JULY & EARLY AUGUST TASTINGS

New Members’ Sensory Tasting – 19 Greville St, Tue 26 July  More >

Monday Research: Bunnahabhain – The Vaults, Mon 1 Aug  More >

New Outturn Tasting – 19 Greville St, Sat 6 Aug  More >

Steak & Whisky Tasting – 19 Greville St, Mon 8 Aug  More >

UK-WIDE PREVIEWS WITH UISGE SOURCE

Perth – The Salutation Hotel, Fri 22 July More >

Durham – Radission Blu, Fri 29 July  More >

Stirling – The Golden Lion, Fri 29 July More >

Sheffield – Leopold Hotel, Fri 29 July  More >

FREE EVENTS AT THE VAULTS

Live Music Night with Main Street Blues – Tue 26 July  More >

Live Music Night with Hot Tin Roof – Tue 9 Aug More >

Browse All Events & Tastings >

The Vaults, Leith – will close for a private function all day on Friday 5 August 2016. Please accept our invitation to our newly refurbished Members Room at Queen Street and accept our sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused.

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

J. & G. Grant are proud to release the Glenfarclas 1981 Port Cask IV, the fourth limited edition bottling from the Family Collector Series. Full maturation in a Port Cask, as opposed to the more typically used Oloroso Sherry Casks, promises an excitingly different Glenfarclas single malt. With only 521 bottles available worldwide, this rarity is set to stir intrigue among Glenfarclas enthusiasts.

The last distillery bottling matured in Port Casks dates back to 2012, which at the time was a limited edition 31 Years Old, making the current 1981 Port Cask IV the oldest Port Cask matured whisky to be released by J. & G. Grant. At 35 years old and bottled at cask strength (47.9%), this single cask whisky reveals a distinctive character accentuated by a sweet port influence.

The packaging ties in with the previous Family Collector Series designs; a black leather box featuring a silver emblem of the Grant family’s 4^th generation, George S. Grant. This was the current Director of Sales, George Grant’s grandfather, who was custodian of Glenfarclas for 52 years. Future generations can now appreciate this unique whisky, laid down in the family warehouses during George S. Grant’s tenure.

George Grant, 6^th generation, comments: “We wanted to make an innovative Family Collector Series, which incorporates bottlings from Fino Sherry, Oloroso Sherry, and now, Port Cask matured whisky. I believe this truly showcases the variety and skill that Glenfarclas has to offer to our valued customers around the world.”

Glenfarclas
Email: info@glenfarclas.co.uk
Website: www.glenfarclas.co.uk
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/glenfarclas/
Tel: +44 (0) 1807 500257
Fax: +44 (0) 1807 500234
Address: Glenfarclas Distillery, Ballindalloch, Banffshire AB37 9BD, UK

www.ralfy.com talks about Lomond stills with Whisky Review 593 – Inchmurrin 12yo malt @ 46%vol

Glenfiddich prepares for Resident Artists First Exhibition 

Work by international artists participating in Glenfiddich’s annual artist in residence programme will go on show at the Distillery’s on-site Gallery from July 30^th.

This year marks Glenfiddich’s 15^th residency and eight artists are taking part in the programme. To date 120 artists from over twenty different countries have been through the experience, living and working at the Distillery over the summer months.

The first exhibition will feature a series of stunning abstract paintings by Norwich based artist, Lisa Almond and a sculptural work designed to provide a visual representation of whisky evaporating from a cask by Taiwanese artist Lin Kun Ying who has been working in collaboration with Glenfiddich’s head cooper, local craftsman Allan Morrison, and Glasstorm studios in Tain. Also on show will be striking photographic landscape images by the residency’s first ever Australian artist, Joan Ross.  The images have been augmented by the artist to incorporate her trademark use of fluro colours.

Andy Fairgrieve, curator of the Glenfiddich Artist in Residence programme said:

“This exhibition is a stimulating start to our 15^th residency. The three artists have embraced the local surroundings to create pieces that are highly engaging and impactful. We will be showcasing work by other artists involved in the programme over the coming months.”

The eight artists participating in the 2016 residency are Emily Binks (UK), Min Joon Park (Korea), Lisa Almond (UK), Lin Kun Ying (Taiwan), Joan Ross

(Australia), Subir Hati (India), Hu Weiyi (China) and Eleanor King (Canada).

The first 2016 Artists in Residence exhibition will run from July 30^th until Sunday 21^st August in the Glenfiddich Gallery situated near the Distillery car park. The Gallery is open daily Wednesday to Sunday from 12.30pm – 5.00pm (closed Monday/Tuesday) and admission is free.

Glenfiddich will also host a special preview of the exhibition on July 29^th from 6.30pm, to which all are welcome.

Balvenie Tun 1509 & Single Cask Expressions

We have some fantastic whiskies coming into stock this week that we can’t help shouting about. Ranging from 18 to 25 years old, these single cask whiskies are very limited in number as no more than a few hundred bottles can be charged from one cask. In addition we have more stock arriving of the much sought-after Balvenie Tun 1509 Batch 3, so make sure you pre-order to avoid disappointment!

Free delivery available on all orders over £75 Next day delivery available

Balvenie Tun 1509 Batch 3

 
FIRST EDITIONS ALLT A’BHAINNE 1993

One of only 177 bottles produced from a single bourbon barrel, this Speyside Single Malt was distilled in 1993 at the Allt A’Bhainne distillery. Aged for 22 years, this expression has been bottled at a cask strength of 51.4% abv and is non chill-filtered.

Expect vanilla, stewed apples and spring flowers. A smooth, creamy mouthfeel with stewed rhubarb and liquorice, with oak making a late appearance.

£160 Buy Now

OLD MALT CASK ROYAL BRACKLA 18 YEAR OLD

A mere 127 bottles of this Highland Single Malt have been produced from a single refill barrel in the Royal Brackla distillery in Nairn. Distilled in May 1998, this 18 year old is presented at a preferred strength of 50% abv as part of the Old Malt Cask range.

Sweet vanilla fudge on the nose, with chocolate and toffee notes. The palate is creamy with vanilla, cinder toffee and sultanas, while the finish is long and sweet with fruity notes and a hint of oak.

£125 Buy Now

Japanese Gift Sets

Japanese Whisky has been growing in popularity for a number of years now, consistently ranking in Jim Murray’s Top 5 and Top 10 Whiskies of the Year and claiming the top spot in 2015. Start exploring the Land of the Rising Sun with our range of great gift sets.

Elijah Craig 12 Year Old Bourbon

The country with the most summer sporting medals of all time is home to a variety of styles of whiskey. Bourbon is the most famous, and our top offer this month is an aged example from Heaven Hill, the home of Elijah Craig. At £4 off, it’s even better value for money than usual. Tasting Notes by Rocky

Nose: Complex with toast, toffee, marmalade, lots of vanilla and an underlying sweetness.

Taste: Big and rich with a creamy texture and notes of orange, apricot, cinnamon and a hint of liquorice balls.

Finish: Long and toasty with the spicy notes prevalent.

JULY AUCTION NOW LIVE

…place your bids at www.whiskyhammer.co.uk

(ends Sunday 31st July)

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Paul’s Blog for the June whisky & golf tour with two American gentlemen.

Arrival day, met our two whisky loving golfers at Edinburgh airport. With a scenic route taken via St Andrews, we headed up to Broughty Ferry where they stay a couple of nights. After a long trans Atlantic flight, they rested up, dined for the first time on Scottish soil and shared a dram or two! Next day they took to playing around, in fact at Monifieth course; Monifieth is one of the courses that have been announced as the host venues for the Qualifying event to the 2016 Senior Open Championship Presented by Rolex. 1639 is the earliest reference to golf at Monifieth found in the Kirk Session records. They played with Dennis (Liz’s husband and another local). Drinks all round at the 19^th hole. Sunday saw them take on the challenge that is Carnoustie Golf Course.

Leaving the Ferry (and a bevy of happy locals) behind we then set out north via Aberdeen to Speyside, first call Glenfiddich whisky distillery for a tour and lunch. Glen Grant distillery followed, after this – almost a stones throw away, to their hotel in Rothes. I must say the whisky bar here is superb! Tuesday and a wee trip to play another round of golf; Nairn Championship course. Gorse is a hazard here. The par 4 holes tease and confound and all four short holes are cunningly angled, with the 4th a little gem and the 14th simply spectacular. As three of the par 5 holes are over 530 yards long, it is a test for all.

Whilst our two golfers stayed in luxury at Rothes, I was a few miles doon the road near Dufftown – whisky capital of the world. Staying a stones throw from the Glenfiddich distillery and Balvenie castle, my “rest place and sanctuary” was built in 1892, the former property of James Watson & Company (wine & spirit merchants) to house their Customs and Excise Manager – to keep an eye on the activities of Parkmore Distillery opposite (quite apt don’t you think?). Sadly this closed since 1931, it is rumoured that that the water source became unsuitable for whisky distilling; along with hefty tax levy’s imposed – meaning that today the buildings, whilst well maintained, are only used for storage by the Edrington Group. I can live with that – I did!

Wednesday arrived and we set out for Cragganmore distillery, followed by some whisky scenic touring locally! Lunch at the Mash Tun Aberlour, with the Macallan discovered in the afternoon!

Thursday, the tour is near the end, but no before we headed into Glen Moray. Here our pal Iain took them on a great tour and filled them full of drams fae the warehouse, well done that man! Catching them again, we headed south into Perthshire where they stopped for lunch at Gleneagles Hotel. Final call of today – Edinburgh where they stay to relax after all their exertions.

Paul McLean, www.mcleanscotland.com/ www.whiskytours.scot/

Liz and Paul in Craigellachie Hotel Bar Speyside Scotland

What We Do – a group golf & whisky tour, or a relaxed escorted whisky tour exploring Scottish distilleries, our guests tell us that it’s an experience to remember, not just a holiday! We’ve twenty years of designing whisky tours and have extensive knowledge and contacts. Why not come and enjoy the best of Scottish hospitality from the moment you arrive, until your final dram – you drink, we drive!

Who We Are, Paul has a background in advertising and marketing, owning advertising agencies before tourism. Having discerning taste buds and a wealth of information on not only the best places to visit but also the secret and hidden ones too.   His passion for Scotland and extensive knowledge in the whisky world make him an ideal driver/guide. (He even make’s history interesting, says Liz!)

Liz, the organiser and brains, however it was only a few years ago she stopped making hot toddies and realised whisky’s true value. She now appreciates the perfect dram and if it pass Liz’s “whoo hoo” test, it’s a winner!

A dynamic duo best friends who together are perfect hosts and you’ll soon feel like family, as they share the secrets of Scotland, home to some of the finest whiskies in the world. Scots are well known for their warmth and enthusiasm and you’ll find that both of them ensure you share their love for the country and their passion for delicious drams. Arrive a guest, go home a friend

KARUIZAWA GEISHA SERIES OFFERED FOR FIRST TIME AT AUCTION
LEADS BONHAMS HONG KONG WHISKY AUCTION

The complete set of Karuizawa Geisha

Est: HK$1,000,000- 1,300,000

A complete set of Karuizawa Geisha Series whisky, never before seen at auction and estimated at HK$1,000,000-1,300,000, leads Bonhams Hong Kong Whisky sale on 19 August. The sale, which features more than 260 lots of rare Japanese and Scotch whiskies, takes place at Bonhams Hong Kong saleroom (2001, One Pacific Place, Admiralty, Hong Kong).

Karuizawa is a silent distillery in Japan which closed in 2000. The finest expressions of its whisky were carefully selected and bottled as the Geisha Series. The 27 bottles which make up the Geisha Series contain whiskies aged for 29, 30, 31 and 50 years and bottled in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. Bonhams whisky specialist, Daniel Lam commented “This is an exciting opportunity to acquire a legendary whisky. The Geisha Series has never been offered at auction before and I am expecting great interest from collectors around the world.”

Other highlights of the auction include a selection of the coveted Hanyu Ichiro’s Card Series. A set of Clubs flush of malts 3,7,8,9 and 10 is estimated at HK$120,000-150,000 as is a set of Hearts flush of malts 3,4,8,10 and J. A collection of vintage bottles of Yamazaki sherry wood whisky from 1982 to 1986 is estimated at HK$140,000-180,000.  

From Scottish distilleries comes a vertical selection of The Macallan. Offered as one lot and estimated at HK$420,000-460,000, the 29 bottles cover the years 1958-1986. The sale also includes a highly sought-after Macallan 50 year old bottled in a Lalique decanter, estimated at HK$280,000-340,000, and a bottle of Royal Salute 50 year old specially bottled in 2003 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s 50 years on the throne. It is estimated at HK$120,000-150,000

Auction Highlights

1.

The complete set of Karuizawa Geisha

Est: HK$1,000,000- 1,300,000

2.

Macallan Lalique 50 year old

Est: HK$280,000 – 340,000

Royal Salute 50 Years Old

Est: HK$120,000 – 150,000

4.

Macallan vintage collection 1958 – 1986

Est: HK$420,000-460,000

5.

Macallan 1961

Est: HK$110,000 –140,000

6.

Macallan Millennium Decanter-1949-50 year old

Est: HK$100,000 –140,000

7.

Hanyu Ichiro’s Malt-Six Full House

Est: HK$120,000 – 150,000

8.

Hanyu Ichiro’s Malt-Hearts flush of 3,4,8,10,J

Est: HK$120,000 – 150,000

9.

Yamazaki Sherry Wood Vintage Collection 1982 – 1986

Est: HK$140,000 – 180,000

10.

Very Olde St. Nick Bourbon Collection 22 -25 year old

Est: HK$22,000 – 26,000

NOTES

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques. Today, the auction house offers more sales than any of its rivals. The main salerooms are in London, New York and Hong Kong. Sales are also held in the UK in Knightsbridge and Edinburgh; in the US, in San Francisco and Los Angeles; in Europe, in Paris and Stuttgart and in Sydney, Australia. Bonhams also has a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 25 countries offering sales advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full listing of forthcoming sales, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com.