PRIVATE TASTINGS OF BUNNAHABHAIN, BLACK BOTTLE AND SCOTTISH LEADER AT WHISKY LIVE

Join Ian MacMillan, master distiller and blender of Bunnahabhain, Black Bottle and Scottish Leader, for a private tasting at the FNB Whisky Live Festival from 3 to 5 November 2010 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), Cape Town. The Festival will run from 18h00 to 22h00 daily.

MacMillan, who has over 35 years’ experience in whisky distilling and blending, will cover the rich history and unique characteristics of each of the three Bunnahabhain single malts produced on the Isle of Islay, of Scottish Leader, a combination of malt and grain whiskies, and of Black Bottle, a blend of all the renowned single malts from Islay balanced by mainland malt and grain whiskies. Bookings for the private tastings need to be made on the evening at the entrance of the tasting area adjacent to the Bunnahabhain, Scottish Leader and Black Bottle stands during Whisky Live.

Scottish Leader has recently seen a pack upgrade with a new bottle and label which now, in recognition of master blender Ian MacMillan, carries his signature. Visitors to Whisky Live will have the opportunity to meet the man behind Scottish Leader as he shares his passion for this blend. Created in the 1800s by the Ross Brothers, Scottish Leader is today one of the fastest growing whisky brands internationally with its new label reflecting the premium quality and heritage of the brand.

MacMillan will also lead visitors in a tasting of the rare Bunnahabhain 12-, 18- and 25-year-olds which recently received a halo of golden awards at the 2010 International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC). The Bunnahabhain 25-year-old received gold and best in class while the 12- and 18-year-olds both received gold awards. Earlier this year the Bunnahabhain 18- and 25-year-olds were highlighted at the 2010 San Francisco World Spirits Competition both earning gold while the 12-year-old and 18-year-old both achieved gold status in the Islay category at the Spirits Business 2010 Spirit Masters.

The whiskies are all known for their gentle taste profiles and unique character. Unlike most single malts from Islay, Bunnahabhain is crafted from unpeated malted barley and pure spring water that flows there freely underground, untainted by the peaty moorlands. Consumers that are either new to single malts or prefer the slightly fruitier offerings from Islay will select Bunnahabhain as their whisky of choice.

Black Bottle with its bold taste has been praised by critics and whisky-lovers across the world, and over the years it has secured a cult following for its unique history and profile. Few if any whiskies come close in terms of style that matches this exceptional blend consisting of the renowned seven single malts from Islay balanced by mainland malt and grain whiskies.

The whisky boasts a proud and fascinating heritage, with its origins in late 19th century Aberdeen where the tea merchant Gordon Graham’s ability to blend tea, soon moved to the blending of whiskies. This particular blend, which he marketed in opaque black bottles, in time, became the whisky of choice of the locals of Aberdeen.

The Johannesburg festival runs from 10 to 12 November and MacMillan will only be available for one evening (10 November) where after whisky connoisseur and Master of the Quaich, Pierre Meintjes, will conduct the private tastings.

Notes

1.     Master distiller and blender Ian MacMillan will be available for interviews in Cape Town (3 to 5 November) and Johannesburg (10 to 11 November). Contact Linda Christensen, De Kock Communications, at (021) 873 2199 or at linda@dkc.co.za

2.     Bunnahabhain, Scottish Leader and Black Bottle belong to the portfolio of Burn Stewart Distillers, integrated Scotch whisky producer and brand owner with a portfolio of leading whisky brands. Distell and Burn Stewart Distillers are equal partners in a joint venture which owns and markets this selection of whiskies in sub-Saharan Africa.

Where: San Francisco City Club
                  The Stock Exchange Tower
                  155 Sansome Street
                  San Francisco, CA
 
When:  November 10th  6:00pm – 8:30pm
 
Sponsored by:  The Whisky Shop, San Francisco & The Whiskies of the World
 
Presented by:  Ed Kohl, Industry Veteran and Spirits Expert

List of Malts:
 
Isle of Skye is featured in Blood and Sand Cocktail, Skye
Edradour ~ Scotland’s Smallest Distillery, Highland
Signatory – Auchentoshan, unchill filtered, Lowland
Signatory – Craggenmore, unchill filtered, Speyside
Signatory – Ben Nevis, cask strength, Highland
Kilchoman – Summer 2010 Release, Islay
Smokehead ~ Single Malt from a ‘Mystery Islay Distillery’
 
hors d’oeuvres:
 
Chorizo Dates Bacon Wrapped Sweet Dates Stuffed w/ Lightly Spiced Chorizo
Baked Oysters on the Half Shell, Hobbs Bacon, Creamy Bechamel
Peppered Beef Tenderloin with Blue Cheese Sauce
White Bean & Red Pepper Puree, Shaved Reggiano, Brioche Toast

WE OFFER A VEGETARIAN MENU IF REQUESTED WHEN PURCHASING THIS TICKET
(Space is limited and All Sales are Final – Tickets Cannot Be Returned)

Price:  $45 (all inclusive)

BUY TICKETS AT http://www.whiskiesoftheworld.com/store/index.php?cPath=20

Any questions, please give The Whisky Shop a call at  415-989-1030 

e-mail:  info@whiskyshopusa.com

Whiskies of the World San Francisco

The President, Bill Owen (right),  and Vice President Penn Jensen of the American Distilling institute paid a visit to the Virginia Distillery Company’s construction site as part of their grand tour of American craft distillers. 

