Ralfy finds a hint of Sake with Ralfy Review 674 – Glen Moray 15yo @ 40%vol (Elgin Heritage)

As a part of our Oban whisky weekend, we included a visit to the new Drimnin Distillery; Scotland’s ‘first’ 100% organic single malt Scotch whisky distillery has opened on a remote farm estate in the Highlands.

Reay at the condensers at Ncn’ean Distillery

Ncn’ean distillery    

Ncn’ean distillery (pronounced Nook-knee-anne), aim to produce a ‘young, light’ style of spirit. Ncn’ean began producing spirit in March this year. Its name is an abbreviation of Neachneohain, a witch-queen in Scots Gaelic folklore who was also referred to as ‘Queen of the Spirits’. It is to be found on the remote, historic Drimnin Estate, – formerly known under its working title of Drimnin distillery – it will produce just under 100,000 litres of pure alcohol each year. Sourcing only organic barley and local spring water to make its single malt spirit. It is also one of the greenest distilleries in the country, sourcing all its energy from renewable sources and recycling by-products from the process as cattle feed on the estate’s farm. The style of single malt whisky produced at Ncn’ean will be light and fruity, with maturation in ex-Bourbon and red wine casks. Some experimentation will also take place using alternative yeast strains and temperature regulators in its on-site dunnage warehouses – methods developed for the distillery in collaboration with the late whisky consultant Dr Jim Swan.

The distillery is the brainchild of Annabel Thomas, whose parents Derek and Louise Lewis bought Drimnin Estate in 2002. Thomas, a former strategy consultant in the City of London, was considering her future over a cocktail in 2012 when the idea to build Ncn’ean at her family’s estate came to her. Ncn’ean has employed a team of three distillers, lead by distillery manager Gordon Wood, formerly at nearby Oban distillery. Joining him are distillers Lorna Davidson and Reay Whyte. Dr Swan had acted as consultant master distiller on the project before his death in March this year. ‘Jim came to Ncn’ean two weeks before he died, and we’d gone through the whole recipe together,’ Thomas said. ‘He was due to come back the week we filled our first barrel, but he never made it.’ Dr Swan worked with Thomas and the Ncn’ean team, which includes managing director Benet Slay, formerly head of Carlsberg UK, to design the distillery and its spirit. Ncn’ean expects to release its first single malt whisky in 2020, when the spirit is three years old. In the meantime.

I drove there this time (not again folks!) fae Oban where we were staying, a 3 hour plus drive through beautiful scenery, single track roads and a ferry all the way to Lochaline, from here, a dusty track of 10 miles – the longest ten miles of my life. I arrived early – I usually do – to be greeted warmly by Riona Whyte, wife of Reay, and local girl (Mull). Sit doon, sit doon, do you want tea or coffee? A superb tea came along with a whisky cake – the best “drivers share” I have ever had. A quick chat, questions and answers, all given right away, these guys know exactly what they are doing here. The tour; get this folks, the stills were made by Speyside Cooperage!!! Aye. The washbacks are insulated, mash tun uses 3 waters at different temperatures with 1 hour between, with 2 sets of condensers, larger than normal. A great all round the shop tour, fantastic to be there on my own with nae time limit. We dondered back to the start where I was given a drivers cocktail, nae alcohol, which was beautiful by the way. Can I thank Riona for her time and chat, grand stuff. Also, I would suggest not arriving by car, rather, do it by boat – now there is another story, briefly; we will be offering a whisky distillery tour by boat next year – details soon on our website www.whiskytours.scot.

Review by Paul McLean; www.mcleanscotland.com www.whiskytours.scot

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Andy, Liz & Paul at Oban Whisky Fest 2017

Oban: West Coast Whisky Feis

Where? My hometown, Oban, gateway to the isles and the capital of seafood in Scotland.  It’s only a few hundred yards from Oban Distillery, where you are surrounded by great pubs, food outlets, shops . Just over the water on Mull is another distillery; Tobermory, with an excellent pub within spittin’ distance, owned by a pal of ours, Macgochans Bar. When? From 12pm – 6pm, at Oban’s Skipinnish Cèilidh House.  What?  West Coast Whisky Feis, the brainchild of local drinks retailer Euan, Oban Whisky and Fine Wines, good pals of ours by the way (I think everyone in the drinks industry are friends!).  Skipinnish Ceilidh House will host a range of exhibits from west coast distilleries and food stalls highlighting local producers. Euan Finlayson, owner of Oban Whisky and Fine Wines, said, “We wanted to create an event that showing off the incredible whiskies that the west coast has to offer. Ticket holders received a dram glass and will be able to take samples from all of the exhibitors. There will also be a nosing competition where attendees can attempt to identify various whiskies by smell alone, with a bottle of single malt whisky up for grabs. Samples are included in the event ticket price and master classes are available for an additional fee. Tickets were £30, incredible value considering the amount of drams available.

