New Single Malt Scotch Arrivals At The Park Avenue Liquor Shop.

As the Fall season approaches, new releases from the whisky world will begin appearing on our shelves. Park Ave will try to keep you up to date as they arrive. In the meantime, here are some great bottles to get excited about, as the countdown to WhiskyFest begins.

First, we’d like to tell you about a Special bottle for a Special cause.

Cheers,

Jonathan & Eric

Park Avenue Liquor Shop

292 Madison Avenue

New York, NY 10017

info@parkaveliquor.com

www.parkaveliquor.com

The Unity Bottle.

Recently, Heaven Hill Master Distiller Parker Beam was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Since being given this diagnosis, Parker is using his Bourbon legacy to bring awareness to the disease, including a special Parker’s Heritage Collection “Promise of Hope” release and a one-of-kind, exclusive bottling.

This exclusive bottling, entitled “Unity”, is a one-of-kind, never-before-done bottling, where the seven Kentucky Bourbon Distilleries have come together to marry their Bourbon into one. There exists within the Bourbon industry a very unique brotherhood among Master Distillers. So, when Parker was diagnosed with ALS, it was natural for him to reach out to this brotherhood and ask for their help. Immediately, he received an overwhelming positive response and some specially selected Bourbon from each.

The result is Master Distillers’ Unity…a skillfully crafted blend of seven Bourbon mashbills bottled unprocessed and unfiltered at 100 proof. It marks the first and only time that these distilleries have come together to produce a united product. Two elegant crystal decanters with silver closures of this rare Bourbon will be offered at the Bonham’s Whisky, Cognac and Rare Spirits auction in New York City on October 13th. These two decanters are enclosed in a specially designed wooden chest, which bears the signatures of all the participating Master Distillers.

All proceeds from the auction will go toward the Parker Beam Promise of Hope, established to raise money for research and patient care by The ALS Association in honor of the 6th Generation Master Distiller. The Park Avenue Liquor Shop asks you to please click on the bottle and take a look.

Kilkerran: “Work in Progress 5” ~ Sherry Wood

The following notes are from the Kilkerran distillery.

“Released in 2013. Only 9000 bottles available worldwide. Nose: Who’s chocolate orange is this? Dark chocolate, marzipan, honey covered dates and strawberries build up to a very rich and sweet ginger preserve. A very complex nose that doesn’t stop developing in the glass. Palate: The honey covered dates return on the palate mixed with sultanas and black treacle fudge. This dram is as wholesome and tasty as a warm, toasted cinnamon and raisin bagel with real butter melting on top. Finish: Medium, well balanced and round finish, presence of dark chocolate but surprisingly no evidence of peat.”

Our Price: $70/btl

Kilkerran: “Work in Progress 5” ~ Bourbon Wood

The following notes are from the Kilkerran distillery.

“Released in 2013. Only 9000 bottles available worldwide. Nose: This is evidently a Campbeltown dram. The waxy, lightly smoky nose with hints of leather gives away the origin of this dram. Rich and creamy with hints of American cream soda, apricots, dark fruit and linseed. Palate: Just like previous WIPs the tangy orange and citrus marmalade notes remains. A little bit sweeter than previous WIP releases, with clear presence of apricot jam. There is a great weight of Campbeltown sea air present. Very smooth and fruity. Finish: Fresh, sweet yet dry finish.

Our Price: $70/btl

Laphroaig: Cairdeas ~ Port Wood Edition
Please note: This Laphroaig release is in very limited supply.

“Each year, Laphroaig Master Distiller, John Campbell handcrafts a limited edition malt to celebrate friendship or in Gaelic – ‘Cairdeas’. The 2013 expression has enjoyed double maturation in bourbon and port wood casks to create an exceptional balance of Laphroaig’s signature peat flavor with tangy citrus fruits and a floral finish. Like any ‘friendship’, each blend of Cairdeas is completely unique and is meant to be savored”. – Laphroaig Distillery

“Nose: A wisp of Laphroaig smoke is hiding amongst sliced blood oranges, grapefruit, raspberry bushes and a hint of pot pourri. Clotted cream and lemon zest develop. Palate: Blackcurrants and sweet marmalade with more savoury pepper notes. Finish: Fruity and drying.” – Master of Malt

Our Price: $85/btl

Tullibardine: Sovereign

Adorned with golden detailing, Tullibardine Sovereign is a delicious creamy single malt which was aged in first-fill bourbon barrels before bottling. Expect plenty of vanilla and spice from this Highland Dram.
Tasting Notes by Master of Malt
Nose: Soft vanilla and cocoa butter on the nose. White chocolate, allspice and charred oak.
Palate: A little mixed peel with notes of pear cider, allspice and creamy chocolate. A core of rich malt with hints of maple syrup.
Finish: Spiced, creamy finish. Plenty of vanilla and cinnamon.
Overall: A creamy whisky from some truly delicious casks!

