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Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 220: Glenfiddich Experimental Series #4 Fire & Cane – Scotch Whisky News

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Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 220: Glenfiddich Experimental Series #4 Fire & Cane

Mark Dermul, Belgian whiskyblogger, tries an experimental Glenfiddich. The most recent release in the Experimental Series is this Glenfiddich Fire & Cane. It is a very atypical Glenfiddich – so perfect for this series, eh? – because daringly peated. With its 8ppm (hence the ‘Fire’) this makes for a smoky Glenfiddich. The ‘Cane’ refers to the rum casks on which this Glenfiddich – after regular maturation on bourbon cask – was finished.

https://youtu.be/oBVQ4rA4GL0

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE: MEMBERSHIP TO THE WORLD’S LEADING WHISKY CLUB – Scotch Whisky News

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KNOCK THEIR SOCKS OFF WITH MEMBERSHIP TO THE WORLD’S LEADING WHISKY CLUB 

Slippers, socks and cardigans just won’t cut it. Sending a loved one on an endless journey of discovery with 26,000 fellow whisky fans will. 

Unforgettable whisky moments are shared ones, which is why membership to The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) is a Christmas gift any whisky fan – whether newly interested or hardcore adventurer – will be overjoyed to receive.

Only members of the SMWS can access its constant supply of one-off single cask, single malt whiskies, drawn straight from the barrel and bottled at natural strength (undiluted) – whisky flavours at their most wide-ranging and intriguing.

Annual membership and renewal is £65, but the SMWS offers a range of options for new members up to and including its Pioneer Welcome Pack at £130. It’s the perfect Christmas gift, coming with a beautiful presentation box containing three 10cl sample bottles of Society whisky to get started, a £15 e-voucher, entertaining SMWS journal and a club lapel badge to start wearing with pride.

Being a member of SMWS not only offers members access to the SMWS’s revered single cask whiskies, exclusive tasting events, venues and unparalleled expertise; it means they belong to a Society with like-minded individuals from all around the world.

Meeting 26,000 fellow whisky fans is just the beginning of a journey of endless discovery that comes with joining the world’s most colourful whisky club.

Warm welcome

The SMWS is always welcoming, treating members new and old with the same warmth and respect as you would good friends. At member-only events you can discover intriguing malts with fellow whisky admirers. The SMWS is firmly of the belief that its unique malts are best appreciated when shared with friends.

One-off drams

Every individual cask of whisky matures in its own way, and if the name on the Society’s label seems unusual, it’s because the whisky is too. The SMWS bottles from a single cask when its Tasting Panel decides the whisky is ready, and each cask provides a finite number of bottles for members to buy.

Once they’re sold-out, they are gone forever, flavours never to be repeated. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind malt experience, the SMWS is the right place for you.

Venues and partner bars

In the UK, the SMWS has its spiritual home at The Vaults in Leith, Edinburgh as well as Members’ Rooms at 28 Queen Street in the city centre. In London, the SMWS has a members-only venue at 19 Greville Street and recently opened a new pop-up at 78 Northcote Road, Clapham, where guests can experience a range of single cask whiskies and other spirits as well as a selection of fantastic food.

SMWS partner bars are every bit as extraordinary as the Society’s malts. With nearly 100 worldwide locations, they’re the perfect place to share a dram of one-off single malt Scotch whisky.

Membership benefits

The core annual membership of the Society costs £65 and provides whisky lovers with benefits including discounted dram prices at SMWS partner bars; free subscription to Unfiltered, its award-winning members’ magazine; and savings on postage and packaging of bottles.

The full membership packages are:

  • PIONEER WELCOME PACK (£130): the most popular option – core annual membership PLUS a beautiful welcome pack containing three 10cl sample bottles, a £15 e-voucher, SMWS journal and club lapel badge
  • MEMBERSHIP & TASTING TICKETS (£125): bring a guest to enjoy the good company of fellow members by coming along to a regular whisky tasting event, up to the value of £64
  • MEMBERSHIP & BOTTLE OF THE MOMENT (£110): surprise and delight your senses by adding a specially selected bottle of the moment to annual membership
  • MEMBERSHIP & 35TH ANNIVERSARY TASTING BOX (£89): get to know SMWS

whisky and discover your favourite flavour by exploring five 25ml single cask Society samples. An accompanying tasting hosted by master ambassador is available online to help you get the most out of these specially selected drams.

