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Miner’s Delight Inn Second Saturday Scotch Sipping at Six – Scotch Whisky News

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Single Malt Scotch Whisky:

appreciation, elucidation, information

Second Saturday Scotch Sipping at Six

2nd Saturday    every 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 your choice from one of the six Scotch regions

    ♦  You pick your Connoisseur’s choice from our menu of 72 single malts

Peruse our whisky library. Learn about each of our single malts in Bob’s menu book: distillery info, tasting notes, prices, and more.  Light hors d’oeuvres included, and the saloon’s open to non-whisky drinkers.

February 12, 2011

Balblair 1997 *

Laphroaig Quarter Cask

Strathisla 12 yo

March 12, 2011

Singleton of Glendullan    12 yo *

Glenlivet Nadurra 16 yo

Ledaig 10 yo

http://www.minersdelightinn.com/

Bob at work...

Bob at work...

 

Universal Whisky Experience Las Vegas – MASTERCLASSES – Scotch Whisky News

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Master Classes – Saturday 19th March 2011

Guests of the ‘Nth 2011 Show’ will have the opportunity to purchase and attend from a choice of 19 Master Classes. Each class will be conducted by world-renowned brand ambassadors and include discussions and tasting flights of some of the rarest and finest premium whiskies.

Classes and presenters will be finalized as the 2011 Show date approaches. Please stay tuned for updates.

Class size is limited, so we encourage early booking once the classes are advertised.

Classes
MC1 – THE GLENLIVET – CELLAR COLLECTION VS CLASSIC RANGE

Brand Ambassador Rick Edwards will conduct a sampling of three rare marques from The Glenlivet: 1983 Cellar Collection, 1973 Cellar Collection, 1964 Cellar Collection as well as a comparison from two of the classic range counterparts, the 15year and the Nadurra.

MC2 – MACALLAN – A SENSORY EXPERIENCE

Mr Graeme Russell and Mr Eden Algie, The Macallan Brand Ambassadors, will host a unique sensory nosing and tasting experience and offer an educated insight into the creation of both the traditional Macallan Sherry oak whiskies and the newer fine oak series.

MC3 – GLENGLASSAUGH – A DISTILLERY REBORN

Stuart Nickerson Managing Director of Glenglassaugh distillery will conduct this class and taste with you three of the ‘Spirit Drinks’ (Clearac, Blushes and Fledgling XB) as well as the 26 year old and the Aged Over 30 year.

MC4 – FOUR ROSES – THE RETURN OF A BOURBON LEGEND

Four Roses Master Distiller Jim Rutledge will present the history, process and 10 unique recipes behind “The Return of a Bourbon Legend”. Attendees will have the opportunity to taste the 2010 Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch.

MC5 – GLENFIDDICH – OLD AND NEW

Ian Miller Global Brand Ambassador will present Glenfiddich’s latest three innovations,(Rich Oak, Snow Phoenix and Age of Discovery), a dram of the 30 year old and a 1978 vintage.

MC6 – MORRISON BOWMORE – JEWELS FROM MORRISON BOWMORE?

Guests will be treated to some rare and exclusive expressions from Auchentoshan, Glen Garioch and Bowmore to include the latest and rarest release from Islay’s oldest distillery – Bowmore 40 Years Old.

MC7 – GLENMORANGIE – MAKING OF A LEGEND “SCOTLAND’S FAVORITE SINGLE MALT”

Join Global Master Brand Ambassador, David Blackmore for an 
in depth masterclass covering the extra unseen steps that only 
Glenmorangie goes to when making its pioneering single malts. From early 
pioneering work perfection the process of wood finishing to more recent 
cutting edge expressions such as Astar, Signet and now Finealta.

MC8 – AMRUT – FROM THE BEGINNING TO THE END

Ashok Chokalingam Brand Ambassador of this Indian Single Malt Whisky will take you through the full production process including the unique aging process. Attendees will have a chance to sample Amrut at various stages of maturation and enjoy a variety of fully matured expressions.

MC9 – DALMORE – SHINING EVER BRIGHTER

Tutored master class with Master Blender Richard Paterson covering the art of crafting The Dalmore and tasting new spirit, 15, 18, Castle Leod, 1981 Amoroso, 40yr

MC10 – GLENDRONACH/BENRIACH – SPEYSIDE GEMS

Benriach Distillery Co. Ambassador and Sales Director Alistair Walker compares expressions from two of Speyside’s old favorites. GlenDronach 1995 cask # 2045(Preiss exclusive single cask), 31yr(Grandeur), 1972 Single Cask Bottling and Beniach 25yr plus 21yr( Authenticus – peated).

