Archives for April 2016

Cheshire Whisky Event – Less Than Four Weeks To Go!

April 27, 2016 by Gary Leave a Comment

Less than four weeks to go!

Get ready to enjoy a day of Whisky Tasting at Cheshire’s outstanding country estate – Carden Park near Nantwich on 22nd May 2016!

Mingle with the producers and distillers of the greatest whiskies in the world. You can opt to attend any of the fascinating Master Classes* that provide up to an hour of intriguing insights into your favourite whiskies, presented by knowledgeable brand ambassadors, master distillers and experts.

Taste and discover great whiskies from the classic range to rare and exclusive bottlings. There is something for everybody whether you’re new to this incomparable drink or you’re a seasoned expert.

The Cheshire Whisky Event – Cost: £35.00 per person (which includes admission, all samples, buffet lunch and entry to one Master Class).

– EXHIBITORS –
An Cnoc // Antiquary // Balblair // Benromach // Bookers // Buffalo Trace // Chase // Cu Bocan // Eagle Rare // Glen Scotia // Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice // Green Spot // Hunter Laing // Knob Creek // Midleton // Old Forester // Old Pulteney // Paul John // Powers // Redbreast // Sazerac // Speyburn // Tomatin // Whistle Pig // Yellow Spot + More!

New Arrivals This Week

Old Pulteney / 1990 Vintage Single Malt
£ 120.00

Yellow Spot / 12 Year Old Single Pot Still Whiskey
£ 58.85
Country: Scotland
Region:
Age:
Strength: 46.%
70cl

Summary: Country: Ireland.
ABV: 46%.
Unit: 70cl.
Yellow Spot whiskey was last seen in Ireland in the mid to late 1960s. Created and sold by Mitchell & Son Wine and Spirit Merchants, Yellow Spot was always a 12 year old whiskey which was slightly sweet due to the inclusion of some single pot still spirit which was matured in Spanish Malaga wine casks. Inspired by the original, Yellow Spot is the rare taste of a bonder’s style Pot Still Irish whiskey. Maturation in Bourbon barrels, Sherry butts and Malaga casks creates a superbly complex whiskey with fresh and sweet top notes.
Nose: Mown hay & cracked black pepper. Red bell peppers, nutmeg, clove oil & green tea. Sweet honey & peaches from the Malaga casks;
Taste: honey sweetness with pot still spices. Flavours of fresh coffee, creamy milk chocolate & Crème Brûlée. Notes of red apples & toasted oak;
Finish: Sophisticated & complex. Sweetness throughout, with a mix of red grape & dry barley upon exit;
Ratings: Double Gold Medal / 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Old Pulteney / 12 Year Old Single Malt
£ 27.50
Country: Scotland
Region: Highlands
Age:
Strength: 40.%
70cl

Summary: Matured wholly in air-dried, hand-selected ex-bourbon casks, the 'unashamedly excellent' Old Pulteney 12-years-old is the definitive expression in the Old Pulteney family. Traditionally crafted using techniques that other distillers have long abandoned, this winner of numerous gold medals at the most prestigious international competitions is a high water-mark of quality spirits.
Nose: Medium to high intensity, dry with a hint of sea air.
Colour: Deep amber with a slight pink hue.
Taste: Dry, medium bodied and smooth with a clean finish: faintly salty with a slight sherry note.
Country/Region: Scotland / Highlands.
Unit: 70cl.
ABV: 40%.
Ratings: 90.5 Points – Jim Murray's 2013 Whisky Bible.

Old Pulteney / 17 Year Old Single Malt
£ 65.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highlands
Age:
Strength: 46.%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Highlands.
Unit: 70cl.
ABV: 46%.
The 17-year-old predominantly features ex-bourbon maturation, with the addition of spirit that has been wholly matured in Spanish wood ex-sherry casks, predominantly Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso. This adds a subtle depth and complexity to the whisky, making for an outstanding after-dinner drink.
Nose: Sweet with traces of apples and pears: slightly woody with a hint of butterscotch.
Colour: Red amber with a rich autumnal hue.
Taste: Full bodied, with hints of vanilla and floral notes in the background; a long-lasting memorable finish.
Ratings: 95 Points – Jim Murray's 2016 Whisky Bible.

Old Pulteney / 21 Year Old Single Malt
£ 95.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highlands
Age:
Strength: 46.%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Highlands.
Unit: 70cl.
ABV: 46%.
As with the 17-year-old, with this expression they marry together Old Pulteney matured in ex-bourbon wood with spirit from ex-sherry wood casks. The crucial difference, however, is that the ex-sherry wood in this case is made from American Oak (mostly Fino sherries). This adds yet another layer of complexity, depth and character to this truly superb malt whisky.
Nose: Full bodied with traces of fruits (apples and pears); slightly fragrant with spicy overtones.
Colour: Golden amber with straw highlights.
Taste: Sweet to start with a light fruitiness; hints of honey and vanilla followed by a dry finish.
Ratings: Single Malt Scotch 16-21 Years (Single Cask) / Jim Murray's 2016 Whisky Bible.

