Three World Masters Masterclass

Three countries have defined whisky making over the centuries – Scotland, Ireland and America. Join host Dave Broom and three of the world’s most renowned whiskymakers from those three countries for a multinational mix of great whisky.

Three World Masters

Host: Dave Broom and special guests, Maureen Robinson, Drew Mayville and Billy Leighton.
Saturday 3 October
4.30-6pm
£100

Modern whisky emerged in Scotland and Ireland more than 400 years ago and the knowledge of its production was carried to the USA in its early days. Ever since, those three countries have dominated whisky and their production techniques have helped create whiskies around the world.

Whisky writer and host Dave Broom will be joined by three of the most influential whisky makers from Ireland, the USA and Scotland to talk whisky and taste some expressions they have specially selected.

The panel includes:

Billy Leighton – Master Blender for Irish Distillers
Maureen Robinson – Master Blender for Diageo
Drew Mayville – Master Blender for Sazerac

line up
TBC

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Please note: you must have a Saturday ticket to Whisky Show to attend this class.

Show Details
2-4 October 2020
11.30AM – 6.30PM

Old Billingsgate
1 Old Billingsgate Walk, London EC3R 6DX

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1992 Glen Scotia 27 Year Old “The Perfect Fifth” Single Barrel No. 05917 Cask Strength Single Malt Island Scotch Whisky (750ml) (Pre-Arrival)

$850.00

The upstart bottler, The Perfect Fifth, is sourcing some truly unusual and rare barrels for their inugural release. An unexpected addition to the line up of ultra-premium whiskies released by the new bottler, this old malt from the “other” Campbeltown distillery is not to be ignored. Packaged in a unique “wooden barrel case It achieved “Liquid Gold Award” status and 94 points from the preeminent whisky critic, Jim Murray. Here are his impressions, Nose: Playful, teasing smoke offers an unlikely sharpness to the already busy barley. For its big age, this malt is alive and kicking; brilliant! Taste: Sublime depth to the barley which is at its juiciest and glows as the cocoa notes bring out the best of the light smoke. Finish: A bitter-sweet finale with the phenols swirling around and spices a-buzzing. No signs of tiredness at all as the barley still plays a big part while the oak offers both cocoa and a proud skeleton on which all else hangs. Balance: Just adore that chocolate and light peat mix.

ralfy review 834 Extras – The art of adding water to whisky.

#ardbeg #scotch #smokesessions #djbbq #bbq 

ARDBEG AND DJ BBQ TURN UP THE HEAT THIS SUMMER TO LAUNCH

ARDBEG SMOKE SESSIONS

 Ardbeg team up with DJ BBQ to celebrate big, smoky flavours

with online series and Insta-grill-along

ISLAY, UK – 21 JULY 2020 – Ardbeg, the world-renowned Islay Distillery, is joining forces with DJ BBQ this summer to bring big, smoky flavours to backyard barbecues around the globe.

Fuelled by their shared obsession with smoke, Ardbeg has partnered with the ‘catertainment’ star and certified pitmaster to create The Smoke Sessions – an online series which offers a guide to mouthwatering barbecue serves, and smoky whisky cocktails.

Giving Ardbeggians everywhere the chance to take their BBQ to the next level, The Smoke Sessions will see DJ BBQ (aka Christian Stevenson) apply the fundamental Laws of Smoke, Wood & Heat to perfect BBQ dishes and drinks created using Ardbeg Ten, An Oa and Wee Beastie. 

Ardbeg and DJ BBQ will kick off the series this July by hosting the UK’s smokiest virtual barbeque on Instagram Live. The grill guru will share one of his favourite recipes and show off his expert cocktail making skills, whilst at the same time spinning the decks. Joining in the fun will be Brendan McCarron, the Distillery’s Head of Maturing Whisky Stocks.

DJ BBQ commented: “My smoky barbeque recipes share so many characteristics with the flavours of Ardbeg whisky, and they complement each other perfectly. The laws of wood, heat and smoke are so important to barbecue and single malt alike, and once mastered, you’ll become a barbeque boss!

“The taste of braided beef fillet alongside an Ardbeg Ten Old Fashioned is just awesome, and a sip of hot Wee Beastie punch with a slow smoked pork shoulder is unrivalled!”.

“Remember, patience is key to maximise that wonderful flame-grilled flavour, it’s only done when it’s done. The Ardbeg Smoke Sessions series will show you that it’s easy to go beyond the realms of basic barbecue burgers with a little creativity and a ton of smoky goodness!”

