery Company, comprising W.P. Lowrie a Glasgow based whisky blender and James Buchanan a London based blender, commenced construction of Glentauchers Distillery in 1897 with distillation commencing the following year. Equipped with six stills Glentauchers Distillery is a Speyside malt whisky distillery to be found at Mulben in Banffshire. Since production is designed primarily to generate spirit for blends of scotch official releases of Glentauchers single malt whisky are sparse. Notwithstanding, Signatory Vintage, Gordon & MacPhail and Morrison & MacKay produce some excellent independent bottlings.
Well, it’s finally here. I have been waiting and praying for an official Laphroaig with robust sherry influences for quite a while. my wish has now been granted. Hello, Islay. Here you are again with another stunning sherry cask product. Easily one of the best official releases of anything that I’ve had in a while, and one of the bottles I’ve been most excited to talk to you all about. An absolute stunner.
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#Glenmorangie
Whisky’s fragrant bouquet celebrated in wondrously floral limited-edition
— Azuma Makoto reimagines Glenmorangie 18 Years Old through language of flowers —
Dancing with jasmine, geranium and narcissus, Glenmorangie 18 Years Old’s fragrant bouquet has inspired a unique collaboration with botanical sculptor Azuma Makoto. Comparing the rare Highland single malt Scotch whisky’s luscious, floral notes to a flower in bloom, Azuma Makoto celebrates its unfolding radiance in a stunning limited-edition design, showcasing his masterpiece Dancing Flowers of Glenmorangie, premiering at Chelsea’s Saatchi Gallery’s upcoming Late openings, from 6-9pm, on Thursdays September 23 and 30. This moving sculpture, featuring almost 100 different blooms, reimagines the whisky through the language of flowers.
When he first tasted Glenmorangie 18 Years Old, Azuma Makoto was struck by how the whisky’s floral notes danced on the tongue. Delighting in its notes of honeysuckle, sweet pea, jasmine and geranium entwined with dried fruits and honey, he decided to translate the single malt’s flavours into flowers. First sketching his ideas, Azuma Makoto then created a floral artwork in his studio, in Tokyo, Japan. Comprising almost 100 blooms, it includes those he scented in the whisky, Scottish blooms and flowers from the many countries where Glenmorangie is enjoyed. Azuma Makoto then drifted petals, confetti-like, over the work as it was photographed and filmed. His sculpture, Dancing Flowers of Glenmorangie, is showcased on the whisky’s giftbox and labels.
The presentation of Azuma Makoto’s sculpture at the ‘Whisky in Full Bloom‘ Bar at Saatchi Gallery follows the partnership with the leading contemporary art platform and the support of its upcoming major exhibition RHS Botanical Art & Photography Show 2021 opening September 18 – October 3, 2021. Glenmorangie 18 Years Old is one of Glenmorangie’s most delicious single malts, enjoyed by whisky lovers old and new. Dreamed up by its endlessly imaginative whisky creators, Glenmorangie 18 Years Old begins with their delicate, fruity spirit, crafted in stills as tall as a giraffe to allow more space for taste and aroma. Next they age this spirit in bourbon casks for 15 years, then transfer a portion into Oloroso sherry casks for three more years. After 18 years, these casks are reunited to create the single malt whisky’s dazzling, luminous tastes.
Bill Lumsden, Glenmorangie’s Director of Whisky Creation, said: “Azuma Makoto’s stunning work deliciously translates the sweet, floral lushness of Glenmorangie 18 Years Old. A mere glimpse of his limited-edition design brings to mind the whisky’s scents of geranium, tuberose and jasmine, and tastes of honeysuckle and sweet pea, figs and nuts. Since it looks as wonderful as it tastes, this limited edition is sure to delight whisky lovers old and new.”
Azuma Makoto said: “When I first tasted Glenmorangie 18 Years Old, each sip of the whisky unfurled as if it was a flower in bloom. I could taste so many blossoms dancing on my tongue, that I was inspired to reimagine the whisky in Dancing Flowers of Glenmorangie. I hope that through this limited-edition design, my work brings as much joy as the delicious tastes which inspired it.”
Glenmorangie 18 Years Old’s limited edition Azuma Makoto design will be available from 1st November at Clos19.com, whisky specialists and Amazon. Register your interest now on Clos19.com, RRP: £100.
Whisky lovers are invited to try the limited-edition Glenmorangie 18 Years Old at the Azuma ‘Whisky in Full Bloom’ Bar at Saatchi Gallery during the upcoming Saatchi Lates on September 23rd and September 30th from 6PM-9PM. Tickets are available on www.saatchigallery.com/tickets
Glenmorangie is proud to support this year’s RHS Botanical Art & Photography Show in partnership with Saatchi Gallery, running from mid-September until 3rd October 2021.
