This week Joe Ellis reviews Jim Murray’s 2014 whisky of the year. The Glenmorangie Ealanta. 

http://youtu.be/wMAUIjB8EVU 

http://Facebook.com/whiskytube 

http://Twitter.com/whiskytube

LAPHROAIG SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY UNVEILS LAPHROAIG SELECT 

Laphroaig Single Malt Scotch Whisky, distributed by Maxxium UK, proudly reveals Laphroaig Select, the newest edition to the award-winning Laphroaig portfolio. 

Laphroaig Select’s unique character is derived from the special selection of casks chosen for maturation.  The heart of the spirit is drawn from a final maturation in new American Oak casks, rarely used for Scotch whisky. 

Representing a subtle blending of peat, oak and sweetness, Laphroaig Master Distiller John Campbell has selected the spirit from Laphroaig Quarter Cask, PX Cask, Triple Wood (European Oak casks) and a final addition of 10 Year Old to create Laphroaig Select. 

Bottled at natural colour, the new single malt offers Laphroaig’s trademark ‘peat reek’ matched by an additional layer of complexity and depth brought about by the fusion of the maturation styles and different oaks. 

Master Distiller John Campbell said; “Select is an exciting and unique expression that brings together the best of Laphroaig’s flavour profile. The inspiration for Laphroaig Select comes from perhaps our greatest family owner, Ian Hunter (1886-1954), one of the first distillers to experiment with both ‘new’ American and ‘traditional’ European oak maturation. As the world’s No.1 Islay malt whisky, we continue to stay true to our long and illustrious heritage, and this expression sits perfectly amongst our award-winning portfolio.” 

 Laphroaig Select is available in selected whisky specialists and retailers (RRP £34.99). 

Tasting notes: Laphroaig Select (ABV 40%)

• Colour: Full sparkling gold
• Nose: Burning embers of peat in a crofter’s fireplace, hints of coconut and banana aromas
• Body: Full bodied
• Palate: Deep, complex and smoky yet offers and surprises the palate with a gentle sweetness
• Finish: Really long, dry with smoke and spice  

To find out more information about Laphroaig or how to become a Friend of Laphroaig, please visit www.laphroaig.com. Please enjoy our brand responsibly www.drinkaware.co.uk  

Notes 

• Laphroaig is the No.1 selling Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky globally
• Unmistakably peat-smoke flavours are delivered by burning local Islay peat, containing unique traces of seaweed and heather.
• One of only a few distilleries that still uses traditional malting floors and dries and infuses its own malt with the thick blue smoke from old peat-fired kilns.
• The Friends of Laphroaig programme keeps fans of the brand up to date with special offers and news from Master Distiller John Campbell. On signing up, members are allocated their own square foot of land on Islay, and their names are added to the members’ book in the friends lounge at the distillery. Members who visit the distillery are invited to collect their ‘rent’ – a dram of Laphroaig. The community comprises more than 600,000 like-minded Scotch fans from more than 190 countries.

General Manager

Salary: £28,000 – £35,000 pa

Location: Edinburgh EH1 2LP

Job reference:

Employer Type: Multiple (Restaurant / Bars & Pubs)

General Manager

We are looking for a pro-active and focused General Manager to join our vibrant team here at WHISKI Bar & Restaurant. As a multi award winning venue, there will certainly never be a dull moment taking the reins here with us.

Welcome to Whiski Bar & Restaurant
Whiski is a multi award winning whisky bar and restaurant mid way down Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and this is a high profile position within a growing company. We specialise in great Scottish food using local suppliers, have a worldwide reputation as one of the best Whisky bars in the world and specialise in live Scottish music – as you would imagine life is never dull here and WHISKY is a huge focus and passion and enthusiasm for it would be a great advantage!

We are dedicated to offering the highest levels of service to our customers and ensuring the venue runs smoothly to company standards. You will report to the directors of the business and have full accountability for all aspects of the business and all staff. You, the staff and all the customers having a great time is essential !

You
Experienced hands on General Manager who leads by example
Friendly outgoing personality a must with the ability to inspire staff
Financially driven with strong business acumen
Excellent written and spoken English
Computer literate and Social Media savvy
Restaurant and Bar experience with a knowledge and passion of whisky a bonus
A current Personal Licence Holder for the sale of alcohol

Duties
This is a “hands on” role and you will be responsible for :

Management and Training of all staff
Meeting and exceeding targets and working to budgets
Controlling the venue and all communications
Focusing on offering the highest levels of service to our customers
Driving the business forward
Managing events

There is a great package on offer for the right candidate £28,000 – £35,000 pa.

