The holidays are upon us, so given the sheer number of spirits coming our way, you’ll see an uptick in the number of Whisk(e)y News coming your way. There are simply too many great bottlings for us not to highlight them all! Featured today is the most recent addition to our “Old Particular” portfolio – a 20 year version of Bowmore. As stunning an effort as we’ve ever had from this legendary distiller, it is the perfect dram for the season. Also up are a pair of spectacular, price-slashing deals on Dalwhinnie and Lagavulin. They are a little further down the page, so make sure to scroll all the way down for the full story, but first up is the Bowmore.

1997 Bowmore 20 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($149.99)

There are two things that are consistent about Bowmore: the whisky is almost always awe-inspiring and rare editions will most often cost you a pretty penny. The stalwart of Islay is the spiritual home of smoky whisky, known equally for its grace under a peat fire. The Bowmore 25, one of the distillery’s most magical expressions, routinely hovers between the $400 -$500 price point on the open market, but for this holiday season we set out to find a more affordable version for our customers who want something special, but not quite that expensive. This cask strength 55.7% 20 year old single barrel edition, while lacking any sherry influence, still manages to offer an incredible amount of sweetness from the refill oak hogshead, coupling with the clean flavors of malted barley and vanilla. The richness overtakes the palate initially, which is rare in an Islay whisky with this much smoke, dominating the flavor profile right off the bat. The peat and campfire notes don’t begin until almost halfway through the process, combining sea salt and maritime elements with caramel and ash on the finish. There’s plenty of Islay influence here, but it’s beautifully balanced by the whisky’s inherent maltiness. In a nutshell, it’s textbook Bowmore with maturity and power for a fantastic price. It tastes exactly the way the distillery itself smells when you enter it, haunting the senses with equal parts malt and smoke. Our cask is a chance at true single malt royalty for a reasonable entry fee.

David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 03, 2017

I’ve tasted old Bowmore whiskies with heavy peat, heavy sherry, heavy smoke, and heavy funk, but I’ve never tasted one with this much sweet malt and vanilla. That’s not to say this edition goes easy on the smoke, however, because there’s definitely plenty of phenolic goodness to light the way home on the finish. This 20 year cask is maritime whisky at its finest. It reminds me of walking the streets in Bowmore near the distillery for the first time years ago, grabbing a plate of fresh oysters at the Harbour Inn across the street, then ducking into Duffie’s for a quick dram. In a sense, it’s a nostalgic whisky. It reminds me of what got me into whisky in the first place, a sense of wonder and complexity at how a golden liquid like this could taste so damn good. If you’re in search of that feeling, that sense of excitement that may have been lacking from your single malt consumption as of late, I invite you to find that feeling again in this bottle.

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 03, 2017

What I like about the Bowmore offerings is that they are balanced and nuanced. This single cask is no exception. It begins with nice smoke and sea aromas that are not heavy or over-powering. In the mouth this Bowmore is concentrated and complex, with rich and round flavors and hints of smoke coming through. There is a nice long finish. I tasted this with a splash of water.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 02, 2017

Getting single casks from major distilleries like Bowmore just makes me so happy. It’s a unique way to look at the components of a particular distillery and dive into what makes them so special. This 20 year old Bowmore is no exception. The nose is exquisite. It’s loaded with sea spray, sweet fruits, and extinguished campfire. I feel like I can reach out and touch the wet malt on the floor just as the dry smoky air starts to fill the room. It’s clean and pure, powerful whisky. The barley song is loud and clear. All off the pieces are there to be examined, yet harmoniously balanced into a whole single experience. This whisky perfectly shows why single malt are so compelling. They are a fascinating way to watch the whole movie, frame by frame, as they age.

Gary Westby | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 02, 2017

This fantastic refill hogshead of Bowmore has all the complexity that one would expect from a 20 year old Islay, balanced by fresh sea air. This is not a heavy dram, but rather an expansive one, and has the rare peacock’s tail finish that I prize in the finest of drinks. It seems to expand after each sip, with the flavor coming on stronger after each sip. I like this best diluted down to about 40%, so I’ll get almost a liter of pleasure out of my bottle!

