CANADIAN WHISKY NEWS

Speaker Favours Scottish Producers Over Canadian

Geoff Regan, Speaker of the House of Commons and MP for Halifax West

There are so many exciting happenings to report about Canadian whisky (e.g. see Gibson’s below), that it is hard to keep up. However, it seems our political leaders still suffer from the classic Canadian inferiority complex. If it is made in Canada, no matter how good it is, it is not as good as the same thing made anywhere else.

Today, Sun News reported that Speaker, Geoff Regan has selected a new official Scotch for Canada’s House of Commons. Yes, once again a foreign whisky is Canada’s official whisky. It will be poured and presented as a gift at all kinds of official events funded using Canadian tax dollars.

This will happen despite the reality that Canadian whisky makers generate $5.8 billion in GDP annually; that Canadian whisky outsells Bourbon, Irish whisky AND Scotch combined, in North America; and that right around the world knowledgeable whisky connoisseurs are turning more and more frequently to Canadian whisky. Canadian whisky is poised to be the “next big thing” in whisky everywhere but in Canada’s own House of Commons.

Most whisky aficionados enjoy a good single malt Scotch. Mr. Regan has selected Aberlour 12 year old and he’ll get no quibbles over that. It is very tasty. However, true whisky aficionados know that while Scotch is a safe introduction to whisky there are so many other equally great whiskies available these days. Some of these are made here in Canada.

For the $75 that the Speaker’s whisky costs, he could have had three bottles of Canadian Club 100% Rye or two of Forty Creek Barrel Select.

Gibson’s Venerable 18 year old, Gooderham & Worts, Wiser’s Legacy, Crown Royal Reserve, Pike Creek (which many mistake for Scotch), Lot No. 40, Collingwood, Alberta Premium Dark Horse or any of the winners of the Canadian Whisky Awards are all available in that price range, most of them well below it. And all are equally enjoyable, and worthy ambassadors for Canadian producers.

Even if Mr. Regan and his parliamentary colleagues who helped select Canada’s official whisky are stuck in the era of Scotch-is-best, they did not have to look abroad to find worthy drams for their celebrations and gift giving.

In Whitehorse, for example, Yukon Distillery produces superb single malt whisky that is very much in the Scotch single malt vein. British Columbia’s, Pemberton Distillery is drawing accolades for its single malt whisky, as is BC’s Shelter Point Distillery (reviewed below.)

Toronto’s Still Waters Distillery makes single malt whisky that competes nose-to-nose with Scotch on flavour and price (and their rye is spectacular.) Still Waters was recently voted one of the three best micro-distilleries IN THE WORLD by an independent panel of whisky experts, heavily weighted with Scottish judges. And it is pretty difficult to get more Scottish than Glenora distillery right there in Mr. Regan’s home province of Nova Scotia.

However, today it is Canadian whisky in the traditional style that is winning awards and gaining new converts here at home and right around the world.

Mr. Regan, you’ve bought your whisky, had special labels printed, and have begun distributing it. Canadians are patient and forgiving people, so go ahead and use what you have on hand. But please, when those bottles are gone have a look at some of the great whiskies made right here in Canada. The whisky world is changing and Canada’s producers are leading the charge. Help Canada’s whisky makers turn that $5.8 billion GDP into $8, $10 or $12 billion.

Slainte, Mr. Speaker, Canadian slainte!

Note: By press time, Mr. Regan’s office had not returned a call asking for comment on why he had selected Scotch, rather than Canadian whisky, as Canada’s official parliamentary whisky.

Gibson’s Finest Bold 8 Year Old 46%

Canadian whisky lovers who have waited patiently for a new Gibson’s whisky are about to be amply rewarded. Gibson’s Finest Bold is exactly what the name implies. A rich nose redolent of rum, kola beans, vanilla, and sweet rye, ably predicts the robust palate. It is just loaded with similar notes along with a hot pleasing spiciness and the classic grapefruit pith finish.  Bottled at 46% abv, this 8 year old is just lovely whisky, sure to be another winner from Gibson’s. And since summer is upon us try it too with cola or long over ice. Available in Alberta, BC and Ontario for now. Get some.

