Welcome to WhiskyIntelligence.com where we'll be gathering information on the whisky industry and scotch whisky news in the form of press releases, newsletters, events, tasting notes and comments.
Please submit your press releases, newsletters, events, tasting notes or comments.
Got a question about whisky? Ask Richard!
We did this on the previous blog and it seemed to go down quite well, so if you’ve got a question about whisky, feel free to ask it below and the guys will make sure I get you an answer as and when time permits. I’ve included some q’s from the past below so people don’t need to ask them again!
HIGHLAND PARK DEBUTS WITH SLOW FOOD RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR AWARD AT THE WORLD’S 50 BEST RESTAURANTS
Highland Park single malt whisky, distributed by Maxxium UK, and Slow Food UK, are set to introduce an innovative new award, the Slow Food Restaurant of the Year Award, at The World’s 50 Best Restaurants sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna. Organised by Restaurant magazine, the celebrations will take place in London’s Guildhall on 30 April.
Reinforcing its credentials in the food arena, Highland Park will sponsor the Award at this prestigious event. 2012 marks the 10th anniversary of the awards ceremony – a globally recognised and respected reference point which showcases the leading trends and the very best of global dining. This new award, judged by Slow Food UK, Restaurant magazine, Highland Park and renowned food critic Matthew Fort, will go to the restaurant within the World’s 50 Best that creates pleasurable food with an outstanding commitment to community and the environment.
With shared beliefs and values, promoting a passion for flavour and craftsmanship, Highland Park and Slow Food UK established a dynamic new initiative, the Slow Food Chef Alliance, and the new award is a natural progression for the partners. Going from strength to strength, the Slow Food UK Chef Alliance, supported by Highland Park, is engaging with chefs in actively supporting Slow Food UK, by championing small scale producers and sustainably sourced, quality produce.
Peter Sandstrom, marketing director, Maxxium commented: “We are extremely excited about our involvement with The World’s 50 Best Restaurants and this annual gathering of the world’s culinary greats. It’s fantastic to be bringing a different dimension to this year’s celebrations with the new award, in partnership with our friends at Slow Food UK. I look forward to presenting the award on the night with great anticipation.”
Catherine Gazzoli, Slow Food UK CEO, commented: “It’s a great opportunity for us to encourage and fully acknowledge the importance that many chefs are attaching to offering their diners an authentic and involving experience.
“The award will also highlight our plight to save edible biodiversity; honouring those chefs who have demonstrated a willingness to use and promote Ark produce, a catalogue of forgotten foods which will disappear if chefs and others fail to use them.”
The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list is an annual snapshot of the opinions and experiences of over 800 international restaurant industry experts and is a credible indicator of the best places to eat around the globe. Last year’s best restaurant winner was top Danish restaurant Noma, known for its dedication to foraging. The shortlist and winners of the Highland Park Slow Food Restaurant of the Year Award will be revealed on the night in front of some of the world’s top culinary masters.
“We are delighted to be collaborating with Highland Park and Slow Food UK on this new initiative,” says William Drew, editor of Restaurant magazine. “Now feels like the perfect time to highlight and reward those restaurants within the World’s 50 Best list that best reflect notions of locality, heritage, sustainability and the revival of forgotten foods. One deserving restaurant will emerge with the coveted new title of Highland Park Slow Food Restaurant of the Year on April 30.”
Notes:
http://www.highlandpark.co.uk/
Highland Park:
Five keystones contribute to making the Best Spirit in the World:
Established in 1798 on Orkney, Highland Park is one of the most remote Scotch whisky distilleries in the world. For over 200 years, the distillery has combined time old tradition and the very best craftsmanship to achieve perfection. Its core range of 12, 18, 25, 30 and 40 year old single malt is consistently acclaimed by connoisseurs and experts.
Slow Food UK:
In the fast modern junk food environment, Slow Food, a non-profit organisation, is the voice of calm reason and quality. We work to promote the greater enjoyment of food through a better understanding of its taste, quality and production, Working with local member groups across the country, our network of chefs and artisan producers, we deliver educational projects and events to reconnect people with where their food comes from, how and where it is produced and the implications of the choices we make on the environment, biodiversity and our own health.
The World’s 50 Best Restaurants:
Restaurant magazine is the UK’s leading publication for restaurateurs and chefs, and has been publishing The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list since 2002 and the Awards since 2003. Restaurant magazine is solely responsible for organising the awards, collating the votes and producing the list.
S.Pellegrino and Aqua Panna are main sponsors of the awards. S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna are the leading natural mineral waters in the fine dining world. Together they interpret Italian style worldwide as a synthesis of excellence, pleasure and well-being.