MC11 – SMWSA – THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY

Taste the whisky regions of Scotland with Alan Shayne President of SMWSA. Cask No. 53.144 (Islay); Cask No.27.87 (Campbeltown); Cask No. 5.28 (Lowland); Cask No. 4.148 (Highland); Cask No. 30.62 (Speyside).

MC12 – SUNTORY – A CULINARY TRADITION

We will explore Shinjiro Torii’s vision of Japanese whisky as a culinary endeavor.  We will discuss the “how’s” and “why’s” of an often overlooked tradition that is today gaining in interest and respect.

MC13 – GLENFARCLAS – THROUGH THE FORTIES

The Grant family aire and Brand Ambassador George Grant takes you on a tour of Glenfarclas Forties. Millennium 40yr, Family cask 40yr, 105 40yr, and the New 40 yr.

MC14 – BALVENIE – THE SEVENTEEN YEAR LEGACY

Global Brand Ambassador Sam Simmons presents and samples all the annual limited edition Seventeen year Balvenie casks since 2001. Islay Cask, New Wood, New Oak, Sherry Oak, Rum Cask, Madeira Cask, Peated Cask.

MC15 – GLENROTHES – VINTAGE SINGLE MALT SCOTCH & CHOCOLATE

Taste through four of  The Glenrothes Vintages, to understand why maturity matter, not age. Each vintage will be paired with a different chocolate to taste how the whisky changes with the influence of food. We will finish the tasting with a taste of the exquisite and extremely rare John Ramsay.

MC16 – BENROMACH – SPEYSIDE BOUTIQUE

Michael Urquhart Co-Managing Director of Gordon & Macphail, will awaken your taste to the grand flavors of the smallest distillery in Speyside. 10yr, Organic, 21yr, 25yr and 1981 cask strength (52.2%)

 MC17 – HIGHLAND PARK – ORKADIAN LEGEND

Hosted by Martin Daraz, Ambassador for the Highland Park Distillery. A rare opportunity to sample Orkney’s unique marriage of Sherry Oak Maturation and gentle aromatic peat. Guests will be sampling the 25 and 30 year old expressions alongside expressions that have never been seen before in the US!

MC18 – ARDBEG – RENAISSANCE TO ROLLERCOASTER WITH THE ULTIMATE ISLAY MALT

Join Global Master Brand Ambassador, David Blackmore for a peaty adventure through the turbulent history of the “Untamed Spirit of Islay”.

MC19 – HIGH WEST DISTILLERY – A ROCKY MOUNTAIN STAR

David Perkins, the Proprietor at High West Distillery, will lead a tasting of High West Whiskeys including their new High Country Single Malt Whiskey in its aged and unaged formats.  The class will also feature a Malt Whiskey “virtual distillation” where participants will taste and learn about the cut points High West uses between heads, heart, and tails. In between will be some “Whiskey 101″, discussing blending, distillation, the barrel, and even a little Utah spirits  history.

Visit http://universalwhiskyexperience.com/ for tickets and quote code VF135890 for a 15% discount off show tickets (not including masterclases).

WhiskyCast Publishes Episode #302 – Scotch Whisky News

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Jim Murray isn’t one to hold his tongue when he doesn’t like something, and the man behind the Whisky Bible shares some of the things that are bothering him these days in this episode, along with some of the whiskies that surprised him this year. We’ll also hear from Andrew Ferguson of Calgary’s Kensington Wine Market about his hotbed of whisky in the middle of the cold Canadian prairie, along with the rest of the week’s news and much more.

Visit WhiskyCast at www.whiskycast.com

SPIRIT OF SPEYSIDE WHISKY AWARDS – FINALISTS ANNOUNCED – Scotch Whisky News

SPIRIT OF SPEYSIDE WHISKY AWARDS – FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

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Six whiskies from some of Speyside’s most iconic distilleries have made the finals of the prestigious Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards. 

The judging panel for the first round of the awards, including industry representatives, whisky writers and specialist retailers, gathered at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh on Thursday (27th January) for a blind tasting of 52 of Speyside’s finest malts, hosted by Richard Lochhead MSP.

