A COMPLETELY new type of Scotch single malt has been crowned World Whisky Of The Year in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2014.

Glenmorangie Ealanta was distilled as Scotch but matured in the style of American bourbon. The 19-year-old malt has been given a record-equalling 97.5 points out of 100 to see off the Kentucky bourbon William Larue Weller, which came in second.

In explaining his choice, Jim Murray said the unique Glenmorangie had pipped its rival “because it went out and did something very different: not only did it blow me away with its deftness, beauty and elegance, but it gave an aroma and taste profile completely new to me in over 30 years of tasting whisky”.

For the tenth anniversary edition of the Whisky Bible, Jim Murray tasted over 1,100 new whiskies from all over the world which had entered the market in the last year.

Ten years after the launch of the first Whisky Bible, the sales of which are now heading towards half a million copies, Jim Murray has also reprised his campaign against the use of caramel to falsely colour whisky.

Jim Murray insists that, despite whatever the distillers may claim, caramel dulls the taste and aroma of whisky and misleads consumers as the colouring is often not listed as an ingredient.

Jim Murray added: “Ten years ago, my campaign against caramel had a huge and positive impact on many distillers and independent bottlers around the world. But it is a shame that, a decade on, some of the bigger boys continue to use it. I hope my campaign will lead at least to legal acknowledgement on labels of the presence of colouring, as is the case in Germany.”

Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2014 is available to buy now from http://www.whiskybible.com/ and good bookshops and liquor stores throughout the world.

CHANCE TO SAMPLE WHISKY GALORE AT BOWHILL 

Beginners to the world of whisky tasting will have a chance to learn more about Scotland’s amber nectar at an event at Bowhill House, Selkirk, on November 2.

The informal tasting event will give visitors the chance to find out if they know their malts from their blends, or their Highlands from their Lowlands.

The evening will provide the chance to sample a wide variety of whiskies, with highlights including the Douglas of Drumlanrig single malt range.

The tasting session will be hosted by whisky aficionado Calum Flanders.

He said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for people to learn more about Scotland’s most famous export.

“Perceptions of whisky have moved on considerably, and what might once-upon-a-time have been perceived as an ‘old man’s’ drink is now loved by men and women of all ages. We look forward to attracting a diverse group to the event and giving them the chance to sample some special treats from around the country.”

Calum will discuss the effect spring water has on whisky, and how water from different areas can have different effects on the flavour.

He will also educate attendees on the impact the cask can have on the taste and talk through mashing charts and tasting charts.

In addition there will be discussion around the importance of your nose when it comes to whisky tasting, with humans relying on just four primary taste receptors compared with at least 32 smell receptors.

And to top it off there will also be a chance to round off the evening with some sweet treats, with some quality chocolate samples available.

This not-to-be-missed event takes place from 7pm-9pm, and costs £25 which includes a light refreshment. To secure a place call 01750 22204 or visit www.bowhill.org

Islay’s independent farm distillery, Kilchoman, is to release an exclusive bottling to its club members.

Managing director Anthony Wills and distillery manager John MacLellan have chosen eight fresh bourbon barrels from an October 2008 filling which are currently being finished in Oloroso Butts. These will be bottled at cask strength and around 2,000 bottles will be made available for sale.

The Kilchoman fans who have signed up to the club – that provides special access to a limited edition bottling each year, special tastings and discounts – can purchase the second annual release for £75 on Monday 4 November from 12pm on the distiller’s website.

Anthony Wills, managing director of Kilchoman, said: “Last year the release was very popular with our club members, as it sold out instantly and the amount of visitors brought down our website. In preparation we’ve expanded the website to make sure it can cope with the expected increase in traffic.”

Kilchoman’s portfolio now includes Machir Bay, Loch Gorm, a new edition of 100% Islay and its most recent addition, the Vintage 2007 which is Kilchoman’s oldest whisky released to date.

