A cultural visit to Ireland 

An Irish venture into their culture of whiskey and grand beers. An edited blog from a much longer piece of drivel by Paul. 

Monday started late. Teelings at noon was our scheduled visit and it was good! A complimentary visit (thanks) led by Ruard, who knew his stuff (makes a change for some distillery guides), all the staff here are young, very young and I wonder what they actually know about whiskey? Our welcome at reception? Not good, they didnee wish to know, too busy chatting to eachother. We were told “take photos anywhere”, so we did, the pot stills come fae Italy, Sienna, 19^th century design/shape. There were NO padlocks on the spirit safe, they have 5 distillers on a rotating basis, the small batch 80% corn, 20% barley. We tasted 3 drams; grain, small batch and single malt (a 6 wood job 9year old). Teeling Distillery is the first new distillery in Dublin in over 125 years and right back where Teelings started in 1782 and only a stone’s throw away from where Walter Teeling’s old distillery was. Located in an ancient market square called Newmarket (not really a square) in the heart of the Liberties of Dublin. Their philosophy is that while they are respectful to the heritage of Irish whiskey, as a new generation of Irish whiskey makers they are confident to forge a new future for Dublin and Irish whiskey. After our tour we hit their bar, Dave had another single malt, I went in for a cocktail and was told it’s a girly drink, och well. Overall impression; very touristy, hard line whisky tourists would be bored, it’s more a tourist destination than a distillery. We headed into Temple Bar, some grub and some cultural research (drinks).

Tuesday we met PJ from the Malt Teasers whiskey club, swapped stories, rounds and bottles of Irish whisky. The remainder of the day spent researching. Wednesday saw us fall into the Irish Whiskey Museum depicting the origins of Irish whiskey, its rise to glory, its dramatic fall and of course, the revival of new Irish whiskeys. Again, it is a tourist trap, not really a visit for hard line whiskey nuts like myself. No one knew what to do with us, even though we had pre – arranged our visit, we didnee even get offered a dram! We left for the pub. I delved into a Powers, known as the Priests Bottle because it was always kept (in Ireland ) for when the Priest came to visit. At McDaids bar we were having a quiet drink when a film crew came in and interrupted us! So we chatted to 10 folks from USA who had won a bar tenders competition fae Tullamore DEW. Thursday; pubs.

Friday, a taxi to the railway and a train to Drogheda, dumped luggage and a bus to Dundalk. The Great Northern Distillery welcomed us. John Teeling was going to take our tour, but a board meeting came up so we had another guy, who knew nothing. They have column and pot still runs here, though all they do is make new spirit, sell it on. They run 24 hours x 5 days a week – the train station is right beside the distillery in Dundalk which was real handy.  You can see the pot stills from the station carpark (Laura PA to John Teeling (Chairman) was my helpful contact here, a true LFC supporter!). John Teeling, also known as the founder of Irish whiskey renaissance, used to own the Cooley Distillery. In 2013 he acquired the GND after selling Cooley to Suntory a year earlier, he now supplies new make and grain to other distilleries and own labels. This is a huge site, former Diageo (Harp brewery) it’s a 5.5 hectare site of which 2 are used now. There is a grand pub opposite, Kennedy’s, we researched more in here, barman John is Scottish! We headed back to Donore for overnight. I must apologise to Sally Anne at Boann distillery – we couldnee make the planned visit – but I will do the blog as promised. Saturday we headed back to Dundalk (don’t ask), a donder around Dundalk, great station information on the 1916 rising, loved it. Russell’s pub saw us twice, we ventured into 4 others before Kennedy’s again. Dundalk FC were playing tonight at 7pm – they lost. We stayed overnight opposite the stadium.

Blog and story/visit by Paul McLean  http://www.whiskytours.scot/

A spiritual Sunday Whisky School

It was all a part of a long tour (16 days to be exact) that had been to the west coast, Highlands, Speyside and Edinburgh.

We had started a while before, as we met at Edinburgh airport (plane landed 4 hours late) and headed up to the west coast, a half hour south of Oban. On our second day we had arranged a private boat trip for all four of us, myself, Liz and 2 guests Julie and Chris. At high speed we went to Islay to visit Bunny Heaven distillery, which was good by the way. Sailing down to Jura and the distillery there, also good, then hit the Corryvreckan whirlpool with high seas, exciting stuff.

