The first sign of frost has been sighted on the island! Time to get those log fires burning and wrap up warm. As we edge into winter there’s one new arrival we’re all very excited about: the release of the new Jura 21 year old limited edition whisky created to commemorate 200 years of the Jura Distillery.

To tell you the truth, Jura and whisky have been together since way before the distillery first opened in 1810. However, the distillery as we all know and love today, was re built by two local estate owners Robin Fletcher and Riley-Smith along with distillery architect Delme-Evans in the year 1963 bringing new life and hope to the island. And that is why we’re celebrating 1810 with a limited edition 21 year old malt finished in an original cask from 1963! Two memorable years, one exceptional malt. And what a malt it is!

The unique vintage 1963 Oloroso sherry casks from Gonzalez Byass have done their bit to create a rich and full-bodied masterpiece. Now if you ask me, this would make an ideal collectors item, but I like to drink my whisky so I hope you will too and think fondly of Jura while you enjoy a dram of this wonderful spirit. Willie T (the other Willie as he’s sometimes known) has put together his very own tasting video which covers everything you need to know about the malt and its history. You can view it here.

We want you to be a part of this special occasion and should you get your hands on a bottle of our beloved 21 year old then I’ll invite you to come over and meet the team. I’ll give you a tour of the distillery and your own private tasting session. We’ll go through the range, one by one and even share a dram or two from a few of our more exclusive expressions that we keep safely locked away! Now where better to enjoy our precious malt than in the very place that made it on the occasion of our 200th anniversary?

I’ve kept my diary clear in anticipation. Until then.

Slainte

Willie Cochrane
Jura Distillery Manager

P.S. Click here ( http://www.isleofjura.com/distillery/limited-editions/21-year-old.aspx ) to find out more about the Jura 21 year old, and remember if you have friends or family who also share your passion for Jura whisky and might like to become Diurachs, send them to www.isleofjura.com where they’ll discover more about our mystical isle.

Part III of “No Age Statement  Week”

Sullivans Cove NAS ‘Double Cask’ (40%, OB, Bourbon & Port Oak, +/- 2009)

A distillery that is on the southern edge of the world in Tasmania, Australia and made from Tasmanian barley and not coloured or chill filtered. A promising start.

The nose is clean and honeyed, the first impression is positive and pleasing and the honeyed characteristic grows and grows. It’s not overly aggressive however it is good. After a few minutes in the glass the honey changes to brown sugar (Demerara) with hints of malt. The taste is not overly honeyed at first, a little and then some malt which is quickly followed by some tobacco and leather, some hints of port wine and some barley plus chocolate. Simply lovely stuff. A tiny hints of heather wafts around in the back ground. The finish is leathered lychee (if such a thing existed) and then a big malt delivery. The finish is quite long and very good. A little pepper and a tiny bit of fizziness. After a few minutes the malt is really evident.

A very nice dram, well done.

C$75

Score 83 points

Visit Sullivans Cove at www.sullivanscovewhisky.com

Dear Whisky Lovers,

We are pleased to announce a very special edition to Chieftain’s Range Single Malts – Springbank 40 yrs old. 
 
This expression of Springbank was matured in a first fill Oloroso Sherry cask for over 40 years and bottled at its natural strength. It’s a real treat for a Single Malt collector or a great gift idea for that special someone.  This last cask at this rare age rests in a silver, leather-lined, piano finished, solid oak box which has been stained black and lacquered 11 times to enhance the natural wood grain.  There are two silver plaques on the front of the box, featuring individual details and are personally signed by the Chieftain’s Rare Malt Manager (they serve as a certificate of authenticity).  There is a mini tasting notes book which hangs on a silver chain on the neck of the bottle. The inside of the box is lined with silver leather and contains text describing the Chieftain’s range.  The bottles are individually numbered. The oak box is protected in a branded, black, drawstring, cloth bag within a rigid, black presentation box, and again, branded with a silver Chieftain’s logo.

