www.ralfy.com has been busy with the wee local Distillery at Wigtown, Scotland.

Whisky review whatever ! – Bladnoch Forum Bottling Factory & Collectable One-off !

… reach for your charitable purses Malt-mates.

From the nice people at Mackmyra (Gold Medal Marketing represent Mackmyra in Alberta Canada www.goldmedalmarketinginc.com );

Discover the Swedish malt whisky

We had a dream to create the first Swedish malt whisky.

We followed our own path and developed the whisky from its origin. That path was neither the easiest nor the quickest. But it was the right path, because we reached our goal: a Swedish malt whisky with a unique identity.

Our distillery in Mackmyra Bruk is not large, but we put a great deal of care into the production. We maintain traceability right down to the individual field of barley. It also allows us to continue to look beyond the traditional approach. Our small, handmade casks are one example. Another is the Swedish oak that shares its essence so generously. The selected casks are allowed to mature naturally in the quiet recesses of our cool underground warehouse.

Roasted Swedish oak, a hint of vanilla and dried fruit. Small, handmade casks stored with care. Mackmyra – The 1st Edition has a spicy aroma and a fruity, elegant flavour with hints of citrus and caramel. It is not chill-filtered and contains no additives.

We followed our dreams and created the first Swedish malt whisky. A whisky that carries new experiences.

A whisky for you who live life less ordinary.

At our distillery at Mackmyra Bruk we have pursued our dreams and created the Swedish single malt whisky. We make it our own way, using local ingredients and no additives. The result has put Sweden on the international whisky map.

If you have any questions or would like to place an order, please contact:

Mackmyra Svensk Whisky
Hantverkargatan 5
se-112 21 Stockholm
info@mackmyra.se
+468 – 556 025 80

ROB RUBINSTEIN JOINS HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERIES, INC. AS NATIONAL SALES OPERATIONS MANAGER

Industry veteran to fill new role at nation’s largest independent family-owned and operated spirits supplier

LOUISVILLE, KY—Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. announced today that distilled spirits industry veteran Robert F. Rubinstein has joined the company, effective August 9th.  Rubinstein was named to the newly-created position of National Sales Operations Manager, reporting to and working with Heaven Hill Director of North American Sales Steve Feller to optimize the company’s growing sales infrastructure.

Heaven Hill Distilleries, the largest independent family-owned and operated distilled spirits supplier, will be utilizing Rubinstein’s sales management experience to further the company’s ongoing alignment of sales processes and resources with short and long-term performance goals.  Heaven Hill is the producer of such renowned category leading brands as Evan Williams Bourbon, Christian Brothers Brandy, Burnett’s Vodka and Hpnotiq Liqueur, and has leveraged strong sales growth to become the nation’s seventh largest overall spirits supplier.

Rubinstein joins Heaven Hill after 13 years with Sidney Frank Importing Company as Director of Sales Analysis and Planning.  Prior to that, he served as a Senior Business Analyst for Bacardi USA’s Eastern and Mid-Atlantic Divisions.  Originally from the New York area, Rubinstein is a graduate of Binghamton University/State University of New York, and holds an MBA from the University of Connecticut.  He will be relocating from New York with his wife Jennifer and two children to Louisville, where he will be officed.

“We are extraordinarily pleased to have an executive with Rob’s track record join us at this time of such robust growth for the company,” commented Heaven Hill Distilleries Director of North American Sales Steve Feller. “He and I, along with our Sales Division Managers, will be refining and building our sales organization for even greater success in the ever-changing distilled spirits landscape.”

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams and Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Hpnotiq Liqueur; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul and Two Fingers Tequilas, and Dubonnet Aperitif.

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.” 

ONLINE WHISKY SHOP & EDINBURGH FRINGE NOW LIVE
 
At long last out online whisky shop finally went live in time for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Stocking most of the WHISKI bar’s malt whiskies and over the following months we will be adding to the range so that it exceeds what we can offer in the bar due to space constraints.

So check it out here at www.thewhiskystill.com and if anything takes your fancy, then enter code TWR-0810 at the checkout for  5% off your total order until the end of August 2010.
 
EDINBURGH FRINGE FESTIVAL

We are festival venue number 246 this year with FREE live Scottich music every night from 10PM so come on down to the WHISKI bar for the ultimate Scottish experience.

Thanks for all you support and hope to see you again soon,
 
Best Regards,
The WHISKI Team 
 
WHISKI Bar & Restaurant, 119 High Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 1SG
www.whiskibar.co.uk  | info@whiskibar.co.uk

Gordon and MacPhail now stock The Tweeddale Blend.

