Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2010

The most comprehensive whisky guide ever written, now further expanded with 946 new entries and another 56 updated.

The best selling ratings guide to all types of whisky including Scotch single malt, blends vatted malts, single grains, Irish pot still, malts, blends, grains, Bourbon, rye, Japanese, Canadian, Australian, European and many others.

Detailed, professionally analysed yet easy to understand tasting notes on more than 3,850 of the worlds leading and lesser-known whiskies.

Reviews of all that’s new and worth looking out for in the world of whisky.

Specially designed for quick and easy reference in any liquor store or supermarket.

Each whisky evaluated by whisky guru Jim Murray in his unique, forthright, honest, amusing, fiercely, independent and non-pretentious style.

All books from the Dram Good Book Shop are signed by Jim Murray.

Use the box below to enter the name of the person you would like the book dedicated to.  Alternatively enter “Unsigned” if you would prefer an unsigned copy.

Order now.  Publishing date 5th October 2009. Order Price: £10.99

Order via http://www.ekmpowershop7.com/ekmps/shops/dramgoodbooks/jim-murrays-whisky-bible-2010-16-p.asp

This has been a very busy year to date for Duncan Taylor, despite the financial woes of the world, sales of our whiskies have reached new heights. We have had more awards, some great product reviews and huge success with Black Bull. We hope this will continue for the second part of the year.

Company & Product News

Sales have increased in most markets with Black Bull a runaway success. In fact, the 30YO was released in America early August and is now sold out!

As you may have seen from our press release that the “Rare Auld” has now been released in a new much up graded gift pack custom designed by Euan.

We bid a fond farewell to the colour coordinated regional boxes and give a warm welcome to a new generic gift box which provides a  simple, yet striking appearance, instantly enhancing the brand identity on your shelf. The new two tone box consists of a light colour lid, in moonstone grey, which contrasts perfectly with the elegant slate colour on the base.

The label will retain detailed information and the regional colour coordination, as before, which we feel stands out extremely well against the neutral background. The back of the box carries the DT history and brand values giving the consumer an immediate insight into what we are all about.

The double layered gift boxes afford increased protection and are more easily opened. A protective sleeve protects them in transit and storage. All in all – added value all round, helping to realise increased sales!

Mark has just returned from a successful weekend at Bredaryd Wardhaus in Sweden.  Mark was in his element as 35 of the most dedicated followers of whisky in Sweden met to talk about and taste some amazing whiskies.  The real surprise of the show came when in Mark tasting a group of self confessed single malt fans voted Black Bull Blended Whisky number 1, Cameronbridge 1979 Grain whisky number 2 and the 70th Anniversary Duncan Taylor vatted malt as number 3 in the taste off!  

Staff News

We are pleased to announce that Mark Watt has now been promoted to Export Sales Director. Whisky Magazine’s “Young Ambassador of the Year” has worked solidly in promoting the Duncan Taylor brands in particular bringing the delights of Caperdonich to the attention of those who were unfamiliar with the malt. Mark will now be managing the export sales team and looks forward to bringing you even more interesting whiskies to the table.

To improve our service to you, our customers and friends, we are in the process of upgrading our computer system with the installation of some expensive new sales database software, this will help us greatly to keep in touch and offer an exemplary service. To assist with this process we have employed Marie McDonald.

As both Jemma’s and Kirsty’s babies grow, so their arms are having to get longer to reach their keyboards. Any time soon, they will have to surrender their desks to have a few days rest before the due date!  We wish them both best of health and easy times ahead. Huntly Distillery

Huntly Distillery project is still online, albeit at a slightly more leisurely pace than in the initial phase of planning. It now has full planning consent and building warrant approval. The site has been undergoing a “makeover” with ground clearance, landscaping, structure demolition and building remedial work over the past month. The project has been awarded a further grant of £100,000 from the Hydrocarbons Trust so we are getting very close to starting the major build part of the project. We are considering doing some “futures” on the first distillation so if you are interested then please let me know at euan@duncantaylor.com

Past Events

It is August, Whisky Fringe was back at the stunning venue of Mansfield Traquair in Edinburgh, and Duncan Taylor again introduced fans new and old, to some malts new and old!  The event as always was a huge success and the 70th Anniversary malt went down very well with those who chose it as there half time tipple!  Black Bull 30yo went down a storm on the day being voted in the top three whiskies of the entire show with the Glasgow Whisky Society hitting Edinburgh and declaring it their number one whisky of the day.

