Whisky & Spirits Blog | Compare Buy Enjoy
The Whisky Exchange has a lot to celebrate!
They’ve just won the Independant Retailer of the Year at The Drinks Business Awards.
And as they like to share the celebrations and it’s the Diamond Jubilee weekend, they’ve got some special offers available on some very nice whiskies including a chance to win a Glenlivet 25 Year Old!
Have a browse but don’t forget: This is a special Diamond Jubilee Offer and is valid for the holiday weekend ONLY – it expires at the end of Tuesday 5th. June.
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Ship Inn Cricket
Isle of Skye Blended Scotch Whisky has started the summer cricket season in style by announcing its official sponsorship of The Ship Inn cricket team on Scotland’s most famous pitch – Elie beach in Fife.
Supported by Isle of Skye Whisky, The Ship Inn team’s latest win of the season against the Grange Club from Edinburgh, took place on Elie beach on Sunday 27 May, with players and supporters basking in glorious summer sunshine. Beautiful golden sands, bright blue skies and quaint fishermen’s cottages provided the perfect backdrop to this traditionally British summertime pursuit.
Filming a special feature for BBC Scotland’s Landward on Elie’s unusual cricket ground, presenter Dougie Vipond was the honorary member of the Ship Inn team and enjoyed his first ever game of cricket. Broadcast on Friday 1 June at 7pm on BBC Two Scotland, Landward is Scotland’s farming and countryside programme focusing on the issues affecting rural communities.
The cricket season will run through to 9 September with home games at Elie taking place every second Sunday. People are being encouraged to come along and support the Ship Inn cricket team for some guaranteed entertaining sport, delicious food at the Ship Inn and of course a wee dram of Isle of Skye 8 Years Old.
Neil Boyd, UK Commercial Director for Ian Macleod Distillers and Ship Inn team player, commented: “Isle of Skye Blended Scotch Whisky is proud to be sponsoring The Ship Inn cricket team this summer.
“We had great fun with Dougie Vipond on Sunday and are looking forward to supporting all the matches at Elie in the months ahead. Whether you are toasting your team’s success in this summer’s cricket or enjoying a reviving dram at the end of a hard day, we want Isle of Skye to be the Blended Scotch synonymous with that sense of achievement, satisfaction and reward.”
Owned by independent bottlers and distillers, Ian Macleod Distillers, Isle of Skye is based on a Macleod family recipe that blends distinctive peaty Island and mellow Speyside Malts. While the majority of Blended Scotch Whiskies are un-aged, Isle of Skye is unusual in its guarantee that all the Single Malts used in its blend recipe are matured in oak casks for at least 8 years.
Described by whisky expert Jim Murray as ‘Stunningly evocative’, Isle of Skye 8 Years Old is celebrated in his 2012 Whisky Bible, rated as a ‘superstar whisky that gives us a reason to live’.
Isle of Skye Whisky sponsors The Ship Inn Cricket Club for their match against Grange CC. Landward's Dougie Vipond was playing for the Ship Inn team.
For further information and match dates at The Ship Inn, Elie visit: www.ship-elie.com
Landward will broadcast on BBC 2 Scotland, 7pm Friday 1 June and will be available on BBC iPlayer: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01f9xnp
Operations manager Hamish Proctor looks over plans by Chivas Brothers to reopen Glen Keith Distillery in Speyside.
Chivas Brothers has revealed plans for a new bottling hall that will open in Paisley this summer.
It will increase the emphasis on hand-bottling for prestige and ultra-prestige editions such as Chivas Regal 25, The Royal Salute range and other high-end limited editions of The Glenlivet and Ballantine’s.
Malt whisky distillation capacity will also be increased, with expansions at Glenallachie, Glentauchers, Tormore and Longmorn distilleries and the reopening of Glen Keith distillery in April 2013.
This will result in a 25% capacity increase across 2012 and 2013. In addition, new heat recovery technology is also being introduced to make stills 25% more efficient.
Christian Porta, Chairman and CEO of Chivas Brothers said: “We are committed to a capital expenditure of £40 million annually to further increase our distillation capacity and production facilities. This investment, allied to strong market growth, a continued commitment to innovation and the best suited portfolio to target the most profitable opportunities, will provide the basis for future value growth for our company.”
