TOKYO — Friday 10 April 2020 – Inspired by the new Japanese drink trend of ‘On-nomi’, dekantā TV’s ‘Japanese Whisky Lockdown’, presented by Japanese comedian Kilara Sen, will bring entertainment to Japanese whisky fans in isolation across the globe.

Japanese spirits e-commerce site dekantā today launch their online channel, ‘Japanese Whisky Lockdown’, offering an eclectic mix of comedy, whisky news, live music, and cultural trends, such as face yoga, in a bid to ease the boredom of lockdown for Japanese whisky and culture fans internationally. With bars, pubs and restaurants closing across the globe due to the COVID-19 outbreak, a new trend has emerged in Japan to allow people who are social-distancing to enjoy a drink with friends and family while chatting via video messaging apps. The trend is called ‘On-nomi’ (オン飲み), which means ‘online drinking party’, and it was the inspiration for dekantā’s new entertainment channel.

Hosted by Yokohama-born stand-up comedian Kilara Sen (Asia’s Got Talent, Laugh Factory 2016 Shortlist for ‘Funniest Person in the World’), ‘Japanese Whisky Lockdown’ will air on the dekantā website and social media channels every Friday at 8:30pm EDT, starting Friday 10 April 2020, with episodes available on-demand after that date. Each episode will raise money for Wellcome’s COVID-Zero Fund, with dekantā pledging to match donations from viewers. In the first episode, Kilara Sen will be receiving a lesson in face yoga from Healthy & Beauty Specialist and Face Yoga Instructor Koko Hayashi (Keeping Up With Kardashians; Shark Tank), alongside dekantā Founder and Director Makiyo Masa, getting a dance lesson from outspoken, independent singer-songwriter, rapper and producer GIRLI (“between PC Music, bubblegum pop, punk and rap, each one treading a line between catchy and deliberately discomforting,” The Guardian), and hearing the latest Japanese whisky news from drinks blogger ‘Whiskey Richard’ (nomunication.jp). “If hearsay is to be believed, alcohol is a tonic against viruses, and of course, laughter is always the best medicine – so our show will keep you in peak physical condition!” said presenter Kilara Sen. “Japanese Whisky Lockdown will be partly like a fast-paced variety show, partly like a big whisky tasting with your friends on video conference. We will be blending both Japanese and international humour and culture, in perfect harmony, just like a fine Japanese single malt.”

Japanese whisky specialists dekantā have an international community of clients who are referred to as the ‘dekantā family’. Founder Makiyo Masa and the wider dekantā team have previously enjoyed connecting with clients through social media, newsletters, client events and the dekantā blog, which covers Japanese whisky news and topics of wider Japanese culture. “I hope our new channel will help bring the international dekantā family even closer together in these challenging times,” said dekantā Founder and Director Makiyo Masa. “Kilara Sen is an exceptional talent, and a bright-shining personality to bring some joy and laughter into people’s lives, covering both in-depth Japanese whisky features and rib-tickling comedy sketches.”

To view episodes of dekantā TV’s ‘Japanese Whisky Lockdown’ and more information about the channel, visit dekanta.com/tv.

Japanese Whisky Lockdown Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wlOJ7LYWI0

Kilara’s showreel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6GH3VQbPro

youtube.com/kaoricomedy
instagram.com/kilaracomedy
twitter.com/kilaracomedy

About dekantā

dekantā offers the world’s largest online selection of authentic Japanese spirits and, since the opening of its online store in 2015, has delivered to 127 countries across every continent in the world. A family owned and run business, dekantā’s founders have been selling collectibles since 1985 and specialize in rare, collectible, and new release single malt Japanese whisky. dekantā offers worldwide delivery on an extensive range of Japanese single malt whisky, Japanese grain whisky and Japanese blended whisky, in addition to Scottish whisky released for the Japanese market only. More recently, Japanese wine has been introduced through the dekantā Cellar, and spirits from wider Asia through dekantā Oriental.

dekanta.com

Follow dekantā on Twitter: @dekantawhisky 

Like dekantā on Facebook: facebook.com/dekantawhisky/

‘Wild Water’ for Whisky Larkfire Launches Multi-Pack Due to Demand

‘Wild water’ for whisky Larkfire has launched a new multi-pack to give consumers a taste of the Outer Hebrides at home as demand for the product rises.

