EASTER INDULGENCE FOR THE SENSES

Hunt carefully through the garden and under a broad, protective leaf you’ll catch a glittering glimpse of a BRAND NEW PEATY PAIR to complement the weekend’s feasting…

Easter Peaty Pair – £130

3.212 Anti-aphrodisiac

A peated, 19 year old whisky from Islay, matured in a refill ex-sherry butt

53.108 Espresso in a mechanic’s workshop

A peated, 20 year old whisky from Islay, matured in a refill ex-bourbon hogshead

BUY

The Bee’s Threes – £185

76.115 ‘Glamping in a yurt’

A spicy & sweet, 18 year old whisky from Speyside (Spey), matured in a refill ex-sherry butt

9.82 Breathe in long!

An old & dignified, 25 year old whisky from Speyside (Spey), matured in a refill ex-sherry butt

66.50 Weird but wonderful

A peated, 11 year old whisky from Highland (Eastern), matured in a refill ex-bourbon barrel

BUY

Pollination Pair – £119

73.62 Magical, mellifluous marvelosity

An old & dignified, 24 year old whisky from Speyside (Deveron), matured in a refill ex-sherry butt

66.50 Weird but wonderful

A peated, 11 year old whisky from Highland (Eastern), matured in a refill ex-bourbon barrel

BUY

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

www.ralfy.com uncorks an auction-bought bottle with Whisky Review 448 – Glen Moray 30yo @ 43% (Auction Bottle)

DOUBLE GOLD FOR SA’S FIRST WHISKY BRAND THREE SHIPS 

South Africa’s first whisky brand has done it again. The Three Ships Select and Three Ships Bourbon Cask Finish both took double gold at the 2014 San Francisco Spirits Competition. The Three Ships Premium Select 5 Year Old received gold. This prestigious competition sees all the top whisky brands from around the world compete for the attention of the international panel of judges. 

Andy Watts, master distiller at the James Sedgwick Distillery, said when they first launched Three Ships back in 1977, the South African whisky industry was non-existing. 

“We have come a long way since those first days of producing whisky in South Africa. Over the past three decades we’ve established our own unique style of whisky-making, invested in modern technology at The James Sedgwick Distillery where the range of Three Ships whiskies are produced and refined our selection of barrels for maturation.” 

The Three Ships Select, one of South Africa’s favourite whiskies, is aged for a minimum of three years in oak to produce a warm, well-balanced and gentle whisky. Hints of oak and a slight sweetness fill the mouth, ending with a clean finish. 

The Three Ships Bourbon Cask Finish is the first South African whisky where both the malt and grain components are distilled and matured in SA. After an initial maturation of three years the final blend is matured for a further six months in bourbon casks. The result is a soft and warm whisky with a honeyed sweetness, vanilla notes and subtle hints of pepper and spice. 

An artful blend of selected South African and Scotch whiskies, the Three Ships Premium Select 5 Year Old has been aged for a minimum of five years in oak casks. Robust, aromatic and unpretentious, the whisky exhibits a full peaty character, ending in a lingering, warm finish.

The Three Ships Select, Three Ships Bourbon Cask Finish and Three Ships Premium Select 5 Year Old are available from leading liquor outlets for around R119, R189 and R138 respectively.

Gartbreck Distillery, the Story Continues 

Ernie- Ernst J. Scheiner, The Gateway to Distilleries at www.whisky-distilleries.net 

Martine and Jean Donnay Gartbreck who are running the Glann ar Mor Distillery in Britanny will built another distillery at Saltpan Point on the site of an former derelict farm located on the shore of Loch Indaal south east of Bowmore, on the isle of Islay on the Western coast of Scotland. They aquired the site in May 2012. Gartbreck will be the ninth distillery on Islay since the Rockside Farm distillery Kilchoman was established in 2005 by Anthony Wills. 

“Gartbreck Distillery will be unique in reviving the traditional method of whisky making which had been abandoned for the benefit of cost efficiency. Its two pots stills which will be overlooking the sea through a large glass gable will be direct heated with a live flame, it will use worm tub condensers and fermentation of the wash will take place in Oregon Pine wooden washbacks,” says the European Distiller oft he year 2014. 

Jean Donnay’s belief is largely a result of his experience of having designed Glann ar Mor Distillery which the couple have operated since 2005. Their whiskies have earned wide recognition. 

