Grant’s in Russia

Hello all,

Last week I was in Russia for the domestic launch of Grant’s 25 Years Old and the increasingly popular Moscow Bar Show. Up until now, our 25-year-old blend has only been available in the country to travellers going through local airports, but as of today, it will start appearing in top hotels, restaurants and specialist…(please click on the link below to read the remainder of the article)…

THE LINK

Kind regards,
Ludo

 How are you?!

 Thanks to EVERYONE who came to our first event last week!  It was our busiest/biggest yet! : )  As you know we ‘officially’ meet every 2nd Wednesdy but we do like to meet up on the other Wednesdays to have a dram too!  Here are our plans for this week:  Wednesday 3rd October: Whisky Drinking in St Machar Bar! (7pm in St Machar Bar, On campus!). Come along to our first “un-official” whisky tasting event of the year.  We’ll be in the Machar drinking whisky 🙂

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Discounts for Memebers!!

Date: Wednesday 3rd October
Time: from 19:00
Where: St Machar Bar, (click here for a map!)
What to bring: Money so you can buy whisky (beer/food)

It will probably be quite busy in the pub but it has a great cosy atmosphere!

Come along to the St Machar Bar on campus next to the book shop!  We’ll be there trying a few of their wonderful whiskies! When I was in first year they only had 4 bottles of single malt whisky! They now have over 100!!!! Also, you shuold try their excellent food and wonderful beers : )

See you there tomorrow!

And we’ve been told their will be discounts/special offers for members!  So bring your membership card/follow the instructions below to become a member.  We will be giving out membership cards there if you have signed up!

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HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE MALT WHISKY SOCIETY

We also need to get EVERYONE to become a member of the Malt Whisky Society.
To do this follow these steps:
1. Go to www.ausa.org.uk
2. Register a new account
3. Search for “Malt Whisky Society”
4. Add “Malt Whisky Society Student Membership” (£2) to your basket (like amazon.com)
5. Go to your basket – you MUST add “Societies Union” membership (£1) before you can pay
6. Follow payment instructions – you NEED a credit/debit card to pay.
7. Bring along your reference on a bit of paper/your mobile phone to the next whisky event and we will give you your membership card.

Yes, we relise that this is INCREDIBLY stupid/inefficient/difficult/unnecessary but it is THE ONLY WAY that you can become a member. This also includes previous members.

CASH PAYMENTS
It is possible to pay for membership with cash at the Butchart Recpetion desk during opening hours.

 and bring your friends!

 Our mailing address is:
University of Aberdeen Malt Whisky Society
The Butchart Centre
University Road
Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire AB24 3UT
United Kingdom

A message from Jennifer Nicol at J&W Hardie – Tomatin Distillery;

“We have created an events calendar to let fans of Tomatin know when and where they can next meet one of the team or sample Tomatin all over the world. The calendar can be accessed via our website or our Facebook page (links below).”

FACEBOOK

TOMATIN EVENTS NEWS

The “all time” Whisky Design Awards status at kickoff on September 1st 2012

This is the status of the nominees in the four categories at the kickoff for the final voting on September 1st, 2012. Category 1 – Bottle, less than € 250 1 – Bruichladdich Octomore range 2 – Bruichladdich Micro Provenance-Series … Continue reading →

www.ralfy.com heads off to the auctions for a Vintage Event with Whisky Review 307 – vintage whisky advice with Angus.

The Angel’s Share Film Review

Back in May, I was lucky to be invited along to a private screening of Ken Loach’s new whisky-related film The Angel’s Share, which has just been released on DVD following its triumphant scooping of the Jury Prize at this year’s … Continue reading >>

Loch Fyne Whiskies Stocks ‘Isle of Mull Blend’

 Isle of Mull Blend 40% abv

£24.00 inc vat
£20.00 ex vat

…’Easy-going, like the island.’

