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Why not treat the one you love to an unforgettable experience.
Our World Whisky Tour here at St.George’s Disitllery in the heart of Norfolk, England, is a fantastic, personal way to get a closer look at how single malt whisky is produced, followed by a whisky tasting of single malts from around the globe (including our own).
All this is led by our Head Distiller, David Fitt. £30.00
FEBRUARY OUTTURN: THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM
Love it or dread it, you can’t ignore it. February is the month for amorous advances, heartfelt gestures and romantic clichés. So how about breaking the mould this year? Nothing says ‘I love you’ like a bottle of the world’s finest single cask whisky. And as fate would have it, we have 14 absolute beauties for you to choose from…
RARE CASK:
CLOSED DISTILLERY 25
Light & delicate
25.65 The Whispered Kiss
A whispered kiss from a ghost of a distillery. The nose tip toes around delicate peach skins, apple blossom and papaya… MORE
£112.50 – 1 bottle per member so please call us to order: 0131 555 2929 (9am – 4.45pm)
Young & spritely
26.96 ‘Le Trou Normand’
BUY
£49.40
64.53 Retro and kitsch
BUY
£46.10
Sweet, fruity & mellow
36.69 Totally tropical, man!
BUY
£92.40
121.67 Energising and enigmatic
BUY
£47.10
Spicy & sweet
2.85 Vibrant & tongue-dancing
BUY
£48.40
Spicy & dry
73.61 A work of art
BUY
Exclusive to offers
Old & dignified
35.103 The Great Easter Bake Off
BUY
£124.60
76.112 Spiced Champurrado
BUY
£126.00
Light & delicate
1.177 Tutti-frutti ice cream
BUY
£45.00
Peated
3.219 Never far from the sea
BUY
£51.80
10.76 Duelling banjos dram
BUY
£52.20
29.151 Polished violins and vintage cars
BUY
£101.60
Heavily peated
53.201 True love on a pebble beach
BUY
£71.70
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 http://www.smws.co.uk/memberships for your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers.
Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video
The Glenrothes have always been universally acclaimed by blenders as an exceptional Speyside Malt. Only a small number of vintages have been released, such is the exceptional quality required. Each vintage is, by definition, rare and finite. Each has its own unique personality. – Glenrothes Distillery
Discounted Items
Glenrothes 1988 Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky $139.99
GlenRothes 1998 Single Malt Scotch Whisky $59.99
Glenrothes 1995 Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky $79.99
Glenrothes Select Reserve, Single Malt Scotch $43.99
A silence of the drams tasting; January 2014, Dundee.
Aitken wines, Dundee, 30 January 2014. WHISKY TASTING EVENING
Hosted and whisky by; Peter MacKay, Carn Mor Independent bottlers, Bankfoot, Perth.
These notes were taken/written by Shona Gillespie, attending were Paul McLean and Liz Gillespie – amongst 20 others.
The evening started at 7pm in Dundee, as we arrived we were given a dram of Old Perth Blended Malt 43%. It started very casual, we were still all standing mingling! As we took seats Peter started his chat. He told us about the company, his father, and what they do. Old Perth; I thought it was fizzy, sharp and very Grouse like, it has added colour. 4 malts make up the blend, no grain, two of them are Glenfiddich & Bruichladdie. Old Perth originally started back in 1913. It was ok.
Next; Carn Mor Tomatin 18 year old 1994 46%. Taste/nose – apples, basil, pear and lemon meringue, it was quite nice. No chill filtration, bourbon barrels enlarged at cooperage.
Third dram; Carn Mor Glen Moray 17 year old 1995 46%. Snickers! Caramel, toffee peanut, smells like jelly beans (candy). Paul liked this one.
Fourth; Carn Mor Clynelish 16 year old 1997 46%. Part of the Diageo group, This is the core malt for Johnnie Walker Gold. A waxy character, Cadbury’s fruit and nut!
Fifth; Carn Mor Glen Elgin 17 year old 1995 46%. Nice as a first sip. NO. (Shona then passed the glass to Paul).
Six; Carn Mor a Cheo straight from the cask Dailuaine 16 year old 1997 52.9%. (Shona) pronounced dal – euan. Yes!
