Archives for July 2015

Chivas Announces Winners Of The Venture 2015!

July 27, 2015 by Gary Leave a Comment

The panel of four judges and five finalists for The Venture Final Pitch event at the Herbst Pavilion on Friday, July 24, 2015, in San Francisco, Calif. Over 1,000 pioneering enterprises entered The Venture; Chivas Regal’s global search to discover and reward the most promising social entrepreneurs. Five finalists pitched to a live audience of high profile entrepreneurs and business leaders and a panel of judges which include Adrian Grenier, Sonal Shah, Alex Ricard and Morgan Clendaniel for a share of the remainder of the $1 million fund. (Alison Yin/AP Images for Chivas Regal)

The Venture, Chivas Regal’s global search for the world’s most promising social entrepreneurs, rewarded all five finalists the remaining share of the $1m fund at the final pitch event which took place on Friday.

The announcement came after the five finalists pitched the potential of their start-up to create transformative social change to an expert judging panel that included actor and social entrepreneur Adrian Grenier. Algramo from Chile was awarded the largest share of the fund, receiving $300,000 to further develop the pioneering food distribution enterprise.

Other finalists to come away with funding on the night included Chipsafer ($150,000) from Uruguay who use innovative tracking devices to transform the way farmers look after their livestock; SenSprout ($150,000) from Japan who aim to make farming more efficient using a wireless field-monitoring system; Lumkani ($75,000) from South Africa, a company that uses technology to decrease the risk of devastating fires in informal settlements, and Diseclar ($75,000) from Colombia who turn waste materials into stylish furniture.

The Venture – which saw more than a thousand social entrepreneurs apply for $1million in funding – culminated at The Final Pitch event at The Herbst Pavilion, San Francisco in front of a large audience. The evening was hosted by the Late Late Show presenter, James Corden who applauded all five of the social entrepreneurs who pitched for their commitment to using business as a force for good.

The Final Pitch event was attended by a range of high profile entrepreneurs and business leaders from Silicon Valley and beyond. Also in the audience was Golden Globe nominated actor Oscar Isaac who starred in Chivas Regal’s Win The Right Way film, which helped launch The Venture by issuing a challenge to aspiring social entrepreneurs and the world at large to re-frame their meaning of success.

The judging panel which included Adrian Grenier, Sonal Shah, Alex Ricard and Morgan Clendaniel, assessed each business based on their ability to create sustainable change through a viable business model and potential to scale. To find out more about the winners and the other finalists who took part in The Venture visit www.theventure.com.

Social entrepreneurship challenges society to reimagine what is possible and inspires us to create a better future and a better world. All of The Venture finalists tonight challenged us to imagine how business could transform a problem into an opportunity.

They are all very deserving of support and show why it’s important for initiatives like The Venture to exist, to inspire as many brilliant minds from around the world as possible and to contribute to using business as a force for good.
– Adrian Grenier: actor and social entrepreneur

What a night! I can’t believe I’ve received $300,000 in funding from Chivas – it’s truly life changing for me. The money will enable me to scale the business and really take it to the next level.

I’m truly grateful for this experience and can’t wait to apply everything I’ve learnt since being in San Francisco.
– Jose Manuel Moller Dominguez: finalist

All five of the social entrepreneurs who pitched for funding tonight have founded innovative and inspiring social enterprises, each providing sustainable solutions for different issues.

Ultimately Jose from Algramo demonstrated a concrete proof of concept and really convinced us that The Venture funding could deliver tremendous transformative change for their business. We’re extremely proud of the first year of The Venture and Chivas is looking forward to continuing this legacy in years to come.
– Alex Ricard: Pernod Ricard’s Chairman, CEO and The Venture judge

Social entrepreneurs from across the world are invited to apply for $1 million in funding as The Venture Year 2 kicks off from 10th August 2015, visit www.theventure.com for further details.

Edencroft Ardbeg, Bruichladdich & Glenfarclas New Arrivals!

July 27, 2015 by Gary Leave a Comment

Bruichladdich / 1992 Fino Sherry
£ 80.00

New Arrivals

Nikka / 1991 Yoichi (heavily Peated) Cask #129459
£ 1,500.00
Country: Japanese
Region: Japanese
Age:
Strength: 62.%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Japan/Honshu – Miyagi.
ABV: 62%
Cask: Virgin Oak Puncheon.
Cask No: 129459
Unit: 70cl
Bottles Produced: 423

