Glenmorangie: the Glen of Tranquility

You’ll be anything but tranquil when you hear about our new whiskies from Glenmorangie! Today marks the release of the latest addition to the Private Edition collection, Glenmorangie Bacalta, and to mark the occasion we also have two rare bottles that showcase the distillery’s pioneering work in cask finishing and the first release in the Bond House No. 1 Collection.

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Glenmorangie Bacalta

The eighth release in the Glenmorangie Private Edition collection, Bacalta (meaning baked in Gaelic) has been crafted from Glenmorangie matured in ex-bourbon casks and then extra-matured in bespoke casks baked under the sun that once held Malmsey Madeira wine. This Highland Single Malt created by Dr Bill Lumsden is presented non chill-filtered at a strength of 46% abv.

Light gold in colour, the nose is fragrant with sweet honey, apricots and white chocolate. The palate brings a burst of mint toffee with caramelised oranges, apricots, honeycomb, almonds and dates, before a rich, syrupy finish with more citrus, pears, creamy fudge and a touch of eucalyptus in the background.

£84 Buy Now

Glenmorangie Grand Vintage Malt 1990

The first release in the Bond House No.1 Collection from Glenmorangie, this Highland Single Malt has been nurtured for a quarter of a century in ex-bourbon and a small parcel of ex-sherry casks to produce a floral, fruity expression with an extraordinary level of finesse and vibrancy.

£500 Buy Now

NEW TO THE PARTY

Wyoming Bourbon TPS Private Selection – $47.99

With the closing, suspension, or cutting of so many barrel programs in recent years, we are always excited at the prospect of a new private barrel program opening. Wyoming Whisky offered us some samples and we were pleased. This barrel is young but has great character. With a youthful nose and palate, it has notes and flavors of fresh oak, some vanilla and nuts, is very smooth mid-palate, and finishes with a kiss of spice. It’ll be great around a fire, or in an Old Fashioned.

OYO Dark Pumpernickel Rye Whiskey – $51.99

This Rye from Middle West Spirits in Columbus is made from dark rye grown in the Ohio River Valley. It’s a nice addition to their already excellent lineup. As a good rye should be, it maintains a nice balance of sweet and heat, all held together by a backbone of oak and spice. It sips smoother than the proof and will be great in cocktails.

Watershed Old Fashioned – $41.99

This is a bottle we’ve been waiting for since mid-2016. According to Watershed, the idea behind this bottle is to make a classic, delicious, and balanced cocktail available to anyone, and at any time. Premium bitters, raw sugar, Ohio cherry juice, and of course Watershed Bourbon combine to make exactly that. All you need is a glass, some ice, and some orange peel to garnish.

Revel Stoke Root Beer Whisky – $16.99

This is the newest flavor from the Canadian flavor masters of Revel Stoke. With flavors of vanilla, licorice, and molasses it really is a root beer for adults. Try with some nice vanilla ice cream for a big kid float!

Hartfield & Co. American Whiskey – $18.99 (375 ml)

Hartfield pride themselves on their bourbon, and on the fact that they do things a little different than most. Primarily, they distill to a much lower proof than most, and then age in small 5.8-gallon white oak barrels for months instead of years. This American whiskey is 62% corn, 28% Rye, and 10% malted barley and aged in their used bourbon barrels.

thepartysource.com

95 Riviera Drive, Bellevue, KY 41073  (859) 291-4007

GLENMORANGIE BACALTA – LATEST RELEASE IN PRIVATE EDITION RANGE

Glenmorangie is proud to announce the eighth annual release in its Private Edition range. Scots Gaelic for ‘baked’, Bacalta is the first Glenmorangie expression finished entirely in sun-baked Malmsey Madeira casks.

The inspiration for this limited edition first began more than 20 years ago, with the release of Glenmorangie Madeira Finish, the world’s first whisky extra-matured in Madeira casks. For Dr Bill Lumsden, Glenmorangie’s Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation and Whisky Stocks, the memory of that expression lingered on. Determined to realise his vision of the perfect Madeira-finished Glenmorangie, he drew on the expertise gained from the Distillery’s years of pioneering work in cask management.