If you want to take over the reins here at WHISKI, please email your CV and we are so looking forward to hearing from you.

Some cracking new malts hitting the shelves at Abbey Whisky this month… Malts from Kilchoman, Port Charlotte, Strathisla & Glenlivet; Macallan and Balblair malts distilled in the 70’s & 80’s along with some exciting new malts from Japan and Sweden, to name just a few…

Below we have selected a few for your perusal… To view all our new arrivals, click this link below…

>>> New Whisky Arrivals @ Abbey Whisky <<<

Balblair 1980 / Gordon & MacPhail

Beautiful colour from this 1980 vintage Balblair, aged for over 30 years by Gordon & MacPhail. On the palate; chilli spice with creamy milk chocolate and orange flavours.

Bottled at 43% vol in 2013.

£187.20
(£156.00 ex vat)

Click here to purchase Balblair 1980 bottled by Gordon & MacPhail

Kilchoman Machir Bay 2014 Release

Kilchoman Machir Bay is bottled once a year, with each release containing added aged whisky allowing it’s fans to follow the progress & development of the whisky as it matures each year. This is the 2014 release of Machir Bay and is sure to be another great tasting dram from Islay’s farm distillery.

The 2012 release of Machir Bay was awarded a gold medal at the IWSC.

£39.50
(£32.92 ex vat)

Click here to purchase Kilchoman Machir Bay 2014 Release

The Glenlivet Guardians’ Chapter

The Glenlivet Guardians’ Chapter is here, created from a subtle mixture of casks including American oak hogsheads, American oak barrels and Spanish ex-sherry butts.

This limited edition whisky was chosen by selected Guardians of The Glenlivet; they chose this whisky, an exotic expression.

£55.98
(£46.65 ex vat)

Click here to purchase The Glenlivet Guardians’ Chapter

Mackmyra Vit Hund

Experience Swedish Mackmyra is it’s truest, most natural form. Vit Hund is the raw, unmatured beginning of what will become Mackmyra whisky after cask maturation. Vit Hund translates to white dog in Swedish; American bourbon pioneers called their distillate White Dog before they put it in barrels to mature…

£34.90
(£29.08 ex vat)

Click here to purchase Mackmyra Vit Hund / White Dog Spirit

Nikka Coffey Malt

This unique expression is the result of malted barley distilled in a Coffey still; Coffey stills are usually only used in the production of grain whiskey.

Coffey Still; named after its inventor Aeneas Coffey.

£48.20
(£40.17 ex vat)

Click here to purchase Nikka Coffey Malt Japanese Whisky

Port Charlotte 2004
9 Year Old / The Coopers Choice

A 2004 vintage Port Charlotte (Bruichladdich), bottled by independent whisky bottlers, The Vintage Malt Whisky Company Co. Bottled under their Coopers Choice range, this 9 year old Islay malt whisky was aged in cask number #1032.

Bottled in 2014, 330 bottles filled at 46% vol.

£56.20
(£46.83 ex vat)

Click here to purchase Port Charlotte 2004 Coopers Choice

We are very excited to announce the arrival our first private barrel of Jefferson Small Batch. We really liked this barrel. Stop by the Spirits Library to give it try before you buy!

The Party Source Woodford Reserve Double Oak should be here sometime next week. There are a still a few more barrels we are waiting on. Ridgemont Reserve 1792, Jefferson Reserve, Weller Antique 107, Four Roses, Buffalo Trace and Masterson Rye.