Ardbeg / Committee Supernova 2014
£ 325.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age:
Strength: 55.%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Islay.
ABV: 55%
Unit: 70cl
The whisky world has been watching, waiting, anticipating. And salivating. Finally, Supernova is back and it has evolved. The presence of sherry-matured stock has imparted an extra dimension, creating a deeper richness… firing up the spiciness…. and boosting the sweetness. But it’s still one of the peatiest Ardbegs on earth.
Aroma: The first sniff instantly transports you into orbit, with the intense zestiness of smoked lemons and pears, lemongrass and pine needles, embedded in a deep, resinous, sticky waxy base.
This initial, tangy vapour trails off, bringing in the tranquil whiff of salty, briny, seaweed-covered shores. More solid scents are then discovered, with the mineral-like tone of flint and granite, sooty smoke and a fresh, mentholic stab of peppermint.
Water droplets trigger a metaphorical smoke bomb, with dense layers of billowing, aromatic smoke, peaty earth and the vegetal sharpness of heater root. Finally, a curious, sharp-sweet burst of delicious applewood smoked cheese is encountered
Taste: With the first sip, a gentle warmth ignites and builds until the sensation becomes distinctively peppery, spicy and electric. The onslaught of flavour comes in at warp speet as powerful peppermint, antiseptic lozenges and other familiar, medicinal tones orbit around Supernova's immense, peaty core.
Dark, dark birch tar intermingles with spicy-sweet chilli flavoured chocolates, while the entire mouth and palate are coated in luscious linseed oil
Finish: The velocity increases, until it is almost off the scale, with rich flavours of tar, creosote, briar wood, spicy tobacco and liquorice root. The aftertaste simply disappears into infinity, such is its length.

Bruichladdich / 1992 Fino Sherry
£ 80.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age:
Strength: 46.%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Islay.
ABV: 46%
Age: 17 Year Old.
Unit: 70cl
THIS BOTTLING IS FROM OUR SHERRY SERIES, WHICH WAS AN EXPLORATION OF THE MATURATION OF BRUICHLADDICH SPIRIT IN A VARIETY OF HIGH-PROVENANCE SHERRY BUTTS. SHERRY WOOD HAS BEEN HIGHLY PRIZED BY THE WHISKY DISTILLER SINCE WAR WITH FRANCE IN THE EARLY NINETEENTH CENTURY MADE WINE CASKS UNOBTAINABLE.
In this case we were fortunate to obtain prized Fino floor butts from Bodegas Rey Fernando de Castilla. Fino sherry, made from the palomino grape, is the driest and palest of all the fortified wines from Jerez, and benefits from the legendary “flor” – an indigenous strain of yeast – that develops on the surface of the wine and protects it from excessive oxidisation and adds layers of complexity to this great sherry.
This was a fascinating series of whiskies – the other bottlings used respectively Manzanilla, Oloroso and Pedro Ximinez butts – and this small parcel of 1992 Fino is the very last!
Character: Lithe and subtle, smooth and sensuous, absolutely faultless with a lightness in the texture that gently ripples over the pallet exciting and uplifting the senses.
Colour: Wild Honey/Golden Straw.
Nose: Lush golden grapes ooze from the glass like a model on a catwalk. Followed by honeyed malted barley, sweet and crisp, all wrapped up in the stunning mellowness of both American and Spanish oaks. One providing sweet vanilla and the other the semi sweet dryness imparted by the Fino. It has a delightful fresh and very clean fruit and floral bouquet which develops in the glass given time. Only the best butts have been used in the maturing of the Fino sherry thus the richness in the aromatics. Due to its time in our coastal warehouses that key note of lemon juice provides contrast and an edge of citrus sharpness to the fusion of aromas being experienced.
Palate: The sweet malty flavours are immediately apparent giving thoughts of late August barley fields, warm and sunny. Then the dry sweetness of the Fino emerges slowly with a touch of almond nuttiness with the lushness of the grapes coating the palate like fruit syrup. It’s an arousing pleasure giving experience, and at this age it’s really at its highest point in taste terms. The skills of the farmer, the distiller, the Coopers, the bourbon and wine makers all coming together wrapped up in time and providing a single malt of star quality and congeniality.
Finish: Bruichladdich with its beautiful unpeated fruitiness, its natural colour and its unchilled rich texture is a perfect match for the Fino style sherry butt enhancement, and lingers long bringing absolute satisfaction to the consumer who recognises the benefits of hand crafted natural single malt.
Mood: Absolutely hedonistic!

