BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY RELEASES 2011 ANTIQUE COLLECTION

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (August, 2011) The long wait is over! Buffalo Trace Distillery will release its 2011 Antique Collection in September. The much anticipated collection will once again feature five limited-release whiskeys of various ages, recipes and proofs. Here’s what ardent fans can expect:

Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old

Last year’s release was given a liquid gold award and a 97.5 rating in Jim Murray’s 2011 Whisky Bible. This 2011 rye whiskey release is described as “intense spice with underlying sweetness and dry finish.” Hopefully critics agree this batch is just as good, or better!

Eagle Rare 17 Year Old

The previous edition of this bourbon was honored with a Gold Medal at the 2011 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The 2011 edition was distilled in the Spring of 1993 and has been aging on the 2nd, 3rd and 6th floors of Warehouses I and K. After 18 years and 7 months of aging under its belt, it brings to the table notes of leather, vanilla and tobacco.

George T. Stagg

The 2010 release of this long-time favorite was named “Spirit of the Year” by F. Paul Pacult in the 2011 Spirit Journal. The 2011 George T. Stagg was found in Warehouses H, I, and K. This uncut, unfiltered bourbon was distilled back in the winter of 1993 and weighs in at 142.6 proof—some bold stuff! This whiskey tastes of espresso, chocolate and vanilla.

William Larue Weller

William Larue Weller is the Antique Collection’s uncut, unfiltered, wheated recipe bourbon. The previous edition was named “Bourbon of the Year” in Jim Murray’s 2011 Whisky Bible. The 2011 offering was distilled in the summer of 1998 and aged on the fourth and fifth floors of Warehouses N, O, and P. This William Larue Weller release registers in at 133.5 proof – a lot stronger than last year! It tastes of honey, caramel, light toffee and pipe tobacco.

Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye

Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye is an uncut and unfiltered straight rye whiskey. The 2010 edition was named “Rye Whiskey of the Year” by Jim Murray in his 2011 Whisky Bible. This year’s Handy was distilled in the spring of 2005, aged on the sixth floor of Warehouse K and weighs in at 128.6 proof. The flavor has been described as “Christmas cake and allspice. Bold and yummy.”

The Antique Collection was introduced more than a decade ago and has become a cult favorite among whiskey connoisseurs. Since 2000 these whiskeys have garnered numerous awards from such notable publications as Malt Advocate Magazine, Spirit Journal and Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.

“It will be hard to top last year’s batch of awards,” said Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley. “But we think this year’s collection has just as much to offer. I’m anxious to hear if everyone else agrees.”

These Antique Collection whiskeys will be available in limited quantities starting in late September. Suggested retail price is $70 each. For more information visit www.greatbourbon.com or contact Kris Comstock at kcomstock@buffalotrace.com.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

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 www.buffalotrace.com.

Balblair Single Malt whisky and WIRED Magazine collaborated to create an exclusive photography competition for Balblair fans and WIRED readers, with exceptional prizes to be won. In September and October we will be encouraging talented amateur photographers to submit their work to the WIRED team. The brief for entrants is Balblair’s motto: timed to perfection. Entries will be judged by WIRED picture Editor Steve Peck and Editorial Photographer of the Year 2010 – Edmund Clark.

First prize in the competition is a VIP trip for two to Balblair distillery and a bottle of the oldest and most exclusive Balblair vintage, the superb 1965 (worth £1,500)

Runner-up will be treated to bottles of each of the vintages from the Balblair core range, currently including 2000, 1989 and 1978.

Additionally, the winning entries will be presented in the January 2012 issue of WIRED (available from 8th December).

Not-so-dry facts

• Competition runs from 1st September to 14th October
• Entrants are asked to submit photographs (their own work) which encapsulate the phrase timed to perfection
• All the entries should be sent to WIRED magazine at wiredcompetition@condenast.co.uk
• Photographs will be judged by an expert panel including an award-winning editorial photographer Edmund Clark
• For full entry details and T&Cs please visit WIRED Insider at www.wired.co.uk/wiredinsider2011/balblair

Dalmore Distillery

Producing single malt whisky since 1839, The Dalmore Distillery is located deep in the magical Scottish Highlands. Dalmore single malt whisky is regarded by many experts and connoisseur’s around the world as one of the most prestigious single malts produced in Scotland.

Below are three very limited and rare examples from this amazing distillery.

Sláinte!

Abbey Whisky

Dalmore Distillery Exclusive / 1991 / Cask 446

The Dalmore Distillery Exclusive is a vintage 1991 single malt whisky drawn from cask 446. Available only at the distillery itself, this single cask release of 450 bottles is rather special as Dalmore very rarely release a single cask bottling.

