SPRINGBANK

Open Day Thursday 24th May 2012

~ OFFICIAL OPENING 11 AM ~

Open day bottling from 2 single casks Springbank Masterclasses with Frank McHardy & Gavin McLachlan £20 (including glass)

Glengyle Maturation Masterclass with Ranald Watson £20 (including glass)

Springbank Tasting & Food Pairing in the Tasting Room with Jenny Karlsson £25 (Nips & Nibs & glass)

Cadenhead Tasting in the Tasting Room with Grant Macpherson £20 (including glass)

Tastings in the Warehouse £5 for 5 Free Tours – at arranged times during the day

Farmers Market with Food from Argyll Tasty Treats from Auntie Mo Seafood by McMillan Smokehouse

Craft Stalls including: John Brown Wood Carving, Kintyre Candles, Kintyre Lampwork, Gigha’s Natural skincare, Kintyre Design, Photographic Club exhibition

Loch Fyne Ales

Music by Local Artistes

From 6.00 pm: BBQ, Spooks tour, Live music, bar in the marquee

For more information and to book Masterclasses or Cadenhead tasting telephone +44 (0) 1586 555494 or e mail info@springbankwhisky.com

Contact Janet at society@springbankwhisky.com to join the Springbank Society

Hi all, 

BenRiach Distillery Whisky Tasting – Wednesday 20th June 2012

For our June tasting we will be joined by Stewart Buchanan, Distillery Manager at BenRiach – a Speyside distillery that has gone from strength to strength since it’s takeover by an independent consortium in 2004. Their excellent range of whiskies include both unpeated and peated whiskies, and with their close attention to detail they manage to successfully mix innovation with tradition to produce a wide variety of styles without sacrificing quality.

This will be an excellent opportunity to sample seven whiskies from Benriach (see below for the line up) plus to hear from Stewart the inside story of day to day life at the distillery which, by the time of Stewart’s visit, will be one of the few distilleries in Scotland to have it’s own working maltings.

Please note, that there will only be one night of tasting for this particular event so you will need to be quick buying your tickets.

See below for all the details and if you have any queries just contact us.

Sláinte!
Fran and Ken
Arkwrights Whisky and Wines
www.whiskyandwines.com

Name BenRiach Distillery Whisky Tasting
Wednesday 20th June 2012

Time 7pm for 7.30pm
Venue Stanton House Hotel, Stanton Fitzwarren

Stewart will be presenting a fabulous line up of whiskies that includes new additions to the BenRiach peated range and the limited editon Solstice 17 year old. The full Line up is:

Unpeated
12 year old
16 year old
15 year old PX finish
16 year old Sauternes finish

Peated
Septendecim 17 year old
Solstice 17 year old Port finish
Authenticas 25 year old

Tickets are £12.50 per person, and this also entitles you to a discount of £3 against a bottle of one of the featured whiskies if bought or ordered on the night of the tasting. Tickets are very strictly limited, and allocated on a ‘first come, first served’ basis and as there is only one night of tasting available for this particular event it is best to book ASAP. To buy tickets just log on to www.whiskyandwines.com and place an order for the number you require, or telephone us with your payment details on (01793) 765071, or call in and see us at Arkwrights, The Dormers, Highworth, Wiltshire.

Admission to the tasting is by ticket only, and the whiskies tasted will be available to purchase on the night so come prepared.

N.B. We have negotiated special rates at the hotel for anyone who wants to stay overnight after the tasting – contact us for further details of rates.

THE DARKEST NIGHT: BOWMORE’S EVENING AT THE MCKITTRICK HOTEL WITH A PERFORMANCE OF “SLEEP NO MORE”

presented by Bowmore Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Quote New York Magazine: “What in Hecate’s name is Sleep No More? A dance-theater horror show? A wordless, nonlinear mash-up of Macbeth and the darker psychosexual corners of Hitchcock? A six-story Jazz Age haunted house for grown-ups and anyone who’s ever entertained sick cineast-y fantasies of living inside a Kubrick movie? ‘Tis all these, and more besides: ‘a deed without a name,’ to quote an infernal authority.”

