www.ralfy.com gets a cheap and cheerful malt into the spotlight with Whisky Review 422 – Glen Grant (The Major’s Reserve)

At the Icons of Whisky and World Whiskies Awards Dinner on the 20^th March 2014 in London, we distribute the first copies of Issue 118.  This, the biggest issue of the year, includes the global award winners for The Icons of Whisky together with the World Whiskies Awards and the World Whiskies Design Awards winners 

In addition to this exciting news; we travel to New Brunswick, Canada to review the whisky clubs, festivals and the micro distilleries together with a Drinker’s Guide to Canada’s three Maritime provinces. From Scotland the review is taken from the Eastern area of Speyside.

On the 5^th June, we publish the edition that travels way down south to New Orleans and then onto Kentucky to include the Urban Bourbon Trail.  We also include a special World Whiskies Feature, to give a truly global feel to this issue. 

Editorial Features  

Issue No.118 

Special Features

Whisky Travel: New Brunswick, Canada

World Whiskies Awards Results

Icons of Whisky Results

World Whiskies Design Awards Results

Publication Date: 9^th May

Copy Deadline: 21^st February 

Issue No.119

Special Features

Whisky Travel: New Orleans, Kentucky and  The Urban Bourbon Trail

Special Features: World Whiskies

Publication Date 5th June

Copy  Deadline: 28^th March

The Best Canadian Whisky In The World

VICTORIA, Jan. 17, 2014 – A whisky that was first distilled seven generations ago is the best Canadian whisky in the world. That’s the verdict of nine independent whisky experts who named Corby’s Lot No. 40 the Canadian Whisky of the Year at the fourth annual Canadian Whisky Awards. Results of the annual blind tasting competition were announced Thursday evening at the Victoria Whisky Festival in Victoria, B.C.

Today, Lot No. 40 is distilled at Hiram Walker Distillery in Windsor, Ontario from a 100% rye-grain recipe developed in the 19^th century by Canadian pioneer distiller, Joshua Booth. In announcing the awards, Chairman of the Judges, Davin de Kergommeaux, called Lot No. 40 “The very essence of what rye whisky is all about.”

Other top winners include Alberta Premium Dark Horse, Forty Creek Heart of Gold, Masterson’s Straight Rye Whiskey, Wiser’s Red Letter, and Crown Royal Black.

“Interest in Canadian whisky is growing tremendously,” said de Kergommeaux as he introduced the winners. “Export sales of Canadian whisky world-wide were up by nearly 25% in 2013, and the upward trend continues. Canadian whisky producers are stepping up to the plate with new high-end releases. More small batch and top-end deluxe whiskies are available now than ever before.” 

Demographics are shifting too. Women now make up 29% of Canadian whisky drinkers and the under thirty-five millennial generation consumes over 45% of the Canadian whisky sold. And while 54% of Canadian whisky is used for cocktails, 46% is sipped just as it comes from the bottle. 

As well, sales of flavoured whisky doubled in 2013 with Forty Creek, Wiser’s, Sortilège, and Spice Box seeing exceptional growth.

A complete list of the winners is available at http://www.canadianwhisky.org/

Notes:

About the Canadian Whisky Awards

The Canadian Whisky Awards recognize the very best Canadian whiskies and encourage distillers to maintain the highest standards for making whisky. To qualify, whiskies must be distilled and matured in Canada. An independent panel of whisky writers, bloggers, and journalists selects the winners after tasting each whisky blind. Operated on a not-for-profit basis, the Canadian Whisky Awards are fully independent of the Canadian whisky industry.

For further information:

Davin de Kergommeaux (613) 563-0254 
davindek@gmail.com

The Macallan to Auction six litre “Imperiale” decanter of Macallan ‘M’ in Hong Kong 

The Macallan is to auction an impressive 6 litre “Imperiale” version of the highly sought after Macallan M – the world’s most sophisticated single malt whisky, contained within a beautifully designed and meticulously crafted crystal decanter. 

M represents a masterpiece created from the collaboration between three masters of their crafts; Fabien Baron, Founder and Creative Director of Baron & Baron, Silvio Denz, President and CEO of Lalique and Bob Dalgarno, Whisky Maker at The Macallan. 

To celebrate the conception of M and its global launch in Hong Kong, four 6-litre Imperiale decanters were specially crafted by Lalique for The Macallan. These are the largest decanters ever made by Lalique. Each decanter required the work of 17 craftsmen, including two with the prestigious title, “Meilleur Ouvrier de France”, with each taking over 50 hours to complete. 

