Benromach Honoured With Top Award

Speyside’s smallest working distillery, Benromach, has scooped a top award at the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition for its flagship Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Benromach 10 Years Old.

Now in its fourth year, The Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition is a unique event and the first Asian wine and spirit competition in the world.

Run in partnership with the London-based International Wine & Spirit Competition it recognises quality in wine and spirits from across the globe.

This year judges from across Asia blind tasted over 1,800 different wine and spirits for awards in 45 different wine and spirit categories.

Benromach 10 Years Old won the trophy for the Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky 15 Years and Under.

Commenting on the award, Michael Urquhart, Managing Director of Gordon & MacPhail, owners of Benromach, said:

“This competition is highly regarded and provides consumers with the ultimate guide to purchasing wine and spirits available in this part of the world. Receiving this award will provide instant prestige for Benromach across the continent and around the globe.”

“Benromach is a small distillery, producing in one year what other distilleries can produce in a week. We’re thrilled to have been recognised in this competition, which is testament to the quality of the distillery and the two men who go the extra mile to handcraft the excellence of our flagship Benromach 10- year-old single malt whisky.”

Winning an award at the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine and Spirit Competition is a great achievement as the competition puts integrity at the heart of the judging process. Tastings took place on 4-8 October 2012. For more information about Benromach Distillery and the Benromach range of Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whiskies go to www.benromach.com

Notes

About Benromach
Established in 1898, Benromach distillery changed hands many times and was virtually derelict when bought by Gordon & MacPhail in 1993. Drawing on generations of whisky expertise, the company carried out a painstaking refurbishment, and the distillery was officially re-opened by Prince Charles in 1998. Just two men hand-craft Benromach using the finest Scottish barely and the purest spring water from the nearby Romach Hills. They fill new spirit into the highest quality casks before being left to mature at the distillery for many years. The Benromach portfolio includes the award winning Benromach 10 Years Old and the first fully certified organic single malt – Benromach Organic. Please visit www.benromach.com for details.

For more information about the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition visit: http://www.asiasbestwinesandspirits.com/home

Glenrothes 42yo 1969/2012 (42.6%, Adelphi, Cask #2, 297 Bts.) 

No indications of the cask type however we do have a request for Mr. Adelphi; “Would he, please, please, please, make the labels and the font for all the print very much smaller? Since the details are so easy to read in the current font.” On the nose there is some pleasant sweetness that is usually associated with European oak that has previously contained sherry and that ever so unreliable arbiter of colour backs this up (the colour is dark mahogany). After some time spent languishing in the glass some very gentle oak spice arrives to compliment the sherry (& now some excellent Christmas cake) however not to over whelm. Any distillery character has been somewhat obliterated by the sherry but quite frankly it’s enough of a relief that it’s not sulphured and the oak hasn’t taken over like so many older Scottish whiskies these days. The taste leans a little to heavily towards the oak but not so much as to raise one’s ire and the sherry does yeoman service to tame the cask influence (the oak). Some good pepper (white) and the Christmas cake is there also along with some. The finish quite like the nose and the taste with a little meatiness hovering in the back ground. Big finish and the oak is just beginning to take over a little too much.

Good news about the lack of sulphur however the oak in the finish knocks off points but one to impress your friends with (based merely on price).

£399 at the Whisky Exchange

Score 80 points

Part one of four of Old & Really Expensive Week.

Get your taste buds ready for the next great Whisky night in Malmaison. Join the Ambassador of the Glengoyne Distillery for a feast of courses partnered with carefully selected Whiskies for only £65.  Allow Danielle Murphy to excite and enlighten you with her knowledge and answer every question you may have during the evening. 22nd November 2012 and  7.30pm start. Click here to reserve

Love Whisky? Come along, We Dare You!

 Chefs table of cheese & charcuterie, home made jams, relishes & chutneys

Game pot au feu, slow cooked barley, potato gratin

Clootie dumpling, Glengoyne ice cream

www.ralfy.com offers a personal take on experiencing a fairly ordinary   … but old bottled Scotch with  Whisky Review 317 Part 1/2 – Greenfields 5yo Pure Malt Whisky from 1960’s

Two new Private Collection’s Released

Malt Whisky specialist, Gordon & MacPhail, has added two new expressions to its Private Collection range.

Private Collection from Ledaig Distillery St Joseph Wood Finish 45% and Private Collection from Balblair Distillery Crozes-Hermitage Wood Finish 45% are the latest editions to the series of Single Malts personally selected by the directors of the family owned firm for their outstanding quality and character.

The expression from Ledaig Distillery was distilled in 1993 and bottled in 2012 and finished in St Joseph casks for 40 months. It has developed sweet fruit and dry herbal influences. A mild spice and delicate smoke adds to the character of the whisky.

