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We say let bygones be bygones here at TWE. Things have moved on since all that kerfuffle back in the 18th century and to show that there’s no hard feelings we’re going to be putting on a little shindig to celebrate the birth of the United States of America on July 4th. After all, if it wasn’t for the War of Independence we probably wouldn’t have American whiskey…
We’ll be joined by Bruce Perry, Sales Director for Eaux de Vie, who distribute a wide range of American whiskies in the UK – as well as spirits from all over the rest of the world. He’ll be lending us his whiskey knowledge for the evening and introducing us to a range of whiskeys from the USA.
After kicking off with a summery cocktail (no matter what the weather is doing outside) we’ll be sipping our way through almost the entire gamut of American whiskey styles, with Wheat, Corn, Rye, Single Malt and, of course, Bourbon making an appearance. There’ll be drams from Georgia Moon, Bernheim, Wasmund’s, Rittenhouse, Elijah Craig and Noah’s Mill on the mat, as well as the long aged and multi-award-winning Evan Williams 23 year old.
The tasting will take place on Wednesday 4th July at 7:30pm. Tickets are now on sale at £25 each.
As ever, tickets will be sold on a first come, first served basis and are limited to two per customer. You can book your place at the tasting by phoning the shop on 020 7403 8688 or by calling by in person.
http://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/Vinopolis.aspx
http://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/nlv/15-06-2012-fourth-of-july/
presents
The Drambusters Whisky Festival 2012
Tickets are now on sale for our second Whisky Festival at Easterbrook Hall, The Crichton, Dumfries at £20 per person.
We have organised two Master Classes, Bruichladdich and either Tomintoul or McKillop’s Choice. The Master Classes will cost £15 each and are on sale online too.
The festival will run from 12 noon until 4.30pm on Saturday 24th November at our new venue and we are anticipating a larger turnout of both visitors and exhibitors.
More information will follow both in the newsletters and also online, so keep an eye on our email newsletters, website and facebook pages as well as our tweets @drambusters and also by text.
Malt-Menace here!
A.K.A. ralfy.com
presenting Whisky Review #282 – Recommended Vintage Single Malts… for those of you with money to spend on a rarer experience.
Bardstown declared “Most Beautiful” finalist
Central Ky. town in Rand McNally/ USA TODAY ‘Best of the Road’ competition
BARDSTOWN, KY – JUNE, 2012 – Bardstown may well be the “Most Beautiful” small town in America. Bardstown, the “Bourbon Capital of the World,” is a finalist in the Rand McNally/ USA TODAY “Best of the Road” contest that will decide the 2012 Best Small Towns. Visit www.SampleOurSpirit.com to see what’s so special about Bardstown.
The competition
Bardstown is one of six small towns selected as a finalist in the “Most Beautiful” category. Its competition is fellow Kentucky small town, Danville, and these cities: Sedona, Ariz.; Jim Thorpe, Penn.; Baker City, Ore.; and Tybee Island, Ga.
“With about 300 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places – 200 alone in the historic downtown district – and nearly 20 unique bed and breakfast inns, plus historic venues like Old Bardstown Village, I feel Bardstown really deserves this recognition,” said Dawn Ballard Przystal, vice president, tourism expansion and marketing of the Bardstown-Nelson County Tourist & Convention Commission. “Add to this the charm of Courthouse Square, all the downtown shops, restaurants and attractions and our very clean streets and parks and I feel we have a very strong chance to win.”
Bardstown is currently in the midst of preparing for the arrival of the “Best of the Road” Road Rally teams. The teams will visit all the small town finalists to see just what they’re made of and why they should be named the best in their category.
The Road Rally team
On June 15 the Road Rally teams met in Washington D.C. for the event kick-off. Each team learned which category they were assigned (Most Beautiful, Most Patriotic, Best for Food, Friendliest and Most Fun) and then sent on their way. The husband-and-wife team, Two for the Road, is heading to Bardstown. Learn more about Nikki and Dusty Green here.
Follow Two for the Road on their team page and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to see what they have to say about Bardstown and its competition for “Most Beautiful” small town in America.
The plan to welcome and wow
Although it is not yet known when the Two for the Road team will arrive, Bardstown plans to roll out the red carpet for the Greens, welcoming them with Southern Hospitality as befitting the “Bourbon Capital of the World” and showing off all Kentucky’s second oldest city has to offer.
