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FEBRUARY AUCTION NOW LIVE
(ends Sunday 25th February)
…place your bids at www.whiskyhammer.co.uk
With an incredible selection of whiskies and other fine spirits there is certainly something for everyone – whether you are looking to collect, invest, enjoy!
GLENGOYNE
From the Dumgoyne hill, this incredible highland whisky utilises some of the best Sherry casks in the business. The core range is a whisky drinker’s favourite.
TASTING EVENT WITH GLENGOYNE SINGLE MALT WHISKY 12/03/18
£25.00
We are huge fans, HUGE fans of this fantastic Highland spirit. Glengoyne uses the notoriously low yielding, but famously high quality Golden Promise; the only other whisky to use Golden Promise is Macallan. Join us for a wonderful evening sampling through the incredible range that Glengoyne have to offer. 6.30PM
Buy Tickets to the Tasting Now
GLENGOYNE 12 YEAR OLD, 43% £39.95
Aged in both Sherry casks and Bourbon casks, this release from Glengoyne is full of lemon olio notes, caramelised orchard fruits and a hint of vanilla spice.
GLENGOYNE 15 YEAR OLD, 43% £52.96
The 15 year old a release from this small highland distillery exemplifies its region. Using a mixture of bourbon casks and sherry casks to achieve the perfect balance of fruit notes and warming spices.
GLENGOYNE 18 YEAR OLD, 43% £84.95
From the small highland distillery of Glengoyne, this has been aged exclusively in Sherry casks. Christmas cake in a glass!
SCOTTISH LEADER AND I SEE A DIFFERENT YOU TO INSPIRE AFRO-POSITIVITY
Popular whisky brand Scottish Leader, together with the dynamic I See A Different You creative collective, is setting out to bring South Africans an Afro-optimistic new perspective. They will be looking for, interpreting and expressing the unique beauty and dynamism of the country; and inspiring others to do the same.
Born and bred in Soweto, the internationally acclaimed I See A Different You duo, featuring Innocent Mukheli and Vuyo Mpantsha, shot to fame through their photographic blog launched in 2011. Their movement was born from a pure love in the very place they are from. The friends wanted to show a different Soweto – their Soweto – to the world, simultaneously retelling and reframing the township story in an optimistic and creative light to alter negative, contrived and outdated perceptions.
The success of their blog made way for a broader focus beyond Soweto and their own personal stories, to showcase the South African experience and its striking diversity in their signature style.
“The I See A Different You philosophy beautifully mirrors the Scottish Leader ethos of viewing things from a new perspective to discover richer possibilities. It therefore made sense for us to team up and intensify the expression of a shared narrative, while at the same time promoting the three seductively sweet, smooth, rich and smoky Scottish Leader variants that sell in South Africa, including Original, Signature and 12-year-old,” says Meryll Stocks Roos, marketing spokesperson for Scottish Leader in South Africa.
I See A Different You’s Mukheli agrees. “In essence, both brands stand for positive change. Only when you look at the world differently can you bring about positive and meaningful change. Together with Scottish Leader, we are working on encouraging South Africans to believe in their potential and power to transform their lives and in so doing, make a difference that transcends them as individuals.”
Scottish Leader and I See A Different You collaboration, conceived and produced in association with FCB Cape Town, will be rolled out in various phases, starting in early February with an out-of-home billboard campaign.
“I See A Different You is not only adding their authentic voice to our campaign, but also participating in creating visual assets and networking opportunities for the Scottish Leader brand, that reflect our shared Afro-positive narrative,” says Paul Carstens, FCB Cape Town’ creative director.
“The choice of locations for the campaign visuals had to be distinctive, as well as capture the reality, vibrancy and essence of township lifestyle, as can be seen in the scenes reflecting a typical game of pool, a Spaza shop, the distinctive roofs of Kliptown in Soweto, and the Alexandra township, amongst others.”
Carstens also said that Scottish Leader’s three blended whiskies available in South Africa – Original, Signature and 12-year-old – are visually represented via their distinct label colour accent; red, teal and blue respectively; with each photo shoot location echoing one of these.
Stocks Roos explained that in addition to the outdoor advertising campaign, South Africans could look forward to a host of related brand activities this year, including launch parties, an innovative digital photography drive, as well as regular social networking events. She said that more would be revealed in due course.
Visit www.scottishleader.co.za and www.iseeadifferentyou.com for more information on the two brands.
Follow and engage with Scottish Leader on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ScottishLeaderSouthAfrica), Twitter (www.twitter.com/ScottishLeader) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/ScottishLeaderWhisky).