Alex Schroeder | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 02, 2017

I’m a huge fan of the Bowmore whiskeys, mostly because they display their Islay characteristics with subtlety and grace. The peat is always a soft undertone to the malty complexity. This single cask from Old Particular is faithful to that mission. Flavors of toasted cereals, orange citrus oil, vanilla and briny smoke are robust and sweet on the palate, with incredible integration. Normally sensitive to higher alcohol levels, at 55.7% abv this was very enjoyable neat for me. If you enjoy these Old Particular single cask offerings, this is definitely a winner.

While we’re always on the hunt for exclusives and rarities, we’re also doing everything we can do bring you great deals on brands you already love and know. That’s why we worked out a little program with Diageo for the holidays to bring you some fantastic price cuts on bottles like this:

Dalwhinnie Distiller’s Edition Oloroso Cask Single Malt Whisky (750ml) ($59.99)

Crafted from pure mountain water flowing 2,000 feet above sea level, Dalwhinnie embodies the gentle spirit of the Highlands, offering delicate floral aromas, whispy hints of heather, and a soft subtle finish. The distiller’s edition is matured in oloroso sherry casks to create a spicy, peaty malt with sherry sweetness and a dry finish. The nose shows fresh sherry embraces the maltier, more honeyed aspects of Dalwhinnie. Peaty and surprisingly, still heathery. Spicy yet grapey. The palate has a big, spicy buzz, followed by an impressive build up of very clear, well defined malt. After a quick burst of sweetness, a rich, grape effect then moves in towards the middle. The finish has tons of oak. Very, very dry, with vanilla dominating. 43% ABV

Lagavulin “2016 Edition” 12 Year Old Natural Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) (Previously $130) ($99.99)

The magic is real. This stellar limited release is Lagavulin’s top regular bottling and it drinks like nothing else in the store. Lagavulin’s string of 12-year-old releases has always begged the question from consumers: why is the 12 year old $40 more than the older 16-year expression? Good question! For one, the Lagavulin 16 is made in gigantic quantities and sold in every liquor store from San Francisco to Shanghai, making it a competitively priced product. On top of that, the 12 year old is bottled at cask strength and not produced in nearly as high of a volume. Fans of the distillery have long lusted for a higher-proofed version of their beloved Islay legend, and Diageo has sought to pacify that demand with the lovely 12-year expression. Tasting the 12 next to the 16, there’s no doubt as to why one is more expensive than the other. Yet more proof that age can be incredibly deceiving.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: May 03, 2017

Lagavulin is an absolutely magical place. It’s incredible just how good Lagavulin is consistently in their 16 year expression. No whisky has made more people scotch obsessed than that one, but what you get in consistency on the 16, the 12 year cask strength doubles in intensity and depth. And quite the opposite from the Distillers Edition this one is not about the interplay of sherry or oak and the rich Lagavulin spirit. Instead, this is all about Lagavulin’s most Lagavuliny self. Refill wood here, American Oak likely, white wine in color. An absolute monster of a nose yet somehow linear and unwavering. Dense power tar, peat, tea, earth, salt. The palate is like SpaceX Falcon 9 exiting the atmosphere only to return to earth directly on your palate. Exquisite smoke, dried roasted herbs, citrus pith, and a sense of purpose. I don’t love that the price went up a bit on this, but I get it. It’s worth every penny, even better than last years. This whisky remains legend of the whisky aisle from that legendary whisky isle.

Basil Hayden’s Unveils First-Ever Permanent Extension, Basil Hayden’s® Dark Rye

Clermont, KY (October 23, 2017) – Basil Hayden’s®, the fastest-growing super-premium bourbon on the market, continues to deliver approachable and unexpected flavor to the whiskey community with the release of a remarkable new expression – Basil Hayden’s Dark Rye, the first-ever permanent addition to the Basil Hayden’s portfolio.

Much like Basil Hayden’s flagship bourbon, Basil Hayden’s Dark Rye is designed to stand out in the ever-expanding crowd of American whiskies. Uniting the duo of Kentucky straight rye whiskey and Canadian rye with a splash of California port, Basil Hayden’s Dark Rye offers an ideal sipping experience through harmoniously layered flavor. The spiciness of Kentucky straight rye whiskey pays homage to the high-rye content and trademark spice of Basil Hayden’s Bourbon, and balances seamlessly with the soft, rounded presence of Canadian rye from the award-winning Alberta Distillery. A finishing touch of California port ties a bow of sweetness and deep ruby-color on this unprecedented blend.