Saatchi Gallery
#SaatchiLates
Instagram: @saatchi_gallery
Twitter: @saatchi_gallery
Facebook: @saatchigalleryofficial
TikTok: @saatchi_gallery
Follow Glenmorangie on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Glenmorangie
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheGlenmorangie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glenmorangie
Tasting Notes:
Glenmorangie 18 Years Old is bottled at 43% ABV
Colour: Deep gold. Rich and full.
Nose: Rich, rounded and sweet with dried fruits and a complex floral fragrance. Initially, the aroma has nutty, caramel and vanilla overtones followed by hints of walnuts, honeycomb and dates. Complex floral notes emerge with geranium, jasmine and narcissus. With water, deep oak notes are released, revealing a balsamic character, softened by vanilla. The hallmark Glenmorangie fruity complexity emerges as rich apricots and dates, interwoven with hazelnuts.
Taste: The mouthfeel is silky, smooth and rounded with a full flavour. The taste is beautifully balanced between the flavours of honey, malt and flowery scents, followed by Oloroso nuttiness such as hazelnuts and walnuts. Dates and figs emerge in the background with a hint of wood smoke.
Finish: The finish is long and enticing, with the sweetness of dried fruit and subtle dryness of Oloroso nuttiness.
RRP: £100
Available at: Clos19.com, whisky specialists and Amazon.
Awards: Glenmorangie 18 Years Old has recently been awarded a Double Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2021, and a Gold Award at the International Spirits Challenge 2021.
About Glenmorangie:
Glenmorangie’s whisky makers use endless imagination and five key ingredients – wood, water, barley, yeast and time – to dream up delicious single malt whiskies. They’ve been honing their craft for more than 175 years. They create a delicate and fruity spirit in stills as tall as an adult giraffe to allow for more taste and aroma. Led by Director of Whisky Creation Dr Bill Lumsden, this crackerjack crew are on a mission to bring new flavours and possibilities to the world of single malt.
Glenmorangie celebrates the joy of delicious single malt in every part of its universe, from Glenmorangie House to its colourful new brand campaign, shot by famed photographer Miles Aldridge. With its tagline “It’s kind of delicious and wonderful”, Glenmorangie invites whisky lovers old and new to see themselves in Glenmorangie’s world.
About Dr Bill Lumsden:
Dr Bill Lumsden’s favourite phrase is “What if?”. And throughout more than 25 years with Glenmorangie, the Distillery’s Creative Director has challenged himself and his team to take whatever captures their imaginations and turn it into whisky – be that the spirit and flavour of Glenmorangie’s homeland (the Cadboll Estate series), the magic of a cake moment (Glenmorangie A Tale of Cake), a cup of coffee (Glenmorangie Signet), and more. With a PhD in biochemistry and decades of experience, Dr Bill has all the skills needed to bring these ideas to life. Already, he has earned the admiration of his peers many times over. He features in the Icons of Whisky Hall of Fame. He has won the International Whisky Competition’s award for Master Distiller of the Year more times than anyone else. And he was named twice Master Blender/Distiller of the Year by the International Spirits Challenge.
Azuma Makoto began his floral art after setting up a haute-couture flower shop in 2002. A few years later, he began to explore the world of botanical sculpture – and soon his work began attracting attention from around the world. Starting with a solo exhibition in New York, he has exhibited experimental works in Paris and Dusseldorf, and in 2009 he launched the experimental plant group Toshin, Flower Tree Research Institute (AMKK) in Milan, Belgium and Shanghai. In recent years, he has been pursuing projects that take flowers to locations impossible in the natural world. For instance, he has plunged floral art more than 1,000m deep below the sea and launched it high into the atmosphere.
About Saatchi Gallery
Since 1985, Saatchi Gallery has provided an innovative platform for contemporary art. Exhibitions have presented works by largely unseen young artists, or by international artists whose work has been rarely or never exhibited in the UK. This approach has made the Gallery one of the most recognised names in contemporary art. Since moving to its current 70,000 square feet space in the Duke of York’s Headquarters in Chelsea, London, the Gallery has welcomed over 10 million visitors. The Gallery hosts over 5,000 schools visits annually and has over 6 million followers on social media. In 2019 Saatchi Gallery became a charity, beginning a new chapter in its history. www.saatchigallery.com
About the collaboration:
Glenmorangie’s partnership with Azuma Makoto began after the Japanese botanical sculptor tasted Glenmorangie 18 Years Old with Dr Bill Lumsden and discovered its wondrously floral palate. Inspired to create an artwork from his perception of the whisky, he drew on the whisky’s floral notes, and conducted his own research into flowers native to Scotland, bringing them together with blooms from parts of the world where Glenmorangie is enjoyed. Once Azuma Makoto had created his botanical artwork, he allowed petals to drift over it while it was photographed and filmed, creating the moving sculpture Dancing Flowers of Glenmorangie. The work reflects his delight in finding that the whisky’s floral notes dance on the tongue. The finished work is showcased on the gift box and labels of this limited-edition bottle. A print of the work is included within the gift box.
Responsible Drinking:
The Glenmorangie Company advocates responsible drinking and suggests that drinkers savour Glenmorangie whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.
