Spotlight on Islay’s oldest working distillery

Inveraray is often described as the gateway to Islay so this week we have decided to bring you some expressions from the oldest operational distillery in the Whisky Mecca of the Inner Hebrides.

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Bowmore 23 Year Old Platinum Old & Rare

This 23 year old Bowmore expression is one of only 195 bottles drawn from a single sherry finished hogshead. Part of the Platinum Old & Rare collection from independent bottler, Hunter Laing, each bottle is beautifully presented and individually numbered. The nose has a trace of peat smoke on the sea air, with lemon zest and burnt toast. The palate is light and fruity with figs and marmalade, while the finish is big and rich with ripe dark fruits and chocolate.

£295 Buy Now

Bowmore 25 Year Old

This 25 year old Islay Single Malt has been slowly matured in American bourbon and Spanish sherry casks for a quarter of a century. Hand crafted on Islay, this is a sublime small batch release. The nose is intensely sherried with stewed fruits, citrus and a trace of smoke. The palate offers toffee and hazelnut woven together with a hint of sweet peat smoke. The finish is mellow, gentle and incredibly complex.

£329 Buy Now

Bowmore Devil’s Cask III

Legend has it that the church in Bowmore was built without corners so that the Devil could not hide. One evening, the locals chased Auld Nick out and he ran into the distillery, hiding inside casks bound for the mainland. The result is Bowmore Devil’s Cask and this third release is devilishly smooth. The nose is full of dark and exotic fruits, mango, raisin and toffee. The palate is smooth and rounded, with oils, dried fruits and a hint of salt and treacle. The finish is long lasting with fruitcake, orange, and a whisper of smoke.

£195 Buy Now

Bowmore Devil’s Cask III Fyne Wee Dram

Don’t miss your opportunity to try a wee taster of the third and final release of the Bowmore Devil’s cask with our Fyne Wee Drams 3cl range. Whether you’d like to preserve your full bottle but still sample a dram or two, or you simply want a brief dance with the Bowmore Devil’s Cask III, a Fyne Wee Dram is the ideal solution.

£11.99 Buy Now

Bowmore Laimrig 15 Year Old

Matured for 15 years in Spanish sherry casks, this limited edition release takes its name from the Scottish Gaelic word for ‘pier’ in homage to the stone pier that once served the distillery. The nose offers ripe red grapes, Spanish sherry, dark green moss and a lot of Islay smoke. The palate has dried fruit sweetness with dark smoke, grapes, exotic spices and very delicate peat. The finish brings more sherried fruits with a hint of ash.

£70 Buy Now

Bowmore 12 Year Old

The signature release from Bowmore, the 12 year old is renowned for its lemon, honey and peat flavour. Complex, yet perfectly balanced, this expression has received much critical acclaim and reflects the raw essence of Bowmore – thrashing waves, windswept landscapes and generations of tradition. The nose is characteristically smoky with subtle lemon and honey notes. The palate offers sweet heather honey, dark moss and peat smoke. The finish is long and mellow with hint of sweet peat fire.

£29.95 Buy Now

– Masterclasses –

Ancnoc, Balblair & Old Pulteney £25
Lukasz Dynowiak tastes and compares whiskies from three top Highland distilleries.

Glenfarclas £25
A luxury tasting experience with one of Scotland’s only family run distilleries.

Japanese Whiskies With Suntory £25
A venture into some of Japan’s extraordinary whiskies led by Zoran Peric.

Cigar & Whisky Pairing £15
Award winning cigar distributor, Hunter & Frankau will be pairing Dalmore single malts with the finest Cuban cigars on the roof terrace.

Full Masterclass Details

– EXHIBITORS –

Yamazaki // Hakushu // Ardbeg // Balvenie // Murray McDavid // Bunnahabhain // Hibiki // Dalmore // Gordon & McPhail // Duncan Taylor // Compass Box // Glenfarclas // Glenfiddich // Glengoyne // Glenlivet // Springbank // Macallan // Mortlach // Nikka // Kavalan // Amrut // Glenmorangie // Laphroaig // Kilchoman // Ledaig // Tobermory // Highland Park // Ardmore // Arran // Penderyn // GlenDronach // Clynelish // Glengoyne // Oban // Talisker // Hunter Laing // Douglas Laing // Redbreast // Teeling // Tomatin // Evan Williams // Smooth Ambler // That Boutique-y Whisky Company // Kilchoman // Four Roses // Michter’s // BenRiach // Benromach // Jura + more

– ENTRY TICKETS £40 –

We hope to see you at the Midlands Whisky Festival tickets are available to buy online! 