“Bringing Basil Hayden’s Dark Rye to life as the first-ever permanent addition to the Basil Hayden’s family is an exciting moment for the brand and our growing fan base,” said Rob Mason, Vice President of North American Whiskey at Beam Suntory. “Basil Hayden’s Dark Rye offers an unparalleled complexity and rich flavor, while staying true to the unique approachability and style that has made our bourbon a long-time favorite.”

Basil Hayden’s Dark Rye is best enjoyed when sipped neat, on the rocks or as the base to a modern-day twist on a Boulevardier cocktail. The rich, fruity sweetness and spice of the rye whiskey provides an impeccably firm counterbalance to the bitterness of apéritifs and other liqueurs typically found in cocktails. The expression features the following characteristics:

• Proof: 80
• Color: Deep, rich amber with ruby undertones
• Aroma: Oaky notes balanced with dark berries and molasses
• Taste: Complex blend of caramel, dried fruit, and oak with additional notes of spice and a rounded mouthfeel
• Finish: Lingering dried fruit with a hint of sweetness and rye spice notes

Basil Hayden’s Dark Rye further builds on the momentum set earlier this year by Basil Hayden’s Rye Whiskey, the brand’s first-ever limited-edition release, which quickly answered consumers’ appetite for unique rye offerings and distinctive flavors. Released to impressive reception and acclaim, Basil Hayden’s Rye Whiskey was awarded “Rye of The Year” at the 2017 New York International Spirits Competition.

Basil Hayden’s Dark Rye is now available nationwide for a suggested retail price of $39.99 for a 750ml bottle. Look for it packaged in a deep red, hand-applied parchment bib and wrapped with the copper belt iconic to Basil Hayden’s.

For more information about this release, visit www.basilhaydens.com or contact beam@wearemultip.ly.

About Basil Hayden’s®
Basil Hayden’s whiskeys are known for standing out in the crowd. The distinctive flavor of Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon was originally inspired by the legend of a family recipe said to date back to 1796 when Master Distiller Basil Hayden Sr. broke ‘the rules’ and went off-the-beaten-path mixing the spiciness of rye with the smoothness of corn to create a light-bodied, mixable and smooth bourbon. Today, Basil Hayden’s is crafting its own story by providing bourbon drinkers with a versatile sipping experience to be shared with friends and family. For more information on Basil Hayden’s, please visit www.basilhaydens.com.

About Beam Suntory Inc.
As the world’s third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits Brands that Stir the World.  Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands and Suntory whisky Kakubin, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek bourbon, Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s, Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Hornitos and Sauza tequila, EFFEN and Pinnacle vodka, Sipsmith gin, and Midori liqueur.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and commitment to Growing for Good.  Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.  For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

November Outturn takes the taste buds to another realm with 7 new single cask whiskies to taste and explore!

CASK NO. G8.8  BOTANIC GARDENS AND A SAWMILL

26 years old; refill hogshead; 56.7%; Light & delicate

The nose has subtle fruits and flowers, then toffee, chocolate bananas, candy corn and mandarins in syrup – all on new oak. The palate offers caramel wafers, ice-cream, honey and cherry chocolates, with hints of spiced bourbon and marrons glacés.

CASK NO. 48.87  FRISKY WHISKY

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. 10.106  SALTED LEMON SHERBET

10 years old; refill barrel; 60.1%; Spicy & sweet

Waxy citrus fruits, candied peel and lemon sherbet fused with Jaffa Cakes, salted caramel, white chocolate and lemon drizzle cake alongside digestive biscuits. Water released cinnamon swirls, plum pickle and light honey with a finish of wood shavings and strong black tea.