Join us for a one-night-only, whisky-focused event at the McKittrick Hotel, including a performance of “Sleep No More” – the twisted, surrealistic, critically-acclaimed interactive theatrical event that has taken New York City by storm. This evening is presented by Bowmore, Scotland’s first Islay single malt Scotch whisky, which will elevate an already intense sensory experience to entirely new levels. You’ll be welcomed with drams of the wickedly intense Bowmore 15 Year Old Darkest before heading into the labyrinthine McKittrick Hotel, where you’ll be set loose to explore, experience, smell, taste, and interact with the performance at your own pace, finding your own path. Once you’ve had your time to play (or whenever you reach absolute sensory overload), you’ll head to the McKittrick’s Manderley Bar and to the hotel lobby for specialty Bowmore cocktails and a sinful punch created by the one-and-only David Wondrich to enjoy with your comrades, whilst you recount the evening’s curiosities over delectable culinary delights.

“A merry macabre chase. A voyeur’s delight. Messes with your head as thoroughly as any artificial stimulant. Spectacular!” – Ben Brantley, New York Times

The event includes an indoor promenade performance with four arrival times:

7:00PM, 7:15PM, 7:30PM, and 7:45PM

Monday, May 14th, 2012

Skylight at The McKittrick Hotel, 530 West 27th Street between 10th and 11th Avenues

Must be 21 or older – please be prepared to present a valid photo ID.

Sponsored by Bowmore Single Malt Scotch Whisky

COCKTAILS

BOWMORE’S MCKITTRICK PUNCH
By David Wondrich, 2012

(Makes 22 servings)

Peel 3 lemons
Muddle the peel with ¾ cup (6 oz) Demerara sugar
Let sit 4-6 hours
Add 1 cup (8 oz) boiling water and stir to dissolve sugar
Add ¾ cup (6 oz) fresh-squeezed, strained lemon juice

Add:

1 750-ml bottle Bowmore 15 Year Olds Darkest
1 ½ cups (12 oz) Sandeman Fine Rich Madeira
3 oz Pierre Ferrand Dry Orange Curacao
Stir well, bottle and refrigerate.

To serve, pour over large block of ice and add ½ bottle chilled water for every bottle of Punch base. Stir and grate nutmeg over the top. Ladle out in 3-oz portions.

TAXIDERMY AFTER DARK
By Fred Sarkis, Sable Kitchen and Bar, Chicago

1.5 oz Bowmore 15 Years Old Darkest
.75 oz Cynar
1 oz Grapefruit Juice
1/8 Lemon for garnish

BOWMORE’S BLACK BOWLER
By Fred Sarkis, Sable Kitchen and Bar, Chicago

1.5 oz Bowmore 15 Years Old Darkest
.75 oz Oloroso Sherry
.75 oz Honey Syrup
2 Lemon Wedges
3 Springs of Mint

NOTES

This year Bowmore, the first Islay Single Malt whisky, is launching an exciting marketing campaign Magic Happens on the ‘Darkest’ Nights to support the growth of its multi-award winning core expression, Bowmore 15 Years Old ‘Darkest’.   Kicking off the campaign in the US, Bowmore will host a headline event at the Manhattan Cocktail Classic in New York City.  On Monday, May 14, Bowmore hosts The Darkest Night: Bowmore’s Evening At The McKittrick Hotel with a performance of Sleep No More.  This evening will present a performance of cult phenomenon immersive theatre Sleep No More by Punchdrunk, the pioneers of immersive theatre.  Tickets are $125.00 per person and they are still available for the 7:15pm and 7:45pm entrance (the entrances are staggered so that everyone can take full advantage of the unique experience and performance).  The McKittrick Hotel is located at 530 W 27th St btw 10th & 11th Aves, NYC.  A link to purchase tickets here: http://bit.ly/IReAOj . 

