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QC Relish and Whisky publishes their sixth issue focussing on the very best of food and drink to make your holidays merry and bright. This edition highlights a very special gift for any whisky connoisseur, Secret Spirits’ Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar. Canadian whisky barons, Gooderham and Worts share the history of their iconic brand. All the tips, gifts and spirits you need to celebrate the season.
Whisky Live London returns to the Honourable Artillery Company once again, featuring over 100 fine whiskies for you to enjoy, more food and whisky pairings than ever before and a jam-packed schedule of Masterclasses!
Whether a whisky enthusiast, a newcomer to the world of whisky, or just seeking a day out at a fantastic event, Whisky Live has something to offer everyone.
Whisky Live London runs over two days:
Friday 31st March 5pm to 10pm
Saturday 1st April 12 noon to 5pm
All tickets include entry to the show, samples of exhibited whiskies, hot food, served buffet-style, the Whisky Live tasting glass, food and whiskey combination samples and the Whisky Live show guide. VIP tickets include all of this PLUS an exclusive VIP Masterclass worth £25, VIP dining, entrance to the VIP Lounge and exclusive private VIP pourings.
Book signing Sessions
Ticket Options and Prices from £45Full Day Entrance Ticket – £65 Entrance to Whisky Live London on Friday 31st March from 5pm – 10pm or on Saturday 1st April from 12pm – 5pm. Includes hot food, Whisky Live tasting glass and showguide.Half Day Entrance Ticket – £45 Entrance to Whisky Live London on Friday 31st March from 7pm – 10pm or on Saturday 1st April from 2pm – 5pm. Includes hot food, Whisky Live tasting glass and showguide.VIP Tickets – £99 Entrance to Whisky Live London on Friday 31st March from 4pm – 10pm and Saturday 1st April from 11am – 5pm plus an Exclusive VIP Masterclass worth £25. Includes VIP dining, VIP Lounge, Whisky Live tasting glass, showguide and exclusive VIP pourings.
Buy online now, get 10% off your tickets and get a free digital edition of Whisky Magazine
Offer valid Monday 5th – 23rd December 2016 Discount does not apply to Masterclass Tickets. Terms and conditions apply.
Confirmed Masterclasses
Friday – VIP 5:15 – 6pm – Neil Ridley 6:30 – 7:15pm – George Keeble 7:45 – 8:30pm – Martine Nouet 9:00 – 9:45pm – TBC
Saturday – VIP 12:15 – 1:00pm – Neil Ridley 1:30 – 2:15pm – Jonny McCormick 2:45 – 3:30pm – Jonny McCormick 4:00 – 4:45pm – Jonny McCormick
High West “K&L Exclusive” Single Barrel 101 Proof Double Rye Whiskey (750ml)$49.99 View
Four Roses 9 Year 6 Month Old “K&L Exclusive OBSQ” Single Barrel Cask Strength Kentucky Bourbon (750ml)$64.99 View
Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Rye Whiskey (750ml)$69.99 View
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
Day 2 of the Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar
SCOTCH WHISKY ADVENT CALENDAR 3RD EDITION DAY 12 BLOG #146 – LOST DISTILLERY CO. GERSTON
Welcome to the start of another great whisky week as we welcome back the boys at the Lost Distillery Company. I was really intrigued when I looked into what these guys were doing. They break everything down to these 10 elements that I have borrowed from their website for you:
ERA – The date of the last distillation is critically important. As with most manufacturing businesses, fashions and processes change. Mechanization brought increased consistency to the process, while expansion of the railways sponsored the construction of much bigger distilleries.
LOCALITY – Neighboring distilleries may have used similar sources of water, barley and yeast. They may have shared expertise that still survives today in working distilleries.
WATER – A core ingredient used to make the spirit and also to dilute the product to bottling strength. Was the water soft or hard? What was the mineral content?
BARLEY – The most important aspect of the barley is the phenolic content. Where was the barley grown? Was it local? Which strains of barley were used? How consistent was the yield?
YEAST – Why is some sourdough bread better than others? Why do some bakers retain a starter dough for decades? Yeast matters in the process and ultimately has an impact on the final product.
PEAT – Was the malted barley peated or unpeated? How much peat was used and was it sourced locally? How did this translate to the phenol content of the finished product?
