Springbank Society Newsletter

May 2016

Dear Society Members,

I hope you are all well and those of you who are attending Campbeltown Malts Festival…Did you know? It’s less than 3 weeks to go! Official posters for the festival will be uploaded to social media sites next week so keep an eye out!  Here are a list of events that still have limited spaces available, get booking with mairi@springbankwhisky.com ;

Thursday 19th May 2016

12:45pm – Kilkerran Mini Masterclass: Trio of Single Casks (£15)

Friday 20th May 2016

2pm – Kilkerran Question & Answer Session with expert panel (£10)

Springbank Open Day Bottlings 

We have three exciting bottlings which will be bottled especially for Springbank Open Day 2016.

• The first will be a Springbank Aged 9 Years which has been matured in a Refill Marsala Hogshead, bottled at 58.7% with only 276 bottles available. This will retail at £50.00 on the day.
• The second will be a special Longrow Aged 21 Years Refill Bourbon, bottled at 46% with only 230 bottles available. This will retail at £250.00 on the day.
• The third bottling is an Open Day special Kilkerran Aged 8 Years Fresh Sherry Wood, bottled at 56.4% with 305 bottles available. This will retail at £50.00 on the day.

Please note that these cannot be pre-ordered ahead of the day, but if there are any left after the Festival then we’ll let you know.

NEW! Springbank Society April release – READY TO ORDER NOW!

You have all been so patient waiting for the next Society bottling and I am delighted to tell you that it is now ready to order.  Springbank Aged 8 Years bottled at 57.2%abv, matured in a Fresh Sherry Butt.  There are 594 bottles available at £45.00 per bottle.

Here are the tasting notes ;

Nose: Pine nuts & oak, raspberry ripple, blueberries and natural yogurt.

Palate: Round, full bodied with raisins, dates and cherries. Chewy & oily with toasted wholemeal bread.

Finish: Ending fairly dry, becoming earthy, coastal & salty.

Initially there will be one bottle per Society member but with a high possibility of being able to obtain a second bottle. When placing your order (via e-mail society@springbankwhisky.com) please state if you would be interested in a second bottle and you will be contacted soon to let you know if there are anymore available once everyone has had a chance to place their order.  Please note that the Campbeltown Cadenhead’s Whisky shop will not be taking any reservations for these, ordering will solely be done via society@springbankwhisky.com.  When placing your order, please provide payment details and confirm delivery address.

If you would like your bottle delivered to any of the European Cadenhead shops then PLEASE state this when ordering your bottle.

For any of our members living in Canada, one of our stockists in Calgary, Kensington Wine Market, are able to import Society bottles so if you would like to have your bottle sent to them for collection then please order directly though them.

We won’t be in over the weekend, so please expect to receive confirmation of orders from Monday onwards.

Shipping of orders out-with the UK

We have finally (just this morning to be precise) sourced a courier to ship orders out-with the U.K, although unfortunately we are still unable to ship to the USA & Canada.  If you have a pending order with us that you have already paid for and are just awaiting shipping then please get in touch. Please find Shipping Price List at the end of this Newsletter.

Springbank UK exclusive Single Cask

An update on the UK exclusive Single Cask – our Campbeltown, Edinburgh & London shops have now sold out of this.  If you head over to the “where to buy” section of our website then you will be able to get details for our UK stockists that may still have it in stock.  As there was no Society discount on this bottle then you should be able to get it at or close to our recommended guide price of £85.00.

WORLDWIDE May Releases ;

Please see below for the worldwide releases that are due out in May ;

Longrow 18 y/o

First up, is the annual release of Longrow 18 y/o.  This 2016 bottling differentiates from previous years where 100% Sherry casks have been used for maturing this classic Longrow.  This year 60% Rum & 40% Refill Sherry casks have been used.  Here are the tasting notes for this years release ;

Nose:  Spicy; cinnamon & ginger. Apple cider spirit reminiscent of Calvados; pastry and pear drops.

Palate:  Very buttery. The ginger is there as the nose suggests developing into marzipan & coconut notes. A thick sweetness of sugar cane molasses and juicy apples.

Finish:  More peat coming through in this years bottling. Spicy with hints of nutmeg and burnt embers.

Springbank Burgundy

Secondly, is the beautiful Springbank Burgundy Aged 12 Years and this will be bottled at cask strength 53.5%vol.  Matured in Fresh Burgundy Casks and will yield 10,260 bottles for general release worldwide.

