The IWSC Group is excited to announce the next stage in the development of its whisky business in the US market.

With the shared goal of fostering broader and deeper appreciation of the world of whisky and to strengthen the reach and consumer engagement of our two Whisky brands: Whiskies of the World and The Whisky Extravaganza, we are pleased to announce as of January 2020 we will bring these two great brands together. Creating the foremost whisky tour in the country (with events in 15 major cities in 2020) and delivering even more educational and intense sensory perception opportunities for whisky brands to connect with whisky enthusiasts across the U.S.

The two programs will become one under the Whiskies of the World (WOW) brand and will now be managed and produced by Agency 21 Consulting, the leading culinary events agency and experiential marketing firm in North America.

Over the past two decades, both The Whisky Extravaganza and Whiskies of the World (WOW) have engaged thousands of consumers and have showcased hundreds of brands, offering guests from coast to coast the opportunity to taste superlative whiskies and to meet the outstanding personalities of the whisky world. In combining their teams, into a single powerhouse tour WOW will bring their individual strengths together to create an enhanced experience for both brands and consumers with the leading events in the nation.

“This would have not been possible without the incredible support of our whisky aficionados and loyal partners year after year,” said Brett Friedman, CEO of Agency 21 Consulting. “We’re are excited to formally merge these two iconic brands and establish the premiere whisky tour in the country.” The event will continue to offer whisky enthusiasts from the novice to the connoisseur the opportunity to explore some of the most prestigious whiskies from around the world, while also growing stronger with more fans and brands at the new-and-improved Whiskies of the World.”

“I’m thrilled to now be working with the team from Whisky Extravaganza so we can add a new level of consumer experience to all of the events and reach a wider audience” – Douglas Smith, Director of Whiskies of the World.

The new-and-improved Whiskies of the World “WOW” tour’s full schedule and city lineup will be announced in January 2020. Please visit https://whiskiesoftheworld.com to learn more.

ABOUT WHISKIES OF THE WORLD:

As one of the largest whisky tasting events in the US, Whiskies of the World (WOW) gathers over 200 of the most fascinating distilled spirits from around the globe, along with their makers and ambassadors, to give its guests an unforgettable tasting experience. Originating in San Francisco, Whiskies of the World features a diverse portfolio of whiskies from around the world including, Scotland, Ireland, the USA, Canada, Japan and Australia. The event platform is to bring educational and intense sensory perception opportunities to whisky enthusiasts across the U.S. The Whisky Extravaganza will be merging with IWSC’s Whiskies of the World to create the foremost Whisky tour in the country, traveling to 15 major cities for 2020. Over the past two decades, both The Whisky Extravaganza and Whiskies of the World have engaged thousands of consumers and have showcased hundreds of brands, offering guests from coast to coast the opportunity to taste superlative whiskies and to meet the outstanding personalities of the whisky world. In combining their teams into a single powerhouse tour, WOW will merge their individual strengths to forge an enhanced brand and consumer experience for the premier national whisky festivals.

ABOUT AGENCY 21 CONSULTING:

Founded in 2006, Agency 21 Consulting is a dynamic, full-service events and marketing agency, specializing in event management, corporate sales and fulfillment, brand activations and experiences. Headquartered in Miami, with a staff of more than 20 in offices throughout New York, Atlanta, Houston, and Dallas, the company is leading the way in its field, elegantly marrying brand integration, event production and smart marketing strategies. Agency 21’s portfolio includes nationally recognized culinary events and festivals across the country ranging from Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach & New York Wine & Food Festivals and the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival to Cochon555/ Heritage Fire Tour, Nirvana Food & Wine Festival and Whiskies of the World Tour, among others

Discover ‘The Whiskiest Place’ with Glen Scotia

Discover Campbeltown with Glen Scotia. Sometimes a forgotten fifth whisky region of Scotland, it was actually the whisky capital of the world once upon a time- the original whisky region or rather ‘the whiskiest place’, boasting over 30 distilleries.

It’s time to put Campbeltown back on the map with the stunning whiskies coming from Glen Scotia. 

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The first Outturn of the year not only brings some inspired drinking, as we celebrate our Scottish culture and heritage, it’s the first release of our new-look bottle. January Outturn is available to read online now, ahead of the full release at 9am on Friday, 10 January.