This fabulous whisky-fueled party, will feature Bowmore 15 Year Old Darkest in many gustatory iterations: In addition to the evening’s interactive theatrical performance, guests will enjoy signature Bowmore 15 Year Old Darkest cocktails created by Fred Sarkis from Chicago’s Sable Kitchen (Taxidermy After Dark; Bowmore’s Black Bowler) and Bar and a punch (Bowmore’s McKittrick Punch) created for the event by Mr. David Wondrich, who will be helming the punch ladle on the evening (all cocktail recipes below).  Guests will also indulge in special food pairings to complement the delicious smokiness of Bowmore 15 Year Old Darkest like dark chocolates and raw oysters (we have a ritualistic oyster-eating way of enjoying bivalves and Bowmore) and more.  

Cara Laing, Brand Manager of Bowmore, comments: “We are hugely excited to be showcasing our 15 Years Old ‘Darkest’ as a core member of the Bowmore range. The spirit is truly exceptional and a firm favourite with trade and consumers alike. Our “The Darkest Night: Bowmore’s Evening at the McKittrick Hotel with a performance of Sleep No More” will be a night that those who attend will not soon forget!  From the very unique performance to our featured Bowmore 15 Year Old Darkest cocktails and punch to the food we will have paired with them – this is the ideal way to showcase The Darkest.  Bowmore 15 Year Old Darkest, that is!”

Rachel Barrie, Master Blender of Morrison Bowmore Distillers, comments: “To me Bowmore 15 Years Old ‘Darkest’ is the dark and alluring side of Bowmore; a rich and beguiling malt that fuses sherry and peat smoke together in perfect harmony. Seductive smokiness is balanced by rich dried fruit, treacle toffee and chocolate sweetness, with a drizzle of lime and sprinkle of sea salt to slice through the indulgence. With its wonderfully warming and velvety texture, it is perfect to warm your soul as darkness descends. Relax, sink into your chair and savour the spirit of ‘Darkest’.”

Bowmore whisky is widely acknowledged to be the most perfectly balanced in the world; the new campaign will support the trade in offering this interesting and complex (not just smoky) Islay expression to Single Malt enthusiasts as well as expand distribution. Bowmore 15 Years Old ‘Darkest’ is the outcome of 12 years maturing in American Bourbon casks, followed by a three year finish in Oloroso sherry casks, resulting in warmth, depth and a burnt sienna colour – all providing inspiration for the ‘Darkest’ Nights.

Milroy’s of Soho May Newsletter

We have a lot to look forward to in May, including our latest Single Cask Bottlings. We also have plenty more of our hugely popular tastings. Be sure to follow our blog full of our thoughts, reviews and tasting notes.

MILROY’S OF SOHO SINGLE CASK BOTTLINGS COMING SOON!

Milroy’s of Soho Single Cask Royal Lochnagar 2002, 10 Years Old
To coincide with the up coming Jubilee we will be bottling a deliciously delicate Royal Lochnagar. We’re told that Queen Victoria regularly nipped round to the distillery from Balmoral Castle and our in depth research ie Google Maps: http://g.co/maps/u7wny   shows that it would cost our Jubilant Queen Elizabeth II just 34p in fuel to visit the distillery (turn right, then right and right again Ma’am, you can’t miss it). £35 Pre-order now.

Milroy’s of Soho Single Cask Longmorn 1999, 12 Years Old
Like the Royal Lochnagar, this Longmorn is drawn from a single Ex-Bourbon barrel, creating a wonderfully delicate aromatic whisky. Our Longmorn will be launched to coincide with the August Sports Day events that we daren’t mention by name. What purer way to celebrate the pinnacle of sporting achievement than with a dram of whisky. Well it makes sense to us. £35 Pre-order now.

SO WHAT ELSE IS IN?

