Special Whiskey glasses which has travelled half the world!

Something new but no less exciting! Personalized present, which has travelled half the world. Today I will talk about you – whiskey or bourbon lovers. Have you ever felt the same feeling, when you wanted to please and surprise him or her, but could not find an appropriate gift?

Whiskey gourmets and lovers are special, you know. They are picky, solid. Every sip of whiskey are special for them. Full of different sensations and knowledge, enjoyment. And so the vessel from which they taste should be no less special. Special for special, you know.

Once my friend asked me if I could create something special for her partner. He loves nature, trees – she said. His job is closely related with carpentry. He also is very patriotic. Ok, I said – it will be very interesting challenge for me! And yes, after few days thinking, I combined symbols, which were the reflection of everything she told. So, here we go – please meet my engraved whiskey glasses with Baltic amber drops on special engraved oak tree’s branches!

After few years I reminded this adorable creation and repeated for very special client from Australia. Here what she said, after getting them: “I was looking for a unique and special 40th birthday present for my partner – who is a whiskey lover – and I stumbled upon these wonderfully crafted glasses. I ordered a set with his name engraved on one of the glasses. My order arrived within a week and I was most delighted with the finished product, not to mention the great care and attention paid to the packaging of the items so they wouldn’t be damaged during shipping.” Good examples commits. There is nothing impossible! Find yourself free to know more about the possibility to get such whiskey or bourbon glasses decor. Special for special. You know. Check here.

Mortlach 20 Year Old

Bottled March 2017 from a single Hogshead cask #186 by Signatory Vintage for the Un-Chillfiltered Collection. A great value expression of the now super premium Speyside single malt distilled in Dufftown, Scotland. Mortlach Distillery was established in 1823 on the banks of the River Dullan in the Speyside whisky region. Mortlach is equipped with wooden worm tubs, six stills of assorted shapes and sizes and three spirit safes in order to run a unique two and a half times or partial triple distillation process. Official bottling of Mortlach single malt are few, however, independent bottlers recognise the great quality of Mortlach whisky particularly following long maturation in sherry casks. Gordon & MacPhail released a stunning bottling of 70 year old Mortlach single cask malt whisky distilled in 1938 and matured in a single sherry hogshead until bottling in 2009.

£60.97

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Ralfy goes to the grain with Ralfy Review 640 – Port Dundas 37yo grain (Duncan Taylor)

Exel Wines of Perth; Gordon & MacPhail whisky tasting

Friends of ours Exel once again held a whisky tasting, a private tasting after hours here in Perth, in fact, just a 4 minute walk from where I live. A 6.30 start, but as usual for me, I turned up at 6.15 and had a wee chat with Kevin Cairns who took the tasting. He has been with G&M 18 months or so, been around a bit in the wine industry also. I was missing my “night at the museum” tonight with the Mad Ferrets! They w…ere performing at Perth museum. Och well. A wee group of 14 “slavoured” over the whiskies in front of us, personally I couldnee wait for the first dram;

CC DAILUAINE Single Malt Scotch Whisky 2004 46% VOL 70CL – an 11 yo dram, 1st refill sherry bottled in 2015. Strong, wee burn but nice dram. Cask strength, what I would call a “ZZ Top” dram (afterburner). Nutty, powerfull on the lips, good start Kevin.

We followed this with SPEYMALT FROM MACALLAN DISTILLERY Malt Scotch Whisky 2007 43% VOL 70CL – one from a range set up by pal Derek (see below), a 9 yo bottling, a longer after taste but personally I found this a boring dram. Maybe I have tried too many?

MACPHAILS COLLECTION GLENTURRET Single Malt Scotch Whisky 2004 43% VOL 70CL – 1st fill sherry, 12 yo bottled September 2016. Good legs, good nose, toffee caramel fudge, Christmas cake, used in the famous Grouse, best so far.

MACPHAILS COLLECTION BUNNAHABHAIN Malt Scotch Whisky PEATED 8YO 43% VOL 70CL – Islay immediately! Mary’s peat farm, light on colour, I tell you, for under 32 quid it’s a belter!

