US beverage testers give Gold Medal to top selling Tasmanian whisky  

SULLIVANS COVE, Tasmania’s super-premium single malt, was recently awarded a gold medal by the Beverage Testing Institute in Chicago.

This award, from one of the world’s leading independent beverage reviewers, was given to the distillery’s Double Cask expression. It adds to Sullivans Cove’s list of prestigious international awards, which includes three Liquid Gold Awards from Jim Murray, and “Best Australian Single Malt” from the World Whisky Awards in London.

Chief distiller Patrick Maguire is of the opinion that a large part of Sullivans Cove’s huge domestic and international success is down to recognition from organizations such as the Beverage Testing Institute. He went on to say; “Things are going well, we are up 50% on last year and Sullivans Cove is now the biggest selling Tasmanian whisky. Exports are booming with North America making up 80% of our overseas sales, and we have sent our first shipments to Hong Kong and Japan this past week. It is great to be involved in such an exciting industry during otherwise difficult economic times.”

The sharp rise in demand has meant that the distillery is now working flat out to produce enough spirit.

The Tasmanian whisky industry has seen very strong growth over the past two years and there are now eight functioning distilleries on the island with 2 more in the pipeline.

About Sullivans Cove

Tasmania Distillery produces Sullivans Cove Tasmanian Single Malt Whisky, Tasmania’s top selling whisky. Sullivans Cove whisky is double distilled using only Tasmanian barley and pure wilderness water from local mountains and forests. The whisky is matured in hand selected oak casks and allowed to settle and clear naturally, thereby retaining full, creamy and lingering flavours. Each cask is bottled separately, yielding only around 450 bottles, making each bottle a rare item to own and enjoy.

http://www.sullivanscovewhisky.com/

About the Beverage Testing Institute

The Beverage Testing Institute is an independent, privately owned corporation that conducts professional blind tastings and reviews of beverage products. The BTI does not accept advertising or sponsorship from any producer or commercial entity. Participation in BTI’s open-forum tastings and competitions is completely voluntary.

BLACK BULL AND ECURIE ECOSSE CHARGE AHEAD

Sponsorship deal sealed which will see Black Bull as 2013 title sponsorship of the legendary Ecurie Ecosse racing team

Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky Ltd are pleased to announce that their award winning Black Bull brand will be powering the Ecurie Ecosse racing team to the 2013 British GT and 2013 European Le Mans Series (GTC Class) Championships.

Ecurie Ecosse is one of the most respected and influential privateer racing teams in racing history. Three Formula One World Champions and every Scottish Formula One winner has raced for Ecurie Ecosse, not to mention the success the team has had in racing championships around the world. Founded in 1951 by Edinburgh accountant David Murray, the team has won the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans twice in 1956 and 1957, where they also finished 1st and 2nd, and under the stewardship of current owner, Hugh McCaig, were winners of the C2 World Sportscar Championship in 1986 and winners of the British Touring Car Championship in 1995.

Black Bull is the original 100 proof blended Scotch whisky. First produced by the Dundee based blenders, George Willsher & Co., in the 1860’s, the brand came to prominence after the repeal of prohibition in the United States in the mid 1930’s. By the end of 1980’s, Black Bull was a well-known name in the U.S and throughout Europe, and was subsequently acquired by Duncan Taylor Scorch Whisky Ltd. Today, the brand is sold in more than 25 countries throughout the world, and has been decorated with many prestigious awards, including “Gold” and “Best in Class” International Spirits Challenge 2013, “Best Blended Scotch Whisky 21 Years & Over” World Whisky Awards 2012, “Best Blended Scotch Whisky” World Whisky Awards 2012, “Best Blended Scotch Whisky 12 Years and Under” World Whisky Awards 2011, “Gold” International Wines & Spirits Challenge 2011, “Gold” International Spirits Competition 2011, “Winner – Blend Category” Scottish Field Whisky Challenge 2011.

Euan Shand, Chairman of Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky Ltd said: “Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky are very pleased to be key sponsors of Ecurie Ecosse for the 2013 season, especially so in their pursuit of racing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2014, the world’s greatest motor race. The rich heritage shared by both companies and their pursuit of excellence in their respective fields in surely a recipe for achieving that goal. Ecurie Ecosse’s current dominance in both championships is a wonderful opportunity to bring the Duncan Taylor’s Black Bull 100 Proof blended whisky brand to the attention of a new audience.”

Oliver Bryant, Ecurie Ecosse Director and driver added: “For Ecurie Ecosse to initiate a new alliance with a major brand like Black Bull is a terrific opportunity for European promotional activity. Indeed, we are already discussing a number of innovative activation strategies with Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky for implementation throughout the year…This partnership is a great match: both are world-class Scottish brands with a rich heritage and pedigree who share the same goal of being at Le Mans 2014.”

