Edinburgh Whisky Academy Takes Flagship Single Malt Diploma to New York 

Whisky enthusiasts and industry professionals in North America are set to benefit from in-person access to one of the most extensive whisky learning experiences available when Scotland’s Edinburgh Whisky Academy takes its flagship Diploma in Single Malt Whisky to Kings County Distillery in Brooklyn this September (Saturday 10 & Sunday 11).

The Scottish Qualifications Authority-certified diploma is the only one of its kind and is the Academy’s highest award.

Previously offered only in a two-day, face-to-face teaching setting near Edinburgh, the Academy launched the online Diploma in Single Malt Whisky in 2021 to increase access for brand ambassadors, sales staff, distillery staff and whisky enthusiasts across the globe.

While the online option is still available and popular, this New York date will offer a one-of-a-kind classroom environment for modules ranging from raw materials, batch distillation, maturation and world whiskies to a session on sensory skills. Two modules are delivered online upon purchase for self-study (the history of whisky and distillation and the business of whisky).

To achieve their SQA certificate, candidates take a final assessment that includes nosing and tasting nine different whiskies. A maximum of 25 people will be allowed on the course, taught by Edinburgh Whisky Academy lecturer, Vic Cameron, an experienced industry and teaching professional.

The Edinburgh Whisky Academy was founded in 2015 by Managing Director, Kirsty McKerrow, who has worked as a brand ambassador for Glenmorangie and Ardbeg and whose family is steeped in whisky heritage with her forefathers starting Mackinlay’s whisky in 1815. The Academy was created to fill what she felt was a significant gap in the Scotch Whisky education market and has since provided training for some of Scotland’s top distilleries and brand owners including The Macallan, Whyte & Mackay, Brown Forman and Diageo.

Kirsty McKerrow said: “We’re thrilled to be travelling to New York this September to teach the Diploma in Single Malt Whisky. Open to all, our first in-person stateside course will host up to 25 candidates at the Kings County Distillery in Brooklyn.   

North America is a key market for us. Over the past year, more than 1,000 candidates have accessed our courses from the region, with the vast majority studying online. To be able to travel and teach our flagship course in-person really complements our hugely accessible online offer and further strengthens our position as the go-to Scotch whisky educator.   

With the travel and hospitality industries finally opening again at scale, it seemed like the perfect time to take EWA across the Atlantic where we’ll hopefully meet with candidates – past, present and future – to share a dram and talk all things Scotch whisky.” 

Booking for the Diploma in Single Malt Whisky (New York, 10 & 11 September 2022), which costs £1,100, is now available.

www.edinburghwhiskyacademy.com

https://www.kingscountydistillery.com/

AUDL ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH STILLHOUSE

DESIGNATED AS OFFICIAL WHISKEY OF THE AUDL   

Los Gatos, CA (May 9, 2022) – The American Ultimate Disc League (AUDL) is proud to announce its new partnership with Stillhouse, America’s Finest Whiskey, made in the heartland of the USA. With its unique stainless-steel packaging, Stillhouse Whiskey chills quickly and reflects the unbreakable spirit, where good times go where glass can’t follow.

“We are very pleased to introduce our fans and followers to Stillhouse products and welcome them to the unbreakable nation” said Steven Hall, CEO and Commissioner of the AUDL. “As the Official Whiskey of the AUDL, we know that the unbreakable spirit of the Stillhouse community aligns well with the fun, inclusive and responsible values of Ultimate.”

“Stillhouse is so excited to be partnering with the AUDL,” said Ludlow Dawes, Stillhouse Senior Brand Manager. “The league’s growing fanbase will be an incredible addition to the unbreakable nation, and we can’t wait for fans to cheer on their favorite teams with our award-winning spirits.”

As a “Supporting Sponsor of the AUDL Game of the Week,” which can be viewed on FOX Sports 2 Saturday evenings this year, fans can look forward to enjoying Stillhouse products at select games throughout the season, including the 11th AUDL Championship Weekend, August 26 and 27 in Madison, WI.

About AUDL and Professional Ultimate

The American Ultimate Disc League (AUDL) was founded in 2012 to introduce and showcase our talented athletes and precision play to a global audience.  The league will have 25 teams playing in the US and Canada in 2022. Each team competes in a 12-game regular season schedule, with top teams entering a playoff round and divisional winners advancing to a final four style Championship Weekend. Our audience enjoys our exciting, affordable, family-friendly events, devour our highlights and video features on social media and watch our full-length games on TV or streamed online on AUDL.tv. www.theaudl.com.

