A National Historic Landmark

It has been a time of highs and lows for Buffalo Trace. After mourning the sad loss of pioneer and master distiller Elmer T. Lee, aged 93 last week, the team at Buffalo Trace has been buoyed by news that the distillery he devoted his life to has been officially labelled a National Historic Landmark in America, joining the ranks of The White House and the Empire State Building.

Elmer T. Lee

Elmer T. Lee was seen as someone who transformed the bourbon industry and became synonymous with the Buffalo Trace brand after being hired in 1949 after graduating with an engineering degree from the University of Kentucky.

Elmer’s finest achievement was arguably in 1984 with the introduction of Blanton’s, the world’s first Single Barrel Bourbon, which was bottled from unblended, individual barrels of the best aged Kentucky whiskey available.

Although Elmer retired in 1985, he never really left, and every Tuesday Elmer would make his rounds at the Distillery in his trademark cap signing bottles, posters and other memorabilia.

A Distinguished Bourbon

Over its 240 year history Buffalo Trace Distillery has been privileged to win many awards but its designation as a United States National Historic Landmark is surely the crowning achievement. An award which is only bestowed to 2,577 other properties in the country.

The award not only recognises Elmer T. Lee’s commitment and dedication, but honours all that has been accomplished by its people, its builders, its visionaries, its preservers and protectors, its rescuers and those who have simply come to love it during its long and storied history.

A testament to the legacy that Elmer T. Lee’s left is that today Buffalo Trace is the world’s most decorated distillery and is the only single distillery to be recognised as ‘Distillery of the Year’ by Malt Advocate Magazine, ‘Distiller of the Year’ by Whisky Magazine and ‘Distillery of the Year’ by Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

Taste the new Tamdhu with us

Just a few weeks ago, the ‘Can-dhu-spirit’ of Tamdhu was reborn.

However, if you were unable to attend the Tamdhu Family Day, you may not have tasted our new 10 Year Old. Or indeed, experienced the wonders of our revitalised distillery.

To right these wrongs, we’ve made a a couple of short videos. They explore the flavours of our Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky, and introduce you to the beliefs we hold dear.

Our first video above takes your taste buds through our superb new 10 Year Old, while the second video below is dedicated to the stunning Limited Edition 10 Year Old.

We hope you like what you see. And if you do, there is plenty more to discover on the Tamdhu website – you may even be compelled to visit the Tamdhu shop.

Enlighteningly yours,

Tamdhu Distillery

The 3-B Printing Project

Dewar’s Highlander Honey Information

Canadian Whisky: The Portable Expert is published by McClelland & Stewart and distributed by Random House. It is available from most book shops and on-line book sellers

Black Forest to Black Sea by oar as two men complete 3,200km journey to row the Danube 

— Epic adventure is supported by Ardbeg, the ultimate Islay whisky — 

Two daring Brits have completed their journey to row from the highest navigable point on the Danube to the lowest – a staggering 3,200km journey – with the support of Ardbeg, Islay Single Malt whisky.

Beginning in the heart of Europe and passing through ten countries to finish on the western fringes of Asia, Mark Hughes and Jonathan Cowie rowed in shifts of one hour each, needing to cover at least 100km per day to remain on target.

The expedition was supported by Ardbeg, the Ultimate Islay malt, who are well known for their love of adventure. Ardbeg is currently involved in a “world first” space maturation experiment on the International Space station, and their big and untamed custom-made Orange County Chopper motorbike is currently touring the world.

Rower Mark Hughes explains: “Jonathan and I are extremely excited to have completed our adventure to row down the Danube. It has been the ultimate journey and we very much appreciate the support from the ultimate Islay malt whisky, Ardbeg.”

Allan Little, Ardbeg Brand Manager, says: “The distance these two friends have covered is really admirable. Their ambition is to raise money and awareness for two inspirational charities and we are more than happy to support them. We’d also encourage everyone to go to http://www.rowthedanube.com/ to donate.”

Mark and Jonathan set off on their ultimate journey on the June 9th from Ulm in Baden-Württemberg, Germany after being delayed by flooding. They travelled down the river Danube to complete their epic trip on the Bosphorus in Istanbul, after almost a month of rowing on July 6th.

Notes:

About Ardbeg

Ardbeg prides itself on being the ‘Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky’. Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts.

Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’.

During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future and it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction. Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following. The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded by the formation of ‘The Committee’ in 2000 from thousands of Ardbeg followers across the globe keen to ensure “the doors of Ardbeg never close again.”

Ardbeg was voted ‘Scotch Whisky of the Year’ three years in a row by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible and was awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’, ‘Best Islay Single Malt’ and the ‘Global Icon Visitor Centre Manager of the Year’ at the World Whisky Awards 2013.

Ardbeg Embassies

Ardbeg Embassies are a network of Ardbeg customers who love Ardbeg and have agreed to profile Ardbeg to their consumers; most are independent premium whisky stores. 

Responsible Drinking

Ardbeg and The Glenmorangie Company advocate responsible drinking and suggest that drinkers savour Ardbeg in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

Stature in the rye:

According to Adam McDowell of the National Post, Canadian whisky is once more regaining its reputation for quality.