Warm finish, gets better as it goes on, at first tastes nice, ends up like dust! Diageo flora and fauna range.
Final dram; Tamdhu 22 year old 1991 Oloroso finish 49.8%. different casks used Tio Pepe and Bristol Cream, creates finer whisky transforms flavours. Nice and warming, sticky toffee pudding – but I didn’t like it, gave it to Paul. (Paul’s note; a sherry finish? I think they just showed the whisky to a sherry bottle, no much sherry finish here. Priced at £90 per bottle on offer, I resisted – easily – and bought a Aberlour A’Bunadh at the end of the evening, 60.4%, batch 46 for £35! Superb). Shona; overall, Speyside whiskies are quite similar and too bitter for my taste, not enough depth of flavour and a cheap texture, nothing tonight jumped out at me. The haggis neeps and tatties after dram 3 were good!
Paul writes; Shona is 21 years old and daughter of MCLEANSCOTLAND owner Liz Gillespie. Shona is at university and has been on tour with us, also travelled with us to USA for a Scottish highland games week. She is the youngest member of the team. Summary; a disappointing evening to be honest, it was more of a complete beginners evening, Peter had some of his facts wrong, but was personable enough. What utterly shocked me however was we were give ONE GLASS for 7 drams! I had to ask for water to swill out my glass each time, no the done thing! Never attended ANY tasting with one glass! Only whisky events and festivals, even then you have water! The fact we were surrounded by wine in the warehouse did not really add to the atmosphere. Not a very professional approach methinks. Carn Mor are based near Paul in Perth, they also produce creams and liqueurs for themselves (own label) and Bells, Dewar’s, Grouse, all of whom originated in Perth.
Gus (18 year old son of Liz) drove us home! After a quick chat, we all agreed, not a very good whisky tasting. I had brought some drams with me so we started into these. At first we had a sessions of “Silence of the Drams”, Method; we nose and taste the drams, SAY NOTHING, write down what you think, do not let anyone see what you write. At the end of the tasting we compare notes. Using this method, no one is influenced by the others and we get true tasting notes. We had the frenzy by now! So out came Aberlour and Balvenie, followed by chutney and cheeses, Glengoyne, Connemara and Irn Bru ended the day! By now Denis (a latecomer to the session) was dancing in the kitchen, Liz was bumping off the walls, Paul – well sad to say, I was ok – note to myself; start drinkin less. At 2am we called it a day, Denis had disappeared 1 ish, we headed to place a head on a pillow. What started off as a let down, ended up as a thrill seeker! I think the empty glasses and bottles proved it.
Paul and Liz are; www.angelswhiskyclub.com and www.mcleanscotland.com
Ballantine’s announces launch of new spirit drink
Ballantine’s, the world’s No. 2 Scotch whisky, has today announced the launch of Ballantine’s Brasil; a brand new spirit drink made with Scotch whisky selectively cask steeped with Brazilian lime peel.
The new spirit drink is the latest addition to the Ballantine’s portfolio, and represents an innovative fusion of the traditions of Scotland with the passion of Brazil. Featuring a delicate combination of stimulating citrus complemented perfectly with a smooth touch of vanilla, the taste is both smooth and consistent, with the sweet and creamy flavours of Scotch perfectly balancing the refreshing lime. Ballantine’s has developed a delicious signature serve for Ballantine’s Brasil, the ‘Highland Samba’, which mixes Ballantine’s Brasil and lemonade, served over ice and topped with two freshly cut slices of lime.
Four more enticing serves have also been created; the ‘Glen Rio’, which fuses Ballantine’s Brasil with a generous helping of apple juice, the ‘Flower O’Brasil’, which mixes the spirit drink with freshly squeezed lime and elderflower, the ‘Caledinho’, which combines Ballantine’s Brasil with freshly squeezed lime mixed with crushed sugar, and the ‘Glen Coco’, which builds on the Caledinho by adding a touch of coconut.
Peter Moore, Global Brand Director for Ballantine’s, said: “There is a huge opportunity for spirit drinks that are made with whisky, as it’s an exceptionally dynamic new category that is already demonstrating a strong rate of growth. Ballantine’s Brasil is a venture into new territory for us, but we’re excited to have a product that can take advantage of this opportunity and one that can truly inspire those who have not yet found their perfect way to enjoy a Scotch whisky drink. We hope that Ballantine’s Brasil will excite a new generation of consumers with the combination of Scottish authenticity and Brazilian passion!”