The Lonach gathering was on the 22nd of August and was a busy event with locals and tourists alike eagerly trying to get their hands on the 2009 event bottling.  We would like to thank everyone who attended and made it such a special day at all events, and to those in the back ground who make these things happen.

Upcoming Events

Runrig, Scotland’s premier band, have once again entrusted Duncan Taylor to produce its exclusive limited edition bottling to commemorate its largest gig of the year at Scone Palace, Home of the Scottish Kings, on 29th August. This limited edition bottling is a fantastic Highland Park 22 Year Old. It goes on sale 24th August, get your orders in now as it will be a sell out as it has been in previous years. Limited to only 750 bottles at cask strength.

The Runrig event on 29th August will also include a specific whisky tent which will have Scotland’s best Distillery companies exhibiting. Duncan Taylor are proud to be the only Independent Bottler exhibiting there so the estimated 20,000 people coming that day will have a great selection of wonderful whiskies. For ticket sales and additional venue information, visit www.runrig.co.uk/scone

Looking forward – we are also at Whisky Live Glasgow in September.

See you all there!
New Bottlings

There are some pretty stunning new releases this month which I am sure will be of interest to you all. The first is the return of the Sherry Cask Glen Grant 1970 this one from cask 844 – it is certainly a big sherried whisky but with so much more to offer.  We have only done one cask so you best be quick.
 
Later in the month will also see us release a cask strength NC2 Springbank 1997 12 year old. This version of Springbank was non-peated and was triple distilled. I think you all know which whisky we mean by that, although we can not put that on the label as the whisky was not distilled at the distillery that closed in 1925 but is in fact one of three styles of whisky made at Springbank distillery.
 
Another NC2 we bottled at cask strength was a particularly good cask of Imperial 1996. We are huge fans of Imperial here at DTC and this one showed excellent toffee notes and such great character that it deserved to be bottled at cask strength – certainly not one to be missed.

For those who prefer a bit more smoke in their whisky the latest cask of 1982 Caol Ila Cask 2743 certainly should not be missed – a great balance between fruit and smoke.

In future bottlings make sure to look out for the launch of Black Bull 12 yo – sure to grab you by the horns.  Also for look out for an up coming bottling of 1997 Heavily peated Bunnahabhain a dram that will certainly please the peat freaks – you know who you are!

For further information, please contact:
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

MALTS ON THE MARCH: BENRIACH AND GLENDRONACH EXPAND INTO CHINA, VIETNAM AND USA
 
As part of its planned growth strategy for its two malts, the BenRiach Distillery Company is expanding into emerging markets such as China and Vietnam.
 
The company is also beefing up its presence in the USA.
 
Regional Sales Director James Cowan is responsible for marketing BenRiach and GlenDronach in China and Vietnam. He said: “In the past, these countries were perceived as being off the radar as target malt whisky markets.
 
“However, in recent years the booming economies and the rise in the number of wealthy individuals have helped to make malt whisky a more attainable product.
 
“Additionally, these markets are already hugely popular holiday destinations due to improved air links and the spin-off from the Beijing Olympics. 
 
“Due to the sheer size of China – over three and a half million square miles and over 1.3 billion of a population – we intend on focus on a small number of regions rather than try to target the country as a whole. This can act as a springboard to build the brand further in due course.
 
“Meanwhile, Vietnam has also entered a significant period of growth within the tourism sector, and this lends itself well to the introduction of premium malt whisky throughout the relevant outlets that this industry attracts.
 
“Our plan is to conduct a series of organised tastings and corporate events in the months to come which will aid the brands’ introduction. For any new market and particularly emerging markets, it is essential that we are closely in touch with activities on the ground, as has already been successfully proven in some of our other new te rritories around the world.”
 
Looking at the USA, Regional Sales Director Alistair Walker commented: “BenRiach has been available in the US for four years now and we ar e gradually establishing a name for it through tutored tastings and whisky festivals across the country.
 
“Our US Importer Preiss Imports will be introducing the new GlenDronach range – 12, 15 and 18 year old malts – towards the end of this year.
 
