MID-SUMMER BLISS

Don’t miss these wonderful whiskies from June Outturn, we’ve hand-picked our recommendations for the summer solstice. Beautifully contemplative, rewarding and uplifting,
each brings total bliss in a glass.

Can’t find the perfect whisky? Call us for a chat and we’ll be more than happy to make some suggestions. You’ll find details of how to get in touch on the footer.

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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

THE MACALLAN UNVEILS OLDEST WHISKY EVER RELEASED BY THE DISTILLERY –  

THE MACALLAN 72 YEARS OLD IN LALIQUE, THE GENESIS DECANTER

Limited Edition Single Malt Whisky to Arrive in the US, September 2018

Friday June 4, 2018 (New York, New York) – The Macallan, the world’s most admired single malt Scotch whisky has unveiled The Macallan 72 Years Old in Lalique – The Genesis Decanter – a remarkable new limited edition whisky to celebrate the new Macallan Distillery and Visitor Experience which opened its doors on June 2, 2018.

An exceptionally rare Macallan 72 Years Old single malt, The Genesis Decanter is the oldest whisky ever released by the Distillery and celebrates a monumental achievement for The Macallan – available for purchase in the United States, in September 2018 for an estimated retail price of $65,000.

The Genesis Decanter is inspired by and honors a new era for the the brand as it finds its new home in a truly magnificent architectural masterpiece. Similar to the new Distillery and Visitor Experience, the decanter is defined by its beautiful craftsmanship and rounded design. Presented in a bespoke crystal decanter handcrafted by Lalique, it is a celebration of the collaboration of masters from across the fields of whisky, crystal, architecture, construction and craftsmanship and marks a new beginning in The Macallan story.

For nearly two centuries the mastery of exceptional whisky making has been at the heart of The Macallan Estate and the new Distillery and Visitor Experience, designed by internationally acclaimed architects, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, embodies the care, passion and superior craftsmanship that goes into every drop of The Macallan.

Distilled back in the 1940s, The Macallan 72 Years Old is a peerless spirit which began its journey to maturation during the optimistic post Second World War period and this atmosphere of reinvention inspired the new Distillery and the whisky and design of The Genesis Decanter.

For its seventy-two years of maturation, the deceptively light color hints that this is not an ordinary single malt. Reminiscent of a time gone by, it carries an exquisite balance of strong, sweet oak with the peaty spirit shaping its refined character. The whisky delivers surprise and delight with aromas of fruit followed by distinctive hints of peat, all the way through to the back of the mouth where it is finished off with a lingering hint of rich fruit and oak.

Nick Savage, The Macallan Master Distiller, remarks, “The Macallan 72 Years Old is an incredibly rare single malt defined by years of dedication and craftsmanship. As the oldest whisky we have ever bottled, this is a truly momentous occasion to commemorate our remarkable new Distillery. Although delicate throughout all aspects, it provides an intense experience which acknowledges the distinguished history of The Macallan.”

Lalique has captured the character of the new architectural wonder in crystal, incorporating the clean lines and natural curves of the new Distillery. The smooth curvature of the unique roof structure defines the decanter’s design, suggestive of the building rising and falling from the ground. Marrying together modern techniques with traditional skills, each decanter is handcrafted by master craftsmen who elevate the complex crystal making process to create a stunning art piece.

“Our new Distillery is both a tribute to the traditions of our whisky and its natural Speyside environment, and a future-facing vision, looking forward to the next chapter of The Macallan.” Said Ken Grier, Creative Director for The Macallan.  “Lalique have a deep and true understanding of The Macallan, having been our partner for over a decade. Their interpretation of this design masterpiece in crystal is beyond exceptional. Their mastery and creativity never ceases to amaze and inspire us and our extraordinary collaboration is reflective of the highly meaningful part Lalique have played in the story of The Macallan.”

Silvio Denz, Chairman of Lalique, said, “Lalique is very honored to be associated with such an important moment in the story of The Macallan, with the creation of this commemorative decanter. Our long-term partnership with The Macallan, which started over a decade ago, is based on shared values of excellence, craftsmanship and creativity; and the truly spectacular and never-before-seen architecture of the new Distillery & Visitor Experience has been highly inspiring for the design of the decanter.”

The Genesis Decanter is housed in a bespoke presentation case, designed by Burgess Studio and inspired by the interior of the Distillery, with a curved wooden roof over the decanter, and a footprint taken directly from the circular layout of the three new stillhouses. Handcrafted from the finest materials by The Royal Warrant holding cabinet makers, NEJ Stevenson, using only sustainably sourced timbers, the exterior is waterfall bubinga, with each bowl carved from mahogany layered with light maple. All drawer linings and fitments are hand-applied in pure suede and fabric, with latches and hinges in solid brass.

