February Previews: 53.146 & 36.51 for £90 (save £17.70) With February First Friday just round the corner, we’ve release two preview bottles to whet the appetite (along with a rather juicy offer)…

53.146 A saline gargle with peanuts
Islay
£59.20 inc free p&p
All peanuts to start with – peanut butter, dry roasted, peanut brittle – unusual for this make, although it fades into the more familiar smoked cheese, with carbolic soap advancing steadily

36.51 In the sweetie shop
Speyside Spey
£48.50 inc free p&p
This ‘dumb blond’ of a malt – attractively simple – took us straight to a sweetie shop: hard, boiled fruit sweets dusted with icing sugar, lemon drops and acid drops, Lockets introducing a mentholated, herbal note

Buy 53.146 & 36.51 for £90
(save £17.70)                                                                                    
         
Society Tastings & Events (47 Society tastings online)

Whisky Galore with Keith Hewitt – The Vaults, Thu 3 Feb
New Outturn Open Tasting – London, Sat 5 Feb
New Outturn & Sunday Roast Tasting – The Vaults, Sun 6 Feb
New Outturn Open Tasting – London, Mon 7 Feb
New Members’ Tasting – Queen Street, Tue 8 Feb
Whisky Quiz – London, Tue 8 Feb
Penderyn Tasting – The Vaults, Fri 11 Feb
6 Nations Wales V Scotland Lunch – The Vaults, Sat 12 Feb
Valentines’ Champagne & Whisky Tasting – Queen Street, Mon 14
Dining Room Valentine Dinner – Queen Street, Mon 14 Feb

Share your adventure with a friend

“Friends are the chocolate chips in the cookie of life”

Recommend a friend to the Society – we’ll reward you a £15 e-voucher for every friend that joins.  You can use your e-voucher online against any of our whisky, tasting tickets or even your membership renewal. 

There’s no limited to the number of friends you can recommend so spread the word and start saving!

http://www.smws.co.uk/your-society-adventure/share-adventure?afc=PromoteIT_367266
 
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society,
The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929

So What Exactly is the Flavour of Real Canadian Rye Whisky?

Follow canadianwhisky.org as it Goes on the Road to Find Out

With notebooks at the ready, eager to try whatever was placed in front of them, fifteen malt whisky aficionados gathered recently at Victoria’s Grand Pacific Hotel to taste a range of classic Canadian rye whiskies. Their goal? To identify the flavours rye grain contributes to Canadian whisky.

The session began with tasters synchronizing their palates with a brilliantly well-balanced and rye-rich Canadian blended whisky, Crown Royal Fine De Luxe from 1963. Most notably, this whisky, in addition to the luxuriant corn-derived mouthfeel, showcases the full range of typical rye spices – cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger; – the breadth of undefined fruitiness; sweet floral notes bordering on pansies, violets, and lilacs; and an almost fragile brittleness found only in Canadian rye. Great rye supported by great corn and barley whiskies.

Deconstructing Canadian rye then began with WhistlePig Rye, a fine example of unmalted Canadian rye. No other grains are used to make WhistlePig so the flavour is 100% unmalted rye. It’s a big whisky, exhibiting typical rye flowers, and fruits, but especially rich in rye spices including cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. WhistlePig is a hugely voluptuous whisky that, frankly, is just a little bit rough around the edges and in need of some balancing corn or barley to broaden its palate. But here are found the typical unmalted rye nose and palate: spices first, with fruit and flowers continually poking their heads through. So rye, it seems is all about spices, fruit, and flowers.

To get a full appreciation of the effects of malting on rye grain, the tasters next sampled Lot 40 from Corby Distillers. Lot 40, which has been off the market since the late 1990s, is distilled in a copper pot still at Hiram Walker’s plant in Windsor using malted and unmalted rye. Yes, Lot 40 is spicy, but rather than the dominant spiciness of WhistlePig, Lot 40 exhibits more fruity and floral notes, expressing, most particularly, large and delightful aromas of lilacs and spring flowers. Sweet and rich, on the palate it tastes more than anything, like rye bread. Malting, it seems brings out the flowers.

Armed with this new-found information the group next sampled Wiser’s Legacy, a new whisky, released in 2010, but based on a century-old original J.P. Wiser recipe that incorporates both malted and unmalted rye. Wiser’s Legacy demonstrates the blender’s art at its zenith, with its enormously broad palate featuring the full rye whisky spectrum. Legacy displays unmalted rye spices directly front and centre, but also showcases the fruitiness and the floral notes that the process of malting brings to the fore.