Of the four, two have been archived by The Macallan and one has been committed to a private collector in Asia.  The fourth, Constantine (named, as are the other three, after Roman emperors), is the only one to feature the engraved autographs of the three principal creators – Lalique/Silvio Denz, Fabien Baron and Bob Dalgarno.  This highly collectable creation will be offered at auction of Finest and Rarest Wines and The Macallan by Sotheby’s in Hong Kong on Saturday, 18 January 2014. 

David Cox of The Macallan commented : “The six litre Imperiale “M” is the largest decanter ever produced by Lalique, and the largest decanter ever filled with the Macallan since the distillery was founded in 1824.  This auction offers the successful bidder an opportunity to acquire something very special, drawing on the combined talents of one of the world’s great designers, the finest of crystal makers and makers of one the world’s great spirits, The Macallan. Hopefully the auction will realise an outstanding bid, worthy of this great piece, with the net proceeds going to a number of worthy charities in Hong Kong”. 

The Macallan is one of the world’s most sought after and collectable whiskies, sitting at the top of the auction index for whiskies and holding the current Guinness World Record™ for the most expensive whisky ever sold at auction, The Macallan 64 years old in LALIQUE Cire Perdue went for US$460,000. 

All net sale proceeds will be donated to a host of local charities in Hong Kong.   

Notes: 

Guide for Prospective Buyers

The weight of the decanter is 11.3kg with a height of 700mm. With six litres of Macallan at 5.5kg, the total weight of the decanter with whisky would be 16.8kg. 

Buyer’s Premium: The standard 22.5% buyer’s premium will be applied to the hammer price, a portion of which Sotheby’s will donate to the Hong Kong charities benefitting from the sale of this lot. 

This Property will be offered for sale without reserve. Pre-sale estimates: HK$2,000,000 – HK$4,000,000. 

About Sotheby’s

Sotheby’s has been uniting collectors with world-class works of art since 1744.  Sotheby’s became the first international auction house when it expanded from London to New York (1955), the first to conduct sales in Hong Kong (1973) and France (2001), and the first international fine art auction house in China (2012). Today, Sotheby’s presents auctions in 9 different salesrooms, including New York, London, Hong Kong and Paris, and Sotheby’s BIDnow program allows visitors to view all auctions live online and place bids from anywhere in the world. Sotheby’s offers collectors the resources of Sotheby’s Financial Services, the world’s only full-service art financing company, as well as private sale opportunities in more than 70 categories, including S|2, the gallery arm of Sotheby’s Contemporary Art department, and two retail businesses, Sotheby’s Diamonds and Sotheby’s Wine. Sotheby’s has a global network of 90 offices in 40 countries and is the oldest company listed on the New York Stock Exchange (BID). 

THE WHISKY SHOP’S GUIDE TO BURNS’ NIGHT 2014 

Whisky is the perfect drink to enjoy on Burns’ Night and luxury drinks retailer The Whisky Shop presents the finest whiskies to enjoy with the traditional haggis, neeps and tatties to celebrate ‘the bard’ – poet Robert Burns -on Saturday 25^th January 2014. 

Talisker Storm – £48.49 – www.whiskyshop.com

Talisker has always been a favoured match for haggis and the new Storm is sure to impress.  At first sweetly mellow and rich in the mouth, then quickly very spicy and increasingly stormy as the Talisker heat comes through. 

It’s as if the pure, tongue-coating sweetness joins hands with a deep nutty smokiness to embrace those spicier notes.

 The flavour is elegantly drawn out with a good balance between sweetness, smoke and salt, which is all the more evident when a little water is added. 

Isle of Jura 16 year old – Diurachs’ Own Islands – £51.49 – www.whiskyshop.com  

This sweet and spice island whisky offers an excellent dram for a Burns’ Night toast.

 Aptly named the Diurachs’ Own Islands, Diurachs is the Gaelic word for the people of Jura. Although less than 200 strong they are united by their love of the island and its world-renowned whisky.

The Isle of Jura 16 year old is sumptuous yet gently spiced.  Soft peaches and honey with a hint of citrus and marzipan.  Bottled at 40% volume. 

Dalmore Cigar Malt – £65.99 – www.whiskyshop.com

The Dalmore Cigar Malt is a sweet and spice highland whisky which can be enjoyed with haggis or a cigar.

Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve is taken from a selection of aged stocks from 10 to 15 years, matured in both American white oak ex-bourbon barrels and Matusalem oloroso sherry casks from Gonzalez Byass before a final finesse in Premier Cru Cabernet Sauvignon wine barriques.  Bottled at 44% volume.

On the palate creamy vanilla, toffee and sweet pineapples open, followed by rich mango, crushed pear and kiwi fruits. An aftertaste of unsurpassed elegance. Matured 70% Oloroso Sherry Wood; 30% Bourbon American White Oak. 