Nose:  Bold and rich with mineral and dunnage warehouse notes combining with maple syrup, pancetta, cranberry and red currants.

Palate:  A soft velvet like texture with buttered brown toast and chocolate shortbread complimenting light herb & oak notes.

Finish:  A medium dry finish gives up liquorice and mint accompanied woody tannins.

*Your 10% Society discount applies only to Longrow 18 y/o and the Springbank Burgundy will retail at £60.00 from our Cadenhead’s Shops with no discount applicable.

Personal News!

Me, my partner Andrew and our daughter Emily are delighted to be welcoming another member to our family in August, I will be going off on Maternity leave around the middle of July.  When I return to work early next year, I have been offered a position elsewhere within the company that was just too good an opportunity to pass up, so this will be my last newsletter with all you lovely members.  I have really enjoyed my short time running the Springbank Society and will be sad to say goodbye, although with a newborn – I have a feeling that he will be a good distraction.

So, effective immediately – the Society reins have been handed over to our new staff member, Nathan Currie. Nathan is a Marketing Assistant here at Springbank and shall also be watching over our social media accounts so be sure to follow us at the addresses below:

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/officialspringbankwhisky/

Twitter –  https://twitter.com/Springbank1828

Instagram –  Search Springbank Whisky (@springbankwhisky1828)

Slainte,

Julie

Julie Jordan

For the Springbank Society

Please contact Julie at society@springbankwhisky.com for information on how to join the Springbank Society

Shipping 1-6 bottles – Economy & Standard

(Economy only available in zones 1-5)

Economy prices are shown on the left, standard shipping cost is shown on the right. (Please note that the Economy service could take up to 2 weeks). Following customer feedback it became apparent to us that longer shipping times were not a problem if prices were relatively low.

Zone 1

Belgium  /  Luxembourg  /  Netherlands  /  ROI

• 1 bottle:   £31.00 –  £39.00
• 2 bottles:  £33.00 – £42.00
• 3 bottles:  £35.00 – £47.00
• 4 bottles:  £38.00 – £49.00
• 5 bottles:  £40.00 – £53.00
• 6 bottles:  £42.00 – £57.00

Zone 2

France  /  Germany

• 1 bottle:   £34.00 – £42.00
• 2 bottles:  £36.00 – £45.00
• 3 bottles:  £40.00 – £50.00
• 4 bottles:  £44.00 – £55.00
• 5 bottles:  £47.00 – £61.00
• 6 bottles:  £50.00 – £68.00

Zone 3

Austria  /  Denmark  /  Finland  /  Italy  /  Portugal  /  Spain  /  Sweden

• 1 bottle:   £38.00 – £43.00
• 2 bottles:   £41.00 – £51.00
• 3 bottles:   £45.00 – £58.00
• 4 bottles:   £49.00 – £64.00
• 5 bottles:   £53.00 – £71.00
• 6 bottles:   £56.00 – £80.00

Zone 4

Cyrus  /  Czech Republic  /  Greece  /  Poland

• 1 bottle:  £40.00 – £44.00
• 2 bottles:  £45.00 – £52.00
• 3 bottles:  £52.00 – £58.00
• 4 bottles:  £55.00 – £66.00
• 5 bottles:  £61.00 – £71.00
• 6 bottles:  £66.00 – £82.00

Zone 5

Norway  /  Switzerland

• 1 bottle:  £34.00 – £50.00
• 2 bottles:  £38.00 – £56.00
• 3 bottles:  £45.00 – £63.00
• 4 bottles:  £50.00 – £69.00
• 5 bottles:  £55.00 – £75.00
• 6 bottles:  £60.00 – £84.00

Zone 6

USA – N/A

• 1 bottle:
• 2 bottles:
• 3 bottles:
• 4 bottles:
• 5 bottles:
• 6 bottles:

Zone 7

Canada – N/A

• 1 bottle:
• 2 bottles:
• 3 bottles:
• 4 bottles:
• 5 bottles:
• 6 bottles:

Zone 8

Australia  /  China  /  Hong Kong  /  Japan  /  Taiwan  /  United Arab Emirates  /  Vietnam

• 1 bottle:  £54.00
• 2 bottles:   £62.00
• 3 bottles:   £72.00
• 4 bottles:   £82.00
• 5 bottles:   £90.00
• 6 bottles:   £100.00

