Brand Home Manager of Forres distillery joins exclusive Scotch whisky society 

A distillery brand home manager who has been delighting visitors for five years about Benromach Speyside single malt Scotch whisky has become a Keeper of the Quaich at an exclusive ceremony at Blair Castle in Perthshire.

Susan Colville was invited to join the international and select society which recognises those who have shown outstanding commitment to the Scotch whisky industry.

Susan, who was born and raised in Speyside, joined the Forres-based distillery in 2013 to lead a dedicated team of guides who deliver a highly personal and up-close experience to thousands of visitors from all over the world each year.

Throughout 2018, as Benromach celebrates its 20^th anniversary since production restarted, Susan has been driving an exciting programme of activity. She began by leading the team that staged the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival opening gala dinner in May and is helping to host colleague and trade events throughout the year.

Susan was thrilled to be honoured by the Keepers of the Quaich She said: “This has been an incredible year at the distillery, and to receive this accolade during our 20^th anniversary is particularly special for me.

“As one of only a few distilleries in Scotland where every whisky is handcrafted without any automated equipment, we’ve worked hard to deliver tours and tastings to our visitors that are truly unique. Since 2013, we’ve seen a 40% increase in visitor numbers from across the globe.”

Susan, who lives in Elgin, Speyside with her husband and daughter, was determined to pursue a career in the Scotch whisky industry from an early age having been inspired by her father who worked for over 30 years as a distiller at Glenrothes Distillery.

Beginning her career as a tour guide at Glenfiddich and Glenfarclas Distilleries over the summer holidays, she then moved to Edinburgh to work for Royal Mile Whiskies. With a natural disposition for customer service and a love of Scotch whisky, Susan relished the opportunity to develop her knowledge and hone her sales skills.

Sales and marketing roles with Douglas Laing, AD Rattray, Wemyss and Glenglassaugh saw Susan travel the world, conducting countless masterclasses and tastings to an audience keen to learn and enjoy Scotch whisky.

Susan was acknowledged by her industry peers in 2012 when she was presented with the Young Ambassador of the Year accolade at the Icons of Whisky Awards. Following this recognition, Susan was named Visitor Centre Manager of the year at the World Whiskies Awards in 2015.

The venue for the Keepers of the Quaich ceremony – Blair Castle – is home to the Atholl Highlanders, Europe’s only private army. The banquet is held in the Grand Ballroom of the Castle, famous for its ceiling decorated with 175 deer antlers.

Keith Cruickshank, distillery manager at Benromach, commented: “Susan’s tireless commitment and significant contribution to our wonderful industry makes her an outstanding candidate to become a Keeper of the Quaich.

“She is a terrific ambassador for Scotch malt whisky and is truly deserving of this honour.”

Last month, Benromach Distillery, which attracts more than 13,000 visitors per year achieved its Five Star Visitor Attraction status from VisitScotland’s Quality Assurance scheme.

Notes 

Benromach Distillery

Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life when the Urquhart family realised a lifelong dream to own a distillery and purchased it in 1993. The distillery was extensively re-equipped over a five-year period before it was officially opened by HRH The Duke of Rothesay in 1998.

In reopening Benromach Distillery, the Urquhart family wanted to create a single malt whisky that has a classic Speyside character: beautifully balanced with a light touch of smoke.

Benromach Distillery is located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres. A five star visitor centre is open to the public throughout the year for tours and tastings. Benromach Distillery is a member of the world-famous Malt Whisky Trail.

Burns Night at Vic Caledonian – early-bird pricing

Robert Burns Season is fast approaching, and as you know, we have sold out the last 2 years! As a Caley Clan member or Founder-Owner, we thought you would like advance notice of ticket sales; this year will of course be bigger and bolder and we know you don’t want to miss out!

Staying the same this year is the ticket price of $125 inc.tax, however if you pay for your tickets before St.Andrews Day (Scotland’s patron saint) November 30th then tickets will be only $115 each!! Perhaps your inner Scotsperson is smiling right now :).

