Gordon & MacPhail Whisky Tasting Masterclass @ Hard To Find Whisky
Friday 26th February 7pm.
Hosted by Stan Reid.
We are very pleased to have a new exclusive bottling to add to our portfolio. It is a 2006 Craigellachie and we have bottled as part of our 10th Anniversary celebrations. It is a cracking ex-Bourbon cask Craigellachie full of tropical fruits that you would more associate with an older whisky. For the rest of this month we have it at a special price of £45 after that it will be back to its full price of £49.95. We still have stocks of our Glenfarclas and Mannochmore which are 10% off at the moment.
Celebration of the Cask Craigellachie 9 Years Old Exclusive for The Whisky Shop Dufftown 10th Anniversary
Glenfarclas Family Cask 1991 22 Years Old Exclusive to The Whisky Shop Dufftown
Gordon & MacPhail Mannochmore 1993 21 Years Old Exclusive to The Whisky Shop Dufftown
Over the last few weeks we have been adding groups of 10 Independent Bottlings to our 20% sale for our 10th Anniversary. Here is a list of those still remaining.
Adelphi Sale Jan 2016
Sales Price Full Price
1 Adelphi Ardmore 2000 14 Years Old £67.15 £83.95
3 Adelphi Benrinnes 1997 17 Years Old £67.15 £83.95
4 Adelphi Bladnoch 1990 24 Years Old £79.15 £98.95
5 Adelphi Bruichladdich 2002 12 Years Old £67.15 £83.95
8 Adelphi Fascadale Batch 9 Ardmore 12 Years Old £43.15 £53.95
10 Adelphi Liddesdale Batch 9 Bunnahabhain 21 Years Old £67.95 £84.95
Cadenheads and Compass Box Sale 2016
Sales Price Full Price
3 Small Batch Miltonduff-Glenlivet 1990 24 Years Old £64.75 £80.95
5 Great King Street Glasgow Blend £21.55 £26.95
6 Great King Street Artists Blend £22.35 £27.95
7 The Spice Tree Blended Malt Scotch Whisky £35.15 £43.95
8 The Peat Monster Blended Malt Scotch Whisky £35.15 £43.95
9 The Lost Blend Blended Malt Scotch Whisky £63.95 £79.95
10 Hedonism Quindecimus £100.80 £126.00
Douglas Laing Sale 2016
Sales Price Full Price
1 Old Particular Bowmore 1996 18 Years Old £79.95 £99.95
2 Old Particular Bowmore 1998 16 Years Old £75.95 £94.95
3 Old Particular Bowmore 2000 15 Years Old £79.95 £99.95
4 Old Particular Caol Ila 1996 18 Years Old £70.35 £87.95
5 Old Particular Glen Keith 1993 21 Years Old £63.95 £79.95
6 Old Particular Glenallachie 1999 15 Years Old £45.55 £56.95
7 Old Particular North British 1991 21 Years Old £62.36 £77.95
8 Old Particular Royal Lochnagar 1997 17 Years Old £54.35 £67.95
9 Old Particular Speyside 1996 18 Years Old £59.15 £73.95
10 Xtra Old Particular Port Ellen 1982 34 Years Old £744.00 £930.00
Morrison & MacKay 2016
Sales Price Full Price
1 Carn Mor Celebration of the Cask Auchentoshan 1989 24 Years Old £96.75 £120.95
2 Carn Mor Celebration of the Cask Clynelish 1996 19 Years Old £77.55 £96.95
3 Carn Mor Celebration of the Cask Glenburgie 1988 26 Years Old £101.50 £126.95
4 Carn Mor Celebration of the Cask Longmorn 1991 £101.50 £126.95
5 Carn Mor Celebration of the Cask Macallan 1987 28 Years old £372.00 £465.00
6 Carn Mor Celebration of the Cask Macallan 1989 £336.00 £420.00
7 Carn Mor Celebration of the Cask Miltonduff 1988 25 Years Old £101.50 £126.95
8 Carn Mor Celebration of the Cask Mortlach 1995 20 Years Old £93.55 £116.95
9 Carn Mor Celebration of the Cask Strathmill 1992 23 Years Old £77.55 £96.95
10 Carn Mor Celebration of the Cask Tamnavullin 1991 24 Years Old £79.95 £99.95
Other
Sales Price Full Price
1 Rare Vintage Glen Grant 1955 £612.00 £765.99
2 Rare Vintage Glen Grant 1965 £292.00 £365.00
Whisky Time:
We’ve been keeping busy post-opening of the Visitors Center and the distillery. On the Visitors Center side, we’re currently planning our tour program, which will include a video and museum experience, as well as a walking tour of the production floor, a tasting in the cask house, and a flight of cocktails in the Visitors Center. Stay tuned as we look to launch tours in the spring. Andrew and his team have been working hard at the distillery, laying down casks to start them on their aging journey. The picture above shows Andrew pulling samples from a variety of different casks. We’ve been trialing the new spirit