Ah, nothing like going home, especially when there is a whisky fest on in town! That’s exactly what I did, with partner in crime Liz. Being born some twenty odd years ago (quiet Liz) just doon the road in Connel, I love any time I go back home, on tour with guests, with Liz or on my own. This time, Liz and myself went there for a special reason, friends of ours, Whisky Fix – a company specialising in Single Malt Scotch Whisky. THURSDAY a good start, I love the direction we are away to – west coast, and to be sure Drimnin. Why? To check out a new distillery. But not only that, but a wee bit of my clan history to boot. St. Columba’s Chapel. The Chapel and Drimnin Castle. The Maclean clan maintained control over the Sound of Mull and its adjacent lands through strategically located castles stretching from Mingary on Ardnamurchan to Duart on Mull. Drimnin Distillery – now that is another blog …

Was it worth going? Just try and stop us next year! It was better than good, as a first Oban whisky fest it was a resounding success, more people than we expected, both sides of the tables! Lots of excellent drams on offer, we did our best to try as many as possible, just for our education you understand. We arrived 12 noon and left just around 6pm. It was that good. Lots of people there we knew from distilleries and bottlers, great food (free) on offer also, the smoked salmon was excellent. We took lots of photos, too many for a blog so catch them on facebook – link from the website.

2018 fest. Gather your strength and gather your pennies … there will be another superb whisky festival in Oban in July next year, we will be there and it would nice to see as many friends as possible.  We will be offering tours around the fest, standard tour – accommodation, ticket etc, then a very special tour, a distillery tour BY BOAT to three west coast distilleries, fest ticket, accommodation and transport from Glasgow – this also includes 3 other distillery visits, a whisky dinner and tasting, all to be online soon. If you can’t wait for news, email us at info@whiskytours.scot

Review Paul McLean www.mcleanscotland.com www.whiskytours.scot

Best dram of the Day!

Red Dog Saloon Limited Edition Bottle

Though the town of Lynchburg has been dry for over 100 years, it should come as no surprise that the home of Jack Daniel’s wasn’t always that way. In fact, in 1892, Lynchburg was home to over 300 residents and no fewer than two bars. In 1​892, Mr. Jack opened ​the Jack Daniel’s Red Dog Saloon on the Lynchburg Town Square. Mr. Jack had been inspired by the bustling saloons and bars of Nashville and decided that opening a bar in his hometown would be a good way to expand his whiskey business and, more importantly, bring the townsfolk of Lynchburg together. But Mr. Jack didn’t open just one bar, he opened two. The sophisticated White Rabbit Saloon and the more raucous Red Dog Saloon.

The Red Dog Saloon is thought to have sat where the town gazebo is now, but most knowledge surrounding the bar remains speculative at best. Even its name is shrouded in mystery. Did Jack have a dog that was red in color? Is it a reference to his amber whiskey? There is little written about it, so we may never know more than the stories we hear from the generations before.

In honor of this historical debut, we are offering a special edition bottle to commemorate ​the 125th Anniversary. It is available in limited quantities across the US for a suggested retail price of $28.99 for a 750ml bottle. 

Springbank 12yo Cask Strength

The new Springbank 12yo CS 56.5% is available now.

Matured in 70% Sherry casks and 30% Bourbon Casks, the Springbank 12yo CS will be available in the Campbeltown Cadenhead shop for £49.50.

Tasting Notes

Nose: A richness of maraschino cherries, wild berries and boiled sweets combine with softer notes of fruit and nut chocolate, almond ice cream and watermelon to give a warm and pleasant introduction to this twelve year old dram.

Palate: The gentle nature of the palate does not hint that this is a cask strength whisky with Viennese whirls, milk chocolate, cantuccini biscuit, walnut whip present alongside cloves, almonds and syrup.

