On 8th March we shall be raising a glass in honour of International Women’s Day and encouraging women around the world to discover and share the joys of whisky. Wherever you are next Friday, we hope you too will reach for a glass of your favourite Compass Box whisky and toast in the same spirit.

We have organised a range of activities to mark IWD 2013. There will be a live Transatlantic Twitter Tasting featuring a panel of ladies and three mystery Compass Box whiskies, plus a ladies-only Facebook competition – for both new and existing Compass Box fans – to give you the chance to win a lovely Compass Box prize.

Yes, we want to break down once and for all the preconception that whisky is an (old) man’s drink, or the myth that women only like sweet, light or fruity whiskies, but also to showcase the versatility of styles on offer. Whether you prefer your whisky straight, cask strength, with water, or in a cocktail, these celebrations are for you.

#WhiskyandWomen
We kick off our activities on IWD eve (7th March) at 9pm (GMT)/4pm (EST) with a ladies-only Twitter Tasting featuring three Compass Box whiskies – served blind – and tasted live by 18 whisky bloggers, journalists and enthusiasts from the US, UK and Canada. The event will be hosted by Steve Rush from The Whisky Wire, the founder of Tweet Tastings, and our very own Céline Têtu. Follow us live on Twitter using the hashtag #WhiskyandWomen and then try the whiskies for yourself!

IWD Whisky Cocktails
For your IWD toast, why not prepare a classic Mamie Taylor, named after the eponymous American opera singer at the turn of 20th century, using 2oz Great King Street, juice from ½ a lime, ice cubes and a generous splash of spicy ginger ale/beer. Or for something more adventurous, try a Contramand, created by Naomi Fletcher from Hawksmoor in London, with 35ml Spice Tree, 25ml Mandarin juice, 25ml Port, 20ml Orange curaçao, 5ml lemon juice and a cardamom pod.

 “Above All, Share & Enjoy!”

Fact #4: Great King Street – Artist’s Blend went through 25 different prototypes before Whiskymaker John Glaser found a recipe with which he was happy.

Paul reports;

1. Here is a grand Irish whiskey tour for May that we have a few places remaining!

Aye, some seats can still be booked on this exclusive Irish whiskey trip, but hurry!

The tour starts and ends in Dublin, it is a wee group tour hosted by Daley Irish Tours, part of MCLEANSCOTLAND.
TUE 14 May; Fly into Dublin on arrival day (under own steam), soon as all ready we shall travel a scenic route to Cork, we visit Midleton distillery. overnight Midleton.
WED 15 May; This morning to Dingle www.dinglefoundingfathers.com  then drive north, staying overnight Tullamore, good pubs locally!
THU 16 May; to Tullamore distillery for the first visit, distillery. After this we visit Kilbeggan distillery, spend time and sample drams! Excellent distillery tour here. We then drive west through Athlone and on to Donegal, overnight here in a castle hotel.
FRI 17 May; After breakfast from Donegal to Derry, some free time here, then more sightseeing as we head east to Coleraine area, overnight here, overnight
SAT 18 May; Visit the Giants Causeway, departing then to Bushmills distillery. From here south to another unique whiskey event, Slane Castle, who have their own whiskey! Overnight locally.
SUN 19 May; Drive down to Dublin today, arrive and use remainder of the day for free time, although we shall make time for a group tour of Old Jameson distillery visit. This evening, dine out as a group, with a whiskey tasting, in superb surroundings. Overnight Dublin (final night)

As usual, we shall be providing some extra whiskies on tour and one or two surprises, the usual mcleanscotland tour!
THIS TOUR; all accommodation as shown, breakfast (cooked) each morning, fully guided, luxury mini coach, tour notes, whiskey for tastings.
COST; £745 per person sharing, Single supplement £210

TO BOOK ONTO THIS TOUR, or to receive more details, please contact Paul@mcleanscotland.com

2. Whisky with a Mexican twist.

This tour will cover Ireland and Scotland. You will be on board our coach with a Pipe Band from Mexico City! Never done before with us, join a pipe band on tour, enjoy the craik, the sounds, fun and scenery, oh – and also enjoy a whisk(e)y or more! The band was established in 1997 to honour the Irish and Scottish soldiers that fought alongside Mexico in the war with of 1846-1847. These soldiers were an artillery unit and was known as the St. Patrick’s Battalion.  In 2011 the band performed with The Chieftains at their concert in Lorient, France. The band has also performed with famed Spanish Piper Carlos Nuñez and Scotland’s Tenors. The band proudly wears the MacKenzie tartan, which combines the colours of both the Mexican and Scottish flags. The band’s tour in August 2013 would be the first time the band travels as a group to Ireland and Scotland for performances and competition at the World Championships.