in a few different types to see the influence of the wood on color and flavor. Casks that once were full of bourbon will be our mainstay. This is a traditional approach to aging in Scotland, as the wood has been softened by the initial fill of bourbon. We call these ‘ex-bourbon’ barrels. The resulting whisky, after years of aging, will have delicate flavors weaved in through cask aging. We’ll keep you posted on progress. And last, but not least, our Virginia Highland Malt Whisky just rated 92 points by Wine Enthusiast! A few tasting notes included in the review: “…deep amber hue and a rich caramel and campfire-smoke profile, finishing dry and slightly hot, with sarsaparilla and lots of spice.” We agree, it’s delicious!
Upcoming Events:
Join us for the following events – some at the Visitors Center and others off-site. A Dram of Love: Love is in the air here at Virginia Distillery Co.! Join us this Saturday, February 13th from 11-5PM for our Dram of Love event featuring Gearharts Fine Chocolates who will be sampling a mini version of their decadent chocolate whisky truffle made with our Virginia Highland Malt. We will also be pairing a special Valentine’s whisky cocktail menu with Gearharts’ “Be Mayan” truffle made with chocolate, orange and cardamom. Whisky plus chocolate? Yes, please! The Bloom Trio will be performing live from 2-4PM and Spiked Food Truck will be on site from 11-5PM serving up their delicious booze-infused grub. Remember, Virginia is for Lovers and Lovingston is for single malt whisky! Thanks to January’s Snowzilla, we moved our Winter Whisky Fest to Saturday, February 27th. The Jon Spear band will be playing from 12PM – 4PM, and our friends at Northwest Salmon Ventures will be on-hand sampling their goodies. We’ll be open 11AM to 5PM so cozy up to the fire and relax with a flight as we take in the final moments of winter.
We will be at SMOKED! in Richmond on February 20th, but just found out this event is SOLD OUT. If you have a ticket be sure to stop by and say hi! Another great Richmond event will be happening on February 23rd from 5 to 7PM. Join us and the Rappahannock River Oyster Co. for a very special Whisky and Oysters party at Richmond’s hottest new oyster saloon, Rapp Session. We’ll be pouring samples of our Virginia Highland Malt Whisky. Chef Dylan Fultineer of Rappahannock has created a special menu of small bites for guests to sample at the bar which will include: Rappahannock’s award-winning oysters on the half shell, platter of smoked fish spreads, pickled sardines with Benton’s ham, and savory clam chowder shooters. A special cocktail made with our Virginia Highland Malt Whisky will be offered at the bar as well. This is a not-to-be missed event! The event is complimentary and is first-come, first-serve. Guests will receive a special take-home gift courtesy of Virginia Distillery Co. No purchase necessary.
Visit Us:
The Visitors Center is located at 299 Eades Lane in Lovingston, Virginia, about 35 miles south of Charlottesville off Route 29. We are open daily from 11AM to 5PM, except Sundays where we open at 11AM and close at 5PM. We are looking at expanding hours in March and will keep you posted! New menu changes coming up include the Highland Heart, made with lime, Luxardo cherry juice and a splash of cranberry juice, as well as the Caffeinated Kilt! This delicious coffee drink uses local Trager Bros. coffee, infused with brown sugar, vanilla bean, Virginia Highland Malt (of course!) and topped with vanilla bean whipped cream. Yum! Cheers and enjoy!
TICKETS SELLING FAST!
THE DATE
Friday 18th March & Saturday 19th March 2016
THE VENUE
The Honourable Artillery Company Armoury House, City Road, London EC1Y 2BQ
Whisky Live London returns to the Honourable Artillery Company once again, featuring over 100 fine whiskies for you to enjoy, more food and whisky pairings than ever before and a jam-packed schedule of Masterclasses! Whether a whisky enthusiast, a newcomer to the world of whisky, or just seeking a day out at a fantastic event, Whisky Live has something to offer everyone.
