Buffalo Trace Distillery Releases Eighth Round of

Single Oak Project Bourbon  

Halfway Through, Which Bourbon is in the Lead? 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Feb. 2013) – Buffalo Trace Distillery marks the halfway point in its quest for the perfect bourbon with the release of its eighth round of Single Oak Project Bourbon.    

All of the bourbons that comprise this release entered the barrel at 105 proof, aged within the wooden ricks of Warehouse K, with a number 4 barrel char after the staves were seasoned for 12 months.  This allows the release to focus on three other variables, the recipe, wood grain size, and tree cut.  All of the other variables such as aging warehouse, entry proof, char level, and stave seasoning remain constant.

“Many people will find this release interesting since the entry proof is 105 this round – which some fans contend is better.  Bourbon drinkers can taste and decide if they like wheated or rye recipe bourbon better at the 105 entry proof.” said Kris Comstock, bourbon marketing director.

So far,  more than 2,221 industry expert and consumer reviews have been logged online at http://www.singleoakproject.com/. These whiskey reviews will determine which Single Oak Project Bourbon is the favorite of fans worldwide. Buffalo Trace looks forward to more reviews, to hear what bourbon drinkers think, and will craft the perfect bourbon based on consumer feedback.

Now halfway through the project, barrel number 106 has fought its way back to the top, after being knocked off a few months ago by barrel number 97!  “Barrels number 97 and 106 have been vying for the number one spot for several months now,” continues Comstock.  “But with two more years to go, any of these bourbons still stand a chance to be declared the winner.  And it’s not too late to get involved even if you’re new to the project!”  

After a consumer reviews a bottle online, they will be availed of all the aging details and provenance of the barrel. They can interact with others who’ve also reviewed the barrel, compare their reviews, and even learn for themselves which characteristics they enjoy most, in order to help them select future favorites.  Participants online will earn points after each review and most importantly, actively participate in Buffalo Trace Distillery’s quest to create the perfect bourbon!

The Single Oak Project is part of an intensive research project Buffalo Trace Distillery started conducting in 1999 by hand picking 96 trees with different wood grains and then dividing them into a top and bottom piece, yielding 192 unique sections. From there, staves were created from each section and were air dried for either 6 months or 12 months. After all the staves were air dried, a single barrel was created from each tree section, resulting in 192 total barrels. These barrels were given either a number three or a number four char and then filled with either wheat or rye recipe bourbon.

To further the variety of experiments, the barrels were filled at two different proofs, 105 and 125 proof.  And if this wasn’t enough, two completely different warehouses were used, one with wooden floors and one with concrete floors.  In total, seven different variables were employed in Buffalo Trace’s ultimate experiment.

For eight years the Distillery continued with its tracking process, creating intricate databases and coming up with a potential of 1,396 tasting combinations from these 192 barrels!

The Single Oak Project Bourbon is being released in a series every three months from 2011 through 2015 until all of the 192 barrels have been released. The first release hit select stores in 2011.  This eighth release will reach stores towards the end of February. Like all the other releases, the quantities are very limited. Every case will contain 12 bottles, each from a different barrel. The eighth release is made up of barrel numbers 27, 28, 59, 60, 91, 92, 123, 124, 155, 156, 187, and 188.  All releases will be packaged in a 375ml bottle. Suggested retail pricing per bottle is $46.35.   

At the conclusion of the Single Oak Project, the Distillery plans to take the top rated Single Oak Project Bourbon and make more just like it, under the Single Oak name.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is a family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich distilling tradition dates back to 1787 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won seven distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named Whisky Magazine 2010 World Icons of Whisky “Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year.” Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 200 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/

I just wanted to let you know about our 16th Annual Whisky Tasting at Steffich Fine Art. It will take place Saturday Feburary 23rd , 7:30 pm at my gallery. We will be tasting six whiskies. Seating is limited to twenty. Tickets are $45 each and must be paid in advance. Please call or email the gallery to book your seat. We hope to see you there!

Matt Steffich

steffichfineart

#3105-115 Fulford Ganges Road

Salt Spring Island B.C.

Canada V8K 2T9

Websites: http://www.steffichfineart.com

We are excited to announce our first tasting of 2013!
Hello to anyone new! Please see details below about becoming a member.

In case you are new:
We sell tickets in advance for all of our events. This means that it based on first come first serve. So we are very sorry if you don’t manage to get a ticket this time.

We will be selling tickets this MONDAY, 11 Feb between 1.30PM and 3.30PM in Alfies (Butchart Centre) for the tasting on Wednesday 13 Feb (7PM in Bookends, @ Butchart)!

It is unlikely tickets will be available on the door!

Come along to the FIRST whisky tasting event of the year.
We will have some super whisky on offer.

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£3 = 4 whiskies!

Date: Wednesday 13th February
Time: 19:00
Where: Bookends in Butchart Centre (University Rd)
What to bring: TICKET purchased in advance and money for raffle/prizes

You can still come to this event without becoming a member.
You should become a member as soon as possible.
£4 for non-members.