Our Price: $45/btl

Tullibardine: 228 Burgundy Finish

“Barrels, or ‘Pieces’ as they are called in Burgundy, vary in volume from one region to another, because of tradition and the local history of winemaking. In Burgundy a ‘piece’ holds 228 liters. After a long maturation in ex-bourbon oak casks,the Tullibardine 228 Burgindy Finish was re-casked into 228 liter Burgundy barrels from the world famous Chateau de Chassagne Montrachet. This Highland dram is a delightful ruby color and has flavors of vanilla and light chocolate. It has a warming creamy richness with hints of summer fruit.”

Our Price: $63/btl

Tullibardine: 500 Sherry Finish

“Sherry casks come in various sizes. A hogshead contains 250 liters, while a ‘butt’ holds 500 liters. After a long maturation in ex bourbon casks, the Tullibardine 500 Sherry Finish was re-casked into 500 liter Sherry butts for a further period of maturation. The result is an intense dark rich brown whisky with hints of toffee and apples. There is an edge of of cereal notes and on the palate you’ll experience more toffee followed by vanilla, dates and spice.”

Our Price: $63/btl

Due to our ever-changing inventory, we cannot guarantee bottle availability. Prices can change without notice. Not responsible for typographical errors. Please contact the store with any questions you might have.

The 30th Auction is now live and runs through to Sunday October 6th, 2013. The 30th Auction contains an amazing 1641 lots!

www.ralfy.com special whisky bottle at auction with www.scotchwhiskyauctions.com with all proceeds going to the Lonan Gentleman’s Fellowship, 2012 Bonneville World Record holders with over 200 mph on a 500cc motorbike, and in 2014 they will return for the Bonneville Centenary and hope to set more World Records… with our help!

UK vlogger Joe Ellis a.k.a Whisky Wednesday reviews Mackmyra First Edition.

http://youtu.be/f5AFAJlgUb0

http://Facebook.com/whiskytube

http://Twitter.com/whiskytube

#auchentoshanswitch

AUCHENTOSHAN REVEALS EUROPEAN FINALISTS OF THE AUCHENTOSHAN SWITCH

The Transatlantic Mixology Competition Like No Other 

Lucky mixologists from across Europe have made it through to the finals of the Auchentoshan Switch cocktail competition and will battle it out against each other in London Bridge on 1^st October 2013.

Auchentoshan Switch is a bartender talent search – presented by Auchentoshan® Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Over the Summer, mixologists in the UK, Sweden, Germany and across the pond in North America uploaded entries of their Auchentoshan cocktails to the Auchentoshan website with the favourites chosen to battle it out at the regional heats held in European and North American cities.

One North American winner and one European winner, chosen at the finals, will literally “switch” continents for two weeks to work at the top bars in the world – one bar in London and one in New York City. The actual Switch for the winning bartenders will take place in 2014 when the winning North American bartender will spend two weeks at the highly acclaimed Nightjar in Old Street, London, while the winning European barkeep will get to spend his or her two weeks at The Dead Rabbit in New York City.  The winners will undertake shiftwork, learning the bars’ signature drinks and house techniques and much more. And yes, there will also be some time for sightseeing as well.

The European final held at 47/49 Tanner Street, London Bridge, will put the finalists through a series of challenging mixology tasks and will be judged by an esteemed panel:

–       Rachel Barrie, Auchentoshan Master Blender

–      Edmund Weil, co-owner for host bar, Nightjar

–      Ryan Chetiyawardana (AKA Mr Lyan), cocktail genius and consultant

The European finalists in alphabetical order by last name are:

Aidan Bowie – Blythswood Square Hotel, Glasgow, UK

Johnny Brissenden – EAUdeVIE, Bournemouth, UK

Tony Comas – Haktet, Stockholm, Sweden

Matteo Corsalini – China Tang, London, UK

Neil Donachie – Popolo, Newcastle, UK

Marina Forciniti – Bristol Bar, Frankfurt, Germany

Kevin Griffin – Tigerlily, Edinburgh, UK

Matthew Hastings – Platillos, Sheffield, UK

Damiano Madeddu – Rivoli Bar at The Ritz, London, UK

Orlando Marzo – The Player, London, UK

Carsten Moller – Catwalk, Berlin, Germany

Adrian Schulz – Ciba Mato, Stuttgart, Germany

Jennifer Meenan, Brand Manager for Auchentoshan said “We have seen such a high level of skill from the bartending world in both the online entries and at the regional heats of this year’s Auchentoshan Switch. We can’t wait to see the European finalists compete for the placement in New York next year and wish then the best of luck.”