Jean will retrace traditional methods: „Gartbreck’s bespoke equipment will include some technical evolution allowing in particular to significantly minimize the drawbacks usually associated with the direct heating of the stills. The distillery’s water will flow by gravity from Grunnd Loch which overlooks the distillery 900m away from it, and the floor malting and the kiln will allow to produce 20% of its needs in peated malt in using local barley from the isle.“ 

The hardworking couple will also distil some gin in limited batches which will be sold only at Gartbreck’s future visitor centre in order to stimulate cash-flow during the initial period when whisky will not be available. 

Martine Donnay: “The highest attention has been paid by the local architects and designers to respect the exceptional location, the distillery’s building keeping a sleek silhouette for a smooth integration in the landscape.” 

Once Gartbreck will be operating at nominal capacity the ninth Islay distillery will be producing 55.000 LPA per year. 

Ernie: What sort of heating system will you install, gas, oil or wood/peat?

Jean: Stills will be both direct heated with a live flame from gas burners. 

Ernie: What kind of mash tun will you have?

Jean: Semi-lauter tun. 

Ernie: What kind of washbacks will you install?

Jean: Well, wooden washbacks made from Oregon pine. 

Ernie: The pot stills shape and size have they been defined?

Jean: Wash still will be charged at 2500 l and spirit still will be charged in proportion for running both stills “in balance”, i.e.. charged at about 1700/1800 l depending on the actual cut. Shape of the two still have been defined, more about this at a later stage. 

Ernie: What kind of spirit will be produced?

Jean: One type of Single Malt will be produced, offering a highly peaty character for which Islay whiskies are so famous.

Planning Permission has been granted by the Argyll and Bute Council recently and the couple hopes that fundings of the 2.5M£ investment will be completed in time to start work during the third quarter of 2014. It is their aim to start operation by autumn this year. 

NOTES

Glan Ar Mor Distillery www.glannarmor.com

Gartbrecks‘ people: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ileach/3995999675/

The Gateway to Distilleries www.whisky-distilleries.net 

Contact : Martine or Jean Donnay @ info@gartbreck.com

Gartbreck Distillery Moss Road Bowmore PA43 7JG Isle of Islay SCOTLAND 

Photos Courtesy of Gartbreck Distillery 2014 and Alex Reid 2013. 

About the Author: Ernie – Ernst J. Scheiner M.A. offers courses on whisky distilling, writes for newspapers, magazines and blogs such as www.whiskyexperts.at. He is the editor of The Gateway to Distilleries at www.whisky-distilleries.net which gives an excellent photographic and educational insight into the whisky industry of Scotland, Ireland, Europe and Asia.

Please see also: http://www.whisky-distilleries.net

Arran Single Cask #815
Spring 2014 Release / Vintage 1998

The 2014 Spring release from Arran distillery is single sherry cask #815. A limited edition release, distilled in 1998 and aged for 15 years.

Bottled in 2014 at 55.3% vol, 269 bottles filled.

£66.95
(£55.79 ex vat)

Click here to purchase Arran Single Cask #815

Arran 17 Year Old

A limited edition release from Arran distillery produced from un-peated malted barley and aged for 17 years in casks that previously held Spanish sherry.

This bottling is the second in a series marking the countdown to the launch of The Arran Malt 18 year old in Spring 2015.

£62.95
(£52.46 ex vat)

Click here to purchase Arran 17 Year Old

Arran Machrie Moor / Fourth Edition

The fourth edition of Machrie Moor from Arran distillery, named after a peat bog located on the west coast of the Isle of Arran where bronze age stone circles and standing stones are strewn across the terrain… Bottled at 46%, this fourth release has been released at a peating level of 14PPM.

£39.95
(£33.29 ex vat)

Click here to purchase Arran Machrie Moor 4th Edition

Arran Single Cask #538
Autumn 2013 Release / Vintage 1996

The 2013 Autumn release from Arran distillery is single bourbon cask #538. This limited edition release was distilled in 1996 and aged for 17 years before being bottled in 2013 with only 141 bottles filled.

£78.25
(£65.21 ex vat)

Click here to purchase Arran Single Cask #538

Arran Single Cask #1968
2013 Release / Vintage 1996

A single sherry cask from Arran Distillery, distilled in 1996 and aged for 15 years before being bottled in 2012.

Only 263 bottles filled from cask #1968.

£118.00
(£98.33 ex vat)

Click here to purchase Arran Single Cask #1968

Arran The Devil’s Punchbowl
Chapter II / Angels & Devils

The Devil’s Punch Bowl is a series of limited edition drams named after a stunning landmark on the Isle of Arran, the glacial hollow of Coire na Ciche (The Devils Punchbowl) whose sinister presence dominates the north-east coast of Arran.

The foundation of this release is two ex-oloroso Spanish oak casks from 1997 & 1998, blended along with barrels from 2002 and also some of Arran’s oldest ever peated casks from 2004.

