Day 22 of the Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar 

Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar 3rd Edition Day 22 Blog #157 – Adelphi Cambus Single Grain 27 Year OId

Welcome to a very exciting addition to our Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar story. Firstly we have the pleasure of having Jason Johnstone-Yellin from Single Cask Nation sitting here with me tasting this dram and secondly we were able to secure our first ever closed distillery cask from Alex Bruce and the fabulous team at Adelphi.

Cambus is a Lowlands Grain distillery that opened in 1836 and was unfortunately closed in 1993. Anything bottled from Cambus now is always going to be over the 20 year old mark which is a bit of a benchmark for us so far in adding Single Grain offerings to our calendar editions. During its time in operation it was considered by many to be the finest grain whisky in all of Scotland. Located near Stirling in what some called “the midlands” it was just below the Highland/Lowland dividing line. Owned by the Diageo group it was deemed to be surplus to requirements as is so often the major factor in a distilleries closure.

So lets get into the whisky

Adelphi Independent Bottlers – Cambus 1988 – 27 year old Single Grain Scotch Whisky at the cask strength of 48% cask number 59353 and aged in a Bourbon Refill cask.

Colour:     Pale gold which is a definite result of the refill Bourbon cask not really imparting that much colour at all.

Nose:     Sweet Marzipan icing like wandering past the head table at a wedding after the cake has been sliced. Fresh farm cream like the kind that my nana used to serve over her famous apricot pie which was a staple in my youth complete with the apricot pie note. The marzipan almond piece really kicks in and some other nutty characters emerge including what I would call white chocolate covered macadamia’s. Wow lovely start to this whisky.

Palate:     Savory note here that takes a bit of a diversion from the nose by adding in some fresh rolling in the hay action (in the best way possible)

Finish:     Some earthy char coming into play here with a bit of a brand new tire note. Seriously like when you just pick up a brand new set of tires and that sweet clean rubber jumps out at you and lets you know that you have something bright and shiny in your possession.

Wow this kind of feels like I was just given a new car at my wedding and am driving away with that new rubber meets marzipan package all in one. This is an amazing experience and I have never had a Single Grain with this many layers before. Right at the death when everything is almost fading away the apricot comes back once more complete with that delicious pie crust.

Super cool stuff and thanks so much to Alex at Adelphi for agreeing to part with it just for us. There may be a few bottles that were filled once we had taken our share but not many and probably only to be found in Scotland so good luck hunting one down.

So here below are the extremely enlightened and expert tasting notes from Jason Johnstone-Yellin.

It’s Grrrreat!!

Nose: Cereal notes lead the way with dehydrated pineapple and mango behind, there’s a heavy sweetness while the wood rests quietly behind (but still present) – after a bit of time a chili heat comes through.

Palate: Woody with wet barley to the front of the palate with a pleasant oiliness, a flavor like sandalwood runs across the center of the palate before the dehydrated tropical fruit from the nose manifests itself towards the back of the palate.

Finish: Good length with warming ginger and lingering hints of the tropical fruit.

Overall: One of my favorite things about Cambus whisky is the weight of it. Combined with that it bypasses the vanilla notes of a grain distillery like Invergordon and instead embraces heavy fruit and mature oak notes. This is a really cracking cask.

So there you have it the first closed distillery done and dusted (literally). Head on over to Whiskylassie to see her take on this Cambus.

On this day in the 2nd edition we had a fantastic Island Tobermory (non peated) from Malt Whisky Company that you can catch up on again here.

Tomorrow as the big hitting week continues we head back to those crazy Italians for something old and peaty.