Whisky Live London runs over two days:
Friday 18th March 5pm to 10pm
Saturday 19th March 12 noon to 5pm
All tickets include entry to the show, samples of exhibited whiskies, hot food, served buffet-style, the Whisky Live tasting glass, food and whiskey combination samples and the Whisky Live show guide. VIP tickets include all of this PLUS an exclusive VIP Masterclass worth £25, VIP dining, entrance to the VIP Lounge and exclusive private VIP pourings.
Book signings
Ruth Ball – Rebellious Spirits at 18:00-18:30 on Friday 18 March
Neil Ridley/Joel Harrison – Distilled at 19:30-20:00 on Friday 18 March
Dave Wadell – The Knowledge: Whisky at 15:00-15:30 on Saturday 19 March
Ticket Options and Prices from £40
Full Day Entrance Ticket – £55 Entrance to Whisky Live London on Friday 18th March from 5pm – 10pm or on Saturday 19th March from 12pm – 5pm. Includes hot food, tasting glass and show guide.
Half Day Entrance Ticket – £40 Entrance to Whisky Live London on Friday 18th March from 7pm – 10pm or on Saturday 19th March from 2pm – 5pm. Includes hot food, tasting glass and show guide.
Weekend Entrance Ticket – £99 Entrance to Whisky Live London on Friday 18th March from 5pm – 10pm and on Saturday 19th March from 12pm – 5pm. Includes hot food, tasting glass and show guide.
VIP Tickets – £89 Entrance to Whisky Live London on Friday 18th March from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday 19th March from 12pm – 5pm plus an Exclusive VIP Masterclass worth £25. Includes VIP dining, VIP Lounge, Live tasting glass, showguide and exclusive VIP pourings
Confirmed Masterclasses
Friday – VIP
Neil Ridley – World Whiskies Awards 17:15-18:00
Charles Montanaro – Whisky cocktails 18:30-19:15
Lyndsey Gray (Craigallachie Hotel) – Don’t pigeonhole Scotch 19:45-20:30
Joel Harrison – Travel Retail 21:00-21:45
Saturday – VIP
Neil Ridley – World Whiskies Awards 12.15-13:00
Jonny Mcormick – Spectacular Speyside 13:30-14:15
Jonny Mcormick – Spectacular Speyside 14.45-15:30
Jonny Mcormick – Spectacular Speyside 16:00-16:45
Friday – Standard
Emiko Kaji – Nikka Expressions 17.30 -18.15
Alwynne Gwilt – Girvan 18.45-19:30
Saturday – Standard
Angus Dundee – Lorne McKillop 13.00-13.45
Iain Allan – Glen Moray 14.15-15.00
Michael Henry – Loch Lomond Whiskies – Spirit of a Truly Special Place 15.30-16.15
Whiskey Tour of Ireland
DAY 1:
Arrive to Dublin and meet our driver and guide who is going to take you for a panoramic tour of Dublin.
Discover the beauty of Dublin and visit Trinity College and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
In evening you can enjoy whisky tasting and dinner in the 37 Dawson Street, one of the best bars in Dublin.
As an option, you can also book a Whiskey tasting class, which includes the history & tasting notes of whiskeys from Ireland, America, Scotland and Japan with a whiskey specialist!
DAY 2:
After Full Irish Breakfast your driver collects you and takes you for a tour to visit Old Jameson Distillery and the Teeling Whiskey Distillery.
In the Old Jameson Distillery located in the heart of Old Dublin, you can track the Irish Whiskey history since the 6th century. Almost like a tour of a working distillery you can follow the fascinating craft of whiskey making through the different stages from grain intake to malting, mashing, fermentation, distillation, maturation and bottling. Finally the tour culminates in the Jameson bar for a traditional Irish Whiskey tasting session.
You may also like to take the opportunity of enjoying a premium tutoring of Irish Whiskey or pull up a stool at JJ’s Bar and order a tasting mat with four of our favourite Jameson Family Reserve whiskeys. Sample the much-celebrated Jameson Distillery Reserve 12 years Old, Jameson Select Reserve, Jameson Gold Reserve and Jameson 18year old Reserve.
