Issue Two of Distilled is shipping this week and we look forward to sharing the craft and culture of fine spirits with whisky lovers.

In our sophomore issue Canadian novelist Brad Smith visits the Hiram Walker distillery on the Detroit River and finds the stamp of Don Livermore on virtually every drop of whisky, and we learn all about Peter Mulryan’s plans to shake up the world of Irish whiskey as he goes from writer to stillman. Angus MacRaild reports from a barn on the idyllic west coast of Sweden to give us a Scot’s perspective on Smögen, the next cult whisky most will never get to taste, and a serious challenger to the best of Scotch whisky.

Issue Two includes still more whisky coverage with reviews of Stranahan’s, Arran, Bunnahabhain, Dewar’s, Redbreast, Tamdhu and Wayne Gretzky No. 99 Red Cask, while those in search of the perfect holiday gift will find some relief – subscribe to Distilled in the coming weeks and get a second gift subscription at no extra cost. Enjoy!

www.distilledmagazine.ca

Fortress Rum Barrels Shape New GLYNNEVAN® Cabot Triple Barrelled Whisky

Sydney, Nova Scotia – Authentic Seacoast Distilling Company Ltd. today launched the newest member of their award-winning GLYNNEVAN® Whisky family, a triple barrelled Canadian rye whisky finished in FortressTM Rum barrels from the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site on Cape Breton Island. GLYNNEVAN® Cabot Triple Barrelled Canadian Rye Whisky is Authentic Seacoast’s continued tribute to magnificent Cape Breton and to its traditions, beauty and people.

“I’ve developed a great passion for Cape Breton over more than three decades. Through our collaboration with Parks Canada and Fortress Louisbourg Association we created Full Steam Coffee’s Louisbourg 1713 French Roast and Fortress Rum,” said Authentic Seacoast Distilling President Glynn Williams. “Our GLYNNEVAN® Cabot Triple Barrelled Canadian Rye Whisky is our way of continuing the important work we are doing to create authentic and memorable brands that can help draw people to our region and create new opportunity on Canada’s East Coast.”

Canada’s only triple barrelled whisky, GLYNNEVAN® Double Barrelled Canadian Rye is finished in freshly drained oak barrels used to mature award-winning Fortress Rum. This third barrelling creates a smooth, complex and uniquely Nova Scotian whisky that takes Canadian rye to a new level. GLYNNEVAN Cabot opens with a sweet nose of butterscotch and tropical fruit. The palate is complex and warming with classic rye spices, cinnamon, vanilla, caramel and toasted oak.

Fortress Rum arrives with force for the finish with lingering spice; long, creamy and smooth. Like Fortress Rum, GLYNNEVAN® Cabot is 45% alc./vol. “As our whisky makes a trek across Canada, coming to rest in oak barrels here against the Atlantic Ocean, so too, do many Cape Bretoners travel to the West seeking employment,” said Glynn Williams. “Our Cabot Triple Barrelled Whisky makes this journey come full circle. We’re honoured to make products that can bring people together. Our GLYNNEVAN® emblem brings together prairie grain, the ocean, the Nova Scotia and Williams’ rampant lion, and now, with Fortress Rum barrels, GLYNNEVAN® includes the Celtic heart of North America.”

GLYNNEVAN® Cabot Triple Barrelled Canadian Rye Whisky is now available at the distillery in Guysborough and will be available throughout Nova Scotia at select Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) stores and other fine spirits retailers.

Glynn Williams will be at the Authentic Seacoast Distillery on Saturday, December 3rd from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm signing bottles from batch #1 of the GLYNNEVAN Cabot Triple Barrelled Canadian Rye Whisky.

Read more about GLYNNEVAN Whisky at: www.glynnevan.com

About Authentic Seacoast Distilling Company

Authentic Seacoast Distilling Company Ltd. produces handmade, craft distilled and blended spirits including GLYNNEVAN® Whisky, Sea FeverTM Rum and FortressTM Rum at its distillery next to Osprey Shores Golf Resort on the historic Guysborough harbour. It is a key part of Authentic Seacoast Company Ltd, which also includes historic DesBarres Manor Inn, Rare Bird Pub & Eatery, Skipping Stone Café & Store, Full Steam Coffee Co., Harbour Belle Bakery, Authentic Seacoast Brewing Co. (makers of Rare Bird Craft Beer), Glanbùrn Artesian Water, Authentic Seacoast Soaps and the Authentic Seacoast Store. Authentic Seacoast Company’s vision is to restore the proud trading legacy of a seacoast village in Nova Scotia and to create jobs in the community on a sustainable basis by producing and sharing high quality products and experiences that are authentic and memorable. The Authentic Seacoast Company embodies the fresh sea air, industrious people and proud determination that has kept this special place by the sea alive over the past four centuries.

