www.ralfy.com takes you through the transformation from boring to malt-sexy with Whisky Review 309 – Deanston 12yo

Thanks to everyone who bought tickets for the tasting on October 10
However we are now sold out!

The next tasting is on October 24th (7pm in Bookends, @Butchart)

If you have a ticket for this Wednesday, please bring your membership card or pick it on the night.

Come along to the next whisky tasting event.
We will have some super whisky on offer.
We will announce soon when tickets go on sale soon!

All members from last year must pay membership again this year.
________________________________________
ALL members must renew their membership for this year.
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.

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

________________________________________

£3 = 4 whiskies!

Date: Wednesday 24th of October
Time: 19:00
Where: Bookends in Butchart Centre (University Rd)
What to bring: money for raffle

You can still come to this event without becoming a member.
You should become a member as soon as possible.

Our mailing address is:
University of Aberdeen Malt Whisky Society
The Butchart Centre
University Road
Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire AB24 3UT
United Kingdom

Glenfarclas 1968 “My Tribute”

Private Exclusive Dinner Events

My tribute to the 175th Anniversary of the Glenfarclas Distillery Luc Timmermans has had a long love affair and collecting history with Glenfarclas and, in particular, casks dating from 1968. Not only was this the year that the distillery first began to market its single malt in its own right, and to build stocks for the future but it was also the year of his birth.

At exclusive private whisky dinners all over the world Luc Timmermans will present this exquisite whisky, the My Tribute cask, sadly Luc Timmermans last cask from the mythical 1968 vintage.

Exclusive private dinners will be organized in Belgium, Singapore & Taipei.

The presentation package holds more than just a bottle of whisky. It tells you a story about the mythical 1968 vintage and the history of this fine and independent distillery. So while you are enjoying this exquisite 44 year old whisky at home with your closest friends and family you can read and experience the story and history of this fine distillery.

The presentation pack holds :

-70cl bottle of the Glenflarclas 1968 “My Tribute” Single cask, Single Highland Malt,
-2 Crystal Cut Glencairn “My Tribute” tasting glasses
-1968 Booklet by Ian Buxton describing Luc’s story, the background and comments of Luc Timmermans and notorious whisky reviewers -Book by Ian Buxton describing the History and 175 years of independence of this great 6th Generation Family owned distillery

Since this fine cask only yielded 175 bottles only 175 people will be able to join this experience.

More information at www.glenfarclas.be

A message from Gordon at about his latest project…

“Hope everyone’s alright!

I’ve been trying to get a forum on my WordPress blog but apparently it’s not possible on the .com ones , so I resurrected the old forum to link in with the Islay Visit blog (hence the slight name change ) . I altered the structure a bit and deleted a few posts that were slightly out of date .  Thought I’d let you know incase you want to participate again.

Cheers

Gordon

Thanks,
The Warehouse No.4 Forum “

This month we offer you three (3) new bottlings under the OLD MALT CASK label –one (1) new OLD & RARE – two (2) CLAN DENNY Old Grain releases, three (3) ADVANCE SAMPLES and two (2) from the DIRECTOR’S CUT selection.

Tasting Notes for OLD MALT CASK follow:

 OMC 2195 Inchgower 16 Year Old Sherry
Nose: Initial caramelised oranges warm to rich spices + polished oak
Palate: sweet & mouth coating, developing to soft leather and sweet spice
Finish: Long, now drier – runs to a more tannic/oaked/camphor character (J)

OMC 2196 Macallan 16 Year Old
Nose: Spiced + polished oak + wooden fruit boxes & ripe apples
Palate: Sweet & malty – develops to a warmingly spiced tablet style
Finish: Long, spicy with ripe bananas – now runs drier + an oak tang (J)

OMC 2199 Allt A’ Bhainne 21 Year Old Sherry
Nose: Richly spiced – sweet & nutty – carrying a hazelnut praline style
Palate: Mouth coating – warmingly spiced – still nutty + butterscotch
Finish: Long & richly spiced + a cigar boxes & cedar wood character (J)

The 3 Advance Samples OLD MALT CASK are as follows:

SMC0428 Glen Spey 10 YEARS
SMC0433 Tamdhu 14 YEARS
SMC0434 Aberlour 12 YEARS

Tasting Notes for the OLD & RARE release:

OAR 0176 Highland Park 27 Year Old
The nose opens with a sweet, macerated fruit quality that runs to a softly smoked character. Equally sweet, now mouth coatingly spiced on the palate, it carries a vanilla tablet style developing to a late burnt oak style. The finish is long – still sweetly spiced with late soft smoke lingering. (J)

Tasting Notes for CLAN DENNY:

DEN 0087 Cambus 37 Year Old
Opens sweetly spiced on the nose, carrying a tangy, caramelised oranges quality with a dark chocolate style. The palate is warming and mouth coating, still spicy with a salty butterscotch (salt toffee) character. The finish is surprisingly long with a creamy, caramel custard style plus more of those sweet spices. (J)

DEN 0070 Dumbarton 46 Year Old Bourbon
Massively and sweetly spiced early on the nose – it then softens to a truly fruity mixed bag – beyond which detect sugar and light oak. The palate is BIG, still fructiferous but carries black coffee, sweet spices and vanilla flavours – all neatly (and too swiftly) replicated on the finish. (F)

Tasting Notes for DIRECTORS CUT:

DIR 0023 Springbank 15 Year Old Sherry
Nose: Big, briny, interesting and spicy. Softens to ginger, peat, tobacco & cedar.
Palate: Still spiced, lightly oaked, salty, gristy, citric plus toffee & liquorice.
Finish: More tobacco + camphor, mocha, soft smoke + heather honey (F)

DIR 0025 Macallan 21 Year Old
Nose: Fresh & fragrant – sweet & fruity – developing to a butter plus crushed sugar style
Palate: Sweetly spiced & honey’d character carrying a barley sugar, citric quality
Finish: Medium long – still distinctly sweet – evolving to a tangy orange pith style (J)

Please note the BIG PEAT 20 cls bottles are now packed in Gift Boxes. With only 12 weeks to Christmas perhaps keep a note on your chimney about BIG PEAT @Xmas – which we hope you will consider, together with some of this month’s releases.

Yours faithfully

Fred Laing

Visit Douglas Laing & Company at www.douglaslaing.com

New Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey – Yellow Spot

Regular readers of the blog (Hello, Mum!) will be well aware that we’re unashamed fans of the fantastic Single Pot Still range of whiskies from Pernod Ricard’s Midleton distillery, home of Jameson. Anyone with too much time on their hands who wants … Continue reading >>

Free postage on all orders to mainland UK made only via www.whiskyshop.com

Just some of the amazing and in demand products on offer at the Whiskyshop.com via the free postage offer. Only available for a limited time so order today!

This limited edition release honors Mr. Jack’s opening of the White Rabbit Saloon formerly located in Lynchburg’s town square 120 years ago.

Appreciating it for what it is and not comparing it your favorite straight whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Honey offers some serious depth of character and gives the other honey flavored whiskeys out there a real run for their honey.

Buffalo Trace has a complex aroma of vanilla, mint and molasses, a pleasantly sweet taste with notes of brown sugar, spice, oak and leather, and a long, dry finish. It is best enjoyed straight, over ice or in a range of classic cocktails

The oldest Talisker ever offered by the distillery. Sixteenth in this series! A limited edition, natural cask strength single malt whisky from the only distillery on the Isle of Skye

Auchroisk 30 year old From a mix of American & European Oak refill casks filled in 1982. Just 2,976 individually numbered bottles worldwide

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

The Whisky Shop Tel 0141 440 0600 info@whiskyshop.com  www.whiskyshop.com

DESIGNJUNCTION PUTS THE MACALLAN IN THE FRAME

For the first time The Macallan single malt whisky, distributed by Maxxium UK, hosted its own special Masterclass and sampling at this year’s designjunction. The Macallan engaged with over 5,500 people throughout the course of the five day event, which is now in its second year and took place in London’s Sorting Office, showcasing the finest selection of international design brands.

Building on the success of The Macallan’s Masters of Photography series involving iconic photographers such as Albert Watson and Rankin, the luxury single malt whisky recently commissioned Annie Leibovitz for the third edition of its award-winning Masters of Photography series.

Those attending this year’s designjunction had the opportunity to visit The Macallan Masterclass lounge for an introduction to the brand and The Masters of Photography project. This was brought to life through displays of Kevin McKidd shot in NYC by Annie Liebovitz, capturing The Macallan moment, while providing an insight into the inspiration behind The Macallan Masters of Photography series.

Guests had a unique opportunity to sample the newest arrival to The Macallan’s portfolio, The Macallan Gold, the first in the new 1824 series, exclusively available in the UK until spring 2013.

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 was at the front of influencers’ minds.

Peter Sandstrom, Marketing Director at Maxxium UK, commented: “Those attending designjunction had a natural affiliation with design and photography, making it an ideal platform to allow us to build our brand further. We want to reach out to both existing Macallan fans and also new consumers who share our passion for art and photography, but who may not be familiar with our single malt whisky. designjunction provided us with the perfect opportunity to do this. It was also another great way to give people a chance to see for themselves our superb collaboration with Annie Leibovitz, which has global appeal, learn more and be inspired by our Masters of Photography series.”

