A day of global whisky celebration

World Whisky Day invites everyone to try a dram and celebrate the water of life. Events are taking place all over the globe. If you can’t find an event happening near you why not host your own World Whisky Day event? All you need is a bottle of whisky/whiskey to share with your friends.

Head over to www.worldwhiskyday.com where you can register as a user and then register your own event.

Yamazaki 12 Year Old

Save £33.05
Now £85.95

Macallan Rare Cask

Save £25
Now £175

Johnnie Walker Double Black Label 

Half Price
Now £24.50

Old Forester K&L Exclusive Single Barrel #3650 (7th Floor, Warehouse B) Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whisky (750ml) $39.99 View

Wathen’s Private Barrel #59 “K&L Exclusive” Single Barrel Straight Kentucky Bourbon (750ml) $39.99 View

Maker’s Mark “K&L Exclusive” Private Select Kentucky Bourbon (750ml) $69.99 View

Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
Email: wine@klwines.com
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

The Glenlivet challenges consumers to crack the ultimate whisky mystery

The Glenlivet launches latest limited edition The Glenlivet Code to push the boundaries of flavour exploration 

Presenting The Glenlivet Code, a mysterious Single Malt Scotch whisky which is being released without cask information or tasting notes to take whisky connoisseurs on a journey of discovery whilst also putting their Single Malt knowledge to the test. Inspired by the iconic British Code breakers, the limited edition is a labyrinth of flavours that will test the senses of even the most discerning whisky drinker.

Maintaining the exceptional quality that The Glenlivet is famed for, The Glenlivet Code presents the brand’s smooth and fruity house style with some additional twists for a moment of definitive pleasure. Its release is supported by an interactive digital experience, inspired by the famous British codebreakers and aims to test consumers’ knowledge and understanding of Single Malt whisky.

The Glenlivet Code digital experience invites whisky connoisseurs to scan a code on the back of their bottle carton using the Shazam app to enter a virtual underground room. Here, they will be greeted by a hologram of The Glenlivet’s Master Distiller, Alan Winchester, who will challenge them to decode the taste of the liquid by selecting four aromas for the nose and four flavours for the palate from thousands of possible combinations.

After decoding the flavours of the new whisky, participants will be given a score which they can post on social media to see how they rank against their peers. The official tasting notes won’t be revealed until the end of the year to give Single Malt enthusiasts the time to discover and enjoy the liquid themselves.

Alan Winchester comments: “With The Glenlivet Code, we had a unique opportunity to create a whisky that has never been crafted before, using new casks and techniques to push the boundaries of what people expect from The Glenlivet. This year’s limited edition is a labyrinth of flavours that will test the senses of even the most discerning whisky drinker and we’re excited to invite consumers worldwide to take on the ultimate challenge by unlocking its mystery taste. The interactive experience will allow whisky enthusiasts at all levels to build their knowledge of the category while also developing a deeper understanding of The Glenlivet.”

The Glenlivet Code will launch globally from March 2018 across 28 markets with an RRP of $120 USD. Consumers can log onto www.theglenlivet.com to find out more about the digital experience and share their thoughts on social media using #TheGlenlivetCode.”

Notes 

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, the brand’s tribute to the original liquid created in 1824 by George Smith.

www.theglenlivet.com

@TheGlenlivet 

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 world’s No.1 single malt whisky; 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.

www.chivasbrothers.com

@ChivasNewsRoom 

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 8,558 million in 2014/15. 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, Kahlúa and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier- Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, Graffigna and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,000 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 85 “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.

Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index.

Whisky Stories – Your Turn

Our latest Whisky Story comes from Dan, who recounts a tragic tale of an icy lake and a bottle of Glenlivet. Please keep sending us your own Whisky Stories – we’ll be publishing more of our favourites over the coming months.

Over the past two years, I have been taking whisky for wanders around the coastal, mountainous and interesting locations that dot the land.

During a cold, crisp Sunday morning in February, we went for a wander around a local woodland littered with a series of lakes with a bottle of The Glenlivet 18 Year Old as the whisky of choice.

About halfway round the lake, there was a much smaller, almost pond-like expanse of water covered in ice. Having had experience with whisky shoots on ice, I thought this location would be apt for a photo.

