www.ralfy.com offer an alternative to Lagavulin with Whisky Review 585 – Bunnahabhain 8yo heavily peated (G&M)

Flavours in this special expression inspire our first ever crowd-sourced bottle packaging

Once again the time has come for us to welcome honorary Diurachs from far and wide to our annual whisky festival, Tastival – a highlight on the calendar for everyone here on Jura.

To mark this special occasion, we can now reveal the limited edition Tastival 2016 bottling, with our first ever crowd sourced packaging, chosen by you!

Tastival celebrates new and exciting ways to enjoy whisky – and the creation of this year’s festival edition is no exception, with a triple sherry finish, using hand-selected casks.

To complement its sweet and intense flavour, we commissioned four artists from across the world to create a unique illustrated packaging design based upon their Tastival 2016 tasting notes.

Back in January we asked you to vote for your favourite design on our social media channels, and following heated competition we can now reveal that our first ever crowd sourced packaging is based on artwork by Florian Schommer.

The intricate design incorporates Florian’s personal tasting notes for the whisky, including apples, vanilla, maple syrup and roasted hazelnut.

This the last Tastival expression to be overseen by our much-loved Distillery Manager, Willie Cochrane, who announced his retirement last week. He hands over the reins to Graham Logan, a former Jura Mash/Stillman who has worked at his side for over two decades.

Introducing our limited edition Tastival 2016 bottling

Flavours in this special expression inspire our first ever crowd-sourced bottle packaging

Once again the time has come for us to welcome honorary Diurachs from far and wide to our annual whisky festival, Tastival – a highlight on the calendar for everyone here on Jura.

To mark this special occasion, we can now reveal the limited edition Tastival 2016 bottling, with our first ever crowd sourced packaging, chosen by you!

Tastival celebrates new and exciting ways to enjoy whisky – and the creation of this year’s festival edition is no exception, with a triple sherry finish, using hand-selected casks.

To complement its sweet and intense flavour, we commissioned four artists from across the world to create a unique illustrated packaging design based upon their Tastival 2016 tasting notes.

Back in January we asked you to vote for your favourite design on our social media channels, and following heated competition we can now reveal that our first ever crowd sourced packaging is based on artwork by Florian Schommer.

The intricate design incorporates Florian’s personal tasting notes for the whisky, including apples, vanilla, maple syrup and roasted hazelnut.

This the last Tastival expression to be overseen by our much-loved Distillery Manager, Willie Cochrane, who announced his retirement last week. He hands over the reins to Graham Logan, a former Jura Mash/Stillman who has worked at his side for over two decades.

Those of you joining us at Tastival will have the first opportunity to sample and buy this remarkable single malt at the distillery on 25 & 26 May, where Willie and Graham will be signing bottles. For those joining us in spirit, but not in person – Jura Tastival 2016 will be available online and in shops globally (excluding US) RRP £85 from 30 May 2016. 51% ABV, non-chill filtered.

Wherever you are, we look forward to hearing your own tasting notes for Tastival 2016. Slainte!

Everyone at the Jura Distillery

Jura Whisky

@jura_whisky

Whisky News from Scotland’s Oldest Distillery

With our favourite month of the year nearly over, we’ve enjoyed celebrating Whisky Month with all those who took a tour with us this May.

Whisky Month might be coming to an end, but there’s still time to make the most of our special whisky month offers. Until the end of May, we’re offering visitors who take our Finest Tasting Experience £10 OFF our Bottle Your Own Cask. There’s just under 100 bottles left of this Andy Murray cask so be quick – and you never know, you might get to toast to him winning this year’s Wimbledon!

Find out what else is going on at Scotland’s best visitor attraction this month…

Fly’s 16 Masters Edition

To celebrate World Whisky Day on Saturday 21st May, Glenturret Distillery launched a limited edition 16 Year Old Single Malt. This picture, which dates back to 1905, shows the 16 stillmen of Glenturret and their dog Fly. Find out more and purchase your bottle here.

Dad, He’s a Real Fly Guy…

With just over three weeks until Father’s Day (Sunday 19th June for those who have forgotten!), there’s not long left to find the perfect gift. Visit our new look online shop to browse our range of gifts or why not treat him to a special tour at Scotland’s Oldest Distillery followed by a delicious lunch at our cafe-restaurant Wilde Thyme.

Evening Dining at Wilde Thyme

Evening dining is now available on Friday and Saturday at our restaurant Wilde Thyme at Glenturret. Enjoy a delicious meal using fresh, local ingredients in our relaxed and friendly restaurant. Check out the menu here.

ANGELS WHISKY CLUB BLOG – INTERVIEW WITH IAIN FORTEATH Global Brand Ambassador Angus Dundee Distillers Plc

Iain, first of all, many thanks for far too many superb drams at Dufftown recently!

Q  What first got you interested in whisky?

My Dad and Granda are big whisky fans and I remember loving the smell of whisky from a young age. When I was old enough they let me try some great drams and from then on I was hooked

Q  what did you do in this industry before Glencadam/Tomintoul?