Larkfire has developed a 4-pack which is now available to order online, priced at £4, via www.larkfire.com/buy.

Larkfire – a natural ‘wild water’ that brings out the full flavour of whisky – is stocked by prestigious venues including Boisdale Group venues in Mayfair, Belgravia, Canary Wharf and Bishopsgate. Soho Whisky Club also uses Larkfire for its tasting events, and Islington restaurant Frederick’s offers Larkfire alongside its range of world whiskies.

James McIntosh, co-founder of Larkfire, said: “Anyone wanting to enjoy a drink at home shouldn’t have to compromise on quality. We’ve recently seen a surge in demand and want to make sure we’re catering for our loyal customers as well as those new to Larkfire, or those buying it as a gift.

“Die-hard whisky fans know that tap water and bottled water interfere with the delicate flavours of whisky, due to the mineral content and added chlorine or fluoride. But Larkfire is a pure, naturally soft ‘wild’ water from Scotland that creates a natural chemistry, offering the very best for those enjoying a dram at home.”

James and his team travelled the length and breadth of Scotland to create award-winning Larkfire, which was named Best Premium Drink at the World Beverage Innovation Awards.

Larkfire was launched after a study by Swedish chemists Björn Karlsson and Ran Friedman in the Scientific Reports journal helped prove that water boosts the concentration of flavour compounds at the surface of whisky, enhancing the flavour.

A percentage of Larkfire sales flow back into the Outer Hebrides via a partnership with The Stornoway Trust – a community landlord that looks after 69,000 acres of land on the Isle of Lewis, where the water is sourced.

To find out more or to buy Larkfire online, visit www.larkfire.co.uk.

New York, 6 April 2020 – Sotheby’s Wine is pleased to announce two exciting online auctions to be held this April: Distilled | The Macallan Fine & Rare Collection From Wing Hop Fung + More (now open for bidding through 19 April) and Vine to Online | The Old & New World (open for bidding from 13-26 April).

Connor Kriegel, Head of Auction Sales for Sotheby’s Wine in New York, said: “Following the success of our March sale series in London, which included a new auction record for any bottle of Japanese whisky, we are very pleased to present these two online auctions this month. Offering more than 300 lots, these sales will present collectors with the opportunity to acquire some of the very best bottles in both wines and spirits.”

DISTILLED | THE MACALLAN FINE & RARE COLLECTION FROM WING HOP FUNG + MORE

Now Open for Bidding through 19 April

THE MACALLAN COLLECTION | PROPERTY OF WING HOP FUNG

Our spirits auction is led by an extraordinary and rare group of 30 bottles from the legendary Macallan Fine & Rare series, on offer from specialty retailer, Wing Hop Fung. Spanning five decades from 1937 – 1972, these iconic whiskies were purchased as a single set directly from The Macallan in 2005. Each bottle, in its original wooden case, was delivered to Wing Hop Fung on 26 July 2005, by then Macallan Brand Ambassador, Mark Izatt, who also awarded a Certificate of Authenticity to the owner of Wing Hop Fung, Mr. Dayton Ong. Per this document, at the time that Wing Hop Fung acquired the collection, the retailer was the “only location in North America to house, in its entirety, The Macallan Fine & Rare Collection.”

The collection has been stored in Wing Hop Fung’s private cellars ever since and was only recently removed by Sotheby’s Wine Specialists this year for the April auction. In addition to the collection’s sterling provenance, the highly-coveted Macallan Fine and Rare 56 Year Old 1945 distinguishes this exceptional offering, carrying an estimate of $38/50,000.

The Macallan Fine and Rare 56 Year Old 1945

Estimate $38/50,000

This outstanding ensemble comes on the market following Sotheby’s exceptional results for whisky in 2019: The Macallan was ranked #1 spot on the list of Top Spirits Producers in our annual Wine Market Report. Moreover, our October sale of The Ultimate Whisky Collection in London – Sotheby’s first live auction dedicated entirely to spirits and the most valuable private whisky collection ever sold at auction – saw a new world auction record for any Spirit, when the The Macallan Fine & Rare 60 Year Old 1926 sold for $1.9 million.

Established in 1985 in Los Angeles’ Chinatown, Wing Hop Fung has become the premier and trusted location for Asian products in Southern California. Meaning “Together, Forever, Prosper,” the store offers the best in Chinese herbs, premium loose teas, ginseng, Asian delicacies, housewares, and fine wine and spirits.

