Double Cask Batch DC105

Our latest batch of Double Cask Tasmanian Single Malt Whisky is finally ready for release to our mailing list members.

Batch number DC105 is a marriage of portions of eight different casks, ranging in age from 10 to 14 years. As well as portions of American oak ex-Bourbon casks, this batch also contains a high proportion of ex-tawny casks and portions of two French oak casks previously used to mature Australian white wine for a complex, lively and fruit-driven character.

TASTING NOTES

NOSE: Dried apple and ripe pear, custard with nutmeg on top and homemade apricot jam cooking on the stove. Vanilla bean, gingerbread, and a deep, floral toffee fill the nose, with notes of lemon verbena and mint offering brightness.

PALATE: Initially, a big wave of toffee and candied orange with lots of berry jam. Warm, ripe citrus flavours and a medley of dark, sweet notes like preserved plums, honey straight from the comb, burnt sugar and molasses with a huge, dreamy texture.

FINISH: Vanilla sponge with blackcurrant jam, liquorice, coriander seed and ginger. Lingering, ripe, tropical fruits like mango, who sits and watches the warm citrus notes sink into the sea like a sunset.

Please Note: 
We have also made an update to our shipping system and rates: All domestic parcels will now be shipped via Australia Post Express, and charges will be based on actual shipping costs plus a small handling fee. This change has been made to improve shipping times and to decrease the incidents of lost and damaged packages. If you have any questions about this change, please don’t hesitate to email us!

Click the link below to purchase.

PURCHASE NOW

Website now fully updated!

Tickets for this year’s Spirit of Toronto go on sale Monday March 16 at 10am and our 2020 Masterclass Series has been published on our website. Keep reading for more details…

Tickets on sale next week

Tickets go on sale this coming Monday March 16 at 10am through Roy Thomson Hall’s box office, and the Spirit of Toronto website has been updated with the schedule for our 2020 Masterclass Series – there will be some difficult choices to make in our humble opinion!

For those of you attending the show for the first time, these are tutored tastings with limited seating presented by a variety of speakers on the lower level of Roy Thomson Hall.

Masterclass seats may be reserved when purchasing tickets for the show. Those opting for Early Bird admission will enjoy priority entry into the main tasting hall when their pre-show class is over.

Spoiled for choice…

The schedule for our 2020 Masterclass Series is now online and we’re happy with the variety it offers, be it something that appeals to seasoned connoisseurs, novice tasters or those simply looking for an adventure on the palate.

Kicking off our 2020 series is ‘Santé: The Spirit of France’, a relaxed, pre-show session that explores the craft and culture of drinking French through a curated selection of handcrafted spirits that explore grain and fruit. Joining us to host this one-of-a-kind tasting is none other than Regis Lemaitre, a long-time friend of Spirit of Toronto who will regale and delight with his unmitigated passion for all things distilled.

In keeping with this continental feel we are pleased to have the Italian Trade Commission presenting another set of pre-show aperitivos as they invite guests to discover the ‘Spirits of Italy’ and explore the building blocks of our most beloved cocktails.

Those of you looking for a deep dive into whisky won’t be disappointed and we’re pleased to be showcasing some of Scotland’s most esteemed distilleries courtesy of Balblair, Benromach, Glen Moray as well as a selection of single malts from the blending portfolio of the Johnnie Walker range. For those of you whose taste runs towards the Emerald Isle will be torn between exploring whiskeys from the world’s oldest distillery, Bushmills, versus the Hinch Distillery, one of Ireland’s many newcomers – decisions, decisions.

Closer to home Bearface will unpack the art of Canadian whisky blending with samples of their component whiskies, Forty Creek will take guests on a trip down memory lane, and we welcome the return of Dr. Don Livermore who will be presenting a few of his all-star favourites as well as a sneak preview of his 2020 releases. And speaking of releases, we are excited to be showcasing Canada’s newest single malt whisky courtesy of Dr. Graeme Macaloney and the Caledonian Distillery on Vancouver Island.

Staying Healthy

Please know that as we work towards this year’s show we maintain an on-going discussion with our venue, Roy Thomson Hall, with regards to the public health risk from COVID-19.

While Toronto Public Health has stated that the virus is not circulating locally at this time, Roy Thomson Hall monitors the situation on a daily basis and has taken a number of additional precautions to ensure the well-being of its staff and patrons, including a daily disinfection of the entire venue, and the installation of hand sanitizer stations and anti-bacterial wipes in all public and office areas.

All events at the Hall are continuing as originally planned and if cancellation is necessary, the box office will be issuing refunds for tickets purchased. To visit their website for further details, please click here.

Automatic ticket nofication

Those of you subscribed to this list will receive an automatic notification the night before tickets go on sale.

We’re often asked about the best way to purchase tickets in order to secure your first masterclass choices but regrettably we can offer no guarantees as tickets will be available online, by telephone and in person, and all three purchase methods are certain to experience a queue. That said, please bear in mind that any no-shows for our 7pm and 8:30pm classes will be given to patrons on a stand-by basis the night of the show — so hope springs eternal, and there is still a chance of attending the class of your choice even if tickets are sold out.