The results and the awards are staged and published by Restaurant magazine in the UK.
Sponsors:
Acqua Panna & S.Pellegrino – Main event sponsors, official water suppliers, ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ sponsor, ‘The Highest New Entry Award’ sponsor
Veuve Clicquot – ‘World’s Best Female Chef’ sponsor and official Champagne supplier
Lavazza – ‘Slow Food Reception’ sponsor and official coffee supplier
Birra Moretti – Official beer supplier
Silestone – ‘Chefs’ Choice Award’ sponsor and official quartz work surface supplier
Cacao Barry – ‘Highest Climber Award’ sponsor and official chocolate supplier
Highland Park – ‘Slow Food Award’ sponsor and official whisky supplier
Les Concierges – ‘The One to Watch Award’ sponsor and official concierge services supplier
Action Against Hunger – Official Charity Partner
For more information about 50 Best Restaurants of the World please visit: http://www.theworlds50best.com/
sample image
Kavalan NAS ‘Solist’ (58.3%, OB, C#S060814018, 536 Bts., 08/10/2010)
A Fino sherry cask matured single malt from Kavalan Distillery (King Car Distillery) in Taiwan. ‘Single Cask Strength’ and Non Chill- Filtered and bottled at Natural Strength. It’s a safe bet that this is fairly young whisky since a0 the distillery is not that old and b0 due to the climate the whisky matures at a much faster rate than in Scotland for instance. So actually once all this is taken into account it could have some ‘local’ age to it. None the less on the nose there is sour plums, over ripe fruit, shoe leather (which quickly vanishes) and then some magnificent fruit and sherry backed by green tobacco (some slight ‘green’ notes lurking in the back ground). With water there’s a little more of the sour plums and the over ripe fruit. And malt. The undiluted taste is sherried (but not heavily like from a PX cask) and some really nice malt and chili peppers; slightly eye watering so time for some water. With water things calm down some what and the chlies have taken a back seat to some excellent honeyed notes along with some proper cask influence; both are in balance and it really works. The finish is a jumble (in a good way) of the black pepper, chilies, sherry and malt and it all hangs together rather well with the malt carrying the day towards the ultimate goal line. Rather long too.
All quite good, very vibrant, interesting and some really good sherry/malt moments in there. Well worth seeking out. NEEDS WATER!
$?
Score 86 points
Alastair at The Whisky Barrel reports that they have a new blog post which you made read at … http://www.thewhiskybarrel.com/blog/post/id/visit-islay-scotch
The Whisky Barrel
www.thewhiskybarrel.com
Whisky Magazine’s Online Retailer of the Year Award 2009, 2010 & 2011
Twitter!: www.twitter.com/whiskybarrel
Facebook: www.facebook.com/whiskybarrel
You will be glad to hear Whisky Live Dublin is back building on the fantastic success from its debut in 2011. Ireland’s premier whiskey tasting experience will make a welcome return to The Round Room at The Mansion House in the heart of Dublin’s city centre on Saturday 26th May 2012.
NEW FEATURES FOR 2012
21st May – 26th May
Whiskey Week Ireland begins 21st May through to Whisky Live on the 26th May where will be running tasting events around Ireland so visit www.whiskeylive.com for more details…
Saturday 26th May
Session One
3pm – 6pm
Session Two
7pm – 10pm
• Come to either our day or evening Whisky Live show for the ultimate Irish Whiskey Experience.
• Enjoy cocktails in our new Cocktails area with expert whiskey barman.
• Whiskey & Food Combinations.
• Masterclasses from industry experts available to all.
Become a Whisky Live VIP
• All VIP’s will receive an exclusive VIP Masterclass worth £25 with a Whiskey Expert in either session one or two. Limited places are available so book your tickets now to avoid disappointment.
• All VIP’s will also receive the Whiskey Magazine Tastings Journal worth €9 plus other whiskey gifts.
• Access to the VIP Lounge for more VIP exclusives.
• VIP Food and Exclusive whiskey pouring’s.
Make sure to visit www.whiskylive.com for more details on all our upcoming shows and latest news on Whisky Live Dublin.
Whisky Live London 2012 – The Report
THIRD RELEASE FOR BALBLAIR 1989 VINTAGE
International Beverage Holdings is delighted to unveil the third release of the 1989 Vintage of Balblair Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
As with the 2001 Vintage, launched to great acclaim in November 2011, this expression is non-chill-filtered, naturally coloured and bottled at 46%. Coupled with traditional production methods, this policy results in a single malt of rare quality.
The third release of Balblair 1989 is amber in appearance with rose gold highlights. This full-bodied malt has distinctive aromas of bananas, apples, raisins and lemons. Maturation in American oak ex-bourbon barrels adds notes of warm toffee and vanilla. There is an abundance of fruit and a rich spiciness on the palate, leading to a complex yet notably smooth finish.