History

The last remaining traditional family-owned distillery to produce its malt whisky from start to finish in one location; from the malting of the barley, using Islay peat, to the bottling operation. The distillery is thought to have been established at the turn of the 18th century by the Reid family, as a licensed operation. Prior to that time illicit distilleries, thought to have numbered 30 at one point, were operating in the small town of Campbeltown, on the Mull of Kintyre peninsula.

Since 1937 Springbank distillery has been owned by successive generations of the Mitchell family. The whisky produced is second to none, a truly top class malt.

 Wood Type First fill Oloroso Butt
 
Cask No. 1414 
 
No. of Bottles 398
 
Strength  54% 70cl 

Distillation Date October 1968
 
Bottling Date October 2008

Rated 92 points by John Hansell, Malt Advocate.

SMWS Whisky Tasting & Events

Tis the season to be jolly well-entertained.  And the Society once more is bringing you a wintery wonderland of events to warm your fingers, tongues and toes….. (this is a note from the SMWS and not from WI where we would talk about fingers and toes…)

Christmas Parcels Tasting – London, Thu 2 Dec
Newcastle Christmas Tasting – Northern Counties Club, Fri 3 Dec
Christmas Drinks 101 – Queen Street, Fri 3 Dec
New Outturn Open Tasting – London, Sat 4 Dec
New Outturn & Sunday Roast Tasting – The Vaults, Sun 5 Dec
New Outturn Open Tasting – London, Mon 6 Dec
Island Whisky Tasting – London, Wed 8 Dec
Island Whisky Tasting – London, Thu 9 Dec
Wokingham Christmas Tasting – Cantley House Hotel, Thu 9 Dec
Whiskies for Winter – Queen Street, Mon 13 Dec

Visit www.smws.co.uk for your opportunity to join the Scotch Malt Whisky Society

Glengoyne Christmas Food and Whisky Festival CANCELLED

What: Cancelled due to bad weather: Glengoyne Christmas Food and Whisky Festival

Date: Saturday, 4 December 2010 – 10.30 a.m. – 4.30 p.m.

Location: The Glengoyne Distillery, Dumgoyne, Near Killearn, Glasgow   G63 9LB;

Further information: www.glengoyne.com Tel:  +44 (0)1360 550 254

The second GLENGOYNE CHRISTMAS FOOD & WHISKY FESTIVAL due to take place on SATURDAY 4th DECEMBER 2010 has been cancelled due to bad weather conditions.

Stuart Hendry, Brand and Development Manager for Glengoyne said: “Unfortunately we have had to cancel our 2010 Food and Whisky Festival due to access and safety concerns arising from the bad weather conditions. Suppliers and stall holders are currently unable to reach the distillery and we are anticipating that the conditions will not improve sufficiently before the weekend. Safety of our visitors is paramount and, regrettably, the only option is to cancel the event.”

“The distillery team are extremely disappointed not to be able to go ahead with what has proven in the past to be a hugely popular event, for local people and those further afield. A lot of work had gone into organising the event and we are sad to be missing an opportunity to showcase the great range of like-minded local suppliers of food, drink and crafts and create that magical Christmas atmosphere.”

Despite the addition of extra heated areas and indoor parking the conditions around the distillery and car park have been judged as not practical to host large crowds. It is hoped the event will take place again in December 2011.

Building on the huge success of the 2008 event which saw over 5,000 visitors attend, Glengoyne had planned a fun event showcasing the best SLOW produce from the area, as well as food stalls, unusual gift ideas, cooking demonstrations by Tom Lewis and plenty of activities for the family.

Glengoyne Distillery, which offers an unrivalled visitor experience, is situated just 30 minutes outside Glasgow, looking out over the breath-taking West Highland Way. 

For further information visit www.glengoyne.com or contact: 01360 550 229.
 
Glengoyne Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky encourages responsible drinking

www.drinkaware.co.uk   www.scotch-whisky.org.uk

Notes:

Owned by independent family company, Ian Macleod Distillers, Glengoyne, Scotland’s most beautiful distillery, has been producing its unique and complex, Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky for over 175 years. Using methods passed down for generations, Glengoyne has nurtured and perfected the art of producing the authentic taste of Malt Whisky, untainted by peat smoke. The result is a portfolio of multi-award winning whiskies including the core 10, 17 and 21 Years Old range, as well as special limited edition Single Malts, released each year.

