The Dimensions collection is an outstanding range of single malt and single grain Scotch whiskies encompassing the full breadth of the Duncan Taylor portfolio. Containing whiskies aged up to 39 years, the Dimensions collection showcases the multi dimensional levels of character and flavour available from individual distilleries and casks.

The Dimensions collection consists of single cask, cask strength releases and exclusively numbered small batches at 46% abv. Neither chill filtered nor coloured, only the finest whiskies are selected for inclusion, ensuring that every bottle delivers the Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky ethos: Whisky Without Compromise.

Duncan Taylor and Co Ltd has experimented for many years in the use of differing cask sizes for the maturation of Single Malt and Single Grain Scotch Whiskies. Our research stemmed from a simple premise that there is more wood interaction with spirit over a shorter period of time in a smallcask than in a large cask, therefore allowing a more rapid “melding” of wood, air and alcohol. The resultant spirit demonstrated a depth of maturity missing in a larger cask over a similar period of storage. On completion of a relatively short maturation period of a younger whisky, the spirit appeared smoother, more balanced with plenty of character more reminiscent of a long maturation. The rough edges were removed and the taste profile changed dramatically to what would be considered a whisky of a much more mature nature or vintage. The whisky became polished, bright and sparkled with intensity.

www.singlemaltsdirect.com

Single Malts Limited | 36 Gordon Street | Huntly | Aberdeenshire | AB54 8EQ

www.ralfy.com discovers (and share’s with you) a rather juicy  bottle of Irish nectar with Whisky Review 346 – Greenore 8yo Irish Grain Whiskey

This month we offer two (2) new PROVENANCE bottlings.

The PROVENANCE Tasting Notes are:

PRV0969 SPEYBURN 8 YEARS
Butterscotch abounds on the nose initially – then it merges into malty gristiness with citric tones, oak, and vanilla. More of that butterscotch shows early on the palate – running to a Scottish tablet/fudge-y and malty sweet influence ….. and all this is replicated on its finish, plus some late spices. (F)

PRV098 CRAIGELLACHIE SHERRY 10 YEARS
Aromatic, and carrying a mature fruity nose initially – it opens to light spices, barley and oak. Gristy – and with more inherit barley sweetness on the palate – it warms to vanialla toffee and softer fruit tones. The finish is long, warmly spiced, with a hint of liquorice apparent late. (F).

We hope you will like.

Yours sincerely

Fred Laing

Managing Director

www.douglaslaing.com

Top Picks

•1993 Glenmorangie Ealanta 19 Year Old Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($115.99)
It’s getting to the point where the annual Glenmorangie special edition release is personally my most anticipated whisky of the year. The peated Finealta from two years back was a splendid release, super refined and very lithe on the palate. Last year’s Artein was simply magical – it was easily in my top three favorites of the year. 2013 brings us another slam dunk, gotta-have-it, masterpiece release with the Ealanta: a 19 year old whisky aged in new oak from Missouri’s Mark Twain National Forest. While that may not sound too interesting to the average whisky fan, it is very unusual for single malt whisky to see new wood – especially charred. American Bourbon must always be aged in new oak barrels, but Scottish single malt is almost exclusively aged in ex-Bourbon or ex-Sherry casks, which have already been seasoned with a previous liquid. The barrels used to age the Ealanta were air-dried for over two years, but were never used otherwise. The resulting flavor s are not foreign, but they are intensified. The richness is richer, the oak spice is spicier, and the vanilla is creamier. This is absolutely one of the most polished whiskies I have ever tasted from Dr. Bill. There’s nothing fancy going on with the Ealanta – it’s simply perfect single malt whisky. Flawless. Round, robust, intriguing, with lovely baking spices and candied orange peel on the finish. I can’t imagine anyone – either new to single malt or a chiseled veteran – not adoring the Ealanta. A true must-buy.

•Laphroaig “Triple Wood” Islay Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($64.99)
94 points Whisky Advocate: “This is the first time I’ve been up for reviews here so I had a game plan: play it cool, mark tightly, let everyone know I’m hard to please. Then they gave me this, the whisky equivalent to front row tickets to Neil Young on his current Twisted Road tour: not just a chance to get up close and personal with an old favorite, but to do so with an old favorite who’s on fire. Laphroaig’s owners are intent on ensuring a big peaty engine for any new release, but this is a monster by anyone’s standards. It’s essentially Quarter Cask finished in oloroso sherry casks, so in addition to the intense charcoal smoke attack there are rich fruity notes; blackcurrant and berries. It’s an evening barbecue whisky. Grill that fish until it’s blackened and crispy, drizzle on lemon, and as the smoke rears up in protest, sip this. Big, moody, broody, fruity, and rich: what’s not to love? (Vol 19, #3)” K&L Notes: A limited release that was supposedly for European Travel Retail only! Lucky for us some popped up in California. This is essentially the Quarter Cask finished in Oloroso Sherry Butts. There’s an extra touch of savory richness at the back end, but the entry is all peat and iodine just like we expect from Laphroaig. The finish really lurks for some time, morphing from smoke, to nutty rancio, to savory sea salt. It’s a great new release from Laphroaig – a distillery that has been absolutely killing it with their special edition whiskies as of late.