The judges selected two finalists in each of the three categories.  Aberlour a’bunadh and Balvenie Signature 12 Years Old will battle it out in the ’12 Years and under’ class.  The Glenlivet 15 Years Old and The Glenlivet 18 Years Old go through to the final in the ’13 to 20 Years Old’ class, while Balvenie Portwood 21 Years Old and Glenfiddich 30 Years Old came out top in the ’21 Years and over’ category.

Jim Royan, Chairman of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival Board said: “These whiskies are the expressions of the highest quality of Speyside’s wonderful spirit.  I’m sure that their success will confirm their international recognition.”

Richard Lochhead, MSP, added:  “The Speyside whisky sector is a huge success story that is supported by the region’s pristine environment.

“As part of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, it is now a tradition to host the first round of the annual judging of the awards in the Scottish Parliament and I am always proud to play a role in the event. There is a great team behind the festival and I pay tribute to all of them.

“The Festival is set to once again attract thousands of visitors to Speyside in a few months’ time injecting cash into the local economy and boosting tourism. These benefits could not come at a more crucial time.” 

The six finalists will now go on to a public vote at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival on Thursday, 28th April, a unique judging process which has helped the Awards gain international recognition since their inception in 2005.

Visitors to the Festival can book tickets for the exclusive final judging of the best of Speyside malts, and the winners will be announced shortly afterwards at the Opening Dinner to be held at the Knockando Distillery.

Tickets to take part in the judging of the Awards finals at this year’s Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival or to attend the Opening Dinner are available at www.spiritofspeyside.com.   And whisky lovers can keep up to date with the Festival programme on www.facebook.com/WhiskyFestival or www.twitter.com/spirit_speyside.

Notes:

– Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 2011 runs from Thursday, 28th April-Monday, 2nd May.  www.spiritofspeyside.com
– Tickets to take part in the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards judging event cost £10; tickets for the opening dinner at Knockando Distillery cost £65.
– The judging panel for the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards comprised Martine Nouet (whisky writer), Mike Lord (The Whisky Shop Dufftown), Dr Stephen Lunn, Ewen Mackintosh (Gordon and MacPhail), Mike Collins (Northern Scot), Ian Black (The Herald), Hamish MacDonell (The Scotsman), David Wishart (whisky writer), Andy Cant (Diageo)

– Speyside is easily accessible by rail or air, including a number of low-cost airline options to Aberdeen and Inverness airport
– The Festival runs a subsidised dial-a-bus service and taxi voucher scheme
– The Festival also runs several competitions and awards including a Whisky Cocktail Competition, Photographic Competition and the prestigious Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards

– Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 2011 has received funding from EventScotland and is also financially supported by many other private and public partners
– EventScotland is the national events agency.  EventScotland is working to make Scotland one of the world’s leading event destinations. By developing an exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events EventScotland is helping to raise Scotland’s international profile and boost the economy by attracting more visitors.  For further information about EventScotland, its funding programmes and latest event news visit www.EventScotland.org

 

Upcoming Chieftain’s Range, Smokehead & Isle of Skye Tastings in Minnesota – Scotch Whisky News

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February 18, 2011
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

France 44
4351 France Ave. So.
Minneapolis, MN 55410
612-925-3252
www.france44.com
Contact:  Jeff Hammerschmidt
 
Admission:  $15.00 per person
 
Presented by: 
Ed Kohl
North American Marketing Manager
ImpEx Beverages, Inc.
 
Malts to be tasted:
Chieftain’s Range ~ Aultmore 1997  13 yr, Speyside
Chieftain’s Range ~ Clynelish 1992  18 yr, North Highland
Chieftain’s Range ~ Dalmore 1996  14 yr, Rum Finish, Highland
Chieftain’s Range ~ Linkwood 1991  16 yr, Speyside
Chieftain’s Range ~ Glen Moray 1989  18 yr, Speyside
Smokehead Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Islay
Isle of Skye 8 yr, Premium Blended Scotch Whisky
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
February 17, 2011
8:00 PM
 
South Lyndale Liquors
5300 Lyndale Ave. So.
Minneapolis, MN 55419
612-827-5811
www.SouthLyndale.com
Contact:  PJ Zavada
 
Admission:  $15.00 per person
 
Presented by: 
Ed Kohl
North American Marketing Manager
ImpEx Beverages, Inc.
 
