Society Members

A note from the Campbeltown Cadenhead Shop regarding the Malts Festival

If you are planning to collect any bottles from the shop during the week of the Campbeltown Malts Festival then please let us know as soon as you can. Please be specific regarding which bottles you are collecting.

This is to allow the shop staff to prepare for the inevitable chaos of the festival as best they can. It is also beneficial for you and your fellow festival goers as it will speed up the process of collecting bottles allowing you to get on with the important things in life; like drinking whisky!

Please get in touch at the usual email address – society@springbank.scot

Speak soon.

Slainte

The Springbank Society
Springbank Distillers Ltd

To join the Springbank Society please email them at Springbank Society society@springbank.scot 

As a teasing ‘Festival Fever’ interlude, we’re transporting the senses to an exotic market with six new Outturn releases. With afternoon sun beams bursting through the clouds, take a wander through wooden stalls and discover a colourful collection of tastes and aromas – with fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs and teas.

VIEW WHISKY

SPEYSIDE V ISLAY: THROW YOURSELF INTO THE DEBATE

We know that both Speyside and Islay have their superfans – are you dedicated to honeyed and elegant drams or do you have a penchant for peat, campfires on the beach and marshmallows dipped in oyster brine? Are you a Craigellachie Crusader or an Islay Avenger? Let battle commence, throw yourself into our debate – VOTE NOW and show your superfan region allegiance.

VOTE

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

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival winners announced as curtain falls after another record breaking year

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival – set in Scotland’s heartland of malt whisky production – is basking in the glow of success after delivering a record-breaking five-day celebration of the water of life to a worldwide audience.

Organisers say that 19th festival has been the best yet in terms of international numbers, with strong ticket sales and the most extensive festival programme ever – featuring 575 events in total – delivered as part of this year’s offering.

Debut attraction, an Off The Beaten Track Tour to four distilleries never normally open to the public,  won the coveted best new event award. It saw whisky lovers transported by coach for tours delivered by Chivas Brothers’ International Brand Ambassador Tristan Campbell at Dalmunach, Tormore, Braeval and Allt a Bhainne distilleries. The tours were followed by a Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired lunch prepared by cookery writer Ghillie Başan, accompanied by whisky tastings, at her remote Speyside home, reached via a Land Rover journey, a setting that was truly ‘off the beaten track’.

This was announced at the closing ceilidh held at the Craigellachie Hotel last night (Sunday) when the winners of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards were also revealed.

The annual awards – the only whisky competition in the world that places the power to determine the winning drams in the hands of the public – saw the 25 year old Cragganmmore Special Release announced as the public’s favourite whisky overall.

There was double cause for celebration for Glen Moray, with its Classic Chardonnay winning the non-age statement and its 18 year old winner in the 13-20 year old section.

Top title in the 12 year old and under winner went to Strathisla 12 year old.

Meanwhile, in the over 21-Year-Old category, Glenfiddich 21-year-old Reserva Rum Cask Finish triumphed, with the 25-year-old Cragganmore Special Release runner up, but it gaining most individual votes overall making it the public’s favourite. The awards were sponsored by Forsyths of Rothes.

James Campbell, chairman of Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival said: “What a truly magnificent five days we have had here in Speyside. We’ve been joined by people from more countries than ever, as well as local people, who have been able to enjoy our biggest ever programme of events, and amid glorious sunshine too.

“One of the key events of the festival is the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards and we congratulate all  our winners. From a fantastic range of new events, the Off The Beaten Track tour encompassed landscape, whisky and food, three qualities for which Speyside is famed the world over, making it a worthy winner of best new event.

“We’re delighted to have been able to offer so many different experiences to so many people, all enjoyed over a dram and in convivial company.”

After analysing this year’s festival, the organising team will be turning their focus to staging its offshoot, Spirit of Speyside: Distilled. The event, which brings together the region’s whisky, gin, beer and food producers under one roof, to enjoy samples of local products, meet key faces from the food and drink industry and take part in masterclasses on a range of different topics. Spirit of Speyside: Distilled takes place in Elgin Town Hall on August 31 and September 1. Tickets, which will go on sale in June for different sessions over the weekend.