Ecurie Ecosse currently leads the points’ standings in both the British GT Championship and European Le Mans Series (GTC Class). Black Bull branding will appear on the squad’s BMW Z4 GT3 for the first time at this weekend’s British GT round at Snetterton in the UK on June 15/16, while the next round of the European Le Mans Series takes the team to the Red Bull Ring in Austria on July 19/20.

About Duncan Taylor

Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky Ltd is an award winning Scotch whisky merchant, blender, bottler, and cask broker. The company was founded in 1938, but with origins dating back to 1864, the company over the decades has built up one of the largest privately owned collections of rare and vintage casks of whisky in the world.

Under the direction of Euan Shand, current owner and chairman, the independent, family owned company, has expanded into blending and bottling, subsequently producing some of the most respected and recognisable whisky brands in the market today. Key cask management and selection for bottling has lead to some of the finest and rarest whiskies being made available to discerning drinkers, which in turn has lead to Duncan Taylor receiving a reputation as one of the highest quality producers in the drinks industry.

Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky was awarded the Independent Bottler of the Year in 2009, recognition as the leading Independent bottler of whisky in the industry by one of the foremost whisky publications Whisky Magazine.

For more information on Duncan Taylor visit www.duncantaylor.com

For more information on Black Bull visit www.blackbullwhisky.com

TWE Karuizawa Whisky Trip Pt.9: More Whisky Bars

Welcome to the concluding episode of Tim F’s series of whisky adventures in Japan, in which more whisky bars are visited. Time-rich insomniacs can find the previous instalments here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here. It was with some trepidation that I approached the next … Continue reading >>

The Balvenie Tun 1401 Batch 8 has just arrived and is available to order now. Very limited and only available while stocks last.

The latest single malt release from Balvenie, the Tun Batch 8, has been released exclusively for the UK.

A marriage of whisky from nine new American oak barrels and three European oak Sherry casks, Batch 8 has been married in Tun 1401 for several months before being bottled at 50.2% abv.

Jonathan Cornthwaite, the brand manager for The Balvenie at UK explained:

“The Balvenie Tun 1401 Batch 8 is a fine expression of the artistry employed by malt master, David Stewart and the traditional techniques used at the distillery to make high class single malt Scotch whisky.”.

Simply Click To Buy – Only £199.99

Tasting Notes: Balvenie Tun 1401 Batch 8

The Balvenie Tun 1401 Batch 8 launch was last night at the Balvenie whisky fete (still running today and tomorrow, 12 until 6pm) and I was fortunate enough to be on the invite list. Working for the company running the … Continue reading >>

Benromach to double production

The smallest distillery on Speyside is set for a major expansion to meet growing demand for their single malt whisky around the world.

Benromach, rescued by family-owned whisky specialists Gordon & MacPhail and re-opened in 1998, has enjoyed strong sales growth in recent years.

Just two distillers, Keith Cruickshank and Mike Ross, currently produce the handcrafted Benromach range.

As part of a seven figure investment in the brand, Gordon & MacPhail is to recruit another distiller as production is increased.

Managing Director Michael Urquhart said: “We are very proud of Benromach whisky. It’s handcrafted and the only traditional Speyside whisky currently being produced.

“It’s been a huge success and we know we will need to increase production if we are to meet demand in the future. Whisky production is a business that needs vision and long term planning and this is a sign of the confidence we have in the Benromach brand.

“This investment comes on the back of 40% growth in worldwide sales in 2012 and continued strong growth in 2013, coupled with our ongoing projections.

“Keith and Mike are very much looking forward to welcoming a third member of the team in the coming months.”

As well as employing a third stillman, the company will build another two warehouses next to the Forres distillery as well as recruiting a brand manager.

Benromach Distillery, established in 1898, was purchased by Gordon & MacPhail in 1993 after being closed for many years.

It was completely refurbished and refitted and was officially re-opened in 1998 by HRH The Prince of Wales. Since then it has launched a series of single malt whiskies including the flagship 10 Years Old.

The company recently won their second Queen’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade, partly as a result of the success of Benromach. Total company exports had risen 55 per cent in 2012 and have doubled in the three previous years.

Overall sales of Benromach continue to build with an increase of 40 per cent in the last year.  Along with a strong UK presence, Benromach is now exported to 40 countries with major markets in Sweden, China, France and the US.

The company has won many awards during the last decade for a series of innovative products including Benromach Organic in 2006, the world’s first fully certified organic whisky.

