GEORGE T. STAGG NAMED TOP SPIRIT IN THE WORLD 2011

American Bourbon Beats Scotch Whisky!

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (July,  2011) – George T. Stagg, the iconic uncut, unfiltered bourbon released annually from Buffalo Trace Distillery, has been named the number one spirit in the world, knocking off the perennial favorite Highland Park 18 Scotch Whisky for the first time since 2005. The list, compiled annually by noted sprits reviewer F. Paul Pacult, was released in his June 2011 issue of The Spirit Journal. The George T. Stagg is also the first American Whiskey to ever be named number one in The Spirit Journal’s 13 years of tabulating.

Notes Pacult, “This version (2010) of the GT Stagg is the latest layer in an incredible body of work performed by Buffalo Trace Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley that deserves to be recognized as genuinely great.”

The George T. Stagg Bourbon Whiskey is part of the Antique Collection that is released each fall from Buffalo Trace Distillery. Long considered the frontrunner of the Collection, the Stagg has collected numerous awards over the years, including the 2011 Ultimate Spirits Competition Chairman’s Trophy Winner; 2011 Double Gold Winner, Best Bourbon, San Francisco World Spirits Competition; the 2010 American Whiskey of the Year from Jim Murray’s 2010 Whiskey Bible; 2009 Bourbon of the Year and Best Bourbon Aged 13-17 Years from Jim Murray’s 2009 Whiskey Bible; and the Best in Class in the 2009 New York Spirits Awards, among others.

“This is such an honor,” notes Harlen Wheatley, master distiller at Buffalo Trace Distillery. “To be the top spirit, not just the top whiskey, but top spirit, in the world, and then to find out it’s the first American Whiskey to hold that distinction is quite a privilege – especially coming from someone as well respected in the industry as Paul.”

Adds Pacult in his review, “This is more of a clarion call that American whiskey distillers run with the best of Scotland and Ireland and, in some cases, like GT Stagg, eclipse them.”

The 2011 version of the George T. Stagg will be released later this fall with the Antique Collection. Suggested retail pricing of the Stagg is $69.99.

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. To download images from Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracemediakit.com .

Whisky Archive will be hosting a tasting at Guerrero Gallery in San Francisco Thursday July 28

The “Tour de Scotland” tasting will begin at 7:00 and end at 9:00 pm.

Tickets $75.00 each ($65 this week only) – Please book your ticket early as we have very limited availability in order to keep the event intimate and educational.

Event Details:

Whether you’re new to single malt or an experienced connoisseur, this tasting will be appropriate for all knowledge levels. In addition there will be complimentary Hors D’oeuvres for guests.

At this tasting, whisky specialist Mark Cassidy share his knowledge and passion.

We will be sampling:

•Lowland: Glenkinchie 12 yr
•Speyside: Benromach Organic               
•Highland: Glenglassaugh Fledgling XB
•Island: Highland Park 12 yr
•Campbeltown: Springbank 12 yr
•Islay: Kilchoman Exclusive

Location:
Guerrero Gallery
2700 19th Street
San Francisco, CA 94110

Tasting Notes:

•New, edgy and delicious, exclusive and ending with peaty
•The Glenglassaugh is so new (under 3 yrs) it can’t be called whisky – described as: sharp, sweet & fruity
•The Benromach Organic – only 2 single malt organics in the world – described as: dry, citrus, fragrant
•Kilchoman – the newest distillery in Scotland – about 5 yrs old – first one built on Islay for over 120 yrs – this cask is exclusive to The Whisky Shop – described as: peppery, peaty, green apple
•Springbank – newest release – just been out 3 weeks

About Mark Cassidy:

Mark Stewart Cassidy is “the” Scotch whisky specialist at The Whisky Shop, located in downtown San Francisco, where he has served discriminating clientele since February 2002.

Mark grew up in Dunblane, Scotland. He is a graduate of the University of Glasgow, is a Scottish Historian and well knows Scotland’s Whisky Trail!