From exclusive behind the scenes distillery tours and whisky and food pairings, to heritage walks embracing the local landscape and fun, family-friendly events, the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival programme offered something for everyone, from connoisseurs to complete novices.

Details about the festival can be found at www.spiritofspeyside.com and on social media – facebook.com/WhiskyFestival and @spirit_speyside on Twitter. Use the hashtag #dram18 to search.

Picture captions

Dram roll please:  Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival whisky award winners line up to receive awards (from left to right) Kevin Innes, Cragganmore; Mark Thompson, Glenfiddich; Ed Dodson, Glen Moray, James Campbell, chairman of Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, Richard Forsyth of award sponsors Forsyths, Caroline Mitchell, Strathisla and Graham Coull, Glen Moray.

Ann Miller, International Brand Ambassador for Chivas Brothers, accepts the best new event award, for Off the Beaten Track, from The Scotsman Food and Drink writer Sean Murphy.

Link to video

In long anticipation of spring finally arriving, May Outturn brings a colourful bouquet of fresh single casks to warm your heart and soul.

CASK NO. 30.98  BRING ON THE DANCERS

25 years old; refill barrel; 46%; Juicy, oak & vanilla

The nose – Moulin Rouge dancing girls and a madrigal of tropical fruits. The palate is juicy and perfumed – Pink Ladies and apple grannies.

CASK NO. 44.86  FOUR SEASONS IN ONE GLASS

10 years old; refill barrel; 60.8%; Sweet, fruity & mellow

A journey through fragrant flowerbeds and apple blossom, to cider and damp forest floors before finishing with mulled wine and stollen bread.

CASK NO. 71.47  CITRIC, SPICY, WHISKY LASSI

10 years old; refill barrel; 60.5%; Spicy & sweet

The nose is a breakfast of grapefruit and manuka honey. The palate adds strawberry jam and a spicy, fruity ‘lassi’ drink.

CASK NO. 58.21  OLD-FASHIONED CONFECTIONERS

11 years old; new oak hogshead; 58%; Spicy & sweet

The nose has flowers, lemon puffs and spicy sweets. The palate is totally tasty (chocolate and butterscotch). Formerly in an ex-bourbon hogshead.

CASK NO. 39.151  A BLUE LADY AND A SERAPH’S SMILE

19 years old; 1st fill PX butt; 57.5%; Deep, rich & dried fruits

Blue Lady tea and After Eights, plus fruits and flowers. The palate is as sweet as a Seraph’s smile. Previously in an ex-oloroso butt.

CASK NO. 4.236  ISLAND HOLIDAY SNAPSHOT

14 years old; refill hogshead; 56.6%; Lightly peated

The nose evokes island holidays – wild flower machair and beach barbecues. The palate balances honeyed porridge sweetness with floral smoke.

CASK NO. 66.110  PEAT FOR BEGINNERS

12 years old; 2nd fill white wine barrique; 60%; Peated

The soft nose captured bacon and sea breeze; the palate delivered a BBQ punch of steak and salted almonds. Previously in an ex-bourbon hogshead.

SMWS Canada

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada

104-1240 Kensington Road NW, Suite 160
Calgary, AB, Canada T2N 3P7
Email – curious@smws.ca

The Victoria Highland Games Association is once again pleased to present “The Whisky Tasting School” on May 19th, 20th, & 21st 2018 at the 155th Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival at Topaz Park.

All sessions will feature single malt whiskies presented by ambassadors representing a variety of Scotch & American whiskies.

The registration fee is $35 (Monday Food and Whisky pairing sessions $45) and includes a one-day field entry (value $15). Whisky School guests are also able to purchase an engraved Victoria Highland Games Glencairn whisky nosing glass for $15 (one per guest per class).

Guests must be aged 19 years or older to attend!

Each session has limited seating; in previous years all sessions have sold out prior to the Games so don’t be late in registering!

