KILCHOMAN IS ISLAY BEST SELLER FOR WHISKY SHOP

A partnership between The Whisky Shop and Kilchoman distillery has seen record sales of the malt making it The Whisky Shop’s best-selling Islay malt by value.

Sales of the malt have overtaken other Islay products, driven in particular by The Whisky Shop stocking an exclusive Kilchoman single cask.

Built in 2005, Kilchoman is the first distillery to be established on Islay in over 124 years.  It is one of the smallest distilleries in Scotland with an annual production of approximately 100,000 litres of alcohol.

It is one of only six distilleries to carry out traditional floor maltings, using barley grown on the distillery farm.  Islay was chosen as the location for the distillery because of its reputation worldwide for producing top quality malts and also due to its ideal barley-growing conditions.

Anthony Wills, founder and managing director of the Kilchoman Distillery Co Ltd, said: “We’re delighted that sales with The Whisky Shop have been so successful.  It is encouraging that our malt, which is still a relative newcomer to the market, is making such an impact and outselling some of the other Islay malts that have been around for much longer.”

Andrew Torrance, Managing Director of The Whisky Shop, said: “Our partnership with Kilchoman has been extremely beneficial to both our businesses.  Sales of this fantastic malt have been strong and we’re confident that they will continue to be so as awareness of this product continues to increase.”

Notes: 

The Whisky Shop: 

The Whisky Shop is the largest specialist whisky retailer in the UK with 21 stores nationwide and an online store at www.whiskyshop.com

The premium London Piccadilly flagship opened in 2012 and recently won the 2013 National Association of Shopfitters (NAS) Design Partnership Award for Retail.

With a nod to Shakespeare and Las Vegas we’re pleased to bring you another curious Outturn.

So dive in – the whisky’s fine!

For full tasting notes visit www.smws.ca

Cask No. 26.88 Midsummer night’s dram
9 years old; 1st fill barrel; 61.8%
The nose combined fruity notes (pears in syrup, lychees, red apple, lemon) with real honeycomb scented candles and fresh linen. The palate was juicy and tasty – a ‘wow factor’ burst of exotic fruit flavours (watermelon, mango) with some hay and a pleasant mouth-coating texture.

Cask No. 36.57 Puff candy and vanilla sponge
23 years old; refill hogshead; 53.4%
A spicy nose of ginger sponge cake with creamy custard and vanilla sponge cake followed by clean cotton sheets on the clothes line. The taste is much sweeter than expected – jelly beans and honeycomb – and it drinks well straight.

Cask No. 35.75 Victorian walled garden in Las Vegas
17 years old; 1st fill designer hogshead; 57.9%
Reminiscent of a sports physiotherapist’s office – muscle spray, shea butter and massage oil next to a disinfected tile floor and a newly opened First Aid kit. To taste, an oriental market and belly dancers in Las Vegas – hot and intense; intriguing depth.

Cask No. 30.73 Plum jam and toffee apples
11 years old; refill port pipe; 58.5%
A very interesting nose with lots going on – plum jam, peach, apricot, rose-hip syrup, cinnamon toast, honey, toffee, almond and fresh oak. The palate started with crisp greengage freshness before turning to pomegranates and red toffee apples, closing with dried figs and dates and mild spice.

Cask No. 53.173 Glowing embers on the tongue
16 years old; refill sherry butt; 59.8%
Typical sooty, briny and oily fish scents with citric, herbal and medicinal background notes, along with light honey on brown toast and tart berries. To taste, it had a very ashy texture – hot ash, ‘like glowing embers’, but the vanilla and honey helped counterbalance the salty and smoky characteristics.

www.smws.ca

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada
104-1240 Kensington Road NW, Suite 160
Calgary, AB, Canada T2N 3P7
Email – curious@smws.ca

Welcome (Failte) to the Whisky Society Fellowship.

Connect internationally with fellow whisky enthusiast societies & associations – Join the Whisky Fellowship movement! Together with the Malt Whisky Association of Finland, Angels Whisky Club has formulated a plan through which different whisky enthusiast organizations in various parts of the world can co-operate together in a fun & beneficial way.

