Archives for 2015

Abbey Whisky: Collectable, Delectable New Whiskies!

August 11, 2015 by Gary Leave a Comment

Caperdonich 17 Year Old – The Rare Casks / 10cl Sample
£ 12.54

Abbey Whisky has 15 New additions to it’s range this week with American, Highland, Islay, Japanese, Speyside & Swedish whiskies.

The brands include Caperdonich, Mackmyra, Yoichi, Mortlach, Port Charlotte, Bunnahabhain, Ben Nevis, Ardmore, Macallan, Heaven Hill Whiskey Distillery, Laphroaig.

The ages of the new whiskies range from 9 to 49 Year Old malts.

New Arrivals

Caperdonich 17 Year Old – The Rare Casks / 10cl Sample
£ 12.54
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 17 Years Old
Strength: 57.8%
10cl
Vintage: 1995
Bottler: Abbey Whisky

Mackmyra Vit Hund / White Dog Spirit
£ 34.90
Country: Sweden
Region: Swedish
Age:
Strength: 46.1%
50cl

Yoichi 1987 / 26 Year Old / SMWS 116.20
£ 725.00
Country: Japan
Region: Japanese
Age: 26 Years Old
Strength: 61.6%
70cl
Vintage: 1987
Bottler: SMWS

Port Charlotte 2002 / 12 Year Old / SMWS 127.43
£ 129.60
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 12 Years Old
Strength:
70cl
Vintage: 2002
Bottler: SMWS

Bunnahabhain 2005 / 9 Year Old / SMWS 10.83
£ 96.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 9 Years Old
Strength: 58.8%
70cl
Vintage: 2005
Bottler: SMWS

Ardmore 2002 / 11 Year Old / SMWS 66.50
£ 66.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age: 11 Years Old
Strength: 58.2%
70cl
Vintage: 2002
Bottler: SMWS

Macallan 1973 Speymalt – 2015 / Gordon & MacPhail
£ 485.50
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age:
Strength: 43%
70cl
Vintage: 1973
Bottler: Gordon & MacPhail

Parkers Heritage Collection – 13 Year Old Wheat Whiskey
£ 108.00
Country: America
Region: American
Age: 13 Years Old
Strength: 63.4%
75cl

Ben Nevis 49 Year Old – 1966 / Spirit of the Highlands
£ 124.80
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age: 49 Years Old
Strength: 29.5%
70cl
Vintage: 1966
Bottler: Whisky Broker

Mortlach 18 Year Old – 1995 / The Coopers Choice / Cask 3406
£ 67.40
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 18 Years Old
Strength: 46%
70cl
Vintage: 1995
Bottler: The Vintage Malt Whisky Company

Ben Nevis 17 Year Old – 1996 / The Coopers Choice / Cask 1317
£ 63.95
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age: 17 Years Old
Strength: 46%
70cl
Vintage: 1996
Bottler: The Vintage Malt Whisky Company

Mackmyra Mareld Moment Series 13 / Swedish Whisky
£ 123.00
Country: Sweden
Region: Swedish
Age:
Strength: 52.2%
70cl

Mackmyra BÃ¤rnsten Moment Series 15 / Swedish Whisky

Mackmyra Barnsten Moment Series 15 / Swedish Whisky
£ 108.00
Country: Sweden
Region: Swedish
Age:
Strength: 49.8%
70cl

Mackmyra Iskristall (Ice Crystal) / Swedish Single Malt Whisky
£ 56.80
Country: Sweden
Region: Swedish
Age:
Strength: 46.1%
70cl

Laphroaig 1997 / 17 Year Old / SMWS 29.160
£ 148.80
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 17 Years Old
Strength: 51.5%
70cl
Vintage: 1997
Bottler: SMWS

New Tomatin 36 Year Old From Abbey Whisky!

