Shackleton’s Whisky – Mackinlay’s Reborn

“Men wanted for hazardous journey. Low wages, bitter cold, long hours of complete darkness. Safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in event of success.” Such was the (possibly apocryphal) advertisement with which Ernest Shackleton was said to have recruited team members for his unsuccessful Antarctic trip, which began in 1907 and ended in 1909 as …(click on the link below to read the rest of the post)…

http://tinyurl.com/TWEShackleton

Craft Distillers support Japan

A group of independent Scottish Distilleries have agreed to collaborate to produce a unique whisky and donate all proceeds to the disaster relief effort in Japan.

Each of the seven distilleries, representing the best craft producers in the Scotch whisky business, will donate a cask of their single malt that will be expertly blended to create a limited edition whisky, appropriately called the Spirit of Unity, which will never be produced again.

The connections between the malt whisky industry and Japan are strong as few consumers are as passionate about malt whisky as the Japanese and it has been a major export market for many years.

The idea came from Euan Mitchell, managing director of Isle of Arran Distillers. Mitchell explained: “Many in our industry, like me, travel regularly to Japan and have made friends and contacts with Japanese whisky enthusiasts.

“On seeing the scale and horror of the problems they are facing we were moved to help and other craft distillers immediately came onboard.”

 The distillers are Arran, BenRiach, Bladnoch, GlenDronach, Mitchell’s Glengyle, Kilchoman and Springbank. Each of them is a multiple award-winning independent business. They have never collaborated in this way and are never likely to again.

The combined contribution will produce approximately 2,000 bottles with 1,200 available in the UK.  The remainder will be shipped to Japan with some being donated for sale in New Zealand to assist with relief in the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquake.

It is expected that the release will be oversubscribed as soon as it is made available.

With the support of suppliers and partners, including retailers, a conservative estimate is that at least £50,000 will be donated to the relief effort.

Independent whisky expert David Broom comments: “This is a marvellous and compassionate response to the dreadful tragedy which has befallen Japan and is a beautifully symbolic gesture of how the craft distillers of Scotland are working together to help their friends in that country.

“What’s more, with the pedigree of the distilleries involved I know that this will be a superb whisky.

“Nothing like this has been produced before and whisky lovers around the world will be clamouring to own and taste this one-off bottling. In doing so, they will be helping aid the Japanese people.”

For whisky fans the leading producers each represent acclaimed malt whisky regions in Islands, Speyside, Highland, Islay, Campbeltown and Lowland.

The producers will offer the limited bottling available through two leading online whisky retailers; Royal Mile Whiskies and Loch Fyne Whiskies, and in their respective shops in Edinburgh & London and Inveraray.

Euan Mitchell: “Not a penny of profit will be taken from this project by any of the parties involved with the packaging being donated free of charge by Chesapeake Branded Packaging.

“The Spirit of Unity will be available in store and for despatch by the end of April with details being posted on the websites of the distillers and retailers.”

Pre-orders at £59 per bottle (+p&p) are now being taken at www.royalmilewhiskies.com and www.LFW.co.uk 

NOTES

Dave Broom is Editor-in-Chief of Whisky Magazine Japan

For more information on each producer visit their websites:

Arran Distillery: www.arranwhisky.com

BenRiach Distillery: www.benriachdistillery.co.uk

Bladnoch Distillery: www.bladnoch.co.uk

GlenDronach Distillery: www.glendronachdistillery.com

Glengyle Distillery: www.kilkerran.com

Kilchoman Distillery: www.kilchomandistillery.com

Springbank Distillery: www.springbankdistillers.com 

Royal Wedding Whisky: A Guide

So, unless you’re one of those lucky people who live in a cave or on top of a pillar of stone without access to a decent Wi-Fi signal, it’s unlikely to have escaped your attention that in a month or so’s time the UK’s first significant Royal Wedding since 1986 (or 1981 for the purists) will be hitting London… (click on the link below to read the rest of the very amusing post)…

http://tinyurl.com/royalwedding-love

Dear Customer,

The DOUGLAS brand of Malts continues to find new markets and where that happens sales have been increasing. That success allows us to expand considerably the offering we make – to a point that we have twelve (12)new bottlings to add to the price list. These include Malts from the Lowlands, Highlands, Speyside and Islay – some from Sherry casks, some from first filled Bourbons and others from refill hogsheads.