Shelter Point Artisanal Single Malt 46%

Patrick Evans grows barley on his farm near Campbell River B.C. Then, Scottish Distiller, Mike Nicolson – ex-Diageo – turns it into single malt whisky in two copper pot stills that Evans brought in from Scotland. Complex, beautifully balanced whisky, it smells of cereal, dry grass, and Werther’s caramels. On the palate it is rich and mature with more cereal and just a smidgen of red licorice. Evans planned to release this whisky last summer. However, it was not quite ready when he and Nicolson tasted it, so they chose to give it another year and we are glad they did. Another world-class single malt made right here in Canada.

Canadian Whisky: The Portable Expert published May 2012 and May 2014 by McClelland & Stewart, an imprint of Penguin Random House, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

VINTAGE
Gift giving timed to perfection

Whisky-loving fathers will relish the gift of Balblair.  Every year our Distillery Manager, John MacDonald, selects whiskies that have reached their exact point of ‘optimum maturation’, the peak of perfection. That’s why we only create Vintages timed to perfection.

It’s the aspect of timing, rather than time that sets our collection of whiskies apart from the rest and makes Balblair a truly special choice this Father’s Day, now all that remains is to explore our collection of exclusively Vintage single malt whiskies.

VINTAGE
Balblair Vintage 2005

Only a handful of American oak, ex-bourbon casks laid down in 2005 were selected by John MacDonald to form this classic Balblair expression. Light, fruity and refreshing, this classic Vintage embodies Balblair’s house style.

Appearance
Light sparkling gold in colour.

Aroma
Full bodied with the classic aromas of fresh green apples, ground spices and honey. The American oak ex-bourbon barrels used in maturation impart notes of oaky vanilla, leather and oranges with a hint of fragrant cut flowers and smoke.

Palate
Balblair’s signature style of citrus orchards is followed by intense sweetness of toffee and vanilla.

Finish
Rounded off by a deliciously spicy, long finish. The superb dram is bright and full of character, a ray of sunshine in a bottle.

VINTAGE
Vintage 1999 2nd Release

With influence from both American and Spanish oak, this perfectly rounded mid-range Vintage is a true testimony to the craft of traditional whisky-making.

Appearance
Balblair 1999 2nd release is copper in appearance with flecks of sparkling bronze.

Aroma
The American oak, ex-bourbon barrels and Spanish oak, ex-sherry butts used for maturation impart the signature Balblair aromas of honey and green apples, as well as notes of rich, fruity Christmas cake with a hint of spice, citrus fruits and vanilla.

Palate
On the palate, it is full bodied, sweet and spicy in character, with hints of honey, vanilla and leather.

Finish
The finish is warm, smooth and long-lasting.

VINTAGE
Vintage 1990 2nd Release

Matured in American oak ex-bourbon casks and Spanish oak ex-sherry butts Balblair Vintage 1990 2nd release is truly exceptional. This luxurious expression is the perfect after-dinner treat.

Appearance
The second release of Balblair 1990 is deep copper in appearance with hints of sparkling amber.

Aroma
The aroma is spicy yet sweet and is punctuated with notes of raisins, toffee and honey. Hints of vanilla, chocolate and citrus fruits are also present.

Palate
On the palate it is full bodied; sweet and spicy in character with hints of honey, raisins and zesty fruits.

Finish
The finish is smooth and long-lasting.

VINTAGE
Balblair Vintage 1983

Matured over three decades in one of Balblair’s traditional dunnage warehouses, this exceptional Vintage developed aromas of butterscotch, toffee and fresh vanilla, with Balblair’s signature tropical fruitiness completing an exquisitely balanced profile.

Appearance
The first release of Balblair 1983 has a rich golden appearance.

Aroma
On the nose there are warm aromas of butterscotch, toffee and vanilla that come from the long years of maturation in American oak ex-bourbon barrels. Citrus fruits can also be detected in the aroma adding to the complexity of this exceptional Vintage.

Taste
On the palate it is sweet and spicy; with overtones of fresh fruits and honey.

