Angels fly north.

Liz and Paul of MCLEANSCOTLAND & ANGELS WHUISKY CLUB went north for their latest outing.

From Broughty Ferry (near Dundee) they drove through Aberdeen to Huntly and on to Dufftown, where a meeting had been scheduled with Mike, owner of the Dufftown Whisky Shop. It may be that the pair (Liz and Paul) will become involved in the Autumn whisky festival there, and meeting up with Mike to chat things over – watch this space for details later. From here through Elgin, Inverness and the road to Sutherland, passing Benromach, Dalmore, Invergordon and Glenmorangie distilleries before reaching Caithness, where they stopped overnight at a hotel who had kindly offered them hospitality. Next morning a guided tour of Old Pulteney distillery by Malcom; The Old Pulteney distillery is one of the most northerly distilleries on the Scottish mainland. It is a windswept location, where the landscape of the Highlands meets the North Sea, the waves crash against the granite walls of the harbour. Built in 1826, the Pulteney Distillery is rich in history and atmosphere. The extreme location and unique stills have resulted in a distinctive flavour – the Genuine Maritime Malt. Liz had a really good taste, bought the shirt, some whisky and generally had a good time, while Paul was still the driver and got the drivers share; a sniff! A great tour and meeting some of the staff, a nice day became even nicer, thanks to Malcom and everyone there.

Liz in the warehouse

From here north again to John O’Groats, a perfect day, clear blue skies, enabled them to see lots of Orkney, sitting there just over the waves, they could almost smell Highland Park and Scapa – och next time. Some local sightseeing with a bottle of Kavalan;  An elegant, floral, fruity and seductive dram. With hints of honey, tropical fruits – mango, pear drops from school days, vanilla, coconuts and maybe a hint of chocolate. Liz enjoyed a large dram, as soon as the driving was over for the day – Paul caught up!

The highlight of the trip so far; staying at Ackergill Tower, a castle dating back to the 15h century, beautiful rooms and atmosphere, a grand dinner, wines and whisky enjoyed with the owners and 30 odd guests, a fine evening.

Day 3 saw the angels heading through the heavy mists passing Clynelish/Brora on to Glenmorangie, where another private tour took place. The tallest stills in the business, “what big neck’s they do have granny!”  Signet is Paul’s favourite dram here, a blend of  old whisky – distilled over thirty years ago when malting still occurred on site – and spirit matured in a selection of the world’s finest casks, this undoubtedly is a rich whisky – the exact secret of its production are known only to the creators, but can tell you that Signet’s sweetness and spiciness is caused by unique roasted ‘chocolate’ barley malt and the ‘designer casks’ made bespoke for Glenmorangie from American white oak. Non chill-filtered. Coffee Chocolate Citrus with a treacle plum pudding, sherry and orange peel.  How to describe this gem;   oooooooooooooooooooh!

Och they needed to leave, a few miles away awaited Glen Ord, the nearest distillery to Inverness in the Highlands of Scotland. The young and beautiful Anne took the private tour, she has been there 9 years, she only looks 21 herself! The Singleton of Glen Ord is mainly for selected Asian markets only and only available at the Visitor Centre and Whisky Shop. However, MCLEANSCOTLAND can take you there – and everywhere else!  Glen Ord distillery was founded in 1838, making it one of the oldest in Scotland and continues to malt its own barley and to use the long fermentation and slow distillation methods followed there for generations. So much going on here, new stills, wash backs, new buildings, Diageo are pumping money in here to enlarge to output, so much activity!  It will be excellent when finished, hopefully by the end of the summer.

Sadly, they departed for Forres and their next hotel, a fine country manor, with a really good whisky bar, Paul was pleased! Day 4 – first port of call; to chat with Iain at Glen Moray distillery. A few items of business before the usual event – the purchasing! Although many thanks go to Iain for the bottle – donated to the tour in two weeks with the malt Whisky Association of Finland, back touring again with Liz and Paul.  And so home … almost 4 hours later back at Broughty Ferry, the unloading took longer than planned, so much whisky, gifts, clothes, not to mention personal luggage. Result; “a great trip, just a pity we didnee have time for the other distilleries, Dalmore, Clynelish, Balblair, Benromach, not to mention a plethora in Speyside and Aberdeenshire, another trip needed!” Paul.

