Frank August 6 Year Old Single Barrel Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $139.99 View

The exceptional Frank August Single Barrel are hand selected by founder Johnathan Crocker from their stock of incredible bourbon. These are the very best barrels in their warehouses and represent some of the finest young whiskies available anywhere. Johnathan takes his favorite barrels to his friends and luminairies through the bourbon industry and lets consensus be the judge. Turns out these guys know what they’re doing. 98 points SF World Spirits Competition – Double Gold.

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

FOOD, KILTS & WHISKY, it must be OBAN.

One of the most special places in Scotland – to me anyhow. I’m almost from Oban, born along the road at Connel, more of that later.  OBAN the Seafood Capital of Scotland and the Gateway to the Isles. Dine out on the freshest seafood and share a dram or three of the world’s most famous Scotch whiskies. The secret is the cold, clear waters that give up top-quality fish and shellfish, including oysters, mussels, langoustines, prawns, scallops, crab, mackerel, haddock, herring and squat lobster. The shack at the pier is a good starting point, next to calmac. Many great seafood restaurants. A different one for each day of the week, and then there is the fish suppers!

Castles that are easy to visit; Dunollie Castle it still remains the seat and ancestral home of Clan MacDougall. Dunstaffnage Castle sits overlooking the water near Oban, it was the former stronghold of the ‘Kings of the Isles’ Macdonalds. Famous names associated here, The Bruce, Flora Macdonald, go and see why. Gylen Castle on the island of Kerrera. The ferry journey from Oban to Kerrera takes just a few minutes, nae cars. Castle Coeffin on the island of Lismore is a ruin looking out to Loch Linnhe, take a wee ferry from Oban.

Fancy a Boat trip from Oban? Lots to choose from; Oban is a world-class destination for spotting seals, whales, dolphins and porpoises plus minke whales, basking sharks and even the orca, wildlife-watching boat trips, the Corryvreckan Whirlpool, one of the largest permanent whirlpools on earth. Record-breaking Giant Skate have been caught off Oban and there’s plenty of opportunities to join a game fishing trip. Ask me about “swimming with sharks”.

Walk up Pulpit Hill to enjoy views across the bay to McCaig’s Tower – a prominent landmark in Oban – not Roman, not Greek. The War and Peace Museum where you can find out about the fishing and maritime industries, the railways, and the strategic role played by Oban during the war years, with close connections to USA. Oban Chocolate Company shop on Oban’s Esplanade is a chocaholic’s dream!

From award-winning fine dining to family-friendly gastro pubs to the freshest fish and chips, there’s something for all tastes and budgets, some great wee cafés and pubs, my favourite being Auley’s, Oban Inn, Tartan Bar. A fresh coffee or tea, enjoy the views and watch the ferries to the Hebrides coming and going. From fish and chips to a Michelin-listed restaurant meal with a view, there is something for everyone’s taste in Oban!

And a special whisky produced in Oban, the pure water, and the smoky peat combine with skills that have been passed down through the generations to produce world-class whisky, even we Maclean’s have a special bottle – ask for Teddy. One of the oldest distilleries in Scotland and one of the smallest with just two pot stills, established in 1794, before most of the town, a refurbishment in the 1890s and little change to the buildings since then.

Take a guided tour to discover the ancient craft of whisky production, if you fancy a few more drams, Oban Distillery has its own tasting bar – recommended – where they also do very good whisky cocktails! I could go on about whisky till you are asleep, but I won’t. For expert advice and a huge range of single malts, call into Oban Whisky & Fine Wines Shop on Stafford Street. The owners are passionate about whisky, to say the least, and will be more than happy to give you some tips and introduce you to the smaller, less well-known distilleries. I call in here all the time.

Kilts – say no more, I know where to take you; Connel Bay Scottish Highlandwear. A small family business that pride themselves on being one of the few that can offer a true Highland experience, expert knowledge and genuine Scottish products. Order your very own bespoke kilt and highland dress outfit from the comfort of your home wherever you are in the world and they will have it ready waiting for your arrival in Oban, on a guided tour by MCLEANSCOTLAND naturally. Choose from a range of Scottish tartans and luxury fabrics. AS A MENTION TO ALL MACLEAN’S TRAVELLING TO SCOTLAND; they hire two different Maclean tartan kilts! Many thanks to oban.org for much info.