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Please remember to become a member!
Please see details below about how to do this.

HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE MALT WHISKY SOCIETY

We also need to get EVERYONE to become a member of the Malt Whisky Society.
To do this follow these steps:
1. Go to www.ausa.org.uk
2. Register a new account
3. Search for “Malt Whisky Society”
4. Add “Malt Whisky Society Student Membership” (£2) to your basket (like amazon.com)
5. Go to your basket – you MUST add “Societies Union” membership (£1) before you can pay
6. Follow payment instructions – you NEED a credit/debit card to pay.
7. Bring along your reference on a bit of paper/your mobile phone to the next whisky event and we will give you your membership card.

OR pay by cash at Butchart Centre
CASH PAYMENTS
It is possible to pay for membership with cash at the Butchart Recpetion desk during opening hours.

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Our mailing address is:

University of Aberdeen Malt Whisky Society
The Butchart Centre
University Road
Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire AB24 3UT
United Kingdom

www.ralfy.com explores a rather ‘hot’ malt from a now dead-distillery with Whisky Review 338 – Rosebank 14yo Signatory

THE MACALLAN REACHES STRONG NUMBERS IN THE ART WORLD 

The Macallan single malt whisky, distributed by MaxxiumUK, has reported strong sampling figures after attending its third art show. Providing over 20,000 samples and cocktails, The Macallan introduced consumers to the newest edition of The Macallan’s portfolio, The Macallan Gold. 

Those attending designjunction*, The Liverpool Biennial** and most recently The London Art Fair*** visited The Macallan Masterclass lounge in large numbers. Not only did they sample the new luxury single malt whisky, The Macallan Gold but they also found out more about The Macallan’s third edition of the successful Masters of Photography Series, involving iconic photographer Annie Leibovitz. 

For this year The Macallan’s sampling programme focused on the contemporary art world. The Macallan engaged with over 5,550 people during designjunction (September 2012), which took place over five days in London’s Sorting Office, showcasing the finest selection of international design brands. The Macallan team also distributed over 4,800 Gold n’ Soda cocktails at the VIP and press launch and at the Pecha Kucha Friday evening event, ensuring The Macallan Gold was at the front of influencers’ minds. 

Building on the success of designjuction, The Macallan then headed north and attended The Liverpool Biennial (September – November 2012), sampling over 500 consumers in one weekend during the ten week event, which sees Liverpool come alive with a range of extraordinary art exhibitions and events. 

The Macallan continued its successful sampling programme at The London Art Fair (January 2013), which featured over 100 galleries and showcased the work of the greatest names of 20^th century British art and exceptional contemporary work. In addition to the sampling figures, 5,500 Macallan Gold cocktails were sampled over the two preview evenings, bringing the total sampling figure to 9,300 over 6 days. This was largely attributed to the draw of the Annie Leibovitz exclusive shots, which provided The Macallan with strong standout. 

Peter Sandstrom, Marketing Director at Maxxium UK ltd, commented: “With a high trial to conversation rate it’s important we allow people to taste The Macallan for themselves. Sampling is therefore a key part of The Macallan’s investment plan, which will allow us to grow the brands popularity and introduce new consumers to whisky. Venturing into the world of art and engaging with those with a genuine interest in art and photography has provided us with an excellent platform to do just that.                                                                                                                                                    

“The numbers which we have reached over the course of the last five months are extremely encouraging.  Going forward we want to build on these figures giving consumers an insight into our Masters of Photography Series and help build momentum for The Macallan.” 

* designjunction: 19 – 23 September 2012

** TheLiverpoolBiennial: 15 September – 25 November 2012

*** TheLondonArt Fair:  15 – 20 January 2013

 http://www.themacallan.com/

www.drinkaware.co.uk

http://www.themastersofphotography.com/ 

Notes:

ABOUT THE MACALLAN 

Founded in 1824 in the heart of Speyside, The Macallan was one of the first distilleries inScotlandto be legally licensed. Since then it has built a reputation as one of the world’s leading single malt whiskies.  The creation of The Macallan draws on the vital contributing influences ofSpain, North America andScotland, and of their respective natural raw materials, combined with traditional methods and craftsmanship. From its founding, through the subsequent owners of The Macallan distillery in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and into the present century, The Macallan has been recognised for its outstanding quality above all else. Today this remains the foundation for the worldwide fame of The Macallan and is such that it is truly “The Last Word” in luxury and at the heart of those special moments brought alive over a glass of The Macallan. 

The timeless reputation of The Macallan is founded upon Six Pillars:  

The Spiritual Home

Easter Elchies House proudly watches over The Macallan distillery inSpeyside,Scotland. Built in 1700, this Jacobean manor house is The Macallan’s spiritual home. 

Curiously Small Stills

The Macallan’s curiously small and uniquely shaped copper stills help to concentrate the flavour of the ‘new make’ spirit. 