Notes

Benromach Distillery

Established in 1898, Benromach distillery changed hands many times and was virtually derelict when bought by Gordon & MacPhail in 1993. Drawing on generations of whisky expertise, the company carried out a painstaking refurbishment and the distillery was officially re-opened by Prince Charles in 1998.

In reopening Benromach Distillery, Gordon & MacPhail decided to create a traditional Speyside single malt – a style that draws its influence from pre-1960s Speyside whiskies.

Benromach Distillery is located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres. A four star visitor centre is open to the public throughout the year for tours and tastings. Benromach distillery is a member of the world famous malt whisky trail.

Benromach 10 Years Old

Benromach 10 Years Old is created from the finest Scottish barley and pure spring water from the nearby Romach hills. After being matured for at least 10 years, it emerges golden in colour and displays rich fruit, sweet chocolate and delicate spicy aromas. With a rich sherry influence, the mouth-watering palate coats the senses with exotic fruit flavours, toasted malt and a delicate hint of smoke.

The noted philosopher Homer J. (Jay) Simpson is credited with coining the term “crisitunity”. It came about when his daughter Lisa pointed out to him that the Chinese used the same word for both crisis and opportunity. Well, such a “crisitunity” has popped up at the Kensington Wine Market, and we are going to take full advantage of it. Our Spring Single Malt Festival is this Thursday June 13, and it has been sold out for months. Next Tuesday, the 18th of June, we are scheduled to host a Japanese whisky tasting: called The Last Samurai (nothing to do with Tom Cruise). Unfortunately the whiskies for this tasting have not been released in time so we will be postponing it until late July. Nevertheless we are going to turn this crisis into opportunity by offering a scaled down Spring Mini Whisky Festival to accommodate those of you who can’t be with us this Thursday. I’ve included details on the new Spring Mini Whisky Festival and postponed Last Samurai.

Mini Whisky Festival Added for Tuesday June 18th – $50

The Spring Single Malt Festival this year sold out 2 months ago, and I know that there are many of you who wish you had tickets. We are putting on a special mini festival on Tuesday June 18th, for a maximum of 40 interested participants. We won’t have every whisky from Thursday’s event available for sampling, but there will be a lot of them. Rob & Kelly from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Andy Dunn from Gold Medal Marketing and J. Wheelock from Authentic will all be on hand in addition to myself and Hunter. We will have a range of 50 whiskies available for sampling, covering many of the highlights from Thursday’s event.

To register visit https://www.kensingtonwinemarket.com/tastings/register.php , call the store at 403-283-8000 or pop in to get your tickets.

Master Malt – Tuesday June 25th – $95

Our tri-annual high-end whisky tasting is coming up in just a couple of weeks, and we have another excellent selection of whiskies on offer. We will sample through a range of 7 Scotch whiskies, six of which are between 30 and 50 years of age! All but one of the whiskies are new to the market. As the tasting is blind I can’t share any further details with you now, you’ll have to join us on the 25th to find out what we’ll be tasting.

To register visit https://www.kensingtonwinemarket.com/tastings/register.php, call the store at 403-283-8000 or pop in to get your tickets.

Last Samurai Japanese Whisky Tasting Moved to Thursday July 25th

Unfortunately the whiskies for this tasting which was originally slated for next Tuesday did not arrive in time, so we are pushing the tasting back by a month to the 25th of July. I am really excited about this Japanese whisky tasting as it includes 7 new whiskies exclusive to the Kensington Wine Market, 5 of which are from single casks. Having just returned from Japan where I visited some of the distilleries I have some interesting photos and stories to share. We are getting as few as 6 bottles of some of these whiskies.

The range is as follow:
1. Karuizawa Asama 1999 & 2000 – $109.99
2. Karuizawa 28 Year Cocktail Series – $403.99
3. Karuizawa 1969 42 Year Cask 8183 – $1176.49
4. Nikka Coffee Grain 2000 Single Cask – $246.99
5. Nikka Coffee Malt 1998 Single Cask – $264.99
6. Nikka Yoichi 1989 Single Cask – $293.99
7. Nikka Miyagikyo 2002 Single Cask – $268.99

To register visit https://www.kensingtonwinemarket.com/tastings/register.php, call the store at 403-283-8000 or pop in to get your tickets.

If you have any whisky questions or comments concerning The Malt Messenger please contact me by e-mail, phone, or drop by the store. Feel free to forward me any whisky news you feel should be included in a future issue of The Malt Messenger; it might just get included.

All of the products mentioned in THE MALT MESSENGER can be purchased in store, over the phone or from our website at www.kensingtonwinemarket.com. All prices quoted in the Malt Messenger are subject to change, don’t include GST. In the case of discrepancies in pricing, the price in our in store point of sale will be taken as correct.

Thanks for reading the Malt Messenger.

