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The 5 Best Whisky and Film Moments

Some drinks are simply synonymous with a big-screen moment and with the person drinking them. The freshly poured, ice-cold Martini for James Bond. The Dude’s White Russian in The Big Lebowski and the stain it leaves on his beard and clothes is the perfect match to his deadbeat character. Hannibal Lecter’s Chianti reminds us of this sophistication and taste (the book went one better – Lecter’s original wine choice was the even-more upmarket Amarone). Here are our top-five whisky moments in film and TV:

1. Johnnie Walker Black – Blade Runner

Harrison Ford’s character in 1982 cult classic Blade Runner would have looked weird drinking anything but whisky. The futuristic glasses and bottles that closely resemble a bottle of Johnnie Walker Black Label are as much a futuristic prop as it is a reminder that this detective reluctantly came out of retirement has his work cut out for him. Something tells me it would have be jarring to see this noir detective tackle a case with a beer in hand. For fans eagerly looking forward to the 2049 sequel, early shots and trailers suggest that this trend is set to continue…

Johnnie Walker Director’s Cut – hopefully coming soon…

33 Year Old Highland Scotch – Inglourious Basterds

In one of the more tense scenes of this excellent film, Michael Fassbender is posing as a spy, speaking fluent German to a Nazi major. When he lets his guard down – and exposes himself as a spy – by ordering glasses using a British three-finger gesture rather than the German version, the only thing more British and patriotic than Fassbender’s accent is his quote:

‘There’s a special rung in hell reserved for people who waste good scotch. Seeing as how I may be rapping on the door momentarily…’

[drinks his Scotch] 

‘I must say, damn good stuff, Sir.’

Everything about his delivery is almost comically English and makes for a memorable quote, not least because of his choice of drink. It’s a classic Scotch moment.

3. Glendronach & Dalmore – Kingsman: The Secret Service & The Golden Circle

I learned recently that the director of The Kingsman, Matthew Vaughn, is a big fan of whisky, so I’m confident that this wasn’t a crude product placement; instead an inspired choice of vintage 1962 Dalmore (one of the most expensive whiskies ever released) to set the tone of the opening scene in the first film – WARNING: contains spoilers, language, violence and very expensive whisky:

The new film is hitting our screens at the end of September and this time Vaughn has got in touch with Glendronach. Master blender Rachel Barrie has put together a special 1991 vintage bottling to celebrate the launch of the movie and reports from the launch earlier this week are excellent. We’ll have it at The Whisky Exchange soon – sign up for an email alert when it arrives here.

The new Glendronach 1991 Kingsman – coming soon…

4. Lagavulin 16 – Parks and Recreation

The tie-in has become so classic that the folks behind Lagavulin have since placed Nick Offerman (the actor in Parks and Recreation) at the centre of their latest marketing efforts: who can forget the Whisky Yule Log stunt.  I’m curious whether or not this started out as product placement or was just an organic piece woven in by the writers, but either way it doesn’t matter because Lagavulin 16 as a drink dovetails perfectly with the no nonsense Ron Swanson. His dislike of white spirits (‘clear alcohol is for rich women and people on diets’) and his love for whisky (‘nectar of the gods’) chimes perfectly with every other facet of his character. I’m sure that this whisky and TV moment has put Lagavulin 16 on the map.

5. Suntory Whisky – Lost In Translation

No list about whisky and the big screen is complete without a mention of the infamous ‘Suntory Time’ scene in Lost In Translation. The clip below speaks for itself, but for me it’s one of my favourite ways that whisky has ever been worked into a script. Bill Murray’s character is forced to decipher the cryptic messages of the director and his translator, attach pseudo-Western suave to this commercial he would much rather not be doing. It’s a really amusing scene and made all the more relevant by the number of celebrities we now see endorsing whisky brands.

Hamish’s Top Pick: Glenallachie 25 Year Old

One of only 187 bottles filled from a refill barrel, this 25 year old Speyside single malt was distilled at Glenallachie distillery in February 1992 and bottled in July 2017 by family-run independent bottler, Hunter Laing & Co. of Glasgow, as part of their Platinum Old & Rare Selection of single cask expressions, free from chill filtration and artificial colouring at a cask strength of 49.3% abv.