Please visit https://www.whiskyintelligence.com/2010/11/christmas-food-and-drink-festival-at-glengoyne-distillery-scotch-whisky-news/ for complete information on the now cancelled Festival. Pity.

CHIVAS BROTHERS REVEALS CREATIVE SEASONAL GIFT OFFERING

Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, is launching a series of stylish limited edition gift sets in time for the lucrative festive period. Luxury gift packaging for its award-winning, premium brands including  The Glenlivet, Ballantine’s and Chivas Regal, is set to attract new and existing customers by maximising on-shelf prominence across international markets.

Chivas Regal, Europe’s leading super-premium Scotch whisky, is launching a stunning gift set designed by prolific artist Alex Trochut in key markets globally. Inspired by Chivas Regal heraldry, the design incorporates a contemporary, bold monogram based on the twists and movements of a steel ribbon. The striking tin, which has a dramatic metallic finish, combines the simplicity, elegance and masculinity of the Chivas Regal brand, in a contemporary presentation.

Ballantine’s Finest, the leading Scotch whisky brand in Europe, will celebrate 100 years of the expression’s iconic square shouldered bottle with the launch of a premium gift tin. Adorned with the brand’s centenary logo, the sleek navy blue and silver case tells the story of how George Ballantine left an impression a century ago when he introduced the distinctive bottle and logo, which remains synonymous with Ballantine’s Finest today. The pack also includes a silicon ice cube tray to encourage off-trade consumers to enjoy their Ballantine’s over iconic ‘B’ embossed ice cubes.

Ballantine’s 12 Year Old is extending its ‘Beyond’ activity with the introduction of gift packaging which invites consumers to look beyond the ordinary, to discover the extraordinary. The striking packaging will engage consumers through its intriguing use of design and print which creates the illusion that the pack is wrapped in a tartan ribbon and secured with a metal seal. The 3D effect is achieved by multiple embossing which lifts the ribbon off the tin and creates a weave detail. The effect continues inside the pack with Ballantine’s 12 Year Old tasting notes embossed on the inside of the lid.

The Glenlivet, the single malt that started it all, is introducing three luxury gift sets for its 12, 15 and 18 Year Old expressions. The 70cl bottles will be housed in a premium dark green, red and blue box respectively which boldly features the brand’s crest and age statement. The elegant gift packaging flips open to reveal the bottle encased by premium red inner packaging. Offering on-shelf stand-out during the significant sales period, The Glenlivet packaging will reinforce the quality credentials of the world’s No 2 single malt whisky.

Eric Benoist, International Marketing Director, Chivas Brothers says, “We recognise the importance of providing our customers with specialist gift offerings during this key sales period. These creative, contemporary gift sets will ensure maximum shelf stand-out enticing both new and existing customers, while driving the growth of our global brands and their respective categories.”

Notes:

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky of PernodRicard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits.  Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky. Its portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, 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.

Part II of “No Age Statement Week”

Kavalan NAS Solist ex-Sherry (58.5%,OB, C#So60703013, 592 Bts., B’ 15/0/2009)

From the newest distillery on Taiwan The King Car I-Lan Distillery (The King Car Food Industrial Company Ltd). A single cask bottling. Taiwan has a very high average temperature so the maturation and evaporation rates are similar to what Amrut experiences.

The color is very dark with red highlights. The nose is mildly sour and very rich, sour plums and a hint of NutraSweet (artificial sweetener, aspartame) and the obligatory Christmas cake however this is some what muted behind the other two descriptors. With the addition of a little water it drops off the edge of a cliff leaving behind the NutraSweet. The taste on the undiluted sample is quite gentle for 58.5% but it does grow, the Christmas cake is still very present along with some slight hints of marmite. Definitely more one dimensional when compared to the ex-bourbon cask which is significantly more complex. The diluted sample is creamy and very, very sherried and hold together very, very and is really very good. The finish is VERY long, very dry with loads of oak spice, some malt, fruit, Christmas cake but quite dry. Later moments of diesel. Excellent!

