For the last two years we’ve brought you our ’12 Drams of Christmas’ as chosen by you. So we thought it would only be rude not to do the same again this year, and use it as a great excuse to start getting into the festive spirit.

Between now and Wednesday the 12th of December we’d love to hear your nominations for your favourite festive whiskies. Then on Thursday the 14th of December we’ll publish the list of the top 12 drops of festive drammage in ranking order as chosen by you! Along with accompanying retail details so they can be enjoyed by all over the festive period and indeed beyond.

To take part click hereand email us your top three favourite festive whiskies, that we’ll then use to help compile our ’12 Drams of Christmas 2012’. Please remember to mark the subject line of your email ’12 Drams of Crimbo’.

Everyone who enters will have their name added to our Santa hat, then on the 14th of December one name will be drawn and one lucky winner will be sent a duo of dramspanking Glen’s to dramlax with over the festive period, in the form of the reassuringly rewarding and rich Glenlivet 15yr and the sumptuous solera sensation that is the Glenfiddich 15yr. We’ll also do our best to ensure the winner receives their bottles in time for the big day.

Which drams will make the final 12?
You decide!

t&c’s You must be over 18 years of age to enter!

Springbank Distillers has joined forces with independent whisky vlogger extraordinaire Ralfy and Scotch Whisky Auctions to put forward a unique bottle to be auctioned to raise money for local primary school children.

The specially-labelled bottle of Springbank, which is 17 years old and comes from a port cask, has been signed by Distillery Manager Gavin McLachlan and is accompanied by a 20cl “tasting sample” and a coveted, individually-numbered, Springbank local barley canvas print which has been signed by Springbank’s production team.

It is being auctioned by Scotch Whisky Auctions, who have waived their usual fees, and promoted jointly by ralfy.com and Springbank.

The money raised will be donated to Campbeltown’s Dalintober Primary School, who will use it to develop and equip their school allotments. The allotments are tended and maintained by the pupils themselves, growing fresh vegetables for use in the school kitchen. In addition to providing a good supply of produce for the school, the allotments also encourage pupils to take pride in their work and provide a fresh-air activity for them to enjoy.

Ralfy commented: “ralfy.com has become established in only three years as one of the most prominent, eccentric and original whisky sites on the internet pioneering the dysfunctional but entertaining Vlog (Video Blog) format to opine, educate and simply share experienced whisky-stuff/reviews with anyone who is interested in Scotch Whisky.

“After very successful partnerships with Bladnoch Distillery in 2010 and Benromach Distillery in 2011, the theme of a partnership bottling for a specific distillery-local good cause continues here in 2012 with that most iconic craft Scotch Malt Distillery which we know as Springbank.

“Springbank have donated a one-off hand-prepared and dated, manager-signed bottle of cask strength 17yo port matured single malt whisky along with a 20cl sampler and quality canvas limited edition staff-signed old-labelling poster. The bottle is the only one of its kind stating on the label ‘1 of 1’ and as such is outstandingly unique for any distillery to release.”

Ralfy is adding to this package with a memory stick All-Vlog collection of videos relating to the auction along with a private Vlog for the fortunate buyer, plus handwritten tasting notes, a hand-made whisky dropper, and a yet-to-be-declared special addition!

The Scottish-based on-line Auctioneers scotchwhiskyauctions.com are, for a second year, presenting the auction free of buyer’s commission and continue to enjoy a growing reputation as one of the internet’s best sources for rare and valuable whiskies.

Ralfy added: “Show us your bids Malt-mates and lets raise all we can for Dalintober Primary School children. The school are using the produce grown on the allotment in the school canteen and any excess is then sold to staff and parents.

“This project needs funds for a tool shed, assorted tools, seeds, fertilisers and protective clothing. Thanks for looking at this auction lot.”

The auction will go live this Friday, November 23rd, at www.scotchwhiskyauctions.com.

Glenlivet 70 Year Old 1940 / Release 2 / Generations

“The Glenlivet 1940 comes from a distillery which has been the benchmark against which other malts have been measured since the 1820s. Such a whisky will never be seen again. It is incredibly rare, and therefore highly collectable. But, more importantly, it is also celestial on the palate.”

“A stupendous whisky! Although it resonates with aged character – and, indeed, characteristics from another era – it retains vitality, both on the nose and on the palate.”

World-renowned whisky expert, Charles Maclean

Gordon & MacPhail has released the remainder of the 100 bottles of the Glenlivet 70 Years Old, the world’s joint oldest single malt Scotch whisky. Released to the UK and international market, giving collectors and consumers a final chance to own a piece of Scotland’s liquid history.

The first batch of the Gordon & MacPhail Generations Glenlivet 70 Years Old was released in March 2011, following an exclusive event at Edinburgh Castle. The release was met with international acclaim from whisky enthusiasts and the world press. All 100 large decanters quickly sold out. This, the second and final release from this cask is expected to create similar excitement.