A very tasty dram that makes for great investment.

£230.00

Dalmore 1974, Matusalem Sherry Finesse

This sensational malt has been drawn from a single, Spanish oak, sherry butt which once held 30 year old Matusalem Sherries from Jerez De La Frontera. Aged for long periods in barrels such as American Oak, this fine malt was further aged in Apostoles and Amoroso Oloroso sherry wood. The last five years were spent, finely maturing to perfection in Matusalem sherry butts resulting in an unbelievable Highland malt whisky.

Awarded a Platinum Medal – 99 Points – 2011 International Review Of Spirits

£550.00

Dalmore Clan Mackenzie / 17 Year Old / 1992

Whilst out hunting in 1263 an ancestor of Clan Mackenzie saved King Alexander III from being gored by a stag. To show his gratitude the King granted him the right to bear a stag’s head in his coat of arms. Still to this date Dalmore distillery proudly shows off this emblem on every bottle of single malt whisky released. Dalmore was long owned by the Mackenzie family.

£130.00

Abbey Whisky
07890 983 844
enquiries@abbeywhisky.com

www.abbeywhisky.com

The keenly awaited Alligator Ardbeg release has arrived at Nickolls and Perks Wines & Spirits Merchants. A scaled down price of £55 gets you a bottle of the Islay-gator if you happen to be one of the first 12 people to call us for it!

Call 01384 394518.

NEWS : You will find Ardbeg Alligator at the Midlands Whisky Festival LVMH stand on Saturday 24th September. www.whiskyfest.co.uk  

Ralfy has a robust Indi-malt-moment with Whisky Review 216 – Glenrothes (Signatory Vintage 1994) including some Independent bottle-purchase advice.

See for yourself at www.ralfy.com

BenRiach’s Rare 1978 Firkin Cask yields just forty sublime bottles.

Speyside’s BenRiach Distillery has announced its most exclusive bottling ever, the BenRiach 1978 Firkin Cask.

Only forty bottles of this exquisite 32 year old single malt will be available, making this an ultra-rare BenRiach expression.

The bottling follows the discovery of an unusual “Firkin” cask at the Elgin distillery.

BenRiach’s Managing Director Billy Walker takes up the story: “It’s always exciting to discover exceptionally rare and unique casks in our warehouses, and BenRiach has more than its fair share!

“Upon unearthing this Firkin, we knew we had found something truly extraordinary and sublime which will delight even the most demanding of BenRiach whisky aficionados.”

Mr Walker explained Firkin casks were traditionally used for the maturation of fine ale and the name is derived from the Middle Dutch word “vierdekijn”, meaning ‘fourth’ – in other words, a quarter of a full-size barrel.

“Because a Firkin’s size is smaller than that of a standard barrel, there’s a greater surface to liquid ratio when the spirit undergoes maturation, and this imparts a more intense, fuller flavour,” he added.

“This cask, number 6337, is one of the only two Firkins in our possession. Distilled and filled to cask on June 26, 1978, and bottled at 40.1% earlier this year, the style of the whisky is classic Speyside. Due to the size of the cask, and the age of the whisky, it has generated only forty bottles, so it’s bound to become a much sought-after collector’s item.”

The packaging has been designed to reflect the super-premium nature of the whisky, with the bottle silk-screened and the closure sealed via a wax dip, all of which is housed in a beautiful hand-crafted wooden box.

The forty bottles will be available from September 2011.

Mr Walker’s tasting notes indicate just how special this 1978 single cask bottling is, see below.
 
BenRiach 1978 Firkin Cask Tasting Notes
——————————————————————————–
 
Producer’s Tasting Notes:

Colour: Clear and bright. Light gold.

Nose: Fresh summer fruit aromas are accompanied by bold floral notes, in particular daffodils and freshly cut rosehips. Honey and subtle oak add to a tremendously complex whisky.

Palate: Full, complex and long. Incredibly well-developed with smooth, creamy vanilla married with a delicate yet clearly-defined fruit base. Apricots, peaches and nectarines drizzled with honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
 
The packaging has been designed to reflect the super-premium nature of the whisky, with the bottle silk-screened and the closure sealed via a wax dip, all of which is housed in a beautiful hand-crafted wooden box.

The forty bottles will be available from September.