Glencadam / 25 Year Old Single Malt
£ 215.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highlands
Age:
Strength: 46.%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Highlands.
Age: 25 Year Old.
Unit: 70cl.
ABV: 46%
Outrun: 1600 individually numbered bottles.
A limited quantity of Glencadam Highland Single Malt, aged 25 years, has been released. The new launch has been created by the assembly of mature whisky from a very careful selection of first-class American white-oak ex-Bourbon casks.
Master Distiller, Robert Fleming, deemed that the time was right to bottle the whisky at 25 years of age when the combination of exciting flavour notes such as sweet malt, exotic fruit and mixed nuts had reached a wonderful balance.
Just 1600 bottles were produced and each bottle is individually numbered. The result is a “remarkable” and beautifully crafted Glencadam Highland Single Malt expression.
Nose: Barley gold;
Taste: A swirl of sweet malt and a hint of exotic fruit chased by a wave of mixed nuts and a whiff of the inside of cigar boxes;
Palate: A complex mélange of guava fruit, hazelnuts and almonds girdled by rich oak tones;
Finish: Soft oaky spice with a ginger and pepper finalé.

Old Pulteney / The Navigator / Single Malt
£ 45.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highlands
Age:
Strength: 46.%
70cl

Summary: Old Pulteney launches Navigator as a limited edition exclusive.
This is the launch bottle from Old Pulteney, the Maritime Malt, in conjunction with the sponsorship of the Clipper Round the World yacht race.
The competing Old Pulteney yacht has been designed specifically to replicate the Navigator packaging.
Matured in ex American bourbon and ex Spanish Sherry casks.
Colour: Honeycomb.
Nose: Sweet and crisp. Layers of tangy apples and dried fruit harmonise with hints of chocolate and fresh vanilla.
Taste: Full-bodied and rich in flavour. A burst of honey, cocoa and oranges eases into a long-lasting, spicy finish with a maritime surprise at the end.
Country/Region: Scotland/Highlands.
Unit: 70cl.
ABV: 46%.

Old Pulteney / 1990 Vintage Single Malt
£ 120.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highlands
Age:
Strength: 46.%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Highlands.
Unit: 70cl.
ABV: 46%.
Old Pulteney 1990 has been matured in hand selected American oak ex-Bourbon barrels and Spanish oak ex-Sherry butts.
The casks previously held heavily peated malt which gives this Vintage a slight smoky character.
Nose: Lovely stuff, some old bookshelves, earth, some leather, and also a sweeter tone, even a hint of marmit!! ( i know I loathe it on the palate, but I like it on the nose.) very distant notes of smoke, also BBQ, so faint it’s just a wee whiff.
Palate: Smoke, intertwined with juicy fruit, mouth watering, older wood, sort of darker smokier, yet creamy. complex and multi faceted, on levels I’m not sure I can put into words.
Finish: Elegant smoke, chocolate, salt and slight peat.
This has to be one of the best OP’s out there, and definetly the best whisky I’ve tasted recently. I love it. Not many whiskies get rated over 90. and this one deserves every bit of it. Complex, intresting, and “dark” yet so mouth watering. You want more and more. I want (read: NEED) a bottle. It’s not cheap at more than 120 quid, I know.
Ratings: 92/100 Points / Whisky Israel.
Tasting Notes: Whisky Israel.

Old Pulteney / Stroma Malt Whisky Liqueur
£ 19.50
Country: Scotland
Region: Highlands
Age:
Strength: 35.%
50cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Highlands.
Unit: 50cl
ABV: 35%
Hailing from the far North East of Scotland, off the Caithness coast, Stroma Malt Whisky Liqueur takes it name from the windswept Orcadian Isle. Stroma originates from the Norse meaning ‘island in the stream’ which also refers to the dangerous currents on the island’s shores, including the infamous ‘Swilkie’ whirlpool. Stroma’s lighthouse warns ships of these nearby powerful currents.
This fine liqueur is a careful blend of award winning malt whiskies from Old Pulteney; a mix of lighter and more vigorous malt whiskies. Stroma is smooth, sweet tasting and warming and like the island itself, Stroma is packed full of robust and rugged undertones.
Guaranteed to appeal to the more discerning drinker, this unique liqueur can be served neat or over ice. Stroma Malt Whisky Liqueur from Old Pulteney leaves a pleasantly warm and comforting afterglow.

