www.ralfy.com re-re-reviews (that’s three reviews over five years of the same brand of scotch) with Whisky Review 462 – Aberlour A’bunadh Batch 48

Great Scotch for Father’s Day

Gift wrapping available at the checkout – let us deliver to the lucky recipient!

Tomatin, Braeval, Springbank and many more Burns Malts for Father’s Day

Burns Malt Exclusive to TWB

This Father’s Day we’ve got a fantastic selection of stunning gift sets and Whisky Shop exclusives that you will not find anywhere else. What’s more we are offering free postage on all UK orders over £60. Or why not take advantage of our click and collect service and have your bottle delivered to one of our stores.

The Johnnie Walker Private Collection

This 2014 Johnnie Walker Private Collection edition is a tribute to one of Johnnie Walkers signature flavours –– Smoke.

A bold 46.8% ABV blend of incredibly rare, smoky whiskies from 3 regions of Scotland, each possessing their own, unique smoky style: Highland, Island & Islay.

Highland –Subtle sophisticated smoke, contains extra layers of complexity through sweet and vibrant notes.
Island – Maritime character, fresh, oily, sea-salt, smoke.
Islay – Bold smoke – dry, medicinal and phenolic.

These blends are married with a worthy body carrier: the fruits of the J.W. & Sons innovative ‘Calculus’ experiment, an in-house spin on the finishing process started in the 1980’s. Only 8,888 numbered bottles available worldwide

£500.00 Click here to buy

Johnnie Walker Ryder Cup Blue Label

Each bottle of the Johnnie Walker Blue Label “Ryder Cup Limited Edition” is individually numbered, making it a rare and unique keepsake or gift. The distinctive design of both the packaging and the bottle depicts the unforgettable, classic view of the iconic Gleneagles Hotel and celebrates the return to Scotland after 41 years of The Ryder Cup, the world’s leading match play competition. One of only 1750 ever created.

Aroma: Honey, Hazelnut, Rose petals, Orange, Sherry cask Flavours: Dark chocolate, Smoke, Kumquat, Sandalwood Character: Intense, Complex, Smooth Stock arriving at the start of June

£225.00 – click here to buy

This week Joe Ellis reviews Jura Superstition. 

http://youtu.be/k7JH_FQ4S70 

http://Facebook.com/whiskytube 

http://Twitter.com/whiskytube

The whisky awards gods have definitely been smiling on us recently. At the prestigious 2014 World Whiskies Awards organised by Whisky Magazine we won ‘Scotch Blended Malt of the Year’ and ‘Whisky Brand Innovator of the Year’. And then, two more awards came our way at the 2014 Drammie Awards, voted for by whisky lovers around the world.

The Peat Monster showed it’s as popular as ever as it swept up ‘Scotch Blended Malt of the Year‘. If anything though, our ‘Whisky Brand Innovator of the Year’ award is more pleasing as innovation is so much at the heart of what we do. This was the fifth time in total that we’ve won it, which might even be some sort of record.

However, we believe there is no more important accolade than one which comes from the people who love and drink whisky. The Drammie Awards do exactly that. Whisky fans voted Compass Box ‘Most Exciting/Innovative Whisk(e)y Producer/Bottler’ while Delilah’s was chosen as ‘Most Innovative New Whisky’

Father’s Day Whiskies

Forget golf balls or a tie this Father’s Day. Choose some delicious Compass Box whisky. Whether your Dad is a Peat Monster , a rebellious Spice Tree or a decadent Hedonism type we have the perfect whisky for him. Or if you’re not sure what he likes, a bottle of Great King Street Artist’s Blend  or the rich, elegant Oak Cross simply cannot fail. What’s more, you’ll be sure to have something good to drink the next time you see him. Simply pick up a bottle from your local retailer or via our UK Online shop. Happy Father’s Day!

