Celebrity spirits – pet project or moneymaker?

George Clooney, Matthew McConaughey, Mila Kunis and even Danny DeVito. Are stars attracted to spirit brands because they believe in the product, or just the money?

Early in the film Lost in Translation, Bill Murray’s character, an over-the-hill American actor in Japan to endorse Suntory whisky, is shooting an advert. He sits silently while the director yells instructions (in Japanese), with a translator on hand for guidance. With limited understanding, Murray delivers his lines only to be cut off repeatedly by the fiery director. The scene is genius because of Murray’s discomfort, his suspicion of the translator, and his general mood sat in a tuxedo endorsing whisky for a quick buck.

Matthew McConaughey – Wild Turkey

Whenever I see a celebrity endorse an alcohol brand, I always wonder if they went through a similar experience to Murray’s character. Earlier this month, when Matthew McConaughey was announced as the new ‘creative director’ for Wild Turkey bourbon, he made a convincing case that he is more than just a celebrity spokesman: releasing a six-minute (admittedly stirring) video of him walking through the distillery while narrating in his trademark southern accent. He promises to have his ‘hands in the clay’ and ‘wants to be a part of the whole story’ – an elaborate exaggeration or genuine passion?

I think McConaughey is convincing, but I’ve laid out some more examples of celebrities who have dipped their toes into the world of spirits. The question is: are they just wooed by the cash, or are they credible?

Mila Kunis – Jim Beam

In 2014, Jim Beam changed its brand ambassador from country-rock singer Kid Rock to Hollywood star Mila Kunis. One of her first videos was an entertaining montage of landmarks in American history with flashes of Jim Beam logos and memorabilia. The ads are a success and I think that Kunis is a confident host and brand ambassador, but I have a difficult time believing that the Friends with Benefits star is a genuine bourbon fan.

Cash or credible? Cash.

Mila Kunis with Jim Beam master distiller Fred Noe

Originally published on The Whisky Exchange Blog – Celebrity spirits – pet project or moneymaker?

This week we have some great local drams from the distillery down the road. Springbank is Campbeltown’s oldest working distillery and, as the nearest distillery to our shop here on the shores of Loch Fyne, it’s our favourite. In 2004, Springbank owners J&A Mitchell re-opened the long silent Glengyle distillery and after 12 long years the first core expression has finally been released. The Kilkerran 12 Year Old is a lightly peated, double distilled Single Malt that is well worth the wait!

Kilkerran
12 Year Old

Springbank
12 Year Old
Cask Strength

Springbank
18 Year Old

After an exciting start to Whisky Season 2016, we’re back with a few more deals to tell you about. We’ve got a few new barrels of American whiskey that just arrived as well as a shocking end of summer deal that we hope will bring some serious value to your late August cocktails. Let’s not waste any time beating around the bush:

Colorado Whiskey K&L Exclusive

After years out of the market, Stranahan’s is back in a big way. In 2010, Stranahan’s began limiting sales severely to accommodate a distillery expansion and build stocks up from their initial popular release. Now, it’s started to reappear and to great acclaim. First the standard whiskey was released and then late last year their four year old Diamond Peak offering was released. We were excited to find out that they’d started a barrel program and when samples came through we drooled over the quality and complexity. Now, that cask is finally here and drinking better than ever.

Stranahan’s K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Single Malt Whiskey – $54.99 The exceptional Stranahan Colorado Whiskey is one of the original craft distillers. Founded in Denver CO in 2004 by Flying Dog Brewery owner George Stranahan and local firefighter Jess Garber after a fateful meeting at a barn fire, the small production single malt has become a favorite of locals and connoisseurs alike. The whisky is distilled from 100% malted barley and aged in new charred American oak. The dry high altitude climate, cold winters and warm summers create the perfect environment for slow aging malt whiskey. When we were offered a single cask of this special whiskey we jumped on the opportunity. The standard release is uses a base of 2 year with smaller portions of 3 and 5 year whiskey to round out the flavor, but this single barrel was aged a full four years before bottling. The result is something very close to their high-end Diamond Peak offering for a fraction of the price. A big nose of malted grain and sweet caramel cookies. Rich exotic dried fruit and oak spice explode out of the glass after a touch of aeration. On the palate this whiskey is medium bodied without any astringent notes whatsoever. Instead a rich round entry which exhibits dark coffee and sweet oak before transitioning to powerful baking spices on the finish. Altogether one of the best craft whisky we’ve ever seen at any price, but it easily out performs many of it’s competitors at much higher price points.