Details of the 9 sessions are as follows:

(WS1)
Saturday May 19th 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Whisky and Chocolate I
Price $35 – 45 attendees. SOLD OUT
with Adam Bradshaw and David Mincey

Sample a range of excellent Ardbeg whiskies paired with outstanding bean to bar chocolate ethically sourced from around the world. Hosted by Adam Bradshaw of The Strath, and David Mincey of the Chocolate Project.

(WS2)
Saturday May 19th 1:45 – 2:45 PM
Brands of Fountana
Price $35 – 45 attendees. Buy Now!
with Adam Bradshaw

Only the best whiskies get out of the cask, regardless how old they might be. Come and try single malts from some of best independent bottlers of Scotland.

(WS3)
Saturday May 19th 3:30 – 4:30 PM
The Douglas Laing Scottish Regional Malt Collection I
Price $35 – 45 attendees. Buy Now!
with Stacy Kyle of Rare Drams

Do you drink only single malts? Are you ready for a fantastic new whisky journey? Get ready to enjoy! Many blended scotches are just as delicious and take even more artistry to make. Judge a whisky on the liquid in your glass, not by the title on the label. And whatever your preference, bow down to the mastery of blenders behind them.

(WS4)
Sunday May 20th 12:00 – 1:00 PM
The Douglas Laing Scottish Regional Malt Collection II
Price $35 – 45 attendees. Buy Now!
with Stacy Kyle of Rare Drams

Do you drink only single malts? Are you ready for a fantastic new whisky journey? Get ready to enjoy! Many blended scotches are just as delicious and take even more artistry to make. Judge a whisky on the liquid in your glass, not by the title on the label. And whatever your preference, bow down to the mastery of blenders behind them.

(WS5)
Sunday May 20th 1:45 – 2:45 PM

NIKKA Japanese Whisky
Price $35 – 45 attendees. Buy Now!
with Rick Sousa

Enjoy world renowned whiskies from the Nikka Whisky Distilling Co. while Rick Sousa informs you of the history of whisky in Japan and the story of Nikka’s founder, Masataka Taketsuru, whose travel to Scotland and back shaped the history of whisky production in Japan.

(WS6)
Sunday May 20th 3:30 – 4:30 PM
STR, the Legacy cask
Price $35 – 45 attendees. Buy Now!
with Andrew Campbell Walls & Macaloney Distillers

In a career that spanned 40 years, ‘the Einstein of whisky’ Dr. Jim Swan revolutionized the industry. With a beer to start, this class discusses 4 brand-new-released malts matured in his proprietary bespoke STR casks and a 5th from the last distillery he ever worked with.

(WS7)
Monday May 21st 11:30 – 12:45 PM (NEW TIME!)
Whisky and Local Food Pairing
Price: $45.00 – 45 attendees. SOLD OUT
with Bill Jones

Join Deerholme Farm owner, Cookbook Author and Celebrity Chef, Bill Jones and Kensington Wine Market owner Andrew Ferguson, as they guide you through a sensory journey pairing single malt whiskies with delectable local food choices. Bill will lead you through a variety of local food choices paired with outstanding whiskies from the Beam Suntory portfolio including Highland Park and Macallan. For more information on Bill, visit www.deerholme.com.

(WS8)
Monday May 21st 1:30PM – 2:45 PM (NEW TIME!)
Whisky and Local Charcuterie Pairing
Price: $45.00 – 45 attendees. SOLD OUT
with Corey Pelan.

Join the Whole Beast Owner Corey Pelan and Kensington Wine Market owner Andrew Ferguson as they lead you through a selection of local made charcuterie paired with outstanding single malt whiskies from the Beam Suntory portfolio, including Auchentoshan and Bowmore. For more information on Corey and The Whole Beast, visit www.thewholebeast.ca.

(WS9)
Monday May 21st 3:30PM – 4:30 PM (NEW TIME!)
Whisky and Chocolate II
Price $35 – 45 attendees. Buy Now!
with Adam Bradshaw and David Mincey</>

Sample a range of excellent Ardbeg whiskies paired with outstanding bean to bar chocolate ethically sourced from around the world. Hosted by Adam Bradshaw of The Strath, and David Mincey of the Chocolate Project.