•Macallan 25 year old, Distillery Bottling Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 12 available ($699.99)
Extremely Limited! Macallan’s 25 year old sherry casks are a modern classic.

Back in Stock

Ireland 

• Irishman Original Clan Irish Whiskey 750ml – 6 available ($29.99)

Scotland – Single Malt Scotch

• Glengoyne 17-year-old Single Malt Whisky 750ml (Elsewhere $100) ($49.99)
• Laphroaig 25 year old Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Whisky 750ml (Previously $500) – 5 available ($499.99)

United States – Bourbon and Rye

• Black Maple Hill, Small Batch Bourbon 750ml (1 bottle limit) ($33.99)
• Russell’s Reserve 6 Year Old Small Batch Rye 90 Proof 750ml (3 btls per customer) ($34.99)

K&L Wine Merchants
http://www.klwines.com
Phone: 877-KLWines (toll free 877-559-4637)
Email: wine@klwines.com
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

Glenfiddich Pioneers First-Ever Tasting Adventure Inside Grand Canyon

The World’s Most Awarded Single Malt Pours Exclusive Collection of Scotches at World Wonder

LAS VEGAS, NV (March 1, 2013) – On Wednesday, February 27, 2013, Glenfiddich, the World’s Most Awarded Single Malt Scotch Whisky, toasted the Grand Canyon, renaming one of the seven natural wonders of the world ‘Glen Canyon,’ and offered whisky connoisseurs and thrill-seekers a once-in-a-lifetime tasting experience. Ian Millar, Global Brand Ambassador for Glenfiddich, led guests, who arrived to the remote canyon location via helicopter, in a tasting of a collection of Glenfiddich offerings that together are valued at an estimated $50,000. Additional marques included:

• Glenfiddich Original 1991 50 Year Old Single Malt

• Glenfiddich 1964 Travel Retail Exclusive Single Malt (42 Year Old)

• Glenfiddich American Oak 30 Year Old Single Malt

“Glenfiddich has always been a true original and it was only fitting for us to offer the world’s first single malt Scotch tasting in the Grand Canyon,” said Ian Millar, Global Brand Ambassador for Glenfiddich. “It was always William Grant’s dream to have the best dram in the valley and we certainly had the best drams in one of the most picturesque valleys in the world. I look forward to creating new once-in-a-lifetime tasting experiences for single malt connoisseurs around the world.”

Glenfiddich, the world’s most awarded Single Malt Scotch Whisky, is generally recognized as being the true pioneer in the field. The Glenfiddich distillery, located in Dufftown in Scotland’s Speyside region, was built in 1886 by William Grant with the help of his seven sons and two daughters. To this day, Glenfiddich remains an independent, family-owned company run by the fifth generation of William Grant’s family. This independence allows the distillery creative freedom to continue to innovate and set the standard against which the rest of the category is measured, while continuing to set the trend of releasing some of the world’s rarest whiskies. Credited for having started the single malt category in 1963 when it introduced the first range of non-blended malts, Glenfiddich continues to retain the pioneering tradition established by Grant, making it the world’s most awarded and best-selling Single Malt Whisky in the world.

The Glenfiddich range includes the core 12 (40% ABV; RRP $39.99), 15 (40% ABV; RRP $59.99), 18 (40% ABV; RRP $89.99) and 21 Year Old (40% ABV; RRP %159.99) expressions, as well as a series of rare and precious expressions, including the renowned Glenfiddich 50 Year Old, a bottle of which sold in 2009 for a staggering $38,000. For more information, visit www.glenfiddich.com.

On 8th March we shall be raising a glass in honour of International Women’s Day and encouraging women around the world to discover and share the joys of whisky. Wherever you are next Friday, we hope you too will reach for a glass of your favourite Compass Box whisky and toast in the same spirit.

We have organised a range of activities to mark IWD 2013. There will be a live Transatlantic Twitter Tasting featuring a panel of ladies and three mystery Compass Box whiskies, plus a ladies-only Facebook competition – for both new and existing Compass Box fans – to give you the chance to win a lovely Compass Box prize.

Yes, we want to break down once and for all the preconception that whisky is an (old) man’s drink, or the myth that women only like sweet, light or fruity whiskies, but also to showcase the versatility of styles on offer. Whether you prefer your whisky straight, cask strength, with water, or in a cocktail, these celebrations are for you.