Speaking of Faultline…

When we ran out of our one-time-only edition of Faultline Blended Scotch a few months back it wasn’t long before I heard the sob stories and the tears. Apparently a number of customers were caught off guard. They thought this whole $25 dollar bottle of preciously-peated Faultline Scotch was going to be a permanent addition to our inventory, not a singular entity that would eventually fade away into the sunset. Unfortunately, I had no other option but to be the bearer of bad news-it was indeed gone forever. Until our importer emailed me last week and said he had found an additional few cases that he had apparently forgotten to deliver. This time I’m going to get out in front of the message: LAST CALL FOR FAULTLINE BLENDED SCOTCH! If this is your baby (like it was ours), then it’s time to load up…

Faultline Blended Scotch Whisky – $24.99 For three long years, David Othenin-Girard and I have been trying to create an inexpensive, delicious, value-driven, yet simultaneously interesting expression of blended Scotch whisky that we could feature under our Faultline label. There were many times when we thought we were close, but either the quality of the whisky or the cost of the barrels proved prohibitive. We didn’t want to make a $25 bottle of whisky just for the sake of it. If we were going to do it, then we were going to it right. Finally, after working on and off with the Laings for a year-long blending process, we hammered out a profile we were happy with. Big smoke, Ardbeg-like peat flavors, and a kiss of sweet grain was our goal and we definitely achieved it in this bottle. Unlike most big brand blends, there are no coloring agents or sweeteners in the Faultline Scotch, just a pale straw colored liquid that bursts with character and, due to the heavy malt content, finishes with richness and weight. We wanted to make sure that, upon launch, there would be absolutely nothing on the market that could match the quality of flavor, price, beauty of design, and bang for the buck. After three long years, we think we’ve done it. For $25 you get one helluva bottle of Scotch. Smokier than Johnnie Black, more complex than Chivas, and less expensive than both of them. Plus, it’s an assertive 100 proof. Try it in a cocktail, pour it over ice, add in soda water. It’s the real deal.

A New Single Barrel from Jim Beam

While Beam may have hired Mila Kunis to do its commercials, the distillery won’t need to invest much in marketing if it can continue to offer single barrels like this one to key retail accounts. Our latest selection K&L cask selection from Beam’s gigantic warehouses is a bright, supple, and incredibly balanced Bourbon that brings serious value to the single barrel category. While we know most people prefer the more boutique labels of Booker’s and Basil Hayden, don’t sleep on this guy. It’s pretty freakin’ delicious:

Jim Beam K&L Exclusive Single Barrel #JB5456 Kentucky Bourbon – $34.99 There’s a lovely sweetness that envelopes the sense from the first sip and sways between sweet vanilla and earthy grains all the way across the palate to the finish. It’s not an anomaly by any means; it’s classic Jim Beam. But with the flurry of cinnamon and cloves on the finish and the pleasant presence of sweet charred oak still glowing minutes after you’ve swallowed, this is truly a keeper. A must try for those who have continually overlooked Beam’s namesake label in favor of the “craftier” Booker’s, Baker’s, and Basil Hayden’s.

Laphroaig Lore Arrives!

I’m happy to announce we’ve finally received our initial shipment of Laphroaig Lore-a whiskey we first talked about back in May. It’s been a while since Laphroaig released anything in the $100+ range. It’s been one of the most reliable and price conscientious malts over the past few years, releasing a continuous line of affordable and delicious special edition whiskies like the Cairdeas and limited 15 year old expressions. The Lore is a bit pricier and it uses older whiskies in the mix. It’s a blend of 7 and 21 year old Bourbon casks, 9 year old full-term quarter casks, along with a few sherry and European oak casks for extra flavor. It’s richer, darker, more savory, and far more dense than what’s currently available in the portfolio. And it’s on the shelf now!