“I believe GlenDronach has excellent potential in the US. We have been inundated with enquiries from US consumers via our website so there clearly remains an awareness for the brand in the States – an awareness that was built up during the past five decades via William Teacher’s and Allied Distillers.” 
 
ends                                  28 August 2009
 
INFORMATION – James Cowan, Alistair Walker, 01324 682220

For further information please visit   http://www.benriachdistillery.co.uk/  & http://www.glendronachdistillery.com/

Dear Malt Messenger Subscribers,

There is an air of excitement when cask samples arrive at the store for tasting. This morning 6 clear glass bottles filled with amber coloured liquid arrived at the store ready for consideration. This most recent set of cask samples is not for another cask of single malt Scotch whisky, we already have three casks on the way (Springbank, BenRiach and Tullibardine), no this latest batch of samples are from Jack Daniels Distillery in Lynchburg Tennessee. I know everyone is feeling a little burned by the recent election fraud in Iran, and the allegations of such coming from Afghanistan. Many of you are worried about your vote counting? We have the cure, Whisky Democracy III – Jack Daniels. See below!

On another subject, if you’ve been by the store lately (since Wednesday), you’ll know that we have somehow come into the possession of a whisky which we’ve sold out of twice. This whisky is one of my favourites, a port cask matured (note this means it was matured not finished in port pipes) 16 year old Bowmore distilled in 1991. While it has the dose of peat you come to expect with Bowmore, it is also massively chewy and chocolaty! When Rob White, the agent for Bowmore in Alberta, told me there was a chance he could find a few more cases for the store a couple of months back, I jumped at the opportunity. This whisky is a onetime release, and while we may see something just as good down the line, when the Bowmore 1991 is gone, it’s gone. We managed to get our hands on 78 bottles, 9 of which have sold without any effort or marketing. I have my bottles, do you have yours? More info below!

Finally, a minor typo of mine in last week’s Malt Messenger caught the attention of Robert Ransome of Glenfarclas Distillery. With respect to the Glenfarclas Family Cask Tasting we have running November 26th, I mentioned that George Grant (the man who selected the Family Casks, and who will be here to conduct the tasting) was one of the family owners of “Glen Grant” distillery. It obviously should have read “Glenfarclas distillery”, an understandable oversight given his last name. Robert wrote: “No harm done, but I think you owe George a Campari & Soda…” (Campari Group of Italy, owns Glen Grant distillery) Fair enough…  but I think I’ll ask George what he wants before I muddy up his palate with Campari. To clear the air I’ve provided below an edited description of the Glenfarclas Family Cask Tasting…  Glens, and Grants and Farclases oh my!

Slainte!

Andrew Ferguson

scotchguy@kensingtonwinemarket.com

www.kensingtonwinemarket.com

www.twitter.com/scotch_guy

Whiskey Democracy III – Jack Daniels – Wednesday September 16th – $30

Jack Daniels is surely unique among world distilleries in that its whiskey is produced in a dry county. The distillery is built and operates in Lynchburg Tennessee, even though the sale of alcohol is illegal in its county, Moore.  Over the past two years the Kensington Wine Market we has bottled its own casks of Bourbon (Buffalo Trace and Evan Williams respectively), both of which were a big hit. This year we are planning to do something a little different, we’re going to bottle our own cask of Jack Daniels, which is not bourbon, but Tennessee Whiskey. The principal difference is that Jack Daniels is filtered through sugar maple charcoal before being filled into new American oak casks for aging.

Jasper Newton (Jack) Daniels, the distillery’s namesake, is believed to have been born in September of 1850, though other sources state 1846 as the year (a fact which can’t be confirmed owing to a courthouse fire).  That’s not the only date in dispute; the distillery’s founding date is also in question. A biographer of Jack Daniels has pointed to land deeds which indicate the distillery wasn’t founded until 1875, while the distillery asserts that it was in fact 1866. If the distillery is right, then Jack Daniels may have begun distilling whisky at the age of 16!

As part of a new democratic approach to cask selection Kensington Wine Market would like your help to select a cask of Jack Daniels to be bottled for our store. We have enough whiskey for 16 of our customers to help us chose. If you would like to have your vote heard, call the store at 403-283-8000 to register, or do so on our website at www.kensingtonwinemarket.com . It should be noted, that the Kensington Wine Market is not a perfect Democracy, and our Scotch Guy Andrew Ferguson reserves the right to make the final decision. This democracy isn’t perfect, but it does try to be benevolent!