Kilchoman Machir Bay – £43.99 – www.whiskyshop.com

Kilchoman is one of the smallest and newest distilleries in Scotland – built in 2005 – and the first distillery to be established on Islay in over 124 years.  Kilchoman is one of only six distilleries to carry out traditional floor maltings, using barley grown on the distillery farm. 

Kilchoman Machir Bay is the first general release from the distillery and its core expression – first launched in 2012.  The smoky malt is the perfect partner for haggis.  It is a vatting of 3, 4 and 5 year old, matured in fresh bourbon barrels and finished in oloroso sherry butts for 8 weeks.  Machir Bay has a well-balanced combination of rich tropical fruit, peat smoke, light vanilla and intense sweetness. Bottled at 46% ABV. 

Andrew Torrance, Managing Director of The Whisky Shop, said: “Burns’ Night is a traditional Scottish celebration and it is important to have the right whisky to complement the distinctive flavour of the spicy haggis.”

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

TOP PICKS

• Johnnie Walker Blue Blended Scotch Whisky 750ml (Previously $180) ($149.99)
  95 points Wine Enthusiast: “*Top 50 Spirits of 2011* A honey-colored whisky with a spicy, smoky fragrance. The first sip is surprisingly sweet and honeyed, then the smoke gently creeps in like fog at dawn, softly surrounding the edges of the tongue.” (09/2011) K&L Notes: Johnnie Walker Blue Label is crafted from the finest and rarest casks in the producer’s extensive stocks to exemplify the art of blended whiskies. A whisky of power, smoothness, and signature smokiness is the result. Influences from across Scotland are layered in the profile, with the smokiness of the west and the rich, sweet whiskies of the east. (NOTE: This bottle does not ship automatically with the gift packaging. Shipping the gift box as well requires a separate package on the side for an additional fee. Please indicate in the comment field if you would like the box, or call the store to request a separate shipping container.)

• 1985 Talisker 28 Year Old Maritime Edition Isle of Skye Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 12 available ($649.99)
  Here is the new limited release from Talisker. Bottled to commemorate the International Maritime Signal Flag System, used to send messages between ships and shore, this very old cask strength Talisker is sure to be as collectable as it is delicious.

NEW ARRIVALS

• 1989 Bowmore 23 year old “Port Cask Matured” Islay Single Malt Whisky 750ml (Elsewhere $700) – 6 available ($599.99)
  This single vintage Bowmore was matured exclusively in Port Casks for a truly unusual and special example of this special distillery. One of the better 80’s Bowmore I’ve tasted without the slightest hint of FWP. Take advantage of some of the New Year’s deals with this special bottle at a very special price.

• Lagavulin 37 Year Old Limited Release Islay Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 3 available ($2,899.99)
  From the pillar of Islay, this top notch distillate can stand up to an incredible amount of time in the cask, but of course the huge majority is dumped at 16 years of age. We’re lucky to get a few bottles of this ultra old legend. Serge from Whiskyfun.com seemed to like it, “Starts with something fragrant, like some perfumes for men that would include incense and sandalwood, as well as more and more vetiver. Certainly some aniseed and dill as well. Then it’s rather citrus and liquorice wood, then vin jaune or manzanilla (yes, fresh walnuts), a side that never stops growing over time. It’s actually very restless, it never stops changing, which is both fabulous and a drawback if you want to write tasting notes… Aaargh! Also wee touches of paint thinner (high quality paint thinner, of course), creosote, a new box of cigars, various oils and waxes, touches of turpentine, overripe apples, teak oil… Oh and there, it changes again, becoming much more coastal and almost as smoky as a youngster. Bonfire, oysters and such. Phew, this baby really shakes you off! With water: no huge changes, let’s say it became fresher and a wee notch more medicinal. Lemon juice with a few drops of antiseptic. Oh and vetiver, and sandalwood, and seaweed, and… Here we go again! Mouth (neat): the oak feels a bit (astringency) but only for fraction of a second, because lemons, smokes and especially lapsang-souchong tea are soon to come to the rescue…” -94 points

• Oban 21 Year Old Limited Edition Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 12 available ($399.99)
  The third limited release Oban ever, after the 20 year and the 32 year, this cask strength bottling is sure to go down as a legend. Only 2860 bottles.
• 1997 Arran 16 Year Old Single Sherry Cask Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 6 available ($124.99)
  Another exquisite cask of sherry-aged single malt from Scotland’s most up-and-coming distillery. This is pure cakebread, big sherry, rich, and decadent juice, all from one single butt and bottled at full proof. Anyone who’s overpaying for Macallan right now should look to Arran for help. This is serious whisky for a reasonable asking price. (David Driscoll, K&L Spirits Buyer)

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

Made from vineyards of between 15 and 25 years old, the wine making process includes 28 days of maceration with the skins on and then 12 months ageing in both American and French oak barrels, until it is bottled. 