ARDMORE Single Malt Scotch Whisky 2002 57.5% VO 70CL – oh bliss! Oh bliss! Cask strength 14 yo, I didnee add water and it was sublime, rich, grand nose, reminded me of my visit to the distillery with Ingvar, a refill sherry hoggie, super smooth, toffee, wee touch of peat/smoke, best of the night, I went home happy with a full bottle @ under 60 quid! Should have bought a case.

CAOL ILA Single Malt Scotch Whisky 2005 57.3% VOL 70CL – final dram, 11 yo, 1st fill sherry butt, apples and perfume, at cask strength, great dram aye, but cannee beat the Ardmore.

A good tasting from a superb company. I know a few folks up in Elgin at G&M (another contact now), plus our pal Derek Hancock. Derek who spent over 40 years as a senior executive responsible for Single Malt Scotch Whisky exports and became a Keeper of the Quaich in 2001. Derek is passionate about whisky, as we are at MCLEANSCOTLAND. Derek works with us up in Speyside driving/guiding some of our tours. So I knew we would be in good hands tonight, G&M do not employ numpties.

Many thanks to the two lovely ladies at Exel for hosting this evening, and yes, it was worth missing the mad boys for this! For whisky collectors, drinkers and beginners – try out Exel for your whisky (and wines & beers by the way, plus all gins etc). Am I on a fee for this? No, just like to spread the word about good whisky joints. Put me on the list for the next one Keron!

Paul  www.mcleanscotland.com/   www.whiskytours.scot

WHISKY MAGAZINE APPOINTS NEW EDITOR AND GLOBAL AMBASSADOR

Whisky Magazine, launched in 1998, has appointed Rob Allanson, formerly Global Ambassador at William Grant & Sons, as its Editor and Global Brand Ambassador.

Responsible for all editorial content in Whisky Magazine, its digital edition, supplements, WhiskyMag.com and social media, Rob will also represent Whisky Magazine at Whisky Live around the world as its Global Ambassador.

After a career in regional press, followed by editorial roles with Scotland Magazine and Whisky Magazine, Rob returns to Paragraph with enhanced industry knowledge and expertise in all aspects of the production and blending process. Putting this knowledge in to daily use, Rob will become one of the two tasters for the magazine, will chair the World Whiskies Awards and host Masterclasses around the world. As Chairman of the Whisky Magazine Awards, he will work with all parts of the industry, from distilleries to their visitor centres, retailers to bars.

Publisher Damian Riley-Smith said: “We are delighted to welcome Rob back to the publishing industry which has always been close to his heart. His writing and presentation skills, along with his depth of knowledge on all things whisky, make him the very best person to bring our whisky media, awards and events to their next level.”

Facts

•  Whisky Magazine: launched 1998
•  Published eight times a year in print and digital formats
•  Online since 1999 at www.whiskymag.com

Contact

Sam Coyne, Editorial Manager
Tel: +44 (0) 1603 633 808
Email: samuel@paragraph.co.uk

The exceptional John Milroy brand of single malt Scotch is finally back in the states. The spiritual successor to the Milroy of Soho line, which John “Jack” Milroy and Berry Bros Doug McIver worked to make famous since the little store’s inception in 1964. That special shop at No 3 Greek St in the posh Soho neighborhood of Westminster would become a whisky institution, built on the good nature and good taste of brothers Wallace and John Milroy and their unflappable store manager Doug McIver. Indeed, it remains one of the finest whisky shops in London, but the Milroy legacy goes further. After years running the shop and selecting excellent single cask whisky, Mr. McIver became the head of Spirits for the historical wine and spirits purveyor, Berry Bros & Rudd. Doug is a dear old friend of the store and we’ve been pushing hard to work directly with Berry Bros for years.

We’ve shared martinis at Dukes with Doug. We’ve explored the hallowed cellars below the venerated shop and tasted legends together in the cozy study. But, we’ve never managed to figure out how to work directly with Doug & the Berry’s team. BB&R, which opened its doors in 1698, is now a global force in the spirits industry, owning Glenrothes Distillery and marketing its brands across the globe. They’ve made famous the Blue Hangar blended Scotch, the No 3 Gin, the Cutty Sark brand and countless other brands, but international ambitions don’t often align with our single cask program here in California. The Berry’s big brands and bureaucracy has always made working directly together slightly our grasp. But, when Doug’s mentor and former employer struck out on his own with the John Milroy line, he knew that Berry Bros was the perfect partner to guarantee that the quality of stock remained up to Milroy’s exacting standards. Jack’s devotion to promoting Scotch Whisky and his talent for identifying special casks meant that the Milroy’s name would always be synonymous with the very top quality single cask scotch available.