The Macallan 72 Years Old single malt will be rolled out globally from September 2018 and will be limited to 600 decanters worldwide (156 allocated to USA), with an estimated retail price of $65,000 per 750ml decanter. Further details about this unique whisky will be disclosed nearer to the actual arrival of the decanters.

For further information visit, us.themacallan.com 

Whisky Makers Notes:

ABV: 42%

Color: Golden amber

Nose: A delicate peat starts, leading to a soft, aged oak smoke. A body of refreshing citrus lemons and green apples, with a background of vanilla pods and raisins, with the smallest hint of ginger.

Palate: Delicate peat smoke combines with a soft vanilla, and a surprising sweet oak smoke. A gentle wood spice combines with a delicate peat smoke, which gradually fades to leave a viscous mouth coating of citrus fruits and subtle green apples.

Finish: Medium and fruity, with a sweet oaky mouth feel.

About The Macallan

Founded in 1824 in the heart of Speyside, The Macallan was one of the first distilleries in Scotland to be legally licensed. Since then it has built a reputation as one of the world’s finest single malt whiskies.  The story of The Macallan is built on the Six Pillars, each influencing the whisky in its own distinct way. From the spiritual home of Easter Elchies House; curiously small stills giving richness to the pure spirit; finest cut of the distillation, to exceptional oak casks which account for up to 80% of the final flavor in the whisky; natural color and finally peerless spirit, The Macallan itself.

Wood sits at the heart of The Macallan. The vital contributing influences of Spain, North America and Scotland, together with true mastery, set it apart from the rest. For more information on The Macallan, visit us.themacallan.com. The Macallan can also be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Lalique

Founded in 1888, Lalique is one of the crown jewels of France’s crystal glass industry. René Lalique, renowned as the inventor of modern jewellery, went on to become a master in the art of glassmaking. Over time, his name has become the powerful symbol of a unique expertise, a synonym for luxury, excellence, creativity and for a widely celebrated artistic style. Through its contemporary work in six areas, Lalique revives and pursues the creative, eclectic work of its founder: jewellery, decorative items, interior design, fragrances, art, as well as hospitality. All crystal items are handcrafted in the company’s sole manufacturing site, which has been located in the Alsace region in France since 1921. Lalique continues to thrive as a truly timeless lifestyle brand. www.lalique.com

There are only around a dozen Master Whisky Makers working in Scotland’s distilleries at any given time, which is a testament to the skill and experience needed to fulfil this vital role in the making of the finest single malt. Skills, passed down from one Master Whisky Maker to the next, that take up to a decade to acquire through long hours of dedication. At The Glenrothes Distillery, our Master Whisky Maker Gordon Motion was privileged to learn his craft from one of the legends: John Ramsay.

John Ramsay retired in 2009 after an illustrious career at the distillery, which involved him ‘nosing’ up to 600 samples every day in the pursuit of some truly extraordinary whisky. Before leaving, he passed the mantle on to his apprentice Gordon Motion, who had worked as his assistant for over 10 years.

But that was not the only thing he left. Along with his priceless knowledge, John Ramsay also bequeathed some precious stock to Gordon’s care upon leaving the distillery— ‘unfinished’ casks that he had laid down and left behind to mature. It was Gordon Motion’s responsibility to decide when to bottle them and bring his own distinctive vision to the whisky they contained. One of those casks is a distillery exclusive from our Cellar Collection, which today represents a unique collaboration between two generations of Master Whisky Makers.

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Cellar Collection Vintage 2004

This special edition of Vintage 2004 from our Cellar Collection was created by our Master Whisky Maker Gordon Motion from casks originally filled by John Ramsay. It is an expression of The Glenrothes fruity spirit at a higher, yet complementary strength.

Bottled at natural colour and at 48.8% ABV from 100% first fill American Oak sherry seasoned casks. We’re making only 600 bottles available on our distillery shop as the perfect gift for Father’s Day.

Buy Now

Bunnahabhain 1991
The Laird’s Choice
Aged 26 Years
Distilled: 02.12.1991 – Bottled: January 2018
Aged in a First Fill Sherry Butt

Bunnahabhain 1991 – 26 Year old Bunnahabhain aged in a first fill sherry butt. You can see the stunning dark shade which is completely natural. Delicate Islay flavours mixed with rich sherry notes make this single cask bottling one of our favourites of all time. Just 144 bottles came from the butt and we decided that 26 years old was the perfect time to bottle this fine malt. Presented in our new premium box with tartan lining, this is certainly something very, very special!