Grillers and whisky lovers can tune in to Ardbeg’s Instagram Live on Friday 24 July at 8pm BST to watch DJ BBQ kick off Ardbeg Smoke Sessions with the UK’s smokiest virtual BBQ.

Cocktail fans will also be able to order DJ BBQ’s Maple and Bacon Old Fashioned for delivery across the UK, via Mothership on the Drinks At Home platform, for a limited period from 21 July 2020.

The Ardbeg Smoke Sessions will launch on Ardbeg’s social channels (YouTube, Instagram & Facebook) from 21 July 2020. Links to watch each episode are available below: 

Law of Heat – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCib5a1KcyU

Law of Smoke – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJp01otyQg0

Law of Wood – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EY47ta_lsu4

Follow Us On

Website: www.ardbeg.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ardbeg

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ardbeg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ardbeg/

DJ BBQ: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djbbq/

DJ BBQ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/djbbq

DJ BBQ Twitter: https://twitter.com/dj_bbq

Tag us: #Ardbeg 

NOTES 

BBQ FOOD & COCKTAIL RECIPES 

DJ BBQ has created the following dishes and serves, using the Ardbeg range: 

• 18-Hour Whisky-Smoked Pulled Pork with Ardbeg Wee Beastie Hot Apple Cider
• Coal-Roasted Beef Plait with Ardbeg Ten Maple & Bacon Old Fashioned
• Whisky Planked, Pit-Smoked Salmon with Ardbeg An Oa Bloody Mary 

Full recipes available on request. 

Ardbeg

Ardbeg prides itself on being The Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky.  Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts.  Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’.  During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future and it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction.  Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following.

Ardbeg Committee

The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded in 2000 by the formation of the Ardbeg Committee.  The Committee is made up of thousands of Ardbeg followers worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”.  Today there are more than 100,000 members of the Ardbeg Committee in over 130 countries.  Committee members are regularly consulted on new bottlings and expressions and are offered exclusive Committee bottlings.  Members also receive invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events.  The Committee, chaired by Mickey Heads, is free to join at ardbeg.com.

Awards

Since 2008, Ardbeg has won more than 50 gold and double gold medals in key whisky competitions.  Ardbeg was voted ‘Scotch Whisky of the Year’ twice by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible (2008, 2009) and has twice been awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards (2010, 2013).  At the 2014 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, Mickey Heads was voted ‘Distillery Manager of the Year’.  The following year, Ardbeg’s expressions took the top three spots in Whisky Advocate magazine’s review of the best single malt Scotch whiskies under US$100.  Most recently, at the 2019 World Whisky Awards, Ardbeg Ten Years Old triumphed in the 12 Years and Under category, and Ardbeg Corryvreckan in the Non-Age Statement section. In the International Whisky Challenge 2019, Ardbeg was named Distillery of the Year and Ardbeg An Oa took home three awards, including best Islay malt.  Meanwhile, Ardbeg Uigeadail was handed a rare platinum medal by the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2019 (SFWSC) – an award reserved for a handful of spirits, deemed near the pinnacle of achievement.

The Glenmorangie Company

The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton.  Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay Malt.

Responsible Drinking

Ardbeg and The Glenmorangie Company advocate responsible drinking and suggest that drinkers savour Ardbeg whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

Limestone Branch Distillery Launches 2020 Edition of Yellowstone® Limited Edition

This year’s edition also highlights a new upgraded look for the brand 

(Lebanon, Ky.) July 15, 2020 – The 2020 edition of Yellowstone® Limited Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon will be on shelves in September, just in time for National Bourbon Heritage Month. This year’s edition features a seven-year-old straight bourbon finished in French Armagnac barrels. The new release brings a soft leather aroma with hints of honeydew melon, vanilla notes on the palate with hints of burnt orange and dried plum. The finish is toasted coconut with lingering oak making for a well-rounded, deeply satisfying bourbon.

“When I began working on this limited edition, I knew I wanted to finish our bourbon in a cask and I was looking for one that would add complexity and a dimension that expands the flavor profile,” says Steve Beam, master distiller at Limestone Branch Distillery. “Armagnac is a rustic, full-bodied spirit that contributes dark fruit notes, complementing the vanilla notes in the bourbon. Just like a chef adds spices to enhance flavors, I believe cask-finishing should be similar, where it simply enhances the natural flavors in the bourbon.”

