MILROY’S OF SOHO AUGUST NEWSLETTER

There are plenty of exciting new whiskies this month, one-off whisky bottlings from great distilleries, new expressions and limited editions are fighting for space on our shelves. There is a lot happening for whisky lovers. Furthermore the high quality of the whiskies we’re seeing is leaving us in mouth-watering anticipation. Recently the Kilchoman 100% Islay was the first whisky in over a century to source all its ingredients – from peat to barley – solely from the island; and the Shackleton allowed us to taste what the great explorer had lugged to the Antarctic in 1907. So whatever next could be thrown at us, to make our jaws drop in awe and revel in the malty originality of a new whisky?

Here are some of the crackers we’re expecting shortly, as well as a few whiskies that have already arrived:

IN STOCK NOW
Auchentoshan Valinch 57.5% abv
After so many whisky enthusiasts wondered aloud at what Auchentoshan Classic would be like if it were left un-filtered and at cask strength the distillery finally released this small batch. Named the Valinch after the pipette used to draw whisky straight from the cask the Valinch offers delicious crème brulèe and orange zest flavours. Fantastic value!
£36.45

Auchentoshan 1999 Bordeaux Cask Matured 58.2% abv
This limited edition cask strength Auchentoshan is aged in French barrique. The sweet Auchentoshan marries well, with the piquancy of the French oak.
£46.95

Glenfiddich Snow Phoenix 47.6% abv
As promised last month we now have extra stocks of this super cask strength Glenfiddich…
During the winter of 2010 Scotland received an arctic dosage of snowfall. It blanketed the Highlands, covering the landscape in dunes of snow and ice. At Glenfiddich the continued snowfall piled on top of warehouse roofs, becoming heavier and denser by the day. On 7thJanuary, the unthinkable happened and a warehouse roof collapsed under the weight, and the casks below that had been waiting in sombre maturation were covered in snow. What the canny guys at Glenfiddich did was create a new whisky using casks from the affected warehouse, and they named it Snow Phoenix. The casks were ex Bourbon and ex Oloroso and contained whisky that had been aging for between 13 and 30 years. Snow Phoenix packaged in a tin depicting the great collapse. With only 1,600 bottles made this is a surprisingly affordable whisky.
£54

Laphroaig Triple Wood 48% abv
Three types of cask were used to create this new expression. The first maturation is in American Oak ex bourbon barrels, it is then transferred to 19thcentury style Quarter Cask for a second maturation and the final maturation in European oak ex Oloroso Sherry butts, they combine to great effect.
£39.95

COMING SOON

Glendronach Single Cask Whiskies
From one of our favourite distilleries we are delighted to offer six single cask bottlings ranging from 17 to 40 years old, each beautifully sherried. Distillery tasting notes below.
Very limited quantities available so please act quickly.

Glendronach 1971, 40 year old, Pedro Ximenez Puncheon 48.5% abv
Appearance Crimson ‘King Maple Leaves’ on an Autumn woodland floor.
Nose Spicy and fully of life. A basket of freshly picked brambles and raspberries. Huge coffee and roasted walnut structure.
Palate Powerful and full flavoured. Nuts, chocolate and dried Mediterranean fruits including figs, dates and sweet raisins.
£430

Glendronach 1972, 39 year old, Oloroso Butt 49.9% abv
Appearance Deep rich gold with pronounced red wood appearance.
Nose Beautifully aromatic and intense. Floral qualities, combined with the fabulous classic sherried influence. Apple, plum and damson flavours, ride upon the crest of a wave of sweet raisins.
Palate Bold and invigorating, but still full laden with class and maturity. Red grapes, and dense fruit cake drenched with date syrup and sweet spice reduction.
£385

Glendronach 1989, 21 year old, Pedro Ximenez Puncheon 54.1% abv
Appearance Full gold with an amber influence.
Nose Fragrant citrus notes of mandarins and Clementine’s, rounded off with the dessert qualities brought by the Pedro Ximinez casks.
Palate Sticky date traits, partnered together with a liberal helping of star anise and liquorice. A dryish finish develops derived from flavours of roasted cocoa nibs and toasted oak.
£89