See you then whisky peeps

Slainte

Jonathan – taster of secrets

http://www.singlemalting.com/category/whisky-advent-calendar-2016/

World Exclusive Launch of Glenfarclas Pagoda Ruby Reserve in Singapore

The Whisky Corporation introduces a brace of rare luxury whiskies from the family-owned distillery as part of its growing connoisseur and investment portfolio

Glenfarclas Pagoda Ruby Reserve Limited Edition Silver Release, 700ml

Singapore, 12 December 2016 – In a world premiere, whisky investment specialists, The Whisky Corporation, announced it is bringing the critically acclaimed Glenfarclas Pagoda Reserve series, a spectacular collection of ultra-bespoke single malt whiskies from the Glenfarclas distillery in Speyside, Scotland, here to the Singapore market.

The breath-taking collection, launched locally by George Grant, sixth generation distillery director at Glenfarclas alongside leading whisky industry experts around the region, is destined to be one of the most sought-after releases to hit the Asian market to date, and indeed the world.

Glenfarclas Pagoda Reserve Trilogy features three distinct Glenfarclas vintages: the 43-year-old, 48-year-old and 59-year-old, each bottled in beautiful hand-blown Glencairn crystal decanters and topped with a handcrafted, unique magnetic pagoda-shaped stopper in brass, silver and gold finishes.

“With only 100 traditional 700ml sets produced, just 10 1.5-litre magnum sets and a collector’s edition of only 30 silver magnums, it is well-known within the industry these whiskies are extremely rare. Due to the massive pre-order demand prior to its release, only 10 sets will be made available to the market in December. All of the magnums and a total of 90 Trilogies were secured by collectors and those in the know some time ago,” said Ben Morley, Chief Operating Officer, The Whisky Corporation.

“We have seen a huge amount of interest in rare and fine whiskies within Asia through our offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai and our most recent expansion in Singapore. As such, we’re concentrating on strategic growth in these key markets where savvy investors are looking to diversify their investment

portfolios, and catering to connoisseurs looking for exceptional and limited edition whiskies to add to their collections.”

Recognising Singapore’s importance in the global market for single malt whisky, the region was also selected above Hong Kong or China as the destination of choice to launch the newest addition to the Pagoda Reserve series, Glenfarclas Pagoda Ruby Reserve. Aged for 62 years, it is the oldest whisky ever to be released by the Glenfarclas Distillery.

The limited edition Glenfarclas Pagoda Ruby Reserve, named in homage to the Glenfarclas distillery’s distinct facade, features citrus notes and an eloquently rich coating with slight sweetness providing exceptional balance, a signature of its era of production. Presented in fine Glencairn crystal, the Pagoda Ruby Reserve comes adorned with its namesake, a ruby pagoda-shaped stopper.

To maintain the whisky’s uniqueness and rarity, the 329-litre Pagoda Ruby Reserve 1954 single cask will be launched under two releases; a Limited Edition Silver and Collector’s Edition Gold. The Silver release will see 180 700ml bottles and 62 Magnum 1.5-litre bottles available to the market. The Collector’s Edition will feature only 50 bottles available each in 700ml and 50 magnums of the Collector’s Edition with Gold.

“The whisky investment landscape is incredibly buoyant and those who have bought the most exclusive whiskies have yielded exceptional returns in recent years. By working with key distilleries such as Glenfarclas to offer limited edition and exclusive collections including the Pagoda series, we provide our clients with access to some of the most sought after and finest collectable whiskies available globally,” added Morley.

As Asia’s recognised specialists in single malt investment, The Whisky Corporation’s Singapore base works closely with its panel of whisky specialists, including ‘Keeper of the Quaich’ Stephen Notman, in guiding Singaporean clients and sourcing for exclusive fine whiskies.

About The Whisky Corporation

Established in Hong Kong in 2008, the Whisky Corporation specialises in creating bespoke single malt whisky portfolios and exclusive private releases from Scotland’s most famous distilleries. As one of Asia’s leading specialists to specialise in professional single malt investment, The Whisky Corporation focuses on assisting private clients to invest safely and securely.

