New Arrivals

United States – Bourbon and Rye

• Dancing Pines Colorado Bourbon 750ml – 12 available ($46.99)

• 2003 Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon 750ml ($24.99)

Back in Stock

Ireland – Irish and Blended Scotch

• Tyrconnell 10 year Port Casks Single Malt Irish Whiskey      750ml ($79.99)

• Tyrconnell Single Malt Irish Whiskey 750ml – 3      available ($33.99)

Scotland – Blended Scotch

• Chivas Regal 25 year old Blended Scotch Whisky750ml ($349.99)

• Samaroli Evolution 2011 Multi Vintage Pure Malt Scotch      Whisky 750ml – 5 available ($319.99)

Scotland – Single Malt Scotch

• Glendronach 15 year old “Revival” Distillery      Bottling Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 5 available ($75.99)

• Talisker Distiller’s Edition Single Malt Whisky 750ml –      8 available ($85.99)

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

The Glenrothes Distillery Announces 2013 US Vintage Maker Competition

Contest will select two grand prize winners for a trip to Speyside and the opportunity of a lifetime

February 12, 2013 The Glenrothes is delighted to announce today’s launch of the 2013 US Vintage Maker Competition. Following the huge success of the 2012 competition, this year’s contest will result in two grand prize winners from the USA.  Each grand prize winner will receive a trip for him/her and one guest to Speyside, Scotland. The Glenrothes “Vintage Makers” will spend a week mastering single malt production, culminating in the creation of a new Glenrothes Vintage.

From February 12, 2013 until April 12, 2013, entrants can submit an essay of 750 characters or less and an image response to the prompt, “Share a Vintage Moment with The Glenrothes.” Winning entries will be selected based on the best representation of how The Glenrothes Distillery defines a Vintage Moment: A perfect combination of time, place, people and/or occasion when everything comes together to create a moment that will stay in the memory forever.

Grand prize winners will travel to The Glenrothes this summer and be hosted by Ronnie Cox, Keeper of the Quaich and The Glenrothes Brand Heritage Director.  Upon arriving, they will learn the time-honored art of whisky making and skills that have been passed down from generation to generation. The winners will spend time working at each stage of the process: testing the purity of the water source at the distillery’s two springs; milling the malt to achieve the golden proportions of husk, grits and flour; mashing to ensure maximum extraction of sugars in the wort; adding yeast to the washbacks and overseeing fermentation; and slowly and carefully distilling new make spirit in our tall copper pot stills.

The “Vintage Makers” will nose single malt from maturing casks to assess whether the contents are true of all The Glenrothes whiskies and exceptional in quality and maturity; only the top 3% of the distillery’s output is bottled as The Glenrothes Speyside Single Malt Whisky. Finally, the “Vintage Makers” will have the opportunity to create a new Vintage of The Glenrothes, to be released when it reaches the peak of maturity.  As an added bonus each of the lucky guests will produce their own selection of The Glenrothes – labeled with their own hand-written tasting notes.

When their work is done, our Vintage Makers will enjoy the simple pleasures that Speyside has to offer; a spot of fishing, dining in the local Highland restaurants or perhaps a picnic in the hills surrounding the distillery. The “Vintage Makers” will stay in Rothes House, a private home belonging to the family that owns The Glenrothes.

The Glenrothes is now available throughout the U.S. through Anchor Distilling. For more information on The Glenrothes or the 2013 US Vintage Maker Competition, please visit www.theglenrothes.com.

Abbreviated Rules

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCE OF WINNING. MUST BE 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER AND A RESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES TO ENTER. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED BY LAW. BY ENTERING THE CONTEST YOU AGREE TO THE OFFICIAL RULES. Contest begins at 12:01 a.m. ET on February 12, 2013, and ends at 11:59:59 p.m. ET on April 12, 2013. To enter, visit www.theglenrothes.com, complete the entry form, submit an essay (750 characters or less) describing your “Vintage Moment”. All entries must be received by April 12, 2013 at 11:59:59 p.m. ET. For official rules (including how to enter and prize description), visit http://www.theglenrothes.com. Only one entry per person is permitted.  Sponsor: BB&R Spirits Ltd., 3 St. James’ Street, London SW1A 1EG. Share Responsibly.