Glendronach 1990, 20 year old, Pedro Ximenez Puncheon 50.1% abv
Appearance Dense antique redwood with a bright gold edge.
Nose Hints of leather and polished mahogany intermingle with a lively sweet sherry influence partnered with stewed prunes.
Palate Smooth, and well rounded. Sweet and oily. Chocolate sauce with pronounced confectionary elements.
£83

Glendronach 1992, 19 year old, Oloroso Butt 59.2% abv
Appearance Rich cherry wood. Almost tawny leading to a yellow edge.
Nose Complex toasted oak aromas with an almost earthy presence. This is pursued with treacle, nuts and wild honey.
Palate A solid platform of sherry, spiced fruit and toasted nuts with a surreal balance of vanilla and honey. Long and well crafted.
£78

Glendronach 1994, 17 year old, Oloroso Butt 60.1% abv
Appearance Heavily stewed tea. Dark amber-red.
Nose Dense and very intense aromatics. Rich sherry and bitter chocolate influence. Almost a hint of fine Italian leather.
Palate Liquorice, aniseed and toasted hazelnuts develop around a foundation of chocolate orange sauce and rich old oloroso sherry.
£67

Ardbeg Aligator
Ardbeg Aligator will be with us in September. Get your requests in early to save disappointment!

UPCOMING TASTING EVENTS
Finally, for an evening of fun and a bit of learning you just can’t beat a whisky tasting.

Peated Whisky, 20thSeptember 6.30pm – 8.30pm
When tasting that smoky, earthy flavour most people immediately think of Islay whisky, however there are other areas of Scotland and indeed other countries that are now starting to produce excellent peated whiskies. Expect to taste some rare editions of old favourites as well as some quirky alternatives from ‘the rest of the world’ and discover the best peated whisky available today.
£45 per person – Only 10 spaces remaining

To place an order please visit www.milroys.co.uk ,
call Lee on 020 7437 2385
or email Lee.Tomlinson@milroys.co.uk
Milroys
3 Greek Street
London, Eng W1D 4NX

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY WHISKEYS RECEIVE TOP HONORS IN INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRITS COMPETITION

Three Whiskeys Named “Best in Class”

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Aug. 2011) – Buffalo Trace Distillery once again solidified its standing as the world’s most award-winning distillery with honors from the 2011 International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC), results of which were released on July 27. Taking top honors were several Buffalo Trace whiskeys, including:

· Gold Medal, Best in Class—Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey

· Gold Medal, Best in Class—William Larue Weller Uncut, Unfiltered Bourbon

· Silver Medal, Best in Class—George T. Stagg Uncut, Unfiltered Bourbon

Also winning Gold Medals were Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 15 Year Old Bourbon, Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Uncut, Unfiltered Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, and Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon.

Silver Medal winners include Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Eagle Rare Single Barrel Bourbon, Eagle Rare 17 Year Old Bourbon, and Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 20 Year Old Bourbon.

In total, Buffalo Trace Distillery entered 22 whiskeys in the competition, and 18 of them won awards. Of the Gold Medal Winner, Best in Class for Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey, the judges noted, “… Beautiful structure and enormous surge appears in the full paced finish. A fascinating whiskey.”

The IWSC is the fourth spirits competition Buffalo Trace Distillery has entered this year, bringing the grand total of medals awarded to the Distillery to 82 for this year alone.

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.

Whisky Lounge Update – Festivals, Masterclasses Part 2

Hi all,

Apologies for the rapid succession of emails but there is so much going on and I am trying to keep it together!

A couple of things to add to the last email, first of all;

Brighton Whisky Festival
3rd September 2011

Please note the above event starts at 11am and finishes at 4pm. A few of you have rightly pointed out that the events page of the website had it as starting at 4pm which it definitely doesn’t! Apologies for the confusion but I am keen that nobody turns up at 4pm expecting a Whisky Festival!!