Finish
A long, warming and full bodied finish.

VINTAGE
Visit Balblair Distillery
The Balblair Distillery visitor tour is intimate and personal – an insight into our pursuit of producing the finest quality Vintage Malt Whisky, using methods that have changed very little over the years.

Find out more about booking a tour here

June Whisky Auction – Ends Soon!

Just Whisky’s June auction ends this weekend. There are over 1000 lots to bid on and some of the bottles are very exciting indeed.

Highland Park Pure Malt – John Scott Kirkwall (98° Proof)

This bottle has created quite a stir here in the office. It’s a fantastically well-preserved bottle of Highland Park Pure Malt Whisky from licensed Grocer and Ironmonger, John Scott. John Scott has a long history in Orkney. The firm was originally a licensed grocer but John Scott obviously saw some potential in other products and it was no time before he was also selling hardware. After a while, the firm outgrew its premises and John Scott made the decision to move to 15-19 Bridge Street, where the company remains to this day. After World War 2 the decision was taken to turn the firm into a limited company and so, on 29th December 1955, the firm was incorporated and its name was changed from ‘John Scott’ to ‘John Scott & Miller Ltd’. This label features the pre-1955 name ‘John Scott’ and we date the bottle to the early 1950’s. Bottled at 98° Proof. This is a rare chance to sample an incredibly old whisky from a bygone age.

Ardbeg 1965 – Museum Case and Miniature

Wow! This Ardbeg is truly stunning. Just 261 hand blown decanters have been produced and contain an incredible 40 year old Ardbeg 1965 vintage malt. This set is beautifully put together and extremely high-quality, and comes with a glass museum case, black plinth & lid, 2 locking pins in black pouch and even some white gloves to handle this incredibly desirable lot. For those of you who wish to sample the precious liquid without opening the full sized bottle, Ardbeg has been thoughtful enough to include a 5cl version of the whisky.

Bidding comes to an end from 8PM on Sunday the 19th June.

View the Entire Auction here

This week sees the arrival of Ardbeg’s much anticipated limited edition Dark Cove at The Whisky Shop.

This new release from Islay’s Ardbeg Distillery is a limted edition created to mark the end of Ardbeg Day during the Islay Festival of Music & Malt. Matured in ex-bourbon and dark sherry casks, this expression harks back to the days of illicit stills and bootleggers hoping to avoid the notorious Excise Men.

The nose entices with dark chocolate, rich treacle and distant bonfires. The palate smoulders with charcoal and wood polish, raisins and dates emerging from the shadows. The finish is long and spicy with cured ham and squid ink noodles lingering.

£110 Buy Now

Auchentoshan 24 Year Old 1991 Old & Rare

Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Single Cask Special!

We have some amazing single cask expressions in stock here at The Whisky Shop. From an impressive Single Grain Scotch aged for half a century to a relatively sprightly 8 year old Single Malt Scotch, these whiskies are all limited to just a couple of hundred bottles.

Free delivery available on all orders over £75 Next day delivery available (selected lines only)

Invergordon 50 Year Old The Sovereign

This expression from the Whyte & Mackay owned Invergordon Distillery has seen 9 different Prime Ministers during its 50 year maturation! Bottled at 50% abv, non chill-filtered and free from artifical colouring, this is a grown up drink with only 261 bottles produced. The nose is sweet and mellow with vanilla, sherbet and shortbread. The palate is fruity and effervescent with notes of dark chocolate and vanilla, while the finish is long and dry with sweet fruits and oak.

£845 Buy It Now

Auchentoshan 12 Year Old Distiller’s Art

This Lowlands Single Malt was distilled in 2003 and matured for 12 years in a single refill hogshead before being bottled in 2015 at a strength of 48% abv. This expression from the Auchentoshan Distillery in Clydebank is non chill-filtered, natural coloured and, with only 257 bottles produced, a rare and unique take on the usual Auchentoshan 12 year old.

