Paul & Liz Visit Speyside Distillery (PART 2)

Speyside Distillery – a wee story narrated by Paul. Friday December 5^th.

Liz and Paul where invited up to the distillery for a show around and chat with Distillery Manager Sandy Jamieson.  Sandy knew we were coming up and was ready for us at 11am. We arrived relaxed and looking forward to our meeting, driving down from Elgin where we had stayed the night before. A beautiful December Friday, a good drive ending up at Kingussie, where we stopped for a wee tea and scone, then driving past Ruthven Barracks down a winding country road, we found the entrance drive.

The Speyside distillery is located in Drumguish, close to Kingussie.  We had mentioned our trip to a few people and they were under the impression the distillery would be in Dufftown, Elgin or similar location –  as the name suggested. However, it is located near the source of the Spey. It produces the Spey single malt and Drumguish single malt. The distillery was founded in 1962 by George Christie. It was built by hand by George Christie over the next decades, and was finished in 1987. It took another three years until whisky production started in 1990.

Upon arrival we were greeted by Sandy, a quick chat, then a few quick questions for him, we retired to his office. The two pot stills are some of the smallest in Scotland. The Glenspey mash tun was the very last one fitted by Newmill engineering before they closed down. Though small the distillery can produce 600,000 litres of alcohol per annum. The distillery is the most southern on Speyside and takes its water directly from the River Tromie.

Whilst Paul was talking, Liz tried a dram; an unaged malt called Drumguish – I must say, it was not here favourite, but, as she said, it would be a good entry level single malt for a beginner. “SANDY how long have you worked in the whisky industry?” I have been here since 2013, prior to that I started out in 1979, working for various companies including Diageo. I am now manager at Spey. “HOW MANY PEOPLE WORKING HERE?” Myself, 2 others and a tractor driver, on a two rota shift.  “HOW DO YOU CASK THE WHISKY?” We have a tanker taking 16,000 litres of new spirit every 8 days to our warehouses in Glasgow.

By now both Liz and Paul were looking round Sandy’s “office”, a delightful loft space, with drinks cupboard, desk, table and chairs, a row of Highland Dress – kilts, jackets, shoes etc – begging the question … “do you look after a pipe band?”  These are held here to give some notion of feeling Scottish to special guests – namely a party from Asia recently, who all donned the kilt! (see facebook; SPEY Whisky).  Liz was on her second dram, so Sandy suggested looking over the distillery, so we did! A small set up with a pair of stills, all equipment housed in one space, a nice old stone building, reminding Paul of a kirk (church). Sandy took us outside – a really nice, country setting, complete with river and waterwheel, to a bothy where drinks could be found! Another old stone building with a lime-washed interior, where we could see the range of the drams made here.  It didnee stop here, another wee room located under his office was the dram room, superb wee room neither Liz nor Paul wanted to leave. Here, Sandy explained more on the distillery history, drams and plans whilst Liz accepted large drams of – how shall I say this? Many excellent whiskies, more than we normally have offered, Paul meantime was the driver, looking on enviously – Sandy did give him a wee sample to take with him, so not all was lost!  Time to mention here; Paul had previously sampled the drams at a private tasting days before.  By now Liz was having a ball, smiling far too much, er … time to go Liz, leave sandy to his work. BUT – before we left, a wee book each Scotch Missed, autographed by Sandy, sample drams to take home and a bottle of the Tawny Port finish – superb!  Dragging Liz away, we almost made our escape before waving off Sandy, he gave a good handshake, and a hug to Liz, who replied with a kiss. Was it a good visit? What do you think? “Come back anytime” we will to be sure!

www.mcleanscotland.com   www.angelswhiskyclub.com

The Malt Maniacs Awards 2014 Final Results (& The Winners!) will be published tomorrow, 15th December, 2014.

The results may be viewed at www.maltmaniacs.net

We hope you are all well and getting into the festive spirit. Here’s a quick public information notice from TWL… We don’t mean to panic you…but with less than 2 weeks to go we all know only too well that the heat is on for those looking for something for the one who has everything. The person who appears to have tried everything and for whom you have strived to buy something new and exciting every year. What you need is a present that doesn’t cost the Earth but will peak the interest of the most fervent whisky-lover… Well, we have spent years developing our tasting packs in order to satisfy this exact requirement! With four different variants to choose from, there really is something for every whisky lover…

TWL Guide to Whisky – Perfect for those just becoming acquainted with the good stuff.

Only £25 including UK delivery

Worldwide Whiskies – Discover amazing whiskies from all over the world. A real eye-opener!

Just £30 including UK delivery

Fèis Ìle 2014 – A rare chance to try six of the Uber-sought after Islay Fest bottlings. A pack for real peaty connoisseurs.

Just £50 including UK delivery

Rare & Old – As it sounds. Six old and rare whiskies hand-picked by us for you. Put a massive smile on their faces! Just £70 including UK delivery All of these are packed in a small, but beautifully formed TWL box with all of the tasting notes and information needed to get the most out of the tastings. All of this delivered to your door from £25.