Manchester Whisky Festival Masterclasses
15th October 2011

Again, the eagle-eyed among you were quick off the mark in telling me I had not included these in the last email. Quite right, I didn’t and I’m not quite sure why if I’m honest with you!
They have been on the Facebook page since then, but here they are in their entirety…

Early Session
11.45am-1.00pm
Auchentoshan – Zoran Peric £7.50
Once, along with Campbeltown, the hot-bed of whisky production, the Lowlands are now limited to only a handful of distilleries. Of these only Auchentoshen still employs the Lowland tradition of triple-distillation making it unique in the industry. Come and find out and taste more at this fascinating class…

1.30-2.45pm
Tales from the Solera, Glenfiddich – Jamie Milne £7.50
The 15 Year Old ‘Solera Reserve’ version of this iconic Speyside distillery is often cited as many conoisseuer’s favourite. This tasting is a rare opportunity to see how it ‘ticks’. Join Jamie Milne as he guides you through samples from the three different types of casks used in the Solera Process to create Glenfiddich 15 years old as well as tasting a natural-strength version of the 15yo itself, taken straight from the Solera Vat in Warehouse 8 at Glenfiddich Distillery.

2.00-3.15pm
IWSC – Gold Medal Winners – Eddie Ludlow £15.00
The International Wine & Spirits Competition is the most prestigious drinks competition in the world. Eddie Ludlow, founder of the The Whisky Lounge, has proudly sat on the spirits panel for the last three years and would now like to share his experience with you. In this special class he presents six of this years gold medal winners and takes you through the process of judging whilst keeping you entertained with his usual sledgehammer wit and manner. Not to be missed.

(Late Session)
4.30-5.30pm
Whisky, what’s it all about?, TWL – Eddie Ludlow £5.00
Join Eddie, founder of The Whisky Lounge, on a compact yet informative and fun tasting to help prepare you for the day to come…

5.00-6.15pm
King Car, Taiwanese Whisky – Ian Chang £7.50
So having brought you Japanese Whisky, Indian Whisky – even Welsh Whisky, ‘what next’ I hear you cry! Well here it is. King Car, under the Kavalan name, beat up some Scotch Whiskies last year in a blind tasting when it was still unavailable in the UK. Now they’re back with new bottlings and the man responsible for it all to tell you all about it. This is their first outing in EUROPE so this class represents a massive opportunity!
You could be telling your friends that you were there when Taiwanese Whisky began its world domination…

6.00-7.15pm
Six of the Best, Diageo – Colin Dunn £10.00
Crowd favourite Colin returns to Manchester with a bang! Aware that he is under pressure to provide something special to the regular Mancunian stalwarts as well as the newbies, he is putting on something a bit special for you. Quite simple – six of Colin’s favourite whiskies from the current Diageo range, from Mortlach to Linkwood, and Caol Ila Moch to Talisker 57 North. Should be a real cracker…
Colin Dunn is one of the foremost UK Brand Ambassadors in the UK and is a one-man whisky entertainment system.

Remember, all of the Masterclasses are sold on a first come, first served basis so please do not hesitate to ‘pull the trigger’.

To book onto any of the above classes first of all purchase your general entry ticket, then email info@thewhiskylounge.com  with your class requirements and a daytime phone number. We will then contact you to confirm your booking.

Right, that’s definitely it for now but I am really looking forward to seeing most of you over the coming months!
End of year tastings will be announced soon!

Slainte!
Eddie

Eddie Ludlow
Whisky Evangelist

thewhiskylounge
www.thewhiskylounge.com
eddie@thewhiskylounge.com
IWSC Spirit Panel Judge 2009-present

Abhainn Dearg 3 Year Old Special Edition Single Malt

If you visited the distillery, or phoned to put your name down for a bottle prior to it going online PLEASE EMAIL TO CONFIRM YOUR ORDER.

