UK vlogger Joe Ellis continues his “Month of Arran” and reviews the Arran 12yo Cask Strength Batch 3

http://youtu.be/mkBaEC1LUF4

http://Facebook.com/whiskytube

http://Twitter.com/whiskytube

Thousands of votes across 37 countries have been cast by whisky lovers to select a new limited edition from The Glenlivet, with its Exotic expression revealed today as the winner, with 39% of the vote. 

The announcement follows a global campaign by The Glenlivet, during which the brand reached out to whisky fans around the world giving them the chance to select the next The Glenlivet expression for the first time ever. The winning expression will be named “The Guardians’ Chapter” in recognition of the significant part the distillery’s fan club – The Guardians of The Glenlivet – has made to the voting. The new whisky – which is non-chill filtered, 48.7% proof and described as a rich, indulgent single malt – will be bottled in limited quantities and distributed around the world from March 2014, priced at $85 (or equivalent). 

The winning ‘Exotic’ single malt was created using a subtle mixture of casks including Hogsheads and American oak barrels with the addition of a proportion of whisky from Spanish ex-sherry butts to provide a rich, exotic twist.  The resulting whisky displays the signature fruitiness of The Glenlivet with the addition of rich, warm spicy notes. Rich and indulgent on the nose, it offers aromas of moist and sweet, candied apples balanced with a hint of orange marmalade. The taste combines juicy raisins with an undertone of dark chocolate orange zestiness, well balanced with a subtle warmth of spice, complementing a long and slightly dry finish. 

The campaign began in September 2013, with Master Distiller Alan Winchester revealing the three expressions he had hand-picked for fans to choose from. The three expressions – which were selected to spark debate over single malt style preferences – were named according to their taste profile, with the options being Classic, Exotic and Revival. Fans of the brand were invited to tasting events held across the globe where they sampled and voted for their favourites. 

In addition to the tasting events, a series of special evenings entitled the ‘Expression Sessions’ were held in London, New York and Mumbai. Designed to bring the styles of the three expressions to life through aligned cultural interests, the events included a range of speakers, including artists, academics, musicians and explorers. The London event saw design expert, Stephen Bayley, talking about ‘classic’ car design whilst explorer Benedict Allen described what encountering the ‘exotic’ meant to him. Videos and findings from the events, alongside the percentage breakdown of the final results, can be found on the brand’s website, http://www.theglenlivet.com/. 

Alan Winchester comments: “The story of The Guardians’ Chapter doesn’t end here. This is an opportunity to savour a unique, limited edition, single malt that’s already been admired and desired by thousands of whisky lovers.   Our Guardians have written a new chapter in the distillery’s distinguished history; this will be their legacy and I’m really pleased with the enthusiastic response we received and the selection the Guardians have made.”  

Nikki Burgess, Global Brand Director for The Glenlivet, adds: “Deciding on a new Scotch whisky expression is normally a privilege reserved for a very select handful of experts, revered for their knowledge and experience. With The Glenlivet Guardians’ Chapter, we wanted to recognise the passion and expertise of our Guardians in an original and inspiring way by inviting them to write the next chapter in The Glenlivet’s history. We’ve had an excellent response from fans across the world, particularly in the USA, the world’s no. 1 single malt market, and we are sure that our founder, George Smith, would be proud of the smooth and complex whisky that will bear his and The Glenlivet’s name when it goes on sale next year.” 

To become a member of The Guardians of The Glenlivet community, please visit: www.theglenlivet.com/guardians

Notes: 

Tasting Notes 

The Glenlivet Guardians’ Chapter ‘Exotic’ – 48.7% ABV – Non Chill-Filtered

Nose: Rich and indulgent with hints of moist fruitcake and sweet, candied apple, balanced with a tang of orange marmalade.

Taste: Plump, juicy raisins with an undertone of dark chocolate orange zestiness. Well balanced with the subtle warmth of spice permeating through.

Finish: Long and slightly dry 

About The Glenlivet

The Glenlivet is the No. 2 single malt Scotch whisky in the world. Crafted in the remote Livet Valley since 1824, it is the only whisky with the unchallengeable right to be called The Glenlivet. 

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. 

In July 2010, Chivas Brothers launched The Age Matters campaign to help consumers understand the importance of Scotch whisky age statements. 

