RARE MACALLAN TRIUMPHS AT BONHAMS WHISKY AUCTION IN HONG KONG

Complete set of The Macallan in Lalique Six Pillars Collection. Sold for HK$3,797,500

A complete set of The Macallan in Lalique Six Pillars Collection sold for HK$3,797,500 at Bonhams Whisky sale in Hong Kong last week. It had been estimated at HK$3,600,000-4,600,000.

The six decanters, made exclusively by the renowned French crystal house Lalique, were issued in strictly limited numbers between 2006-2016, and contain very rare Macallan whisky aged, in order of release, 50, 55, 57, 60, 62, and 65 years old.

Bonhams Whisky specialist in Hong Kong Daniel Lam said, “I am not surprised that this complete set of The Macallan in Lalique Six Pillars Collection sold so well. The individual bottles are, of course, highly sought after, but the opportunity to acquire all six bottles at once like this, very rarely comes along.”

Elsewhere in the sale:

Seven bottles from The Ghost Series. Estimate: HK$270,000-350,000.

Seven bottles from The Ghost Series. Estimate: HK$270,000-350,000.

• Seven bottles from The Ghost Series sold for HK$882,000. Illustrated by images from New Forms of 36 Ghosts, by the 19^th century master of Japanese woodblock printing, Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, the bottles had been estimated at HK$270,000-350,000)
• A vertical series of Macallan – 40 bottles from 1958-2006 inclusive – sold for HK$ 735,000 having been estimated at $600,000-800,000)
• A collection of whiskies bottled specifically for the Conti Brothers grocery store in Sacramento sold for HK$269,500. Made up of 15 single malts personally selected by the brothers and bottled for them in the 1970s and ‘80s, the collection had been estimated at HK$220,000-260,000
• A single Macallan Millennium Decanter estimated at HK$210,000-250,000 sold for HK$257,250.

In total, the sale made HK$13,624,818.

NOTES

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest and most renowned auctioneers of fine art and antiques, motor cars and jewellery. The main salerooms are in London, New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong, with sales also held in Knightsbridge, Edinburgh, Paris, San Francisco and Sydney. With a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 22 countries, Bonhams offers sales advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full listing of forthcoming sales, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com

Kensington Wine Market 2017 Whisky Advent Calendar Pre order Special!

If you pre-order the Kensington Wine Market 2017 Whisky Advent Calendar before September 30th, 2017 the price will be $340+GST and you will save a total of $35+GST. After September 30th the price will increase to $375+GST. We have endeavored to keep pricing down for this year’s version. The 2017 KWM Whisky Advent Calendar is $25 less than the 2016 – even before taking into account the early bird offer.

Our Kensington Wine Market Whisky Advent Calendar makes a great gift – for yourself or somebody you know. The 2017 edition contains the following:

– A custom logo Glencairn Scotch Glass

– 24x 50mL bottles of whisky for December 1st to 24th (or whenever you want to drink them of course!)

– 1x 100mL special bottle for December 25th/Christmas Day. This is an exclusive Scotch Malt Whisky Society whisky, specially selected for the KWM 2017 Whisky Advent Calendar. We even had the opportunity to name the whisky! Full bottles of this special whisky won’t be available for purchase to Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada members until 2018!

– Whisky Advent Discount Card good for 10% off any of the non-society bottle in the Calendar (subject to availability).

The whiskies in this year’s version are all new – none of them were featured in the 2014 thru 2016 editions. More information can be found on our website You are welcome to order through our webstore or phone us at 403-283-8000 (toll free 1-888-283-9004).

This Littlemill 26 year old 1988 single cask is a bottling from 2015 we are quite chuffed with. A cask selected by Hunter Laing & Co. we knew we were on to a winner. With a fantastic 86 points awarded last month on Whisky Fun its reputation has grown further. A blog article on this Littlemill, exclusive to us at The Whisky Barrel, had been on the agenda. However, in July 2017 a surprise review from the venerable Serge Valentin of WhiskyFun.com fame pushed this one up the to-do list.