Mark is clearly defined by his insatiable thirst for whisky! Mark is in demand throughout the year for his single malt Scotch whisky tastings. He also provides orations on the life, times and poetry of Robert Burns, especially in January, at the many Burns’ Suppers that are held in the Greater Bay Area. Additionally, he performs “parlour readings” on, amongst many other topics, Scotland and San Francisco’s historic ties.

A formidable researcher and creative writer, Mark has a specialty niche writing introductions to books, art shows, web sites and magazines for artists worldwide. He was recently published in Baseline Typographics Magazine, a piece titled “Stone Cairns”. He’s also published in Hasselblad Magazines, in four languages worldwide, and been featured in the Bay Area section of the NY Times when he gave a tasting at Omnivore Books in Noe Valley.

As Robert Burns said …”a man’s a man for all that”!

Tickets may be purchased at http://whiskyarchive.eventbrite.com/

Highland Park 25yo (48.1%, OB, +/-2010)

The nose is slightly diesel oily with some good malt, some very good notes that are characteristic of Highland Park along with some very good sweetness. This is not a giant collection of aromas but some what subtle but still very good; they all work very well together. Perhaps a tinge of smoke lurking in the back ground? Time in the glass only improves the overall collection of aromas. The taste is honeyed with some good malt moments and lashings of orange and citrus, dry cake, wet cotton and a hint of smoke (or not) it’s quite vague. But it’s all very good. The finish is warming, long, sweetish and tinged with some good oak moments. Some more of the citrus and now some oak spice along with a little tobacco (unlit like when you crumble a cigarette and smell the tobacco in your hands). Dried fruits (apricots, apples & peaches.

Huzzah! Well done

$283 or £135 from the Whisky Exchange

Score 91 points

If I was to say Earl Magnus and Saint Magnus, I am pretty confident that you will say what about Earl Haakon? Well for some time now Highland Park fans around the world have been patiently waiting for the third, and final, edition in Highland Park’s Magnus Series.

But now I can exclusively reveal to you, and only you as an Inner Circle member and foot soldier in the Highland Park army, that Earl Haakon will be available from today.

The long-awaited and much anticipated Earl Haakon continues the story from the Orkney Inga Saga but reflects the darker, more sinister character by bringing the murderous cousin into the spotlight. Whilst the first two bottlings in the Series celebrated the influential 11th century Earl Magnus who was canonised to become Saint Magnus only 20 years after his untimely death, his cousin Haakon was far closer to the warmongering and violent Viking of legend. It was in fact Haakon who ordered the death of Earl Magnus under the most deceitful and murderous of circumstances.
 
The story of Magnus and Haakon is truly legendary in Orkney. The two were joint rulers of Orkney for a period of peace and harmony however things changed and they become enemies. Legend has it that the two agreed to meet for a peace meeting but the treacherous Haakon sailed up with eight fully-equipped warships, outnumbering Magnus and sealing his fate. Haakon had won the battle for supremacy over Orkney but it is Magnus who is remembered today.

Earl Haakon adopts the character of its namesake through 18 year old cask strength single malt giving a character-busting ABV of 54.9%. This Orcadian beast encapsulates the spirit of Haakon, a true berserker and warrior, to capture the depth of flavour of Highland Park’s multi-award wining 18 year old but adding a new dimension achieved through one vatting.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Rich russet, clear and bright
Nose: Shellac, hot fudge, gingercake, lemon zest and blackcurrants with a hint of damsons
Palate: Sweet vanilla, wood smoke, cedarwood and ginger
Finish: Lingering spiciness, medium sweet and long

This time around we are only making 3,300 bottles for the whole world, so I would set pretty good odds that this will sell out in record time and build on the success of both Earl Magnus and Saint Magnus. Earl Haakon will be available from www.highlandpark.co.uk at a RRP of £160.

I do hope that you will act quickly and take advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity, as I’ve no doubt that Earl Haakon will become a legend in the history of Highland Park.

Slainte!