MASH TUN – What material was it constructed from? Was it open or closed, and how was the temperature controlled? Volatile temperatures would inhibit yeast activity.
WASH BACK – These would have been made almost exclusively from Douglas Fir; chosen for its straight grain and lack of knots. While some distilleries still use these, most have converted to stainless steel versions that impart no character to the product.
STILL – The shape and size of the still deeply influence the overall character of the spirit. For example, a smaller dumpy still will typically allow more contact between the copper and the spirit meaning that it produces a heavier, more viscous spirit.
WOOD – After production, what type of wood was used to store or transport the whisky to its destination? Did this have an impact on the final flavor? What did the barrel have in it before it was used for whisky? This would have had a significant effect on the whisky’s taste.
Their archive team led by professor Michael Moss of the Glasgow University pours through every bit of information they can glean before they recreate each distilleries style.
Gerston one was a popular distillery that operated between 1796 and 1882. Small scale with pristine water and briny peat Gerston one was a much sought after whisky in it’s day. Two tales tell of the disaster that ended the distilleries life. One a farmer dredging too close to the well and causing it to dry up and the other a planned expansion to the distillery causing the flow of the nearby spring to divert away. Either of these events meant the end for Gerston 1. Gerston 2 was built in 1886 and lasted until 1914. Much more industrial in scale Gerston 2 did not source the same quality of ingredients as its smaller brother and the spirit never achieved the same level of popularity.
Lost Distillery Company Gerston Blended Malt – 46% non chill filtered with no caramel coloring. Aged in American ex bourbon casks.
Color: Freshly cut golden hay bails.
Nose: Malty ripe raisins and a touch of sea salted caramel with wisp of smoke.
Palate: Salty, earthy and sweet all at the same time. Sprinkled mesquite ashes and a medicinal quality that only just sneaks in with softer honey comb making up the sweet base.
Finish: Long and persistently smoky but soft and round with a chocolate note.
This is delicious whisky and hats off to Brian and Scott for really working long and hard on an exceptionally well put together project. This brings us back to another time of whisky making and the world of whisky is richer for the story. For those that loved this Gerston please email me and I can definitely let you know where you will find it. jonathan@secretspirits.com
Lets all head over and see what Whiskylassie thought of this excellent Gerston.
On this day in the second edition we had another recreation of sorts with the fantastically valued A.D. Rattray Bank Note. As the lone Blended Scotch expression in the second edition the Bank Note has proven to be really popular as a delicious every day drinker at an affordable price.
Tomorrow we head to Speyside for another fine cask from the good people at A.D. Rattray.
Happy Monday everyone.
Slainte
Jonathan – taster of secrets
http://www.singlemalting.com/category/whisky-advent-calendar-2016/
Whisky Tasting in Perth
It was 4 weeks before Christmas, it was cold, it was getting dark, it was Christies pub Perth. A wee gathering of local fuds to get a taste of Paul’s drams and a few fae the bar. There was Paul (otherwise known as Sean), Dave (otherwise known as Dave), Ron (the salmon bailiff), and (sticks) Kevin. Huddled in the back bar we opened the night with Paul’s usual, a Black Boosh fae Bushmills. Matured in Sherry Casks, Bushmills Black Bush Irish Whiskey combines a high amount of malt whiskey matured in former Oloroso Sherry casks and batch-distilled grain whiskey. This unique recipe means Bush has rich, fruity notes, a deep character, balanced by an incredibly unique smoothness. It’s so bloomin easy to drink, that’s the trouble. And no, nae water or ice thanks. It’s an easy dram to begin, we follow with an Aberlour, a single malt from the village of the same name. Non Chill-Filtered is a feature of this 12 year old whisky, un-chillfiltered means that it retains the full body and flavour from the cask, although it may go cloudy if water is added or it gets cold, so – don’t do it! Sticks did just to see, oh well, make a note of this fer later. A break came when the pies came oot from the kitchen, courtesy of Billy (it’s his place), these come from the world champion Scotch pie makers, who reside in Perth. Mince and sherry drams cannee be wrong, they complement eachother so well. Look out, Celtic have scored again (it happens often by the way), that’s why we started with the Irish dram, Father Timothy was the Priest who started Celtic, he was Irish.