So what else did these tastings and discussions reveal about Canadian rye? In Canada, “rye” has been synonymous with “whisky” for several centuries. Rye is the defining flavour of Canadian whisky. North Americans drink more Canadian rye whisky than all other whisky styles combined. And rye flavours can also be extracted from oak. Oh yes, and speaking of flavour, in the right hands a little rye can go a long, long way.

But will this tasting session be repeated? Not exactly. However, canadianwhisky.org will present a similar tasting in Toronto on May 14 at The Spirit of Toronto held at Roy Thomson Hall. The organizers have already lined up some very spectacular vintage Canadian ryes to tantalize your tastebuds. See you there?

For full details of the Victoria rye tasting session and to read reviews of Wiser’ Legacy, WhistlePig Rye, and Lot 40, visit www.canadianwhisky.org 

Photo credit Jen Steele The Victoria Whisky Festival

 

Jim Murray’s Whisky Swirl ~ Friday, February 4, 2011

The Whisky Guru and author of “The Whisky Bible”, Jim Murray, is returning to The Fairmont Empress for another amazing Whisky Event from 6pm – 9pm. During this inspiring 3 hour event you will have the opportunity to taste the world’s best whiskies, blend your own whisky and interact directly with this iconic man. Tickets are $95 or $76 for Friends of the Empress.

All prices noted exclude taxes and gratuities. Friends of the Empress privileges apply to all events unless otherwise stated. For reservations and information, please call (250) 389-2727 or emp.diningres@fairmont.com

Super Pour

Awaits you at the “NTH”

Super Pour

The mission of Universal Whisky Experience is to provide ultra-premium, luxury whisky enjoyment experiences. In order to ensure this level of experience, we are pleased to include your choice of one (1) pour from a range of ‘Super-Premium’ whiskies, valued at $300.00 per pour and above, in the cost of each ticket.

Dalmore Astrum (40yr) – New release for 2011, Highland Park (40yr), Glenfarclas 1966 – Single Cask exclusive to ‘Nth 2011’ show, Glenglassaugh (40yr), Glenrothes – John Ramsey (Limited release), Dalmore Aurora (45yr) – New release for 2011, Laphroaig (21yr), Ardbeg 1974 single cask, Glenfarclas (50yr) – “family cask”, Scotch Malt Whisky Society Cask  No. 1.124 (39yr) – Speyside (Very rare bottling), Benriach (40yr), Glenfiddich (40yr), Yamazaki 1984, Gold Bowmore 1964, Balvenie (40yr) – New release for 2011, The Glenlivet Cellar Collection 1964, Gordon & Macphail – Strathisla 1963

The list of available super-premium whiskies will be finalized as the 2011 Show date approaches. Please check regularly for updates.

Visit http://universalwhiskyexperience.com/ for tickets and quote code VF135890 for a 15% discount off show tickets (not including masterclases).

Pay-Weekend Trio: Explore and save up to £60

In celebration of the first pay-weekend after Christmas, we’ve put together a mouth-watering parcel at a very generous price – only £99 per parcel.

The three bottles in our Pay-Weekend Trio are sort of a mystery, we can tell you which bottles are in the parcels but we can’t tell you which one you’ll get. We like to surprise you with something wonderful (and may not have sampled).

Those of you that have bought our Mystery Parcels in the past will surely agree, they’re great value, and great for opening the eyes to new experiences – enjoy!

Your Pay-Weekend Trio may include…
– 93.40 Clay and pork sausages (Campbeltown)
– 9.53 A peppery explosion (Speyside Spey)
– 39.79 Delish! (Speyside Lossie)
– 36.48 Waves of pleasure lapping on the tongue (Speyside Spey)
– 44.46 Mouth-watering, lip-tingling, heart-warming (Speyside Spey)
– 121.37 Very tasty Danish pastry (Highland Island)

Parcels will not contain identical bottles
Offer ends: midnight on Mon 31 Jan
Online offer only

Society Tastings & Events (47 Society tastings online)

Whisky Galore with Keith Hewitt – The Vaults, Thu 3 Feb
New Outturn Open Tasting – London, Sat 5 Feb
New Outturn & Sunday Roast Tasting – The Vaults, Sun 6 Feb
New Outturn Open Tasting – London, Mon 7 Feb
New Members’ Tasting – Queen Street, Tue 8 Feb
Whisky Quiz – London, Tue 8 Feb
Penderyn Tasting – The Vaults, Fri 11 Feb
6 Nations Wales V Scotland Lunch – The Vaults, Sat 12 Feb
Valentines’ Champagne & Whisky Tasting – Queen Street, Mon 14
Dining Room Valentine Dinner – Queen Street, Mon 14 Feb
Valentine Dinner at The Vaults – The Vaults, Mon 14 Feb
Wokingham Preview Tasting – Cantley House Hotels, Fri 25 Feb
Harrogate Preview Tasting – Hotel du Vin, Fri 25 Feb
Brighton Preview Tasting – Hotel du Vin, Fri 25 Feb
6 Nations Ireland V Scotland Lunch – The Vaults, Sun 27 Feb

Share your adventure with a friend

“Friends are the chocolate chips in the cookie of life”

Recommend a friend to the Society – we’ll reward you a £15 e-voucher for every friend that joins.  You can use your e-voucher online against any of our whisky, tasting tickets or even your membership renewal. 