Zone 9 

New Zealand

• 1 bottle:  £59.00
• 2 bottles:   £71.00
• 3 bottles:   £83.00
• 4 bottles:   £90.00
• 5 bottles:   £105.00
• 6 bottles:   £120.00

Zone 10

Brazil  /  Peru

• 1 bottle:  £64.00
• 2 bottles:   £77.00
• 3 bottles:   £90.00
• 4 bottles:   £103.00
• 5 bottles:   £115.00
• 6 bottles:   £132.00

Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1980 The Admiral’s Beacon

Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

THUNDER THURSDAY: LIGHTNING SALE & MAY PREVIEWS

As unseasonable snowstorms chill the nation, we’re swapping our walking shoes for tasting glasses and sampling a luxurious and indulgent selection of finishes in our Cask Wonder Case. A long-lasting pleasure for the palate and absolutely spectacular value, saving a whopping £350 on whiskies with a combined age of 143! Offer finishes midnight on Sunday so not a moment to lose… Love the outdoors in any weather? A warming dram will hit the spot – check out our brand new, easy drinking May preview bottlings. SMWS Ambassador, Phoebe Brookes, reviews the previews on our blog.

Cask Wonder Case – £599 >

They say life is like a box of chocolates but we disagree – a life well lived is like a case of whisky; this case of whisky! Aged in casks from America, Spain and France then hand-picked by our Panel of exceptional palates, nothing but the best has made it through selection. Want even better news? This would normally set you back an extra £350 so snap one up before another lucky member grabs the lot!

41.70 C’est Magnifique!
Flavour: Old & dignified
Age: 34 years
Cask: Second fill ex-sauternes hogshead
Price: £332.00
BUY >

72.40 An infinity of concinnity
Flavour: Old & dignified
Age: 31 years
Cask: Refill ex-bourbon hogshead
Price: £161.00
BUY >

50.76 Booze up in a bakery
Flavour: Spicy & sweet
Age: 25 years
Cask: Refill ex-bourbon barrel
Price: £137.50
BUY >

9.104 Lychee Martini
Flavour: Old & dignified
Age: 27 years
Cask: Refill ex-sherry butt
Price: £129.90
BUY >

33.143 Thank you and goodnight!
Flavour: Spicy & sweet
Age: 8 years
Cask: Second fill ex-sherry butt
Price: £120.00
BUY >

36.98 Gaelic coffee
Flavour: Sweet, fruity & mellow
Age: 18 years
Cask: Refill ex-bourbon barrel
Price: Exclusive to Cask Wonder Case

BUY Cask Wonder Case >

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

Scotland

Kilchoman “Evolution” Islay Single Sherry Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky (750ml)10$139.99 View

Kilchoman “Sanaig” Islay Single Malt Whisky (750ml)19$69.99 View

K&L Wine Merchants
http://www.klwines.com
Phone: 877-KLWines (toll free 877-559-4637)
Email: wine@klwines.com
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

Cask No. 1.191                     $140

Tight as a bow-string

Speyside, Spey

Tight as a bow-string, rich as truffles, the nose gave lemon, green banana and mango, linseed oil and sweet pecans, salted caramel, chocolate marshmallows, honey on leather and hints of tobacco. More complex with water – we found floral notes emerging, wood shavings, star anise and piña coladas on a tropical beach. The neat palate was primarily sweet (Madeira cake, honey, chocolate orange, cinder toffee, caramel sponge) but with many pleasant complications, including coconut and hazelnut, PX sherry, raisins, ginger and a leather tobacco pouch. The reduced palate kept the floral honey sweetness and the oily nuttiness, while adding a carpenter’s workshop.

Drinking tip: A dram to relax with and unwind – think hammock, think summer.

Colour: Bullion bars in half light

Cask: First-fill barrel

Age: 15 years

Date distilled: May 2000

Alcohol: 51.5%

USA allocation: 110 bottles

Flavour profile: Deep, rich & dried fruits 

*PRESIDENT’S CHOICE*  

Cask No. 33.143                                      $110

Thank you and goodnight!

Islay

Big licks of maple bacon, sticky pulled pork over hickory smoke morphing into gooey treacle toffee, liquorice and violet. Crispy skinned fish with barbeque sauce and tropical fruit kebabs roasted over white hot coals. ‘Properly good smoke!’ one declared, he was right. Chargrilled pepper and sweet potato muddled gracefully with sundried tomatoes and garden canes. Water brought out a delicious feast of charred pork crackling and Frazzles served with a Bloody Mary. The morning after cure theme continued with more bacon, blood orange, BBQ sauce and red pesto all served in a smoky greenhouse. Wicked but very good.

