This week Joe Ellis carries on his vertical tasting of the Springbank whiskies and reviews Hazelburn CV

http://youtu.be/Kh5I-iT2PIA

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Benrinnes 21 Year Old Distillery Edition Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 3 available ($399.99)

Cragganmore 25 Year Old Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 6 available ($499.99

Macallan Royal Wedding Malt Whisky – 1 available ($4,999.99)

Port Ellen 35 Year Old Distillery Edition Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 5 available ($3,099.99)

Rosebank 21 Year Old 2014 Special Release Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 3 available ($449.99)

The Singleton of Glendullan 38 Year Old Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 6 available ($1,199.99)

K&L Wine Merchants
http://www.klwines.com
Phone: 877-KLWines (toll free 877-559-4637)
Email: wine@klwines.com
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

Beside the popular whisky sailing journeys along the Westcoast of Scotland the Thalassa will sail a most unique whisky expedition in 2015, starting from the rugged Westcoast, passing by the Northern treasures of Scotland and ending at the more quiet Eastcoast.

Decide to join our newest whisky expedition and visit within one week not only the West of Scotland (Islay), but also the beautiful North(Skye and Orkney) to end this spectacular holiday at the Eastcoast, Buckie. A journey that cannot be made with regular means of transportation is within reach by ship for you.

A rather unique combination of pure sailing pleasure with the most famous whisky distilleries of Scotland, this can only happen on board of tall ship Thalassa!

Would you like to experience such a special adventure in 2015? Take your chances and make your reservation inmediately!

Read more…

Program and prices whisky expedition

Start: Saturday 6th of June 2015 in TROON

End: Saturday 13th of June 2015 in BUCKIE

Price: € 995,- per person

The whisky expedition includes:

– 7 overnight stays on board in a double cabin, each with its own shower;

– all meals during the journey (breakfast, lunch and dinner);

– drinks during the meals (coffee. tea, milk and water) and

– 2 whiskytastings on board, presented by whisky experts.

Not included are alcoholic beverages (whisky, wine and beer), soft drinks, the entrance tickets to the whisky distilleries or attractions ashore. Also you are responsible for arranging your means of transportation to and back from Scotland, these costs are not included in the price for this whisky expedition.

Sailing schedule whisky expedition

The journey starts in Troon, on the Westcoast of Scotland and ends in Buckie, at the Eastern coast of Scotland.

Day 1: Embarkation in Troon, leave for Islay

Day 2: Port Ellen, visit numerous distilleries, at evening head towards Bunnahabhain

Day 3: Visit distillery of Bunnahabhain, leave North to Skye

Day 4: Visit Tallisker distillery, sail towards Orkney

Day 5: Prolong journey to Okrney, sleep over in Stromness

Day 6: Orkney, visit distilleries of Highland Park and Scapa

Day 7: Sail to Buckie

Day 8: Disembarkation in Buckie

NB: The definite sailing route depends on wind and weather conditions. Because of thisthe ship’s captain has the right to change this schedule if necessary. 

The ship

During the trip the guests are facilitated on board of tall ship Thalassa in one of the 15 high quality double cabins, each with a private shower.

With her 14 sails , altogether 800 square metres, tall ship Thalassa makes an ipressive appearance. Rigges according to century-old traditions and equipped according to the latest security regulations , tall ship Thalassa is extremely safe and seaworthy.

Information and online booking

More information about this whisky expedition can be found on our special website http://www.whiskyzeilreizen.nl/index_uk.php. For further questions  please contact us by email or phone: +31 – (0)10 – 4156600. Click here to book this journey online.

Welcome on board!

HOLLANDS GLORIE

Liesbeth Wammes – de Graaf

Brigitte Beckers

Cask No. 2.88                         $180

Cinderella weeping over matchmakers

Speyside, Spey

The nose presented rich, fruity, cakey sweetness – black bun, Christmas cake, treacle tart, ginger snaps and maple candy – along with some oak and vanilla notes. The palate was intensely sweet, with muscovado sugar, dark chocolate and treacle, but with an Indian spice trick up its sleeve (cumin, clove, sugar-coated fennel seeds) – then some ash, dry wood and coffee on the finish. The reduced nose contrasted hints of burnt tyres with assorted chocolate matchmakers (mint, orange, coffee). The palate now had ginger and chocolate sweet heat, while cinders and salt evoked a tearful Cinderella. The distillery had a major expansion in 2010.

Drinking tip: With coffee as an after dinner treat

Colour: Deep honeycomb

Cask: Refill hogshead

Age: 20 years

Date distilled: September 1993

Alcohol: 47.1%

USA allocation: 120 bottles

Cask No. 7.101                               $105

Playing with Colours

Speyside, Lossie

To begin with all the aromas were white; chocolate, pepper, marshmallows, vanilla ice cream and natural yoghurt. Slowly colour was added; lemon and lime, bananas, strawberries as well as other fruits of the forest. The taste was hot and peppery, white chilli chocolate but at the same time sweet, fruity and sour like Haribo Tangfastics – quite an experience. With water the fizziness of a cream soda and carbonating fruits with dry ice appear alongside the creaminess of a pineapple milkshake and a key lime pie. The taste changed completely, extremely smooth like a dollop of rum and raisin ice cream with a hint of cinnamon.

Drinking tip: Enjoy the difference neat and with water

Colour: Winter sunshine

Cask: First-fill barrel

Age: 10 years

Date distilled: May 2003

Alcohol: 60.2%

USA allocation: 60 bottles

Cask No. 26.99                               $185

The Fisherman’s Friend

Highland, Northern

One of our panel members indulges in a spot of angling and instantly recognised the aromas of waxed jackets, wicker basket and oiled fishing reels. Crushed nettles and citronella candle, along with Autumnal orchards completed the riverbank scenario. The mouthfeel started with cooling starfruit and lemon drizzle cake, then slowly a honeycomb warmth crept over the tongue with stealth. Raisins plumped with cola, fruit salad sweeties and Black Jacks emerged when water was added, with some Springtime florals. A hint of flaxseed oil but overall deliciously juicy and distinctly moreish.

Drinking tip: The panel preferred this without the river water

Colour: Toasted waffles

Cask: Refill barrel

Age: 23 years

Date distilled: August 1990

Alcohol: 48.5%

USA allocation: 117 bottles

Cask No. 59.49                               $240

Celebration in a glass

Highland, Northern

Calming and relaxing were the first comments after a long silence in the Panel. One could literally hear the deep breathing – aromas of treacle sponge, roasted chestnuts, beeswax, roasted orange slices, and a tropical rum trifle. The taste has depth layers of flavour which are all subtle and harmonizing creating an experience that is hard to describe; tangy marmalade, Prosciutto ham served with melon balls soaked in brandy as well as a well-aged Riesling. With a drop of water now like a Trockenbeerenauslese, rich texture but also juicy, enormous weight and depth and an almost salty tanginess at the finish – you just have to experience that!

Drinking tip: Life in itself is worth one big celebration

Colour: Liquid centre of a Locket

Cask: Refill hogshead

Age: 30 years

Date distilled: November 1983

Alcohol: 49.2%

USA allocation: 90 bottles

Cask No. G7.7                        $160

Old Codger with a Jammy Dodger

Grain

An unusual old character brimming with rich honey, plums infused with cinnamon and saffron. The panel found wet wool along with earthy aromas. The taste neat was of Jammy Dodgers and melted stroopwafel, then slightly burned toast with sweet jam and hints of mint. The chair was reminded of the aromas of the shortbread factory in Aberlour High Street with bagfuls of vanilla pods, maple syrup and creme brulee. It remained lively with fig and peach giving out to toasted banana bread, and fruit scones. ‘Old Spice’ aftershave mingled in the finish, still plenty of pep in this pensioner.

Drinking tip: When you fancy something unusual

Colour: Buffed brass candlesticks

Cask: Refill hogshead

Age: 30 years

Date distilled: May 1984

Alcohol: 59.4%

USA allocation: 72 bottles

www.smwsa.com

Scotland’s Favourite Son

Affectionately known as ‘Scotland’s favourite son’ or ‘the Bard of Ayrshire’, the romantic poet and lyricist Robert Burns is responsible for some of Scotland’s most enduring verse and ballads. Although he died in 1796, Burns’ work with its messages of love, freedom and humanity remains as relevant now as during his lifetime. Uncover the origins of Burns Night, and how this humble famer’s son rose to such prominence in our article.

Since they began in the eighteenth century, Burns Nights have featured the Bard’s stirring prose, fine haggis and an exceptional single malt. While these remain vital elements to any evening, we’ve refined what makes Burns Night unmissible here at The Glenlivet and we’ll share the elements with you. If you want to enjoy an unforgettable Burns Night The Glenlivet way, simply follow our guide.

It doesn’t matter whether you celebrate Burns Night with friends or alone, during bleak Scottish winter or in Taiwanese sun so long as you celebrate it. Simply recite the Bard’s inspiring verse and raise a glass of your favourite single malt on 25th January. We can’t think of a better toast for The Glenlivet.

Discover Burns Night, The Glenlivet way

www.ralfy.com tells you a bit about it because we all need to look after our whisky collections !  . . . with Whisky Review 515 – looking after your whisky collection.

The Cheshire Whisky Event (held at Willington Hall – Tarporley) gives you the unique opportunity to sample the greatest whiskies in the world, whilst mingling with the producers and distillers and marketers, all under one roof. 

EXHIBITORS: The Cheshire Whisky Event brings a different balance of exhibitor guaranteeing a selection of the greatest whiskies in the world. 

MASTER CLASSES: These tutored tastings provide a unique insight into the world of whisky and your chance to ask all those hidden questions. You have up to an hour of intense time learning more about your favourite whiskies. 

Many of the Master classes are dedicated to one brand or expression, presented by brand ambassadors, master distillers, leading experts or Whisky Magazine writers, the Whisky Taste Master classes always guarantee a memorable experience. 

TASTINGS: Taste and discover great whiskies, from the classic ranges you may have sampled before to rare and exclusive bottlings. 

New to whisky or a seasoned expert, there is something new for everyone to try at The Cheshire Whisky Event. 

£25.00 per person (which includes admission, samples and entry to one Masterclass). 

THE CHESHIRE WHISKY EVENT

Willington Hall

Tarporley

Chester

CW6 0NB 

Sunday 31st May 

Tickets available from www.edencroft.co.uk 

MASTER CLASS DETAILS 

Master Class 1: Paul John Indian Single Malt Whisky / Presented by Brand Ambassador Krish Kumar. 

Master Class 2: BenRiach, GlenDronach and Glenglassaugh / Presented by Brand Ambassador Stewart Buchanan. 

Master Class 3: anCnoc, Blablair, amd Old Pulteney / Presented by Brand Ambassador David Reid. 

Master Class 4: Tomatin / Presented by Brand Ambassador Alistair Mutch. 

Please state when ordering which if any Master Class you would like to attend.

Highland Queen 1561 30 Year Old Blended Whisky 40% ABV | 70cl

Save over 40% (RRP £120.00) IWSC Gold Medal Winner 2014 Highland Queen 1561 has been produced using traditional cask maturation, where the malt and grain whiskies are blended together and then recasked into barrels for further maturation for a period of at least six months. This allows the whiskies to marry together perfectly to give us an incredibly smooth blended whisky. This is a superb example of a vintage, traditionally produced super premium Scotch whisky. “The result we leave, with confidence to your judgement”   Tasring Notes. The sweetness from the sherry cask comes through on the nose, together with notes of butterscotch, leather and spices. We can also detect hints of cinnamon and apple. In the mouth the whisky is exceptionally smooth and elegant, there are hints of smoke and an underlying flavor of cinnamon apple crumble. The finish is long and elegant.

Price:£58.33 ex VAT £70.00 inc VAT

There’ll be no dry January here! There’s the Bard’s birthday to be celebrated.

CHECK OUT ALL OUR CURRENT MONEY SAVING DEALS HERE!

STILL DON’T KNOW WHAT TO BUY?

We are passionate, knowledgeable and care about good customer service and we would be more than happy to help. Why not email or call us (Tel: +44 131 524 9380) to discuss any whisky or other drinks related queries?
ALTERNATIVELY, HOW ABOUT GIFT VOUCHERS?

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*** RMW EDINBURGH SHOP MANAGER REQUIRED ***

An opportunity has arisen for our Edinburgh Royal Mile Whiskies shop manager position. If you are interested or know anyone you think may be suitable for this important role please see details HERE and ensure your application is submitted before 31st January 2015.
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FOR ALL GENERAL ENQUIRIES PLEASE CALL: 0131 524 9380
or email: contact@royalmilewhiskies.com

Tour “Taster” Unveiled

A new film giving you a “taster” of what to expect when you take a tour at The Famous Grouse Experience has been unveiled. You can watch it here