See this great itinerary here; www.mcleanscotland.com/awc/St.Patrick’sBattalionPipes&DrumsMexicoCity.asp

Costs; the band are very flexible, you can join the Irish tour only; £450 per person sharing. The Scottish only; £550 per person sharing, or the whole tour for £900 per person sharing.

There will be more added to this tour including distillery visits etc.

To find out more; paul@mcleanscotland.com   www.mcleanscotland.com

New arrivals and upcoming events at Miner’s Delight Inn in Atlantic City, Wyo.

Tell ‘em you got 86’d at the Two-bit Cowboy Saloon.

Etymology of the term 86’d is unclear. Generally the term relates to getting rid of something (did the mob in Vegas really take people eight miles out of town and put them six feet under?) or banning a person from a place, usually a bar. In the latter case could anything be worse than being banned from a two-bit bar?

Tongue in cheek, Barbara and Bob Townsend, purveyors of single malt Scotch whisky, intend to further confuse and add to the term’s contemporary development. To them it means customers of the saloon my choice from 86 single malt Scotch whiskies,Wyoming’s best selection.

With their latest delivery the Townsend’s added the 86^th malt to the backbar. Single malt whiskies included in the delivery are Auchentoshan Valinch 2012, Balblair 2001 vintage, and Longrow 14 year old Burgundy Cask. Their order also contained Batch 10 of Wyoming Whiskey Small Batch Bourbon and Blackwood’s Small Batch Gin, the botanicals for which are hand cut on Scotland’s Shetland Islands.

The inn hosts two single malt tastings each month. For March 2013 those will be …

First Friday Scotch Tasting, March 1^st,6 – 9 p.m., $40. Bob’s three features are:

– Hazelburn 8 year old Cask Strength, 56.5%

– Glenfarclas 21 year old, 43%

– Bunnahabhain Toiteach, 46%

In addition guests will pick two malts from the other whiskies on the backbar

Second Saturday Scotch Tasting, March 9^th,6 – 9 p.m., $25 Bob’s three features are:

– Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2006, 50%

– Glen Garioch 1797 Founder’s Reserve, 48%

– BenRiach 10 year old Curiositas, 46%

In addition guests will roll a die and pick a whisky from one of six regions and at last select a connoisseur’s choice from the other whiskies on the backbar

http://www.minersdelightinn.com/Taste%20Scotch,%20Wyoming.htm

Whisky-Meet 2013 in Bergen, Norway

Thursday, February 14^th:  Arriving in Bergen for my second Whisky-Meet festival. Had some time before my only tasting this day, so I headed up to Henriks øl & vinstue, a bar I had heard good things about. Well, 40-something beers on tap, so I was not disappointed. Even if some of their taps were out of service this day, I still had a lot of good choices. As all good bars should have, they had some specially brewed beers just for them. The barkeeper told me more taps were on its way, so the selection of beers should be over 50 in a short time. Highly recommended place for any beer/ale geek.

Now it was time for more beer, as my only tasting for the day was the Kick-Off Tasting. This is a tasting always held on the day before the festival itself, and always contains just beer. This year it was beers from Brewdog and Ægir, presented by Josie and Vegard. Six beers were presented, Punk IPA, Libertine Black Ale and Dog A from Brewdog, and IPA, Ratatosk double IPA and Natt Imperial Porter from Ægir. All good beers…but since I had tasted five of them before, no real surprises here.

Called it a night….after some whiskies at the Terminus Whiskybar.

Friday, February 15^th: After some food and beer it was finally time for the real reason I was here…bring on the whisky! I realized I had booked so many tastings, that I had to make the best of the time I had available at the festival hall. This year Terminus, together with Adelphi, had bottled a special festival-whisky, a 15yo Clynelish, hand bottled by Mr. Frode Harring himself. A nice dram indeed, Clynelish seldom disappoints.