Tasting Notes follow:

DOD0160 MACALLAN 8 YEAR OLD

Style: Fresh +honeyed – spicy ginger + vanilla – sweetly malted (F)

DOD0165 AUCHENTOSHAN 10 YEAR OLD

Style: sweetly fruited – spicy & barley sugar’ed – nutty & spicy (J)

DOD0167 BRAEVAL SHERRY MATURED 11 YEAR OLD

Style: sweetly fruited – spicy & barley sugar’ed – nutty & spicy (J)

DOD0157 ROYAL BRACKLA 11 YEAR OLD

Style: clean & fruity + peated malt + warming smoke (J)

DOD0164 ABERLOUR 11 YEAR OLD

Style: clean & fresh – sweet + barley & honey – ginger-y spiced

DOD0166 BENRINNES SHERRY MATURED 12 YEAR OLD

Style: gristy & sweetly spiced – fruity (raspberries) + raisins & vanilla (F)

DOD0169 BOWMORE 12 YEAR OLD

Style: sweet & softly peated – salty & ashy + dark chocolate (F)

DOD0159 GLENROTHES 12 YEAR OLD

Style: Buttery sweet + vanilla’d – distinctly toffee’d – mellow.

DOD0168 LINKWOOD BOURBON C ASK 13 YEAR OLD

Style: sweet & fruity – macerated pears – orange bitters (J)

DOD0161 CAOL ILA 14 YEAR OLD

Style: sweet & smoky – dry ashes & beach bonfire + coffee (J)

DOD0163 CRAIGELLACHIE 14 YEAR OLD

Style: Barley sugar with citrus – plus sweet spices and light camphor. (F)

DOD0162 CLYNELISH 15 YEAR OLD

Style: cedar wood & fruit boxes – spicy caramel – toffee & coffee

Thank you for your support in the past. We will look forward to working further with you after review of this latest addition to the range when you can be assured of our best and personal attention.

All best wishes,

Fred H Laing

Visit Douglas Laing & Co. Ltd. at www.douglaslaing.com

WOODFORD RESERVE® BOURBON RELEASES 2011 KENTUCKY DERBY® BOTTLE

Chance for consumers to win VIP trip to 2012 Kentucky Derby

March 31, 2011, Louisville, KY – Woodford Reserve, the Official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby® is honoring the country’s favorite horse race with the release of the 2011 Kentucky Derby commemorative bottle. The limited-edition bottle features the artwork of award-winning artist and Virginia native Brett Amory.

Amory showcases two horses racing in those final moments towards the finish line with the only splash of color on the bottle. One can feel the intensity of the race shown by the two horses digging into the ground while dirt is tossed up in the air. The two colored horses along with their jockeys are the main feature on the bottle, standing out against a silhouette of muted browns and grays of the historic spires and fans in the background. The bottle also features Amory’s signature prominently at the bottom of the label as well as a neck-tag bearing information about him.

“The build up to the Derby is unlike any other sporting event,” says Amory.  “Louisville is absolutely transformed, and people from all over the world come to join the excitement.  I wanted to capture on canvas that one key moment they all came to see.”

The limited edition liter-size bottle will be available in early April in 42 US states at a suggested retail price of $42.99.

“The horses–what the Derby is all about–grab you on the bottle,” says Laura Petry, Woodford Reserve brand manager.  “So it is very fitting as a proud supporter of horseracing and the ‘official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby’ for the past 13 years, that Woodford Reserve is honored to be a part of the greatest two minutes in sports that takes our breath away every year.”