New owners at the Harbour Inn, Islay 

Morrison Bowmore Distiller’s are pleased to announce that they have taken ownership of The Harbour Inn on the beautiful whisky island of Islay. The award-winning hotel and restaurant boasts seven en suite bedrooms and is a popular destination for both visitors and island residents alike. 

Recently refurbished, this old whitewashed inn by the harbour has been brought up-to-date with stylish bedrooms and a conservatory with spectacular views across Loch Indaal towards Jura. The award winning restaurant features local quality produce, showcasing the rich ‘Taste of Islay ‘. 

The Harbour Inn becomes a welcome addition to the Bowmore family, joining the Bowmore Visitor Centre and Distillery as well as luxury self catering cottages on the island. 

Visitor Centre Operations and Development Manager Anne Kinnes said “In growing the Bowmore business to include the Harbour Inn, this is a very exciting time for us. We are looking forward to the opportunity of welcoming guests to experience our world class service on Islay.”  

For further information please visit http://www.morrisonbowmore.co.uk/  or http://www.harbour-inn.com/. 

NOTES: 

The Harbour Inn and Bowmore Distillery Cottages Situated adjacent to Bowmore harbour, The Harbour Inn offers superb accommodation, high quality award winning food and excellent service. As a base for touring Islay – described by the Lord of the Isles as “ The Jewel of the Hebrides “ – the hotel’s location is unique with many areas of natural beauty within an easy drive.  

Located within or beside the distillery complex, the Bowmore Distillery Cottages encapsulate Islay at its beautiful, peaceful and traditional best – all beautifully renovated to luxury Visit Scotland standard. 

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.

January 2014 Outturn Offerings 

Cask No. 44.58                         $125

A Bittersweet Sensation

Speyside, Spey

All of us, well the not so young ones, were transported back in time to an old fashioned sweet shop, wooden floor boards, saw dust and glass jars absolutely everywhere. There are so many aromas let’s mention a few; saltwater toffee, rhubarb and custard swirly lollies, apple and pear bonbons and strawberry chewits. The taste neat red berry jam, ripe Morello cherries and chocolate like Green&Black’s Dark Chocolate Cherry Bar. After a tiny splash of water initially quite dusty – opening a book after a very long time on the shelf, then sweet notes reappear quickly; fruity jelly beans, strawberry gelatine and Hubba Bubba chewing gum. An enticing fruity/sour combination with a creamy finish of rhubarb crumble and vanilla custard.

Drinking tip: When you feel nostalgic and listening to a vinyl record

Colour: Honey gold                                       Date distilled: August 1999

Cask: Refill butt                                  Alcohol: 59.1%

Age: 13 years                                      USA allocation: 120 bottles

Cask No. 17.35                         $110

Very fruity, very tasty

Highland, Island

We found lots of good stuff on the nose – honey, toffee, vanilla, Battenberg cake, vanilla and a variety of fruits (pear, apple, tinned pineapple, strawberry, three-fruit marmalade). We also found tarragon, straw, putty, menthol, brass and a stationery cupboard. The palate was tasty – majoring on fruit (star-fruit, rhubarb, peach, pineapple) – but also with gummi bears, soor plooms, some interesting ginger spice and a salty note. The nose shifted with water – oatcakes, tea caddies and pepper – the centre-piece still a bowl of fruit, but now sharper (gooseberry, lime). The palate became even tastier – Moffat toffees and coke with lime. Orkney’s smaller distillery.

Drinking tip: To serve before a lunch in summer

Colour: Liquid gold                             Date distilled: January 2002

Cask: Refill barrel                                Alcohol: 56.1%

Age: 11 years                                      USA allocation: 156 bottles

Cask No. 25.64                         $175

Manzanilla Sherry Trifle

Lowland

The nose neat reminded some of us of an old school study whilst others imagined an elegant ladies morning room. Both have in fact similar images; leather chairs and sofas, old leather bound dusty books, thick Persian oriental antique rugs, fresh cut wood on either side of the fireplace and the scent of potpourri and dried flowers in the air. The taste lively, peppery and sweet. Fruity flavours of blackcurrant, raspberry and blueberry together with Indian spice mix and salted limes. With the addition of water aromas of a herb garden surrounded by a pine forest and the flavours are Manzanilla Sherry trifle, pink grapefruit juice and in the finish liquorice allsorts.