Browse the new bottling list, decide on what bottles to buy and get in touch this Friday with your order. For those who can’t wait until then, we’ve released six preview bottlings for inspiration. Only a limited number are available, be quick and order now.

READ OUTTURN

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 here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

A Beautifully Sherried Single Malt—A Hard to Find Gem
2007 Glenlivet 12 Year Old “Signatory Unchillfiltered Collection” 1st Fill Single Sherry Butt Cask Strength Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($99.99)
“An absolutely dreamy cask of ‘Livet” — David Othenin-Girard, K&L SoCal Spirits Buyer

This first fill sherry cask of Glenlivet 12 has it all—power, range, personality, and an unmistakable oloroso influence. We don’t see many single casks from Glenlivet, so when one this compelling comes along, we know to act. We’ve had one success after another with these exclusive barrels from Signatory, and this counts among our biggest triumphs. It’s extra special because of how deftly the sherry flavors pair with the exceptional quality of Glenlivet’s malt. As the tasting notes below reveal, it is a deeply exotic bottling, while remaining refined and elegant. This 12-year-old will have you coming back to your glass again and again, as there’s simply so much to savor. Glenlivets this rare and exceptionally well made routinely cost upwards of $300, but as we are bringing it in direct, we are able to offer it for a mere $100. This is a lot of whisky for the price and is handily among our top finds of 2019. Its sister cask sold out in a matter of hours, and we expect this one to move at an equal pace. Don’t miss out on this inspirational Scotch.

2007 Glenlivet 12 Year Old “Signatory Unchillfiltered Collection” 1st Fill Single Sherry Butt Cask Strength Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($99.99)

For those who’ve been paying attention for the last decade or so, you’ll know that we’ve had some pretty incredible success with Signatory. Likely the most requested and reminisced about product from them was a series of heavily sherried Glenlivets we bottled nearly four years ago. Those stupendous casks from this blue chip distillery were really quite rare, and have become legends. But the quality of those incredible offerings and their scarcity resulted in an absolute explosion in their price. What we once stocked for under $100, now were pushing $300. So, we waited. And waited. Finally, nearly four years after our last cask was bottled, we stumbled upon this set of wonderful Glenlivets in the Signatory warehouse. Distilled on April 10th of 2007, this malt was filled into the highest quality sherry casks. Despite the availability of the standard releases, single casks of Glenlivet are a rarity on the market today. Because the distillery needs almost every drop they produce, there’s no need for them to trade or divest stocks to their competitors, as so many other distillers in Scotland do. But what’s shocking is that they’d ever let go of these stupendous casks at all. We are extremely lucky to have access to this incredibly high-quality malt, and this little 12-year-old might turn out to be the cask of the whisky season. Yes, you pay a little premium for Signatory, but it’s damn worth it every time. Sherry lovers rejoice!

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 23, 2019

Sister cask to the 2006 Glenlivet that we sold out of almost instantly just a few weeks ago. I’d have to say this is the big sister despite being just a touch younger. Not big and brash like its sibling, but much more mature and refined (I’m basing this assumption on my relationship with my older sister). Intensely sherried, but just another example of how varied sherry casks can truly be. This is more butter cream and candy corn than chocolate and toffee. Fresh orange peel rather than burnt, zippy even. Rich malt forms the core of the whisky, but is wrapped in layer after layer of creamy nut butter, figs, and desert fruits. It’s basically a scent journey to the market in Marrakesh where baskets upon baskets of dried figs, dates, and oranges mingle with saffron, turmeric, teas and other exotic spices. If you liked the first barrel you owe it to yourself to get a bottle of this one, as it’s the perfect foil. Same same, but different. And different in all the right ways.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 21, 2019

Another absolutely spot on cask of Glenlivet aged for 12 perfect years in 1st fill sherry. Here we have a relatively different style than the last cask which had much more coffee, toffee and astringent oak. The nose on this pristine barrel is pure buttery oloroso, vanilla extract, nutty dried plums and apricots. Again on the palate it’s big but sweeter and rounder than the last cask. It still absolutely loves water. With water now we’re approaching the absolute limits of finesse. Aromas of exotic teas, candied sultanas, expensive spices, cigar box, roasted dark malt and a bold spice that perks up in the back end. While this one loves water like its sibling, here we only need a tiny splash and ten minutes with air to achieve full potential. An absolutely dreamy cask of ‘Livet that acts as a lovely counterpoint to the previous barrel.

