If you travel around the world, hosting whisky tastings and attending events, you’ll know the most important thing you need – other than The Best Sprit in the World and a winning smile – is a decent pair of shoes.

This goes some way to explaining why I held an exclusive nosing and tasting recently for customers of Lodger, a bespoke shoemaker in London…

Twenty gentlemen enjoyed learning at first-hand the whisky-making process as well as an overview of the history and geography of Orkney, the correct glassware to employ and how to taste whisky. This was followed by a range-tasting of our hand-crafted whiskies for those who appreciate the finer things in life, such as handmade shoes.

In return, those nice people at Lodger are happy to offer 15% off for anyone who mentions Highland Park when placing an order. If you can get to London, drop by the shop at 15c Clifford Street, W1, for a glass of Highland Park and a chat about your footwear requirements.

Otherwise, simply visit their excellent website.

Spoil yourself with some country brogue boots for your next trip to Orkney.

Read about the Highland Park tasting in Gentleman’s Corner; www.gentlemanscorner.com

To find out more about Lodger visit www.lodgerfootwear.com

For more information on the Best Spirit in the World visit www.highlandpark.co.uk
 

Gerry
Whisky Brand Ambassador of the Year, 2010

Early Times Kentucky Whisky Releases Commemorative 150th Anniversary Bottle

Louisville, Ky. (April 9, 2010) – Early Times Kentucky Whisky, first distilled in 1860 in Early Times Station, Kentucky, is a whisky known for its rich heritage and mild taste profile. To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the brand, Early Times Kentucky Whisky will release a one-time, limited release expression in a 375ml commemorative bottle.

Although the year 1860 congers up images of “early times” today, at the time, the brand’s original distillers believed the industry was turning too modern, too quickly, and wanted a brand that captured the “good old days.” Thus, the brand name Early Times was selected to remind consumers of the old-fashioned methods of making whisky – mashing grain in small tubs and boiling the beer and whisky in copper stills over open fires.

Closed by Prohibition, the distillery, brand and barrel inventory was acquired by medicinal whiskey permit holder Brown-Forman Distillers in 1923.  Brown-Forman moved the production of Early Times to Louisville, Kentucky in 1935 where it has thrived to this day.  Every drop is distilled under the late 1800’s permit number DSP – 354. 

 “This commemorative bottle celebrates the rich history of Early Times’ role as the second oldest continually produced whisky brand in America,” said Joe Murray, brand manager for Early Times. “While Early Times is now made with modern methods, its name still invokes images of the good old days and still provides a welcome reward at the end of a hard day’s work. As one of America’s top selling Kentucky Whiskies for the last 60 years it still lives up to its reputation as ‘The Whisky that made Kentucky Whiskies Famous.’ 

The Early Times 150th anniversary edition will come in a unique 375ml bottle at 100 proof and carry an Early Times retro 1920’s label. The distillery will produce only 3000 cases which will be available in 20 US states at a suggested retail price of $11.99.

“Early Times 150 is crafted to emulate the flavor profile the brand would have possessed in 1923 when it was acquired by Brown-Forman,” said Chris Morris, Brown-Forman Master Distiller. “Most whisky aficionados who have been treated to a prohibition-era medicinal whisky taste a late bottling. These contain whisky that was aged up to three times longer than the distiller planned. In 1923 Brown-Forman began bottling 5-6 year old Early Times as medicine. This bottling, with its light honey color, mellow oak, brown sugar, vanilla aroma and simple sweet corn, vanilla and faint butterscotch taste bring back the best of a by-gone time – an Early Times to remember.”

About Early Times Kentucky Whisky:

Early Times Kentucky Whisky is 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.

###

___________________________________________________________

The Best TIMES Are Enjoyed Responsibly

Early Times Distillery Co., Kentucky Whisky, 40% Alc. by Volume, Louisville, KY

©2010 EARLY TIMES is a registered trademark

Sensational New packaging for The Antiquary

As part of its global strategy to establish ‘The Antiquary’ as a key brand within the deluxe blended whisky market, J&W Hardie Ltd have revamped the brands packaging. The new packaging is designed to enhance the quality, value and brand awareness of The Antiquary but also to give the brand a more modern look and feel, while maintaining its heritage.
The two expressions of the Antiquary, the 12 year old and the 21 year old are distributed in 25 countries throughout the world. As part of the new look the company has enhanced the iconic diamond cut bottle by updating the J&W Hardie Logo and firing it onto the glass using gold ink. The stunning new labels and gift packs now have a bolder, more modern look and a sense of sophistication which has been created through the use of luxurious gold inks.