A photo documenting the ceremony, in 2005, during which then The Macallan Brand Ambassador Marc Izatt delivers The Macallan Fine & Rare collection to Wing Hop Fung’s ownership. Image courtesy of Wing Hop Fung

Jonny Fowle, Sotheby’s Spirits Specialist, said: “Macallan is, undoubtedly, the world’s most collectable whisky and at the core of its most coveted expressions is the Fine & Rare collection. This collection achieved its cult status due to a number of qualities: vintages that stretch back to before the Second World War, age statements that exceed half a century and undeniable quality throughout. It is only the most savvy and determined of whisky collectors who have been able to build a truly comprehensive collection of Fine & Rare bottlings over the years, and it is rare to find one with such provenance. It is not only an honour for Sotheby’s to bring these bottles to auction, but an exciting opportunity for any collector to be able to build and complete their own meaningful collection of The Macallan Fine & Rare.”

CJ Lin, Fine Wine & Spirits Advisor for Wing Hop Fung, remarked: “We are very pleased to present our Macallan Fine and Rare collection to whisky enthusiasts worldwide this spring, and privileged to be in partnership with Sotheby’s. Beginning with our first acquisition of 2000 Chateau Mouton Rothschild almost two decades ago, Wing Hop Fung has built a fine wine and spirits collection that will satisfy even the most discerning palate. Our passion and dedication to fine wines and spirits has established our loyal relationships with wine growers, producers, importers and brand ambassadors. The Macallan Fine and Rare collection is one of our most treasured collections, and we hope it will be acquired by someone who can enjoy the legacy, spirit and prestige of this set.”

ADDITIONAL SPIRITS HIGHLIGHTS

Outside of the Wing Hop Fung collection, desirable lots include: The Macallan 50 Year Old in Lalique, 6 Pillars, First Edition (estimate $65/95,000); The Macallan Lalique 72 Year Old Genesis Decanter (estimate $80/120,000); the Black Bowmore and Bowmore Trilogy Collection (pictured left, estimate $140/220,000); as well as notable selections of Pappy Van Winkle, Colonel E.H. Taylor, Eagle Rare, Yamazaki, and Karuizawa.

In particular, The Macallan Lalique 72 Year Old Genesis Decanter represents the oldest age statement whisky to ever have been released from The Macallan Distillery. To date, only The Macallan and one other spirits producer have been able to release a whisky that exceeds 72 years – a testament to both the highly meticulous ageing process and The Macallan’s mastery. Additionally, the stunning Lalique Decanter is held in a bespoke cabinet designed by Burgess Studio and crafted by NEJ Stevenson, royal cabinetmakers to Queen Elizabeth II. Distilled during the Second World War, only 600 bottles of The Macallan Lalique 72 Year Old Genesis Decanter were released worldwide and with very limited allocation. Today, this remarkable whisky showcases what many connoisseurs refer to fondly as the “old style Macallan”, never to be recreated.

Other highlights include the Black Bowmore and Bowmore Trilogy Collection. The April sale marks the first time that the entire seven-bottle collection of Bowmore’s most iconic expressions, Black Bowmore and Bowmore Trilogy, has been offered as a single lot. Undoubtedly the most notorious Islay whiskies, some collectors have spent years attempting to complete this prized collection.

The Black Bowmore and Bowmore Trilogy Collection

About Sotheby’s Wine

In October 2019, our ‘white-glove’ sale of The Ultimate Whisky Collection smashed its pre-sale high estimate, achieving $10 million and establishing a new auction record for any bottle of wine or spirit when The Macallan 60-Year-Old 1926 sold for $1.9 million, far surpassing its estimate of £350,000-450,000. The landmark sale, held within the RM Sotheby’s Classic Car exhibition, bared witness to the highest-ever total for any whisky collection sold at auction, and the highest value wine or spirits sale ever staged by Sotheby’s London.

*Estimates do not include buyer’s premium. Prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer’s premium and are net of any fees paid to the purchaser where the purchaser provided an irrevocable bid.

Maltstock, the Relaxed Whisky Weekend

Relaxed virtual flyer hunt

Usually you will see the Maltstock flyers in many relaxed whisky places you visit. In these bizarre times we’re all staying at home. We realize that one of the difficulties you all face is you have no chance of picking up a flyer and get relaxed. Well, not a physical version……

We’ve now created the relaxed virtual Maltstock flyer!