CASK NO. 37.87  PUFF PASTRY PLUM TARTS

13 years old; 1st fill charred ex-red wine hogshead; 58.8%; Spicy & sweet

Walking through a stately home to the downstairs kitchen where we were offered baked brie with apricot preserve. Diluted, the sweet smell of puff pastry plum tarts followed, on the palate, by sticky toffee loaf cake. This whisky previously inhabited an ex-bourbon hogshead.

CASK NO. 71.43  SWEET AND SPICY WITH A SAVOURY KICK

9 years old; refill butt; 65%; Deep, rich & dried fruits

Dates, gingerbread pastry and toffee on the nose. Then honeycomb toffee, ‘builder’s tea’ (strong, with milk and sugar) and burnt sugar to taste. Add water for mulled wine, fresh apple and plum crumble and mince pies.

CASK NO. 3.291  TICKLE YOUR FANCY

20 years old; refill hogshead; 56.5%; Oily & coastal

Warm and sensuous spicy aromas as well as juicy blood oranges followed by creamy chili meringue and doughnuts with burnt caramel and sea salt. Water brewed up a Pu-erh-tea, and rum soaked raisins combined with a never-ending gingery finish made this an experience.

CASK NO. 66.95  SWEET REEK

11 years old; refill hogshead; 61%; Peated

Pink wafer biscuits and Turkish delight wrapped with gentle smoke, violets, red roses and apple blossom with malt extract and sticky cough mixture. Mouth-coating liquorice sweets, overcooked blackcurrant jam and considerably spiced haggis; a finish of sweet smoke and pork crackling.

SMWS Canada

We are please to announce the new UK single cask is available from today and will be country wide tomorrow.

Springbank 13yo 56.1% Fresh Sherry Butt 540 bottles

Please contact your local retailers and stockists for more information, details of whom can be found by visiting HERE.

• The Campbeltown Cadenhead shop will be selling the Springbank 13yo Single Cask for £65.00.
• This is not a Society exclusive bottle
• This is not considered a core product so there will be no Society discount on this bottling.

Due to limited availability and the expected high demand for bottles, the Society is not able to reserve or process orders – to purchase a bottle please contact your preferred Springbank retailer.

Social Media Facebook –  Twitter –   Instagram –  Search Springbank Whisky (@springbankwhisky1828)

Slainte,

The Springbank Society

Join the Springbank Society by contacting them at society@springbank.scot

The season of whisky has arrived, and what better way to celebrate than with something peaty from the wonderful island of Islay.

Buy Whisky Now 

Known as the Queen of the Hebrides, Islay (Eye-lah) is one of the most famed islands of whisky distillation famed for its peaty expressions. The following represent some of our favourite bottles in the shop that will be sure to keep you warm over the winter months.

Bowmore 18 Year Old Manzanilla

The first release in the Vintner’s Trilogy from Bowmore, this Islay single malt is double matured, first in bourbon barrels for 13 years followed by 5 years in Manzanilla sherry casks. The result is a perfectly balanced combination of peat smoke and Seville oranges. Non chill-filtered and bottled at a natural cask strength of 52.5% abv.

£110 Pre-Order Now

Orders will be dispatched week beginning 13th November

Bowmore 26 Year Old French Oak Barrique

The second release in the Vintner’s Trilogy from Bowmore, this Islay single malt is double matured, first in bourbon barrels for 13 years followed by another 13 years in wine barriques. Non chill-filtered and presented at a cask strength of 48.7% abv, this limited edition has tropical fruit and oak spiced smoke with dark chocolate and a hint of salt.

£420 Pre-Order Now

Stock will be dispatched week beginning 13th November

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The second release in a stunning range of single malt from Glenmorangie. The Astar is a matured in some hand truly hand crafted, hand selected American white oak casks. Grown specifically in the Ozark mountains of Missouri, the oak is charred and then softened out for four years with boubon before being sent to Tain and filled with that classically delicate Glenmorangie spirit. Bottled at 52.5%, it’s a wonderful balance of creaminess and sharp, bitter oak flavours. Glenmorangie always do something special every year for us whisky folk and at about £70 per bottle, this whisky really does deliver in every way you could want it to. I’m very happy with my purchase indeed! Cheers!