This redesign comes at a time when J&W Hardie are expanding distribution of The Antiquary into the South American market by securing distribution agreements in Brazil and Argentina. It is also their intention to target key markets in South and South East Asia.

Robert Anderson Managing Director of J&W Hardie Ltd which is a subsidiary of The Tomatin Distillery Co Ltd , commented “ We feel that in The Antiquary we have a brand with massive potential that has perhaps thus far not been utilised properly by the company. Although current market conditions are still tough there is definitely still an appetite out there for top quality premium brands. We see massive potential in some South American markets and parts of Asia for the Antiquary and always mindful of our customers’ expectations in taste and design, we are more than delighted with this packaging development”.

Visit The Antiquary at http://www.antiquary.co.uk/

The Story Behind The Idea

How it’s Made

Since 1958, the Maker’s Mark® Distillery in Loretto, Ky., has made only one thing — Maker’s Mark Bourbon. It was Bill Samuels, Sr.’s pioneering spirit that led him to experiment with soft red winter wheat as the flavoring grain, in place of rye, that ultimately created the taste profile that is so unique to Maker’s Mark. His idea not only changed the bourbon category forever, but his philosophy of combining “taste good” with “good taste” has remained the core of the brand’s guiding principles to this day.

In the innovative spirit of Bill Samuels, Sr., and at the consistent prodding from bourbon lovers, taste-makers and our Ambassadors, Master Distiller Kevin Smith began experimenting to see if we could come up with something new and different that would be true to the craft and heritage of Maker’s Mark.

After many bad ideas, Kevin came to the conclusion that the foundation for our new bourbon would be our own fully matured Maker’s Mark. Kevin’s next decision would prove equally insightful. He decided to enlist Brad Boswell, owner of our barrel maker, Independent Stave, to provide technical assistance. Brad’s passion soon equaled Kevin’s passion to create
something new and different. Together they experimented tirelessly, realizing that their creation could not and should not come from artificial flavors. Instead, the creation should come naturally from grains and wood. Finally, in December 2009, they exclaimed, “We think we’ve got it!”

Maker’s 46 is the first new product ever from Maker’s Mark Distillery, and we are the only distillery to use this stave process in creating bourbon.

Maker’s 46™ Bourbon Whisky, 47% Alc./Vol. ©2010 Maker’s Mark Distillery, Inc., Loretto, KY.

Maker’s 46 Tasting Notes
Age To Maturity Proof 94

Aroma Pleasant, sweet, toasty oak nose with caramel overtones. More intense aroma without an alcohol nose.
Taste Rich, creamy seared-oak flavors; caramel and vanilla notes linger on
the front of the palate, but it is still soft enough to hold on the tongue
even at 94 proof.
Finish A big, mouth-watering oaky finish. Long with a little spice, staying forward on the palate without the bitter bite found in older whiskies

Why the number 46?

During the experimentation process, Brad and Kevin tried manipulating oak staves in a variety of ways for different flavors, and it was through that  process that Maker’s 46 got its name. 46 was the profile number assigned by Brad Boswell to the process used to sear the oak staves that proved successful in creating the taste profile that Kevin and Brad had been working to achieve.

Visit Maker’s Mark at http://www.makersmark.com/

April 2010 Recent Awards

We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded a fantastic 20 Liquid Gold Awards from Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2010. 

Liquid Gold Awards have been created to celebrate the highest quality and standard of whisky around the world, which means that only those scoring 94 points or more qualify. Representing only a small number of the 4,000 whiskies featured in the 2010 edition, these Liquid Gold whiskies are in Jim Murray’s opinion the elite of our industry; the very best that can be found therefore this is a great achievement from Duncan Taylor.