Finish: Salted caramel, gentle make and dunnage warehouse notes influence this true Campbeltown malt, while coffee bean, clotted cream, hazelnut and liquorice all add a further dimension to this superb dram ensuring you return for a refill.

It is available in shops from today onwards – for more details on when the SB 12yo CS will be released in your country/market please contact your local Springbank retailer and stockist, details of whom can be found by visiting HERE

If you would like to buy it directly from us you can contact our Campbeltown Cadenhead shop by calling +44 (0)1586 551710. The Society will not be taking orders for this as we are not aware of any shop’s stock or allocation.

Some important points that you need to know:

• The Campbeltown Cadenhead shop will be selling the Springbank 12yo CS for £49.50.
• This is not a Society exclusive bottle
• This is considered a core product so the Society discount can apply on this bottling (at the discretion of each individual Cadenhead shop).

Slainte

The Springbank Sales and Marketing Team

Springbank Distillers

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength

Batch 15 of the full strength twelve year old from the Campbeltown distillery. Matured in 70% Sherry casks and 30% Bourbon casks bottled Summer 2017. Nose: A richness of maraschino cherries, wild berries and boiled sweets combine with softer notes of fruit and nut chocolate, almond ice cream and watermelon to give a warm and pleasant introduction to this twelve year old dram. Palate: The gentle nature of the palate does not hint that this is a cask strength whisky with viennese whirls, milk chocolate, cantuccini biscuit, walnut whip present alongside cloves, almonds and syrup. Finish: Salted caramel, gentle smoke and dunnage warehouse notes influence this true Campbeltown malt, while coffee bean, clotted cream, hazelnut and liquorice all add a further dimension to this superb dram ensuring you return for a refill.

Springbank Distillery was established in 1828 in Campbeltown at the foot of the Mull of Kintyre on the west coast of Scotland. Springbank produces three different types of single malt whisky Hazelburn which is non-peated and triple distilled, Longrow which is highly peated and double distilled and Springbank which is medium peated and partially triple distilled having been distilled two and a half times. Barley is spread across traditional malting floors at Springbank where it germinates and is then dried on the perforated floor of the malt kiln. The Springbank 10 Year Old, 15 Year Old Local Barley and Springbank 21 Year old annual release are very popular whiskies.

Buy – £89.99

Thursday, August 17th 

3:30-7PM 

Bourbon Tasting: Catoctin Creek

Located in Loundoun County, Virginia Catoctin Creek Distilling Company uses local and organic ingredients to produce a variety of small-batch craft spirits. Their flagship Roundstone Rye holds distinction as Virginia’s most-awarded whisky, including a glowing review from Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.

Click Here to RSVP

It’s that time of the month again! We’re live with our spectacular August auction. Get ready to browse through and bid on the best selection of old, rare and desirable whisky we’ve ever had at Just Whisky. We’ve highlighted a few bottles below you may be interested in but these are just the tip of the iceberg! -the real stars are lurking in among the hundreds of bottles on the August auction. Good Luck and Happy Bidding!

www.just-whisky.co.uk

World Class Wins for International Beverage Brands

The International Beverage portfolio of premium whiskies and gin has been impressing judges across the globe as the business celebrates a glittering medal haul in leading industry competitions this year.

Spirits from the company’s five distilleries in Scotland– Pulteney, Balblair, Balmenach, Knockdhu and Speyburn – have triumphed with over 50 Gold and Silver medals at five of the world’s most highly rated awards: the International Wine & Spirits Competition, the New York International Spirits Competition, the International Spirits Challenge, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and The Global Gin Masters.

Leading the field is Balblair, which won a dazzling Double Gold in San Francisco and Gold at the IWSC for Balblair 1999 Vintage, with further IWSC and ISC Golds for Balblair Travel Retail exclusives and nine Silver medals for the Highland Single Malt across various other competitions.

The Speyburn team were also celebrating, with Speyburn Arranta Casks receiving particular recognition with Double Gold in San Francisco, Gold at the IWSC and Gold at the ISC. Speyburn Bradan Orach and Speyburn 10 Year Old also both won Gold in New York and San Francisco respectively, with the Speyside Single Malt winning seven additional Silver medals in the field.