Through its network, The Whisky Corporation sources and brings to market the very finest whisky, including exclusive official distillery bottlings and since its establishment, The Whisky Corporation has enjoyed spectacular success in Hong Kong and plans to expand its growth with the opening of a Singapore office in late 2016.

THE GLENTURRET 10YO PERSONALISED LABEL  

The Glenturret 10 Year Old Single Malt whisky, produced at Scotland’s oldest distillery, the Brand home of The Famous Grouse. On the palate, spicy citrus and orange with a soft malty finish. Comes with a unique printed label that they can treasure for a lifetime. Purchase your personalised bottle here.

THE FAMOUS GROUSE PERSONALISED

Scotland’s favourite whisky is a blend crafted from the finest malt whiskies, such as The Macallan and Highland Park, married with exceptional grain whiskies, for the smoothest possible taste. Make someone famous by personalising a bottle of The Famous Grouse with a name and message of your choice. Get your personalised bottle here

THE GLENTURRET FLY’S 16 MASTERS EDITION

Inspired by a photo, unearthed from the back of a cupboard at Scotland’s oldest working whisky distillery, dating from 1905 and featuring 16 stillmen, along with a collie dog this whisky is the winner of Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible Liquid Gold Award 2017 and comes beautifully presented in a handmade tweed gift bag. Purchase your bottle here.

Every Wednesday at 10am, members of the new incarnation of our famous W Club get a personal invitation to take advantage of some outrageously good deals.

With a very limited number of bottles available discounted by up to 50%, offers last for a maximum of 24 hours or until stock runs out.

Only available to members of the new W Club, you can join in the fun this Whisky Wednesday and bag a bargain in time for Christmas by signing up to The W Club today.

JOIN NOW

For just £20 a year you’ll have access to a host of brilliant benefits, including: Exclusive members-only offers at The Whisky Shop Priority notice on rare and restricted releases A quarterly copy of Whiskeria magazine, delivered to your door Special W Club competitions Members-only bottlings and opportunities to join the tasting panel Behind the scenes news, reviews and Q&As

Here’s a sneak peak at some of the deals

Pikesville 6 Year Old 100 Proof

World’s Best Rye Whiskey 

World Whisky Awards 2016

Double Gold San Francisco World Spirits Competition

95 Points  Ultimate Spirits Challenge

American Rye Whiskey of the Year The Whisky Bible 2016

Only £73.50

Today sees the arrival of our new addition to the Loch Fyne range! Our new single cask exclusive expression, the Craigellachie 10 Year Old, becomes the second single cask bottling from Loch Fyne.

 Next day delivery available on UK orders
Worldwide shipping

The Loch Fyne
Craigellachie 10 Year Old

Introducing the latest single cask limited edition in the Loch Fyne Whiskies range, The Craigellachie 10 year old is perhaps the most beautifully coloured whisky we have in stock, owed in part to the glorious sherry cask used in the maturation process. Limited to only 525 bottles. Distilled in 2006 and bottled in December 2016 at 46% volume. The taste is every bit as good as the colour with rich fruit notes throughout; expect to detect some burnt sugar, candy, raisins with a touch of treacle. Delicious and the perfect Christmas dram!

 £65 Buy Now
or get it engraved

1995 Glenburgie 21 Year Old K&L Exclusive “Signatory” Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($99.99)

This is the second cask of Glenburgie we’ve grabbed from the Signatory warehouse and it’s another winner. The whisky is nothing flashy or wildly exotic, just smooth, rich, and delicious from front to back. Any time we can sell delicious 20+ year old cask strength single malt for under a hundred bucks, we’re probably going to take that deal. Glenburgie is known more for its role in Ballantine’s blended than it is as a stand-alone single malt, but these single casks should help change that perception. Once again we’ve got creamy malt flavor on the palate, a rich layer of oak from the two decades in wood, and a lovely finish of baked apples and other Highland fruit flavors. The 54.8% ABV lifts the finish into a flurry of baking spices and malty notes that continues to linger for minutes. This is tasty, classically-flavored Scotch whisky, pure and simple.