First, Dr Bill arranged for bespoke American oak casks to be created and heavily toasted. The casks were then seasoned to his exacting specifications by Malmsey wine – the sweetest and most prized of the Madeira wines –  and baked to maturity within as the casks lay in the heat of Madeira’s sun. Emptied, shipped to Scotland and filled with specially selected spirit – already matured in ex-bourbon barrels – the Malmsey casks lend complex layers of sweetness to Glenmorangie Bacalta.

Dr Bill said; “For years I had longed to create the best Madeira-finished whisky possible. Realising that ambition took time and dedication, as every step of extra-maturation was tailored exactly to our specifications – rather like haute couture. Connoisseurs will recognise the radiating warmth of our bespoke sun-baked casks in Glenmorangie Bacalta’s aromas of ripe apricots, white chocolate and mineral notes.  There are complex tastes of mint toffee, baked fruits, honeycomb, almonds and dates, mingling with marzipan, white pepper and melon – and a rich, syrupy finish.  Glenmorangie Bacalta is a burst of sunshine in a glass.”

Bottled at 46% ABV, and non-chill filtered for extra body and texture, Glenmorangie Bacalta will be available from specialist whisky shops worldwide priced at £79. 

http://www.glenmorangie.com/

NOTES: 

Tasting Notes:

Glenmorangie Bacalta is non chill-filtered and bottled at 46% ABV.

Colour: Light gold.

Nose: Fragrant, honeyed and sweet.  Some ripe apricots, mead-like, and a curious minerally/flinty note, followed by some sweet white chocolate.  A little water brings out a classic ‘rancio’/aged Balsamic tone, with a suggestion of baked bread, malty/biscuit notes, meadow flowers and some peach crumble.

Taste: An initial burst of mint toffee, with baked fruits such as caramelised oranges and apricots, lots of honeycomb, almonds and dates… Milk chocolate, marzipan, white pepper and ripe, juicy honeydew melon.

Finish: A rich, syrupy aftertaste, with more caramelised citrus and pears, some creamy fudge, but always an intriguing mentholic/eucalyptus sensation in the background.

The Glenmorangie Private Edition:

Glenmorangie’s Private Edition is an award-winning range which provides an annual opportunity for whisky connoisseurs and aficionados to experience a rare and intriguing single malt.  Glenmorangie Bacalta is the eighth release in this range.  Previous releases include Glenmorangie Sonnalta PX (IWSC 2010 Gold Medal); Glenmorangie Finealta (IWSC 2012 Gold Medal); Glenmorangie Artein (IWSC 2013 Gold Medal); Glenmorangie Ealanta (IWSC 2013 Gold Medal and World Whisky of the Year in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2014); Glenmorangie Companta (San Francisco Spirit Awards Gold Medal 2014); Glenmorangie Tùsail (San Francisco Spirit Awards Gold Medal 2015); and Glenmorangie Milsean (ISC 2016 Gold Medal). 

Extra-maturation:

Glenmorangie has long been renowned for its expertise in cask management.  In 1987, the Distillery pioneered a process called extra-maturation, now widely used in the industry.  Extra-matured whisky is first matured in ex-bourbon casks, then is transferred into ex-wine casks where it spends additional time gaining further layers of flavour.

In the case of Glenmorangie Bacalta:

• Casks were created specifically for the extra-maturation. Made from tight-grained, air-seasoned American oak staves, the casks were heavily toasted to ensure the finest flavours would emerge;
• They were filled with specifically sourced Malmsey Madeira on the island and baked by the heat of the sun for two years, to season them to Dr Bill’s exacting specifications;
• The casks were then emptied, transported to Scotland, and filled with specially selected Glenmorangie whisky, already matured in ex-bourbon barrels, to create Glenmorangie Bacalta.

About Glenmorangie:

Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch Whisky originates in the Scottish Highlands where, at the Glenmorangie Distillery, it is distilled in the tallest malt whisky stills in Scotland for a purer spirit, expertly matured in the finest oak casks for great depth, and perfected by the Men of Tain.  The Distillery was founded in 1843 and is renowned as a pioneer in its field, uniting tradition with innovation.