Read more at: www.glynnevan.com www.authenticseacoast.com

The 23^rd Annual Whisky Advocate Awards will be announced on Whiskyadvocate.com beginning this Friday, December 9^th.

The Whisky Advocate Awards exist to recognize excellence in the world of whisky. Now in its 23^rd year, the program honors the world’s greatest whiskies, distilleries, and the individuals who make and promote our favorite spirit. As always, these awards are not necessarily assigned to the whiskies that received the highest ratings in our reviews. The awards are recognition of a combination of excellence, innovation, tradition, and always, great-tasting whisky. Our Buying Guide reviewers reach a consensus on the awards.

The Whisky Advocate awards are the oldest and longest-running annual whisky awards program. We taste and sample over the course of the year, at year’s end we consider and confer, and then we make our decisions based solely on the merits of the whiskies… as we have done for over twenty years. We give you our word: that’s how it will continue to be.

Stop by each day to see a new winner revealed with our commentary on the selection. Visit whiskyadvocate.com to view the daily announcement schedule.

Be sure to check in every day, and join the lively conversation that these announcements always inspire!

Buffalo Trace Distillery Completes First Warehouse X Experiment and Releases Findings  

3.5 Million Data Points Captured

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Nov. 30, 2016) Buffalo Trace Distillery has completed phase one of its bourbon barrel aging experiment inside Warehouse X, the experimental warehouse built in 2013 that allows for specific atmospheric variables to be tested in four individual chambers, plus one open air breezeway.   The first experiment focused on natural light, keeping barrels in various stages of light for two years.

            Chamber One of Warehouse X held barrels at 50% natural light, while matching the temperature of the barrels inside the chamber to the temperature of the barrels in the outdoor breezeway.

            Barrels in Chamber Two experienced 100% darkness, while keeping the barrel temperature at a constant 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

            Chamber Three also had 100% darkness, but those barrel temperatures were kept the same temperature as the barrels in the outdoor breezeway.

            Chamber Four barrels saw 100% natural light as the temperature was kept the same as the barrels in the outdoor breezeway.

            In the two years this experiment was conducted, the barrels in the open air breezeway (which was not climate controlled) saw a fluctuation of temperatures ranging from -10 F to 105 F, likely some of the greatest temperature variance any bourbon barrels have ever experienced. The pressure inside these barrels varied from -2.5 psi to 2.5 psi.

            The team at Buffalo Trace collected and analyzed an astonishing 3.5 million data points. Among those learnings, an interesting correlation between light and psi was realized, and a long held distiller’s theory of more heat equaling higher proof was scientifically proven (at least for now).

            However, another popular theory was disproved in part – as it turns out, the amount of light does not really affect the color or the proof of the bourbon inside the barrels. So much for the theory of honey barrels! But Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley has this to add about honey barrels, “Even though we proved light doesn’t affect the color or the proof of the whiskey, that doesn’t mean that honey barrels (those next to windows in standard warehouses that are typically distiller’s favorites) don’t taste a little bit better. Perhaps because of other factors than natural light.  We did prove factors like temperature, pressure, humidity and air flow all play a role in the end result.”

Now that the light experiment is complete, Buffalo Trace is moving on to the next planned experiment, which focuses on temperature. In this experiment, the various chambers will experience different temperature variations, with Chamber One remaining the same temperature as the outdoor breezeway, plus 10 F.  Chamber Two will be 80 F, Chamber Three will be at 55 F and Chamber Four will be kept at the breezeway temperature minus 10 F.  The temperature experiment is expected to last at least two years.

For information about Warehouse X including a blog updated since the inception, visit http://www.experimentalwarehouse.com/

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1786 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won seven distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named Whisky Magazine 2010 World Icons of Whisky “Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year.” Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 200 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/.

