The Perfect Mint Julep
 
Saddle up and get ready for the most exciting two minutes in sports, because before you know it the Kentucky Derby (May 7th) will be here. Kentuckians sure do have a lot of time-honored race day traditions – seersucker suits and straw hats for the guys; over-the-top bonnets and colorful dresses for the ladies, and sipping on Mint Juleps made with Kentucky Bourbon is a must. Maker’s Markis one of Kentucky’s finest premium bourbons, handcrafted at the oldest operating bourbon distillery in the world. It has always been handcrafted by the Samuels Family, and eighth generation distiller and COO Rob Samuels has offered up his family recipe for the perfect Mint Julep to share with your readers.
 
“The Perfect Mint Julep”
 
Ingredients:
1 liter Maker’s Mark
Lots of fresh spearmint
Distilled water
Granulated sugar
Powdered sugar

To prepare the mint extract, remove about 40 small mint leaves – wash and place in a small mixing bowl.  Cover with 3 ounces of Maker’s Mark.  Allow the leaves to soak for 15 minutes.  Then gather the leaves in a clean, soap-free piece of cotton cloth and vigorously wring the mint bundle over the bowl of whisky.  Dip the bundle again and repeat the process several times.  Then set aside.
 
To prepare the simple syrup, mix 1 cup of granulated sugar and one cup of water in a cooking pot.  Heat to dissolve the sugar.  Stir constantly so the sugar does not burn.  Set aside to cool.
 
To prepare the mint julep mixture, pour 3 ½ cups of Maker’s Mark into a large glass bowl or glass pitcher.  (Pour the remaining whisky from the liter bottle into another container and save it for another purpose).  Add 1 cup of the simple syrup to the Maker’s Mark.
 
Now, begin adding the mint extract a tablespoon at a time to the julep mixture.  Each batch of mint extract is different, so you must taste and smell after each tablespoon is added.  You may have to leave the room a time or two to clear your nose.  The tendency is to use too much mint.  You are looking for a soft mint aroma and taste – generally about 3 tablespoons.
 
When you think it’s right, pour the whole mixture back into the empty liter bottle and refrigerate it for at least 24 hours to “marry” the flavors.
 
To serve the mint julep, fill each glass (preferably a silver mint julep cup) half full with shaved ice.  Insert a sprig of mint and then pack in more ice to about an inch over the top of the cup.  Then, insert a straw that has been cut to one inch above the top of the cup so the nose is forced close to the mint when sipping the julep.
 
When frost forms on the cup, pour the refrigerated julep mixture over the ice and add a sprinkle of powdered sugar to the top of the ice.  Then serve.

Chichibu and Karuizawa distilleries unaffected by Fukushima situation reposts Number One Drinks Company

From Chris Bunting at Nonjatta; “Further to the couple of posts I have put up trying to address concerns about the affect of the situation at the Fukushima No. 1 Nuclear Power (1,2) on Japanese Whisky, No. 1 drinks has done voluntary testing to clear up some facts about the whisky they are importing. In summary, there was no trace of radioactive material in whiskies stored at Chichibu or Karuizawa. I have posted No. 1’s press release below. It offers exactly what we need now: facts.”

www.one-drinks.com

NUMBER ONE DRINKS COMPANY WHISKIES UNAFFECTED BY RADIATION

The ongoing situation at the Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear facility in north-eastern Japan has resulted in confusion regarding the status of Japanese products destined for export to overseas markets. Some countries have temporarily introduced partial bans on the importation of Japanese products, whilst others (including the EU) have brought in the need for testing and certification prior to export.

The situation in Japan remains unclear with the prefectural authorities tasked to issue the required certification not yet fully briefed by central government. To provide reassurance to customers as swiftly as possible, Number One Drinks Company has therefore elected voluntarily to submit samples to a Government-approved testing centre in Japan. Whisky has been taken from each warehouse at every distillery for which Number One Drinks holds exclusive export rights.

Samples were drawn at the beginning of April 2011 and tested over the following few days. The results shown below indicate conclusively that these products have been unaffected by the three radio-nuclides concerned (Iodine 131, Caesium 134 & Caesium 137):

[Distillery – Sample Location – results of tests]

Chichibu – Cask #26 distilled 2008 Chichibu – No radio-nuclides detected (see above)
Hanyu – Cask #1305 2000 Chichibu – No radio-nuclides detected
Karuizawa – Cask #5173 2000 Karuizawa w/house 1 – No radio-nuclides detected
Karuizawa – Cask #7914 1984 Karuizawa w/house 4 – No radio-nuclides detected
Karuizawa – Cask #3653 1984 Karuizawa w/house 8 – No radio-nuclides detected
Kawasaki – Cask #G7451 1982 Chichibu – No radio-nuclides detected

Both Karuizawa and Chichibu distilleries (where stocks of Hanyu and Kawasaki are also stored) are located more than 250 kilometres from the Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear facility.