Ballantine’s Brasil will be rolling out in key markets around the world throughout 2014, including Brazil and France, with an RRP of approximately €14.00 (currency dependent). More information can be found at www.mixitwithbrasil.com, where customers can also view a series of tutorials on how they can ‘Mix it with Brasil’ to create their own favourite Ballantine’s Brasil cocktails. –
Notes
Tasting Notes
Nose – A balance of rich vanilla and sweet, authentic Brazilian lime; a complex fusion of Scotch whisky, lime and natural vanilla. Taste – Soft and sweet, with a perfect balance of refreshing lime and smooth vanilla. Complementing this perfectly are the delicate sweet and creamy signature flavours of Scotch. Finish – Refreshing lime tang with a soft dry finish.
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.
Whisky Live Worldwide Forthcoming Shows in 2014
The 2014 calendar for Whisky Live is filling up fast. With a number of new shows added to the already fantastic line up, 2014 promises to be a great year! If you are interested in exhibiting at any of the shows listed below please visit www.whiskylive.com or email the contact listed below for further details.
Whisky Live
Israel
March Wednesday 5th – Thursday 6th Tomer Goren tomer.goren@gmail.com
Whisky Live
Perth
March Friday 14th – Saturday 15th Ken Bromfield ken@whiskylive.com.au
Whisky Live
Moscow
March Saturday 15th Dmitry Biryukov d@pmam.ru
Whisky Live
London
March Friday 21st – Saturday 22nd Ben Williamson ben@whiskylive.com
Whisky Live
New York
April Wednesday 9th Dave Sweet davesweet@whiskylive.com
Whisky Live
Adelaide
April Friday 11th – Saturday 12th Ken Bromfield ken@whiskylive.com.au
Whisky Live
Canberra
May Friday 30th – Saturday 31st Ken Bromfield ken@whiskylive.com.au
Whisky Live
Sydney West
June Friday 13th – Saturday 14th Ken Bromfield ken@whiskylive.com.au
Whisky Live
Sydney East
June Friday 20th – Saturday 21st Ken Bromfield ken@whiskylive.com.au
Whisky Live at
the Games, Chicago
June Saturday 14th Dave Sweet davesweet@whiskylive.com
Whisky Live
Melbourne
July Friday 18th – Saturday 19th Ken Bromfield ken@whiskylive.com.au
Whisky Live
Brisbane
August Saturday 30th – Sunday 31st Ken Bromfield ken@whiskylive.com.au
Whisky Live at the
Games, San Francisco
August Friday 30th – Saturday 31st Dave Sweet davesweet@whiskylive.com
Whisky Live
Paris
August Saturday 27th – Monday 29th Marion Sicre
m.sicre@whiskylive.fr
Whisky Live
Tokyo
September Saturday 20th – Sunday 21st David Croll
dcroll@whiskylive.com
Whisky Live
Toronto
October Saturday 18th Dave Sweet davesweet@whiskylive.com
Whisky Live
Los Angeles November Friday 7th Dave Sweet
davesweet@whiskylive.com
Whisky Live
The Hague
November
Friday 14th – Sunday 16th
Wouter Wapenaar
wouter@whiskyfestival.nl
If you are interested in more than one show, please contact:
Ben Williamson ben@whiskylive.com
Glen Grant Five Decades
A single malt specially crafted by Master Distiller Dennis Malcolm to celebrate and pay homage to his 5 decades of experience with Glen Grant. “This Unique Selection of the Finest Vintages is the marriage of the most valuable Glen Grant … Continue reading →
www.ralfy.com gets suspicious about Whisky Review 428 – GlenDronach 23yo Cask 1240
More Young Drinkers Opt For Whisky
6 February 2014
For generations whisky has been associated with older drinkers but times are changing.
A new survey to mark 100 days to World Whisky Day shows more young people than ever before are choosing to drink whisky but not in traditional ways. Over 60% of young people aged 18 to 24 declared they were whisky drinkers but a quarter of them said it had to be with Coke or other mixers.