Ultimately, all the Road Rally teams will finish in Seattle, Washington. In the meantime, they will have four weeks to write their blogs and reviews, make their videos from the road and view photos of the trip before deciding the 2012 Best Small Towns in America.
The 2012 Best Small Towns were chosen from over 650 competing destinations, with four finalists returning from the 2011 Rally. The 26 new small towns, including Bardstown, bring plenty of pride to the competition. Visit www.BestoftheRoad.com to see all the finalists in their categories and to browse each unique stop’s photos and reviews.
PHOTO (top)
Courthouse Square in Bardstown, Ky.
Photo: Bardstown-Nelson County Tourist & Convention Commission
ABOUT BARDSTOWN, KY | The “Bourbon Capital of the World,” Bardstown sits in the heart of Kentucky Bourbon Country, home to five distilleries, including the restored and newly re-opened Willett Distillery, known for its unique bourbon and rye whiskeys bottled by hand in very small batches. Three of Bardstown’s distilleries – Heaven Hill, Maker’s Mark and Jim Beam – are on the famed Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Major attractions include the “Stephen Foster Story,” Kentucky’s official outdoor drama that takes place in My Old Kentucky Home State Park; the Civil War Museum of the Western Theatre (one of the four most significant such museums in the country); The Kentucky Railway Museum, where Thomas the Tank Engine is known to put in appearances; and My Old Kentucky Dinner Train. Additionally, Bardstown has four 18-hole golf courses, three self-guided tours (Historic Downtown Walking, Architectural and African-American), two wineries and numerous religious attractions.
Tullibardine NAS “Aged Oak Edition” (40%, OB, +/-2011)
At first a little loaminess on the nose with a tinge of bitters; after some time in the glass some rich sweetness begins to show itself. There is also a slight hint of wet card board in the back ground however it comes and goes. Where is the maltiness of Tullibardine? The taste is more woody than the nose but the other characteristics are there and quite frankly it’s all becoming a little bit of a problem, juniper, the cardboard (wet) and finally some maltiness comes out towards the end. The finish shows some of the malt and the sweetness but the juniper lingers some what and it’s a little out of place. The bitterness really is a bit of a challenge.
$45
Score 65 points
Loch Fyne Whiskies News has posted a new item, ‘Chivas Bros Cask Strength’
Hot scoop from the chain gang! We’ve swung our hammer at the rock that is Chivas Brothers and unearthed some interesting 50cl cask strength bottles…
Glenburgie OB 1997 14yo 60.5%alc. 50cl
Miltonduff OB 1997 14yo 58.3%alc. 50cl
Scapa OB 1993 19yo 61.0%alc. 50cl
Longmorn OB 1997 14yo 59.6%alc. 50cl
Glenlivet OB 1992 17yo 59.3%alc. 50cl
Please click HERE to Visit these bottlings at Loch Fyne Whiskies
Best regards,
Loch Fyne Whiskies
david@lfw.co.uk
Top Picks
Mackinlay’s Rare Old Highland Whisky 750ml ($159.99)
92 points Malt Advocate: “Rarely has a blend caused as much excitement as this one, but with good reason. This is also known as the Shackleton whisky, and is a recreation of the whisky abandoned in the Antarctic by explorer Ernest Shackleton more than 100 years ago. It has lemon, spring blossom, and wafts of smoke on the nose. The taste is full and citrusy, with peat and pepper in attendance. Beautifully balanced and outstanding, but there are just 50,000 bottles, so snap it up. ” K&L Notes: Remember that story about the case of frozen whisky discovered in Antarctica a few years back? Well, that case of MacKinlay’s from 1909 has finally been tested, analyzed and re-created in a super-limited, ultra-exclusive bottling! Also known as the Shackleton whisky, named for the man who left it behind in Antarctica. Made from Glen Mhor (the original grain whisky used, no longer in production!) and Dalmore distillates. The result is absolutely fantastic–a blended whisky that scratches the itch of the history buff, but also pleases the casual drinker with rich stone fruits, soft vanilla and a grainy component that almost comes across as smoky. Delicious (while it lasts).
Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection “Zinfandel Aged After Six Years” Bourbon 375ml ($199.99)
Back vintage from Buffalo Trace that is impossible to find. Start or complete your collection of some of the world’s most saught after single barrel bourbons every released. This whiskey was bourbon that was aged for six years and three months in a new oak barrel before it was re-barreled into a used American Oak Zinfandel barrel. There it was aged for another eight years, making it a total of 14 years old. The expected wine fruitiness is absent in the initial palette, but is replaced with an exciting spiciness. It is not the rye-grain spice normally associated with bourbon, but a grape-vine herbal quality that slides across the tongue and lingers for what seems like forever. This is an epic whiskey with grandeur and grace. Old world quaffing of a vine and field mélange.
New Arrivals
Scotland – Single Malt Scotch
Benriach 15 Year Old Peated Pedro Ximenez Cask Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 12 available ($75.99)
96-100 points Wine Enthusiast: “Heady aromas of dark chocolate, cocoa butter, cream sherry, dates, black raisins and sweet barley malt. Entry tastes include honey wheat bread, prune Danish and lots of honey; by midpalate the taste profile increases, as hardy flavors of marzipan, treacle, blackberry preserves, cherries covered in dark chocolate and orange-flavored chocolates bombard the taste buds. Not to everyone’s taste but I love it.” (07/2008)
1984 Bruichladdich Golder Still Islay Single Malt Whisky 750ml (Elsewhere $275) ($215.99)
An amazing vintage Bruichladdich, brimming with golden fruits, creamy, rich vanilla, and soft, oily textures, all at cask strength proof. Classic in everyway.
Octomore 2.2 Orpheus Heavily Peated Islay Whisky 750ml – 1 available ($179.99)
United States
Rogue Dead Guy Whiskey 750ml – 12 available ($44.99)
This has gotten so much better recently. It’s rich and malty, with a powerful spice and a lingering oakiness. WAY more balanced then previous bottlings.
Back in Stock
Ireland – Irish Blended
Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength Pure Pot Still Irish Whiskey 750ml ($59.99)
96 points Malt Advocate: “*Best Irish Whiskey of the Year!* Irish Distillers has already released two 90+ pot still whiskeys this year, but this is the knockout blow, an immense take on the wonderful Redbreast. The nose gives little away, all damp autumn leaves and fermenting forest fruit, but on the palate it’s a fireworks display, a colorful mix of apple and pear, berries, vine fruits, chocolate liqueur, and oily pureed fruit. It’s coming to the States soon, and rumor has it there’s more to follow. But this will do. I can’t think if I’ve ever tasted a better Irish whiskey.” K&L Notes: Redbreast has already become the go-to choice for serious Irish whiskey fans, but the new cask strength version only improves upon a malt that was already considered perfect. The extra proof also allows rocks drinkers to cool down the malt without completely watering down the flavor. Supply will be limited and demand has been through the roof so far. We’ve had folks asking about this for months, so don’t hesitate. The price is fantastic and the quality is superb. Is it the best Irish whiskey ever?
Scotland – Single Malt Scotch
Glendronach 15 year old “Revival” Distillery Bottling Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($74.99)
Special order only! Special order items are not in stock and are dependent upon quantity available from distribution. All special orders are final and non-refundable. Will take 5-7 business days before bottle can be shipped.
Isle of Jura 16 Year Old Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($54.99)
Jura is a small island off the west coast of Scotland, just north and east of Islay. It is only 28 miles long and 7 1/2 miles wide. There are only 180 people who populate the island. The Isle of Jura distillery is on the east coast of the island, in the southern region. It is known for the soft water and sea air, which shows in the whisky. As Mr. Tait mentioned when he was here, they are known as the “Highland Malt on the Island.” The 16 year old is awesomely rich, yet restrained with subtle toffee, cocoa, and baking spices. It’s a delicate balance and it succeeds on every level.
