Loch Fyne Whiskies Stocks ‘Talisker Port Ruighe’

Talisker Port Ruighe 45.8%abv

£45.90 inc vat £38.25 ex vat

Best regards,

Loch Fyne Whiskies

david@lfw.co.uk

TAMDHU RE-LAUNCH CAPTURES THE SPIRIT OF SPEYSIDE  

One of Speyside’s founding distilleries, Tamdhu has re-launched (Friday 3 May 2013) with a stunning new 10 year old Speyside Single Malt.

Acquired in June 2011 by Ian Macleod Distillers, leading Scottish independent family owned distiller and bottler, Tamdhu Distillery was established in 1897 by a consortium of pioneering businessmen who embodied the ‘can-dhu’ spirit of their generation.

Inspired by an age of industry and endeavour, the Tamdhu story is one of enlightenment that began, and continues to this day, on the banks of the River Spey.  Now, just as then, Tamdhu is matured in only the finest oak sherry casks with natural Speyside water from the Tamdhu spring.

The new Tamdhu 10 yo has a softness of vanilla and sugared almonds on the nose balanced by fresh oak and cinnamon. Bursting with fruit and spice, which gently yields to toffee, there is a richness of sherry oak on the palate with a gentle hint of peat smoke wisp.

Designed to maximise on-shelf presence, the packaging communicates the brand’s values and provenance with a stylish, textured black, white and gold tube, illustrated monograms and an elegant glass bottle, inspired by the Victorian era.

Commenting on the launch, Leonard Russell, managing director and third generation of the family-owned Ian Macleod Distillers, said:

“Tamdhu has a reputation for producing exceptional quality single malt and we are excited to re-launch Tamdhu today. We are committed to revitalising and growing Tamdhu not only as a brand but from an economic and investment perspective with new jobs created and significant investment in the infrastructure and fabric of the Distillery.

“The re-launch has been in the planning for nearly two years to ensure that our best casks had hit their peak before bottling. With a focus on quality, we have honoured the careful distillation process to create a premium malt Scotch whisky we believe Tamdhu’s founders would be proud of.”

Iain Weir, Ian Macleod Distillers’ Marketing Director, added:

“Tamdhu is a perfect complement to our existing portfolio of brands, delivering a premium Speyside malt and real point of difference for the category.  There has been significant interest from consumers and trade to see what we would do with Tamdhu and the Speyside Whisky Festival is the perfect platform to reintroduce the brand on its home soil.

“We are committed to growing the brand within the UK and internationally, and are confident it will prove popular with whisky enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.”

Tamdhu 10 yo Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky is available from Waitrose, specialists and independents across the UK from 6 May 2013 with an RRP of £34.99.  It will be distributed globally over the coming months.

In addition, a special commemorative 10 yo bottling, which is matured in 100% first fill sherry casks, has been released by Ian Macleod Distillers. Only 1000 limited edition bottles are available to buy online priced at £100.

The Tamdhu re-launch is being supported by a new dedicated website, social media, advertising and promotional campaign. For more information, please visit www.TAMDHU.com or call Ian Macleod Distillers on 01506 852205.

Devilish Spirit Wins Prestigious Design Award

The Devil’s Punch Bowl whisky has won a top award at the recent World Whiskies Design Awards for its innovative packaging and demonic design.

The whisky from Isle of Arran Distillers, released last year as the first in a trilogy of wicked spirits, came top in the ‘Best Single Malt under £99’ category where it was described by judges as “brooding, dark and conceptualised”.

The story behind the design helped The Devil’s Punch Bowl clinch the top spot as the whisky is named after the glacial hollow Coire na Ciche on Arran, which evokes a very sinister atmosphere and is only accessible by boggy footpaths.

When it was released last year just 6,660 bottles were made, which sold out in record time.

Commenting on the design the judges said: “Excellent piece [of design work] with a great story that has been well executed in the design. Fantastic use of typography too.”

Revealing a demonic obsession, Arran Distillers is set to unveil the Devils Punch Bowl part 2 in June this year.

Euan Mitchell, managing director of the distillery, said: “A lot of hard work goes into producing an exceptional spirit. That same care and attention goes into the design and all other elements of every product.

“So it is satisfying when our products are recognised by the industry and our peers.

“With our next release we’re continuing to push boundaries and challenge the notion of what quality malt whiskies should look like. I believe our distillery is based in the most beautiful part of Scotland, but we don’t rest on our laurels by using images of rolling mountains and bubbling springs – there’s a much more devilish side to Arran than that.”