St Magdalene / Part Des Anges 27 Year Old
£ 565.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Lowland
Age:
Strength: 52.7%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Lowland.
ABV: 52.7%
Distilled: 1983
Bottled: 2010
Age: 27 Year Old.
Unit: 70cl
Bottles Produced: 132

Glenfarclas / 105 Cask Strength Single Malt
£ 43.50
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age:
Strength: 60.%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside.
Unit: 70cl
ABV: 60%
Colour: Deep peaty-gold.
Nose: Complex, oaky, apples and pears, and a tempting dark toffee sweetness.
Flavour: Dry and assertive, develops quickly to reveal a rich spiciness, combined with a hint of oak and sherried fruit.
Finish: Amazingly smooth for the strength; wonderfully warming and with a lingering smokiness, yet very rounded.
Comment: A great whisky holding all the flavours of all the Glenfarclas in one glass. Being so warming, this is the perfect Hogmanay dram. Don’t be afraid of the strength and order a 210, if you dare!
Ratings: 95.5 Points – Jim Murray's 2013 Whisky Bible.

Glenfarclas / 2013 Mount Kilimanjaro Charity Trek Bottle Number 1 Of 1
£ 2,900.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age:
Strength: 63.5%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside.
ABV: 63.5%
Cask No: 5895
Distilled: 1997
Bottled: 2013
Age: 16 Year Old.
Unit: 70cl
Bottles Produced: 1

Duncan Taylor / 40 Year Old Black Bull (first Release)
£ 280.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Blended
Age:
Strength:
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Various.
ABV: %
Age: 40 Year Old.
Unit: 70cl
Black Bull 40 Year Old, the flagship of the Black Bull range, a superior blend of the finest Single Malt and Single Grain whiskies available from Scotland’s premium distilleries. The spirit in this very first bottling of Black Bull 40 contains whiskies ranging from 40 to 44 years old from the following distilleries: Bunnahabhain, Glenfarclas, Glenlivet, Glenburgie, Highland Park, Miltonduff, Springbank, Tamdhu and Invergordon.
Black Bull 40 Year Old is 90% single malt and 10% single grain and is bottled at cask strength. The spirit is completely natural, without chilled- filtration or added colourant.

Sampling Anon. Batch 1 – The Rare Casks From Abbey Whisky!

July 24, 2015 by Gary Leave a Comment

Anon. Batch 1 – The Rare Casks

Abbey Whisky has released another gem in it’s Rare Casks range.

Anon. Batch 1 was distilled in 2001 at one of Scotland’s finest distilleries.

It has been aged for 13 years in total, with the last 6 months of maturation spent in an Oloroso sherry cask.

Bottled in 2015 at cask strength, only 90 bottles have been filled and made available for this new release in their Rare Casks series…

Plus … Buy Anon. and receive 10% off any other 70cl Rare Casks whisky!

Tasting Notes – Anon. Batch 1 – The Rare Casks (51.5%)

Nose: Rich honey, malt and creamy vanilla abounds, all laced with marzipan. Very appetising! There’s some slight woodiness in there as well.

Palate: Luscious mouthfeel, lovely honey and vanilla creaminess.

Finish: Sweet, spicy finish – long and well blended.

Overall: Hats off to Abbey Whisky for this – an excellent dram with some great flavours – all packaged up in whisky that packs a bit of a hit, strength wise.
A great price too – a winner!

£54.00

Many thanks to Abbey Whisky (@AbbeyWhisky) for sending the samples!

Edencroft New Arrivals From Glenfarclas & Macallan!

July 21, 2015 by Gary Leave a Comment

Glenfarclas / 51119 Family Reserve
£ 81.50

New Arrivals

Glenfarclas / 51119 Family Reserve
£ 81.50
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age:
Strength: 43.%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside.
Unit: 70cl
ABV: 43%.
This month J. & G. Grant introduce the new £511.19s.0d Family Reserve to celebrate the 150th anniversary of family ownership of the Glenfarclas distillery. On the 8th of June 1865, John Grant, 1st generation of the Grant family, bought the distillery for £511.19s.0d. His grandsons, John and George, later formed the company J. & G. Grant and to this day it remains an independent business and firmly in the hands of the family’s 5th & 6th generation.
The £511.19s.0d Family Reserve, a non-chill filtered bottling at 43%, is a vatting of predominantly first fill sherry butts which proudly embodies the distillery’s sherry profile, bringing together all the character of this great spirit across the generations. Sweet and rich sherry, like a toffee syrup over a freshly toasted French baguette, the nose promises fresh fruit smothered in heather honey, ending almost like a sweet port. Then a dry yet sweet taste, a lovely balance of fruit, light nuttiness and milk chocolate develop, followed by a very palatable long and easy finish. A copy of the original bill of sale is included with each bottle along with a note from George Grant explaining the significance of the £511.19s.0d Family Reserve to the Grant family tradition.
Putting this family achievement into perspective, the time and dedication taken by the Grant’s to create a consistently high quality whisky for well over a century should not be underestimated. Within an industry where economic booms and recessions are omnipresent, the art of balancing and anticipating the worldwide demand for whisky is no easy feat. Yet the Grants pushed on through the changing landscape of the whisky industry, as more and more distilleries were bought over by international conglomerates, as drinks portfolios expanded and aged single malt took to the fore. Over the years they have witnessed an entire transformation of distillery ownership across Scotland, resisting company proposals for the purchase of their very own distillery and choosing instead to be governed by no one other than themselves.
To mark this historic occasion today at the distillery, John and George Grant filled 10 sherry butts and 10 sherry hogshead casks to lay down for the future generations. “The beauty of independence is that we have total control over the quality and character of our whisky, and with this control we can personally choose what we want the brand to represent”, says George Grant, 6th generation of the family. Today with only a handful of independent distillers left, J. & G. Grant have stood the test of time and with the release of this special edition £511.19s.0d Family Reserve, what better way to raise a glass to their history and Glenfarclas single malt whisky.