Distillery Manager John MacDonald observes of his latest selection: “The now extinct second release of the 1989 Vintage was many people’s favourite Balblair. I believe this variant – at a higher strength, uncoloured and non-chill-filtered – is even better.”
According to Andy Hannah, Brand Manager: “Balblair has become established as a favourite of discerning whisky drinkers worldwide. As well as being the only distillery solely releasing vintage malts, the contemporary packaging design sets it apart. This has been further updated with the third release of the Balblair 1989 Vintage, the first to appear in a new, higher-quality box (which will become the standard for new bottlings); at 15mm
narrower than before, it is smaller and greener.”
Balblair 1989 has been a very popular vintage and this will be its final release. It will be on general sale but the focus will be on three key markets: the UK, France and Russia.
Balblair 1989 is available at £60.00.
Spring arrivals at the Park Avenue Liquor Shop.
Spring has sprung.
However, if you had a winter like we did here in the northeast you’d feel like we went from Fall right to Spring.
With respect to mother nature, this isn’t why we’re emailing you today. Instead of the strange weather – we’d like to tell you about some great new bottles that have made their way into our store. There’s something here for everyone.
So kick back, soak in your Spring fever and take a look.
Cheers!
Jon & Eric
Park Avenue Liquor Shop
292 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10017
212-685-2442
info@parkaveliquor.com
http://www.parkaveliquor.com/
Whisky Live New York returns to the spectacular Pier Sixty on April 11, 2012 creating a magnificent evening of great whisky, fine food and wonderful entertainment in the heart of New York. Our 2011 show was our most successful edition attracting great whiskies and a fine crowd of whisky lovers and of course newcomers to a fantastic evening. Whether, the seasoned whisky lover or novice you can expect to experience an incredible and in-depth insight into the world of whisky drinking and producing. This is your chance to become closer to the industry, taste rare and sought-after whiskies, increase your knowledge and meet the whisky experts!
Special promo code for Park Avenue Liquor Shop customers:
Use the code parkaveliquor (case sensitive) to receive 10% off your ticket purchase.
Redbreast: Cask Strength
Made from a mash of malted and unmalted barley and then triple distilled in copper pot stills. This latest release from Redbreast displays the characteristic full and complex flavor of pot still whiskey. Matured in Sherry casks, the legendary Redbreast style is a sheer joy.
The very special cask-strength expression gives a rare glimpse of Redbreast 12 in its natural, full flavored state.
Aroma: A fruit explosion. Figs, dates, ripe banana, sultanas, red apple and lime abound. Pot still spices combine with the sweet vanilla and pine from the casks.
Taste: Deep, dried fruit, a touch of citrus with aromatic oils and spices. Vanilla sweetness leads to toasted oak and barley.
Finish: Exceedingly long, rich complexity of spices and fruit, slowly fading through to sweet butterscotch and barley.
Our Price: $68
Glenrothes: 1988
Vintages from the 1970’s and 1980’s are increasingly hard to come by. The Glenrothes 1988 is of that rare breed. This never before bottled the vintage has benefited from more than two decades maturing in a combination of Spanish and American oak; previously seasoned with both sherry and whisky. The combination gives the citrus notes a delicious cooked orange flavor and plenty of fruit as well which are evident on the nose and the palate.
Appearance:
Copper gold, clear and bright
Bouquet: Rich, spicy: ripe, dark, berry fruits
Palate: Rich, full flavor: candied orange peel, fruit compote
Finish: Very long, medium sweet
Our Price: $155
Labrot & Graham Woodford Reserve:
Doubled Oaked
As Brown-Forman Master Distiller Chris Morris said, “How do you make the best bourbon even better? you double the wood exposure.” This brings us to Woodford Reserve Double Oaked. After 15 years, Woodford has added a new name to their line and it does not disappoint.
Double Oaked takes fully matured Woodford and then ages it in a second barrel for 6 to 12 months in a heavily toasted barrel. This approach creates a rich and colorful flavor with a nice amount of soft, sweet oak character.
Our Price: $57
On June 14th from 3-6pm at Park Avenue Liquor Shop, Woodford Reserve will engrave any purchased bottles of Woodford Reserve and Woodford Reserve Double Oak.
Please note that due to ever-changing inventory, we cannot guarantee bottle availability. Customers making online orders that cannot be fulfilled for any reason will be notified. Park Avenue Liquor Shop is not responsible any typographical errors. Please contact us with any questions you might have.