Join the conversation using:
@ScottishLeader
@ISeeADifferentYou
#ISeeANewPerspective
#NewPerspective
Notes:
Scottish Leader is an award-winning, internationally respected, blended Scotch whisky sold in around 30 countries, crafted by a single, dedicated team with nearly 400 years’ combined experience. The blending team is spearheaded by female lead blender, Dr Kirstie McCallum, who offers a wealth of experience, as well as a forward-thinking, dynamic outlook.
The price of Scottish Leader ranges from R180 to R220 and R320 for the Original, Signature, and 12-year-old whiskies respectively.
We’re collaborating with social media influencers to promote positive drinking experiences as we welcome the Year of the Dog.
Enjoying alcohol is an established part of some of the most prominent festivities around the world, and with more than one billion people expected to ring-in the Chinese New Year this month we want to inspire those consumers raising a toast of celebration to make positive and responsible choices about alcohol.
From the ‘Family Reunion Dinner’, typically held on the eve of Chinese New Year, to the renowned lantern festival, marking the end of the celebratory period – fifteen days of festivities celebrate the traditions and customs of Asian culture. Symbolic dishes and traditional drinks, including báijiǔ, play a central role in these festivities across the globe from Shanghai and Singapore, to London and New York.
Photo: Aubrey Sim, Reserve Brand Ambassador South East Asia – who will share top tips for hosting responsibly during Chinese New Year celebrations, to promote positive drinking experiences
To inspire consumers to drink better, not more, during the festive period our #DrinkPositive campaign will put the spotlight on Chinese New Year celebrations and introduce top tips to ensure people enjoy positive drinking experiences. Singapore Instagrammers Drea Chong and Jemimah Wei will join the conversation, continuing our collaboration with social media influencers, and share their ultimate guide to #DrinkPositive this Chinese New Year.
In sharing their Chinese New Year stories influencers will inspire consumers to make responsible choices about alcohol, from enjoying traditional dishes before having a drink to offering guests plenty of water and non-alcohol spacers
“Chinese New Year is the biggest festivity of the year for my family and friends, and food and drink plays a big part in what we do to celebrate. I always look forward to showing how you can pair traditional Chinese New Year dishes, such as ‘nian gao’, with creative cocktails. For me, the most important thing will be ensuring everyone has a night to remember so I’m excited to share my tips for being a great host”
Aubrey SimDiageo Reserve Brand Ambassador, South East Asia
“For many of our consumers, moderation is becoming increasingly aspirational and we are committed to providing people with the information they need to make positive choices about drinking – or not drinking. Encouraging people to celebrate responsibly is a priority for us. With events taking place around the world to mark one of the year’s biggest festivities, we hope to inspire people to drink better not more as they welcome in the Year of The Dog”
Carolyn PanzerDiageo’s Director of Alcohol in Society
How will you be celebrating Chinese New Year? Join the conversation on social media using #DrinkPositive and #CNY.
Records smashed as Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival celebrates soaraway sales
116 events sell out in first 24 hours as ticket sale value increases by over £30,000
Ticket sales for the 2018 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival have set new records, with almost 5,000 tickets valued at £154,000 being bought within 24 hours of them being released.
The early sales rush galvanises the festival’s reputation as one of the world’s leading whisky celebrations, with 116 events completely selling out within the first day of the tickets going on sale.
Records were shattered with an additional 797 tickets generating an extra £32,362 being sold, compared to last year’s record high for the 24 hour sales period.
The phenomenal demand has been driven from both home and abroad, with whisky lovers in the UK, USA and Germany the top three early-booking nations. The festival continues to attract global interest, with website browsers from across Europe and North America and also Vietnam, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Kazakhstan, El Salvador and the Falkland Islands.
Eager whisky lovers went into overdrive snapping up 1,058 tickets worth £46,000 in the first 10 minutes of them going live at 12 noon on Tuesday. The buying frenzy continued and within an hour 3,838 tickets had been sold and that figure rose to 4,982 with 24 hours.
With 520 events making up the 2018 festival, there are still plenty of tickets available and the chance to savour a range of themes, from nosings and tastings, to a ceilidh on board a train, whisky caching, craft events, quizzes and valuations.
Festival chairman James Campbell says, “The level of interest has astounded us; we did wonder if we could match the success of last year’s sales, but here we are again having surpassed it.
“Whisky lovers from all around the world have shown a real thirst for the 2018 offering, and in line with previous years the exclusive distillery tours have sold out first. Real whisky aficionados are always looking for very special experiences that are only available at the time of the Festival, so tours of distilleries not normally open to the public sold out very quickly.