Anyhow, to cut a long story short, we visited Oban, Tobermory, Talisker, Macallan, Balvenie, Glen Moray, Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, Cardhu (and fed the hairy coo’s), Dalmore, Glenmorangie, Edradour distilleries – amongst others, but staying in Speyside for 4 days/nights we arranged our friend Vic Cameron to take a whisky school. Now, apart from his whisky activities (with Diageo 25 years) now teaching, holding tastings etc, he is a Pastor with his own church. Our school was held in his own church on a Sunday, just the four of us again. This went on for several hours and all enjoyed the spiritual experience, tasting 5 drams and a follow up, Rebecca Creek from Texas, less said about that one the better. We had an almost black Glenmorangie which was really weird. With questions flying in everywhere Vic was kept busy, whilst telling us all about barley, and how Liz got upset that the barley is alive when processed! Vic had also done a whisky school for us at this years Speyside whisky festival, in addition to many tastings, talks etc with other guests of ours over the year.

Vic Cameron (BSc DipDist). Vic has over 25 years experience in the distilling industry, for the largest Distiller in the UK. Vic is proud to have been the 4th International Malt Whisky Nosing Champion. He is now on the organising committee for the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival whisky school and also the Whisky Lecturer for the University of the Highlands and Islands. History; Distillery Manager, Maltings Manager, Laboratory and Cereals Manager Diageo plc. UK Malt, the Maltsters’ Association of Great Britain.

Sunday School was held in Lossiemouth near Elgin,

story by Paul McLean                     www.mcleanscotland.com/www.whiskytours.scot/

Compass Box Whisky:
End of the run and new releases.

We know. We know.
‘Another Compass Box email?’

Hear us out. Some interesting things are happening with Whiskymaker John Glaser’s innovative company. We wanted to let you know that we are almost out of some limited edition bottles, as well as tell you about CB’s newest creations.

Like so many of their past bottlings ~ some Compass Box whiskies are just about at the end of their run at the Park Avenue Liquor Shop. Below – we will give you one last crack at bottles like “Lost Blend”, “Circus”, “Enlightenment”, “Flaming Heart 15th Anniversary” & “This is not a Luxury Whisky”. (And maybe remind you about our exclusive ‘Peat Monster 10th Anniversary- cask strength edition’.)

Though some bottles are leaving us – two new statements are coming to our shelves in the very near future. Introductions to “Spice Tree: Extravaganza” and “Three Year Old Deluxe” are also part of this email.

So in summation ~ Yeah, another Compass Box email:)

Cheers!
Jonathan & Eric
The Park Avenue Liquor Shop
270 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10016
212-685-2442
jonathan@parkaveliquor.com
eric@parkaveliquor.com
www.parkaveliquor.com

The following Compass Box statements are on ‘last call’ at Park Avenue. We currently are unable to replenish our stock and have very few left in inventory.

Compass Box: ‘Circus’ ~ $290/btl

“We know little of the component distillery whiskies used in these blends for The Circus, only that they contain both single malt and single grain whiskies and that the ‘marrying casks’ are sherry butts. However, the provenance of the components isn’t important to us now, as what we have are old casks containing whiskies that are extraordinary.” Notes: “A lithe frame and opulent mouthfeel showcasing the supple softness of mature grain and the complexity of aged Blended Scotch Whisky. Brimming with dried fruit character, a luscious maltiness and nuances of almond and hazelnut.”

Compass Box: ‘Enlightenment’ ~ $115/btl

“Since launching the Compass Box Whisky Co., I have always been a firm believer in the spirit of enlight- enment – that the more information we can share with our customers about the Scotch whisky we produce, the better. Alas, it transpires such beliefs fall foul of current EU and UK regulations, which prevent us from sharing information about the age of every component whisky used in the creation of our blends.”  Notes: “Fresh, vibrant and uplifting with a mouthfeel that is moreish and mouth-watering. On the nose you will find bright apple and pear, vanilla cream and light violet; on the palate soft spice, gentle citric notes and more of that uplifting orchard fruit character.”