About Stillhouse 

Stillhouse® is an award-winning American-made spirits portfolio encased in one-of-a-kind, unbreakable 100% stainless steel cans that go where glass can’t. Forging a path that goes against the grain, Stillhouse® Spirits Co. was founded in 2016. From its inception, Stillhouse® has created a unique and differentiated platform in the spirits industry – from liquid to package – by defying industry norms, breaking through the monotony and all in a metal can that stands for the unbreakable spirit of America’s finest. Stillhouse® Whiskey is distilled in traditional copper stills then charcoal filtered for superior quality and taste, allowing the natural sweetness of the corn to shine throughout the mellow flavor and smooth finish that make this a truly versatile spirit. Stillhouse® whiskey is also available in Apple Crisp, Peach Tea and Spiced Cherry. All flavors are natural and gluten free. In 2018, Stillhouse® introduced Stillhouse® Black Bourbon and in 2019, the brand took the biggest spirits category head on with the debut of Stillhouse® Classic Vodka. Join the Unbreakable Nation by visiting www.Stillhouse.com.

2005 Aberlour 15 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Hogshead Cask Strength Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) (Pre-Arrival)

($89.99)

*Pre-arrival item expected to be available for shipment or pickup in summer 2022.

K&L Notes: For years, we never saw Aberlour bottled by independents. Considering the current interest in the distillery, it doesn’t seem prudent for the current owners to be releasing stocks for others to bottle, but nevertheless we’ve seen three or four barrels of Aberlour pop up on the independent market over the last couple of years. One of the most interesting and exciting parts of enjoying independently bottled single malts is finding unique expressions of distilleries you know and love. Connecting the familiar with the idiosyncratic nature of each individual barrel is a wonderful sensory experience. The Aberlour distillery is simply one of Speyside’s finest. The character exemplifies the region in a way that few other distillers do, and while many associate it with big, bold sherry, its creamy, rich character and complex malt profile are on full display here. It’s an insightful and intriguing example that expands our understand of the distillery’s profile. But best of all it just really tastes great. That said, please do add some water, as it’s simply a shadow of itself without it.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: October 13, 2021

One of my favorite aspects of independent casks is that you get a chance to see a distillery’s character unvarnished by the master blender’s hand. Any one cask may seem an oddity, but as part of a complete understanding of any distillery, the insights they yield are invaluable. While A’bunadh put Aberlour on the map as a sherry-wielding powerhouse, and in recent years Alba has showcased the beauty of American oak hung on Aberlour’s frame, it is often in a refill hogshead at a respectable age that the character of the malt itself is best revealed. Straight away there is abundant fruit on the nose, a touch of fresh cream, and a little bit of sweet milk chocolate. The palate is rich and sweet in its own right, even at its big 63.5% ABV. With water, everything changes. The general fruitiness breaks apart into clear and pronounced ripe beauties ranging from snow peaches to bursting nectarines, golden apples, and even blackberry. The cream and milk chocolate seem to shift into more of a chocolate pudding situation as you get to the mid-palate. While it’s easy to call Aberlour a big, bold spirit, that’s often confusing it with the heavy sherry influence of A’bunadh. In reality, this cask of whisky shows more of a Sugar Ray Robinson kind of power and versatility. The finish ties a nice bow on the whole package with a bit of spice, a very easy-going savory note, and a reprise of all that sweet fruit.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: September 10, 2021

This pretty little Aberlour is starting to offer some excellent complexity even in this relatively youthful and naked style. We all know Aberlour can be excellent, but there’s so little experience with it not totally overshadowed by sherry or even fresh bourbon casks. While it might not be the big punch in the gut the A’bunadh provides, we’re definitely starting to tease out some gorgeous distillery character at this fine age. Please note that the ABV is quite high, and this whisky is but a whisper of its true self without at least a few drops of water. The color is pale gold. The nose has yellow flowers and ripe pear, a bit of fresh hay, and a tiny dusting of cocoa. Add water and a bit of air and the complexity improves significantly, moving toward greengage, mirabelle, hints of fresh hessian, and clean pulverized limestone. On the palate, it’s much more supple and round with water. Sweet barley tea, fresh biscuits, Bartlett pear, a slight gravelly quality, and a lovely peppery spice on the finish. Not as tropical and fudgey as the one we sold last year, but so vibrant and alive. Please, please, please skip this one if you’re against adding water.

The Balvenie
16 Year Old
Pineau French Oak Finish

An abundance of vanilla spice and warm honey notes alongside grapefruit, geranium, glazed fruits and vibrant ginger

£130.00
buy now

Balvenie 16 Year Old French Oak Description

ralfy review 926 – Laphroaig 6yo @ 61.8%vol: (Williamson BB&R)

HOUSE OF SUNTORY ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF

THE DOJO ADVOCACY PROGRAMME 

Built with the hospitality community in mind, the DOJO programme will immerse bartenders in the art of Japanese bartending through culturally immersive and educational sessions 

London, 5^th May 2022 – The House of Suntory has announced the return of its highly successful advocacy programme for the third year running, set to educate bartenders on their premium portfolio of Japanese premium sprits: Roku gin, Haku vodka and Toki and Hibiki whiskies. Kicking off in June 2022, the DOJO programme aims to deepen bartenders’ understanding of the philosophies behind the art of Japanese bartending.