Malts to be tasted:
Chieftain’s Range ~ Glen Grant 1997  13 yr, White Burgundy Cask, Speyside
Chieftain’s Range ~ Clynelish 1992  18 yr, North Highland
Chieftain’s Range ~ Dalmore 1996  14 yr, Rum Finish, Highland
Chieftain’s Range ~ Linkwood 1991  16 yr, Speyside
Chieftain’s Range ~ Glen Moray 1989  18 yr, Speyside
Smokehead Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Islay
Isle of Skye 8 yr, Premium Blended Scotch Whisky

ImpEx Beverages, Inc.
360 Swift Ave, Lot B, Unit #9
South San Francisco, CA  94080
650-872-1113

Glenmorangie Finealta Available at For Scotch Lovers – Scotch Whisky News

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This week, I am thrilled to offer you all the opportunity to pre-order the newest Limited Edition Glenmorangie: Finealta

Finealta, a triumphant recreation of an original Glenmorangie recipe dating from 1903, is a Limited Edition Glenmorangie with only 600 cases/3,600 bottles shipped into the USA in January of 2011.

This exceptional whisky is a celebration of how Glenmorangie whisky used to be made, and a representation of the decadent spirit of the age. It is lightly peated and matured in American white oak and Oloroso Sherry casks.

The price for Finealta is $79.00, plus S+H

If you want a bottle, please purchase your Finealta ASAP. As you would expect with a whisky like this, we have a very limited supply. Once it’s gone, it’s gone!

Enjoy!
Doug Stone
Founder
www.ForScotchLovers.com

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TASTING NOTES

AROMA: Caramelized orange, peaches soaked in liqueur, sugared almonds, raisins, lime and a hint of distant wood smoke

TASTE: Initially rich and spicy with mandarin segments and lime which slowly build on the palate to flavors of powdered sugar, chewy meringue and violet

FINISH: Full-rounded aromatic smoke with chalky minerals linger to create a single malt of both finesse and richness

The original spirit from 1903 would have been made with malted barley dried over a peat-fuelled fire. The peat was originally dug on the Orkney Islands and delivered to the Glenmorangie Distillery by steamship. The lightly peated malt added a distinctive layer of smoky flavor to the whisky.

London’s Savoy Hotel ordered multiple casks of this Glenmorangie spirit in 1903, during the height of La Belle Epoque period, when the wealthy and titled freely socialized with artists, writers and the great actors of the day. The Savoy came to represent the ‘joie de vivre’ of the era, and Glenmorangie epitomized its elegant spirit.

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The Whisky Top 10 by Ludo – Scotch Whisky News

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Follow the link below to see the latest blog post on Behind the Blend from Ludo

The Whisky Top 10

Hi everyone,

Further to my recent post about France being the biggest market for Scotch whisky, I keep being asked about other countries’ affinity with whisky. Specifically, there have been a few requests for a top 10 list. So here it is, Scotch whisky’s 2009 top 10 markets by volume (as compiled by the IWSR –…

http://blog.grantswhisky.com/2011/02/the-whisky-top-10/

Kind regards,
Ludo

Ralfy Publishes Whisky Review #182 – Scotch Whisky News

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www.ralfy.com welcomes you to whisky review 182 – Mortlach 12yo OldMaltCask 57.2% of un-chilled, non coloured jucy-ness !

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THE ROYAL PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY AND THE MACALLAN UNVEIL JOINT PARTNERSHIP – Scotch Whisky News

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THE ROYAL PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY AND THE MACALLAN UNVEIL JOINT PARTNERSHIP

Award Ceremony sponsorship enhances The Macallan’s photography commitment

The Royal Photographic Society and The Macallan have announced a new three year deal to sponsor the world renowned annual Royal Photographic Society Awards Ceremony, as part of The Macallan’s innovative and ground-breaking work within the photography arena.

Founded in 1853, The Royal Photographic Society is the world’s longest established Photography Society.  It was granted its Royal patronage by Queen Victoria in 1894, and a Royal Charter in 2004. It remains one of the most prestigious and well-respected societies to this day, with membership across the world.

By supporting the Awards for the next three years, The Macallan will cement its growing commitment to the photographic world as well as working in partnership with The Society to develop the Awards in the longer term.  Membership of the Society is diverse and varied across both professional and amateur spectrums enabling The Macallan to play its part in encouraging the rich seam of talent, expertise and innovation of photographers, educationalists, and imaging scientists.

The Macallan 2011 Royal Photographic Society Awards which take place in September, will recognise individuals who have made a significant contribution to the art and science of photography.  From recognising achievements in the advancement of photography, education and research, through to technical excellence and the ultimate accolade, the Centenary Medal for sustained, significant contributions to the art of photography, the Awards support and celebrate every aspect of the photographic industry and its thriving community.