Bowmore 16Yr 1991 Port Cask Matured

This is, without a doubt, one of the best Bowmore’s bottled in years. Released in 2007 it was the 3rd release in a trilogy of 16 year olds released by the distillery in ’05, ’06, and ’07. The first release was matured in Bourbon Barrels, the second release in Oloroso Sherry Casks and the 3rd and final release was matured in Port Pipes. Many distilleries finish their whiskies in port pipes, as they are often used to add a richness and depth to whiskies which lack them. Generally speaking, most whiskies finished in port casks are chewier and chocolatier than their stillmates. This whisky is no exception and, most interestingly, is not finished in port pipes but matured in them for a full 16 years. This gives the whisky a richness and depth it might otherwise lack.

When first released to the Calgary market in the Fall of 2007, long before glowing reviews from the whisky pundits, the port matured Bowmore 1991 sold out. Just before Christmas 2008 it came to my attention that Alberta would be receiving a small shipment of the product, the leftovers of an allocation not fully purchased by the American market. We jumped on the opportunity to get this whisky back in the store and purchased a big chunk of it. Of the 102 bottles we purchased all sold in 3 months. A couple of months ago I was informed that another small cache of bottles had been found by the distillery and we jumped at what will likely be our last opportunity to acquire more of them.  I don’t know if or how much this whisky will accrue in value over the years, but I can tell you I won’t part with my two bottles without some convincing. Collecting aside, this whisky is—to borrow the line of another distillery—eminently drinkable. 18,000 bottles were originally released worldwide by the distillery; I’d be surprised if more than quarter of them remain unopened. If you’re an Islay drinker, or a fan of the island’s oldest distillery (Bowmore), this whisky is a must for your collection (especially if you collect to drink). $93.99

Nose: Rich stewed fruit berries, sweet black cherries and hints of bitter, dark chocolate underlined by a lighter Bowmore smokiness. Palate: Warm and rounded, packed full of fruit flavours’ of brambles and damson jam followed by a subtle earthy peat smoke. Finish: Warm and satisfying. Truly an impressive Bowmore with a rich, round palate.

Glenfarclas Family Cask Tasting w/ George Grant – Thursday November 26th – 7PM – @ The Petroleum Club – $150

This is round 2 of Kensington Wine Market’s Glenfarclas Family Cask tastings. Last fall we were fortunate enough to have Robert Ransome of Glenfarclas on hand to do the tasting. This fall we are proud to present special guest George Grant, family owner of Glenfarclas and the man who selected the casks for an incredible tasting of 6 different vintages: 1954, 1962, 1978, 1984, 1985, and 1987. This is one event not to miss!

If you have any whisky questions or comments concerning The Malt Messenger please contact me by e-mail, phone, or drop by the store. Feel free to forward me any whisky news you feel should be included in a future issue of The Malt Messenger; it might just get included.

All of the products mentioned in THE MALT MESSENGER can be purchased in store, over the phone or from our website at www.kensingtonwinemarket.com . All prices quoted in the Malt Messenger are subject to change!

Thanks for reading the Malt Messenger!

Slainte!

Andrew Ferguson
KWM Scotchguy

403-283-8000
888-283-9004
1257 Kensington Rd. NW
Calgary, AB, Canada
T2N 3P8

scotchguy@kensingtonwinemarket.com

Governor Steve Beshear’s Communications Office
Governor Beshear declares September “Bourbon Heritage Month”
Press Release Date: Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Contact Information: Jay Blanton
Jill Midkiff
502-564-2611

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Gov. Steve Beshear today honored Kentucky’s signature bourbon industry for its tremendous economic and tourism impact by declaring September “Bourbon Heritage Month” in the Commonwealth.

“From jobs to investment to tourism, bourbon is a vital part of the Bluegrass economy that benefits all of Kentucky’s citizens,” Gov. Beshear said. “It’s also a key export and a proud symbol of our heritage that’s known and acknowledged around the world.

“It’s a privilege to proclaim September ‘Bourbon Heritage Month’ in recognition of our historic distilling industry. My administration is committed to working with our distillers to help this essential part of our economy grow and thrive.”

Beshear also congratulated the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. “Visitors from all 50 states and around the globe are flocking to Kentucky in record numbers to enjoy the bourbon experience,” Gov. Beshear said.

