We’re at the top of the class for taste this month. Toffee, baked apples, fudge, candy floss, pipe tobacco, salted caramel and honey on a stave all add up to an A+!

CASK No. 48.56  POPCORN IN A SAUNA

13 years old; 1st fill barrel; 56.3%; Juicy, oak & vanilla

Peachy perfume to start then a cinema foyer with popcorn and toffee with hazelnuts. Orange ice cream, lemon and sherbet on the palate. On reduction – Belgian waffles and chocolate milk, then hot pine wood and plenty of popcorn. A well balanced spicy and sweet finish.

CASK No. 50.68  ORANGE EXPOSITION

25 years old; refill barrel; 57.3%; Spicy & sweet

Orange oil, custard on baked apples and a touch of noble rot.  To taste, icing-covered biscuits, hazelnuts and honey.  Water brings spearmint chewing gum and pleasant solvent notes (acteone, airfix glue), apricot yogurt. Orange oil, orange muscat, emulsion paint and chocolate oranges.

CASK No. 73.71  A SCENE FROM MADEIRA

14 years old; refill butt; 55.5%; Spicy & sweet

The nose offers sweet treats (coconut macaroons, walnut fudge, honey cake, custard creams) on a wooden table, with flowers. The palate has mouth-flooding sweetness (apple strudel, cinnamon swirls, maple and pecan Danish) with a delayed spicy, ginger, chili kick.

CASK No. 71.41  CURIOUS AND INTRIGUING

17 years old; refill gorda; 57.2%; Deep, rich & dried fruits

An intriguing nose – spiced toffee apples, figs, fudge and old wood; dried flowers, rich sherry and treacle. The palate has menthol and eucalyptus, burnt toffee and beetroot crisps – pleasantly woody, acceptably earthy and sweet as candy floss.

CASK No. 66.72  PAGAN FEASTING ROUND THE FIRE

11 years old; refill barrel; 58.9%; Oily & coastal

Flaxen haired maidens with narcissi wreaths carrying dripping tallow candles. Kaffebröd (cardamom and fennel) with French salted butter. Sweet pipe tobacco and creosote. Grilled Portobello mushrooms with ham on toast. Corn cakes wrapped in an oily rag. Roasted chestnuts. Spellbinding.

CASK No. 29.178  BEE-SMOKER ON A PEBBLE BEACH

20 years old; refill barrel; 55%; Peated

Something of the sea on the nose – fresh oysters, boat-decks, dried seaweed, a pebble beach – also gooseberry, lemon, salted caramel and bubble-gum bonbons. The palate is deliciously smoky, salty and floral (lavender, sherbet straws, earthy spices, coal-dust, honey on a stave).

SMWS Canada

SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

SPECIALLY SELECTED BY

EXCLUSIVELY FOR ALBERTA

Distilled at INCHGOWER

Tasting Notes by Andrew Ferguson of Kensington Wine Market

Nose: Butter and eggs whipped with brown sugar; dulce de leche, subtle leather, fresh sliced lemons, lightly perfumed French soap and dewy botanical gardens; soft, elegant and oaky; sea breeze on a warm day.

Palate: Big, rich, creamy, maritime and toasty with building spices, leather, dark sugars and earthy tones; still buttery and sugary, a little like raw cookie dough, leather and tobacco develop with tart lemon and sour orange; coffee bean, slightly burnt raisins, licorice and treacle; christmas cake and tobacco emerge with time.

Finish: long, warming and spicy; the treacle and licorice linger longest with some leather and tobacco.

Comment: Inchgower is typically a big, muscular malt, with Maritime hints owing to its coastal location; this one highlights those features with a touch of finesse

SKU: 781808

ALC/VOL: 50.0%

Photo: Moraine Lake, AB

www.fountanabeverage.com/

Early August 2016 Offerings

Cask No. 71.42 $150

Sinbad preparing for a journey

Speyside, Lossie

The invigorating nose gave us cinder toffee, crème brûlée, burnt sugar, maple syrup, smoky bacon crisps, pork crackling and patchouli; also something between an old-fashioned boat-builder’s yard and an Eastern rug shop – we thought of Sinbad preparing for a journey. Adding water brought Dairy Milk chocolate in a steamroller cab and an Asian dish of prunes and roast pork. The palate was big, tasty and dark – treacle cake, pancakes and bacon with maple syrup, caramel pop-corn, vanilla ice-cream, chilli chocolate, caramelized apples with pork; beef jerky and leather. In reduction – sweeter and more pleasant –tarte tatin, bacon, custard and cigars.