BRUICHLADDICH Octomore 4.2 Comus
The latest Octomore release named Comus after the ‘God of wine’, looks to be a worthy successor to the incredible Orpheus. Like Orpheus, Comus is wine cask matured, although this time in super sweet Sauternes casks from top estate Chateau d’Yquem. £100

GLENFIDDICH Age of Discovery – 19 Year Old Madeira Cask Finish
The second release of Glenfiddich Age of Discovery is due for release in March, the whisky is a homage to the Portuguese discovers of the 15thCentury. There will be limited availability pre-order now to save disappointment. £90

GORDON & MACPHAIL Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, Glen Grant 60 Year Old
Filled almost 60 years to the day before Queen Elizabeth acceded the throne, there are only 85 bottles of this incredible whisky. £8,000

Brora, 1981 30 Years Old, Chieftains Bottling
One of our favorite distilleries and this bottling reinforces that love. A single Sherry Butt bottling, showing typical saline qualities, rich dried fruits and a touch of earthy peat. £250

Bunnahabhain 1974, 37 Years Old, A.D Rattray
We’ve been enthusiastic for mature bottlings from the Bunnahabhain Distillery for some time. Our Single & Single Bunnahabhain Aged 31 Years remains one of the greatest bottlings we’ve ever tasted. Now we’re excited to try a new old Bunnahabhain, and thankfully it is splendid. Dry savoury aromas lead to a full lemony palate that has hints of roast nuts and even a touch of green tea. Incredible! £120

UPCOMING TASTING EVENTS
“I’ll be late home dear, I’ll be at my evening class…” For education and entertainment nothing beats a Milroy’s of Soho whisky tasting.

Whisky and Cheese Matching 23rd May 2012
The joy of cheese…Discover the ephemeral pleasures of pairing rare whiskies with exotic cheeses. A truly delectable evening. £45

Great Monsters: Peated Whisky 29th May 2012
Islay is not the only peat…Expect to taste some of the best rare editions as well as quirky alternatives to old favourites from Islay and the rest of the world. £45

Fine and Rare Whisky Tasting 28th June 2012
There is nothing quite like drinking a whisky in the knowledge you may never see it again, let alone taste it. With whiskies from long closed distilleries and those which come and go once a year, this tasting of the finest and rarest of whiskies will be a night to remember. £100

Until next month, cheers!

To place an order please visit www.milroys.co.uk  , call Lee on 020 7437 2385 or email Lee.Tomlinson@jeroboams.co.uk

Our mailing address is:

Milroy’s of Soho
3 Greek Street
London, England W1D 4NX
United Kingdom

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society presents The Australian Malt Whisky Tasting Championship 2012

On the evening of Friday 15th June this year, a large collection of the most serious, semi-serious and simply enthusiastic malt whisky lovers will gather in Sydney for the biennial Australian Malt Whisky Tasting Championship.

The venue will be the Australian Museum’s Dinosaur Gallery. While there will be malts on offer in the competition that are tens of years old, they won’t compete in age with their million year old fossil neighbours, but will be a lot easier to swallow.

How good is your palate? Can you pick the difference between a Glenlivet and a Talisker? How about a Laphroaig from a Lagavulin? If you are unsure, don’t worry – the competition is for allcomers of any experience, the only prerequisite being a love for the “water of life”. Eight malts will be served blind and the task is to identify which whisky is which from a list of nine possible well known drams.

First prize is two places on our 4-day long weekend Ultimate Single Malt Whisky & Wine Autumn Tour to Tasmania in Aug/Sep (date tba) including flights and four nights accommodation. The cocktail party is sponsored by Glenfiddich and The Balvenie. The whole event is organised and sponsored by The Scotch Malt Whisky Society.

Friday 15th June 2012 – 6.00pm-8.30pm
MC – Chris Barnes, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Marketing Director
Dinosaur Gallery, Australian Museum, 6 College Street, Sydney
Entry Fees: Competitors – $125 (includes cocktail party); Guests/Spectators – $75
Doors open 6pm – Welcome drinks/gathering
Competition 6.30pm – 7.30pm
Awards ceremony – 8.00pm

Notes

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society began in 1983 when a group of discerning friends shared the price of a single cask of fine malt whisky in Scotland.

The Society has over 26,000 members around the world with branches in 14 countries. It bottles over 300 single casks a year for its members from a range of more than 129 distilleries.

Members can choose from the world’s widest selection of single cask, single malt whiskies with only the very best selected and approved by the Society’s respected Tasting Panel.