Compass Box: ‘The Lost Blend’ ~ $150/btl

The Lost Blend from Compass Box is comprised of 2 unpeated Highland whiskies, coming from the Clynelish and Allt-á-Bhainne distilleries, and a peated whisky from the Caol Ila distillery. It has been named in honor of their past Eleuthera
expression, which was lost to the ravages of time, and also shares a name with the 1907 story by O. Henry about two bartenders trying to remember and recreate a blend of spirits which possessed almost supernatural qualities. ‘The Lost Blend’ received a very impressive score of 95.5 in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2016. Notes: “An elegantly complex union of two fruity Highland single malt s and a peaty Islay single malt. An ethereal fruit and herbal character and a sweetness on the palate is buttressed by an underlying smokiness.”

Compass Box: ‘Flaming Heart 15th Anniversary’ ~ $150/btl ~

“First released in 2006, Flaming Heart was the first whisky to combine the rich, complex spice of Scotch aged in new French oak with the evocative peat-fired smoke of Islay malt. It created a genre-defying style that was smouldering, spicy, complex – and so popular that we re-released it three more times in the years that followed. In our fifteenth year, we felt compelled to revisit this unique style one more time. The anniversary release is a huge, layered, long-lasting mouthful of a whisky to enjoy late into the night. Brooding, indulgent and older than ever before, this is a whisky born of oak, smoke and fire – with a big heart all of its own.” Notes: “A unique interplay between spice, sweet and smoke characteristics. Sweet fruits and wood-smoke on the nose. Fat and full-bodied on the palate with a spicy sweetness and a brooding complexity that is rich, sweet and addictively decadent.”

Compass Box: ‘This Is Not A Luxury Whisky’ ~ $240/btl ~

Or is it? The inspiration for this limited release is René Magritte’s 1929 work “Ceci n’est pas une pipe”, a Surrealist painting which challenges peoples’ perceptions of reality. Notes: “Complex, rich, lightly smoky and opulent. Sultanas, sweet sherry and concentrated floral notes combine with deep demerara sweetness, cacao and lighter creamy coconut character. An inviting nose, fat and full-bodied on the palate with a long, lingering sweet-smoke finish.”

Compass Box: The Peat Monster 10th Anniversary
~ Cask Strength Edition ~
Park Ave Liquor Shop exclusive
~ $120/btl ~

Over ten years ago Compass Box created a bespoke blend of VERY peaty single malts for us. It was christened, “Monster” and labeled with a stranger creature that captured the essence of the whisky. It sold so well that when it became endangered they decided to share the idea with the rest of the world. Thus ‘The Peat Monster’ was born and has since become their best-selling whisky. To commemorate the tenth anniversary of our collaboration, Compass Box has created a special cask strength version of this celebratory bottling. Just 300 were produced.

The following Compass Box statements are expected to arrive in early November. They are both ‘Limited Edition’ so please contact the store if you are interested.

Compass Box: ‘Spice Tree Extravaganza’

~ $135/btl ~

As the name suggests, the liquid draws its inspiration from our Signature Range classic, The Spice Tree, but reinterprets it through the use of older components and a significant portion of sherry-cask aged malt whisky. The Spice Tree’s trademark spice character is retained but set within a richer, more elegant frame with a new depth of flavor and complexity. Notes: Decadent and playful on the nose, you will find notes of sherry wine, dark berries and the fragrant sweetness of traditional sweet shops.
On the palate there is juicy red fruit, a dark brown sugar richness, the trademark Spice Tree ginger and clove spice character and an endlessly long, spicy, substantial finish.

Compass Box: ‘3 Year Old Deluxe’
~ $280/btl ~

“Composed of less than 1% three year-old malt whisky produced near the village of Brora, 90% malt whisky of an unstated age from the same distillery and around 9% peaty malt whisky distilled on the Isle of Skye, regulations only permit us only to share details of the age of youngest component! No matter. For it is this three year-old that is most important to us. Aged from new-make spirit in our own first-fill American oak casks, it imparts a lively vivacity and represents a milestone in our development as whisky makers.” Notes: “The rich vanilla notes, waxy mouthfeel and decadent baked orchard fruit notes from the larger parcel of Highland malt whisky provide a beautiful platform on top of which the brooding qualities of the peaty malt whisky and the clean, bright character of the three year-old parcel are able to shine.”