Highland Park The Light

This 17 year old limited edition from Orkney’s Highland Park distillery has been created in honour of the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, celebrated each June on the island. Matured in refill American oak casks and presented at a strength of 52.9% abv, only 28,000 bottles have been produced.

This is the second and final release in The Dark & The Light series and showcases sweet flavours of pear, nutmeg and vanilla with a touch of heather peat smoke.

£180 Pre-Order Now
Orders will be dispatched week beginning 14th May

Malt of the Month – Highland Park 18

Highland Park 18 Year Old is simply one of the benchmark single malts, packed with aromatic smoke, honeyed fruit and toffee. It’s won numerous awards, too, including Best Spirit in the World, and remains one of the most reliable drams out there.

Tasting Notes 

FROM THE PRODUCER

• COLOUR: Natural colour, burnished gold, clear and bright.
• AROMA: Rich, mature oak, top note of aromatic smoke.
• TASTE: Rich, full flavour; honey and peat.

HISTORY

Highland Park was founded in 1798 and is based in Kirkwall on the Orkney Islands. The distillery is one of the few that still has its own on-site maltings, and the barley is hand-turned and dried with Orkney peat, which is sweeter and more floral than its Islay counterpart. In recent years, Highland Park has wowed whisky fans with its Valhalla Collection and super-premium Orcadian Vintages series

The Good Dram Show – Episode 263 ‘Douglas Laing Xtra Old Particular’ and features the April releases in their Xtra Old Particular range.

THE GLENLIVET EXPLORES NEW FRONTIERS WITH LAUNCH OF

COGNAC CASK FINISH EXPRESSION

The Glenlivet is set to re-assert its credentials as the definitive Single Malt Scotch whisky with the release of a contemporary new expression; Captain’s Reserve, a Single Malt selectively finished in high-quality Cognac casks. The launch is set to push the boundaries of modern Scotch through its distinctive cask combination.

Captain’s Reserve is the result of flavour and cask experimentation. This combination of the raisin-rich intense taste of Cognac with the signature citrus notes and creamy smoothness of The Glenlivet offers consumers the opportunity to broaden their Single Malt Scotch repertoire. The new flavour and taste experience also encourages new consumers to explore the thriving Single Malt Scotch category, which is one of the fastest growing spirits categories globally, and is expected to continue its growth at +6%[1].

This new expression, which will sit as part of The Glenlivet range, is a tribute to Captain William Smith Grant, great-grandson of George Smith, founder of The Glenlivet, the definitive Speyside Single Malt. The Captain not only fought in the First World War in France, but later went on to fight for The Glenlivet, guiding the brand through the difficult Prohibition years and leading the Single Malt Scotch whisky revival in the UK and US. This unique story is brought to life through Captain’s Reserve by uniting the definitive Speyside Single Malt and the opulent rich flavours of Cognac.

Alan Winchester, The Glenlivet Master Distiller, comments: “We know that Single Malt consumers are becoming increasingly adventurous and are seeking to explore new flavour profiles and finishes in the category. Research shows that the global consumption of Cognac is expected to increase by some 2m cases by 2021[2]. By introducing the Cognac casks into our maturation process, we are able to capitalise on the popularity of this flavour and add another dimension to our world-renowned portfolio. The Cognac casks’ influence will bring a real richness to the smooth and fruity style of The Glenlivet, which we’re confident new and existing Single Malt Scotch enthusiasts will enjoy.”

Captain’s Reserve is available globally, with an RRP ranging from £45-48 (or local equivalent).

For more information, or high-resolution images, please contact:

Notes:

The Glenlivet Captain Reserve Tasting notes:

NOSE: Bursting with sweet and fruity aromas. Rich in honey and apricot jam, with notes of sweet cinnamon bread and a subtle sensation of spicy liquorice.

TASTE: Succulent flavours of mandarins in syrup, ripe poached pears and chocolate-dipped raisins.

FINISH: Incredibly smooth and luscious.