EDRINGTON UK TO HOST A MONTH OF EVENTS FOR THE TRADE AS PART OF LONDON COCKTAIL WEEK
As the hospitality industry continues to open back up, Edrington UK and London Cocktail Week will host a series of unique events dedicated to the hospitality industry throughout October.
London, UK., Tuesday 14th September 2021 – Edrington UK has announced a series of unique workshops and events dedicated to the trade across London this October as part of London Cocktail Week. With the hospitality industry continuing to open, the workshops and events have been designed for those working at the forefront of the bar and hospitality industry. The programme will champion the incredible world-class skill at the heart of UK bartending, host training sessions and insights from industry experts, and provide support during what continues to be a tricky time in hospitality.
Events include:
Tending to the Tenders: Lyaness
This year, Tending to the Tenders will move from Shoreditch to the South Bank, but the message to the trade remains the same – ‘come hang out!’. Maker’s Mark and the team at Lyaness, Sea Containers London, have partnered to create a community space that’s focused on great food, delicious cocktails, wellness, and mental health.
Overlooking the Thames in the heart of the city, Tending to the Tenders will offer a beautiful setting to escape, relax and recharge during this hectic month. And, most importantly, it’s all FREE; the cocktails, the food, the massages, the interactive sessions, the yoga and the cinema nights.
Open every Monday from 12pm to 4pm throughout October, guests are encouraged to swing by to grab some lunch, a drink and a chill at any time. There will also be different activities taking place in the hotel throughout the month which are bookable via the London Cocktail Week website.
Location: Lyaness, 20 Upper Ground, SE1 9PD
Dates: 1st October – 31st October, every Monday 12-4pm
Booking link: https://londoncocktailweek.com/events/35954/tending-to-the-tenders-at-lyaness-trade-only/
Laphroaig at The Gibson
Since 1815, Laphroaig has cemented its place as one of the world’s most iconic single malts, epitomised by its intensely smoky characteristics and legions of steadfast fans.
Laphroaig’s no.1 fan and all-round whisky specialist, David Miles, will be talking all things Peat, Heat, Sour and Sweet alongside Marian Beke at the world-famous The Gibson bar. Guests will taste delicious Laphroaig drams and cocktails paired with some of the world’s weirdest tropical fruits for an intense and interesting tasting experience.
For the duration of each tasting, Marian will impart knowledge and answer questions about his role heading up this world-famous cocktail bar.
Location: The Gibson, 44 Old Street, EC1V 9AQ
Dates: 1st October – 31st October, every Tuesday 12-2pm
Booking link: https://londoncocktailweek.com/events/35859/peat-heat-sour-sweet-laphroaig-at-the-gibson-trade-only-05-oct/
Maker’s Mark x Tayēr + Elementary Workshops
Tayēr + Elementary, a bar of two halves from a world-famous duo, will be joined by Maker’s Mark over the course of London Cocktail Week to provide unique, one-off trade workshops.
Starting with a masterful workshop on Wednesday 6 October, guests will be able to purchase tickets and join the world-renowned bar team at Tayēr + Elementary and Maker’s Mark to introduce how to use the rotary evaporator and learn first-hand how to achieve more delicate flavour profiles and aromas.
The following week, a practical workshop on how to upcycle glassware. This workshop will offer trade tips and tricks on the best way to fix glassware in a mission to reduce waste. For businesses looking to make moves towards becoming more sustainable, this session, hosted on Wednesday 13 October between 1-3pm, is not one to miss.
With an optimistic look ahead for the hospitality industry, during the third week of London Cocktail Week, bartenders are invited to introduce bar economics. From costing to price strategy and bar finances, this insightful workshop is geared towards helping the trade prepare for a normal return.
Rounding off the four-week event, Tayēr + Elementary and Maker’s Mark are offering an introduction to fermentation. With the ability to change and preserve ingredients, this workshop will demonstrate the most common methods used for drinks and showcase how fermentation can transform flavours.
Location: Tayēr + Elementary, 152 Old St, EC1V 9BW
Dates: Wednesday 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th October, 1-3pm
Booking links: https://resy.com/cities/ldn/tayer-and-elementary?date=2021-09-09&seats=2
London Cocktail Week is running from Friday 1 – Sunday 31 October.
For more information or tickets, visit londoncocktailweek.com.
About Edrington UK
Edrington UK is the UK’s number one whisky supplier, part of the global Edrington family and responsible for the UK sales, marketing, and distribution of a portfolio of premium brands including The Macallan, Highland Park, The Famous Grouse, Naked Malt and Brugal.
As a distribution partner of Beam Suntory, Edrington UK also represents many of its brands in the UK marketplace, such as Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Bowmore, Laphroaig, Courvoisier, and The House of Suntory range of Japanese craft spirits.
Edrington UK also handles sales and distribution for a portfolio of liqueurs and specialities including 1826 Cocktails, Sourz, and AfterShock.