Isle of Jura Prophecy Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 6 available ($59.99)
2001 PC6 – Port Charlotte 6 year old Cuairt-Beatha Islay Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 4 available ($105.99)
Best New Whisky and Best Whisky 12 Years and Under (John Murray’s Whisky Bible, 2009) The Port Charlotte 6 Year is a thoroughly original, heavily peated whisky (40ppm) distilled, matured and bottled at Bruichladdich Distillery. It is the same whisky as the PC-5, just a year older, a little mellower and a little lower in alcohol (2%). Called Cuairt Beatha, which translates to “Walk of Life,” the name was given to represent the spiritual journey of both the whisky and the men who made it. Distiller Jim McEwan says: “Opens beautifully balanced on malt, peat and young spirit. The youth and strenght of the spirit infusing the aromas of green apple, mild mint, clove, bayleaf and forest greenwood. Given a dash of water and time little notes of meadowsweet, iris and honeysuckle…as the next wave of bracken and smoke with a slipstream of vanilla is about to overload the olfactory senses. The Madeira cask influence lies deep in the glass and brings the rich notes of syrupy dates and raisins…it’s got an effervescence of spindrift and smoke, sweet citrus–the texture of the spirit is awesome due to trickle distillation. It’s the integration of all the characters of this island…that gives this spirit a 100% Islay DNA.”
United States – Bourbon and Rye
Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection “Oat” Bourbon Whiskey 375ml – 5 available ($69.99)
These barrels were filled on April 30, 2002, and aged on the 7th floor of Warehouse I for 9 years and 5 months. Corn, malt and oats are the ingredients used in this recipe, resulting in a pleasantly smoky nose with a rich aroma of toasted oats that offers a nice complexity. On the palette, the smokiness intrigues as hints of dried fig and stone fruit come through, and eventually give way to an earthy finish.
Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection “Rice” Bourbon Whiskey 375ml – 5 available ($69.99)
These barrels were filled on April 30, 2002, and aged on the 7th floor of Warehouse I for 9 years and 5 months. Corn, malt and rice are the ingredients used in the recipe, resulting in a very clean aroma with the barrel notes of caramel and spice. A crisp flavor on the tongue is noticed, without any heaviness or oiliness whatsoever. A slight dryness near the end provides a quick finish. It is a very delicate whiskey.
Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection “Zinfandel Aged After Six Years” Bourbon 375ml ($199.99)
Back vintage from Buffalo Trace that is impossible to find. Start or complete your collection of some of the world’s most saught after single barrel bourbons every released. This whiskey was bourbon that was aged for six years and three months in a new oak barrel before it was re-barreled into a used American Oak Zinfandel barrel. There it was aged for another eight years, making it a total of 14 years old. The expected wine fruitiness is absent in the initial palette, but is replaced with an exciting spiciness. It is not the rye-grain spice normally associated with bourbon, but a grape-vine herbal quality that slides across the tongue and lingers for what seems like forever. This is an epic whiskey with grandeur and grace. Old world quaffing of a vine and field mélange.
Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Bottled in Bond Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon 750ml – 4 available ($74.99)
The Single Barrel release of the unique and special Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. line of limited release bourbons. Bottled from one single cask, this whiskey is 11 years old and bottled in bond Extremely limited.
Rittenhouse Rye 100 Proof, Bottled in Bond 750ml (3 bottle limit) ($22.99)
90-95 points Wine Enthusiast: “Intensely woody aromas and succulent marshmallow, bakery and lanolin scents spring forth. The fat palate entry oozes butter cream, dark caramel, and brown sugar tastes; the midpalate focuses more on the grain aspect as the flavor becomes toasty, fruity and honeyed. Ends honey sweet, decadent and maple-like. An unbelievable bargain. ” (04/2007) K&L Notes: Named North American Whiskey of the Year at the 2006 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Best Buy of the Year at the 2006 WhiskeyFest. Rye was the first Colonial American whiskey, and was the most popular spirit in the US for more than a century until it fell out of favor. Made in a classic Pennsylvania style at the Heaven Hill distillery in Kentucky, this has been aged for at least four years in barrel and bottled at 100 proof. To be called “Bottled in Bond” it also has to be the product of a single distillery, made in a single season in a single year.
Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon 750ml – 9 available ($19.99)
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
June 2012 Newsletter
Morrison Bowmore Tasting
1st & 8th June 2012
There was a tremendous reponse to this tasting , with the main one on the 1st being fully booked within a week, and the ‘overflow’ tasting in the Room nearly a full house too. Both evenings went extremely well.
Our guest speaker on the 1st was Paul Goodwin, whisky ambassador for Morrison Bowmore, who was slightly apprehensive before the evening as the largest audience he had previously talked to was only 35!. We’re sure that all who attended would agree that he coped very well, both with his knowledge and with the amount of Drambusters he was speaking to! Thanks to all for the attention you gave him.