The Macallan Masters of Photography: Annie Leibovitz Edition sees Leibovitz bring to life the essence of the luxury brand through her unique photographer’s eye, with renowned Scottish actor Kevin McKidd cast in the role of leading man. The collection comprises 1,000 bottles of which there are four different single malt expressions crafted to reflect the mood of the signed Annie Leibovitz print, that each is paired with.  Shot against four dramatic backdrops in and around New York City, Annie Leibovitz captures the brilliance of a moment where everything comes together, showcasing the stature of whisky as an icon of taste and masculinity.

http://www.themacallan.com/

http://www.themastersofphotography.com/

About The Macallan: 

Founded in 1824 in the heart of Speyside, The Macallan was one of the first distilleries in Scotland to 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 of Spain, North America and Scotland, 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 Masters of Photography: 

The Annie Leibovitz Edition is the third in the award winning The Macallan Masters of Photography series. The previous two editions were authored by Rankin and Albert Watson. These unique limited edition collections perfectly conjoin the art of whisky making with the artists interpretation of the world of The Macallan as seen through their photographers eye.

The Macallan Masters of Photography Annie Leibovitz images:  

The Library – This historic location, modelled on Sir Walter Scott’s library in his home in Abbotsford in the Scottish Borders, provided a setting rich in heritage suited to McKidd’s seated, powerful and reflective moment.  The deep red mahogany 1995 whisky with rich notes of raisin and chocolate orange has a long, lingering finish which matches the contemplative mood of the shot.

The Gallery – In the National Gallery of Scotland in Edinburgh hangs ‘Niagara Falls from the American side’ by renowned artist Frederic Edwin Church (1826-1900).  His private gallery in Upstate New York provides an indulgent backdrop to the intense, sensual moment the actor shares with his leading lady. In its accompanying 1989 single malt, burnished oak gives out a rich intensity which, like the image, has a dry finish that teases.

The Bar – Shot in the Red Spot Bar, nestled in the town of Hudson, the mood is upbeat, lively and relaxed as Kevin McKidd meets up with friends to enjoy a glass of The Macallan together.  Like McKidd, the note of Vibrant Oak in the 1991 bottle, makes a statement but is refined enough not to dominate.

The Skyline – The actor is literally on top of the world, as he stands heroically on the iconic Tudor City building against the breath-taking Manhattan skyline at day break.  The dawn light in the shot is complemented by the lemon and citrus fruit nose of the light gold-coloured 1996 whisky.

Maxxium UK:

Maxxium UK Limited is a company registered in Scotland under the Companies Acts (Registered number SC203623) and has its registered office at Maxxium House, Castle Business Park, 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. Maxxium UK also 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 timeless reputation of The Macallan is founded upon Six Pillars:  

The Spiritual Home

Easter Elchies House proudly watches over The Macallan distillery in Speyside, 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 in Scotland; 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

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.

Whiskybroker.co.uk Update October 2012

Jane and I have celebrated the birth of our first baby, Harry, on 7^th September, so the past month has been spent taking it slightly easier. No anymore though! Yesterday I bottled some 17yo Mortlach, 16yo Glen Elgin and 17 Linkwood, which can be seen in the photograph below. All 3 bottlings are priced at £37.00 and can be purchased on my online shop at http://www.whiskybroker.co.uk/acatalog/Bottlings.html. Some of you may also not be aware of the 14yo first fill sherry Benrinnes that I bottled about a month ago. About 30 bottles of this is still available on my shop, priced at £37.50. Trade prices are available to purchasers of more than 24 bottles. I can also send whisky Duty Free to anybody who is capable of receiving it (warehouse, registered consignee, temporary registered consignee etc.).

I’ve just purchased some 2005 hogsheads which should be delivered in a couple of weeks. They include: June 2005 Dalmore, December 2005 Speyburn and May 2005 Glen Moray. I’m hopeful there will also be a few others. They will be re-gauged upon arrival but should be priced around £1600.

For those of you searching for new make spirit I’ve also got some June 2012 Tullibardine barrels on their way down to me in the next week or so, to go along with the 2012 Macduff barrels I’ve already got.

Finally, in the next few weeks I’ll be bottling 60 litre shares of my 22 year old Aultmore, 22yo Bunnahabhain, 22yo Strathmill and 20 Glen Grant. If anybody is interested in buying a 60 litre share of these, please let me know now, before I put the casks back in the warehouse!

That’s all for now, but as always I’m open to suggestions, criticisms or any questions you might have.

Regards,

Martin Armstrong

www.whiskybroker.co.uk

http://www.facebook.com/whiskybroker.co.uk

https://twitter.com/whiskybroker

Hi folks.Just a quick reminder that the 19th auction will end on Sunday evening. Still plenty of time to get your bids in.

THE 19th AUCTION

Have a nice weekend.

Cheers from Glasgow

Bill, Tam & Mick