So much has happened since we last wrote that we thought it worth bringing you up to date with all the goings-on and perhaps inspire you with some Easter ideas.

One thing that hasn’t happened – and I’m sure you’re as sick of it as us – is an improvement in the weather! However, we like to look on the bright side and this cold spell just makes us want to taste more whisky! And given it is Easter, we think it only right to try and remain positive!

Here we have then, 10 good news stories from us that may raise a smile and even give you some ideas of how you might want to spend your time over the next few weeks and months…

10 GOOD NEWS STORIES…

1 British ‘Summer-time’ starts this Sunday. Whoopee. Just cold and miserable, rather than dark, cold and miserable. Great news.

2 Only 29 days to our first ever Whisky Festival in Scotland. The Edinburgh Whisky Festival takes place on Saturday 27th April at The Hub on the Royal Mile. Click here for details and tickets.

3 Michelin-starred chef Mark Greenaway and Morrison Bowmore Master Distiller, Rachel Barrie, feature in the Edinburgh Festival with a ‘molecular gastronomy’ workshop par excellence. More info soon…

4 The Whisky Lounge returns to London with a bang. The London Whisky Festival 2013 on May 18th & 19th has plenty of surprises up its sleeve. 2 for £50 ‘Early-Bird’ tickets are nearly gone and won’t last the weekend. Click here to take a closer look.

5 Not least of these is the Sunday 19th May ‘Jam & Dram’ session, sub-titled ‘The Great Whisky and Music Experiment’, this is going to be entertaining as well as tasty! Click here for more…

6 There are still 4 places left on our ‘Backstage Islay’ Trips in June. Click here for more.

7 Our Brighton Whisky Festival, which takes place next Saturday – the 6th April – showcases new exhibitors, That Boutique-y Whisky Company and the stunning Number One Drinks Co. Expect fireworks on your taste-buds provided by both and the other wonderful whiskies on offer! Click here for more.

8 Our first ever UK tour with those good folks at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society. We have seen the line-up and it is truly stunning – we’re not just saying that! Samples of 6 cask strength, single cask whiskies from all over Scotland for only £20. Bargain! Click here for more.

9 We’ve sneekily announced our Leeds Whisky Festival that takes place on Saturday 2nd June at the O2 Academy. Click here for more details and a cheeky little ‘early-bird’.

10 Finally, we have started adding further term dates for our fantastically full-on but fun Whisky Schools. For those wanting a top-up on dramatical educational issues or simply a full-day of whisky learning and tasting – this is the one for you, the other whisky-lover in your life, or both of you! Click here for more.

Anyway, far be it from us to keep you from your Easter weekend, so until next time, happy dramming and see you for a whisky or two soon!

Slainte,
Eddie, Amanda and Joe
The Whisky Lounge Team.

Sentebale and Royal Salute Celebrate Third Year of Polo Cup Partnership in Greenwich 

The Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup is set to take place for the first time inGreenwich,Connecticutin theUSon Wednesday 15 May.

AfterBrazilfamously played host to the Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup in 2012 and a successful 2011 in theUK, this year marks the third year Royal Salute proudly partners with the charity that was founded by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso in memory of their mothers in 2006. Sentebale works with local grassroots organisations to help some ofLesotho’s most vulnerable children get the support they need to lead healthy and productive lives.

Cathy Ferrier, CEO, Sentebale, commented: “Sentebale’s annual polo fundraising event has gone from strength to strength over the years. We are delighted to be working with our title sponsor Royal Salute once again and are most grateful to Peter Brant for hosting us at his Greenwich Polo Club. We hope to raise even more money this year from the event enabling us to help many more children.”   

Christian Porta, Chairman and CEO, Chivas Brothers, said: “Royal Salute is honoured to be partnering with Sentebale for the third year, after two fantastic events in theUKandBrazil. As a leading international polo partner, we are proud to include the Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup in our calendar of events and look forward to the continuation of this relationship in years to come.”

The finale to Prince Harry’s official tour of theUS, the Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup will take place at Greenwich Polo Club, which holds a number of exclusive polo tournaments throughout the season, including the Royal Salute Jubilee Cup.

The Prince will lead the Sentebale Land Rover team, with Nacho Figueras captaining the St. Regis team which will also include owner of the Greenwich Polo Club, Peter Brant. Distinguished guests from all over the world will gather to watch exhibition polo at its finest, including His Grace Torquhil Ian Campbell, the 13th Duke of Argyll. 

Royal Salute also partners with Greenwich Polo Club on the Royal Salute Jubilee Cup which will be hosted this year in September. Royal Salute recently announced a partnership with Argentine polo player, Facundo Pieres as a new ambassador and face of the Royal Salute World Polo Series.