Speyburn / Bradan Orach
£ 20.00
Country: Scotland
Region: ScotclandHighlands
Age:
Strength:
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotcland/Highlands.
Unit: 70cl
Alc: 40%
Gaelic for ‘Golden Salmon’, Bradan Orach is a classic, easy drinking Speyside malt whisky, matured exclusively in ex-bourbon casks.
The bourbon wood gives the whisky a wonderful complexity and depth, without making it overly challenging. Like the 10 Year Old itthis malt is very easy to drink and a great way to get to know Speyburn.
Colour: Bright, golden-amber colour.
Nose: Green apples, honey, lemon and floral vanilla spices.
Taste: Subtle and delicate with vanilla and honey, full bodied, creamy and smooth with a long lasting spicy finish.
Ratings: Double Gold Medal / 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Strathisla / 10 Year Old Smws Toffee And Sunny, Runny Honey / Cask No 5818
£ 90.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age:
Strength:

Summary: Country/ Region: Scotland/Islay.
Alcohol by volume: 60.4%
Bottler: The Scotch Malt Whisky Society.
Cask No: 58.18
Date Distilled: 21 April 2005.
Age: 10 year Old.
Cask Type: Second fill ex-sherry butt.
Bottles Filled: 198
The nose found feverfew, camomile and grass, but the main event was fruity sweetness, like jam tarts, rhubarb and custard sweets, Danish pastries, vanilla slices and stewed fruits.
The sweetness was less fruity on the palate – we got barley sugars, buttery tablet, pastries and McCowan’s Highland toffee – then a late spice kick of ginger, chilli and pink peppercorns.
The reduced nose was young and fresh (flower meadows, laundry, lemon, pencils) but still sweet – this time sunny runny honey, Hobnobs, ice-cream wafers and dark chocolate. The reduced palate had less heat and seemed tastier – dried papaya, Granola bars and chocolate milk-shake.

Unleash Your Inner George! – Abbey Whisky New Arrivals!

April 26, 2016 by Gary Leave a Comment

English Whisky Co Chapter 13 / St. Georges Day Edition
£ 45.00

New Arrivals

English Whisky Co / Chapter 13 / Lightly Peated
£ 65.70
Country: England
Region: English
Age:
Strength: 49%
70cl

English Whisky Co / English Gold Amazing 2012
£ 69.00
Country: England
Region: English
Age:
Strength: 46%
70cl

English Whisky Co / Royal Marriage / William & Kate
£ 84.00
Country: England
Region: English
Age:
Strength: 46%
70cl

English Whisky Co Chapter 13 / St. Georges Day Edition
£ 45.00
Country: England
Region: English
Age:
Strength: 45%
70cl

Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky
£ 51.84
Country: Japan
Region: Japanese
Age:
Strength: 45%
70cl

Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky
£ 51.84
Country: Japan
Region: Japanese
Age:
Strength: 45%
70cl

Nikka From The Barrel / Cocktail Box Gift Set
£ 47.80
Country: Japan
Region: Japanese
Age:
Strength: 51.4%
50cl

Nikka From The Barrel / Japanese Whisky
£ 34.96
Country: Japan
Region: Japanese
Age:
Strength: 51.4%
50cl

Nikka Pure Malt Black
£ 39.84
Country: Japan
Region: Japanese
Age:
Strength: 43%
50cl

Nikka Pure Malt Red
£ 39.84
Country: Japan
Region: Japanese
Age:
Strength: 43%
50cl

Nikka Pure Malt White
£ 39.84
Country: Japan
Region: Japanese
Age:
Strength: 43%
50cl

Mackmyra Special 06 / Summer Meadow
£ 65.90
Country: Sweden
Region: Swedish
Age:
Strength: 46.8%
70cl

Mackmyra Special 08 / Handpicked
£ 66.25
Country: Sweden
Region: Swedish
Age:
Strength: 46%
70cl

High West / American Prairie Reserve
£ 41.40
Country: America
Region: American
Age:
Strength: 46%
75cl

High West Whiskey / Campfire
£ 53.75
Country: America
Region: American
Age:
Strength: 46%
75cl

Teeling Whisky Company Poitin
£ 27.95
Country: Ireland
Region: Irish
Age:
Strength: 61.5%
50cl

Paul John Brilliance / Indian Single Malt Whisky
£ 38.26
Country: India
Region: Indian
Age:
Strength: 46%
70cl

Paul John Edited / Indian Single Malt Whisky
£ 41.80
Country: India
Region: Indian
Age:
Strength: 46%
70cl

Roughstock Montana Bourbon Whiskey
£ 49.90
Country: America
Region: American
Age:
Strength: 45%
70cl

Roughstock Montana Spring Wheat Whiskey
£ 46.90
Country: America
Region: American
Age:
Strength: 45%
70cl

Roughstock Montana Straight Rye Whiskey
£ 49.90
Country: America
Region: American
Age:
Strength: 45%
70cl

Roughstock Montana Black Label / Single Cask #153
£ 73.40
Country: America
Region: American
Age:
Strength: 61.65%
70cl

zacee-vip
£ 230.95
Country:
Region:
Age:
Strength:

