See you in 2018 on Saturday May 5!

A big thank you goes out to all the staff, exhibitors and guests who made this year’s Spirit of Toronto a night to remember!

Once again masterclasses were fully subscribed and we extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our esteemed presenters who shared their samples and knowledge with our guests. This year’s line-up featured an embarassment of single malt riches courtesy of The Balvenie, Benromach, Bowmore, Bunnahabhain, and The Dalmore, as well as Forty Creek, Jameson’s and the Jim Beam family of bourbon. It was a further pleasure to welcome master blenders Don Livermore and Drew Mayville who poured some of the finest whiskies to be found both North and South of our border.

Those of you who kept to the show floor were equally spoiled for choice, and without a doubt the highlight of this year’s show was our Canada150 showcase, a tribute to the best of Canadian whisky from past to present hosted by Johanne McInnis and Graham Mackenney. A picture is worth a thousand words so take a moment to relive the good times by browsing through our Photo Gallery.

We look forward to welcoming you back in 2018 on Saturday May 5 with another edition of Canada’s premiere tasting event. Until then you can keep in touch by subscribing to our bi-annual print magazine, Distilled.

DISTILLATION EXPLORATION  WITH LOCH LOMOND MASTER BLENDER  MICHAEL HENRY

TUESDAY 27 JUNE
7.30pm-9pm

Tickets on sale now

BOOK »

Loch Lomond is renowned for its innovative ways of distilling and its wide range of styles of whisky. We will be joined by master blender Michael Henry and brand ambassador Ibon Mendiguren to examine their award-winning range. With four types of still at the distillery, they can make a huge range of whiskies. We’ll have the rare chance to try different types of new-make spirit as well as a range of great drams:

Loch Lomond Single Grain

New make from a straight-neck pot still

New make from a swan-neck pot still

Loch Lomond Inchmurrin 12 Year Old

Loch Lomond 12 Year Old

Loch Lomond Inchmoan 12 Year Old

Loch Lomond Inchmoan 1992 Vintage, 25 Year Old

Loch Lomond Group master blender Michael Henry first became interested in the drinks industry while studying for his A-levels, when he would brew his own beer at home. He is now responsible for the Loch Lomond range, working with the distillery managers at every step of production to create the spirit he needs to craft the finished whiskies.

TUESDAY 27 JUNE

7.30pm-9pm

£35 per ticket

Please arrive at the venue from 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start

BOOK »

VENUE

SMITH & WOLLENSKY
THE ADELPHI,
1-11 JOHN ADAM ST
LONDON WC2N 6HT

From our friends at Scotch Whisky Auctions; 

We are live with our 74th auction!

With an unprecedented 5000+ lots, and some real superstars, there is without doubt something here for everyone.

Enjoy – and remember: Don’t Lose Your Bottle!

Ladies and gentlemen, Join us on the evening of the 26^th of June for the event of the season. A whisky debate in the style of BBCs Question time alongside what Milroy’s does best , a whisky tasting. With an election right around the corner, we’re in the mood for a debate, so step aside Mr Dimbleby, it’s time to talk whisky. It wouldn’t be a debate without a panel of experts and we are privileged enough to have some of the best.

Mr Colin Dunn- Whisky ambassador, Diageo

Mr Duncan Ross  – Spirit Advisor, The Whisky Exchange 

Mr Edward Bates – Multifaceted Whisky aficionado and skilled writer.

Milroy’s very own GM Patrick McCourt will play host and intermediate between guests and the panel. Guests will be asked to send in their questions and we will pick the very best for you to put forward to the experts for debate. Audience participation is the key, anything goes.   Upon entry to the debate you will be welcomed with a ‘Welcome cocktail’ provided by our award-winning cocktail bar ‘The Vault’. 5 Whiskies will be served throughout the evening to enjoy alongside fierce discussion about whisky and the world that surrounds it. Tickets are limited and are selling fast so pick yours up today on the Milroys web store.