You may view the latest item at http://www.lfw.co.uk/blog/2012/09/28/isle-of-mull-blend/

Loch Fyne Whiskies
david@lfw.co.uk

September Tour of Distilleries

The Wash Act Whisky Society-  Sweden

Andy Grant reports on a Scottish distillery tour

I met the twelve Swedish guys at Edinburgh airport where they were welcomed by a grand Scottish day – trying very hard to rain! We boarded the bus and went straight to Perth where we were met by Paul and Liz at the Hotel. We all met in the lounge for pre dinner drinks and a chat. Paul, Liz, Alan (our driver) and I were presented with The Wash Act Whisky Society badges by the group which was a nice gesture. We then went into dinner and a tasting of four whiskies. Shame I only liked two! I knew I was in trouble after that! After all, my tastes in whisky are for the lighter, sweeter ones from the Strathspey area. A good night was enjoyed by all and was a great start to what proved, for me, a great tour!

Monday morning saw us all on the bus on time and raring to go! Our first stop was at the Tullibardine Distillery at Blackford in Perthshire. Once one of the main Market towns it is now a quiet village ‘dominated’ by the Distillery and Baxters Soup! We arrived just as the Distillery was opening which gave the guys a good chance to look around the shop prior to the tour. It was after this tour I realised I was taking round a knowledgeable (VERY!) bunch of people who knew about whisky and how to drink it! All purchased something even if it was only a glass or two.

From there we went to Crieff to Glenturret distillery, the home of the Famous Grouse where, again the tour was taken and they tried to buy out the shop! We then travelled onwards to Fort William to stay overnight in a nice B&B, rooms were good and the owners were extremely hospitable. We made arrangements to meet in the bar before going into town for a meal. I got down, I thought, early to be met by a large group having a, you guessed it, whisky! The hotel has a small bar which has a small but fine selection of good whiskies.

On Tuesday morning we started with a tour of the Ben Nevis distillery. I was invited to go along but drinking four whiskies at 10:30 in the morning isn’t conducive to staying sober in charge of a tour! The Ben Nevis distillery always receives great reviews for their tours as does their whisky and it was the same this time. The guys all loved the place…and products! They had been booked on the ‘grand’ tour and had a tasting of four whiskies in the Board Room of the Distillery. Although more expensive, all the group said it more than worth it and they all loved all the whiskies presented. From Fort William, on the Wednesday, we went to Skye, stopping at Eilean Donan castle, at which another tour had been arranged. Again the group were very positive in their comments. From there we went to one of Scotland’s jewels in its crown, the Isle of Skye, Eilean a’ Cheo, the Island of Mist, one of my favourite places in the world. This hotel was excellent, with friendly staff and a great pub attached to the hotel with THE best selection of whiskies I have seen in any pub in Scotland! It was heaven for the Swedish guys!

The morning dawned and we set off to the famous Talisker Distillery and the group were REALLY looking forward to this one and it didn’t disappoint them. They were very enthusiastic about this Distillery and the whiskies produced. From here we nipped back to the hotel to drop of the bottles bought and a change of shoes as a wee change to the itinerary had been requested by some. We dropped half the tour in Portree and the remainder went to walk to the Old Man of Storr in the north east of the island. They were lucky!!!! Before and after this wee trip, the rain was ferocious! Whilst they were doing the walk they had glorious sunshine! no accidents happened………until the very last corner when one of them slipped and arrived back covered in mud. When the second half of the group rejoined there seemed to be a lack of sympathy judging by the laughter! From Portree we headed south to visit the Gaelic Whisky Company near Armadale, a very interesting visit. This company blend whiskies but have been given permission to build a brand new distillery on the island, which will give it two and judging by the standard of their work so far will be a good addition to the industry. I knew I was in trouble when, after the first whisky MacNaMara, I didn’t like the rest! It proves I should stick to Strathspey and Highland Park!! We had a nice dinner together at the hotel and the group then went to try more whiskies on their last night on the island! I went to bed!