Bottles are going fast and we need confirmation of all ‘early’ requests. With only 2011 bottles once it’s gone – it’s gone!

This is genuine Whisky History, the first ever legal whisky distilled, bottled and produced from Abhainn Dearg Distillery and the Outer Hebridean Archipelago. There can only ever be one ‘First Special Edition’ one ‘First Ever Single Malt to be Released’ and this is it!

Just a quick footnote to say THANK YOU to all our followers and friends out there, your support is very much appreciated!

Sincerely

All at Abhainn Dearg Distillery www.abhainndearg.co.uk

A Rare Dalmore Single Malt Scotch Tasting for Brandy Library’s Whisky Lovers, Tuesday, August 30th, 2011

 
Our friends at Dalmore are treating you with rare expressions from the company, and you’re invited to the tasting: there are just a few seats available, so you must RSVP, and if you do so, make sure you can make it!

RSVP: info@brandylibrary.com by August 26th

Chris Watt, International Brand Manager for The Dalmore presents a “Royal Stag” event, tasting the Dalmore Single Malt Whiskies and introducing the MacKinlay’s Rare Old Highland Malt Whisky, on Tuesday, August 30th at 6 pm at LouCás Restaurant, located at 9 Lincoln Highway, Edison, NJ 08820

Sincerely,
Flavien Desoblin
Brandy Library, 212-226-5545

www.ralfy.com fends ooff an attack of a sherry-monster with whisky review 214 – Ben Nevis 25yo (cask 98/35/12)

Quality in Quantity as Chivas Brothers Whiskies Scoop Top Awards at the International Wine and Spirit Competition

Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, is celebrating after winning a covetable Trophy, an impressive five Gold ‘Best in Class’ medals and two Gold awards at this year’s prestigious International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC).

The Glenlivet, the world’s No 2 single malt Scotch whisky, continued its legacy as the original and inspiring single malt by claiming the IWSC Cask Strength Scotch Whisky Trophy for The Glenlivet Founders Reserve. Launched to mark the expansion of The Glenlivet distillery in 2010, the bottling pays tribute to the whisky’s founder George Smith and reflects the year of its foundation with the limited release of just 1,824 bottles.

Further triumph for The Glenlivet came when Gold ‘Best in Class’ medals were awarded to The Glenlivet 18 Year Old and The Glenlivet 21 Year Old Archive. The brand also picked up a Gold medal for its bold and innovative expression, The Glenlivet Nádurra Cask Strength 16 Year Old.

Chivas Brothers’ extensive blended Scotch whisky portfolio also scooped ‘Best in Class’ Golds for Ballantine’s 17 Year Old and Royal Salute 21 Year Old.

Aberlour, a leading single malt Scotch whisky in France, scooped two of the top accolades in the competition, including a Gold ‘Best in Class’ for the Aberlour Double Cask Matured 16 Year Old and Gold for the 18 Year Old expression.

Christian Porta, Chairman and CEO of Chivas Brothers, said: “We are delighted with these exceptional IWSC results, which are testament to the quality of our comprehensive portfolio of Scotch whiskies. Recognition from the IWSC’s expert panel of judges not only reinforces our position as an authority within the industry, it also highlights the craftsmanship and dedication of our master distillers and blenders.”

The IWSC was founded in 1969 to promote and reward the quality and excellence of the world’s best wines, spirits and liqueurs. Winners are selected following a rigorous two-stage judging process of professional blind tasting and a detailed technical analysis. The competition is backed by a group of vice-presidents made up of the most influential men and women in the trade and a judging panel of industry experts. This year’s competition received entries from almost 80 countries.

Notes:

International Wine and Spirit Competition Results:

The IWSC Cask Strength Scotch Whisky Trophy
The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve 21 Year Old

Gold Best in Class
The Glenlivet 18 Year Old
The Glenlivet 21 Year Old Archive
Aberlour 16 Year Old Double Cask Matured
Ballantine’s 17 Year Old
Royal Salute 21 Year Old

Gold
The Glenlivet Nádurra Cask Strength 16 Year Old
Aberlour 18 Year Old

Chivas Brothers
Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits. Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin. Its portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater Gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth Gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport.