Liz and Paul own www.mcleanscotland.com and www.angelswhiskyclub.com  Based in Perth and Broughty Ferry, designing bespoke whisky tours.

The Whisky Lounge is rolling into town this May with their biggest event yet – The London Whisky Weekender. If you’re near London between Friday 16 and Sunday 18 May, and like whisky, then you should probably come along.

It’s at Oval Space, a venue to the east of the city near to Cambridge Heath station, a few stops from Liverpool Street. It’s a great space and has been a favourite of food and drinks festivals over the past year.

There are four sessions: Friday night from 7pm until midnight, Saturday afternoon from midday until 5pm, Saturday night from 7pm until midnight and Sunday afternoon from midday until 6pm.

Along with the usual gaggle of exhibitors – including whiskies from the USA, India and Ireland as well as Scotland – there are a whole host of other bits and pieces going on.  Especially interesting are the workshops happening on ‘The Blitz Terrace’, overlooking the last remaining, undeveloped bomb site in London. These include two particularly excellent-looking pre-war whisky tastings that they’ll be running on the Saturday – there are still a few spaces available. There will also be street food, cocktails, barbecue, picklebacks, live music and much more.

Tickets are on sale now from The Whisky Lounge website: £35 per person on Friday or Saturday, and £20 on Sunday.

TWE will be on hand all weekend running the on-site whisky shop, which gives you yet another reason to come along. If you do make it, pop by and say hello – I’m the one with the increasingly stupid looking beard.

Originally published on The Whisky Exchange Blog – The Whisky Lounge London Whisky Weekender

www.ralfy.com introduces an affordable Islay option from a less-known Distillery which escapes excessive marketing flannel!  

Whisky Review 453 – Bunnahabhain 18yo @ 46.3% Malt Whisky

NEW ARRIVALS

Scotland –  Scotch

• Samaroli Evolution 2013 Multi Vintage Pure Malt Scotch Whisky 750ml – 5 available ($299.99)

United States – Bourbon and Rye

• Russell’s Reserve K&L Exclusive Single Barrel #13 Kentucky Bourbon 750ml ($59.99)

• Russell’s Reserve K&L Exclusive Single Barrel #14 Kentucky Bourbon 750ml ($59.99)

• Russell’s Reserve K&L Exclusive Single Barrel #19 Kentucky Bourbon 750ml ($59.99)

Bourbon and Rye

• Old Potrero Single Malt 18th Century Style Whiskey 750ml – 2 available ($69.99) 
• Angel’s Envy 100 Proof Rye Whiskey 750ml (one bottle limit) – 4 available ($67.99)

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

It is true what they say: “the more things change the more they stay the same.” I was reminded of this when I came in to work this morning and my colleague Christine asked me if I was ready for my trip. As usual I’m not, there’s always last minute details you struggle to finish, and I’ll be going to the wire as I board the plane. Even more telling she followed it up with the question: “so will you be sending a Malt Messenger from the airport?” Cheeky, but not entirely inaccurate, I’ve been there before. I’d like to think I’m a little more organized this time around, with a little over 10 hours until my flight, I’m in a little better shape than usual…(Andrew departed May 6th…WI…we’re a little busy this week and are catching up)…

I’m off to Scotland tonight for 10 days, guiding a week long tour through the Speyside, Southern and Eastern Highlands. I’m also taking a few days to pop in to Islay and Campbeltown to catch up with some friends, sample some whiskies and see some familiar sights. I’m also planning to visit at least two distilleries I’ve never been to before: Deanston and Knockdhu. I’ll blog and tweet about my adventures as much as I can, but while I’m away things won’t be on hold here in Calgary, hence this Malt Messenger Bulletin.

Our annual birthday sale is coming up May 16-18, and I’ve prepared a Malt Messenger Bulletin sale notice to go out on the 16th detailing the specials. A few days earlier, Hunter has his Blockbuster Single Malts Tasting, Tuesday May 13, in the store. As of this morning there are just 3 tickets left. Upon my return on the 19th of May things get really exiciting. We have two great tastings that week: a sold out Balvenie tasting with Beth Havers and a Glencadam & Tomintoul tasting featuring a 1977 vintage Tomintoul.