Laphroaig “Lore” Islay Single Malt Whisky – $119.99 It stands out from the standard Laphroaig portfolio in a big way. It’s richer, darker, more savory, and far more dense. It tastes like you’re drinking a very old whisky while simultaneously taking a sip of something much younger. Unlike the bright, medicinal peat that explodes off the bat in the 10 year old, the Lore takes you much deeper into the peat bog with more earth, more weight, and more rancio from the sherry influence.

David Driscoll K&L Spirits Buyer

daviddriscoll@klwines.com

650.556.2736

http://spiritsjournal.klwines.com/

This week Joe Ellis reviews Glengoyne 21 Year Old Single Malt.

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Five great London whisky bars

Our capital is filled with bars all jostling to claim ownership of the largest collection of Scotch, bourbon and Irish whiskies. But, as is the case with wine lists, a carefully curated selection in a convivial space with knowledgeable staff will always win against a backbar groaning under the weight of dusty bottles. These five whisky bars in London may have a huge selection or are simply known for their specialist bottles and keen interest in whiskies, yet either way are thoroughly enjoyable places to enjoy the finest spirit in the world.

Black Rock – for exploring your palate

9 Christopher Street, London EC2A 2BS Mon-Sat 5pm-late, Sun CLOSED

A small basement bar around the back of Liverpool Street Station, Black Rock has an unassuming entrance which, despite the fact it descends, is a staircase leading to whisky heaven. Let the centrepiece of the room steal your attention for just a few minutes – a majestic tree trunk which acts as a table and whisky ageing station – and then be guided through Scotland’s malt spirit allowing taste to be your decider. At Black Rock, rather than classify the bottles by region or brand, the team have tasted their way through each whisky and organised them according to six flavour groups and whether they’re heavy and light. It’s basically a flavour map – one which becomes easier to navigate once the drams start flying.

Milroy’s of Soho – for international drams

3 Greek Street, Soho W1D 4NX Mon CLOSED, Tue-Sat 6pm-Midnight

A London institution, you can allow your taste buds to go crazy at Milroy’s, with bottles from the Highlands, Lowlands, Speyside, Islands, Islay and Campbeltown – and that’s just the Scotch. Come prepared to taste smooth bourbons and spicy rye whiskey from across the pond, and even sample malts from Japan, Sweden, Australia and South Africa. Milroy’s feels like a step back in time, and hunkering down in a corner with traditional blends, an interesting single cask and some punchy rye is one of London’s true drinking delights.

Bull in a China Shop – for Japanese whiskies

196 Shoreditch High Street E1 6LG Mon-Fri 8am-midnight, Sat 10am-midnight, Sun 10am-11pm

Rare and premium is the name of the game here, and you’ll quickly discover some of the fabulous whiskies on the market. Bull in a China Shop specialises in both Scotch and Japanese whisky but with a food menu themed towards Asian cuisine, it would be rude not to get involved with some fantastic Japanese bottlings. Try Japan’s answer to Islay with a smoky Yoichi, or one of their rare single malt whiskies. Better yet, order a whisky cocktail – after all, the Japanese dilute their own whiskies so why not follow suit?

Soho Whisky Club – for tastings

42 Old Compton Street W1D 4LR Mon-Thu noon-11pm, Fri noon-midnight, Sat 1pm-midnight

Members only. But don’t let that stop you, for once you have the key to the door (and for that, all you need to do is drop in and charm the staff – simples) this place will become your favourite spot to sit and soak up whisky knowledge, while sipping a dram alongside, naturally. It isn’t the most beautiful London bar but for the spirits available, the small terrace for a languid afternoon cigar and the free tastings, this is easily one of the best London memberships – Annabel’s, eat your heart out. If you joined tomorrow, you’d have access to 14 tastings till the end of 2016, including sessions dedicated to rum and gin as well as a wealth of various whisky distilleries from around the world. Plus there’s always the benefit of having somewhere calm to drink in Soho.