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

Heaven Hill Batch 1 – That Boutique-y Whisky Company
£ 84.12
Country: America
Region: American
Age:
Strength: 50%
50cl

Paul John Classic Select Cask
£ 59.90
Country: India
Region: Indian
Age:
Strength: 55.2%
70cl

Rocktown 3 Year Old – 2012 / SMWS B3.2
£ 165.00
Country: America
Region: American
Age: 3 Years Old
Strength: 55.3%
70cl
Vintage: 2012
Bottler: The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

Garrison Brothers Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey
£ 73.98
Country: America
Region: American
Age: 3 Years Old
Strength: 47%
70cl
Vintage: 2012
Bottler: Distillery Bottling

Deanston 11 Year Old Amontillado Sherry Cask Finish
£ 104.80
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age: 11 Years Old
Strength: 60.1%
70cl

Michters US*1 Single Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey
£ 51.40
Country: America
Region: American
Age:
Strength: 42.4%
70cl

Michters US*1 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey
£ 51.40
Country: America
Region: American
Age:
Strength: 45.7%
70cl

Michters US*1 Original Sour Mash Whiskey
£ 51.40
Country: America
Region: American
Age:
Strength: 43%
70cl

Nikka All Malt
£ 33.40
Country: Japan
Region: Japanese
Age:
Strength: 40%
70cl

Nikka Blended Whisky
£ 32.40
Country: Japan
Region: Japanese
Age:
Strength: 40%
70cl

Benji Purslow Named The Face Of Cult Bourbon Brand Four Roses In UK!

April 25, 2016 by Gary Leave a Comment

Benji Purslow has been named the face of cult bourbon brand Four Roses in the UK

For the past two months, the Spirit Cartel family, runners of fine liqueur, have been engrossed in the search for a bourbon don with the right balance of whisky parlance & cocktail shaking.

Benji Purslow

And they’ve found him; Benji Purslow has been named the face of cult bourbon brand Four Roses in the UK. The passionate whiskey aficionado impressed the judges in a hard-fought battle at the southern soul sanctuary, The Blues Kitchen in Shoreditch, London. Each of the four worthy competitors were put through their paces to exhibit their passion and knowledge to establish why they deserve to be initiated into the Four Roses and Spirit Cartel lineage.

Judging the contest was JJ Goodman, founder of the legendary London Cocktail Club, Charles Marshall, Spirit Cartel Consiglieri and David Hood, newly appointed Capo di Capo at Spirit Cartel.

The quality of the finalists made it a very difficult decision for the judges to choose the ultimate winner. Benji stood out from the competition with his captivating persona as well as in-depth knowledge, ability to communicate and enthusiasm for all things bourbon. Welcome to the Four Roses & Spirit Cartel family! As this shows, we like to do things differently at Spirit Cartel, and this has allowed us to see just how much talent there is in the UK bar community.

We love what we do at Spirit Cartel; we see ourselves as the smiling assassins of the spirits world and are confident that Benji will have as much fun engaging the trade with Four Roses and its iconic story as we do.
– Charles Marshall: Spirit Cartel Consiglieri

Benji has worked in the London cocktail scene since 2007 and has travelled the world to compete in bartender competitions with bourbon being Benji’s choice of poison. His exceptional skills in cocktail creativity, bar training, consulting, presenting and bar management has culminated in him part owning celebrated bar Victory Mansion in Stoke Newington.

This role will see Benji host consumer and trade events across the country to take Four Roses to its rightful position at the go-to and must-drink bourbon in the finest bars in the UK.

Four Roses bourbon is a brand steeped in heritage and craftsmanship and I’m absolutely delighted to have won the chance to play a key part in the brand’s exciting bourbon journey in the UK. Working together with the rest of the team at Spirit Cartel, it’s game-on to make Four Roses the most desirable bourbon in the UK and the quality of the spirit makes that job so much easier!
– Benji Purslow

As well as receiving a contract to work with the winning combination of Spirit Cartel and Four Roses, Benji has also been invited to take an unforgettable trip to the Four Roses Distillery in Kentucky, USA, later this year.

Abbey Whisky New Arrivals – “Would You Like Ice?”

April 20, 2016 by Gary Leave a Comment

Highland Park Ice Edition – 17 Year Old
£ 234.00

New Arrivals

Balblair 1990 / Single Cask 1466
£ 175.20
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age: 23 Years Old
Strength: 50.4%
70cl
Vintage: 1990
Bottler: Distillery Bottling

Highland Park Ice Edition – 17 Year Old
£ 234.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Island
Age: 17 Years Old
Strength: 53.9%
70cl

Inverleven 1986 Rare Old – Gordon & MacPhail / Bottled 2015
£ 332.11
Country: Scotland
Region: Lowland
Age:
Strength: 46%
70cl
Vintage: 1986
Bottler: Gordon & MacPhail

Kilchoman Loch Gorm 2016 Release
£ 59.98
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 6 Years Old
Strength: 46%
70cl

Kilchoman Machir Bay
£ 41.94
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age:
Strength: 46%
70cl

That Boutique-y Whisky Company Adds Age Statements To ALL Bottlings!