That’s it. Nice and easy. Panic over.

There’s plenty more we could tell you about, such as tastings, festivals and vouchers but we’ll keep it short for now! Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter – @thewhiskylounge – and like and share our Facebook page to keep bang up to date with the latest news about our events and more. We look forward to seeing you over a dram or two soon.

Sláinte!

Eddie
& Team Whisky Lounge

• Craigellachie 23 Year Old Single Malt Whiskey 750ml ($274.99) Oh magnificence, tis and old school malt through and through. Very limited supplies. Here’s what Serge at Whiskyfun thought, “Colour: gold. Nose: right, we’re way above both the 13 and the 17, for sure. This is much more complex, with more herbs and tart fruits, kiwis, grapefruits, rhubarb, then tobacco and clay, marzipan, then more earth, citrons, old style mouthwash (we had one called Eau de Botot a long time ago), then a steely touch, metal polish… I have to say this baby noses older than 23, and once again I cannot not think of some great old Rosebank, such as the official 20yo white label. A great surprise. Mouth: good, this is really very good. Love the nutty/almondy character, the waxy mouth feel, all the lemons and grapefruits, the light peppery side, the evanescent medicinal profile (good antiseptic – should that exist), the touches of absinth and limoncello (again), the solid peppery backbone… Really high class! Finish: long, chisel led, like a great old dry chenin from a good house. Comments: an impressively zesty and yet fat profile, right between the northern style (Clynelish) and the southern one (Rosebank.) I love this style, especially since no oaky trick’s been played, apparently. Try to try this great new baby!” 91 points. That’s a huge score for Serge. Anything that’s anything like old Clynelish is a must buy in my book.

• 1972 Macallan 42 Year Old Gordon & MacPhail Speymalt Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 8 available ($1,099.99) Whisky Advocate: “On more familiar ground with this G&M bottling of one of Speyside’s most iconic single malts, this is Macallan in full-on sherried form. Highly aromatic with powdered clove, hints of incense and fig, behind which is cacao, Bolivar cigar, and molasses. The palate has immediate smoke and surprisingly gentle tannins — the inherent oiliness of the spirit keeping any grip at bay. Very long, leathery, prune-like (think armagnac), and dense. A classic after-dinner mouth-filler. (Vol. 20, #4)” K&L Notes: Aged entirely in first-fill sherry barrels, this is quite possibly the best Macallan I’ve ever tasted. The concentration of sherry is absolutely unreal. It’s almost impossible to tell where the sherry ends and the whisky begins – it all gets lost in a seamless flavor of rich toffee, syrup, and caramel. I have to believe that anyone who is willing to pay the price will get exactly what they expect from this bottle. It tastes expensive, unlike so many pricier malts that get you on rarity or collectibility only. Bottled in 2013.

• Tao’s Lightning 17 Year Old K&L Exclusive Cask #15 Single Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey 750ml ($109.99) This cask from our first purchase at this little distillery in New Mexico is another 17 Year Old Indiana Straight Rye. Bottled at a barrel proof of 45%, it has a completely different profile than #16. Deep dark aromas of cedar and dill remind us instantly that’s an LDI product. This one has a lot more sweet oak on the palate, but makes up for it with a peppery dark graininess. Texturally more profound and powerful, the contrast between the two continues through the finish. Tremendously smooth and complex, it’s definitely old whisky. While all the edges have softened, the herbal dill and subtle pepper keep you guessing. Hopefully there are more of these great old caskscasks out there somewhere, but for now this is the oldest rye in the store. I still don’t get how we snagged them for such a great price -only a few bucks more than their standard 15 year old expression, which is pretty great by the way. The wacky label and unusal provenance only make it better.

• Tao’s Lightning 17 Year Old K&L Exclusive Cask #16 Single Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey 750ml ($109.99) I have to say, we got lucky with these two casks. How often does a tiny craft distillery have old rye whiskey? Never! Seriously. It’s never happened. Maybe we’ve got some 7 year floating around. Back in the day, High West had some of that old barton stuff at 16 and 21 years. There was a little older rye coming out a little while back (Willett, BMH, Pepper), but right now it’s totally dry. When these guys came in with a some barrels just hanging around my jaw nearly dropped. Apparently, this stuff was picked up a few years back before the proverbial fan started spinning, so we’ve also avoided the any unwarrented price inflation. These two casks represent two opposite styles we get out of the great distillery in Lawrenceburg. After a few years maturing in Santa Fe’s semi-arid continental climate, they’ve suffiently mellowed these and neither whiskey is a hig proof power bomb. Instead, the subtle elegance of age has tempered the intensity we’re used to in the younger expressions. Cask #16 shows off a regal bouquet of candied orange peel, soft vanilla, and distant spice. Almost ethereal on the palate, the lightness is striking. It’s a whisper of a whisky at first, but with air becomes quite complex with tons to offer. It’s significantly lighter in color than the sister, but impressive in that it’s so approachable and alive. I’d feel comfortable pouring a glass of this for almost anyone from a geek to a grandma.