ROYAL SALUTE CELEBRATES ROYAL BANQUETS WITH ARTISTIC NEW GIFT PACK

Inspired by ‘The Field of the Cloth of Gold’; imagined by British illustrator Tom Lane

Royal Salute, the exceptionally crafted and aged Scotch whisky, has unveiled the first in a new range of limited edition gift packs that bring to life the unique heritage and celebrated rituals of the British monarchy’s royal banquets. The first edition in the series, launched to coincide with Chinese New Year, contains a bottle and miniature of Royal Salute 21 Year Old and, under the guidance of British designer Tom Lane, illustrates the story of the Field of Cloth of Gold.

Tom Lane is one of Britain’s foremost calligraphy artists and illustrators, with over a decade of experience in the industry. His work is instantly recognisable, encompassing intricate pack designs and playful typographic posters. Tom took inspiration from the rich awnings of The Field of the Cloth of Gold – an historic meeting held in 1520 between the kings of England and France, remembered for its ornate temporary palaces made of golden cloth to create a gift pack as rare and precious as the iconic Royal Salute 21 Year Old that it houses.

Royal Salute’s signature whisky – Royal Salute 21 Year Old – is held within the gift pack, alongside a miniature of the same variant, giving aficionados the chance to enjoy the rare whisky while retaining the distinctive bottle. Created to celebrate the 21 gun salute – a tradition of firing guns for special royal occasions – the product combines rare malt and grain whiskies aged for a minimum of 21 years, giving connoisseurs a complex and sophisticated drinking experience.

Tom Lane said of the collaboration: “The visual history of the British royal family is a superbly rich hoard, from which it was a joy to seek inspiration for Royal Salute’s new limited edition gift pack. Looking at illustrations of The Field of the Cloth of Gold and royal motifs, past and present, the pack is a contemporary reworking of a historic moment for the British monarchy. The Royal Salute partnership was an extremely rewarding project, giving me complete creative freedom and allowing me to produce a design which I’m proud to see all over the world.”

Peter Moore, Prestige Brand Director at Chivas Brothers, commented: “The new Royal Salute festive gift pack continues our brand’s celebration of the British monarchy, whose values have been intrinsic to Royal Salute since its foundation in 1953. The new series will give collectors the opportunity to enjoy our shared heritage, through an exploration of historic royal celebrations, of which The Field of the Cloth of Gold is surely the most renowned.”

The Royal Salute limited edition festive gift pack is available globally with RRP $149, price does vary depending on the market. Further limited edition gift packs dedicated to Royal celebrations will be added to the range year.

For further information about Royal Salute, please visit www.royalsalute.com

About Royal Salute
Royal Salute is a careful blend of matured malt and grain whiskies – with its youngest whisky matured for a minimum of 21 years. Created to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, which was honoured with a traditional 21 gun salute, Royal Salute is steeped in tradition, while still firmly engaged in the modern world by constantly pushing the art of blending into new, creative and ambitious forms. Royal Salute is deeply involved in polo – the world’s oldest surviving team sport and a game that’s expanding in the modern era. The brand sponsors more than 15 international tournaments from the UK and the USA through Argentina and China to Korea.
www.royalsalute.com

About ‘The Field of the Cloth of Gold’
The Field of the cloth of Gold festive gift pack is inspired by the celebration of unity and peace that marked the coming of age of British royalty. The original field was the site of the meeting between King henry VIII of England and King Francis I of France – two renaissance princes in their prime. With the aim of securing their strong bond of friendship, each brought such rich gifts and built temporary palaces of such glittering wealth that the site of the two and a half week banquet, jousting and dancing was dubbed the Field of the cloth of gold.

About Chivas Brothers
Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits. Chivas Brothers’ award-winning portfolio features some of the world’s most revered Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky and the No.1 Scotch whisky in China; Ballantine’s, Europe’s No.1 Scotch whisky; The Glenlivet, the single malt whisky that set the standard; and Royal Salute, the world’s only exclusively prestige Scotch whisky range. The portfolio also includes two of the world’s leading English gins – Beefeater, the world’s most awarded premium gin, and Plymouth gin – plus a selection of highly acclaimed single malt whiskies, including Aberlour, Longmorn, Scapa, Strathisla and Tormore. The range is completed by a collection of blended Scotch whiskies operating in many of the world’s key whisky markets which includes 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport Scotch.
www.chivasspirit.com

About Pernod Ricard
Pernod Ricard is the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 8,558 million in 2014/15. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Kahlúa and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier- Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, Graffigna and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,000 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 85 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics.
Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index.