I could go on and on, but will deviate a wee minute to take you to where I was born. Connel (Gaelic: A’ Choingheal) a village situated on the southern shore of Loch Etive. The Lusragan Burn flows through the village and into the loch. You cannee miss Connel Bridge, a large cantilever bridge that spans Loch Etive at the Falls of Lora. It was built to carry the Callander and Oban Railway’s branch line to Ballachulish that opened in 1903. Need refreshments after all this reading? The Oyster Inn and Gluepot Bar is THE place to go. When home, this is my second home, must be the glue keeping me there … the oldest part of the building dates back to the 1700’s when it was known as the Ferrymans Inn due to the ferry as it was then, carrying passengers between Connel and north Lorn now replaced with Connel bridge over the famous Falls of Lora tidal waters – looking at this, the water flows both ways at the same time, oh aye, and great sunsets. The bar is known by locals as the gluepot. The rear of the original building was at one time home to a blacksmith, who when trimming horse hooves would melt the cut off in a double-sided pot to produce glue. The original stone walls have been stripped back reveal the bones of this, the oldest part of the building.

So, have I convinced you to take a tour with us, and especially to Oban? Just drop me an email; paul@mcleanscotland.co.uk

Paul Mclean, MCLEAN SCOTLAND

www.whiskytours.scot

Father’s Day Edition 2024

CBC’s History of Canadian Whisky

according to me

Crown Royal’s Canadian Single Malt

Crown Royal Single Malt Canadian Whisky

(45% ABV)

To say Crown Royal is the best-selling Canadian whisky in Canada and abroad is to miss the point. Yes, Crown Royal sells more than the next six top-selling Canadian whiskies put together, but as a brand it is also a safe haven for the wild minds of Canada’s most innovative whisky makers.

Diageo, which owns Crown Royal, already produces an impressive range of Scotch single malt whiskies, from the dainty Dalwhinnie to its muscular Lagavulin, and recently it has seen success with two American single malts from Balcones and Bulleit. It was just a matter of time before they would leverage those successes to craft a Single Malt Canadian Whisky.

The result is just wonderful with so many layers tightly integrated into a complex whole. Rich, almost nutty cereal notes, hints of caramel and vanilla precede sweet fruits, soft peppers and bracing spices with herbal tones on a mildly oaky framework. Unlike so many Canadian single malts, this is not Scotch and it is not “finished.” Everything you taste is 100% whisky, and assuredly Crown Royal – a Canadian single malt true to the Crown Royal house style.

Nevertheless, those expecting a Canadian addition to Diageo’s Classic malts may need a second dram to get the gist of this whisky. And do take one. Opportunities to expand your palate with well-crafted whisky are rare, and this is one of them.

Distilled to approximately 66% ABV in a copper still at Diageo’s distillery in Valleyfield, near Montreal, the whisky has been matured in new oak barrels. However, cold winters ensure that the spirit matures more slowly than in Scotland or Kentucky, and the oak remains more an accent than a flavour.

Canadian Whisky: The Essential Portable Expert

Updated and Expanded Third Edition

For whisky loving dads, the full-colour, definitive source for Canada’s Wonderful World of Whisky. Explains how all types of whisky are made and where their flavours come from. Tells how Canada became a major whisky nation and what its future holds.

Pulls back the curtain on the mysteries of how connoisseurs taste whisky and how Dad can enhance his enjoyment of whisky. Surprises history buffs with things they never knew about whisky, or about Canada – intrigue, adventure, scandal and more.

Helps Dad taste along with a new tasting wheel to guide him through over 120 carefully written tasting notes from top-selling and exclusive whiskies.

Available at online booksellers and wherever books are sold.