Macallan Distillery / 1995 Speymalt
£ 75.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age:
Strength: 43.%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside.
Unit: 70cl
ABV: 43%.
CASK TYPE: .
Age: 19 Years Old.
Distilled: 1995
Bottled: 2014
STYLE: .
AROMA WITHOUT WATER: .
TASTE WITHOUT WATER: .
AROMA WITH WATER: .
TASTE WITH WATER: .

Macallan Distillery / 2005 Speymalt
£ 35.95
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age:
Strength: 43.%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside.
Unit: 70cl
ABV: 43%.
CASK TYPE: 1st Fill and Refill Sherry Casks.
Age: 9 Years Old.
Distilled: 2005
Bottled: 2014
STYLE: Light summer dram (Aperitif).
AROMA WITHOUT WATER: Delicate Sherry influences with sweet Highland toffee and banana aromas. Hints of lemon and peppermint linger.
TASTE WITHOUT WATER: The palate is peppery initially with pear, pineapple and orange peel flavours. Complimented by a creamy milk chocolate and Brazil nut edge.
AROMA WITH WATER: Has become lighter, with green apple, pineapple and kiwi fruit aromas. Underlying hints of sweet vanilla and eucalyptus.
TASTE WITH WATER: Refreshing grapefruit, sweet strawberry and blueberry flavours initially. These combine with a delicate white chocolate edge.

UK Bartender Announced As Chivas Master 2015!

July 17, 2015 by Gary Leave a Comment

Chivas Master 2015: Josh Reynolds from Hawksmoor, Spitalfields, London

Chivas Regal has named Josh Reynolds, from Hawksmoor Spitalfields, in London as the 2015 Chivas Master. Reynolds competed against 11 other international finalists in the two-day New York final which saw him impress an expert panel of judges across six exciting challenges. The first round saw him present his signature cocktail, The Black Dizzy Tea.

Announced during the celebrations at the Chivas Regal Gala Dinner at Tales of the Cocktail, New Orleans, Reynolds has won the unique opportunity to work in three iconic bars, across different cities where he will be inspired to create his own three ‘classic’ signature drinks. Reynolds will be taken on an unforgettable experience where he will work alongside some of the world’s most influential bartenders.

The 12 finalists were winners of national Chivas Masters heats, which took place around the world earlier this year. During the Chivas Masters final, the bartenders were asked to re-create one of the cocktails that earned them a place in the final and also compete in a series of challenges and workshops designed to test their creativity, style, understanding of flavours and mixology skills.

Josh Reynolds’ signature drink, The Black Dizzy Tea

The judging panel was comprised of leading experts in the drinks industry, including Ago Perrone, Director of Mixology at the David Collins-designed Connaught Bar in London; Ivy Mix co-owner of Leyenda; Micah Melton, The Aviary Director; and Masa Urushido, Bar Manager at Saxon + Parole and the 2014 Chivas Master.

During the final, Urushido presented to finalists a bar tool innovation that was inspired by traditional Japanese methods of ice-carving, and was created as part of his prize for winning last year’s competition. The Ice Chisel set has been hand-forged by a third generation Japanese blacksmith and features an extended and widened curved blade to assist the precision and efficiency of the bartender when preparing the essential cocktail component of ice-spheres.

The judging panel faced a very difficult decision in naming the 2015 Chivas Master, such was the talent showcased in this year’s global final. Ultimately, Reynolds performed outstandingly across the entire six challenges and showed incredible skill, creativity and insight.