Copyright © 2016 / Chivas Brothers, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
*chivasbrothers@lexisagency.com*

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On Tuesday 6th December, 2 copper pot stills will arrive on the Isle of Raasay in Scotland following a long journey from Tuscany in Italy. The arrival of the stills is a huge milestone in the build for R & B Distillers, who will be launching their first distillery on the island in late spring 2017.

The two stills, one 5,000 litre wash still and a 3,500 litre spirit still, were manufactured by Frilli in Tuscany and custom made for the Isle of Raasay Distillery. The stills’s provenance is the reason that R&B Distillers is also sourcing Tuscan wine casks for the whisky.

Having left Tuscany on Wednesday, the stills travelled by sea and road to Raasay and, because of their huge size, only by night. Once arriving on the island, they will be housed in the distillery’s huge production hall.

R&B Distillers co-founder Alasdair Day is looking forward to welcoming the arrival of this essential part of the build. “It’s all very exciting and ever-real now. Seeing the stills wrapped up and leaving Italy it definitely looks like Christmas is coming early to our Raasay Distillery.”

In June 2016, award-winning Scotch whisky brand, R&B Distillers, commenced their momentous endeavour – to build the first legal distillery on the Isle of Raasay. With construction now underway, R&B plan to open, and begin production, in late Spring 2017.

The island’s striking Victorian villa and ex-hotel, Borodale House, has stood empty since 2006, and will now be converted into a visitors centre and luxury members’ accommodation with adjacent distillery. Designed by Olli Blair from ABIR Architects and Allen Associates, the distillery will be independently owned and operated and is expected to generate employment for up to 10% of the island’s 120 residents. Having subsequently secured grants for the distillery build from the FPMC (Food Processing Marketing and Co-Operation Grants Scheme), and the Highlands and Islands Enterprise, for the development of a visitor’s centre, construction for this long-anticipated project is now underway.

While the distillery is being built, R&B Distillers have released the aptly named Raasay While We Wait whisky, a preview of the calibre and flavour of whisky yet to come – every sip certain to transport the drinker to the rugged island of Raasay.

With Raasay While We Wait, R&B Distillers have crafted a single malt whisky by bringing together two expressions from one distillery: one peated, one un-peated. This precise combination is a tantalising prediction of the flavours that will be produced at the new distillery on the Isle of Rasaay, off the remote west coast of Skye. The smoky peat aroma is softened in the finishing process which occurs in French oak Tuscan red wine casks and results in a unique, lightly fruity aroma and a heather hue. Raasay While We Wait has now been awarded three prestigious international awards: In May 2016, Raasay While We Wait received a bronze medal in the International Spirits Challenge (ISC), in August this was followed with a Silver Medal at the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) and in November a bronze from the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition (HKIWSC). The awards are tremendous accolades for such a young whisky.

Meanwhile, Borders echoes the soft rolling landscape of its future location in the South of Scotland. This single grain whisky is lighter and softer in flavour than the smoky peat dram of Raasay While We Wait. Matured in Bourbon casks and finished in Oloroso sherry casks, Borders has been produced to reflect a lowland style. Alasdair Day’s great-grandfather blended whisky in the Coldstream and now, over 150 years since the last distillery in the Scottish Borders, Alasdair is returning to his roots and planning to reinstate whisky in this forgotten region. In 2015, Peebles was selected by the Scottish general public as the preferred location for the new distillery. In November 2016 Borders was awards its first international award – a bronze medal in the HKIWSC.

As a precursor to the new distilleries being built, R&B Distillers also unveiled membership to their Na Tùsairean club (Scots Gaelic for ‘The Pioneers’) – an exclusive offering for whisky aficionados. The inaugural 100 casks of Raasay whisky will be bottled exclusively for Na Tùsairean members who will receive one bottle each year for ten years, gradually acquiring up a rare collection of R&B Whisky. Members will also receive miniatures so they can experience a dram of the whisky without breaking into their collector’s bottle, are entitled to the equivalent of one night’s stay per year for the duration of their membership in the luxury members accommodation.