Drinking tip: After dark

Colour: Dirty copper kettle

Cask: Second-fill butt

Age: 8 years

Date distilled: May 2007

Alcohol: 59.9%

USA allocation: 156 bottles

Flavour profile: Spicy & sweet 

Cask No. 93.66                              $130

Take two

Campbeltown

Wow! We were miraculously transported to Kentucky, into an old fashioned rackhouse where Bourbon gets matured. It is hot and dry, the air is filled with intense vanilla, woody, spicy aromas and we feel like those angels getting their fair share. Before we got hypnotized by the heady surroundings we took a sip. How satisfying; white chocolate chilli brownies, honeyed granola cereal with banana chips and dried mango and passion fruit. Water added orange oil, buttery popcorn and that rare earthy/exotic scent found in grated black truffles. On the palate, like German soft candy filled with fruit juice called – ‘Nimm 2’ (take two).

Drinking tip: With a cheeseboard

Colour: Disc of a daisy

Cask: Refill barrel

Age: 13 years

Date distilled: April 2002

Alcohol: 58.4%

USA allocation: 90 bottles

Flavour profile: Spicy & sweet

Cask No. 112.8                              $135

“Vegetarian!”

Highland, Western

Initially some were on a DIY trip applying linseed oil window putty whilst others returned to their childhood making shapes with Play-Doh and drawing with wax crayons – all eating Garibaldi biscuits! With time aromas of a black raspberry fruit pie developed as well as roasted hazelnuts resembling biting into a Ferrero Rocher. The taste was like a spiced Scotch pie but with rhubarb and apple filling, white pepper and chilli flakes. Water released aromas of adding a splash of vegetable oil into your hot wok preparing a vegetable Chow Mein with beansprouts, shiitake mushrooms, water chestnuts and hoisin sauce.

Drinking tip: Tintin’s friend Captain Haddock would like this one

Colour: Brass coin

Cask: Refill barrel

Age: 14 years

Date distilled: September 2000

Alcohol: 57.8%

USA allocation: 120 bottles

Flavour profile: Spicy & dry

Please visit www.smwsa.com for more information

SPEY whisky to be toast of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 2016

SPEY single malt is set to be the toast of this year’s Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival – thanks to an exclusive, limited edition bottling being produced for the famous drams fest.

An expression of SPEY from Speyside Distillery single malt has been selected for an exclusive festival bottling ahead of the annual whisky extravaganza.

A SPEY from Speyside Distillery 2007 single malt  cask sherry butt has been specially selected and is being bottled at cask strength, non-coloured,  to be sold in limited bottle numbers.

Each bottle will have a 2016 festival labelling which will include the cask and bottle number, and being limited to a single cask they are expected to become highly collectible.

Speyside Distillers Co Ltd managing director Patricia Dillon is delighted with the collaboration.

She says, “What better way to celebrate our support of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 2016 than with a unique single malt cask strength  expression?

“We got involved with the festival for the first time last year when our global brand ambassador Michael Owen surprised visitors by calling in on one of our distillery tours.

“This time round, we are working with the organisers to produce a limited edition bottling of SPEY. It strengthens our links with this fabulous event that brings thousands of visitors to Speyside in celebration of the area’s most famous export – whisky.

“As well as releasing this limited edition SPEY malt, we also look forward to meeting with whisky lovers from all over the world and welcoming them to the events at our boutique distillery, which is not normally open to the public.”

James Campbell, chairman of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, expects the whisky to go down very well with this year’s visitors and whisky collectors.

Mr Campbell adds, “When Speyside Distillery came to us with the idea of a festival bottling, we knew right away that this would be of great interest and appeal to visitors.

“Naturally, there are many whiskies to take home from Speyside, but a festival bottling makes a very special souvenir of the 2016 event and with its limited availability and special labelling, it is likely to be highly in demand and much sought after.”

Each individually numbered bottle will be hand finished with specially designed 2016 festival packaging stating the cask and limited bottle number.

The expression is cask strength and will be priced at £95 plus postage and packing. It is available to pre-order from karenann@speysidedistillers.co.uk for direct dispatch or can be collected from Speyside Distillery during the festival.