Beam also notes that the French brandy, which uses several different grape varietals each with their own flavors and characteristics, creates a rich flavor and packs a bit more punch than cognacs.

The 2020 Yellowstone Limited Edition also boasts a stunning new bottle, which feels timeless and vintage, similar to Yellowstone Bourbon, which has been around since 1872. The new premium bottle, designed by David Cole, also highlights the year more prominently for collectors.

Approximately 5,000 cases of this bourbon are being produced at Limestone Branch Distillery, bottled at 101 proof in 750ml bottles. The suggested retail price is $99.99.

About Limestone Branch Distillery

Steve Beam and his brother Paul Beam opened Limestone Branch Distillery in 2011, with the goal of crafting the finest spirits in small batches. With a history of distilling on both sides of their family – Beam and Dant – the brothers are seventh-generation distillers. In 2015, they brought the Yellowstone brand back to the family. The distillery is now home to Yellowstone Select, Yellowstone Limited Edition, and Minor Case Rye Whiskey, as well as the newest addition, Bowling & Burch Gin.

For more information on Limestone Branch Distillery and Yellowstone, please visit www.limestonebranch.com, www.yellowstonebourbon.com or www.facebook.com/limestone-branch-distillery.

Two 1792 Bourbons Receive First Place Honors

at 2020 International Whisky Competition

Four Whiskies From Barton 1792 Distillery Receive Medals

BARDSTOWN, kENTUCKY (July 16, 2020) – Two 1792 Bourbons earned first place titles at the 2020 International Whisky Competition. With 91.2 points, 1792 Full Proof was named the Best Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey, and with 90.3 points, 1792 Single Barrel was named Best Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey.

Two more 1792 Bourbons were honored at the IWC. With 92.8 points, 1792 12-Year-Old came in second place for Best Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Best Bourbon Whiskey and for Best Kentucky Whiskey. With 92 points, 1792 Bottled-in-Bond came in third place for Best Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Best Bourbon Whiskey and for Best Kentucky Whiskey.

The International Whisky Competition launched in 2010 with a vision of creating a true competition, offering just three medals per category, like the Olympics. The IWC brings the best whiskies from around the world to be tasted and rated by a professional tasting panel. Complete results for the 2020 International Whisky Competition can be found at https://www.whiskycompetition.com/2020-results.

About Barton 1792 Distillery

Barton 1792 Distillery is part of Barton Brands.  Barton Brands has facilities in Bardstown, Ky., Carson, Calif., and Baltimore, Md. Barton Brands is owned by the Sazerac Company, an American family-owned company based in New Orleans, La. Barton 1792 Distillery was established in 1879 and continues today as the oldest fully-operating Distillery in the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” The Distillery is located on 196 acres and includes 28 warehouses, 22 other buildings, the Morton Spring and the Tom Moore Spring.  Distilling, aging and bottling fine Bourbon whiskey are hallmarks of the historic Barton 1792 Distillery. 1792 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey is produced at Barton 1792 Distillery, and is named for the year Kentucky became a state. The Distillery has garnered a number of prestigious awards for its whiskies, including its 1792 Full Proof, which was named the World Whiskey of the Year by “Jim Murray Whiskey Bible 2020.”  To learn more visit www.1792bourbon.com.

William Grant & Sons has put its largest ever archive under the gavel to raise both spirits and donations for the hospitality industry. More than 300 items will be auctioned to raise funds for The Drinks Trust and The BEN Scotland.

Items up for grabs range from rare and aged liquids for dedicated spirts connoisseurs to an exclusive hand-built Morgan motor car from The Balvenie.

Cocktail enthusiasts will be able to get their hands on bartending essentials, a Monkey Shoulder cocktail Konga Shaker, sets of Tullamore D.E.W. tumbler glasses, jiggers

Those looking for a unique gift or an unforgettable experience can bid on one-of-a-kind virtual and in-person behind-the-scenes experiences to exclusive, hidden rendezvous with esteemed malt masters and distillers.

Or get shoulder to shoulder with malt master David C. Stewart MBE at The Balvenie blending lab.

With the nation still embracing virtual interactions, a suite of online experiences has been curated by award-winning brand ambassadors, giving unprecedented access to behind the scenes experiences from home.