With an ambition to take whisky production back to its traditional roots, Anthony Wills built and founded Kilchoman Distillery in 2005 on a farm situated on the rugged west coast of Islay. The first distillery on the island for 124 years, Kilchoman is one of the smallest distilleries in Scotland and one of only a handful left that still practise the traditional floor malting method.

Kilchoman fans can sign up to the member’s club at www.kilchomandistillery.com

The second annual club release will be made available from 12pm on Monday 4 November on the Kilchoman website www.kilchomandistillery.com priced at £75.00.

www.kilchomandistillery.com

facebook.com/pages/Kilchoman-Distillery

twitter.com/Kilchoman05

Notes 

About Kilchoman

Since the first bottling was released in 2009, Kilchoman has quickly established itself as a high quality Islay Single Malt within the whisky industry. Awards include two prestigious IWSC Gold and a Silver medal in 2012, Malt Advocates Artisan Whisky of the Year 2011 and GQ’s 100 best things in 2012.

Most recently, Kilchoman’s exceptional quality was recognised at the prestigious International Whisky Competition (IWC), which named Machir Bay as its Whisky of the Year and Anthony Wills as Master Distiller of the Year 2013. In addition, at the IWSC 2013 Awards, Loch Gorm was awarded Gold, Machir Bay received Silver and 100% Islay 2^nd Ed was given bronze.

Rare 16-year ABERFELDY Single Cask Scotch Whisky Offered Exclusively at NH Liquor & Wine Outlets   

Only 600 bottles of 1997 ABERFELDY Single Cask Scotch whisky available 

Concord, NH – Only one barrel of 16-year ABERFELDY® Single Cask Highland Scotch whisky exists in the United States – and it is available exclusively to New Hampshire Liquor & Wine Outlet customers.  Thanks to record sales of DEWAR’S® products, including ABERFELDY, the flagship single malt from DEWAR’S, the New Hampshire Liquor Commission was afforded the unique opportunity to select a cask of one of the most coveted Scotch whiskies ever produced. NH Liquor & Wine Outlet customers can reserve a bottle of this rare spirit online at www.liquorandwineoutlets.com/aberfeldy.

The ABERFELDY Distillery was founded by John Dewar & Sons in 1896 and produces some of the finest Single Malt Scotch whiskies in the world.  In July, DEWAR’S approached the New Hampshire Liquor Commission with an exclusive opportunity to sample and purchase one of three casks of ABERFELDY. NHLC selected the 1997 Sherry Butt Cask #5 that yields approximately 600 bottles. Consumers can pre-order the Limited Edition ABERFELDY Single Cask for a special pre-order price of $229.99 until November 1^st. The pre-order price also includes personalized engraved medallion to commemorate the bottle purchase. After November 1^st, remaining inventory will be available at select NH Liquor & Wine Outlet stores for $249.99.

“The New Hampshire Liquor Commission is committed to delivering exclusive opportunities to consumers. We are extremely proud to say that New Hampshire is the only state in the country to offer this Limited Edition 1997 ABERFELDY Single Cask,” said NHLC Chairman Joseph Mollica.  “This once-in-a-lifetime chance for Scotch aficionados is a direct result of a successful collaboration and record sales of the Bacardi and DEWAR’S portfolio which grew substantially in 2012.”

The aroma of the ABERFELDY 1997 Single Cask opens with ripe raisins, sultanas and a hint of cinnamon spice, an aroma perhaps of Christmas.  Floral and honey notes emerge, balanced with rich oily notes of linseed and leather.  With water the notes of cinnamon intensify, with heady notes of liquorice appear with rich caramel and a most satisfying aroma of smoky embers.

“ABERFELDY Single Cask is the first-ever single cask Scotch whisky from the House of DEWAR’S launched in the United States,” said Arvind Krishnan, Vice President, Brand Managing Director, DEWAR’S.  “As a unique, luxurious variation of our ABERFELDY Single Malts, which are at the heart of all DEWAR’S Blended Scotch whiskies, ABERFELDY Single Cask reaffirms the House of DEWAR’S as a player in the single malt category. By bringing ABERFELDY to the forefront of the conversation, ABERFELDY Single Cask shares the integral role of ABERFELDY Single Malt within the overall DEWAR’S portfolio with our consumers.”

