The A-Z of the World’s Best Bars: M and N as compiled by the Master Blender Richard Paterson

Posted: 30 Mar 2012 03:05 AM PDT

New whiskey and classic favorites win 2012 Ultimate Spirits Challenge

Blanton’s Bourbon and Caribou Crossing Whisky Win Chairman’s Trophies

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (March, 2012) – The winners from New York’s 2012 Ultimate Spirits Challenge have been announced. Buffalo Trace Distillery was honored for several of its new whiskeys, along with some classic favorites. 

Judges awarded Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon the highest honor of “Chairman’s Trophy” winner among all other bourbon whiskeys. Blanton’s was the first Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey ever commercially sold back in 1984 and remains a favorite among connoisseurs.

Within the Canadian Whisky Category, Caribou Crossing Single Barrel Canadian Whisky was awarded the “Chairman’s Trophy.” This $50 Canadian Whisky is the first Canadian Single Barrel whiskey of its kind and has been well received by both consumers and reviewers alike since its introduction in 2010.  

Other highly recommended whiskeys from Buffalo Trace Distillery include:

• Colonel E. H. Taylor, Jr. Single Barrel Bourbon (NEW)
• William Larue Weller Bourbon
• Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon
• Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 23 Year Old Bourbon
• Benchmark Old No. 8 Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Eagle Rare Single Barrel Bourbon
• George T. Stagg Bourbon
• Kentucky Tavern Bourbon
• Buffalo Trace Bourbon
• Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey
• Royal Canadian Small Batch Canadian Whisky 

“The Ultimate Spirits Challenge is a prestigious spirits tasting competition, judged by some of the industry’s best.  To have only 31 Chairman’s Trophies presented total, and for us to win two of them, makes us immensely proud,” said Harlen Wheatley, Master Distiller.

Find a complete list of winners online at http://www.ultimate-beverage.com/the-results/2012-spirits-results/. 

About Buffalo Trace

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, Malt 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.buffalotrace.com/.

Tuthilltown’s Hudson Whiskey

Over here in the UK we don’t hear all that much from the burgeoning US craft distilling movement, apart from occasional articles in magazines and on blogs assuring us that it is growing. The problem with a small distiller is … Continue reading >>

Love bourbon? Travel? Here’s a unique way to combine both passions:  

Join us for our “Ultimate Bourbon Experience,” April 26-29, 2012, in Kentucky, the bourbon capital of the world. This is not your average Bourbon Trail tour, but consists of exclusive experiences thatcan’t be found anywhere else. The trip includes private opportunities to sample, create, and buy rare spirits; learn from small craft distillers and industry icons; and generally indulge in a favorite hobby in a relaxing and truly memorable way.  

Highlights include: 

• Private Distillery Access: We’ll enjoy the rare opportunity to privately tour the Willett distillery, which is not open to the public, but is renowned for its small batch bourbons like its Pot Still Reserve and Old Bardstown Collection. We’ll sample and can purchase bourbons not available anywhere else in the world. We’ll also enjoy an extended, behind-the scenes tour of the Buffalo Trace distillery, home of Pappy Van Winkle, among other legendary and new experimental bourbons. Both tours will be private and led by expert distillers and owners; at Buffalo Trace, we’ll be instructed as we share in the rare opportunity to sample and then select a barrel to be bottled exclusively for our group. 
•  In-Depth Interaction with Industry Insiders and Icons: We’ll spend one evening pairing fine bourbons and a special dinner with Mike Veach of the Filson Historical Society in Louisville. Mike has been inducted to the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame, and is known as “the only professional bourbon historian in the country.” Another night, we’ll discuss all things bourbon with Lincoln and Wes Henderson, who many bourbon aficionados know from Woodford Reserve and Old Forester, and recently for their Angel’s Envy brand, a unique bourbon aged in port wine casks that Bourbon Buzz called “a Spiritual Awakening.” 
• BourbonFest Sampler in Bardstown: We’ll attend this more intimate version of the iconic Kentucky Bourbon Festival. We’ll meet Master Distillers, brand ambassadors, and industry experts, tasting many offerings, and as desired bid in a silent auction of unique bourbon items.
• Relaxed VIP Treatment, Small Group: This will be an indulgent trip in terms of accommodations, transportation, cuisine and bourbon, but will be enjoyed in the company of a small, relaxed group. A quick getaway to Louisville, but years of memories: truly a Trip for the Bucket (Barrel) List!  