The long anticipated return of the sherry-casked Glendronachs is finally here:

GLENDRONACH Original Single Malt Scotch 12 Year – $47.99

GLENDRONACH Revival Single Malt Scotch 15 Year – $62.99

GLENDRONACH Parliament Single Malt Scotch 21 Year – $134.99

We also received some new additions to the Glendronach line:

GLENDRONACH Single Malt Scotch Oloroso Sherry 17 Year – $111.99

GLENDRONACH Single Malt Scotch Pedro Ximenez Sherry 17 Year – $111.99

GLENDRONACH Single Malt Scotch Tawny Port 15 Year – $62.99

We also have a new round of BenRiach Scotch back in stock:

BENRIACH Single Malt Scotch Heart of Speyside – $32.99

BENRIACH Single Malt Scotch Dark Rum 15 Year – $74.99

As well as six new additions to the BenRiach line:

BENRIACH Single Malt Scotch Horizons 12 Year – $66.99

BENRIACH Single Malt Scotch Oloroso Sherry 2000 12 Year – $73.99

BENRIACH Single Malt Scotch Septendecim Peated Malt 17 Year – $68.99

BENRIACH Single Malt Scotch Solstice Heavily Peated / Port Finish 17 Year- $80.99

BENRIACH Single Malt Scotch Peated / Oloroso Sherry 1994 19 Year – $121.99

BENRIACH Single Malt Scotch Peated / Pedro Jimenez 1994 19 Year – $121.99

Lastly we are back in stock on the exceptional bottling of my favorite Single Malt Whisky!

MORTLACH Single Malt Scotch Gordon & Macphail 15 Year – $62.99

 

Springbank Society Newsletter

May 2014 

Greetings Society Members,

Hope things are well with you all. Things here in Campbeltown are good – as you can imagine we’re getting very excited for the Campbeltown Malts Festival which will begin next Wednesday. We are almost all organised for the invasion and are just sorting out the final touches! Below is a break down of the three days of celebrations: 

Campbeltown Malts Festival 2014 

Wednesday 21st May 2014 

Afternoon // Getting to know Glen Scotia & Celebrating 10 years of the Springbank Society 

The Wednesday afternoon plan will be as follows:

• 12 noon: Free tour of Glen Scotia Distillery (beginning at Glen Scotia – please email me if you would like to book a place)

• 1.30pm: Springbank Society 10 year anniversary tasting in the Tasting Room at Cadenhead’s Whisky Shop

• 2.30pm: Free tour of Glen Scotia Distillery (beginning at Glen Scotia – please email me if you would like to book)

• 4pm: Glen Scotia Masterclass in the Tasting Room at Cadenhead’s Whisky Shop.

Tickets cost £25.00 and will be payable on the day.

Unfortunately the Society Tasting is now fully booked but there is still some space on the 4pm Glen Scotia Masterclass. To book a place on the masterclass or either of the free tours of Glen Scotia please let me know by emailing mairi@springbankwhisky.com  or calling 01586 552009. 

Evening // Mitchell’s Glengyle Distillery 10th Birthday Celebrations 

In the evening we will be holding two events to celebrate the 10th birthday of Mitchell’s Glengyle Distillery. The first is our special Still House Dinner which will be taking place at Glengyle Distillery from 6pm. This event is now sold out but you can still help us celebrate the big birthday by joining us for the Mitchell’s Glengyle 10th Birthday Ceilidh which will be held in the dry goods warehouse at Glengyle Distillery. Music will be provided by local musicians, The Kinloch Ceilidh Band and there will be a licensed bar until midnight with hot filled rolls available for purchase around 10pm. Tickets cost £5.00 and are available from Cadenhead’s Whisky Shop, by emailing mairi@springbankwhisky.com or calling 01586 552009.

Two local hotels, The Craigard House Hotel and The Ardshiel Hotel will also be holding special 3-course whisky dinners on the Wednesday evening. They have both designed menus for the occasion which feature local produce and some whisky themed options.

During the dinner, representatives from Glengyle/Springbank will be in attendance to give diners the very first taste of the new Kilkerran Work in Progress (WIP6). The dinner at The Craigard House Hotel will commence at 6.45pm and will cost £26.00 per person for 3 courses or £31.00 including your ticket to the Glengyle ceilidh. The dinner at the Ardshiel Hotel will commence at 7pm and will cost £24.95 per person for 3 courses or £29.95 including your Glengyle ceilidh ticket. If you would like to book into either of the dinners or receive more information on the menus etc then please contact the hotels directly. The Craigard can be emailed at info@craigard-house.co.uk or called on 01586 554242 and the Ardshiel can be emailed at info@ardshiel.co.uk or called on 01586 552133.

Thursday 22nd May

On Thursday we will be holding the Springbank Open Day which will run in a similar style to previous years. Events will be kicking off in the distillery yard at 11am and there will be various activities taking place throughout the day and evening.