£76 Buy It Now

Old Malt Cask Bunnahabhain 26 Year Old

Hailing from Islay’s most northerly distillery, this expression of Bunnahabhain Single Malt from Hunter Laing’s Old Malt Cask range has been aged for an impressive 26 years in a refill hogshead. Bottled at 50% abv, this single cask offering is non chill-filtered with no added colouring, with just 132 bottles produced. A sweet nose offers sticky toffee, green apples and vanilla, while the palate is indulgent with caramel shortbread and chocolate orange notes. The finish is long and lingering with a lasting oak influence.

£200 Buy It Now

Old Malt Cask Bruichladdich 12 Year Old

Another Islay offering from Glasgow-based Hunter Laing’s Old Malt Cask range, this 12 year old expression from the Bruichladdich Distillery is non chill-filtered and presented with its natural colour at 50% abv. Limited to just 284 bottles. The nose is full of tangy apples and sultanas with a hint of butterscotch. The palate offers sticky toffee pudding with a lemon peel edge cutting through. The finish is long and satisfying with sweet dried fruit lingering.

£95 Buy It Now

Inchgower 8 Year Old Douglas of Drumlanrig

This single cask expression from the Inchgower Distillery was distilled in 2008 before being matured in red wine finished barrels for 8 years. Bottled earlier this year at 46% abv, this Speyside Single Malt is limited to only 429 bottles. The nose has strawberry, vanilla and hints of toffee. The palate is malty and robust with fruit an oak notes, while the finish has red fruits and sweet oak lingering on.

£60 Buy It Now

Woodford Reserve 1L The Party Source Private Barrel! – We were sad when the Woodford Double Oaked private barrel program was suspended, but we’re elated that Woodford Reserve opened up a private barrel program for their flagship Woodford Reserve Bourbon! It’s smooth and sweet and everything you love about Woodford, but with a little more stuffin’. Stop by when the Tasting Library is open and ask J.O. for a taste.

Golden Moon – We received another shipment from what is quite possibly our favorite Colorado Distillery. Everything they make it top shelf. New Golden Moon Spirits include: Ex Gratia  – think Chartreuse, Grappa – from fresh CO wine grape pressings, Gunfighter American Bourbon Double Cask – finished in Port casks, Gunfighter Rye Double Cask  – finished in Port barrels, and finally the Golden Moon Colorado Single Malt – only malted barley from CO and surrounding states is distilled and aged in new oak casks and then finished in used oak casks.

Jim Beam Signature Craft Triticale – Here’s the newest in Jim Beam’s Signature Craft series. Triticale is a hybrid grain produced from a cross of rye and wheat. The rye is most prominent on the nose with notes of many baking spices. On the palate however, the wheat shines through more with notes of apples, vanilla, and chocolate.

Dalmore 18yr – The first 14yrs were spent in American oak casks, then four years in two different sized sherry barrels. The result is a rich, complex, and wholly excellent Highland Single Malt Whisky. There are lots of chocolaty and citrusy qualities found in this delightful bottle.

Ardbeg Dark Cove – Here’s a real treat. It has been aged in dark sherry barrels and is Ardbeg’s darkest malt yet. Packed with flavors both fruit and earth, sweet and spice, all with a nice smoky backbone, any Islay lover would be remiss to not try this limited release.

Ardbeg 10yr with Uigedail and Corryvrecken 50ml sample bottles! – What better way to restock your Ardbeg 10yr than to get this gift pack that lets you try two of their other selections?  Compass Box – two special limited and special releases from Compass Box just came in.

Enlightenment had only 5,922 bottles produced, is a blend of fruity and floral Highland Single Malts, and is $78.99.

The Circus had only 2,490 bottles produced, are a harmonious blend of well-aged single malts that were then blended and aged, and is $239.99

FATHER’S DAY IDEAS

Child: “Dad, I’m hungry.” Father: “Hello Hungry, I’m Dad.” Check out the items below that any spirited father would be happy to receive in recognition of hard work, serious talks, enlightening life lessons, and Dad jokes.