Responsible Drinking:

The Glenmorangie Company advocates responsible drinking and suggests that drinkers savour Glenmorangie whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

Ah…..Love is in the air and these bottles have all the flavors of Valentines Day nicely packaged for you to enjoy

Arran Sherry Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky Aromas of chocolate nougat, saline and wheat cereal. The palate is smooth with candy notes and chocolate covered nuts.$109.99

Benriach 19 Year Old Peated Single Malt Whisky Roasted apples with orange zest are engulfed by sweet spicy, oak smoke.$74.99

Glenfarclas 40 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky Lush, candied citrus (especially orange), old pot still rum, maple syrup, fig, roasted nuts, and polished leather, with hints of mocha, candied ginger, and tobacco.$899.99

Arran The High Seas Smuggler’s Series Single Malt Scotch Whisky Volume Two Limited Release: A fresh spearmint note appears and mingles with warm bramley apple pie and ice cream.$154.99

Glenmorangie Bacalta

Following the introduction of the world’s first single malt extra-matured in Madeira casks in 1995, Glenmorangie’s Director of Whisky Creation and Distilling, Dr Bill Lumsden, has long held the ambition to revisit the finishing technique with the years of experience gained in cask management. The result is Glenmorangie Bacalta, extra-matured in bespoke casks, baked in the sun, that previously held Malmsey Madeira wine. The eighth release in the Private Edition collection, this Highland Single Malt is presented at non chill-filtered at 46% abv.

£79 Buy Now

Laphroaig 15 Year Old Hunter Laing First Edition Single Cask Cask Strength 2001 59.8%

From the Hunter Laing First Editions Single Cask range comes a 15 year old single malt distilled by Laphroaig on the Isle of Islay. This was distilled in 2001 and left to mature in a single refill butt until 2016, when it was bottled at natural cask strength without any chill-filtration or additional colours. 244 bottles were produced. Absolutely stunning!

BUY NOW

whisky legend tempted out of retirement by role at new islay distillery 

Industry icon Jim McEwan appointed Production Director at Ardnahoe Distillery 18 months after retiring

World-renowned whisky distiller Jim McEwan has been appointed Production Director of Ardnahoe Distillery on Islay – 18 months after he retired.

The Islay-born whisky industry icon, who has 53 years’ experience under his belt, has been hired by Hunter Laing & Co, the family-run Glasgow whisky company behind Ardnahoe, the first distillery to be built on Islay for more than a decade.

Ardnahoe is being built on the north-east coast of Islay and will become the ninth distillery on the island. It expects to start distilling whisky in early 2018.

As Production Director at Ardnahoe Distillery, McEwan is playing a pivotal role at the distillery for the Laing family – father Stewart and sons Andrew and Scott. From shaping its design and installing his preferred pieces of distilling equipment, to fine-tuning the production processes and selecting casks, he will influence every step of the whisky-making journey at Ardnahoe.

The distillery, which will include a visitor centre café, shop and tasting room, will produce traditional peated Islay single malt.

McEwan will also work on a number of other as-yet-secret creative projects that are sure to make waves across the spirits world.

Prodigious career

McEwan retired from the whisky industry in July 2015 after a prodigious career that began in 1963, and later saw his name become synonymous with both Islay and the Scotch whisky industry.

In his last role, he was Master Distiller at Bruichladdich Distillery for 15 years where he produced a series of innovative whiskies, including notably Octomore, the world’s most heavily-peated whisky, as well as revered Islay gin, The Botanist.

Prior to that, he spent 38 years in a variety of roles at Bowmore, the distillery he first joined as a 15-year-old apprentice cooper in 1963. During his career there, he worked in every aspect of the distillery, from warehousing and cellar master, to trainee blender, distillery manager and Global Brand Ambassador.

During his brief retirement, McEwan turned his hand once again to gin distilling, spending time in the Australian rainforests sourcing botanicals to help Cape Byron Distillery launch Brookie’s Byron Dry Gin.