  • MEMBERSHIP & THREE DRAM SERVE (£80): perfect for getting to know each other, visit UK Members’ Rooms for a chat and an informal three-dram tasting

Commenting on new members joining the SMWS, Kai Ivalo, Spirits Director at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, said: “The SMWS started life 35 years ago as an unconventional and welcoming whisky club with a mission to unearth the finest single cask whiskies and crack them open with like-minded friends and curious whisky fans. That mission is unchanged, but we’ve added a few thousand members along the way – and we always offer a warm welcome to any new recruit to the single cask cause.” 

To buy membership to  The Scotch Malt Whisky Society as a gift this Christmas, visit: https://bit.ly/2zofcP4

ROCK TOWN WHISKEYS SCORE LIQUID GOLD IN JIM MURRAY’S 2019 WHISKY BIBLE! – American Whiskey News

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ROCK TOWN WHISKEYS SCORE LIQUID GOLD
IN JIM MURRAY’S 2019 WHISKY BIBLE!

4 different whiskeys receive a 94/100

Little Rock, AR – (October 29, 2018) –  Rock Town Distillery is pleased to announce four of its whiskeys have scored the rating of “Liquid Gold” in the 2019 edition of Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible each with a 94/100.

According to Murray, our Arkansas Rye Whiskey is “better, in fact, than some ryes made by the established distilleries of Kentucky“. Our Arkansas Bourbon has “a ridiculous degree of chocolate fudge… I really do love this distillery…”.  Our Single Barrel Bourbon’s “classic bourbon tones are well chiseled and impressive” and our Sherry Cask Wheat Whiskey has “an almost obscene deliciousness”.

“To receive these ratings on four different whiskeys is a tremendous achievement” said distillery founder and head distiller Phil Brandon. “I’m so proud of our team and what our little distillery in Arkansas has be able to achieve in its short 8-year history.”

ABOUT JIM MURRAY’S WHISKY BIBLE

Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible is the world’s leading whisky guide. Each edition contains over 4,600 detailed, professionally analyzed and easy to understand tasting notes on the world’s leading and lesser known whiskies.

ABOUT ROCK TOWN DISTILLERY

Rock Town Distillery produces the award winning Arkansas Bourbon, Arkansas Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey, Arkansas Hickory Smoked Whiskey, Arkansas Rye Whiskey, Rock Town Vodka and more which are distributed to multiple states and Canada. Winner of the 2015 US Micro Whisky of the Year in the 2015 edition of Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.

Rock Town Distillery, Arkansas’ first legal distillery since prohibition, is located in downtown Little Rock at 1201 Main Street, Little Rock, AR 72202.  The distillery is open for tours 6 days a week. To find out more please visit www.rocktowndistillery.com

Rock Town Distillery

1201 Main Street

Little Rock, Arkansas 72202

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The 2018 Upgraded Malt Maniacs Monitor – Whisky Scores!

 

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16,790 bottlings  53,790 individual scores, 124 distilleries and 134 different bottlers!

http://www.whisky-monitor.com/stats.jsp 

Visit the Malt Maniacs at http://www.maltmaniacs.net/

Scotch Malt Whisky Society “Cuddle up with this heart-warming selection” – Scotch Whisky News

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OUTTURN WHISKIES       READ OUTTURN

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

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Whisky Wednesday Reviews – Whisky News

PHIL

Phil is still under the weather….but hopefully should return next week.