Last year’s recipient of the prestigious Royal Photographic Society Centenary Award, Albert Watson Hon FRPS, was recently involved in a unique collaboration with The Macallan.  The partnership began when Watson was invited by The Macallan to weave a visual narrative of the long journey made from acorn to glass to eventually produce a rich and complex Single Malt.   The stunning end result was a series of platinum prints partnered with an exceptional limited edition 1946 Macallan

Commenting on the partnership, Ken Grier, Director of Malts at The Edrington Group, said, “Working with, and supporting, The Royal Photographic Society is a natural progression for The Macallan and testament to our increasing presence, passion and innovation in the photography sphere.  The Society itself is an ideal partner given its rich history, professional excellence and world leading authority in photography. Our commitment in this area is for the long term and the Awards give us the opportunity to work with the very best, at the highest levels to ensure complete integrity and excellence.”
 
He continued, “Building on our work with both Rankin and Albert Watson, we recognise and respect the power of stunning photography in capturing the essence of The Macallan brand and telling different and intriguing stories through this medium.”

The Masters of Photography initiative celebrates the coming together of two very different but highly revered art processes, photography and whisky-making.  The first Masters of Photography was created by Rankin and saw a photographic interpretation of The Macallan’s spiritual home on Speyside.

In welcoming The Macallan as sponsors of The Society Awards Ceremony Rosemary Wilman HonFRPS, President of The Society, commented ” The Royal Photographic Society recognises The Macallan as a natural partner for The Society, with their commitment and passion for photography at the highest level, through Masters of Photography. We look forward to working with The Macallan and believe that this partnership will strengthen the prestige of The Society Awards.” 

She added “The most recent Masters of Photography collaboration was with Albert Watson HonFRPS, The RPS Centenary Medal winner in 2010 . The Centenary Medal recognises a sustained contribution to the art of photography at the highest level with previous recipients including Annie Leibovitz (2009), Martin Parr (2008), Don McCullin (2007), David Bailey (2005) and Elliott Erwitt (2002).”

www.themacallan.com

Please enjoy our brand responsible www.drinkaware.co.uk   

Notes

About the Royal Photographic Society

The Royal Photographic Society was founded in 1853, to promote the art and science of photography, a mission it continues to this day, in the UK and, through its overseas membership, worldwide. Membership of The Society is open to everyone interested in photography, amateur or professional, artist or scientist. The Royal Photographic Society is an educational charity. www.rps.org

The Royal Photographic Society Awards: awarded annually to individuals who have made significant contributions to the art and science of photography. Nominations are invited for a wide range of awards,  including to those under the age of 35.

The Macallan

The timeless reputation of The Macallan is founded upon Six Pillars:

The Spiritual Home: Easter Elchies House proudly watches over The Macallan distillery in Speyside, Scotland. Built in 1700, this Jacobean manor house is The Macallan’s spiritual home.

Curiously Small Stills: The Macallan’s curiously small and uniquely shaped copper stills help to concentrate the flavour of the ‘new make’ spirit.

The Finest Cut: The ‘cut’ is the amount of distilled spirit collected from the stills as ‘new make’ spirit. The Macallan takes one of the finest ‘cuts’ of any distillery in Scotland; typically just 16% goes forward to fill or our casks. 

Exceptional Oak Casks: The Macallan’s unfaltering obsession with selecting exceptional oak casks brings an unsurpassed, timeless quality to The Macallan.

Natural Colour: The Macallan insists upon Natural Colour. It is the interaction of spirit and wood alone which delivers the rich variety of colour, aroma and taste evident through out the range.

Peerless Spirit: The Macallan remains the single malt against which all others must be judged. It is celebrated far and wide by experts and discerning drinkers as the world’s most precious whisky.

THE LATEST FROM GLENFIDDICH AND BALVENIE at Binny’s Chicago – Scotch Whisky News

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THE LATEST FROM GLENFIDDICH AND BALVENIE

Thursday, February 24, 6:00-8:00pm

Glenfiddich Brand Ambassador Freddy May and Balvenie Brand Ambassador Andy Weir want to show off the newest offerings from thier distilleries.  Stop by and sample Glenfiddich Snow Phoenix, Balvenie 14 year Carribean Cask and 17 year Peated Cask, as well as other favorites.
 
Call (312)664-4394 for more information.  Chicago – Lincoln Park Store

Visit Binny’s at www.binnys.com


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