Some of our top whiskies which received an award are shown below, to view a full list of the whiskies which received a Liquid Gold Award, please follow this link: http://www.duncantaylor.com/awards.htm

Rare Auld, Inverleven 1979
Rarest of the Rare, Glenlochy 1980
Rare Auld, Port Dundas 1973
Rare Auld, Glengarioch 1988

 
Rare Auld, Macallan 1988

 
Rarest of the Rare, Glen Mhor 1975

*The 2010 Whisky Bible was released in October 2009

Duncan Taylor & Co Ltd
Whisky Merchants and Brokers,
4 Upperkirkgate, Huntly,
Aberdeenshire, Scotland AB54 8JU
  website: www.duncantaylor.com
email: info@duncantaylor.com
Phone: +44 (0) 1466 794055
Fax: +44 (0) 1466 794618
 

Purveyors of the worlds most exclusive range of Scotch Whiskies

William Grant & Sons Celebrates #1 Position in Canada 30th Anniversary with Agent PMA Canada

Grant’s Canada’s Number One Blended Scotch Whisky

March 30, 2010 – Peter Gordon, Chairman of William Grant & Sons, marked the 30th Anniversary of its Canadian distributor, Peter Mielzynski Agencies Ltd. (PMA) with a very special blend of Grant’s 30 YO Whisky. William Grant & Sons, distillers of Glenfiddich, The Balvenie and Grant’s Blended Whiskies, was a founding supplier to PMA, now the largest independent agency in Canada. More than 300 industry members, employees and customers in Edmonton paid tribute to 30 years of market leadership in Canada.

“Right from the beginning this has been a special partnership. With PMA’s support over the past 30 years, William Grant & Sons products have become category leaders right across the board” says Mr. Gordon, fifth generation descendant of the company’s founder, William Grant.

To mark the anniversary, William Grant & Sons’ Malt Master, Brian Kinsman created a very special 30 YO vintage of Grant’s Whisky. Only 200 bottles have been produced for members of the William Grant & Sons Canadian partners.

“Canada is a very special place for our company and our family,” says Peter. “Lord Mount Stephen, founder of the CPR, introduced John Grant, William’s son, to the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1905, and that cemented our relationship to Canada.”

Today PMA represents wine, spirits and Beers from all over the world and sells 2.5 million cases per year.

PMA Canada was founded in 1979 by Peter Mielzynski to represent fine wines and spirits across Canada and William Grant & Sons was their first major supplier.

The partnership has been responsible for the success of such internationally renowned whiskies as Grant’s Family Reserve and Gibson’s Finest Canadian Whisky.

Grant’s Blended Scotch Whisky, in its iconic triangular bottle, is one of the worlds best loved. Grant’s is enjoyed in over 180 countries worldwide and ranks fourth in terms of global sales. In 2009 Grant’s Family Reserve took Gold at the prestigious International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC).

To produce Grant’s Blends, the company selects the finest single malt and grain Scotch whiskies—including their own Glenfiddich and The Balvenie Single Malt Scotch Whiskies and its Girvan Grain Scotch whisky—and skillfully and harmoniously blends them together. A typical blend of Grant’s will consist of 20-30 malt whiskies and 1-3 grain whiskies, to achieve its deliciously complex taste and its classic long, and smooth finish.

William Grant & Sons is an independent family-owned distiller founded by William Grant in 1886 and today still controlled by the fifth generation of his family. The Company distils some of the world’s leading brands of Scotch whisky, including the world’s most awarded single malt Glenfiddich®, the handcrafted range of The Balvenie® single malts and the world’s number four blended Scotch, Grant’s®, as well as selected other spirits, including Hendrick’s® Gin.

Ian Macleod Distillers in good standing for TFWA* Asia Pacific 2010

April 2010, Edinburgh; Independent, family-owned Ian Macleod Distillers Ltd, has unveiled a dramatic new look for this year’s TFWA Asia Pacific (9-13 May), launching an innovative bespoke stand, designed to showcase the company’s growing portfolio of award-winning travel retail brands. See Stand N31. 

The investment in the new, improved exhibition space represents the next phase in Ian Macleod Distillers’ initial five year travel retail sales and marketing strategy. This strategy commenced in 2007 with the appointment of Andy Lane as Director of Travel Retail and the launch of the company’s first ever travel retail exclusives, Smokehead Extra Rare and Glengoyne Burnfoot.

Moving away from the original shell scheme and traditional, standard glass displays, the new open design uses clean sharp lines with bespoke laminate white cases and custom-built lightbox. Combined with high impact branding and an informal meeting area, the new stand will give Ian Macleod higher visibility at the show, projecting the company’s dedication and investment in travel retail.