Virginia Distillery Infrastructure

The Virginia Distillery is nestled into the hills of Central Virginia on Route 29 between Charlottesville and Lovingston.

Visit the Virginia Distillery Company at http://www.vadistillery.com/

Is it getting colder in ?

Don’t Forget
Gordon and Macphail Tasting Tonight!
 
Location: Butchart Centre, University Road, Old Aberdeen
Time and Date: 7pm – Wednesday 27th October 2010
What to Bring: Ticket + Membership Card + money for raffle!

Tickets (£3 each)
Available from Butchart Centre Reception
“Attending?”

University of Aberdeen Malt Whisky Society
The Butchart Centre
University Road
Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire AB24 3UT
aberdeenwhisky@googlemail.com

RARE WHISKY FROM DISTILLERY WHICH CLOSED IN 1937 FOR SALE AT BONHAMS EDINBURGH

Rare and unusual bottles from two distilleries which have long since ceased production are the star items in Bonhams next whisky sale in Edinburgh on 17 November.

A Glamis-10 year old-20th century distilled and bottled by The Glenfyne Distillery Co. Ltd., Ardrishaig is estimated at between £8,000 – 10,000. 
Glenfyne closed in 1937 after more than 100 years of production.   The bottle for sale was imported into the USA by Greig, Lawrence & Hoyt Limited, New York.  In addition to the Glenfyne Distillery Company crest embossed on top, it also bears an American tax strip and carries the words Federal Law Forbids Sale or Re-use of This Bottle on the shoulder.  The Glamis is an unblended Pot Still Malt (more commonly referred to as a single malt).

An early 20th century bottle of MacKie’s Ancient Scotch from the Malt Mill Distillery, Isle of Islay and blended and bottled by White Horse Distillers Ltd  is estimated at between £3,500-4,000.  Malt Mill was founded in 1908 by Sir Peter Mackie.  It was always a small scale operation and in 1962 was merged with Lagavulin. 

For further sale information please go to www.bonhams.com/whisky

Notes
 
Bonhams

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s oldest and largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques. The present company was formed by the merger in November 2001 of Bonhams & Brooks and Phillips Son and Neale UK. In August 2002, the company acquired Butterfields, the principal firm of auctioneers on the West Coast of America. Today, Bonhams offers more sales than any of its rivals, through two major salerooms in London: New Bond Street, and Knightsbridge, and a further five throughout the UK. Sales are also held in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Carmel, New York and Boston in the USA; Toronto, Canada; and France, Monaco, Hong Kong, Sydney and Dubai. Bonhams has a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 25 countries offering sales advice and valuation services in 57 specialist areas. By the end of 2009, Bonhams had become UK market leaders in ten key specialist collecting areas. For a full listing of upcoming sales, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, go to www.bonhams.com (February 2010).

LADIES ONLY WHISKY TASTING – Thursday 2nd December 2010*

Ladies – how about a pre Christmas night out with a difference? Our ladies whisky tasting earlier in the year proved so successful that we are holding a similar event in December where you can come along to try some great single malt whiskies in a relaxed and informal environment where it’s strictly only girls allowed.  Intended to appeal to both the novice and the experienced whisky drinker, these evenings are about having fun as well as discovering the joys of the many different whiskies now available. 

Our presenter this time round will be the lovely Willie Tait of Whyte & Mackay (memorably once described by a certain Mr McEwan as being the Sean Connery of the whisky business …) who has a wealth of experience amassed during a long and illustrious career in whisky.  Currently Master Distiller and Global Brand Ambassador for Jura Single Malt, Willie’s extensive knowledge and wonderful gift for storytelling make the world of whisky and the people who produce it come alive in a humorous and entertaining way.  We hope to include whiskies from Dalmore, Jura and Fettercairn distilleries in the line-up so this will be a good opportunity to nose, taste and enjoy a variety of expressions.

The tasting will be held in the beautiful surroundings of Stanton House Hotel and promises to be a great evening whether you are already a fan of whisky or have yet to discover the lure of single malts.  So come along, have fun and start the festive season in style!

*How to book*

The tasting will be at Stanton House Hotel, Stanton Fitzwarren (www.stantonhouse.co.uk), and will commence at 7.00 for 7.30pm. Tickets for the event are priced at just £10.00, and this includes a discount of £3 against a bottle of one of the featured whiskies if bought or ordered on the night of the tasting.