Competition judge Ryan Chetiyawardana commented “The mixologists who won in the regional heats all demonstrated a great understanding and interpretation of taste and balance of flavours, we will see some tremendous talent at the finals next month and I look forward to seeing the outcome”.

Award winning Auchentoshan Three Wood is the chosen expression for all Auchentoshan Switch entries as its complex flavours add tremendous dimension to whisky cocktails. As with all Auchentoshan whisky, Three Wood is triple distilled, which produces an immensely smooth spirit. It is matured in three different types of casks – first in North American Bourbon casks, then in Spanish Oloroso Sherry casks and finally in Pedro Ximenez Sherry casks, a wood famed for drama and darkness. This triple cask maturation produces a rich whisky with deep toffee and sherry oak influences, a touch of hazelnut with hints of cinnamon and lemon and a butterscotch sweetness that adds to the overall complexity. It is produced at the Auchentoshan Distillery which was established in 1823 and has produced triple distilled whisky since this time. It is located in the Lowland region of Scotland, on the outskirts of Glasgow and is the city’s only distillery. Its name, pronounced “ock-un-tosh-un”, means “corner of the field” which is evident to visitors as the distillery sits near farmland on the banks of the River Clyde, in the shadow of the Old Kilpatrick hills between Glasgow and Loch Lomond.

For more information, and to enter Auchentoshan Switch, please visit www.auchentoshanswitch.com.  May the cocktail making begin!

Notes: 

The Nightjar is situated 129 City Rd,  London, Greater London, EC1V 1JB.  www.barnightjar.com

The Dead Rabbit is situated 30 Water Street, New York. http://www.deadrabbitnyc.com

Auchentoshan – The Modern Classic

–        A traditional and authentic single malt, distilled three times and matured in the finest wood

–        A whisky produced with passion and enriched with heritage

–        Favours the classic but with a nod to the contemporary

–        It’s a combination of two worlds; old and new

–        It’s a throwback to the future

–        It’s style not fashion

–        The very best of the past with the very best of the present…

Auchentoshan Classic is available to buy from a wide range of retailers including Asda, Waitrose, and a range of on line retailers and whisky specialists with a RRP approx £27.00.

As Glasgow’s closest Distillery, Auchentoshan is truly unique as it is the only distillery to use a third still in the whisky making process. It means Auchentoshan is the only Single Malt Scotch whisky to triple distil every single drop. This third distillation takes the new spirit to 81.5% ABV (not 70% which is achieved through only distilling twice) making it the highest distillate of any Scottish distillery. The result is a light and delicate single malt of unmistakable smoothness.

Awards 2011

IWSC

–      Gold Medal, 1975 Bourbon

–      Best in Class Silver, 18YO

–      Best in Class Silver, Classic

International Spirits Challenge

–      Silver Media, 1975 Bourbon

–      Silver Medal, Valinch

–      Silver Medal, Three Wood

Scottish Design Awards

–      Best Packaging – Auchentoshan Travel Retail Award

Awards 2012

San Francisco Spirits Competition

–      Double Gold Medal, Three Wood

–      Silver Medal, Classic

–      Silver Medal, 12YO

World Whiskies Awards:

–      Best Lowland – Auchentoshan 1999 Wine Matured

Ultimate Spirits Challenge:

–      94 points/Excellent-Highly Recommended  – Auchentoshan Three Wood

Ultimate Cocktail Challenge:

–      Chairman’s Trophy – Best Scotch Whisky in a classic Rusty Nail cocktail – Auchentoshan Three Wood

VERY RARE SPRINGBANK BOTTLE COMMEMORATING WAR HEROES AT BONHAMS WHISKY SALE

A very rare bottle of Springbank, 1993, privately bottled in 2012 to mark the 70^th anniversary of the Special Boat Service’s contribution to Operation Chariot in 1942, is to be sold at Bonhams whisky sale in Edinburgh on 2 October.

Operation Chariot was the code name of the Commando raid on St Nazaire, a German naval base on the Loire, and was an early test for the newly formed Special Boat Service (SBS).

SBS was inspired by the work of Roger ‘Jumbo’ Courtney a Commando officer who developed the idea while servicing at the Combined Training Centre in Inverary in 1940. Meeting resistance to his project from Naval high command, Courtney paddled out to a naval vessel anchored in the Clyde, boarded it undetected under the cover of darkness, scribbled a message on the door of the captain’s cabin, and stole a deck gun cover which he then presented to a group of senior naval officers meeting in a nearby hotel. They were suitably impressed and Courtney got permission to go ahead.

Operation Chariot has been described as the greatest raid of all time and, despite the heavy casualties, was certainly among the most successful Commando raids of WWII.

Only 200 bottles of the whisky were produced.  The one for sale is numbered 74 and is estimated at £1,500-2,000.