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival takes place from April 28^th –May 2^nd with a programme that features whisky trains, masterclasses, cocktails, music, trails, books and the opportunity to meet whisky distillers, writers and other celebrities.

As part of the programme, Speyside Distillery is offering a rare chance for the public to tour the small picturesque distillery near Kingussie, home of the SPEY brand of malt whisky, and enjoy specially selected tastings, in the company of distillery manager Sandy Jamieson.

There are further opportunities to visit the distillery to view its talented artist in residence Joanna Miller at work, while savouring dram of SPEY single malt.

Joanna, an ex-student of The Prince’s School of Traditional Arts and artist for the SPEY brand, specialises in print making with particular interest in screen printing. Visitors will be able to meet Joanna before she retreats to work on her upcoming exhibitions at Eden Court, Inverness and Saatchi Gallery, London.

Speyside Distillers is also hosting mouth watering afternoon teas and SPEY whisky tastings on board the Strathspey Steam Train Railway, offering magnificent views of the Cairngorms.

For full details of Speyside Distillery’s events and to order tickets, visit http://www.spiritofspeyside.com/

Speyside Distillery has been in production since 1990 and is operated by Speyside Distillers Ltd.

Although not ususally open to the public, the distillery may look familiar to some as it featured (as Lagganmore distillery) in the popular BBC series ‘Monarch Of The Glen’.

For further information about Speyside Distillery, visit http://www.speysidedistillery.co.uk/. Follow Speyside Distillery on Twitter @SpeySingleMalt and on Facebook at facebook.com/speysidedistillery

“à table, whisky from glass to plate”

The essential whisky cook companion

“Both a practical guide and an appetising armchair read, authoritative yet friendly, à table is a delight, and I commend it to you whole-heartedly.”

Charles MacLean

This attractive new cook book takes an original slant on whisky as an accompaniment to good food. Martine Nouet is an authority on both whisky and French cuisine who has honed her many years of experience as a whisky presenter and cook. Inside these pages the reader will find 60 delicious recipes divided into three sections: Appetizers, main courses, and desserts/cheeses.

The introductory chapter is devoted to the principles involved in the pairing of food and whisky, and how best to achieve balance as well as harmony. Above every recipe is a sensory calendar that indicates the season of the year, the respective lightness or richness to the palate as well as the dominant colours of the food and whisky. John Paul’s exquisite recipe photographs grace each facing page and beneath is printed a profile of select whiskies sold in specialist shops that resonate with each pairing. Walker Shortbread Company has helped funding the photography.

All the recipes have been tried and tasted by gourmet palates. Each dish was prepared by Eric Obry, amazing chef of Le Petit Gourmand in Aberlour (Speyside). Further panache is added by a lovely foreword written by world-acclaimed whisky writer, Charles MacLean, who has incidental fame for his role in Ken Loach’s film: The Angel’s Share.

Mr. MacLean states Martine’s book is:

“Both a practical guide and an appetising armchair read, authoritative yet friendly. À table is a delight and I commend it to you whole-heartedly.”

No library is complete without Martine Nouet’s new cookbook as it is a true shelf companion to all who care about whisky and good cuisine.

Price – £19.99 or 24.99 Euros

Distribution

– Distillery visitor centers

– Walker Shortbread shop in Aberlour (Speyside) and on their shop online

– Amazon marketplace

– On Islay – Available at The Celtic House (also online: www.theceltichouse.co.uk)

– Martine Nouet’s website – www.martinenouet.com – will give a regular update of the selling points

The author

French born, Martine Nouet, is an author and journalist who writes exclusively about food and spirits. Her love of Scottish Malt Whiskies brought her to the Isle of Islay on the west coast of Scotland and she has now made Islay her home. Martine has pioneered a new trend in the world of whisky: The sensory idea of pairing whiskies with a suitable food counterpart.

Martine has gained the esteem and recognition of whisky aficionados and the whole industry. In France she is known as “La Reine de l’Alambic – The Queen of the Still” and was bestowed the title of Master of The Quaich in April 2012; an honorific distinction awarded to very few by the whisky industry. In September 2015, she authored “Le guide Hachette des whiskies” for which she received the “Grand prix du Livre Spirits 2015” award. She hosts food/whisky pairing events and dinners all over the world.