Pies hidden away in several bellies so we try a 12 Year Single Malt, matured wholly in air-dried, hand-selected ex-bourbon casks, the Old Pulteney 12-years-old is the definitive expression in the Pulteney family. Traditionally crafted using techniques that other distillers have long abandoned, this winner of many gold medals is very welcome. Pulteney distillery is one of the most northerly distilleries on the Scottish mainland. The extreme location and unique stills have resulted in a Whisky that is bursting with the power of the sea. Paul visited 2 weeks ago so has first (second, third and fourth) hand knowledge, Dave, Ron and Sticks all enjoy this half time dram, ‘mon the Hoops! A bag of crisps appears, it doesnee last long, second half starts, we toast our tem with a Glemorangie Lasanta, this whisky has spent ten years in American white oak ex-bourbon casks before being matured for two more years in Oloroso and PX Sherry casks from Jerez in Spain. Lasanta is Gaelic for warmth and passion (about the football, not eachother), this is how we are feeling. Non chill-filtered for additional aroma and mouth of sultanas, oranges, butterscotch and chocolate. We break for a wee while, while Dave devours a Dark Island beer fae Orkney, Paul has another Bush, sticks and bailiff have beers. The game ends, who’s won? Who do you think! A celebratory dram is called for, Glen Moray Port finish – vanilla and dried fruits, leather, dark chocolate and blackberries and a rich caramel.
Sticks moves to a Chardonay, och, should have had the Moray Chardonay finish, Dave and Bailiff take a Dark Island and Guinness, Paul tries something different; a boosh. Game over, pies gone, drinks disappearing fast Karen collecting the empties, she used to play in the drum corp of a grade 1 pipeband, so she knows how to hit – if we become restless, we never do. Helen is giving us the look from behind the bar (Billy’s wife), I think she wants the seats for others, so without a fight, we give in and move back to the bar, the whisky sojourn has ended and after another drink (or two) we go our own ways. Saturday mornings are usually boring, this was grand, more pies anyone?
Mr. Paul “Pie Master” Mclean
Paul owns/runs www.mcleanscotland.com and www.whiskytours.scot
Christies is his local pub in Perth https://www.facebook.com/christiesbarperth/?fref=ts
Day 11 of the Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar
Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar 3rd Edition Day 11 Blog #145 – Wemyss Malts Kiln Embers Limited Edition
Back to the land of smoke and peat today with a fabulous limited edition blended malt from Wemyss. Their Velvet Fig was one of the hits of the 2nd edition and I am always interested to see what they have coming up when I visit Scotland in January. This year it is something brooding and dark. Ladies and Gentlemen I give you Kiln Embers.
So a word of warning for those of you that have a hard time with peated whiskies. Kiln Embers has double the amount of peated single malt involved over it’s cousin Peat Chimney which you may remember from the 1st edition way back when and you can read my thoughts here. It will be interesting to compare these two blended malts.
Wemyss Malts Kiln Embers limited edition blended malt – No age statement and bottled at 46% with no chill filtration or coloring.
Color: A nice rolled gold here that adds a richness to the look of the bottle
Nose: Ahh yeah there it is all smoky up front like an old school Casino. The miasma of smoke does disperse however and allow us to peek through at a bushel of fresh oranges and a cluster of vanilla bean pods.
Palate: Lovely balance here and really deep notes of burnt caramel over fresh licorice. A touch of Staedler Mars Eraser that always seemed to get rid of your smudgy lead pencil marks when other erasers failed. 46% seems bang on here and even with a tiny tingle I’m super happy with it as is.
Finish: Flamed toffee and molasses cookies with a twist of burnt orange rind.
Lovely dram for those with a peaty addiction. I’m glad to say that we were able to secure a decent amount of the limited production for Canada so if you love this then please email me at jonathan@secretspirits.com and Ill point you in the right direction.
Whiskylassie is like me an equal opportunity drinker but I really don’t know how far her peat meter goes. Lets find out here.
In the second edition on this day we had the amazing Wemyss Malts Kumquat Cluster Glenrothes 21 Year Old and you can read all about it here.
A great dram for us to sit and relax on a cold Sunday afternoon by the fire. I’ll be enjoying this one for a while as the finish is still rolling on and has moved into the realms of good cigar tobacco now which is awesome.
Tomorrow we head back to the awesome team at the Lost Distillery Company for another take on a really remote distillery that has one of the most unusual stories I have ever heard that brought about it’s demise.
Looking forward to see you for a fresh start to the week and another exciting dramming adventure.
Have a wonderful evening
Slainte
Jonathan – taster of secrets
http://www.singlemalting.com/category/whisky-advent-calendar-2016/
Deerfield, Ill. (November 14, 2016) – Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon, a distinctive, super-premium bourbon known for its trademark spicy finish, today announced the launch of its exclusive “Sipping Companions” Collection, just in time for the 2016 holiday season.
Dedicated to quality, craftsmanship and the belief that bourbon is best when shared, Basil Hayden’s has partnered with artisans around the country to create the Sipping Companions Collection, which includes six curated, thoughtfully designed items that enhance the experience of sipping bourbon among friends and family. Each item, available in extremely limited quantities, has been handcrafted by an artisan who shares Basil Hayden’s passion for quality and superior attention to detail, and will be made available for purchase in time for the holidays.
“A surprising amount of time and care goes into crafting each bottle of Basil Hayden’s Bourbon, from the distinctive liquid made with twice as much rye as traditional bourbons, to the hand-applied parchment bib and copper belt,” said Ivan Hidalgo, Director of Small Batch Bourbons at Beam Suntory. “We’re thrilled to work with a special group of artisans who share our values to offer fans this unique collection. From a bar cart that fits perfectly into any urban setting to a whiskey wheel that makes serving a round of drinks easier than ever, each Sipping Companion makes sharing a glass of bourbon that much more enjoyable this holiday season.”
Basil Hayden’s partnered with artisans in six cities across the United States to create each Sipping Companion item*, including:
Greta de Parry (Chicago, Ill.), The After Five Bar Cart ($400)
The After Five Bar Cart provides the perfect perch for an evening’s entertaining wares. With space for glassware and a bottle of Basil Hayden’s Bourbon to be stored below, the top shelf separates to create a handy tray for serving whiskey drinks to guests. Quantity available: 10
Railcar Fine Goods (Los Angeles, Calif.), The Sidekick Blanket & Holster ($250)
The Sidekick Blanket & Holster neatly packs two essentials for an afternoon or evening outdoors – be it at the park, a concert or the beach. The blanket is made using hand-chosen fabrics and a century-old stitch style, and it cleverly rolls into a set of leather carrying straps. There’s even space for a bottle of Basil Hayden’s Bourbon to hitch a ride in its purpose-built holster. Quantity available: 25
Slow North (Austin, Texas), The Barman’s Candle Set ($75)
The Barman’s Candle Set serves as a pleasing accompaniment to a relaxing evening of bourbon sipping. The candles fill the room with scents that echo the nose and profile of Basil Hayden’s Bourbon including citrus, spice and oak. A simple way to deepen the appreciation while sipping. Quantity available: 100
Stanley & Sons Apron & Bag Supply Co. (New York, N.Y.), The Generous Traveler ($349)
The Generous Traveler is a canvas and leather weekender bag designed to hold all the components of a great weekend getaway with friends: clothes, personal items and of course, Basil Hayden’s Bourbon. Quantity available: 50
Paper Plates Press (Denver, Colo.), The Warm Reception Coaster Set ($40)
The Warm Reception Coaster Set sets the tone for an evening of sharing bourbon with friends. Eight wooden coasters are letterpressed with expressions inspired by the generous, hospitable spirit of Basil Hayden’s Bourbon. Quantity available: 100
Reclamation Etchworks (San Francisco, Calif.), The Whiskey Wheel ($469)
The Whiskey Wheel brings new meaning to pouring a round. Featuring a revolving tray of six rocks glasses encircling a fitting home for a bottle of Basil Hayden’s Bourbon, the beautiful display affords a theatric serve and harkens back to a golden era of home entertainment. Quantity available: 15
Basil Hayden’s limited-edition Sipping Companions collection will be exclusively sold through the Basil Hayden’s Bourbon Holiday Shop on Huckberry.com, an online retailer devoted to curating products that inspire active, adventurous and stylish lives. Items will become available for purchase on a rolling basis beginning today through December 25, 2016.
Consumers who order a Sipping Companion will also receive a promotional code for use on Reserve Bar to receive free shipping on their purchase of a bottle of Basil Hayden’s Bourbon to enjoy this holiday season.
*A bottle of Basil Hayden’s Bourbon is not included with any purchase of the Sipping Companion items.
About Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon
Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon is known for standing out in the crowd. The distinctive flavor was originally inspired by the legend of a family recipe said to date back to 1796 when Master Distiller Basil Hayden Sr. broke ‘the rules’ and went off-the-beaten-path mixing the spiciness of rye with the smoothness of corn to create a light-bodied, mixable and smooth bourbon. Today, Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon is crafting its own story by providing bourbon drinkers with a sipping experience to be shared with friends and family. For more information on Basil Hayden’s, please visit www.basilhaydens.com.
About Huckberry®
Huckberry® is an online retailer devoted to curating products that inspire active, adventurous, and stylish lives through exclusive sales, original story-telling, and unique experiences for its members.
About Beam Suntory Inc.
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, Sauza tequila, Pinnacle vodka, 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 Deerfield, 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.
Basil Hayden’s® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 40% Alc./Vol. ©2016 Kentucky Springs Distilling Co., Clermont, KY.
It’s the season of giving and we’re feeling charitable!
We’re delighted to announce that for every SMWS bottle sold from any of our 4 partner liquor stores between Saturday, December 10th and Saturday, December 24th, we’ll donate $10.00 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada!
(Our co-founder Rob was a Big Brother for many years to a great kid who’s grown into a great man – and they still keep in touch, so this cause is close to our hearts!)
If you need a gift for a scotch lover, or a unique host/hostess gift for a holiday party, or you just want to treat yourself, be sure to purchase between the 10th and 24th so we can donate as much as possible! Visit our website to see what great bottles are currently available but keep in mind that stock levels vary between stores.
We’ll also take this opportunity to thank you all for your support and enthusiasm over this past year, and wish you a holiday season full of love, laughter, grace and good health.
Best wishes,
Rob & Kelly, SMWSCanada
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada
104-1240 Kensington Road NW, Suite 160 Calgary, AB, Canada T2N 3P7
Email – curious@smws.ca
Christmas Auction Live!
Ends Sunday 18th December from 8pm
Just Whisky’s Christmas Auction is now Live! As usual, the auction runs for 9 days, which will allow you to browse the catalog and see some incredibly rare and sought-after whiskies, as well as great value drinkers. Have a look and you’ll discover we have a full set of ‘Choice’ bottles from Glengoyne, as well as an outstanding 40 year old from the same distillery. The attention to detail and craftsmanship with this bottling is stunning. Other rarities include a 1964 Black Bowmore (see below), Taketsuru 35 Year Old, both Killyloch & Glen Flagler bottles, and a few old Macallan’s.
Some of the highlights in the Christmas Auction
This month also marks our third birthday! On behalf of everyone here at JW, I’d like to say thank you for your continued custom and we wish you a very Merry Christmas, a Prosperous and Healthy New Year. Happy Bidding!
Not yet available in the shops. But you can pre-order your bottle now. The recommended retail price in the shops will be around 109,- euro. We have a special discount for all of you who read our newsletter. And an even bigger discount if you were at Maltstock this year. Please mention this when ordering your bottle.
the Whisky Agency
Blended Malt XO (the Maltstock 2016 Edition) Matured in Sherry wood, 44.9%, 70cl We have a very relaxed discount for you: Recommended retail price: 109,- Euro. – Newsletter readers: 10,- euro discount. – Maltstock 2016 visitors: 20,- euro discount. (Oh, and for the smart asses: If you are a Maltstock 2016 visitor and receive the newsletter your discount is 20,- euro not 30,-) Please note that this offer is only valid until Sunday, December 11. And on a first come first serve base. We do not and will not keep stock of this bottling. So after Sunday, December 11 you will have to check your local whisky shop if you would like a bottle. A great bottle to share and enjoy! If you are interested please send an email before 11th of December. Please use Teun’s emailaddress teun@maltstock.com