Key brands on display on Stand N31 at TFWA Asia Pacific include the ultra premium Glengoyne Highland Single Malt 40 Years Old and Chieftain’s Springbank 40 Years Old. Both luxury products will be accompanied by many other premium expressions including Glengoyne Highland Single Malt 14 Years Old litre, Smokehead Extra Rare and Smokehead 18 Years Old Extra Black. The hugely successful King Robert II Scotch Whisky will be presented in a new 50cl PET and the exclusive, stylish, award-winning Glengoyne Burnfoot, redesigned last year, will also be on display at TFWA Asia Pacific in litre and new 50cl PET variants.
 
Iain Weir, Marketing Director for Ian Macleod Distillers commented: “We are delighted with the finish of our new exhibition stand, which perfectly reinforces our strong and growing commitment to our global travel retail offering.

“Over the past three years, our travel retail sales and marketing strategy has focused principally on developing exciting new premium travel retail exclusives. We are now in a position to offer an enviable portfolio with global appeal, which our new stand shows off to maximum effect.” 

Andy Lane commented: “TFWA Asia Pacific 2010 is already shaping up to be our most successful show to date. Our eye-catching exhibition space will not only play an essential role in attracting new and existing business partners, it will ensure Ian Macleod project a consistent and professional image between Cannes and Singapore, as well as building a stronger brand identity overall.” 

“Ian Macleod Distillers has already achieved its strategic business objective set for 2012 to increase travel retail sales from eight to ten percent of the overall business. This is a fantastic achievement of which we are rightly proud but we will not rest!”
 
Established in 1933, Ian Macleod Distillers is one of the largest and most widely respected independent family companies within the spirits industry. The award winning Ian Macleod portfolio, which includes Glengoyne, King Robert II, Langs and Smokehead, as well as gin, rum, and vodka, currently has combined total sales of more than one million cases, with 85% being exported to over 65 markets worldwide. 

Andy Lane and the travel retail team look forward to meeting both trade customers and press at the Ian Macleod Distiller’s Stand N31 at TFWA Asia Pacific, 9-13 May 2010. To book an appointment, please contact: andy.lane@ianmacleod.com

For further information visit:

 www.ianmacleod.com or www.tfwa.com

Ian Macleod  encourages responsible drinking
www.drinkaware.co.uk www.scotch-whisky.org.uk
-Ends-

* TFWA = Tax free World Association

Diageo launch the next batch of their single-cask collection of Malt Scotch Whiskies

Following the first batch launched in September, and a second collection released in January, Diageo are now launching the third batch of their single-cask collection of Single Malt Scotch Whiskies.

Among the seven expressions that feature in this third release are several single malts familiar to many malt whisky drinkers  –  Caol Ila™, Glenkinchie™, Glen Ord™ and Royal Lochnagar™.
But Dailuaine™, Inchgower™ and Mannochmore™ normally enjoy only very limited availability.

Each of the whiskies is drawn from one single oak cask, picked after a careful examination of distillery stocks, and bottled at its natural cask strength.

The collection encompasses all 27 of Diageo’s Single Malt Scotch Whiskies  –  the first time that Scotland’s biggest estate of Single Malt distilleries has issued a comprehensive series of single-cask bottlings. Labelled The Managers’ Choice because of the way the whiskies were selected, each distillery is represented by a special bottling of its Single Malt Whisky .

The rare limited-edition series is aimed at collectors and connoisseurs who will enjoy owning and exploring an unusual expression of their favourite Single Malt or even a whole anthology of highly individual Single Malts, chosen to represent a unique take on each of the 27 distilleries’ distinctive distillery character.

The releases are being staged in four batches over several months, starting in September 2009 and concluding in May 2010.

For each Single Malt, the cask was nosed, tasted, discussed and finally chosen as a highly distinctive expression of that distillery’s Single Malt by a judging panel of acknowledged experts, including leading maturation experts and the distillery managers themselves.

In many cases, unusual cask woods will have had their influence on the final result. Perfect maturation and spirit quality have been the criteria, resulting in a bottling that delights with original and sometimes unexpected flavours whilst allowing the distillery character to still shine through.

Depending on the size of the cask and the rate of evaporation over the years since it was filled, the volume of bottles obtained from the chosen casks can vary between approximately 640 and as little as 200. These are, consequently, extremely rare and distinctive whiskies.

