Bunnahabhain Moine Oloroso

This limited edition from Islay’s Bunnahabhain distillery takes its name from the Scots Gaelic for peat, Moine, and the seven Oloroso sherry casks in which it was matured. Revealing a side of the distillery not often seen, this rich and complex single malt is presented non chill-filtered at a cask strength of 60.1% abv.

The nose is rich in raisins, sultanas and toffee before a peppery smoke. The palate is rounded with sweet sherry and dried fruit, salted toffee and a syrupy feel developing into smoke layered over oak and citrus. Sweet smoke lingers in the finish.

£74.99 Pre-Order Now

Ralfy examines means, motive and opportunity with Ralfy Review 624 – Fake Whiskies in 2017

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society partners with World Masters Golf Championship

The recently launched World Masters Golf Championship has received a significant boost with the announcement that The Scotch Malt Whisky Society will be a partner for the championship in its inaugural year.

The World Masters Golf Championship was launched last month with a call to all amateur golfers over 50 years of age to take up a unique opportunity to play on the iconic links of Scotland – the home of golf. As well as world class golf, the participants and their supporters can now savour the world class single cask whisky of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society.

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is a club unlike any other. As well as being a place to connect with other like-minded whisky lovers, it is also internationally renowned for its mission: to provide members with an adventurous and fun journey of discovery of the world’s widest and finest collection of single cask whiskies.

Director of the World Masters Golf Championship, Hamish Grey, said: “The World Masters is a celebration of golf staged here in Scotland – the home of golf. I can think of no better fit than whisky, another Scottish icon, to link with this event. The Scotch Malt Whisky Society produces high quality and unique whisky which aligns so well to the World Masters Golf Championship.”

Kai Ivalo, Director at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, said: “We are delighted to be a partner for the World Masters Golf Championship and add a particularly Scottish welcome for the players joining us from around the world. We look forward to working together to build this event and providing participants with an outstanding whisky experience to match their enjoyment of these iconic golf courses.”

The World Masters Golf Championship provides the opportunity to play competitive golf on outstanding courses in a fun, social environment. The event is open to all golfers with an official handicap who are over 50 years of age as at 17 September, 2017.

The Championship will be staged over four days from 18 to 21 September 2017, on some of the best courses in the world, including Prestwick, Dundonald, Western Gailes and Royal Troon.

Limited to 240 entrants, it is a chance to follow in the footsteps of legends such as 2016 Open Champion Henrik Stenson.

Competitors will have the opportunity to explore the great beauty and history of Scotland around the World Masters Golf Championship – enjoying great Scottish hospitality, and now the very best single cask whisky from The Scotch Malt Whisky Society.

Go to http://www.worldmastersgolf.com/ for full details of how to enter the Championship for the golfing trip of a lifetime or to find out more about The Scotch Malt Whisky Society visit http://www.smws.com/

Gratis photo supplied is of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Members’ Rooms at 28 Queen Street, Edinburgh.

Notes to editors:

For further information please contact Hamish Grey (0044 (0) 7771 956913) or Andy Salmon (0044 (0) 7387 159450) or Richard Goslan at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (0044 (0) 7375 123113)

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

• The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is an international whisky club which bottles rare single cask, single malt whisky, and a range of other spirits
• The Society releases a new batch of around 20 single cask single malt whiskies every month
• The Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and now has more than 26,000 members and branches around the world
• The Society bottles the finest single malt whisky from around 350 single casks every year and has bottled whisky from a range of more than 132 distilleries in its history.
• The Society offers three levels of membership:

1. Membership Pioneer with gift box containing three samples, £122
2. Member at £61.50 – without gift box
3. Sample Subscription – free.

For more details, visit https://www.smws.com/society-membership

Triple Crown For Wolfburn 

Wolfburn distillery has won its third gold medal, this time at the prestigious World Whiskies Awards. This is the first time ever that a new entrant to the scotch whisky industry has won three consecutive gold medal awards.

“Absolutely delighted,” was how Shane Fraser, Wolfburn distillery manager, described his reaction on hearing the news. “To be honest we’ve been blown away by the response to our whisky – it’s been a truly amazing experience.”

The gold medal was awarded to Wolfburn’s ‘Northland’ expression, first released in early 2016. Wolfburn’s second permanent expression ‘Aurora’ will also be entered into international competitions during 2017.

Asked about the unprecedented achievement of winning three consecutive gold medals, Shane commented: “To the best of our knowledge this has never before been done by a new entrant to the market. When you think that Wolfburn’s single malt whisky was only released less than a year ago, it’s really quite amazing that we’ve picked up three gold medals in our first three competitions.”