About The Glenrothes

The Glenrothes is an award-winning Speyside Single Malt Whisky of exceptional quality from the town of Rothes in Speyside – Scotland’s whisky heartland.  Established in 1879, the distillery was known only to Master Blenders until the early 1990’s, and revered as a Class-A quality enhancer for their premium blends.  Today, only 3% of production becomes The Glenrothes single malt scotch whisky.  Each vintage is, by definition, rare and finite.  Currently available expressions in the US include: The Glenrothes Select Reserve – the House Style, Alba Reserve, Vintages 1998, 1995, 1988, 1978, and 1970 Extraordinary Cask.

Join the conversation at www.Facebook.com/TheGlenrothes or www.Twitter.com/TheGlenrothes.

About Anchor Distilling

Anchor Distilling Company aims to provide the bridge between discerning buyers and world’s finest spirits. A privately owned distiller and importer, Anchor boasts an artisanal portfolio with over 300 specialty products from nearly 20 countries.  All products are from multigenerational family-owned companies, and are sought by connoisseurs for their superior handcrafted artisanal qualities.  From a distilling perspective, Anchor Distilling is dedicated to creating very small batches of traditionally distilled spirits. www.AnchorDistilling.com

The Best Fest in the West…Midlands!

It’s now less than two months before we welcome customers and exhibitors to the Third Midlands Whisky Festival. Saturday April 13th 2013. Doors open at 12 pm.

Once again, we’ll have over 200 different whiskies on taste from an even larger number of suppliers than before. We’ve added some extra special rare “Dream Drams” for you to enjoy in your commemorative tasting glass.Standard tickets cost £35 per person. This year, we are welcoming visitors from further afield than ever, so please reserve your ticket in advance as capacity is limited! For further details, email david@nickollsandperks.co.uk or phone 01384 394518.  We look forward to being in touch again soon.

Kind regards

The Nickolls and Perks Team

Click HERE to buy your tickets:

Nickolls & Perks Ltd
37 Lower High Street
Stourbridge, West Midlands DY8 1TA
www..nickollsandperks.co.uk

Glendronach Whiskies

Glendronach distillery has had a long and colourful history. Established in 1826 by the eccentric James Allardice, the majestic distillery lies in the Glen of Forgue. The distillery lies in its own estate and the current owners, The Benriach Distillery Company, owns all the surrounding houses. There are five properties on the site including Glen House which was once the Laird of the estates’ own dwelling. Glen House is the oldest property onsite having been built in 1786.

The distillery prides itself on its traditional approach to the crafting of the spirit. Six still men work shifts 24 hours a day to ensure every millilitre of spirit is crafted with the utmost attention. Unlike a large portion of distilleries today, Glendronach is not run by computers, it is powered by passionate men driven to make the highest quality whisky possible. Glendronach, since its creation, has been a by word for sherried whisky. The spirit has always been aged in either Oloroso or Pedro Ximinez sherry casks from the best Bodegas in Spain. It was only recently that Glendronach released some different wood finishes but there emphasis remains focused on sherry finishing.

www.singlemaltsdirect.com

Calling all SMWS members and non-members alike!

Sign up now for our March First Friday tasting to sample seven great new releases, nibble on some tasty treats and enjoy the company of fellow scotch-lovers. As always, there will also be some past releases available for sampling in case you missed them the first time around!

Really, what better way to spend a Friday night?
Space is limited so don’t delay!

Victoria First Friday Tasting

Friday, March 1st 6:30pm

$40+HST for SMWS members; $50+HST for non-members
The Strath Ales, Wines & Spirits
Register in person at
919 Douglas Street, Victoria
or by phone at 250-370-9463
or by email at whisky@strathconahotel.com

Colin & his crew look forward to seeing you!

Lost Distilleries at TWE Vinopolis

The new year is definitely under way and our tastings at TWE Vinopolis have entered a new phase. Over the last few years we’ve been focused heavily on branded tastings, with companies showing off their wares to an appreciative audience, … Continue reading >>

TRUE, UNCOMPROMISING BOURBON FOR TRUE BOURBON LOVERS: INTRODUCING THE FIRST RUSSELL’S RESERVE® SINGLE BARREL

LAWRENCEBURG, KY (February 20th, 2013) – When it comes to whiskey making in the United States, Jimmy Russell and his son Eddie are America’s bourbon aristocracy. After an incredible 90 years combined experience distilling award-winning whiskey, the two are rolling out one of their richest and most flavorful bourbons to date: Russell’s Reserve® Single Barrel Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey. This much anticipated bottling at a take-no-prisoners 110 proof is nonchill filtered, resulting in an unparalleled burst of flavor in every sip. As the crowning glory of America’s famed Wild Turkey bourbon family, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel promises to not only be the choice for bourbon connoisseurs, but it will also be what Jimmy and Eddie reach for time and time again. As they say in Lawrenceburg, “Our experience guarantees yours.”