Visit our website to purchase

American Oak Cask Strength TD0126

Cask TD0126 is a rare release of cask strength American Oak. Distilled in August of 2006 and bottled in November of 2017, this eleven-year-old, single cask, single malt is bottled at an impressive 69.1% ABV. Aged in a 200L American Oak ex-bourbon cask, this bottling produced only 170 bottles.

“This whisky is surprisingly easy to drink at this ABV and it’s a rare chance to try Sullivans Cove right out of the cask.”

Patrick Maguire, Head Distiller

PURCHASE NOW

Double Cask DC096

Our first release of Double Cask at 45% ABV, DC096 is comprised of one 16-year-old 300L American Oak ex-tawny cask, one 13-year-old 200L American Oak ex-bourbon cask, one 12-year-old 300L French Oak ex-tawny cask, and two 10-year-old 200L American Oak ex-bourbon casks. Double Cask is our most versatile style, winning Best Australian Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards in 2018.

PURCHASE NOW

Glenfiddich Winter Storm Batch 2

The third in the Glenfiddich Experimental Series, this 21 year old Speyside single malt has been finished for 6 months in icewine casks from a renowned Canadian winery. Initially released in October 2017, the second batch is now available to order. Tropical fruit and candied sweets on the nose, with underlying wine notes. The palate has soft sweet candied fruits, Turkish Delight and mouth-watering lychee, before a drying sensation from the icewine and a short, crisp finish.

£199 Pre-Order Now
Orders will be dispatched week beginning 11th June

Father’s Day means whisky books…

Father’s Day is nearly here, but forget the neckties, the crazy socks, the golf balls. This year break from tradition. Why? Because your dad really needs a new whisky book. Think of the years of enjoyment he’d get from the updated Canadian Whisky: The New Portable Expert. 

This new and revised edition features a specially commissioned map showing every whisky distillery in Canada (nearly 50 of them!) It has more than 100 new tasting notes and a birdwatchers’ checklist so he can tick them off as he samples them.

Coverage of Canada’s traditional distilleries and the burgeoning microdistillery sector, new chapters on whisky flavours, where they come from and how to taste them, along with numerous updates throughout make this your dad’s definitive, up-to-date source for the straight goods on Canadian whisky.

And if he already has a copy? Well, breakfast in bed would be nice.

Available at most book stores in Canada, or on Amazon and other online booksellers in whatever country your dad lives. And if you happen to be in Ottawa on Saturday June 16, drop by Coles bookstore in Billings Bridge between 11:00 and 2:00, and I’ll personalize one for him.

Saskatchewan’s Single Malt Rye 

Adam Sperling is proud of his Sperling Silver Distillery, and so he should be. His vodka, gin, moonshine and rum are being recognized in top international spirits competitions. And now the American Distilling Institute has named 100 Bushels the Best Single Malt Rye Whiskey of 2018.

With the exuberance of youth, the nose is farmy and waxy with hints of wet clay and dry grain. The palate is not overly complex, showing sweet honeycomb, barley sugar, hints of vanilla, waxiness and a range of sweetish spices and herbs. A medium spicy finish ends in a soft sweetness.

Canadian Rockies New 21 Year Old

Vancouver’s Fountana Group has updated it’s Canadian Rockies 21 just in time for Dad. Sourced from Highwood Distillers in Alberta, the whisky has been reformulated to include some very old whiskies to bolster the already scrumptious 21-year-old. Canadian Rockies is now bottled at 44% abv. Look closely and you’ll see the Rocky Mountains on the new custom bottle.

Banff Whisky Experience

This September 28 and 29, join me deep in the Rocky Mountains for the inaugural Banff Whisky Experience. This new whisky festival features 10 whisky tastings and 4 whisky culture master classes, so there are plenty of opportunities for curious drammers to learn more.

Remember, this is in Alberta where free enterprise in the whisky market ensures a broad selection of whiskies from right around the world.

I’ll be pouring rye whiskies unlike anything you’ve ever tasted before. Some are Canadian, some American and some come from countries you might never have expected to make such wonderful ryes. Rye is an audacious spirit and distillers are just beginning to understand the depth and breadth of flavour possibilities.

The complete Banff Festival and Master Class schedule will be available to all on July 1st, 2018. Grand Festival Experience ticket/pass holders get a sneak preview on June 15.