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail® links eight of the state’s historic distilleries: Brown Forman’s Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace, Four Roses, Heaven Hill, Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Tom Moore and Wild Turkey.

“Thanks to bourbon, more and more visitors are staying in our hotels, eating in our restaurants and pumping much-needed revenue into local economies,” Gov. Beshear said. “And it can only happen in Kentucky, the birthplace of bourbon.”

Kentucky produces 95 percent of the world’s supply of bourbon, with nearly 5 million barrels currently aging in the Commonwealth, said Eric Gregory, president of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association.

That’s the biggest total inventory since 1983, Gregory said, with a tax-assessed value of $1.6 billion – an increase of $324 million from 2008. Bourbon production has increased more than 75 percent since 1999, he said.

The distilling industry’s economic benefits to Kentucky include:

$3 billion in gross state product;
More than 3,200 direct jobs with an annual payroll exceeding $326 million;
$115 million in state and local taxes every year;
More than $100 million in planned capital investment; and
More than 1.5 million visits to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® in the last five years alone.
September also marks the annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival, which runs Sept. 15 through Sept. 20 this year. It has grown to more than 55,000 visitors from 40 states and 14 countries, said Milt Spalding, the festival’s executive director.

“We appreciate the support and commitment of Gov. Beshear in growing this unique and integral part of the Bluegrass economy,” Gregory said. “Bourbon has a rich history in Kentucky dating back 200 years, and we’re confident that the best is yet to come.”

###

http://kentucky.gov/Pages/home.aspx

CONTACT: Angela H. Traver
Public Relation Manager
PH: 502-696-5957
atraver@buffalotrace.com
For Immediate Release

BUFFALO TRACE RELEASES MORE EXPERIMENTAL WHISKEY
A Collection of very limited and “one of a kind” whiskeys

FRANKLIN COUNTY, KY— What’s next? After more than twenty years of experimentation, Buffalo Trace Distillery is rolling out the latest release of the prized Experimental Collection. This round of tinkering was conducted to find out how barrels with different wood grains affect bourbon aging. In particular, what impact do barrels made from fast-growth oak trees with coarse grain patterns have on bourbon aging, versus barrels made with slow-growth trees with fine grain?

Here are some answers to that question:
1. FINE GRAIN OAK: These barrels were filled July13, 1994 and bottled May 7, 2009. Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #2 was used and the product entered the barrel at 125 proof. After more than 14 years of aging, the slow-growth of fine grain wood concentrated the sugars and imparted extra doses of caramel and vanilla.  The bourbon is rich and exceedingly sweet with an almost syrupy character.  It also has a nice balance of flavors and complexity.

2. COARSE GRAIN OAK: The filling and aging time on these barrels is the same as with the fine grain. After nearly 15 years in the barrel, this whiskey is dry with a balance of smokiness and wood with herbal qualities. The finish is quick and woody and it is slightly heavy with a powerful complexity.
“We continue to learn new and interesting information from these experiments. We never know how they are going to turn out,” said Harlen Wheatley, master distiller. “It’s also great to see the excitement that surrounds these releases. The customer feedback is great.”

There are more than 1,500 experimental barrels of whiskey now aging in the warehouses of Buffalo Trace. Each of the barrels has unique characteristics making it different from all others. Some examples of these experiments include unique mash bills, types of wood and barrel toasts.  In order to further increase the scope, flexibility and range of the experimental program an entire micro distillery complete with cookers, fermenting tanks and a state of the art micro still has been constructed within the Buffalo Trace Distillery.

The Experimental Collection will be packaged in 375ml bottles. Each label will include all the pertinent information unique to that barrel of whiskey. These whiskies will be released in late May of 2009 and retail for approximately $46.35 each. Each experiment is rare and very limited. For more information on the Experimental Collection or the other products of Buffalo Trace Distillery, please contact Kris Comstock at kcomstock@buffalotrace.com.

About Buffalo Trace
Buffalo Trace Distillery is a family-owned company based in Franklin County, Kentucky. The distillery’s rich distilling tradition dates back to 1787 and has included such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace is a fully operational distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Buffalo Trace has won seven distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Malt Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Buffalo Trace has also garnered more than 170 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. The distillery is part of the Sazerac family of companies, which has operations in New Orleans, Louisiana; Franklin County, Bardstown and Owensboro, Kentucky; Fredericksburg, Virginia and Baltimore, Maryland.

