Milroy’s of Soho October, 2012 Newsletter – Scotch Whisky News
Milroy’s of Soho October Newsletter
October is one of the most anticipated months in any whisky enthusiast’s calendar, as it signifies the release of Diageo always eagerly anticipated ‘Special Releases’ and this year is no different with some cracking bottles up for grabs, albeit in tiny quantities – more news on DIageo’s Special Releases will follow very soon. In the mean time there are plenty of stunning new releases that must not be overlooked and our October Cellar Tastings diary includes Chocolatier Paul A Young return to Milroy’s of Soho for the fifth time for our increasingly popular Whisky and Chocolate tasting and we also have Dr Andrew Forrester conducting a fascinating Balvenie Ambassador Night. With the excitement of the Olympics over we thought we would cheer you all up with some whiskies to get your spirits up again.
NEW
COMPASS BOX
Flaming Heart, Limited Edition
Finally, after a two year hiatus Compass Box are set to treat us all (Well only 9,147 of us actually) to their fourth limited release of the Flaming heart. If you have never been lucky enough to try the previous releases, imagine their French oak matured Spice Tree with a big hit of peat and, hopefully, at cask strength.
BALVENIE 14 YEARS CARRIBBEAN CASK
Having matured initially in ex-bourbon casks, the whisky is moved to casks which previously nurtured fine Caribbean Rum, it is finally being launched in celebration of David Stewart and Balvenie’s 50th anniversary. We can’t wait to open one Balvenie is a firm favourite here, hopefully Dr. Forrester will bring one along!
£45
Longrow Red
Matured for seven years in ex-bourbon barrels and then ‘finished’ for a further fours years in wine barrels, which had previously contained Australian Cabernet Sauvignon. A big peaty number laced with red fruit notes, reminiscent of the legendary Longrow Gaja bottliong of a few years ago.
Distillery’s notes:
Cask Type: Seven years in refill bourbon, four years in Cabernet Sauvignon hogsheads.
Cask Origin: Angoveʼs Long Row, Australia.
Colour: Red
Nose: A real treat. Sweet in the beginning; raspberry jam and hints of rose petal. As the nose develops it reveals a light peatiness, with cherries, red grapefruit and blood oranges.
Palate: Oh thereʼs the peat! Initially oaky and leathery with a little bit of tobacco and salt, the Cabernet Sauvignon influence appears later with some blackberries and cinnamon. A very chewy dram.
Finish: Long and peaty. Definitely coastal in style, there is a touch of mellow fruitiness here too.
£48.95
Longrow Single Malt
We were disappointed to hear that the production of Longrow CV was to cease, but it looks as if it may have just undergone a make over with a nice new box? The Longrow Single Malt as it is now simply called, has no age statement and we hope isn’t too dissimilar to one of favourite afford peaty drams of recent years.
Distillery’s notes:
Colour: Dark amber.
Nose: Very creamy, vanilla custard. The smoke develops gradually, rather than overpowering the other aromas present. Toasted marshmallows, herbs and rich fruits appear over time.
Palate: Incredibly well balanced – rich and creamy with a slight medicinal hint. The smoke is always present, washing over the palate in waves, like the soft billows of smoke from the kiln.
Finish: The gentle smoke lingers and lingers leaving you yearning for more!
£35.95
GLENFARCLAS
20 Years Old 105
The story of the 105 is began in 1968 when George S. Grant bottled up some 105 English Proof Whisky (60%ABV) and distributed to some of his close friends for Christmas. Such was the reaction from those friends Glenfarclas decided to release what would be the first commercial cask strength whisky.
The 20 years old promises to be typically big, rich and packed full of dried fruit flavours.
£185
GLEN GARIOCH 1978 SINGLE CASK
Bottled Exclusively for Milroy’s of Soho
Some weeks ago now the Milroy’s of Soho team visited the Glen Garioch distillery, with a very simple mission, to select the most fantastic old Glen Garioch we could find and have it bottled just for us. In the end it was a 1978 single Bourbon cask that won over, and having tasted it now a number of times we can say that without doubt it is the best Glen Garioch we have ever tried. Keep an eye on our blog for more information and a full write up on the trip.
£300
GLEN GARIOCH 1995
If you just can’t wait to get your hands on one of the 1978’s maybe this, the latest vintage release from Glen Garioch may keep you going until then. The 1995 is a typically robust malty whisky, that is instantly enjoyable.
£49.50 Newsletter Exclusive.
To place an order please visit www.milroys.co.uk or call Lee on 020 7437 2385 or email Lee.Tomlinson@jeroboams.co.uk
Our mailing address is:
Milroy’s of Soho
3 Greek Street
London, England W1D 4NX
United Kingdom