There are still a few orders to be collected from the evening and it would be appreciated if you could uplift them at your earliest convenience.
More photos of the evening can be view on our facebook page
Organisation of The Whisky Exchange Whisky Show continues apace and we are happy to announce the latest group of new exhibitors who will be attending in October.
Joining 45 other whisky companies and brands will be LVMH with Ardbeg and Glenmorangie; Whyte & Mackay with their blended whisky as well as Isle of Jura and Dalmore; Springbank, also with Longrow and Hazelburn; Grant’s with Glenfiddich and Balvenie; The Scotch Malt Whisky Society; and Compass Box.
Even with 60 confirmed brands at The Show we expect to announce further new exhibitors over the coming months, as well as information about our Masterclasses and other secrets that we’ve been quietly organising. Further news will appear on http://www.whisky-show.com and you can find a full list of exhibitors at http://www.whisky-show.com/exhibitors.
The Whisky Exchange Whisky Show takes place on the weekend of the 6th and 7th of October 2012 and tickets are available from http://www.whisky-show.com/tickets, priced £99 per day or £185 for the weekend.
Notes:
Media Enquiries:
The Whisky Exchange Whisky Show: Oliver Chilton (Ollie@whisky-show.com) on 0207 403 8688
Siren Communications: Stacey Stockwell stacey.stockwell@sirencomms.com or Emma Mathews emma.mathews@sirencomms.com on 020 8237 1210
Alternatively visit http://www.whisky-show.com for full information on the Show
To register for the trade and media day on Monday 8 October 2012 please visit http://www.whisky-show.com/trade-registration/
About The Whisky Exchange Whisky Show:
. The Whisky Exchange Whisky Show consumer sessions will take place on:
Saturday 6th October 12:00pm-6.00pm
Sunday 7th October 12:00pm-6.00pm
. It will take place at Vinopolis, situated near London Bridge.
. All food and drink (apart from ‘Dream Drams’, see below) is included in the price of admission.
. A small number of rare and expensive ‘Dream Drams’, which have ranged in price in previous years from £500 to over £3000 per bottle, will be available to try on presentation of tokens. Each visitor will receive a token with admission and further tokens can be bought at the Show.
. Tickets will include a two course meal designed by renowned whisky and food expert Martine Nouet.
. Masterclass events are still to be announced, but in the past have included tastings led by writers Dave Broom, Serge Valentin and Charles Maclean; Whyte & Mackay Master Blender Richard Paterson; Gordon & Macphail Managing Director David Urquhart; Glenfarclas Sales Director George Grant; and brand ambassadors including Highland Park’s Gerry Tosh and Diageo’s Colin Dunn. These have covered a wide range of whiskies from the impressive to the fabled, including Dalmore’s 50 year old Candela and Gordon & Macphail’s Glenlivet 70 year old.
. Tickets will be on sale through http://www.whisky-show.com in Spring 2012.
About Vinopolis:
Vinopolis has been established as an exhibition centre and tasting venue for wines and spirits since 1999, and is located in the arches of a Victorian railway viaduct built in 1866. With its soaring vaulted arches and perfect location adjacent to the world-famous Borough Market and London Bridge, Vinopolis is the ideal setting for The Whisky Exchange Whisky Show.
With its nearby transport links and accommodation, Vinopolis is easy to get to for people attending from in and around London, as well as being highly convenient for visitors and exhibitors travelling to the event from further afield.
2011 testimonials:
Fantastic event, feel I have learnt so much in a short space of time. The Masterclasses have been excellent. bring on next year!
Dawn Davies, Selfridges
Well organised on the two days. Good, engaged consumers who wanted to learn…
Jamie Milne, Glenfiddich
I was quite amazed at the mix of people attending, from the London-based enthusiasts to the Scandinavians who appeared in force, to the Russian who flew in from Portugal and planned his holiday around the event…!
Alistair Mutch, Tomatin Distillery
Excellent show as always, well done Sukhinder & gang…
Serge Valentin, Whiskyfun.com
I look back on a great day with fond memories of all the fabulous whiskies that I have sampled. You have certainly set a high standard for next year’s event…
Jochem van Hove, Consumer