NOTES

RETAILERS UK:

 Master of Malt (online)

 Whiski Rooms (Edinburgh shop)

 Oban Whisky & Fine Wines (Oban)

 Shop4Whisky (online)

 JL Gill (Crieff)

 Royal Mile Whiskies (Edinburgh & online)

 Raasay Community Store (Raasay)

 Jeffrey Street Whisky & Tobacco (Edinburgh)

 The Whisky Shop (Dufftown)

 Mainstreet Trading Co. (St Boswells, Scottish Borders)

 Oblo Bar (Eyemouth, Scottish Borders)

BARS/RESTAURANTS

 Whiski Rooms (Edinburgh bar)

 Teuchters Landing (Edinburgh Leith)

 Teuchters West End (Edinburgh West End)

 Drysbrugh Abbey Hotel (Drysbrugh)

 Raasay House Hotel (Raasay)

 Sconser Lodge (Skye)

TASTING NOTES:

‘While We Wait’

Aroma: Surprisingly very little smoke on the nose but instead light fruity notes come through.

Colour: Natural colour, heather tinted imparted from Tuscan red wine oak casks.

Taste: Instantly there is peat smoke and spice (a distant campfire, black pepper, liquorice, oak and then the sea breeze) slowly this is balanced with the dry fruit from the Tuscan red wine casks (black currant, blackberry, raspberry and cherries).

Finish: A long lingering finish.

Food Pairings: Pairs well with Sconser Scallops, Smoked Salmon, game, grouse, woodcock, venison, creamy blue cheese, bacon, haggis.

ABV: 46% Non-Chill Filtered

Year released: November 2015 – 1st Release Limited Edition

‘Borders’

Aroma: Prominent sherry notes on the nose, hints of sugar-coated nuts.

Colour: Natural colour, lightly golden taken from sherry finishing casks.

Taste: Surprisingly dry on the palate with the sherry influences dominating. Walnuts balanced with vanilla, herbaceous and floral notes coming through towards the end, and just a touch of warm spice.

Finish: Lingering, dry and complex.

Food Pairings: Pairs well with Cocoa Black dark praline chocolates.

ABV: 51.7% Non-Chill Filtered

Year released: November 2015 – 1st Release Limited Edition

BENROMACH LAUNCHES UK EXCLUSIVE SINGLE CASK WHISKY – BENROMACH HERITAGE 1973

The Benromach Distillery Company Ltd has added an incredibly rare single cask malt whisky to its range with the launch of Benromach Heritage 1973.  Exclusive to the UK market, there will only be an outturn of 52 bottles of this limited edition single malt.

Benromach 1973 (ABV 48.1%), cask number 4606, is a dark golden malt, matured in a Refill American Hogshead, with hints of dark chocolate and a peppery smooth finish.

The rare Speyside single malt is presented in an evocative decanter-style bottle; the contours of the neck and shoulder line sculpted to represent copper stills, whilst the copper-coloured neck collar adds a luxurious touch.

The wooden presentation box is inspired by the home of Benromach, reflecting the copper of the stills in use today, as well as the dark, grained wood of the original washbacks and the white of the lime washed distillery walls. A book accompanies the whisky which delves into the Benromach history, as well as providing whisky fans with some fascinating stories about the people behind the whisky.

This UK exclusive was distilled before the Urquhart family took the reins and brought Benromach Distillery back to life in 1998.

Former Brewer Tom Anderson, who still lives in a cottage at the distillery, was one of the men to witness the filling of the last casks at Benromach, and proudly signed his name on the wall of the filling store. Former malt man and warehouseman, Willie McArthur, was responsible for tending to the precious casks.

Distillery Manager Keith Cruickshank explained: “Benromach 1973 is very much a dram to be treasured. It was crafted with great care using many of the same skills and practises adopted at Benromach today.

“It’s been maturing for 42 years, but now is the time for whisky lovers to savour this precious single malt. I’m sure those who really take their whisky seriously will enjoy the chance to experience a little bit of Benromach history.”

The limited edition Benromach 1973 is available at specialist UK whisky retailers with an RRP of £1395.

For more information on Benromach, and to explore the wide range of expressions available, please visit www.benromach.com.