ABERFELDY Single Cask, as well as ABERFELDY 12 Year Old Single Malt and ABERFELDY 21 Year Old Single Malt, are best enjoyed neat, or with a dash of water, which opens up the flavor of the whiskies.

“Aged in a sherry butt cask for sixteen years, ABERFELDY Single Cask is a one-of-a-kind Scotch whisky, offering rich, satisfying aromas and an intensely pleasing finish,” said Stephanie Macleod, Master Blender, DEWAR’S Blended Scotch whisky. “As Master Blender for DEWAR’S, I am excited to share the ABERFELDY Single Malt heritage of DEWAR’S with the introduction of ABERFELDY Single Cask. As a pioneer in the spirits industry and a leader in the Scotch whisky category, the introduction of ABERFELDY Single Cask continues the innovative energy evident throughout the DEWAR’S portfolio.”

NH Liquor & Wine Outlet customers can reserve a bottle of 1997 ABERFELDY Single Cask online at www.liquorandwineoutlets.com/aberfeldy. 

About the New Hampshire Liquor Commission

The New Hampshire Liquor Commission (NHLC) operates 77 retail locations throughout the Granite State and serves more than 9 million customers each year. More than $2 billion in net profits has been raised since the first store opened in 1934. NHLC had its best sales year ever in fiscal year 2013, generating $603.5 million in total sales, an increase of $38.9 million – or 6.9% over the previous fiscal year. Total liquor revenues reached $145.6 million, which are used to fund programs including education, health and social services, transportation and natural resource protection through New Hampshire’s General Fund. NHLC is expecting to net an additional $1 billion for the state in the next seven years. Visit www.LiquorandWineOutlets.com to locate a store, search for product availability, learn about monthly sales, review wine tasting schedules, and sign up to receive significant savings with monthly Email Extras.

About ABERFELDY

ABERFELDY® Single Malt Whisky is at the heart of all blends within the DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch Whisky portfolio. Aged in the finest selection of oak barrels for a distinctly heather-honeyed taste and a renowned full body composition, ABERFELDY Single Malt offers two expressions, ABERFELDY 12 YEAR OLD and ABERFELDY 21 YEAR OLD, both of which are released in extremely limited quantities and shipped in individually-numbered bottles. Since 1898, the House of DEWAR’S has been producing this renowned single malt whisky at its Aberfeldy Distillery, originally built by the Dewar’s family in the town of Aberfeldy, in the Perthsire Highlands of Scotland. Located just two miles from the birthplace of company founder John Dewar Sr., Aberfeldy Distillery represents the true home of DEWAR’S, is where the fresh spring water of the Pitilie Burn combines with the skills of generations of craftsmen to produce the award-winning ABERFELDY Single Malt.

In 2013, the House of DEWAR’S announced the launch of ABERFELDY Single Cask, the first-ever single cask Scotch whisky to launch in the U.S. from DEWAR’S, the most awarded Scotch whisky in the world.

DEWAR’S, ABERFELDY, DEWAR’S SIGNATURE AND WHITE LABEL ARE TRADEMARKS.

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY EXPERIMENTS

WITH BARREL STAVE DRYING TIME IN LATEST EXPERIMENT 

Fifteen Year Old Bourbon is Tested with Six Month

And Thirteen Month Stave Drying Time 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Oct. 29, 2013) Barrel stave drying time is the latest focus in Buffalo Trace Distillery’s Experimental Collection program, as two experiments are released, one with the standard Buffalo Trace stave drying time of six months, and one with a 13 month stave drying time.