Sun Tavern – for Irish whiskies

441 Bethnal Green Road E2 0AN Mon-Wed noon-midnight, Thu-Sat noon-1am, Sun noon-midnight

This intimate pub in Bethnal Green may seem like just another local but it is in fact a temple to Irish spirits and London brews. Irish whiskey has had its tough times, and no one appreciates this more than the team here who will happily talk you though the differences with its neighbouring Scotch, pot-still distillation and why the Irish were so adamantly against blended whiskey. Try a healthy slug from the distilleries dotted around the Emerald Isle and, if you’ll allow a slight deviation from whiskey, then it would be crime to visit the Sun Tavern and not try poteen. The pub itself is an oasis of comfort with a relaxed vibe that only east London can truly deliver. No one here is judging how you enjoy your whiskey or even how you pronounce poteen…

Jane is editor at DrinkUp.London, the home of London Cocktail Week, London Wine Week and London Beer Week.

Dear Society Members,

Hope you are all well, has much changed since last week when we spoke last? Before we get to our exciting news, just a quick update on the most recent society bottle, the Springbank 8yo Sherry. If you told me you wanted to collect your bottles from the Cologne, Berlin, Odense or Salzburg shops then your bottles should be there by now (and you hopefully will already have received an email from me about that). However, please contact the appropriate shop to check if you have a long distance to travel just to be sure. If you have any problems or questions, send me an email and I will do my very, very best to get back to you: society@springbankwhisky.com.

Springbank 12yo Cask Strength 56.3%

We are delighted to announce the release of our new Springbank 12yo Cask Strength. This has been matured in 70% Sherry Casks and 30% Bourbon Casks and bottled at 56.3% abv.

Tasting notes.

Nose: A wonderful concoction of nuts, toffee and marzipan among softer notes of coconut, creme brûlée and honeycomb.

Palate: A beautiful balanced dram with further notes of honeycomb along with toffee cream, chocolate, dried fruits and raisins.

Finish: Long, big and gentle with traditional dunnage warehouse notes accompanied by sweet salted caramel and maple syrup.

It is available in the UK from today (Friday 12th August) and is available throughout over 20 countries. Releases in other countries/markets will vary throughout the weeks ahead. Please contact your local retailers and stockists for more information, details of whom can be found by visiting http://www.springbankwhisky.com/distributors/.

Important: This will not be available to order through me, nor can I pre-order or reserve you a bottle as this is not a Society bottle. 

Or if you would like to buy it directly from us you can contact our Campbeltown Cadenhead shop by calling +44 (0)1586 551710.

Springbank 12yo Cask Strength will be available in our shop for £47.00.

Lastly, I know we teased you all on social media, particularly Twitter and Instagram, about the above Cask Strength (that was cruel) but I wanted to quickly address a point that came up from that. Many of you thought the announcement would be the next Society bottle, which will actually be out in late Autumn/Fall as far as I’m aware. I wouldn’t do that to you. Hopefully, the outside world will not hear of a new Society bottle before you guys do, there will be no mention of it on social media beforehand. The Society is just for members.

But while we are on the subject of social media…

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

Twitter –  https://twitter.com/Springbank1828

Instagram –  Search Springbank Whisky (@springbankwhisky1828)

Slainte,

Nathan

Nathan Currie

For the Springbank Society

To join the Springbank Society please contact Natahn at society@springbankwhisky.com

Springbank 21 Year Old Single Cask

Campbeltown Single Malt Scotch Whisky 

Glengyle Kilkerran 12 Year Old

Campbeltown Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Kilkerran 12 Year Old Campbeltown single malt Scotch whisky distilled at Glengyle distillery. The first core product has been released from Mitchell’s Glengyle Distillery. Matured in 70% bourbon casks and 30% sherry casks.

Nose: oak notes are dominant, followed by toasted marshmallows and dried fruit pudding, as well as cherries, marzipan and a hint of peat.

Palate: initially fruity with citrus notes and orange peel, after this: vanilla, butterscotch, honeycomb and digestive biscuits can all be tasted and enjoyed.