The latter half of May will also see some new whiskies from Diageo, including: Caol Ila Stitchell’s Reserve, Talisker Storm, Talisker 25 Year, Brora 35 Year and Lagavulin 37 Year. There is also a new KWM cask, an Aberlour 1994 matured–unusually for the distillery–in an Ex-Bourbon Hogshead cask. Last but not least on the final day of the month, May 31, Kensington Wine Market will be playing host to Ardbeg Day 2014 festivities. Jordan Cameron, Moet’s Brand Ambassador in Alberta, and I have put together a fun day of activities to celebrate Ardbeg whisky and the launch of the new Auriverdes.

There is much to look forward to over the weeks ahead. As always I hope this whisky news finds you well!

Slainte!

Andrew

In This Edition:
1. Please Vote for us in FFWD’s Best of Calgary
2. Berry’s Own Aberlour 1994 KWM Cask
3. New Diageo Releases
4. 4.5L BenRiach and Glendronach Bottles
5. Glencadam & Tomintoul Tasting
6. Ardbeg Day 2014
Slainte!

Andrew Ferguson
Kensington Wine Market

PS- PS – Don’t forget you can follow me on Twitter: twitter.com/scotch_guy and Facebook: facebook.com/scotch.guy.1 .
www.fergusonwhiskytours.com

Glencadam & Tomntoul Tasting

Tuesday May 20 – $55

We’ve put together a special lineup of 7 whiskies for our tasting with Bob Kyle of Rare Drams. There’s a trio of Tomintouls, including the stunning 1977, a pair of Glencadams, including the new 21 year and two even rarer treats!

More Information

Ardbeg Day 2014 Saturday May 31

Ardbeg Soccer 11:30-1:30 Green vs. Gold
$20
Ardbeg Day at KWM 2:00-5:00 and the After Party at Buchanan’s 5:00 – 7:00
$40

More Information

Please Vote for us in FFWD’s Best of Calgary Best Wine Store & Best Liquor Store!

Once again Fast Forward Magazine is compiling its list of the best of the best in Calgary. We need your help to retain our title as Calgary’s Best Wine Store, and while you’re at it, please nominate us for Calgary’s Best Liquor Store too! After all in addition to having an incredible selection of wines, Kensington Wine Market also has Canada’s largest and most comprehensive whisky collection, and one of the biggest and best assortments of beer in the country! Click on the link below to vote. Please note you need to select winners in at least 40 categories for your vote to count. People who complete the survey will be entered in a draw by FFWD for a couple of great prizes from the Talisman Center and Kensington Wine Market.

www.ffwdweekly.com/questionnaire/best-of-calgary-2014/

Thanks in advance for your help!

Berry’s Own Aberlour 1994 KWM Cask 4423

An untypical Ex-Bourbon Hogshead matured single cask.

Details are pretty thin on this one right now, other than the price, I don’t even have a photo. The cask was selected in the fall by myself and a few trusted associates, and bottled at a strength of 54.1%. An official tasting note will come shortly after my return from Scotland on the 19th. What makes it so unique, is two fold. Firstly, single casks of Aberlour are very rare, the distillery keeps most of it production in house. Over the last 12 years I’ve not seen more than a couple independent bottlings of Aberlour. Secondly, and more interestingly in my opinion, all distillery bottlings of Aberlour contain at least some sherry cask whisky. There are no straight American oak expressions of the whisky released by the distillery. This is a chance to try a whole different sort of Aberlour, and, of course, its good!

The whisky will start trickling in the week of May 19. In the meantime we are taking pre-orders. Berry’s Own Aberlour 1994 KWM Cask 4423 will retail for $139.99 + GST. Pre-order it and save 5%!

New Diageo Releases

Lagavulin and Brora and Talisker Oh My!

