Diageo Special Releases 2013
Autumn is upon us and the Diageo Special Releases 2013 are here. For those not up to speed on Diageo’s yearly release cycle, about now every year they release a range of whiskies from across the distilleries they own, including … Continue reading >>
“It’s beginning to look a lot like…”
It seems like Holiday decorations have been in stores since mid-August. While we’re in no rush to put you in the Holiday mood – we would like to share some ideas for Holiday
spirits.
The following are some new items that deserve early consideration as a Holiday gift. Also, take a look at what Marlon has in-store for the next MMD Dinner. Just click on the MMD logo on the right.
Please contact us with any questions and have a safe Halloween.
Cheers!
Jonathan & Eric
Park Avenue Liquor Shop
292 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10017
212-685-2442
info@parkaveliquor.com
The next M.M.D. Dinner may be its best one yet!
The Madison Malt Drinkers (MMD) next event is one that is not to be missed. Highlights include Nikka Japanese Malt, Glenrothes Single Malts, Dinner at St. Andrews and at cigars at Nat Sherman’s Johnson Club Room. Click on the MMD logo below for all of the details.
Compass Box: Delilah’s (limited release)
Delilah’s is a legendary punk rock whisky bar nestled in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago. The bar stocks over 400 unique types of whiskey, and is said to be “one of the most important bars in the United States,” according to whisky-expert Michael Jackson.
Compass Box Delilah’s Limited Edition Blended Scotch Whisky is a celebration of the eponymously-named bar’s 20th anniversary. The whisky was developed jointly by the bar’s founder Mike Miller and John Glaser, the founder of Compass Box Whisky Co. The whisky is a blend of single malt whiskies sourced from the cities of Alness and Longmorn (this comprises approximately 50% of the blend), together with a single grain whisky sourced from the city of Fife (this comprises the remainder of the blend). Once the whiskies were sourced, they were aged in a mix of experimental new American oak casks and rejuvenated American oak hogsheads. “Mike wanted a Scotch whisky that, in his words, ‘thinks it’s a Bourbon,” says Glaser, “so we sourced some single malts aged in new American oak hogsheads, something that’s very hard to find in Scotland.”
The aroma gives way to notes of honeyed oak, and red fruits on the palate, which are well-balanced by a creamy vanilla undertone. The finish is smooth yet bold, with a sweet caramel flavor balancing notes of cinnamon and baking spices.
Only 6,400 bottles of this craft Scotch whisky, which was bottled in July 2013, will ever be produced.
Our price: $70/btl
Compass Box: The Peat Monster,
10th Anniversary Edition
We can’t quite believe it but it is ten years since our own Jonathan Goldstein of the Park Avenue Liquor Shop and John Glaser, founder of Compass Box created a bespoke blend of very peaty single malts as an exclusive bottle for our store. It sold so well that when this “Monster” became endangered Compass Box decided to share the idea with the rest of the world. It has gone on to become their best-selling whisky. In 2013, Mr. Glaser and Compass Box have created this special Limited Edition bottling of The Peat Monster with intense aromas of peat-reek, smoke, seaside character and burnt ropes and a subtle apple-fruitiness in the background. This unique recipe is a fitting tribute to such a full, round and tremendously complex whisky. For this special bottling, they produced a special recipe of The Peat Monster, maintaining the smoky, heavy-peated intensity of the classic bottling and adding a bit more malty richness through the use of some very special, quite odd casks of peaty Highland single malt. And rumor has it that Park Avenue may be bringing in yet another exclusive Monster of their own. Stay tuned.
Our price: $110/btl
Wild Turkey Forgiven Whiskey was created by accident when a distillery crew-member mistakenly mingled together a perfectly-matured, six-year old Wild Turkey Bourbon (78%) with a high-proof, four-year old Wild Turkey Rye (22%) (each had matured in American oak casks with a #4 char). After the mistake was made, Eddie Russell tasted the blend and quickly concluded that the exceptional whiskey should be brought to market, giving birth to Wild Turkey Forgiven. “I was mad when I first discovered our crew’s mistake,” says Russell, “but once I tasted it, all was Forgiven.”
Wild Turkey Forgiven has a bold and spicy aroma, with notes of cloves, oak, cinnamon and rye bread. “At Wild Turkey, we like the spicy note the rye gives you,” says Russell. The aroma gives way to a more mellow flavor profile, with notes of caramel, creamy vanilla and toffee that lead to a finish accented by touches of pepper and whipped cream.