What makes Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel unique is not only its high proof, but the fact that the whiskey bypasses the chill-filtration process. Chill-filtration is a common process whereby the whiskey is chilled at temperatures below freezing and is passed through an absorption filter thus removing fatty acids and other flavor contributors such as esters and proteins. By avoiding the chill-filtration process, the whiskey is bottled with more flavor compounds and a deeper color which is denoted by an impressive haze when ice or chilled water is added.

Every expression of Russell’s Reserve – both the Bourbon and rye Whiskey – is matured in only the deepest number 4 or “alligator” charred American white oak barrels to ensure the richest flavor and color. Jimmy and Eddie insist on this char level and are among only a handful of whiskey distillers who use it. The best aged whiskey barrels are hand selected by this legendary pair themselves and only from the center cut of the rick house – since that’s where the optimal maturation occurs. Adamant about quality, the Russell’s will only use the natural, weather-driven process for maturation – never air conditioned or heated “because it’s the right thing to do.”

“This is Bourbon at its best,” declares Jimmy Russell, Master Distiller. “What is incredibly special about the Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel is that each barrel has its own personality, but still captures the rich, creamy toffee vanilla style of Russell’s Reserve. This bottling celebrates what we love about Russell’s Reserve, but takes it to another level.” Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel delivers a burst of intense vanilla and hints of burnt orange, along with tastes licorice and anise seed, on the palate, culminating with a rich and long finish.

Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel (750ml) will be available nationwide at specialist liquor stores priced at $49.99. It will also be available in select bars and restaurants specializing in fine whiskies.

About Russell’s Reserve
Master Distiller, Jimmy Russell has been making bourbon in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky for more than 58 years and has joined the ranks of the greats when it comes to his uncompromising craftsmanship. Working alongside him is his son, Associate Master Distiller, Eddie, a relative newcomer with 32 years under his belt. Together they create the acclaimed Russell’s Reserve 10 Years Old small batch Kentucky straight bourbon and 6 Years Old Rye. Jimmy has worked at the distillery since 1954 and his devotion to his whiskey making runs in the family blood. His grandfather worked in the distilling business, as did his father before him. His son Eddie Russell now follows in his footsteps. Russell’s Reserve is testimony to the uncompromising approach that comes with over 90 years of combined experience.

About Campari America
Campari America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A. (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM). At the heart of Campari America are two legends in the American spirits industry. The first, Skyy Spirits, was founded in San Francisco back in 1992 by the entrepreneur who invented iconic SKYY Vodka. The second is the world-famous Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, where they have been making the world’s finest whiskies since the 1800’s. Both companies were purchased by Davide Campari-Milano and together they form Campari America, which has built a portfolio unrivaled in its quality, innovation and style, making it a top choice among distributors, retailers and consumers. Campari America manages Gruppo Campari’s portfolio in the US with such leading brands as SKYY® Vodka, SKYY Infusions®, Campari®, Wild Turkey® Straight Kentucky Bourbon, American Honey®, Russell’s Reserve®, Glen Grant® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Cabo Wabo® Tequila, Espolón® Tequila, Ouzo 12®, X-Rated® Fusion Liqueur®, Frangelico®, Cynar®, Carolans Irish Cream®, Irish Mist® Liqueur, Sagatiba® Cachaça and Jean-Marc XO Vodka®. Campari America is also the exclusive US distributor of Bowmore® Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Auchentoshan® Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Glen Garioch® Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, McClelland’s® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Flor de Caña® Rum, Midori® Melon Liqueur, Hibiki® Whisky, Hakushu® Single Malt Whisky, and The Yamazaki® Single Malt Whisky. Campari America is headquartered in San Francisco, California. More information on the company can be found at www.campariamerica.com, www.facebook.com/campariamerica, Twitter: @CampariAmerica and www.camparigroup.com. Please enjoy Campari America brands responsibly and in moderation. About Gruppo Campari Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A., together with its affiliates (‘Gruppo Campari’), is a major player in the global beverage sector, trading in over 190 nations around the world with leading positions in Europe and the Americas. The Group was founded in 1860 and today is the sixth-largest player worldwide in the premium spirits industry. The Group’s portfolio, with over 50 brands, span spirits, the core business, wines and soft drinks. Internationally-renowned brands include Aperol, Appleton, Campari, Cinzano, SKYY Vodka and Wild Turkey. Headquartered in Sesto San Giovanni, Italy, Campari owns 14 plants and 4 wineries worldwide and has its own distribution network in 16 countries. The Group employs over 4,000 people. The shares of the parent company, Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A. (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM), are listed on the Italian Stock Exchange since 2001. For more information: www.camparigroup.com

Happy 185th Birthday Springbank

by Mark Davidson

All distilleries are unique but in true George Orwell style some are more unique than others. Springbank distillery in Campbeltown, Argyll can be singled out as having an embarrassment of riches any one of which another distiller would be proud to boast of.