Further information can be found on our websites: http://www.t100g.com/bourbon, or www.bourbonimmersion.com. 

You can also reach me directly at travelbluesfood@me.com

Art thieves steal one of the 8,000,000 porcelain sunflower seeds

Police are on the lookout for art thieves who broke into Tate Modern in the early hours of yesterday morning and made off with a single porcelain sunflower seed, one of the eight million that form part of an installation recently acquired from the contemporary…please click on the link below to read the remainder of the article….

THE LINK

Whisky Intelligence didn’t have a suitable April Fools Spoof but this will do nicely!

KBF Scholarships Applications Now Available

(Bardstown, KY) — High school seniors whose parents are employed by a distillery that participates in the Kentucky Bourbon Festival can apply for one of two Kentucky Bourbon Festival Scholarships. The scholarships are sponsored by Smith Brothers Trucking, Chuck Smith; Bluegrass Ice, Ronnie Rogers; Toddy’s Liquors, Guthrie McKay; and Woodford Reserve Distillery.

Parents can pick up a 2012 application form at the distillery where they work or from the festival office in Bardstown. The parent must have been employed by the distillery for at least five years.

One $1,500 scholarship and one $1,000 scholarship will be awarded. The scholarships are one-year awards. The winners will be announced at the Bardstown Sampler on April 28. Applications must be postmarked by March 31. Please mail applications to: The Kentucky Bourbon Festival Scholarship, One Court Square, Bardstown, KY 40004.

For more information, call the festival office at 502-348-3623 or 800-638-4877 and select option 4.

The Kentucky Bourbon Festival Inc. is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. The bill designating the Bardstown festival as the state’s official bourbon festival established the scholarship.

All Kentucky Bourbon Festival press releases can be downloaded from the press room on our web site, www.kybourbonfestival.com.

IRISH DISTILLERS SWEEPS THE BOARD AT ICONS OF WHISKEY AWARDS 2012

Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard, makers of the world’s No 1 Irish whiskey, Jameson, has been named Whiskey Distiller of the Year and Whiskey Brand Innovator of the Year at the Icons of Whiskey Awards 2012. Single pot still whiskey Powers John’s Lane Release was also recognised, scooping the prize for Best Pot Still Whiskey within the World Whiskies Awards, at a ceremony held at the Waldorf Hilton in London.

The three awards underline a hugely successful and innovative year for the company, in which it demonstrated its unique distilling capabilities and a vision for the future of the Irish whiskey category. Highlights included the launch of the Single Pot Still Whiskeys of Midleton initiative, which introduced Powers John’s Lane Release, Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy and Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength, while Jameson introduced the newest product in the Reserve range, Jameson Select Reserve.

Anna Malmhake, CEO for Irish Distillers, says: “We are delighted with this phenomenal result, especially as the Icons of Whiskey are among the most respected whiskey awards in the world. This is an exciting time for Irish whiskey and to be recognised as Distiller and Brand Innovator of the Year is a true testament to the continued contribution of our skilled and passionate distillery team at Midleton.”

Last night’s accolades follow a spate of recent successes for Irish Distillers including Distillery of the Year at the Whiskey Advocate Awards and the Whiskeys of the World Trophy at the 2011 International Spirits Challenge for Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy. Respected whiskey writer Jim Murray awarded 96.5 points to Powers John’s Lane Release, making it his 2012 Whiskey Bible Irish Whiskey of the Year and the highest ever scoring Irish whiskey in the history of the Bible.

Notes:

Irish Distillers Limited, part of Pernod Ricard Group, distils and distributes a range of famous Irish whiskey, gin and vodka brands internationally, including Jameson, Powers, Paddy, Midleton Very Rare, Redbreast, Cork Dry Gin and Huzzar Vodka.