David Croll, Tokyo-based Managing Director of Number One Drinks Company (Japan), states: “I hope these test results will go some way to clarifying the situation. We continue to monitor the situation carefully and will work together with the Japanese authorities to facilitate export of these whiskies as the necessary documentation becomes available.”

Visit Nonjatta at http://nonjatta.blogspot.com/ for further updates and more current informaion on Japanese distilleries

WHAT’S NEW AT THE SPIRIT OF SPEYSIDE WHISKY FESTIVAL THIS YEAR?

Devotees of the dram and non-whisky drinkers alike will be able to discover even more about the delights of Scotland’s Malt Whisky country this month as the 12th annual Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival swings into action, with many new and exciting events added to this year’s programme.

The five-day festival’s packed programme of over 200 events running from 28th April to 2nd May, features something to suit all levels of interest – from the exclusive three day intensive instruction on offer at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky School to a more light hearted look at the world of whisky with stand up comedian Vladimir McTavish.

And many new exciting events have been added to this year’s programme including the opportunity to become a Benromach warehouseman for the day – offering enthusiasts a unique opportunity to be initiated into the ultra exclusive whisky world with the chance to take part in the time honoured preparations of the iconic drink before hand-filling a bottle of Benromach as a souvenir of this unforgettable experience.

Whisky lovers will also have the chance to test out the knowledge accumulated over the course of their connoisseurship at the Cask Strength Challenge quiz at Strathisla Distillery, with the winning team taking away rare limited edition bottles of Deoch an Doras 36 Year Old whisky, produced by the now defunct Inverleven distillery.

For those who want to let their hair down while in Malt Whisky country there are a range of exciting daytime and evening entertainments showcasing the best of Speyside spirit including the Coleburn Distillery Fun Day and Ceilidh, an extravaganza added to this year’s programme offering whisky barrel buggy racing, haggis making and more before some traditional craic at an evening ceilidh.

Other brand new musical highlights include a celebration of contemporary Scottish music at the Celtic Spirit evening at The Glenfiddich Distillery and the Whisky and Jazz event at the Craigellachie Hotel, where Dutch whisky author Hans Offringa will be on hand to sign copies of his book ‘The Road to Craigellachie – Revisited’ which will be officially re-launched as part of the festival programme offering enthusiasts the change to get their hands on a copy of this whisky themed travel book that quickly became a collector’s item after its first edition was released in 2004.

Over the course of the Festival visitors will have the opportunity take part in numerous long-standing favourite events such as guided tours of many of Speyside’s 50+ world renowned distilleries, including some not usually open to the public, as well uncovering the unique appeal of this amazing area of north east Scotland on a range of whisky themed walks and tours.

Outdoor events include the festival’s famed “Dramble” where walkers can sample the spirits on offer at the seven stills of Dufftown by foot, a selection of whisky and wildlife walks guided by local rangers, as well as exclusive motorised tours taking in the backcountry braes that used to conceal the smugglers stills by four wheel drive or even in an amphibious argocat.

Connoisseurs will have the chance to blend their own whisky at the Cardhu distillery as well as sampling some superb single malts and helping to select the winning whiskies at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards prior to the annual opening dinner at Knockando Distillery.

Tastings will also be offered at a range of other events including the foodie friendly Sweet and Savoury Whisky Pairing workshops at Gordon and MacPhail where guests will receive guidance on how to select the top tipples to complement their favourite foods. Whisky and food will also be the subject of some new additions to the festival programme with tasting tours taking place on the Saturday and Sunday of the festival. To find out more and book tickets go to www.spiritofspeyside.com, and keep up to date with the Festival programme on www.facebook.com/WhiskyFestival or www.twitter.com/spirit_speyside.

