The leaves are turning colour, the air is crisp, winter isn’t far away so there’s no better time than now to be blown away by our delicious drams!

We’re pleased to announce the October Outturn:

Cask No. 31.24 Lively as an acrobat
24 years old; refill bourbon hogshead; 54%abv
The nose was as nutty as a pie-eyed professor – macadamias, cashews, almonds, peanuts – savoury too – straw, treacle, honey and smoke. The taste was as lively as an acrobat – powerful flavours of orange peel, coal, treacle, tar and sanded beech wood.

Cask No. 41.54 Takes the biscuit
8 years old; 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel; 58.7%abv
The initially reluctant aromas start as clean and fresh with apple boiled sweets, muesli, old cut flowers, macaroons and milk chocolate. The taste was surprisingly sweet and long. A mix of rich tea biscuits, Wagon Wheels, sweet tea and tropical fruits.

Cask No. G4.2 Attractive spirit in a cloak of oak
28 years old; refill hogshead; 55.4%abv
We found abundant wood on the nose – dunnage warehouses and a French polisher’s workshop – plus corn cobs, tobacco leaf, vanilla, chocolate-coated marshmallows and rum truffles. The palate held our interest – bourbon-like sweetness (butterscotch, chocolate, peanut brittle, caramel) with slightly bitter hints of cocoa powder, tobacco and leather.

Cask No. 24.124 Close to the edge of extreme
23 years old; refill sherry butt; 50.8%abv
The sherry influence dominated the nose – layers of wood and tons of treacle, plus toffee, tobacco, leather, orange and ham cooked in coca-cola. The taste was huge and mouth-drawing – flavours of honeycomb, dark chocolate, salty ham, pipe tobacco, toffee, toasted hazelnuts and oaky tannins.

Cask No. 30.74 Sweet, fruity and rich
11 years old; refill port pipe; 60.3%abv
We found plentiful fruit on the nose (sherry-soaked raisins, strawberry jam, dried cherries, bananas, toffee apples), candy floss, creme brulee, honey, sawdust and Muscat wine. The delightful palate had plum jam on scones, almond cake, peaches, apricots, syrupy figs, Armagnac and a faint whisper of a struck match.

Cask No. 29.126 Protects against vampires
17 years old; refill ex-bourbon barrel; 60%abv
Early nose impressions conveyed fresh hay and canvas, then spun sugar, honey-cured smoked ham, peppered steak, sweet cigar smoke – quite a feast. The palate was hot, fiery, effervescent, robust and earthy – provoking talk about cigars, ginger beer and barbecued meats retrieved from the ashes.

Cask No. 53.169 Invitation to a beach barbecue
18 years old; refill sherry butt; 59.2%abv
The nose invited us to a beach barbecue – bonfire smoke, pork ribs in BBQ sauce, oven-toasted burger buns, fruity chutney, sand, beach balls, buckets and spades. The appetizing palate offered smoked sausage, venison burger, relish, pickled gherkins, jalapenos and pink peppercorns.

For complete tasting notes and information on ordering from our retail partners, please visit www.smws.ca

BIG NEWS!!

We are very pleased to announce that we have joined forces with Legacy Liquor Store in Vancouver and our October Outturn bottles will be available there in the coming days.

Legacy will not only be the home of our bottles, but will also host monthly Outturn tastings beginning on Wednesday, November 6th.

We look forward to a strong partnership with Legacy and we encourage you to stop in, say hi to Darryl and the crew and browse their beautiful store.

LEGACY LIQUOR STORE
1633 MANITOBA STREET
VANCOUVER, BC V5Y 0B8
604-331-7900
info@legacyliquorstore.com
www.legacyliquorstore.com

BALLANTINE’S 12 FINDS THE PERFECT ‘BALLANCE’  

Ballantine’s, the No. 1 whisky in Europe, has partnered with award-winning Swedish design trio FRONT to create Ballance, a unique and limited edition serving ritual for its Ballantine’s 12 expression.

Ballance features a series of handcrafted objects which appear suspended in mid-air, creating a super premium design collectible. Comprising five essential items to create the perfect serve of Ballantine’s 12, the sculpture is inspired by the delicate balance of flavours of this popular whisky and the artistry of Sandy Hyslop, Ballantine’s Master Blender.

The foundation of the Ballance sculpture is a solid oak coaster, inspired by the oak casks used to mature Ballantine’s whiskies. A contemporary, elegant whisky glass balances a trio of pieces; a copper ice bowl, in a tribute to the stills used in the distillery, a square shaped water jug, whose shape mirrors the silhouette of the Ballantine’s 12 bottle, and – precariously balanced at the sculpture’s summit – a copper spoon.

Each element of Ballance has the Ballantine’s 12 by FRONT design collaboration burned, etched or stamped onto it so that they also stand alone as collectibles.