The Finest Cut

The ‘cut’ is the amount of distilled spirit collected from the stills as ‘new make’ spirit. The Macallan takes one of the finest ‘cuts’ of any distillery inScotland; typically just 16% goes forward to fill or our casks.  

Exceptional Oak Casks

The Macallan’s unfaltering obsession with selecting exceptional oak casks brings an unsurpassed, timeless quality to The Macallan. 

Natural Colour

The Macallan insists upon Natural Colour. It is the interaction of spirit and wood alone which delivers the rich variety of colour, aroma and taste evident through out the range. 

Peerless Spirit

The Macallan remains the single malt against which all others must be judged. It is celebrated far and wide by experts and discerning drinkers as the world’s most precious whisky. 

The 1824 Series 

TheUKwill be the first market to take the new range with the launch of Gold in Autumn 2012, exclusively for 6 months.  The 1824 Series will then roll out in Europe andCanadaplus key emerging territories in Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America andAfricafrom Spring 2013. 

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. 

Maxxium UK:

Maxxium UK Limited is a company registered inScotlandunder the Companies Acts (Registered number SC203623) and has its registered office at Maxxium House,CastleBusinessPark,Stirling,FK9 4RT, to which address any notices should be sent.

Maxxium UK Limited is part of the global sales and distribution alliance between Beam Global Spirits and Wine Inc and The Edrington Group. Its portfolio of premium spirits includes: The Famous Grouse, Teacher’s and Cutty Sark blended Scotch;Highland Park, Laphroaig and The Macallan single malts; Courvoisier cognac; Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon. In addition Maxxium has premium brands across a number of other drinks categories including Sourz, Brugal, After Shock, Sauza and Harveys. MaxxiumUKalso represents third-party drinks brands including Stolichnaya vodka, Bols liqueurs, Galliano and The Glenrothes.

For further information on our brands and how to enjoy them log on to www.mixxit.co.uk  

The Dundee Dell will be holding a scotch tasting this Sunday at 4PM.

I trust this email finds you in good spirits, and well on the way to recovery from all the crazy-wild revelry that is Groundhog Day…one of my favorite holidays…especially when it falls on a Saturday! 

There is still time (but not much) to enter your nominations for the 2013 Drammie Awards: The Voice of the Whiskey Consumer. Hundreds of WhiskeyLovers like you, from six different countries on three different continents have already submitted their nominations.   

Don’t miss your chance to be heard: Tell the whiskey industry what you think and enter your nominations now.

Two weeks ago FWL Managing Editor Caroline Dewar published her notes from her time spent talking with Arran Distillers Chief Executive Euan Mitchell. The article was packed with insight into this resolutely independent Island distillery, and Mitchell’s plans for the future. If you haven’t read it yet, I urge you to check it out. 

Inspired, I decided to try one of their limited edition whiskies, and opted for the one Caroline herself professed to prefer: The Arran Amarone Cask Finished Single Malty Whisky. 

The Isle of Arran Distillery (as it’s formally known) has become known for a series of whiskys called thier Cask Finishes. The first release of this series, Arran Amarone Cask Finished, is a double matured 10 year old Scotch finished in an Amarone wine casks sourced from an artisan producer of this iconic Italian red wine. 

Arran Master Distiller James MacTaggart carefully monitored this period of secondary maturation to ensure the perfect balance was struck between the Amarone casks and the intrinsic sweet-fruity character of The Arran Malt. 

The end result is a single malt full of charm, complexity and quality that received top marks from Jim Murray in his 2010 Whisky Bible (96 out of 100), along with the comments ‘perhaps the best Arran nose of all time’.     

I found this to be a wonderful whisky that combines the best of Arran with the restrained sweet fruit and oak notes of Amarone wine. At first whiff there are aromas of poached pears, honey and toasted almonds and notes of sweet red berries. 

The taste is delightful, with flavors of coffee, chocolate orange, mellow butterscotch, sweet stewed fruits with pronounced notes of ripe dark plums, sweet cinnamon and slightly bitter almonds.  The finish is long and elegant. 

This a limited edition release, and since its been available for awhile, the global inventory has been all but depleted. But fortunately for us our man Nicky The Neck is, shall I say, “connected” within the Amarone industry….and so he has a guy, who knows a guy… 

And so we are thrilled to be able to offer you the opportunity to acquire your own bottle of Arran Amarone Cask Finished Single Malty Whisky for $75.50/ bottle. But make haste…their not making any more of this, and once it’s gone… 

Or, if you want to try Arran’s most popular expression. Buy a bottle of Arran 10YO Single Malt Whisky giftpack ($49.95/ bottle), and receive two (2) Arran Whisky glasses FREE with your bottle. 

Until next week…I wish you high spirits! 

Arran Amarone Cask Finished Single Malt Whisky

Arran 10YO Single Malt Whisky & 2 Glasses Set

Whisky Ramblings Via Video #32

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, takes you to the Land of the Rising Sun to introduce you to the Taketsuru 12 Year Old Pure Malt, the Japanese blended malt from the Nikka whisky company. 

http://youtu.be/ifbV_KN_Wro