Your next stop will be in The Teeling Whiskey Distillery, which is Dublin’s newest destination for whiskey fans or for anyone with an interest in Dublin’s long, historical association with Irish whiskey.
The Bang Bang Bar serves complete portfolio of multi-award winning Irish whiskeys and experienced bartenders are on hand to take people through tastings of each of the products.
Alex Chasko & Stephen Teeling guide you through Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey. From the hand selected casks of malt and grain to the extra maturation in rum barrels and bottling at 46% with no chill filtration it produces the most unique Irish blend in the world.
After the tour, you can choose different tasting options.
Overnight in Dublin.
DAY 3:
After Full Irish Breakfast at your Hotel your driver will take you to the towns of Kilbeggan and Tullamore.
You will visit Kilbeggan Distillery (Lockes Distillery): the only small pot still whiskey distillery remaining in Ireland. It houses the only examples of what used to be a widespread Irish industry. Kilbeggan Distillery was licensed in 1757 and produced whiskey for over 200 years.
The guided tour takes about 1 hour 30 minutes and shows the ancient process of whiskey making. The two sources of power, the steam engine and the water wheel are always of great interest. Over 85% of the original distillery machinery remains intact and restoration work is ongoing.
A tour of Kilbeggan Distillery will take you back in time to discover how Irish whiskey was made during John Lockes ownership of the distillery during the 19th century before bringing you into the present where you can hear, smell and taste Kilbeggan Irish whiskey as it is distilled today.
Finished with a Masterclass in tasting of four unique Irish whiskeys, Kilbeggan 8 Single Grain, Kilbeggan Irish whiskey, Tyrconnell Single Malt and Connemara Peated Single Malt.
After visit in Kilbeggan, you will drive to Tullamore, to visit distillery opened by Daniel E.Williams in 1829. The grandson of Daniel E. Williams, Desmond revolutionised the whiskey industry by introducing Ireland’s first blended whiskey. Tullamore D.E.W. believes in Power of Three: Triple Distilled, Triple Blended and Triple Cask Matured, which create a whiskey of greater complexity, balance, and unrivalled smoothness.
The full tour takes in every step of the artisan craft of whiskey making, each stage a story, told through captivating audio-visual media and the good old Irish charm of the expert guides.
After this, you will go to Athlone, where you stay for the night.
DAY 4:
After Full Irish Breakfast at the hotel you will be transferred to Belfast.
Enjoy a city tour of Northern Ireland’s Capital, which has been voted one of Europe’s most fashionable cities.
Visit Titanic Belfast, which extends over nine interactive galleries, explore the shipyard and travel to the depths of the ocean to uncover the true legend of Titanic, in the city where it all began.
Continue the tour to see the Belfast City Hall: built in 1906, in classical Renaissance style, in Portland stone, the crowning feature of the City Hall is the main dome.
In the evening discover the wonderful pubs this popular city has to offer. Make sure you will visit the Duke of York, the best whiskey bar in Ulster, which offers unique whiskey experience with their over 150 whiskey’s selection.
The Duke of York is located along the cobbled entry Commercial Court, in a historical part of the city and one of the oldest streets in Belfast.
Overnight Belfast.
DAY 5:
Full Irish Breakfast at hotel.
This morning you depart along the majestic Antrim coast starting with the Glens of Antrim, nine valleys running from the Antrim Plateau to the ocean and you will stop at Giant’s Causeway.
The Giant’s Causeway, renowned for its polygonal columns of layered basalt, is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland and in 2015 was awarded the UKs Best Heritage Attraction at the British Travel Awards. Resulting from a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago, this is the focal point of a designated Area of outstanding natural beauty and has attracted visitors for centuries.
You will then be driven to the highlight of your Irish Whiskey Tour: Old Bushmills Distillery. It is Ireland’s oldest working distillery in County Antrim, Northern Ireland on the beautiful North Coast. The original grant to distil was signed in 1608 by King James 1st and there has been distillation on this site since then, using the unique water from their own stream and Irish barley. The Bushmills Brand Experience encompasses guided tours around a working distillery with all the associated sights and smells, tutored whiskey tastings, a specialist whiskey shop. At the conclusion of your tour you will be offered a whiskey in the 1608 Bar.
After your tour of the oldest distillery in the world it is time to return to Belfast.