MASTER THE ART OF BLENDING AT HOME WITH CHIVAS’ EXPERIMENTAL GIFT KIT – Scotch Whisky News

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MASTER THE ART OF BLENDING AT HOME WITH

CHIVAS’ EXPERIMENTAL GIFT KIT

October, 2018 – Chivas, the original luxury blended Scotch whisky, has launched a Blending Kit featuring a selection of whiskies and tools to give Scotch lovers the chance to get hands-on and experience the art of blending in the comfort of their own home.

The perfect gift for any whisky fan, the kit contains four single malt whiskies and one blended grain whisky, each representing a different flavor characteristic: floral, fruity, citrus, creamy, and smoky. Armed with a pipette and a beaker – plus a bottle of one of the world’s best-loved blended Scotch whiskies, Chivas 12, for inspiration – whisky fans are encouraged to explore, experiment and have fun testing their skills and senses to delicately combine the whiskies and craft a blend worth shouting about.

The new release was launched to celebrate the magic of blending Scotch, and to bring the craft to life outside of Chivas Director of Blending Sandy Hyslop’s blending room. 

Sandy, who’s been blending Scotch whisky for more than 30 years, said: “At Chivas we believe that blended is better – in life and in Scotch. Every day I get to indulge in my greatest passion, experimenting with the world’s finest malt and grain whiskies to create something extraordinary when blended together – and this passion is something I want to share with other whisky fans. Each component in a blend plays an important role in determining the profile of the finished whisky – I can’t wait to see what creations my fellow blenders around the world put together.”

Chivas’ belief in blending was instilled by founding brothers, James and John Chivas, who pioneered the art in 19th century Scotland. And now, two centuries later, the Blending Kit celebrates Chivas’ continued commitment to bringing together the best malt and grain whiskies to create something extraordinary.

Blended whisky lovers around the world are invited to give it a go themselves and share their success stories on Instagram @ChivasRegal using #MyChivasBlend.

Find an interactive guide to your Blending Kit experience and why blended is better at Chivas.com 

NOTES 

The Blending Kit (RRP £25, available at The Whisky Exchange)

  • x1 5cl Blended Grain Whisky (Floral)
  • x4 5cl Single Malt Whiskies (Fruity, Citrus, Creamy, Smoky)
  • x1 Pipette
  • x1 Beaker
  • x1 5cl Empty Bottle
  • x1 5cl Miniature Bottle of Chivas Regal 12

About Chivas

Chivas believes that blended is better, in life and in Scotch.

The original luxury blended Scotch whisky, Chivas’ belief in blending was instilled by founding brothers, James and John Chivas, who pioneered the art of blending in 19th century Scotland. Since then, Chivas has been integral to the growth of the Scotch whisky category worldwide – by bringing together the best malt and grain whiskies to create something extraordinary.

Chivas believes in the power of blending in life, as well as in Scotch. In bringing people together to create a greater whole – which is why Chivas is proud to be the global spirits partner of Manchester United, the world’s biggest football club; and in blending ambition with generosity and using success to enrich the lives of others – which is why the Chivas Venture supports social startups with $1m in annual funding.

Chivas blends its home in Speyside, Scotland, with more than 100 countries across the globe, who together have made Chivas the global success it is today, selling more than 4.2 million 9L cases every year.

The Chivas range blends timeless classics with modern innovation, including: Chivas 12, Chivas Extra, Chivas XV, Chivas Mizunara, Chivas 18, Chivas Ultis, Chivas 25, Chivas Regal The Icon, and the Global Travel Retail exclusive Chivas Brothers Blend.

Chivas. Success is a blend.

www.Chivas.com

The Whisky Barrel releases their latest exclusive bottling, this time a grain whisky from the lost Cambus Distillery – Scotch Whisky News

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The Whisky Barrel releases their latest exclusive bottling, this time a grain whisky from the lost Cambus Distillery. 

Specialist online whisky shop, TheWhiskyBarrel.com, is proud to release the Cambus 30 Year Old 1988 Sovereign Exclusive.

Cambus Distillery, near Alloa, is a lost Lowlands grain whisky, having closed in 1993. Hunter Laing Cambus grain whiskies are extremely popular.