Both bourbons were put into new, charred white oak barrels produced by Independent Stave Company 15 years ago. Both groups of barrels were charred with Buffalo Trace’s standard number four char, which is 55 seconds. One group of barrels was crafted from staves that had been air dried for 13 months. Air drying, or seasoning, refers to the process of allowing barrel staves to be left out in the open air to experience all of the natural temperature and weather changes that occur around them. The other group of barrels, the “control” barrels, received Buffalo Trace’s standard six month air drying time on its staves.  Then both sets of barrels were filled with Buffalo Trace Rye Mash #1, and left to age.

The taste differences began to show up early in the experimental process, as all experimental barrels at Buffalo Trace are tasted every few months to check in on the progress.  The end result for the standard six month stave seasoned barrels was a well-rounded bourbon that has flavors of caramel, vanilla, and oak.

The 13 month stave seasoned barrels led to a bourbon that tastes of sweet nuts balanced with mild spicy notes, creating a robust flavor.

“What’s normal for us isn’t normal for most,” said Harlen Wheatley, master distiller.  “We have our cooperage age our wood for six months before it’s even made into a barrel, because we’ve found the six months allows our wood to season and bring enzymes to the surface that allow the wood to produce just the right amount of tannins and wood sugars during the charring process.  This allows for the alcohol to extract those flavors efficiently while aging.”

Wheatley continues, “In this experiment, we wanted to explore the changes as the stave drying time was increased from our ‘standard’ six month stave drying to 13 months of stave drying time.  The differences were marked, with the longer stave drying time yielding a sweet, but robust flavor.”

These barrels are part of the more than 1,500 experimental barrels of whiskey aging in the warehouses of Buffalo Trace Distillery. Each of these barrels has unique characteristics that differentiate it from all others. Some examples of these experiments include unique mash bills, type of wood and barrel toasts. In order to further increase the scope, flexibility and range of the experimental program, an entire micro distillery, named The Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. “OFC” Micro Distillery, complete with cookers, fermenting tanks, and a state-of-the-art micro still has been constructed within Buffalo Trace Distillery.

The Experimental Collection will be packaged in 375ml bottles and will be packed 12 to a case, with six bottles of each experiment in a case. Each label will include all the pertinent information unique to that barrel of whiskey. These whiskeys will retail for approximately $46.35 each. These rare experimental bottles should be available in November. For more information on the Experimental Collection or the other products of Buffalo Trace Distillery, please contact Elizabeth Hurst at ehurst@buffalotrace.com.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is a 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 www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

200 Days to Go – Let the countdown begin

World Whisky Day – Saturday 17th May 2014

Start getting excited
World Whisky Day falls on the 3rd Saturday in May so for 2014 this means it will be on Saturday 17th May. Mark that in your diary now and tell the next person you meet to mark it in their diary too. 200 days may seem like a long time but it will be here before we know it.

But isn’t every day a whisky day?
Now you may be thinking ‘isn’t every day a whisky day?’. Well kind of, however, World Whisky Day is about celebrating whisky/whiskey and about giving whisky global stage and global media attention for not just a day but for a considerable amount of time around this date. The purpose of this is to introduce whisky to people who have never tried it before and for those that already enjoy whisky to have something special.

All for one and one for all
World Whisky Day is a day for:

• all types of whisky/whiskey.
• everybody, of any background, to enjoy whisky responsibly.
• people new to whisky and people who already enjoy whisky.

All whiskies great and small
World Whisky Day is working with the biggest distilleries in the Scotland and the newest tiniest distilleries in world to make sure that World Whisky Day celebrations can showcase all whisky producers in the world in a fun and open platform available to all.

New to whisky or never tried it before?
If you are new to whisky then World Whisky Day might just be the excuse you need to try whisky for the very first time, as you have always put it off in the past. Why not just give it a go? There could not be a more fitting day to try whisky for the first time. Find an event near you on the World Whisky Day website and learn about the best drink in the world.