Drinking tip: Before Sunday lunch

Colour: Virgin olive oil                                  Date distilled: November 1990

Cask: Refill hogshead                                    Alcohol: 59.8%

Age: 22 years                                                USA allocation: 66 bottles 

Cask No. 125.70                                 $90

A dram of two halves

Highland, Northern

The nose has an assertive, lively, fresh and briny aroma like sea spray scented air and an aged Manzanilla Pasada Sherry. All this accompanied by sea salt and cracked black pepper flavoured crisps as well as green olives and grilled goat’s cheese with quince paste (Carne de Membrillo) on toast. The taste has salty peanuts, fresh oyster juice and the sourness of a grapefruit sorbet – a real palate cleanser. With water the aroma changes completely; sweet fresh fruit salad, creamy Banoffee pie and the spiciness of a Tokaji sweet wine. The taste silenced the Panel; chocolate fondant with orange blossom cream, crunchy caramel toffee and chocolate covered figs. This is a dram of two halves and we loved both!

Drinking tip: As an aperitif (neat) or with desert (adding a drop of water)

Colour: Straw-yellow                                    Date distilled: February 2005

Cask: Second-fill barrel                                 Alcohol: 59.3%

Age: 8 years                                                 USA allocation: 150 bottles 

Cask No. 129.3                         $85

Unwind and set your watch to ‘Islay Time’

Islay

What a nose: maritime, fishy, antiseptic and herbal. Let’s make a start; lobster pots, breakfast kippers, smoked scallops in a creamy pepper sauce, Germolene, Savlon cream and to top it all, a lobster pot pie with a biscuit topping seasoned with chives and parsley. The taste does not disappoint, clean peat smoke and cured mackerel sushi with wasabi to accentuate the rich oily and slightly drying aftertaste. With water becoming sweeter; smoked honey marinated mackerels, toasted almonds and singed gammon steaks. And the taste from the newest distillery on Islay –  calamari with a honey dip, sweet hickory toasted almonds, stir fry with cashew nuts and soya sauce – do I need to go on,  just relax and enjoy!

Drinking tip: Pull yourself up a comfortable arm chair and say good bye to care

Colour: Moon light glow                                Date distilled: September 2008

Cask: First-fill barrel                                     Alcohol: 60.2%

Age: 4 years                                                 USA allocation: 120 bottles 

Cask No. G5.10                         $195

Sugar and spice and all things nice

Grain

The nose had a dusty quality, suggesting pepper, straw, icing sugar and sanded wood; also a freshly glued balsa model; spiced apple strudel, lychee, glacé cherries and banana chips with good sweetness (toffee, candy floss, Demerara). The unreduced taste was sweet heat – banana toffee, Caramac, butterscotch, caramel sauce, brown sugar and chocolate powder on cappuccino; heat coming from pink peppercorn, cinnamon and clove. In reduction, the nose found cinder toffee and almond biscuits, while the palate reached a tasty bitter-sweet balance of dark chocolate and icing sugar. ‘Sugar and spice and all things nice’ from the only Highland grain distillery.

Drinking tip: Could be served between courses at dinner – e.g. preparing the mouth for dessert. Be careful with the water.

Colour: Toffee gold                                       Date distilled: March 1988

Cask: Refill barrel                                Alcohol: 62.3%

Age: 25 years                                      USA allocation: 60 bottles

Please visit the Scotch Malt Whisky Society at http://www.smwsa.com/

Four Roses K&L Exclusive Single Barrel OBSO (US 55-1P) Cask Strength Bourbon 750ml ($59.99)

Three barrels of Four Roses have arrived, tasted by our spirits department at the distillery, directly from the Cox warehouse facility with Jim Rutledge himself. To make matters confusing, we ended up picked three fantastic barrels of the same Four Roses formula (OBSO), when there were ten different recipes to choose from. We couldn’t help it–our palates were simply drawn to the bold, woody flavors of that whiskey. This nine year, eleven month old cask managed to proof itself down to a respectable 53.5 percent and starts off with a red-fruited flavor before immediately headed into the more herbaceous and peppery realm. Pencil shavings and old fashioned Bourbon goodness on the finish bring the experience to satisfying climax. This is a punchy little whiskey that sticks to the tried and tested flavors of American Bourbon and does it very, very well.

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 13, 2014
This is the most direct of the 3 barrels that were select by K&L’s spirits team. There are nice aromas of caramel and sweetness that are inviting. In the mouth this barrel selection is rich and round with a nice balance rounding out the flavors. It was my favorite of the 3 barrels.