TICKETS

MAY AUCTION NOW LIVE (ends Sunday 28^th May)

…place your bids at www.whiskyhammer.co.uk

With an incredible selection of whiskies and other fine spirits there is certainly something for everyone – whether you are looking to collect, invest, enjoy!

Exel Wines ‘Home of Whisky Festival’ 2017 returns to the Salutation Hotel 

First held in 2014, Exel Wines ‘Home of Whisky Festival’ will once again return to the Salutation Hotel, Perth on Saturday 19 August 2017 between 1-5.30pm.

As well as having the opportunity to taste some fine drams from distilleries and independent bottlers across the country, part of the day’s event will include two master classes. One of these will explore the whiskies produced by Bruichladdich, while the other is set to tickle the taste-buds with whisky-based cocktails. With 10 dram tokens, a free tasting glass and some of the most knowledgeable whisky experts in the industry the festival will, as always, be both informative and enjoyable. A pop-up shop will even be onsite giving attendees the opportunity to purchase a bottle of their favourite whisky before heading home!

Dianne Wilkie, a Director of Exel Wines said, ‘We first hosted the Home of Whisky Festival in the Salutation Hotel in 2014, and it is a privilege for us to be able to bring the event back to this venue again this year. Perth has long had a love affair with the ‘water of life’ and the Home of Whisky Festival is a great way to celebrate this by not only raising awareness of the whisky-making heritage of Perthshire, but also throughout Scotland, giving those attending an opportunity to sample some of the best whisky Scotland has to offer and learn more about whisky production and distribution across the globe.’

Gordon Paterson, General Manager of the Salutation Hotel added, ‘I am delighted to welcome back and indeed for the Salutation Hotel to again be hosting the Home of Whisky Festival this year. It is a thoroughly enjoyable, interesting, fun and educationally stimulating day with so many whiskies to learn about and taste.’

Established in 2009, Exel Wines has gone from strength-to-strength over the years to become one of the UK’s largest online retailers of wine, whisky, craft beer and spirits. With a retail outlet based on 47 South Street, it is also Perth’s leading whisky retailer offering both the wine and whisky enthusiast a little treasure trove of delights, including many rare and collectable bottles.

For more information about Home of Whisky Festival and to purchase tickets visit: www.exelwines.co.uk/home-of-whisky-festival-ticket-2017 or Exel Wines, 47 South Street, Perth PH2 8PD.

Campbeltown Malts Festival 2017

Full Schedule 

With only a few days to go until the Campbeltown Malts Festival 2017, the excitement is reaching extreme levels here in Campbeltown and we can’t wait to welcome visitors from across the globe next week. At the moment, the weather is looking to be on our side so fingers crossed for a week full of sunshine.

Final preparations are well underway for what promises to be the busiest (and best) festival to date! The festival will take place from Wednesday 24th-Friday 26th May with various events each day, celebrating the quality malts produced at Campbeltown’s three distilleries as well as Scotland’s Oldest Independent Bottler, Cadenhead’s. The full schedule is as follows:

Wednesday 24th May 2017

Glen Scotia Distillery will be hosting their annual Open Day at the distillery on Wednesday 24th May. There will be a selection of local stalls on display throughout the day as well as tours, tastings, food and music.

For bookings and more information, please contact Glen Scotia on +44 (0) 1586 552288 or email glenscotiashop@lochlomondgroup.com.

The following events will also be taking place on Wednesday 24th May 2017:

11:30am:  Springbank Society Tasting in the Malt Barns at Springbank Distillery (FULLY BOOKED)

7pm:  The Springbank Distillery Dinner (FULLY BOOKED)

Those of you who missed out on a place at our Distillery Dinner on Wednesday evening may be interested to learn that we have teamed up with Craigard House Hotel to offer a special whisky dinner and tasting on Wednesday evening. As you may know, people at the Distillery Dinner each receive a bottle of whisky chosen from a selection of casks by the guests themselves. While we can’t offer attendees at the Craigard Dinner the same option, a member of the Springbank Sales & Marketing Team will be on hand to let you taste the same whiskies that are being enjoyed at the distillery. As a further bonus, all attendees at the Craigard event will be entered into a prize draw and one lucky person will win a bottle of the whisky chosen by the group at the Springbank Dinner, making the Craigard a very interesting alternative option. Spaces at this dinner are limited so if you would like to book a place then please call Craigard House Hotel on +44 (0) 1586 554242 or email info@craigard-house.co.uk.