Sofia Lagerkvist of FRONT explains the design inspiration for Ballance: “We spent time with Ballantine’s Master Blender, Sandy Hyslop, in Scotland and we learned that his craft is a highly skilled balancing act: first in channeling the influences of nature in ageing this particular Scotch whisky for a minimum of 12 years. Then, in blending Ballantine’s 12, the flavours of an extensive collection of single malts and grains have to be precisely balanced to achieve a consistently smooth finish every time.

“Our design objects often communicate a story about process and, with Ballance, we were inspired by the materials involved in crafting Ballantine’s 12 to create our serving ritual.  We also like to prompt curiosity and challenge perception. The magical elements of the sculpture are a stylish, fun and very modern tribute to the alchemic transformation conducted by the Master Blender, whose unique skills have been passed down from generation to generation.”

Sandy Hyslop, Ballantine’s Master Blender, commented: “It was fascinating spending time with FRONT and exploring our shared passion for excellence. Ballance is as beautiful as it is functional – lending elegance and theatre to the serving ritual. With Ballance, the ultimate aim is for whisky connoisseurs to discover their own perfect balance in enjoying Ballantine’s 12.”

Only 150 units of Ballance will be released. Each set will have a recommended retail selling price of £350 or equivalent (currency dependent). Stockist information can be found at www.ballantines.com. 

NOTES

About Ballantine’s

Ballantine’s is the No. 2 ultra-premium Scotch whisky in Asia, No. 1 Scotch whisky in Europe 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, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport Scotch. 

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

New Arrivals and Old Favorites Back in Stock at Mora’s Fine Wine & Spirits (E. Setauket, New York)

The Arran Malt Devil’s Punchbowl Chapter II Single Malt Scotch 106.2 Proof – $134.99 (6 bottles in stock)

Glen Grant Five Decades Single Malt Scotch 92 Proof – $137.99 (6 bottles in stock)

Kilchoman Machir Bay 2013 Single Malt Scotch 92 Proof – $55.99 (6 bottles in stock)

Bowmore 15 Year Old Darkest Single Malt Scotch 86 Proof – $69.95 (3 bottles in stock)

Mora’s Fine Wine & Spirits

www.moraswines.com

631-941-4458

sev.clemens@moraswines.com

Scotland – Single Malt Scotch

• Kilchoman 100% Islay 3rd Edition Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 7 available ($84.99)

United States – Bourbon and Rye

• Lock Stock & Barrel 13 Year Old Straight Rye Whiskey 750ml (one bottle limit) ($119.99)

• Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 Year Old Bourbon 750ml – 5 available ($36.99)

• Tuthilltown Hudson Maple Cask Rye (375ml) – 7 available ($49.99)

COMPASS BOX SEMINAR

BINNY’S SOUTH LOOP

October 8th, 6:30-8:30PM

RSVP NOW

Come to the Tasting Room at Binny’s South Loop and meet Scotch Artisan John Glaser. John’s range of whiskies has redefined the idea and practice of blending. John will pour Compass Box whiskies from their Signature Range, as well as experimental batches including a sneak preview of the upcoming Peat Monster Tenth Anniversary bottling and the recently released stunner celebrating the 20th anniversary of Chicago’s own Delilah’s. This tasting has limited seating, so RSVP soon: 312.768.4400.

About John…

“John Glaser is an artist”

– Saveur Magazine

After many years in the wine trade, American ex-pat John Glaser entered the world of Scotch whisky, learning his art through one of the industry’s largest companies. In 2000, he started Compass Box Whisky Company, based on his commitment to evolving practices in the industry to make great Scotch whisky more approachable and relevant to more people. From the beginning, his vision has been to create one of Scotland’s finest and most exciting whisky companies, re-establishing the standards for quality and style in the industry.

www.ralfy.com gives an opinion on blended rye with Whisky Review 397 – High West double Rye @ 46% vol.

THE DEFINITIVE SINGLE POT STILL IRISH WHISKEY UNVEILED AS IRISH DISTILLERS LAUNCHES REDBREAST 21 

Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard has announced the launch of Redbreast 21 Year Old, the pinnacle of the range to date. To celebrate the newest member of the Redbreast Family, Master Blender Billy Leighton hosted a special tasting in London last night. The new expression is the ninth Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey to be added to the Irish Distillers portfolio and arrives after another strong year for the Irish whiskey category.

Redbreast 21 Year Old sits alongside Redbreast 12 Year Old, Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength and Redbreast 15 Year Old to complete the largest-selling and most definitive Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey brand in the world.

As the oldest and richest expression in the decorated Redbreast family, Redbreast 21 Year Old is the finest representation of the brand’s signature sherry style. It is made from a mash of malted and unmalted barley, triple distilled in copper pot stills and matured in a combination of American Bourbon barrels and first fill Spanish oloroso sherry casks. The 21 year ageing process introduces new levels of depth and flavour, creating an inherently complex and rewarding whiskey.