Littlemill Distillery was established in 1772 to the west of Bowling by the north shore of the River Clyde and on the main road into Glasgow. Subsequent modifications during the 1930s resulted in a number of novel features including double ventilation towers which sat over a single drying kiln and pot stills with rectifiers rather than the traditional swan necks. The combination of pot and column stills in Littlemill Distillery was designed to produce malt whisky which was expected to mature quickly. At the time of closure in 1994 Littlemill Distillery was the oldest working malt whisky distillery in Scotland.  Demolished in 2006 and now Littlemill is a lost Scottish distillery although the shell of the manager’s house remains.

Please click here to read the complete article.

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 172: Vega 23 Year Old 1993 North Star Spirits

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tries Vega, the new blended malt from North Star Spirits. It was distilled in October 1993 and bottled in May 2017, composed of only Speyside malts that matured on American oak and sherry casks. The result left him flabbergasted. Vega, by the way, is the 5^th brightest star in the sky – in the constellation Lyra – some 25 light years away from earth, twice the size and twice as hot as our own sun. That’s good to know…

https://youtu.be/SvdGmXAEb9c

Home of Whisky Festival, Salutation Hotel, Perth, Saturday, 19th August 2017, 1.00pm – 5.30pm

Exel Wines once again hosted the popular Home of Whisky Festival in Perth. The 2017 Festival started at 1pm with a welcome from Willie Wilson, Depute Provost (Mayor) of Perth. “C’mon Willie, wanting a dram here!”

Now then, having known the nice people at Exel for some years, Liz and myself did receive some extra guidance this year – well that’s our secret eh! There was a great selection of whiskies to try from a grand bunch of exhibitors. Guests were given 10 tokens in total (plus a complimentary dram on arrival of Old Perth) but sadly no option to buy more. There were 2 masterclasses hosted by Tomatin Distillery and Bruichladdich Distillery. The Tomatin hosted by another old contact, Ali – who provided taste-bud ticklers with whisky-based cocktails. There were 5 whiskies– Tomatin 12 Year Old, Tomatin 14 Year Old, Tomatin 18 Year Old and two mystery malts – Tomatin Mystery Malts were: Five series Earth which is peated and the Limited Release 36 Year Old.   Brooch masterclass were 5 whiskies tasted –Classic Laddie, Islay Barley, Port Charlotte Scottish Barley, Port Charlotte Islay Barley, Octomore 6.1, Liz almost hit the roof at the last one!

List of exhibitors: Benriach, GlenDronach, Glenglassaugh, The Glenturret, Bruichladdich, Douglas Laing & Co, Compass Box, Morrison & Mackay, Fraiser, Tomatin, Gordon & MacPhail, Wemyss Malts, Ian MacLeod Distillers, Murray McDavid, Indie Brands, Glenfarclas, Kilchoman. There were crackers for people to munch on as they tasted the whiskies as well as jugs of water.  All the stock for sale at the pop-up shop was at special prices for the day of the festival.  There was also a tear-off voucher on the back of the brochure that could be used when buying whisky in the shop during September.

The Glenturret Range Scotland’s oldest working distillery focuses on profiling the taste of the malt, three tastes to choose from, Sherry, Triple Wood and Peated. Here is where I got confused; Triple Wood – a combination of American sherry oak, European sherry oak and American bourbon oak casks have been used to create the distinct oaky flavour. Yet with all that sherry … a mix of orange peel, vanilla and peardrops (sweeties fae schooldays) with a taste of cedarwood, cinnamon, marzipan and a hint of coconut – so where is the oaky taste? Answers on a psot card please to Paul.