In 2009, when Jack Milroy was ready to retire he came to his old friend Doug McIver with a request to keep the Milroy name untarnished and bottle only the very best under that label. Indeed, he said that Doug was the only one he trusted to take the reins of this venerable legacy. And so in 2009, the partnership that had started nearly 30 years earlier went full circle. From student to master, Doug had now ascended to pole position in driving the legacy that he had helped to create. This same legacy was ultimately responsible for his success and now became the fruit of his labor over those many years. We’ve spent many years solidifying our relationship with this venerable house and the exceptional gentlemen in charge of their spirits portfolio. It’s thanks to that close relationship and the incredible work he’s done selecting some of the best single casks from Berry’s vast stocks of single cask whisky that we’re proud to be the exclusive partners for the Milroy Brand in California. Finally, we’re getting our casks direct from Doug at incredible prices.

2006 Mortlach 10 Year Old “John Milroy” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($59.99)

The wonderful John Milroy’s line of Single Malt Single Cask Scotch is finally back and we’re proud to be the exclusive purveyor of this special brand in California. The legacy of the Milroy’s name goes back to 1964, when John “Jack” Milroy opened a little wine shop at #3 Greek St in an upscale neighborhood on the west end of London. Over the next 30 years, the Milroys and their talented store manager, Doug McIver would make the Milroy name synonymous with exceptional single cask scotch. Eventually, Mr. McIver moved on to become the head of the venerable Berry Bros & Rudd Spirits Department and Jack Milroy struck out on his own creating the equally well regarded “John Milroy Selection” brand of single cask single malts. In 2009, Jack tapped Doug as his pick to take the special line of scotch into the new century – partnering with Berry’s would ensure that only the very best whisky would be bottled under the Milroy name. Doug takes this spiritual legacy seriously and he’s finally put together a portfolio of exceptional single casks and we’re proud to be his partners in California. This wonderful little cask of Mortlach shows off the depth and power that can be achieved at this special distillery, even at a young age. A powerful nose of spicy malt, subtle oak, tropical fruit and fresh marcona almonds. The palate is rich and textural and deserves a few drops of water, which brings out some citrus and fresh oak along with the wonderful nuttiness we might expect. A great cask!

Olivia Ragni | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 30, 2017

Mortlach continues to be one of my favorite single malts, especially this unique John Milroy bottling. The Mortlach has an ever so faint note of smokiness and cured meats. It has an elegant balance of lemon zest and green apple with some more funky notes of petrol and charcoal. This is an incredibly complex single malt that has nuances that last for days.

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 30, 2017

I always seem to really like the offerings from Mortlach and this single cask is no different. It is a refreshing and a joy to drink. The aromas are bright, fresh, fruity and inviting. In the mouth this story continues with juicy fruity flavors. It is easy to enjoy, is very good, and has a nice long finish.

Keith Mabry | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 30, 2017

I love the salty creamy palate on this. It has richness and nutty grain notes in the mouth and a briny finish. It evokes a youthful malty appeal but the salinity makes this the perfect aperitif whisky.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 29, 2017

This is ultra clean restrained Mortlach that showcases the spirit in a way that we rarely get to see. Quite restrained at full strength with only hints of powdered candy, fresh malt, and tinge of dried herbs. With a drop of water, the incredible amount of interaction with oils is evident and the resulting explosion of flavor is shocking. Like the freshest Barlett Pears being sliced in front of you, tangerine peels, honeysuckle, not a beefy funky Mortlach, but a floral mineral note that reminds me of the best Alsatian wines. I really recommend just the tiniest drop and not more and with that on the palate we get tons of fresh ginger, more pear (the skins this time), sweet malt, and a earthy gentian note on the finish. This is that wild aperitif style that I love and while subtle, it’s ultimately and absolute pleasure to drink.

2000 Benrinnes 16 Year Old “John Milroy” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($59.99)

The wonderful John Milroy’s line of Single Malt Single Cask Scotch is finally back and we’re proud to be the exclusive purveyor of this special brand in California. The legacy of the Milroy’s name goes back to 1964, when John “Jack” Milroy opened a little wine shop at #3 Greek St in an upscale neighborhood on the west end of London. Over the next 30 years, the Milroys and their talented store manager, Doug McIver would make the Milroy name synonymous with exceptional single cask scotch. Eventually, Mr. McIver moved on to become the head of the venerable Berry Bros & Rudd Spirits Department and Jack Milroy struck out on his own creating the equally well regarded “John Milroy Selection” brand of single cask single malts. In 2009, Jack tapped Doug as his pick to take the special line of scotch into the new century – partnering with Berry’s would ensure that only the very best whisky would be bottled under the Milroy name. Doug takes this spiritual legacy seriously and he’s finally put together a portfolio of exceptional single casks and we’re proud to be his partners in California. Benrinnes is a wonderfully distillery. Originally built in 1826 and rebuilt multiple times due to floods and fires, the distillery still uses worm tubs and like Mortlach it used a 5th “Low wine” still to redistill the feints and the spirits still was fed by foreshots and the hearts of the low wine and wash still until 2007. This is a stupendous example of this special spirit at a wonderful price.

Olivia Ragni | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 30, 2017

Intense spice of cloves and nutmeg with flavors of nuts and fruits like quince, pears and apples. An incredible balance of fruit and spice perfect for a mid-day pick-me-up.

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 30, 2017

I tried this Benrinnes with a touch of water and without. With water it is soft and light , pure and easy. With no water it is lusher and more concentrated but still has subtle and delicate flavors. There is no smoke and this single malt is on the pretty side.

Ivan Diaz | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 30, 2017

With a drop of water, this one blossoms into a rich, complex offering showing plenty of oak spice, honey, citrusy fruit, buttery texture, and a long, hazelnut-driven finish that keeps me coming back for more. Very well-balanced.

Keith Mabry | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 30, 2017

The Benrinnes is a conundrum in a way. The nose is very classic with toasted spices and grains but leans on the subtle side. The mouth is a full blown explosion of flavor though. This has such sweet spice notes that it becomes almost a little too easy to drink. That very flattering mouthfeel and little to no heat, means water need not apply. This is now my get home, kick back and relax single malt.

Anthony Russo | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 28, 2017

What an awesome buy at the price! Although this Scotch has some age to it, the youthful fruit complexities still shine bright and keep the flavors interesting through a long, smooth finish. This is the bottle for sipping on a sunny porch with some good tunes.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 21, 2017

Yowza! This is perfect naked Benrinnes. No funky sherry or astringent oak to get in the way. Must have been 2nd or 3rd fill, but I’m not complaining. The beauty of this spirit is on full display here. Rich nose of marzipan, earthy malt, Poire Williams, and subtle herbal notes. A tiny drop of water softens the malty (almost gentian) quality of the nose allowing the dense pommace fruit to come to the front. The palate is seamless and balanced and straightens out perfectly with just the tiniest drop of water. The finish is all malt and soft barrel spice. A truly wonderful quaffer that shows off the overt quality of the spirit coming out of the Benrinnes distillery.

1996 Glen Moray 19 Year Old “John Milroy” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($79.99)

The wonderful John Milroy’s line of Single Malt Single Cask Scotch is finally back and we’re proud to be the exclusive purveyor of this special brand in California. The legacy of the Milroy’s name goes back to 1964, when John “Jack” Milroy opened a little wine shop at #3 Greek St in an upscale neighborhood on the west end of London. Over the next 30 years, the Milroys and their talented store manager, Doug McIver would make the Milroy name synonymous with exceptional single cask scotch. Eventually, Mr. McIver moved on to become the head of the venerable Berry Bros & Rudd Spirits Department and Jack Milroy struck out on his own creating the equally well regarded “John Milroy Selection” brand of single cask single malts. In 2009, Jack tapped Doug as his pick to take the special line of scotch into the new century – partnering with Berry’s would ensure that only the very best whisky would be bottled under the Milroy name. Doug takes this spiritual legacy seriously and he’s finally put together a portfolio of exceptional single casks and we’re proud to be his partner in California. This lovely distillery in the hollow on the western edge of Elgin is cranking out a good deal of solid quality Speyside malt whisky. Here is a great single cask (our first from Moray) aged nearly 20 years and showcasing the distillery’s finest efforts. It represents the most authentic example of what Speyside whisky should be -freshly floral, herbaceous malt, honeyed finish, and dangerous drinkability.

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 30, 2017

An interesting and delicious addition to K&L’s single malt selection. There are aromas of malt and barley grain with a touch of Bourbon influence. With a splash of water , it is malty, soft and easy with a nice creamy mouth feel. Here again there is a subtle influence of Bourbon flavors.

Ivan Diaz | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 30, 2017

For cask strength Scotch, this is exceptionally smooth and caramely on the palate. Fully-realized after 19 years, it balances sweeter flavors of vanilla and orange peel with warm spices (coriander, allspice) and compelling brininess. While soft and creamy on the palate, this finishes with savory saltiness and woodsy spice for a complete Speyside experience.

Keith Mabry | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 30, 2017

This Glen Moray has gorgeous sweet fruit and vanilla tones on the palate. Fine balance and a caramelized Bourbon cask quality that is great for fans of all whisky and whiskey alike.

Anthony Russo | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 28, 2017

A little smokier, this is for someone who wants the whole package in their Scotch. It boasts beautiful, fresh cut cedar, a “clean-sugary” tone, and cigar box warmth. Delicious.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 21, 2017

Glen Moray (pronounced Murrey) is easily one of the most underappreciated Speysiders around. Perhaps that’s thanks to the French owners lack of risk taking in the their standard distillery offerings, but we’ve taken note of the quality on some of the older single casks we’ve seen and appreciate the incredible value they represent. This casks has all the classic Speyside notes in spades. The nose is one big bushel of heather, the brambly shrub which dot the Scottish highlands with vibrant color in late summer. Honeyed citrus, bitter vanilla extract, tea, and barrel spice round out the inviting nose. The palate is bigger and richer than the nose might suggest, exhibiting a rather chewing texture at full strength. No need for water here, but drop will certainly turn up the fruity notes on the palate. The finish is long and warming with an almost cotton candy sweetness as the herbal tones dissipate. Another tremendous value from the Milroy line.

Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)

Email: wine@klwines.com

K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA

San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

On Tuesday 11th April, craft whisky makers R&B Distillers will be at The Cocktail Trading Company from 6.30pm to give away free drams of their brand new, limited edition, second release of Raasay While We Wait alongside the final drops of the first release.

R&B are challenging true whisky-afficionados to put their palates to the test and to pick up on the subtle differences between the 1st and 2nd releases. The evening will be a chance to taste the whiskies and play spot the difference: guests will be given blindfolds and encouraged to guess which whisky is which and to write their own tasting notes.

This February R&B released the second batch of Raasay While We Wait. This intriguing whisky is a preview of the spirit that will run from the very first stills on the Isle of Raasay by 2020, but it has been finished for 18 months in Tuscan red wine casks compared to just 8 weeks for the first release. This whisky-fuelled evening will be a chance to brushing up on whisky knowledge while enjoying drams of this exciting new scotch.

The Cocktail Trading Company will be whipping up a very special cocktail to show off R&B’s newest whisky which will be available for one night only to buy at the bar.

TASTE BUD TWISTERS

April Outturn brings a feast for the senses with 18 adventurous single casks that will spark conversation and imagination. A real twist for your taste buds, tap dance across hot coals and volcanoes, set sail across high seas and be transported to exotic, faraway places. This First Friday, taste and explore our eclectic selection of drams for Easter.

EASTER FEAST 

With such great variety and diversity this Outturn, it’s difficult to highlight only one recommendation for the holidays. Browse the list and fantastic names and Tasting Notes jump out. But this month we’re in the mood for something unusual, and 35.184 Twists and turns doesn’t disappoint. Full of unexpected and tasty surprises, spend time discovering the labyrinth of layers in this dram.

READ THE FULL OUTTURN ONLINE
Details of all 18 new single casks

OUTTURN

Read Outturn

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

Bruichladdich Black Art 5

A marriage of casks that are a complete mystery to all but Head Distiller Adam Hannett, this fifth edition in the Black Art series was distilled in 1992 and matured for 24 years. Only 12,000 individually numbered bottles have been produced at a cask strength of 48.4% abv.

£255 Pre-Order Now

Orders will be dispatched week beginning 10th April