AUCHENTOSHAN® ANNOUNCES ITS

NEW MALT ORDER INTERNATIONAL BARTENDER COLLECTIVE FOR 2017

A global network of 12 bartenders has been chosen to create a limited edition Auchentoshan® expression – By bartenders, for bartenders

Auchentoshan® the triple distilled single malt, has announced its 12-strong global bartender collective for 2017. Auchentoshan® is dedicated to recruiting and nurturing fresh, creative bartender talent who can demonstrate they challenge the norms to become part of the New Malt Order. With exceptional entrants across six countries, the competition saw some of the world’s most inventive bartenders execute their own Auchentoshan® cocktail.

NEW MALT ORDER

The New Malt Order is not only a competition but a boundary-pushing whisky collaboration. This year’s bartenders were challenged to extend the limits of tradition by fermenting an ingredient which best heroes their city, and developing a Auchentoshan® cocktail that tests perceptions of single malt whisky.

The chosen 12 members of the New Malt Order flew to Glasgow for a once in a lifetime, week-long immersion into the brand and Auchentoshan®’s home city’s effervescent, creative culture. During the week they undertook a bespoke distillery tour, sensory and immersive cask attraction sessions to hone their blending skills with master blender Ron Welsh, built on their knowledge with a fermentation workshop and used a once in a lifetime opportunity to create a unique single malt whisky, the second Bartender’s Malt edition, that will be released in summer 2018′

This year’s winners are:

1. Charles Roche, Scout, London, UK
2. Lachlan Rooney, The Voodoo Rooms, Edinburgh, UK
3. Karl-Martin Edin, Open/Closed, Umeå, Sweden
4. Filipp Vovnenko, The Balance, Novorossiysk, Russia
5. Sascha Geiersberg, Luna Lounge, Neuruppin, Germany
6. Christian Herberholz, Das Schwarze Schaf, Bamberg, Germany
7. André Duncan, Bar Consultant, Montreal, Canada
8. Nicholas Incretolli, Bar Sazerac, Hamilton, Canada
9. Jeremiah Schenzel, Daps, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
10. Robert Kramer, The Brick Yard, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
11. Kimber Weissert, Butcher and Rye, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
12. Nathaniel Smith, Spoon & Stable, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

THE BARTENDERS MALT
The announcement of 2017’s New Malt Order follows the release of the first Bartender’s Malt edition, a limited edition Auchentoshan® expression created by 2016’s international bartender collective to reflect the brand’s ‘Distilled Different’ ethos.

Judith Giegerich, International Marketing Manager Malts for Beam Suntory, comments: “This year’s challenge saw entrants pushed further than before with fermenting. We found 12 incredibly talented and innovative bartenders who share our Distilled Different ethos and we are excited to welcome them into the New Malt Order to create a brand new Auchentoshan® expression, the second Bartender’s Malt.”

Ron Welsh, Master Blender for Auchentoshan®, says: “It has been a privilege to work with such an engaged and creative group of bartenders from all over the world. Each individual brought unique insights to the various workshops throughout the week and I’m excited to see the final result of this collaboration.”

For more information, visit www.newmaltorder.com

facebook.com/Auchentoshan
instagram.com/theauchentoshan
twitter.com/Auchentoshan
http://www.auchentoshan.com

Notes

About Auchentoshan®

After 200 years of urban life in Glasgow, living through The Industrial Revolution, Auchentoshan is part of the city and the city is part of Auchentoshan. It is the only Single Malt Scotch Whisky to triple distil every last drop to create its delicate flavour. Smooth, yet gusty. Approchabale yet deep. Auchenstoshan is the alternative malt for newcomers and whisky lovers alike.

About Beam Suntory Inc.

As the world’s third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits Brands that Stir the World.  Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands and Suntory whisky Kakubin, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek bourbon, Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s, Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Hornitos and Sauza tequila, EFFEN and Pinnacle vodka, Sipsmith gin, and Midori liqueur.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and commitment to Growing for Good.  Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.  For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

© 2016 Beam Suntory Inc., Merchandise Mart, 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 1600, Chicago, IL 60654

Sixth Annual Whiskey Obsession Festival

April 11 to 14, 2018

Sarasota, Florida

The Sixth Annual Whiskey Obsession Festival (WOF) will be held April 11 to 14, 2018 in Sarasota, Florida. Whiskey Obsession is the largest world whiskey festival in the U.S., with four days of classes, tastings, lunch and dinner pairings, expanded bartender academy, interactive panel discussions, cigars, VIP pours, a fabulous grand tasting with hundreds of whiskies to sample, and live music street party in the heart of downtown. Dozens of distillers and professional brand ambassadors from around the world travel to Sarasota to share their knowledge and passion for these fine spirits.