Notes:

– Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 2011 runs from Thursday, 28th April-Monday, 2nd May.  www.spiritofspeyside.com

– Speyside is easily accessible by rail or air, including a number of low-cost airline options to Aberdeen and Inverness airport

– The Festival runs a subsidised Book-a-Bus service and taxi voucher scheme

– The Festival also runs several competitions and awards including a Photographic Competition and the prestigious Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards

– Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 2011 has received funding from EventScotland and is also financially supported by many other private and public partners

– EventScotland is the national events agency.  EventScotland is working to make Scotland one of the world’s leading event destinations. By developing an exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events EventScotland is helping to raise Scotland’s international profile and boost the economy by attracting more visitors.  For further information about EventScotland, its funding programmes and latest event news visit www.EventScotland.org

– The Year of Active Scotland is a Scottish Government initiative being delivered by EventScotland and VisitScotland which began on the 1st January 2011. For more information go to www.eventscotland.org/activescotland

– A series of focus years running from 2010 to 2013 will ensure co-ordinated national activity that will spotlight some of Scotland’s great assets as we journey towards 2014.  The four focus years are centred on domestic and international tourism and the development of the events industry in Scotland. These focus years will celebrate our reputation as a land food and drink, as an active nation, as a place of culture and creativity and as a place of natural beauty.

– EventScotland in partnership with Volunteer Development Scotland is delivering Event Team Scotland, a new web – based portal which matches volunteers across Scotland with exciting sporting and cultural events.  For more information please visit www.eventteamscotland.com

EARLY TIMES MINT JULEP NAMED “OFFICIAL DRINK OF THE KENTUCKY DERBY®”

Consumers will have chance to submit artwork to be featured on 2012 commemorative bottle
 
Louisville, Ky (April 26, 2011) – For the past 24 years, the Early Times Mint Julep has proudly served as the “Official Drink of the Kentucky Derby®.”  In celebration of this, Early Times Kentucky Whisky continues its tradition with the release of the 2011 commemorative Kentucky Derby bottle.

The 2011 Early Times Mint Julep commemorative bottle features the artwork of Marita Walizer from Oklahoma City, OK. Walizer won a national artist search contest conducted by Early Times to find the artwork featured on the 2011 Kentucky Derby bottle. Her painting, “Derby Cheers”, was selected from hundreds of entries from across the country. She also received $5,000 and a trip for two to the 2011 Kentucky Derby.

“It’s an incredible honor to have my artwork selected to be on the Early Times Mint Julep commemorative bottle,” said Walizer. “I grew up in Louisville and have been around horses my whole life so this really is a dream to have my painting chosen and to attend the Kentucky Derby.”

From now until May 8, 2011, fans can text the keyword ETDERBY to 68405 from their 2-way text messaging capable wireless phone for a chance at winning one of 10 reproduction prints of the 2011 Early Times Mint Julep Bottle label designed by Walizer. Consumer may also enter online by visiting www.earlytimes.com/etderbysweeps.

Early Times is once again giving consumers the opportunity to submit their artwork for the chance to be featured on the 2012 Kentucky Derby bottle. Beginning May 2, consumers can log on to www.earlytimes.com/etmjartistsearch to submit their artwork, as well as to see official rules and contest details.  The winner will win a VIP trip for two to the 2012 Kentucky Derby, $5000 in cash, along with having their artwork featured on the 2012 Early Times Mint Julep bottle. All submissions must be received by June 28, 2011 at midnight.

During this year’s Derby week, more than 120,000 Early Times Mint Juleps are expected to be served at Churchill Downs®. Over the past 24 years, more than 2.5 million Early Times Mint Juleps have been served between Kentucky Oaks® and Derby Days at Churchill Downs. This year’s Kentucky Derby presented by Yum! Brands will take place Saturday, May 7, 2011.

The newly labeled Early Times Mint Julep commemorative bottle is available now in limited quantities throughout the United States for a suggested retail price of $14.99.

About Early Times Kentucky Whisky:

Early Times Kentucky Whisky, 40% ABV, is the “Official Drink of the Kentucky Derby” made at the Brown-Forman Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. Early Times Kentucky Whisky is one of the fine spirits produced and marketed by Brown-Forman Corporation, a diversified producer and marketer of fine quality consumer products, including Jack Daniel’s, Southern Comfort, Finlandia Vodka, Tequila Herradura, el Jimador Tequila, Woodford Reserve, Canadian Mist, Old Forester, Fetzer Wines and Korbel California Champagnes.  Early Times reminds you to drink responsibly. For more information on Early Times Kentucky Whisky visit www.earlytimes.com.

About Churchill Downs®:

Churchill Downs, the world’s most legendary racetrack, has conducted Thoroughbred racing and presented America’s greatest race, the Kentucky Derby, continuously since 1875.  Located in Louisville, the flagship racetrack of Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ: CHDN) also operates Trackside at Churchill Downs, which offers year-round simulcast wagering at the historic track. Churchill Downs will conduct the 137th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 7, 2011. The track’s 2011 Spring Meet is scheduled for April 30-July 4.  Churchill Downs has hosted the Breeders’ Cup World Championships a record seven times and the event will return to the track for its next renewal on Nov. 4-5. Information about Churchill Downs can be found on the Internet at www.churchilldowns.com.

