Blog; Malt Whisky Association of Finland – a Celtic Rampage

Here we go again, we were on the road with the Association Members once again this time back to Scotland’s west coast. With three waves of them arriving into Glasgow airport, the locals were ducking for cover – hiding their whisky stocks. Now all on the tour knew where we were going – indeed, we named the trip The Celtic Rampage, after a highly successful Viking Raid last year! Once the round up had been completed at the international arrivals, all were herded to the waiting coach. From here we drove the short distance to the first stop on this jam packed tour; Glengoyne distillery, their founders established a tradition, no peat in the soil around Dumgoyne means there is no smokiness and nowhere for average casks to hide, it flows through the slowest stills in Scotland –maturing in fine sherry casks – creating bold fruits and rich sweetness. A shopping frenzy for the Teapot was followed by a agood tasting, still room and warehouse visits. “C’mon guys back on board, lots to do yet!” From here a drive to Loch Lomond distillery, a good pal of ours works for LL and set up this exclusive tour, a history which goes back to at least 1772 with the founding of the Littlemill distillery, they’ve amassed coopers, maltsters to still men and blenders, all share a deep love and knowledge of their craft. Their portfolio includes the Loch Lomond single malt, Inchmurrin, Glen Scotia a Campbeltoon malt as well as several high quality blends. We arrived, the electric gates were opened for us and we split up into two groups – a tasting group and a distillery group, we then changed the groups around. Aye we were late departing – but it was a good visit, thanks to everyone there who helped.

All aboard the coach, we headed along Loch Lomond and through the Argyll forest to Invereray – no stop just kept on going, all the way to Tarbert on Loch Fyne, where everyone split up looking for food and drink, me? Had work to do, so stopped in with a dram and a tour to plan, but managed a drink or two in the bar with Mika and a couple of “rampagers”.

Day 2 saw us depart our hotel ay 06.15, aye, we caught the 7am ferry from Kennacraig to Islay, whisky island. On arrival no time to linger as the ferry dropped us at Askaig, we headed down to Laphroaig, (http://whiskytours.scot/whisky-interview-unusual-paul-mclean-interviews-bottle-laphroig) they were waiting for us and off the group went on tour, first a taste in the warehouse and a hand filled bottle each to carry out! Good start. Again we over ran our time (it’s a habit) – our taxi was waiting for us. Time for lunch, no ordinary lunch, oh no, we stopped at the Co op in Port Ellen for butties and juice, ate on board as we headed up to Bunny Heaven distillery for a great tour. Aye you guessed it – over ran again at the tasting so nae time for shopping (see later). One more tour, back doon to Lagavulin – I know, why go up and down the road like this? Distillery timings we needed to fit in with, och well. We made it, a final tour and taste and the compulsory shopping of course. It was about time for the hotel, but – time still for a dram or two yet, we pulled in the coach just after the airport and got out the Merry’s Irish single maly whiskey, it went down well/easy, the dribbles remaining in the bottle went to our driver Raf for the night. This was followed by the Angels Whisky Club blend, a one off blend, this was enjoyed right down to the bottom of the bottle (a wee dram left for Raf). Hotel, relax, unpack, hit the bar, as the main bar was heavin, I wandered into the locals bar to watch Celtic win 5 – 2 in Europe, good day/night all round. There was much research done that night by all involved – except our poor driver.

Day 3 a lie in, as we were booked into Bowmore distillery at 10am, a great 2 hour tour and taste here, a very nice tasting followed, shopping and yet another “round up” as we headed (late) up to Ballygrant for a pre booked lunch/drink appointment. A superb 2 hour stay here, all enjoying the food and many drams and beers, thanks Euan and David. Are we done? Nope, a wee drive to Islay Brewery again, sampling going on, followed by shopping, I hid inside as it was far too hot in the sun! Really! Are we done? Nope, over now to Broochladdie for tasting and shopping, and aye, we stayed late to get the fill your own due to be ready approx. 5pm, many bottles filled believe me. Met Neil fae Mull at the hotel, chat, drinks then move to eat again, this time with many Fins in tow, a good meal and drinks, another good day – went to my room, work, tv, sleep!