The day dawned…….dull! Then it started raining! and didn’t stop until we got to Pitlochry! Let’s face it, you don’t come to Scotland for the weather now do you?? We reached Pitlochry and went immediately to Edradour Distillery, where the guide was waiting for us. Judging by the length of time they spent there this was undoubtedly their favourite of all we had visited. Again, many bottles were in evidence to prove the point! from there, it was off to Edinburgh for the Group’s last night in Scotland. After being asked to get all their stuff together and off the bus quickly due to the hotel being on Princes Street, I was impressed with the speed they did it! No chance of a parking fine being issued! We said a quick goodbye and moved off quickly. I am betting some establishment had a good, profitable night!

I would like to say that the Scottish Wash Act Whisky Society was a brilliant set of people and an absolute pleasure to take on tour. I just hope WHEN they come back to tour Strathspey Paul allows me to be the guide.

Written by Andy Grant, tour manager for MCLEANSCOTLAND on this occasion. andy@mcleanscotland.com

“Hi Andy, Just a quick email to say thank you for making an already good tour perfect! Your knowledge of the Scottish history brought a greater depth to the places we visited. Please send my and the whole groups regards to Alan for being such a great driver and great a guy! We´re all back in Sweden and, believe it or not, we´re all sober!” – Kind regards Anders

www.mcleanscotland.com www.angelswhiskyclub.com 

The Malt Whisky Association of Finland

Whisky tour to Islay and Campbeltown September 2012

Their second tour with MCLEANSCOTLAND was taken mid September 2012, yet another group of whisky lovers arrived on Scottish soil. Paul was there to meet them at Glasgow airport, along with Bud, our coach driver. After a shepherding act to ensure all were on board, we set off for Loch Lomond, our first (courtesy) stop. With a fifteen minute stop here for rest and scenic photography, a good start to their tour in Scotland. Only two of the group (13) had been here before. On board once again we set out for a scenic drive through the Argyll forest, passing lochs, through glens and up the “rest and be thankful” mountain pass (landslide damage obvious here). Down to Loch Fyne, passing through Inveraray, Lochgilphead and Ardrishaig on the road to Tarbet.

Passing through and getting a great view Kennacriag CalMac ferry point on our right, we headed south to Campletown. Checking into our hotel here, before a good dinner, followed of course, by several drams both in our own hotel and others! I have to mention Mika here, he held out the longest, being the last one to leave the hotel bar – early hours, well done that man (a very good friend). Day two and we walked to Springbank distillery for a tour, Grant from Cadenhead to the tour (I wandered aboot and chatted to Ranald over a few points) which of course, was followed by a tasting; a Springbank, Longrow red, Hazelburn, special bottle HMS Campbeltown, plus a couple of other gems. Did we enjoy them? Aye bloomin right we did! Shopping followed, it was so hard extracting them from the shop! I personally bought a nice Springbank 15 year old, bottled 27.08.12. recharred sherry butt, from 9.5.97. @ 55.8%. I will sup this one myself thank you!

Back on the coach we headed north back to Kennacraig for the Islay ferry. A 2 hour sail where we sampled some food and- aye you guessed it, whisky. Arriving at Port Askaig, we trooped off the coach and took the ferry to Jura, leaving our coach (and BUD) on Islay. The wee landing craft took us the short sail to Jura where we met our local bus and Alex taking us to the distillery. Stopping now and then for scenic treasures, we hit the distillery on time, a brief chat to Willie and took our specially arranged tour. At least six drams followed, a great time (and shopping) had by all. The group then hit the bar of the hotel next to the distillery. Me? well as most people know, I hate whisky, so went off for a drive with Alex to study the island more, grand job he did, many thanks Alex. Around 6pm we met up with the group again and headed back to the ferry, stopping now and then, near the ferry we stopped longer as there was a huge bunch of deer, many photos later we boarded the ferry for Islay. Hello Bud, take us to our hotel please, which he did (very well). Checked in, settled, we hit the bar, a great bar at Lochside. Followed by a huge dinner, plates overflowing, many thanks to David and his team. Completely full and bulging, we settled back at the bar, a great day ended – more tomorrow.