Exclusive Dalmore Stag’s Head cufflinks free with selected whiskies

The lovely people at Whyte & Mackay have generously provided us with a very limited amount of stunning Dalmore stag’s head cufflinks to give away with selected expressions. When we say limited we mean limited so you need to get your order in quickly so as to be in with a chance.

See below for more details.

DALMORE CUFFLINKS FREE WITH SELECTED WHISKIES

These fabulous Dalmore platinum plated stag’s head cufflinks are, as you would expect, top quality and beautifully presented. We have just a few pairs available to give away to customers who buy a bottle of Dalmore 18 year old, 25 year old, King Alexander III or Constellation. Not on general sale, these cufflinks are truly something exclusive and with Father’s Day just over a week away a bottle of Dalmore accompanied by these cufflinks would make a very special present .
(This offer is only available whilst stocks last.)

FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK HERE

The perfect Father’s Day gift – a ticket to TWE’s Whisky Show

Buying the perfect present for Father’s Day isn’t easy, we know that. Once you’ve run through the usual presents (socks, hankies, golf pitchmark repairer), inspiration can run dry.

But here at The Whisky Exchange, we have just the thing. Or things, actually. We have put together a trio of fantastic deals that will make your whisky-loving dad’s day. All three include a ticket to our fantastic Whisky Show, which offers hundreds of whiskies to sample, as well as masterclasses, Dream Drams and top-notch food.

Here’s a little bit of what went on at the show last year. Click to enlarge…

Our three gift packs also include a selection of cool whisky-related merchandise, including T-shirts, tasting glasses and books.

Choose from:

Laphroaig Bundle – £125

 a TWE Whisky Show ticket for Sunday 5 October 2014
 a 70cl bottle of Laphroaig Triple Wood Single Malt Whisky
 a Laphroaig polo shirt
 a Laphroaig tasting glass

Signatory Clynelish Bundle – £158

     a TWE Whisky Show ticket for Sunday 5 October 2014
 a 70cl bottle of the TWE exclusive Signatory Vintage Clynelish 1995 17 Year Old Sherry Matured Single Malt Whisky
 a copy of The World’s Best Whiskies by top whisky writer Dominic Roskrow (paperback)
 two whisky nosing glasses

Glenlivet Bundle – £125

 a TWE Whisky Show ticket for Sunday 5 October 2014
 a 70cl bottle of Glenlivet 1991 Nadurra Single Malt Whisky
 a Glenlivet tasting glass

These three packages represent excellent value when you consider that day tickets to the show cost £99. It’s also worth knowing that if you’re buying this as a gift but want to accompany your dad to the show, you can buy an extra ticket if required when you make your purchase. Tickets are starting to sell out, so don’t delay!

Don’t forget that weekend tickets to TWE Whisky Show are still available for £165 – a saving of £33 on two individual day tickets.

Originally published on The Whisky Exchange Blog – The perfect Father’s Day gift – a ticket to TWE’s Whisky Show

The whisky tasting revolution is on its way to the capital and we want you to join us!

Jura Tastival is a unique celebration of whisky and taste. For too long Single malt has been stuffy and confusing. We believe that whisky is to be enjoyed and that’s why we’re asking you to tell us what you taste.

From 12th – 15th June, the Aeronaut in Acton will host rich and immersive Jura Whisky event which will get your taste buds tingling. Get ready for a whisky tasting like no other, as we bring you a gastronomic exploration of eclectic foodie and whisky creations to inspire you to tell us what you taste!

To find out more and to reserve your places visit our Facebook page: facebook.com/JuraWhisky

Angels interview a whisky lovin Mudslider! 

Paul McLean was talking to Ty, from blues band Mudslide.

Paul interviewed Ty over a dram with himself and Julie on a recent Argyll tour.

How you doin Ty, lets get right into it…

When did you start a liking for the blues?
My first memory is as a kid. I was younger than 10 years old & heard ‘Need Your Love So Bad’ by Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac. Even then it blew me away & I knew I was hearing something very special indeed. Oh man, that tone. It was a truly beautiful sound & experience, & I remember even then thinking ‘one day, I want to be able to do THAT’.