The second whisky in the Devil’s Punch Bowl trilogy will be released in June 2013 and available in specialist whisky shops and at www.arranwhisky.com.

For more information visit www.arranwhisky.com

* Accolades for Isle of Arran Distillery include Winner for: Scottish Distiller of the Year (2007) and Scottish Drinks Producer of the Year (2007); Queen’s Award for International Trade (2005); Best New Exporter (2004).

Product awards include: ‘Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2013’ for the Arran 12 Year Old Cask Strength, ‘Double Gold Award’ for Arran’s 14 Year Old Single Malt and ‘Gold Award’ for Arran’s 10 Year Old Single Malt at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2012. Double Gold in FiftyBest.com awards 2012. ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for The Arran Malt Sherry Single Cask 1998 (2010) and ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for the Icons of Arran Peacock (2011. ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 12 Years & Under’ for The Arran Malt Amarone Cask Finish (2008), Best Whisky Liqueur in the World Whiskies Awards for Arran Gold (2007).

With all of this talk about London, its important to remember we have, as always, plenty going on in the North!

With this in mind, tickets have been on sale and moving well for sometime for the 2nd Leeds Whisky Festival on Saturday 1st June. However there are still tickets available at £30 for a full day or £20 for a half day.

The usual Whisky Lounge fripperies are there, including free tasting glass, beginners workshops and Under The Counter Drams, all in the funky 02 Academy Leeds. Click here for more. Nuff said.

We always like to try and take whisky to parts of the country yet to be versed in the ‘Whisky Love’.

Bristol has been high up on the list for a while and we are very excited that we have finally set a date and venue for our first festival in the west country.

To celebrate we are offering an ultra-special early bird, with a 2 for £30 ticket deal for the first 100 lucky punters… To take advantage of this click here to get straight to the right page.

There are still tickets left for our current series of tastings in Brighton, Leeds and York. A tremendous line-up of single cask drams from the SMWS which have already set the rest of the country alight! Click here for more…

We’re all off on a peaty holiday… And there are still a few places remaining if you would like to join us on this ‘Backstage Tour of Islay’. We have special distillery visits, dinners with distillery personnel and a lot more going on… Click here for more.

Whisky School is out! We have dates for our special one-day whisky courses available in London and Newcastle. More to be announced very soon in time for Father’s Day! In the meantime, have a look here for more detail…

Don’t forget it is Father’s Day in just over a months time (June 16th) and needless to say, most of our offerings would make tremendous gifts for the old man… We can email you personalised PDF tickets for any and all of these events that you can then pop in a card for a superb gift. Simples!

That’s pretty much it from us for now but I think that is enough to be going on with! Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter – @thewhiskylounge – and like and share our Facebook page to keep bang up to date with the latest news about our events and more. There are photos and more of previous festivals on the FB page too…

We look forward to seeing you over a dram or two soon.

Sláinte!

Loch Fyne Whiskies Stocks ‘Johnnie Walker Odyssey’ 

John Walker & Sons Odyssey

40% abv

£595.00 inc vat £495.83 ex vat 

Loch Fyne Whiskies

david@lfw.co.uk

DRAMBUSTERS CLYNELISH 1997 15YO 46%

The latest in our ‘landscape’ series using images painted by renowned local artist Dennis McCallum

COLOUR: Honey
NOSE: Stewed pears, buttery Digestives; Golden Syrup with freshly chopped wood & subtle ginger TASTE: Rich & creamy; Refresher sweeties; rose water; vanilla pod ice cream; buttery salted popcorn
FINISH: Waxy, soft liquorice and vanilla sponge

£50

If you are a member of our Drambusters Whisky Club, please call to order with your 2013 club membership number to claim your £5 discount off this bottle.

UK vlogger Joe Ellis a.k.a Whisky Wednesday reviews the Amrut Single Malt

http://youtu.be/cHx9NCniKEM

http://Facebook.com/whiskytube

http://Twitter.com/whiskytube

http://www.tomswhiskyreviews.com/

THE MACALLAN UNVEILS INNOVATIVE 1824 SERIES

Range inspired by the colourful world of The Macallan

The Macallan, distributed by Maxxium UK, has today unveiled The 1824 Series, a range showcasing two of its greatest strengths; oak sherry casks and natural colour.

Grounded in an unwavering commitment to sourcing the very best oak sherry casks, the most expensive in the industry, The 1824 Series showcases the signature style of The Macallan, embracing the defining elements which have made it one of the world’s truly great single malts.