Visit Buffalo Trace Distillery at http://www.buffalotrace.com/

What is a limited edition? Well, at Highland Park it is an unusual or interesting whisky, differentiated by its packaging, numbered usually in hundreds rather than thousands and offered to whisky enthusiasts around the world.

For example, The Ambassador’s Cask was a series of five single cask bottlings at natural strength which ran from 2005 to 2008, beginning with 270 bottles of cask #43. The fifth and last Ambassador’s Cask was released in December 2008 and comprised 228 bottles of cask #8845, a refill sherry hogshead, distilled in 1974. The entire series is sold out bar the last few bottles of the final bottling.

Also, in 2008, to commemorate the first 180 years of The Spectator magazine, a limited edition of 180 bottles of Highland Park 30 year old was created. Highland Park was established 30 years before The Spectator so it made sense that the anniversary bottling should be a 30 year old, the age of the distillery when the magazine was launched. This limited edition has now sold out. Even I haven’t got one…

Then, earlier this year, we released the 1977 Repatriation bottling. The existence of a forgotten cache of 694 bottles of the Bicentenary 1977 Vintage came to light in Japan and it was decided to ‘repatriate’ the whisky, to celebrate its extended Japanese sabbatical. The Repatriation bottling was packaged as a coming together of Japanese and Orcadian culture: it is presented in a bespoke oak box the embellishment of which follows classic Japanese graphic form; the front of the box features an outline of Japan as well as 1977 depicted in Japanese characters; the use of red as an extra colour is typically Japanese. It is selling quickly but there are still some bottles of this highly regarded whisky available, but you know it will be gone soon.

Finally, we recently released a new natural strength 12 year old whisky called Hjarta, named after the old Norse word for ‘heart’. Limited to approximately 3,900 bottles, Hjarta is only available at the distillery, in our on-line shop and in Scandinavia this Autumn.

For more information about the Best Spirit in the World, or to buy one of these great limited editions, visit www.highlandpark.co.uk
 
 

Gerry
Head of Brand Education, Highland Park

Find me on Facebook at Highland Park Whisky or follow me on Twitter; www.twitter.com/bestspirit

Compiled by Sue

Welcome to the “irregular” Newsletter of Bladnoch Distillery. You’ll realise as you progress through it that Bladnoch is not just about whisky – it’s about Bladnoch…the whisky…the place…the people…the craic…..

 If you would like copies of earlier issues please contact Sue on bladnoch@talktalk.net

THE 2009 RAFT RACE

Regular readers will appreciate just how important this event is in the local calendar. The annual Wigtown Community Week Raft Race begins on the riverbank in the Distillery Gardens. Sundry farm vehicles appear in the car-park, driven by exotic creatures with even more exotic rafts in tow. (There’s also a fancy dress element to the race) After the registration and raft judging – up to twenty vessels are launched into the River Bladnoch – hopefully as the tide is turning and flowing downstream – though this hasn’t always been the case. Those that actually float make their way to the start – just under the Bladnoch Bridge and await the starting pistol- which was actually a horn this year! And away they go, making their way about a mile and a half downstream to Wigtown Harbour where they can look forward to ploughing their way through banks of delightfully slimy mud as they extract themselves and their craft from the river.

Winners and losers can be found celebrating and commiserating in the Bladnoch Inn in the hours following the finish while the Bladnoch team enjoy a very sophisticated BBQ on the Distillery Lawn.

I know you’re thinking “She hasn’t mentioned the Bladnoch Raft!” Well, I was saving the best until last. The “Silver Surfers” finished in our best time ever – around 45 minutes though we never did discover our position – and even overtook a number of rafts on the way downstream. This year’s design was much more streamlined – as were the crew.

Quote of the day from the youngest team member, Claire, “ I saved the day!”

 BLADNOCH WEBSITE & ONLINE SHOP

Our website changes are still ongoing…. Checkout the latest photo albums by following the “Photos” tab and we also have a section dedicated to our growing band of Miniature collectors. The webshop continues to be a great success in the UK and beyond. Just think – your favourite Bladnoch and Raymond’s exciting Forum Offers at the click of a button. WATCH OUT FOR THE 2009 CHRISTMAS BOTTLING 70cl & 5cl MINI

Log on to www.bladnoch.co.uk and click on the photo of “the girls”  to enter the shop. For those of you who still prefer the more personal contact of a phone call ring 01988 402605 and ask for Yolanda.