BUY TICKETS

The Whisky Shop Dufftown Autumn Festival

• Michel Couvreur 12 Year Overaged Malt Whisky (750ml) ( $69.99) Michel Couvreur is a Belgian and an independent bottler of single malt scotch. His cellars are located in Bouze-les-Beaune in the heart of Burgundy. Michel ages his single malts for years in sherry butts and then in demijohns or giant bottles kept in total darkness in the exceptional well-protected underground galleries of Bouze-les-Beaune. Vatted from 54 whiskies aged more than 12 years (12 to 27 years) in oak casks, this malt has a rich amber color, a nose full of dried flowers, tobacco leaf, Jerez wine and fat almond, and a powerful, fruity, long finish. What a fantastic accompaniment to smoked salmon when served over ice. It is also perfect as a dinner digestive served at room temperature.

• Michel Couvreur K&L Exclusive Overaged Peated Malt Whisky (750ml) ( $82.99) The chance to work with Michel Couvreur on a special K&L whisky project was something that David and I had been dreaming of for years. We had heard the stories. This crazy Belgian had moved to Burgundy in the 60s, carved out a wine cellar inside a mountain, only to fill it with Scottish single malt whisky instead of pinot noir. He set up camp in Beaune, ordered new-make spirit to be delivered by tanker, and drove down to Jerez himself; selecting his own sherry butts to insure only the finest quality casks for his contracted spirit. Unfortunately, Michel Couvreur passed away last year from pancreatic cancer, thus ending the career of one of the industry’s most courageous pioneers. Luckily for us, however, apprentice Jean-Arnaud has carried on after studying under Michel for more than a decade. When we visited the underground cave this past Spring, we were all in total awe. The tunnels of dripping stone go on forever, and the amount of whisky stored in this secret lair is jawdropping. We put our trust completely in Jean-Arnaud and are happy we did. Our peated version of the incredible sherry expression is a seamless creation that drinks like the best version of Johnnie Black ever, mixed with the most supple and soft expressions of Macallan. It’s a lush, unfiltered, creamy, caramel-laden dream of a whisky composed only of malts 12 years and older. There’s a bit of peat on the finish, but the soft sherry is the star. (NOTE: do NOT cut the hard wax seal, tap it so that it breaks)

• Michel Couvreur Pale Single-Single Whisky (750ml) ( $109.99) Michel Couvreur is a Belgian and an independent bottler of single malt scotch. His cellars are located in Bouze-les-Beaune in the heart of Burgundy. Michel ages his single malts for years in sherry butts and then in demijohns or giant bottles kept in total darkness in the exceptional well-protected underground galleries of Bouze-les-Beaune. The Pale-Single is a lighter style of whisky, not nearly as heavily sherried as his other expressions, that is quite fruity and floral in flavor, but with a lingering note of toasted almonds and savory richness.

K&L Wine Merchants
http://www.klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
Email: wine@klwines.com
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

NEW ERA FOR SA WHISKY

Jeff Green has been appointed as the new distillery manager of the James Sedgwick Distillery in Wellington taking over the helm from Andy Watts after 25 years. Jeff has been working at the distillery as process manager and distiller since 2009.

Andy will now take lead responsibility for the entire whisky portfolio of Distell as the global head of whisky intrinsic for the Centre of Excellence, a new department created by Distell to focus on the process, quality and style of products across its range of wines, spirits, ciders and other ready-to-drinks.

He will in addition to providing strategic guidance to the production of the range of Three Ships Whiskies and Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky, made at the James Sedgwick Distillery, be responsible for the company’s Scottish whisky portfolio which includes Bunnahabhain, Deanston, Tobermory, Black Bottle and Scottish Leader.

Andy says this new chapter in his career is very exciting and one he will embrace wholeheartedly.

“It will be very difficult to not have the lead responsibility anymore for the James Sedgwick Distillery family and the 24/7 operation of the site, but I couldn’t have left the reins in more capable hands than that of Jeff and I will be supporting him throughout this transition as best I can.”

“I look forward in taking on the challenges of helping craft the production of our world-class brands along with our world-class teams already in place and focusing on innovation and bringing to life some of my work in progress whiskies at the James Sedgwick Distillery.”

Andy will continue to work closely alongside the South African marketing team as the master distiller of Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky and Three Ships range of whiskies. He leaves for the USA in two weeks time to continue the roll-out of Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky into two more states.

Jeff, who has worked alongside Andy for the past six years, taking lead responsibility for mashing, fermentation and distillation, is set to continue the legacy that Andy leaves behind.

“It is an incredible honour to be appointed as distillery manager, only the 7^th in the 130 year history of the distillery. I have the deepest respect and appreciation for what Andy has achieved during his tenure, not only shaping the way whisky is made in South Africa, but also creating a demand for our whiskies abroad with the incredible international awards he managed to garner over the years.

“It certainly is big shoes to fill, but I’m looking forward to taking on the challenge of catapulting South African whisky to the next level!”

Jeff has always had a keen interest in the latest food and beverage trends. He completed his Masters in Food Science before starting his career in beer, wine and cider-making. Ironically, it was his love of science that brought him to the making of whisky a few years later in 2009, when he joined the SA whisky team.

Grindlay’s Selection Single Cask Release

Grindlay’s Selection’s latest releases from the family owned Scotland Grindlay Ltd. Quality Single Cask Single Malts produced in premium packaging for the discerning client.  These quality Single Cask Single Malts are available at selected retailers in the UK and EU.

Single Cask 1997 from Ben Nevis distillery 228 bottles produced at 52.6% Single Cask 1996 from Glentauchers distillery 210 bottles produced at 54.5% Single Cask 1996 from Dailuaine distillery 236 bottles produced at 57%      Single Cask 2006 from Craigellachie distillery 292 bottles produced at 64.1%

The Scotland Grindlay family are delighted with the quality of the premium packaged Single Cask Single Malts and the good reception the products have received in the Marketplace.

More information and contact information at www.scotlandgrindlay.com/

www.drinkaware.co.uk

Win a bottle of Michter’s 20 Year Old Single Barrel Bourbon

This summer, we’re all about bourbon. We’ve paired up bourbon with barbecue, shown you how to make a Mint Julep, tried to answer the question ‘What is bourbon?‘, and, to cap it all, are giving away a bottle of the excellent Michter’s 20 Year Old Single Barrel Bourbon.

The folks at Michter’s are bottling some amazing whiskey, but it’s the limited-edition single-barrel bourbon that has really excited the collectors, connoisseurs and geeks. With only a tiny number of bottles released every year, and only a fraction of those making their way outside of the USA, we’re very pleased to have been able to get one to give away in our prize draw.

It’s so rare, that I’ve not had a chance to try it. Fortunately, Stu managed to have a taste at The Whisky Exchange The Whisky Show last year:

MICHTER’S 20 YEAR OLD SINGLE BARREL BOURBON

Nose: Rich and polished, and surprisingly bright considering its age. Seductive notes of leather and mocha.

Palate: Toffee and classy oak dominate, then solid spiciness comes through. The richness masks the high abv.

Finish: Very long, with complex spice intertwining with the oak and fruit. Sensational.

To enter, all you need to do is buy a bottle of the flagship Michter’s US*1 Small Batch Bourbon before 11.59pm on 9 August 2016. You can find full details on our Michter’s competition page. Good luck!

Ardbeg 20 Year Old 1996 Chieftain’s

Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

This week Joe Ellis reviews Glengoyne 10 Year Old Single Malt.

https://youtu.be/4I8qtUsX7OQ

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DEWAR’S® STRIKES GOLD AT THE ISC

Glasgow, Scotland, 15^th July 2016 – In a category dominated by single malt whisky, DEWAR’S Blended Scotch Whisky won an impressive, four GOLD awards at the International Spirits Challenge™ 2016.  The awards highlight the commitment to premium Scotch whisky through the DEWAR’S portfolio of aged blends and reinforces DEWAR’S claim as the most awarded Blended Scotch whisky in the world.

Holding its own in a world of single malts, DEWAR’S received the competition’s distinguished GOLD medal for DEWAR’S 12 Years Old, DEWAR’S 18 Years Old, DEWAR’S White Label Scratched Cask and for DEWAR’s 30 Years Old Ne Plus Ultra, a small batch premium bottling of the oldest ever release from DEWAR’S in its enduring 170-year history.

“When it comes to creating outstanding whisky cocktails and recommending exceptionally smooth blends to customers, bartenders are continually reaching for DEWAR’S all over the world,” said Fraser Campbell, Dewar’s Global Brand Ambassador.  “We continue to champion age statements which we believe is the single, clearest signifier to consumers of quality and are proud to see our double-aged and limited edition blends continually receiving recognition in highly respected competitions like the International Spirits Challenge. ”

DEWAR’S enjoys an unrivalled track record in international competitions and is famed the world over for its blended whiskies. Taking extra steps in the maturation process with double-ageing and proudly proclaimed age statements are just two of the reasons why DEWAR’S has become the world’s most awarded blended Scotch whisky.

Now in its 21^st year, the International Spirits Challenge is one of the most authoritative, respected and influential spirits competitions in the world. Founded on a rigorous and independent judging process. They receive over 1,300 entries from nearly 70 countries worldwide, making the ISC a truly global competition. Winning an ISC award is indeed an impressive achievement for any spirit that passes the scrupulous blind assessment from the experienced panel of specialist judges. 

For more information about DEWAR’S Scotch whisky, visit www.dewars.com/

Notes: 

The International Spirits Challenge

Now in its 21st year, the ISC is the premier event in promoting outstanding quality spirits from across the globe. The competition is founded on a rigorous and independent judging process, which serves to encourage the high calibre of spirits, designs and campaigns entered each year. Receiving more than 1,300 entries from nearly 70 countries worldwide makes the ISC a truly global competition. It is supported by many of the world’s leading spirits producers as the international standard for quality and excellence. www.internationalspiritschallenge.com/

About DEWAR’S Scotch whisky Founded in 1846 by John Dewar, DEWAR’S has grown from a small wine and spirits merchant shop in Scotland, to one of the largest Scotch whisky brands in the world.  Best known for its iconic DEWAR’S White Label, it has expanded its family to create a portfolio of premium and super premium whiskies including DEWAR’S 12 Year Old, DEWAR’S 15 Year Old, DEWAR’S 18 Year Old, the exclusive DEWAR’S Signature and most recently DEWAR’S Scratched Cask. These whiskies are crafted using the DEWAR’S oak marrying ageing process. Pioneered by DEWAR’S in 1899, it involves returning the hand-crafted blend to vintage oak casks for further maturation. The result is a smoother taste with a long, lingering finish; a taste that wins medals and applause, making DEWAR’S the world’s most awarded blended Scotch. The DEWAR’S® brand is part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited.

www.dewars.com/

List of International Spirits Challenge 2016 awards:

Dewar’s White Label

• Silver, International Spirits Challenge 2016

Dewar’s White Label Scratched Cask

• Gold, International Spirits Challenge 2016

Dewar’s 12 Years Old

• Gold, International Spirits Challenge 2016

Dewar’s 15 Years Old

• Silver, International Spirits Challenge 2016

Dewar’s 18 Years Old

• Gold, International Spirits Challenge 2016

Dewar’s Signature

• Silver, International Spirits Challenge 2016

Dewar’s 30 Years Old NE PLUS ULTRA

• Gold, International Spirits Challenge 2016

DEWAR’S, ITS TRADE DRESS, TRUE SCOTCH, THE CELTIC DEVICE AND THE JOHN DEWAR SIGNATURE ARE TRADEMARKS. ©2016 ENJOY RESPONSIBLY.