In addition to the above dinners, the Ardshiel Hotel and the Harbourview Grille at the Royal Hotel will also be hosting whisky themed menus on Wednesday evening. For menu information and bookings, please contact each hotel directly:

Ardshiel Hotel:  +44 (0) 1586 552133

Royal Hotel:  +44 (0) 1586 810033

Thursday 25th May 2017

The Springbank Open Day will take place on Thursday 25th May and we hope to attract both locals and visitors to the event. The gates will open at 11am and the following will take place throughout the day:

• Free tours of Springbank & Mitchell’s Glengyle distilleries
• A selection of over 20 stalls from local businesses
• Hot & Cold Food from Argyll Bakeries, Harlequin Tearoom and Ifferdale Lamb
• Delicious cakes from Muneroy
• Three special Springbank Open Day bottlings (more information below)
• Warehouse Whisky Bar & Drinks Bar
• Fyne Ales Bar (plus tasting – more information below)
• Music from Campbeltown Brass Band
• Various Masterclasses and Tastings, as listed below:

11:30am:  Kilkerran Masterclass (£25.00) – (SPACES AVAILABLE)

11:30am:  The ‘uber-geek’ Tasting – (FULLY BOOKED)

12:30pm:  Springbank Warehouse Tasting – (FULLY BOOKED)

1pm:  Springbank Masterclass: New and forthcoming releases – (FULLY BOOKED)

1:30pm:  Springbank Masterclass: New and forthcoming releases – (FULLY BOOKED)

2:30pm:  Springbank & Fyne Ales Tasting – (FULLY BOOKED)

2:30pm:  Springbank Warehouse Tasting – (FULLY BOOKED)

3:30pm:  Cadenhead Masterclass: Current bottlings and future releases – (FULLY BOOKED)

4:30pm:  Springbank Warehouse Tasting – (FULLY BOOKED)

6:30pm:  An introduction to J&A Mitchell Tasting (£15.00) – (SPACES AVAILABLE)

From 6:45pm-7:15pm, we will be delighted to welcome Kintyre Schools Pipe Band to the yard who will entertain the crowd with their talent and then from 7:30pm-11pm, we will move into the Malt Barns where you can dance the night away with music from local bands Rhuvaal and the ever popular WEE TOON TELLERS. Entry to the Malt Barns is free and no ticket is required. There will be a licensed bar throughout the evening and Argyll Bakeries will be serving hot food in the Malt Barns including Haggis, Neeps and Tatties with a Springbank sauce and a local fish pie.

In addition to the above tastings and due to overwhelming demand, we have decided to add another Springbank Masterclass to the programme. This tasting will take place at 4pm and will only be available to book on the day. Tickets are £25.00 and can be purchased from 11am at our designated ticket stand in the main marquee. This is also where you can purchase leftover tickets for the 11:30am Kilkerran Masterclass and 6:30pm Introduction to J&A Mitchell Tasting.

After the success of their tastings last year, Fyne Ales will once again host 1 tasting session during the day (as well as having their usual bar set up in the marquee). The tasting will be held at 4:30pm and should last around 30-40 minutes. The tasting will be bookable on the day at our designated ticket stand in the main marquee. There will be a cost of £5.00 and there will be a maximum of 20 tickets available. The tasting will take place in our Bottling Hall and all people taking part in the tasting should meet at the Fyne Ales bar 10 minutes before the tasting begins to be led over to the Bottling Hall.

As mentioned above, we will have three special bottlings which will be bottled especially for the Springbank Open Day 2017.