There is truly something for everyone and collectors can court the unattainable, off-market items in a catalogue assembled from the archives of The Balvenie, Glenfiddich, Monkey Shoulder,  Tullamore D.E.W., Grant’s, Drambuie, and Ailsa Bay

Register to bid today and experience the thrill of an auction from the comfort of your own homes.

BID NOW »

Registration to bid is £5 with all proceeds contributing to the auction donation total for The Drinks Trust and The BEN Scotland. You will also receive a raffle entry to win an at-home cocktail party with the iconic Monkey Shoulder mixer truck.

MONKEY SHOULDER MIXER TRUCK PRIZE DRAW

A chance to win top quality cocktails delivered to your front door, to shake up your socially distanced garden gatherings, served up directly from the Monkey Shoulder Mixer Truck.

The promotion is open to anyone who is a resident of the United Kingdom and is over the age of 18 years old. Entry opens midday 15 July 2020 and closes midnight 28 July 2020. To enter prize draw register today and make a valid bid for any item. Max one entry and prize per person.

The William Grant & Sons #STANDFAST Charity Auction ends 28 July.

REGISTER NOW »

The Drinks Trust (Registered in England and Wales, charity number 1023376)
The Drinks Trust is the community organisation for the drinks industry, offering support and services to help its community thrive, to upskill, to broaden their knowledge, to network and learn from one another. It will also be there to support them in challenging times, with wellbeing and financial assistance.

The BEN Scotland (Benevolent Society Of The Licensed Trade Of Scotland, SC005604)
The BEN, under various guises, has been in operation since 1864. Offering financial, social and emotional support, The BEN has 10 Directors, from every section of the Trade, who work throughout Scotland and volunteer their time to help raise funds, manage the charity and support the delivery of services for beneficiaries. Although over 150 years old, The BEN’s Strategy is to continue expanding its support across Scotland and ensure its services remain as relevant as ever to the licensed trade.

BID NOW »

New whisky alert! The first release of Fettercairn 22 Year Old is now available to buy exclusively from The Whisky Shop for the month of July.

To celebrate its arrival, we’re giving you the chance to WIN a Highland getaway for two, in association with Fettercairn Whisky. The prize includes flights from any UK airport, two nights’ accommodation at a luxury hotel, dinner, plus a private tour and tasting at Fettercairn Distillery with Distillery Manager Stewart Walker – all for you and a guest to enjoy next year.

Sound good? To be entered into our prize draw, simply buy any 70cl bottle from the official Fettercairn range (including this delicious new 22 Year Old) online before midnight on Friday, 14th August 2020.

We’ll contact you shortly afterwards if you are selected as the winner. Good luck! Open to entrants 18 years and over. See full T&Cs here.

Shop our Fettercairn range to win ›

Introducing: Fettercairn 22 Year Old

“Purity is a rare thing” exclaim this famous highland distillery, and the newly launched Fettercairn 22 year old embodies this mantra. Using only the purest spring water and matured in ex-Bourbon casks, Fettercairn have produced a 22 year old which offers their distinct tropical style: Spiced pear, caramelised orange and coffee, tempered by liquorice that then makes way to morello cherry, plum and treacle.

Be the first to get your hands this delicious dram!

£200.00

Buy Now ›

https://youtu.be/4elGzp33awQ

A foundation of whisky; to a certain degree, you could even call it a powerhouse product. Selling around two million cases per year as well as featuring in numerous songs, TV shows and films, Canadian Club is no slouch when it comes to reputation. Now, this isn’t a whisky that is setting ridiculous standards in the modern world, but given current circumstances, it’s a cheap and readily available option for when you don’t want to break your wallet in half. Cheers!

‘Dial a Dram’ for Glen Moray’s new 2020 Distillery Edition

Glen Moray has today (15^th July) unveiled three new limited edition ‘wine-finish’ expressions for its annual Distillery Edition release – which this year will be available to buy through a ‘Distillery dial-in’ service, especially for fans who can’t visit the whisky’s Elgin home in person.

Whisky enthusiasts will be keen to get their hands on the trio of single cask malts – the oldest wine-finished whiskies the Distillery has ever released, each one bursting with the flavours of full maturation in hand-selected Chardonnay, Burgundy and Chenin Blanc casks respectively.

The Distillery Edition is usually reserved exclusively for Distillery visitors, and isn’t sold in shops or online. Whilst Glen Moray is re-opening to visitors today, the team is aware that the ongoing effects of lockdown mean some may not be able to make the trip.