From 11am-5pm there will be:

• A range of masterclasses and warehouse tastings as follows:

* 11.30am // Cadenhead Masterclass with Mark Watt & Grant Macpherson

* 12pm // The Distillery Manager’s Warehouse Tasting (3 drams)

* 1pm // Glengyle Masterclass with Jenny Karlsson

* 2pm // The Distillery Manager’s Warehouse Tasting (3 drams) – ONLY 1 SPACE LEFT

* 2.30pm // Springbank Masterclass with Ranald Watson

* 4pm // The Distillery Manager’s Warehouse Tasting (3 drams) – SOLD OUT

* 4pm // Cadenhead Warehouse Tasting (3 drams) – ONLY 1 SPACE LEFT

Masterclasses cost £25.00 each & include ‘Springbank Open Day’ Glencairn Glass //

Warehouse Tastings cost £15.00 each

• Free distillery tours throughout the day

• A selection of over 20 stalls from local businesses

• The popular Warehouse Whisky Bar – £5 for 5 drams

• Fyne Ales who will have a special Kilkerran collaboration beer on offer as well as the return of the Fyne Bank beer which is brewed from barley which has been malted at Springbank

• Music from local musicians

• Hot Food from Campbeltown Kitchen & Ifferdale Lamb

• Amazing cakes from Frances at Muneroy

• Photo Exhibition from Campbeltown Camera Club

From 5.30pm-9.30pm there will be:

• Live music from Kintyre Songwriters Adam Fortune and Lewis Semple followed by the sounds of Kintyre based band ‘The Democrats’

• Hot food

• Drinks tent selling Spirits and Fyne Ales

• A short, whisky related performance from Footnotes Dancers and some of the Springbank staff suitable for all the family.

There will be two special Open Day bottles. The first will be a Longrow 15 year old which will be bottled on the day and we will also be launching a special Springbank 21 year old single cask, rum-matured whisky with only 174 bottles available. This will retail at £250.00 on the day and will be sold on a first come, first served basis. If there are any leftover after Thursday, the bottles will be taken to our Campbeltown Cadenhead’s shop where others will be able to purchase it. If you would like to be placed on a reserve list then please let me know. The price will increase to £280.00 on the Friday but if the bottle has been reserved before then you will be able to purchase it for £250.00.

Friday 23rd May 2014

On Friday we will be holding the Campbeltown Malts Open Golf Competition at Machrihanish Dunes Golf Club. The competition will be a pairs, better-ball format and tee times are from 10am onwards – a great way to cure the hangover!! The Dunes will provide a bus service from Springbank to the golf course and will also offer breakfast at £6.00 per head and/or lunch at £10.00 per head. The price for locals to take part is £10.00 per person and for non-locals is £30.00 with lots of good prizes to be won! There is still some space left on this for anyone who would like to join but hasn’t booked so please let me know as soon as possible if you would like to take part.

I’m looking forward to meeting many of you next week and for those of you who are unable to make it I will make sure we get plenty of photos uploaded to the Springbank Distillers Facebook page afterwards!

10 years of the Springbank Society

As many of you will be aware, the Springbank Society reached 10 years old in April. I have only been in charge of the Society for 11 months but have loved getting to know you all and keeping you up to date with what’s happening here in Campbeltown. We currently have around 1080 members of the Society with this number still steadily increasing each month. We would like to thank all our Society Members for your loyalty and support over these 10 years. The enthusiasm and kindness that we get from you makes our jobs much more enjoyable…here’s to the next 10!!

New Society Bottling

I am excited to tell you that the new Society bottling has been bottled and is now ready for purchase. As it is the 10 year anniversary of the Society, Gavin and team have selected a very special cask in celebration of this. The cask chosen is a Springbank 14 year old LOCAL BARLEY matured in a Refill Sherry Butt and bottled at 57.8% ABV. We have managed to get 546 bottles from the cask and the price of a bottle is £80.00. The tasting notes of this are as follows:

Colour: Copper

Nose: Old school Springbank – damp peat and a warm earthy aroma reminiscent of the dunnage warehouse where this whisky was matured. As the whisky breathes it reveals ripe oranges, cloves and sweet peaches.

Palate: Dark and mysterious but with a sweet side too. Cocoa beans and gingerbread are to the fore but the rich, elegant balance of this dram is emphasised by notes of rhubarb and vanilla.