£185.00 Buy Now

Ralfy visits the eastern highlands of Scotland with Ralfy Review 682 – Glencadam 14yo (sherry finish) @ 46%vol

BACARDI CONTRIBUTES UP TO $100,000 TO SUPPORT COMMUNITIES AFFECTED BY HURRICANE HARVEY 

– $50,000 Donated to Southern Glazer’s Fund –

Coral Gables, Florida, August 31, 2017 — In the wake of Hurricane Harvey’s impact and devastation in parts of Texas, Bacardi U.S.A, Inc. announced today its contribution of up to $100,000 to support its business partners and others affected by the storm.

In an effort to provide immediate assistance to Bacardi USA business partners and their families at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Bacardi USA will immediately donate $50,000 to the Southern Glazer’s Fund, a relief fund for employees in the Texas-area.

“While we do not have offices directly impacted by the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, we do have 300 people in our extended family within Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits who are directly affected,” says Pete Carr, Regional President for Bacardi in North America.

Bacardi USA has donated $50,000 to the Southern Glazer’s fund with a commitment to match up to an additional $50,000 of Bacardi employees’ contributions to the Southern Glazer’s fund, the American Red Cross, the Houston Food Bank/Feeding Texas, the Houston Humane Society or the Salvation Army.

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is the distributor for the Bacardi portfolio in more than 40 markets across the United States.

About Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.

Bacardi U.S.A., Inc. is the United States import and distribution arm of one of the world’s leading spirits and wine producers. The company boasts a portfolio of some of the most recognized and top-selling spirits brands in the United States including BACARDÍ^® rum, GREY GOOSE^® vodka, DEWAR’S^® Blended Scotch Whisky, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE^® gin, CAZADORES^® 100% blue agave tequila, MARTINI & ROSSI^® sparkling wine, and other leading and emerging brands. For additional information, visit wwwbacardiusa.com

CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR WHISKY LOVERS FROM ANGELS’ SHARE GLASS

Festive whisky-filled baubles, glass Angels, whisky water droppers and miniature sets are among the range of Christmas gifts available from Angels’ Share Glass.

There’s something to suit everyone’s taste and the gifts will especially be welcomed by whisky enthusiasts.

• Glass Baubles  

New for this year are the firm’s latest innovation – whisky-filled coloured glass baubles.

These offer a change to the hand blown decorated glass baubles with a whisky quote inside which are popular with customers during the festive period.

This time, instead of a quote, 50ml of whisky has been sealed within the hand-made bauble which comes in a boxed set featuring four colours and four whiskies.

And unlike the firm’s signature line of whisky Angels, these are made for drinking as the cork which seals the Whisky inside is removable.

They will be make an exclusive addition to any Christmas tree and are ideal for a lovely gift or treat.

The baubles, which cost £48 a box, are hand-made and each is filled with a different malt from Douglas Laing’s Remarkable Regional Malts range.

The colours are Orange (filled with Big Peat); Green (Timorous Beastie); Red (Scallywag) and Mother of Pearl (Rock Oyster).

The original individual baubles are also available from £10 and customers can choose from a range of famous whisky quotes or decide on their own personalised message.

SET OF FOUR 

• Miniature Sets

One of the most popular products sold online is the Whisky Miniature, Mini Dropper and Glass Set.

Priced at just £25, this is a fantastic collection which gives someone a unique piece of Scottish glassware along with a taste of whisky.

The set is presented on an oak whisky barrel stave and features a single malt or scotch whisky miniature along with a special mini version of the firm’s award-winning water dropper plus a classic mini Glencairn Glass.

There are six whisky miniatures to choose from, ranging from a 12-year-old Deanston to a Robert Burns Single Malt, and the set comes presented in a beautiful gift box.

For the perfect gift to suit all budgets go to – www.angelsshareglass.com/products/whisky-miniature-mini-dropper-and-glass-set   

• Whisky Angels

The signature line of whisky angels are a perfect Christmas gift for whisky fans and anyone who loves beautiful hand-made creations.