A crack in the ice…

I removed The Glenlivet from the bag and gently placed it on the ice, much to the displeasure of my parents who cited structural issues. Then, as I removed my glove to retrieve my phone from my pocket, I suddenly heard an abrupt crack in the ice.

As I turned to face the bottle, the crack rose to a crescendo at which point the bottle became submerged and quickly disappeared into the freezing abyss.

Instinctively, I rolled up the sleeve of my fleece and attempted to retrieve the bottle from the floor of the lake to no avail. Minutes went by at which point I realised I would not risk my arm developing hypothermia in order to salvage the whisky.

The Reunion

After coming home from work two days later, I walked into the dining room and what was I met with? Yep, you guessed it…The Glenlivet 18 Year Old – battered and bruised, but drinkable!

What happened? As I was working at my local wine merchant, a plan was underfoot to recover the lost bottle. Orchestrated by my stepfather and trusting neighbour, the plan involved using an extendable net, rake and set of rather comfy waders.

An hour went by scouring the floor of the lake with both the rake and net, and it seemed that hope of finding it had run out. Then, at the bottom of a small ridge, there was a dink of metal on glass, and The Glenlivet was raised from the icy abyss to jubilation and relief from my stepfather and neighbour!

In hindsight, placing a heavy bottle of whisky on a paper-thin blanket of ice was one of the silliest and dim-witted ideas I have ever had. Since it was recovered, I have made a pact that a similar landscape will never host a bottle of whisky for photographic purposes!

A happy ending – wonderful! Thanks to Dan for sending his Whisky Story to us. If you have one, we’d love to hear from you.

Originally published on The Whisky Exchange Blog – Whisky Stories – Your Turn

LET’S TALK WHISKY.

Wonderful Whiskies

Many of our customers say they’re saving a bottle of whisky for a special occasion, I say why not make an occasion special with a fantastic bottle of whisky? From vintage releases to rare special editions, there’s a bottle to turn even the most boring Monday into a day you’ll never forget!

Next day UK delivery available
We ship all over the world!

Macallan 18 Year Old 2017

£250

Johnnie Walker Blue Label
Ghost & Rare: Brora

£209.99

Glenglassaugh 1986 30 Year Old

£310

GlenDronach Grandeur Batch 9 24 Year Old

£595

Saturday, April 7, 2:30 – 5:30 PM

Local Bourbon: Wright and Brown

Anyone curious about craft Bourbon is sure to enjoy this tasting!

Distilled in American-made copper whisky stills, each Wright and Brown release is truly handcrafted. First, the distillers seek out the most flavorful non-GMO grains, working with local organic farms to get the best ingredients. Every step of the whisky process is then done in-house, from milling the grain to mashing, fermenting, distilling, aging, and finally bottling. The result is a decadently flavorful small-batch whiskey, made right here in the Bay Area.

Click Here to RSVP

Hi folks,

Just a quick update to let you know our opening hours for the weekend.

We will be closed on Friday 30th March & Monday 2nd April and back open on Tuesday 3rd April as usual.

If you’re looking to collect your bottles from the auction, you are welcome to come to the office between 10am – 5pm during the week after Tuesday 3rd April.

If you have any questions regarding the end of the auction, you should be able to find more information on the buying guide on our website. Please get in touch if you need more help.

As ever, we’d like to remind bidders about the end of the auction:

The auction will close any time after 7pm on Sunday 1st April. From that time the software begins to monitor bidding activity on the site and when the interval between bids increases, the auction will begin to shut down. Any bids placed after 7pm will extend the auction.

Don’t lose your bottle!

Best wishes from Glasgow,

The SWA Team

The Strath Ale, Wine & Spirit Merchants is doing a bit of spring cleaning and they’re putting select SMWS bottles on sale over the Easter weekend.

Shop in person or by phone from Friday, March 30th to Sunday, April 1st to take advantage of these great deals.  Please note no holds and your membership must be in good standing.

Browse the list of sale bottles and be sure to act fast on Easter weekend to secure your fave:

Cask No. 35.172  ALPACA FLEECE  $22 OFF

Was $217.90 Now $195.90

20 years old; 1st fill barrel; 52.9%; Light & delicate

We imagined a tiled floor in a vestibule with new Barbour jackets and waxed leather boots. We were invited in for toast with clover honey. A drop of water and it turned very delicate, almost fragile; candied angelica and alpaca fleece.