Please see the attached poster for more details, and either visit the distillery, or
call (778) 401-0410 to reserve your seats. You’ll want to tell us how many are in your group so we can sit you together, and if you desire a wine substitution for the whisky. Sorry, but we cannot do food menu substitutions.

Seats are limited, so we hope you’re lucky enough to get your tickets before they sell out!

Slàinte mhath!

Graeme
__________________________
Graeme Macaloney PhD., PEng., FIChemE.
Founder, President & Whisky Maker
Victoria Caledonian Distiller & Twa Dogs Brewery

www.VCaledonian.com
Facebook: @VictoriaCaledonian; @TwaDogs; Twitter: @VCaledonian; @TwaDogsBeer

Awarded Liquid Gold in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2019 with a score of 96.

Distilled in 2007 and matured in a bourbon cask for almost eleven years, this single cask has been bottled exclusively for The Whisky Shop at a natural cask strength of 56.5% abv, with just 238 bottles produced.

The nose has waves of smoke, combining with spice, vanilla and fresh citrus. The palate brings honey, tropical fruits, butterscotch, earthy malt and more smoke. The finish has a wisp of peat smoke with orange and liquorice.

£140 Buy Now

ralfy.com visits England with . ralfy review 748 – Cotswolds 4yo single malt @ 46%vol: (8550)

https://youtu.be/HoZgN69oX0U

October is the perfect month for Bourbon lovers and we have a great selection of Bourbons sure to keep you warm this fall season. Keep your calendars open as we have a couple of special releases, some amazing collaborations, great tastings, and a big day full of fun planned throughout the month.

Cheers,

-The Party Source Liquor Department

MAKER’S MARK LIMITED RELEASE JUSTIFY TRIPLE CROWN BOTTLE

Maker’s Mark is celebrating both of Kentucky’s most famous industries (horse racing and bourbon) with the release of their latest commemorative bottle, honoring Triple Crown winning racehorse Justify.

Justify overcame rough weather and stiff competition to win the Triple Crown. The bottle’s green, black, and white color scheme honors the silks worn by Justify’s jockey, Mike Smith.

“Maker’s Mark has always had a strong connection with horse racing,” said Rob Samuels, eighth-generation distiller and Chief Operating Officer of Maker’s Mark Distillery. “Without the support of the thoroughbred industry in the early days when my grandparents created our bourbon, Maker’s Mark simply wouldn’t exist. We’re honored to help grow the sport we love while also commemorating a remarkable achievement in sports history.”

The Triple Crown is a hat-trick victory over all three of the year’s major horse racing events: The Kentucky Derby, The Preakness, and the Belmont Stakes.

Maker’s Mark Limited Edition Justify Triple Crown Bottle Release
When: Friday, October 19^th
Time: 8:00 AM
Price: $59.99 (limit 1 bottle per customer)

Special note: Maker’s Mark Breeders Cup Bottling will also be available.

MAKER’S MARK PRIVATE SELECT

While we’re highlighting this Maker’s Mark Limited Edition Release, we wanted to share with you three additional Maker’s Mark bottlings, all featuring their highly popular Maker’s Mark Private Select. In addition to our own Private Bottling, we had the opportunity to team up with two close friends of The Party Source, Pompilio’s and The Cure Starts Now, to select two entirely unique Maker’s Mark Private Select Barrels.

Each bottle of Maker’s Mark Private Select starts with a base of fully aged Maker’s Mark at cask strength. Private Select is created by adding 10 custom wood finishing staves to each barrel. It’s then aged for 9 weeks in a limestone cellar to extract a unique taste and flavor profile.

The available staves are all oak and offered in five unique finishes; Baked American Pure (American oak slowly toasted), Seared French Cuvee (French oak cooked with infrared heat), Roasted French Mocha (French oak cooked on high in a convection oven), Toasted French Spice (French oak cooked at both high and low temperatures in a convection oven), and Maker’s 46 (American oak taken from a Maker’s 46 barrel).