Finish: velvet and smooth with lemon meringue, to conclude, there’s an oiliness and a saltiness that you’d expect from a Campbeltown dram.

Glengyle

William Mitchell established Glengyle Distillery in 1872 in Campbeltown at the foot of the Kintyre Peninsular. Closed in 1925, malt whisky stock sold and all the equipment removed. The buildings were purchased by Hedley Wright in 2000 who re-furbished and re-opened Glengyle Distillery in 2004. Now equipped with two small stills and operating for one or two months per year to produce Glengyle single malt whisky which is called Kilkeran.

Anders filling his bottle at Glengarioch distillery Scotland

Andos Epic Whisky Tour 2016

Day 1 – mostly traveling

As usual, when flying to Scotland I need to get up at an ungodly hour to get to the airport for the customary fondle session at the security checkpoint. I was positively surprised at Helsinki airport as the check-in and security control took less than 15 min, so I had time to relax a bit and have some breakfast at the always cheap airport café. Then it was liftoff and off to Schipol for what I was expecting to be a horrible panicking run thru the airport for the connecting flight. Once again I was positively surprised because although I had to switch terminals it took less than 15 min to get to the departure gate. 2 flights and in-flight snacks later I finally landed at Aberdeen airport. There Paul was waiting for me and off we went…with a dram in hand right away On the drive down to Dundee where I would be staying for two nights.  We stopped for a quick photoshoot at Dunnottar Castle and then also Broughty Castle. I learned to recognise castles from quite a far way away. The day ended with a proper pub crawl at Broughty Ferry, and then after about 22 hrs of travel it was time to sleep.

Day 2 – Kingsbarns and Eden Mill

The second day was to be an excursion out towards St Andrews, and to Eden Mill and Kingsbarns istilleries. First up a bit of sightseeing at St Andrews golf course and the beach, then onwards to Kingsbarns for a quick visit and some tasters. Next up was Eden Mill, and Liz´s daughter Shona had promised to show us around the brewery/distillery. It is a quaint small place where all the action happens in two big rooms, one where the wash backs etc. are and then the stillroom where the magic happens. The tour of the brewery/distillery ended with a mighty fine tasting including both beers and spirits which were excellent. The beers matured in used whisky casks were superb. As a nice bonus I got to taste some of their gins also. Thanks Shona for the tour!Eden Mill makes very good craft beer and their spirits show much promise. This is one to keep an eye on. After the visit it was back to Dundee and time to celebrate Pauls birthday with good food and drink in good company.

Day 3 – Strathearn, Edradour/Signatory and Speyside distillery

After another superb breakfast at The Fort, it was time to head out towards Strathearn. There was  a thought that I would get to see my own cask but that was on its own holiday trip down to Glasgow, so I did not see it. But I got a taster of a cask that is the same age and has the same spirit in it. I also got to taste their peated new make, and also spirit that had been matured in a chestnut barrel. Then Tony was so kind to also let me taste their “cider brandy”…which was very nice.Strathearn is really experimenting with interesting things, and all are tasting very good.

After Strathearn we headed for Pitlochry and Edradour distillery. No distillery tour, just some tasting and shopping in their visitors centre. Also had a quick chat with Andrew Symington when we were leaving Edradour. From Edradour the front of the car pointed finally towards Speyside. And I mean both the area called Speyside, and the distillery Speyside, or more familiar, Spey. I was in for a treat at the distillery as the person who was supposed to show us around was on vacation, so one of the actual distillery workers showed us around and telling us about the distillery from his point of view. Also, the distillery is very beautiful in general, with a small stream flowing past the distillery and with a working water wheel. Just beautiful. There was also a very nice tasting at the distillery, including some quite rare whiskies. Spey is not usually sold in Europe, with most of it exported to the far east. So I was very happy to have had the chance to visit this beautiful place. Then after a nice visit it was time to get over to Grantown-on-Spey where we would spend the evening. Paul and Liz had once again come up with new whiskies to taste as we had a private room reserved for dining and taking it easy in the evening. We were also treated to some bagpipe music by Spud the Piper.