Andrew Tobin | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 02, 2019

What an outstanding sherry cask Scotch! Rich and lush on the nose with notes of plum and dates, hazelnut chocolate, and a hint of caramel. The palate does not feel like 125.8 proof at all, definitely warm but very balanced. The fruit lingers, the malt is well integrated with the sweeter notes, and the finish is long and intense. This has to be one of the best single casks we have gotten in recently and I can’t imagine it will last very long!

Jackson Lee | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 01, 2019

I immediately checked the pricing on this bottle once I got it into my glass and began to explore. I was hit, unmistakably by buttered rum raisin ice cream drizzled with chocolate syrup. After that, white sage and candied plum became apparent with the influence of the sherry butt. A single droplet hit my tongue and there was a sudden explosion of flavor and texture that emanated to every corner of my mouth. Golden raisins and dried cherries combined with salted toffee rode atop a soft, silky wave that seemed to break for miles. The finish saw notes of marzipan and raspberry Jolly Rancher and five minutes later, it was still changing; I can’t say enough good things about this bottling and at this price point, I’ll be picking up a bottle or two myself.

Neal Fischer | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 29, 2019

Butter. Scotch. Butterscotch. The sherry influence is powerful here, but not in the same way as our last Glenlivet single cask. The nose drips with butterscotch, honey, dark caramel, saltiness, and dried fruits. Red fruit flavors come out more on the palate with a little tobacco and spice box, too. With a few drops of water, the sherry flavors come out even more, if you can believe it. This Scotch is a totes sherry bomb, made for lovers of that style.

Tim Telli | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 26, 2019

This whisky has an extremely dark color from the first-fill sherry cask aging. There are all kinds of complex flavors, and a nose of honey and dried citrus fruits. Lovely and intense with a long lingering caramel finish. Roasted coffee beans and toffee round it out. Tastes older than 12 years. Only 561 bottles filled.

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 22, 2019

Sherry aged single malts are very popular at k&L and this bottling should please fans of this style of whiskey. The sherry influence is pronounced, helping make this a juicy and rich offering. The sherry aging comes through in the nose giving dried fruit and sherry aromas. In the mouth this Glenlivet is full bodied and lusty with the dried fruit and nut flavors dominating. There is a long finish. If you are thinking about buying this product I suggest that you do is sooner than later because in the past similar offerings have sold out quickly.

Will Blakely | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 20, 2019

I didn’t know it was possible, but this bottling is actually slightly better than the last. For starters, the nose is more complex with persimmon skin, sultana, mandarin zest and beatiful roasted barley. Rather than just fudge and coffee, the palate also shows signs of creme brulee, toasted wheat, marzipan and marmalade. The sherry, ever-present, adds candied nuts and a hint of salinity, but all perfectly balanced. Then I added a splash of water, and everything changed; the aromas tended even more sweet – wild honey, sticky toffee, almond roca – but the savory character of the malt and sherry really came alive on the palate. The espresso tone came to the forefront, coupled with walnuts and dark, burnt sugar. With such intense and dynamic flavors, any fan of single malt should be looking to pick up a bottle, let alone the sherry lovers.

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– Glen Elgin 2011 –
Aged 8 Years

Distilled 9.3.2011 – Bottled 20.11.2019 – 56.9%vol – Cask No. 801801 – 317 bottles

We are really excited to have a brand new bottling ready for you just in time for Christmas!

A beautiful honey rich 8 YO Glen Elgin.  For a modest maturation we think this whisky has gained superb colour and character.  This probably has something to do with the Re-Charred Hogshead that it was aged in.  Re-Charred casks (which bourbon whisky has to be filled into) provides strong honey and caramel flavours throughout the maturation process.  The overall profile of this 8 year old Glen Elgin definitely shows evidence of this but it is also nicely balanced with banana fruit and cereals.

£45

Free, Next Day Delivery.

Celebrate the New Year with Johnnie Walker
Blue Label – Year of the Rat

This limited edition blended Scotch whisky celebrates Chinese New Year 2020 and the Year of the Rat. Featuring a beautiful illustration by artist Shirley Gong, this expression is the perfect gift for Chinese New Year!