LINKS TO BOOKSTORES AND ONLINE BOOKSELLERS

CELEBRATE FATHER’S DAY
Sunday 16th June 2024

Father’s Day in the UK is just a few days away, so we invite you to celebrate those special men in your life by sharing a bottle of ‘The Hearach’ single malt with them. Whether your dad (or grandad) is a whisky connoisseur or just loves a fine dram, our historic whisky is the ideal way to show your appreciation.

This lightly-peated single malt is elegant, complex, and full of character. And, every drop has been distilled, matured, married, and bottled here in Harris with spirit drawn from our ex-bourbon casks, ex-oloroso sherry and ex-fino butts

The Hearach is available to buy from specialist retailers across the UK (and beyond) so please support these great businesses by buying in-store in good time for Father’s Day.

Or, visit our international stockist page to find our island dram in over 20 countries around the world…

 From one generation to another, let’s raise a glass for the fathers!

FIND OFFICIAL STOCKISTS NEAR YOU

GLEN GRANT 18 YEAR OLD

70CL | 43% | £105| WAS £125 | SAVE £20

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Part of Glen Grant’s relaunched range in 2016, the Speyside distillery’s 18 Year Old is rich and complex with notes of caramel, raisins and vanilla. It’s a great whisky for fans of rich Speyside whiskies with layers and layers of sweet flavours.

Good news for all our friends in spirit across the USA!

The second release of The Hearach has made its Atlantic crossing and finally made landfall in Dallas thanks to our friends and distributors at MISA Imports. Now, it’s time to share more of this whisky to selected states as we continue to grow across this great land. Keep an eye out for bottles appearing on shelves near you, maybe you’ll spot the delicious Batch No.11 which tastes like this…

“There’s toffee and caramel notes on the nose, like ‘Werther’s Original’ sweets. It also smells fresh and green to me. There’s a slight smokiness, reminding me of the trees behind my Granny’s old house which fell in an island storm, and we used the logs for firewood. When I sip it, there’s a nice pepperiness and kick of spice, and more green apple freshness. The smoke comes back if you leave it a while and the flavours are always changing. It’s subtle and light, but there’s a lot going on in the glass.”  – LAUREN MACSWEEN, SCALPAY, ISLE OF HARRIS.

To find out if we’re in your state and to discover you nearest stockist, take a look at our US stockist map via the button below…

JOIN OUR USA ADVENTURE

Get ready to raise a glass because Father’s Day is sneaking up on us – Sunday June 16th! At The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, we’ve got the ultimate recipe for celebrating Dad in style.

FATHER’S DAY AT SMWS

A DRAM GOOD DAD PACK

Delight your dad with our exclusive Father’s Day Tasting Pack. Presenting our exclusive “A DRAM GOOD DAD” Whisky Trio – a curated selection of single malt whiskies that promises a delightful journey through diverse styles and flavours. Each bottle in this trio is a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and rich flavours, making it an ideal gift for exploring and savouring.

BUY NOW

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

Here’s Why Scotch Whisky Distilleries Have Pagodas On Their Roofs 

Think of the quintessential image of a scotch whisky distillery, and likely it includes a pagoda roof rising above a cluster of stone buildings. This architectural feature, which was introduced at some 56 distilleries, is a signature of scotch whisky distilling. Here’s everything you need to know about these iconic structures, from their role in the kilning process to which distilleries still have them.

READ MORE

Recently, Whiskymaking has been sharing tales of past Compass Box blends, rediscovering interesting and thought-provoking tasting notes from years gone by. We are always delighted when we are able to open an archive bottle we might not have tasted in a while, or that some newer team members are yet to try.

In the spirit of reminiscing, we wanted to share a discount on some of the archive bottles available from our website. Use the code CBARCHIVE20 at checkout for 20% off.

If you have any questions about bottles past or present, feel free to email us – we’d love to chat!

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Grain whisky is produced using a column still from grains like wheat, oats, and corn with a small component of barley. Just like the single malts the grain whisky has to be aged for 3 years and 1 day in oak casks.

Most grain whiskies are used as a component in blended whisky, as their more neutral flavour is a perfect canvas for creating incredible blends.