Churchill Downs®, Kentucky Derby® and the Twin Spires design are registered trademarks of Churchill Downs Incorporated.

Whisky Magazine names Federal Wine & Spirits National ‘Retailer of the Year’

Whisky Magazine is based in the UK, but is the international journal of record for scotch whisky. We’re proud (and I’m humble) that they have given us this honor, the first time to our knowledge for a Massachusetts store. It was against some pretty impressive competition, too: Park Ave in New York, Town in Rhode Island, Party Source in Kentucky etc., but Whisky Magazine was probably impressed that we could fit so many malts in so small a space. If you haven’t already, this might give you a reason to come in to see us.

…and so we enter the 21st century

In an effort to remain on the cutting edge in these fickle times we are pleased to announce that we have a Twitter. Also a facebook. We would really appreciate it you would “like”, “friend”, and “follow” us on these exciting new platforms such that we are better able to communicate with you, our friends whom we like and follow. We will be using these fancy mediums to increasingly keep you up to date on events, new arrivals, and to answer any questions you may have. The addresses for these thingies are as follows:

Twitteh
and
facebook

We look forward to traveling with you on the information super-highway, I guess we get to use the carpool lane!

Joe Howell
Federal Wine & Spirits
Email: joe@federalwine.com
Phone: (617) 367-8605
Web: http://www.federalwine.com/

BEST IN FIELD

Black Bull 12yo awarded Best Blended Scotch at World Whisky Awards

BEST BLENDED SCOTCH WHISKY 12 YEARS AND UNDER

Rob Allanson, Editor

Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky are proud to announce that Black Bull 12 year old, our award winning deluxe blended scotch whisky has been crowned ‘Best Blended Scotch Whisky aged 12 years and under’ at the World Whisky Awards 2011.

Tenaciously fending off the comcompetition, Black Bull 12yo impressed the judges with its robust, powerful yet sublimely balanced character to be recognised as the very best in its field, globally.

Stoically Independent and without compromise, Black Bull 12yo is blended at an unusually high ratio of 50% malt to grain whisky. Released at a muscular 50% abv the blend offers a unique sensory experience and delivers indulgent, uncompromised depth. Like all Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky, Black Bull 12yo celebrates nature; unfettered by chill filtration and artificial colouring, it allows the character of each carefully selected malt and grain whisky to shine through.

The Black Bull brand has been synonymous with quality and innovation since 1938 when it became the first ever 100 proof blend to be sold in the US. Following a rebranding in 2008, Black Bull’s stature and range has grown, winning critical acclaim and a plethora of awards including the International Wine and Spirits competition, Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible and the New York International Wine and Spirits contest.

WWW.BLACKBULLWHISKY.COM

WHISKI Rooms

Address: 4, 6 & 7 North Bank Street, Edinburgh
Located on the Mound with fabulous open views over Edinburgh, just around the corner from Edinburgh Castle.

General Information

The WHISKI Rooms is due to open in early summer 2011 (planned for June) and will be a completely new concept in whisky retailing. Comprising of three separate units, (formerly two gift shops and a branch of the Bank of Scotland ) knocked through into three interlinked spaces, it will comprise a whisky shop with a dedicated tasting room, a bar and a bistro where customers can walk from one to the other.

The principle for the venture has came from customers repeatedly asking where they can buy the whiskies they tried and enjoyed in the original WHISKI bar. Hence the “try before you buy” concept has evolved where customers can try a whisky at the bar and if they like it, go into the whisky shop and buy it there and then or alternatively order it online and we will ship it to their home. With an all day fresh Scottish food offering, extensive drinks list including 100’s of whiskies, daily whisky tastings and educational videos being shown in the tasting room – we feel that the WHISKI Rooms will be a unique venue to promote and showcase Scotland’s national drink, whisky and Scottish produce in general.

Background

WHISKI launched in May 2007 on Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile with the intention to create an upmarket whisky bar offering fresh Scottish food and a great Scottish experience in Edinburgh. Within two years the bar had received many awards and gathered a worldwide following, appearing in many TV shows and magazine articles across the globe. 

Owners Background

Owned by husband and wife team, Gary & Anne Still. After very successful corporate careers, they decided it was time to take the plunge and move into hospitality – a industry they had passion for and had talked about doing for years. They eventually bought Clever Dicks in the Royal Mile and took over in Dec 2006, launching WHISKI in May 2007. 