Looking forward to welcoming you back on Saturday April 25!

CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS

Pre-order Macallan Exceptional Cask 
2019/ESB – 14/03

A very limited amount of bottles are available to pre-order now. Don’t miss out. Distilled in 1997 before maturing for 22 years, experience the Whisky Makers’ bench at the heart of The Macallan Estate. A small number of casks will be identified by The Macallan Whisky Makers to add to the Exceptional Single Cask range each year. Bottled at a cask strength of 56.7% abv this single cask whisky has been matured in European Oak Sherry Butt. Stock is very limited, order now to avoid disappointment.

£2,995.00

Pre-order

BLACK GOLD 1989 BOWMORE SINGLE CASK SHERRY HOGSHEAD

Black Gold is one of the most exceptional single cask whiskies to have ever been released by Wemyss Malts. This unique cask, selected from the oldest distillery on Islay; Bowmore Distillery, has a deep rich colour of polished rosewood.

As one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, said to trace its distillation roots back to 1779, it keeps with its over 200 years of heritage by being one of the few remaining Scottish distilleries that still traditionally malts and kilns its own barley.

The once pungent local Islay peat aroma has evolved into complexity and subtlety thanks to the 30 years of maturation and has developed an earthy character like freshly kilned clay or walking into a old humidor.

Rich notes of burnt toffee, stewed dates and raisins coated in dark chocolate have developed due to the intense maturation in a sherry hogshead. The oak tannins, however are not overwhelming but instead they provide wood spice and the aroma of vintage leather.

The sherry and smoke combine to evoke flavours of sweet balsamic glazed bacon and the mouthfeel is thick, oily and heavy bodied.

Black Gold is single sherry hogshead cask of 1989 Bowmore that has matured for 30 years and been bottled at a cask strength of exactly 50.0%ABV.

VISIT CASK CLUB ONLINE SHOP

(Join the Wemyss Cask Club First)

This month, as a global community, we’ve all been facing uncertain times which have left many of us confused and a bit anxious. So, for our mid-month release, we’re simply bringing you five new casks, all from distilleries much-loved by members, in the hope that they can bring you a moment of calm and lift your spirits.

Head to the website now to grab yours, enjoy your dram and please stay safe and healthy.

NEW WHISKIES VIEW            ALL WHISKIES

FREE DELIVERY TO YOUR DOOR ON ORDERS £99.00 AND OVER. PICK YOUR PERFECT COUCH DRAM!

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

WEMYSS MALTS ONLINE SHOP TO SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESS WITH FREE UBER EATS GIFT CARDS

As an independent, family owned business, Wemyss Malts would like to do our part to support your local, small and independent food and drinks businesses as well as anyone who is self-isolating and staying home.

As of Wednesday the 18th of March, and for as long as we are able to, Wemyss Malts will give away a £10 Uber Eats voucher with any purchase from wemyssmalts.com that is over £40.

We encourage people to use this voucher to support their local, small and independent businesses.

After any £40 or more order on wemyssmalts.com online shop an Uber Eats voucher will be issued via email from Wemyss Malts within 24 hours of the online purchase.

If you are a UK based small or independent restaurant, café or venue that uses Uber Eats, please email Wemyss Malts on info@wemyssmalts.com and we will highlight your business in future emails to our customers, email subscribers and on our social media platforms.

Please follow and support your local with the hashtag #supportyourlocal

Wemyss Malts has also emailed Uber Eats to request the possibility of creating a ‘local supplier’ filter on their app and website so that they too can support smaller businesses.

SHOP WEMYSS MALTS FULL RANGE

BUSINESSES TO SUPPORT IN EDINBURGH & GLASGOW THROUGH UBER EATS

EDINBURGH

• 56 North “Our food is made from scratch every day especially for you. Our expert chefs have created comprehensive menu that is sure to satisfy any tastes. It updates seasonally throughout the year and we are proud to use local Edinburgh suppliers.”
• Newington Cafe Restaurant offers traditional Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner in the South Side of Edinburgh.
• Smoke Stack “Members of the Scotch Beef Club and Sustainable Restaurant Association. Our aim is to take top quality locally sourced produce and cook it simply.”
• Greenmantle Bar and Kitchen A cosy pub in Scotlands Capital, offering Buffalo Burgers, Brunch and Lunch.
• Brew Dog Lothian Road offers burgers, salads and wings as well as their word famous craft beer between 12pm – 9pm.

GLASGOW

• Butterfly and Pig  offers a vast array of sandwiches, cakes and larger dishes.
• Absurd Bird serves epic chicken and vegan burgers, wings and waffles.
• The 13th Note offers a wide variety of Vegan comfort food
• Brewdog Glasgow offers burgers, salads and wings as well as their word famous craft beer between 12pm – 9pm.

To all our wonderful customers,

In response to the call to stop the unnecessary movement of people and to slow the spread of Covid-19 we have taken the very hard decision to close The English Whisky Co. to visitors, including The Kitchen at St George’s from tonight (18th March).