Who doesn’t enjoy a good Easter hunt?

The virtual flyer is hidden on websites from our Maltstock friends and sponsors. Why not join the hunt? Can you find all the hidden flyers? There are some great prices to be won!

How to join the hunt?

Simply go to the Maltstock website for all info.

 https://www.maltstock.com/thehunt

Some very relaxed prizes to be won

Can you find all the hidden virtual flyers? We’ll be giving away a couple of very relaxed prizes to the those whom can find the most flyers

• Ardbeg Wee Beastie – very kindly donated  by  Passion for Whisky
• 3 amazing BBQ ribs – very kindly donated by Ons Gaan Braai.
  Don Marcos Crazy chicken, Happy Ending for Beef and the Smokehouse all purpose rub.
• A set of your own personalized Maltstock flyers!
  The Maltstock flyer with your name on it instead of one of our sponsors. A one of a kind opportunity!

The hunt is on now! And will last until Monday April 13th midnight CET.

Please stay healthy everyone, stay relaxed and look after each other!

WORLD WHISKIES AWARDS
Best English – Single Malt 

WORLD WHISKIES AWARDS
Best English – Single Malt 

The English – Smokey Virgin

The English Whisky Co. has won a highly prestigious award at the World Whiskies Awards 2020 –  ‘Best English Single Malt’ for their small batch release ‘The English – Smokey Virgin’. Aromas of wood fires, hints of dates and caramel. A lovely rich & oily long finish.

70cl / 46% vol.
£51.99
TASTING NOTES

BUY NOW

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 304: Blair Athol 10 Year Old 2007 Signatory Vintage

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky vlogger, gets offered a sample. ‘Hey, Mark, I have here a Blair Athol. I was wondering if you had tried it yet.’ Mark confessed, with almost 4500 tasted whiskies on my counter, he does not know this by heart. ‘I’ll have to check my website,’ he declares. ‘It’s not on there,’ Benny declares, expectantly holding the bottle with a good measure still in it. ‘Well, then I have not yet tried it’, Mark smiles, accepting the bottle in thanks. ‘Let’s finish off this bottle and update our list.’

https://youtu.be/gsEWBWUCc7c

Global Spirits Competition – San Francisco World Spirits Competition

Matsui Pure Malt Whisky The Kurayoshi 8 Years won a Double Gold Prize!

Matsui Pure Malt Whisky The Kurayoshi 8 Years won the Double Gold Award at San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2020 (SWSC), held in San Francisco this year.

At the first stage of judgement, all entries were judged if one is medal worthy. After passing the first round, the entry will be tasted and judged further at the second round. On top of that, an entry that receive a gold medal from all judges on a panel through blind tasting earns a “Double-gold” medal. It is also a proof that this item has been certified as an excellent product.

The award winning The Kurayoshi 8 Years is pure malt(blended malt) whisky, produced at the Kurayoshi Distillery. This gem is vatted with carefully selected malt whiskies, then finished with spring water obtained from Daizen Mountain. It is here, performing a malt with a dry orange-like aroma with a sweet fruity flavor. The taste of vanilla and nuts is highlighted by a savory sweet aroma running through the nose.

In this competition, many other Matsui Shuzo’s products are awarded, too. We are pleased and honored to receive these awards. They have inspired us to continue working hard to be known and seen by the world. Our motto: to bring happiness to everyone through alcohol manufacturing.

◆Double Gold Award

Matsui Pure Malt Whisky The Kurayoshi 8 Years

◆Gold Award

Matsui Pure Malt Whisky The Kurayoshi 12 Years

Blended Whisky The San-in

Single Malt Whisky The Matsui The Peated

◆Silver Award

Matsui Pure Malt Whisky The Kurayoshi

Matsui Pure Malt Whisky The Kurayoshi Sherry Cask

Matsui Pure Malt Whisky The Kurayoshi 18 Years

Blended Whisky The Matsui Tottori

Single Malt Whisky The Matsui Mizunara Cask

Matsui Whisky Umeshu

◆Bronze Award

Blended Whisky The Matsui Tottori Bourbon Barrel

Single Malt Whisky The Matsui Sakura cask

Iron Smoke Distillery Launches Drink Recipe & Tipping Website to Support Bartenders Globally

‘SmokeOutCovid19.com’ will support bartenders across the world affected by the Coronavirus

Fairport, NY — Iron Smoke Distillery launched a new website aimed at helping out-of-work bartenders affected by the Coronavirus. SmokeOutCovid19.com is a portal/host for instructional drink-making recipes and videos uploaded by bartenders. Site visitors can donate directly to out-of-work bartenders and service industry workers.