Maker’s Mark Private Select TPS
For this Private Select offering, we chose 3 Baked American Pure 2 staves, 3 Seared French Cuvee staves, 3 Roasted French Mocha staves and 1 Toasted French Spice stave.  This selection is a perfect marriage of French and American oak that delicately harmonizes with this wheated Bourbon. Perfect neat, on the rocks or take your favorite cocktail to the next level.

Maker’s Mark Private Select “Pomp’s Bocce Barrel”
For this Private Select offering, we teamed up with our friends at Pompilio’s, an iconic fixture here in northern Kentucky, and selected an amazing barrel of Maker’s Mark Private Select – “Pomp’s Bocce Barrel”. Together we chose 4 Seared French Cuvee staves, 4 Roasted French Mocha staves and 2 Toasted French Spice staves. This is an excellent representation of Maker’s Mark and delivers something special. Both The Party Source and Pompilio’s couldn’t be happier to offer this collaboration to you.

Maker’s Mark Private Select “TCSN with TPS”
For this Private Select offering, we teamed up with our friends at The Cure Starts Now, an amazing charity that helps children who are battling cancer and finding a cure. This Maker’s Mark Private Select – “TCSN with TPS” was created with 1 Baked American Pure stave, 1 Seared French Cuvee stave, 2 Maker’s Mark 46 staves, 4 Roasted French Mocha staves and 2 Toasted French Spice staves. This is a great barrel with a great cause behind it and should be a selection on your bar at home.

Each barrel and bottling is unique and a great representation of Maker’s Mark’s commitment to creating a truly individual experience for you. Pick up all three for and taste for yourself.

Glenturret 30 Year Old Douglas Laing XOP

Exceptionally old example of Glenturret, a distillery not often seen as a single malt.

Nose: Warm brown bread with salted butter and thick honey plus green apples and fudge.

Palate: Thick with toffee pieces, creamy porridge and candied orange.

Finish: Barley rich alongside iced buns and a touch of spice and tangy apple juice.

£259.95 

Buy Glenturret 30

23-24 February 2019
Grand Central Hotel, Glasgow

MORE EXHIBITORS CONFIRMED…

Now that The Whisky Show in London is done and dusted, we’re looking forward to 2019 with The Whisky Show: Old & Rare in Glasgow. The dram list is already more impressive than last year’s, and we will be announcing even more fantastic whiskies over the coming weeks – keep your eyes peeled.

BOOK NOW

We’ve confirmed a selection of new exhibitors for 2019 including world-renowned whisky collector Hideo Yamaoka, leading Edinburgh whisky bar Usquabae and Limburg regular Magnus Fagerström. The drams they’ve already confirmed are spectacular – you can find the current list on our website.

SEE THE 2019 DRAM LIST

Hundreds of old and rare whiskies to buy by the dram
Two-course brasserie lunch
Tasting Glass
Option to purchase tickets to once-in-a-lifetime masterclasses

LEARN MORE

THE DETAILS

Saturday 23 – Sunday 24 February 2019
11.30pm-6.30pm

Venue
Grand Central Hotel
99 Gordon St
Glasgow, G1 3SF

Tickets
Saturday – £75
Sunday – £75
Weekend – £135

BOOK NOW

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Products are offered subject to the following terms and conditions:

1. Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.

2. We do not issue physical tickets. When you make your booking, your name will be added to a guest list for the event.

3. In the case of cancellation on part of the organisers, the full ticket price will be refunded to you. We reserve the right to make cancellations up to 24 hours before the event.

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 217: Johnnie Walker White Walker

Mark Dermul, Belgian whiskyblogger, tries the Johnnie Walker White Walker. You are most likely aware that the television series Game of Thrones is very popular (unless you spent the last few years north of The Wall). Johnnie Walker gladly jumps on that bandwagon with this special release of the ‘White Walker’, bottled at a rather unconventional 41.7% ABV. Mark frowned a bit upon the recommendation to ‘serve it from the freezer’, but that did not stop him from trying it. But at the end of the day, he realized that this is a bottle for the collectors, not so much for the drinkers, as it was unable to fulfill his expectations.

https://youtu.be/3__ZGegETGw