In addition to purchasing a true collector’s item, consumers can enter Woodford Reserve’s Kentucky Derby Sweepstakes with a chance to win a VIP trip to the 2012 Kentucky Derby. Consumers can enter by either registering their bottle’s unique number printed on the neck label, or by entering any random five digit code at www.WellCraftedDerby.com. Consumers may also enter by mail.  Upon registering they will be given a randomly-generated post position, from 1-20, for the 2011 Kentucky Derby. If the horse that starts from their assigned post position wins, he/she will be entered in the grand prize trip drawing. Official Rules are available at www.WellCraftedDerby.com.*

* NO PURCHASE NECESSARY – a purchase will not improve your chances of winning. Must be 21 or older to participate. Limit 12 entries per person and email address. Void in CA, VA and where prohibited. Other restrictions may apply.  See Official Rules for details.

Woodford Reserve also sponsors a Grade I race, the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic, which is run on Derby Day, May 7, 2011, and has become one of thoroughbred racing’s premier turf events.

 
About Brett Amory:

Descending from a long line of visual artists and musicians, Virginia native Brett Amory graduated from the renowned Academy of Art in San Francisco in 2005.  Since then his distinctive style has already earned him awards and praise at exhibitions in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and other major US cities.

About Woodford Reserve®

Woodford Reserve, the “Official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby”, is crafted at the historic Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, Kentucky – the heart of thoroughbred country. Woodford Reserve is one of the fine spirits produced and marketed by the Brown-Forman Corporation. For 140 years, Brown-Forman has enriched the experience of life by responsibly building fine quality beverage alcohol brands.  The company’s brands are supported by nearly 4,000 employees and sold in approximately 135 countries worldwide.  For more information about the company, please visit http://www.brown-forman.com, and for more information on Woodford Reserve visit www.WoodfordReserve.com.  Please enjoy your bourbon responsibly.

About Churchill Downs®:

Churchill Downs, the world’s most legendary racetrack, has conducted Thoroughbred racing and presented America’s greatest race, the Kentucky Derby, continuously since 1875.  Located in Louisville, the flagship racetrack of Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ: CHDN) also operates Trackside at Churchill Downs, which offers year-round simulcast wagering at the historic track. Churchill Downs will conduct the 137th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 7, 2011. The track’s 2011 Spring Meet is scheduled for April 30-July 4.  Churchill Downs has hosted the Breeders’ Cup World Championships a record seven times and the event will return to the track for its next renewal on Nov. 4-5. Information about Churchill Downs can be found on the Internet at www.churchilldowns.com.

Churchill Downs®, Kentucky Derby® and the Twin Spires design are registered trademarks of Churchill Downs Incorporated.

Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 45.2% Alc. by Vol., The Woodford Reserve Distillery, Versailles, KY ©2011.

April Outturn: Something magical this Easter

We’ve conjured-up another amazing batch of bottles for you to enjoy over the holiday season…

64.29 White chocolate coated lemons & limes
Speyside Lossie
£42.10 inc free p&p
Bursting with aromas of boiled sweets, strawberries, kiwi, barley sugar, lemon Pavlova, lemon & limes, soor cherries and vanilla sugar

73.41 Sweet and citric counterpoints
Speyside Spey
£47.50 inc free p&p
Black pepper and new wood, but the main character combined sweet and citric counterpoints (buttery biscuits, toffee, chocolate limes, lemons, red liquorice)

3.167 An angel in the sauna
Islay
£45.30 inc free p&p
Invigorating and calming, with aromatherapy notes of sandalwood, lavender, pine resin, rosemary and Radox combined with log fires

Easter Recommendations:
Speyside Pair
Buy 30.65 & 36.52 for £85 (save £15)

Regional Trio:
Buy 3.167, 27.89 & 73.41 for £119.50
(save £26.10)

Case Offer:
Buy 30.65, 36.52, 3.167, 27.89, 73.41  & 64.29 for £241.30
(save £50.00)