Wolfburn’s Northland expression is made via a long and gentle production process, which creates a sweet, smooth spirit. This is matured in top-quality ex-bourbon quarter casks, which impart a mellow flavour to the spirit, making a wonderfully easy-drinking

ABOUT WOLFURN: 

The original Wolfburn Distillery was founded just to the west of Thurso by William Smith in 1821. In its day it was one of the largest distilleries in Scotland, producing, according to HMRC records, 28,056 “gallons of proof spirit” in a single year. Taking its name from the stream that provided the water – the Wolf Burn – the distillery operated until around 1870. The reasons for its closure are lost in time, but by 1877 the newly produced Ordnance Survey maps showed it being in ruins.

In 2011 plans were laid to resurrect the old distillery. Construction began in mid-2012 and in January 2013 the new Wolfburn Distillery commenced production, thereby becoming the most northerly distillery on the Scottish mainland. Situated 300m from the site of the original distillery, the new Wolfburn operates in much the same way as the old: craftsmen use traditional methods to produce fine spirit, which is laid down in best quality oak casks to await the day when it is bottled as single malt scotch whisky. Wolfburn’s first expressions were launched globally in 2016.

Wolfburn Distillery, Henderson Park, Thurso, Caithness KW14 7XW

www.wolfburn.com

www.facebook.com/wolfburn

Bruichladdich Octomore 7.3 Islay Barley, 63%

Exclusive Web price £148.95 (You save 10)

7.3 is the second edition of ‘Octomore from Octomore, made using barley grown on the eponymous farm. Distilled in 2010 and peated to 169ppm, this was aged in a combination of bourbon barrels and red wine casks from Ribera del Duero in Spain. Big and bold, yet also elegant with notes of oranges, honey, cinnamon and clove.

BUY NOW

Built in 1881 by the Harvey brothers, Bruichladdich distillery sits opposite the western shore of Loch Indaal on Islay, an island off the west coast of Scotland. The distillery produces three distinct single malts: Bruichladdich (unpeated), Port Charlotte (heavily peated) and Octomore (super heavily peated), along with The Botanist gin.

Our picks for Valentine’s Day!
XO, The Park Ave Liquor Shop

Will you accept this Rosé? Sure we have rosé and other bubbly bottles for Valentine’s Day but…It’s time to think outside the box of chocolates and get your honey-bunny something that says, ‘I didn’t just call the florist again.’In this email are some selections that we (emoji with hearts for eyes).  If you don’t like what you see ~ We’re happy to play matchmaker and find something that will have your loved-one (and you) sipping happily ever after.  And if you don’t have a Valentine – come on over for some chalky tasting candy hearts. Besides! We’re also having a Bourbon tasting with the new kids on the still…”Brooklyn Small Batch” Contact us with any questions. We love you…like a friend…but a really good friend.

Cheers!
Jonathan, Eric & Marlon
The Park Avenue Liquor Shop
270 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10016
212-685-2442
jonathan@parkaveliquor.com
eric@parkaveliquor.com
whiskyconn@gmail.com
www.parkaveliquor.com

Compass Box:
Flaming Heart ~ 15th Anniversary

“First released in 2006, Flaming Heart was the first whisky to combine the rich, complex spice of Scotch aged in new French oak with the evocative peat-fired smoke of Islay malt. It was a genre-defying style from Compass Box. The anniversary release is a huge, layered, long-lasting mouthful of a whisky to enjoy late into the night. Brooding, indulgent and older than ever before, this is a whisky born of oak, smoke and fire – with a big heart all of its own.”  Flavor Descriptors:  “A unique interplay between spice, sweet and smoke characteristics. Sweet fruits and wood-smoke on the nose. Fat and full-bodied on the palate with a spicy sweetness and a brooding complexity that is rich, sweet and addictively decadent.”  Price $150/Btl – Only 12 left – Contact the store for availability.