“Festival fans realise they must get in early to get tickets for the activities they really want, and they’ve wasted no time this year. We’re fortunate to have partners who develop a rich and diverse programme of events that captures the imagination of the whisky-loving public. This is a great start for us and a reminder that our Festival is viewed as a must-attend event by whisky lovers all over the world.”
This year’s Festival runs from May 3-7 at venues across Speyside which is home to half of all Scotland’s distilleries and is the base for many high-profile international brands.
The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is supported by EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate.
Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, says, “The popularity of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival has once again been confirmed by yet another record breaking opening 24 hours of ticket sales. With so many events, including behind-the-scenes tour of distilleries not normally open to the public, it is understandable why it is so popular all over the world.
“EventScotland is delighted to be continuing its support of the Festival, with Speyside providing the perfect to stage to discover Scotland’s national drink.”
With behind-the-scenes tours at internationally renowned distilleries not usually open to the public, whisky tasting masterclasses, whisky and food pairing – not to mention traditional music, outdoors activities and heritage events – the Festival offers something for die-hard whisky fans and those who have never tried it before.
For further information and tickets visit www.spiritofspeyside.com. The Festival is also active on social media: facebook.com/WhiskyFestival and @spirit_speyside on Twitter and Instagram. Use the hashtag #dram18
Notes to Editors
The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is committed to promoting responsible drinking. Visitors travelling to and from Festival events can take advantage of a range of transport options. Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival has received funding from Event Scotland and is also financially supported by many other private and public partners.
The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is part financed by the European Regional Development Fund Programme 2014 to 2020. The Scottish Government is the managing authority for the European Regional Development Fund Programme.
EventScotland
EventScotland is working to make Scotland the perfect stage for events. By developing an exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events EventScotland is helping to raise Scotland’s international profile and boost the economy by attracting more visitors. For further information about EventScotland, its funding programmes and latest event news visit www.EventScotland.org. Follow EventScotland on Twitter @EventScotNews.
EventScotland is a team within VisitScotland’s Events Directorate, the national tourism organisation which markets Scotland as a tourism destination across the world, gives support to the tourism industry and brings sustainable tourism growth to Scotland. For more information about VisitScotland see www.visitscotland.org or for consumer information on Scotland as a visitor destination see www.visitscotland.com
JACK DANIEL’S ANNOUNCES NBA LEGENDS CAMP
AND A WIDE VARIETY OF EXPERIENTIAL FAN EVENTS DURING NBA ALL-STAR 2018
Fans Get Shot at Court Time with Former NBA Stars Muggsy Bogues and Robert Horry
LYNCHBURG, TN. (February 16) – Today at NBA All-Star 2018 in Los Angeles, Jack Daniel’s, an Official marketing partner of the NBA, announced a once-in-a-lifetime experience, extending its reach to basketball aficionados across the U.S. Lynchburg, TN is the only place where Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey is made, and this summer it will be the only place where fans can join NBA Legends Muggsy Bogues and Robert Horry for a one-of-a-kind basketball camp.
Today through April 30, NBA fans can enter for a chance to win a trip to Lynchburg and the opportunity to spend time with two NBA Legends, on and off the court, by composing their personal NBA Legends dream team and sharing it via JackDaniels.com/NBA. Two NBA fans will be chosen and they, along with four of their friends, will get an unprecedented look at these Legends’ signature moves and learn about Jack Daniel’s whiskey making skills in the company of two of basketball’s all-time greats.
“Connecting with fans has always been one of the best parts of what we do,” stated NBA Legend Muggsy Bogues. “We’re excited to spend quality time with the lucky winners this summer to share some of our craft on the court and then learn about Jack Daniel’s craft alongside them.”
As an Official marketing partner of the NBA, Jack Daniel’s will also host numerous activities during NBA All-Star 2018. The weekend will tip-off tonight with Jack Daniel’s House No. 7, a two-night experiential extravaganza bringing live music, local lifestyle and the spirit of Lynchburg, Tennessee under one roof. The brand will also bring a taste of Tennessee to Los Angeles with the pop-up Lynchburg General Store, showcasing the different facets of the town that Jack Daniel’s proudly calls home. More information on Jack Daniel’s House No. 7 can be found by visiting http://houseno7.com/. The Lynchburg General Store, open to the public, will be located at 903 W Olympic Blvd from Friday, February 16, through Sunday, February 18.
In addition, Jack Daniel’s has partnered with the notable custom sneaker designer, The Shoe Surgeon to create limited edition Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey Air Force 1 sneakers. Several lucky fans who visit the Lynchburg General Store may get to walk away with a pair.