Lagavulin will again be the headline sponsor of the Islay Jazz Festival in 2012
For the third year running, Lagavulin will be the headline sponsor for the Islay Jazz Festival.
The Islay Jazz Festival, which this year will take place from 14-16 September 2012 attracts hundreds of jazz lovers from Scotland and beyond.
Artists already booked to appear on the world-famous whisky island include the Neil Cowley Trio, The Colin Steele Quintet, Konrad Wiszniewski with Pascal Schumacher and Scottish guitarist Graeme Stephen.
Nick Morgan of Lagavulin said, “We are delighted to be able to sponsor this world-class festival again, which brings so many discerning jazz lovers to venues throughout this unique and special island.
We have been pleased with the public and community reaction to our sponsorship over the last two years, and with the Festival’s growing success in attracting visitors to Islay, including many from abroad. It’s clear that live jazz and fine Malt Whisky are the best of partners, and that Islay, with its many distinctive and intimate venues and excellent whiskies, is ideally placed to host such a fine event”.
A film of the 2011 Festival highlights will shortly be released by Jazz Scotland, which will also be available on the Islay Jazz Festival website.
The Festival is promoted by Jazz Scotland and The Islay Arts Association and also supported by Argyll and Bute Council and Creative Scotland.
The events of the Festival are spread over three days and many venues on Islay.
Prices below are at least 10% Off and some are as much as 38% OFF!
The New Look Isle of Skye Blended Scotch Whisky
The Isle of Skye Blended Scotch Whisky range has been given a label makeover by it’s owners: Ian Macleod Distillers.
The new look of the award winning Isle of Skye 8 Years Old and 12 Years Old takes direct inspiration from the majestic scenery and romance of Scotland’s famous ‘Misty Isle’.
The New Look 8YO Isle of Skye
The New Look 12YO Isle of Skye
Evoking the Red and Black Hills of the Cuillin Mountains, the new label design introduces a striking watercolour sunset over the Isle of Skye and is coupled with a newly designed bottle.
Based on a family recipe that blends distinctive peaty Island and mellow Speyside Malts, Isle of Skye was created by the company’s founder Ian Macleod.
While the majority of Blended Scotch Whiskies are un-aged, Isle of Skye is unusual in its guarantee that all the Single Malts used in its blend recipe are matured in oak casks for at least 8 or 12 years.
Jim Murray in the 2012 Whisky Bible, rated Isle of Skye 8 Years Old as a ‘superstar whisky that gives us a reason to live’.
Iain Weir, Director of Marketing for Ian Macleod Distillers said: “Skye has an infinite romantic appeal that we wanted to capture in the Isle of Skye re-packaging. The imagery of the sunset over the Cuillin Mountains suggests a sense of relaxation and contentment. Whether you are toasting your success conquering a Munro or enjoying a reviving dram at the end of a hard day, we want Isle of Skye to be the Blended Scotch synonymous with that sense of achievement, satisfaction and reward.”
You can buy Isle of Skye Whisky from:-
Tasting notes
Isle of Skye 8 Years Old Blended Scotch Whisky
Nose: Stunningly evocative. Deep peaty tones waft from the glass, like the reek from a crofter’s lum. But there is a lot more beyond: the grains intermingle deliciously with oaky, vanilla notes and something malty and even slightly honeyed. The stuff of dreams.
Palate:Sweet at first, and remarkably viscous. This seems to be the peat hanging around and there is intense barley sugar and spice. Massively flavoured. This creaminess continues for what seems hours.
Finish:Remains sweet, spicy and chewy and at the end faintly nutty. The oak returns at the end.
Comments: The stuff of dreams.
Jim Murray, Classic Blended ScotchIsle of Skye 12 Years Old Blended Scotch Whisky
Nose: Ripe, fruity and well balanced. Sherry, dried fruits and a hint of smoke. Water brings out a butter edge. A lot going on.
Palate: Overall, a little drier than the nose suggests but with excellent, soft, mid-palate weight. Light smoke all the way through.
Finish: Ripe and soft.
Comments:Very well balanced. A lovely blend.
Dave Broom in Whisky Magazine (Issue 22)
Cuba Gooding Jr. ©Olivia Arthur/Magnum Photos
Chivas Regal, the official sponsor of the 65th Festival De Cannes, announced a new global fundraising programme with FilmAid International.