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 21, 2016
This is the most elegant of the currant Signatory selections. I t offers beautiful aromas of honey and malt. In the mouth it is rich and round while at the same time elegant and complex. There is a subtle hint of creaminess and a nuance of spice. Like all of the cask strength whiskys a little water helps soften and open up this single malt.

Andrew Stevens | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 21, 2016
One of my favorite things about getting to taste through the bottlings of Scotch we get from Signatory, Old Particular, and Hepburn’s Choice is being surprised by a bottle from a distillery I am unfamiliar with or has been shut down. For the four bottles of Signatory that David OG brought us this Glenburgie takes that place. White fruit, good peat, and subtle vanilla in the nose gives way to a subtle and elegant body. The white pear notes are surrounded by cardamom, cinnamon, and vanilla all of which are wrapped in light layers of smoke and peat. Although there is heat on the finish from the cask strength. this is still a smooth and sophisticated bottle. A ridiculously good deal for a delicious spirit.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 15, 2016
Another stunning value from one of our favorite suppliers. 21 year old single malt for under $100 is a real rarity these days add that it’s a delicious single barrel bottled at cask strength and we’re down right rare air here. This is a true Speysider in every respect. Subtle herb, shrubby flowers and fruit notes open with some air into aromas muscovado and candied apple. A pleasing mineral earthiness, like a fresh stream in the forest, balances the wonderful pop of fruit on the palate. The finish turns up the spice with a bit of dryness on the long lingering finish.

David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 11, 2016
This 21 year old Glenburgie achieves exactly what its predecessor did (that 20 year old cask we bought last year): it provides high quality, no frills Scotch whisky goodness with maturity and punch for a hot price. There’s nothing out of the ordinary here, just rich vanilla, oak, malted grains, stone fruits, and a nice smooth finish. Chalk up another win for no-name single malt whisky and those who trust in it.

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

Hello everyone! Continuing our Xmas theme, here I have another sherry colossus for you! Most of us on this channel both know and love, GlenDronach. This wonderful liquid is from their most recent, Batch 14 release of Single Casks and it’s one of the bigger, sweeter styles of Dronach that’s available. All Pedro Ximinez matured, it’s rich, silky, rounded and wonderfully sweet with some awesome drying qualities towards the very end of the finish. Twenty-two years old, cask strength, non-chill-filtered and natural colour. Enjoy!

https://youtu.be/Km7yr5QeXHY

Whisky Reviews every Wednesday

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Day 21 of the Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar 

Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar 3rd Edition Day 21 Blog #156 – Wemyss Malts Marmalade Appeal Glenrothes 27 Year Old

G’day everyone and welcome to another comparison tasting. As you know we like to do one or more comparison casks from the same distillery so that you can appreciate both age and cask differences. Today we try a Glenrothes that is 19 years older than the Malt Whisky Company expression we tried earlier on day 8. Wemyss also tend to bottle all their casks at 46% which no doubt will make a big difference as well.

I’m sure that the whisky is not why they have so many permanent residents.

No need to rehash distillery details as you can just re-read the previous blog. I will say that Wemyss have provided some really sensational older casks of Glenrothes in the past few years. We even converted Joshua Hatton who is not normally a Glenrothes fan to concede that the Aromatic Orange Tobacco was “drop dead gorgeous”.

Wemyss Malts Marmalade Appeal Glenrothes 27 Year Old aged in a Sherry Butt cask # 5376 and bottled at 46% with no caramel or chill filtration.

Color:   Light for such an old Sherry aged whisky but no doubt being a butt and potentially 2nd or refill (3 or more fills) we only get a shadow of what we might have if it was a first fill. I actually really like refill for older sherried expressions as a sherry cask can very quickly overwhelm especially delicate malt.

Nose:   Orange oil furniture polish, clove and Terry’s dark chocolate orange.