The DOJO Academy and DOJO Senpai together form the full programme for DOJO this year. The DOJO Academy will provide 50 bartenders with insights from Japanese Craft Masters which can be applied to strengthen any hospitality career. Authentic Japanese Masters of Craft will host four modules over two “Monozukuri Masterclasses” in July and September, led by James Bowker, House of Suntory’s Brand Ambassador, which will immerse bartenders the craftsmanship, techniques and culture of bartending in Japan.

James and the Masters will also offer 25 bartenders a unique opportunity to take part in the DOJO Senpai program. This separate, elevated program provides bartenders with growth and development opportunities across a six-month period. A Senpai welcome lunch will be held in May 2022 to introduce the program and the House of Suntory spirits portfolio before a series of “Monozukuri Masterclasse”s which will run from June until September.

Each masterclass will take place at Japan House in London and the bespoke Japanese inspired sessions will be centred around the three pillars of House of Suntory: WA (being in harmony with Japanese nature), Monozukuri (traditional Japanese principles of craftsmanship) and Omotenashi (authentic Japanese hospitality). The “Monozukuri Masterclasses” will focus on:

Sushi and Seasoning – A masterclass on balance and seasoning, including a Haku tasting

Ikebana and Aesthetics – A masterclass spotlighting the art of Ikebana flower arranging and how to adapt it to cocktail garnishing, focused on Japanese aesthetics and beauty. The session also includes a Roku tasting

Kaiseki and Psychology – A masterclass teaching the skills and techniques behind traditional multi-course Japanese dining. The session will also include a tasting of the blending components of Toki

Chadō and Hospitality – A masterclass in Japanese hospitality, explored via the traditional Tea Ceremony, including an in-depth tasting of Hibiki

Additionally, inspired by the concept of Kaizen – “continual improvement” – participants will apply this concept via Kaizen Challenges over the duration of the summer. This will involve participants showcasing their newfound skills and applying them to a classic cocktail, selected prior to the first masterclass.

As part of this challenge, those who demonstrate the art of refinement and continuous improvement during the masterclasses will be invited to the DOJO Finale, taking place in November. The finale will bring together finalists from the DOJO Academy and DOJO Senpai programmes to take part in one last competition, hosted by James Bowker and famed Bar Master Hidetsugu Ueno of Bar High Five in Tokyo. At the end of the Masterclass, the group will present their Kaizen Classic to Hidetsugu Ueno, James Bowker and peers, with two lucky bartenders winning a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Japan.

Throughout the year there will also be several Japanese inspired DOJO mini events held in different London locations, including Japanese tea tasting and a Kanpai sake brewery tour.

Commenting on the return of DOJO for the third year running, James Bowker, Brand Ambassador for the House of Suntory, said: “We’re extremely delighted to bring back DOJO for a third year, and this time, we’re back in person after two years of virtual sessions. Japanese food and drink remain the UK’s fastest growing sector in hospitality (CGA Report 2021) and following a challenging period in our industry, the programme aims to motivate bartenders through incomparable experiences and authentic Japanese bar training. 

Those taking part will develop new ways to bring creativity to the art of Japanese bartending and gain unique insights into creating better guest experiences. I am really looking forward to welcoming the future DOJO ambassadors to our close-knit, yet growing community.” 

For more information on DOJO, please visit www.suntorydojo.com

Monozukuri Masterclasses 2022 dates:

The DOJO Academy

The DOJO Senpai

The three pillars of House of Suntory include:

WA – being in harmony with Japanese nature

Omotenashi – the enjoyed experiences of Japanese Hospitality and culture

Monozukuri – elevated Japanese Craftsmanship; and this programme will educate bartenders on all of these principles 

About Suntory Whisky

Since 1923, Suntory has been renowned as the pioneer of Japanese whisky for its House of Master Blenders and for their Art of Blending. The founding father of Japanese whisky Shinjiro Torii built Japan’s first malt whisky distillery in Yamazaki, and the Suntory legacy continued with Torii’s son, Keizo Saji, Suntory’s second master blender who continued to establish distilleries including the Hakushu distillery. As the generations of Suntory’s master blenders carry on, Suntory Whisky remains committed to heritage and innovation. The House of Suntory Whisky has been named four-time Distiller of the Year at the International Spirits Challenge in London, UK (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014).

Suntory Whiskies are subtle, refined and complex. The portfolio includes two single malt whiskies:  Yamazaki—Japan’s N°1 Single Malt, multi-layered and profound, Hakushu—verdant, fresh, and delicately smoky; and two blends: the noble blend, Hibiki—Japan’s most highly awarded blended whisky and Suntory Whisky Toki.