It is not often that we see older expressions of Lagavulin, Talisker and Brora. The principle reason is that the distilleries owners don’t have much in the way of older stock. The whisky is increasingly rare and accordingly increasingly dear. Diageo’s annual Special Releases have become a hot commodity over the years. For a long time the Alberta market was spoiled with an abundance of Port Ellen, Brora and other expressions. Over the last few years our access has been increasingly spotty as global demand skyrocketed and prices rose. I wasn’t expecting to see any of the 2013 releases this time around, but curiously, a few of them have just turned up. And at surprisingly good prices. Here’s what we know were getting. There may be more, but even Diageo Canada doesn’t seem to know what’s coming until it turns up:

1. Caol Ila Stitchell Reserve – 59.6% – Named for distillery manager Billy Stitchell who retired in 2013 after 39 years at the distillery. Matured in American Oak, Re-charred American Oak and Ex-European Oak Sherry casks. – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Palate: Drinks well straight; has an intense and in your face style, with a most appealing smooth, lightly oily texture. Firm, clean and fresh throughout. Intense and mouth-filling, with a great initial surge of sweet spiciness unaccompanied by the usual signature phenols of peated Caol Ila or indeed, much fruit. Becoming honey-nutty (nut brittle, with a dark edge of treacle bitterness) then finally, warming and drying. A good splash of water develops these flavours; it’s tongue-coating and appetisingly bitter-sweet now, leaving a spicy dryness as the tide of flavour ebbs.” – $179.99
2. Talisker Storm – 45.8% – Matured in rejuvenated and refill casks at different ages. – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Palate: At first sweetly mellow and rich in the mouth then quickly very spicy and increasingly stormy as the Talisker heat comes through. It’s as if the pure, tongue-coating sweetness joins hands with a deep nutty smokiness to embrace those spicier notes. The flavour is elegantly drawn out with a good balance between sweetness, smoke and salt, which is all the more evident when a little water is added. – $104.99
3. Talisker 25 Year 2011 – 45.8% – Tasting Note by Serge at www.whiskyfun.com: “Nose: a completely different planet after the Dark Storm, this is smoother of course, but also more complex, with some lilac, tangerines, roses, almonds, this very ‘tropical’ smokiness that only old peaters can display, beauty cream, brine, oysters… It’s a lovely nose, delicate and subtle. Mouth: once again, a slightly smoother version of an old Talisker but power is there. It’s no straight brute as older versions could be but it’s not lacking oomph. Smoked overripe apples and lemon curd plus brine and kippers. There. Finish: long, maybe a notch woodier, with this feeling of strong green tea but also a perfect brine. Little pepper this time. Comments: I know some whisky lovers and Talisker aficionados were shocked by the drop in strength and in theory, I should be shocked too, but let’s be honest, this remains a mightily powerful dram.” 90pts – Estimated Retail $250
4. Brora 35 Year – 49.9% – Distilled 1977 – Bottled 2013 – 2944 Bottles – Tasting Note by Serge at www.whiskyfun.com : “It is the 12th release of Brora. Already! An incredible Brora and I couldn’t believe it’s all from the 1977 vintage, since there are obvious notes of ‘1972’ (and adjacent vintages). So the peat is less discreet than I had thought, while the rest is of an incredible complexity, sometimes soft and elegant, sometimes bigger and full of seashells, oysters, seaweed and tar. I remember having found, both in the nose and in the palate, some verbena, some absinth (that was in the 1978 as well, now I remember) some kippers, smoked salmon and even fish oil, a lot of wax (of course), some grapefruits, some liquorice and a feeling of bone dry white wine of very high quality. And in the finish, a slight smoky and fresh acridness that I simply adored. Having said that I have to confess I was a little disappointed because I had hoped Diageo would have granted us with a 40 yo 1972 this year, but in fact I found this new 35 quite… flabbergasting. That, I remember very well.” 95pts – $954.99 (priced CAD$1400-1500 in UK)
5. Lagavulin 37 Year – 51% – Distilled 1976 – Bottled 2013 – 1868 Bottles – Tasting Note by Serge at www.whiskyfun.com: ” the oak feels a bit (astringency) but only for fraction of a second, because lemons, smokes and especially lapsang-souchong tea are soon to come to the rescue. I think we’re really in the world of tea here, it’s sharing many similarities with an old pu-erh, the soft kind of woodiness (incense once again, sandalwood, ‘sweet’ cinnamon), the mild fruitiness around kumquats and dried papayas, the earthy smokiness… Then there’s some honeydew, lemon pie, a faint camphory touch, certainly some cough syrup ‘as always’, some black chocolate, oysters, lemon balm… We’re experiencing the same phenomenon as on the nose, it keeps changing. Oh, and there are lovely touches of ripe melon.” 94pts Read the full tasting note here. – $2749.99 (priced over CAD$3,500.00 in UK)

4.5L Jeroboams of BenRiach and Glendronach Available

How Cool Would These Look on Your Bar?