Drinking tip: Not an all night drinking dram – but could be very useful after chopping logs in the snow.

Colour: Treacly tan shoe polish

Cask: Refill butt

Age: 17 years

Date distilled: March 1998

Alcohol: 57.5%

USA allocation: 150 bottles

Flavour profile: Spicy & dry

*PRESIDENT’S CHOICE

Cask No. 26.106 $290

‘Say it with flowers’

Highland, Northern

The first impression is of sweet pastry – shortbread – with vanilla notes, increasingly supported by fruit cake or dried fruits steeped in tea. In time it lightens: fresh figs, melon, fresh grass, rosemary. At natural strength, the taste is heavier: herbal tea and jasmine tea, musty/waxy, nutty (macaroons, hazelnuts and almonds), flower honey. The last increases with a dash of water, becoming more waxy/oily – sunflower oil, crème Anglais, light nuts. Now the texture is soft, the taste sweet with honeycomb, then slightly bitter (edible flowers like nasturtiums) in the finish. Complex and ever-changing.

Drinking tip: For a special tea party

Colour: Imperial ivory

Cask: Refill butt

Age: 29 years

Date distilled: November 1984

Alcohol: 58.0%

USA allocation: 120 bottles

Flavour profile: Sweet, fruity & mellow

Cask No. 41.71 $115

Refreshing and lip-smackingly tasty

Speyside, Spey

The nose was sweet, creamy and fruity – wine gums, Gummi Bears, Randoms, pineapple humps, vanilla slices and donuts filled with cream and covered in chocolate. The palate was also sweet and fruity (pineapple, lemon) but our mouths were warmed by aniseed and fiery ginger beer and our curiosity aroused by perfume, quinine and lemon zest. The reduced nose kept our interest – Tangfastics, sherbet lemons, laundry, vanilla-scented candles and lemon and lime. The palate had pineapple, lemon and lime sorbet, a flake of ginger, a lemon balm leaf but still retained some yoghurt creaminess. Simple but very refreshing, perfumed and lip-smackingly tasty.

Drinking tip: A palate cleanser – or a wee treat for a relaxing summer day.

Colour: Transparent canary yellow

Cask: First-fill barrel

Age: 11 years

Date distilled: May 2004

Alcohol: 59.5%

USA allocation: 120 bottles

Flavour profile: Light & delicate

Cask No. 10.90 $95

Muckle, massive immensity of smoke

Islay

The nose chucked a muckle, massive, immeasurable immensity of peat-smoke and smouldering sawdust all over us – we also found dark toffee, grilled prawns, liquorice, American Cream Soda and a wet dog scampering through flower-beds. The palate was simply breath-taking – tar, smoke, ash and liquorice – but developing cheekily in the glass – barbecued scallops, grass, earth, stone, school cagoules and waxed jackets. The reduced nose gave us nougat, dark honey, heather and ‘Snickers in a humidor’. The palate now – no nonsense, big peat smoke – but balanced with sweetness and savoury pork crackling. Even meek peat freaks will keech their breeks for this!

Drinking tip: End of the night dram – or after Serious Exertion.

Colour: Blonde mermaid

Cask: Refill hogshead

Age: 8 years

Date distilled: December 2006

Alcohol: 61.4%

USA allocation: 60 bottles

Flavour profile: Heavily peated

For more information on the Scotch Malt Whisky Society of America please visit them at www.smws.com

Lagavulin Limited Edition – Last chance to purchase

Two very special whiskies will be arriving on the shelves of The Whisky Shop in the next two weeks and we’re giving you the chance to get a hold of a bottle before they fly off again! Commemorating two special occasions, Lagavulin 8 Year Old celebrates the distillery’s 200th Anniversary while the Dalmore Quintessence marks Master Distiller, Richard Paterson’s five decades in the industry. Both whiskies are available on a first come first served basis due to the limited nature of the release.