Gerry Tosh
Head of Brand Education,
Whisky Ambassador of the Year

August Outturn Previews: The Magic Number
THREE…terrific bottlings released early from our August Outturn. Buy 50.44, 73.43 & 93.45 for £132.20 (save £15)

50.44 A pleasant little charmer
Lowland
£56.50 inc free p&p
This little charmer pleasantly surprised us all – the nose had tropical fruits (orange, pear, lychee, glacé cherries) sunny splashes of flowers (violet, jasmine, geranium), grass and toffee and rum-and-raisin fudge

73.43 Meadow flowers and herbs de Provence
Speyside Deveron
£47.50 inc free p&p
The nose started clean and fresh with fruit (green apple, pineapple) flowers (lilies), butterscotch and polished wood, turning herbal later (herbes de Provence we were assured)

93.45 An unusual sweetie shop
Campbeltown
£43.20 inc free p&p
Treacle toffee, liquorice, aniseed, tattoo ink (what?) and moist ginger cake followed each other in rapid succession: a dark, rich nose, with a hint of yoghurt and a sweet, spicy taste of plain chocolate Smarties (and their tube!)

JULY SUMMER SIPPING SAVINGS (Offers ending soon):
SPORTY PAIR: 1.158 & 76.83 only £89.90 (save £10)
1.158 Cricketer’s Dram
76.83 Cocktails after rugby

Za Za Zoom Trio:
125.45, 36.53 & 29.101 for £135.40 (save £15)
125.45 Complex and thought-provoking
36.53 Syrupy zestiness
29.101 Tarred, feathered and set on fire

Harmonious six: All of the above PLUS 7.66 for
£283.70 (save £30)
7.66 Harmonious co-existence of flavour

Browse all bottlings  (66 single casks online)

Society Tastings & Events (55 Society tastings online)
Wokingham Preview Tasting – Cantley House, Fri 22 July
Falkirk Wheel Tasting – Queen Street, Thu 28 July
New Members Tasting – London, Thu 28 July
Greenock Prevew Tasting – The Tontine Hotel, Fri 29 July
Tunbridge Wells Preview Tasting – Hotel du Vin, Fri 29 July
Stirling Preview Tasting – Golden Lion Hotel, Fri 29 July
Blind Man Bluff – The Vaults, Fri 29 July

More Society tastings

Edinburgh Festival Fever: August is on the horizon
The Edinburgh Festival is nearly upon us, get your tickets NOW for our Big Malt Hitters events with Jim McEwan of Bruichladdich & John Campbell, Distillery Manager at Laphroaig. And your taste-buds are in for a treat; the casks we’ve squirreled away for our three-dram Tutored Tastings are fantastic!
Don’t miss out…. More

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society,
The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ
Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm).

Visit the Society at http://www.smws.co.uk/memberships for your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers. 

Benromach to Share the Secret with the Arts

Gordon & MacPhail, owners of Benromach Single Malt Scotch Whisky, is sponsoring the National Theatre of Scotland’s successful production The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart, in the company’s first major venture into the arts.

The new partnership has been successful in securing a Scottish Government Arts & Business New Arts Grant, designed to build private sector sponsorship of the arts, and has made it possible for Benromach to sponsor the show for its entire six week run.

The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart takes theatre into pubs and other unlikely venues, where stories are told, re-told, sung and passed on. It’s an evening of supernatural storytelling, music and theatre inspired by the Border Ballads, Robert Burns and the poems of Robert Service. The show opens at Òran Mór in Glasgow on 21 July 2011 before transferring to Ghillie Dhu for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe from 2 – 27 August 2011.

Commenting on the sponsorship, David Urquhart Joint Managing Director of Gordon & MacPhail, owners of the Benromach Distillery in Forres, said:

“The National Theatre of Scotland is the perfect partner for Benromach. It is a pleasure to be associated with such an individual and artistic performance, which we feel reflects many of the distinctive qualities of the various expressions of our malt whisky. We look forward to the continued success of The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart and to being able to share the secret of Benromach with the audience.”