Aged in a refill hogshead (HL14857) and bottled at cask strength, the Cambus 30 Year Old is a non chill-filtered grain whisky. Bottled in September 2018 by Hunter Laing & Company of Glasgow exclusively for TheWhiskyBarrel.com with just 313 bottles available.

With rich fruit and chocolate flavours and a lingering hint of cinnamon to finish, this whisky makes for the perfect malt to enjoy on a winter evening.

Available exclusively from The Whisky Barrel, shipping to customers Worldwide including the United States of America, Canada and Japan.

Cambus 30 Year Old Sovereign Exclusive |1988| TheWhiskyBarrel.com| 45.2%

Tasting notes 

Colour: Light gold, this is the natural colour.

Nose: Notes of peach, apricot and plums. 

Palate: Sweet with forest fruits, dark chocolate and coconut. 

Finish: Long, with a lingering hint of cinnamon. 

Price: £104.86 GBP / $113.53 USD (+ P&P) 

The Whisky Barrel E: info@thewhiskybarrel.com
Visit www.thewhiskybarrel.com T: +44 (0)845 2248 156
Find us on: Facebook, Twitter & Instagram

   cambus 30 year old 1988 sovereign TWB label exclusive

Notes

  1. Q) What is the product called?
    A)  Cambus 30 Year Old 1988 Sovereign Exclusive
  2. Q) When will this product be released/was it released?
    A) Friday 2nd November 2018
  3. Q) Where is it available?
    A) Scotland, off-trade, TheWhiskyBarrel.com.

Q) Is this product already available in other markets?
A) Scotland only, TheWhiskyBarrel.com ships worldwide.

Q) How much is it?
A) £104.86GBP / $113.53 USD (+ P&P)

  1. Q) Who handles the product’s distribution?
    A) In-house at TheWhiskyBarrel.com.

Q) What is the ABV of this product?
A) 45.2% ABV natural cask strength.

  • Q) Why has this product been launched?
    A) Limited Edition single cask distillery exclusive for The Whisky Barrel. 

 

The Whisky Barrel is a specialist online whisky and spirits merchant based in Fife, Scotland and  was established in 2007. The Whisky Barrel won Whisky Magazine Online Retailer 2018 and was International Wine & Spirits Competition runner-up in 2016.

N.B. Prices correct at the time of publishing and are subject to currency fluctuation.

Tickets for Spirit of Toronto 2019 – Whisky News

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Tickets on sale March 25!

Mark the date – tickets for Spirit of Toronto 2019 go on sale Monday March 25 at 10am through Roy Thomson Hall’s box office. If you are subscribed to this list then you will get an automatic reminder the night before, as well as updates on the features, guests and masterclasses for 2019.

Can’t wait til then? Read on!

 SofTa

Tis the season for sharing the Spirit…

Once again we have a limited number of gift certificates, to be redeemed for General Admission tickets to the Spirit of Toronto main showcase on Saturday May 4 at Roy Thomson Hall.

Gift certificates may be ordered here for $175 HST included, and come with a unique barcode number which the recipient must register with us along with their name and address. The physical tickets will be sent out as of March 25. Gift certificates may be redeemed up until April 26, 2019.

Please note that these gift certificates are for General Admission only; masterclasses cannot be reserved before March 25. Gift certificate recipients interested in attending a class will be able to do so by contacting the box office directly and purchasing a seat reservation as an add-on to their General Admission ticket. (Please note that usual box office fees will apply to any masterclasses that are purchased as an add-on.)

Laphroaig 20 Year Old Platinum Old & Rare at Loch Fyne Whiskies – Scotch Whisky News

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Laphroaig 20 Year Old Platinum Old & Rare

LAPHROAIG 20 YEAR OLD PLATINUM OLD & RARE ~ Distilled at Laphroaig in October 1997 and matured in a single refill hogshead for the next two decades, this limited edition from Hunter Laing & Co. of Glasgow was bottled in September 2018 at a cask strength of 44% abv, with just 123 bottles filled.

£415

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