Day 4 an 8.30 start to get us doon the road to Port Ellen for the morning ferry back to Kennacraig, noon (ish) off and along the road down to Campbeltoon, almost there and I gave a wee chat re Campbells and Macleans, as I finished my story, a part of the coach fell off! (honest to God, true) those Campbells still up to tricks, in the heavy rain we arrived at Springbank for the tour, which is most memorable for the warehouse tasting! Superb, and late again, over to Glen Scotia for the next tour; http://whiskytours.scot/interview-ian-mcalister-glenscotia-distillery small but good, good couple of tastings, shopping, thank you’s and back to Cadenhead shopping, over ran once again, there’s a theme here. Late back up the road to Tarbert again, a meal and a tasting, this was something different, 3 Kavalan drams; King Car single malt, Podium single malt and Solist Sherry finish. In the hotel back bar we enjoyed these with plenty of local craic and time to enjoy ourselves, Liz had joined us by now – these drams are bloomin good, favourites were; Podium, King Car then Sherry, which many thought too sherried for them. They are making really good, award winning, whisky over there and personally, I am a huge fan.

Day 5 a 9am start for yet another ferry, this time a wee one, from Claonaig to Lochranza (Arran). We arrived early as it is unbookable and I needed to be sure we got on it! It is wee (photograph). Whilst waiting we opened a bottle of Jonnie Walker Black, 5 minutes later the bottle hit the bin at the ferry point. We also enjoyed a Cragganmore, am sure these guests/friends of ours don’t enjoy all this whisky at all! The ferry arrived – a floating ramp, it was choppy and as we de coached, many of us got wet! A great sail and landing at Lochranza, 5 minutes to the Arran distillery, where Louisa was awaiting us. Our final distillery tour, quick look at the water source (in heavy rain by the way0 then a tasting of many grand drams. Brief distillery tour, shopping and sandwiches etc laid on for us.

Er, fun and games followed. At Brodick ferry we arrived early, all pre booked and PRE PAID as usual. Passengers boarded off the coach, as the ferry sailed a tannoy message asked for me to see the captain. Off I toddled, to be told my coach, driver and Anders were NOT on the ferry. You might imagine I was not overjoyed, the captain and the purser got my drift, after a “chat” I was told they would be on the next ferry following us in 30 minutes. Was not a happy bunny. Upon arrival at Ardrossan we hit a bar to wait for the coach and others, well most hit the bar, I had had a row there recently on another tour, where the owner told me never to come back, (it was not my fault as my previous group will testify) so I sat outside with friends having a drink. Here comes the bus, all aboard and away to Glasgow for the night. City centre Glasgow on a Saturday night can be fun, Liz and myself bade our farewells and took a cab to our apartment.

A GREAT TOUR WITH OUR FINISH FRIENDS YET AGAIN.

Can I say a huge thank you to everyone on this tour, our friends at distilleries, hotels, visits and ferry crews (almost), there was much rampaging and Scotland is now short of many thousands of pounds worth of bottles, we are now thinking ahead to the next trip.

Paul McLean; chief rampager and tour manager. Thanks Mika for all your help.

People are as vital to Whisky as barley, malt and water. People make a tour great.

Some comments …

“Great Rampage ! … thanks Paul and Liz”.

“Brilliant Tour. Excellent distillery visits and nice visit to a small craft brewery. Many highlight. The Cadenhead warehouse tasting, Omg! Respect!”

Whisky Bonanza!

It’s been a bit quiet on the Drambuster front as we are building a new website.. watch this space for the big launch later in the year! In the meantime though it’s business as usual and with stocktaking time upon us once again we’ve decided to give you lucky people the opportunity to snap up some bargains! Without a website, you’ll have to call us on 01387 256601 or 01387 731207 to grab the ones you want and with limited stocks they won’t hang around on the shelves too long! All special offer prices in red. Happy browsing!