In atmospheric pubs in Glasgow and Edinburgh audiences can look forward to an afternoon of anarchic theatre, haunting folk music, wild karaoke and strange goings-on. Watching with a refreshment to hand is recommended.

The tale of Prudencia Hart, an uptight academic, follows her as she sets off to attend a conference one wintery morning in Kelso in the Scottish Borders. As the snow begins to fall, little does she know who or what awaits her there. Her wild journey through the night takes her into and out of different supernatural and natural realms looking for folk songs.

Elly Rothnie, Development Director, National Theatre of Scotland is delighted to welcome Benromach on board as sponsors. She said:

“2011 is a milestone year for us as we celebrate five years of being Scotland’s national theatre and the partnership with Benromach is a wonderful birthday present.

“The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart is a terrific show that showcases some of Scotland’s finest contemporary artistic talent in the unique atmosphere of traditional Scottish pubs and we know it will provide a fantastic platform for the Benromach brand.”

Those attending the performance will be invited to sample Benromach 10 Years Old, Benromach Organic or Benromach Peat Smoke at the bar after the performance and will also receive a miniature of Benromach Traditional to take away.

Located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres, the Benromach Distillery is one of Scotland’s best-kept secrets. From Speyside’s smallest whisky distillery emerged a single malt with distinctive qualities reflecting its exclusive hand-made credentials as well as encapsulating the self-reliance, sophistication and modern values of Scotland today.

Just two experienced distillers create Benromach using the finest Scottish barley and the purest spring water from the nearby Romach Hills. They personally ensure that only the highest quality spirit is filled into sturdy oak casks before being left to mature at Benromach Distillery for many years.

Notes:

About Benromach

Established in 1898, Benromach distillery changed hands many times and was virtually derelict when bought by Gordon & MacPhail in 1993. Drawing on generations of whisky expertise, the company carried out a painstaking refurbishment, and the distillery was officially re-opened by Prince Charles in 1998.

Just two men hand-craft Benromach using the finest Scottish barely and the purest spring water from the nearby Romach Hills. They fill new spirit into the highest quality casks before being left to mature at the distillery for many years. The Benromach portfolio includes the award winning Benromach 10 Years Old and the first fully certified organic single malt – Benromach Organic.

Benromach expressions include:

Benromach Ten Years Old

Benromach Ten Years Old is created from the finest Scottish barley and pure spring water from the nearby Romach hills. After being matured for at least ten years, it emerges golden in colour and displays rich fruit, sweet chocolate and delicate spicy aromas. With a rich sherry influence, the mouth-watering palate coats the senses with exotic fruit flavours, toasted malt and a delicate hint of smoke.

Benromach Traditional

A rich and mellow single malt with fruit and malty tones, balanced with a hint of smoke.

Benromach Peat Smoke

Full bodied, intense and challenging with a smoky character, yet balanced with the fruity elegance of Speyside.

Benromach Origins

A series of special bottlings crafted to highlight how small changes in the art of whisky-making can help to shape the character of the final single malt.

Please visit www.benromach.com for details.

About the National Theatre of Scotland

The National Theatre of Scotland is supported by the Scottish Government. Since its launch in February 2006, the National Theatre of Scotland has been involved in creating 137 update productions in 125 update different locations. With no building of its own, the Company takes theatre all over Scotland and beyond, working with existing and new venues and companies to create and tour theatre of the highest quality. It takes place in the great buildings of Scotland, but also in site-specific locations, airports and tower blocks, community halls and drill halls, ferries and forests. The company has performed to almost 600,000 people, across three continents. www.nationaltheatrescotland.com

MILROY’S OF SOHO JULY NEWSLETTER

First off this month we have a quick run through of our newest arrivals, advance notice of a pair of gems (don’t delay in placing an order, especially at our exclusive Newsletter prices) and we wrap up with news on a couple of upcoming tasting events.