“We are excited to be able to bring the NBA and Jack Daniel’s experience to consumers at NBA All-Star and offer two lucky fans the experience of a lifetime,” said Laura Petry, Jack Daniel’s Brand Director. “The NBA Legends Camp this summer is going to be an incredible experience for two fans and their friends to spend time with their basketball heroes and immerse themselves in Jack Daniel’s history and whiskey making.”
The multiyear partnership with the NBA is the largest with a professional sports league in Jack Daniel’s history. The deal, initially made in 2017, makes Jack Daniel’s an official marketing partner of the NBA, the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), the NBA G League, and USA Basketball.
For more information on Jack Daniel’s and the NBA Legends Camp sweepstakes, be sure to visit www.JackDaniels.com/NBA as well as follow Jack Daniel’s on Twitter (@JackDaniels_US). Jack Daniel’s, the first registered distillery in the United States, is based in the quiet town of Lynchburg, TN where every single drop of the world’s Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey is produced.
About Jack Daniel’s
Officially registered by the U.S. Government in 1866 and based in Lynchburg, Tenn., the Jack Daniel Distillery, Lem Motlow, proprietor, is the first registered distillery in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Jack Daniel’s is the maker of the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select and Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails. Today, Jack Daniel’s is a true global icon found in more than 170 countries around the world and is the most valuable spirits brand in the world as recognized by Interbrand.
Westland Whiskey Dinner
Rescheduled
Sunday, February 25 6:30pm
Omni Parker House Hotel
60 School St, corner of Tremont, Boston
Reservations 617-725-1600
We’re happy to mention this again. As always with Frank Weber’s special dinners this will be a wonderful evening with excellent food and on-point service.
Westland Distillery feels that coastal Washington State with its cool foggy climate and abundant peat bogs is most like Scotland with all the natural ingredients to make fine single malt whiskies,They work with the best quality products at the start so the final product is wonderful. This young distillery is already doing some very nice work with a bright future.
Westland’s American Oak Single Malt, Sherry Wood Single Malt, and Peated Single Malt will be featured at the dinner. All have received a strong praise from the likes of the Whiskey Advocate, and the Whiskey Bible, and been medalled at Spirits Competitions in both Europe and America.
Take a warming break and enjoy what will be a great dinner with some wonderful whisky and wine. You won’t be able to beat the price either.
Roasted Butternut Chowder with Apples and Bacon
Served with Westland American Oak Single Malt
Loin of Pork Scaloppine,
Oven Risotto with Kale Pesto, Red Cabbage in Brown Butter
Served with a wedge of Acorn Squash
Served with Dom Brunet Pinot Noir
Mixed Lettuces with Grapefruit, Goat Cheese and Black Pepper
Served with Westland Sherry Wood American Single Malt
Prosecco Sorbet
Artisanal New England Cheeses
Served with Westland Peated American Single Malt
$59.00 per person plus tax and gratuity
Tormore 28 Year Old 1988 vintage Speyside single malt Scotch whisky. Single cask sherry butt #14481 bottled November 2017 by Hunter Laing & Co. for the Old Malt Cask series. 106 bottles. Tormore Distillery was established in 1958 in the Speyside whisky region to supply malt whisky to blending houses. It was designed by Sir Albert Richardson, President of the Royal Academy and is set in stunning landscaped gardens. Resplendent with green-coppered roofs, decorative pagoda roofs, a clock tower and clock which still chimes Scottish tunes, a rectangular curling pond, topiary and houses for the staff. Tormore Distillery is now operating with eight stills in its tall still house and Tormore malt whisky is still mostly flowing into scotch blends. Whilst official bottling are sparse it features amongst the ranges of a number of independent bottlers including Signatory Vintage and Connoisseurs Choice.