Private Collection Balblair Distillery Crozes-Hermitage Wood Finish was distilled in 1991 and bottled in 2012 and again finished for 40 months from casks from the northern Rhône region of France. The expression has developed sweet fruity notes, strawberries and banoffee pie and a lingering peppery edge.

Michael Urquhart, Joint Managing Director of Gordon & MacPhail, said:

“For generations Gordon & MacPhail has built up a stock of Single Malts of various ages and strengths from distilleries throughout Scotland. As a result our portfolio is wide and varied and includes Single Malts to suit different tastes and price points.”

“The latest expressions released under our Private Collection range enable whisky enthusiasts to explore how the characteristics of the Single Malt are complemented by the characteristics found in these high quality French casks.”
Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection from Ledaig Distillery St Joseph Wood Finish 45% retails in USA for approximately $95, whilst Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection from Balblair Distillery Crozes-Hermitage Wood Finish 45% retails for approximately $150.

For details of availability in the USA please contact Matt Chivian at Classic Wine Imports (MChivian@martignetti.com)

About Gordon & MacPhail

Gordon & MacPhail is an independent, family-owned Scotch Whisky specialist which has been based in Elgin, Moray, since 1895. Four generations of the Urquhart family have continued the tradition of seeking out the best and rarest Scotch whiskies.

Since its foundation, Gordon & MacPhail’s policy has been to send casks to distilleries throughout Scotland, fill them with ‘new make’ spirit and mature them either at the distillery of origin or in the firm’s own bonded warehouses in Elgin.
Now one of the world’s leading malt whisky specialists, Gordon & MacPhail exports to more than 55 countries. It offers more than 300 presentations of own-bottled single malts. In 2009, Gordon & MacPhail was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade.

In 1993 Gordon & MacPhail purchased Benromach Distillery and re-equipped it before it was officially opening by HRH Prince Charles in 1998.

TASTING NOTES

Private Collection from Ledaig Distillery St Joseph Wood Finish 45%

The distillery was in the past known as Ledaig, changing its name to Tobermory Distillery in the 1970s. The distillery occupies the ground beside the Ledaig Burn on the foreshore of the picturesque 18th century harbour of Tobermory. Tobermory Distillery has enjoyed mixed fortunes since it was first established in 1823. It has been closed several times, most recently in the 1980s. Having reopened in 1989, Tobermory is now back in production.

Situated in the northern Rhône region of France, St Joseph was given its name in the 17th Century by the Jesuits of Tournon. Wines from the region have been sold as early as the 16th century and enjoyed at the tables of the French Kings. The red wines are generally made in the lighter style with soft tannins.

COLOUR – Dark Amber.
AROMA – Sweet wine influences with red grapes and sweet summer berries aromas. Fresh and herbal with hints of coriander and sea air.
TASTE – Rich dark chocolate flavours, with maraschino cherries and black forest gateau. A slight nuttiness is also present with a touch ash and new leather.
BODY – Medium.
FINISH – Long and Lingering.

2200 bottles have been released for sale worldwide.

Private Collection from Balblair Distillery Crozes-Hermitage Wood Finish 45%

In the village of Edderton, formerly known as the \”parish of the peats\”, lies Balblair Distillery. The distillery, named after the nearby Balblair Farm where it was originally built in the 1790\’s, moved to its present site in 1895. The buildings have changed little since then, the main characteristics being the pagoda roofed kiln, sadly no longer in operation, and the 70 foot high red brick chimney, both visible for miles around.

Crozes-Hermitage is the largest Appellation Contrôlée in the northern Rhône region of France, producing over half of the region’s total wine. Red wines are produced from the Syrah grape and tend to have a soft, delicate character.

COLOUR – Golden Amber with a hint of Red.
AROMA – Sweet and fruity with hints of strawberry and ripe banana. A toasted malt edge develops with a touch of vanilla.
TASTE – A touch of black cracked pepper followed by summer fruits and citrus flavours. A creamy milk chocolate edge lingers.
BODY – Medium.
FINISH – Long and Fruity.
Only 2000 bottles have been released for sale worldwide.

BALLANTINE’S ENCOURAGES CONSUMERS TO CHANGE THE PLAN WITH NEW ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN

Ballantine’s Finest, Europe’s No 1 Scotch whisky, is aiming to connect the younger generation of Finest fans with the latest addition to its successful ‘Plan Ballantine’s’ campaign – the release of a new television commercial, which highlights the brand’s increased association with music.

The new 30-second television advert entitled ‘Change the Plan’ follows on from the brand’s successful ‘Transformation’ commercial, which was released in 2011 and has now been seen in over 85 countries.