Royal Salute has a global programme of Polo sponsorship covering four continents. The whisky’s involvement with Polo is founded on the game’s incredible power, skill and elegance; qualities which blend perfectly with Royal Salute 21 Year Old Scotch whisky.

Notes:

About Sentebale

Sentebale was founded by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso from the Lesotho Royal family in response to the plight of the neediest and most vulnerable ofLesotho’s people.

• Sentebale was founded by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso from the Lesotho Royal family in response to the plight of the neediest and most vulnerable of Lesotho’s children, many who are victims of extreme poverty and Lesotho’s HIV/AIDs epidemic.
• In February, Prince Harry visited Lesotho to see the difference Sentebale’s programme were making to the children. At the end of his visit, he attended the Sentebale Gala Dinner in Johannesburg which was to mark the launch of a major fundraising campaign to build the Mamohato Centre for children and young people infected with, or affected by HIV.
• Lesotho’s main operations are based in Lesotho with the fundraising and management team based in London, headed up by Chief Executive, Cathy Ferrier. Both Princes remain active patrons of Sentebale. 

About Royal Salute

Royal Salute is the world’s leading luxury Scotch whisky, and begins where others end as only whiskies matured for at least 21 years are ever selected for Royal Salute blends. In 2012, Royal Salute became the first ever brand to be officially associated with the Royal Gun Salutes at the Tower of London, as part of a long term partnership with the independent charity Historic Royal Palaces.

Royal Salute is a leading international supporter of polo, ‘the king of sports and the sport of kings’. Royal Salute World Polo is truly international with a presence in every major region globally:

• Argentina Campeonado Abierto de Polo, Palermo, Buenos Aires
• Australia Sydney Gold Cup, Sydney andPortsea Polo,Victoria
• Brazil Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup, São Paulo and Copa Ouro São José Polo,  São Paulo
• China Royal SaluteChina Open,Beijing
• India Royal Salute Maharaja ofJodhpur Golden Jubilee Cup, Jodphur
• Italy Polo Gold Cup, Cortina d’ Ampezzo
• South Korea Royal Salute Polo Cup, Jeju
• Spain Sotogrande, Cádiz
• UAE Royal Salute Nations Cup,Dubai
• USA Foundation Polo Challenge,Santa Barbara and Royal Salute Jubilee Cup,Greenwich,New York
• UK The Sentebale Polo Cup,Coworth Park, Kent & Curwen Polo Club,London

And Beaufort Polo Cup, Tetbury 

About Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits. Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin. Its portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater Gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth Gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport.

In July 2010 Chivas Brothers launched The Age Matters campaign to help consumers understand the importance of Scotch whisky age statements.

About Greenwich Polo Club

Established in 1981 by Peter Brant, the Greenwich Polo Club is the venue for high-goal polo in the Northeast. Nestled in the beautiful backcountry ofGreenwich,CTand internationally recognized for its rosters of legendary teams and players, Greenwich Polo Club hosts public USPA high-goal polo matches on Sundays in June, July and September.  For more information about Greenwich Polo Club, please visit greenwichpoloclub.com

If you will be in the New York City area next week, or can find some way to get here, read on. If not, you’ll want to scroll down to the end of this article.

Next Wednesday April 3rd, WhiskyLive comes to Pier Sixty, at Chelsea Piers on Manhattan’s West Side, for an outrageous evening of whisky exploration and education. Hundreds of exceptional whiskies will be poured and ForWhiskeyLovers will be there along with great food and music.

Tickets for the event are:

– $149 for the VIP treatment, which includes early entrance to the event at 5:00pm, 90 minutes earlier than standard admission, a Whisky Live tasting glass, show guide, full dinner buffet and a 1-year subscription to Whisky Magazine.

– $119 for regular entrance at 6:30pm, plus a Whisky Live tasting glass, show guide, full dinner buffet.

But wait!..Enter coupon code “explorer” when you purchase your tickets and receive 15% off the ticket price.

Then on Saturday, April 6th, Chip Tate of Balcones Distillery will host an intimate whiskey dinner for 24 lucky people at NYC’s hottest new restaurant – Harlow NYC – where Chef Danny Ye has created a special five-course menu designed to pair with a Balcones Whiskey:

Chef Danny Ye’s Menu for the Dinner with Chip Tate
First Course: Rumble cured salmon with wasabi dijonnaise
Pairing: Balcones Rumble

Second Course: Tuna crudo with pickled red chili, prosciutto, watercress, and a Brimstone Tosazu reduction
Pairing: Balcones Baby Blue

Third Course: Nodi marini with Brimstone braised oxtail
Pairing: Brimstone

Fourth Course: Salmon with chorizo and Asian pear salsa.
Pairing: True Blue 100

Dessert: Single Malt Churros with warm chocolate sauce
Pairing: Texas 1 Single Malt

Be one of the 24 lucky WhiskeyLovers to spend an evening with Chip, enjoying a spectacular meal paired with Chip’s award winning whisky. Reservations are mandatory, and can be purchased here…and better make them now, because with just 24 seats available, once they’re gone…

Finally, This week’s featured whisky: Deanston 12 YO Highland Single Malt Whisky ($44.50/ bottle)

Deanston Distillery is located in the Scottish Highlands, on the banks of the River Teith, eight miles from the historic town of Stirling, at the gateway to the dramatic Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park.