“à table, whisky from glass to plate”

Martine Nouet – April 2016 – 160 pages

richly illustrated, 60 recipes,

50 full page photographs,

published by Ailsa Press- Islay.

CULT MALT RECALLS ITS DARK PAST

– Ardbeg Launches Dark Cove as Ardbeg Day Turns into Ardbeg Night

Ardbeg’s island home has a dark past. Centuries ago, at the dead of night, the early distillers would smuggle their whisky from the rocky shores of Ardbeg cove, to black-painted ships moored off the coast, where it would be spirited away to the Scottish mainland.  This year, the shadowy history of Ardbeg’s homeland will be recalled as part of the annual festivities of the Islay single malt, when Ardbeg Day becomes Ardbeg Night.

The yearly celebration takes place on 28th May 2016, when Ardbeg’s loyal following – the Ardbeg Committee – and their friends will be invited to attend a series of special tasting events being held at night across the world.  As they recall Islay’s past, Committee members can smuggle in a guest to the venue. Events in the UK will be held at Whistling Shop in London and Bramble in Edinburgh, further details are to follow.

Michael (Mickey) Heads, Ardbeg Distillery Manager, said: “Distilling and smuggling whisky was once rife on Islay, and before the Ardbeg Distillery was founded, the coastline roundabout was particularly notorious as a hideout for smugglers. In true smugglers’ style we will be keeping the finer details of this year’s Ardbeg Day celebrations under wraps a little longer, but rest assured they will be as intriguing as Ardbeg’s clandestine past.  We will also have a special bottling, called Ardbeg Dark Cove – which pays homage to the shadowy past of Ardbeg’s coastline.”

Ardbeg’s latest expression Dark Cove, launches on Ardbeg Day (28^th May), it is made up of whisky matured in sherry casks, married with hallmark ex-bourbon Ardbeg. 

Ardbeg Dark Cove Tasting Notes at 46.5% ABV

Aroma At first meaty, earthy and spicy, with bold notes of dark chocolate emerging against orange, treacle toffee, coffee and oak, a smoky background and a mysterious floral note.

Taste  The mouthfeel is almost tart, with raisins, dates, ginger and pepper spice surge and waves of smouldering charcoal, wood polish and creosote notes, leading to cured smoked ham and squid ink noodles.

Finish  Long, spicy and rich with notes of toffee, coffee and tar.

Dark Cove is available as a celebration of Ardbeg Day turning into Ardbeg Night. The whisky is bottled at 46.5% ABV and non-chill filtered for extra texture and mouthfeel.

The limited edition expression will be available to purchase from 28th May 2016 at Ardbeg Embassies* for a two week exclusive period. From June 11^th, Dark Cove will be available at Ardbeg Embassies, whisky specialists and department stores with a RRP of £95.99.

Ardbeg Night will be celebrated at the distillery on Saturday 28^th May 2016 and at participating Ardbeg Embassies around the world.

http://www.ardbeg.com/

Notes to Editors: 

Ardbeg Day:

Every year, the Islay Festival of Malt and Music takes place in May or June on Ardbeg’s island home.  On the Festival’s final Saturday, Ardbeg Day, the Distillery traditionally throws open its doors to welcome fans from all over the world.  In 2012 Ardbeg Day became a global event, enabling the whisky’s passionate international following to take part in a worldwide celebration of all things Ardbeg in their own country.  Recent Ardbeg Day themes have included in 2015 celebrating the single malt’s 200th anniversary by looking forward to the next 200 years.  Fans of the whisky were invited into a retro-futuristic version of Islay in 2215, where robotic dogs were the norm at Ardbeg Distillery.  15,000 people attended 135 events around the world at the 2015 Ardbeg Day global celebrations. 

Smuggling on Islay:

So substantial was the illicit whisky trade between Islay and the mainland, which Excise officers asked for a special Revenue cutter to be stationed off the island, to intercept the smuggler boats that sailed from Islay and elsewhere.  Even after John McDougall took out a licence to make whisky legally at Ardbeg, the smuggling continued.  The Excise officers complained that they could do little to stop it – but it appears to have largely died out during the late 19^th Century.

Ardbeg:

Ardbeg prides itself on being The Ultimate Islay Single Malt Whisky.  Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts.  Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’.

During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future and it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction.  Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following.