ABERLOUR 16YO 43% 70CL ABE017 SPEYSIDE £ 53.75 £ 48.75
ABERLOUR A’BUNADH 70CL ABE018 SPEYSIDE £ 53.00 £ 48.00
ARDMORE 4YO 2011 C.M. STRICTLY LTD ARD015 SPEYSIDE £ 32.00 £ 27.00
ARRAN 10 YO 46% 70CL ARR012 ISLAND £ 34.00 £ 30.00
ARRAN 15YO CM 46% 70CL 690BTLS ARR015 ISLAND £ 40.00 £ 32.00
ARRAN 1997 16YO 46% B.BROS ARR025 ISLAND £ 79.00 £ 59.00
ARRAN 1997 16YO CARN MOR 46% (568 BTLS) 70CL ARR023 ISLAND £ 53.00 £ 43.00
ARRAN MACHRIE MOOR 6TH EDITION 46% ARR042 ISLAND £ 44.00 £ 35.00
ARRAN QUARTER CASK THE BOTHY 55.7% ARR016 ISLAND £ 55.00 £ 45.00
AUCHENTOSHAN 1989 CELEBRATION OF THE CASK AUC004 LOWLAND £ 120.00 £ 99.00
AUCHROISK 1998 BBR 46%70CL AUC021 SPEYSIDE £ 51.00 £ 41.00
AULTMORE 2010 (SHERRY) CMS LTD AUL003 SPEYSIDE £ 35.00 £ 29.00
BALVENIE 12YO DOUBLE WOOD 40%70CL BAL001 SPEYSIDE £ 41.00 £ 35.00
BALVENIE 14YO CARIBBEAN CASK 43% 70CL BAL011 SPEYSIDE £ 51.00 £ 44.00
BEN NEVIS 10YO WHITE PORT FINISH 56.4% 70CL BEN093 HIGHLAND £ 130.00 £ 105.00
BENRINNES 17YO MALTMAN 46% 70CL BEN032 SPEYSIDE £ 60.00 £ 50.00
BENRINNES 1996 18YO CARN MOR STRICTLY LTD 46% BEN005 SPEYSIDE £ 66.00 £ 54.00
BENROMACH 10YO 43% 70CL BEN044 SPEYSIDE £ 36.00 £ 30.00
BLAIR ATHOL 16YO DIRECTORS CUT 58.1% 70CL BLA092 HIGHLAND £ 105.00 £ 75.00
BLUE HANGER 6TH 45.6% B.BROTHERS 70CL BLU002 BLENDED MALT £ 73.00 £ 53.00
BOWMORE 12YO 2002 50% OMC BOW036 ISLAY £ 63.00 £ 45.00
BRAES OF GLENLIVET 1989 25YO 46% STRICTLY LTD GLE298 SPEYSIDE £ 85.00 £ 70.00
BUNNAHABHAIN 2006 7YO 57.8% B.BROS (H.PEATED) BUN012 ISLAY £ 65.00 £ 49.00
BUNNAHABHAIN 2007 B.BROS BUN027 ISLAY £ 59.00 £ 49.00
BUNNAHABHAIN 8YO 46% H.C BUN028 ISLAY £ 41.00 £ 31.00
CIGAR MALT 11 YO (MADIERA) 54.9% CHIEFTAINS 70CL CIG009 HIGHLAND £ 63.00 £ 53.00
CIGAR MALT 13YO (CH LANERTHE) 54.4% 70CL CIG010 HIGHLAND £ 66.00 £ 56.00
CRAIGELLACHIE 9YO (SHERRY) 46% HEPBURNS CHOICE CRA017 SPEYSIDE £ 39.00 £ 29.00
DAILUAINE 7YO 46% H.C DAI002 SPEYSIDE £ 36.00 £ 26.00
DALMORE 12Y0 70CL 40% DAL002 HIGHLAND £ 48.00 £ 43.00
DALMORE 15YO 40% 70CL DAL018 HIGHLAND £ 58.00 £ 52.00
DALMORE 18YO 43% 70CL DAL011 HIGHLAND £ 108.00 £ 92.00
DALMORE 2000 14YO CARN MOR DAL004 HIGHLAND £ 60.00 £ 50.00
DALMORE CIGAR MALT 44% 70CL DAL020 HIGHLAND £ 83.00 £ 76.00
DEANSTON 12YO 46% 70CL DEA003 HIGHLAND £ 42.00 £ 36.00
DEANSTON 1996 18YO (OMC) 50% 70CL DEA002 HIGHLAND £ 75.00 £ 65.00
DUFFTOWN 1995 18YO (OMC) 50% 70CL DUF001 SPEYSIDE £ 79.00 £ 69.00
DUFFTOWN 1999 14YO 46% B.BROS DUF003 SPEYSIDE £ 53.00 £ 43.00
GLEN ELGIN 1995 17YO CARN MOR 46% 70CL GLE206 SPEYSIDE £ 50.00 £ 40.00