The new advert follows a similar theme to the first, with characters raising questions such as “Follow the crowd?”, “Lower my sights?” and “Keep my feet on the ground?”, followed by the answer “That’s never going to be the plan. Change the Plan. Leave An Impression. This is Plan Ballantine’s”.

Ballantine’s Brand Director Peter Moore commented “Ballantine’s is all about leaving an impression so with this new advert, we’re aiming to do just that by inspiring consumers to change the plan, to really live their lives. We are very proud of this new advert and we’re confident that its strong reference to music will score highly with Ballantine’s Finest’s global target audience, as we know this is something that resonates strongly with them.”

The Plan Ballantine’s campaign features a wide range of global marketing activity, including print, radio and outdoor advertising as well as experiential events, PR, digital activity and social media.

Notes

Click here to view the TV commercial

About Ballantine’s
Ballantine’s is the No 1 ultra-premium Scotch whisky in Asia Pacific and the range sells over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won more than 80 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for quality, as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the iconic 30 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by the latest in a tradition of Master Blenders that dates back to 1827.

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 Scotch.

For further information visit: www.chivasbrothers.com

The new Speyburn 25 Year Old unveiled

Speyburn Distillery, the producer of Speyburn Single Malt Scotch Whisky, is pleased to announce that the successor of the World Whiskies Awards 2012 Gold-Medal-winning Speyburn 25 Year Old will soon be available in markets around the world featuring exciting new packaging. The relaunch of the much-admired premium expression of Speyburn follows a successful year for the Scottish brand.

The oldest and most exclusive Speyburn yet has been a hidden gem and a favourite for whisky aficionados for years. It didn’t come as a surprise when earlier in 2012 the coveted Speyburn 25 Year Old ‘Solera’ was named by the World Whiskies Awards panel as the best in its category. Now, the new and reinvented premium expression from the iconic Speyside distillery has arrived. It’s simply called Speyburn 25 Year Old.

The Whisky

The whisky for this all-new Speyburn came from American oak Fino sherry and exbourbon casks of the highest quality. The spirit matured entirely on site at Speyburn Distillery, on the banks of Granty Burn. The whisky is bottled at premium strength of 46% ABV. It is unchill-filtered and shows its natural colour.

Speyburn 25 Year Old has a vibrant and bright aroma, rich with lime honey and lemon peel notes, accentuated by fragrant tropical fruit. The taste is rounded and smooth. Sweet to begin with, it opens up with toffee, creamy vanilla and pink grapefruit flavours and drifts gently towards a long and warming finish.

The Packaging

Speyburn 25 Year Old is presented in the new Speyburn bottle encased in a silver wooden box. Two engraved collapsible metal tasting cups are also included making it the perfect gift for an outdoors enthusiast. Each pack is signed personally by the Distillery Manager Robert Anderson.

Recommended retail price: £195

 Notes

· The Speyburn Distillery was founded in 1897 by John Hopkins.
· The Distillery still features unique Henning’s Pneumatic Drum Maltings which are the only example in the world. Although they stopped working in 1967 they still attract regular visitors as a vital part of Scotch whisky’s rich history.
· Speyburn draws production water from Granty Burn famed for its purity and world-class salmon fishing
· Speyburn 25 Year Old ‘Solera’ recently won the Best Highland Single Malt Whisky award at Whisky Magazine’s World Whiskies Awards 2012
· Speyburn is part International Beverage Holdings, the international arm of ThaiBev. Other well-known whisky brands in the International Beverage Holdingsportfolio include anCnoc, Balblair, Catto’s, Hankey Bannister and Old Pulteney.

Bell’s Christmas Decanter 2012

THE BELL’S 2012 CHRISTMAS DECANTER

The Robert Duff decanter is the third and final decanter in the ‘Bell’s Series’

This Decanter is exclusive to the GB market

£80.99

CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW

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

Whisky Design Awards 2012, rankings with 1 month to go

This is the status of the nominees in the four categories for the final voting after two months with 1 month to go. Category 1 – Bottle, less than € 250 1 – Masterson’s 10 year old Rye Whiskey (41%, … Continue reading →

Glen Garioch 1978, Single Cask

The launch of the exclusive single cask, cask strength bottling for Milroy’s of Soho.

Elegantly fruity with finesse. Notes of pear eau de vie, melon candy and ripe banana fuse with traces of wood-smoke, leaving a gentle finish of heather honey and clean powdery icing sugar.

An extremely rare limited edition of just 144 bottles.

£300

Our mailing address is:

Milroy’s of Soho
3 Greek Street
London, England W1D 4NX
United Kingdom