Miner's Delight Inn

Second Saturday Scotch Sipping at Six

2nd Saturday    each month    6 – 9 p.m.    no reservation required

Enjoy 5 half-ounce samples of single malt Scotch whisky: $20

♦  We feature 3 single malts, including a Malt of the Month *

♦  You roll a die then pick a whisky from one of the six Scotch regions

♦  You pick your Connoisseur’s Choice from our menu of 73 single malts

Peruse our whisky library. Learn about our single malts in our menu book: distillery info, tasting notes, & more.  Enjoy light hors d’oeuvres. Non-whisky drinkers welcome.

Featured malts:

* 10% off bottles of the Malt of the Month

September 10, 2011

anCnoc 12 yo *

Cragganmore  12 yo

Arran Machrie Moor

October 8, 2011

Benromach 10 yo *

GlenDronach 12 yo

Highland Park 12 yo

November 12 , 2011

Glen Grant 10 yo *

Longrow CV

Glenkinchie 12 yo

December 10, 2011

Glen Moray 12 yo *

Smokehead

Kilchoman Winter 2010

Visit the Miner’s Delight Inn at http://www.minersdelightinn.com/

Bob at work...

Dear Customer

We have six (6) new PROVENANCE bottlings this month, whose Tasting Notes follow –

PRV 0690 Ardmore 7 Year Old
Distinctly and sweetly peated on the nose …. detect also some damp hay and oak. On the palate there is an early “tang” – plus a peat hit, rather sweet with a bonfire aspect, beyond its barley and pepperiness. That is pretty much replicated on the finish. (F)

PRV 0721 Bunnahabhain 9 Year Old Sherry
The nose opens with a sweetly spiced quality and develops to a rich, dried fruit trait. Still warmingly spiced, the palate carries a mouth coating chocolate character with macerated fruit. The finish is long and remains sweet, with a lingering spiciness. (J)

PRV 0722 Laphroaig 10 Year Old
Opens with a sweet and buttery quality, like freshly baked biscuits and run to an attractive smokey character. Initially sweet and still biscuity (now burnt), the palate quickly runs to a rich sooty quality. The finish is long, with a lingering salty liquorice and soft tar trait. (J)

PRV 0730 Braeval 11 Year Old
The nose is reminiscent of opening a box of chocolates with toffee and sweet coconut throughout. The palate is sweet and warmingly spicy with more chocolate and now even some caramel creams. The finish is long, spicy and neatly replicates the nose and palate. (J)

PRV 0686 Tormore 11 Year Old
Lightly toffee’d, citric, and even honied on the nose – particularly as it warms. Palatewise, detect that same vanilla chewy toffee style plus some dark runny honey, all neatly replicated on the finish plus spices – but distinctly warming – spices. (F)

PRV 0715 Ben Nevis 12 Year Old
Opens fresh and sweet on the nose – running to an alcoholic fruit salad style – plus a home baked biscuit quality. The palate is full and round, sweetly spiced, still fruity, carrying a grist and honey style. The finish is long, with an attractive butterscotch character running to a toffee sponge finale. (J)

Hopefully all these releases will be useful for you to consider. We hope so and are at your service!

Yours sincerely

Fred Laing

Visit Douglas Laing & Co. Ltd. at www.douglaslaing.com

Unfortunately the web site www.whiskyfest.co.uk has not yet been updated to accept sales of these event tickets…..so please return requests directly to me David Gardener david@nickollsandperks.co.uk or on 01384 394518

Class 3- Colin Dunn

Tickets are now on sale for the Colin Dunn Master class event for only £10.

Places are limited for this class so hurry and secure the tickets. Colin has exhibited at the Nickolls and Perks cellar tastings in Stourbridge on several occassions in his role as roaming stalwart whisky supporter for Diageo UK. He is a passionate whisky imbiber with over 30 distilleries under the Diageo portfolio to bring to table for your pleasure and excitment. A guaranteed sell out sampling 6 fantastic drams from great distilleries : Glenkinchie 20 yo, Takisker 18 yo, Caol Ila 12 unpeated, Lagavulin Distillers Ed…

Colin Dunn…Whisky Ambassadour of the Year 2012 

(Whisky magazine Icons of Whisky)

Ticket price £10

The Colin Dunn Master class lasts 45mins: Times 3.30 till 4.15 pm 24th September, 2011

NB:You must be in possession of a festival entry ticket before buying master class tickets.

Taste From The Past – Grant’s 21 Years Old

Hi everybody,

It has been a while since I last blogged about an old bottle of Grant’s so today I decided to crack open this decanter of Grant’s 21 Years Old from the early 1990s. Bottled at 43%abv, this blend received one of our company’s first medals as it won gold at the 1992 IWSC.

What is it…(please click on the link to read the remainder of the article)…

THE LINK

Kind regards,
Ludo