“One of the most beautiful sites for a distillery anywhere in the world” 

Reflecting on his choice to come out of retirement to work at Ardnahoe distillery, McEwan said: “I had intended to ride off into the sunset, but I’ve known Stewart for many years and have always been impressed with Hunter Laing whisky. When the call came in, it really excited me.

“Then when I visited the distillery site with the Laing family, it absolutely blew me away. It’s an incredible spot up on a hill overlooking the Sound of Islay out to Mull in the north and across to Jura – it has to be one of the most beautiful sites for a distillery anywhere in the world.

“It felt as though the stars were aligning; the amazing location, my history with Islay, my relationship with the Laing family, their passion for the project, the calibre of architect Iain Hepburn, plus my chance to get involved with the design of the distillery for the first time in my career, all made it feel like it was ‘meant to happen’.”

Andrew Laing, Director of Hunter Laing & Co, said: “It’s hard to think of anyone better qualified than Jim McEwan to develop the character of the newest Islay malt whisky. Jim has lived and breathed Islay whisky his whole life and is bringing all of his passion and knowledge to Ardnahoe Distillery. The three of us are hugely impressed with the whiskies he’s produced in the past and can sleep easy knowing that he is in ultimate charge of whisky-making at Ardnahoe”.

Hunter Laing & Co have also revealed that they will be taking part in Feis Ile, The Islay Festival of Music and Malt, which runs from the 26^th May to 3^rd June. The exact details remain under wraps for now, but they will be hosting tastings of Islay casks from the Hunter Laing stocks that have been hand selected by McEwan.

Notes

Hunter Laing 

• Hunter Laing & Co is an independent bottler and blender based in Glasgow run by the Laing Family – father Stewart with sons Andrew and Scott
• Hunter Laing has been operating since May 2013 and owns a portfolio of much-loved whisky brands including Old Malt Cask, Old & Rare, Hepburn’s Choice and Sovereign.
• It distributes to 65 markets around the world in Europe, Asia, the Americas and Australasia.

• Hunter Laing & Co reported pre-tax profits of £1.4m on a turnover of £6.4m for its last full year of trading (end 30 April 2015).
  

Super Bowl inspired bottles for your big game party.

The Patriots vs. The Falcons…who ya got?

Though Super Bowl Sunday is traditionally a day for beer – we know there are those of you out there, that like something different next to your wings as you cheer or boo at the television. Something a bit more appropriate. To that end – we offer some football-esque ideas to have on your bar cart for friends and family.

Go _______! (whoever you’re rooting for 🙂

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

Slaughter House American Whiskey

Let’s face it – Before the game there’s always someone saying, “It’s going to be a slaughter!” So here’s the perfect bottle to either celebrate or mock that prediction.  After spending 9 years in American oak, the spirit was further matured in French oak barrels that previously held Napa Valley Bordeaux varietal red wine which added perfumed aromatics and rounded out the mouthfeel.Intense and inviting with caramelized sugar, baking spices, dark fruits, butterscotch and vanilla notes. The palate is smooth, ultra rich and layered. The finish is impressive with honey, toast and loads of caramel.  Price: $46/btl

Redemption Rye

No matter which team you’re rooting for on Sunday – “Redemption” can be applied as a story line. Why not enjoy some great Rye while watching how it plays out.  This Rye has a deep amber, old copper/bronze in the bottle, northern wheat in the glass.  There’s a rich spiciness, leather, toffee, allspice, malt, dried dark fruits. Clean spicy finish.  Redemption has a nice malt body in texture and mouth feel. The spicy sourness with underlying sweetness creates a nice overall rye.  Price: $30/btl

Pig’s Nose Blended Scotch Whisky

While watching the Pig Skin fly – enjoy a super smooth 5 year old whisky that won’t leave you feeling deflated. (sorry, sorry ~ it was too easy.)  “Nose: Youthful, some fruit, barley malt, porridge. Young but very sweet.  Palate: Creamy and sweet. Soft, gentle, oily and slightly coastal. Hints of salt.  Finish: Medium length, salty butters and caramel.”  Price: $35/btl