Bob Dalgarno, The Macallan Whisky Maker, has created four expressions by identifying the natural colour formed during maturation in different casks types to create the character informed by these colours. The expressions are Gold, Amber, Sienna and Ruby, all names reflecting the actual colour of the whiskies in the range, but also describing naturally occurring mineral and metals.

This innovative approach to whisky making is the first to derive the final character from the natural colours drawn into The Macallan from the oak sherry casks over the years of maturation. It has allowed Bob Dalgarno to assess the broadest range of casks delivering an unrivalled range of natural colours.  The casks chosen for the range deliver a gradation of colour from light to dark, with the wood character defining each expression’s flavour, moving from lighter, lemon citrus to richer, dried fruit notes.   As the whiskies become darker and richer, so the pool of casks able to deliver this character becomes smaller and rarer.

Bob Dalgarno, Whisky Maker, The Macallan, said, “The Macallan world of colour is the true inspiration of the 1824 Series.  Using colour to drive and define a whisky differs dramatically from the conventional age approach, allowing us to explore different casks and take a more flexible approach to our stock.  We have been able to work creatively with the full range of matured stock available, rather than working to a pre-determined character based on age. For me, the key thought in this range is that a great single malt doesn’t need to be 30 years old to taste like a 30 year old.”

By drawing on his broadest range of skills in cask selection, Bob has been unshackled by the need to draw on casks selected first and foremost for their age.  His expert skills ensure consistency through the effective management and selection of the casks which provide the spectrum of natural colour and character essential to The Macallan.

Commenting on this latest innovation, Ken Grier, Director of Malts, Edrington, said “As some 60% of the aroma and flavour of The Macallan derives from the oak maturation casks, this new range is a genuine opportunity to demonstrate the critical role of these exceptional casks and also to challenge perceptions about bottling at arbitrary ages.  Taking colour as the basis for shaping these whiskies, an industry first, is testimony both to the innovative approach to whisky making and to the long experience of our Whisky Maker. This truly is Bob’s work at its very best.”

Peter Sandstrom, Marketing Director, Maxxium UK said: “The Macallan 1824 Series is the perfect combination of two of the most influential factors which make this single malt whisky amongst the most distinctive and desirable, namely oak sherry casks and natural colour. It is testament to our great relationship with Edrington that Maxxium UK is the first market to debut this exciting new range.”

The Macallan Gold (RRP £36), The Macallan Amber (RRP £45), The Macallan Sienna (RRP £66) and The Macallan Ruby (RRP £120) will be available at selected whisky retailers.

Notes: The 1824 Series

The Macallan has unveiled The 1824 Series, a range showcasing two of its greatest strengths; oak sherry casks and natural colour.

Bob Dalgarno, The Macallan Whisky Maker, has created four expressions by identifying the natural colour formed during maturation in different casks types to create the character informed by these colours. The expressions are Gold, Amber, Sienna and Ruby, all names reflecting the actual colour of the whiskies in the range, but also describing naturally occurring minerals and metals.

This innovative approach to whisky making is the first to derive the final character from the natural colours drawn into The Macallan from the oak sherry casks over the years of maturation. It has allowed Bob Dalgarno to assess the broadest range of casks delivering an unrivalled range of natural colours.

Bob Dalgarno, Whisky Maker, The Macallan, said, “The Macallan world of colour is the true inspiration of the 1824 Series.  Using colour to drive and define a whisky differs dramatically from the conventional age approach, allowing us to explore different casks and take a more flexible approach to our stock.  We have been able to work creatively with the full range of matured stock available, rather than working to a pre-determined character based on age. For me, the key thought in this range is that a great single malt doesn’t need to be 30 years old to taste like a 30 year old.”

By drawing on his broadest range of skills in cask selection, Bob has been unshackled by the need to draw on casks selected first and foremost for their age.  His expert skills ensure consistency through the effective management and selection of the casks which provide the spectrum of natural colour and character essential to The Macallan.

Tasting notes

Gold – a burnished gold spirit offering a lemon citrus nose, then orange peel and sweetness that softens but doesn’t eliminate the zest. A note of vanilla followed more assertive by dark chocolate – with lingering floral and light oak notes. Citrus and boiled sweets dance on the palate, along with hints of ginger and cinnamon, while soft oak tones reveal toasted apples. The finish is medium sweet, malty and slightly dry.  