April 18, 2016 by Gary Leave a Comment

TBWC is the creator of the award-winning Blended Whisky #1, which was named World’s Best Blended Whisky at the World Whiskies Awards 2015

Multi-award-winning independent bottler That Boutique-y Whisky Company (TBWC) is adding age-statements to its future releases. Amongst the first releases to be announced are Girvan 52yo, Macallan 25yo, Ardbeg 12yo, Blended Whisky #1 35yo and Invergordon 43yo.

When many distilleries are moving towards no-age-statement (NAS) bottlings, TBWC (which has, to date, offered only a NAS range of bottlings) is taking the unprecedented step of going ‘the other way’ – adding age statements – in order to give consumers more information about its whiskies.

This categorically doesn’t mean that we now believe that age is the most important thing about our whiskies. The most important thing is, and always has been, flavour – and we continue to make cask and parcel selections on that basis alone. When we launched TBWC, we wanted the liquid to be judged on its absolute quality – not its age.

We’re 3½ years on now, and feel that we’ve established a reputation for exceptional liquid, and the feedback we’re consistently getting from our customers is that they’re really interested in how old the whiskies inside are. This and the recent launch of the campaign for transparency by John Glaser of Compass Box – which we wholeheartedly support – combined to make adding age statements to our bottlings somewhat of a no-brainer.

It’s not just super-punchy age statements we’ll be listing either. We’ve got some extraordinary whiskies in the pipeline with tiny age statements; a 3yo from Slyrs in Germany, a 6yo from a famous Islay distillery which has been matured in fresh Bourbon casks, and a heavily-peated 4yo Blended Malt that’s been matured in ultra-active Madeira casks to name but a few – these are all *awesomely* good whiskies, and are certainly fully mature despite the low age statements.

We are also committed to revealing all the information we have on the breakdown of the ages of the various whiskies that make up each bottling as soon as the campaign for transparency is successful, and the EU legislation – which is at best a blunt instrument – is modified to allow us the freedom to do so.

– Ben Ellefsen: TBWC

The list of whiskies available on launch and for preorder is as follows (listed with their RRPs):-
Girvan 52 Year Old (Batch 1) £247.95
Macallan 25 Year Old (Batch 5) £497.95
Ardbeg 12 Year Old (Batch 7) £99.95
Blended Whisky #1 35 Year Old (Batch 3) £119.95
Invergordon 43 Year Old (Batch 5) £99.95
Islay Blended Malt #2 27 Year Old (Batch 1) £127.95
Port Charlotte 13 Year Old (Batch 2) £79.95
Ben Nevis 19 Year Old (Batch 4) £66.95
Aberlour 23 Year Old (Batch 4) £94.95
Paul John 6 Year Old (Batch 2) £99.95
The English Whisky Company 5 Year Old (Batch 1) £57.95
Glentauchers 17 Year Old (Batch 2) £79.95
Mortlach 27 Year Old (Batch 2) £273.95
Lagavulin 10 Year Old (Batch 2) £99.95
Glenrothes 10 Year Old (Batch 2) £54.95

They can be obtainded from Master Of Malt

Jura Tastival 2016 – Get Your Tickets Now!

April 13, 2016 by Gary Leave a Comment

This year’s event will bring flavour to life with sensory tastings!

Jura Tastival 2016

Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th May 2016

Isle Of Jura Distillery Co
Isle of Jura
PA60 7XT

Tickets £11.74 – £48.67

Tastival is Jura’s two day contribution to the Feis Isle Festival, which attracts whisky aficionados from all over the world to distillery open days each year.
The event on Jura invites guests to experience the island’s only distillery, while exploring the many different ways to enjoy its whisky through live entertainment, sensory tastings and exclusive tours.
The schedule has something for everyone – but whisky fans will have to be quick – 95% of tickets for last year’s event sold out in just 24 hours.
This year’s ticketed sessions include:

• Dine the Different Sides of Jura – An eclectic sweet and smoky menu from Jimmy’s pop up – taking their renowned pop up dining concept out of London for a one-of-a-kind whisky pairing.

• Dram Fyne – In partnership with renowned craft beer brewers, Fyne Ales, tickets are now on sale for this sweet and smoky themed beer pairing, putting some well hopped IPAs to the test alongside Jura whisky.

• In Conversation: with Richard Paterson – An exclusive Jura tasting session and Q&A with whisky legend Richard Paterson.