Main Contact : Anne Still

Web:       www.whiskibar.co.uk
Email:     info@whiskibar.co.uk
Twitter:   www.twitter.com/whiskibar

What  a month of celebrations. 1 royal wedding, 4 bank holidays, Easter, Spring, sunshine.  How are you celebrating?

We hope there will be some English Whisky in the house so we wanted to remind you that here at the English Whisky Co. we have kept our prices the same as before the VAT increase and the recent increase in excise duty, this won’t last forever.  Stock up on Chapter 6 and Chapter 9  while offer lasts.

Just to remind you that all our whisky is colour and additive free and non-chillfiltered single malt whisky.  A great addition to any bank holiday celebrations

Visit our shop today http://www.englishwhisky.co.uk/acatalog/home.html Or visit our website for Easter opening times and tour information.

Fiona’s Secret

This February saw the start of Glengoyne’s Shop refurbishment project. Things have progressed rather smoothly, with no major hiccups.

According to Glengoyne Retail Manager, Fiona McManus, “we’ve worked with our designers to create what we think might just be the WORLD’S GREATEST WHISKY SHOP. That is quite a boast, but it’s one I am happy to make. There are some wonderful features, which you won’t see anywhere else and I am convinced the overall effect will be stunning. The work is now very close to completion, but we are not revealing any further details at this stage. You’ll just have to await your next newsletter, or better still, visit Glengoyne in mid April to see for yourself.”

Well folks, that’s our Fiona for you, she always did play her cards close to her chest.

Duncan’s Long Walk

 
Glengoyne Stillman Duncan McNicoll has talked his family into walking The West Highland Way to raise money for a very worthy cause.

Five of them will step out at the end of April on the four-day, 95 mile walk that passes Glengoyne on its way to Glencoe and Fort William. Duncan, his brother John and John’s son Craig will be raising money for charities that help sick children.

Duncan volunteered for the walk after a chance discussion with a couple visiting Glengoyne, who were keen to raise funds for their grandson who had been very ill. They will set off early on April 29th and will pass Glengoyne around midday. We’ll cheer as they pass, perhaps you could raise a dram of Glengoyne to help them on their way. If you’d like to know more, or how to contribute directly, please contact yvonne@glengoyne.com

500,000,000 Drams

Life at sleepy wee Glengoyne will be changing; just a little bit.

For decades we have stored as much of our whisky here as possible, but have been sending a few Glengoyne casks for storage with some of our friends in the industry too. We have now augmented our traditional Dunnage warehouses with some shiny new, modern ones, which will mean we can now house around 50,000 casks on site, a tenfold increase. Glengoyne will still make the worlds slowest distilled Single Malt Whisky, but the pace of life for our Warehousemen (and Warehouselady – sorry Steph) will never be quite the same again.

Robbie, our distillery manager believes that our new warehouses will “make things easier and more efficient for the company and will represent a significant saving on transport and third party warehouse rent. This will secure current job expenditure and has created three full time posts. The warehouses have given the Glengoyne site a real boost of activity. Do you realise that 50,000 casks equate to half a billion drams? My goodness, you are a thirsty lot!”

Glengoyne Ahoy!

Next month sees the start of our new partner-ship with Cruise Glasgow, the Greenock Ocean Terminal which attracts some of the finest vessels afloat to visit Scotland’s sun-kissed shores.

What better way to be welcomed ashore than with a healthy dram of Glengoyne.

During their two day stay, a goodly portion of the passengers will visit Glengoyne, to see for themselves Scotland’s slowest distilled whisky trickle out of our Stills. The Glengoyne crew really know the ropes and will be happy to show them around our tightly run little ship. Full steam ahead.

10% Off for Father’s Day

We are offering our loyal newsletter readers 10% Off Glengoyne Personalised Bottles in the run up to Father’s Day (19th June). This discount is in addition to the existing promotion of Personalised Bottles for the price of Standard Bottles. Use the discount code DAD10 at the Glengoyne Online Shop.   Visit the Glengoyne Online Shop >

And finally…You’ll Be Flocking Here Now

We are building a new car park.

Let’s be honest, this isn’t the most exciting news for you, but it’s a big thing for us – you try sharing your work car park with 200 whisky casks, a tractor, two diggers and a flock of sheep and you’d soon see why we are so excited.

The car park will have separate areas for coach and visitor parking, which will make parking at the distillery more accessible. Sheep will now be banned, but you are more than welcome to come try it out.

Visit Glengoyne Distillery at www.glengoyne.com