– Ago Perrone: Director of Mixology – Connaught Bar in London

Now in its second year, the Chivas Masters is continuing to serve a growing interest in classic-inspired modern cocktails around the world. At Chivas Regal we are dedicated to taking that interest even further by inspiring bartenders to explore the endless possibilities of Chivas within their drinks making.

– Max Warner: Global Brand Ambassador – Chivas Regal

Jameson Unveils Wild Sloe Berry Bitters!

July 17, 2015 by Gary Leave a Comment

JAMESON IRISH WHISKEY INSPIRES TOP BARTENDERS WITH BITTERS PROJECT! Photo: Eoin Holland

Jameson has unveiled Wild Sloe Berry Bitters at Tales of the Cocktail 2015. The new offering is set to encourage bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts around the world to create, serve and enjoy new taste experiences with the world’s leading Irish Whiskey.

Jameson Wild Sloe Berry Bitters has been created by the Innovation Team at the Midleton Distillery, County Cork, headed up by Master of Whiskey Science, David Quinn. At the heart of the bitters is a sloe berry distillate created by Quinn, which has been slowly matured with Jameson Irish Whiskey and a bitters mix including wormwood, gentian and ginseng. The result is a new and interesting cocktail flavouring, bottled at 46% ABV.

Each bottle of Jameson Wild Sloe Berry Bitters is crafted using hand foraged sloes from the shores of Lough Corrib and Lough Mask in Ireland. Jameson has teamed up with a local foraging expert to procure the highest quality, organic Prunus Spinosa (blackthorn) sloes at their optimum ripeness. The forager picks the fruit sustainably to ensure that there are long-term supplies for the local wildlife and delicately washes each sloe so as to not remove its natural yeast and flavours.

Distributed exclusively to key bartenders worldwide, Jameson Bitters have been developed to inspire these professionals to create new and exciting cocktails. The bitters are set to appeal to existing Jameson advocates as well as food and drinks enthusiasts who are looking for a more interesting and rewarding taste experience.

Over the years, the world’s leading bartenders have used Jameson as a key building block in the creation of new cocktail styles and drinking rituals, and we are constantly working to develop exciting new concepts that ignite the creativity of leading mixologists.

“We are very excited by the launch of Jameson Wild Sloe Berry Bitters as it goes to the heart of what Jameson stands for – authentic, modern Irish produce that creates a great taste experience. We look forward to introducing Jameson Bitters to bartenders around the world in the coming months and seeing the exciting array of Jameson drinks being made available through the on-trade to consumers, who are thirsty for innovation, variety and authenticity.

– Brendan Buckley: Global Innovation & Category Development Director at Irish Distillers

After its official unveiling this week at Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans, Jameson Wild Sloe Berry Bitters will feature at many of the world’s leading bars show and cocktail festivals throughout the year, including Moscow Bar Show, London Cocktail and Athens Bar Show.

Sampling The Dalmore Distillery Exclusive 2015!

July 17, 2015 by Gary Leave a Comment

The Dalmore Distillery Exclusive 2015

The Dalmore has released a limited edition bottling “The Dalmore Distillery Exclusive 2015” which will be sold exclusively at the brands iconic home in the Scottish Highlands.

The latest bottling embodies the art of The Dalmore for which the brand’s esteemed Master Distiller, Richard Paterson, has hand selected a collection of port, Moscatel and Madeira casks to mature this exquisite whisky in, before finally being finessed in first fill bourbon barrels.

The Dalmore Distillery Exclusive 2015 is a stunning whisky.

Our artisanal approach to whisky making bestows this bottling with a bold, rich, sweet amber gold colour with aromas of caramelised orange, forest fruits and marzipan, and on the palate macerated plums, almonds and pecans.

– Richard Paterson: Master Distiller

Each expression of The Dalmore is meticulously crafted by Richard with the help of a small and highly skilled team of distillery craftsmen who manage the production process by hand. This approach is essential to The Dalmore as its collection of eight stills of varying shapes and sizes require great attention in order to create the unique, complex character that is distinctive of The Dalmore.

Located on the shores of the Cromarty Firth, the picturesque home of The Dalmore houses a visitor centre where guests are invited to experience the brand and become immersed in the history, bravery and workmanship that go into producing The Dalmore’s award winning whisky.

Distillery Tours are available year round but you do need to book! Contact Dalmore for more details.

Only 450 bottles of “The Dalmore Distillery Exclusive 2015” have been made available, each individually numbered.

Priced £150 The Dalmore Distillery Exclusive 2015 (48% ABV) is available from The Dalmore Distillery at Alness, Ross-shire, Scotland, IV17 OUT

Only 450 bottles have been made available

Tasting Notes – The Dalmore Distillery Exclusive 2015 (48%)

Matured in hand selected port, Moscatel and Madeira casks before being finessed in first fill bourbon barrels.