For further news of upcoming events please visit http://www.theglenlivet.com/ or www.facebook.com/theglenlivet 

For further information visit: http://www.chivasbrothers.com/

Having recovered from the Thanksgiving feast, it is not yet time to relax as we have the major holiday with more whiskies to handle. But even consumption of decadent spirits is not as “consuming” as the process of finding that perfect something for gifting….

At least here we’ve got you covered…

Expo tickets by themselves, a bottle of whisky, (or both) will warm many hearts on Christmas Eve. Not to mention that it’s a wonderful treat for yourself!

BUY TICKETS

A sneak peak to WoW:

Our focus this year is on bringing you the highest quality in a whisky show…from more whiskies and booming craft spirits, to the unique WoW entertainment features;

• The popular concert by the beloved Bushmills Pipe & Drum Band
• An outdoor Cigar and Whisky pairing
• An expansion of artisanal delicacies to pair with your spirits
• The new program of whisky seminars, and so much more..

All this guarantees a truly memorable time at the 2014 show. Watch our website closely as the exhibitor and masterclass list unveils; but for now let us assure you we’re doing great with the upcoming show, and will be bringing many whisky personas for your ‘meet and greet” including the ever-popular Steve Beal with his Single Malts that never get “out tasted”, David Blackmore and Glenmorangie’s, new whisky talent, Jon Trainer, the ever inspiring Hollis Bulleit, and the warm company of our fellowmen distillers, distillery owners, and artisanal whiskey makers: Robert and Sonat Birnecker of Koval, the first Chicago distillery, folks from the “down the street” Anchor Distillery (everybody loves Anchor Steam beer), David Perkins from the High West Distillery and saloon (you’ll have to enjoy the latter outside the Expo). This Christmas pastime, start your ahead planning of attending your Wow program favorites, and anticipate spending the evening—with your spouse, your special friends–enjoying the water of life!

Not convinced? Take a look at the videos from Austin, and Atlanta, and hear what our guests have to say about Whiskies of the World.

We have acquired special rates for:

HILTON Financial District, San Francisco, California

We’ve arranged a block of rooms in The Hilton Financial District Hotel, located just a few blocks away from the Hornblower’s Pier 3 and close to major downtown tourist destinations. WoW participants receive an exclusive rate of $209 per night + tax, valid for the night of the Expo and the two adjacent nights. Note that the number of rooms is limited and must be booked by Friday, February 27, 2014.

Book online

Call 1.800.424.8292 and quote Whiskies of the World Group Negotiated Room Rate.

Glendronach
19 Year Old 1994 (56.8%)

Full strength Glendronach Highland malt.

United Kingdom Exclusive single Oloroso
Sherry Butt #67 bottled November 2013.

625 numbered bottles.

Buy – $110.37

Cheltenham and The Varsity Match
It has been a busy week for Glenfarclas sponsored sport. On Thursday Oxford University won 33-15 against Cambridge University in the 132nd Varsity rugby match. Whilst this afternoon Sire Collonges won the Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Steeplechase at Cheltenham Racecourse.  

New Listings this Christmas
We are pleased to advise that Glenfarclas is now available at Marks & Spencer in the UK. Look out for the limited editon 2003 Vintage bottling, which is exclusive to the store. In Sweden Glenfarclas 12 Years Old 350ML joins the 17 Years Old 350ML in the Systembolaget.

Experience the Festive Spririt of Independence
For those planning to visit Speyside over the Christmas holiday, this year our Christmas open day will be on Monday the 30th of December. We will be open from 11AM to 3PM, with Distillery tours at 11.30AM, 12.30PM, and 13.30PM. This is subject to the weather so if in doubt please check www.twitter.com/glenfarclas or call 01807 500345 after 11AM on the day.

The visitor centre will be open on weekdays from 10AM to 4PM up until Thursday the 19th of December, and then be closed from the 20th December to the 6th January (except the 30th December), with normal winter hours resuming on Tuesday the 7th of January 2014. 

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival
Looking further ahead the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival will run from the 1st to the 5th of May 2014. Events will be available to preview at www.spiritofspeyside.com from the 28th of January, with ticket sales starting on the 1st of February 2014.