Day 4 – Into Speyside

Finally the proper Speyside adventure was beginning. After yet another proper Scottish breakfast we set out into Speyside proper…and the first distillery we encountered on the way was Tormore. After a few photos we continued our journey up towards The Glenlivet, and took some photographs of Cragganmore and Ballindaloch on the way. At The Glenlivet I had the chance to taste the Guardians Chapter single cask, which was excellent. From The Glenlivet we had to follow a Chivas tanker truck, and I did not even have a hose and bucket with me. The next stop was Glenfarclas, where I had a quick tour of the still room, wash backs, mash tun and the warehouses. After the quick tour there was whisky to taste. I got the Glenfarclas £511.19s which was a very nice dram. But the other one, 1976 family cask blew the hair from my head. Never ever have I tasted a whisky that is so full of flavour, depth and incredible general awesomeness. Although, I am not inclined to pay £3500 for the bottle. But this was one of the highlights of the tour. Onwards and upwards, a quick photoshoot at Dailuaine, and then off to one of my all time favourite distilleries – Imperial. The old Imperial distillery buildings have been knocked down and on that spot is now built the new fully automated distillery – Dalmunach. But the old Imperial administrative buildings and some of the warehouses are still standing around the site. I also got to see the inside of Dalmunach, albeit only the atrium. The whole site is very beautiful, and it is a bit sad that they demolished the old Imperial distillery. Final stop was a quick drive to Cardhu where Liz wanted to feed the hairy coos that live by the distillery. We also did a quick drive by Speyside Cooperage, where the stacks of barrels are quite impressive.

Day 5 – Speyside adventure continues

The next day was mostly relaxed sightseeing and driving around Speyside. First up was a quick photoshoot of Craigellachie distillery and then passing by the thousands of casks resting at Speyside Cooperage. The sight never ceases to amaze. Then there was a short stop at an old graveyard where there were some very beautiful statues and tombstones. After that a quick photoshoot of Aberlour, and some tasting and shopping in the visitors centre. The next distillery was again a silent one, Parkmore. The site has been left undisturbed and the warehouses are in use. Very lovely place in Dufftown. After that there was a quick drive by all the distilleries in Dufftown. Then a quick visit to Balvenie Castle. Again, a very beautiful old ruin to visit. We then we had time to see the Rothes Castle, which is basically only one wall left that has not keeled over. Then quick peeks at Glen Spey and Glenrothes distilleries. At this stage Liz had to leave us to catch a train back home, and I continued with Paul up to Kinloss Abbey. As we got there we got our first proper rain shower, so instead we drove up to Findhorn where there is an eco village. When the rain stopped we went back to Kinloss to have a closer look at the ruins. Once again, a very beautiful place. After that we met up with Vic Cameron who has been involved in the whisky industry for a long time. We had a nice and interesting discussion about all things related to whisky. Thanks Vic for an interesting afternoon!! On the way back to Craigellachie we had time to look at Rose Isle which is a very big industrial distillery.