We may be far apart, but in today’s world people travel more than ever, and a union of fellow whisky enthusiasts can offer a new angle and depth to the hobby we all love. General points of Global Whisky Society Fellowship between societies, club and associations:

1. Joining the Whisky Society Fellowship costs nothing to a club.

2. Our aim is to organize once a year a get-together tasting between delegations from various societies, hosted by one of the member organizations.

3. International whisky enthusiasts’ welcome dram, and “vow of hospitality” (on best effort basis, of course). Whenever a member of one of the societies travels to the other’s location (looking for whisky), there is some possibility of contacting the other society, and letting them know of this individual coming to their town. There’s no obligation, but maybe some member’s can volunteer to meet with the individual(s), and perhaps also help them find a good whisky bar, or show them around a bit, or just meet for drinks informally. If there are whisky distilleries in the country, we can also put in a good word for the guests, making sure they get top treatment during their visit. (Mika: I can certainly say that if anyone comes to Helsinki, some of our members can show the persons around, and help them find places and drink an informal welcome dram etc.)

4. An invitation to any annual whisky festival / event the society arranges locally. Perhaps we can at least extend an invite to few persons to come over & represent other clubs to see & enjoy the event as guests.(the travellers and their club will need to cover their expenses).

5. Every 5 years, a bigger meeting/get-together between delegations, where members get to know each other, have dinner, taste whiskies etc. Most likely in Scotland.

6. Jointly organized trips, and assistance in organizing trips: If one member society organizes a trip to Japan, Ireland, Scotland, USA or Canada (for example), interested fellowship society members may want join in, and can. Similarly, if one fellowship society is organizing a whisky tour, I am quite certain that we could benefit from each other’s experiences and knowledge in doing so, by sharing tour organizer data, information on locations, routes and places planned to visit. We may also be able to introduce each other to great whisky guides, or guest speakers who we’ve met and found to be excellent in their knowledge, and people we’d highly recommend.

7. Worthy Whisky Bars –listing to share. Many guides and such try to compile database on good whisky pubs & bars from around the world: Problem is, often the lists are outdated, or information is gained from commercially interested parties, i.e. they do not represent the views of enthusiasts. Together we could really make a grand map listing of worthy whisky bars & pubs that can be shared amongst participating societies.

8. New societies joining in: In general, the Fellowship is meant to be an open organization that any whisky / whiskey enthusiast group can join. To avoid any discrepancies and disagreements, any new society joining this plan can and will be discussed openly with the other parties involved (each club, society etc needs to give contact person names whom to keep in touch with). If needed, we can cast a vote aye / nae amongst ourselves for future memberships, and discuss the membership applications prior to approval. The objective here is to respect the view of each member society, not to discriminate against any potential member society.

9. Joint events (like the 5-year meetings) are always discussed together openly.

Final words on the Whisky Society Fellowship: This idea was not planned to create added burden or commercial / financial obligations to anyone. We do what we can, and try to create fun events and happenings that could be shared globally with like-minded organizations, and of course the people who belong to them. There is no obligation as such binding any society to participate to activities, or to organize activities etc. If & when needed. When this movement starts to grow, we can formulate more formal “rules & regulations”. Paul and Mika both have enjoyed enormously meeting numerous fellow whisky enthusiasts, professionals etc over the years, and we have seen already how gross-global co-operation benefits all participating parties. We have a united vision of how this organization could really benefit organizations around the world, whilst also strengthening the whisky culture in various countries. Together we are stronger, and wiser. Let us unite in this positive way and make this movement mutually beneficial and enjoyable!

Sincerely,
Mika R. Jansson. President, Malt Whisky Association of Finland
Paul Mclean. Chairman, Angel’s Whisky Club 

www.angelswhiskyclub.com 

http://angelswhiskyclub.com/awc/whiskysocietyfellowship.asp

www.ralfy.com gets a bit Speysiderish with Whisky Review 375 – Tamdhu 10yo

As you’ll know, pure water is at the heart of Speyburn. Which is why we’re proud to have joined forces with the Spey Foundation – a charitable organisation providing scientific research and advice for the protection, conservation and enhancement of the River Spey and its tributaries.  This includes the Granty Burn, which is the source of our water.