We cannot guarantee availability of these bottles as they are all in short supply. Please feel free to contact the store to see if they are still in-stock or if the others have arrived.
The Park Avenue Liquor Shop | 212-685-2442 | 212-689-6247 | parkaveliquor.com

THREE SAZERAC CANADIAN WHISKIES AWARDED SILVER MEDALS AT

2016 NEW YORK WORLD WINE & SPIRITS COMPETITION 

NEW ORLEANS, lA.  (Oct. 5, 2016) – Results are in, and this year’s New York World Wine & Spirits Competition concludes that three Canadian whiskies from the Sazerac Company were awarded silver medals.

The honorable silver medals were presented to Sazerac’s Caribou Crossing Single Barrel, Rich & Rare Reserve, and Legacy Canadian Whisky.

“We are fortunate to be able to compete against such prestigious brands at the NYWWSC,” Kevin Richards, marketing director of whiskies and specialty brands, said. “We are very thankful for the awards and the opportunity to showcase our brands each year.”

The New York World Wine & Spirits Competition is named one of the largest competitions for the retail beverage industry. The competition attracts top professional judges from a broad spectrum of wine and spirits expertise. Competition participants continue to increase each year, as well as the number of top medal winners.

Complete results of the 2016 New York World Wine & Spirits Competition are available at www.nyworldwineandspiritscompetition.com/.

About the Sazerac Company

Sazerac is one of New Orleans’ oldest American family owned, privately held companies and has operations in New Orleans, Louisiana; Frankfort, Bardstown, Louisville and Owensboro, Kentucky; Fredericksburg, Virginia; Carson, California; Baltimore, Maryland; Lewiston, Maine; Manchester, New Hampshire; and Montreal Canada. For more information on Sazerac, please visit www.sazerac.com/.

The Isle of the Unexpected? Jura Relocates to London

Jura takes its island to central London, as it learns that 70% of Londoners don’t know where it is

Jura Whisky announces that it is taking its remote island home to London – as it reveals that more than 70% of Londoners don’t know where it is, geographically.

While almost half knew of the island’s Single Malt Scotch Whisky, a massive 72.5% of 1,000 Londoners surveyed didn’t actually know where to find it on a map – with 12% thinking it is somewhere in England, 10% thinking it is in Hungary and 14% of those surveyed unable to guess at Jura’s location*.

Now Jura wants to put its island home in the spotlight, giving Londoners a unique chance to explore its incredible coastlines, community, culture and craft without leaving the city – with a new experiential event created in collaboration with immersive art duo Art of Disappearing.

From 13^th October, The Isle of the Unexpected invites Londoners to join an interactive, mystery adventure to help a fictional film director, Eric, find the inspiration he needs to finish his script. The answer lies on the island of Jura, which ticketholders can access through a secret door in The Looking Glass bar in Shoreditch. Londoners can expect to discover the island over a dram or two as they are guided by audio headset through physical sets, experience virtual reality flight and hunt for clues.

Nestled in the Inner Hebrides just off the West Coast of Scotland, the isle of Jura is as beautiful as it is remote. It has just one road, one pub, one shop and one iconic distillery, which employs 10% of the island’s population to craft Jura’s single malt whisky. Jura is just over half the size of central London, except with a population of just 200 people, who are vastly outnumbered by over 6,000 deer which roam the island.

This isn’t the first time Jura’s location has caused confusion – in 2013, it made headlines as it fell off Google maps. And while the general population in London might be unsure of its whereabouts, Jura’s remote location and dramatic coastlines have certainly made an impression amongst the cultural community – author George Orwell wrote 1984 while living there and the KLF notoriously burned one million pounds on the island. Jura has also served as a writing retreat for a number of musicians, most recently the Glaswegian band Errors, which wrote tracks for the album Lease of Life there.