GLEN KEITH 1993 BERRY BROS 54% GLE017 SPEYSIDE £ 70.00 £ 58.00
GLEN SCOTIA DOUBLE CASK 46% GLE087 CAMPBELTOWN £ 39.00 £ 33.00
GLEN SPEY 11YO (SHERRY) 46% HEPBURNS CHOICE GLE131 SPEYSIDE £ 41.00 £ 31.00
GLENALLACHIE 1995 18YO CARN MOR 46% (587 BTLS) GLE292 SPEYSIDE £ 56.00 £ 46.00
GLENCADAM 10YO 46% 70CL GLE228 HIGHLAND £ 36.00 £ 33.00
GLENCADAM 10YO 46% HEPBURNS CHOICE GLE134 HIGHLAND £ 43.00 £ 33.00
GLENCADAM 14YO OLOROSO SHERRY 46% 70CL GLE024 HIGHLAND £ 52.00 £ 47.00
GLENCADAM 15YO 46% 70CL GLE227 HIGHLAND £ 52.00 £ 47.00
GLENTAUCHERS 1996 17YO CARN MOR 46% 70CL GLE207 SPEYSIDE £ 50.00 £ 40.00
HIGHLAND JOURNEY BLENDED MALT 46.2% HIG030 BLENDED MALT £ 37.00 £ 32.00
INCHGOWER 2000 11YO 46% CARN MOR 70CL INC007 SPEYSIDE £ 42.00 £ 32.00
ISLE OF JURA 10YO 70CL 40% ISL006 ISLAND £ 34.00 £ 28.00
ISLE OF JURA 12YO ELIXIR 70CL 40% ISL023 ISLAND £ 44.00 £ 37.00
ISLE OF JURA 21YO 70CL 44% ISL002 ISLAND £ 115.00 £ 105.00
ISLE OF JURA PROPHECY 46% 70CL ISL020 ISLAND £ 65.00 £ 60.00
ISLE OF JURA SUPERSTITION 43% 70CL ISL008 ISLAND £ 39.00 £ 30.00
KILCHOMAN 100% ISLAY (2015) 46% KIL025 ISLAY £ 70.00 £ 55.00
LAPHROAIG 10YO 40% 70CL LAP003 ISLAY £ 41.50 £ 36.50
LAPHROAIG SELECT 40% 70CL LAP004 ISLAY £ 37.00 £ 32.00
LEDAIG 18YO 1997 CELEBRATION OF CASK 55.6% LED012 ISLAND £ 89.00 £ 74.00
LEDAIG 1997 STRICTLY LTD 46% LED004 ISLAND £ 60.00 £ 50.00
LINKWOOD 1988 OLOROSO SHERRY FINISH 50.7% LIN003 SPEYSIDE £ 122.00 £ 100.00
LINKWOOD 1999 14YO 46% B.BROS LIN008 £ 55.00 £ 45.00
LONGMORN 19YO 1994 OMC 50% LON002 SPEYSIDE £ 78.00 £ 68.00
MACDUFF 6YO 46% HEPBURNS CHOICE MAC023 HIGHLAND £ 35.00 £ 25.00
MILTONDUFF 1994 CM STRICTLY LIMITED 46% MIL005 SPEYSIDE £ 73.00 £ 60.00
OLD BALLANTRUAN 10YO 50% 70CL OLD011 SPEYSIDE £ 50.00 £ 45.00
ROYAL BRACKLA 2001 13YO 46% CARN MOR ROY010 HIGHLAND £ 47.00 £ 39.00
SPEYBURN 10YO (SHERRY) 46% HEPBURNS CHOICE SPE014 SPEYSIDE £ 41.00 £ 31.00
SPEYBURN 10YO 40% 70CL SPE001 SPEYSIDE £ 30.00 £ 27.00
SPEYBURN 1988 B.BROS SPE019 SPEYSIDE £ 137.00 £ 112.00
SPEYBURN ‘BRADAN ORACH’ 40% 70CL SPE015 SPEYSIDE £ 24.00 £ 22.00
STRATHMILL 1991 22YO 51.2% B.BROS STR028 SPEYSIDE £ 84.50 £ 70.00
TOMATIN 12YO 43% 70CL TOM020 HIGHLAND £ 39.00 £ 34.00
TOMATIN CASK STRENGTH 57.5% 70CL TOM036 HIGHLAND £ 50.00 £ 37.00
TOMINTOUL 10YO 40% 70CL TOM003 SPEYSIDE £ 32.00 £ 27.00
TOMINTOUL 14YO 46% 70CL TOM012 SPEYSIDE £ 43.50 £ 40.00
TOMINTOUL 16 YEAR OLD 40 % 70CL TOM005 SPEYSIDE £ 42.00 £ 37.00
TORMORE 1992 20YO (SHERRY) BBR 55.7% 70CL TOR002 SPEYSIDE £ 81.00 £ 65.00
TULLIBARDINE SOVEREIGN 43% 70CL TUL002 HIGHLAND £ 36.00 £ 32.00