The first will be a Springbank 15 year old which has been matured in a Guadeloupe Rum cask, bottled at 50% ABV with only 218 bottles available. This will retail at £75.00 on the day.

The second will be a special Springbank 21 year old which has been matured in a First Fill Port Hogshead, bottled at 46% ABV with only 252 bottles available. This will retail at £250.00 on the day.

The third bottling will be a Kilkerran 11 year old, triple distilled and matured in a First Fill Bourbon cask. This will be bottled at 60.3% ABV and with only 192 bottles available, this will retail at £60.00 on the day.

Purchases will be strictly limited to 2 bottles of each per person.

Friday 26th May 2017

The final day of the Campbeltown Malts Festival 2017 will be dedicated to Mitchell’s Glengyle Distillery and Cadenhead’s Independent Bottler.

At 11am, the gates to Glengyle Distillery will open where there will be hourly free tours of the distillery, a range of local stalls including food from Harlequin Tearoom & Ifferdale Lamb, tastings and the return of the popular Cadenhead Lucky Dip Bar which was a huge hit last year.

As 2017 marks the 175th anniversary of Cadenhead’s, most of our tastings will be focused on celebrating this as well as one main Kilkerran Masterclass on the day. The tastings and masterclasses which will take place on Friday 26th May are as follows:

10am:  Cadenhead Warehouse Tasting – (FULLY BOOKED)

10:15am:  Cadenhead Warehouse Tasting – (FULLY BOOKED)

10:30am:  The Cadenhead Alternative Tasting (£20.00) – (SPACES AVAILABLE)

12pm:  Kilkerran Masterclass (£25.00) – (SPACES AVAILABLE)

1:45pm:  Cadenhead 175th Anniversary Tasting – (FULLY BOOKED)

3:30pm:  Cadenhead Warehouse Tasting – (FULLY BOOKED)

3:45pm:  Cadenhead Warehouse Tasting – (FULLY BOOKED)

Events at Glengyle Distillery, including the Cadenhead Lucky Dip Bar, will conclude at 4pm.

In addition to the events taking place at the distillery, at 12pm there will be a Heritage Tour of Campbeltown with Alex McKinven. The tour is very interesting and gives a great insight into Campbeltown’s historic past, its rich heritage, its people and its stories. The tour will be conducted by a local volunteer who will deliver the tour free of charge for the public. The tour will last for approximately 1 hour and booking in advance is essential. Please contact mairi@springbank.scot to book your place asap.

On the Friday evening, events will conclude in Campbeltown Town Hall where we will celebrate the 175th Anniversary of Cadenhead’s with a dinner and live music. This event is fully booked.

For more information on any of the above events, please contact Mairi by emailing mairi@springbank.scot or calling +44 (0) 1586 552009.

As an additional feature to the events we are running, we are delighted that local business Whisky Impressions will be hosting some of their own exciting events during the festival. For anyone who will be arriving early, there are still some places left on the following tasting which will take place on Tuesday:

Tuesday 23rd May – Tenuous Links Tasting

8pm – 9.30pm, Kilbrannan Bar –  £20

A tasting of 5 non-Campbeltown drams which all have some kind of link (some more tenuous than others) to the Wee Toon. Who knows, you might even learn something (no promises though!) Please email info@whiskyimpressions.com to book your place.  I think that’s everything… Before I go though, I better say thank you to Mairi Paterson for writing this email for us all and for her efforts in organising the festival. See you in a few days, folks.

Sláinte

Nathan

For the Springbank Society

Secure your place at our 2017 Live tasting

Calling all whisky enthusiasts, we’ve got the perfect prize for two.

In celebration of World Whisky Day, we will be giving away 7 pairs of tickets to an exclusive Live Tasting at Glengoyne Distillery on August 24th at 7pm.

Enter our one of a kind competition to be in with a chance of joining Glengoyne’s Stuart Hendry and me for the insider’s scoop, while tasting our unique and complex range of Glengoyne malts: a true whisky lover’s dream.