Day three; 9am off to Kilchoman distillery, a good tour followed by several drams, a small distillery but very well received by our group. Along the beaten up track back to the road, Bud was taking things easy on these wee roads, our next stop we chucked in an unexpected one; Bruichladdich. No time to tour but in we went, shopping, photos and even a taste or two. Shepard act again, after the “round up” we headed north to Bunny heaven (Bunnahabhain) for a tour, actually my favourite distillery on Islay (Paul). A tour followed by a fantastic seafood lunch, crab, oyster, salmon, scallop and salad, with wine and grand chocolate sauce (with whisky) pudding! Och this was followed by a 4 dram tasting session, I hate my job! Eventually, time to go, driving back to Bowmore, we hit the shop and bar here at the distillery, no time to tour but certainly I spotted at least 4 of our group taking 3 drams or so in the bar, of course you need look after your guests, so I joined them. Such a nice guy. On the road again, this time arriving on time at Lagavulin, after a wee delay we set out on our tour whisky was followed by a single dram. End of the day? This was now near 6pm. No, we took two more stops for photos at Ardbeg and Laphroaig. Finally heading back to Bowmore to another huge dinner. It was here I met up with some people in the bar, my group were upstairs relaxing, changing (into what?) while I sat doon with two very nice folks from California and Honolulu and also Erling, whom I had met in Bergen Norway at the whisky fest there earlier in the year. We shared a few drams – my arm was twisted, honest! Into dinner, saying goodbye to my American pals, Erling (Norway) sat doon with his group of 12 on the next table to our Finland group (with two Scots; Paul and Bud), they were a nice quiet bunch those Vikings. Food, wine and whisky, accompanied by friends, can life get better?

Day four; It was windy last night, so windy some ferries we not running on our west coast, oops, with a quick update to calmac, ours was ok. Round up time and off to Port Askaig again, where we sat and awaited our turn to board. Some last minute shopping at the post office and on to the ferry for a two hour sail, food and more whisky. To be honest, Bud and myself dozed most of the way over. Arriving on the mainland we set out for Inveraray again, but this time, stopping at a friends place; Loch Fyne whisky shop. Some grand tastings, shopping and good humour, we stayed approx. 40 minutes before one more stop; Loch Fyne Oyster Bar, shopping, wee samples and oysters for Mika – he supped 6 in fast time! Back to the courtesy stop at Loch Lomond and on into Glasgow.

There was a parade for Olympians in Glasgow so roads were closed, we found our hotel and checked in. Most went out to explore Glasgow at 4pm ish, dinner booked for 7.30. At 7pm we met up in the bar, by this time Liz (MCLEANSCOTLAND) had arrived and joined the fun, Nearing half seven we started going up the lifts to the 6th floor for dinner. Ah, six of us in the lift got stuck! It never moved, the doors wouldnee open, it started getting warm, we pushed alarm bells, pushed out panel in the lift roof, and me? getting hot and bothered, I suffer with Claustrophobia, it was not good, to make things worse, we were “released” by the fire brigade! As they opened the lift door and we fell out, those four fire bobbies were looking at me strange; I had hold of Liz’s handbag, a cardigan and a glass of red wine! Anyhow, eventually got to dinner, where we had a whisky dinner, sharing some 9 different drams. What an end to the tour, unforgettable! Come back soon Mika.

Written by Paul McLean, Owner of MCLEANSCOTLAND & ANGELS WHISKY CLUB. As I recalled the trip, please forgive lack of grammar and any errors!

http://angelswhiskyclub.com/awc/septIslay.asp  the full story online

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