About The Glenlivet:

Created by George Smith in 1824, The Glenlivet is The Definitive Speyside Single Malt, renowned for its heritage as a visionary within the single malts category. With its smooth and fruity flavour profile, The Glenlivet has contributed the biggest volume growth of the single malt category worldwide, adding more than any other single malt whisky brand over the past five years (IWSR, 2016). Acting as the guardian for outstanding quality and craftsmanship within single malts, The Glenlivet is dedicated to continuing this legacy and has led innovation within single malt in recent years. Standout initiatives include the release of The Glenlivet Cipher, a mystery single malt, and the creation of The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve, a great representation of the distillery’s signature style.

About Chivas Brothers:

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits. Chivas Brothers’ award-winning portfolio features some of the world’s most revered Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky and the No.1 Scotch whisky in China; Ballantine’s, Europe’s No.1 Scotch whisky; The Glenlivet, the single malt whisky that set the standard; and Royal Salute, the world’s only exclusively prestige Scotch whisky range. The portfolio also includes two of the world’s leading English gins – Beefeater, the world’s most awarded premium gin, and Plymouth gin – plus a selection of highly acclaimed single malt whiskies, including Aberlour, Longmorn, Scapa, Strathisla and Tormore. The range is completed by a collection of blended Scotch whiskies operating in many of the world’s key whisky markets which includes 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport Scotch.

[1] IWSR, 2016

[2] The Global Cognac Insights report, 2017

AUTHENTIC SEACOAST DISTILLING COMPANY WINS MEDALS AT PRESTIGIOUS SAN FRANCISCO WORLD SPIRITS COMPETITION

Guysborough, Nova Scotia – Authentic Seacoast Distilling Company Ltd has continued its winning streak at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), bringing five medals home to Atlantic Canada from the 18th annual competition. The distillery received a:

• Gold Medal for its GLYNNEVAN® 12 Year Old Straight Canadian Rye Whisky,
• Silver Medal for its GLYNNEVAN® Cabot Triple Barrelled Canadian Rye Whisky
• Bronze Medals for its GLYNNEVAN® Double Barrelled Canadian Rye Whisky

This is the fourth consecutive year Authentic Seacoast Distilling has been recognized for excellence with their spirits.

Regarded as the most influential spirits competition in the world, the 2018 SFWSC was the largest in its history, featuring more than 2,200 submissions. Medal winners are chosen through a rigorous blind tasting process over four days to ensure integrity and impartiality. As a result, a SFWSC medal is a recognized affirmation of high quality and one of the most reliable and universal indications of spirits excellence.

“I am absolutely delighted to have our GLYNNEVAN® Whisky, recognized by the most prestigious spirits competition in the world”, said Glynn Williams, President and Distiller, Authentic Seacoast Distilling Company Ltd.

“These impressive results provide us with independent third party validation of the very high quality of our products on a global basis.”

A new Canadian tradition where the spirit of prairie grain comes to rest in barrels in the Authentic Seacoast Distillery on the historic Guysborough harbour, GLYNNEVAN® Whisky brings a distinct Maritimes character to Canadian rye whisky. Read more about GLYNNEVAN at www.glynnevan.com.

About Authentic Seacoast Distilling Company

Authentic Seacoast Distilling Company produces small batch, craft blended and distilled spirits including GLYNNEVAN® Whisky, Fortress® Rum, Virga® Vodka and Sea Fever® Rum at its distillery on the historic Guysborough harbour, and is part of Authentic Seacoast Company, which includes Osprey Shores, historic DesBarres Manor Inn, Full Steam® Coffee, Harbour Belle Bakery, Authentic Seacoast Brewing Co. (makers of Rare Bird® Craft Beer), Glanbùrn Artesian Water, Authentic Seacoast Soaps and the Authentic Seacoast Store.

About Authentic Seacoast Company

Authentic Seacoast Company’s vision is to restore the proud trading legacy of a seacoast village in Nova Scotia and to create jobs in the community on a sustainable basis by producing and sharing high quality products and experiences that are authentic and memorable. The Authentic Seacoast Company embodies the fresh sea air, industrious people and proud determination that has kept this special place by the sea alive over the past four centuries.

Read more at: http://www.authenticseacoast.com