And what was your first gig however young?
The late, great Rory Gallagher. I think I was about 16 at the time. Awesome gig, & I feel very privileged to have actually seen him in concert.

What or who, are the big influences in your music?
Jimmy Page is my ultimate guitar God/hero. Other influences include Neil Young, Peter Green, Gary Moore, Stevie Ray, Joe Bonamassa, David Gilmour. There are quite a few more.

Have you met any hero’s of yours?
I once met Ozzy in Fort Augustus. Got my picture taken.

At what point did you realise blues and whisky blended so well?
haha – the legendary pic of Jimmy Page backstage in 1975, glugging from a bottle of Jack Daniels. I have that pic framed on a wall at home.

There is an image stuck in my head of old blues singers wrapped around a bottle of Jack Daniels, the music seems so “lyin back sippin an excellent malt”, have you heard noises like this before, or is it just me?
Definitely not – I believe that happens to all of us.

Do you think, taking an average – blues bands (any bands for that matter) all like whisky?
Actually, I think it’s in our contract that we do – not that we are whisky-aholics but we do like a dram or three.

Is music a “whisky culture” for you and the band?
Definitely. We all like a good dram : but we’re very well behaved & always save it for after a gig.

Do you have a favourite dram? and why?
Talisker was the one that originally ignited my love of single malts. But I enjoy all of the Islay malts. Cragganmore is a beauty too, & a real favourite.  I did buy a bottle of the amazing ‘Octomore’ from the Bruichladdich distillery, when it came out. AMAZING !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If I gave you a dram you have never tried but know of it; what would it be?
Oh……. that would have to be the 30yo Laphroaig. I once tried a 35yo Ardbeg……. now THAT was something else. But the Laphroaig is the big ‘elusive’ one for me. Ready when you are at the bar Paul, mines a double!

Who else in the band likes a dram now and then? Or – always!
erm……. let me think. Oh Yeah – ALL OF US.

How is life living on our west coast?
FANTASTIC. What more could a guy want?  You are a west coaster so you know what I mean.

What are the plans for the future?
To up the profile of the band, & get MUDSLIDE playing more of the festivals and for you to get me that dram of 30 year old.

Do you have any plans for a gig inside a whisky distillery/festival?
No ……………… but I have now. Thanks for the idea, any “ins” let me know and you are on the bill playing bottleneck (drinking and clinking that is).

Finally; do you have any track in your set that mentions “angels”? or an angel? or whisky for that matter?
We are planning on including Joe Bonamassa’s ‘Jockey Full Of Bourbon’ in our extensive set list. I’m hoping we can start work on this very soon but we may need (whiskey) research first.

Equipment-wise, I’m a dedicated fan of the classic Les Paul/ Marshall combination. My main guitars are a 1959 Reissue Gibson Les Paul ; a 1981 Gibson Les Paul Standard ; a Fender Telecaster. My rig is a Marshall JVM410 ( all valve ) head with a Marshall Vintage 4×12 cabinet. Effects are at an absolute minimum : when you have that kind of gear you can get pretty much all of the tones & sounds you need.

Thanks again Ty, Paul.  Wee note; was he stringing me along?  answers on a postcard to the usual address please. 

facebook.com/pages/Mudslide/448417688511905

http://www.mudslideargyllblues.co.uk/

Dougie Robertson – Vocals & Rhythm Guitar.
Ty Williamson – Lead Guitar.
Alasdair Robertson – Keyboards,Harmonica & Vocals.
Sandy Smart – Bass & Vocals.
Patrick Harvey – Drums.

slainte  Paul

http://www.angelswhiskyclub.com/

http://www.mcleanscotland.com/

Kilchoman Machir Bay 2013 – Tasting Review