Society Tastings & Events (26 Society tastings online)

New Outturn Open Tasting – London, Mon 4 Apr
Hidden Treasure Tasting – Queen Street, Thu 7 Apr
All things whisky with Annabel – The Vaults, Tue 12 Apr
Easter Chocolate and Whisky Tasting – London, Thu 21 Apr
Easter Chocolate Tasting – The Vaults, Sun 24 Apr
Steak & Chips Tasting – The Vaults, Thu 28 Apr
A Taste of History – London, Thu 28 Apr
Newcastle Preview Tasting – Northern Counties Club, Thu 28 Apr
Glasgow Preview Tasting – Radisson Blu, Fri 29 Apr
Whisky & Cheese Tasting – Queen Street, Fri 29 Apr

Society Whisky Tastings

Whatever and wherever our tasting or event, the main focus is to give members an informal, enjoyable and relaxed night out..with a taste of the single cask good stuff!

Events range from step by step instruction in how to get the most from tasting single cask, single malt whisky to more adventurous couplings of whisky with food.

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. 

Hazelburn OB Sauternes Wood 8yo 55.9%alc.

We’re in two camps about this, not sure if we approve of such a corrupted single malts, I suspect it will be a good seller after shop tasters because of its over-the-top character and lack of subtlety. A good mate whose also embarrassing.

We’re in two camps about this, not sure if we approve of such a corrupted single malts, I suspect it will be a good seller after shop tasters because of its over-the-top character and lack of subtlety. A good mate whose also embarrassing. 

There are big, sorry – BIG emphatic esters at first, solvent and cooked fruit, fragile in the face of water. In the mouth it’s loud, foul-mouthed and very entertaining because of the complete absence of any subtlety; sulphury, tannic, chocolate, both sweet and bitter. A linctus, Sauternes – yes but the brown sauce style of Sauternes (brown bag Sauternes?).

Long finish, but with a mate like that there’s bound to be some clearing up.

If you’re a big, cask strength, heavy sherry, fan you will enjoy this immensely.

Very rich, no smoke and no delicacy, square J5 on the Flavour Map; Rich

Hazelburn Sauternes Wood 8 year old

Price excluding VAT: £41.83
£50.20 Including VAT at 20%

A Big “Oink-Out” To My Fellow Scotch Lovers –

This weeks search for an amazing whisky takes us to the Green Mountains of Shoreham Vermont, home of Whistle Pig farm distillery, where they hand-bottle WhistlePig “100/100” Straight Rye Whiskey.

I’ll admit that, prior to tasting WhistlePig, the best rye I’d ever had was north and south of about a quarter pound of pastrami, with russian dressing oozing out of the side.  I’ve never been a big rye drinker, but after a few swigs of The Pig, I am quickly becoming a convert.  

WhistlePig “100/100” is a 100 proof, 100 percent rye whiskey, aged for at least ten years in new American oak barrels. It was released in the summer of 2010 to great critical acclaim, and has received numerous distinctions such as the “highest ever” designation from Wine Enthusiast and “highest recommendation” from Paul Pacult’s Spirits Journal.

I urge you to give WhistlePig Straight Rye Whiskey a try. It will challenge everything you’ve ever thought about rye whiskey, and leave you squealing with happiness (sorry…just couldn’t resist).  

And one last reminder for those of you in the New York City or who are looking for a great reason to visit, I urge you to attend this years Whisky Live New York 2011 on April 6th at Pier 60/ Chelsea Piers. ForScotchLovers will be there again this year, and we offer you great discounts on tickets (see below).

If you’ll attend Whisky Live New York, please stop by our booth and say hello.