Each angel is carefully crafted by hand in Scotland and a dram of whisky is expertly captured inside the glass via a secret method.

There are a wide range of angels, which stand around 70mm high, to choose from including Birthstone/Anniversary Angels and the new collection of Clan Angels.

The Copper Heart Angel is always a popular choice for a Christmas gift while the poignant Poppy Scotland Angels include a 50% donation to the charity.

Prices start at £30 and the Angels, which come in an attractive box, can be engraved with a small inscription if required.

Reviews for Whisky Angels bought as Christmas presents include:

“Purchased a beautiful personalised angel as a Christmas gift. It was ready in no time and is absolutely stunning!”

“We gave our son this special angel for Christmas. Not only did he spend time in Scotland but he really enjoys good whisky. He really enjoyed hearing the story of the Angel’s Share and shared the story with his neighbours who also enjoy fine whisky.”

For more details, www.angelsshareglass.com/collections/angels

• Whisky Water Droppers

The award-winning Whisky Water Droppers come in a variety of designs – all handmade in Scotland.

They allow whisky lovers the chance to add water to their dram with fine control – one drop at a time.

And there’s even a short You Tube video demonstrating exactly how they work.

We’re feeling nostalgic with the release of new bottling 73.83 – not only does this whisky evoke wonderful memories of childhood, it takes us back to 2002 when the Society established its branch in Australia, and this cask has been bottled specially to celebrate its 15th anniversary. Reminisce about the good old days with this selection of casks picked by the Tasting Panel.

The nose regaled us with honey nut breakfast cereal, toffee, Crunchie bars, marzipan and sweetie tobacco (shredded coconut), with added floral hints. Then it suffused our gobs with a warm golden glow – pickled ginger, black bun and fudge; ‘honey on a razor strop’ and ‘chewing twigs on a heathery hillside’. The reduced nose had us weeping over childhood memories of McCowan’s Highland Toffee, Daim bars (‘Dime’ in those days), syrup of figs and oiled cricket bats. The reduced palate was rather deep, dark and mysterious, but rich and sweet (apricot Danish, yum-yums, treacle toffee, dried fruits). Thumbs up all round.

SPICY & DRY

73.83

Anzac biscuits and cricket bats

15 Years

The reduced nose had us weeping over childhood memories of McCowan’s Highland Toffee, Daim bars (‘Dime’ in those days), syrup of figs and oiled cricket bats.

DISCOVER MORE

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

Ralfy avoids the main-stream media with Ralfy Review 681 – Tomintoul 14yo @46%vol (2017)

Spirit Works “K&L Exclusive” Single Barrel #14-0084 Rye Whiskey (750ml) $54.99 View

2002 Balvenie 14 Year “Peat Week” Vintage Single Malt Whisky (750ml) $99.99 View

Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637) Email: wine@klwines.com

K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA

San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

Our Warehouse Experience invites you into our exclusive bonded warehouses which house our maturing casks of Glenturret whisky. This experience includes 4 premium whisky tastes from our exceptional range of Glenturret single malts. A fantastic “behind the scenes” experience at Scotland’s oldest working distillery and the perfect gift for the whisky lover in your life. Book Now

Why not treat yourself to our Bottle Your Own Glenturret?  A personalised, single cask edition complete with a hand written label detailing the name of the person the bottle was filled for and the bottling date. Our current cask is dedicated to our world famous distillery cat “Towser” Buy here

If you are planning to visit Scotland’s Oldest Working Distillery be good to yourself and book one of our famous Afternoon Teas. Available daily from 2.30pm – 4.00pm. Find out more here

Scotland’s oldest distillery is a unique venue for any event and, with 7 distinct event spaces, we can offer a range of layouts and rooms setups for a wide variety of occasions. Call our events team to discuss your requirements and date availability today on 01764 656565.

Ralfy reviews a distillery malt never reviewed till now with Ralfy Review 680 – Linkwood 12yo @ 43%vol (Flora & Fauna)