This includes the cancellation of all upcoming events including Tasting Tours, Mothers Day Lunch, St George’s Dinner, and our annual Easter Egg Hunt.

We will be contacting all customers that are due to visit us during this time to advise them of their options.

We will re-open when it is considered safe to do so and we will continue to post updates that we may have on our website, social media channels and through our mailshots.

Our amazing webshop will continue to operate, so please continue to support us when you can and order from www.englishwhisky.co.uk

We’re obviously devastated to be writing this, but want to thank all of our customers for your ongoing support and custom.

Please stay safe and see you all again soon.

Andrew Nelstrop

A brand new edition to the Benromach family for 2020. Aged 40 years, it is a  marriage of American hogsheads and ex Sherry casks. Crisp aromatic fruits, mellow spice, white chocolate, pepper, ginger and a long spicy finish.

Benromach 40 Years Old has a golden amber hue with sweet sherry, red apple and butterscotch aromas leading to mellow spices and a hint of creamy white chocolate. Aromatic pear and ripe banana provide a sweet backdrop to a spicy ginger note. Smooth on the palate, cracked black pepper is initially followed by dried tobacco, Seville orange and soft oak tannins, mingling with subtle liquorice before a long, dry and spicy finish.

Benromach Distillery was designed by Charles C. Diog and constructed at Forres in the Speyside whiskey region for D. McCallum and F.W. Burickman in 1898. Following numerus periods of closure, it was purchased in 1993 by < b>Gordon & MacPhail who charged up its single pair of stills in 1998 and have nurtured Benromach ever since. Striking new labelling combined with an increasing range of single malts is forging a very popular brand of single malt whiskies which includes Benromach Organic, Benromach Peatsmoke and Benromach 10 Year Old.

Shop – Benromach 40 Year Old – £530

PROFESSOR BARRY SMITH

For our latest Yearbook, the founding director of the Centre for the Study of the Senses at the University of London gave us some fascinating insights into the mysteries of aroma. Professor Barry Smith talked about why blending shapes so much of what we enjoy in flavour, and debunked the age-old myth of the superior single malt – with a splash of science.

BLENDING CAN BE FOUND IN UNEXPECTED PLACES

“The majority of single malts are blends of different casks. Blending evens things out. It’s the pursuit of balance. Some of the most famous wines in the world are blends – Bordeaux is a mixture of grape varieties, and Champagne too is a mixture. Always.”

Our senses don’t distinguish between blends and single malts.

“The results of scientific studies with single malt versus blended Scotch whisky have repeatedly concluded there is no essential difference in the perception between a well-made single malt and well-made blends. Even when tested in different countries with differing levels of familiarity and expertise, the results and conclusions come back the same. When asked to sort whiskies from various Scotch categories blindly, tasters made sensible groupings but no one divided them into blends and single malts.”

THE BLENDING OF AROMAS IS STILL A MYSTERY

“We still don’t understand the science behind the merging of compounds into a single, unified aroma. A single molecule, such as benzaldehyde, can smell like a mixture of cherry and almond, whereas collections of more than 800 molecules can smell like a single thing: coffee. For now, at least, the blending of aromas and flavours still relies on art as well as science.”

Look out for subtle almond notes in an upcoming Compass Box Limited Edition. Just bear in mind that benzaldehyde won’t be listed on the back label.

You can hear more from Professor Smith in a five-part radio documentary The Art and Science of Blending, available now on the BBC.

Professor Barry Smith is director of the Institute of Philosophy at the University of London’s School of Advanced Study, and the founding director of the Centre for the Study of the Senses.

FIND OUT MORE AT OUR WEBSITE

From a strong sense of obligation to protect the health and the well-being of our employees, guests, friends, family and everyone at large in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have made the decision to temporarily close our restaurant as of today, March 16. Our last service was Sunday evening.

This weekend we announced the efforts we had been taking to keep everyone safe. Upon heartfelt reflection we didn’t feel the efforts we were taking would change the course of this pandemic and made the decision to close our doors until further notice.

In light of the clear and strict recommendations of Canadian and provincial health officials for social distancing, we were compelled to act swiftly and decisively to help combat the spread of COVID-19. Along with the collective governmental and societal efforts to contain this pandemic, we hope that this decision contributes to bringing us closer to putting this behind us, getting our people back to work, and once again fully enjoying the relationships that we’ve nourished over the years. Aside from public safety our highest priority is to ensure employees are looked after. As we await details on emergency government relief funding, we will be making every effort to properly assist our employees through this crisis.

Now is the time to be safe, be smart, and to take care of yourself, your family, and your friends. We are very hopeful and optimistic that with broad cooperation and prudence, this will pass, and we will again be greeting our guests here at The Whisky Kitchen in the very near future. In the meantime, our whisky is hibernating and ready to awaken in the springtime.

We wish everyone well, keep an eye on your neighbours, help out where you can and be safe. Remember we’re all in this together.

Allura & Eric, proprietors