Day 6 – Balvenie day

This day had lots of good things to come. The primary visit was Balvenie with a three hour tour starting at 14:00. And before that there was Coleburn. On the way to Coleburn we had a quick stop at Glen Grant, and then to Coleburn. There we got a fabulous tour of their warehouse ending with some nice tasters. Then a quick detour via Glen Grant again, for some quick tasting, and then over to Glenfiddich for some lunch. Yes, only lunch. Had a quick browse thru the shop but did not buy anything. Before going over to Balvenie, we had some time to roll around the countryside and just enjoy the green fields of summery Speyside. Lovely scenery. We drove past Alt-a-Bhainne for a quick photo or two. Then it was time for the main event, a three hour tour at Balvenie with a tasting afterwards. Balvenie has always been a distillery with whiskies that I have enjoyed but never though much more about it. So I did not really have any expectations about the tour as such. I knew that it was supposed to be good as they take only 8 people per your and only two tours a day. So, off we went into the house of magic. First, Fergus took us to the malting floors, but as they were in their maintenance period so there were no malting ongoing. We also got to climb up into the kiln and the floors where they dry the malt. Felt a bit weird to walk on the grid floor where you could look down and see the floor far below. Then over to the mash tun room, where there are actually two mash tuns, one for Balvenie and one for Kininvie. The same with the wash backs, one room with wash backs for Balvenie and one room with wash backs for Kininvie. Only the still room only had the stills for Balvenie. The Kininvie stills are in a separate building where the wash is routed via pipes. After having gone thru the whole process we got a jeep ride over to the cooperage at the site. Balvenie repairs and maintains their casks at their own cooperage. We were able to see how the coopers work, and the speed for replacing a stave in a cask was incredible. The next stop on the tour was the warehouse where you can bottle your own whisky straight from a cask. So of course I had to fill up two small 20cl bottles, one a 13yr first fill sherry one, and the other a 14yr first fill bourbon. The final part of the tour was then the tasting. We got a superb set of whiskies to taste, the 12 yr double barrel, 12yr single bourbon barrel, 17yr double barrel, 14yr rum cask, 21yr port wood and as a final one a 34yr first fill sherry from the legendary warehouse 24. Incredible good whiskies. The tour at Balvenie was incredible and I really recommend going there if you have the chance. There was still some driving around, having a look at Glentauchers, Strathmill, Auchroisk,  and Glen Keith distilleries and then back to the Highlander Inn for the final night in Craigellachie.

Day 7 – Sightseeing

Time to say goodbye to Craigellachie and our host at the Highlander Inn, Mr Tatsuya Minagawa. If you ever need a place to enjoy a few good whiskies The Highlander Inn is the place to visit. The people are very friendly and the food is good, and the whiskies are even better. As we left Craigellachie we headed north towards Elgin again. On the agenda today was the Elgin Cathedral and what else could be seen around the city. As we had to stop for fuel I made a very nice discovery in the petrol station. They sell whisky! And somehow it feels wrong that they have Port Ellen and Brora for sale at a normal gas station, and many other nice bottles for decent prices. In the end I settled for a 1979 Glenlivet single cask bottled by Macillops Choice for 115 pounds. Could have been worse. It was then castle time again, as we headed up towards Lossiemouth and Duffus Castle. The castle had been built in 1150 and then rebuilt somewhere in the 1300s but it had been build on such a site that the ground had failed and one of the walls had slide down the hill a bit. So a nice place to visit, but was not build to stand the test of time. Lossiemouth was a very nice little seaside town as we drove thru it on our way back to Elgin. There we had some pictures of the Elgin Cathedral which is quite a sight. Impressive old cathedral ruins. It felt a bit sad as we then started driving slowly down towards Aberdeen and towards the end of the tour. Good thing that there were still some things on the road to see. Next was a quick shopping stop at GlenDronach. I just had to get the hand filled bottling at the visitor centre. After that we drove onwards towards Knockdhu distillery to see if we could have a quick look around.  We were treated to a nice tour and tasting at the distillery. Had never had an Ancnoc whisky in my life previously so this was a nice surprise. And their whisky is very good and well made. Positive surprise of the day. After this we had a slow drive down towards Aberdeen just enjoying the scenery. At the hotel we met up with Liz again as Paul and Liz would switch places for the final day of the tour.

Day 8 – the final day of the tour

So, slowly the tour had come towards the end and now was the final day. The first stop this final day was Glen Garioch distillery. This is also a relatively unknown distillery for me so I was very happy to get a private tour of the distillery. Lots of very interesting things on the tour and a very nice tasting afterwards again. Then I just had to bottle the hand filled first fill sherry cask that they had available. It was a marvellous whisky and overall the visit left me very happy. Then it was time for some general sightseeing and castle photographing. First up was Fyvie castle, and after that we went to Delgatie castle for a quick lunch. The castle was a quaint old castle where the interior was decorated like an old mansion. The dining area was in a part of the old castle kitchen. Had to buy a small plush sheep for my nephew from the gift shop too. Then a quick stop at Ellon Castle for some photos, and finally a stop at Castle Fraser for some tea and cake. There had been some small showers of rain during the day but now it just poured down. So the tour ended with proper scottish weather. So, after 8 incredible days in Scotland it was over. I had seen 42 distilleries during the tour, and many castles and other interested sights. A big thank you to Paul and Liz who made this unforgettable tour possible. It was grand! I got to meet incredible people and see incredible places, and got to spend time with two fantastic friends!