August 6, 2015 by Gary Leave a Comment

Tomatin 36 Year Old Batch 1
£ 475.00

New Arrival

Tomatin 36 Year Old Batch 1
£ 475.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age: 36 Years Old
Strength: 46%
70cl

Tomatin 36 Year Old Batch 1, created from a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-Oloroso sherry casks. Only 800 bottles of this beautifully presented whisky are available with each bottle individually numbered and accompanied with certificate.

I think I’m in love!

The English Whisky Co is a winner with Great Taste!

August 6, 2015 by Gary Leave a Comment

The English Whisky Co is a winner!

The world’s most coveted blind-tasted food awards, Great Taste, has just released the Great Taste stars of 2015 and The English Whisky Co is amongst the producers celebrating as its Chapter 15 Single Malt English Whisky and Nelstrop’s PX is now able to proudly carry the little gold and black Great Taste logo.

Nelstrops PX

Judged by over 400 of the most demanding palates belonging to food critics, chefs, cooks, restaurateurs, producers and a host of food writers and journalists, Great Taste is widely acknowledged as the most respected food accreditation scheme for artisan and speciality food producers. When a product wears a Great Taste label it carries a badge of honour but more importantly, the Great Taste logo is a signpost to a wonderful tasting product – hundreds of judges have worked tirelessly to discover the very best, through hours and hours of blind-tasting a total of 10,000 different foods and drinks.

“We decided to enter the Great Taste Awards for the first time this year as we recognised the growing recognition of the Great Taste badge by consumers and retailers. We were thrilled to win a 1-star accolade for two of our products, Chapter 15, our best selling peated single malt whisky, which has been aged in bourbon casks. The second accolade went to our Nelstrops Pedro Ximinez liqueur.

The history of this product starts from the casks. We mature some of our fine single malt whiskies in Pedro Ximenez Sherry Casks. These casks are full of beautiful rich dark sherry before we take delivery, so we decided to take the sherry as well as it is too lovely to leave behind. We add some of our single malt to it and leave it in casks to continue maturing. We believe that the resulting drink is a wonderful fortified wine, that makes a superb drink for many occasions. It has a many uses in terms of drinking and cooking, chilled, drunk as a dessert wine and also glorious poured over ice cream. Both products are available for free tastings at the home of English Whisky, St Georges Distillery in Roudham, Norfolk 7 days a week.”

Recognised as a stamp of excellence among consumers and retailers alike, Great Taste values taste above all else, with branding and packaging ignored. Whether it is cheese, ale, steak or chutney being judged, all products are removed from their wrapper, jar or bottle before being tasted. The judges then savour, confer and re-taste to decide which products are worthy of a 1-, 2- or 3-star award.

There were 10,000 Great Taste entries this year and of those products, 130 have been awarded a 3-star, 597 received a 2-star and 2,382 were awarded a 1-star accolade. The panel of judges included Masterchef judge and restaurant critic Charles Campion, TV presenter and cook, Aggie Mackenzie, Great British Bake Off winner, Frances Quinn, Masterchef the Professionals finalist, Adam Handling, food buyers from Harrods, Selfridges, Waitrose and Marks & Spencer, and chefs including James Golding, Chef Director of The Pig hotel group, who have together tasted and re-judged the 3-star winners to finally agree on the 2015 Top 50 Foods, the Golden Fork Trophy winners and the new 2015 Supreme Champion.

Finally on Monday 7 September, at a nail-biting Awards’ Dinner at the Royal Garden Hotel, London, the great and the good from the world of fine food will gather to hear who has won the Golden Fork Awards and the final applause will be reserved for the Great Taste Supreme Champion 2015.

New Cu Bocan, Dalmore, Macallan & Tomatin Whiskies From Edencroft!