Our price: $62/btl
Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey is made from three different grains, including malted barley, unmalted barley and corn. Once the grains are harvested, they are milled and mashed with hot water before being fermented in wooden washbacks. During fermentation, the grains’ sugars are converted into alcohol, creating a strong yet sour beer called wash. The wash is then triple distilled through three copper-pot stills: a wash still, a low wines still and a pot still. Through each distillation process, the alcohol content and flavors of the whiskey are intensified.
Following distillation, the whiskey is matured in traditional oak casks until it reaches its peak flavor. Then, a portion of the whiskey is double-barreled, or finished, for an additional two years in Oloroso Sherry casks. Once the whiskey has been finished, it is bottled at 110 proof without the use of chill filtration.
Tullamore DEW Phoenix Irish Whiskey has a creamy and rich aroma, with hints of vanilla, molasses, toffee, brown sugar and spicy ginger. The aroma gives way to notes of malted barley, cinnamon and woody spices on the palate, which are complemented by a sweet undertone of honey and red fruits. The finish is long and smooth, with a warming touch.
Gold Medal at the Irish Whiskey Masters Competition in 2013.
Only 2,500 cases of this limited edition whiskey will ever be made.
Our price: $65/btl
Wassmund’s latest way of “shaking up” the whisky world is this remarkable rye whisky made with an extraordinarily generous amount of their smoked malt. The mash bill is 2/3 Virginia rye and 1/3 Virginia Thoroughbred hand-malted barley-kiln dried with Applewood and Cherrywood smoke. Double pot-stilled to between 150 and 160 proof and aged with a progressive series of new and used apple wood and oak chips inside used bourbon barrels. Their innovative aging process results in a truly unique rye whisky that is savory and complex with the characteristic Wasmund’s finish. Copper Fox Rye has a copper gold color, along with an aroma of buttered biscuits, rye spices and honeyed oak. Notes of cinnamon, allspice and cloves dominate the palate, and are well-balanced by touches of dried fruits, chestnuts, figs and cola. The finish is long and well-balanced, with notes of rye and caramel complementing each other.
Copper Fox Rye Whisky earned a score of 94 points from the Beverage Testing Institute
Our price: $47/btl
Talisker Storm Single Malt Scotch Whisky takes its name from the harsh conditions that the Isle of Skye often experiences. “We were inspired to craft an expression as unique as the dramatic terrain of the island from where it hails,” says Jim Beveridge, Talisker’s master blender. The whisky is crafted by marrying together both rejuvenated and refill casks of different ages to enhance the vibrant intensity that is the signature of Talisker Distillery. This approach allows Beveridge to create “one vibrant dram.”
Talisker Storm has an aroma of spicy oak, smoked beef, black pepper and honey. The aroma gives way to notes of mellow and rich caramel on the palate that are followed by warming notes of pepper and cloves. The finish is smooth and lasting, with touches of smoke, pepper and salt.
Our price: $75/btl
www.ralfy.com enjoys a classy moment with Whisky Review 406 – Brora 30yo (2010)
NEW CASK STRENGTH BEAUTIES
SPRINGBANK Gaja Barolo £57.95
Should be just as good (if not better) than the long gone Longrow Gaja Barolo. Feisty and fruity, yet another quality combination of casks from Springbank.
BENRIACH 1994 Virgin Oak £79.95
There are an awful lot of chaste whiskies about these days! Exclusive to UK retail only, a divine 19 year old Virgin Oak for your delectation.
GLENDROANCH 1990 Pedro Ximenez £111.95
We love Pedro Ximenez and the amazing complimentary effect it has in making fantastic whiskies even better. Another exclusive to UK retail only.
NEW ADDITIONS TO RANGES
CARDHU Special Cask Reserve £42.95
A wee while ago there wasn’t enough stock to meet demand. Now there is a great range of single (not ‘pure’) malts. Nothing to do with the collapse of their biggest market then?
GLEN GRANT 16 Year Old £44.95
Major Grant would surely have approved of this addition to the portfolio and undoubtedly kept a bottle in his not-so-secret garden hidey-hole.
OLD PULTENEY Navigator £39.95
Not a permanent addition to the Old Pulteney range, but a great limited edition celebrating the Clipper Round the World Race.
RARE, CLOSED & LESSER KNOWN DISTILLERIES
TAMNAVULIN 25 Old Particular £99.95
This single malt has always been hard to get hold of due to intermittent production and primarily being used for blending purposes. Which makes this 25 year old a ‘particularly’ good buy.