Are you a whisky geek?
If you are already a whisky fan then why not open something extra special on World Whisky Day? Everyone has a bottle of something in their cupboard that they have been holding on to for years. Well, why not open it on World Whisky Day and share that special whisky with your friends and family? Hundred’s of people have already done this during the 1st and 2nd World Whisky Day celebrations. Alternatively you could look for a World Whisky Day event happening near your home. Or better yet why not host your own World Whisky Day event?

What has been happening since this year’s WWD in May?
Well, I graduated in July and a week later I was awarded a £50k grant from the Scottish Government to grow and develop World Whisky Day. Since my graduation I’ve been working full time on World Whisky Day to help build what I believe to be an excellent day for the global whisky community to come together and celebrate whisky, the thing we all love.

So what will be happening on WWD 2014?
We are getting a great new website built that makes it much easier to find and add events. We are working closely with distilleries to get them engaged and involved in the global celebrations. We are also working closely with Scottish Government and VisitScotland to help promote World Whisky Day to a worldwide audience.

We hope that World Whisky Day 2014 will be the biggest celebration yet and will see even more whisky enthousiasts than ever before enjoying a glass of whisky on 17th May 2014.

________________________________________

Get Involved
Venue Owner?
You will be able to register your World Whisky Day event in early 2014 but get your thinking caps on now and tell your regulars to save the date for World Whisky Day on 17th May 2014.

Whisky enthousiast?
Please tell your favourite bar and all your whisky friends about World Whisky Day. Make sure you follow us on Twitter (@worldwhiskyday) and Facebook (Facebook.com/worldwhiskyday) for the latest news and some very exciting competitions.

Whisky Distiller or Whisky Brand?
We endeavour to have as many distilleries and brands involved as possible. If you have not heard from us yet we will be in touch very soon. But if you want to let us know about an exciting idea then by all means please drop us a quick message to info@worldwhiskyday.com
________________________________________

That’s all for now but I’ll keep you updated with exciting developments and announcements planned for early in the New Year.

In the meantime if you want to discuss your plans or find out more about getting your venue or whisky involved then please email info@worldwhiskyday.com or call +44 (0)131 208 2582.

Kind regards,
Blair Bowman

Founder
World Whisky Day
www.worldwhiskyday.com

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and very exciting competitions.

185 Years of Rare Drams represented at this years BCLDB Spirits Release

From Angus Dundee a 30 YO Glencadam

This special Single Cask Release is bottled @ 46% ABV & is presented in a unique Glass Decanter.

From Hunter Laing we have two very rare drams

35YO Port Ellen @ 50.4%

35 YO Macallan @ 46%

Rare Drams complete this unique grouping with two Very Old Single Grains 38 YO Strathclyde bottled @ 55.5%ABV.

&

47 YO Invergordon bottled @ 44.6% ABV

185 Years of Rare Drams available at selected Signature Stores from Nov 2nd

Twitter @rare_drams in BC & Alberta

Winter Whisky Deal for Whisky People at the Dornoch Castle Hotel

Book our special discounted winter rate, including 3 course Dinner and full Scottish breakfast and get 30% off the price of measures of whisky, where the bottle has been open over 6 months, for the duration of your stay with us.

Whisky list

Pricing examples;
1951 Mortlach G&M private collection, bottled 2005. Was £25 now £17.5 Brora 2002 release 30yo (2002). Was £35 now £24.5 Balvenie 25yo single cask, 15103. Was £10. Now £7 Talisker, 1955, 50yo, G&M, was £40. Now £28 Diageo Rare Malts. 10 bottles (excluding Broras) £9-12 each, now £6.30 to £8.40 Caperdonich 1972, G&M, was £15. Now £10.50

Over 150 bottles qualify for this discount!

The freshness of our bottles is of utmost importance to us so we are having a cull. I need lots of bottles to be emptied over the winter! can you help?

More bottles added every week!

Facebook album of bottles on offer. 30%off marked price.

Standard room rate;

Single occupancy £89 per night, Including Dinner, Breakfast and whisky discounts Double or Twin £120 per night, Including Dinner, Breakfast and whisky discounts, based on 2 people sharing.