August 4, 2015 by Gary Leave a Comment

Cu Bocan / The Bourbon Cask

New Arrivals

Dalmore / The Mackenzie
£ 335.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age:
Strength: 56.%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Highland. ABV: 56%. Unit: 70cl. A tribute to the Clan Mackenzie. The Dalmore will contribute a substantial proportion of the profits from this stunning single malt in support of the Mackenzie Clan Gathering in 2010. Matured initially in American white oak for 11 years, then transferred to port pipes from Oporto for a further 6 years. An unforgettable masterpiece. Taste Notes: Sweet pear, bitter chocolate, crushed almonds. Warm and seductive with aromas of ripe plums, citrus fruits and marzipan, followed closely with ginger spice and mangos. A taste of sweet pear, bitter chocolate and crushed almonds reward the senses. For sale only within the EEC.

Cù Bòcan / The Virgin Oak Edition
£ 49.50
Country: Scotland
Region: Highlands
Age:
Strength: 46.%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Highland's.
ABV: 46%
Unit: 70cl
Cù Bòcan is matured in a combination of Sherry, Virgin Oak and Bourbon casks. This exclusive limited edition, launched in February 2015, showcases the influence that Virgin Oak has on our lightly peated single malt. Clean and zingy with hints of smoke and warm spice, this fully matured Virgin Oak limited edition will not disappoint!
Nose: Lively citrus fruits – lime juice and lemon sorbet. Oak driven flavours of vanilla, coconut and candy floss soon emerge with rosewater, red berries, fresh pear and pineapple in the background.
Palate: Warm pecan pie with vanilla ice cream. Baked apples with cinnamon and toffee and just a touch of smoke.
Finish: Clean and zingy with pleasant spice.
Bottles Produced: 6000.

Cù Bòcan / The Bourbon Cask Edition
£ 49.50
Country: Scotland
Region: Highlands
Age:
Strength: 46.%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Highland's.
ABV: 46%
Unit: 70cl
This exclusive limited edition, launched in July 2015, showcases the influence that Bourbon Oak has on our lightly peated single malt. Rich and creamy with hints of smoke and sweet citrus.
Nose: Toffee and honey are prominent. The smoke is distant at first but continues to emerge and then slowly fades to reveal pineapple and pear drops. A rich and creamy vanilla custard lingers.
Mouth: Velvety smooth coconut and vanilla. Milk chocolate covered marshmallows, almonds and toffee. Citrus fruits, especially orange and lime, have a significant presence.
Finish: Long lasting and sweet.
Bottles Produced: 6000.

Tomatin / Contrast
£ 97.50
Country: Scotland
Region: Highlands
Age:
Strength: 46.%
2cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Highland's.
ABV: 46%.
Unit: 2 x 35cl.
Bottles Produced: 5,400.
This limited release presents a unique opportunity to directly compare the effect of Bourbon and Sherry casks on whisky distilled in specific years at Tomatin Distillery; 1973, 1977, 1988, 1991, 2002 & 2006.
Having selected and vatted casks from the same six years in both types of casks, their Distillery Manager, Graham Eunson, has created two incredible whiskies and an exceptional tasting experience.

BOURBON MATURED
AROMA: Golden syrup and honey. Lemon & lime. Almond and macadamia nuts, vanilla and custard.
PALATE: Sweet vanilla custard and lemon sponge. Pineapple chunks, raspberries and icing sugar.
FINISH: Sweet, fresh and mellow.

SHERRY MATURED
AROMA: Toffee-apple crumble, Christmas pudding, raisins and treacle.
PALATE: Cinnamon and cloves, peppercorns. Thick cut marmalade.
FINISH: Oily, spicy and chewy.

Macallan / 30 Year Old 1985 Hunter Laing Old & Rare
£ 725.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age:
Strength: 48.3%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside.
ABV: 48.3%
Unit: 70cl
Age: 30 Year Old.
Distilled: June 1985.
Bottled: 2015.
Bottles Filled: 212
A golden whisky with a powerful nose of vanilla and raisins to the fore, and a hint of liquorice, rhubarb and slight citrus notes appearing late.
There is a rich and creamy mouthfeel, with notes of vanilla, fruit cake, cinnamon and butterscotch sauce giving a balanced taste. The finish has a long and sweet aftertaste with just a wisp of oak.

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.

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