Palate:   Orange sponge cake and there is that slight bitterness that could be marmalade semi sweet icing that tops and forms a layer right in the middle.

Finish: A slight burnt character leading me to flamed orange rind topping a rye based Manhattan or maybe just pouring Grand Marnier over the top and lighting it all while you stand back and bask in the stunning beauty of it all.

Yummo again Wemyss. Certainly the cache of delicious Glenrothes casks you managed to acquire have been good to you and also thankfully for me. We have increased with age each edition and now sit at 27 Years Old. Does this mean we may yet have a 30+ year old at some point?

For those that love this delicious old Glenrothes the good news is that there is some available and if you email me at jonathan@secretspirits.com I will be more than happy to point you in the right direction.

In the 2nd edition we had the truly epic A.D. Rattray Glentauchers 22 Year Old that you can re-visit here.

Let’s see is Whiskylassie loves old Glenrothes as much as Joshua and I do over at her blog here.

Now that we are rolling with the old stuff lets see what tomorrow brings from a fantastic independent bottler that is gracing our cubby holes for the first time. The fantastic Alex Bruce from Adelphi is to thank for tomorrow’s whisky and thank him you will.

So all I can tell you is that tomorrow we head South to the Lowland’s.

Until then have a fantastic evening. Only 3 more sleeps till Christmas.

Cheers

Jonathan – taster of secrets

http://www.singlemalting.com/category/whisky-advent-calendar-2016/

Glengoyne serves up latest Teapot Dram

Glengoyne Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky will unveil the latest batch of its coveted Teapot Dram this week, just in time to toast the festive season.

Matured in first fill Oloroso sherry oak casks, Glengoyne Teapot Dram V is teeming with brown sugar, sweet fruits and soft spices, with a natural colour of dark mahogany. Bottled unchillfiltered and at cask strength, just 3,138 bottles of Teapot Dram V will be released, available exclusively from the Glengoyne Distillery shop or at Glengoyne.com.

The Teapot Dram was created in tribute to an old Glengoyne Distillery tradition: for over 150 years, workers would be given three fingers of whisky, three times a day. The less seasoned workers would, to save face, discreetly pour some of theirs into a copper teapot on the windowsill. Their older colleagues – veterans of the dram, one and all – would intersperse official drams with unofficial “cups of tea” from the teapot, ensuring none went to waste. Iain Weir, Marketing Director for Glengoyne, said: “There’s a great affection for the Teapot Dram among Glengoyne enthusiasts, and we are sure this edition will be warmly received. It’s a whisky with a great story behind it, and one that’s very special to everyone at Glengoyne because it brings to life the history of the Distillery and the whisky-makers who preceded us.

“With Christmas and New Year around the corner, this would make a really special gift for whisky lovers – and with just 3,138 bottles in this batch, it’ll be an exclusive one too.”

Glengoyne Teapot Dram V is bottled at 59.6% and, because the daily dram would never be taken from an old cask, this is a deliberately young and bold malt. It will retail at £90.

Glengoyne Distillery is owned by one of Scotland’s leading independent, family-owned distillers, Ian Macleod Distillers. Glengoyne runs the slowest stills in Scotland to build up fruity richness and fill the finest Oloroso Sherry casks.  No one takes more time and care.

www.glengoyne.com

TASTING NOTES:

Appearance

Dark mahogany

Nose

Porridge topped with brown sugar; rum and raisin ice cream; strawberries with a sprinkling of pepper

Taste

Initially sweetness gives way to rich, spicy oak, cinnamon swirl and walnuts

Finish

Massively long. Oak gives way to pepper then, after a considerable period, fresh pears wish you a fond farewell.

Notes to Editors:

Glengoyne, being uncompromising in its pursuit of excellence, runs its stills slower than any other distillery in order to create the rich, bold flavours for which the brand is known. The Glengoyne Highland Single Malt range is matured in the finest oak casks from within its traditional dunnage warehouses.