About The Icons of Whiskey

Now in its 9th year in its current form, the Icons of Whiskey awards celebrate the people and places behind the great whiskies of the world, and are nominated by professionals in the drinks industry. Independent editorial panel of whiskey experts pick winners from the regional heats of Scotland, America and Rest of World before the overall winners are announced.

About Jameson:

Jameson is the world’s No 1 Irish whiskey. Award-winning as a result of its exceptional smoothness following its unique triple distillation process, Jameson is enjoyed in more than 120 countries worldwide.

The core Jameson range includes Jameson; Jameson 12 Year Old Special Reserve; Jameson Gold Reserve; Jameson 18 Year Old Limited Reserve; Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve; and Jameson Signature Reserve (Travel Retail exclusive).

About Single Pot Still Whiskeys of Midleton:

In May 2011, Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard announced plans to underline the rich heritage of Irish whiskey with the launch of a new initiative – Single Pot Still whiskeys of Midleton. Aimed at promoting consistent communication on the provenance and quality of single pot still whiskey, the launch heralded an increase in investment in Irish Distillers’ existing portfolio, ahead of a planned roll-out of innovative extensions. Additionally, the initiative marked the adoption by the industry of new terminology for this unique style of whiskey – moving from ‘pure pot still’ to ‘single pot still’.

For further information please visit www.jamesonwhiskey.com

Diamond Jubilee Whisky is ready!

DIAMOND JUBILEE WHISKY

The Diamond Jubilee whisky is now bottled and ready for immediate delivery and collection. We have had a taste and believe this is the best we have ever made and the coolest bottles we have designed yet.

Please click here if you wish to get your hands on one of these.

Alternatively if you are interested in our Royal Wedding whisky, we are literally now on our last few bottles. If you don’t want to miss out then please click here to secure yourself a bottle or two.

Or you may be interested in a Royal Wedding / Jubilee Whisky Gift Pack of which, again, we have a limited stock of. Please click here if you wish to purchase one.
 
SUMMER IS COMING…
 
Summer is approaching, time to get your kids in an English Whisky outfit!

Andrew writes, 

Our Spring Tasting Schedule is now online:  https://www.kensingtonwinemarket.com/tastings/register.php .

We have 28 new tastings to delight and entertain you over the coming months including 4 new Scotch Malt Whisky Society Tastings, a Japanese Single Malt Tasting, an American Whiskey as well as rum and tequila tastings. I’ve lost track of whether this is the 4th or 5th Spring Single Malt Festival, so we’ll just call it our Annual Spring Single Malt Festival. It will feature no less than 100 of the best whiskies in the province, and is limited to as many people; so don’t delay grabbing a ticket or two. The night after the festival, as is tradition, we will be hosting a special tasting, in this case, The Ultimate Dalmore Tasting. The tasting will feature two different Dalmore 40 Year Olds (the old bottling as well as the new Aurora), the 45 Year Old Astrum and three other rare old Dalmore vintages including the 1978 and 1974. It will be a memorable evening, and we might just attract a special guest! I am also especially psyched about our Japanese whisky tasting “Lost in Translation”. This special tasting will feature a flight of 7 Japanese whiskies, 4 of which are exceptionally rare vintage expressions. 

Whatever your taste there is lots to offer. As always the tastings fill on a first serve basis, and you can register in store, by phone 403-283-8000 and online https://www.kensingtonwinemarket.com/tastings/register.php . 