1. BenRiach 12 Year 4.5L – 43% – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: Honey, vanilla, floral, fruity with well balanced wood overtones. Palate: Rounded medium to full bodied, rich honey, vanilla with hints of cream, spice and chocolate.” – $399.99 *3 Available
2. Glendronach 12 Year 4.5L – 43% – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: Sweet, creamy vanilla, with hints of ginger. Spiced mulled wine and pear. Palate: Rich, creamy, silky-smooth. Warm, rich oak and sherry sweetness, full mouth feel, raisins and soft fruits. Spicy with medium length and a dry finish.” – $414.99 *1 Available

Glencadam & Tomintoul Distilleries Tasting

Tuesday May 20 – 7PM – $55 – Featuring the Tomintoul 1977 ($809.99)

We’ve put together a special lineup of 7 whiskies for our tasting with Bob Kyle of Rare Drams. There’s a trio of Tomintouls, including the stunning 1977, a pair of Glencadams, including the new 21 year and two even rarer treats from Celebration of the Cask!

Call 403-283-8000 to register or visit our website Tasting Page.

Ardbeg Day 2014

Festivities Kick Off Saturday May 31

As Canada’s first Ardbeg Embassy, Kensington Wine Market is playing host to Ardbeg Day Festivities in Calgary May 31. The distillery’s Ardbeg Day release this year is the Auriverdes, or Green and Gold. This is a nod to the World Cup of Soccer in Brazil, but also to Ardbeg’s iconic green bottle and golden nectar. The theme this year is soccer, and that will be no different here in Calgary. We’re organizing a match of Ardbeg Green vs. Gold soccer at a field near Kensington Wine Market. Participation costs $20, but will include a special t-shirt, some swag and a dram or two. Two teams of 15 will be assembled in the school yard fashion from those who register. Limited to 28 participants. It’s been a wild spring here, and in the Scottish tradition the game will go ahead come bad or worse weather!

Later in the day festivities will to the Kensington Wine Market where we’ll be hosting fun activities between 2 and 5. There Ardbeg range will be available for tasting, along with new Auriverdes and some Ardbeg cocktails. Braizen Meats will be on hand serving up BBQ and there will be fun games. Registration costs $40 and is limited to around 60 participants. You need not register for one to participate in the other. The Kensington event registration includes a cocktail and appetizers at Buchanan’s Chophouse which is hosting the after party, from 5PM on.

Don’t hesitate in purchasing your Ardbeg Day tickets. Events are expected to fill quickly.

1. Ardbeg Day Soccer Match – 11:30-1:30 Saturday May 31 – Limited to 28 Participants – $20
2. Ardbeg Day at KWM – 2:00-5:00 Saturday May 31 – Limited to 60-80 Participants – $40

Call 403-283-8000 to register or do so on our website at https://www.kensingtonwinemarket.com/tastings/register.php.

Ferguson Whisky Tours

Follow me as I travel the Speyside Next Week May 11-16
or
Join me for Islay September 7-13 2014 or Kentucky October 5-10 2014

I will be tweeting my way across Scotland in the days ahead, and blogging when possible for the store and my whisky tour website.

Interested in joining me on one of my fantastic whisky adventures? It’s too late to join me in Speyside this May, but not too late to take part in my Islay and Kentucky Tours, departing in September and October respectively. More details on these tours will be available on my website in the coming weeks. www.fergusonwhiskytours.com

Thank You for Reading the Malt Messenger!

Contact & Disclaimers

If you have any whisky questions or comments concerning The Malt Messenger please contact me by e-mail, phone, or drop by the store.

All of the products mentioned in THE MALT MESSENGER can be purchased in store, over the phone or from our website at www.kensingtonwinemarket.com. All prices quoted in the Malt Messenger are subject to change, don’t include GST. In the case of discrepancies in pricing, the price in our in store point of sale will be taken as correct.

Thanks for reading the Malt Messenger.

Slainte!