Graham Logan, Jura Distillery manager, said:

“People don’t know exactly where on the map you can find us. I’m not surprised as it can take up to 16 hours by train, plane, ferry and car to get from London to Jura and back again – but I’m proud of our award winning whiskies, which are enjoyed across the whole world.

Our island, distillery and community is full of wonderful stories just waiting to be uncovered, and it has inspired many authors and artists over the years. We welcome hundreds of visitors to the island every year, though The Isle of the Unexpected is the next best thing for those who want to discover the different sides of Jura and can’t make the long trip!” 

The Isle of the Unexpected, 13-15 & 19-22 October, The Looking Glass, 49 Hackney Rd, London E2 7NX, £5 plus 50p booking fee (includes two drams of Jura Whisky)

Tickets available now from: https://billetto.co.uk/discoverjura 

@Jura_Whisky #DiscoverJura

*Jura surveyed 1,000 Londoners through One Poll 

www.jurawhisky.com 

www.twitter.com/jura_whisky

www.facebook.com/jurawhisky

Instagram: jura_whisky  

NOTES                                                           

About Jura:

Jura is an island nestled off the West Coast of Scotland. With only one road, one pub, one distillery and 200 people, Jura is as beautiful as it is remote. The distillery was established in 1810 and reborn in 1963 to revive the community. Inspired by our history and our island home, we create single malt with a true passion for the craft of whisky making.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-23331456

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/real-life/george-orwells-son-revisits-jura-3655402

http://www.theskinny.co.uk/music/interviews/into-the-wild-errors-interviewed

Ralfy examines the evolving glass with Whisky Review 601 – Clynelish 17yo Indi-malt (Adelphi)

BEST SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY & DOUBLE GOLD AWARDS for CASK ISLAY

A.D. Rattray, Independent Whisky Bottlers, are delighted that the quality and popularity of their flavourful Cask Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky has been recognised with another two awards. The lively peaty malt has been awarded Double Gold and Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky in the 2016 New York World Wine and Sprits Competition.

A.D. Rattray specifically crafted this Small Batch Malt to embody the wonderful characteristics of Islay whiskies. The complex and refreshing flavours of Cask Islay will delight lovers of Islay whiskies, while its charm and charisma will tempt many to their first taste from this beloved West Coast isle.

Tasting Note

Colour: Golden Islay sunset.

Nose: Warm & fiery, roasting peat kiln, some citrus notes after the smoke.

Palate: Oily, burnt toffee, juicy barley and rich peat smoke.

Conclusion: Lively, peaty and full of flavour.

Glenfarclas 1986 Refill Sherry Butts V

This new release is the fifith bottling in the Family Collector Series of limited edition releases honouring the Grant family. Matured in specially selected refill sherry casks for a lighter sherry influence, only 180 bottles are available in the UK.

£580 Buy Now

Strictly limited to one bottle per customer

Loch Fyne Whiskies tel: 0141 427 2919 info@lochfynewhiskies.com www.lochfynewhiskies.com

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 144: Mackmyra Svensk Ek vs Vinterrök

Mark Dermul, Belgian Whisky blogger, tries two Swedish single malts. Mackmyra in Sweden currently has two working distilleries, the second one being a hypermodern ‘gravity distillery’. They have quite a few releases already and this seems as good a time as any to put two very different expressions head-to-head. Svensk Ek – or Swedish Oak – on the one hand versus the Vinterrök – or Winter’s Smoke – on the other.

https://youtu.be/5WIlt6PEJM4

Whisky tour on Speyside with 3 New Yorkers

Another whisky tour been and gone, another great trip enjoyed by all. I had 3 lovely ladies from New York on a short whisky tour. Meeting them at a hotel in Edinburgh after breakfast, we headed north to Speyside, en route we pulled in at Ralia for the rest rooms. Upon leaving here, I pulled out onto the A9 and without noticing, became a part of a police convoy – blue lights winking away. With a car and motorcycle outrider in front (also blue lights) I looked in my rear mirror. A huge truck with an extra wide load coming up maybe 1/8 mile behind, with more blue lights. The cop ahead didnee notice us for approx. 2 miles, but other drivers did comin the other way! Police were waving everyone over, ours was a large white car, people were looking at us wondering who we were? Royals, celebrities? I told my 3 ladies to wave anyhow. Shortly the cop waved us past, goos fun while it lasted.