To mark the first year anniversary of the Chivas Regal FilmAid partnership, Chivas unveiled a new short film documenting the amazing work of FilmAid focussing on a FilmAid project at the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya.
FilmAid is a non-profit organisation that uses the power of film and media to transcend language and literacy, bringing life-saving information, psychological relief and much-needed hope to refugees and other communities in need.
Oscar winning actor and FilmAid supporter, Cuba Gooding Jr., joined FilmAid UK Chair Iliane Ogilvie Thompson and Chivas Regal Brand Director, James Slack on stage for an exclusive screening of the new short film commissioned by Chivas.
(left to right) Iliane Ogilvie Thompson, Cuba Gooding Jr. and James Slack ©Olivia Arthur/Magnum Photos
The film was also supported by an exhibition of images captured during filming by distinguished Magnum Photos photographer, Olivia Arthur.
Cuba Gooding Jr. praised FilmAid’s unique work in using the power of film to bring hope and joy to refugees. He said: “Communities in crisis need information and empowerment. FilmAid provides both through the power of film, and I am delighted to be here to support their work and the generosity of Chivas Regal.”
Cuba was in Cannes for a special screening of the film, Red Tails, which he stars in and which tells the true, heroic story of the Tuskegee airmen. He was joined by George Lucas, director Anthony Hemingway, and producer Rick McCallum for a special screening on the Cinema de la Plage.
James Slack, Chivas Regal Brand Director, said, “After a successful first year of the partnership, we are delighted to reaffirm our commitment to FilmAid. Generosity of spirit lies at the heart of the Chivas brand and we are proud to play a continued role in providing financial support to projects worldwide.”
“The FilmAid film will help kick-start our fundraising plans for the year ahead but equally as important raise awareness of the charity’s amazing work by bringing FilmAid’s inspirational story to Cannes.”
Caroline Baron, FilmAid Founder, said, “FilmAid was formed in 1999 with the belief that movies could have a healing effect on refugees and displaced people, specifically those fleeing war in Kosovo.”
“More than a decade later, FilmAid’s work exhibiting and producing educational and inspirational films is thriving in communities affected by war and natural disaster in Haiti, Kenya, Thailand and beyond. Our work would not be possible without the generous support of organizations like Chivas Regal. We are deeply grateful.”
Discover a world of new whiskies
Discover the World’s New Whiskies with our weekly round up of New Stock Arrivals.
Master of Malt has 35 New additions to it’s stock this week with whiskies from the following regions and / or countries: Campbeltown, Highland, Irish, Island, Islay, Japanese, Lowland and Speyside.
The brands include Ardbeg, Arran, Balvenie, Ben Nevis, Benriach, Big Peat, Bladnoch, Caol Ila, Dalmore, Edradour, Glenfarclas, Glenfiddich, Glenglassaugh, Glengoyne, Glenlivet, Glenmorangie, Laphroaig, Linkwood, Macallan, Old Pulteney, Pride Of Strathspey, Smokehead, Springbank, Tomatin & Tomintoul.
The ages of the new whiskies range from 12 to 30 Year Old malts.