Classic Malts Selection™ spokesperson Nick Morgan said: “This series has provoked a great deal of interest and comment. Many serious buyers, including those who know and enjoy our malt whiskies in their more familiar bottlings, are fascinated by the unique and unexpected insights and flavours that The Managers’ Choice offers. All of the whiskies intrigue and delight: some are simply outstanding.”

Full details, including tasting notes, are displayed on the Classic Malts Selection™ website www.malts.com. The updated website content includes the story of The Managers’ Choice and the selection process, a “Meet the Managers” page where they talk about The Managers Choice collection & questions related to the world of whisky, whisky tasting notes & audio, Q&A with a Sensory Expert, and details of where to buy the whiskies. Whisky enthusiasts registered as Friends of the Classic Malts™ have been given early notice of the launch.

Distribution

The Managers’ Choice bottlings are available from specialist retailers in the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Benelux only.

Previous releases

September 2009 saw the first release of six malts: Cardhu™ (1997), Glen Elgin™ (1998), Linkwood™ (1996), Mortlach™ (1997), Oban™ (2000) and Teaninich™ (1996).

The second release in January 2010 comprised Blair Athol™ (1995), Cragganmore™ (1997), Dalwhinnie™ (1992), Dufftown™ (1997), Glen Spey™ (1996), Strathmill™ (1996), and Talisker™ (1994).

Release details – third release

Caol Ila 1997 366 Bodega Sherry – European Oak Rich sweet smoke with dried fruit aromas.

Dailuaine 1997 564 Bodega Sherry – European Oak Sweet woody aroma with smooth bitter notes.

Glen Ord 1997 204 Bourbon – American Oak Soft aroma.  Creamy with a lingering spicy finish.

Glenkinchie 1992 528 European Oak Fresh.  Cereal flavour with a hint of vanilla.

Inchgower 1993 564 Bodega Sherry – European Oak Sweet sherry nose with a long woody finish.

Mannochmore 1998 588 Bodega Sherry – European Oak Fruity Sweetness with a cereal taste.

Royal Lochnagar 1994 528 Bodega Sherry – European Oak Creamy with sweet citrus fruit aromas.

The UK RRP are as follows:

Caol Ila £300
Dailuaine £200
Glen Ord £250
Glenkinchie £250
Inchgower £200
Mannochmore £200
Royal Lochnagar £250

TASTING NOTES

Mannochmore™ 1998/2009, 59.1%, cask #6582, bottle 398/588, (Bodega sherry European oak

Colour: Rich amber with a gun-metal tint. Oily with elegant legs.
Nose:  Firm but not entrenched. Deceptive early aromas of linseed oil and putty quickly give way to a sharp, fresh, forest-fruit compote underscored by white chocolate, vanilla and beeswax. Water banishes the waxiness in an explosion of light, fruit-salad freshness.
Body:  Dense; though lightly syrupy with water.
Palate:  Fiery and insistent: An oily balance of sweet and sharp notes on a charred base of burnt orange peel; crêpes suzettes flamed for just a fraction too long in orange eau de vie. Lighter, more delicate and cooling with water; filled with the flavour of summer fruits, orange blossom and a whiff of peppermint.
Finish:  Warming and mentholic at cask strength; soft and fragrant with water. A surprising late sweetness, cut with orange oil, balances velvet-smooth, lengthy tannins and some very late, rounded, and much appreciated, smoke.
Comment:  A rich whisky at cask strength, perhaps moving to the after dinner slot; with water, more of the classic Mannochmore floral and fruit freshness. In both cases a beautiful balance of citrus sharpness and oaky-vanilla notes

Glenkinchie™ 1992/2009, 58.1%, cask #502, bottle 345/528, (European oak)

Colour:  Pale gold; Chardonnay.
Nose:  Delicate and refined with soft hints of lemon semifreddo and top notes of fresh straw and barley sugar. Later, smooth honey-and-lemon and the scent of marshmallows. With water, sweet and floral notes: Tuberose or Turkish delight dusted with powder sugar on a cereal base.
Body:  Rich and creamy.
Palate:  Light and drying. Immediate fresh citrus quickly develops into liquorice and eucalyptus notes at cask strength. Mineral hints. Rounded, cooling and faintly spicy with water.
Finish:  The fruit tang quickly gives way to lengthy mature oak off-set by creamy vanilla notes and very late menthol. Cooling with water; silky, yet drying. Cleansing. Appetising late cereal.
Comment:  A very delicate whisky composed of complex, though beautifully balanced, elements: Mediterranean citrus, exotic florals and creamy vanilla. Long and smooth in structure, and though light throughout, it is never superficial.