• The Masters Tour – Jura Manager’s Willie Cochrane and Graham Logan will host this very special tour – a rare chance to experience the Jura still house as seen through the eyes of the people who make it.

• Whisky on the Waves – Ticketholders will cruise into the open sea to savour Jura Turas-Mara the way it was meant to be experienced – with the wind and sea spray in your face.

In addition to ticketed sessions, the Cooperage will be free to access, where street artists from Recoat will bring to life the different sides of Jura on a large-scale mural, live in the Dramming Bar. The distillery will also run free tours of the still house throughout the day on a first come, first served basis.
Guests will also have first opportunity to try this year’s limited edition Tastival bottling, released especially to mark the occasion. For 2016 Jura asked four artists from across the globe to create a unique illustrated design based upon their interpretations of the dram’s tasting notes. Following heated competition, where fans voted for their favourite design online, Jura’s first ever crowd sourced packaging is ready to be revealed – and toasted – live at Tastival 2016.

For more information: Jura Tastival

Irish Distillers Scoops Top Awards!

April 7, 2016 by Gary Leave a Comment

San Francisco World Spirits Competition Medallion

Awards Galore!

Awards Galore – Part 2!

Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard continues to lead the field in the Irish whiskey category with top honours at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) and World Whiskies Awards (WWA)

Redbreast 21, from Ireland’s most awarded single pot still Irish whiskey range, was awarded ‘Best in Show’ at SFWSC, overcoming all other whiskeys – not only Irish but Scotch, American and from the rest of world. In an equally impressive feat, Green Spot Chateau Leoville Barton, was crowned World’s Best Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey at WWA,

Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard collected an outstanding haul of awards across its portfolio of Irish whiskeys in both competitions:

Redbreast 21, ‘Best in Show’ (SFWSC)
Green Spot Chateau Leoville Barton, World’s Best Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey (WWA)
Redbreast 12, Gold Medal: Single Pot Still Whiskey (WWA)
Jameson Caskmates, Gold Medal: Irish Blended Whiskey no age statement (WWA)
Jameson Original, Category Winner: Irish Blended Whiskey no age statement (WWA)
Midleton Very Rare, Best Blended Irish Whiskey and Double Gold medal (SFWSC)
Redbreast 15, Double Gold medal (SFWSC)
Redbreast 12 Cask Strength, Double Gold medal (SFWSC)
Yellow Spot, Gold medal (SFWSC)
Powers Signature Release, Gold medal (SFWSC)
Redbreast 12, Gold medal (SFWSC)

In total, The Midleton Distillery claimed 20 awards across the two prestigious competitions. Commenting on the awards, Brian Nation, Master Distiller, stated that, “These awards are testament to the dedication and commitment of the passionate craftspeople at the Midleton Distillery; past and present. We should remember that many of the whiskeys that are receiving plaudits today were imagined and distilled many years ago and are now being brought to life by our current team of very skilled whiskey makers”

Now in its 16th year, San Francisco World Spirits Challenge is one of the most influential spirits competitions in the world, widely recognised as one of the most reliable indicators of excellence in spirits.

World Whiskies Awards are part of the World Drinks Awards programme, launched in 2007. Presented by Whisky magazine and TheDrinksReport.com, World Whiskies Awards reward and promote the best whiskies to consumers and trade across the world.

anCnoc New Arrivals From Edencroft!

April 6, 2016 by Gary Leave a Comment

anCnoc / 2001 Vintage

Edencroft has some great New additions to it’s range this week with a selection of anCnoc whiskies.

Of particular note is the anCnoc 2001 Vintage. The limited edition liquid joins the family of single malts crafted at the Knockdhu distillery in Aberdeenshire, and follows a string of successful new releases for the brand which positions itself as refreshingly modern whilst still paying homage to age-old tradition.

With just 1,000 cases available globally this exceptional single malt has been matured in hand selected Spanish and American oak casks and matured for over 15 years in traditional dunnage warehouses, the 2001 has been bottled in its most natural form, neither chill-filtered nor coloured at 46% ABV.

Like all anCnoc bottlings, fans will be able to detect the unmistakable Knockdhu style in every drop of this spirit, but in particular it’s the complex depth of flavour of the 2001 that we’re really proud of. We’re sure it will be a hit with even the most discerning whisky drinker.
– Stephanie Allison: anCnoc brand manager

Available now to order from Edencroft at £55.00 per bottle, while stocks last!