Slainte!

Andrew Ferguson
Manager & Scotchguy
Kensington Wine Market
403-283-8000
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
www.kensingtonwinemarket.com

Owner & Opperator
Ferguson’s Whisky Tours
www.fergusonwhiskytours.com
scotchguide@fergusonwhiskytours.com

THE HUTCH CLUB

Subterranean Cocktail & Jazz Lounge launches at Quaglino’s 

This summer sees the launch of THE HUTCH CLUB at QUAGLINO’S inMayfair: a glamorous cocktail and jazz bar which plays homage to the venue’s hedonistic spirit, which began when flamboyant host Giovanni Quaglino opened the doors to a beautiful, decadent society crowd in 1929.

Named after ‘Hutch’ one of the most popular cabaret entertainers of the twentieth century who tookLondon’s café society by storm. Legend has it that he created a stir by arriving at nightclubs with a white piano strapped to his chauffeur–driven car, dressed like an aristocrat and dazzled audiences with his brilliance.

A wonderful array of heritage cocktails will be served, featuring iconic spirit brands including The Macallan single malt whisky.  Guests can enjoy a Rob Roy, a Mayfair Stroller or a Chocolate Old Fashioned, all made with The Macallan Amber from The 1824 Series.

The Hutch Club at Quaglino’s will be located in the depths of the iconic London venue from 31^st May 2013 – 31^st August 2013.  Strictly by reservation only, guests will descend into an underground late-night bar featuring vintage golden palm trees, dimly lit cocktail lounges and the old-fashioned glamour of a grand piano, overlooking the legendary sweeping staircase to Quaglino’s restaurant floor. 

Entry strictly by reservation only:

Contact 020 7930 6767 / thehutchclub@quaglinos.co.uk 

The Hutch Club at Quaglino’s: 

Address: The Hutch Club at Quaglino’s,16 Bury Street,London,SW1Y 6AJ

Website: www.quaglinos-restaurant.co.uk/the-hutch-club

E-mail: thehutchclub@quaglinos.co.uk

Twitter: @TheHutchClub

The Macallan Amber Cocktails: 

Rob Roy (coupe glass)

The Macallan Amber, sweet vermouth, Angostura bitters garnished with a Maraschino cherry & a twist of orange 

Mayfair Stroller (short whisky tumbler)

The Macallan Amber, sweet Vermouth & Campari, gentle stirred & served short on the rocks 

Chocolate Old Fashioned (short whisky tumbler)

Chocolate bitters, a teaspoon of sugar & a dash of Mozart Black & a measure of The Macallan Amber, garnished with a maraschino cherry

June Update: Members’ Magnificent Miscellany 

Rug: check. Sun cream: check. Plates: check. But what to pack in that all-important picnic hamper? See what you’ve selected to sip on sunny summer days.

1)  44.58 A Bittersweet Sensation
13yo Refill ex-sherry butt, £51.50
12 available…  Buy 

2)  53.189 Seaside campfire picnic
17yo Refill ex-bourbon hogshead, £63.70
55 available…  Buy

3)  29.134 Nurses and doctors attend a beach BBQ
17yo Refill ex bourbon barrel, £68.00
41 available…  Buy

4)  1.173 A fascinating waltz 
19yo Refill ex-bourbon hogshead, £68.00
37 available…  Buy

5)  76.104 Luscious, delicious and summery
24yo Refill ex-bourbon hogshead, £79.00
31 available…  Buy     

JUNE OFFERS: Pirates’ Private Property

JuneTRIO: 7.85, 35.90 & 3.207 for only £169
44 available… Buy
    
JunePAIR: 30.76 & 3.207 for only £115
51 available… Buy

June CASE Offer: 
3.207, 64.44, 1.173, 121.60, 9.71 & 76.104 for only £329
8 available… Buy 

Browse June Outturn

*3.207 is exclusive to our June offers

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.

The Ardbog Day whisky has arrived. Very limited and only available while stocks last.

Bottled at a strength of 52.1% and balanced with softer sweeter casks to create a dram of great depth and peaty complexity.

Colour – deep ochre

Aroma – deep, enticing waves of pecan nuts, salty toffee and caramels, with a distinct whiff of herbs, lavender and violets. Soft, aromatic smoke is interwoven with salty savoury notes. Water brings forth herbal notes, smoked rhubarb and aged balsamic vinegar.

Taste – a full oily/tingly mouthfeel leads into a powerful, savoury burst of flavours – salted cashews and peanuts, clove, aniseed toffee, green olives and a curious hint of anchovy. A lingering aftertaste in which classic Ardbeg sweetness is kept in check by oak tannins, clove and coffee grounds.

Simply click here to buy £79.99