Free delivery on orders over £75 Worldwide delivery available

Lagavulin 8 Year Old

One of our most popular limited edition whiskies of recent times, the Lagavulin 8 Year Old marks 200 years since local farmer John Johnston founded the iconic Islay distillery.

Inspired by 19th Century whisky writer Alfred Barnard, who visited the distillery and described the “exceptionally fine” 8 year old expression of the day, this whisky is matured using a combination of European and American oak casks and is bottled at 48% abv.

£56 Pre-Order Now

J. & G. Grant are delighted to announce the arrival of the Glenfarclas 1986 Refill Sherry Butts V, which takes its place as the fifth limited edition bottling from the Family Collector Series. This expression represents the 5^th generation of the Grant family and current chairman of the distillery, John L. S Grant.

Previous Family Collector editions have spanned the generations and included vintage stocks from Fino Sherry Casks, first fill Oloroso Sherry Casks and Port Casks. The fifth addition now includes a vatting of specially selected refill Sherry Butts, adding a lighter sherry influence to this unique family collection. A small batch production of 1,094 bottles at 53.8% are to be rolled out to international markets next month.

Both John L. S Grant and his father, George S. Grant, would have watched over the filling of these casks in the 1980s. This was a significant time period in the history of the Scotch whisky industry, and also for Glenfarclas. Due to a steady over-production of whisky and falling demand many distilleries were closed, moth-balled or cut back production.

Despite these tough circumstances, in 1984, the Grant’s decided to do the exact opposite and increase production. Their decision was straightforward – “where was all the mature stock going to come from in a few years’ time?” A combination of risk taking and visionary genius, today the Grant family proudly introduce this 1986 vintage, released 30 years after its creation as a treasured collector’s edition.

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

BENROMACH REVEALS NEW DISTILLERY EXCLUSIVE 

A new Distillery Exclusive has been released by the Benromach Distillery Company Ltd, and is available exclusively at the distillery’s visitor centre.

Only 238 bottles are available and, with visitor numbers continuing to rise after the distillery’s recent refurbishment and upgrade, the team at Benromach is advising customers not to wait too long before picking up a bottle.

The first Distillery Exclusive was launched to coincide with the 2016 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival in April. Only 240 bottles of the whisky were available and it sold out within seven weeks.

Distilled in 2000 and bottled in 2016, this Distillery Exclusive is likely to prove as popular as the first release with whisky aficionados across the world. The golden whisky, cask number 757, has a sweet vanilla scent followed by a balance of tropical fruit, cocoa powder and peat smoke aromas. Its smooth but spicy flavour exudes sweet bursts of banana, mango and passionfruit, complemented by bonfire embers, leading to a smoky edge.

Benromach Distillery, based on the outskirts of Forres, was revived by the Urquhart family of Gordon & MacPhail and re-opened in 1998. Since then its handcrafted whisky has grown in popularity around the world with whisky fans keen to enjoy a classic Speyside malt that draws its influence from the Speyside whiskies of the pre 1960s.

The growth of the brand has led to expansion at the distillery, including new warehouses and a larger team. The four-star visitor centre at Benromach Distillery, open to the public throughout the year for tours and tastings, has recently upgraded its facilities. There are now three new tasting rooms for visitors to experience, while Benromach House – the old distillery manager’s house – has also been renovated to hold a new tasting room.

Distillery Manager Keith Cruickshank said: “The first Benromach Distillery Exclusive, a first fill bourbon barrel, has been thoroughly enjoyed by whisky lovers across the world.

“We’re sure the new Distillery Exclusive will be a similar success and the new facilities at the distillery certainly provide a wonderful setting for us to introduce this whisky, and the other products in our range.

“It’s a very busy and exciting time for us all here at Benromach Distillery.”

For more information on Benromach, and to explore the wide range of expressions available, please visit www.benromach.com.

RRP – £90 

Notes

Benromach Distillery

Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life when leading whisky specialists Gordon & MacPhail purchased it in 1993. The distillery was extensively re-equipped over a five-year period before it was officially opened by HRH Prince Charles in 1998.