Notes

Benromach 1973 Tasting Notes 

Pour your dram of BENROMACH 1973, cask number 4606, and prepare your senses for an incredible journey of exquisite enjoyment.

First, lift your glass to the light and appreciate the beautiful dark golden colour created by lingering for 42 years in a single Refill American Hogshead as the whisky grew and matured in character. Take a short inhalation, savouring the aromas without water… enjoy the subtle hints of oak infused with sweet pear, exotic pineapple and fragrant vanilla aromas. Underlying all these are hints of spicy ginger, crisp apple and subtle oak.

Now take a sip. At first, you may taste ripe banana, mango and fresh lime. These develop into hints of dark chocolate, leading to a peppery, smooth finish with a hint of tobacco. Add a few drops of water and take time to enjoy the nose as it develops… fragrant pineapple, apricot and passion fruit aromas follow sweet honeyed notes, with developing hints of subtle menthol. Now lift it to your lips and enjoy a slow sip… a fruit cornucopia of bananas, apricot, mango and raspberry emerges, complemented by hints of toasted oak. Finally, a creamy spicy edge combines with a trace of smoke on the finish.

Benromach Distillery

Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life when leading whisky specialists Gordon & MacPhail purchased it in 1993. The distillery was extensively re-equipped over a five-year period before it was officially opened by HRH Prince Charles in 1998.

In reopening Benromach Distillery, Gordon & MacPhail decided to create a classic Speyside single malt – a style that draws its influence from Speyside whiskies pre-1960s.

Benromach Distillery is located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres. A four-star visitor centre is open to the public throughout the year for tours and tastings. Benromach Distillery is a member of the world famous Malt Whisky Trail.

Day 2 of the Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar 

Singlemalting Whisky Blog # 135 – 3rd edition Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar Day 2 – Wemyss Barrista’s Dram Craigellachie

Off to the wonderful and magical land of Wemyss Malts. I might have said this before in fact I definitely have but I love the creativity that Wemyss bring to their single cask range with an awesome descriptive title that gives everyone an idea of what they might expect from each unique bottling.

There has certainly been a lot of attention on the US of late and its actually a bit of relief that there are other events of note that are getting media attention now. I wanted to throw in a tiny 2 cent info piece to get some feedback from the calendar community if I may. Wemyss Malts are colourful and creative when it comes to their naming of casks. When you as a consumer see the title of today’s whisky “Barrista’s Dram do you think of possible coffee notes or do you think that this might be a flavoured whisky that includes a coffee infusion?

I ask because I know that there can be confusion about flavours found in whisky. The label approval process in the US makes it very clear that any descriptive term on the label should not lead the consumer to believe that there is something held within the whisky that there is not. We found this specifically challenging when trying to register whiskies like Kumquat Cluster and Aromatic Orange Tobacco from the second edition calendar. Makes it tough for companies like Wemyss and Compass Box. The label clearly states that this is Craigellachie Single Malt Whisky so I ask you, should that be good enough to clear things up or should labelling be more protective? Just thought I would stir the pot a little on this second day of December. I am fairly transparent in my blogging so I’m sure you already know where I stand on this issue.

So onto the whisky – Wemyss Malts Barrista’s Dram Craigellachie 13 Year Old Single Malt Whisky. Bottled from a refill Sherry Butt numbered 900083 – region Speyside and bottled at the usual Wemyss strength of 46% ABV.

Craigellachie is a distillery that I really enjoy and has made several appearances in past editions. It is also a town in Scotland that has an awesome couple of whisky bars that I was lucky enough to frequent earlier this year on my first trip to Speyside. The Highlander at the Craigellachie Hotel was awesome and you can catch my blog on the trip here……

The Distillery was planned and building commenced in 1891 with whisky production starting in 1898. Owned by Bacardi and used for their Dewars Blended whiskies. Craigellachie is a workhorse distillery that is not a picturesque tourist attraction like so many other gorgeous Scottish Distilleries. It does however produce some delicious whisky and also has a proprietary label in the market. It is from independent bottlers though that I have found this distillery really shines.

Colour:     Just a hint of a blush to give you a wink and a nod that this was indeed aged in a sherry butt. Without that slight tinge it could easily be mistaken for an American oak aged whisky as it is honeyed amber beyond that tiny flush of pink.