Since the site launched on March 26th, nearly 100 bartenders from states across the country have joined to share their specialty drinks, connect with others, and receive tips from grateful (and thirsty) patrons,

Iron Smoke Distillery created the site in partnership with Managed Services Team as a way to offer support and assistance to people who have lost their livelihood during the difficult times created by the Coronavirus. The restaurant and beverage industry has been disproportionately hit as measures are implemented to reduce the risk and curb the spread of the virus. SmokeOutCovid19.com’s mission is to help supplement lost income, perhaps teach people a new skill, and allow them to continue to enjoy one of life’s best pleasures– a properly made cocktail.

CEO and Founder, Tommy Brunett said “To address the new catchphrase – ‘We’ll all get through this together’ – we as a company wanted to create a united front of friends, families, regular guests and fans of each and everyone of these champions of the service industry to help support them in this time of desperate need for a financial life jacket. This will also be glorious for people who are stuck at home for awhile and need cocktail ideas as well.”

Bartenders who are interested in participating can upload recipes and/or videos by making a free account and connect their Venmo or PayPal account to receive donations. All proceeds will go directly to the participating bartenders. Those looking to help can visit SmokeOutCovid19.com to look for drink recipes and videos and “tip their bartender” by donating to their individual page.

The new website comes in conjunction with the announcement that Iron Smoke Distillery will pivot to hand sanitizer production. In conjunction with Rochester Midland Corporation, they will produce hand sanitizer en masse for communities where it is most needed. 2,000 bottles of the first production will be donated to local first responders, and each subsequent batch will have a portion earmarked for community donations.

About Iron Smoke Distillery

Based in Fairport, NY Iron Smoke Distillery produces distinct world-class bourbons and whiskeys that can be enjoyed neat or in classic cocktails. They produce the multiple award-winning whiskeys, including Iron Smoke Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Iron Smoke CASKet Strength, Iron Smoke Single Barrel Special Reserve, Rattlesnake Rosie’s Apple Pie Whiskey and Rattlesnake Rosie’s Maple Bacon Whiskey in their 21,000-square foot facility. As a New York State small-batch farm distillery, Iron Smoke uses local ingredients from Finger Lakes family farms within a 50-mile radius of our distillery. The stripped mash from production is returned to the farms to be used as feed for their livestock. Their tasting room, the “Watering Room and Sideshow” features a fully licensed bar with all New York State Wines, Beers, and Spirits as well as weekly live music and world-class entertainment. Winners of the prestigious Double Gold in last year’s North American Bourbon & Whiskey competition, recipient of a 95.5 rating in the 2018 Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible and named Forbes Magazine one of the “10 Best Bourbons Outside of Kentucky.”

The Society kitchen is open for business, serving up 20 flavourful casks that pair perfectly with food. We’re taking inspiration from our Danish friends and exploring the concept of smørrebrød – an open sandwich with endless flavour combinations, much like the Society whiskies! And for those of you who aren’t able to get out just now, we even have some inspiration on how to get creative with foods that you’ll find in your store cupboard. Click over to the Outturn Hub now to find out more.

OUTURN HUB         ALL OUTURN BOTTLES

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

Blair Athol 30 Year Old

1998 vintage single cask bottled for the the Signatory Vintage 30th Anniversary series. Blair Athol 30 Year Old 1988 vintage Highland single malt Scotch whisky. Single cask refill sherry butt #6847 bottled December 2018 for the Signatory Vintage 30th Anniversary series. 519 bottles.

Blair Athol Distillery was established in 1798 in Pitlochry and with footprints in four centuries it is one of oldest working malt whisky distilleries in Scotland. Purchased by Arthur Bell & Sons in 1933 it is the spiritual ‘home’ of Arthur Bell’s range of blended scotch whisky complete with distillery visitor centre and Blair Athol Distillery tours. Although a large proportion of Blair Athol’s malt whisky cascades into blends, Bell’s to be precise, independent bottlings of Blair Athol single malts feature in the popular Connoisseurs Choice and Signatory Vintage ranges.

Shop £375.00