BLADNOCH FORUM

The Forum membership continues to grow and grow with over 1500 members. I’m sure the regular offers of alternative bottlings at remarkable prices are a great draw. Our latest offers have included Caol Ila, Longmorn, Glen Grant and even a Bladnoch.

If you haven’t already signed up go to www.bladnoch.co.uk and click on the “FORUM” tab to register. A further advantage is that you will get a 10% discount on any bottle purchased from the on-line distillery shop.

BLADNOCH FOLK & BLUES FESTIVAL – August 28th – 30th 

Founded three years ago by a group of over-enthusiastic musicians, the Bladnoch Folk & Blues Festival continues to go from strength to strength.
The festival takes place in and around Bladnoch Distillery and this means that our festival can never ‘get too big for its boots’ – we have a more intimate venue, we don’t cater for tens of thousands and you don’t have to queue for hours to use a port-a-loo!

In our first few years we have had names such as Martin Taylor, Allison Burns, Michael Marra, The Paul McKenna Band and many more. Our busking competition is now the stuff of legend – last year it was too wet to be held outside and people had to busk in the ever helpful Grapes Inn, Wigtown…

On our first year, we were voted the No. 1 gig in Scotland in the Sunday Times

It is, we hope, a friendly festival, and a family oriented festival. This year we have things for the kids to do such as a climbing wall and a music workshop where the children make their own instruments out of junk!
We hope we can continue the festival in future years, but to do that we need your help! So if you like great music, please come along to the 2009 Festival!

This year’s attractions include Skerryvore, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Blabbermouth, Connie Lush, Bellevue Rendezvous,Kings of Cheeze, The Fortune Sons, Adrian Byron Burns…..and more !!

www.bladnochfestival.co.uk

NEWS FROM THE BOOK FESTIVAL – Share a dram with us this autumn

As part of Scotland’s Homecoming 2009 celebrations, this autumn we’ll be hosting a unique festival-within-a-festival celebrating the connections between whisky and writing. With music, tastings and some of the world’s top whisky experts – including Charlie MacLean, Gavin Smith, Ian Buxton and Robin Laing and Dave Broom – it will appeal to anyone who has ever curled up with a book and a dram. Watch this space for further details. To register for the whisky email newsletter contact  mail@wigtownbookfestival.com.

STAFF PROFILE – Sammy
Sammy is the newest, and youngest, member of the Bladnoch Team.

Born in the Far East – Middlesborough – she moved to the Machars with her family when she was only eight years old. I guess she must be used to our Wigtown Ways by now.

Her time is spent in the office supporting Hazel in the day-to-day administration of the Distillery.Her computer skills have already proved very valuable.

When not at work Sammy spends her time at the gym, walking, socialising and Bebo Browsing.

Welcome to Bladnoch Sammy!

RAYMOND’S THOUGHTS FROM THE DRAMMING ROOM – the fisherman’s tale

Just back from a pleasant evening’s sea fishing at the Isle of Whithorn. I don’t know whether any of you know what it’s like to go fishing with little hope of catching anything. It’s maybe the gaudy copper lures and feathers I use, purchased as bargain offers from Lidl. Oh the embarrassment of it all. Maybe they’re just kid’s playthings and not intended for use by serious fishermen. I choose a heavy lure that looks like a big fish, other fishermen standing on the rocks nearby might think I’ve managed to catch something big when I’m reeling it in. I’m embarrassed as they offer advice, “You’ll not catch much with that, pal.” Should I lie? I reply, “Managed to get a few mackerel last night” Even one huge seagull sitting on a nearby rock appears to be regarding me with scorn.