GLENUGIE 1980 Deoch an Doras £275.00
Deoch an Doras translates from Gaelic as ‘Drink at the door’ (i.e. savour a ‘last wee dram before you leave’). Better priced than official bottlings from certain other closed distilleries.
INVERLEVEN 1973 Deoch an Doras £285.00
Both this and the Glenugie Deoch an Doras are extremely rare official bottlings from two long gone distilleries. Modestly presented and emminently collectable, both are worthy investments.
“Some like wine and some like hops but what I really love is my scotch It’s the power, the power of positive drinking”(The Power of Positive Drinking, Lou Reed 1942 – 2013)
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FOR ALL GENERAL ENQUIRIES PLEASE CALL: 0131 524 9380 or email: contact@royalmilewhiskies.com
Royal Mile Whiskies
Whisky Magazine’s ‘Retailer of the Year 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2010 and 2011’
Canadian Whisky: The Portable Expert
Canadian Whisky is on the shortlist for Taste Canada 2013 book awards.
SHORTLISTED, TASTE CANADA BOOK AWARDS
CULINARY NARRATIVES (winner to be announced Nov 4)
Vote here for the CBC People’s Choice Award
WINE, BEER AND SIRITS
Canadian Whisky: The Portable Expert is published by McClelland & Stewart and distributed by Penguin Random House. It is available from most book shops and on-line book sellers.
Tasting Notes: Redbreast 21 Year Old
It’s a matter of record that I’m a huge fan of Irish Distillers, as evidenced by all manner of embarrassing fanboy gushing across the virtual pages of this blog. I was obviously over the moon, then, when I heard that … Continue reading >>
UK vlogger Joe Ellis a.k.a Whisky Wednesday reviews Mackmyra Special 10 Kaffegok.
LAPHROAIG ANNOUNCES THE SEASONAL RETURN OF TRIPLE WOOD
World’s #1 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky Brings Back Popular Expression for 2013 Fall Season
Laphroaig®, the world’s #1 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, proudly introduces its latest seasonal expression, Laphroaig® Triple Wood.
Just in time for fall, this limited edition whisky returns as a result of high demand from Friends of Laphroaig®, the brand’s distinguished loyalty group that gives members a lifetime lease on a numbered, one square foot plot of land in Islay, Scotland.
Laphroaig® Triple Wood goes through a distinct triple maturation process that includes ex-bourbon barrels, 19th Century-style quarter casks and specially selected European Oak oloroso sherry casks. This process creates a complex whisky that boasts a rich blend of creamy vanilla and hints of sweet fruit, while retaining the distinctive smoky peat flavor of Laphroaig®.
“We are thrilled that our Friends of Laphroaig® members are just as passionate about their Scotch as we are,” said John Campbell, Laphroaig® Master Distiller. “Triple Wood is the perfect seasonal expression for fall. Its bright gold color and bursts of peat, vanilla and fruit flavors embody the fall season and bring you back to Islay, the land that gives Laphroaig® its unique peaty notes.”
At 96 proof, Laphroaig® Triple Wood is best enjoyed neat, allowing the powerful, yet slightly creamy consistency of the whisky speak for itself. Laphroaig® Triple Wood is available for a limited time nationwide with a suggested retail price of $59.99 per 750ml bottle and joins the Laphroaig® portfolio of Scotch whiskies that includes Laphroaig® 10-Year-Old, 10-Year-Old Cask Strength, Quarter Cask, 18-Year-Old, 25- Year-Old, QA Cask and Càirdeas.
For more information, please visit www.Laphroaig.com for a product locator, like us on Facebook.com/LaphroaigUSA or follow us @LaphroaigUSA on Twitter. To become a Friend of Laphroaig® and stay up to date on special editions, consumers should look for the code on their next bottle purchase.
About Friends of Laphroaig®
Each bottle of Laphroaig® comes with a gift of friendship. Created by Laphroaig® Master Distiller John Campbell, Friends of Laphroaig® is the distinguished Laphroaig®loyalty group which today boasts over 500,000 members from more than 150 countries. Each Friend of Laphroaig® is given a lifetime lease on a numbered, one square foot plot of land in Islay that runs alongside the important Laphroaig® water source – the Killbride stream. The plot is registered and can be visited in person or via video on the Friends of Laphroaig® website – Laphroaig.com/Friends. Throughout the year, Friends of Laphroaig® from all over the world get together and share photos, tasting notes, Scottish history and more. To become a member of Friends of Laphroaig® consumers can receive a special code with each bottle of Laphroaig® which is then entered online on the Laphroaig® Facebook Page – Facebook.com/LaphroaigUSA or Friends of Laphroaig® website.