The distillery started life in 1785 as a cotton mill designed by Sir Richard Arkwright, and remained as such for 180 years. The turn of the twentieth century saw a significant decrease in demand for local cotton and things steadily got worse until the mill was closed on 2nd April 1965.

It was the collective efforts of James Finlay & Co, Brodie Hepburn & Co, and A.B (Sandy) Grant, known together as Deanston Distillers Ltd, who converted Deanston Mill into a malt whisky distillery in 1965. The constant supply of pure water from the River Teith contributed to the decision to turn the mill into a distillery.

The distillery was opened on 17th October 1966 after an extensive refurbishment. Three floors were removed to make room for four copper stills and a mash tun. The constant, cool temperature of the weaving shed made it ideal for whisky maturation.

Deanston started bottling in 1971 and in 1972, Invergordon Distillers (bought by Whyte & Mackay in 1990) purchased Deanston outright and the first single malt bearing the name Deanston was produced in 1974.

Deanston Distillery looks very unlike a traditional Scotch whisky distillery and has a number of unique production features which contribute to its whisky’s distinct character. The spirit is handmade by a small team of local craftsmen who rely on traditional distilling techniques and their own senses to ensure quality; no technology or computers are used.

Deanston uses only Scottish-grown barley and in 2000, was one of the first distilleries in Scotland to start producing organic whisky, certified by the Organic Food Federation and using barley grown in specially selected sites, free from pesticides and chemicals.

Deanston is the only distillery in Scotland to be self-sufficient in electricity, with power generated by an on-site hydro-energy facility. In addition to generating its own electricity, Deanston’s green credentials were further topped in 2008, when Burn Stewart Distillers Ltd redesigned the packaging to better reflect the Deanston brand essence. All materials are now either recycled or recyclable, and gift tubes were replaced by cardboard gift boxes in order to further reduce weight.

Deanston 12 YO Highland Single Malt whisky is sweet, fruity and balanced with a malty spiciness on the palate.

You owe it to yourself to try this terrific whisky.

Until next week, I wish you the finest of spirits!

Doug Stone
Founder
ForWhiskeyLovers.com

DEANSTON 12YO HIGHLAND SINGLE MALT WHISKY

DISTILLERS TASTING NOTES

NOSE: Expressive with hay and malty cereal notes. Creamy toffee and heather honey balanced with aromas of sweet oak and barley sugar

TASTE: Fresh and creamy with soft vanilla. Sweet and fruity with a malty honeyed spiciness

FINISH: Satisfying, clean and dry with a hint of cloves, tingling then gently fades

NEW UK Exclusives: Pain is so close to Pleasure
We’ve just released two very pleasurable UK Exclusives…

53.176 Pain is so close to Pleasure
20YO Islay, £68.80
The initial nose neat is that of toasted bread over a campfire and melted road tar. With time a barbecue on the beach, fresh fish sprinkled with lemon and lime, appears next to fresh notes of an Airwaves menthol and eucalyptus chewing gum.
More

35.87 Exuberant, confident, energetic, vivacious
9YO Speyside Lossie, £41.90
The nose was lively, fresh, exuberant and confident with a full rainbow of colours – toffee, marshmallows, vanilla slice and brown sugar; also tart apple pie notes, spring blossoms, dark chocolate, leather, tobacco, linseed oil and polished antique furniture note.. 
More

 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.

New blog post Tasting Braes of Glenlivet 23 Year Old Burns Malt 

http://www.thewhiskybarrel.com/blog/post/braeval-burns-scotch

Whisky Live London 2013 – The Report

Once again, TWE were in full effect at last weekend’s Whisky Live in London, which was held in its now-traditional location of Armoury House, home of the British Army’s oldest regiment, the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC).  Today, the Company regiment … Continue reading >>

Master Blender Billy Leighton (left) and Master Distiller Barry Crockett (right) of Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard

St. Patrick’s Day may be over for another year but Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard, maker of the world’s No.1 Irish whiskey, Jameson, is continuing its celebrations having been named Whisky Distiller of the Year at the Icons of Whisky Awards – Global 2013, for the second year running. 