Please see the link below.

http://stonedean.co.uk/news/now-available-from-gordon-macphail-the-tweeddale-blend/

Gordon & MacPhail
58-60 South Street
Elgin
Moray
IV30 1JY 
Tel: 01343 545110
Fax: 01343 540155
Email: retail@gordonandmacphail.com

Regards,

Alasdair Day

Stonedean Limited
http://www.stonedean.co.uk
http://twitter.com/@tweeddaleblend

Discover the lost blend……..
THE TWEEDDALE BLEND.

Whisky Connosr at The Whisky Show 2010

The Whisky Show, the UKʼs foremost luxury whisky tasting event, returns thisyear in spectacular style in a larger more spacious venue and, this time, the experience will offer a truly unique new dimension thanks to an exclusive digital partnership with connosr.com – the independent social networking website devoted entirely to whisky.

This yearʼs expanded Whisky Show will once again present the finest examples of whisky from around the world, providing recommendations and tastings to suit every palate. As digital partners, connosr.com will be bringing the show to life online as well as providing a unique interactive consumer experience at the event itself.

Our exclusive digital event will enable everyone at the show to take part. Weʼll be asking whisky fans to take centre stage as we elevate whisky critiquing to new heights. Watch this space and look out for more details on connosr.com

connosr.com at The Whisky Show – we hope to see you there!

Just to make sure that you keep your palates wet in the summer: From 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 25th at Brandy Library: Oban Distillery. No reservations needed, unless you plan on staying for drinks. No large groups please. www.brandylibrary.com

Slainte!

DEWAR’S® BLENDED SCOTCH WHISKY INTRODUCES ITS NEW “COVER”

Famed Rock-and-Roll Photographer Danny Clinch Commissioned to Capture Brand’s Bold New Look

Coral Gables, Fla. (AUGUST 2010) – DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch Whisky, the number one selling premium Scotch in the United States, is thrilled to announce a vibrant transformation in the design of its portfolio.  As the DEWAR’S collection expanded throughout the brand’s history to include DEWAR’S WHITE LABEL™, DEWAR’S 12 Years Old, DEWAR’S 18 Years Old and DEWAR’S SIGNATURE, each marque was created with its own silhouette and design aesthetic.  With the redesign of the entire DEWAR’S portfolio, the products now appear as a tight-knit family.  Just as the four DEWAR’S marques display a unified progression in taste, DEWAR’S new look visually links the products together as one unit for the first time in the brand’s history.  To launch the new packaging, the brand has worked with famed rock-and-roll photographer Danny Clinch – known for his iconic portraits and solid-gold album covers – to capture the new look on film. 

While the bottles contain the same great blended Scotch whiskies, the new design better emphasizes the artistry and craftsmanship that has defined the DEWAR’S brand since 1846.  Featuring perfect curves, tempting colors and a revolutionary style, the new DEWAR’S look is thoroughly modern, cohesive and bold.  With a vibrant color palette and innovative wave design, the new DEWAR’S packaging engages the drinker by providing a visual window into the superior liquid inside.  The bottle is emblazoned with the year of DEWAR’S founding, 1846, as well John Dewar’s signature.  In addition, the display features gold icons that represent the brand’s countless awards and accolades. 

“We’re thrilled to unveil DEWAR’S modern new exterior, as it fully captures the energy and vigor that defines the brand,” says DEWAR’S Vice President, Brand Managing Director, Fannie Young. “The dynamic new packaging gives consumers the opportunity to recognize the DEWAR’S brand as a family, and to explore the portfolio as they become more familiar and engaged with the brand.  Photographer Danny Clinch epitomizes the DEWAR’S man, and we’re so impressed with the way he captured the new bottle design through his lens.”

Clinch confesses, “I was very inspired by the shape of the new DEWAR’S bottle, and the way the curved edges resemble the shape of a guitar. I tapped my personal style and influences from the music world for the shoot.  I brought my own equipment, including a guitar, harmonica and vintage speakers, which allowed me to capture the striking new bottle in a visually stimulating and exciting environment.  As a long-time DEWAR’S drinker, I’m so honored to be the very first to capture the essence and spirit of the new packaging.”

A self-made, inspirational and independent photographer, Clinch has established himself as one of the premier photographers of the popular music scene. As an artist, Danny continues to take risks – focusing on endeavors he believes are worth doing – a trait that keeps his work exciting, fresh and relevant.  He has maintained his successful career while retaining a free-thinking identity – a way of life that perfectly expresses the DEWAR’S brand. 

The New Jersey native began his professional career working as an intern for Annie Leibovitz, one of his initial inspirations.  He has since photographed a wide range of artists, from Johnny Cash to Tupac Shakur to Bruce Springsteen.  His work has appeared in publications including Vanity Fair, Spin, Rolling Stone, GQ, Esquire, The New Yorker, and The New York Times Magazine, and his photographs have appeared on hundreds of album covers. 