As true whisky-lovers know, whisky is not just a comforting, curative, toddy for a cold Autumn day. The classic Whisky Sour makes the perfect antidote to hot summer days; a simple drink to whip up it can be easily to make at home and is a vessel for invention. As our American friends enjoy National Whisky Sours day on 25th August we have put together some of the best whisky sours from those in the know.

Award-winning new whisky brand, R&B Distillers has put its stamp on this classic. Their recipe showcases R&B’s single grain whisky, muddled with fresh pineapple and topped with grapefruit bitters to give this simple tipple a zingy twist.

The Gallery in West Hampstead has whittled their 101 strong whisky menu down to create Sweet & Sour cocktail menu. The sour spectrum ranges from the Smokey with Laphroig & Monkey Shoulder to the spicy cardamom-infused Rittenhouse Rye sour.

New opening TRADE UNION in Wapping keeps things simple and elegant. Their classic whisky sour is made with Jim Beam Double Oak and topped in traditional style with a cherry and a lemon slice.

R&B Distillers 

Borders Sour

Ingredients:

50ml Borders highland single grain Scotch whisky

30ml fresh lemon juice

2 chunks of fresh pineapple

20ml Gomme syrup

A couple of splashes of grapefruit bitters

Ice cubes

Lemon peel garnish

Method:

1. Add pineapple chunks to a cocktail shaker with Gomme syrup and use a muddling stick to dissolve into a puree.
2. Add lemon juice, grapefruit bitters, whisky and ice and stir to desired dilution.
3. Strain into a glass over ice.
4. Garnish with lemon peel and serve.

TRADE UNION

Ingredients:

50ml Jim Beam Double Oak

25ml lemon juice

15ml Gomme

2 dash angastorra

Method:

Add gomme and lemon juice to boston. Add Jim Beam Double Oak and 2 dashes of angastora bitters and egg white. Shake over ice. Pour over cubed ice and garnish with a cherry and lemon slice

The Carnegie Whisky Cellars, in the newly renovated Carnegie Courthouse, is in the heart of historical Dornoch, Northern Highlands, and extends a warm welcome to all our new customers and friends! Opened in June 2016, we have an extensive range of single malts, official and independent bottlings, also a great selection of Scottish blended whiskies.

Purchases from the shop can be shipped to most destinations in the UK and worldwide. 

Our Tasting Vault provides the opportunity for private and corporate tasting experiences, tailored to suit your requirements. This is a history laden, characterful and comfortable venue, with a fantastic display of collectible bottles from private collections which are available for purchase.

Our friendly, knowledgeable team look forward to welcoming you, discussing your individual requirements, and delivering excellent customer service.

Feel free to contact our team for more information on upcoming events, tastings or new releases 01862811791 or email us at whisky@thecarnegiecourthouse.co.uk 

You can now find the Carnegie Whisky Cellars on Facebook and Trip Advisor! 

Slainte!