£118.00
(£98.33 ex vat)

Click here to purchase Arran The Devil’s Punchbowl Chapter 2

New Arrivals: Port Ellen & Friends

Spring is upon us and Soho is coming out of hibernation. People are starting to mass outside the cafés and bars, the red lights are shining brighter, and, as I write this, the Square bustles with people escaping the office for lunch. If you need a reason to venture into the West End before sundown we have a host of exciting new releases all for your delectation!

Port Ellen 1982 – Mackillop’s Choice – £650
56.2%abv – Single Cask Yield of 306 Bottles

Closed in 1983, the Port Ellen distillery continues to hold its fans in rapture. As we inevitably inch closer to the bottling of the final cask, we have got our grubby mitts on this delicious little number. Bottled from Cask 1511 after 31 years and 10 months of cask ageing, this is classic Port Ellen. Plenty of lemon zest and chamois leather on the nose with additional driftwood and charcoal. A sweet syrupy mouth feel and a long briny finish. Simply superb.

The first person to buy one of these online will win a free sample of the whisky, because we’re good like that!

Springbank 21 Year Old – £195.95
46%abv – Strictly limited to 1 bottle per customer

This is the third release of the 21 Year Old that we’ve received in as many years. A fruit forward whisky with less of the oiliness of the noble 18 Year Old. Masses of nectarine and peach flavours with a stupendously long finish. This may be a whisky that will nestle comfortably into any collection but makes for an excellent drinking whisky if you’re looking for something that offers age and quality in tandem.

Arran 17 Year Old – £69.95
46%abv – Limited Release of 9000 bottles

Port Ellen may be the Knightsbridge of the whisky world: expensive and desirable in Louboutin heels, but the Isle of Arran distillery is the up-and-coming borough where people roll their trousers up and don’t wear socks. Established in 1995, Arran has gone on to produce a top quality single malt, and this year they have released their first 17 Year Old. This whisky is all about the orchard fruits: cox apple, conference pear followed by crème fraiche and a hint of parma violet. With a delicate mouth feel and a relaxed finish.

Here are the details for the event:

Date: Friday May 2^nd, 2014

Time: 6:30pm to 8:00pm

Please note we will start promptly right at 6:30; doors open 6:15pm

Location:   The Strath Ale Wine & Spirit Merchants, 919 Douglas Street, Victoria

The Maple Room, above the Sticky Wicket Pub, entrance on Courtenay Street

Price: $35 each for Members & Partners, $45 for Non-Members/Guests   

(Not a member? Here’s your chance! Click HERE)

REGISTRATION:   

Space is strictly limited, so you must register in advance.  Guests are welcome, but we now have to restrict it to one guest per member. Members will always have priority. To secure your place you need to pre-pay.

IF YOU HAVEN’T ALREADY BOOKED, CONTACT US VERY SOON, as the event always sells out. 

The whiskies have already arrived in the store and they are another unique selection of cask strength drams. 

Please email, drop into the store or phone with credit card details (we do not keep card details on file) Email: whisky@strathconahotel.com  Phone: 250-370-9463 . Once your seat(s) are paid for by phone you will receive an email confirmation from me and this is your virtual Ticket.  If you pay in person in the store you will receive a receipt. We are also accepting bookings already for June, when First Friday falls on June 6^th.  As a heads –up, the August First Friday will NOT be on Friday August 1^st as we are busy with monthly inventory.  An alternate date will be announced soon. 

IMPORTANT: 

Please remember these are cask strength whiskies, so you should not be driving home after the tasting. 

Sláinte!

Colin Southcombe
General Manager
The Strath Ale Wine & Spirit Merchants
919 Douglas Street, Victoria BC, V8W 2C2
Tel: 250-370-9463
Email: whisky@strathconahotel.com

Bowmore partners with renowned chef Mark Sargeant to launch Small Batch

-Michelin star sea food expert brings ‘Taste of Islay’ to life-

Bowmore, Islay’s first Single Malt Whisky, is partnering with Michelin starred chef Mark Sargeant to help promote the distiller’s latest expression, Small Batch , bringing the ‘Taste of Islay’ to life for whisky lovers across the country.

Bowmore will be working with Sargeant – previously Head Chef at Gordon Ramsay at Claridge’s – to create a range of recipes that reflect the unmistakeable Bowmore flavour profiles of citrus, vanilla, smoke and salt, with Mark adding his own unique seafood skills to the mix.