Clinch not only photographed the new DEWAR’S portfolio, but will also serve as a DEWAR’S Brand Ambassador.  The DEWAR’S new packaging will be available on shelves in August of 2010.

Suggested Retail Prices:
• DEWAR’S WHITE LABEL – $21.99 (750 ml); $27.99 (1 L); $32.99 (1.75 L)
• DEWAR’S 12 Years Old – $28.99 (750 ml); $36.99 (1 L); $46.99 (1.75 L)
• DEWAR’S 18 Years Old – $79.99 (750 ml)
• DEWAR’S Signature – $199.99 (750 ml)

About DEWAR’S
The name of DEWAR’S is one of the most respected in the world of Scotch whisky. Founded in 1846 by John Dewar Sr., DEWAR’S has grown from a small wine and spirits merchant shop in Perth, Scotland, to become a global brand, famed the world over for quality blended whiskies. Today, DEWAR’S is one of the largest whisky brands in the world, and the top selling blended Scotch whisky in the United States. The foundation stone of the portfolio is the WHITE LABEL blend, which was first created in 1899. The complete DEWAR’S portfolio includes: DEWAR’S WHITE LABEL Blended Scotch Whisky, DEWAR’S 12 Years Old Special Reserve Blended Scotch Whisky, DEWAR’S 18 Years Old Founder’s Reserve Blended Scotch Whisky and DEWAR’S Signature Blended Scotch Whisky.

About Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.
Bacardi U.S.A., Inc. is the United States import and distribution arm of one of the world’s leading spirits and wine producers. The company boasts a portfolio  of some of the most recognized and top-selling spirits brands inthe  United  States  including  BACARDI®   rum,  the  world’s  favorite and best-selling  premium  rum,  as  well as the world’s most awarded rum; GREY GOOSE®  vodka,  the  world-leader  in super-premium vodka; DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch  Whisky,  the number-one selling blended Scotch whisky in the United States;  BOMBAY  SAPPHIRE®  gin,  the  top-valued premium gin in the world; CAZADORES® blue agave tequila, the number-one premium tequila in the world; MARTINI®  vermouth,  the  world-leader  in  vermouth; and other leading and emerging brands.

SENSIBILITY AND RESPONSIBILITY ARE A FINE MIX.
www.dewars.com
©2010 DEWAR’S,  WHITE LABEL AND DEWAR’S SIGNATURE ARE TRADEMARKS AND/OR REGISTERED TRADEMARKS, IMPORTED BY JOHN DEWAR & SONS COMPANY, CORAL GABLES, FL.  BLENDED SCOTCH WHISKIES – DEWAR’S 12 & DEWAR’S SIGNATURE – 43% ALC. BY VOL.  DEWAR’S WHITE LABEL  40% ALC. BY VOL.

Glenfiddich Distillery & Balvenie Distillery
 
A light & dark tasting with The two best stills of Dufftown on Spey. Friday 27th August at 7:30pm. Our man in the north Mr Ian Murray is coming down to conduct a thorough examination of eight glorious drams
 
The menu:

Glenfiddich 14 year old Rich Oak
Glenfiddich 15 year old
Glenfiddich 15 year old Distillery Edition
Glenfiddich 21 year old
 
Cheese n Oatcakes n water
 
The Balvenie 12 year old Doublewood
The Balvenie 12 year old Signature
The Balvenie 15 year old Single Barrel
The Balvenie 21 year old Portwood
 
Tickets now available £25 per person.
 
————————–
RSVP:
Nickolls and Perks Stourbridge
01384 394518
www.nickollsandperks.co.uk

Isle of Arran 11yo 1998/2009 (55.6%, SMWS, refill butt/ex bourbon, 598 Bts., 121.30)

A single cask bottling from the Society, happily bottled at cask strength, without chill filtration or the addition of the hated caramel. The nose has hints of Balsamic vinegar, liquorice and is very closed beyond this, water is needed.  Now there is malt, wood notes. The undiluted taste is strong, like brandy along with cherries and malt. The taste diluted is good; sherry notes, fruit, sweetness, apricots, green tea, fragrant notes and malt. The finish is malty, vaguely perfumed and then some solid tobacco notes and all in all it’s a very good finish. Its mouth filling, the tobacco appears again along with a dryness and oak spice. A vibrant finish that is long and good. No unhappy notes.

Tasted blind one would be hard pressed to identify this as an Arran. The right amount of water makes all the difference.

US$105

Score 83 points

Sample SMWS Bottle Image