First tasting of the day was a Glendronach vertical, hosted by Stewart Buchanan. Seven drams were presented; 8yo Octarine, 12yo Original, 15yo Revival, 18yo Allardice, 21yo Parliament, 31yo Grandeur and the Cask Strength NAS. Glendronach remains one of my favorite distilleries, so it’s safe to say I really enjoyed myself! Stewart managed to hold a really informative lesson about the distillery and the whiskies, to no surprise. It’s hard to pick a favorite, but I think I have to pick the CS, fantastic stuff!

As a bonus this year, the festival put up an area only dedicated to beer, a nice touch I hope they will continue in the future. So after some beers, and more whiskies, it was time for yet another tasting-session…this time with some mixed expectations.

After keeping us waiting for half an hour, Jim Murray was ready to do his thing. Nine whiskies were presented for a blind tasting. Jim started off by calling the brand ambassadors present at the festival cynical liars, only interested in selling their whisky. Well Jim, how many times did you encourage us to by your book? He continued by telling us we do everything wrong while nosing and tasting whisky. But himself couldn’t tell the difference by two of the whiskies when the order was messed up a little, blaming the staff for putting their after-shave soaked fingers into his glasses. Why not use a chart with numbers to put the glasses on to keep track, it would make a much smoother tasting, without all this back and forth. I really like to have some water between my whiskies at a tasting, but for some reason Jim doesn’t allow that. I know he doesn’t like us to put water in the whisky, but if I want a glass of water on the side, what’s the problem? Ok, I will admit he has some good point about tasting whisky…but in its entirety, this was not my cup of tea.

Saturday, February 16^th: Got time for a couple of whiskies before my first tasting-session, so tried out the Taiwanese Kavlan…surprisingly good I have to say. Then it was time to taste some Glenfarclas Family Casks, with Robert Ransom. Glenfarclas also being one of my favorite distilleries, I really looked forward to this. Of all the tastings, this had the least amount of whisky, but what quality! We got to taste the 1982, 1981, 1972, 1971 and 1965 Family Casks….1972 and 1965 being my favorites. The tasting felt a bit short and rushed, and not as informative as Glendronach, but the quality of the whiskies made up for it.

A Benriach vertical tasting next, again with Stewart Buchanan. Being afraid he was boring us with all the details, but I think we all enjoyed his knowledge. Seven drams presented here, 12yo, 16yo, 20yo, 15yo PX Finish, 17yo Septendecim, 34yo Sauternes Finish and as a really nice bonus, a two day’s old new make. After two tastings with Stewart, I have to say this man knows his stuff, and held the two best tastings of the festival in my opinion.

Time for the last tasting of the weekend, Isle of Jura. I haven’t tasted that many Juras before, so I was quite curious on this one. Scott Milne guided us through the history of Jura and the distillery, and I must say…I really fancy going there. Fun fact for Paul; the Campbell’s of Jura were described as “a bunch of mean fuckers”. Six whiskies presented here, 10yo, Superstition, Prophecy, 1996 Boutique Barrel, 30yo Camas an Staca and 1977 vintage….the last one being my favorite and an absolutely stunning dram.

To sum it up…

Best tasting-session: Benriach

Best beer: Brewdog Dog A

Biggest surprise whisky: Kavlan Solist Sherry Cask

Most promising whisky: Glenglassaugh peated cask sample (at approx. 63% ABV and distilled in 2009, this was smooth as hell! Can’t wait for an official release)

Biggest mystery: How all that Chinese food got in my hotel room!?!

 -Ravn

Ravn is a member of www.angelswhiskyclub.com and lives in Norway. To see his report with pictures follow; http://angelswhiskyclub.com/awc/whiskymeet2013.asp

We’re changing things up for the March Outturn Tasting!

We are thrilled to be participating in Tip A Wee Dram – a whisky festival sponsored by Edgemont Fine Wines, Spirits & Ales and Team Hope (for which Crystal, Edgemont’s General Manager, rides) in support of The Ride to Conquer Cancer/BC Cancer Foundation.

This year’s event falls on Friday, March 8th which is one week after our regular “First Friday” when we release our new whiskies, so we’ve decided to pour the seven March releases at the festival instead of doing the usual tasting hosted by Edgemont.