DAY 6:
Transfer to Dublin or Belfast Airport for your flight home.
David Perkins is doing an AMA tonight (Wednesday, February 10) on Reddit.
If you’re interested in checking it out David will be answering questions live from 6-8pm MT.
The AMA was organized by Redditor Ryan Oberleitner
The latest auction at whisky.auction ends today from 7.30pm GMT. There are a host of Japanese whiskies to look out for, including Hibiki 30 Year Old. In addition, there are still plenty of great bottles sitting at good prices, so take a look at our selection and don’t miss your chance to place your bids
Valentines Whisky & Chocolate Tasting at The Old Monkey:
The Old Monkey, 90 Portland St, Manchester City Centre, M1 4GX.
22nd February 2016, 8pm.
Boom Whisky & Cocoa Cabana are to host an evening of Whisky & Chocolate Tasting at The Old Monkey this February.
They invite you to discover why Whisky and Chocolate have long been considered a perfect match as they take you through their specially selected sweet treats to compliment your evening drams.
Guests will not only learn how to properly taste chocolate to get the most out of sweet flavours, but also where whisky comes from, how it’s made and the stories behind the drink.
The evening features handmade chocolates and truffles from Manchester’s award winning chocolateries Cocoa Cabana and promises to be an eclectic night of food and drink, a perfect gift for those looking to do something together this Valentines.
Visit boomwhisky.co.uk to purchase. Tickets are £20 per person, and include all whiskies, chocolates and hosts from Boom Whisky and Cocoa Cabana for the evening.
About Boom Whisky:
Boom Whisky are a tasting event group based in Manchester. They aim to offer an entertaining yet informative take on whisky tasting. Boom Whisky are available for private events, bar staff training as well as hosting a range of themed whisky tastings across Manchester’s bars and pubs. More information available at boomwhisky.co.uk
Contact:
Join us at the 2016 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival from 27h April – 2nd May to celebrate whisky from the Speyside area and sample some of the finest single malts at Glenfarclas. Our brand ambassadors will be hosting various events this year. Please go to www.spiritofspeyside.com for tickets and more information.
Thursday 28th April 3.15 – 5.15pm
Glenfarclas Through the Ages & Visitor Centre Exclusive Launch with Myriam Mackenzie – Historical Tour of Glenfarclas tracing the Grant family timeline & distillery history. Guests will be tasting the 10 Years Old, 15 Years Old, 21 Years Old, 105 Cask Strength & our unique single cask bottling released as the 1989 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival Distillery Exclusive. £35.00 per person. Over 18s only. Limited tickets available.
Friday 29th April 3.15pm – 5.15pm
The Manager’s Tour with Callum Fraser – A technical tour & selection of Glenfarclas whiskies chosen by Callum, our Distillery Production Manager. Guests will be tasting the Glenfarclas 12 Years Old, 17 Years Old, 25 Years Old, £511.19 Family Reserve & Callum’s ‘mystery dram.’ A tour made in heaven for the real whisky enthusiasts! £55.00 per person. Over 18s only. Limited tickets available.
Monday 2nd May 10.30am – 12.30pm
Selection of Family Cask 2001 Vintage with George Grant, Sales Director and 6th generation of the Grant family – This tour invites the public to help choose the Family Cask vintage from the year 2001 and also includes a tasting with various single cask samples. Experience what it’s like to be on the Glenfarclas tasting panel! £60.00 per person. Over 18s only. Limited tickets available.
Glenfarclas Email: info@glenfarclas.co.uk Website: www.glenfarclas.co.uk Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/glenfarclas/ Tel: +44 (0) 1807 500257 Fax: +44 (0) 1807 500234 Address: Glenfarclas Distillery, Ballindalloch, Banffshire AB37 9BD, UK
Get bidding – Stitzel-Weller feast!
This month, we have a superb selection of American whiskeys, including several bottles of Pikesville 6 Years Old Rye 110 Proof – named Second Finest Whisky in the World in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2016 – and some from the now-closed Stitzel-Weller distillery. Hanyu The Joker (Monochrome Label) is leading the auction, but there are many other Japanese whiskies available to bid on and miniatures including a 1965 vintage Bowmore. Here are some of the best bottles from this auction.
It ends on Tuesday 9 February, so don’t delay – get bidding!