There’s no limited to the number of friends you can recommend so spread the word and start saving!  http://www.smws.co.uk/your-society-adventure/share-adventure?afc=PromoteIT_373158

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society,
The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ
Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm).

Visit the Society at http://www.smws.co.uk/memberships for your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers.

The next Whisky dinner at Malmaison Aberdeen has just  been confirmed as Glenfarclas, 3rd of March at 7.30pm, £60pp for four courses including whisky,  The evening will be hosted by the Brand Ambassador for Glenfarclas, Mr George Grant. Contact Bar Manager Bernt Staber bstaber@malmaison.com for further information and reservations.

Single Malt Scotch Tasting with Ian Baxter Thursday, Jan. 27th. 4:30 or 6:00P.M.

Joe writes,

Please look at the time change on the first tasting. If you’re attendin the 6:00 P.M. tasting please do not show up before 10 Minutes of 6:00. Thank You!!!!

Ian Baxter, the marketing director for Inverhouse, will taste single malts from three of their distilleries: Balblair, Old Pultney and anCnoc (Knockdhu Distillery). Old Pultney is probably the best known in the U.S but all these distilleries produce wonderful malts that should be seen by many more single malt fans. This is a tasting that we have been trying to work for well over a year because they’re all very good malts that not many customers know. They show very good value. Nothing less should coax you out on a cold winter evening. Take a little time for you. Bring a friend, a co worker, your boss, or just come yourself. We may have a belated Birthday Toast for Robbie Burns. 4:30 P.M. or 6:00 P.M.

Balblair 1997 (12 Y.O.) 43% Hints of oak, spice and raisin combine with the sweetness of vanilla to create a long, lingering, creamy smooth finish on the palate.

Regularly: $59.99 Sale: $51.99

Balblair 1991 (18Y.O.)43% Rich with vanilla, coconut cream, citrus (orange, tangerine), pineapple, and sultana. A soothing mouth-coating texture lingers, with some polished oak on the finish

Regularly: $142.99 Sale: $129.99

anCnoc 12 Y.O. 43% Sweet to start with a fresh appetizing fruitiness and a long smooth finish.

Regularly: $47.99 Sale: $39.99

anCnoc 16 Y.O. 46% Light and zesty with a hint of spice, warming up to what can only be described as “stick to your teeth” toffee. A long and lingering finish leaving you ready for the next sip. A very moorish whisky.

Regularly: $67.99 Sale: $59.99

Old Pultney 12 Y.O. 43% Dry, medium bodied and smooth with a clean finish; faintly salty with a slight sherry note.

Regularly: $47.99 Sale: $41.99

Old Pultney 17 Y.O. 43% Full bodied, with hints of vanilla and floral notes in the backround; a long-lasting, memorable finish.

Regularly: $104.99 Sale: $92.99

Old Pultney 21 Y.O. 43% Sweet to start with a light fruitiness; hints of honey and vanilla followed by a dry finish.

Regularly: $134.99 Sale: $119.99

Sale Pricing ends Feb. 2nd. 2011

Please pass this on to any friends who are scotch enthusiasts.

Joe Howell
Federal Wine & Spirits

——————————————————————————–

Email: joe@federalwine.com
Phone: 617-367-8605
Web: http://www.federalwine.com/

Whisky at the Wick : The Macallan Weekend Package

A pure single malt enjoyed in a pristine setting…

You may have noticed that we love our single-malt whisky, especially when it’s The Macallan, steeped in tradition – and matured in Oak Sherry casks from Spain. Whisky lovers, join us in this weekend homage to one of the finest single malts in the world!

·         Two nights accommodation for two in your preferred room type,

·         Saturday, March 5th tasting with J. Wheelock, the Canadian Brand Ambassador of Macallan Whisky. Tasting will include 5 premium Macallan Whiskies and canapés. Showcased whiskies are:

·         Macallan 10 year,

·         Macallan 12 year,

·         Macallan 15 year,

·         Macallan 18 year,

·         Macallan 21 year (a range of Fine Oak and Sherry Oak aged whiskies).