Doug Stone

Founder

Visit  www.ForScotchLovers.com to buy Whistle Pig Canadian Whisky

WHISTLE PIG “100/100” STRAIGHT RYE WHISKEY

WHISTLEPIG REVIEW – by JOHN HANSEL of   THE MALT ADVOCATE 

Imported from Canada (which suggests that maybe this whiskey was originally intended to be the “flavoring” component of a Canadian whiskey?) and bottled in Vermont. This is 100% rye whiskey (much higher than other traditional straight rye whiskeys). Indeed, this whiskey bleeds spices (especially brisk mint, vibrant clove, and teasing nutmeg), but there’s a rich, sweet foundation to balance it all (honeyed vanilla, caramel, butterscotch, and nutty toffee), along with candied citrus and charcoal. Bold, spicy, nutty toffee, butterscotch finish. Very distinctive.

Malt Advocate magazine rating: 89
 
THE WHISTLEPIG STORY  

WhistlePig Whiskey is located on one of the oldest farms in Vermont. Cultivation began (t)here in the early 19th century in what was then known as the hamlet Shaksboro. The farm remained in operation until 2006 when it was purchased and renamed by WhistlePig’s founder Raj Peter Bhakta. WhistlePig Farm is being loving restored, a slow and painstaking process, to undertake the noble task of producing the finest whiskies in the world.

WhistlePig’s Master Distiller, Dave Pickerell, a luminary in the world of whiskey, is one of the nation’s preeminent master distillers. Before joining WhistlePig, Dave spent 14 years in crafting Maker’s Mark in Loretto, Kentucky.

Dave spent over a year on an exhaustive search of North America for the best rye whiskey in the world. Dave feels that “100/100” embodies the perfect combination of proof, purity, and age — hitting what he calls “the sweet spot” in all three categories.

GREETINGS Spiritual Enthusiasts,

Lincoln Henderson has created the biggest buzz in Bourbon in nearly 200 years and today you’ll have the chance to be one of the first people to lay your hands on this coveted and highly anticipated Bourbon. What’s so unique about Angels Envy? This Bourbon has been finished in Port Casks, which Malt Advocate and the Bourbon Review identify as one of the top spirits release of the year.

We are proudly offering this latest release from Bourbon legend, Lincoln Henderson. Angels Envy will be available Saturday, April 2, 2011 at 8:00 am.

The Party Source is proud to carry a limited selection of this special bottling. Due to the intense demand, there is a strict limit of one (1) bottle per customers with availability on a first come, first served basis. No reservations will be accepted.

WHAT: Initial Release of Angels Envy
WHERE: The Party Source
WHEN: Saturday, April 2, 2011 at 8:00 am
PRICE: $42.99

Your Spiritual Advisors @ The Party Source

Help yourself to our top shelf

Everything but…the Guests!

Visit The Party Source at www.thepartysource.com

Special commemorative bottling of a truly unique blended whisky liquid.

Faithful reproduction of the actual Mackinlay’s whisky taken on the ill-fated Shackleton Antarctic expedition to the South pole in 1907. Presented in a replica bottle and wooden case – just as Shackleton left it.

“The most exciting find of scotch whisky since days began”

Tasting notes:

Colour –

Light honey, straw gold with shimmering highlights.

Nose –

Soft, elegant & refined. Delicate aromas of crushed apple, pear and fresh pineapple arouse the senses. The spirit is exciting and vibrant with attractive notes of oak shavings that release hints of buttery vanilla, creamy caramel and nutmeg. A whisper of marmalade, cinnamon and even a tease of smoke, ginger and muscovado sugar completes this spectrum of delight.

Taste –

With a generous strength of 47.3% this gives the spirit plenty of impact on the palate but in a mild warming manner. Harmonious and exhilarating. Whispers of gentle bonfire smoke slowly give way to spicy rich toffee, treacle and pecan nuts. These enticing flavours linger lovingly on the palate but are soon combined by a sensual, complex array of creme brulee, orange rind and freshly baked bread. It is a remarkable tapestry of tantalising taste sensations which truly rewards the palate

 £100.00 inc VAT at http://www.singlemaltsdirect.com/shackleton-mackinlay-s-rare-old-highland-malt.html