Our first distillery visit was The Glenlivet. While they took the tour I took time out to test the food and a cuppa tea, good, even managed a wee bit of work! They came back in enthusiastic and raving aboot the tour – a good start. This was followed by lunch at the distillery for them, and a wee drive (10 minutes) to Glenfarclas. Pre booked and sorted … they went happily on their way here, returning to a few drams. Both these distilleries give good tours and we drop by both of them often. From Farclas to Forres and their hotel, check in, and a walk to the pub for the girls. I hung about as I was meeting up with Derek Hancock, he is taking one of our tours later on, I needed give him all the tour notes and drams etc, Derek is ex G&M and a great whisky man, we like him taking tours we cannee do ourselves. As Derek left (he was on holiday the next day) Vic Cameron arrived. Another whisky man and friend, Vic had been “booked” to chat to the girls on his Diageo experiences, what he doesnee know will fit on a postage stamp. An hour and a half later they were called into dinner. They had raved again with Vic, really enjoying his banter. I bade him farewell and hit the bar for a well-deserved drink – research you understand.

Day 2 and an early start to get them to Balvenie distillery, David Muir took this tour, a 3 and a half hour epic, one of the best whisky tours that can be found, they thought so also, couldnee stop them talking about it. We travelled a short distance to Glenfiddich distillery, where I pushed them into the ladies bathroom – it has to be seen to be believed. Oh by the way, what did I do for those hours? Drove to Strathisla distillery, I had a tip off re a low cost dram, too true, I bought a case of 12 year old Tormore single malt whisky @ £20 a bottle, FAB! Last Christmas Liz and myself had stayed at the distillery in one of the cottages for 3 days – another story. Haggis, cheese board, and sandwiches later we left Glenfiddich for the Macallan, the girls were gobsmacked at all the work goin on, another 2 hour tour lay ahead of them, so I wandered off and spent some down time chillin out in church (now an antique/junk shop) in Rothes. Returning for them, they were dramming and happy as three birds on a tree. Before heading back to the hotel, I took them on a wee detour to the back of the Cooperage to see flat pack casks etc, more open mouths, which was handy as I had a dram for them again. They had supped drams in the car from day one every now and again, we like to keep our guests happy. I had also phoned and booked them a dinner in Findhorn; Kimberly’s, a great seafood place, a local taxi each way and they loved it all, the food, the taxi driver, the locals and the craic. Meanwhile, back at the hotel I had another meeting, Lewis Maclean (MD Maclean’s Bakery) who we shall be working with in June 2017 at the Clan Maclean Gathering (we have tours booked for approx. 90 Maclean’s so far), he will supply the butterscotch, cookies and shortbread etc www.macleansbakery.com/ Then off for a drink and food myself.

Day 3 saw an early start (or so I thought it was going to be) at 8.50, should have been 8.30 but och well. Cardhu called us, we arrived and to be sure fed the hairy coo’s, what a giggle, between laughs, frights and horns, we enjoyed putting digestive biscuits into the waiting mouths. Cardhu with tastings, then we hit the road – drams in car once again. We stopped at the House of Bruar for nibbles and shopping, before heading over to Broughty Ferry to pick up Liz. Now I had 4 women all talking at the same time! We eventually arrived at St Andrews, luggage in and a bar had our name on it. One round then away to another pub, the Keys, where many drinks followed, along with exhaustive conversation, my ears are still red. So well were we all getting on, Liz didnee want to leave, I gave her the option 1. Go after the next drink, as I was still driving and on juice! Or 2. Stay the night. After much discussions we left, but did much “research” back at the Ferry in Liz’s house – too much research for Liz.

Day 4 a hotel pick up at 10.45 then a dash to Edinburgh airport, the girls were going to Dublin for a few days. This ended this tour, but all are sure it will continue next year. Meanwhile I went to Dublin with a pal a few days later, that’s another story to be told – and it will be.

Written by Paul McLean www.mcleanscotland.com/   www.whiskytours.scot/