We have some of the oldest, rarest and most highly sought after whiskies anywhere in the world. If you are looking to make a big impact this Christmas for that someone special look no further… Free postage on all orders over £50.00

The Balvenie 40 year old Batch 7
£2999.99 Click here buy

250 bottles created from a combination of 3 x American oak and 3 x Sherry casks bottled at a natural cask strength of 48.5% volume. One of the most collectable whiskies available anywhere! If you want to try the ultimate look no further. This is stunning!

Talisker 30 year old £275

This Talisker 30 year old is bottled in 2010 at natural cask strength of 57.3% volume. One of only 2958 with each bottle individually numbered. Drinks well at full strength. Slow but consistent, with autumn berries and dried fruit. Cherry stones. Cooling at first, then becoming hot and lively. Water (add only a little) brings up a pleasant smooth texture. It’s now quite sweet and again cooling to start (tart au chocolat) then warming overall, with some salt, a trace of acidity and some very measured, slightly sooty, smoke.
Click to buy

Bowmore 1989
A delicious feast of smoke-infused blood orange, winter spices, black truffles and walnut oil. A whisky to warm the coldest Islay night, this limited edition Bowmore Single Malt has been matured exclusively in port casks for 23 years, giving it a deliciously dark colour and remarkably rich flavour.

Click here to buy:
Only £398.99 per bottle

Talisker 1985 27 Y.O

A supreme Talisker; wonderfully classic in style and as sophisticated as its peers but with an extra ‘chilled’ self-assurance and even an edge of darkness. A malt that lives life to the full and doesn’t take itself too seriously: it’s also ever-so-slightly edgy, with suggestions of a volcanic heritage.

Click here to buy
Only 475.00 per bottle

Glenlivet Cellar Collection
NOSE: Initial burst of sweet fruity homemade blackcurrant jam followed by notes of tangy orange flavours and freshly baked gingerbread. PALATE: Perfectly balanced, mouthwatering, fills the mouth with incredibly fruity flavours of blackcurrant and pear. Full of life with a spicy and zesty sparkle, complemented by nuances of soft peppermint. FINISH: Incredibly long and dry
Click here to buy
Only £69.99 per bottle

LA DOLFINA WINS THE 2013 CAMPEONATO ARGENTINO ABIERTO DE POLO

In a dramatic and historic win, this year’s 120^th Campeonato Argentino Abierto de Polo (Argentine Open) Championship title has been taken by La Dolfina. This tournament marks the pinnacle of the Royal Salute World Polo Series, where the final is always passionately fought, and features some of the world’s best players, including, Adolfo Cambiaso and Pablo Mac Donough, both 10 goal players, who ultimately ensured La Dolfina took the title of ‘best polo team in the world’.

With every chukka courageously fought, La Dolfina took a 2-1 lead over Alegria in the first chukka, with Cambiaso scoring the first goal of the final. Alegria fought to catch up, and at the end of the fourth chukka, teams equalised with a score of eight-all. La Dolfina started to pull away in the sixth chukka which lead to the final score of 16-11.

This display of elite sportsmanship drew a discerning crowd of 20,000 from Argentina and all over the world. Guests of Royal Salute were hosted by English International professional polo player, Malcolm Borwick and Torquhil Ian Campbell, the 13th Duke of Argyll. Also in attendance was guest of honour Johannes Huebl, the high profile German model and photographer known for his discerning taste and artistic eye for photography. Johannes captured imagery of the final to reveal the sportsmanship, skill and passion behind the game. Johannes’ images captured during the Open were uploaded and shared with his 150,000 followers on his Instagram using #Salutethegame, enabling a wider audience to appreciate the skill, passion and craftsmanship behind polo.

Neil Macdonald, Brand Director for Royal Salute commented:

 “Royal Salute is thrilled to be supporting polo in Argentina for the second year in a row; as the ultimate polo destination it is incredibly inspiring to watch the best players in the world battle it out at Palermo. With an unpredictable run up to this hotly anticipated final, we feel that this tournament is the perfect platform on which to celebrate our own values of craftsmanship, honour, courage and skill, which are also integral to this most elegant and powerful of sports.”

The tournament is the penultimate fixture in the Royal Salute World Polo Series for 2013, showcasing the brand’s commitment to the most prestigious international polo events across the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East. 

Notes:

About Royal Salute

Polo is a game of honour and respect, two values at the heart of Royal Salute. The greatest players are masters of their craft whose sublime horsemanship and respect for their mount allows them to play the noble sport according to the purity of its code.