About Laphroaig®
Laphroaig® (La-‘froyg) literally means “the beautiful hollow by the broad bay.” Born from the streams and blue peat smoke of Islay, Laphroaig® is a Single Malt Scotch Whisky with a distinct taste and story in every bottle. The secret to Laphroaig® is that it benefits from the happy circumstances of where it is produced—next to ocean water and on land that gives Laphroaig® a unique peaty taste. It is one of only a few distilleries that still uses traditional malting floors and dries and infuses its own malt with the thick blue smoke from old peat-fired kilns. It’s also the only Single Malt Scotch Whisky to bear a Royal Warrant bestowed by HRH Prince Charles. Further demonstrating the whisky’s superior quality, Laphroaig® 18-Year-Old received the Gold Outstanding Award at the 2013 International Wine and Spirit Competition, along with Laphroaig® 10-Year-Old, 10-Year-Old Cask Strength, Quarter Cask, and Triple
Wood which won the Silver Outstanding Award, making Laphroaig® one of the most celebrated portfolios at this year’s competition.
About Beam Inc.
As one of the world’s leading premium spirits companies, Beam is Crafting the Spirits that Stir the World. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including Jim Beam Bourbon, Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Sauza Tequila, Pinnacle Vodka, Canadian Club Whisky, Courvoisier Cognac, Teacher’s Scotch Whisky, Skinnygirl Cocktails, Cruzan Rum, Hornitos Tequila, Knob Creek Bourbon, Laphroaig Scotch Whisky, Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey, Larios Gin, Whisky DYC and DeKuyper Cordials. Beam is focused on delivering superior performance with its unique combination of scale with agility and a strategy of Creating Famous Brands, Building Winning Markets and Fueling Our Growth. Beam and its 3,400 passionate associates worldwide generated 2012 sales of $2.5 billion (excluding excise taxes), volume of 38 million 9-liter equivalent cases and some of the industry’s fastest growing innovations. Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, Beam is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BEAM and is included in the S&P 500 Index and the MSCI World Index. For more information on Beam, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit http://www.beamglobal.com! and http://www.drinksmart.com.
Laphroaig® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 43%, 48%, 51.2% and 55.7% alc./vol. ©2013 Laphroaig Import Company, Deerfield, IL All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Greetings from Campbeltown!
All knowledgeable whisky enthusiasts know that Campbeltown has a long and storied history as one of Scotland’s principal whisky-producing regions and is the home of three world-class distilleries—Springbank (notable as the only distillery in Scotland to carry out the full production process on one site), Glengyle and Glen Scotia. Campbeltown is definitely a worthwhile destination for any group of whisky afficianados and a visit to the “Wee Toon” and its distilleries can be part of an itinerary that could include Islay and other western whisky-producing areas.
The Royal Hotel is located at the head of Campbeltown Loch, just steps from the distilleries and Cadenhead’s Whisky Shop. The hotel was completely renovated in 2012 and offers four star accommodation and top quality food and beverage, enabling your members to enjoy an unparalleled whisky travel experience. A video tour of the hotel can be seen at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJeu3lJ3Dgc&feature=youtu.be
The hotel is part of our Village at Machrihanish Dunes resort– information on the full property and its offerings can be found at http://www.machdunes.com/.
In addition to offering the region’s finest accommodation close to the distilleries, we can help arrange tours and tastings at Springbank, including a very special experience with Frank McHardy, the legendary former Director of Production at Springbank. We also have our own Whisky Ambassador at The Royal and can easily arrange private tastings and whisky-themed dinners for your members.
We are experienced in arranging special packages for groups and offer group bed and breakfast packages from £49 per person per night. We welcome you to inquire about how we can provide an exceptional whisky tourism experience in Campbeltown for your whisky club or society.
For more information, please call our Sales and Reservations team at +44 (0) 1586 810 013 or email us at info@machdunes.com.
We look forward to welcoming you to Campbeltown—and The Royal Hotel!
Kind regards
Marc Wexler
Marc Wexler | The Village at Machrihanish Dunes
Machrihanish, Argyll PA28 6PT Scotland | Office +44 01586 810 015 (UK) +01 617 630 4934 (US) | Skype marcwexler
www.ralfy.com is happy to share a quality recommendation with Whisky Review 405 – Balvenie 15yo single barrel