FEW Spirits:
Flaming Lips – “Brainville” Rye

From Flaming Hearts to Flaming Lips 🙂  This Rye is a custom blend born from a collaboration between rock legends the Flaming Lips and FEW distillery (Evanston, IL). What we know about this 5,000 bottle limited edition is that it has a mash bill containing rye, corn and barley that was aged in custom barrels where it aged while listening to Flaming Lips albums. (true story).  The label was created by Justin Helton of Status Serigraph, who has designed materials for Phish, My Morning Jacket, Ween, and The Black Keys.  “Whiskey … it’s such a volatile drink. Upon pouring a drink it’s like accepting that you may become a werewolf … And really … Who doesn’t want to become a werewolf ???”  ~ Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips.  Price: $112/Btl

Park Avenue Liquor Shop ~ Exclusive
Woodford Reserve: Distiller’s Select

Here’s a gift that says, ‘Let’s be exclusive’.  The Park Avenue Liquor Shop is proud to be selected as the exclusive retailer in NYC to offer this very unique small batch bourbon. This particular Woodford bottling honors its Master Distiller, Chris Morris’ entry into the Whiskey Magazine Hall of Fame. This limited edition has been limited to just 162 bottles.  Distillery Notes: “This unique barrel of Woodford Personal Selection Bourbon is Sweet, Nutty and Malty; soft and smooth with notes of Oak, mild chocolate, pecans and light touch of toasted coconut.”  Mash bill and 72% Corn/ 18% Rye / 10% barley.  Price: $75 ~ Liter Bottle

Johnnie Walker: Blender’s Batch
“A Limited Edition Experiment”

For the Valentine that ‘has everything’…  Johnnie Walker “Blender’s Batch” is brand new to the market. It’s a blend of 3 grain whiskies from storied distilleries including the now shuttered Port Dundas and select iconic Malts including Mortlach and Cardhu. The Scotch has been aged 10 years in American oak – creating a smooth whisky with sweet, creamy notes of fresh fruit and a gentle, spicy smoke.  Price: $34/btl

Highland Park: “Fire” Edition

“Highland Park FIRE Edition is a special release 15 year old single malt which has been matured in 100% refill Port wine seasoned casks – a first for Highland Park. This follows the release of ICE Edition and completes the two-part series of special edition bottlings which celebrate some of the myths and legends from the Viking age.”  Tasting Notes: Natural in color, the vibrant and intense aromas of ruby red fruits and warm vanilla complement the fiery bitter sweetness of cinnamon bark and the richness of devilishly dark chocolate.  Price: $370/btl ~ Limited amount available – please contact the store.

Due to ever-changing inventory we cannot guarantee bottle availability. We are not responsible for any typographical errors or the phrase, ‘It’s not you~ it’s me”.  Please contact the store with any questions whether they be Wine, Spirits or Love related.

  The Park Avenue Liquor Shop | 212-685-2442 | 212-689-6247 | parkaveliquor.com

VALENTINE’S DAY WHISKY GUIDE

There are lots of reasons why whisky makes the perfect Valentine’s Day gift. It’s a spirit to be enjoyed in good company, it’s also a very personal gift to both give and receive. Picking a whisky that is to your loved one’s taste can be tricky but getting it right will melt their heart.

Whether you’re looking for a gift or a wonderful whisky to simply share, we’re here to help. Browse over our Valentine’s Day whisky suggestions or read our gift guide on our blog »

At our Members’ Rooms in Leith, Edinburgh and London, enjoy a 20% saving on all bottles over £75.00.   

From Friday 10 – Tuesday 14 February.  Ask at the bar for more details

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

No age statement, the arguments go on.

NAS whiskies, so many of our whisky tour guests ask me on NAS and what it means? I thought to scribble doon some of my thoughts on this subject. NAS bottles I have tried … Talisker Skye is the third NAS Talisker in the same amount of years, after the Storm and Port Ruighe, all good (in my opinion), but is this a departure from age statement by them? By no means the only character in the Diageo stable doing this (Talisker distillery founded in 1830 by Hugh and Kenneth MacAskil at Carbost. Port Ruighe is Talisker’s 2nd release bottled without an age statement (after Storm). Port Ruighe (pron. Portree), was finished in Port casks after an initial ageing process in refill American and European casks. The maturation in Port casks gave it sweeter flavour blending nicely with the peat/ smoke). Macallan, the third-largest single malt brand in the world is one of the leading brands behind NAS bottles. Macallan’s 1824 Series ended the 10, 12 and 15yo with “named” replacements. Is this a case of where Macallan go others follow? (Macallan’s 1824 series might have you thinking an old malt. Ah but hold on – the colour is the key here. Gold and Amber to the expensive Sienna and Ruby, rely on different ages and differing shades of caramel. Oh no, caramel!) The Glenlivet 12yo is to be replaced in the UK and Germany by Founder’s Reserve, a NAS. Arran have both NAS and age-statement whiskies. Aberlour A’Bunadh one of my own favourites, has been available as NAS since 1998 without complaints, in fact people seem to love it to death. J&G Grant (Glenfarclas) have one NAE. Just a quick selection of NAS from memory, there are many more out there, Tullibardine do a great NAS bottle (it’s a 12 year old by the way) Murray. If you’re spending £50 or so on a single malt, you want to know what’s inside the bottle, what use the well designed artwork/name on the label?   Or, like me (most of the time) trust the distillery, or maybe try before you buy.