Lochside 44yo 1967/2011 (41.5%, Coopers Choice, Butt, C#807, 354 Bts.,)
Lochside is suddenly the new must have single malt (along with Caperdonich) and long closed which only adds to the attraction. A must on any enthusiasts malt mileage. On the nose there is some really very lovely fruity vanilla quickly followed by some dusty malt and light clove (think way back to a dentist’s office but without all the wretched needles and drills; just the distinctive aromas). After some time in the glass some very good sherry notes emerge followed by tinned fruit. The fruit emerges in quite an assertive manner if you have time to wait. The taste is not massive at first but then the flavour (which is delightful) starts to grow and some excellent malt arrives along with a little, little dark unsweetened chocolate as well as the slight dark chocolate bitterness. The tinned fruit also is also present and the hints of clove (and without all the other baggage). Again all very good and very more –ish. The finish shows some black pepper and sweet malt (maybe some sweet green snap peas) and some really, really good malt. Hints of the chocolate and a little oakey dryness but nothing over whelming.
Don’t rush it, give it some time in the glass, its well worth it.
$236 in some markets.
Score 91 points
Bruichladdich 10 year old “The Laddie” Islay Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($52.99) Finally, ten long years after re-opening the distillery, Bruichladdich has reached the finish line – a ten year old malt composed entirely of whisky made after the resurrection. The wait has been worth it. Many of us at K&L feel that Bruichladdich’s post-2001 whiskies are some of the best distillates in the world – they’ve always just been a bit too immature. The quality of the spirit coming off their pot stills is simply jaw-dropping (their Botanist gin is also delicious), and we’ve been excited to see what it can do after a decade in the barrel. That time is finally here. Recently voted “Best Islay Whisky of 2011” by the Whisky Advocate, the Bruichladdich 10 has finally reached the American west coast where at last we can revel in its glory. The malt is ultra smooth, creamy with citrus notes, stone fruits, and the trademark saltiness that makes it an Islay whisky through and through. The price is also right. For a small independently-owned distillery, the boys at Bruichladdich have struggled at times, but they’ve always landed on their feet. The 10 year is one of the most anticipated whiskies of all time and for about $50, it’s one of the best single malt deals we’ll see this year. For those lamenting the rising cost of good whisky, make sure you take home the Laddie 10 and savor each drop. This is true handcrafted whisky. -David Driscoll, K&L Spirits Buyer
1990 Clynelish 21 Year Old Chieftain’s K&L Selection Single Sherry Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($129.99) While many single malts are blends of different types of barrels, some are known to be more sherried than others. Macallan for example is widely enjoyed for its Oloroso sherry character, while something like Ardbeg is decidedly less rich. That being said, it’s not that Ardbeg doesn’t use sherry-aged whisky in its single malt, it’s just that there are far fewer barrels in their recipe. Clynelish, perhaps the most respected single malt in the world by whisky insiders, is a whisky renowned for its light, fruity, Highland character. However, what would happen if one of the few sherry-aged Clynelish barrels were isolated from the recipe and bottled as a single cask selection? The answer is here at K&L. An absolutely stellar, 21 year old sherry cask of Clynelish was sitting right next to our Brora cask at the Chieftain’s warehouse so we pulled the trigger. The heather now mingles with raisined fruit, the citrus fruit now turns candied, the wax turns into dripping oil. The complexity of this whisky is simply astounding and collectors everywhere should rejoice at the price. Clynelish is easily on my top five distillery short list and this is one of the best and most unique I’ve tasted. A single cask of this quality from Clynelish at full proof should easily retail for $150 or more. Grab this one while it lasts. – David Driscoll
Glenglassaugh 26 Year Old Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 2 available ($269.99)
Ireland
Wild Geese Irish Soldiers & Heroes Limited Edition Irish Whiskey 750ml – 6 available ($65.99)
Wild Geese Irish Soldiers & Heroes Rare Irish Whiskey 750ml – 6 available ($47.99)
United States – Bourbon and Rye
Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection “Oat” Bourbon Whiskey 375ml – 6 available ($69.99)
Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection “Rice” Bourbon Whiskey 375ml – 6 available ($69.99)
BACK IN STOCK… (items we’ve carried in the past that have just arrived again)
Bourbon and Rye
Old Overholt Rye Whiskey 1Liter – 12 available ($19.99)
Single Malt Scotch
Dalmore 12 year old Single Malt Whisky 750ml (Elsewhere $50) – 10 available ($29.99)
Dalmore 15 year old Single Malt 750ml (Elsewhere $96) ($55.99)
Dalmore Grand Reserve Single Malt Whisky 750ml (Elsewhere $75) ($49.99)
United States – Bourbon and Rye
High West Rendezvous Rye Whiskey 750ml – 11 available ($47.99)
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