Check it out:

For the Bourbon Loving Father 

Maker’s Mark The Party Source Private Select #2

Russell’s Reserve The Party Source Private Barrel

OKI Reserve 10yr Bourbon

For the Scotch Loving Father

Golden Moon Colorado Single Malt

AD Rattray Ben Nevis 17yr

Longrow Red 12yr

www.thepartysource.com

95 Riviera Drive, Bellevue, KY 41073  (859) 291-4007

Looking for the perfect gift for Father’s Day? Look no further!

You’ve now got no excuse not to get your Dad a great present this Sunday – get yourself 2 tickets to a Whisky Lounge festival and avoid the rush of last minute shoppers, no waiting in line, instant delivery and only good times to be had!

Each ticket includes entry to the festival, a Glencairn tasting glass, water (for obvious purposes), The Festival Guide and all whiskies sampled in the main hall….

Take a look below at our upcoming festivals and click on the ticket link to get yours for an unforgettable day out with Dad.

Can’t make a festival or looking for something a bit more personal? Take a look here at our other events around the UK including tastings, blending workshops and whisky schools or check out our special Father’s Day offer on TWL bottlings below…

DATES, LOCATIONS AND TICKETS

 June 18th Brighton Festival, Brighton Dome : Buy Tickets

June 25th Edinburgh Whisky Solstice Assembly Rooms: Buy Tickets

September 3rd Liverpool Festival The Crypt : Buy Tickets

September 10th Yorkshire Festival York Racecourse : Buy Tickets

October 22nd Manchester Festival Town Hall : Buy Tickets

November 12th Birmingham Festival Birmingham Council House : Buy Tickets

Sláinte

Eddie, Amanda, Joe, Olly and the whole Whisky Lounge Team!

Father’s Day is getting closer so make sure to snap up another great deal..

15% off Black Bull 12 Year Old with code FATHER15

& 10% off Black Bull Kyloe with code FATHER10

every order will also receive a free nosing glass!*

You can find our full range on  The Spirits Embassy : Single Malts Direct’s brand new website.

Wish to see daily updates from us? Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram!

* while stocks last.

Black Bull 12 Year Old

£26.91 ex. VAT (discounted price.)

Black Bull contains 50% malt whisky and 50% grain whisky. It is bottled at 50% ABV and has not been altered by chilled-filtration. This special blend is a marriage of the finest 12 year old single malt and single grain whiskies distilled in Scotland. The selection of whiskies falls true to the Duncan Taylor ethic of unbridled quality, each whisky from each cask is nosed and tasted before going into the Black Bull vatting.

Tasting notes:

Nose: robust, chunky aromas. Chocolate, toffee, sherry, vanilla and lemon sherbet.

Palate: smooth, mellow and rounded. Milk chocolate, treacle toffee, pears, green apples and lots of sweet vanilla.

Finish: some heavier fruity notes emerge, and lots of creamy notes coming through

(Tasting Notes by Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky Limited).

  Black Bull Kyloe 

£16.49 ex. VAT (discounted price.)

From the award winning Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky Company and Black Bull brand comes Kyloe, a brand new release to add to the Black Bull fold. Kyloe (pronounced Kahy-loh) is inspired by the hardy breed of highland cattle, the Kyloe, known to survive in the bitter windswept highlands and islands of Scotland. Black Bull Kyloe shares much of its likeness with this great breed – robust and with outstanding pedigree.

Tasting notes:

Nose: rich, with toffee apple, pear, clementine, brown sugar, and toasted oak.

Palate: hazelnuts, milk chocolate, malt, and raisins.

Finish: vanilla, cream and oak. Medium to long.

(Tasting Notes by Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky Limited)

Whisky An’A’That 2016 Festival Quaich Challenge

Robbie’s Drams Whisky Merchants are delighted to announce the winning results from last weeks festival.

These whiskies were chosen by the attendees on the day as their favourites and over 75% of our discerning guests cast a vote.

First Place

Glenglassaugh 30 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky – Teardrop

Second Place

Bruichladdich Octomore Edition: 07.3_2010 Islay Barley Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Third Place

Springbank Burgundy Wood 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Many Congratulations to Debbie Kerr from Melrose who was the lucky winner of a £50 on-line Gift Voucher