Gordon & MacPhail Generations Glenlivet 70 Years Old was matured in a first fill sherry butt, and bottled at cask strength, 45.9% ABV. Cask 339 was filled at Glenlivet Distillery on 3rd February 1940, to the instruction of John Urquhart, grandfather and great-grandfather of Gordon & MacPhail’s current owners.

Each bottle is beautifully presented in a tear-shaped hand-blown crystal decanter with an elegant British Hallmarked silver stopper. The decanter nestles in a Sterling silver base and is framed in a handmade box, crafted in Scotland using Scottish Yew. The inside of this second release of the 70 year old is bound with red leather.

£14,999.00 (£12,499.17 ex vat)

Click here to buy Glenlivet 70 Year Old / 1940 / Release 2

Abbey Whisky
enquiries@abbeywhisky.com
www.abbeywhisky.com
0800 051 7737

TWE Whisky Show 2012 – Rare & Unusual Islay Classics

After a hectic first day of this year’s TWE Whisky Show had ended with a well-behaved single pint at the egregiously smelly (but comprehensively beer-endowed) Rake Bar before an early retirement on account of toothache, I arrived at Vinopolis on Sunday … Continue reading >>

Happy Whiskey Day To You Fellow WhiskyLover

It’s Thanksgiving Eve, and within 24 hours most of us will partake of a feast of exquisite food, great football games, Thanksgiving Day parades and time wonderfully spent with our loved ones.

After hosting 24 people at “Stone Hall” last year, this year I’ll be celebrating at relatives in central NJ. And because of how I spend my working hours, I’ve been asked to provide the “juice for the grown-ups”.

So in additional to a great Zinfandel for the meal, I wanted to bring a nice whisky to enjoy after the meal…a “post-game wind down” for the crowd…most of whom are whisky drinkers.

I thought long and hard, wanting a whisky that would be excite everyone…be a treat…and send everyone home with a new affordable favorite. So what am I taking?

This weeks featured whiskey: The Glenrothes Vintage 1988 Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Glenrothes Distillery sits beside the Burn of Rothes in the heart of Speyside, Scotland. Production began at the distillery in 1879. In 1896 the distillery was expanded as demand from blenders grew for this increasingly prized malt whisky. Then, 100 years after the founding, new stills were installed, in 1979.

The water used to produce The Glenrothes whisky is sourced from their own private spring, “The Fairies’ (or Lady’s) Well”, in the nearby Glen of Dounie, and all the land surrounding this vital source is owned and protected by the distillery. Whiskies produced by Glenrothes are found at the heart of some of the world’s finest blends such as Cutty Sark and The Famous Grouse.

Vintages from the 1970’s and 1980’s are increasingly hard to come by. The Glenrothes Vintage 1988 is of that rare breed. Never before bottled, the Vintage 1988 has benefited from more than two decades maturing in a combination of Spanish and American oak; previously seasoned with both sherry and whisky.

The Glenrothes 1988 vintage is truly a spectacular whisky. It is rich and sweet, with flavors of orange marmalade, fruit compote, hazelnuts, and confectioners’ sugar. The finish is long and lingering, with notes of candied orange peel, vanilla pound cake, and freshly roasted nuts lingering on the palate.

This is the perfect dram to enjoy after a Thanksgiving meal. There is no peat or smoke to this whisky; instead, the Glenrothes Vintage 1988 celebrates the inherent fruit notes that can be found in un-peated whiskies and takes it to an unparalleled level. The Glenrothes 1988 is a masterful dram and a thoroughly enjoyable whisky for fans of great Speyside whisky.

As is the case with most vintage-release whiskies, The Glenrothes Vintage 1988 is a limited production whisky. And so its with great excitement that we’re able to offer you the opportunity to acquire a bottle of this phenomenal whisky for $53.95/ bottle.

If you want a bottle, act fast, because once it’s gone…

Until next week…I wish you high spirits!

Doug Stone
Founder
ForWhiskeyLovers.com

THE GLENROTHES VINTAGE 1988 SPEYSIDE SCOTCH WHISKY

Distiller’s Tasting Notes

Appearance: Copper gold, clear and bright
Aroma: Rich, spicy: ripe, dark, berry fruits
Taste:Rich, full flavour: candied orange peel, fruit compote
Finish:Very long, medium sweet

Harrods Competition T&Cs

Competition to win a ticket to a Richard Paterson tasting evening at Harrods is currently running on www.facebook.com/thedalmore

Whisky Ramblings Via Video #27

Mark Dermul, Belgian Whiskyblogger, visits the Spirits in the Sky whisky festival in Leuven (Belgium). He runs into a few famous whisky people, discovers a brand new Auchentoshan 1979 and even learns how wonderful port can be. Check it out!

http://youtu.be/-7WDHPqw5aU

Happy Whiskey Saturday To You Fellow WhiskyLover

I have two exciting bits of news to tell you about this week.