#WhiskyandWomen
We kick off our activities on IWD eve (7th March) at 9pm (GMT)/4pm (EST) with a ladies-only Twitter Tasting featuring three Compass Box whiskies – served blind – and tasted live by 18 whisky bloggers, journalists and enthusiasts from the US, UK and Canada. The event will be hosted by Steve Rush from The Whisky Wire, the founder of Tweet Tastings, and our very own Céline Têtu. Follow us live on Twitter using the hashtag #WhiskyandWomen and then try the whiskies for yourself!

IWD Whisky Cocktails
For your IWD toast, why not prepare a classic Mamie Taylor, named after the eponymous American opera singer at the turn of 20th century, using 2oz Great King Street, juice from ½ a lime, ice cubes and a generous splash of spicy ginger ale/beer. Or for something more adventurous, try a Contramand, created by Naomi Fletcher from Hawksmoor in London, with 35ml Spice Tree, 25ml Mandarin juice, 25ml Port, 20ml Orange curaçao, 5ml lemon juice and a cardamom pod.

 “Above All, Share & Enjoy!”

Fact #4: Great King Street – Artist’s Blend went through 25 different prototypes before Whiskymaker John Glaser found a recipe with which he was happy.

The Macallan 25 year old is back in stock.

We are delighted to announce the arrival of another gem from Macallan.

Limited stock will be arriving in our warehouses on Monday the 11th of March and it is now available to order via our website.

The winner of many accolades including the gold medal at the International Spirits Challenge 2012.

Colour: Rich Mahogany.
Nose: Citrus balanced with cinnamon, sherry and wood smoke.
Palate: Full and rich, with dried fruits and wood smoke.
Finish: Long, with dried fruits, wood smoke and spice.

 To buy one of the rarest and highly sought after Macallan single malts in the world simply click here.

Only £499.99

The Macallan – The Flask

According The Macallan this is “The ultimate whisky accessory”. At The Macallan, we handle our single malt with care. And if you’re on the go, so should you! Unveil: The Flask – the ultimate accessory for the active whisky aficionado. … Continue reading →

We’re delighted to present our review of the majestic Karuizawa 1964 from Number One Drinks bottled for Wealth Solutions.

http://www.livingroomwhisky.com/project/karuizawa-1964-number-one-drinks/

World first as Glenmorangie fans design their own dram 

— Pioneering Cask Masters online programme will create brand new whisky — 

In a world first Glenmorangie is asking its own fans to create their own perfect dram.

It means those who enjoy Scotland’s favourite malt will be able to vote online on the taste, design and launch of a new whisky.

The Cask Masters online programme is launched today (1 March) and will run for 18 months. Anyone can take part by logging on to www.glenmorangie.com/caskmasters

Last year Glenmorangie was crowned Distiller of the Year at the IWSC Awards, and this initiative is a new way of interacting with the brand’s enthusiasts.

Whisky fans from across the world will help develop a new type of Glenmorangie single malt, to be released in late 2014.

In order to speed up the process Glenmorangie has pre-selected three whiskies that are nearing the end of their maturation at their Highland distillery. But it’s up to fans to register their opinions online and determine the outcome of the new whisky.

The programme is being overseen by Glenmorangie’s award winning arbiter of taste, Dr Bill Lumsden.

Dr Bill Lumsden, Director of Distilling and Whisky Creation at the Glenmorangie Company explained: “For years we have listened to fans and their views and noted reactions to the whiskies we have introduced.

“Now it’s their turn to have a go and I hope as many whisky aficionados as possible will be able to join in and enjoy each stage of this exciting journey…who knows where we will end up!”

Glenmorangie enthusiasts will be part of the five stage process and be able to:

1. Vote for their favourite of the three whiskies.
2. Get involved in the naming of the new whisky.
3. Decide what direction the packaging and design will take.
4. Attend the photo-shoot.
5. Get involved in the location, choice of, and attendance at the global launch.

At each stage participants will also be able to win prestigious prizes including a VIP visit to the Glenmorangie Distillery and a trip to the country of origin of the oak cask in which the winning whisky has been matured.

Dr Lumsden has already revealed his selection of the three whiskies to a group of leading international whisky experts, who have all independently offered their initial views on his selection. Their taste notes are available on the Glenmorangie Cask Masters website to guide participants.

At the later stages of the programme design and photography experts will also offer their thoughts on the naming, packaging and launch suggestions received from Glenmorangie whisky fans.

Michael Atkinson, Marketing Manager for Glenmorangie added: “A few years ago this would have been impossible to organise, but with crowd sourcing in vogue, and the technology now making it more accessible, Cask Masters allows us to harness the enthusiasm and passion of our Glenmorangie aficionados.”

NOTES: 

About Glenmorangie:

Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch Whisky originates in the Scottish Highlands where, at the Glenmorangie Distillery, it is distilled in the tallest malt whisky stills in Scotland, expertly matured in the finest oak casks, and perfected by the Men of Tain. The Distillery was founded in 1843 and is renowned as a pioneer in its field uniting tradition with innovation to create ‘unnecessarily well made whiskies.’