Most, if not all, of the whiskies tasted will be available to purchase on the night. We accept cash, credit/debit card or cheques.

Tickets are limited, and allocated on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. To buy them just log on to www.whiskyandwines.com and place an order for the number you require, or telephone us on (01793) 765071, or call in and see us at Arkwrights, The Dormers, Highworth, Wiltshire. Admission to the tasting is by ticket only.

We look forward to you joining us for a great evening of whisky tasting.

Slainte!
Fran and Ken
Arkwrights Whisky and Wines
www.whiskyandwines.com

Please come and join us for a very special  bottle signing…..

Anthony Wills, Owner and Director of Kilchoman Distillery  on Islay, will be at:

The Whisky Shop
360 Sutter Street
San Francisco, CA  94108

Saturday, November 6th

Kilchoman, is the first distillery to be opened  on Islay in 124 years.

It’s Summer 2010 Release has just hit the United States soil.

One barrel out of this release was selected by  The Whisky Shop, San Francisco and bottled  at natural strength exclusively for our customers

Bring your cameras, for a picture with Anthony Wills

For more information please call:  415-989-1030

Visit Shelter Point Distillery (on-line) at http://www.shelterpointdistillery.com/

Whisky Review 157 – Western Gold Bourbon. A new video review by Ralfy… very much at the ‘economy’ end of the market, but a very impressive Spirit considering the price.

www.ralfy.com

TOBERMORY 10yo AND LEDAIG 10yo SINGLE MALTS EVOLVE WITH A NEW LOOK AND MOVE TO UN-CHILLFILTERED

Tobermory Distillery, one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland has announced the evolution of its two single malts.  Tobermory 10yo Single Malt Scotch Whisky and Ledaig 10yo Single Malt Scotch Whisky will no longer be chillfiltered, giving the whiskies a purer taste, nose and appearance and the changes have been accompanied by a bold change in design for the bottles and packaging.

Although the two malts are now clearly from the same family, they are distinctively different when it comes to taste.  Tobermory 10yo is a gentle island malt which has become more delicate and floral, with citrus and honey notes.  In contrast, Ledaig is a sharper, smokier taste and is comparable to some of the premium Islay malts.

Tobermory and Ledaig will now be bottled at 46.3% abv, a transformation which will delight whisky drinkers as un-chillfiltration leaves in nuances of flavour providing depth and complexity to the malts. 

The new look and move to un-chillfiltered reinforce the premium quality and heritage of the brands.    The malts now have bespoke, embossed glassware to reflect the Tobermory family, emerald green glassware for Tobermory and clear flint for Ledaig with new labelling and etching of the bay on the capsule.  The bottles are presented within a quality gift carton

The move to un-chillfiltered is part of a vision from Ian MacMillan, Master Blender at Burn Stewart Distillers, owner of these award winning malts. Ian comments:  “The un-chillfiltered process allows people to enjoy whisky as natural as it can be –  just as it should be.

Katherine Crisp, Brand Manager for Tobermory said: “This evolution for Tobermory and Ledaig is a particularly exciting move for the brands, and with the lack of chill-filtration we are able offer a richer, fuller flavoured whisky.”

Tobermory 10yo – Tasting Notes
Colour:  
Bright Lemony Gold
Nose: 
Rich Island character with tantalising hints of grass, malt, gingerbread, stewed fruit syrup and finely polished oak
Palate: 
Smooth velvety, with fruity tangs and exquisitely spiced gingerbread and aniseed for a medium sweetness to treasure
Finish
Ginger and spicy oak matched with bitter chocolate and  almond that gently fades with a tail of sweet salty seas

Ledaig 10yo Single Malt – Tasting Notes
Colour
Bright lemony gold
Nose
Sweet briny smokiness, mildly antiseptic, creosote, wax polish, mint chocolate, floral seaside aromas
Palate
Sweet and medicinal, spicy smokiness, vanilla malty creaminess
Finish
Spicy white pepper, sweet and vibrant, hints of liquorice, and cloves, warm and salty, lingering

Notes:
• Chill-filtration is a process in which the whisky is chilled to near 0°C (32°F) and passed through a fine filter. It prevents the whisky from becoming hazy when chilled, or when water or ice is added.  It is believed by many whisky enthusiasts that chill-filtration removes some of the flavour and body from the whisky
• Tobermory Distillery is the only distillery on the Isle of Mull.   Built in 1798 it is one of the oldest commercial distilleries in Scotland.

• One Distillery, two distinct single malts.  Production is split 50/50 between the Tobermory whisky for half the year, and the heavily peated Ledaig the other half.

• Tobermory Distillery is open Monday – Friday 10am – 5pm.  Tours can be booked on 0044 (0)168 8302647 

Visit Tobermory Distillery at http://www.tobermorymalt.com/