Bonhams whisky specialist in Edinburgh, Martin Green, said, ”This story has everything – a first class whisky to mark a major contribution to the war effort of a very brave part of our armed services which can trace its origins directly back here to Scotland.”

NOTES

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques. The present company was formed by the merger in November 2001 of Bonhams & Brooks and Phillips Son & Neale. In August 2002, the company acquired Butterfields, the principal firm of auctioneers on the West Coast of America. Today, Bonhams offers more sales than any of its rivals, through two major salerooms in London: New Bond Street and Knightsbridge; and a further three in the UK regions and Scotland. Sales are also held in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Carmel, New York and Connecticut in the USA; and Germany, France, Monaco, Hong Kong and Australia. Bonhams has a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 25 countries offering sales advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full listing of upcoming sales, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments go to http://www.bonhams.com/.

Were you at our September Outturn tasting at Fets Whisky Kitchen?! If so, then you know what fun you’re in for at our October tasting!

That’s right – we’re thrilled to announce that Fets will be hosting our Outturn tasting for October where you’ll get to sample another seven superb single cask whiskies, enjoy some light food and the company of fellow scotch-lovers!

OCTOBER OUTTURN TASTING

Monday, October 7th at 7:00pm

Click here to register: http://ow.ly/pg7T9

FETS WHISKY KITCHEN
1230 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
www.whiskykitchen.ca

$42 SMWS members/$54 non-members

WHISKYNEWS.IT LAUNCH ITS FIRST BOTTLING

Whiskynews.it, after one year and six month life, is creating its first Independent bottling; for this reason whiskynews.it, few months ago, formed “Hidden Spirits” a new company with the mission of realize fine Independent whisky bottling in the name of “whiskynews.it selection”.

Hidden Spirits “Independent Label” today launch the first bottling “whiskynews.it selection”.

This bottling is an Independent bottling of Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky distilled at Caol Ila distillery aged 14 years.

This is Caol Ila “whiskynews.it selection” identikit:

Type: Single Malt Scotch whisky

Region: Islay;

Distillery: Caol Ila;

Age 14 years old (1999 – 2013)

Cask n.: 303317

Abv: 48%abv

Aging: in hogshead ex bourbon;

N. of bottles: 100 manually numbered;

Selected by: www.whiskynews.it  (“I’m in love with this Caol Ila because I immediately can recognize Caol Ila DNA but, at the same time, is different from any other Caol Ila I have ever taste”)

Available from 9 Nov 2013

You can pre-order this Caol Ila bottling on-line on www.hiddenspirits.it.

In Hidden Spirits website also you can buy “Independent bottlings and Original bottlings of superlatives Single Malt Scotch Whisky”.

CHARITY RIDE WHISKY BOTTLE WITH MARY QUANT LABEL FOR SALE AT BONHAMS

A bottle of 27 year old Springbank whisky, bottled to mark the Everest Challenge in 1993 and with a label designed by the famous 1960s’ icon Mary Quant, is to be sold at Bonhams Whisky sale in Edinburgh on 2 October.  It is estimated at £1,200-1,400.

The Everest challenge was a charity bike ride in the foothills of the  Himalayas sponsored by the glazing company, Everest, which took place between April 12 and May 29 1993. The whisky itself was distilled in 1965, the year in which Everest was founded, and Mary Quant was commissioned to design the label which shows a snow capped mountain peak enclosed in the words ‘I’m going for Everest.’

Mary Quant is one of Britain’s best know designers.  She came to fame during the Swinging Sixties and her clothes became synonymous with youthful rebellion and self expression. In later decades, Quant concentrated on household and other design.

Other notable lots in the sale include a bottle of Benromach Classic 55 year old distilled in1949 and numbered 17 of 83.  It is estimated at £3,500-4,000.  A bottle of Ardbeg 1965 bottled in 2005 carries an estimate of 3,000-3,500.

NOTES FOR EDITORS

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques. The present company was formed by the merger in November 2001 of Bonhams & Brooks and Phillips Son & Neale. In August 2002, the company acquired Butterfields, the principal firm of auctioneers on the West Coast of America. Today, Bonhams offers more sales than any of its rivals, through two major salerooms in London: New Bond Street and Knightsbridge; and a further three in the UK regions and Scotland. Sales are also held in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Carmel, New York and Connecticut in the USA; and Germany, France, Monaco, Hong Kong and Australia. Bonhams has a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 25 countries offering sales advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full listing of upcoming sales, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments go to http://www.bonhams.com/.

Masterson’ Straight Wheat and Straight Barley

Of several straight Canadian rye-grain whiskies released by US firms in the past few years, the richly flavourful Masterson’s leads in elegance and honesty. Now, The Other Guys bring California sensibilities to the very finest straight wheat and barley whiskies that Canada has to offer. Bottled at 50%, they are available this fall in limited supply in selected U.S. and Canadian markets.