IN STOCK NOW

Kilchoman 100% Islay
Made from barley, grown, malted, distilled, matured and bottled at the distillery.
Exclusive Newsletter Offer Price £67.95
More info

Bowmore 1982, 29 Years Old
Aged in North American Oak, this is an extremely limited edition of only 501 bottles.
Exclusive Newsletter Offer Price £280

Yamazaki 1984
Voted the World’s Best Single Malt at the 2011 World Whisky Awards, the whisky is a perfect marriage of Japanese ‘Mizunara’, American and European oak casks. Extremely Limited Release.
£550

Longrow 18 Years Old
The fantastic new Longrow 18 is already sold out in many stores across the UK, but we still have a small amount left. So be quick!
£95
More info

COMING SOON

Glenfiddich Snow Phoenix
The long awaited return of the Snow Phoenix has finally come to an end…well almost. The Phoenix will be landing in store soon, so make sure you pre-order one now.
Exclusive Newsletter Offer Price £50

Auchentoshan 1975, 35 Years
Only 499 bottles at cask strength (46.9% abv) so order soon to avoid disappointment.
Exclusive Newsletter Offer Price £325

UPCOMING TASTING EVENTS

For an evening of fun, entertainment and a bit of learning you just can’t beat a whisky tasting.

Peated Whisky, 20th September 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
More info

How to taste Whisky, 4th October 6.30pm – 8.30pm
The perfect introduction to the world of whisky, this tasting is a must for those who are just starting to discover whisky and all its joys, as well as a great gift for those whose passion and palate for whisky is ever growing. All will become clear and you will leave with a broader understanding of this wonderful elixir.
£45 per person
More info

To place an order please visit www.milroys.co.uk
call Lee on 020 7437 2385 or email Lee.Tomlinson@milroys.co.uk

Our mailing address is:

Milroys
3 Greek Street
London, Eng W1D 4NX

New name adopted DUNCAN TAYLOR SCOTCH WHISKY LTD will help clarify our focus and will occupy all stationary and branding in the future. We have also refreshed our logo to bring us up-to-date. The Latin, Fons et Origo means “from the source”, underlining our provenance. 

We are proud to announce that Black Bull 12 Year Old has been judged best in its field as ‘Best Blended Scotch Whisky 12 Years and Under’ at the World Whiskies Awards 2011.  Black Bull 12’s unique 50% Malt, 50% Grain, 50% ABV profile highlights our dedication to uncompromised quality and delivers a boldly refined, world leading scotch.

Visit Duncan Taylor at http://www.duncantaylor.com/

United States – Bourbon and Rye

Buffalo Trace Single Oak Project #100 375ml – 1 available ($199.99)

Buffalo Trace Single Oak Project #131 375ml – 1 available ($199.99)

Buffalo Trace Single Oak Project #132 375ml – 1 available ($199.99)

Buffalo Trace Single Oak Project #163 375ml – 1 available ($199.99)

Buffalo Trace Single Oak Project #164 375ml – 1 available ($199.99)

Buffalo Trace Single Oak Project #3 375ml – 1 available ($199.99)

Buffalo Trace Single Oak Project #35 375ml – 1 available ($199.99)

Buffalo Trace Single Oak Project #36 375ml – 1 available ($199.99)

Buffalo Trace Single Oak Project #4 375ml – 1 available ($199.99)

Buffalo Trace Single Oak Project #67 375ml – 1 available ($199.99)

Buffalo Trace Single Oak Project #68 375ml – 1 available ($199.99)

Buffalo Trace Single Oak Project #99 375ml – 1 available ($199.99)

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

WhiskyFest always sells out. Order your tickets now while they are still available.!

5th Annual WhiskyFest
San Francisco
Friday, October 7, 2011 | 6:30 – 9:30 pm
San Francisco Marriott Marquis

14th Annual WhiskyFest
New York
Tuesday, November 1, 2011 | 6:30 – 9:30 pm
New York Marriott Marquis

$4 handling charge per ticket. A per order fee of $4.50 applies to all telephone orders.
 
Tickets are on sale now at www.whiskyfest.com. Buy yours today to guarantee your spot at the premier event for whisky enthusiasts!

For additional information,  visit Malt Advocate on the web at www.whiskyfest.com