We are thrilled to announce that Visit Sarasota County awarded Whiskey Obsession a valuable tourism marketing grant for 2018 to promote the festival in key cities around the country and in Canada. This partnership illustrates WOF’s unique importance to the region.

Tickets on sale on Friday, December 1, 2017 at www.whiskeyobsessionfestival.com. Limited sponsorship opportunities are available; contact us for info.

Schedule of Events

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Bartender Academy @ The Aloft Hotel, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

$20 ticket includes lunch and swag (bartenders/ industry only)

Session I – Professional Development Panel

1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Three panelists discuss mixologist and ambassador professional development, best practices, and career advancement including industry opportunities, expectations, and responsible brand marketing.

Session II – Interactive Bars and Workstations

3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Participants will learn new skills and techniques from ambassadors and accomplished mixologists.

Whiskey Obsession Kickoff Dinner @ Sarasota Yacht Club (SYC), 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The theme of the 2018 Kickoff Dinner is Whiskey and Time featuring a special menu created by SYC Executive Chef Anthony Puccio paired with the evening’s premium whiskies. Tickets are $125 per person. Open to the public; SYC membership not required.

Thursday, April 12, 2018

Exclusive Focus Lunch Master Class @ Sarasota Yacht Club, 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Exciting lunch whiskey pairing with a charismatic industry professional, featuring a special menu from SYC Executive Chef Anthony Puccio. Tickets $35 per person. Open to the public; SYC membership not required.

Panelist Small Group Dinner @ The Francis, 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Our most exclusive event, this dinner features an intimate meal with one of our experts preceding the Panel of Whiskey Experts next door in the ballroom. Tickets are $125 per person, limited to 16 guests.

The Panel of Whiskey Experts Interactive Tasting & Discussion @ The Francis, 7:00 to 9:30 p.m.

New format! The panel will include one session featuring eight distillers and brand ambassadors in a unique interactive tasting as they share their favorite spirits. Guests will sample a broad range of world whiskies, accompanied by light bites and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets are $75 and seating is limited to 120 guests.

Brand Showcase at the historic Gator Club, 10:00 pm until late.

One whiskey brand will present its signature releases in a fun, educational format upstairs at the Gator Club. Tickets TBD.

Friday, April 13, 2018

Lunch Master Classes, 12:00 p.m, to 2:00 p.m.

Multiple lunch master classes will be held at select downtown restaurants. $35 per person.

Pre-show Premium Master Class, @ Michael’s Wine Cellar, 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

This exclusive tasting features premium whiskies from a global powerhouse brand, just before the Whiskey Obsession Grand Tasting. Limited to 30 guests. $60 per person.

Grand Tasting and Master Classes, Michael’s on East (See times below)

With hundreds of whiskies available to sample, the Grand Tasting features dozens of the world’s premium global brands as well as emerging craft distillers. Taught by industry professionals, our six seminar-style master classes present an opportunity for in-depth learning at interactive tastings with distillers and brand ambassadors.

• 6:30 p.m. VIP Admission
• 7:30 p.m. General Admission
• 8:00 p.m. Class I, II, and III ($10 for VIP; $20 for GA guests)
• 9:15 p.m. Class IV, V, VI ($10 for VIP; $20 for GA guests)
• 10:30 p.m. Last Pour
• 10:45 p.m. After Party at Made Restaurant (Free Event!)

Three ticket levels are available:

VIP $195:

• VIP admission limited to 150 guests includes one commemorative Glencairn glass and one hour early entrance at 6:30 pm.
• VIP hour pours of ultra-premium, fine, expensive, and rare spirits (details will be available on the event website).
• One $50 retail voucher for purchases and special orders placed on Friday, April 13, 2018 during the Whiskey Obsession Festival grand tasting.
• Greater opportunity to interact with distillery ambassadors and industry professionals.
• Unlimited tasting of over 200 spirits.
• Discount tickets and priority seating at evening master classes (first come first served).
• Wine, soft drinks, buffet and hors d’ oeuvres.