To ensure whisky fans don’t miss out, Glen Moray will offer personal phone consultations over peak visitor season in July and August, where four members of their team – all with a serious passion for whisky – will guide callers through the range, make recommendations, answer questions and take orders in person.

Brand Ambassador and Distillery Visitor Centre Manager Iain Allan will lead the effort alongside Hannah Levy (Assistant Manager), Ieva Hancock (Visitor Centre Assistant) and Laurie-May Macdonald (Café Supervisor). Iain came up with the idea as a contrast to all the virtual, online whisky events that have been taking place during lockdown, and as a way to deliver a personal touch during the buying process. He commented:

‘Buying a bottle of Glen Moray from our annual Distillery Edition is as much about the experience of a visit to the Distillery as it is about buying a wonderful new whisky. For the many people who would normally make the trip and take away one of these special bottles, we wanted to find a way to make the range available but avoid making it just a basic transaction over email or the internet. Everyone working at the Distillery enjoys nothing more than talking about whisky with fellow enthusiasts, answering questions and sharing behind the scenes stories of how Glen Moray is made. So if you can’t make the visit in person this year, please just pick up the phone and dial our distillery team.’

The three expressions in the 2020 Distillery Edition range have been fully matured in ex-wine casks for between 16 and 17 years, after being laid down between 2003 and 2004 in the Distillery’s Warehouse 1 – home to Glen Moray’s curious casks and maturation experiments.

Chardonnay Cask (cask 7670)

Colour: Tawny

Nose: Opens with sweet freshly cut pineapples drizzled in toffee sauce then sprinkled with white pepper.  A very sweet and enticing aroma.

Taste: Raspberry jam and freshly buttered warm toast, followed by hints of bubblegum and citrus.  A flavour which is subtly complex.

Finish: Drier wood spices coming to the fore and leaving you wanting more.

Burgundy Cask (cask 213)

Colour: Auburn

Nose: Aromas of almond and marzipan are at the forefront, covering over lighter notes of fresh orange peel and pine resin.

Taste: A first sip brings out flavours of chocolate coated cherries with a slight earthy note hiding in the background. With the slightest drop of water this is allowed to become more pronounced along with a previously hidden tang of lemongrass.

Finish: The grand finale of this whisky is a crescendo of spices filling the palate with a glorious warmth.

Chenin Blanc Cask (cask 341)

Colour: Auburn

Nose:  A delightful combination of pear drops and freshly made camomile tea.  A robust honeycomb and apple pairing completes the wonderful flavours exuding from the glass.

Taste: Ginger and Seville orange create the opening salvo of a flavour laden explosion on the palate. Tropical fruits mingle with camomile notes, with almonds following the strong opening.

Finish: With all its opening intensity this whisky softly fades into a whisper of ginger, floral hints and a mineral finale.

All three expressions are non-chill filtered, bottled at cask strength and with natural colour. They are available to buy at the distillery, or by calling Iain and the team at Glen Moray Distillery to chat or book a phone consultation on 01343 550900, 9am and 5pm.

Glen Moray Distillery will re-open today (Wednesday 15^th July), Monday to Friday from 9am until 5pm (not weekends) will a full list of health and safety measures in place. Visitors are asked to pre-book tastings and café visits due to limited numbers. Distillery tours are not currently available.

www.glenmoray.com

www.facebook.com/GlenMorayDistillery

www.instagram.com/glen_moray_whisky

www.twitter.com/glenmoraydist

GLEN MORAY

Glen Moray is one of Scotland’s best loved single malt whiskies. It has been crafted since 1897 in the ancient town of Elgin, the capital of the Speyside whisky region, on what was once the Elgin West Brewery site on the banks of the River Lossie. Pure waters from the river, locally malted barley, distillation in traditional copper stills and maturation in American ex-bourbon casks combine to give the whisky its smooth, well-balanced, classic Speyside character. Glen Moray has always been a place where curiosity about flavour and cask maturation has been encouraged. Records dating back to the early days show new make spirit maturing in a wide variety of different casks – a highly unusual practice at this time. A passion for experimentation and a deep knowledge of wood have been passed down through generations of Glen Moray distillers. The result is today’s exceptional and extensive range of whiskies, offering a flavour and style to suit all tastes. Glen Moray is the 5th biggest malt whisky brand by volume in the UK and is growing in international markets.