I have worked in the world of whisky since graduating really, starting from working in bars then Managing WoodWinters wines and whiskies in Bridge of Allan and laterally I was the Sales and Operations Manager of Roberstons of Pitlochry Whisky Specialists. (As I know very well, having called in lots of times)

Q  What are your day to day tasks?   

My role within the Company is very diverse and my tasks vary from day to day: Whether it’s hosting whisky masterclasses, attending whisky festivals, working with our customers and importers, helping write tasting notes for up and coming releases or taking our clients up for a tour of our distilleries. I am fortunate that my job takes me everywhere from Bonnie Scotland to the four corners of the Globe.

Q How do you approach the Global Ambassador job?  What do you do first before leaving for another country?

Haha, I suppose the first thing I do is make sure I know our customers and the event I am due to attend. I want to ensure I am prepared and have the right tools with me for the job. Sometimes shows can be back-to-back in completely different countries so having the ‘basics’ (passport, money, phone, washbag and whisky glass!) packed is essential.

Q  In what regions, countries, markets are your products available?

Our whiskies are available in over 80 countries, everywhere from America to Australia with key markets In the USA, Europe and Asia.

Q How easy is it to break though into working in the world of whisky?

The World of Whisky is an amazingly close international community and one in which if you excel then you are recognised. If you are passionate about the product and you are good at what you do then you can go far.

Q  What’s your favourite part of your role?

I love most parts to be honest, but if I had to pick I would probably say getting to travel the world and meet all sorts of interesting people.

Q  What do you think the most common whisky misconception is?

That ‘whisky is an old mans drink’ which is quite simply not the case. I think that whisky is a drink that can be enjoyed by both sexes and all age groups (above the age of 18 of course!). Though I am one of the younger faces in the world of whisky I am happy that I cater for audiences of all age groups. Whisky is a product made with love and designed to be shared and enjoyed by EVERYONE.

Q  If you could change just one thing about the whisky industry, what would it be?

I would love to remove the pretentious element that surrounds whisky. Whiskies are a luxury product to be enjoyed by everyone not just a chosen few. I have been witness to far too many situations where customers are belittled by others who believe they have ‘superior’ whisky knowledge. Whiskies (and wines for that matter) are confusing and intimidating to some, but people who do know about them should encourage others and share their knowledge rather than use it to put others down.

Q What do you think is going to be the next big thing on the whisky horizon?

On the WhiskEy rather than WhiskY horizon I think Bourbon is going to make a massive come back, I am a big bourbon fan too (like most spirits to be honest) and I think they are starting to make quite a stir again with a lot more variety coming into the UK market. On a WhiskY front I think that limited releases are going to be the next big thing, customers are starting understand whisky a lot more and with that understanding people want to taste limited batches and single casks. I think this demand will see a lot more small batch releases coming into the market.

Q  Do you have any thoughts about finishing? Port, Sherry etc. More and more finishes are now on offer. In fact, do you have a favourite finish (mine is sherry)?   

I love finishing when it is done right: aka, adding more flavour and character to an already good whisky. However, you can also find whiskies where finishing has either been heavy handed: overtaking the whiskies character, or where it has been used to cover up a bad whisky. I do love to try whiskies that are pushing the traditional boundaries and finishing in all sorts: Cognac, Red Wine, Tokaj, Rum etc. some are delicious but equally some aren’t. However, if you never try you’ll never know I suppose. When it comes to favourite finishes I must admit I love a good PX sherry finish- the rich Christmas pudding and sultana notes they can add are delicious!

Q  Where do you see this industry being/going in 5 years from now?

Not to bring politics into it but I think a lot will ride upon if the UK decides to leave Europe as I think if we did it could have a knock on effect on the trading of whisky.

My hope is the industry continues to grow as it currently is as it’s great to see the industry having such a boom. I think keeping the variety of styles, flavours, brands and price points is key in maintaining the worlds fascination with Scotch Whisky.

Q  Can you remember your first dram?

I can remember the first dram that I truly loved: it was a Dalwhinnie 15 year old that was recommended to me when I was 18 by a barman in my home town.

Q What was your last dram?

The last dram I had, as corporate as it sounds, was the Glencadam 19 year old Oloroso Finish, last night in fact, it’s a new release and I can’t get enough of it!

Q  Relaxing at home what whisky would you pour yourself?

I am fortunate that through my time in the industry I have built up a cabinet of almost 100 whiskies so I like to vary my drams. I’d say it’s important to keep a variety of brands and styles as it keeps your palate fresh. Regular favourites would have to be whiskies like Glencadam 15 year old, The Late Glendronach 15 year old, Ardbeg Uigedal, Tomintoul 16 year old and Bunnahabhain 18 year old.

Q  So far what has been your proudest moment in the Whisky Industry?

Aside for being chosen for this job I would say my proudest moment was being chosen to be on the judging panel for the Scottish Field Whisky Challenge, where I was selected as one of 8 whisky specialists to select the top whiskies of the year.

Many thanks Iain, great interview, will see you soon at a whisky tasting, event or who knows, you could soon be at one of our own events!