Space is limited, so book soon!

Early-bird tickets are now available. Grab yours and get first access to the June 15 Master schedule. Click “Buy A Ticket” or go to: www.showpass.com/bwe/

The 9.09% Rule Has Moved

Rumours that the infamous 9.09% regulation has been repealed are greatly exaggerated. What has happened is that some years ago, the regulation was removed from the Excise Act and lodged elsewhere. The idea was that the Excise Act should deal with financial matters so, other provisions were simply sent to new regulatory homes. This does make them a bit more difficult to find. Nothing has changed but a quick read of the Act might lead to that erroneous conclusion.

Old Montreal Distillery

Correction & update:

With the start of construction on its visitors’ centre, Sazerac’s Old Montreal Distillery is moving closer to opening its doors to the public.

Distilling veteran, Harlen Wheatley oversees production, while blender Drew Mayville is ultimately responsible for blending. However, both work remotely from Kentucky, leaving day-to-day operations to the distilling and blending team in Montreal.

Mayville particularly, has a strong affiliation with Montreal. An almost forty-year Canadian whisky veteran, he spent over 23 of those years with Seagram’s, including a stint in their esteemed blending lab in Ville LaSalle. Mayville was the last Master Blender for Seagram’s before the firm was sold.

TWO WORLD-FIRST ‘METHOD AND MADNESS’ EXPRESSIONS

ADDED TO THE EXPERIMENTAL IRISH SPIRITS RANGE 

Irish Distillers, makers of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys, has added two new and experimental, limited edition Irish whiskeys to its METHOD AND MADNESS range; Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in Virgin Hungarian Oak and a 28-year-old Ruby Port Pipe Single Cask Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey. First launched in 2017, METHOD AND MADNESS aims to push the boundaries of Irish whiskey through innovative releases, harnessing the creativity and fresh thinking of the masters and apprentices in Midleton Distillery.

In a world first for Irish whiskey, METHOD AND MADNESS Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in Virgin Hungarian Oak has been finished in virgin oak felled in the Carpathian Mountain range in the North East of Hungary, where volcanic soils are best suited to the growing of Quercus Petraea. Harvested in winter and air-dried for two years at theKádár Kádár sawmills in Tokaj, the tight grain of this exceptional wood slowly imparts complex compounds and subtle flavours into the whiskey during the finishing process. The whiskey, a single pot still distillate, was first matured in a combination of first-fill and re-fill American oak barrels, before finishing in the virgin Hungarian oak for 11 months.

Kevin O’Gorman, Master of Maturation at Midleton Distillery, commented: “Our quest for uncommon casks has led us all over the world. We were especially intrigued by the Quercus Petraea from North East Hungary and the unique properties that it could add to our flavour repertoire as whiskey makers. At Midleton Distillery over the past few years, we have been experimenting with Hungarian virgin oak casks – a trial and error process that we are incredibly proud to have finally mastered. The result is a new first for Irish whiskey that continues to challenge perceptions of what the category can be.”

The second aged release in the METHOD AND MADNESS series is a 28 year old Ruby Port Pipe, which is a single pot still Irish whiskey matured initially for six years in American oak barrels, before being re-casked into a Ruby Port pipe for a further 22 years. The cask was carefully seasoned with a selection of wines to remove some of the heavy tannins and further seasoned with Ruby Port, infusing rich fruit flavours. The whiskey is alive with notes of ripe stone fruit on the nose and generous with vanilla and cinnamon on the palate, while the light pot still spices shine through on the long, satisfying finish.

Dave McCabe, Apprentice Blender at Midleton Distillery, added: “METHOD AND MADNESS 28 Year Old Ruby Port Pipe marks the realisation of a 22-year-old prediction from the Midleton Masters, which stated that the marriage of flavours between a single pot still Irish whiskey and a Port pipe will one day achieve balance. Billy Leighton, our Master Blender, and I have been carefully monitoring the slowly evolving flavours of this rare and exceptional cask as part of my training as Apprentice Blender. It gives us great pleasure to be able to present it as the perfect harmony between whiskey, Port and wood.”

METHOD AND MADNESS Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in Virgin Hungarian Oak is bottled without chill-filtration at 46% ABV and is available in Ireland, the UK, Travel Retail Ireland and France, RRP €89. METHOD AND MADNESS Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey 28 Year Old Ruby Port Pipe Single Cask is bottled at 56.1% ABV and available in Ireland, UK, Travel Retail Ireland and France, priced at RRP €1,900.