Nose:     Ahhh there it is and unmistakable – Sweet sherry and bitter chocolate mocha with a deep dark almost tar like note. As spock would say “fascinating”. I could go along with Wemyss on this as the mocha could easily be dark roast slightly bitter coffee grounds.

Palate:   Crema, that tiny but tasty top layer on only the best double espresso’s is right there rolling into those softer sherry notes that spike some sweetness into the mix.

Finish:     Dry and lingering with some crusty orange peel and I get that earthy bag of spent coffee grounds that you would spread on the garden as part of that drying effect.

Really interesting dram and probably the most unusual Craigellachie I have ever had. I love it.

So those that are coming along to the Edmonton launch party tonight you can leave your bottle of Barrista’s Dram at home because you will be toasting in the Advent season with day 1 (albeit a day late).

Last year on day 2 we had the amazing Portsoy Sauterne from Malt Whisky Company (another Stuart Nickerson special). This whisky turned out to be one of the most sought after bottles of the second edition. You can read all about it here.

Would love to get some feedback on your thoughts about labelling. Get ready for tomorrow as we head to somewhere way up North and I mean WAY for a really cool whisky put together by our friend Stuart Nickerson of the Malt Whisky Company and Shetland Island Distillery.

If you like this whisky email me for retail options.

See you tomorrow

Cheers

Jonathan – taster of secrets

http://www.singlemalting.com/

TOAST THE FESTIVITIES WITH A FAMOUS WINTER COCKTAIL

The Famous Grouse has created a selection of serves for the festive season. Whether you are looking for a delicious winter warmer or unique cocktail recipe for your Christmas and New Year celebrations, there is a perfect serve to fit the occasion.

The Famous Hot Toddy

Ingredients:

50ml The Famous Grouse

A squeeze of Lemon juice

1 teaspoon runny honey

1 spiced tea bag such as apple and cinnamon

Hot water

Lemon zest to garnish

Method:

Add the spiced teabag and pour in the hot water to the hot toddy glass. Then add The Famous Grouse,honey, and lemon juice and stir. Remove the teabag and finish with a sliver of lemon zest.

Contains two units of alcohol.

Crimson Crush

Ingredients:

• 35ml The Famous Grouse

• 2 barspoons Bols Raspberry Liqueur

• 2 barspoons Premium Damson Liqueur

• 25ml freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 2 barspoons runny honey

• 6 fresh raspberries

• Ginger beer

Method:

Add all of the ingredients except the ginger beer into a cocktail shaker and muddle together using a muddling tool. Fill shaker with ice cubes and shake vigorously for about 12 seconds. Strain into a pre prepared glass, top with the ginger beer, garnish with fresh berries, mint leaves and a slice of lemon, and serve.

Contains two units of alcohol

Smoked Orchard

Ingredients:

50ml of The Famous Grouse Smoky Black

1 wedge of fresh lime

Half cranberry juice

Half pressed apple juice

Method:

Fill a tall glass with ice, squeeze in a generous wedge of lime and drop it into the glass. Add The Famous Grouse Smoky Black and fill the rest of the glass half with cranberry and half with apple juice. Stir and serve with a garnish of raspberries and lime.

Contains two units of alcohol

Ae Fond Kiss

Ingredients:

50ml The Famous Grouse

12.5ml elderflower cordial

1 fresh lime wedge

Pressed apple juice and lemonade

Method:

Fill a tall glass with cubed ice, squeeze a wedge of lime and drop it into the glass. Add The Famous Grouse, elderflower, apple juice and top with lemonade, stir and serve.

Contains two units of alcohol

Notes

About Maxxium UK

Maxxium is the distributor of The Famous Grouse in the UK. The Famous Grouse portfolio includes: The Famous Grouse, The Famous Grouse Smoky Black, The Famous Grouse Mellow Gold, and The Naked Grouse. Maxxium UK Ltd is part of the global sales and distribution alliance between Beam Suntory and Edrington. Its UK portfolio of premium brands includes: Blended Scotch (The Famous Grouse, Teacher’s and Cutty Sark), malt whisky (Highland Park, Laphroaig, Bowmore, Auchentoshan, The Macallan, and Ardmore), imported whiskey (Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Knob Creek, Canadian Club, Red Stag) Japanese whiskey (Hibiki, Yamazaki, Hakashu), cognac (Courvoisier) vodka(Stolichnaya), rum (Brugal), liqueurs and specialities (Sourz, Midori, Bols liqueurs, Galliano, After Shock).