The Grand Whisky Auction is live!

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2100+ lots to browse and bid on!

Interested in selling whisky in our next auction?

+44 (0)1463 210 427

sales@thegrandwhiskyauction.com

Glenturret 30 Year Old

The Glenturret 30 Years Old has been shaped by three distinct distillery visionaries from both Scottish and French influence. This expression has been drawn from eight casks. American oak refills sweet and fruity evolving over time. European oak first fill add depth, vibrancy, and texture. These cask influences brought together create this luxuriant single malt.

Shop Now

£1,650.00

Natural colour and non-chillfiltered.
One of only 750 bottles available worldwide.

Tasting notes:

Toffee Bonbons, dried fruit soaked in brandy. A citrus edge appears but only just with milled mature oak. The oak softens allowing vanilla to come through as a creamy dessert. Wood spices drift late coming alive on the palate. Wisps of ginger, gentle cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg mingle with rich dark fruits. Harmonious. Sweet fruit and toffee interwoven before oak meanders to a gentle warm finish.

Tomatin 30 Years Old Batch 5

This award-winning single malt from Tomatin Distillery was aged for 30 years in a combination of an ex-bourbon and oak casks. It was bottled without chill-filtration or artificial colouring.

NOSE: Soft fruits, golden honey and smooth white chocolate.

PALATE: A fusion of tropical fruits and creamy buttered vanilla mingle in an explosion of sensational mixed spices.

Only 3900 bottles were produced.

£430.00

A Singular Sherry Cask from at a Jaw-Dropping Price
2006 Ledaig 15 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Refill Sherry Butt Cask Strength Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) (Pre-Arrival) ($99.99)
“One thing is for sure, you’re in for a wild ride everytime you buy a Ledaig—but of the many we’ve bottled over the years, this may be one of the most obviously delicious.”
— David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

As part of our recent haul from our friends at Old Particular, we’ve brought in a spectacular cask from everyone’s favorite iconoclast, Ledaig. From the treasured Tobermory distillery on the far-flung Isle of Mull, Ledaig is always a hotly debated topic among connoisseurs, for the simple fact that it has one of the most singular and estoreric profiles in Scotch whisky. Of course, no two single barrels are the same, and it’s safe to say that the casks of Ledaig to come through our doors in the past several years compare to nothing else in our program. Today’s cask is one for a broader audience than your usual Ledaig. To start, it’s just compellingly delicious, but not without its trademark Ledaig features. It’s a powerhouse of a whisky that does well with water, but the savory complexity is off the charts (as is the peat), and it carries the refill sherry butt with a subtle flair. As buyer David Othenin-Girard puts it, “The sherry is there but takes a serious back seat to the powerful spirit … just pure peat and wild, oceanic Ledaig character behind.” Best of all, we’ve sourced this utterly unique gem at a jaw-dropping, sub-$100 price, making it an undeniable steal for those savvy enough to get in on it.

2006 Ledaig 15 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Refill Sherry Butt Cask Strength Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) (Pre-Arrival) ($99.99)

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: September 10, 2021

A second fabulous Ledaig, this time slightly leveled by sherry, which we acquired at a seemingly outrageous value. The Tobermory distillery on the hard-to-reach Isle of Mull is one of the least explored. The lovely town of Tobermory is famous for its colorful houses, but the distillery has stayed off many drinkers’ radars for lack of availability. We’ve managed to score several casks of the limited production smokey variant like this one, pronounced “La-chick,”, and they’ve been among the most controversial bottlings in our history. One thing is for sure, you’re in for a wild ride everytime you buy a Ledaig—but of the many we’ve bottled over the years, this may be one of the most obviously delicious. The sherried expressions of Ledaig are highly sought-after, although their profiles range wildly from the extremely unusual to the only slightly strange. This falls toward the slightly less crazy flavor profile, although it still has plenty of dense umami, gorgeous peat, and measured sherry character. Still don’t expect complete smooth sailing. The route to Mull is always a bit unpredictable, and this nicely aged peater in refill sherry is no exception. The color is pale gold. Much more restrained and approachable than the 12 Year. A pungent nose of amino acids, overripe tropical fruit, dark tarry smoke and pine sap. On the palate, the peat turns up, with a lovely meatiness and a big peppercorn finish. This one loves water—six drops in a half-ounce pour. Very much more open now. Bacon smoke, orange marmalade, pine again, leather, rust, hyssop, seagrass, barnacles, old wooden trawler, snuff box. The sherry is there but takes a serious back seat to the powerful spirit. This is clean for a sherried Ledaig with no sulphur at all, just pure peat and wild, oceanic Ledaig character behind.