There are also some exciting new whiskies in stock too! Though you will have to wait until the next Full Malt Messenger for more details on them, here is a teaser:

1. Compass Box The Last Vatted Malt – A not so subtle poke in the eye of the SWA (Scotch Whisky Association) who changed the rules classifying whisky types; not to everyone’s advantage… Much more in the Malt Messenger about this exclusive KWM whisky. – 53.7% – A marriage of 35 year old sherried Speyside whisky and 26 year old peated Islay whisky. – $247.99 + GST
2. Glenfiddich 40 Year 2011 – World Whiskies Awards 2012 Double Winner:Best Speyside 21 Years & Over and Best Speyside Whisky – $2729.99 + GST
3. Masterson’s 10 Year Canadian Rye Whisky – Canadian Whisky Awards Whisky of the Year! – $106.99 + GST
4. Auchroisk 20 Year – Official Diageo bottling. – 58.1% – Allegedly a desert whisky with some sherried tones. – $245.99 + GST
5. Glen Spey 21 Year – Official Diageo bottling. – 50.4% – Allegedly a desert whisky with some sherried tones. – $374.99 + GST
6. Jim Beam the Devil’s Cut – Whisky extracted from used oak barrels! The legends are true… – $29.99 + GST

• And that’s a just a taste, the High West Whiskies Are Back Too!

Spring Tasting Schedule Excluding SMWS Tastings

1. Glendronach Vintages Tasting You’ll be tantalized by a lineup of no less than 6 Glendronach single cask vintage bottlings. We will sample 2 different 1972s, including our own exclusive cask. Move over Macallan, Glendronach is the new Sheriff of heavily sherried whisky! Thr Apr 12 – $70
2. Whisky Women & Chocolate Round up the gals and join our scotch expert, Andrew Ferguson, for a pairing of fine whisky and premium chocolate. Lassies only. Fri Apr 20 – $50
3. Bourbon, Rye and Other American Whiskies There is more to American whiskey than Bourbon. We’ll sample straight rye, Tennessee whiskey, American single malt whiskey and other treats! Tue May 8 – $50
4. Rare Malts Only the oldest and rarest whiskies need apply. Taste whiskies which have been matured more than 20 years and are from closed distilleries, or are exceptionally rare. Thr May 31 – $75
5. Lost in TranslationThe Japanese have been making Single Malts and Blends in the Scottish style for nearly a century. We’ve assembled a flight of some very rare Japanese whiskies for this special tasting. Tue June 12 – $60
6. Spring Single Malt Festival Our biannual whisky festival is not the biggest in the city, but it features the most interesting and eclectic lineup of whiskies in Alberta. 100 customers, 80+ whiskies and your own Glencairn glass! Thr Jun 14 – $60
7. The Ultimate Dalmore Tasting The Dalmore is one of the iconic whiskies of the Northern Highlands. We’re featuring seven distillery bottled Dalmores including two different 40 year olds (the old one and the new Aurora) and the 45 year old Astrum. This will be a one of a kind, once in a lifetime, ultimate vertical tasting of The Dalmore. Fri Jun 15 – $250
8. Master Malt This tasting will push your palate to its limits with a lineup of very rare and old whiskies like Macallan 25 Year, Glendronach Grandeur and Glenfarclas 40! Tue Jun 26 – $100

Scotch Malt Whisky Society First Friday Tastings

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is the world’s largest whisky club, with more than 26,000 members worldwide and bottling more than 300 casks a year exclusively for its members. Calgary’s Kensington Wine Market is its Canadian embassy selling memberships, bottlings and helping fascilitate tastings. For more information on the Soctch Malt Whisky Society Canada, including the perks of membership, please check out www.smws.ca .

Every month the Society launches 7-8 new whiskies in Canada, holding a tasting on the First Friday of the month to celebrate the release and taste the whiskies. The time and venue of the events will depend on the level of interest in them on a month to month basis. The next four First Friday tastings are as follows: 

1. Scotch Malt Whisky Society First Friday IV – The April First Friday will be held at the Kensington Wine Market, with two sessions, one form 5-6PM and the other from 7-8PM. We are capping April at 48 total registrants unless there is enough demand to fill a third sessions from 3-4PM. – April 6 $35 Member and $45 Guests
2. Scotch Malt Whisky Society First Friday V – Location and time TBD. – May 4 $35 Member and $45 Guests
3. Scotch Malt Whisky Society First Friday VI – Location and time TBD. – June 1 $35 Member and $45 Guests
4. Scotch Malt Whisky Society First Friday VII – Location and time TBD. – July 6 $35 Member and $45 Guests