While Champagne may be the beverage of choice for Valentine’s Day, we’d argue the stronger spirits are a more than welcome addition to an evening of romance. Luckily, we have several new arrivals that are sure to titillate and arouse. Leading things off is a 22-Year-Old Single Cask from Tobermory. Loaded with flavors of peaches and cream, it’s a tippler that will appeal to the seasoned Scotch maven and casual imbiber alike. For those on the prowl for something a little more potent, the new exclusive Whistle Pig 10-year, at 117.1 proof, will heat things up real fast. Perhaps you are looking for something a tad more exotic? Then you’ll want to give the Domaine Hubert Pays d’Auge Vieux Calvados a spin. Fruity, feminine, and lissome, this delightful apple brandy from Normandy is all too easy to love. And lastly, to our way of thinking, Valentine’s Day simply wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without some Dickel. Our new “K&L Exclusive” single barrel has arrived and it is pure temptation in a glass. Read on for all the juicy details…
The Newest “Sovereign” Single Barrel Release
Peaches and cream, that’s what they should call this new 22-year-old Tobermory, bottled for us by Sovereign. It’s loaded with fresh stone fruit and a rich creamy texture, to the point that I think even my wife is going to enjoy this one. Tobermory is on the Isle of Mull just across from Oban and it makes a similarly light and vanilla-laden malt. This particular single barrel edition is right on point: a very delicious expression of a textbook Scotch malt character, nothing weird or out of the ordinary, just damn good whisky, with age, at full proof, at a hot price. This will not be the bottle that you drink a tablespoon from every few weeks. You’re going to pour fingers of this stuff and it’s going to be empty before you know it. Dangerously drinkable liquid.
1995 Tobermory 22 Year Old K&L Exclusive “Sovereign” Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky (750ml) ($89.99) – The Isle of Mull, just north of Islay along Scotland’s west coast, is host to one of the most unassuming of distilleries, called Tobermory, which has quietly made outstanding, straightforward Scotch whisky since 1798. Never the most bold or brash of single malts, neither the loudest nor the most assertive, Tobermory does make a smoky island whisky called Ledaig, but the flagship malt is a fruitier, maltier expression that really starts to sing after two decades in wood. With this 22-year-old single barrel edition bottled for us by Sovereign, the oft-overlooked attributes of Tobermory come into full focus, beginning with an arousing bouquet of nectarines stewing in freshly milled barley. That stone fruit goodness emanates from the glass in waves, morphing into a sweet nectar of honey and peach on the palate. The vanilla from the oak aging starts to shape the whisky on the mid-palate, adding spice and richness toward the finish where the barley becomes the star. The malty, creamy finish is lifted by the 50.8% ABV and that extra proof tingles the taste buds for minutes. There’s nothing new to be had from this exceptional Tobermory expression, just a classically flavored malt whisky for a fabulous price. In a market currently full of anomalies and unique flavors, this is the bottle you’ll return to again and again.
Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 02, 2018
This is a beautiful single malt that is very easy to drink. The nose is very expressive with pronounced aromas of honey and wax. In the mouth it is round clean, soft and pretty with a long tongue coating finish. With a splash of water the nose becomes a touch more sweet and in the mouth a little softer.I like this producer and it is always a joy to have something from Tobermory in stock.
Andrew Stevens | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 02, 2018
This is a spectacular bottling of Tobermory which is a distillery I had long heard of but only tasted one other expression. The whisky here is what people have always told me happens from the place, all the beautiful richness that makes people fall in love with Scottish whisky. Warm white fudge with stone fruit and a creamy deliciousness all mix together perfectly here. Soft, supple, and way to easy to drink this is the best kind of dessert and single malt rolled into one.
Ryan Woodhouse | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 02, 2018
An increasingly rare chance to get you hands on some island (Mull not Islay) malt with 20+ years of age for under $90!? This is an unpeated expression of Tobermory that dances between golden orchard fruit / stone fruit, toasted barley, peanut brittle and buttercream. Then on the finish some lovely savory, saline nuances kick in to add another layer of coastal complexity. I also love that this single cask came down to a perfect 50.8% alc all of its own accord…pour it…drink it.
Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 24, 2018
As my colleague Alex said when I asked if he had tasted our sample bottle, “It’s one of the best scotches that has ever passed my lips.” I think that sums things up nicely. Especially when you consider the context. 22 years old, cask strength, single barrel, etc… I can’t argue. This whisky ranks. It’s loaded with citrus, fresh peat smoke, sugar candy and caramels. It’s a little salty. That classic brine character really shines through and complements the delicate fruitiness that lingers on the palate. Add in the complex herbaceous notes that waft in and out and you’ve got yourself a very complete, very balanced whisky. In short: you’ve got old Bowmore. I expect the only complaints we will register in the Spirits department on this one are about not having enough bottles to sell.
Alex Schroeder | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 17, 2018
This is one of the best expressions of Islay peat that I’ve ever tasted. The peat is subtle on this one, almost lost in the aromas of honeyed grains and marmalade on the nose. On the palate, the smoke shows up elegantly behind the rich creamy sweetness of the malt, eventually matching that intensity for a full proof, 51% abv masterpiece. The complex and delicious flavors stick around for an incredible finish.
Ralfy hits a peat-high with Ralfy Review 713 – Longrow Rundlets & Kilderkins 11yo
Also see Ralfy Review 713b “Small casks and maturation”