Of course there were many people “behind the tables” we knew well, having been in this whisky industry selling whisky tours for over 21 years. It was nice meeting up again, specially Jacque (Wemyss whiskies) who we also met in Oban, Helsinki and others! That girl moves about. Ali from Tomatin and Jan – a timerous beasties of a man. It was busy on Saturday, not too busy like some we have attended (one comes to mind where punters were 5 deep waiting for a dram) but just about right. I was fortunate to see the programme before the event, and a good job of this was made, not all festivals do this. Before the event – well 4 days before actually, I had been tasting in the shop and aye, went home with two Perth pals, Old Perth bottles – ha! The 21 year old was not available at the show, am chuffed with this as I have one. It’s no often I get my hands on a 21 year old these days. Dianne Wilkie, Director of Exel Wines told me, ‘We first hosted the Home of Whisky Festival in the Salutation Hotel in 2014 (I was there at that too!), and it is a privilege for us to be able to bring the event back to this venue again this year. Perth has long had a love affair with the ‘water of life’ and the Home of Whisky Festival is a great way to celebrate this by not only raising awareness of the whisky-making heritage of Perthshire, but also throughout Scotland, giving those attended an opportunity to sample some of the best whisky Scotland has to offer and learn more about whisky production and distribution across the globe.’ Can I just mention the girls at the shop, ever charming, knowledgeable and reliable; these two are great fun and classed friends of mine.

Established in 2009, Exel Wines have gone from strength-to-strength over the years to become one of the UK’s largest online retailers of wine, whisky, craft beer and spirits. With a shop on 47 South Street, it is also Perth’s best whisky retailer offering wine and whisky enthusiast a treasure trove of delights, including many rare and collectable bottles. I know this for sure, I have shopped and come out many times with more than one bottle. They also offer superb tasting nights, with a limited audience, enabling much serious dramming without a crowd, hosted by experts too! So the moral of this story is – get along to Exel shop, festival events or the tastings, or like me, all!

Paul McLean www.whiskytours.scot/

Jim Beam Unveils New Jim Beam® Vanilla, Continuing A 222-Year Tradition of Exploration

(CHICAGO) August 8, 2017 – Today, Jim Beam®, the world’s No. 1 bourbon, officially announced the latest addition to its flavored portfolio, Jim Beam® Vanilla. Jim Beam Vanilla blends Madagascar vanilla bean liqueur with classic Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey.

Continuing a 222-year family tradition of innovation and exploration, Jim Beam distillers have struck the perfect balance of subtle Madagascar vanilla bean with hints of oak and caramel bourbon notes, producing a sweet vanilla aroma and golden brown color. Bartenders with early samples of the product have suggested mixing Jim Beam Vanilla year-round with cola and a cherry garnish for extra color and flavor.

Jim Beam’s flavored whiskey portfolio continues to contribute to the brand’s positive momentum following the launch of Jim Beam® Apple in 2015. According to Nielsen research, Jim Beam’s sales saw a 15 percent growth (USD dollar share) in the 12-month period that ended July 15.

“Jim Beam pioneered flavors in the bourbon category several years ago and the trend has continued to grow. We are always innovating, and are proud to offer a variety of flavors in our portfolio,” said Jim Beam’s 7th generation master distiller Fred Noe. “Of course, our newest is Jim Beam Vanilla, with a rich and smooth profile. But don’t just take my word for it, sit back and enjoy a sip.”

Jim Beam’s global brand partner Mila Kunis is also excited about the new innovation. Kunis will be featured in social and digital content around the official campaign launch this fall.

“I’m thrilled to collaborate with my friends in Kentucky to debut Jim Beam Vanilla,” said Kunis. “If you’re like me, you love the taste of bourbon but are sometimes looking for something a little different. Jim Beam Vanilla is perfect when I want a touch of flavor.”

Bottled at 70-proof, new Jim Beam Vanilla contains vanilla liqueur blended with Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey. It offers the perfect balance of subtle vanilla sweetness and hints of oak and deep caramel bourbon notes. Jim Beam Vanilla joins the brand’s existing flavored whiskey portfolio already in market, including Jim Beam® Apple, Jim Beam® Kentucky Fire™, Jim Beam® Honey and Red Stag by Jim Beam® Black Cherry.

Jim Beam Vanilla has a suggested retail price of $15.99 for 750mL, and is now available in bars and retail locations nationwide. Prices may vary based on market and product size.

For more information about Jim Beam Vanilla, follow us on Twitter (@jimbeam) and Instagram (@jimbeamofficial) or visit www.jimbeam.com.

CIGAR PAIRING MASTERCLASS
HUNTER & FRANKAU AND IAN MACLEOD
2.00pm – 2.40pm

We’re joined by cigar expert Patrick Williams from Hunter & Frankau and Brand Ambassador Alan Wardrop from Ian Macleod Distillers, for a sensational cigar pairing session on the venue’s rooftop terrace. Don’t wait too long to secure your spot – there are only 20 tickets available!