In July 2010, Chivas Brothers launched The Age Matters campaign to help consumers understand the importance of Scotch whisky age statements.

For further information: Visit: www.chivasbrothers.com

New Whisky & Music Festival in London 24th & 25th September,  2011
—————————————————————————–

Pure Festival is a new kind of whisky event for music and whisky lovers. Taking place at The Garage in London over two days the festival boasts an excellent line up of bands on two stages. For more information visit http://www.purefestival.com

Whiskies on offer include esteemed Scottish single malts such as Ardbeg, Talisker and AnCnoc, Irish whiskey from independent distillery Cooley and premium blends such as Whyte and Mackay and Dewar’s. Well respected whisky writer, Dominic Roskrow is curating a stand where festival goers have a chance to try some of the World Whisky Masters medal winners, featuring some sensational whiskies from around the world.

The Musical line up features whisky loving artists and some of the most innovative artists around including the Danish pop-noir of The Raveonettes, James Yorkston’s laptop folk and Electric Soft Parade’s understated, anthemic, indie-rock. Moody and marvellous madrigal maidens, Smoke Fairies are a much talked about act, former Beta Band man Steve Mason is a much revered live performer while Kassidy’s harmonious pop and Charlie Waller’s rebellious soul music make for a host of sumptuous aural delights. Newly announced are celebrated former Brit Pop man Martin Rossiter and Hatcham Social and who bring their hook heavy, killer pop songs.

A host of much talked about new artists are also on display including Electricity In Our Homes, Sissy and the Blisters, Shake Tiger Shake, Ray Edwards Group, Heart Kill Giant, Roxanne De Bastion and The Cellophane Flowers. Pure festival has collaborated with respected music promoters Fierce Panda and Rock Feedback to secure some of the most exciting names in music right now.

The festival is being organised by Whisky Social Network http://www.connosr.com and who are on a mission to bring whisky to new and wider audiences.

Pure Festival is the perfect event if you love your music and want to dive deeper into the world of whisky. If you’re a seasoned whisky connoisseur you’ll find plenty to keep you occupied with Dominic Roskrow pouring some smashing world whiskies and the likes of Whyte & Mackay bringing their full range up to the Whyte & Mackay 22 years old

Whisky sampling will take place with distillers leading Pure festival goers through their individual whiskies between 4pm and 7pm. Festival goers will be able to move at their leisure from one distiller’s stand to another, sampling whichever whiskies they wish to taste as part of their ticket price and enjoying the music. Pure aims to educate people on Whisky in a fun and informative way and the festival is a unique opportunity to sample a number of fantastic whiskies in a relaxed, informal setting. Brown spirits are enjoying a huge renaissance in the UK from both male and females and there is a real demand to know more about the origins and the marked differences in different brands.

Ticket price and link – £28.50 – http://www.hmvtickets.com/events/3900

Full line up – http://www.purefestival.com

Open 4-10pm. Whisky tasting 4-7pm

Age 18+

The Smoke Fairies

The Kensington Wine Market is proud to announce the official launch a 70 year old whisky at two exclusive tastings: Thursday August 25th and Friday August 26th 2011. These sold out tastings ($200/person), which are being conducted by Michael Urquhart, Co-Managing Director of Gordon & MacPhail, are expected to raise up to $3,500.00 for a local charity. The whisky, Gordon & MacPhail’s Generations Glenlivet 1940 70 Year Old, will be available from the Kensington Wine Market, after August 26 at the price of $21,999.99 for a 700ml bottle and $5,999.99 for a 200ml bottle. The Glenlivet 1940 ties a record, also held by Gordon & MacPhail, for the oldest whisky ever bottled. It will be sold exclusively by the Kensington Wine Market in Canada, along with five other Gordon & MacPhail Glenlivet vintages, one from each of five decades: 1950-1990. Together they are one of the most unique and interesting whisky collections every put up for sale.