Graeme Dunnet, Bowmore Ambassador said:

“We jumped at the chance to work with Mark Sargeant, he has the experience with flavours and expertise in seafood that means working with Bowmore Small Batch will come naturally to him. Mark’s recipes will help us demonstrate how you can bring the key flavours, which encapsulate the taste of Islay, to life in food.”

Mark Sargeant said:

“I particularly love Islay whiskies, as a liquid they are steeped in interesting flavour characteristics which have been exciting to bring to life in the recipes I have designed to be used with Bowmore Small Batch. I have loved having the challenge and opportunity to introduce people to this taste, the taste of Islay in the dishes.”

Exclusively matured in first and second fill bourbon barrels before being married together, Bowmore Small Batch offers subtle salt, spices and bourbon oak smoke combined with a trademark honey and creamy malt character. This is all framed against the gentle peaty smokiness Bowmore is famed for.

NOTES:

Bowmore

The best-balanced Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky is the perfect reward after your outdoor experience. Founded in 1779, Bowmore is the oldest Distillery on Islay, one of the Scottish isles, which make up the region known as the ‘Islands’ in the lexicon of Whisky. The other regions are the Highlands, Speyside and the Lowlands. Islay malts are famous for their characteristic smokiness and Bowmore is no exception; we carefully smoke our malt and use skills handed down from generation to generation to craft a perfectly balanced Single Malt.

Bowmore’s adherence to traditional production methods helps to shape the character of our Single Malts. We’re one of only a few distilleries anywhere which still produces its own floor malted barley, hand-turned by traditional wooden malt shovel and hand drawn machinery. For our whiskies we draw water from the Laggan River, with its rich peaty overtones, and it’s the same Islay peat that fires the malt-drying kiln.

Bowmore Distillery’s close proximity to the sea is also vital in determining the final character of our spirit. The legendary Bowmore No. 1 Vaults is where most of our whiskies spend their long lives resting quietly in the cool, dark, damp cellars below sea level, oblivious to the waves thrashing the Vault’s sea-facing wall.

They mature in oak casks, previously used for bourbon, sherry or claret, gradually developing rich and mellow flavours.

It’s this combination of peat, barley, sea breeze, water, wood, people and tradition that together create the perfectly balanced warm and smoky character of Bowmore Single Malt Scotch Whiskies.

The Bowmore domestic product range:

• Bowmore Small Batch

• Bowmore 12 Years Old

• Bowmore 15 Years Old ‘Darkest’

• Bowmore 18 Years Old

• Bowmore 25 Years Old

Islay

Islay is the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides, and is also known as “The Queen of the Hebrides.” Its mild climate and rich peaty soil make it ideal for creating whisky, and despite having a population of not much more than 3,000, it is home to no fewer than eight working distilleries.

Mark Sargeant

Mark Sargeant is the owner of Rocksalt and The Smokehouse, two critically acclaimed seafood restaurants in Kent. Mark earned his stripes during a fourteen year tenure with Gordon Ramsay, opening Restaurant Gordon Ramsay as Sous Chef and winning three Michelin Stars before moving onto the Head Chef position at Gordon Ramsay at Claridge’s, where he won a further Michelin Star and was awarded Chef of the Year.

A QUINTET of victories for Ian Macleod Distillers at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 

The San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the most prestigious and highly regarded spirits competition in the USA, has announced a quintet of medals for Ian Macleod Distillers brands’ Glengoyne Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky and Tamdhu Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

Glengoyne scooped the DOUBLE GOLD Medal for its 18 and 21YO malts, the GOLD medal for its 12YO malt and SILVER medal for its 15YO malt whilst Tamdhu lifted the DOUBLE GOLD Medal in the Single Malt Scotch category and DOUBLE GOLD Medal for Packaging.

Held at the distinguished Hotel Nikko in San Francisco, the 2014 San Francisco World Spirits Competition was the largest in its 14-year history with Glengoyne and Tamdhu fighting off stiff competition from 1,474 entries. Spirit entries were evaluated by 39 of the finest palates from the industry including spirits experts from noted restaurants and hotels, well-known spirits journalists from major national media, spirits buyers for large purveyors, and spirits consultants.

Commenting on the awards, Iain Weir, Marketing Director for Ian Macleod Distillers, said: “We are delighted with the success of both Glengoyne and Tamdhu at this year’s San Francisco Spirits World Competition. It is extremely gratifying to receive independent recognition for something that we already knew – that Tamdhu and Glengoyne are both excellent whiskies.” 

Ian Macleod Distillers is one of Scotland’s leading, independent family owned distillers. The company acquired the Glengoyne brand in 2003 and Tamdhu in 2011. 