METHOD AND MADNESS Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in Virgin Hungarian Oak

Tasting notes by Master Blender, Billy Leighton:

Nose: Treacle, toffee, toasted coconut and campfire ashes

Taste: Silky smooth richness, bittersweet liquorice and dry woodland notes

Finish:  Dissipating spice and toasted Oak

METHOD AND MADNESS Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey 28 Year Old Ruby Port Pipe

Tasting notes by Master Blender, Billy Leighton:

Nose: Fleshy mango, kiwi & green banana and ripe plums

Taste: Vanilla & cinnamon, port wine and barley grains

Finish:  Lingering succulent fruits, toasted oak and light spice 

About METHOD AND MADNESS

Launched in February 2017 to push the boundaries of Irish whiskey, METHOD AND MADNESS is crafted in Midleton Distillery, harnessing the creativity of Midleton’s whiskey masters through the fresh talent of its apprentices. Taking inspiration from the famous Shakespearean quote, ‘Though this be madness, yet there is method in ’t’, METHOD AND MADNESS is designed to reflect a next generation Irish spirit brand with a measure of curiosity and intrigue (MADNESS), while honouring the tradition and expertise grounded in the generations of expertise at the Midleton Distillery (METHOD)

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers is Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits and wines and producer of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys. Led by Jameson, our brands are driving the global renaissance of Irish whiskey. Jameson is the world’s fastest-growing Irish whiskey, experiencing 28 years of consecutive growth and hitting sales of 6.5m cases in 2017. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets, with over 71 of those experiencing double- or triple-digit growth.

Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and Cork Distilleries Company. In 1988 Irish Distillers joined Pernod Ricard, gaining access to unprecedented levels of investment and an extensive global distribution network. Since 2012, we have invested over €250m to double our production and bottling capacity to meet global demand for our products.

We employ over 600 people across our operations in Cork and Dublin.

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 9, 010 million in 2016/17. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Malibu liqueur, Mumm and Perrier- Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,500 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 86 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics. www.pernod-ricard.com

A Rare and Elusive Scotch Allocation Has Arrived
Ardbeg “Grooves” Limited Edition
Islay Single Malt Whisky (750ml) ($109.99)

The ever-popular Limited Edition “Grooves” from Ardbeg is a yearly release that’s another unusual experiment and a throwback to the “Summer of Love.” Back in the late ’60s, the tiny hamlet of Ardbeg thrived on the southern coast of Islay, a de facto commune on a far flung island on the western coast of Scotland. There, a small community enjoyed an alternative lifestyle in one of the world’s most unique locales. It begins with Islay’s most heavily peated whisky. There’s not too much detail about the process, but one assumes they begin with reused American oak. Then the whisky is aged for an undisclosed amount of time in a heavily charred red wine cask. The casks are not cleaned or shaved before charring and the resulting grooved pattern is what gives this special bottling its name.

Similar to the old “Alligator” bottling, the new charred oak paired with the sweet, intensely peated malt is a match made in heaven. Add the caramelized fruit and spice of the red wine casks and you’ve got one of the most exciting and unique Ardbegs yet to be released. Expect big smoke, deep candied apple, and sweet smoked fruit. A totally groovy experiment from our good friends on the south shore.

Bruichladdich of Islay & Westland of Seattle
Your plans for the evening of Thursday, June 21st are set.

Don’t call it a battle. This isn’t a ‘vs.’ situation.
Because everybody wins.

Perhaps ‘sipping summit’ would be more appropriate? Distillery man about town, Jason Cousins will be at the Park Avenue Liquor Shop – Thursday evening June 21st to sling samples and educate a lucky few. Please join us for a night comparing and contrasting bottles from the ‘progressive’ Bruichladdich Distillery & that Seattle distillery you heard about ~ Westland. Food, fun, rare sips and some swag will all be a part of a great night.

Please RSVP with solid confirmations as seating is limited.
See below for pricing info.

Cheers!
Jonathan, Eric & Marlon
The Park Avenue Liquor Shop
270 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10016
212-685-2442
jonathan@parkaveliquor.com
eric@parkaveliquor.com
whiskyconn@gmail.com
www.parkaveliquor.com

Once again seating is limited so please RSVP with solid commitments to attend. We are not responsible for any typographical errors or the fact that JR Smith didn’t know the score or that he had a time out left in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. Please contact the store with any questions.

The Park Avenue Liquor Shop | 212-685-2442 | 212-689-6247 | parkaveliquor.com