Glen Ord™ 1997/2009, 59.2%, cask #10181, bottle 089/204, (Bourbon American oak)

Colour:  Cool gold with warm, orange hints in sunlight.
Nose:  A quiet, confident complexity. Slightly winey with apple stalks, pear skins and suggestions of Cuban tobacco. Later, a balance of autumnal fruit acidity with hints of orange zest and Cognac warmth. Later still, mature, drying oak: pleasantly dusty with a trace of vanilla pod.
Body:  Medium. Extraordinarily silky with water.
Palate:  Rich and warming; oily and orangey. Then clean, drying oak: smooth dark cocoa, white chocolate and orange oil; moving to aromatic cedar, new leather and hints of spirits of turpentine. Richer and cooler with water; smoother, silkier and with the merest suggestion of peat.
Finish:  Long and rounded with a loving warmth. White chocolate mousse sprinkled with orange zest and shavings of fruity south American chocolate. Later, more cedar and tobacco: the memory of a walk-in humidor.
Comment:  A fabulously refined bourbon wood experience: an exquisite balance of fresh vanilla and oaky dryness; of oily richness and orange acidity. The courteous, urbane sophistication of Glen Ord and the youthful confidence of American oak producing a truly adult whisky.

Dailuaine™ 1997/2009, 58.6%, cask #8476, bottle 381/564, (Bodega sherry European oak)

Colour:  Antique gold; polished phosphor bronze.
Nose:  Fat. Immediate oaked chardonnay notes are balanced by big, soft, treacly, wodges of gingery Yorkshire Parkin. Later, slices of buttered malt loaf spread with honey and marmalade. Water reveals huge depth; Muscat notes of honey, buttery-vanilla and tropical fruits are complimented by cleansing wood-smoke.
Body:  Very rich; very dense.
Palate:  Warming. Spicy. Soft fig rolls. Medjool dates and smooth dark Swiss chocolate. Cooling and oilier with water: hints of menthol, aniseed and burnt sweet-shortcrust pastry.
Finish:  Smooth and warming. Creamy vanilla notes complement a syrupy ginger pudding spiciness. Later; drying, herbal oak. Lighter and longer with water, and seductive suggestion of Cherry-wood smoked malt.
Comment:  Instantly comforting, it is extremely well balanced at cask strength; taking time to reveal the full, indulgent, depth of fruity malt, creamy oak and smoke notes. Water cools, softens and dries. An incredibly pleasing and affirming whisky.

Royal Lochnagar™ 1994/2009, 59.3%, cask #837, bottle 346/528, (Bodega sherry European oak)

Colour:  Rich coppery-gold. Light legs.
Nose:  Big. Initially drying with slightly dusty, oaky notes; then masses of sherry. Homemade rum and raisin ice cream – dense with vanilla and tropical spice. In the far distance, pine resin and wraith-like phenols. Water releases patisserie aromas of glazed fruit tarts and orange blossom; later, sherbet powder [Keli for Scots].
Body:  Light to medium.
Palate:  Hot, thin and drying at cask strength. Herbal. Clove with hints of eucalyptus. Liquorice bitterness and linseed oil seek to obscure a base note of rich fruit-cake; and there is also a fugitive note of red berry tartness. Softer and sweeter with water; treacle toffee and orange oil soften some crunchy cereal notes.
Finish:  Warming and mentholic with a toasted cereal graininess. Again, clove and aniseed but now moderated with some molasses sweetness and a delicate, late cocoa dryness. With water, a richer dried fruit character emerges against a dustier, nuttier background.
Comment:  Mature oak harmonizes beautifully with the spice and cereal signature of Royal Lochnagar. An indulgent nose, rich in creamy vanilla and sweet, spicy notes, joined with a lengthy, malty palate. This expression also retains a pleasing light fruity freshness throughout.