Nose: A rich sherry colour that clings to the glass. Sweet, fruity port, ripe red apples, orange and marzipan.

Palate: Luscious mouthfeel. Sweet cake mixture, fruits soaked in port.

Finish: A long, spicy finish with bags of sugary, fruit sweetness. Gets drier at the end.

Overall: A rich, powerful dram that seems to punch way above the weight of it’s 48% ABV. Decidely morish and very palatable.

I know they’ll sell out of this very quickly regardless but I hope that some of the buyers will actually taste this great whisky rather than just keeping it for investment purposes.
That would be a shame – and a waste!

Many thanks to Dalmore Whisky (@DalmoreWhisky) for sending the samples!

Dalmore is available to buy from these Whisky Merchants:-

Edencroft Fine Wine & Spirit Specialists
Abbey Whisky
Master of Malt
The Whisky Exchange
Whisky Online
The Whisky Barrel
The Green Welly Stop

The Dalmore Honours Singapore’s 50th Year Of Independence!

July 15, 2015 by Gary Leave a Comment

The Dalmore Affinity Bottle

Home to some of Scotland’s most precious and rare whisky stocks, The Dalmore distillery has created a one of a kind exclusive bottle in celebration of Singapore’s Golden Jubilee, which will be showcased at RWS Hotel Michael, Singapore.

The whisky, named The Dalmore Affinity, has been meticulously crafted and nurtured by Master Distiller Richard Paterson and the small but highly skilled team at The Dalmore distillery in Scotland for the last 50 years.

Always striving for perfection, Paterson works with some of the world’s finest wineries and bodegas to hand-select each cask which matures The Dalmore. The Dalmore Affinity has been matured in American white oak bourbon casks for 48 years before being finessed in exclusive Apostoles 30 year old Matusalem oloroso sherry butts from the Gonzalez Byass bodega in Spain for a further 2 years and 6 months.

Respecting this passage of time takes patience and artistry but the wait yields exceptional results. It is only after 50 long years of maturation has Richard finally declared that the casks have gifted the spirit with the perfect depth of flavours which include caramel, cherries and chocolate ganache.

The Dalmore Affinity will be showcased at RWS Hotel Michael, Singapore for three weeks

This whisky is so precious, that only one bottle has been created.

Priced at S$105,645 (Approx. £49,611), this exceptional release will be showcased at Hotel Michael in Singapore from the 26th July 2015.

When creating The Dalmore Affinity, we wanted to celebrate the pioneering spirit and bravery of the Singaporean people who came together to develop an independent nation based on five noble values of democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality.

We wanted to mark this Golden Jubilee with a whisky that is truly befitting of this occasion, which is why we have released this very rare, one of a kind whisky, sourced from the deepest darkest corners of our warehouses in Scotland. As beautiful as it is rare, this expression is an exceptional whisky that we believe richly honours this extremely prestigious occasion.

– Richard Paterson: Master Distiller

The Dalmore Affinity is bottled in an elegant hand-crafted crystal decanter, complete with a solid silver stag created by leading Scottish silversmiths Hamilton & Inches, holders of the Royal Warrant.

This ‘12-point Royal Stag’ emblem dates back to 1263 when the Chief of the Clan Mackenzie bravely saved King Alexander III of Scotland from the fury of a charging stag. In recognition of this noble act the grateful King granted the Clan Mackenzie the right to use the emblem in their coat of arms.

When ancestors of the Clan took control of the distillery, they brought with them their cherished emblem and the iconic stag has proudly adorned every bottle since 1867.

The beautiful crystal decanter is enclosed in a wooden presentation case which has been hand-crafted by the expert craftsmen at LINLEY, who meticulously designed and constructed it with the fastidious care and attention only someone of their calibre can provide.

The Dalmore Affinity will be showcased at RWS Hotel Michael, Singapore for three weeks starting from Sunday 26th July 2015.

The Dalmore Affinity Tasting Notes 43% ABV (70cl)

The Dalmore Affinity has been matured in American white oak bourbon casks for 48 years and was finished in an Apostoles 30 year old Matusalem oloroso sherry butt for two years and six months.

Aroma: Black Forest fruits, caramel orange segments, dark chocolate and liquorice.

Palate: Black Maraschino cherries, treacle toffee and tangy Columbian coffee.

Finish: Chocolate ganache, Muscovado and crushed almonds.

Scapa Skiren Launched – A New Single Malt Whisky Forged By The Elements Of Orkney!