Crafted with single malt and grain whiskies from across Scotland – including Caol Isla, Benrinnes, Cardhu, Clynelish, and the ghost whisky of Port Dundas – this limited edition of Johnnie Walker Blue Label is bottled at 40% abv with each bottle individually numbered.

£200.00

Pre-order

WATCH THIS SPACE: JANUARY OUTTURN WILL BE RELEASED NEXT FRIDAY (January 10th) TO GIVE US ALL TIME TO RECOVER FROM THE HOLIDAYS

So what changes are you planning to make in your life in 2020? Whatever you’ve put on your list of resolutions, we trust that savouring Society whisky is still going to play an important part in your activities. With that in mind, we thought we’d help to inspire you with some flavour profile-based suggestions.

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 here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

A Stellar New Cask at a Strikingly Low Price
2010 Caol Ila 8 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Refill Hogshead Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($59.99)
“We love young Caol Ila…this stellar barrel ranks up right up
there with any of the great young ones we’ve done.” — David Othenin-Girard

There’s no Scotch quite as pleasing and satisfying as a young Caol Ila. This 8-year-old rendition makes the case that Caol offers the best “bang for your buck” in terms of Islay drams. While Caol Ila may not command the same level of interest as Ardbeg or Laphroaig, that doesn’t mean they aren’t crafting spirits that are every bit as compelling. This refill hogshead cask is about as classic Caol Ila as you get. Its sweet malt flavors are accented by a delightful maritime influence, wisps of smoke, and just the right amount of savory spice. Our last cask of Caol Ila flew out of the door at $70 and here we have this one at $59.99. This is an outstanding value for a Scotch of this caliber. We’ve had some pretty spectacular single malts this season, but this bottling might be the best deal going. If you love the peated, sea-influenced single malts from Islay, then you simply must add this charming rendition to your cart.

2010 Caol Ila 8 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Refill Hogshead Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($59.99)

Caol Ila is finally starting to get the credit it deserves in the wider whisky drinking world. Despite the extremely limited attention its owners give to the brand, we’ve seen a great number of casual drinkers begin to associate the name (however difficult it is to pronounce correctly), with excellent balanced peated malt. We’re always on the hunt for Islay’s other distillery both young and old, but we’re often seeing the prices exceeding the market’s threshold. While the quality is excellent nearly across the board, it remains true that Caol Ila doesn’t hold the weight that Laphroaig or Ardbeg might. We’d have written it off after the recent price increases were it not for the wonderful series of casks that we’ve managed to acquire from the Laing Brothers. Hopefully, it won’t stop any time soon. What’s particularly encouraging with regards to these casks is that their cost has gone down over the years, a rare occasion for any single malt. Part of this is due to the exchange rate and another part just thanks to our good negotiating skills, but it seems they’ve had good access to these stocks and so that means there’s room to play with the prices. We had no trouble moving last year’s cask of gorgeous smoldering young Caol Ila at $70. This particular cask on paper is nearly identical, but a solid 15% cheaper. The style here remains altogether coastal with tons of saltiness, sweet fruit, savory smoke and an unctuous maltiness. Easily the best value peater in the shop right now..

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 21, 2019

The excellent quality of the spirit coming out of Caol Ila is well known to the whisky drinking world, but the wider community of drinkers is lucky to try the distillery bottlings as they’ve become relatively difficult to get and seem to be constantly out of stock at the distillery. We love young Caol Ila and have bottled casks as young as 5 years old and this stellar barrel ranks up right up there with any of the great young ones we’ve done. Somehow we were able to get the price down, despite all the craziness of tariffs and other complications, and this Caol Ila is absolutely singing at $60. The nose starts with pure peat, freshly cut. Oceany, but not too much sea spray, more as if you’re sitting on a rocky beach on a very calm bay. Seaweed and driftwood. Some sweet candied elements keep it festive. The palate starts very mossy. Sweet germinating malt, strong black pepper, savory sweet seaweed candy, earthy damp wood. With water we get saltier and the peat takes over from the seaweed. An underwater adventure in your glass.

‘Old’ and ‘rare’ doesn’t always have to mean ‘expensive’. From recently discontinued bottles and older presentations to forgotten vintages, interesting blends and small batches from days gone by, we’ve a veritable treasure trove of old, interesting and rarely-seen bottles. Come and have a look around!

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