·         Saturday March 5th Four Course Scottish Themed tasting menu dinner for two, served with selected BC wine pairings and special whisky dessert pairing, and an old and rare vintage Macallan night cap for two,

·         Complimentary valet parking

·         Please note that rates are based on double occupancy.

·         This package with deluxe room accommodations ranges from $1,189.11 to $1,516.16

·         This package with suite accommodations ranges from $1,429.11 to $2,647.14

Book online http://www.wickinn.com/booknow.html , email or Call us at 1.800.333.4604 to reserve!

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival

Tickets for the 2011 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival went on sale last weekend. Whilst one of our events has already sold out, places are still available for the following;

Friday 29th April 2011 15.00 – 17.00
Glenfarclas Tour & Tasting
Enjoy an in-depth tour of family owned Glenfarclas Distillery, after which Robert Ransom will introduce you to a selection of five of his favourite expressions of award winning Glenfarclas Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
£18.00 per person
To book click here.

Saturday 30th April 2011 11.00 – 13.00
Your Choice – Glenfarclas Tour & Tasting
Enjoy a tour of Family owned Glenfarclas, after which Ian McWilliam will introduce you to a selection of four of his favourite expressions of Glenfarclas. To finish, one of The Family Casks. Which one? You choose! The Family Casks is a unique collection of Single Cask whisky, with at least one cask available for every year from 1953 to 1995. Everyone has a special year, now it’s your chance to sample whisky from that year!
£35.00 per person
To book click here.

Saturday 30th April 2011 15.00 – 17.00
Glenfarclas Tasting at the Mash Tun, Aberlour
Join George Grant for an informal Glenfarclas tasting at the Mash Tun Pub.
£20.00 per person
To book click here.

Sunday 1st May 2011 14.00 – 16.00
Historic Drams – Glenfarclas Tour & Tasting
Historic drams, in celebration of the 175th anniversary. A tour of the distillery followed by a tasting of 5 whiskies from significant years in the long history of Glenfarclas. Sadly we are unable to offer any whisky from 1836, but Kate Wright will introduce you to five fantastic single cask bottlings covering 5 different decades, from The Family Casks collection. To finish the limited edition bottling created to celebrate our 175th Anniversary.
£40.00 per person
To book click here.

Sunday 1st May 2011 19.00 – 22.00
Glenfarclas Dinner at Craggan Mill Restaurant, Grantown-on-Spey
Enjoy a four course Glenfarclas Whisky Dinner at Craggan Mill Restaurant, Grantown-on-Spey. Graham Harvey and Sheila McConachie, chef/patrons of Craggan Mill, and co-authors of the award winning book The Whisky Kitchen, will present a four course dinner, with each course inspired by an expression of Glenfarclas. To start, the Velouté of Haggis with Glenfarclas 15 Years Old, which featured in Graham’s winning menu for the 2007 Spirit of Speyside Chef Competition. Robert Ransom, Director of Sales & Marketing, of family owned Glenfarclas, will introduce an expression of Glenfarclas to accompany each course, to include a limited edition of Glenfarclas, bottled to celebrate the distillery’s 175th anniversary.
£57.00 per person
To book click here.

Monday 2nd May 2011 10.00 -12.00
The Family Casks – Help choose the 1996 bottling
The Family Casks are a unique collection of single casks whiskies, with at least one cask bottled for every year from 1952 to 1995. To select the casks for each year, George Grant has nosed over 200 different casks. Now he would like you to assist in selecting the cask for the 1996 vintage to add to the collection. After a tour of the distillery, and a tasting of a selection of The Family Casks, George Grant will introduce a short list of 1996 cask samples, for you to nose, taste, comment on and then vote on. The chosen cask will then go forward for bottling, to be released for sale later in the year.
£38.00 per person
To book click here.

We look forward to welcoming you to Speyside.

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

MACALLAN SCOTCH SEMINAR

Friday, January 28, 6:30-8:00pm

Join Stephanie Ridgway, Brand Ambassador for Macallan Scotch, in this fun and informative sit down seminar. Stephanie will share her expert information on Macallan, as well as taste out the 10 year Fine Oak, 12 year, 15 year fine Oak, 17 year Fine Oak, 18 year and the 21 year Fine Oak. Space is extremely limited and reservations are required. $10 W/Binny’s Card / $15 non-members.

Call 847-831-5400 or email highlandpark@binnys.com for reservations.
Highland Park Store 
153 Skokie Valley Highway | Highland Park | 847-831-5400