Other New Arrivals

Ancnoc / Blas
£ 48.95
Country: Scotland
Region: Highlands
Age:
Strength: 54.%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Highlands.
ABV: 54%.
Unit: 70cl
Blas, Gaelic for ‘taste’, has been created in partnership with Scottish fashion designer Patrick Grant. The unique bottle and tube design embodies everything anCnoc represents; its Highland home, rich heritage and the spirit of A Modern Tradition.
This Limited Edition expression has matured in Spanish and American oak, and has been bottled in its most natural form, neither chill-filtered nor coloured.
Colour: Golden honey.
Nose: Densely sweet and fruity, with notes of lemon and candied orange peel. Tones of bitter chocolate and vanilla add complexity and weight.
Taste: Full-bodied and oily. The initial burst of warm lemon tart is followed by notes of rum raisins and dark chocolate. A hint of freshly cut grass adds freshness and balance. The finish is long and satisfying with a bitter-sweet cocoa aftertaste.

Ancnoc / Flaughter
£ 49.50
Country: Scotland
Region: Highlands
Age:
Strength: 46.%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Highlands.
ABV: 46%
Unit: 70cl
Peaty overview
Under the watchful eye of the Distillery Manager – and after a few anxious moments – anCnoc Peaty emerged once more from the stills at Knockdhu. Once laid down in bourbon casks, it developed beautifully, creating the most remarkable malt.
Dark peaty smokiness and light subtle flavours, as one.
The spirit has found form in a new range of individual expressions named after traditional peat-cutting tools, some of which are still used to this day. For we have those simple implements to thank for the wonder that is the Limited Edition anCnoc Peaty Collection. All that remains is to try them – and shine a light on your dark side.
creating anCnoc Peaty
When Knockdhu Distillery opened its doors back in October 1894, peat was most commonly used as a source of fuel throughout the Highlands.
There’s no doubt whisky made at Knockdhu was initially peaty but as time and technology moved on so did the production methods and with the dawn of specialist maltings the Knockdhu Distillery gradually moved to the unpeated style we associate with anCnoc Single Malt Scotch Whisky today.
In homage to our malt’s peaty origins we have crafted a truly remarkable Limited Edition Peaty range.
a craft? a science? both
anCnoc Peaty brings together dark peaty smokiness and light subtle flavours, as one. Each bottle carries a note of the PPM (parts per million) phenol in the distilled spirit.
In short, the higher the PPM levels, the peatier the whisky will be to taste and in turn helping you discover the perfect anCnoc Peaty expression to shine a light on your dark side.
Colour: anCnoc Flaughter is pale gold.
Nose: Initially smoky and ashy. Underneath that, fresh vanilla notes ooze softness and creaminess while a sharper hint of sticky toffee offers a balancing sweetness.
Taste: A warming and smooth experience; peaty and intense but remarkably rounded, it flickers with hints of fragrant pipe tobacco, orchard fruits, brown sugar sweetness and a slight medicinal overtone. An intensely flavoursome, smoky and smooth finish.

Ancnoc / Rutter
£ 60.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highlands
Age:
Strength: 46.%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Highlands.
ABV: 46%
Unit: 70cl
Peaty overview
Under the watchful eye of the Distillery Manager – and after a few anxious moments – anCnoc Peaty emerged once more from the stills at Knockdhu. Once laid down in bourbon casks, it developed beautifully, creating the most remarkable malt.
Dark peaty smokiness and light subtle flavours, as one.
The spirit has found form in a new range of individual expressions named after traditional peat-cutting tools, some of which are still used to this day. For we have those simple implements to thank for the wonder that is the Limited Edition anCnoc Peaty Collection. All that remains is to try them – and shine a light on your dark side.
creating anCnoc Peaty
When Knockdhu Distillery opened its doors back in October 1894, peat was most commonly used as a source of fuel throughout the Highlands.
There’s no doubt whisky made at Knockdhu was initially peaty but as time and technology moved on so did the production methods and with the dawn of specialist maltings the Knockdhu Distillery gradually moved to the unpeated style we associate with anCnoc Single Malt Scotch Whisky today.
In homage to our malt’s peaty origins we have crafted a truly remarkable Limited Edition Peaty range.
a craft? a science? both
anCnoc Peaty brings together dark peaty smokiness and light subtle flavours, as one. Each bottle carries a note of the PPM (parts per million) phenol in the distilled spirit.
In short, the higher the PPM levels, the peatier the whisky will be to taste and in turn helping you discover the perfect anCnoc Peaty expression to shine a light on your dark side.
The Rutter spade is used to size and separate the peat blocks producing a turf that is slow burning. This peat creates less reek and therefore gives the whisky a more fragrant smokiness, in this case, with a PPM of 11.0.
Colour: anCnoc Rutter is sparkling gold in appearance.
Nose: Initially very smoky, it quickly unveils the unmistakable anCnoc character with delicate spices, juicy pineapples, peardrops and gentle vanilla. Rich and warming.
Taste: Full-bodied and bursting with peaty richness. Soft undertones of honey, creamy vanilla, toffee and leather are punctuated by the freshness of green apples.
Ratings: 96.5 Points – Jim Murray's 2015 Whisky Bible.