More About the Gordon & MacPhail Generations Glenlivet 1940 70 Year

– Bottled after 70 years in a single First Fill Sherry Butt.

– Filled into bottle at 45.9%

– Only 100 numbered 700ml decanters available worldwide; 2 in Canada.

– Only 175 numbered 200ml decanters available worldwide; 10 in Canada

– The hand blown crystal decanters are in the shape of a tear and have a British Hallmarked silver stopper.

– The decanter is cradled in a sterling silver base, in a bespoke Scottish Elm box handmade in Scotland.

More About the Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection Decades Bottlings

1. Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection Glenlivet 5 Decade Set – 50 Sets Available World Wide– Only 1 set to Alberta – 1 bottle each of the following vintages: 1954, 1963, 1974, 1980 and 1991. – $5664.99

2. Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection Glenlivet 1954 – 56 Year – 135 bottles – Only 6 bottles to Alberta – 50.6% – First Fill Sherry Hogshead – Tasting Notes to Come in a Future Malt Messenger – $2193.99

3. Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection Glenlivet 1963 – 47 Year – 169 bottles – Only 6 bottles to Alberta – 40.6% – First Fill American Oak Hogshead – Tasting Notes to Come in a Future Malt Messenger – $1325.99

4. Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection Glenlivet 1974 – 36 Year – 189 bottles – Only 6 bottles to Alberta – 50.1% – First Fill Sherry Hogshead – Tasting Notes to Come in a Future Malt Messenger – $923.99

5. Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection Glenlivet 1980 – 30 Year – 61 bottles – Only 3 bottles to Alberta – 48.5% – Refill American Oak Hogshead – Tasting Notes to Come in a Future Malt Messenger – $496.99

6. Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection Glenlivet 1991 – 19 Year – 203 bottles – Only 6 bottles to Alberta – 54.4% – Refill Sherry Hogshead – Tasting Notes to Come in a Future Malt Messenger – $202.99

More About Gordon & MacPhail

– Located in the north-east of Scotland in the heart of the world famous whisky producing region of Speyside, Gordon and MacPhail is an independent family owned and managed firm which has been bottling Single Malt Whiskies for over 115 years.

– From its humble beginnings as a retailer, Gordon and MacPhail has grown to become a diverse and dynamic company with a number of different business interests today which include the retailing, wholesaling, exporting, bottling and distilling of single malt Scotch whisky.

– Owned by the third and fourth generation of the Urquhart family, Gordon and MacPhail celebrate family values, embracing the philosophy that the future is shaped by what is done today and today is represented by what has been done in the past.

– In 1993 nearly 100 years after its founding the company fulfilled a long-time goal of acquiring their own distillery, Benromach.

More About Michael Urquhart – Co-Managing Director of Gordon & MacPhail

– Michael is part of the third generation to own and manage the 115 year old company. The 4th generation of the Urquhart family has also entered the business.

– A Chartered Accountant, Michael is responsible for the Finance and Export functions at Gordon & MacPhail.

– Since 2007 he has also taken over the responsibility for Whisky Production and Supply within the business.

– In 1999 he was made a Keeper of the Quaich in recognition of services of promotion of Scotch Whiskies worldwide and continues to travel extensively in this respect.

More About Kensington Wine Market

– One of the first private liquor stores in Canada.

– The doors opened on Friday, May 15, 1992, two-and-a-half years before the provincial government fully privatized the sale of alcohol.

– Richard Lindseth, a Calgary architect, and local businesswoman Nancy Carten, formed a partnership which became the Kensington Wine Market.

– We have grown from a small family of 4 employees to a larger one of 20 dedicated oenophiles, beer and whisky experts.

– From our humble origins we are recognized as one of the most respected liquor stores in Canada.