Day 1 of the Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar 

Singlemalting Whisky Blog #134 – 3rd edition Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar December 1 – Secret Spirits 18 Year Old Speyside 

Welcome again to another rollicking 25 days of whisky whisky whisky. What a ride it has been this year to get to this day. If you are not attending our launch party tonight in Calgary then hopefully you will be tomorrow in Edmonton. If not then put it in your calendar for next year because toasting in the Advent season with the first whisky in the calendar is a lot of fun with a roomful of SWAC (Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar) community friends.

It is a real treat for us this year to be able to offer up the first ever whisky selected and bottled by Secret Spirits. We are not looking to turn ourselves into a full time independent bottler but rather just throw our hat into the ring a little as we go on this journey. I feel extremely humbled that we are amongst great companies like A.D. Rattray, Wemyss, Malt Whisky Co. Samaroli and Single Cask Nation that have all been a part of making it all happen in previous editions. This time around we are even adding a few more amazing companies that we will get to meet in the coming weeks.

So without further ado lets look at Whisky No. 1 for the 3rd edition SWAC. Our first stop is the Speyside region which as you are probably aware accounts for the vast majority of Scottish distilleries and as such normally makes up a good portion of the SWAC offerings every edition.

Secret Spirits Speyside 18 Year Old undisclosed Single Malt Whisky – 58.1% cask strength. No colouring, no chill filtration, refill Bourbon cask # 3299 – Region Speyside

Coming from or near the town of Rothes there are a few distilleries that could be potential candidates for this one lets check out the nose and the taste and you can make up your own minds because I have been sworn to secrecy. A quick look online will reveal the small number of distilleries to choose from so get googling. Time to grab that NEAT glass and get stuck into the fun part. We decided to go with this unusual glass to further the cool collection of unique whisky glasses that we have started and because I was really impressed with how open this glass is and yet how much the nosing is enhanced without being overpowering. This will be going into my next series of whisky glass comparison blogs coming in 2017.

Colour:     Firstly it is light in colour more like a rich Chardonnay than an 18 year old whisky. This is no doubt definitely due to this being a refill cask that is probably on its third time around the block aging delicious whisky just for you.

Nose:     Peaches and Cream on a pavlova base. No wonder I liked this whisky. Flavors from my childhood. Cindy got Creme Brulee which is her absolute favourite dessert so when we looked up from the wee sample bottle on a wild and wet day in Scotland and gazed deeply into each others eyes we knew straight away that this was going to be our first Secret Spirits whisky.

Palate:     Very slightly sweet and creamy palate here bursting out all over with notes of honeysuckle and French vanilla.

Finish:     58.1 leaves a little lingering tingle to let you know its up there but does not take away from the whisky. The finish takes on an earthier note with a hint of aromatic bitters that I like a lot and actually has me craving another sip to load up the sweetness again. Dying hints of watermelon salad with just a touch of mint.

This is one unique whisky with a lot of interesting layers. So fun to find this our first time out looking to bottle our own selection. I didn’t play with water but I’m sure it would be interesting to give it a little splash.

Anyone like to take a guess at the distillery in question here? We of course could have and will in the future bottle whiskies with the distillery name on the label but those that have read some of my blogs in the past will know that sourcing an “undisclosed” cask can be really fun and invariably less expensive than it would otherwise be. Besides Secret Spirits just had to release a Secret Whisky its first time out right.

So thankyou for joining in either on your first journey through our Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar or for coming along again. For those that want to reminisce over the Day 1 whisky last year you can look at my blog here and think about that lovely sherried Tomintoul from A.D. Rattray. Please head on over to Whiskylassie.com to read Johanne’s take on our Speyside 18 along with all the whiskies from the 3rd edition.

If you like this whisky and want a full bottle you can email me for a list of retailers that carry it.

Tomorrow we will be tasting something from those fun people at Wemyss Malts that love to tell you all about the whisky in the title.

Heres to the next 24 days and by the way my calendar is number 736 what’s yours?

Cheers

Jonathan – taster of secrets

http://www.singlemalting.com/