There was more good news with anCnoc 12 Year Old scooping Double Gold in San Francisco, with the Highland Single Malt gaining three further Golds at the IWSC, ISC and in New York, alongside four additional Silver medals. The company’s premium blended whisky, Hankey Bannister Original, also took home Gold in San Francisco, as did Caorunn Small Batch Scottish Gin and Old Pulteney 12 Year Old in New York. Old Pulteney also scooped a further two Silver medals for its 12 Year Old and 35 Year Old single malts at the IWSC.

International Beverage Marketing Director Karen Walker commented: ‘This has been an exciting first half of the year for our business and despite the tough competition out there, our brands are once again gaining recognition amongst industry leaders and peers. My thanks and congratulations go to the skilled and talented teams at the distilleries and across our business who have delivered these wonderful wins for our brands. Going forward we will continue to invest in our distilleries and in our brands to make sure that we continue our winning form and deliver the most exceptional quality spirits for our drinkers to enjoy.’

www.interbevgroup.com

About International Beverage Holdings

International Beverage Holdings Limited is one of the industry’s most dynamic global drinks businesses. Established in 2006 as the international arm of ThaiBev, the company specialises in developing distinctive, premium local brands for global growth, with a portfolio that is led by a range of high quality Scotch whiskies and includes some of the fastest growing and most prestigious beers, spirits and whiskies on the market today. These high quality brands are enjoyed by consumers in over 85 global markets and include:

• Chang, Thailand’s iconic global beer brand
• Single Malt Scotch Whiskies: Old Pulteney, Balblair, anCnoc, Speyburn
• Blended Scotch Whiskies: Hankey Bannister, Catto’s, MacArthur’s
• Caorunn, a super premium small batch distilled Scottish Gin infused with 5 Celtic botanicals
• Thai spirits: Phraya, Mekhong

International Beverage’s international operation is headquartered in Hong Kong, with two major bases in China and Scotland and a growing number of regional hubs around the world. The business is focused on the delivery of winning investment, sales and marketing strategies and is committed to producing brands of character, representing the care and craftsmanship of the people that make them – from the brewers of Chang Beer in Thailand, to the distillers of the fine single malt Scotch whisky Old Pulteney in Scotland. Crucially, the global development of every brand continues to be rooted in its home territory, supporting the company’s mission to build authentic brands of outstanding character.

International Beverage is investing in ambitious growth across its global operation, employing over 850 highly skilled people across production, sales, marketing and finance, together forming an effective and expert international team.

The Whisky Exchange masterclass

An evening with Old Pulteney’s Malcolm Waring

Monday 4 September

7.30pm – 9pm

Tickets now on sale

Book here: https://billetto.co.uk/e/an-evening-with-old-pulteney-s-malcolm-waring-tickets-208476

Pulteney distillery in Wick is one of the most northerly distilleries on the Scottish mainland, producing maritime-influenced spirit since 1826. The distillery doesn’t rest on its laurels and is currently shaking up its range – join us for an evening of old favourites and never-tasted-before drams.

We’re thrilled to have distillery manager Malcolm Waring visiting from Wick for an evening of exploration. Malcolm is the man behind the whisky and is integral to every step of the production process – he knows the drams inside and out.

Malcolm joined Pulteney distillery in 1990. Since then, he has worked in every part of the distillery, from the maturation warehouses to mash house and stills. He worked his way up the ranks from brewing manager to assistant distillery manager, and has been managing Pulteney since 2006.

We’ll be trying:

Old Pulteney 12 Year Old

Old Pulteney 17 Year Old

Old Pulteney 35 Year Old

…and three secret drams

VENUE

Smith & Wollensky

The Adelphi, 1-11 John Adam St, London WC2N 6HT

Program

Our crazy packed 2017 program will provide you with a relaxed weekend of whisky fun. If you want to check out all the Maltstock goodness that is coming your way this summer: Click here If you want to be part for this, but haven’t got a ticket yet… Relax! Tickets are still available, although availability is limited of course. Click here to ride the digital highway to our shop and treat yourself to a fun packed relaxed weekend!

Tickets

Maltstock tickets are all inclusive. All your food, beverages and all of our program is included in our entry fee.* You do, however, get to choose if you want to stay with us, and most of our guests do, which makes Maltstock an unique social event! If you want to camp outside or stay in a hotel nearby you are welcome to do so at your own expense. Maltstock tickets are for the whole weekend. We do not sell day or session tickets. Tickets are available at our online shop: http://www.maltstock.com/shop *There can be additional costs involved if you want to taste exclusive or rare whisky at the stands of our private collectors, importers and shop keepers.