Mike and Barry discuss whether corporations “care ” or not.  “One in a collection of short quirky videos on Scotch Whisky with Master Distiller Mike Nicolson and Whisky enthusiast Barry Dunner. Humorous insights on Malt and Blended Scotch Whisky from the distillers perspective.

THE VIDEO

Tasting Notes: AnCnoc Peter Arkle Bricks

It’s no secret that I’m a bit of a sucker for nicely presented bottles. From gins with anthropomorphic foxes on the label to book shaped decanters and full-sized crystal skulls, I am tempted to acquire all of the pretty things. One … Continue reading >>

UK vlogger Joe Ellis a.k.a Whisky Wednesday reviews the George T. Stagg 2012

http://youtu.be/JC1vmsmk40I

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The Macallan M: Mastery in the Power of Three

An exquisite creation born of a collaboration between three masters: The Macallan, Fabien Baron & Lalique

The Macallan presents M: a masterpiece born of a collaboration between three masters of their crafts. The Macallan has partnered with renowned creative director Fabien Baron and crystal masters Lalique with a single objective: to create the world’s most sophisticated single malt whisky, contained in a beautifully designed and meticulously crafted crystal decanter.

Brought to conception by creative director Fabien Baron; brought to life by Lalique’s mastery of crystal; and brought to purpose by The Macallan’s sublime and highly complex whisky, M is the ultimate reward for the most discerning of whisky connoisseurs.

Just 1,750 crystal decanters of M, each engraved with its own individual number, will be released worldwide in 2013.

Capturing the expressive aesthetic of Fabien Baron’s illustrious creative vision, M’s tall, slim dimensions and geometric form challenge the perceptions of traditional decanter design. Its sharp, angular facets gave inspiration to the name M itself, selected by Baron as a typographic representation of the decanter’s striking design.

Its six striking facets are Baron’s homage to The Macallan’s heritage, reflecting the six pillars at the heart of its ethos: The Spiritual Home – the breathtaking 390-acre Macallan Estate where every drop of M is created; the distillery’s Curiously Small Stills, whose unique shape gives the spirit its fruity, full-bodied character; The Finest Cut, the 16% of the new make spirit, the smallest figure in the industry, selected for maturation; Exceptional Oak Casks, acquired and cared for without thought to the cost, infusing every drop with distinctive aroma and flavour; Natural Colour created solely through the interaction between spirit and wood; and The Peerless Spirit, marking The Macallan’s unsurpassed place in the hearts of the world’s most discerning consumers.

Lalique has drawn on 150 years of mastery, and its long standing relationship with The Macallan brand, to bring refinement and flawless clarity to M. Fashioned in highest grade crystal, each hand crafted decanter unites proven tradition with striking originality; exuding beauty, integrity and expression at every glance.

Interwoven with rich dried fruits, spices, orange citrus and wood notes, M’s whisky is the creation of its third master, The Macallan, drawing on its classic full flavoured tradition. With a rich natural colour, complexity and sumptuous intensity never before seen in a single malt, every drop is laden with character absorbed from the Spanish sherry oak casks that nurture it through its maturation process. M’s spirit brims with individuality.

David Cox, Director of Fine and Rare whiskies at The Macallan comments: “The coming together of three such masters has resulted in a truly beautiful creation, which specifically showcases the vital influence of The Macallan’s exceptional sherry seasoned oak casks and the craft of the Whisky Maker. The natural colour of M is stunning. A single malt of the most exquisite complexity and character, M will set a new standard in the world of decanters to become the iconic representation of The Macallan.”

Silvio Denz, President and CEO of Lalique comments: “We have been delighted to have worked with our friends and long-time partners, The Macallan – with whom we have collaborated since 2004 – to realise this exquisite piece. The decanter styling is utterly unique in the world of decanters, and our masters of crystal have relished applying their most complex skills to this project to bring it to life.”

Fabien Baron, Founder and Creative Director of Baron & Baron comments: \”I love the craftsmanship and purity of The Macallan. It\’s rare to find that level of quality today.\”

M is available worldwide starting from June 2013, with a recommended retail price of $4,500.

NOTES

ABOUT THE MACALLAN

Founded in 1824 in the heart of Speyside, The Macallan was one of the first distilleries in Scotland to be legally licensed. Since then it has built a reputation as one of the world’s leading single malt whiskies. The creation of The Macallan draws on the vital contributing influences of Spain, North America and Scotland, and of their respective natural raw materials, combined with traditional methods and craftsmanship. From its founding, through the subsequent owners of The Macallan distillery in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and into the present century, The Macallan has been recognised for its outstanding quality above all else. Today this remains the foundation for the worldwide fame of The Macallan and is such that it is truly “The Last Word” in luxury and at the heart of those special moments brought alive over a glass of The Macallan.

ABOUT FABIEN BARON

As the founder and creative director of Baron & Baron, Fabien Baron has crafted identities for the fash¬ion, cosmetic and fragrance world’s most visible and influential brands. The creative director’s singular vision is evident in a broad range of award-winning advertising campaigns, package designs, logos and graphics. Baron has also applied his talents to the design of prominent magazines and books, including the role of Creative Director for Vogue Italia and Vogue Paris, and is renowned for his photography, as well as for directing ground breaking television commercials, music videos and online video content. Fabien Baron is currently the Editorial Director of Interview Magazine.