| Supplier | Brand | Bottle Size |
Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Master of Malt
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Gordon and MacPhail Traditional Miniatures 3x5cl – Connoisseurs Choice Single Malt Whisky Country: Scotland Region: Other Scotch Age: Strength: 43.00% |
15cl | £ 14.71 BUY NOW |
Master of Malt
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Jameson Irish Single Malt Whiskey Country: Ireland Region: Irish Age: Strength: 40.00% |
70cl | £ 16.84 BUY NOW |
Master of Malt
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Glengoyne 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky Country: Scotland Region: Highland Age: 12 Year Old Strength: 43.00% Summary: The malt whisky is 12 Year Old. |
70cl | £ 31.93 BUY NOW |
Master of Malt
|
Glenfiddich 15 Year Old Solera Reserve Single Malt Whisky Country: Scotland Region: Speyside Age: 15 Year Old Strength: 40.00% Summary: The malt whisky is 15 Year Old. |
70cl | £ 32.09 BUY NOW |
Master of Malt
|
BenRiach 1996 – Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon and MacPhail) Single Malt Whisky Country: Scotland Region: Speyside Age: Strength: 43.00% |
70cl | £ 35.02 BUY NOW |
Master of Malt
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Jameson Select Reserve Small Batch Single Malt Whiskey Country: Ireland Region: Irish Age: Strength: 40.00% |
70cl | £ 35.45 BUY NOW |
Master of Malt
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The Glenlivet 18 Year Old Single Malt Whisky Country: Scotland Region: Speyside Age: 18 Year Old Strength: 43.00% Summary: The malt whisky is 18 Year Old. |
70cl | £ 38.56 BUY NOW |
Master of Malt
|
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky Country: Scotland Region: Campbeltown Age: 12 Year Old Strength: 55.30% Summary: The malt whisky is 12 Year Old. |
70cl | £ 40.55 BUY NOW |
Master of Malt
|
The Glenlivet 16 Year Old Nadurra Batch 1210M Single Malt Whisky Country: Scotland Region: Speyside Age: 16 Year Old Strength: 54.50% Summary: The malt whisky is 16 Year Old. |
70cl | £ 41.95 BUY NOW |
Master of Malt
|
Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban Single Malt Whisky Country: Scotland Region: Highland Age: 12 Year Old Strength: 46.00% Summary: The malt whisky is 12 Year Old. |
70cl | £ 44.00 BUY NOW |
Master of Malt
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Laphroaig 1999 – Coopers Choice (Vintage Malt Whisky Co) Single Malt Whisky Country: Scotland Region: Scotch Age: 11 Year Old Strength: 46.00% Summary: The malt whisky is 11 Year Old. |
70cl | £ 44.14 BUY NOW |
Master of Malt
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BenRiach 12 Year Old Horizons Single Malt Whisky Country: Scotland Region: Speyside Age: 12 Year Old Strength: 50.00% Summary: The malt whisky is 12 Year Old. |
70cl | £ 47.47 BUY NOW |
Edencroft has 5 New additions to it’s range this week with some American, Blended and Islay arrivals.
| Supplier | Brand | Bottle Size |
Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Edencroft
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Scotts Selection – 1986 Dumbarton – Single Grain Blended Whisky Country: Scotland Region: Blended Age: Strength: Vintage: 1986 Bottler: Summary: When this distillery closed I was almost beside myself with disappointment… and rage. Following the closure of Cambus, this left Dumbarton as the brightest star in the collapsing star in the collapsing grain whisky galaxy. This bottle will give year oldu some insight into just why I treasured it so greatly; certainly more so than the bead counters at Allied who saw its potential as prime real estate over its ability to keep making arguably the best blended Scotch whiskies in the world. My main point of surprise now is why so few bottlings from this giant of a distillery ever see the shelves. |
£ 75.00 BUY NOW | |
| Edencroft
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Scotts Selection – 1964 Girvan – Single Grain Blended Whisky Country: Scotland Region: Blended Age: Strength: Vintage: 1964 Bottler: Summary: Excellent and unexpected early arrival of spice which adds serious oomph to the buttery toffee that tries to lead. Golden syrup and maple syrup fight for the sugary context (and what a delight that is!). |
£ 95.00 BUY NOW | |
| Edencroft
|
Scotts Selection – 1965 Port Dundas – Single Grain Blended Whisky Country: Scotland Region: Blended Age: Strength: Vintage: 1965 Bottler: Summary: Less melts-in-the-mouth, as simply vanishes. Possibly the softest delivery of the year and then an entire gamut of vaguely honeyed, vaguely coffeed notes drying with peanut buttered toast. Vaguely… |
£ 87.50 BUY NOW | |
Edencroft
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Bruichladdich – 16 Year Old Bourbon Cask Country: American Region: American Age: 16 Year Old Strength: Summary: An American Classic – Bruichladdich in white oak. Quercus Alba from the Ozark Mountains of Missouri, for centuries used by Kentucky Bourbon distillers appreciative of its dense-knit grain and strong vanillin flavours. |
£ 50.00 BUY NOW | |
Edencroft
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Bruichladdich – Port Charlotte Multi Vintage Country: Scotland Region: Islay Age: Strength: Summary: Port Charlotte Multi Vintage An Turas Mor – Gaelic for The Great Journey. |
£ 37.00 BUY NOW |