This was a journey I will never forget.

Written and enjoyed by Anders Malmsten, Finland.

Submitted by Paul Mclean http://www.whiskytours.scot/

” FROM DREAM TO DRAM “

KINGSBARNS DISTILLERY VISITOR CENTRE WELCOMES TWO NEW EXCLUSIVE WHISKIES 

Kingsbarns Distillery is delighted to announce that two new exclusive single cask bottlings from Wemyss Malts are now available in its Visitor Centre and online shop.

The Visitor Centre was opened on St Andrews Day 2014 by the Wemyss family owners and the founder, local man Douglas Clement.   Distilling started in January 2015, with the first cask filled in March that year.  Scotch whisky has to mature for at least 3 years before it can be bottled, so meanwhile the Kingsbarns Distillery shop is stocked with the range from the family owner’s other whisky interest,  the award-winning independent bottler, Wemyss Malts.

Wemyss Malts’ approach to their malt whisky range is to name the whiskies after each whisky’s natural flavour and aromas to allow whisky drinkers to better imagine each whisky’s taste.

The two new single casks single malts which have been bottled exclusively for the Kingsbarns Distillery shop are:

“East Neuk Dunes” – a name inspired by the local shoreline, even though the cask is from Bunnahabhain Distillery on Islay. Distilled in 1990 and bottled in 2016, aged 25 years.   Bottled at 46% abv and retailing at £139.95.  Only 267 bottles available.
“Lime Tea Infusion” – from Glenrothes Distillery in Speyside.  Distilled in 1997 and bottled in 2016, aged 19 years.  Bottled at 46% abv and retailing at £84.95. Only 337 bottles available.

William Wemyss, Managing Director at Kingsbarns Distillery and Wemyss Malts explains further: “Wemyss Malts has a tradition of finding exceptional single casks from Scotland’s single malt distilleries and we have chosen these two whiskies to be sold only at Kingsbarns Distillery.   The aptly named “East Neuk Dunes” reflects the whisky’s soft salty aroma, with only gentle smoke coming from this 25 year old single cask; while “Lime Tea Infusion” is a lively addition to the drams on our “Dream to Dram” distillery tour.”

The whiskies are available now at the Kingsbarns Distillery Visitor Centre as well as in the online shop  www.kingsbarnsdistillery.com/shop  

Notes: 

Kingsbarns Distillery was officially opened on St Andrews Day 2014 and  has been subsequently been awarded a  4 star visitor attraction award by Visit Scotland.
While the Kingsbarns spirit is maturing, Kingsbarns has also launched the Founders’ Club. Membership benefits include a Welcome Pack and the first ever bottling of Kingsbarns Single Malt expected in mid 2018.  A further 4 exclusive bottlings will follow.
The founder of the distillery is Douglas Clement.  Formerly a golf caddie, Douglas was inspired  to open a distillery near to the famous golf courses in the St Andrews and Kingsbarns area.
Distillery Manager, Peter Holroyd, is a graduate of Heriot Watt University Brewing and Distilling, and was formerly head brewer at a craft brewery near Glasgow.
The Wemyss family owners are from Scotland and their historic family seat is Wemyss Castle in Fife where they’ve lived since the 1300s.
The  Wemyss family also own Wemyss Malts which is an independent bottler with a whisky range including the blended malt whiskies comprising: The Spice King, The Peat Chimney and The Hive; single malt single cask bottlings and the blended Scotch named Lord Elcho after one of the Wemyss family’s ancestors; all of which are avilable for tasting and sale at The Kingsbarns Distillery.
The Wemyss family premium wines and spirits brands also include boutique gin Darnley’s View together with the premium wine estate of Rimauresq Cru Classé in Cotes de Provence.

www.kingsbarnsdistillery.com
Twitter: @KingsbarnsDist Facebook: Kingsbarns Distillery & Visitor Centre