ABOUT LALIQUE

The LALIQUE story began with René Lalique (1860-1945), renowned as the inventor of modern jewellery who then became the Master in the art of glassmaking of the Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements, with highly eclectic creations. René Lalique earned his title, “Sculpteur de Lumière”, from the richly sculptural craftsmanship and dramatic contrasts between clear and frosted finishes that define his work. Today, LALIQUE is internationally recognised as the undisputed Master of crystal, and offers crystal collections across five categories: decorative items, interior design, jewellery, art and fragrances. The vision of LALIQUE is to celebrate the creative genius of founder René Lalique by pushing the limits of the factory by creating distinctive decorative objects, issuing superb perfume bottles in crystal, reviving breathtaking jewellery designs, carrying out major architectural projects, working with renowned artists to produce limited edition works of art in crystal and recreate its cultural heritage, something eternally precious. LALIQUE continues to thrive as a global lifestyle luxury brand, standing for craftsmanship, excellence and creativity.

Hi folks. Due to the non-appearance of a plasterer, the office will again be closed TODAY (Tuesday) for the delivery or collection of bottles. The 27th auction will go live on Friday or Saturday.

Kind Regards from Glasgow

The SWA Team

www.scotchwhiskyauctions.com

Save £50 on the Glen Grant 21 year old Platinum Selection limited release.

One of only 150 bottles ever created, this limited edition ticks all the right boxes. A top quality liquid at an unbeatable price. The only decision left to make is whether to drink it or keep it…

An explosion of fruit has the nostrils twitching, think orchards and fruit baskets, chunks of pineapple, tutti frutti ice-cream, pears, plums and green apple- fresh ripe and ooh so more-ish. Possibly the fruitiest ever!! At full strength it’s quite punchy, as it settles there is melon balls, pineapple with a good dollop of honey. Water allows things to mellow, releasing butter toffee, fruit salad chews and cherries, could pass as a whisky much older. By Darren Leitch.

Simply click here to buy £129.99

A message from our friends at Kensington Wine Market in Calgary who were affected by the recent floods;

“POWER HAS BEEN RESTORED! WE HAVE SOME SET UP TO DO TO PUT THE STORE BACK IN ORDER SO WE WILL BE CLOSED SUNDAY JUNE 23rd AND MONDAY JUNE 24th. WE WILL BE BACK IN BUSINESS TUESDAY JUNE 25th at 10:00am”

So they are back in business today!

REMINDER:
Victoria Caledonian Distillery Special Presentation/Whisky Tasting today!

What: Be a Founder-Owner of a new local whisky distillery and real ale brewpub – whisky tasting & presentation
When: Tuesday June 25, 6:30 pm.
Where: Edgemont Fine Wines, Spirits & Ales – 3020 Edgemont Blvd
Cost: FREE! RSVP to Graeme@MacaloneyDistillers.com with the date / location in the subject line!

See note from Graeme below for full info:

Many of us have had a passion for seeing how Scotch or Irish whisk(e)y and real ales are made, and even dreamt about participating in or becoming a founder-owner of a distillery or brewery. This is now a reality — not in Scotland or Ireland but right here in BC. Graeme Macaloney PhD, an experienced fermentation engineer and a Scotsman, is launching a full scale single malt & pot still whisky distillery, and real ale brew pub – the Victoria Caledonian Distillery – and is conducting a series of complimentary “Show & Tell” presentations including complimentary whisky tasting at: Edgemont Fine Wines, Spirits & Ales…

6:30 pm Tuesday 25th June

Founder-Owners benefit from a range of whisky and real ale benefits, including:
• A five-day hands-on brewing and distilling academy;
• Founders Reserve whisky (bottles or cask) or real ale keg(s);
• Founder-Owner branded jacket and branded glassware;
• Annual maturation party with meal, real ales & whisky, etc;
• Potentially significant financial return.

The new distillery plans have the full support of highly experienced Scotch whisky industry experts. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity to get in on the ground floor, Graeme will be presenting and answering questions. This ‘show & tell’ session will, of course, include complimentary tastings of two excellent single malt whiskies. If you would like to attend this private presentation and are genuinely interested in this program, please RSVP to Graeme indicating our venue and date.

Slàinte!

P.S. Graeme, in his consummate professionalism, has asked us to include the following: This communique is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any securities in MacMhaol-onfhaidh (‘Macaloney’) Brewers & Distillers Ltd (MBD). This document is not an offering memorandum and should not be construed as such. Anyone who wishes to invest in MBD should refer to MBD’s Offering Memorandum and should carefully consider the risk warnings and disclosures contained therein before making an investment decision. You may request a copy of the Offering Memorandum by contacting MBD at Graeme@MacaloneyDistillers.com.

We look forward to seeing you at the tastings!

Slainté,

Crystal Coverdale
General Manager
Edgemont Fine Wines, Sprits & Ales

3020 Edgemont Blvd, North Vancouver BC
604-984-9463
Open Daily 9am-11pm, Free parking at back

Driving Directions

A quick note from Martin at the Whisky Broker:

Just bottled and posted to my online shop today – 25yo Glenrothes, £60, 18yo Linkwood, £41 and 15yo Deanston, £38. I hope that those of you who purchase from me are happy with your bottles, but if you have any suggestions, please let me know.

Many thanks,

Martin Armstrong

www.whiskybroker.co.uk

Email: info@whiskybroker.co.uk