In reopening Benromach Distillery, Gordon & MacPhail decided to create a classic Speyside single malt – a style that draws its influence from Speyside whiskies pre-1960s.

Benromach Distillery is located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres. A four-star visitor centre is open to the public throughout the year for tours and tastings. Benromach Distillery is a member of the world famous Malt Whisky Trail.

AUGUST OUTTURN: TOP CLASS FLAVOUR

This First Friday were being transported back to our school days with a nostalgic mix of retro sweeties, juicy fruits, sugary cakes, bubble-gum, ice-lollies, felt-tip pens and poster paints. August Outturn brings a fresh bunch of summertime single casks with a vibrant range of top-class flavours for you to discover.

If you need some extra help choosing your bottles this month, SMWS Ambassador Phoebe Brookes reviews her favourite casks online, visit www.smws.com/blog >

Lightly peated

29.188 Cowboy beans
Price: £77.60
BUY >

Deep, rich & dried fruits

37.78 Perfumed elegance
Price: £76.80
BUY >

Juicy, oak & vanilla

48.76 The freshness of citrus!
Price: £48.20
BUY >

7.130 Musky, floral, sweet perfumes
Price: £51.10
BUY >

G8.6 Jazzed up banana split
Price: £88.90
BUY >

Old & dignified

30.90 Lost in the dessert
Price: £98.40
BUY >

Oily & coastal

3.278 Dirty martinis in the boat shed
Price: £99.90
BUY >

Light & delicate – ONLINE ONLY

G7.11 Simple Pleasure
Price: £48.20
BUY >

Young & spritely

64.74 What afternoons are made for
Price: £60.10
BUY >

85.38 Hazelnut Iced Coffee
Price: £44.70
BUY >

77.44 Cheerful Childhood memories
Price: £60.10
BUY >

Spicy & dry

50.78 Ready…Steady…Bake
Price £137.50
BUY >

Spicy & sweet

55.39 No pussycat
Price: £69.50
BUY >

Sweet, fruity & mellow

9.109 Zingy blackcurrant cheesecake
Price: £50.20
BUY >

39.128 Back to primary school
Exclusive to August offers
BUY >

Browse Current Outturn >
Browse All Bottlings >

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

Littlemill 26 Year Old 1988 Old & Rare Exclusive

Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

$304.18

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ImpEx Cask Evolution Currently Available: 02/2016 Bourbon Barrel Cask Number: 470/2011   Strength: 60.1% ABV Distilled: 11.8.2011   Bottled: 16.5.2016

ImpEx Cask Evolution series celebrates the quality maturation process of a fantastic Scotch whisky.  The Kilchoman Bourbon Barrel is first fill and craftily chosen by Anthony Wills, Kilchoman Founder & MD.  It is truly a rarity, from its traditional floor malting to its sea flavor, and it is exclusively available in the US.  Highlights include:

• Kilchoman receives all their Bourbon Barrels whole directly to Islay.
• All of their Bourbon Barrels are sourced exclusively from Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky allowing for uniquely efficient and consistent maturation.
• Bourbon Barrels are used to mature whisky and enhance it with a flavor that can range from vanilla sweetness to Christmas cake, evoking a sense of nostalgic longing for the holidays; each person’s experience is different!

“Single Cask Single Malt is the purest representation  of any Scotch whisky, it is an unfiltered and undiluted representation of distillate and cask type.”  Anthony Wills, Founder & MD.

Tasting notes

Nose:  Peat smoke with citrus, vanilla and floral sweetness

Palate: Butterscotch, caramel, citrus sweetness and light smoke

Finish: assertive with smoky sea salt and tropical fruit

Springbank Local Barley 16yr – Springbank Distillery, located in the lesser known area of Campbeltown, is near and dear to our hearts here at The Party Source. This is the first release of two new expressions from Springbank this year, and the first general release of Local Barley since 2001. All the barley was grown just outside Campbeltown, and only 9,000 bottles were released worldwide. Showing flavors of vanilla, lemon, and honey, hints of smoke and classic Springbank earthiness, and all with a kiss of peat, this bottle is sure to impress.

www.thepartysource.com 95 Riviera Drive, Bellevue, KY 41073  (859) 291-4007