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

Just Whisky December Auction Ends Sunday!

Just Whisky’s December auction is in full swing and will come to a close on Sunday Evening. With over 700 lots, they’re celebrating their 1 year birthday and they have some cracking lots. Pop along to have a look. Registration is easy and Christmas Delivery is Available on your orders! 

www.just-whisky.co.uk

We won an award! We’re very grateful for the nomination and all the subsequent votes received. Thank you. Now back to business, the Christmas clock is ticking down! Have you sorted out both your gifts and your own supplies yet? Plenty of deals still available and we are here to help if you need any advice or recommendations.

CHECK OUT SOME OF OUR 2014 FAVOURITES.

www.ralfy.com has a magic-moment and old-school malt-heaven with Whisky Review 507 – Mortlach 26yo Malt (Adelphi)

This year, as you bravely set forth on your quest to recreate the festive perfection of times past, why not fortify yourself with our very own Lost Blend – a combination of malt whiskies so unusual and near-perfect we have been unable to repeat the feat for 10 years. The Lost Blend is a worthy partner for the weeks ahead and a timely reminder for all those tasked with creating peace and goodwill this festive season that re-discovering that elusive, long-sought magic is possible – if only you’re willing to wait for it. For more information about The Lost Blend, click here.

Last Order dates for Christmas – Don’t miss out!

We hope you have a friendly local whisky retailer who can take care of all your Compass Box needs. However, if you don’t, please pop in to our UK online shop and fill your basket! Order deadlines for delivery before Christmas: USA: Sunday 14th December 9.00 am (EST) Europe: Sunday 14th December 2.00 pm (GMT) UK (Mainland): Thursday 19th December 11.59pm (GMT) For other international destinations, the deadline for guaranteed delivery may have already passed, however we will endeavour to get your Compass Box whisky to you as quickly as we can!

Whisky of the Year 2014-15

It’s strange how quickly something becomes a yearly tradition. It’s only the second time we’ve given our Whisky and Spirit of the Year awards, but it already feels like a festive fixture. The core idea was the same as last year: choose a shortlist of excellent spirits and whiskies, and then choose one as the best.

As with last year, we went for ongoing, regular releases. On the whisky front, they weren’t cask strength and they were all under £60 a bottle. Again, in common with last year, the choice of Spirit of the Year was almost unanimous, but the whisky caused a few more intra-office fights. So, we organised a tasting and dragged 70 whisky fans, as well as a few industry folk, down to our shop at Vinopolis to help us choose a winner.

Aperitif down, we moved on to the main course of the evening: tasting the eight drams in our Whisky of the Year shortlist. The whiskies were tried blind, with each table discussing their thoughts on each before coming to a final decision. Votes were cast, with each taster choosing their top two whiskies – after we counted up the first choices, everyone who voted for a whisky not in the top two had their second choice counted instead. After the first round of counting, we were down to two whiskies that were ahead of the pack: Glendronach Revival 15 Year Old and Bowmore 12 Year Old…

The second choice votes were reallocated and there was a clear winner: whisky number seven – Glendronach Revival 15 Year Old. It’s a rich, sherried dram that we’ve been big fans of since it hit the shelves in 2009. You can find out more over on our Whisky of the Year page, but in short: if you like sherried whiskies, then you really should try it.

The shortlist, plus an extra dram for everyone to try while the votes were counted

The runner-up: Bowmore 12 Year Old, a whisky that sometimes divides opinion, with its softer and more fragrant approach to Islay smoke, but in this case a clear second place. From there we had Glenfiddich 18 in third; Clynelish 14, Longmorn 16 and Aberlour 16 in joint fourth, Laphroaig 10 in seventh and Benromach 10 in eighth. The final two had their champions in the room, with Sam ‘Dr Whisky’ Simmons proudly tweeting that the Benromach was his favourite of the night, but in the end the room went for the Glendronach – another example of my usual rule when trying to guess whisky competition winners: always bet on sherry.

On that note, we also tried a ninth whisky on the night – a new TWE exclusive whisky that came about after Glenfarclas 15 Year Old picked up last year’s Whisky of the Year award: Glenfarclas 15 Year Old 103° Proof. Bottled at cask strength (58.6% abv/103° proof) it’s Glenfarclas 15 taken to another level: complex and intensely sherried, with some softer fruity notes to temper the onslaught. It went down well at the Whisky of the Year tasting, and is now available to purchase at The Whisky Exchange.

From humble beginnings in 1824, The Macallan has grown from a small local enterprise to global recognition, based on a constant and determined attention to quality. The Macallan Sherry Oak expressions are exclusively matured in specially selected Spanish sherry oak casks which give the whisky an incredibly smooth, rich flavour, with hints of chocolate orange and clove spice. Perfect for Christmas.

The Macallan 25 year old £525 Click here to buy