Finish: Doesn’t disappoint. Long and sweet with peat, dried fruits and a gentle nuttiness.

We will stick to the same rule as we did with the last bottling and it will be limited to one bottle per person to begin with to give everyone a fair chance of securing a bottle. If there are any unclaimed bottles after 2 months then members will get the chance to buy a second. If you would like to reserve a bottle then please email me as soon as you can. For the next week or so I will be out of the office quite a bit while I get things organised for the Malts Festival so don’t worry if you don’t get an immediate response from me – I will try to reply to you as soon as possible and ensure that you manage to get a bottle reserved.

If you are coming to the Open Day then you will be able to collect your bottle from the Campbeltown Cadenhead’s Whisky Shop. The shop will operate its normal hours during the Open Day week – Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm. Although the shop opens at 9am they cannot legally sell alcohol until 10am. For people ordering a bottle out with the UK, please see the section below with some exciting news regarding a new method of shipping.

New Shipping Company – Prices attached

I am delighted to tell you that we have found a new shipping company who can ship orders worldwide for us. As you may be aware, a couple of years ago Royal Mail tightened their rules which means we have been unable to ship any alcoholic substance over 24% ABV out with the UK. This has meant that for members living in other areas of the world it has become increasingly difficult to obtain the desired bottles. Luckily we have still able to send Society bottlings to our European Cadenhead shops but for members living far away from these shops, it was almost impossible to acquire a bottle.

The shipping prices have been calculated ranging from the cost of 1 bottle to 6 bottles (a full case). The countries listed below are the countries that we have Society Members living in but if you would like to know the price of a different country then please just ask and I can work out this for you. As you will notice, it is quite costly to ship one bottle at a time but the more bottles that are included, the cheaper it becomes per bottle and the prices include all taxes and costs on our side. I am unsure what countries may charge an entry fee or taxes when the whisky arrives at its destination so it may be best for you to find out this before ordering so you are not hit with an unexpected charge when it arrives in your country.

For the time being, we will continue to allow Society bottles to be shipped to our European shops until members get used to the new service. If this changes at a later date then I will make sure you are the first to know. When ordering your new Society bottle, please remember to let me know how you would like to receive it and, if you would like it to be delivered to one of our Cadenhead shops then please state which one.

The shipping prices are listed below and just a reminder for our UK customers, the cost to ship one bottle is £10.00 and for a case of between 2 and 6 bottles we have a set price of £20.00:

(please email Mairi for the various prices)

Upcoming Kilkerran Releases

To mark the re-opening of Glengyle distillery, the first six casks filled from the very first spirit run were set aside to be bottled in 2014 when the whisky reached 10 years old. The six casks are of different wood types and were chosen in conjunction with Willie Taylor from Broxburn Cooperage to ensure that they were of the finest quality prior to being filled.

The casks types used are:

Fresh Sherry – ex Oloroso

Fresh Sherry – ex Fino

Fresh Rum – ex Demerara

Fresh Madeira – ex Henriques & Henriques

Fresh Port – ex Cockburns

Fresh Bourbon – ex Jim Beam

There are still a few sets available for purchase and this will be the only official bottling of 10 year old Kilkerran. The sets currently retail at £950.00 but this price is due to increase on Friday 23rd May. For more information on the sets please email info@kilkerransinglemalt.com or call 01586 552009.

This year we will also be releasing the next in the Work in Progress series (WIP6). Similar to last year there will be two offerings: a bourbon matured and a sherry matured. These will be bottled at 46% ABV and will cost £35.00 each with Society Members receiving their 10% discount. The bottles will be available from Wednesday 21st May onwards but here is a sneak peak at the tasting notes for each to get your mouth watering….

Kilkerran WIP6 Bourbon Wood

Nose: Inviting and homely straight away. Ripe green apples, herbal sweetness and rich in sugar glazed apricots.

Palate: Itʼs nuts! Rich oily walnuts, continuing the wholesome notes from the nose. More a work in perfection than work in progress, with a great, delicate balance between the sweeter fruit notes and lively spices. It is unmistakenly Campbeltown, so comforting and rich. It gets sweeter and stickier with a touch of water.

Finish: This dram is not for the impatient! Treat it like a cryptic crossword, give it time and enjoy this fabulous Campbeltown spirit.

Kilkerran WIP6 Sherry Wood

Nose: Bold and Beautiful. Clear, but subtle, European red oak notes, a real sherry matured star.