Perhaps its single most attractive aspect is the fact that the company has the oldest original family owned distillery in Scotland. As Scottish whisky grew in popularity it could not avoid the attentions of big business. As a commodity whisky can offer handsome dividends to any investors, although any return may not be dramatically quick thanks to the time taken to mature stock. So it was that small family established businesses were bought out by, initially, home grown companies then eventually overseas predators. Where we are today is the curious position of having many of our most famous brands owned by large companies from abroad. These corporations often have interests not focused on just one category of beverage and may even deal in other totally unrelated industries. How refreshing it is then to have such a jewel still in independent Scottish hands. Amongst the very few stills held by private companies Springbank can point to their longevity, they were established in 1828, as testament to their reputation for quality and dependency.

Beyond this remarkable achievement the distillers lay claim to the most complete and traditional distillery in Scotland. Nowhere else will you see the whole production process taking place on one site. From the arrival of un-malted barley to the despatch of the bottled product all parts of the production process are controlled in-house. The retention of old fashioned methods must surely contribute to the well recognised complexity in their drams.

Of the near 100 malt distilleries in Scotland only 6 retain floor maltings. Of these only Springbank produces 100% of distilling requirements. The other 90-odd all rely on mechanised malting for their barley. Almost exclusively this part of the process is sub-contracted to specialists not connected with the distiller. The dependency on outsiders although not appealing to the Mitchells (Springbank’s owners) does not necessarily mean a compromise of quality. Indeed the consistency of a professional maltster solved problems associated with floor maltings where variables such as ambient temperature can affect results. The reason for the switch from tradition was really down to matters of scale and economy. As demand grew distilleries expanded and their appetite for grain out grew their capacity to feed themselves. Modern drum maltings were designed to the new scale required. Also as the manual option is so labour intensive, the malting barley must be turned regularly to prevent matting and to evenly spread the germinating heat, the costs of manning the floors became unattractive. Production at Springbank is indeed capped by their ability to supply enough malt and the distillery runs at a fraction of its potential output.

At the other end of production bottling may seem a rather mundane issue. Far from it. As a cask of mature whisky would typically be around 60% alcohol if the bottled dram was sold at this strength the price of a standard size bottle would be considerably higher than if it was diluted. Also an argument runs that this strength is too high to find the drink’s character and watering down is essential for proper appreciation. This is why 99.9…% of all whisky is bottled at the legal minimum strength of 40%abv. The question must be asked: what water was used during reduction? Many whisky labels will wax lyrical about the source of their production water being of ambrosial quality. How many allude to the neutral nature of the water added at the bottling stage? Again Springbank can be relied upon to treat their efforts appropriately. Alongside very few other malts Springbank sympathetically dilute their mature whisky with the water used to make it, keeping complete the influence from minerals to be found at source. All this at the superior 46% abv.

By now you should realise this company is more about substance than subcontracts. There hasn’t been enough space here to mention features like their warehousing, method of heating stills, distilling regime, condensing techniques and further bottling principles all of which deserve mention. A visit to their website, www.springbankwhisky.com, should further illuminate just how special this family inheritance is.

Mark Davidson…

Of a distinguished Banff 1968 vintage Mark Davidson has a short but full body and so marries well (& subsequently producing two limited editions), frequently seen at whisky fairs in Scotland yet curiously difficult to find outside his domestic market it is hoped his inaugural launch on the Canadian scene will be well received. He is at home in independant bottling circles being most commonly found in the William Cadenhead livery where he has enjoyed a 13 year finishing period, however as a stand alone single expression under the Jolly Toper brand he can come into his own while being a fine mixer.

Loch Fyne Whiskies Stocks anCnoc 22yo

 anCnoc 22yo

46% abv

£81.90 inc vat (£68.25 ex vat)

Loch Fyne Whiskies

david@lfw.co.uk

www.ralfy.com introduces a rare example of a triple-distilled scotch with Whisky Review 341 – Benriach 12yo ‘Horizons’