Andrew Ferguson
Manager & Scotchguy
Kensington Wine Market
403-283-8000
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
www.kensingtonwinemarket.com

Owner & Opperator
Ferguson’s Whisky Tours
www.fergusonwhiskytours.com
scotchguide@fergusonwhiskytours.com

Kensington Wine Market
403-283-8000

WHAT TREASURES AWAIT…?

The May Outturn is now available. For complete tasting notes and to purchase please visit http://www.smws.ca/

Cask No. 26.89 An exotic tearoom experience
27 years old; refill sherry butt; 56.6%
Aromas of lemon drizzle cake, waxiness and gorse flowers and a neat taste of peaches vanilla pods and apricot cake. Add water for notes of vanilla ice cream and toffee sauce and spiced apple tea. Exotic tastes of Turkish delight, lavender and Moroccan spices.

Cask No. G8.3 Surprise me…
23 years old; refill hogshead; 59%
Toffee popcorn with juicy green apples; slightly woody and dusty, with a sweet and sour taste – kiwi, lime, Seville orange, sour cherry – edging towards lemon puffs, then bitter lemon with water.

Cask No. 35.86 Sumptuous breakfast dram
11 years old; 1st fill sherry butt; 59.3%
The nose evokes sumptuous breakfasts – cinnamon toast, marmalade, Nutella, pancakes with syrup, bran flakes, prunes – also nutty sherry, liquorice, Bombay mix and polished oak. The ultra-rich palate offers black bun, hot-cross buns, cloves, treacle, coffee grinds, leather, liquorice and blackcurrant.

Cask No. 121.62 Steak and ale pie
16 years old; first fill sherry puncheon; 54.2%
Brewery mash room smells – hops, dried yeast, real ale but with wet peat, orange syrup and tobacco, but cookie dough, honey with a bitter aftertaste; two Panellists were enjoying steak & ale pie. In dilution baked apples, pork sausages, brown sauce, cloves; light and greasy to taste.

Cask No. 4.178 Eating ice cream in a humidor
12 years old; 1st fill barrel; 59.1%
Sweet and fruity notes dominate the nose neat, lemon meringue pie, rum soaked raisins and passion fruit sorbet. The taste like eating ice cream in a humidor. Water adds a sweet spare ribs bbq note and the finish is minty and slightly salty

Cask No. 66.42 Snorkelling in the bathtub
10 years old; refill barrel; 54.5%
Initial impression is of a wood burning fire with peat being added, followed by aromas of bacon frazzles and salami. The taste like a cigar end; hot, sweet and smoky. With water well-used snorkelling gear appears and the aromas are scented candles and smoked cheese.

Cask No. 53.194 A CalMac ferry dram
17 years old; refill sherry butt; 60.1%
The nose has sherbet lemons, oysters, smoke, tar, Germolene, cigar ash, rubber tyres and exhaust fumes; earthier in reduction. The palate has loads of ash, soot, sweet smoke, chilli-roasted nuts, sugar-coated fennel seeds and barbecued smoked mackerel and charred prawns.

http://www.smws.ca/

www.ralfy.com Found a decent modern version with Whisky Review 452 – Talisker Distiller’s Edition 2013

Singleton Sunray and Tailfire – Dufftown’s latest

The Singleton is a worldwide phenomenon, hiding whisky from three different distilleries under one brand, with each appearing in different countries around the world. In the UK all of the readily available Singleton whisky comes from one place: the Dufftown distillery. The 12, 15 and 18 year old expressions have been around for a few years and have become well known, partly through their presence in travel retail, but a pair of new releases have recently appeared on the shelves at TWE: Singleton Sunray and Tailfire.

Given the brief of creating something new for the Singleton range, Diageo’s product development group started as they usually do – they sat down to have a chat. Matthew Crow, part of the team behind the new whiskies, told us at the launch that they started by focusing on the key aspects that they look for in Dufftown’s whisky, and isolated two terms: intensity and vibrancy. These are often used interchangeably, but Matthew and the rest of the team came up with more specific meanings:

• § Intensity – richness and depth of flavour
• § Vibrancy – big flavours with impact

From there they looked for the specific flavours within the spirit that tripped those ideas for them, and then (after much experimentation) came up with the two new whiskies, each showing off one of those sides of Dufftown.

The Singleton Sunray. 40%. £39.95

The Sunray’s focus is ‘intensity’. The blending team chose Dufftown’s sweet and honeyed side for the whisky, and used ex-bourbon cask matured spirit, looking for a mellow richness with sweetness and a bit of depth.