Whiskey lovers eagerly anticipate the launch of new Single Pot Still Irish Whiskeys and Redbreast 21 Year Old, as the oldest age-statement whiskey in the Irish Distillers portfolio, is anticipated to be notably popular and savoured by Irish whiskey enthusiasts. In the US, Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey continues to perform strongly, driven primarily by the popularity of Redbreast.

Billy Leighton, Master Blender at Midleton Distillery, said: “Redbreast 21 Year Old is a very special Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey and one of which I am immensely proud. Once my team and I tasted the 21 Year Old whiskey, there was never any question about whether we should release a younger expression – the older whiskey showed such stunning levels of depth, flavour and taste, we just had to bring it out for the growing army of Redbreast and Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey fans around the world. We’re really excited to see how Redbreast 21 Year Old is received and we hope Irish whiskey fans will find it as delightful and rewarding to drink as it was for me to craft.”

Brendan Buckley, Global Innovation & Category Development Director at Irish Distillers added: “The increasing global interest in Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey is really encouraging and we see great potential for continued growth at the higher end of the Irish whiskey category. With exciting new Single Pot Still Irish Whiskeys such as Redbreast 21 Year Old, we hope to satisfy both existing fans of this quintessentially Irish whiskey style and lovers of Irish whiskey in general, to help them understand the unique provenance and outstanding quality that the category has to offer”.
Redbreast 21 Year Old is non-chill filtered at 46% ABV and is available in very limited quantities. The exclusive expression will be available from this month in the USA, France, UK, Ireland and Germany priced at $180.

#Redbreast21

NOTES

Redbreast 21 Year Old Tasting Notes by Master Blender, Billy Leighton 

Nose: Remarkable aroma spanning fresh tropical fruits, nuts and rich dried fruit.

Taste: Soft vanilla, toasted oak, sherry nuttiness with a dusting of Pot Still spices.  Luscious fleshy fruit notes complete the creamy mouth feel.

Finish: Lingers, seemingly forever, to oak and pot still spices and then, the final bow from the Barley – where it all began

About Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey

Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey is unique to Ireland and to the Midleton Distillery, Co. Cork, in particular. It is regarded as the quintessential style of Irish whiskey and is made from a mash of malted and unmalted barley, which is then triple distilled in traditional copper pot stills within a single distillery. Single Pot Still Irish Whiskeys are characterised by full, complex flavours and a wonderful, creamy mouthfeel. The inclusion of unmalted barley to the mashbill along with the tradition of triple distillation defines the character of pot still Irish whiskey and the uniquely Irish approach to whiskey distillation.

The year before the millennium saw many momentous events – Europe launched a single currency, Scotland opened its first parliament in nearly 300 years, and almost half the world witnessed a total solar eclipse.

Whilst these grand events took place our little distillery stowed away a small batch of Oloroso Sherry Casks, waiting patiently with a special purpose in mind. After years of careful monitoring, these casks were selected from Glen Garioch’s revered inventory, right at the peak of their perfection.

The result is Glen Garioch’s Vintage 1999, a Sherry Cask Matured small batch release Non Chill-Filtered to retain Glen Garioch’s signature full-bodied Highland character. Bottled at Cask Strength 56.3% ABV you’ll be greeted by treacle toffee, chocolate and maple syrup with a hint of spice.

To celebrate we’ll be giving away a bottle of our precious Vintage 1999. Simply enter here and answer a simple question.

Compass Box Delilah’s / Limited Release Whisky

This limited release whisky is a homage to Mike Miller’s legendary Chicago punk rock whisky bar Delilah’s which celebrated its 20th anniversary on 29th August 2013.

An intense yet subtly complex Scotch whisky aged in a mix of experimental new American oak barrels and rejuvenated American oak hogsheads. This bestows it with a lovely, intense richness, vanilla character and sweetness.

£46.80 (£39.00 ex vat)

Click here to buy Compass Box Delilah’s Limited Release Whisky

Compass Box Great King Street / Experimental TR-06

The first of two limited experimental batch versions of Great King Street that have been created to help The Compass Box Whisky Company decide which style to permanently launch in 2014. Batch TR-06, (33% grain, 67% malt) is complex, smoky and aromatic with notes of seaweed, mint, salt spray and an underlying dried fruit sweetness.

A one-off limited release.

£28.80 (£24.00 ex vat)

Click here to buy Great King Street Experimental TR-06

Compass Box Great King Street / Experimental 00-V4

The second of two limited experimental batch versions of Great King Street that have been created to help The Compass Box Whisky Company decide which style to permanently launch in 2014.

Batch 00-V4, made from 28% grain and 72% malt whisky is sweet and fruity with notes of blueberry jam, ripe plums, candied oranges and toffee popcorn.

This is a one-off limited release.

£28.80 (£24.00 ex vat)

Click here to buy Compass Box Great King Street Experimental 00-04