The Society has been active in Australia since 2002, holding extremely popular and well-attended frequent whisky tasting nights in each of the capital cities around Australia all through the year for both its members and the general public.

The Australian Malt Whisky Tasting Championship is a blind tasting competition that has been run in Australia since 1989. It was held annually in Adelaide from 1989 until 2002, then was in recess for six years until the Scotch Malt Whisky Society resurrected the competition in 2008. It is open to national and international competitors, and is now a biennial event held in Sydney.

PO Box 1113, Newport NSW 2106 T: 02 9974 3046 F: 02 9999 5610

E: info@smws.com.au  W: www.smws.com.au

The end is here!

After such an eventful year, we now have to bring our activities to a close for now.

But do not be afraid, we will be back bigger and better in September!

In the meantime, tomorow we will have our AGM, so please come along to have your say in what we will be doing next year!

Wednesday 9th May: AUMWS AGM (7pm in Bookends, @Butchart )
Are you interested in joining one of the most fun committees on campus next year?
Do you want to take part in organising some of the best events?
You can be on the committee next year, and take the Society to a new dimension! It looks amazing on your CV!!
If you feel you have what it takes, get in touch, the usual positions will be open (President, Secretary, Treasurer, H&S Officer) and more can be created!
In order for the Society to continue as strongly as it has been these past few years, we need all the help we can get! Even if you are not sure about what you can do, please come along, it will be a good laugh!

AGM Agenda:

-Introduction
-Approval of previous AGM Minutes
-Yearly Review – Kevin Valdelievre
-Financial Review – Tom Richards
-Committee Elections
-Society Business for the forthcoming year (if any), along with what whiskies we’d like to sample
-Review of the New Constitution
-AOCB (Any Other Competent Business)

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In Support of Childreach International

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University of Aberdeen Malt Whisky Society
The Butchart Centre
University Road
Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire AB24 3UT
United Kingdom

http://www.fiddledrum.co.uk/whisky-festival.htm

Second Saturday Scotch Sipping at Six

2nd Saturday each month 6 – 9 p.m. no reservation required

Enjoy 5 half-ounce samples of single malt Scotch whisky: $20

♦ We feature 3 single malts, including a Malt of the Month *

♦ You roll a die then pick a whisky from one of the six Scotch regions

♦ You pick your Connoisseur’s Choice from our menu of single malt menu 

Peruse our whisky library. Learn about our single malts in our menu book: distillery info, tasting notes, & more. Enjoy light hors d’oeuvres. Non-whisky drinkers welcome.

2012 Features:

10% off bottles of the Malt of the Month * 

May 12 

Balblair 1997 *
Edradour 10 yo
Glenkinchie 12 yo 

June 9 

Kilkerran Work in Progress 3 (2011) *
Isle of Jura 16 yo
Deanston Virgin Oak 

Price goes to $25 July 14 

Balvenie Signature 12 yo Batch 4 *
Glenrothes Alba Reserve
Tullibardine 1993 

August 11 

Glengoyne 10 yo *
Ledaig 10 yo 46.3%
Tomatin 18 yo 

September 8 

Glen Grant 10 yo *
Bruichladdich Links –St. Andrews
Edradour 2003 Port Cask

October 13   

Strathisla 12 yo *
Benromach Peat Smoke # 4
Oban 14 yo

Bob at work….

Visit the Miner’s Delight Inn at http://www.minersdelightinn.com/

On May 14th, 2012 The Gohan Society and Suntory Whisky are presenting a seminar/tasting entitled ‘The Art of Japanese Whisky’.  The invitation is above. Master Distiller Hiroyoshi ‘Mike’ Miyamoto will discuss the processes involved and elements that comprise Japanese whisky.  Acclaimed chef Lee Anne Wong will create tasting dishes and discuss the pairing of Japanese whisky with food. Tastings will include the Yamazaki family of Japanese Single Malt whiskies as well as the newly available Hakushu Single Malt. This seminar is open to culinary and beverage professionals and media only.  All attendees will receive a gift from Suntory at the conclusion of the seminar.