July 15, 2015 by Gary Leave a Comment

Scapa Skiren

September 2015 marks the launch of Scapa Skiren, an artisanal single malt forged by the elements of Orkney; a remote island of natural contrasts.

Crafted by five dedicated artisans at the manually operated Scapa distillery, Scapa Skiren’s smooth taste embodies the unexpected contrasts of the Orkney Islands, setting it apart from traditional Island Malts.

Scapa Skiren will be released in September 2015

A unique barrel-shaped Lomond wash still – the only remaining working Lomond in the Scotch whisky industry – is used for distillation, resulting in a richer and fruiter honeyed spirit. Exclusive maturation in First Fill American Oak casks gives Scapa Skiren a smooth creamy sweetness with a hint of tropical, citrus fruit and coastal heather, uncommon for an Island Single Malt but distinctly Scapa at its core.

Scapa Skiren gets its name from the Old Norse for glittering bright skies and lights up the senses with its delicate scented floral flavours as well as fresh pear, sweet and fruity pineapple notes on the nose.
The smooth and sweet taste of ripe honeydew melon slices as well as bursts of fruity pear contrast with the tantalising taste of sweet sherbet on the palate. The end result is a long refreshing sweetness, reminiscent of the summer Orcadian skies after which it is named.

Scapa recently opened its distillery to the public, for the first time since its launch in 1885, on the beautiful, wild and untameable Orkney mainland. It is situated on the shore of the Scapa Flow, a natural harbour and one of Britain’s most historic stretches of water.

It has been a real pleasure to bring the dynamic and unexpected contrasts of Orkney to life in Scapa Skiren.

It is a product of our island; forged by the elements and the expertise of our dedicated team who use traditional methods and skills honed over several generations to create our distinctive Island malt with its unique smooth honeyed taste.

– Brian MacAulay: Scapa Master Distiller

Scapa Skiren will be released in September 2015, in selected retailers in the UK and France.

Scapa Skiren (40% ABV) tasting notes

Character: Honeyed and tropical

Nose: Delicate scented floral flavours with a hint of fresh pear. Sweet and fruity pineapple notes with an unexpected citrus tang

Taste: Smooth and sweet, ripe honeydew melon slices with bursts of fruity pear contrasting with the tantalizing taste of a sweet lemon sherbet

Finish: Long, refreshing, shimmering sweetness

Edencroft New Arrivals!

July 15, 2015 by Gary Leave a Comment

Tomatin / 36 Year Old Small Batch Release
£ 430.00

New Arrivals

Caol Ila / 2013 Distillers Edition
£ 63.50
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age:
Strength: 43.%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Islay.
Unit: 70cl
ABV: 43%
Distilled/Bottled: 2001/2013
Each Distillers Edition expression undergoes a second (or ‘double’) maturation in casks that have previously held a fortified wine.
This extraordinarily stylish and complex expression of Caol Ila has been double-matured in carefully selected Moscatel casks. The wood is not over-evident and instead balances perfectly with this richly flavoured single malt.
Appearance: Clear gold.
Nose: Wonderfully concentrated pure, clean Caol Ila – peaty and medicinal, with rich fruit, spicy and fragrant. With water, the fragrant smokiness comes singing through.
Body: Medium.
Palate: Sweetness and maltiness strike first, then are quickly overwhelmed by peat smoke and intense, clean, crisp flavours. Caol Ila’s signature smoky bonfires are here, and build to quite a size. Overall, drying, in a beautifully balanced, complex, elegant development, complemented with cinnamon spice.
Finish: Long, rounded, robust and multi-layered.

Tomatin / 36 Year Old Small Batch Release
£ 430.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highlands
Age:
Strength: 46.%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Highland's.
ABV: 46%.
Unit: 70cl.
Bottles Produced: 800.
Tomatin are excited to announce an addition to their range – a 36 year old small batch release – which is available to all markets now.
Batch 1 of this new 36 Year Old expression has been vatted from a combination of ex-Bourbon and ex-Oloroso Sherry casks, producing just 800 bottles. Smooth and creamy, it has been bottled at natural cask strength (46%abv), non chill filtered and natural colour. Packaged in an attractive wooden box, each bottle is individually numbered and comes with its own certificate.
Tomatin are in a unique position to be able to offer a product of this age on an ongoing basis. Following the withdrawal of their famed 30 year old expression, we expect this new 36 year old to be a welcome addition for drinkers, of Tomatin single malt.
AROMA: Pear drops, ginger snaps, butterscotch, vanilla ice cream, sherry notes, milk chocolate.
PALATE: Woody and malty, less sweet than the nose, cloves and cardamom.
FINISH: Elegantly smooth and creamy with just a hint of spice.