Along with the March new releases, there will be some past releases (good news if you haven’t had a chance to try them yet), as well as some teasers of future releases!

We encourage you to come out and support this fantastic festival where you can sample over 60 whiskies while supporting a great cause.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Rob & Kelly Carpenter
Founders, SMWS Canada

4th Annual Tip A Wee Dram

Friday, March 8th
7:00 – 10:00pm
Vancouver Scottish Cultural Centre
8886 Hudson Street

VIP Early Access ticket (entry at 6pm) – $80
or
General Admission ticket (entry at 7pm) – $60

Purchase tickets here:
www.tipaweedram.com

To mark the holiday, select food trucks nationwide will take a bite out of this pork-lovers holiday by offering limited time only custom treats infused with Maker’s Mark Bourbon. What better occasion to spread the love of bourbon and bacon and encourage your readers to get out and try The Southbound Hog from Big Ass Sandwich in Portland, the Bourbon and Blondies Sundae made with Bacon Bourbon, Bourbon Vanilla Ice Cream and Browned Butter, Bacon & Bourbon Blondies from Little Baby’s Ice Cream in Philadelphia, the Maker’s Mark® Bourbon Hawaiian Pork Belly Bites from The Peached Tortilla in Austin, or the Bacon + Syrup Wafel with Maker’s Mark® Bourbon Amber Maple Syrup from Wafels & Dinges in New York City?

Below are some additional details on menu items for each of the participating trucks for your review. Please check each truck’s Twitter page for their day-of location on March 1^st!

New York City 

Wafels & Dinges

Bacon + Syrup Wafel with Crispy Bacon Baked Inside and Maker’s Mark® Bourbon Amber Maple Syrup

Potato (de Bastogne Wafel) with Thick Cut Bacon and Maker’s Mark® Bourbon Amber Maple Syrup

@waffletruck 

Nuchas

Bourbon Marinated Hampshire Pork Shoulder Empanada

@nuchasNYC

Created with Chef German Lucarelli of Soho House (@SohoHouse)

Kimchi Taco

Korean Al Pastor Taco with Makers Mark® Bourbon Pineapple & Gochoo Garoo Glaze

@kimchitruck 

Mike ‘N’ Willie’s

Mango Bourbon Pulled Pork Slider

@mikenwillies

Frites ‘n’ Meats

Bourbon Pulled Pork Sandwich

@fritesnmeats

Eddie’s Pizza

Makers Mark® Bourbon Bacon with Pineapple Pizza

@eddiespizzany 

Philadelphia 

Dapper Dog

Grilled Hot Dog Topped with Homemade Pulled Pork, Pickle Chips, and Maker’s Mark® Bourbon Spicy Onion Sauce

@thedapperdog

Spot Burgers

Maker’s Mark® Bourbon Pig Wings with Bourbon Glaze

@Spotburgers

Little Baby’s Ice Cream

Bourbon and Blondies Sundae made with Bacon Bourbon, Bourbon Vanilla Ice Cream and Browned Butter, Bacon & Bourbon Blondies

@LittleBabysIC

Mac Mart

Kickin’ Kentucky Bourbon Bacon Mac

@MacMartTruck

Austin 

Boss Hog Kitchen

Smoked Turkey and Gouda Sandwich with Spicy Maker’s Mark® Bourbon Hog Sauce

@bosshogskitchen 

The Peached Tortilla

Maker’s Mark® Bourbon Hawaiian Pork Belly Bites

@peachedtortilla 

Gourdough’s

Sticky Kentucky Swine, Maker’s Mark® Bourbon, Caramel, Candied Bacon and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

@gourdough

Seattle 

Happy Grillmore

Pulled Pork Sandwich with Bourbon Slaw

@happygrillmore

Pinky’s Kitchen

Pinky’s Maker’s Mark® Bourbon Triple Threat Pulled Pork

@pinkyskitchen

Portland 

Big Ass Sandwich

The Southbound Hog – Salt/Sugar Cured, Braised Pork Belly, Caramelized Onions, and a Serrano Pepper Maker’s Mark® Bourbon Sauce with Hand-Cut Fries

@bigasssandwich

Los Angeles 

Vizzi Truck

Honey Glazed Bourbon Pork Taco with Roasted Corn & Diced Jalapeños, Drunken 2-Way Apples, and Melted Brie

@vizzitruck

New horse racing event kicks off Bardstown’s Kentucky Bourbon Festival Sampler    

Spring events include bourbon, swing, festival, antiques and more bourbon

BARDSTOWN, KY – FEBRUARY, 2012 – A new horse racing and bourbon event joins the lineup of active fun this spring in Bardstown, the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” Racing With the Spirits charges down the video track on Fri., April 26, accompanied by bourbons from several distilleries. Spring also brings swing dancers, uniformed Colonials and 100 antiques dealers to this historic town located in central Kentucky. See Bardstown’s Calendar of Events.