Cask No. 48.83  “…AND THE LIVING’S EASY”  $20 OFF

Was $184.90 Now $164.90

13 years old; 1st fill barrel; 56.1%; Light & delicate

A melon medley salad, poached pears in honey and French apple tart were followed on the palate by a pear Calvados liqueur served over refreshing sorbet ice cream. Water added a mango and lime smoothie and to finish, a Pineapple Fluff cocktail.

Cask No. 7.165  DANCE OF THE BUMBLEBEE    $20 OFF

Was $179.90 Now $159.90

13 years old; 1st fill barrel; 60.7%; Juicy, oak & vanilla

Rosewater, peach, mango, dried papaya and white chocolate with little pirouettes of hazelnuts, bakewell tarts and strawberry jam before revolving into marmalade, orange blossom honey, raw chocolate and sticky figs before spiced red apple chutney, salted caramel, candied fennel seeds and long lasting spice.

Cask No. 48.84  SEIZE THE MOMENT    $15 OFF

Was $154.90 Now $139.90

12 years old; 1st fill barrel; 57.7%; Juicy, oak & vanilla

A bouquet of flowers and a bottle of Gewürztraminer to start. After an espresso and crumpets with strawberry jam, enjoy a Mai Tai in a conservatory.

Cask No. 64.91  PORRIDGE OATS ON A TROPICAL BEACH   $15 OFF

Was $154.90 Now $139.90

10 years old; 1st fill barrel; 58.8%; Juicy, oak & vanilla

The sun was beating down on the upholstery as we sat down to honey nut cereal and porridge oats with lingonberry jam and banana. Honeydew melon was thrown in with pear drops, blackcurrant tea and malted milk as we admired the tropical scene of pineapple trees.

Cask No. 48.87  FRISKY WHISKY    $15 OFF

Was $154.90 Now $139.90

11 years old; 1st fill barrel; 58.4%; Sweet, fruity & mellow

The nose is fruity (mango, pineapple, tutti-frutti) and sweet (honey, chocolate, crème caramel, rice pudding) – all surrounded by a fuchsia hedge. The palate is lively, playful and frisky – citrus, dark chocolate, caramel wafer, ginger cake, nutmeg and chili; mouth-watering and tongue-numbing.

Cask No. 7.163  THE INDIAN SPICE TRAIN   $19 OFF

Was $171.90 Now $152.90

12 years old; 1st fill barrel; 60.7%; Spicy & sweet

Hot and spicy Bloody Marys, pickled ginger, lime and blood orange. Then blueberry muffin, nuts and pancake with lemon, chocolate and vanilla ice cream.

Cask No. 55.44  HONEY ON A STRADIVARIUS    $21 OFF

Was $198.90 Now $177.90

16 years old; 1st fill French oak hogshead; 57.1%; Spicy & sweet

The nose – imagine Baklava in cigar boxes, treacle tarts in spice cupboards, honey on a Stradivarius, weavers glugging Calvados. The palate – syrup, toffee and chocolate sweetness combined with coy, wood-derived spices (nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, clove). This was previously in ex-bourbon wood.

Cask No. 64.81  FLAMBE CREPE SUZETTE    $20 OFF

Was $179.90 Now $159.90

13 years old; 1st fill barrel; 62.5%; Spicy & sweet

A fragrant, heady, sultry summer’s day, and we enjoyed the moment with lavender honey ice cream and a caramel cinnamon latte. Diluted, we imagined a delicate ornament made out of spun sugar, and we finished with a spiced blood orange Champagne punch.

Cask No. 44.78  PEEK-A-BOO    $21 OFF

Was $194.90 Now $173.90

14 years old; virgin oak hogshead; 57.6%; Spicy & dry

Fruit notes of apple, pear and sultana loaf with peanuts and custard powder concealing an explosive palate of liquorice, raisons and burnt custard tart with coffee cake, maple syrup, parsnips and soot sweetly finishing with old leather and tobacco. Previously matured in an ex-bourbon hogshead.

Sale runs from Fri. March 30th – Sun. April 1st

The Strath Ale, Wine & Spirit Merchants

919 Douglas Street, Victoria  250-370-9463