First…Over the last several months we’ve received many emails from WhiskeyLovers requesting information on organizations that conduct private tastings at a home or office. Being the helpful sort that we are, we searched and searched, but were unable to find a resource that we felt would serve the needs of our readers.

And so we’ve decided to offer our own private whisky tasting service: ForWhiskeyLovers’ Private Tasting Expeditions.

A FWL Private Tasting Expedition is…

• a group of friends, enjoying each others company as they embark upon an evening’s exploration of a variety of outstanding hand-crafted whiskies from the world’s great whisky producing regions
• six sensational whiskies, selected specifically to match the interests and experiences of your group of Whisky Explorers,
• an evening’s adventure, guided by a nationally renown Whisky expert at a casual pace, that is as informative as it is entertaining.
• a night to remember…a new appreciation for fine whisky, and an unparalleled event that will be remembered by all, for years to come.

All taking place in the comfort of your home or office, country club or location of your choice.

Each private tasting expedition is designed specifically for your group of Whisky Explorers, and we come to you. Our team of renown expert whisky evangelists are available in most major metropolitan areas of the United States, and travel can be arranged to remote locations, for an additional cost.

ForWhiskeyLovers Private Tasting Expeditions start at $2,250 for up to 25 people, and includes all whisky for the tasting, and glasses for the evening. You can read about our six expedition packages here, or contact us directly to plan a customized adventure for your group of Explorers.

Next, and equally as exciting for me, is this weeks Whiskey Wednesday featured whisky: Glenfiddich Malt Master’s Edition single malt scotch whisky.

Glenfiddich Malt Master’s Edition encapsulates the fifth-generation, family-owned distillery’s innovative casking techniques. Using the highest quality of both Sherry and refill Bourbon casks, this rare liquid reflects the distillery’s historic 125 years of creating truly wonderful whiskies.

Brian Kinsman, Glenfiddich’s Malt Master, is the bloke in charge of the distillery’s pioneering whisky making process, from cask selection and overseeing the marrying of different ages and characters, to managing the unique maturation process within the Glenfiddich warehouse in Dufftown, Scotland.

A chemist by training, Kinsman became Glenfiddich Malt Master in December 2009. He first served an eight year apprenticeship under his predecessor David Stewart, who held the post for 35 years and is currently the industry’s longest serving Malt Master at sister distillery Balvenie.

Glenfiddich Malt Master’s Edition has an ABV of 43%, and was selected from over 1,000 entries at the 17th annual International Spirit Challenge to receive a Gold Medal.

So it’s with great excitement that we can offer you Glenfiddich Malt Master’s Edition 2012 for $84.50/ bottle. But with only 18,000 bottles of this exceptional limited-edition whisky released worldwide, it certainly won’t be around for long.

So if you want a bottle, act fast, because once it’s gone…

Until next week…I wish you high spirits!

Doug Stone
Founder
ForWhiskeyLovers.com

GLENFIDDICH MALT MASTER’S EDITION 2012

Malt Master Brian Kinsman’s Tasting Notes
Color: rich, ruby red

Nose: entices with damp earth and whisky-soaked wood intermingling with vanilla and smoky embers.

Taste: zingy sherbet leads but this slowly turns to plum and spice with hints of almond and wedding cake.

Finish: silky smooth.

The brand new Balvenie 17 year old is now available to order! Free Postage on all orders over £50.00 still applies to mainland UK deliveries.

If you only drink one more whisky this year make sure it’s this stunning new release from Balvenie.  A significant new addition to the range from Scotland’s longest-serving Malt Master, David Stewart. An elder sibling to Balvenie’s most popular expression, the new aged version shares the same DNA and the honeyed, spicy characteristics as the 12yo Although it is distinctly different, with deeper vanilla notes, hints of green apple, creamy toffee and a striking richness and complexity. To craft the 17yo, David Stewart, who celebrates his 50th year at The Balvenie, this year, returned to one of his most celebrated achievements – consecutive maturation in two different types of cask, a process often referred to as ‘cask finishing’. This technique is at the heart of DoubleWood – it sees the whisky matured first in American oak barrels, which impart soft sweet vanilla notes, before being transferred to European oak sherry casks, where the second cask ageing adds rich spicy flavours that a depth and fullness of flavour.

Click Here To Buy Only £74.99

The Whisky Shop Tel 0141 440 0600 info@whiskyshop.com  www.whiskyshop.com

Grant’s 25 Year Old Launches in the UK

Hello all,

Last week saw the UK launch of Grant’s 25 Years Old at London’s famous Selfridges store. Around 40 journalists, customers and whisky bloggers joined us inside Selfridges’ wine and whisky shop for an evening discussing blends, Grant’s and the story behind the 25-year-old.

Initially launched as a duty-free exclusive back in 2010, Grant’s 25 Years…(please click on the link below to read the remainder of the article)…

THE LINK

Kind regards,
Ludo