Bourbon with a (new) twist

This year, Bardstown’s inaugural Racing with the Spirits event kicks off the annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival Sampler. On Fri., April 26, join in an evening of horse racing videos with play money for betting at the Guthrie Opportunity Center. Sip bourbons and sample a selection of hors d’ oeuvres while enjoying music and prizes. Reservations suggested. Tickets: $45 per person. Info and tickets: 800-638-4877 #4 or online at www.KyBourbonFestival.com.

The next evening, April 27, imbibe in the Kentucky Bourbon Festival Sampler, a mellow evening tasting a variety of Kentucky bourbons and foods from area restaurants. Also held at the Guthrie Opportunity Center, the event runs from 6:30-9 p.m. Tickets: $40. Info and tickets: 800-638-4877 #4 or online at www.KyBourbonFestival.com

The Best Fest in the West…Midlands!

It’s now less than two months before we welcome customers and exhibitors to the Third Midlands Whisky Festival. Saturday April 13th 2013. Doors open at 12 pm.

Once again, we’ll have over 200 different whiskies on taste from an even larger number of suppliers than before. We’ve added some extra special rare “Dream Drams” for you to enjoy in your commemorative tasting glass.Standard tickets cost £35 per person. This year, we are welcoming visitors from further afield than ever, so please reserve your ticket in advance as capacity is limited! For further details, email david@nickollsandperks.co.uk or phone 01384 394518.  We look forward to being in touch again soon.

Kind regards

The Nickolls and Perks Team

Click HERE to buy your tickets:

Nickolls & Perks Ltd
37 Lower High Street
Stourbridge, West Midlands DY8 1TA
www..nickollsandperks.co.uk

Calling all SMWS members and non-members alike!

Sign up now for our March First Friday tasting to sample seven great new releases, nibble on some tasty treats and enjoy the company of fellow scotch-lovers. As always, there will also be some past releases available for sampling in case you missed them the first time around!

Really, what better way to spend a Friday night?
Space is limited so don’t delay!

Victoria First Friday Tasting

Friday, March 1st 6:30pm

$40+HST for SMWS members; $50+HST for non-members
The Strath Ales, Wines & Spirits
Register in person at
919 Douglas Street, Victoria
or by phone at 250-370-9463
or by email at whisky@strathconahotel.com

Colin & his crew look forward to seeing you!

We’re thrilled to announce our first tasting for March, hosted by the fine folks at Balblair. Distillery Manager John MacDonald will be on hand to guide us through a variety of their vintage bottlings.

Balblair choose to bottle their whisky by year rather than the more common age statement, so we’ll be travelling through time with John as we go through their range. The whisky is known for its delicate style, with fresh summer fruits and citrus popping up frequently in the flavour profile.

We’ll be kicking off with Balblair’s light and fruity 2002 vintage, then heading back through time with the new releases of the 1997, 1989 and 1975 vintages, before trying their oldest vintage – the 1965. We’re also lucky enough to be getting a taste of the 1990 vintage bottling – an intriguing whisky matured in a cask that previously held smoky Islay whisky – usually available exclusively to members of the distillery’s Gathering Place society.

This is a must for both existing fans of Balblair and those looking to experience the distillery’s whiskies for the first time – a tasting across their entire range, including some rarities that you’ll struggle to find elsewhere.

The tasting will take place at TWE Vinpolis on Monday 4th March at 7:30pm.

Tickets are priced at £30 and will go on sale on Tuesday 19th February at 3pm.

As ever, tickets are sold on a first come, first served basis and are limited to two per customer. You can book your place at the tasting by phoning the shop on 020 7403 8688 or by calling in person.

http://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/vinopolis