Ancnoc / Rascan
£ 51.95
Country: Scotland
Region: Highlands
Age:
Strength: 46.%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Highlands.
ABV: 46%
Unit: 70cl
Peaty overview: Under the watchful eye of the Distillery Manager – and after a few anxious moments – anCnoc Peaty emerged once more from the stills at Knockdhu. Once laid down in bourbon casks, it developed beautifully, creating the most remarkable malt.
Dark peaty smokiness and light subtle flavours, as one: The spirit has found form in a new range of individual expressions named after traditional peat-cutting tools, some of which are still used to this day. For we have those simple implements to thank for the wonder that is the Limited Edition anCnoc Peaty Collection. All that remains is to try them – and shine a light on your dark side.
creating anCnoc Peaty: When Knockdhu Distillery opened its doors back in October 1894, peat was most commonly used as a source of fuel throughout the Highlands.
There’s no doubt whisky made at Knockdhu was initially peaty but as time and technology moved on so did the production methods and with the dawn of specialist maltings the Knockdhu Distillery gradually moved to the unpeated style we associate with anCnoc Single Malt Scotch Whisky today.
In homage to our malt’s peaty origins we have crafted a truly remarkable Limited Edition Peaty range.
a craft? a science? both: anCnoc Peaty brings together dark peaty smokiness and light subtle flavours, as one. Each bottle carries a note of the PPM (parts per million) phenol in the distilled spirit.
In short, the higher the PPM levels, the peatier the whisky will be to taste and in turn helping you discover the perfect anCnoc Peaty expression to shine a light on your dark side.
The Rascan tool is used to break up the top level of rough ground and prepare the land for peat harvesting. It clears the heather turf to expose the peat used to produce a whisky, in this case, with a PPM of 11.1.
Colour: Muted gold in appearance.
Nose: An initial honey sweetness followed by green apples and the accents of oranges and lemons so typical of anCnoc.
Taste: Sweet and spicy notes of vanilla and honey are carried forward at the first sip. Hints of toffee then push through outlined by subtle spices and a smooth leathery undertone. The finish is floral yet pleasantly smoky.

Four Roses Bourbon – The five finalists are confirmed as …

April 5, 2016 by Gary Leave a Comment

The five finalists are confirmed as …

Spirit Cartel, relentless hunter of the handcrafted and offbeat, has whittled down its search for the UK Four Roses Brand Ambassador to five talented finalists. The extensive nationwide search, a first for the brand, will see some of the country’s brightest bourbon buffs battle it out for the highly desirable title at the final on Monday 18th April at Blues Kitchen, Shoreditch.

The five finalists are confirmed as:
· Ernest Reid
· Ross Kerslake
· Alex Palumbo
· Andrew Lennie
· Benji Purslow

The talented shortlist will be asked to showcase their cocktail making ability, take part in a Four Roses quiz and present their CV to a panel of expert judges. Putting them through their paces will be a collection of esteemed industry experts including JJ Goodman, founder of the legendary London Cocktail Club, Charles Marshall, Spirit Cartel Consiglieri and David Hood, Spirit Cartel Sales Director. Each contestant will be tested on their whiskey and brand knowledge, as well as personality and performance.

Selecting our finalists has been an extremely difficult process and the calibre of entrants is astoundingly high, which is a credit to the talent in the UK drinks industry.

We are looking for a bourbon maverick – someone who displays passion, knowledge and an outgoing persona who epitomises Four Roses style and elegance. It’s going to be a difficult one to judge but we’re confident that we will pick the right person for the job, someone who will play an essential part in our brand campaign for the future
– Charles Marshall: Spirit Cartel Consiglieri

As well as receiving a contract to work with the winning combination of Spirit Cartel and Four Roses and a competitive salary, the new UK Brand Ambassador will also be invited to experience an unforgettable trip to the Four Roses Distillery in Kentucky, USA.

The winner will be announced on the 19th April and the successful candidate will immediately become the face of the brand in the UK.

Cheshire Whisky Event – Less Than Four Weeks To Go!

New Arrivals This Week

Unleash Your Inner George! – Abbey Whisky New Arrivals!

New Arrivals

Benji Purslow Named The Face Of Cult Bourbon Brand Four Roses In UK!

Abbey Whisky New Arrivals – “Would You Like Ice?”

New Arrivals

That Boutique-y Whisky Company Adds Age Statements To ALL Bottlings!

Jura Tastival 2016 – Get Your Tickets Now!

Jura Tastival 2016

Irish Distillers Scoops Top Awards!

anCnoc New Arrivals From Edencroft!

Other New Arrivals

Four Roses Bourbon – The five finalists are confirmed as …

Favourite Sites

Search

Archives

QR Code

Archives for April 2016

New Arrivals This Week

New Arrivals

New Arrivals

Jura Tastival 2016

Other New Arrivals

Favourite Sites

Tags

Search

Archives

QR Code