MASTERCLASS TICKETS £15

BOOK NOW

– HUNTER & FRANKAU –

Founded in 1790, H&F are the leading importers of the world’s finest cigars and have been bringing them into Britain since they were first enjoyed over here. They even once owned two large Cuban cigar factories!

– SHOW TICKETS –

With Early Bird tickets long sold out, our Saturday tickets are selling FAST so if you’re thinking of attending our biggest show yet, grab yours now to avoid disappointment!

Whats included?
• Access to all whiskies on taste
• Access to a mini Masterclasses
• Branded nosing glass to take away with you
• One Dream Dram token (exchangeable for a super premium tipple)
• Festival brochure

Early Bird Saturday Tickets £35 (Sold Out)

Saturday Tickets £40

Deluxe Glenfiddich Tasting with Stephen Rutherford (13:00-13:45) £40

Cigar Pairing with Hunters & Frankau and Ian Macleod (14:00-14:40) £15

MORE DETAILS

VENUE & SHOW TIMES

thestudio
7 CANNON STREET
BIRMINGHAM
B2 5EP

Saturday 16th Sept 12:00pm – 5:00pm
(last pour at 4:30pm)

Hi folks, that’s us live with the 77th auction! Enjoy!!

Single Casks & Special Gifts

This week we welcomed a very special single cask bottling from Tamdhu to The Whisky Shop. Aged for three decades, this Platinum Old & Rare Selection from independent bottler Hunter Laing & Co is one of only 533 bottles produced from a sherry butt at cask strength.

And speaking of special, we’ve made finding the perfect gift for that someone special even easier with our handy Gift Finder. Just answer a couple of questions on the occasion, your budget and any taste preferences, and we’ll give you some of our favourite recommendations. Simple!

With next day UK delivery and international shipping available, it’s never been easier to get your hands on something special!

Tamdhu 30 Year Old Platinum Old & Rare

Distilled at Speyside’s Tamdhu distillery in July 1987, this single cask bottling from Hunter Laing & Co.’s Platinum Old & Rare Selection has been matured in a single sherry butt for three decades. Bottled in July 2017 free from chill-filtration and without acritical colouring, only 533 bottles have been produced at a natural cask strength of 53.9% abv.

The nose has orange marmalade and candied sweetness with a touch of apricot. The palate brings dried fruits with subtle spices and rich smooth toffee alongside massive sherry notes. The finish has more complex fruits and a developing sweet note atop a hint of honey.

£250 Buy Now

Benriach 15 Year Old Pedro Ximenez Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) (Elsewhere $80) ($49.99)

The Benriach distillery makes one of the most delicious and classically Speyside single malts in the business. The 15 year old Pedro Ximenez edition takes that classic malty character and adds the richness and texture of Spain’s sweetest sherry to the mix, elevating the flavors from solely vanilla and barley into chocolate, mocha, and fudge. Normally priced at eighty dollars or more, this is a deal you won’t want to miss.

David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 19, 2017

Wowee wow…these opportunities are few and far between these days, but every now and again you get lucky. As many of you know, the BenRiach Group sold to Brown-Forman recently and, if you’re not intimately familiar with the liquor business, Brown-Forman is distributed by a different company than Anchor, who was the previous importer. What happens every now and again is that the new distributor refuses to buy the old inventory from the previous supplier, which sometimes (but not always) results in a fire sale. Since I happened to be in the right place at the right time, I made an offer for the entire lot and they took the deal! Simply put: THERE IS NOTHING THIS GOOD FOR THIS PRICE IN SINGLE MALT WHISKY RIGHT NOW. Benriach, who also owned Glendronach distillery, makes textural, rich, and mouth-coating whiskies and this 15 year old sherry-finished edition offers the sweetness and intensity of Pedro Ximenez like icing on top of a malty, vanilla-laded cake. Rich and supple on the palate, this is a throwback malt for a throwback price that is simply too good to miss. Buy six bottles if you can afford to. You’ll want to keep some of these hidden away for a rainy day.