PAUL MCLEAN   http://www.whiskytours.scot/ & http://www.mcleanscotland.com/

United States – Kentucky

Jefferson’s Ocean Voyage #8 Aged at Sea Very Small Batch Bourbon (750ml) $82.99 View

Medley Bros. 10 Year Private Stock Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $54.99 View

Japan

Nikka Coffey Still Japanese Malt Whisky (750ml) $74.99 View

Scotland

Benromach 10 year old “Imperial Proof” Single Malt Whisky (750ml) $89.99 View

1996 Bowmore “Secret Stills 4.14” Gordon & Macphail Islay Single Malt Whisky (750ml) $69.99 View

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

Haig Club Leicester City Engraved Edition

Raise a glass in celebration of Leicester City FC’s outstanding English Premiership 2015/16 triumph with this specially engraved bottle of Haig Club, complete with free branded tumbler! Engraved with a special edition commemorative message reading, ‘Congratulations Leicester City Premier League Champions 2015/2016‘, the classic blue Haig Club bottle is an ideal tribute to football’s latest unlikely heroes.

£45 Click to Buy

Whisky Ramblings Via Video #131

Mark Dermul, Belgian Whisky blogger, releases his own whisky under the MMM label. MMM stands for Mark & Manny’s Malts and is the newest whisky adventure by Mark Dermul and Imanuel (Manny) Dijk (you may remember them from the Save Lars Whisky releases). They want to continue bringing excellent, but affordable single malts to the market, but with a twist: very limited releases of only 50 bottles. This is their inaugural release: a young and feisty sherry matured cask strength Craigellachie. 

https://youtu.be/8XLF4XBdoA0

New Nikka whiskies – power of three

When Jim Murray named Yamazaki Sherry Cask 2013 his 2015 World Whisky of the Year, no-one could have foreseen the unprecedented demand Japanese whisky would experience over the following years. It’s been almost a year since Nikka’s announcement that due to lack of mature stocks, it would be discontinuing all its single malts with age statements. We don’t know how long it will be before they’re back, but European brand ambassador Sayumi Oyama told us she hopes it will be within a decade.

In the meantime, three new replacement whiskies have been released and are now here. There’s a pair of new NAS single malts, from Miyagikyo and Yoichi, along with a blend: The Nikka 12 Year Old. The 12yo can carry an age statement as there are enough stocks of aged grain and only a smaller amount of malt is needed for this ongoing release. Let’s give them a try:

The Nikka 12 Year Old, 43%

Tasting Notes by Stuart P

Nose: Punchy and spicy, with green peppercorns battling it out with red fruits, butterscotch and nutmeg. Precise and poised.

Palate: Rich, clean fruit – greengages and Granny Smith apples. Vibrant fruit-cake notes with a hint of toffee and sweet spice to smooth things out.

Finish: Very fresh despite the richness, this is a class act. Refreshing and moreish.

Comment: Beautifully balanced between tempting sweetness and refreshing fruit. Lovely stuff.

Nikka Miyagikyo Single Malt, 45%

Tasting Notes by Rocky L

Nose: Light and elegant nose of fruity banana and pear intertwined with spicy liquorice and cinnamon.

Palate: Creamy texture, malty and spicy in character with nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, coffee, milk chocolate and stewed pear.

Finish: Medium in length with spicy nutmeg and cinnamon.

Comment: The use of sherry casks is evident on the palate but the whisky still retains an elegance and spiciness that makes it very moreish.

Nikka Yoichi Single Malt, 45%

Tasting Notes by Rocky L

Nose: Very complex nose – lots going on here! Maritime character with fruity, spicy and floral notes; sea spray at first whiff is joined by lemon, allspice, hints of violet and an underlying smokiness.

Palate: Rich and creamy in texture. There’s a smoky warmth, with notes of brine, mllk chocolate, hazelnut, lemon and apple.

Finish: Medium-to-long length with the fruitiness slowly dissipating to leave drying smoke.

Comment: This is superb with incredible complexity of flavour, yet still retaining the distillery’s classic maritime and smoky character. Dare I say Japan’s answer to Talisker?

Apart from the recent awards and press coverage, another reason that Japanese whisky has seen a huge surge in demand is those that have discovered have been impressed with the high quality; this new trio is no different. The Miyagikyo is elegant yet rich with a sherried character that fans of Scotch will recognise; the Yoichi is proof that it’s not just Scotland that can make good smoky whisky; and The Nikka 12 debunks the common misconception that blends are not rich or complex whiskies. All three are now available on The Whisky Exchange website.

Founders Private Cellar for £175.00

This whisky slept for the first half of it’s life in a bourbon cask before moving to a virgin oak cask no.365. An unusual scenario that has resulted in a magnificent whisky.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Freshly baked treacle tart and milk chocolate digestive biscuits. Vanilla, stewed pears and bananas. Woody with hints of honeysuckle, soft leather and liquorice.

Taste: Milk chocolate and vanilla. A hint of golden syrup. Very fruity with an almost herbal note of fresh sage. A lovely long, dry and spicy finish. These are numbered bottles with 285 produced in total.

ORDER YOURS ONLINE NOW

www.ralfy.com mentions gardening disinfectant in relation to Whisky Review 584 – Lagavulin 8yo @ 48% (200th anniversary)