All standard rooms are in the newer part of the building and are all en-suite. See our website for details.

Superior room rate;

Single occupancy £139 per night, Including Dinner, Breakfast and whisky discounts Double or Twin £159 per night, Including Dinner, Breakfast and whisky discounts, based on 2 people sharing.

Superior rooms are in the older part of the Castle and are all en-suite, every room is different. See our website for more details.

Please Quote the Winter Whisky Deal for Whisky People when booking. tel 01862 810216 or email enquiries@dornochcastlehotel.com Discounts available for larger groups and clubs, please contact us for further details. Dates available from the 1st of October until February 28th. Certain dates do not apply, such as Hogmanay, Christmas, Valentines etc.

Assistant Whisky Maker

Speyside

Scotch whisky has become the country’s leading export commodity in the past five years. With international demand rapidly rising for premium Scottish whisky, the industry is thriving.

The Macallan is known as the world’s most precious suite of luxury whisky brands, which form part of the internationally renowned Edrington Group. Following a period of growth and success across the business, the company is recruiting an Assistant Whisky Maker to join the team working in the sample room at our distillery on the Macallan Estate on Speyside.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to work directly with Macallan’s long established Master Whisky Maker. Like no other, the Macallan range of whisky is synonymous with excellence and only uses the ‘best of the best’ ingredients; great skill is required by the Whisky Maker to achieve consistency during the creation process.

You will also learn the secrets of The Macallan portfolio focusing on the contribution the casks make to the distinctive taste and colour of Macallan.  You will assist with the screening of thousands of samples each year, creating whiskies that will be recognised around the world.

Based at the Macallan Estate on Speyside, you will assist the Master Whisky Maker in the definition and maintenance of detailed sensory characteristics of each product in the portfolio. Working with our New Product Development and Sampling Room Teams, you will be immersed in the full flavours and character of this luxury brand.

Who We’re Looking For

• You have a creative flair, with highly developed nosing and tasting skills
• You will be degree qualified in a food science, chemistry or Brewing & Distilling subject
• You have industry experience, possibly working within a production role in the brewing or distilling industry
• You will have experience of flavour assessment and a good understanding of flavours and their interaction in mixtures
• You are analytical in your approach to your work and proficient in using statistical tools
• A strong communicator, you will have conviction in your decisions and be able to lead your audience to be inspired in your ideas for the brand
• You will become a Custodian of the Brand. As Brand Ambassador, you will represent Macallan at industry events and develop our reputation even wider

If you have true passion for whisky and the desire to progress your career in the fascinating world of whisky creation, get in touch.

Apply

This is a highly sought after position, rewarding an industry leading salary and benefits. For more information, please contact Laura Chalmers directly on 0141 410 1019.

To apply, please send a copy of your CV to Laura Chalmers 

The Facts, The People, The News, The Stories – The 2014 Malt Whisky Yearbook

DESCRIPTION:

The new edition of Malt Whisky Yearbook is published in October. Whisky enthusiasts all over the world look forward to the Malt Whisky Yearbook every autumn. This 9th edition is again fully revised and packed with new and up-to-date information on more than 200 whisky distilleries from all over the world.

Distinguished whisky experts such as Charles MacLean, Gavin D Smith, Dominic Roskrow, Ian Buxton, Neil Ridley and Ian Wisniewski contribute with new features written exclusively for this new edition along with details of hundreds of whisky shops, whisky sites and new bottlings.

A comprehensive summary of the whisky year that was and all the latest statistics is also included.

Malt Whisky Yearbook 2014 includes more than 200 tasting notes describing the flavour of single malts from all working distilleries in Scotland and Ireland. Finally, with more than 500 colour photographs, Malt Whisky Yearbook 2014 is as much an essential reference guide as a book to read for pleasure.

PREVIOUS EDITION:

Malt Whisky Yearbook 2013 978 0 9552607 9 7 £13.95