Palate: The sherry notes goes deeper on the palate. Dark chocolate, dates, prunes, hard toffee, molasses and gingerbread syrup. Honey-bbq coated ribs without any of the smoke.

Finish: This whisky holds a great poise, almost ballerina like. There is a true harmonious balance between all the components in this dram. It has a seamless, resonant finish, echoing in a deep, loving, sherry tone.

Redesign of the Longrow 18 year old Packaging

The packaging for our Longrow 18 year old has recently been redesigned to fit in with the Longrow Peated and Longrow Red. The new version will be used from now on including the next batch of Longrow 18 year old which is due out next week in time for the Open Day.

New Merchandise in Cadenhead’s Whisky Shop, Campbeltown

Our Campbeltown Cadenhead’s Whisky Shop Manager Donald has been ordering lots of nice new merchandise for the shop. We have two new Campbeltown Pottery water jugs which Simon has designed – there’s a Springbank 21 year old inspired jug with black and gold colouring and there’s an extra special cream jug with the Springbank Society logo which has been made especially for our lovely Society members to purchase. The cost of these are £11.00 each with members receiving their 10% discount. The following items are also new (with more merchandise including soft shell jackets and new t-shirts on their way):

– Umbrellas (Grey and Purple striped with Wooden Handle) – £30.00

– Springbank Leather Wallet – £25.00

– Springbank Leather Notepads – £9.50

– Springbank and Glengyle Pens – £1.50

New Bottling Line

Our Bottling Hall has recently undergone some renovations to make space for our brand new, shiny bottling line. We will continue to use our old line along with the new one meaning we can bottle twice as much and keep up with the demand of bottling both Springbank and Cadenhead products. The new line is a tad more modern than our other line but keeping with tradition, it is very hands on and still requires just as much manual interaction at each stage. After a couple of expected teething problems, the line is fully operational and the boys and girls over in the Bottling Hall are already pros at working it!

Whisky School 2014

The 2014 Whisky School officially started at the beginning of this week with the first batch of students arriving at the distillery first thing on Monday morning. We will be running the Whisky School for 7 weeks in total with the final week commencing on Monday 23rd June. It’s always a good time to visit the distillery during these weeks as it is the only time of the year that you get to see the distillery in full production. To ensure that our students get to experience all stages of the whisky making process, we make sure that we are malting and distilling during this time. We all love when the Whisky School is on as it’s nice to see new faces and as there is a always a great buzz around the distillery.

Ferry Service Commences

The ferry service between Campbeltown and Ardrossan started up again for the Summer on Friday 2nd of May. This is the second year of a three year pilot service which will hopefully see the ferry become a permanent sight in Campbeltown Harbour after the three years. The ferry runs Thursday to Sunday and the times have remained the same as last year. To view the full timetable you can visit CalMac’s website by going to www.calmac.co.uk . I think it’s a great service for Kintyre and is a much more leisurely way for both tourists and locals alike to travel to Campbeltown without having to drive all the way down the long and winding road!

Well I think that is about all the news I have for you at the moment…apologies for the length of the newsletter once again!! I will no doubt be in touch with many of you in the coming weeks regarding the new Society bottling and please remember not to worry if you don’t hear straight back from me – I will try to respond as quickly as I can before/after the festival.

Slainte,

Mairi

For the Springbank Society

 To join the Springbank Society please contact them at society@springbankwhisky.com

Gordon & MacPhail Glen Grant 1948 launched in Poland

Gordon & MacPhail has launched a limited edition 66-year old whisky from the Glen Grant Distillery. Only 160 numbered decanters have been released for sale.

Distilled in 1948, cask number 1369 was bottled 66 years later in 2014 at cask strength (46.6%), at natural colour and is non-chillfiltered. This unique Single Malt is presented in stunning packaging. Each decanter is numbered and comes with a special mahogany box. The box contains a book by Charles MacLean, especially written and produced for the occasion. It provides information on the project, the whisky bottled and on the history of Gordon & MacPhail.

Renowned whisky expert and Master of the Quaich, Charles Maclean describes the Single Malt: “Such scents and flavours can only be achieved by long maturation in the right cask, yet neither the aroma nor the taste has been adversely influenced by wood. The best single descriptor that comes to mind is exquisite.”