For more information, please visit www.ianmacleod.com, www.glengoyne.com or www.tamdhu.com. 

www.drinkaware.co.uk www.scotch-whisky.org.uk 

·      Ian Macleod & Company Ltd was established on 26 October 1933.

·      Ian Macleod Distillers currently produced and sell over 15 million bottles of spirit per year.

·      Ian Macleod Distillers is also a major supplier to the Buyer’s Own Brand market. They have supplied own-label spirits to some of Europe’s largest supermarket groups for over 40 years.

The Whisky Shop’s Finest Five Father’s Day Whiskies  

Looking for the perfect way to say ‘I Love You Dad’ this Father’s Day?  

A thoughtfully selected dram can be the ideal present to share with your dad on Sunday 15^th June and luxury drinks retailer The Whisky Shop presents the Finest Five whiskies for Father’s Day. 

The Glenlivet Gallow Hill Single Cask – £235.00, The Whisky Shop 

An enchanting Speysider, The Glenlivet Gallow Hill is a Single Cask malt whisky, bottled at natural strength.  The exclusive bottling is a new release and will make a lasting impression this Father’s Day.  

Tasting Note: Concentrated fruit – clementine, pear, a note of pineapple – with toasted almonds and moist gingerbread behind.  Mouth-coating and sweet overall – milk chocolate, treacle toffee – enlivened by sweet orange.  A long refreshing finish. 

Aberfeldy 16 Years Old – Single Cask – £150.00, The Whisky Shop    

From the Highland distillery, Aberfeldy 16 Years Old Single Cask is a new release exclusive to The Whisky Shop and is a delectable dram for any whisky aficionado this Father’s Day.

Selected by Dewar’s Master Blender Stephanie Macleod, the single cask chosen for individual bottling was a refill American oak ex-sherry hogshead.  The cask was chosen as it reflects the key characteristics of Aberfeldy with its heather honey taste, but also contains unique and interesting flavours. 

Tasting Note: Dull gold.  Light nose-prickle.  A mellow nose with  integrated aromas, at natural strength, opening up with water to reveal a dry, dusty, herbal note and a trace of orange peel.  A smooth texture and a sweet taste, with light acidity and beeswax, and a long warming finish. 

Woodford Reserve Classic Malt – £120.00 – The Whisky Shop 

From the smallest distillery in Kentucky, this American Malt Whiskey is a champion choice for Father’s Day.

The Woodford Reserve Classic Malt joins the range of limited releases.  As the name implies, Classic Malt is distilled wholly from malted barley and so it is not a Bourbon.  

Tasting Note: 9CT gold in colour.  The first aroma is of green malt, hay and bread dough, soon becoming Thai prawn crackers, then sweetening to vanilla infused cake mix.  The taste is fresh and sweet, with fresh cereal notes – ears of barley, oats – but with a pleasantly spicy kick in the medium length finish. 

Glenturret Triple Wood – £46.00 – The Whisky Shop    

A Highland whisky from the Glenturret Distillery which is well-known for its status as a visitor destination.  Glenturret Triple Wood is a new release single malt exclusive to The Whisky Shop.  Combining a mix of woods, the influence of Spanish oak is particularly apparent in the colour and aroma. 

Tasting Note: Deep gold, with amber lights.  The first impression is of rice pudding; husky porridge with double cream.  After a while a faint note of strawberry jam.  The taste is sweet and lightly meaty, with some spice and gentle acidity towards the end and a warming finish.  

 Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve – £42.00 – The Whisky Shop

 An intriguing single malt whisky from Japan’s first distillery, the Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve new release is sure to hit the right note with your Dad this Father’s Day. 

 The Japanese whisky differs from its Scottish cousins as it is a vatting of different styles of whisky as well as different cask types in comparison to Scotch malt which is predominantly from distilleries specialising in one style of whisky.

Tasting Note: Full gold.  A gentle, elegant fragrance topped by soft fruit – strawberry, white peach, cherry – and backed by sweet tobacco leaf.  A smooth texture and a sweet taste, with a crisp acidity, traces of coconut and a medium-length, warming finish, leaving a hint of planed oak.  

Andrew Torrance, Managing Director of The Whisky Shop, said: “Whisky is the perfect gift for Father’s Day and The Whisky Shop has an unrivalled collection of malts and blends to suit all tastes and budgets.

“Whether you join your dad in sharing a dram, or leave him to enjoy his whisky experience in peace, we have something to suit every palate.”

The Whisky Shop is the UK’s largest whisky only specialist retailer with a full range available online at www.whiskyshop.com and at 22 stores nationwide, including premium flagships in London’s Piccadilly and on Manchester’s Exchange Street. 

For further information please visit www.whiskyshop.com