We’ll be working with the Spey Foundation on a special project to open up Spey Burns for wildlife. This is an exciting project to be part of, and we look forward to telling you more about it in the near future.

www.speyburn.com

THE MACALLAN SELECT RESERVE 1948 FETCHES £4,400 FOR CHARITY AT MASTERPIECE AUCTION

The rare and special bottle of The Macallan Select Reserve, donated by Maxxium UK, sold for £4,400 at the Masterpiece Midsummer Party Auction and will benefit Marie Curie Cancer Care; an organisation that cares for terminally ill patients and their families.

Held in a spectacular purpose-built pavilion on the South Grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea and hosted by Heather Kerzner, guests at the Masterpiece Midsummer Party, enjoyed The Macallan Amber cocktails while participating in an auction of art, antiques and luxury items.

Marketing Director at Maxxium UK, Peter Sandstrom commented: “We have had a fantastic response to this very special whisky and are thrilled with the result of last night’s auction which has raised £4,400 for Marie Curie Cancer Care, a very worthy cause.”

Exhibitor at Masterpiece London 2013, the capital’s leading art, antiques and design fair, The Macallan showcased Masters of Photography Annie Leibovitz prints and a specially commissioned sculpture by John Galvin which used wood from Macallan casks to display the brand’s new 1824 Series.

Throughout the eight days over 3000 consumers sampled The Macallan 1824 Series. Guests also enjoyed Macallan Amber and Sienna cocktails which were available at the restaurants and bars run by Caprice and Birley within the exhibition space.  This year The Macallan’s sampling programme focuses on the contemporary art world, with the luxury malt whisky brand exhibiting at designjunction in September this year.

The Macallan: www.themacallan.com

Please enjoy our brand responsibly www.drinkaware.co.uk

The Macallan Select Reserve 1948:

Distilled and bottled by The Macallan Distillers Ltd. Label date is 26^th November, in sealed presentation case within original cardboard tube, outer carton and certificate of authenticity. One 700ml bottle and one unbranded 5cl bottle.

 The Macallan Select Reserve 1948 was selected from three Spanish oak sherry casks, laid down to mature in winter 1948, at The Macallan, on the Easter Elchies Estate. Distilled from barley harvested in the late summer of 1947, this very rare single malt whisky bears the hallmarks expected of The Macallan’s mastery of excellence, revealing a resinous, spicy, citrus character, swathed in fruit and the rich phenols associated with the immediate post war years. A rare and special whisky, with only a handful available at auction in the last three years, Jim Murray comments that “The nose is exceptional.”

A rare survivor.

Alfred Barnard’s booklet on Pattison’s and the Glenfarclas Distillery. 

Two copies only known.

Alfred Barnard wrote for Pattison’s and their then partners the Glenfarclas Distillery sometime around 1896. About that time Barnard wrote 6 of these promotional pamphlets for different whisky companies.  This is one of the rarest.  So far as we can establish (and we have done some digging) only 2 copies are known.  We were able to find one in pristine condition, scan it and now plan to republish this with a new Introduction.  It’s also the most substantial of any of the pamphlets (80 pages in length) and the most extravagant, not only for the claims he makes for Pattison’s (who were shortly to go spectacularly bust) but for the many fascinating illustrations. 

This is an irreplaceable and very rare piece of whisky literature which would grace any library on the subject.

Limited Edition facsimile reprint in edition of 100 copies only, with new Introduction. 150gsm white silk coated paper with 350gsm white silk coated board PUR bound.

Price:  £35 including ‘Signed For’ delivery – UK only (£40 International)

Expect to be shipping copies during early September 2013.

July Outturn: New Drams Please!  
Here they are, 14 world-ranking whiskies to help you savour every last drop of British Summertime. 15 to love would have been a more ace score – but only 14 made it past the discerning noses of the Tasting Panel. So by our rules, only 14 were good enough. It’s over to you to find your perfect match and serve: there’s a lot to love.

July Offers: Playing by Our Own Rules

Grand Slam TRIO: 76.103, 64.47 & 29.138 for £179
76.103  An ‘Old Fashioned’ in a traditional barber shop
64.47  A firecracker!
29.138  Hospitals, hearths and headlands
Buy

Doubles Game PAIR: 9.72 & 76.103 for £125
9.72  Lockets Honey and Lemon Lozenges
76.103  An ‘Old Fashioned’ in a traditional barber shop
Buy

July CASE Offer: 4.177, 48.37, G1.11, 3.204 
9.72 & 76.103 for £329
4.177  In a Japanese garden
48.37  Real Old Fashioned Lemonade
G1.11  Iced mulled wine and Sorrento Limoncello
3.204  A 1950’s seaside scene
9.72  Lockets Honey and Lemon Lozenges
76.103  An ‘Old Fashioned’ in a traditional barber shop
Buy
    
Browse July Outturn

*76.103 is exclusive to our July offers
*64.47 is exclusive to our July Trio

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at http://www.smws.co.uk/memberships for your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers.