The limited edition of the 66-year old Glen Grant whisky was bottled by Gordon & MacPhail for the Polish based Wealth Solutions, a company that specialises in delivering unique spirits, collectibles and works of art to demanding connoisseurs and collectors. The whisky was officially launched on 13 May 2014 in Polonia Palace Hotel in Warsaw. The event was graced with the presence of Michael Urquhart, Managing Director at Gordon & MacPhail and Charles MacLean.

The launch of this unique whisky was preceded by a tasting of Single Malts bottled by Gordon & MacPhail, led by Charles MacLean. Participants sampled whiskies from various regions of Scotland, including five created at the now silent distilleries of Brora, Port Ellen, St Magdalene, Rosebank and Caperdonich.

The demand for Gordon & MacPhail Glen Grant 1948 has been such that all but one of the decanters was sold ahead of the official launch event. The owner of the last decanter will be selected among individuals who watched the event on-line and took part in a special contest.

Michael Urquhart, Managing Director at Gordon & MacPhail said: “The pioneering approach adopted by my father and grandfather has today provided Gordon & MacPhail with an unprecedented portfolio of greatly aged Single Malt Scotch Whiskies. As custodians of this liquid history the third and fourth generations of the Urquhart family are honoured to release this exceptional example of whisky distilled at Glen Grant Distillery in 1948.”

“I am very happy to be able to offer this unique, very rare, greatly aged Single Malt Scotch Whisky to Polish connoisseurs and collectors. It was created before man went into space and landed on the Moon, before he climbed Mount Everest. This is not only whisky, it’s a living witness to the second half of 20th century”, says Michał Kowalski, Vice-President of Wealth Solutions.

Watch movie about this project: Glen Grant 1948 movie

Notes

Gordon & MacPhail

Gordon & MacPhail is an independent, family-owned Scotch whisky specialist which has been based in Elgin, Moray, since 1895. Four generations of the Urquhart family have continued the tradition of seeking out the best and rarest Scotch whiskies.

Since its foundation, Gordon & MacPhail’s policy has been to send casks to distilleries throughout Scotland, fill them with ‘new make’ spirit and mature them either at the distillery of origin or in the firm’s own bonded warehouses in Elgin.

Now one of the world’s leading malt whisky specialists, Gordon & MacPhail exports to more than 60 countries. It offers more than 300 presentations of own-bottled single malts.  In 2009, Gordon & MacPhail was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade; an honour that was bestowed on the business again in 2013 with a visit from HRH The Princess Royal.

In 1993 Gordon & MacPhail purchased Benromach Distillery and re-equipped it before it was officially opened by HRH Prince Charles in 1998. A four star visitor centre is open to the public throughout the year for tours and tastings. Benromach distillery is a member of the world famous malt whisky trail.

In 2010 Gordon & MacPhail made history by bottling the oldest cask ever released – a 70 Year Old Mortlach, distilled in 1938. They followed this up by releasing 100 70cl and 175 20cl decanters of 70 Year Old Glenlivet in 2011. They have now released the remaining 100 70cl decanters from this cask.

Gordon & MacPhail is proud of its Moray roots and the company, its directors and its staff play an active role in their local community by supporting local charities and sponsoring local events.

Wealth Solutions

Wealth Solutions was established in 2007 with a mission to provide unique products for Polish collectors. The company was created by real enthusiasts of exceptional goods such as fine Bordeaux wines, top quality whisky, and art. Today, we are sharing our passion with our customers—a passion for beauty, excellence and uniqueness. Our products are a tribute to human masterpieces. Over the past 7 years, more than 7,000 clients have trusted Wealth Solutions by purchasing top quality collectibles and using the company’s expertise.

In 2012, Wealth Solutions had an exclusive privilege to introduce Glenfarclas 1953 whisky. After 58 years of maturation in an oak sherry cask, its taste is exquisite. This whisky is a natural colour and non-filtered. The cask was selected by a panel including Serge Valentin – one of the most important whisky reviewer in the world. The cask yielded 400 numbered bottles. Each bottle is accompanied by a unique book written especially for this occasion by Ian Buxton, a writer and whisky reviewer. This limited edition of Glenfarclas whisky has been selected specially for customers of Wealth Solutions.

End of 2012 Wealth Solutions introduced the exceptional 48-year-old Japanese whisky from the legendary Karuizawa Distillery. Cask #3603 filled on 1st September 1964 is one of the oldest Japanese single malt whiskies in history. The whisky originates from one of the last casks from the 1960s made in the silent Japanese Karuizawa distillery. Only 143 numbered bottles of this whisky were put on sale. Each of them features exquisite presentation and comes with an exclusive publication by Dave Broom, whisky author and reviewer. This limited edition of Karuizawa whisky was bottled exclusively for clients of Wealth Solutions.

A love of Bordeaux wine has been cultivated by us and our clients for years. It is especially for them that we work with renowned partners to create unique wine collections. In 2013 Wealth Solutions introduced a special wine collection Les tresors de Bordeaux – selection of six best vintages from Château La Conseillante. Inside these six bottles one can find embodied the greatest virtues of one of the oldest vineyards of Pomerol

BENRIACH APPOINTS NEW REGIONAL SALES MANAGER 

THE BenRiach Distillery Company, owners of the award-winning BenRiach, GlenDronach and Glenglassaugh brands, is beefing up its sales team with the appointment of Nigel Robinson as Regional Sales Manager.

Nigel, from Cupar in Fife, joins the fast-growing company after twenty years’ experience in building brands, driving sales and managing growth.

Before joining BenRiach he was an Agent working in the whisky and animal feed industries.

Reporting to Global Sales Director Alistair Walker and working alongside the company’s other two Regional Sales Managers Douglas Cook and Donald MacLellan, Robinson (44) will be responsible for developing BenRiach’s stellar portfolio of brands across Western European markets.

Alistair Walker commented: “I’m delighted to welcome Nigel to the team. He brings a great track record in sales and excellent industry experience with him, and these will prove invaluable in developing our brands and reputation worldwide.”

Nigel said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have a joined a company that is dynamic in its approach to the market, creative with its expressions and has a fantastic range of whiskies in a strong growth sector.”

Make the smart call,
get your WhiskyFest tickets today!

whiskyfest.com or call 800-514-3849

You know what WhiskyFest is; over 300 whiskies from around the world, poured by the people who make them! More whiskies in great seminars presented by those same people, a Glencairn whisky glass, a delicious gourmet buffet dinner, and the company of people who love whisky almost as much as you do.

So why haven’t you bought your ticket yet? Buy now, and save $25 (you can spend it on whisky). More importantly, every WhiskyFest sells out: buy now while there are still tickets to be had. You know you’re going to love it!

Need more convincing? There’s more information here: whisky lists and speakers for both events. Now what are you waiting for? We’ll see you there!

SAN FRANCISCO – October 3, 2014
6:30 – 9:30 pm | VIP 5:30 San Francisco Marriott Marquis
VIP – Full Price $250
Early Bird $225 (SOLD OUT)

Regular – $200
Early Bird $175

NEW YORK – October 29, 2014
6:30 – 9:30 pm | VIP 5:30 New York Marriott Marquis

VIP – Full Price – $295
Early Bird $270

Regular – $245
Early Bird $220

Get all the details at www.whiskyadvocate.com/events

The Johnnie Walker Ryder Cup Limited Edition – now on sale at The Whisky Shop while stocks last.

The Whisky Shop is proud to present the brand new limited edition Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ryder Cup bottling.

Johnnie Walker celebrates 2014 Ryder Cup with Johnnie Walker Blue Label ‘Ryder Cup Limited Edition’ in celebration of The Ryder Cup’s return to Scotland.

Each bottle of the Johnnie Walker Blue Label “Ryder Cup Limited Edition” is individually numbered, making it a rare and unique keepsake or gift. The distinctive design of both the packaging and the bottle depicts the unforgettable, classic view of the iconic Gleneagles Hotel and celebrates the return to Scotland after 41 years of The Ryder Cup, the world’s leading match play competition.

Tasting notes:
Nose: A mellow, rounded nose, with a dry smokiness (a Johnnie Walker signature flavour) mixed with raisin sweetness.
Palate: The first sip reveals a velvety mouth-feel, then an explosion of flavour – hazelnuts, honey, rose petals, sherry and oranges. Subsequent sips reward you with more hidden secrets like kumquats, wispy aromatic smoke, sandalwood, tobacco, and dark chocolate.
Finish: A rich and uniquely long and satisfying finish of smoke and pepper, ending with a glorious touch of spice.

£225 Simply Click Here to buy