Amber – a floral, citrus sweet nose gains presence, commanding a chorus of sweet vanilla notes over freshly harvested grain. Raisin, sultana and cinnamon look on as toffee apples and candy floss step into the limelight. On the palate, fresh green apples and lemons mingle with cinnamon. Ginger notes hover as fruit takes over, with subtle oak lingering. The finale is light to medium, with soft fruits and cereal, slightly dry. 

Sienna – a warm opening with a subtle vanilla nose, persistent yet not overpowering. Orange arrives, turning zesty and sharp, though tempering green apples add freshness and balance. Next comes white chocolate truffles, chewy and sumptuous, with elegant oak notes. Dates, figs and raisins lead the palate then make way for nutmeg and ginger with a splash of oranges and apples, before vanilla returns. The final fanfare is gentle, smooth and warming. 

Ruby – Spanish Oak piques the nose before reluctantly admitting rich, dried fruits and an edgy trickle of treacle. A hesitant sweetness enters, then oak returns, burnished and mature. On the palate a rush of ginger, nutmeg and resin herald orange, sultana and raisin with their restrained but pervasive sweetness. Clove is here and gone, leaving oak the undisputed maestro. The finish of this ruby-red spirit is long, lingering and reflective.

If you haven’t got your tickets yet, you’d better get in quick as we ramp up The Whisky Lounge PR machine and look to sell out soon!

And given that we like to give you, our loyal and regular customers something a little extra, hows about this…

For the first 50 customers booking onto either of the Saturday sessions on the back of this article, we will give you an ‘Under The Counter Drams’ black token FREE with each ticket booked. These are normally priced at £5 and give you access to a whole host of hidden lovelies at the stands of many of our exhibitors.

A few of the black token drams that have featured this year so far at our festivals:

Port Ellen 32 Year Old 12th Release
Talisker 35 Year Old
Brora 30 Year Old
Macallan 30 Year Old Fine Oak
Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old
Grant’s 25 Year Old
Glenmorangie Signet
Berry Brothers Glen Grant 1974

Now we are not guaranteeing any or all of these, but it does give you an idea of what to expect, and we are looking to get London’s Black Drams up on the website shortly…

As always, your ticket price includes:

• FREE Glencairn Crystal Tasting Glass
• FREE Festival Guide
• FREE Bottle of Water
• FREE Access to sample ALL ‘On The Counter’ Drams for no extra cost
• FREE 2 WHITE Under The Counter Dram tokens
• FREE Guided tour of the festival – for newbies and the uninitiated (see website for details)
• FREE Cocktail demonstrations
• ACCESS to The Whisky Exchange shop within the festival

Workshops are being added as we speak for the Saturday, so keep checking back on the website over the coming days. Don’t forget we are also offering half-session tickets at just £20 per person!

Special mention needs to also go to ‘Jam and Dram’ which is coming together very nicely indeed. For only £25, you get most of what you would get on the Saturday, with the exception of the Under the Counter Drams, plus…

• 20 minute bursts of live music from bands that include industry personnel you may well recognise…
• The chance to blend your own whisky as we try to break the record for the most people blending whisky under one roof in the UK!
• Cutty Sark Goodie Bag
• A miniature of your very own blend that you will name and enter in to our ‘best named blend’ competition.

Now, due to the nature of what we are trying to do and the size of the venue, we are limiting tickets to only 200 lucky people. That means there are going to be some disappointed folk and we don’t want you to be among them. Click here to get booking and to avoid the devastation of not being at possibly the whisky event of the year!

Tomatin 12 Year Old Burns Malt (58.1%)

Exclusive to The Whisky Barrel

Bottled April 2013, a 2001 vintage expression of the Highland single malt matured in a fresh ex-sherry hogshead cask.

Bottled at natural cask strength.

Buy – $60.50 

Notes

Tomatin 12 Year Old Burns Malt® Exclusive 

Online whisky shop TheWhiskyBarrel.com today releases a new addition to the outlet’s exclusive Burns Malt® range of single cask Scotch whiskies. Distilled at Tomatin Distillery in the Scottish Highlands in 2001, we selected this 12 year old expression because it was matured in a fresh sherry hogshead cask. The result is a sweet and full bodied malt brimmed with toffee overtones. Tomatin distillery is situated just south of Inverness and close to the Cairngorms National Park in Scotland’s Highland whisky region. Sitting at an altitude of 315m in the Monadhliath Mountains it is the third highest working distillery in Scotland. Available exclusively from The Whisky Barrel, shipping to customers Worldwide including the United States, Canada and Japan. Tomatin 12 Year Old Burns Malt / 58.1% £38.99 GBP ($60.50 USD) £46.79 inc VAT.