Old Pulteney Maritime Malts Available at Mora’s Fine Wine & Spirits (E. Setauket, New York)

The Old Pulteney distillery in Wick is one of the most northerly distilleries on the Scottish mainland. It is a windswept location, where the uncompromising landscape of the Highlands meets the North Sea, and the waves crash against the granite walls of the harbor. The extreme location and unique stills have resulted in a distinctive flavor, bursting with the power and subtlety of the sea. It is the Genuine Maritime Malt.

Old Pulteney 21 Year Old Single Malt Scotch 92 Proof – $152.99 (5 bottles in stock)

“Old Pulteney 21 Year Old has been voted 2012 World Whisky of the Year by the prestigious ‘Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.’ Scoring a record-equalling 97.5 points out of 100, it is only the third time that a single malt has ever won the prestigious award, and we are just the second Scottish distillery to do so. As with the 17-year-old, with this expression we marry together Old Pulteney matured in ex-bourbon wood with spirit from ex-sherry wood casks. The crucial difference, however, is that the ex-sherry wood in this case is made from American Oak (mostly Fino sherries). This adds yet another layer of complexity, depth and character to this truly superb malt whisky.” -The Distillery

Old Pulteney 17 Year Old Single Malt Scotch 92 Proof – $95.99 (13 bottles in stock)

“Our 17-year-old predominantly features ex-bourbon maturation, with the addition of spirit that has been wholly matured in Spanish wood ex-sherry casks, predominantly Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso. This adds a subtle depth and complexity to the whisky, making for an outstanding after-dinner drink. Red amber color with a rich autumnal hue. Sweet on the nose with traces of apples and pears: slightly woody with a hint of butterscotch. Full bodied, with hints of vanilla and floral notes in the background; a long-lasting memorable finish.” -The Distillery

Old Pulteney 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch 86 Proof – $35.99

“Matured wholly in air-dried, hand-selected ex-bourbon casks, the ‘unashamedly excellent’ Old Pulteney 12-years-old is the definitive expression in the Old Pulteney family. Traditionally crafted using techniques that other distillers have long abandoned, this winner of numerous gold medals at the most prestigious international competitions is a high water-mark of quality spirits. Deep amber color with a slight pink hue. Medium to high aromatic intensity, dry with a hint of sea air. Dry, medium bodied and smooth with a clean finish: faintly salty with a slight sherry note.” -The Distillery

Mora’s Fine Wine & Spirits

www.moraswines.com

631-941-4458

sev.clemens@moraswines.com

What began as a simple idea less than 12 months ago, the De Vere Collection of exclusive Whisky editions is already receiving multiple awards and accolades in international events.

As a distributor for many ultra premium brands, the Company made a decision to launch its own range of blended and rare single cask edition Whisky’s in 2012.

Creating your own brands, selecting bottles, labels, packaging designs and setting out a marketing strategy normally requires substantial time for any new brands. Incredibly this new range is already produced and on sale within Asia and
being met with great enthusiasm by clients.

Sourced from many of the most iconic distilleries in Scotland, the Series One Whisky editions include a 14 year old Highland blend, winner of the Gold medal followed by specially selected single cask versions including a 26 year old Linkwood, a 35 year old Glenlivet , a 35 year old rare Glenturret, winner of another Gold medal and finally a 40 year old Glen Grant.

The Company is committed to launching new and even older editions of Whisky during 2013 and is very proud to have received these prestigious awards. Mr. William Potts, Chairman of the Company stated; “ Our primary goal is to offer clients exceptional products and the series one editions seems to have been right on the button in this regard. Starting new brands is never easy but I am very proud that we were able to complete this mammoth task in such a short timescale and thank everyone involved for their efforts in bringing everything to fruition”.

All tasting notes for the Whisky were compiled by Mr. Dominic Roscrow. Full details are available at the Company website: www.devere-fws.com.

Further information is also available on Facebook