After a very short time in which I manage to lose quite a few lures my patience ebbs and I give up in disgust. I suggest to Florence that she carries my fishing gear back to the car, so that I can walk ahead and not be quizzed by passers-by, “Any Luck?” But being brought up as a good Presbyterian she would have none of this minor deception.
Back at the harbour car-park, I’m spotted by someone I know, “Don’t worry”, he says, “I can never catch anything either, except mackerel”. Everyone can catch mackerel except me. But the craic sitting in the evening sun by the harbour is good. We take pleasure in asking other unsuccessful anglers if they’ve had any luck. If they say no, I enquire, “Not even mackerel?” and they look sheepish, which is my cue for further banter.
A small rubber boat comes in followed by a flock of noisy seagulls, the men are obviously gutting and filleting fish. …. Saved …. one of them knows me and offers me half a dozen freshly filleted fish, so I’m back at Bladnoch and they are about to go into the pan for supper………

To our many friends all over the world we would like to say “Thank You” for your continued support of The Spirit of the Lowlands

BLADNOCH DISTILLERY

BLADNOCH

WIGTOWN    DG8 9AB
01988 402605

www.bladnoch.co.uk

bladnoch@talktalk.net

PC8 Wins By a Royal Mile

PC8 wins the ‘Spirit of Whisky Fringe’ award.  

The annual Whisky Fringe tasting, organised by Royal Mile Whiskies, took place last weekend at the old church of Mansfield Traquair during the Edinburgh Festival.
 
Around 200 whiskies were available for tasting by members of the public and all visitors were given the chance to vote for their favourite spirit tasted over the weekend. 

PC8, heavily peated Bruichladdich to the tune of 40 ppm’s worth, was voted by the general public as the Spirit of Whisky Fringe 2009, and awarded the trophy.

Bruichladdich has been well received by Edinburgh’s whisky fans. In the last three years it has won this trophy twice and came second once.

This achievement was all the more impressive as this 8 year old whisky was up against contenders that were considerably older, in some cases four times the age.

PC8 is the fourth and final release in the dramatic 6 tin image series. The picture tins, having featured the distiller, his team, Islay people, now showcase Islay’s heritage.

“Ar Duthchas”, land of our fathers, portrays landmarks from Islay’s remote Rhinns peninsula, celebrating Mans’ long presence, the tangible heritage, of this special isle.

PC8, bottled on islay at 60.5%  should be compared to previous bottlings PC5, PC6 and PC7 that were rated at 95, 96 and 96.5 in the 2009 Whisky Bible by Jim Murray.

Notes for Editors
High Resolution Image & Info: http://web.me.com/markreynier/PC8_Port_Charlotte

UK distribution: Blavod, 202 Fulham Road, London SW10 9PJ  – contact: rambler@blavodextreme.com 
To Order: Phyllis Taylor 0207 3522096 
Exports: Andrew Gray andrew@bruichladdich.com

2,500 cases 12/1 available worldwide Bottled at 60.5% alc.vol

PC = Port Charlotte Islay Single Malt distilled at Bruichladdich Distillery in 2001 from barley peated to 40ppm

NEWS RELEASE
WHISKYCAST FEATURED IN ITUNES MUSIC STORE®

August 21, 2009

Haddonfield, New Jersey – WhiskyCast, the cask-strength podcast focusing on whisky news and interviews from around the world, is one of the featured podcasts this week in Apple’s iTunes Music Store ® .  It is one of 16 drinks podcasts showcased in the “Wine, Beer, Mixology” section of the store’s main podcast page.

“WhiskyCast has routinely been featured in the food and drink section of the iTunes Music Store’s® podcast directory for a couple of years now, and this is the second time it’s appeared on the main podcast page,” said WhiskyCast host and creator Mark Gillespie. “Nearly two out of three WhiskyCast listeners uses iTunes® to download each week’s episode, and this is a great opportunity to attract more whisky lovers.” The show’s audience has been growing as whisky connoisseurs and those just beginning their exploration of whisky have discovered WhiskyCast, and the show now averages more than 28,000 downloads each month.

WhiskyCast is the longest-running whisky podcast on the Internet, with 213 episodes since its debut in November, 2005. The show’s guests have included master distillers from around the world, with coverage of Scotch whiskies, Bourbons, Canadian whiskies, and whiskies from Japan, Australia and other countries. The show’s web site, www.whiskycast.com, features a global calendar of whisky events, links to whisky resources, and a complete archive of past episodes.

WhiskyCast’s sponsors are Laphroaig® Single Malt Scotch Whisky and New York’s Park Avenue Liquor Shop, which will begin offering listeners an exclusive whisky special each week beginning in September. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available.

For more information:
Christina Philburn
1-856-558-1501 or christina@whiskycast.com
iTunes Music Store is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc.