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With an incredible selection of whiskies and other fine spirits there is certainly something for everyone – whether you are looking to collect, invest, enjoy!
Taste of Scotland arrives in New Brunswick for first Canadian judging session in major Scotch whisky awards
Frank and Jackie, who is originally from Scotland, have accompanied many Canadian groups across the Atlantic to visit the Festival and as well as enjoying all that the fun-filled five-day event has to offer, they also visit many other of Speyside’s attractions. The region boasts stunning landscapes, wildlife, castles, visitor attractions and is renowned for its golf courses.
The couple always cast their votes in the whisky awards when they visit the Festival, and they know exactly what they are looking for in a dram. Frank is a member and past president of The Whisky Tasting Society of New Brunswick – founded in 1982 and believed to be the oldest in Canada – and has chaired the organising committee of the group’s own Raise your Spirits Festival held each November, since the Festival began 22 years ago.
Frank says, “Scotch whisky interest in Canada is growing and there are many, many whisky tasting societies right across the country. I have helped many get started in the past 15 years.
“We have a great affinity with Speyside whiskies in Canada. Names such as The Glenlivet, Glenfiddich and The Macallan – these were the first names of Scotch whiskies that we recognised and were the first available in liquor stores. These whiskies led the way for the hundreds of brands that followed.
“The selection of the best whiskies in four categories will be extremely difficult decision for most whisky aficionados. The judges have done an amazing job just paring the list down to two in each category. No easy task and I suspect the voting will be extremely close. We think that Canadians are up for the challenge and think will embrace the opportunity to be involved.”
In the non-age statement category Aberlour a’bunadh is up against Tamdhu Batch Strength 002; while in the category for malt 12-year-old and under, the Aberlour 12-year-old will battle it out with Cragganmore 2004 Distiller’s Edition.
In the 13-20-year-old section it is a head to head between The Glenlivet 18-year-old and Glenfiddich 15-year-old. The two shortlisted whiskies in the 20 years and over category are Mannochmore 25-year-old Special Release and The Macallan 30-year-old Sherry Cask.
James Campbell, chairman of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, says, “When we discussed the idea of taking the judging sessions to international destinations, Canada was an obvious choice for us, not least because we knew it would be in Frank and Jackie’s capable hands.
“The Lunar Rogue has built up an impressive reputation and is held in very high regard by whisky drinkers. I hope they will enjoy the chance to sample some exceptional Speyside malts, enjoy hearing more from Frank about what the Festival has to offer.”
The judging session for the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival Whisky Awards takes place on Sunday, March 26 from 2-5pm at the Lunar Rogue. Tickets are available from the bar from March 16, either in person or calling 506-450-2065.
The international awards sessions have been supported by EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate.
Stuart Turner, head of EventScotland, says, “The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is a fantastic event and we are delighted to be supporting to take the Festival to the world. It is constantly finding innovative ways to engage with whisky enthusiasts. The global judging sessions are a great addition to the Festival and are the perfect stage for people to connect with this unique event while enjoying a wee dram of Scotland’s national drink.”
Based in the heart of Scotland’s malt whisky country, the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival takes place over five fun-filled days from April 27 to May 1, 2017. It comprises almost 500 events, taking place from Kingussie in the south to Forres in the west and Buckie in the east.
More information about the event is available at www.spiritofspeyside.com/ and tickets are also available to buy on the website. The Festival is active on social media – facebook.com/WhiskyFestival and @spirit_speyside on Twitter and Instagram. Use the hashtag #dram17
Captions: Whisky lovers from Canada will be able to vote in the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival Whisky Awards as the scheme holds an international judging session in Canada for the first time this year.
Frank and Jackie Scott (right) are pictured being presented with the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival International Ambassador Award by renowned French whisky writer, Marine Nouet.
1792 FULL PROOF BOURBON WINS GOLD AT AMERICAN WORLD WHISKIES AWARDS
BARDSTOWN, kENTUCKY (March 15, 2017) – Whisky Magazine awarded 1792 Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey with a Gold at the 2017 American World Whiskies Awards. 1792 Full Proof was first released last summer by Barton 1792 Distillery as one of its limited edition expressions, and will continue to be released once a year. The next release will be this summer in early June. Full Proof is bottled at its original 125 barrel entry proof and has a strong, full flavor that is balanced with sweet vanilla and notes of caramel. The American World Whiskies Awards were announced at the Whisky Magazine Awards America presentation held in New York on Feb. 28.Whiskies in each category were subject to rigorous blind taste testing to determine the very best. For more information about the World Whiskies Awards visit www.worldwhiskiesawards.com/.
About Barton 1792 Distillery
Barton 1792 Distillery is part of Barton Brands. Barton Brands has facilities in Bardstown, Ky., Carson, Calif., and Baltimore, Md. Barton Brands is owned by the Sazerac Company, an American family-owned company based in New Orleans, La. Barton 1792 Distillery was established in 1879 and continues today as the oldest fully-operating Distillery in the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” The Distillery is located on 196 acres and includes 28 warehouses, 22 other buildings, the Morton Spring and the Tom Moore Spring. Distilling, aging and bottling fine Bourbon whiskey are hallmarks of the historic Barton 1792 Distillery. 1792 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey is produced at Barton 1792 Distillery. This whiskey is named for the year Kentucky became a state and is the recent gold medal winner at the 2015 Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition. To learn more visit http://www.1792bourbon.com/.
Here are some new additions to our Irish Whiskey shelf.
‘Tis going to be a chilly St. Patrick’s Day here in NYC!
We weathered Winter Snow Storm Stella and emerged with St. Patrick’s Day just about upon us. While Park Ave has a nice selection of Irish Whiskey ~ we thought we’d share a few new additions that will make you forget winter has no intention of leaving anytime soon up here.
Cheers!
Jonathan & Eric
The Park Avenue Liquor Shop
270 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10016 212-685-2442
jonathan@parkaveliquor.com
eric@parkaveliquor.com www.parkaveliquor.com
Powers ‘Signature Release’
Powers Signature Release is a Single Pot Still Irish whiskey of outstanding complexity and flavor. Using the signature Powers Pot Still distillate, this whiskey has been matured mainly in American oak barrels with a subtle inclusion of first fill Oloroso Sherry casks. Under the watchful eye of our Master Blender, the whiskeys have been selected and married at just the right time to create an overall character of balance, intensity and depth.
Nose: Crisp herbal notes with touches of nutmeg, fig and black pepper corns. Sweet vanilla, followed by succulent berry fruits.
Taste: Vanilla with black licorice and cinnamon reveal fresh fruit – melons, green apples and pears – followed by crisp barley.
Finish: Long and wonderfully complex honey and spice.
PRICE: $52/btl
Barr an Uisce: “Wicklow Rare” Small Batch ~ Blended
Tube container not available. The blend is 80% Grain and 20% 10year old malt which is then matured in first-fill Bourbon barrels for 4 years then finished in Oloroso casks for 6 months at 43% ABV. This golden whiskey has aromas of vanilla, honey and baked fruits. On the palate is a smooth entry that expands to coat the mouth with a somewhat oily texture. Mid-palate shows nuttiness and warmth with hints of raisin and plum. The finish is long and clean with subtle notes of marmalade and sweet caramel.
Price: $40/btl
The Irishman ~ Small Batch Single Malt
The Irishman Small Batch, Single Malt Irish Whiskey is crafted from Irish barley. After the barley has been malted, it is mashed and fermented before being distilled three times through copper pot stills.Then, the whiskey is matured in a combination of American oak casks that were previously used to mature bourbon and European oak casks that were previously used to mature Oloroso Sherry. As a result, the whiskey has an aroma of dried apricots, peaches and tropical fruits. Notes of vanilla, sweet granola, toasted almonds and honey dominate the palate, and lead to a finish touched by malt and sweet oak.
PRICE: $52/btl
Due to ever-changing inventory, we cannot guarantee bottle availability. We are not responsible for any typographical errors or your March Madness bracket getting busted. Please contact the store with any questions.
The Park Avenue Liquor Shop | 212-685-2442 | 212-689-6247 |
Jameson Irish Whiskey – $26.99 (750ml) Every St. Patrick’s Day, Jameson commemorates their Irish heritage by collaborating with some of the finest artists and illustrators Ireland has to offer on the St. Patrick’s Day Limited Edition Bottle. This year’s bottle was designed by local Dublin artist Steve McCarthy, who merged historical and contemporary Dublin with his own unique style.
Tullamore Dew Crock – $32.99 (750ml) This specially created ceramic jug with a porcelain stopper is modeled on an original design that harks back to the brand’s early days in the 1820s. Filled with Tullamore Dew’s original Irish whiskey blend, the traditionally shaped refillable jug is made by the renowned Wade Ceramics factory.
Old Tom Horan – $24.98 (750ml) Old Tom Horan Irish Whiskey has a satiny, bright and fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, delightful, honeyed grain and peppercorn finish.
Jameson Caskmates – $8.99 (200ml) What happens when Jameson Original is aged in oak casks that have been seasoned with craft Irish stout? The answer lies in this limited release Jameson Caskmates. As expected, there is the initial sweet mouth coating typical of the Irish Pot Still Whiskey inclusion. Then the effect of the Beer Cask finish becomes apparent with the subtle touch of Hops and Cocoa Beans. Some Marzipan and Charred Oak add to the complexity. The finish is long and sweet with Milk Chocolate and Butterscotch.
95 Riviera Drive, Bellevue, KY 41073
(859) 291-4007
One of only 150 bottles charged from a single sherry hogshead in November 2016, this single cask Speyside expression from Glen Grant distillery is part of independent bottler Hunter Laing & Co’s Old Malt Cask range.
Notes from Hamish:
Sweet and zesty marmalade characteristics over apricots and green herbs. Hold the phone! Is that smoke I can taste? In a Glen Grant?.. Truly wonderful and a must try while stocks last.
Ralfy introduces a sweeter speyside malt with Ralfy Review 633 – Cragganmore single malt 12yo @40%vol
ARDBEG LAUNCHES KELPIE TO CELEBRATE ARDBEG DAY
Ardbeg is set to bring Islay’s Festival of Music and Malt to a close on Ardbeg Day, the global celebration of the single malt’s untamed spirit.
Ardbeg Day falls on Saturday, 3rd June 2017. This year, in homage to the sea that surrounds the Distillery’s remote Scottish island home, Ardbeg will again release a celebratory Limited Edition expression. Ardbeg Kelpie is the first Ardbeg to be matured in Virgin Black Sea oak casks. Renowned for the deep flavours that they impart and rarely used in whisky making – these casks bring a distinct intensity to the world’s smokiest, peatiest Islay malt whisky.
Dr Bill Lumsden, Ardbeg’s Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation and Whisky Stocks, in his continuing search for intriguing casks, was inspired by the depth of flavour imparted by the Black Sea casks. Grown and seasoned in the Adyghe Republic, which leads down to the Black Sea coast, these casks impart incredibly deep flavours.
The whisky was then married with hallmark Ardbeg, matured in ex-bourbon barrels, to amplify Ardbeg’s characteristic style and create a whisky of incredible depth.
As the festivities begin on Islay, Ardbeg’s loyal following – the Ardbeg Committee – and their friends across the world will be invited to join underwater-themed events which pay tribute to the whisky’s namesake – the kelpie, this legendary water demon is said to lurk in the Atlantic Ocean off Islay’s shores.
Distillery Manager Michael (Mickey) Heads said: “Ardbeggians and their smoky malt friends will have the chance to celebrate with a dram or two of Ardbeg Kelpie. With a heart matured in Black Sea casks, this whisky’s extraordinary depth and its waves of salty seaweed and tarry rope, hint at what might be hiding under the sea…”
“For now, the finer details of our plans for will remain a closely guarded secret, but rest assured Ardbeg Day 2017 will be another legendary worldwide celebration of all things Ardbeg.”
Ardbeg’s general release of Kelpie at 46% ABV, launches on Ardbeg Day (3rd June), the expression will be available to purchase from Ardbeg Embassies* for a two week exclusive period. Kelpie will then be available at Ardbeg Embassies, whisky specialists and department stores with a RRP of £98.00.
The Committee only release of Kelpie at 51.7% ABV will be made available on 16th March 2017 at 9.00AM, exclusively from www.ardbeg.com/
Ardbeg Day will be celebrated at the distillery on Saturday 3rd June 2017 and at participating Ardbeg Embassies around the world.
Ardbeg Kelpie is non-chill filtered for extra texture and mouthfeel.
#ardbeg #untamed #islay
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Ardbeg Kelpie tasting notes at 46% ABV:
Colour: Burnished gold
Aroma: A wonderful, intense, ‘dancing’ nose, with lots of different, intertwined aromas – powerful, oily peat, dark chocolate, smoked fish, hints of seaweed, and a curious, sharp herbal note. Waves of spicy black pepper.
A splash of water brings forth some classic Ardbeg notes, such as creamy coffee, smoked fudge and pine resin. Even some hints of smoked coconut.
Taste: A peppery mouthfeel is followed by a crescendo of rich flavours. Treacle toffee, Turkish coffee, smoky bacon and lots of dark, dark chocolate. A curious burst of peachy, estery fruit, hickory wood, clove oil and a suggestion of black olives.
Finish: Seemingly lasting forever, with deep, deep, almost subterranean flavours of clove, tar, and rich toffee.
Ardbeg Day:
Every year, the Islay Festival of Malt and Music takes place in May or June on Ardbeg’s island home. On the Festival’s final Saturday, Ardbeg Day, the Distillery traditionally throws open its doors to welcome fans from all over the world. In 2012 Ardbeg Day became a global event, enabling the whisky’s passionate international following to take part in a worldwide celebration of all things Ardbeg in their own country. Recent Ardbeg Day themes have included the Islay-limpics and the Peat Football World Cup, while in 2015, Ardbeg Day celebrated the single malt’s 200th anniversary by looking forward 200 years to a retro-futuristic version of Islay in 2215. For 2016, Ardbeg Day became Ardbeg Night, as fans at 215 events across the globe recalled Islay’s dark past as a smugglers’ haunt.
Ardbeg Kelpie:
Ardbeg Kelpie is a limited-edition bottling created to celebrate Ardbeg Day 2017. It is the Distillery’s first whisky with a heart matured in virgin oak from the Black Sea coast. Renowned for imparting incredibly deep flavour notes, only a handful of whiskies have ever been matured in these Black Sea casks. Married with hallmark ex-bourbon Ardbeg, it results in a whisky of incredible depth, which tells of its ties to the Black Sea and the waves of flavour its casks have created.
The kelpie:
Situated on the shore of Islay’s southernmost coast, the Ardbeg Distillery has always held a deep connection to the sea – and those who live nearby have passed down through generations the stories of mysterious beasts said to live beneath the waves. Among the most terrifying of these is the kelpie – a Scottish shape-shifting water spirit, rumoured to take the form of a horse or a bull and prey on unwitting travellers. Legend has it that long ago, a farmer walking near Ardbeg’s shoreline was almost dragged to sea by a water bull. Managing to overcome and rope the creature, he locked it in a barn where it cried for mercy. At dusk, the farmer’s daughter was chased by a water horse seeking revenge for its kin. The terrified girl ran to the barn and released the water bull, whereupon the malevolent beasts took flight back to the sea.
Ardbeg:
Ardbeg is The Ultimate Islay Single Malt Whisky. Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts. Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’.
During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future and it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction. Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following.
Ardbeg Committee:
The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded in 2000 by the formation of the Ardbeg Committee. The Committee is made up of thousands of Ardbeg followers worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”. Today there are more than 100,000 members of the Ardbeg Committee in more than 130 countries. Committee members are regularly consulted on new bottlings and expressions and are offered exclusive Committee bottlings. Members also receive invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events. The Committee, chaired by Mickey Heads, is free to join at ardbeg.com.
Awards:
Ardbeg is the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whisky. Since 2008, Ardbeg has won more than 50 gold and double gold medals in key whisky competitions. Ardbeg was voted ‘Scotch Whisky of the Year’ twice by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible (2008, 2009) and has twice been awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards (2010, 2013). At the 2014 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, Mickey Heads was voted ‘Distillery Manager of the Year’. The following year, Ardbeg’s expressions took the top three spots in Whisky Advocate magazine’s review of the best single malt Scotch whiskies under US$100. Meanwhile, both Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Ardbeg Uigeadail have been awarded gold medals at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
The Glenmorangie Company:
The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay Malt.
Responsible Drinking:
Ardbeg and The Glenmorangie Company advocate responsible drinking and suggest that drinkers savour Ardbeg whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.
Top of the Cask
Independent, Family-owned Distillers support Traditional Skills as Apprentice Coopers Graduate
Independent, family-owned distillers William Grant & Sons has pledged its commitment to continuing traditional skills with plans to recruit two new apprentice coopers for its Girvan Distillery this year.
The promise comes after the first two apprentice coopers in 24 years passed their Trade Test at the Girvan Distillery. Coopering is an ancient trade dating back to Roman times and is a physical job that requires great precision.
Stewart Millarvie (19) and Fraser Henderson (21) had completed three years and two months of their four-year apprenticeship when they passed their Trade Test in February 2017.
Two experts from the National Cooperage Federation did the final assessment. Fraser and Stewart will now complete their final ten months adjusting to their future work environment.
Girvan site leader Stuart Watts said: “Traditional skills are at the heart of the continuing success of our business. Our company has two cooperages, one in Girvan for our Grant’s whisky and another in Dufftown, home of Glenfiddich and The Balvenie single malts.
“The quality of the wood and casks used in whisky maturation is critical to the final characteristics of the spirit and we’re committed to retaining our own coopers to ensure our exacting standards are consistently met.”
The company’s latest graduate coopers are both from Girvan and joined the Distillery four years ago.
Fraser Henderson said: “We learned all our skills from our mentor, Paul Ross, who has worked for the company for 29 years. As well as learning how to repair casks and make them, we work with different cask types from miniatures to 2,000 litre tuns.”
Stewart Millarvie (19) added: “We feel honoured to be able to carry on this traditional skill. To pass this stage of our training we had to sit a practical test for the National Cooperage Federation.
“It was bit nerve racking, but after four years of training we were ready for the challenge and we’re both delighted that we passed!”
John Gaffney is the Secretary and Treasurer of the National Cooperage Federation, which monitors the progress of apprentices through their four years and offers help and advice when it’s required.
John – who’s known Fraser and Stewart since they started their apprenticeship – is delighted at the news:
“I understand that they passed with flying colours, which is a fine testimonial to their tutor. It also offers up encouragement to the other apprentices who may be following along after them.”
There are currently 182 coopers and 49 apprentices in training in the UK – the highest number in 14 years.
John added: “We’re pleased to work with William Grant & Sons, both at Girvan and Glenfiddich, who are playing an active part in the work and duties of The National Cooperage Federation. This is all good news for the trade and will help it to prosper for the foreseeable future.”
William Grant & Sons will begin the search for its two new apprentices later this year. The vacancies will appear on the company’s website.
Stuart Watts explained: “Most young people have no idea what a cooper does, let alone consider becoming one. It can offer a very rewarding career and the fact that one of our Girvan coopers, Brian McKenzie, has been with us for 47 years shows it really can be a job for life. At William Grant & Sons we believe that combining traditional age-old whisky making skills with the latest technological advances will enable us to build upon our reputation for producing world-class spirits for generations to come.”
Coopering facts and figures
Damn what a good dram this is…”
Last week, we released 170 limited edition, very special bottles of The Glenturret Jamieson’s Jigger Edition. At Glenturret, we wanted to celebrate Michael and his passion and dedication for his craft, and we want you to celebrate with us. Pick up your bottle of this limited edition, 29-year-old whisky now.
There’s still some special numbers available…
Special numbers: £395
18, 20, 21, 30, 40, 60, 70, 80, 88, 90, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160
General numbers: £295
TASTING NOTES
Appearance: Light straw
Aroma: Cedarwood, camphor, eucalyptus and lavender infused honey
Taste: Sweet vanilla, creme brulee with hint of nutmeg
Finish: Medium sweet lingering woody and caramel