HOW TO ENTER

To take part in the competition, you’ll need to:

1. Share with us your best Glengoyne photo

2. Tell us one reason why you love Glengoyne It’s as simple as that!

ENTER NOW

Good luck!

Robbie Hughes
Distillery Manager

Ben Lomond World Whisky Day take over

Get ready to dust off your hiking boots and enjoy a wonderful walk with a unique whisky-themed twist.

Award winning Loch Lomond Single Malt Whisky is planning to ‘take-over’ one of Scotland’s most iconic summits, Ben Lomond, on Saturday 20 May to celebrate World Whisky Day.

The World Whisky Day mountain ‘take-over’ will be kick started in the UK by a team from the local distillery taking in dawn from the summit of Ben Lomond. To ‘toast’ the global day of whisky, the Loch Lomond Whisky team will offer a free dram for everyone that reaches the summit of Scotland’s most popular Munro that day.

Anyone climbing to the summit at 974 metres (3,196 ft) on World Whisky Day, will be given a card that will be stamped at the top. This can be exchanged on their return to the base at Rowardennan car park for a free miniature of the award winning 12-year-old Loch Lomond Malt to celebrate World Whisky Day and their bagging of Scotland’s most southerly Munro.

Scott Dickson, marketing manager of Loch Lomond Group said: “We want to start World Whisky Day on top; and where better to do that than at the summit of our nearest Munro. Our team will be some of the first people to arrive on the summit to watch the sun rise over the Scottish Highlands and kick start World Whisky Day in the UK.

“Ben Lomond is one of Scotland’s most popular Munros, with more than 30,000 walkers reaching its summit every year. It is also the nearest mountain to our distillery home in Alexandria, near Balloch, overlooking the same glistening waters of Loch Lomond that helped to inspire our beautiful whiskies.

“The one day take-over for World Whisky Day is a great way to make people aware of the fantastic Loch Lomond Single Malts whilst enjoying one of Scotland’s best views, in stunning surroundings.

“Having taken on Ben Lomond myself, I know that it is a challenging, but beautiful walk. The spectacular 360 degree views at the summit is one that should be rewarded with a great dram; it takes in the stunning Scottish Highlands as far as the islands in the West and even to a snow-capped Ben Nevis on a good day.”

As part of the celebration, all walkers who return from the summit of Ben Lomond with a stamped card will be entered into a free prize draw to win a bottle of the 18-year-old Loch Lomond and a bottle of 18-year-old Inchmurrin, its name taken from the largest island on Loch Lomond.

In addition to the mountain take-over, a global online competition will be launched encouraging Loch Lomond Whisky followers to submit their pictures of any peak in the world with the hashtag #SummitSnap #lochlomondwhiskies. All entrants will be in with a chance of winning award-winning liquid from the Loch Lomond Single malt family.

The ‘take over’ team will be at car park at Rowardennan from 8am to 6pm on Saturday 20 May to celebrate World Whisky Day.

Notes:

• All activity is subject to the fickle Scottish weather.
• A team from Loch Lomond Distillery aim to take photography of the sun rising from the summit of Ben Lomond (we will share these images with media as soon as possible)
• Members of the Loch Lomond Group team are available for interview upon request (either at the top of Ben Lomond or at the Rowendennan car park).
• High res images will be available upon request.
• Follow the take-over on Facebook (@lochlomondwhiskies), Twitter (@LochLomondMalts) and Instagram (lochlomondmalts) via #LochLomondWhiskies #SummitSnaps and # WorldWhiskyDay:
• Tasting notes for all whiskies mentioned are available upon request.

About the Group:

• Loch Lomond Group is an independent distiller based in Alexandria and is home to several award-winning spirit brands that are sold in over 100 countries worldwide.
• Loch Lomond distillery has been producing the finest single malt whisky since 1814.
• Images and interviews with key staff from the Group are available upon request.
• www.lochlomondgroup.com