World Whisky Day Founder Blair Bowman, 23 said that proved Scotch offers something for everyone.
“Whisky is increasingly a worldwide drink. In the Far East and South America it’s incredibly popular amongst all ages and now it seems we’re seeing a new generation at home discovering its charms and versatility”, said Blair.
“This year’s World Whisky Day on May 17th will be bigger and better than ever before. With the Commonwealth Games, Homecoming and the Ryder Cup the focus is really on Scotland in 2014 so we’re expecting to see events in every continent and some special celebrations here”.
Blair founded World Whisky Day in 2011 while studying at Aberdeen University. Following graduation, this is his first year running World Whisky Day full time. The initiative has the backing of Scottish Government and key players in the whisky industry.
Blair continued: “It’s great to see young people enjoying whisky, regardless of whether it’s neat, with a mixer or in a cocktail.“
World Whisky Day aims to raise the profile of whisky worldwide and to stimulate interest in whisky throughout the world.
Notes to Editors
More global brands added to line-up for
Whisky Birmingham 2014
Whisky Birmingham 2014 – the city’s only large-scale whisky festival – returns on March 1st bringing major whisky brands and local collaborations to canal-side venue The Bond in Digbeth.
Some of the biggest names in the whisky industry, including Morrison Bowmore, Gordon & MacPhail, BenRiach and Glendronach are the latest to sign-up for this special one-day celebration of whisky. The Midlands’ nearest distiller, Penderyn, has also confirmed.
Hosted by The Birmingham Whisky Club, Whisky Birmingham will also continue its tradition of collaborating with the cream of the city’s vibrant food and drink scene. Soul Food Project returns with their signature mouth-watering Deep South inspired cuisine, alongside Pop-Up Dosa, who will be serving up authentic Keralan street food. Local whisky bar The Victoria will again be hosting an onsite ‘Afterhours Speakeasy’ at the venue, ending the festival with live music and whisky cocktails.
Masterclasses on offer will see whisky paired with artisan produce including cheese, chocolate and cigars. Birmingham-based cheesemongers Curds & Whey and Kneals Chocolates join the festival line-up for the first time for special whisky-themed tasting sessions, while global cigar importers Hunters & Frankau return for a Cuban cigar and whisky masterclass. Local bloggers Living Room Whisky will be reprising their popular ‘bloggers’ choice’ stand.
Over 250 people attended last year’s festival at unique exhibition space The Bond. Festival-goers in 2014 can expect a much bigger event expert tasting advice from some of the whisky world’s most celebrated distillers, brand owners and bottlers. Retail will be provided by Birmingham’s arm of The Whisky Shop as well as Hard to Find Whisky.
Amy Seton, festival organiser and founder of The Birmingham Whisky Club, commented: “We were truly bowled over by the success of last year’s festival. It’s clear that Birmingham residents know and love their whisky, which is why we are growing the 2014 event to include more exciting and also more unusual brands and distillers.”
She added: ““As always, we welcome anyone at our events who has an interest in whisky – whether you’re an expert or a novice – there will be something for you. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about this historic drink in a fun, informal and sociable environment.”
Tickets for Whisky Birmingham 2014 are on sale now and cost £25 for entry into the main festival room and all whisky. Masterclasses, Speakeasy and food require an additional ticket/cost. For further information and to book, please see Facebook/TheBirminghamWhiskyClub, Twitter @TheWhiskyMiss or www.thebirminghamwhiskyclub.co.uk.
Notes
For information about The Birmingham Whisky Club please visit http://www.thebirminghamwhiskyclub.co.uk/ or contact Amy Seton on 07900 686611 or amy@thebirminghamwhiskyclub.co.uk.
About The Birmingham Whisky Club
The Birmingham Whisky Club is Birmingham’s only dedicated whisky tasting events company. We offer a diverse range of tutored tastings and whisky-themed events in and around Birmingham, including themed and rare whisky nights, events with distilleries and whisky and food matching. We welcome everyone, from complete beginners to the more hardened whisky buff.
Visit our webpage www.thebirminghamwhiskyclub.co.uk or find us on Facebook/The Birmingham Whisky Club. Follow us on Twitter @TheWhiskyMiss.