Inchgower™ 1993/2009, 61.9%, cask #7917, bottle 369/564, (Bodega sherry European oak)

Colour:  Deep, polished mahogany with crimson flashes in sunlight.
Nose:  Initially, very reserved. Notes of liquorice, bubblegum and clove top the faintest hints of sawn oak, burnt oak and bitumen. Suggestions, too, of the sea; brine, ozone and salt air. Fresher with water; traces of pear, red apple, eucalyptus, linseed oil and sandalwood.
Body:  Thick.
Palate:  Astonishingly cool at first. Dense, with a near-impenetrable herbal bitterness. Italian bitters [Fernet Branca]. Rapidly becomes fierce and intensely drying. Pure liquorice and strong Assam black teas. Water transforms some tannin character into a perfumed, slightly oily, sweetness with hints of quinine and citrus pith.
Finish:  Beyond bitterness comes enormous complexity: Myrrh-like in its resinous astringency it hints at molasses sweetness; peat and tar, brine and ozone; burnt fruit cake, and late bitter chocolate.
Comment:  The essence of this exceptional malt, of truly hard core complexity when taken at cask strength, lies almost wholly in the finish. Though a challenge to decode, it will eventually yield its secrets with a little water and a patience.

Caol Ila™ 1997/2009, 58.0%, cask #14185, bottle 073/366, (Bodega sherry European oak)

Colour:  Gloriously attractive; clear, sparkly amber. Lightly viscous.
Nose:  Instant. Fresh. Invigorating. At first, acetic dryness fuses with honey, Beech wood-smoke, salty sea air and lemon juice. Wood-smoke rapidly becomes full-on coal tar as phenols move to the fore. Then, with water, a subtle, tropical fruit sweetness plays with its savoury partners; toasted cumin, porcini and sage-butter.
Body:  Light. Soft.
Palate:  Instant phenol. Sensuous. Coating. Pure smoke briefly cut through by a honeyed sweetness. Later fresh fennel and tarragon; followed by drying, oaky, vanilla and crunchy, grainy cereals.
Finish:  Long and smooth; sweet, smoky, herbal, earthy and peppery. Traces of clove. Splendidly savoury: the earthiness of beetroot, roasted with salt and virgin olive oil in a wood fired oven. Comforting late smoky breath. Complete.
Comment:  An outstanding whisky that just can’t help playing games with us: Is it sweet? Where’s the acid gone. Nope – here’s the lemon. Wait, where’s the honey? But that’s olive oil! Throughout, an unpredictable interplay of sweet, tart, savoury and smoky notes; astonishingly fresh and ferociously appetising. Caol Ila never fails to engage, surprise and delight.

HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERIES’ ELIJAH CRAIG SINGLE BARREL WINS “BEST BOURBON” AT 2010 SAN FRANCISCO WORLD SPIRITS COMPETITION

Family-owned distiller’s American Whiskeys win 2 Double Gold, 3 Gold and 4 Silver Medals at nation’s premier spirits tasting competition

BARDSTOWN, KY—With a haul rivaling that of the record-setting U.S. Winter Olympic Team, the American Whiskeys of Heaven Hill Distilleries claimed 9 medals at the recent 2010 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, including “Best Bourbon” for the company’s Elijah Craig 18-year-old Single Barrel.

As today’s consumers broaden their tastes and begin to discover the full range of American Straight Whiskeys, it is significant to note that Heaven Hill, the largest independent family-owned and operated spirits company in the country, is also the only remaining distiller that produces all the major styles of American Straight Whiskey—Bourbon, Rye, Corn and Wheat Whiskeys.  And equally significant is the fact that in this competition Heaven Hill won Gold Medals for their Elijah Craig, Evan Williams Single Barrel and Parker’s Heritage Collection Straight Bourbon Whiskeys; their Rittenhouse Straight Rye Whiskey; their Mellow Corn Straight Corn Whiskey; and a Silver Medal for their Bernheim Original Straight Wheat Whiskey.

In capturing “Best Bourbon, Double Gold Medal”, Elijah Craig 18-year-old Single Barrel was named a Gold Medalist on every judge’s ballot, thereby qualifying it as a Double Gold Medalist, and it was then voted best among the other Bourbon category Double Gold Medalists.  Elijah Craig adds the “Best Bourbon” title from San Francisco to a track record that includes a Double Gold and Gold Medals at previous San Francisco competitions, a Gold Medal at the International Spirits Challenge, and a “Five Star/Highest Recommendation” from renowned spirits critic F. Paul Pacult’s Spirit Journal.