“. . . the appearance of new, bold-flavoured and high-end Canadian whiskies sparks a Canadian rye revival.”

“America developed a taste for smooth, spicy Canadian rye whisky during the Civil War.”

“People assume that Canadian whisky’s big chance to conquer the world came along during Prohibition. But, as Harcus says, “This is the time for rye, right now.””

READ FULL ARTICLE HERE

We are gearing up for a great new series of Outturns this fall and so to let our superior single cask whiskies slumber just a little longer, we’ll be hitting the pause button for August.

THERE WILL BE NO NEW RELEASES IN AUGUST.

We ARE doing a tasting, though, so you can re-familiarize yourself with some fabulous bottlings still available (some are down to the last few in Canada – who will be the lucky member to snap them up)!

Please join Colin and Rick at The Strath for what promises to be a night of great company, great food and great drams!

Friday, August 9th
6:30 – 8:00pm

The Strath
919 Douglas Street
Victoria, BC

To register please call 250-370-9463
or email whisky@strathconahotel.com
SMWS members – $35/Non-members – $45

The Arran 15 year old Whisky Shop exclusive is now available to purchase. Only available while stocks last.

We are proud to announce the arrival of our latest exclusive bottling – The Arran 15 year old single cask 1997 vintage.

Matured in a 1997 Sherry Hogshead, this delicious Whisky Shop exclusive is perfection! Distilled on the  21st July 1997 and Bottled on the 30th April 2013

Tasting notes:

Fresh herbs and lemon sherbet on the nose with sweet barley followed by wood spice and citrus zest. The palate starts with an initially sweet madeira cake accompanied by a refreshing fizzy sensation on the mid-palate and a dry long malty finish. Perfect summer dram! Tasting note by Tobias Gorn

One of only 230 bottles ever produced.

Only £79.99 – pre order now stock arriving 1st August

Simply Click Here To Buy

www.ralfy.com talks humerous whisky ads with Whisky Review 379 – William Lawson’s 12yo scotch

Three Times Awarded the ISC “Distiller of the Year.”

From the Pioneer and Founding Family of Japanese Whisky.

*2010, 2012 and 2013 “Distiller of the Year,”

with nine 2013 “Gold” medals and a 2013 “Trophy” for Hibiki 21 Year Old.

The 2013 International Spirits Challenge (ISC) awards ceremony was held on Tuesday, July 16 in London. Suntory Liquors Limited was awarded “Distiller of the Year,” an annual honor bestowed upon the industry’s best distiller who consistently produces a variety of high-quality products. This distinction coincided with being presented the “Trophy,” the highest award in the World Whiskies category, for Suntory Liquors’ Hibiki 21 Years Old blended whisky.

Suntory Liquors Limited was honored with the “Distiller of the Year” award for the third time, having also received it in 2010 and 2012. As the company enters its 90^th year, Suntory views this prize as a significant testament to the high quality and craftsmanship of their whiskies. The judges offered high praise for the whisky, stating “Suntory is a force to be reckoned with and is really pushing the Japanese whisky category to an international level.” This is a great achievement for the House of Suntory Whisky, a family-owned House of Whisky, where a tradition of uncompromising artisanship has been handed down from father to son since 1923.

This is the first time for Hibiki 21 Years Old to be honored the top spot in the World Whiskies category by receiving the “Trophy”. There were 400 whiskies entered in this year’s competition. The judges recognized that Hibiki 21 Years Old has a rich, full aroma with plenty of oak and soft fruit flavors, a good balance and texture, and a long rich finish — noting its unblended malt and grain whiskies, the varied and distinguished range of those unblended whiskies, and the strength of its blending techniques.

●About the International Spirits Challenge

The International Spirits Challenge is a competition held every year in the UK. Entries are divided into categories such as “Whisky” or “Liquors,” and gold, silver, and bronze medals are awarded in each of those categories. There is also one ultimate award, the “Trophy,” given to one of the gold medal winners chosen as the best of the best in its category. The “Distiller of the Year” award is given each year to one maker of a diverse range of high-quality products.

The winners in the “Whiskies” category are chosen unanimously by a panel of nine judges, including blenders from whisky distilleries from around the world, and each year these awards garner the attention of the worldwide liquor industry.

The Award-Winning Whisky

●Suntory Whisky: Hibiki 21 Years Old

This whisky is a blend of painstakingly selected ripe grain malts aged with the key Yamazaki sherry cask malt, and is vatted with other carefully chosen mellow unblended grain malts over 21 years. Hibiki 21 Years Old has aromas of sweet dried fruit and a spicy flavor, and is characterized by a solemn, refined richness and profound, lingering echoes.

▼Name of Competition

International Spirits Challenge 2013

▼Prizes and Winners:

Trophy: Suntory Whisky Hibiki 21 Years Old

Distiller of the Year: Suntory Liquors Limited

▼Awards Ceremony:

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

At Honourable Artillery Company, London, U.K.