Royal Salute truly believes and takes pride in the values of integrity and honour; the whisky is laid down to mature for at least  21 years, the unique bottle is meticulously handcrafted from the finest hand-selected porcelain, ensuring that the utmost attention to detail is paid to every element during its creation.

Royal Salute is a leading international supporter of polo, ‘the king of sports and the sport of kings’. Royal Salute World Polo is truly international with a presence in every major region globally:

• Argentina Campeonato Abierto De Polo Argentina, Beunos Aires
• Columbia Copa Uribe, Bogota, Columbia
• China Royal Salute China Open, Tang Polo Club,  Beijing
• India Royal Salute Maharaja of Jodhpur, Golden Jubilee Cup
• Italy Polo Gold Cup, Cortina d’Ampezzo
• Korea Royal Salute Polo Club, Jeju Country Club, Jeju
• Singapore Japanese Cup, Singapore
• Spain Landrover International Tournament, Santa Maria Polo Club, Sotogrande
• UAE Royal Salute Nations Cup, Desert Palm Resort,  Dubai
• UK Westchester Cup, Guards Polo Club, Windsor, UK
• USA Royal Salute Jubilee Cup, Greenwich Polo Club, Connecticut

 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, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport.

In July 2010 Chivas Brothers launched The Age Matters campaign to help consumers understand the importance of Scotch whisky age statements.

For further information:

Visit: http://www.chivasbrothers.com/ and http://www.royalsalute.com/

We have a fabulous selection of Whiskies, as you would expect from Nickolls and Perks – Finalists in the  national Drinks Retailing Awards for Spirits 2014. Just click on the image above or here  to view our very special seasonal offers. From all of the staff at Nickolls & Perks, have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS…

The Arran Distillers take great pride in all of their whisky, but occasionally James MacTaggart, the Distillery Manager, discovers a cask that truly stands out as the finest example of the Distillers art and oak cask in perfect harmony. The influence of the cask on the final character of whisky is widely acknowledged and one of the key aspects of his job is to determine when the right balance between the spirit and the wood has been achieved. Only the most exceptional examples of Single Malt are approved for bottling as Premium Cask Selection.  

Colour: Straw-Gold

Nose: Sweet oak and honey are immediately apparent in the aroma. Hints of coconut and candy appear when water is added with butterscotch and liquorice also evident.
Palate: The taste is crisp and malty with a slight nuttiness. With time the malt begins to open and the Arran hallmarks of citrus and sweet fruit emerge to coat the tongue.
Finish: Clean and fresh with a lingering creamy sweetness. Best described as mellow, smooth and bursting with flavour.

Cask #498/96  49.8% abv.  

RRP $129.99 

We hope this will be a great addition to your holiday portfolio.

Happy upcoming holidays to everyone from the ImpEx Beverages Team!

Christmas Gift Ideas from Milroys

It’s the most wonderful time of the year to drink fabulous whisky and spirits with friends,and give delightful gifts…or you can always just treat yourself…Please contact lee.tomlinson@milroys.co.uk or call 0207 437 2385 for more information.

Classic Malts Gift Set – The Gentle Collection

For gentle souls, a refined, medium bodied selection of drams to sit back and relax with

3 x 20cl of:
Glenkinchie 12 (Lowlands)
Dalwhinnie 15 (Highlands)
Oban 14 (Highlands)
£38.95

Auchentoshan 12 year old

This has been given a good dose of sherry finishing, adding oodles of honeyed, nutty notes to a wonderfully integrated texture and body. Fragrant, smooth and deliciously easy dramming.
RRP £31.95
Sale Price £29.95

High West Campfire

Seriously good blend of straight Bourbon and Rye, with plenty of spice and floral notes from the corn, and unmistakable touch of smoke from the Scotch. Definitely unique, unforgettable and delicious.
RRP £55.00
Sale Price £50.00

Glen Garioch 1978, Single Cask

An extremely rare limited edition of just 146 bottles exclusively for Milroy’s of Soho. An elegant Glen Garioch with fruity finesse. Notes of fine eau de vie, dusty melon candy fuses with traces of wood-smoke, leaving a gentle finish of heather honey and clean powdery icing sugar.
RRP £300.00
Sale Price £250.00