Nose: Vanilla cream, butter icing, honey, ground almonds, hints of hazelnut, sweet lemon, lemon zest, honeysuckle touches and white chocolate. The honey gets more pungent and stronger as it sits.

Palate: Sweet and soft, with a gently oily mouthfeel. Lemon and cream leads into spicy cinnamon and nutmeg, with sharp apple developing. Behind that are some bitter woody notes balanced by butter toffee that still leaves sour apple around the edges.

Finish: Butter toffee and fudge fade to lemon and spicy wood, with a hint of menthol.

Comments: It does what it sets out to do – it’s a no-nonsense bourbon matured whisky, which emphasises the honey and nutty notes of Dufftown, with a bit of citrus and spice thrown in for added interest. It does well, ‘blasphemy’ though it is to say, with a cube of ice…

The Singleton Tailfire. 40%. £39.95

The Tailfire takes on the ‘vibrancy’ facet of Dufftown’s whisky, and does so by going for more fruity flavours. Specifically, they’ve focused on the berry notes that are found in the distillery’s new make and emphasised by maturation in sherry casks. Using extra sherry matured spirit in the mix creates something quite different to the previously released Dufftown Singletons.

Nose: Walnuts and hazelnuts to start, with glacé cherries and dried fruit coming in behind. The darker notes are balanced by vanilla, white grapes, spicy sponge cake and some sultanas, as well as a touch of cheese-rind savouriness.

Palate: Lots of nuts and spice off the bat, with sour wood touches, rich berry fruit and dark, sticky liquorice. It continues to develop darker flavours – damp leaves, tobacco and leathery notes – as well as a touch of grassiness.

Finish: Medium to long, with green grass, blackberry leaf and blackcurrants.

Comment: Definitely different to the lighter style of the rest of the Singleton of Dufftown range, even the older bottlings which bring also containing more sherry cask matured whisky. It’s still got the Dufftown sweetness and nuttiness, but with a layer of darker, sherry-cask-inspired flavour.

To support the launch of the whiskies, Diageo is throwing a bit of a do on the South Bank in London on 15 May – The Singleton Whisky Night Market (tickets on sale now!). They are not only matching the whisky with food, both sweet and savoury, but also doing something often frowned upon – making cocktails.

I’m a big fan of using single malt in cocktails (if it’s done appropriately) and my first post on the blog was even about doing so. It’s all about choosing your ingredients correctly, and Diageo cocktail maestro Andrea Montague, formerly of excellent London bar Callooh Callay, has put together a couple of drinks to complement the Sunray and Tailfire.

I tried the cocktails at the launch and wasn’t that big a fan of the Tailfire’s Fruity Scot, as the whisky was a bit swamped by the combination of lemon juice, crème de mûre and white grape juice. However, the Sunray’s cocktail was a hit for me:

Complete with Andrea and a proselytising Colin Dunn

Honeyed Whisky Collins
Ingredients:

Singleton Sunray
Lemon Juice
Mead
Soda water

Method:

Stir the still ingredients with ice, top up with soda water and serve ungarnished.

It’s a long drink, so everything’s dialled back a bit, but the whisky still shines through, with the mead and lemon juice bolstering the honey and citrus notes in the whisky. It’s a technique of cocktail making that I rather like, emphasising the flavours of the core spirit rather than masking them.

Both the Sunray and Tailfire are solid additions to the Singleton of Dufftown range, with different directions and flavours from each, while still maintaining a distinctive Dufftown-ness. The Tailfire seemed to go down the best at the launch, but for me it’s the Sunray, which I suspect may make an appearance in my glass over the summer. Probably with some ice in…

Originally published on The Whisky Exchange Blog – Singleton Sunray and Tailfire – Dufftown’s latest

This week Joe Ellis reviews the exclusive Teeling 26 Year Old Irish Single Malt 

http://youtu.be/5iAoGXgieRA 

http://Facebook.com/whiskytube 

http://Twitter.com/whiskytube

We sit down with a fine cigar and explore Dalmore’s Cigar Malt! 

You may view the latest post here

Best regards,

Loch Fyne Whiskies

david@lfw.co.uk