Ardbeg Committee:

The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded in 2000 by the formation of the Ardbeg Committee.  The Committee is made up of thousands of Ardbeg followers worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”. Committee members are regularly consulted on new bottlings and expressions, and are offered exclusive Committee bottlings.  Members also receive invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events.  The Committee is free to join at ardbeg.com.

The Glenmorangie Company:

The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton.  Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay Malt.

Responsible Drinking:

Ardbeg and The Glenmorangie Company advocate responsible drinking and suggest that drinkers savour Ardbeg whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption. 

*UK Ardbeg Embassies

You’re never far from an Ardbeg Embassy – the distillery’s homes from home. With the warmest of welcomes and the widest selection of Ardbeg, you can experience a little piece of Islay closer to home.

A network of Ardbeg customers who love and have agreed to educate their consumers on Ardbeg, the UK Embassies are:

• The Vintage House, 42 Old Compton Street, London W1D4LR http://www.sohowhisky.com/
• Royal Mile Whiskies, 379 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1PW http://www.royalmilewhiskies.com/
• Cambridge Wine Merchants, 32 Bridge Street, Cambridge CB2 1UJ http://www.cambridgewine.com/
• The Wee Dram, 5 Portland Square, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1HA http://www.weedram.co.uk/
• Luvians Bottle Shop, 93 Bonnygate, Cupar, Fife KY15 4LG  http://www.luvians.com/
• The Whisky Exchange, Vinopolis, 1 Bank End, London SE1 9BU http://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/
• Gordon & MacPhail, 58-60 South Street, Elgin, Moray, IV30 1JY http://www.gordonandmacphail.com/
• Whiski Rooms Bistro, 4,6 & 7 North Bank Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2LP http://www.whiskirooms.co.uk/

United Sates

• Four Roses “K&L Exclusive” Single Barrel OESF (9 years, 11 months) Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) ( $64.99) Another four casks of Four Roses Bourbon are upon us, this time around a nice range of various ages and styles to showcase the diversity from one of Kentucky’s finest institutions. The OESF formula whiskey is the brightest and the liveliest of the bunch, with real classic Bourbon flavor that explodes right on the first sip. Sweet vanilla tones combine with flowery and fruity accents before building towards a woody and spicy finish. At 52%, however, the whiskey is never overtly hot or out of balance. The lower proof keeps the intensity of the flavors at the forefront, allowing them to shine instead of the alcohol. A fun choice for cocktail fans who want a little punch in their punch.

• Four Roses “K&L Exclusive” Single Barrel OESK (10 years, 3 months) Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) ( $64.99) Another four casks of Four Roses Bourbon are upon us, this time around a nice range of various ages and styles to showcase the diversity from one of Kentucky’s finest institutions. While not the oldest of the gang, the OESK formula cask is the roundest and the smoothest on the palate. At 53.4%, there are flavors of dark cocoa and toasted vanilla that expand over the palate, before transitioning to chocolate-covered cherries and notes of earth and spice. This is going to be a very popular choice for fans of the creamier style, and with supplies as limited as they are we’re sure the word will spread fast.

K&L Wine Merchants
http://www.klwines.com
Phone: 877-KLWines (toll free 877-559-4637)
Email: wine@klwines.com
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

APRIL UPDATE: FIVE WOOD

As a Brit wins the masters for the first time in decades, we’ve been inspired to choose our whisky as we choose our clubs. Tee off with a driver; 33.143 packs a powerful punch from a second fill butt. Something a little different, 30.87’s ex-port pipe will get you out of a hazard. 71.41’s sherry wood takes you straight to the green for a delicate putt with an ex-Sauternes 37.74. Whether your handicap is nought or eighteen, it’s time to go to the 19th hole for a drop of the best…

Refill ex-port pipe

30.87 A skinny dipping dram
Age: 14 years
Flavour: Spicy & sweet
Price: £52.60

Refill ex-sherry gorda

71.41 Curious and intiguing
Flavour: Deep, rich & dried fruits
Age: 17 years
Price: £59.00

Second fill ex-sherry butt

33.143 Thank you and goodnight!
Flavour: Spicy & sweet
Age: 8 years
Price: £120.00

Second fill ex-Sauternes hogshead

37.74 Fresh & fluffy
Flavour: Sweet, fruity & mellow
Age: 18 years
Price: £69.50

First fill, toasted ex-bourbon hogshead

35.141 A Christmas wreath
Flavour: Spicy & sweet
Age: 21 years
Price: £81.30

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