Talisker / 2012 Distillers Edition
£ 52.75
Country: Scotland
Region: Island
Age:
Strength: 45.8%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Isle of Sky.
Unit: 70cl.
ABV: 45.8%.
Distilled/Bottled: 2001/2012.
“Crisp peat at first then softens to enormous richness in the mouth. There’s sweet, roasty malt with a heathery dryness. The sherry notes keep back some of the usual Talisker pepperiness. In its place is luscious, slightly oily sweetness – with ripe, juicy fruit and vanilla”
Donald John McEwen Process Operator
The Distillers Edition is unique: after its usual aging process in American oak casks, the whisky undergoes a second maturation in casks previously holding sherry. The result is older, sweeter and richer than the regular bottlings.
Appearance: Chestnut brown.
Nose: Sharp and well focussed; no lingering, rambling smoke here. A sultana sweetness. One of the most tantalising sherry noses – certainly the cleanest
Body: Full
Palate: Crisp peat then softens to great richness in the mouth. Sweet, roasty malt with heathery dryness. Sherry notes keep back some pepper. In its place is luscious, slightly oily sweetness with juicy fruit and vanilla.
Finish: Some very deep cocoa notes, vanilla and lingering quite earthy peat. An enormously chewable single malt, with sweetness having the edge on dryness.

Ardbeg / Perpetuum Committee Distillery Edition
£ 395.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age:
Strength: 49.2%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Islay.
ABV: 49.2%
Unit: 70cl
Ardbeg’s past, present, future – in a bottle.
Contains CLASSIC notes of Ardbeg’s yesteryear on the nose as mellow, RICH, enticing ARDBEGGIAN FLAVOURS mingle with the dark chocolate, TREACLE and NUTTY oak.
Then, like standing on Ardbeg’s pier this morning, water brings forth briny SEA-SPRAY with a PINE RESIN lime top note for a remarkably FRESH BOUQUET.
On the palate, ROBUST PEAT smoke and SMOKY BACON meet creamy VANILLA with the hint of SHERRY CASKS, culminating in a taste of the future… an aftertaste that is NEVER-ENDING…
PERPETUUM. A whisky that is forever Ardbeg.

St Magdalene / 1975 Gordon & Macphail Rare Edition
£ 395.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Lowland
Age:
Strength: 40.%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Lowland.
Unit: 70cl.
ABV: 40%.
Age: 35 Year Old.
Distilled/Bottled: 1975/2010.
This Lowland Distillery took its name from St Magdalene's Cross, once a site of a medieval fair and leper colony. The Union Canal ran behind the distillery and not only supplied the cooling water, but in the distillery's heyday it was also the main method of supply, with barley and other materials brought in by barge to its jetty. The distillery was closed down in 1983, and sold for property development. Now a very rare single malt.
AROMA WITHOUT WATER: Sherry notes with strong fruit aromas – melons, red apples. Dry hessian note with a herbal aroma.
TASTE WITHOUT WATER: Sweet, with wine, oak and hop flavours. Some heather blossom (honey) elements are also present.
AROMA WITH WATER: Floral with polished oak influences initially. Subtle malt, dark chocolate and nuts aromas follow.
TASTE WITH WATER: A little smokiness initially followed by sweet, Sherry elements with floral flavours also present.
Miscellaneous: 164 Bottles from Cask.

Mosstowie / 1979 Gordon & Macphail Rare Edition
£ 525.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age:
Strength: 46.%
70cl

Summary: For over 25 years Miltonduff Distillery produced 2 different Single Malt Whiskies. In 1955 due to the increased demand within Hiram Walker for different styles of whisky, a chemical engineer, Alistair Cunningham designed the Lomond Still. This type of still had a wide neck which housed three rectifying plates. These plates were used to vary the amount of reflux that took place within the still thus altering the spirit produced. The plates could either be filled with cool liquid or left dry. They could be rotated – the horizontal position would maximise reflux while the vertical position would reduce reflux. Due to increased demand for Ballantines Blend in the 1980s, the Mosstowie stills were altered to produce Miltonduff – the key component of Ballantines.
Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside.
Unit: 70cl
ABV: 46%
Distilled/Bottled: 1979/2012.
Miscellaneous: 350 Bottles from Cask.
AROMA WITHOUT WATER: Freshly washed wool and hessian. With hints of polished oak, beeswax and orange peel.
TASTE WITHOUT WATER: A sweet liquorice and aniseed flavour. Pepper and ash notes linger.
AROMA WITH WATER: Creamy hot chocolate aromas with spiced orange and cardamom notes.
TASTE WITH WATER: Cinnamon and Clove influences with hints of Cedar wood.

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