Some distillers had to take 30/40 year-olds from the market for years until they recouped their stocks. There is no doubt in my mind that aged stocks have reduced over the years following the “cashflow”. I am reliably told, stocks of malt older than 11 years have been in decline by an average of 6% per annum since 2011. It is increasingly difficult to guarantee a supply of aged stock. Impossible? Then again, blended malts (90% plus) of single malts go into “blends”, Almost 80% of Scotch whisky sold around the globe does not have an age statement.’

Age isn’t everything and there are some grand young whiskies hiding out there. But what annoys me, are brands that are bringing out NAS whiskies, that are obviously younger than the whiskies they’re replacing, yet cost 50% more expensive (no names mentioned but they know who they are). The taste of a whisky matters more than its age to me. Age is only important as an indicator of the quality of the whisky. Some very old drams I have tasted were to be honest, a let down, are these older bottles aimed at show offs and collectors?   I have tried some 15 – 25 yo drams that I would say were terrible. Good whisky is possible without an age statement.

IF YOU LIKE IT, DRINK IT, NO MATTER WHAT AGE. Unsure? Well – do a blind tasting, pick out what you like, then discover – blend, single malt, NAS or aged, forget Bible Man, do the Charlie Maclean method, his books give you all you need to know, eh Charlie? He told me in an interview with him Charlie Maclean (Our whisky club Patron); his tipple of choice is a Johnnie Walker Black Label – a true icon, recognised as a benchmark for deluxe blends (what do you think?). Created using whiskies aged for a minimum of 12 years from all over Scotland, Johnnie Walker Black Label has a smooth, deep, complex character. This DOES have an age statement. My own dram in my local pub Christies, Perth, is a Bushmills Black Bush; This Irish Whiskey combines a high amount of malt whiskey matured in Oloroso Sherry casks, with a sweet, batch-distilled grain whiskey. ‘Bush has rich, fruity notes and a deep intense character, balanced by an incredibly smoothness. I happen to drink it neat and aye, it’s a NAS. Two Maclean’s two different tastes, two side of this argument. But then again, isn’t this what drinking whisky is all aboot?

Paul Mclean of MCLEANSCOTLAND

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 154: Vote Mark for Whisky Ambassador Belgium 2017

Mark Dermul, Belgian Whisky blogger, wants your vote! That’s right, he needs your help. He has just been nominated for Whisky Ambassador for Belgium 2017 at the Belgian Whisky Awards. So please be so kind as to visit http://whiskyawards.be/ and cast your vote. You will find that you need to go through only 4 screens – very easy – and vote for four categories, including Whisky Ambassador. Check out this video to find out how to do just that and let’s get Mark that much coveted title! Much appreciated!

Beam Suntory Signs Long-Term Distribution Agreement with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits

January 26, 2017,  MIAMI & DALLAS—-Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits (“Southern Glazer’s”)—the largest North American wine and spirits distribution company—today announced that it has signed a new 37-state corporate distribution agreement with Beam Suntory, the second largest premium spirits company in the U.S. market. With the new performance-based agreement, Beam Suntory’s leading portfolio of brands will be distributed across Southern Glazer’s U.S. network in 21 open markets through 2030. Southern Glazer’s, which also represents Beam Suntory’s brands in 16 control states, is Beam Suntory’s largest distribution partner in the world.

“Beam Suntory has had very long and successful relationships with both the Southern and Glazer’s families,” said Tim Hassett, President, Americas, Beam Suntory. “Working with the combined Southern Glazer’s organization, we are confident that we will continue building on our historical strong performance together with a common commitment to further accelerating the growth of our brands on- and off-premise.”

“We are excited to extend our business relationship and represent Beam Suntory’s world-class brands across our unmatched national network,” said Wayne Chaplin, CEO of Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. “This long-term strategic alignment will enable us to deliver even more value – with a more efficient and effective route to market and the most thorough data insights – so we can help drive growth for Beam Suntory’s brands for years to come.”

About Beam Suntory

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.

About Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is North America’s largest wine and spirits distributor, and the preeminent data insights company for alcoholic beverages. The Company has operations in 44 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, Canada, and the Caribbean, and employs more than 20,000 team members. Southern Glazer’s urges all retail customers and adult consumers to market, sell, serve, and enjoy its products responsibly. For more information visit www.southernglazers.com. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @sgwinespirits and on Facebook at Facebook.com/SouthernGlazers.