Patent stills or column stills are at the heart of grain whisky production. Continuous distillation allows for larger production volumes and more efficiency. Two men responsible for modern column stills are Robert Stein and Aeneas Coffey. Stein created the continuous still, while Coffey improved on the invention. The first continuous still of Stein’s design was implemented in Cameronbridge Distillery in 1830.

Try Single Grain Whiskies

Girvan 25 Year Old Copper & Oak Series II

A cask strength single grain from Girvan Distillery. Born in the Lowlands across from Ailsa Craig a quarter of a century ago, this whisky spent it’s entire life in a refill bourbon hogshead. A beautifully delicate dram with soft buttery shortbread notes.  Just 107 Bottles have been produced

TASTING NOTES

NOSE: Delicate, understated nose, with fruity feints.

PALATE: Hints of sweet Scottish tablet, followed by creamy, buttery notes in the centre.

FINISH: A sweet and gentle char rounds out the finish.

£77.00

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Girvan 26 Year Old Permutations Series II

A cask strength single grain from Girvan Distillery. Born in the Lowlands across from Ailsa Craig over a quarter of a century ago, this whisky spent 25 year in a bourbon hogshead, before a 9 month finish in a Pedro Ximénez hogshead that had previously held Caol Ila. An intriguing dram balancing soft buttery shortbread notes with smoky sultana tones.  Only 140 Bottles have been produced.

TASTING NOTES

NOSE: Fresh peated barley

PALATE: Sweet smoke balances with buttery biscuit base notes.

FINISH:  Scottish tablet and shortbread are just as prevalent as the smoky, dried sultana tones.

£83.00

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North British 34 Years Old

North British distillery is of great significance to the Thomson family, as Finn’s grandfather and great-grandfather’s company, Peter Thomson Ltd, once had a stake in the distillery and used the grain base for their popular Golden Beneagles blend. At almost 60% ABV, there’s no doubt this is a strong whisky, but there’s a real elegance about it. Aged single grains are often overlooked gems of the whisky industry and this is no exception with the sweet toffee and caramel notes coming through the strongest. Distilled on the 17th June 1988 and aged for 34 years in a Hogshead before being bottled on the 17th July 2022 at natural cask strength of 58.1%ABV, without chill filtration. Only 199 Bottles have been produced.

£180.00

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North British 35 Years Old

Distilled in 1988, a magnificent 35 years of ageing have created a cornucopia of sweet tropical fruit notes reminiscent of a well-aged Caribbean rum. North British Distillery has played a fundamental role in the Thomson family’s journey through the whisky industry. Its younger whiskies were the core component of Finn’s grandfather’s blend, Beneagles, where their sweet and buttery character was expertly blended with the richness of Macallan and other hand-selected Speyside malts. After three and a half decades, this cask has developed a new richness all of its own. Old grain whiskies in particular have the ability to absorb sweetness from the cask and, combined with the oily mouthfeel of the spirit, this exquisite whisky tastes like rum and raisin ice cream in a glass. Single grain whiskies continue to be under-appreciated but this single cask release proves that, with time and patience, single grain whisky has every right to be regarded as highly as the finest single malts. Only 194 bottles were produced.

£168.00

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Dumbarton 26 Years Old Infrequent Flyers

This single grain whisky was distilled in 1997 at Dumbarton Distillery, which once was a powerhouse of Scottish single-grain distilling, but was shut down and mostly demolished in 2002. It was aged for 26 years in a single Pedro Ximenez Sherry Puncheon and was bottled at natural cask strength, without chill filtration or artificial colouring by Alistair Walker for his Infrequent Flyers Collection.  Only 677 bottles were produced.

TASTING NOTES

NOSE

This has the classically sweet and solventy aldehydic notes typical of mature grain – coconut ice cream, Battenberg cake and fresh cinema popcorn, combined with heavy sherry aromas, predominantly stewed fruits.

PALATE

Velvety and indulgent. Intense dark chocolate, weighty raisin and sultanas, morello cherries and espresso, with underlying frutta martorana and almond muffins. A rare bottling from the iconic and sadly lost Dumbarton distillery.

£136.99

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