It is also the fourth time Heaven Hill’s American Whiskeys have captured a “Best of” title in San Francisco, having won “Top North American Whiskey Trophy” with Rittenhouse Bottled-In-Bond Rye Whiskey in 2006, and “Best Rye Whiskey” with Rittenhouse 23-Year-Old Single Barrel Rye Whiskey in 2008 and “Best of Show, Brown Spirits” with Parker’s Heritage Collection 27-year-old Bourbon in 2009.

The San Francisco World Spirits Competition is the most influential and respected spirits competition in the world. Celebrating its tenth year, the 2010 Competition was the biggest in its history. 30 judges gathered at the Hotel Nikko in downtown San Francisco on March 13th and 14th to reward spirits excellence by evaluating 1,024 different spirits from 57 countries. These judging panels were comprised of spirits experts from noted restaurants and hotels, well-known spirits journalists from major national media, spirits buyers for large purveyors, and spirits consultants. Judging was based on a blind, consensual procedure, ensuring competitive integrity as it remains the most recognized competition in the spirits industry.  To learn more about the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, visit www.sfspiritscomp.com.

In addition to the top showing by Elijah Craig 18-year-old Single Barrel Bourbon, Heaven Hill took another Double Gold Medal for Evan Williams Single Barrel 1999 Vintage Bourbon, and Gold Medals for Rittenhouse 25-year-old Single Barrel Rye Whisky, Parker’s Heritage Collection “Golden Anniversary” Bourbon, and Mellow Corn Bottled-in-Bond Corn Whiskey.  Heaven Hill, the nation’s second largest holder of aging American Whiskey, also captured Silver Medals for Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey, Evan Williams Single Barrel 2000 Vintage Bourbon, Rittenhouse Bottled-in-Bond Rye, and Evan Williams Honey Reserve Kentucky Liqueur.

“We have always taken great pride in our heritage of producing the finest American Whiskeys, dating back to our company’s founding after Prohibition ended,” noted Heaven Hill Distilleries president Max L. Shapira.  “Our father and son team of Master Distillers, Parker and Craig Beam, bring 7 generations of expertise that shows in all of our Bourbons, Rye, Corn and now Wheat Whiskeys.  We are pleased that others share in our opinion that Heaven Hill American Whiskeys are unsurpassed not only in their variety, but in their quality.”  

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams and Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Hpnotiq Liqueur; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul and Two Fingers Tequilas, and Dubonnet Aperitif.

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”

We have re-launched our website with the aim of making it easier to navigate and find the information which you are looking for.  There is now more information available and direct links to the new on-line shop, subscribing to this blog and providing feedback to us. It now comes with more familiar drop-down menus and has slide shows and two small videos to view.

We would appreciate any feedback that you have, even if you preferred the last site.

We have plans to improve the site further and I will keep you informed of progress as the changes are made.

Last week was a celebratory week for us as we did well at The San Francisco World Spirits Competition with the 21 year old winning a double gold medal and the 40 year old winning a gold medal.  Following the awarding of 94 points in Jim Murray’s 2010 Whisky Bible for the 21 year old it is pleasing to see that it is being acknowledged as an outstanding whisky in it’s own right and on a par with it’s two older siblings.

Back home in Scotland, on Thursday we won an award for export development for our success in expanding availability of the new range to 13 new markets and already this year we have added more markets to that list with plans for more.

We will also be publishing a book detailing the history of Glenglassaugh and this will be available from the shop, where copies can be personally signed by Graham and/or myself if desired. We will shortly be publishing a high quality book covering the history of Glenglassaugh from its beginnings in 1875 up to the present day and its recent revival. The book will be in hard-back format and of extremely high quality and a landscape format which allows a complete re-print of an original specially commissioned article by celebrated Victorian whisky author, Alfred Barnard, to be included.

The retail price will be £19.99, excluding delivery, and the books should be available from the distillery after 14th April. Alternatively there will be a paperback version available at £14.99 plus delivery.

If anyone wants to pre-order one of these books then this can be done via the on-line shop.

Slange

Stuart

Visit Glenglassaugh at http://www.glenglassaugh.com/