This week Ben Bowers star of A Dram A Day YouTube channel hijacks Whisky Wednesday and reviews Lot 40 Canadian Whisky!

https://youtu.be/nNHagfxky20

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/adramaday

http://Twitter.com/whiskytube

https://www.facebook.com/whiskytube

Balvenie Tun 1509 Batch 3 – Back in Stock

We have just managed to obtain more stock of the limited edition and incredibly popular Balvenie Tun 1509 Batch 3. If you missed out first time around, or you fell in love with this year’s release, now is your chance to add this Speyside Single Malt to your collection.

Free delivery on orders over £75 Worldwide delivery available

An annual release from the Balvenie Distillery, Tun 1509 marries together casks hand-picked by Malt Master, David Stewart MBE, to create a unique expression that is always highly sought-after.

This third batch is comprised of 12 sherry butts distilled between 1989 and 1992, 11 American oak hogsheads from 1989 and 8 refill American oak butts from 1992 and 1993.

£280 Buy Now

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 139: Johnnie Walker Blue Label 

Mark Dermul, Belgian Whisky blogger, tastes a very famous premium blend. Johnnie Walker’s Blue Label is said to contain some very exclusive whisky, even some from closed distilleries. That should give us the feeling that it is indeed very old whisky, of course. How else can you ask between 125 and 175 EUR for a no age statement blend? Or is Mark being too harsh now? Is there more going on than just packaging (in every sense of the word)? Mark finds out. 

https://youtu.be/ANO44UKfkbs

The Greats of Glenfarclas

With the Glenfarclas 1981 Port Wood coming into stock at The Whisky Shop next week, we thought we’d take a look at this brand new release and some other great whiskies from the “valley of the green grass”. From highly limited editions to great deals, now is the time to get your hands on these gems from Glenfarclas!

Free delivery available on all orders over £75 Next day delivery available

Glenfarclas 1981 Port Cask

This brand new release is the fourth limited edition bottling in the Family Collector Series. Matured exclusively in a port cask rather than the typical Oloroso sherry casks used at Glenfarclas, this highly limited edition is Glenfarclas’ oldest port cask matured release to date at 35 years old.

With only 521 bottles available worldwide, this rare expression is bottled at cask strength revealing a distinctive character accentuated by a sweet port influence.

£450 Pre-Order Now Stock arriving w/c 22nd August

Glenfarclas 1953

This extremely limited edition is drawn from the oldest cask of whisky owned by the Glenfarclas distillery. Distilled in 1953 and matured in a single Spanish oak sherry cask, this Single Malt is presented non chill-filtered at its natural cask strength of 43.9% abv.

Gleaming rich sandy oak in colour, this malt offers a rich sherried nose that develops into lovely toffee notes followed by delicate oak. Once it has had time to breathe, the palate has warm spiced notes, stewed fruits and liquorice, while the finish is long and sweet with toffee apples and cinnamon sticks.

£5,454 Buy Now

Glenfarclas 1960

Bottled in 2013 from cask 1770, this Glenfarclas comes from the dawn of the Swinging Sixties. With only 166 bottles produced, very few remain on the market making this price an attractive investment opportunity.

Heavy in rich cocoa beans, this expression is reminiscent of an old fashioned Gentleman’s Club with Chesterfield chairs, polished banisters and old wood panels, notes of liquorice, toffee apple and treacle intermingling.

£2,300 Buy Now

Glenfarclas 21 Year Old with 101 World Whiskies to Try Before You Die

One of our best deals ever with one of our all-time favourite whiskies, this 21 year old expression of Glenfarclas is rich and full-bodied with fruity spice on the nose. Smooth on the palate with notes of malty biscuits and a touch of oak smoke, with a long and smooth finish.

Once you have whet your appetite, Ian Buxton’s 101 World Whiskies to Try Before You Die is on hand to provide a map to your next dram.

£69 Buy Now

Krishna Nukala has submitted a new E-pistle; it is the report of his visit to Paul John distillery in Goa, India. Please click Here to read the article.

Scotland

Faultline Blended Scotch Whisky (750ml) $24.99 View

K&L Wine Merchants
http://www.klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
Email: wine@klwines.com
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA