Wow, so summer is here at last. We hope that you have time to enjoy the weather with your families and have some time away from the daily grind.

So much has happened and taken place for us – and I’m sure all of you – but there is still so much more to come. No rest for the wicked! In May and June we had The London Whisky Weekender, Fèis Ìle 2014, the ‘Spirit of Indie’ and Glenlivet series and more besides.

So, in this eagerly awaited instalment of ‘The Lounger’ you will find news on the next Whisky Festivals, the current and next tasting series and other events, plus industry news, an event review and of course the all-important competition…

Let’s crack on!

SINGLE MALTS OF SCOTLAND

Our current series is going great guns with the London, Leeds and Liverpool dates having already taken place. However, if you are in Sheffield, Newcastle, Brighton or York you are in luck as there are still places available! A lovely tasting of 6 single cask stunners from the ‘Single Malts of Scotland’ range.

SMOS – DATES AND VENUES:

SHEFFIELD Tuesday 15th July 7pm THE TAP, PLATFORM 1B, TRAIN STN.
BRIGHTON Thursday 17th July 7pm LORD NELSON, 36 TRAFALGAR ST.
NEWCASTLE Friday 18th July 7pm BLACKFRIARS, FRIAR STREET

SEPTEMBER WORLD WHISKY REVIEW

One of our most popular tasting series is back, bigger and better than ever!  As most of you will know, we love whiskies from everywhere as long as they are tasty. Well, more and more whiskies from all over the world qualify in this regard. So for this series, put simply, we will be tasting – blind – six whiskies from around the world in our regular venues around the country. Just click on the relevant link below to get booking.

WORLD WHISKY REVIEW – DATES AND VENUES:

LONDON Wednesday 10th Sept 7pm THE RED LION, CROWN PASSAGE
SHEFFIELD Tuesday 16th Sept 7pm THE TAP, PLATFORM 1B, TRAIN STN.
LIVERPOOL Wednesday 17th Sept 7pm JENNY’S BAR, FENWICK ST.
LEEDS Thursday 18th Sept 7pm CROSSKEYS, WATER LANE
BRIGHTON Thursday 18th Sept 7pm LORD NELSON, 36 TRAFALGAR ST. MANCHESTER Friday 19th Sept 7pm BRITONS PROTECTION
NEWCASTLE Friday 19th Sept 7pm BLACKFRIARS, FRIAR STREET
YORK Saturday 20th Sept 7pm BRIGANTES, MICKLEGATE

TASTING FROM HOME PACK

For those unwilling or unable to make a ‘physical’ tasting, we will be offering this series as a ‘tasting pac’k so you can enjoy at your leisure from home. These have been extremely popular so far and this version will be available from September – watch this space!

WHISKY (FESTIVALS) GALORE!
Early-Bird for Liverpool & York(shire)

Our ‘autumn season’ festivals will soon be upon us and we wanted to give you one final opportunity to take advantage of the early-bird tickets for Liverpool and York(shire). To that effect we will keep the 2 for £50 offer on both these festivals until this Sunday, the 12th July. After that, like Manchester, both festivals will revert to the regular price of £30 for a full day ticket or £20 for a half day’s fun. Still great value, but I’m sure you’d rather pay less! Just click on the relevant banner to be taken to the relevant festival.

We are working hard to make these the best festivals in their respective areas yet, so keep checking the website for more details on exhibitors and classes over the summer.

EVENT REVIEWS

We’ve desperately been trying to keep up with all of our events on the ‘Blog’ and so we have reviews of the amazing London Whisky Weekender, our Tall Ship tastings at the Islay Festival and our recent Glenlivet Vertical series. Worth taking a look I reckon, plus check out the video of the London Whisky Weekender – you might spot yourself!

COMPETITION TIME

Seeing as there is a small competition for teams from various nations kicking an inflated leather globe around a field at the moment, we thought we would theme our very own competition around this obscure pastime. Click here to submit your answers.

1. Which brand of whisky has ex-England Footballer David Beckham signed for as Brand Ambassador?
2. Which Islay Distillery hosted its very own World Cup at this years Fèis Ìle?
3. Which Scotch Distillery is geographically closest to Brazil, the host nation and ex-players of Football?
4. Name 4 whisky distilleries located in the World Cup finalists (2014) home countries.
5. Who famously stated that ‘this whisky has more bite than Luis Suarez’?

2 winners will receive a World Whisky Review tasting pack when we have them in September.

MUSIC FESTIVALS

You may or may not realise that last year TWL ‘did’ its first music festival – The Beacons Festival in North Yorkshire. The team took the cask bar and a complement of fine whiskies and educated, entertained and refreshed the festival-goers into the small hours over three days.

Well, so good a time did we have that we have decided to do it all again! This time Joe and team will be not only be at Beacons once more, but also the fabulous Secret Garden Party in Cambridge. So if you or anyone you know are planning a trip to either, tell them to come and say hi and try some great whiskies.

Enjoy your summer whatever you get up to and remember a whisky is not just for winter!

Sláinte,
Eddie, Amanda and Joe
The Whisky Lounge Team

Price: £25.00
Date: Thursday 31st July
Time: 7:00PM
Location: N&P Cellars, Stourbridge get directions

BOOK ONLINE

JULY UPDATE: NEW STAR STRIKERS SUBBED ON

The team have barely set out their stall when, just minutes in to the first half, Members all over the country rise to their feet in a frenzy of excitement as nearly half the July players are carried off the pitch. But it’s a game of two halves so we’ve rushed to sub in some star strikers. Wearing number 121.72 is the legendary playmaker form the Western Isles and keep an eye out for fresh talent, 4.193: for a big lad, he’s good with his feet. At the end of the day, it’s a funny old game and none of the pundits can predict the line-up for next week, so get yours in the back of the net today…

Sweet, fruity & mellow

121.72 A curious camping trip

NEW WEB EXCLUSIVE!

BUY £49.20

7.100 Hawaiian holidays

BUY £134.80

Spicy & sweet

36.76 A sweet Winter Warmer

NEW!

BUY £56.70

9.85 A seesaw of sweet and savoury

BUY £54.50

Light & delicate

37.56 Sweet, tart and spicy

NEW!

BUY £45.00

Oily & coastal

4.193 Spicy lamb ’next-day’ sandwich

NEW WEB EXCLUSIVE!

BUY £60.00

Browse New Outturn

Browse all bottlings

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

CHIVAS REGAL GETS SET TO SELECT THE FIRST CHIVAS MASTER

On Tuesday 15 July 2014 in New York City, Chivas Regal, the world’s original luxury whisky, will announce the global winner of the inaugural Chivas Masters competition.

Launched earlier this year, the competition has seen the world’s best bartenders from 13 countries compete for the title, whilst in search of the next generation of classic cocktails. Throughout the competition competitors have been asked to craft a modern classic drink inspired by four great cocktail eras; the Classic Age (1880-1920) the Post War Boom (1945-1965), the Disco Years (1975-1990) and lastly the modern Age of Revivalism.

Over the course of the two-day final, a panel of industry experts will conduct a series of workshops and challenges to test the creativity, style and mixology skills of the competitors. Max Warner, Chivas Global Brand Ambassador will be joined by an esteemed panel of judges including Ago Perrone, Director of Mixology at the Connaught Bar in London to select the final Master. The judges will be assessing competitors on performance, knowledge of cocktail culture and creativity, and will be looking for a cocktail that can stand the test of time to become the next cocktail classic.

The winner of the Chivas Masters title will be announced at a cocktail evening at Nomad, New York, and will be presented with a grand prize on the night of 15th July. All competitors taking part in the competition will conclude their trip with a visit to the world’s premier cocktail festival ‘Tales of the Cocktail’ in New Orleans, where Chivas is sponsoring the Best American/International Cocktail Bar at the Spirited Awards.

For more information visit: www.chivas.com 

About Chivas Regal

Chivas Regal is a truly global brand, selling 4.9 million 9L cases annually in more than 150 countries across Europe, Asia Pacific and Americas. The Chivas Regal range is the epitome of style, substance and exclusivity and includes Chivas Regal 12, 18 and 25 Year Old. www.chivas.com

About Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits. Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin. Its portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport. www.chivasbrothers.com

BALLANTINE’S ANNOUNCES THE WINNER OF THE BAR PROJECT 

“L’Epicerie”, a grocery-themed bar designed by Moroccan-born Abderrahim El Afsar, will be brought to life by Ballantine’s in the heart of Paris this autumn

Ballantine’s, the world’s No 2 Scotch whisky, today announced the winner of The Bar Project; an innovative and entrepreneurial challenge that took place in France earlier this year, offering consumers the unique opportunity to devise a concept for their own dream bar.  The Bar Project by Ballantine’s saw more than 100 bar concepts submitted – via Facebook – by the French public. A jury including Simon Baldeyrou, CEO of Deezer in France and Laura Leonard, a renowned interior designer, selected their top three entries, which were then put to the public vote, with “L’Epicerie” achieving almost 50% of the overall votes cast.  

The winner of the challenge, as voted for by the public, is Abderrahim El Afsar – more commonly known as “Abdou” –  whose Moroccan-inspired, grocery-themed bar concept will now be brought to life by Ballantine’s this September, within famous Parisian club “Le Chacha”. 

Abdou’s unique cocktail bar concept “L’Epicerie” enables the customer to select their own fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices, with these ingredients then forming the base of their own sophisticated and delicious cocktail. Infused with plants, spice jars, fruit baskets and bouquets of fresh herbs, “L’Epicerie” evokes the sense of a Moroccan ‘night food market’. Customers will be able to browse the bar’s inviting shelves, filling their shopping basket with the finest ingredients of their choice. The experienced mixologists behind the bar will then create an innovative whisky cocktail with these ingredients, selecting the most appropriate expression from the Ballantine’s range to match, which customers will be able to drink around the large host table that forms the centrepiece of the bar. 

Abdou El Asfari, the winning designer of this impressive concept, was born in Morocco and went on to become Head Bartender at several well-known bars in the country. He moved to France in 2013 to continue to practise his passion in luxury hotels and at private parties, always staying true to his Moroccan roots and taking inspiration from the country’s opulent spices, fresh fruits and vegetables. 

Abdou commented: “I have always dreamed of creating my own bar and, thanks to The Bar Project by Ballantine’s, it’s finally come true. I have learned so much through the whole experience, and I can’t wait until the grand opening of my bar this September!” 

Peter Moore, Global Brand Director for Ballantine’s, added: “The Bar Project has been a hugely successful pilot initiative for Ballantine’s in France, and we were pleased to see such high quality entries from across the country. L’Epicerie is a hugely innovative concept and one that reflects Abdou’s own Moroccan heritage and back-story. We hope to now see some of our other Ballantine’s markets continuing the success of the campaign and launching The Bar Project in their own country, giving our customers around the world the chance to participate.” 

“L’Epicerie” will open its doors to the public on the 4^th September 2014, on the first floor of Le Chacha, situated in Paris’s first district. 

For more information about The Bar Project by Ballantine’s, visit www.ballantinesbarproject.fr. 

Notes

About The Bar Project by Ballantine’s:

The Bar Project by Ballantine’s launched in France in February 2014, offering French consumers the chance to create the bar of their dreams, with the winning design to be brought to life by Ballantine’s for a limited period in the heart of Paris. More than 100 designs were submitted, which were then reviewed by a panel of experts; Simon Baldeyrou, CEO of Deezer France, Laura Leonard, renowned interior designer, Hirmane Abdoulhakime, Artisitic Director of Le Chacha Club and Mathieu Deslandes, Marketing Director of Pernod. Three finalists were chosen – “L’Epicerie”, “The Charlatan” and “Ball Cocktail” – and were put to the public vote, with “L’Epicerie” being crowned the overall winner. Ballantine’s will now work with the winning designer, Abdou El Asfari, to bring his design to life for a limited period in Le Chacha Club. The bar will officially open to the public on the 4^th September 2014. 

About Le Chacha Club:

Le Chacha is situated in the heart of Paris’s first district, a key feature of the nightlife scene. A restaurant, bar and nightclub, the décor evokes a 1930s apartment with the various rooms lending themselves to a range of uses, from showrooms to fashion shoots and even music studios. The winner of The Bar Project by Ballantine’s will be given the opportunity to transform the first floor of Le Chacha; 45 square meters will be converted into a new look in line with the winner’s vision. 

About Ballantine’s:

Ballantine’s is the No 1 Scotch whisky in Europe and the world’s No 2 Scotch whisky by volume, and the range sells over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won more than 120 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for quality, as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the exclusive 40 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by the latest in a tradition of Master Blenders that dates back to 1827. 

About Chivas Brothers:

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits. Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin. Its portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater Gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport.

BACK IN STOCK…
(items we’ve carried in the past that have just arrived again)

Canada – Other Spirits

• Royal Canadian Small Batch Canadian Whisky 750ml (Elsewhere $30) ( Price: Hidden )

Scotland – Single Malt Scotch

• Arran Sauternes Finish Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 5 available ($69.99)

United States – Bourbon and Rye

• Dad’s Hat Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey 750ml ($42.99)

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

The Big Whisky Interview…

Paul McLean interviews a bottle of Laphroaig Select 

Where do I start? … well hello Mr Select, it is good to meet you.  Please – tell me, where were you born?

Select: I am an Islay production, born and bred Islay, off Scotland’s west coast. My ancestors are also from Islay, I can trace them back to 1815.

Paul: Tell me a wee bit about yourself.

Select: I like to think I am special, even though a part of a big family. I have a large part of me that is Scottish, a part American; I have been left alone to contemplate for 6 months in a warm warehouse. I also have some European in me – I am sweet really with a powerful aroma.

Paul: You have that certain Islay colour about you. Have you been in the sun?

Select: No, mine is a natural colour, very complex in my taste. I do love giving pleasure to people, I am a FRIENDLY KIND!

Paul: What do you know of your ancestors?

Select: 80-90 years ago, Ian Hunter was one of the biggest influences in my life as he was one of the first distillers to travel to bourbon county in the USA. He later married this ‘new’ style with European (I have a hint of Spain in me also). I have a grand history!

Paul: How old are you?

Select: Ah, I cannot say, all I will say is that I am well matured. I am a blend of family members.

Paul: You obviously like meeting people. Where can they find you? 

Select: At the moment I am on a world tour, starting in Australia and parts of Europe, and soon to be visiting the US later this month. I will be touring the world – give me time.

Paul: Many thanks for your time Mr Select, much appreciated.

Paul wishes to thank Vicky at Laphroaig and all the team on Islay in the help of this interview. The “interview” ended with a dram, and grand it was, a dram for sharing and a dram to savour slowly looking out over the sea that surrounds Laphroaig distillery. 

Select; Bottled at 40% ABV, Laphroaig tell me that the new single malt offers the trademark ‘peat reek’, an additional layer of complexity and depth brought about by the fusion of the maturation styles and different woods. Master Distiller John Campbell said; “Select is an exciting and unique expression that brings together the best of Laphroaig’s flavour profile”. Who are we to disagree? 

http://www.mcleanscotland.com/

http://www.angelswhiskyclub.com/

Some of the best tasting whiskies fit for any budget – we have something for everyone right here at Loch Fyne Whiskies!

North British 1989 Carn Mor Black and Gold 24 year old.
Click to buy £230

Highland Park 1989 Carn Mor Black and Gold 24 year old.
Click to buy £350

Glenrothes 1989 Black and Gold Carn Mor 24 year old.
Click here to buy £290

Glen Keith Signatory 1992 21 year old.
Click here to buy £80

Arran 18 year old Old Malt Cask Selection.
Click here to buy £95

Bunnahabhain Signatory 2002 11 year old.
Click here to buy – £80

Glengoyne 10 year old 40% Alc

Beam Suntory To Begin Distributing Suntory Whisky Brands In The United States And Germany Beginning July 1

Deerfield, Illinois, June 2014 – Beam Suntory Inc., one of the world’s leading spirits companies, today announced that it will begin distribution of the Suntory Japanese and Scotch whiskies and Midori liqueur in the United States and Germany beginning July 1st.

In both markets, distribution of brands including Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whisky, Bowmore and Auchentoshan single-malt Scotch whisky, and Midori will transition from current third-party distribution arrangements to the company’s own routes to market. As the company’s brands are already distributed together in Japan, the Beam Suntory portfolio will now be combined in markets representing more than 70% of the company’s total net sales.

“This is an important milestone in the integration of the Beam Suntory spirits portfolio,” said Matt Shattock, chairman and CEO of Beam Suntory. “Our sales force and distributors in the important U.S. and Germany markets are excited to begin selling these growing, high-quality premium Japanese and Scotch whiskies, as well as the dynamic Midori brand.  And our Beam Suntory marketing team is gearing up to help further build these brands and expand consumer demand. We see the opportunity to build a global Japanese whisky category in the years ahead, and this is the first step.”

The U.S. and Germany mark the first route-to-market transitions since the acquisition of Beam by Suntory Holdings, which was completed on April 30th. “We thank Campari for its distribution support and stewardship of the Suntory brands in the U.S. and Germany over the years,” Shattock added. 

Further route-to-market integration is expected to be completed later this year.