Further success followed as Redbreast 12 Cask Strength scooped the Best Irish Pot Still award. 

The awards underline an impressive year for Irish Distillers, with sales of its flagship whiskey Jameson reaching four million global cases.  Other recent highlights include the successful launch of Yellow Spot into the Single Pot Still range, as well as the launch of the coveted Midleton Single Cask Releases in February this year. 

Peter Morehead, Production Director for Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard, says: “As one of the most respected whisky awards in the world, we are incredibly proud to be recognised once again by the Icons of Whisky Awards. We have been vocal about our ambitions for the Irish Whiskey category over the next 10 years as we aim to increase global awareness and appreciation for the quality of Irish whiskey, so these awards are greatly appreciated by all the team as the ultimate recognition of our ambition to grow the popularity of Irish Whiskey around the world.” 

“It’s a momentous time in the history of Irish Distillers as we say goodbye to our legendary Master Distiller Barry Crockett after 47 years at the Midleton Distillery, so we would like to thank him for his immense contribution to the company and we shall look forward to continued success in the future as Brian Nation takes the reins.” 

Last week’s accolades follow a host of recent award successes for Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard, including Whisky Advocate awarding the company Distiller of the Year and its single pot still whiskey, Yellow Spot revealed as its ‘Irish Whiskey of the Year’. Irish Distillers also won a trophy at The Spirits Masters in November 2012. 

Notes: 

About The Icons of Whiskey

Now in its 9^th year in its current form, the Icons of Whiskey awards celebrate the people and places behind the great whiskies of the world, and are nominated by professionals in the drinks industry. Independent editorial panel of whiskey experts pick winners from the regional heats ofScotland,America and Rest of World before the overall winners are announced. 

About Jameson

Jameson is the world’s No 1 Irish whiskey. Award-winning as a result of its exceptional smoothness following its unique triple distillation process, Jameson is enjoyed in more than 120 countries worldwide. 

The core Jameson range includes Jameson; Jameson Select Reserve; Jameson Gold Reserve; Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve; and Jameson Signature Reserve (Travel Retail exclusive). 

About Single Pot Still Whiskeys of Midleton

In May 2011, Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard announced plans to underline the rich heritage of Irish whiskey with the launch of a new initiative – Single Pot Still whiskeys of Midleton. Aimed at promoting consistent communication on the provenance and quality of single pot still whiskey, the launch heralded an increase in investment in Irish Distillers’ existing portfolio, ahead of a planned roll-out of innovative extensions. Additionally, the initiative marked the adoption by the industry of new terminology for this unique style of whiskey – moving from ‘pure pot still’ to ‘single pot still’.

About Irish Distillers – http://www.irishdistillers.ie/
Irish Distillers Group was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between Irish whiskey distillers John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and the Cork Distillery Company. In an attempt to reverse the decline in Irish whiskey sales, the board of directors decided to close the existing distilleries in Cork and Dublin, and to consolidate production at a new purpose-built facility.

A site alongside the existing distillery in Midleton, Co. Cork was chosen as the location for the new distillery, as there was no room for expansion in Dublin. Both the Old Jameson Distillery and the Old Midelton Distillery currently operate as visitor centres attracting over 330,000 visitors annually. Following an early unsolicited takeover offer and one of the most protracted battles in Irish corporate history made by GrandMet, Allied-Lyons and Guinness, Irish Distillers was taken over by Pernod Ricard in June 1988 with the support of the management and employees.

About Pernod Ricard – http://www.pernod-ricard.com/
Pernod Ricard is the world’s co-leader in wines and spirits with consolidated sales of € 8,215 million in 2011/12. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin & Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: ABSOLUT Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Kahlúa and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate (formerly Montana), Campo Viejo and Graffigna wines. 

Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of nearly 18 800 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 75 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics.

For further information please visit: http://www.jamesonwhiskey.com/

Highland Park Valhalla Collection:

Loki, 15 Year Old 

Compass Box, “The Entertainer” limited edition for Selfridges

The Entertainer limited edition blended Scotch whisky 700ml for Selfridges. Stranger & Stranger where commissioned to produce a limited edition scotch for the iconic London store Selfridges, the design was inspired by acclaimed English pop artist Sir Peter Blake and … Continue reading →

Glenrothes 1970 Extraordinary Collection Cask #10573

Glenrothes 1970 Extraordinary Cask #10573 in the The Extraordinary Cask Collection series. This distillery Bottling ia an impressive first entry in Glenrothes’s Extraordinary Casks series, intended to showcase some of the older bottlings that they have in their warehouses. The … Continue reading →