Nose this sample neat and drink with a few drops of water (but not too much) and it you love sherried whiskies this is for you. Very much like Aberlour a’bunadh in some regards.

C$125

Score 88 points

Many thanks to Thomas C for arranging for this sample. Visit Kavalan Distillery at www.kavalanwhisky.com

A Wonderful New Dram and More
 
A Veritable Cornucopia

An interesting description but I tasted an absolutely stunning whisky the other night, overflowing with fruit aromas and flavours and fully reminding me of my childhood when my mother used to make many different jams each from a different fruit.  The complexity, sweetness and balance of this whisky are a real joy and I said a silent toast to the people who produced the spirit and looked after the cask in the warehouse. So what is this whisky and where can it be purchased? Well the good news is that it is a Glenglassaugh but the not so good news is that it is a single-cask from 1972 which was selected by Andrea Caminneci and the bottles are only available through Andrea in Germany.

We are though discussing single cask releases with our other importers and so hopefully there will be other similar bottle releases in future.

The Manager’s Legacy

Well the first two releases from the series, a 1974 re-fill hogs head and a 1986 re-fill butt are almost sold out and the feedback is that they are well liked.

In January we will release the third in the series, which will be older and consequently more expensive than we originally planned, but at 42 years old from a 1968 refill butt the whisky is amazing and at £440.00 per bottle is good value. There will be only 300 bottles available.

I took a sample to Örebro Beer and Whisky Festival last weekend and used it in 2 master-classes, not surprisingly it was considered outstanding, with no-one leaving so much as a drop at the bottom of the glass.

The final release in the series is a 1967 re-fill hogshead of which there are only 200 bottles and this will be available from March 2011.

November Whisky Events

The first event was in Leuven Belgium and went well with a tasting class on the first day, which had been delayed due to a delay in my luggage arriving from Schiphol.

The second event was the following weekend in Leiden in the Netherlands in what is a beautiful old church making a fantastic setting. No master-class here but a great event and many new converts to Glenglassaugh.

Weekend number 3 and a trip to Örebro in Sweden and a 2 day extravaganza with master-classes on both days and a chance to let those attending the classes try the forthcoming Manager’s Legacy Bert Forsyth release. A stunning 42 year old dram with no-one leaving so much as a drop at the bottom of their glass.

Weekend number 4 and a trip to Frankfurt for Interwhisky and 2 master-classes with an opportunity to introduce the Limited Release German bottling. First tasting is past and the reaction was fantastic, all the bottles brought to the fair for sale at the event have gone and now we are having to “borrow” stock from a local retailer. Sunday tasting and fair is due to start in a few hours and who knows how well it will go today.

At least 2 more Octaves sold and many more converts to the amazing whiskies of Glenglassaugh.

November is our busiest month and while I have been away every weekend the distillery has still been producing and Peter has been organising the bottling and shipping of the highest number of cases from the distillery for any month so far.

If there has been one downside then it is the travelling, there has not been one trip that has not involved either luggage arriving late or flight delays with yesterdays trip from Aberdeen arriving 5 hours late with a 3 hour wait on the runway at Aberdeen while we waited for the snow to stop. Ah well it is the start of winter.

Slange

Stuart

Visit Glenglassaugh Distillery at http://www.glenglassaugh.com/

Dear Whisky Customers
 
Sorry for the late notice but I’ve just found out that Jim Murray will be appearing on Radio Nottingham today (30th November) and is planning to pop into the shop around 4.30pm to do a small book signing of the 2011 Whisky Bible (priced at £12.99)
 
So if you are in the vicinity, drop in and say hi to the great man himself.
 
Regards
Chris Goodrum 

Bruichladdich Black Art
2nd Release 49.7%

21 Year Old 1989 vintage.Traditional lightly peated Bruichladdich.

Spellbinging Laddie’ matured in a selection of 5 different cask types.

£82.99 (£70.63 ex VAT)

Visit the Whisky Barrel at http://www.whiskybarrel.com Scotland’s Online Whisky Shop