– Up to 1/3 of our wines are exclusively imported, we have an impressive selection of import and micro brewed beers and our whisky selection is second to none in the country.

o We select and bottle our own casks of whisky.

o Stock 40+ exclusive whiskies.

o And specialize acquiring the most rare and unique whiskies to find their way into Canada, like these Glenlivets.

More About Andrew Ferguson – Kensington Wine Market’s Scotch Whisky Expert

– One of Canada’s most respected authorities on Scotch whisky.

– First Canadian retailer to be inducted into the Keepers of the Quaich, and one of only 12 Canadians to be honoured by the organization.

– Has helped Kensington Wine Market become one of the most well known specialist whisky shops in North America.

– Writes a whisky newsletter distributed to nearly 5,000 recipients.

– Conducts tastings and Master Classes all over Canada.

– Organizes and leads week long small group premium Whisky Tours in Scotland.

More About Gold Medal Marketing and Andy Dunn

– Andy is one of the most well known promoters of Scotch whisky in western Canada, having spent the last 17 years working in the privatized Alberta liquor market.

– Andy started Gold Medal Marketing in 2000 after a number of decades working in various facets of the Western Canadian liquor industry.

– For his service to the Scotch Whisky industry Andy Dunn was made a Keeper of the Quaich (one of fewer than a dozen in Canada) in 2008.

– Gold Medal Marketing represents more than 125 brands in Alberta and is specialized in Scotch whisky, representing:

1. Gordon & MacPhail

2. Benromach

3. Springbank

4. WM Cadenhead

5. Tullibardine

6. Kilchoman

7. And others.

Morning dew now appearing – time for an Hakuro cocktail

London  August 2011: Some are excited to see the first appearances of morning dew, others become slightly depressed because summer is becoming just a memory.

With their 24 seasons the Japanese have just the answer, time to mix two very appropriate cocktails for the month of September. These are from a range of seasonal cocktails created by Zoran Peric, Suntory Brand Ambassador.

Hibiki Hakuro is the cocktail to banish the blues or to celebrate the coming of the cooler seasons when dew appears.

Hakushu Shuubun will repeat the effect in the second half of September, time of the Autumn Equinox.

Hakuro – when the white morning dew appears

That fall in temperature is the wake-up call for an Hibiki Hakuro cocktail.

Hibiki Hakuro : 50ml Hibiki 17 Year Old Blended

Malt whisky

50ml Sugarcane juice

2.5ml Milk thistle

Pour ingredients over ice, stir thoroughly

Serve in a chunky highball glass

Garnish with a twist of orange

Shuubun – the time of the Autumn Equinox

For that balance between celebration or banishing the blues try an Hakushu Shuubun.

Hakushu Shuubun: 50ml Hakushu 12 Year Old

Single Malt whisky

20ml Yuzu juice

20ml Gomme syrup

1 Egg white

Shake ingredients thoroughly and pour into a cocktail goblet

Garnish with lemon twist

Suntory Japanese whiskies are world beaters having won more than 60 international awards since 2003 and whisky lovers have taken to them. There is something about their subtle aromas and delicate flavours which appeals to the palate whether taken neat, over ice or in cocktails.

Hakushu 12 year old Single Malt whisky and Hibiki 17 year old Blended Malt whisky are firm favourites in Japan and here in Europe. Taste them at their best in the Hibiki Hakuro and Hakushu Shuubun cocktails above.

Note: Pronouncing Suntory names

Yamazaki – (Ya-ma-zarkee)

Hakushu – (Ha-koo-shoe)

Hibiki – (Hi-bi-kee)

Yamazaki single malt whiskies are available from: Selfridges, Harvey Nicols, The Whisky Exchange, independent specialist retailers and www.drinkon.com priced from:

Hakushu 12 year old £52

Hibiki 17 year old £70

The Yamazaki range of single malt whiskies from Suntory is distributed in the UK by Cellar Trends. For all sales enquiries contact: sales@cellartrends.co.uk