General Admission $95: 

• General admission limited to 500 guests includes one commemorative Glencairn glass and entrance at 7:30 pm
• Unlimited tasting of over 200 spirits.
• Access to evening master classes (first come first served).
• Wine, soft drinks, buffet and hors d’ oeuvres.

Companion $45: 

• Companion admission limited to 75 guests includes entrance with VIP or general admission ticket holders.
• Wine, soft drinks, buffet and hors d’ oeuvres.

Saturday, April 14, 2018

Women of Whiskey Brunch @ Sarasota Yacht Club, 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

New event for 2018! We are thrilled to present the Women of Whiskey Brunch, featuring a panel of three prominent women making contributions to the whiskey industry. Whiskies from each panelist will be paired with a special menu created by SYC Executive Chef Anthony Puccio. Tickets are $35 per person. Open to the public; SYC membership not required.

Whiskey Rocks Live Music Street Party, 6:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

Whiskey Obsession Festival partners with the Sarasota Downtown Merchants Association, the Gator Club, and other local nightspots to present national and regional bands on an outdoor stage for 1,500 attendees. Free event!

Tickets and information are available at whiskeyobsessionfestival.com.

Springbank Society – October 2017 Bottling 

The new Society Longrow 9yo Sauternes is available to order now!

Longrow 9yo Sauternes

Cask type: Fresh Sauternes Hogsheads

Distilled: November 2007

Bottled: October 2017

Strength: 56.3%

Outturn: 1134 bottles

Tasting notes:

Nose :  Light smokiness, fresh plums, honeycomb, chocolate peppermints, walnuts, almonds, sticky toffee pudding, chocolate crepes, sugarcane, dark chocolate.

Palate : Cocoa powder, spice, pepper, dates and prunes. Raspberry coulis, caramel, ripe bananas, cherries and a mineral note. Slightly dry with a sticky mouthfeel.

Finish : Cherries, dry smoke, soot, raisins, burnt embers, baked apples, poached pears, biscuit base, shortbread, caramel shortcake, ginger and crushed black pepper.

Purchasing and delivery/collection

Please read this section carefully to ensure this process goes as smoothly as possible.

The bottle is available for £45.00 and initially it will be 1 per person however, once it becomes clear what the level of interest is, then it is possible you could get a second. 2 bottles per member will be the maximum. When you order a bottle please state if you would be interested in a second bottle.

We will only process email orders that come into the address society@springbank.scot. No phone orders.

When you first order a bottle, please tell us if any of the following things apply to you.

•  If you would like a second bottle
•  If you would like to collect it from one of our Cadenhead shops
•  If you are based in Canada
•  If you have any other delivery preferences (not covered by the points above) then it may be helpful, but not essential, if you would include them in your original email too.

Once you place your order you will receive an email back, letting you know that your order has been received and that a bottle has been reserved for you.  As is usual with a Society release, this may take several days. Please do not be alarmed if you do not hear back immediately.

Again, as is standard practice with Society bottles, if you wish for your Society bottle(s) to be sent to a Cadenhead shop on mainland Europe (Now Baden, Cologne and Odense) you will pay for them upon collection. We have processes in place to make sure these bottles arrive much faster than they have done for previous releases.

To clear up an inconsistency in the email sent last week we will not be sending any of the Society bottles to Cadenhead shops in Berlin or Salzburg. To repeat: sending bottles to the Berlin or Salzburg shop is not an option for the reasons we outlined in the previous email.

If you plan to have your Society bottle(s) sent to the Edinburgh or London shops then, as with the previous release, deliveries to these shops will be handled in a similar way to when Society bottles are sent to the other Cadenhead shops. Instead of charging £2 per bottle and delivering them individually, we will not charge anything for delivery and they will be sent as part of the scheduled Cadenhead shipments.

Once again we will only accept orders via email and strictly no phone orders.

Slainte Springbank Society

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