News — Page 101 — Malthound

Master of Malt: A 55 Year Old Whisky Liqueur – The World’s Oldest!

November 29, 2011 by Gary Leave a Comment

Master of Malt has officially released … (insert big fanfare here) … The World’s Oldest Whisky Liqueur made with whisky aged for a staggering 55 years!

This rare, limited edition liqueur was created with single malt drinkers in mind and rather than masking the core whisky with sweetness, just a little natural sugar and spices were added to accentuate the rich, sherried flavours and malt notes.

The whisky was sourced from one of Scotland’s most legendary distilleries and it was aged for 55 years in sherry casks, resulting in a rich palate redolent of calves leather, sultanas and mahogany.
It was then bottled non-chill-filtered and not diluted in any way save for the addition of the above mentioned natural sugar and spices.

Whiskies of this age and rarity command price tags of several thousands of pounds and it is extraordinary to see one used to make a whisky liqueur!

The 55 year old whisky liqueur, which has a price tag of £ 999.95 a bottle, is available from, and only from, Master of Malt.

(p.s. you can stop the fanfare now.)

Drambuie Reveals An Extraordinary New Direction

November 29, 2011 by Gary Leave a Comment

Drambuie Reveals An Extraordinary New Marketing Campaign

DRAMBUIE has premiered its exciting global marketing campaign: A TASTE OF THE EXTRAORDINARY with London getting the first glimpse of the international campaign.

The result of 12 months work and research on both sides of the Atlantic, the new creative territory marks a major departure for Drambuie as it drives forward to the next stage of its rejuvenation and aims to attract a new generation of drinkers. Building on the success of the new bottle design introduced in 2009, the campaign will be rolled out globally in 2012, with Greece, Chile and the UK introducing A Taste of the Extraordinary in 2011.

Developed by London-based creative agency Sell!Sell!, A Taste of the Extraordinary will challenge consumers to re-evaluate their perception of the brand as a drink choice, making it more accessible and appealing.

With an infinite, moonlit, monochrome landscape the Drambuie bottle and amber liquid is emphasised in sharp relief. Artistic influences from Dali to Escher have helped to inform this incredible, surreal landscape. The creative campaign brings an element of intrigue; crafting a new brand world that tempts consumers to explore and discover the depth and unique taste of Drambuie.

London residents and visitors will receive a preview of the new campaign in the run up to this Christmas, with posters appearing across the London Underground, along with 300 branded taxis in the eye-catching black and white zigzag design and bottle shot.

The photography commissioned for the new advertising campaign is by London based photographer John Ross. John is best known for his award-winning album artwork photography for the Pet Shop Boys, Manic Street Preachers, Spiritualised and DJ Shadow. Most recently he shot the striking Crouch, Touch, Pause, Engage in time for the Rugby World Cup Final.

What is DRAMBUIE?
It’s a unique blend of aged Scotch whisky, species heather honey and herbs, the Drambuie recipe was created more than 260 years ago exclusively for Prince Charles Edward Stuart of Scotland.

The first commercial production of Drambuie took place in Edinburgh 1909 and became popular internationally as it was taken abroad by the Scottish Regiments in the two World Wars.

In the USA post prohibition, it became synonymous with the classic cocktail The Rusty Nail. Today it’s enjoyed neat, over ice and as a long refreshing drink mixed with soda, ginger beer or ginger ale.

You can buy Drambuie Malt Whisky from:-

The Whisky Exchange
Master of Malt
Edencroft Fine Wine & Spirit Specialists
Abbey Whisky
The Drink Shop
Whisky Online

Master of Malt announce St Isidore – a blended whisky created by bloggers

November 25, 2011 by Gary Leave a Comment

The New St Isidore From Master of Malt

Master of Malt is proud to finally announce the release of the blended whisky, St Isidore, created entirely by whisky bloggers.
To make this blend, the spirits retailer called upon the great and the good of the whisky industry including names such as Whisky Magazine, Edinburgh Whisky Blog, CaskStrength.net and Whisky Cast.

Master of Malt started by sending blending kits to 10 prominent whisky bloggers, and asked them to create the best blended whisky they could using the ingredients provided, whilst maximising its value for money. The bloggers’ recipes were made up and sold in sample sets, and Master of Malt asked the public to vote for which recipe should be made into the brand’s next whisky.

The votes were counted (using the AV system) and a rather smoky, Islay-inspired blend was chosen as the winner, before the bloggers agreed on a name for the blend, calling it St Isidore after the patron saint of the internet.
For the final stage, Master of Malt called on graphic designers to submit label designs for the bottle, which summed up St Isidore, the blend, and the whisky blogging community, making them as creative as possible.

The winning designer, who was awarded a £250 spending spree at Master of Malt, was English artist Ben Sowter, who created a psychedelic, larger-than-life depiction of St Isidore enjoying his namesake blend. The label features numerous computer and internet in-jokes, for example a monitor lizard represents a computer’s monitor, and there is a bag of coins, representing a “cache”. In total, there are around 20 different hidden internet-related jokes and Easter Eggs!

So, not only can you can surf the net and communicate on the net, you can now taste the net with a bottle of St Isidore from Master of Malt.

Tasting Notes for St Isidore

Nose: Sweet creamy aromas that meld well with a cool, oily, almost coastal wood smoke. It instantly transports you to Islay, whilst offering just a hint of plum wine, wood shavings and lapsang souchong tea. Time in the glass brings out notes of guava, warm custard and rhubarb crumble.

Palate: Thick, warming and balanced as it hits the tongue, it offers notes of really good vanilla ice cream, black pepper, and rum spices, whilst retaining a solid backbone of sweet woodsmoke and freshly-sawn timber. Hold it on the tongue for just a touch of salty popcorn and crème caramel.

Finish: Beautifully warming and spiced. It fades away on freshly grated cinnamon and sugared peels. A faint flutter of pear juice on the very tail.

Overall: A perfect smoky blend. This is a very old-school whisky, combining the smoke of Islay, and the rich, honeyed tones of the Highlands. A superb winter fireside dram if ever there was one.

The Bloggers involved:

– CaskStrength.net
– Dr. Whisky
– Edinburgh Whisky Blog
– Guid Scotch Drink
– The Jewish Single Malt Whisky Society
– WhiskyCast
– Whisky Connosr
– Whisky Magazine
– WhiskyWhiskyWhisky Forum
– Whisky for Everyone

The Whisky Exchange – Last Vatted Malt and Grain

November 24, 2011 by Gary Leave a Comment

The Scotch Whisky Regulations of 2009 came into force at midnight on November 22nd changing the way that Scotch Whisky must be described. The names ‘Vatted Malt’ and ‘Vatted Grain’ are being retired so boutique whisky creators Compass Box are honouring their passing with two special releases, bottled just before the deadline.

They are both available now at The Whisky Exchange:

Last Vatted Malt
1323 bottles 53.7% £175
A vatting of 35 year old Speyside and 26 year old Islay whisky to create a rich and smoky memorial.

Last Vatted Grain
297 bottles 46% £130
A combination of grain whiskies from Invergordon, Carsebridge, Port Dundas and Cameron Bridge.

They also have an excellent FAQ from Compass Box’s John Glaser explaining the changes and how they affect their whiskies.

And if you’re looking for Christmas inspiration, it may be worth a look at The Whisky Exchange’s Top 20 Whiskies of 2011.

Glenfiddich in a live webcast whisky tasting

November 23, 2011 by Gary Leave a Comment

The countdown has begun ...

I just thought I’d flag an event that’s kicking off at 7pm this Thursday: Glenfiddich will be involved in a live, one-hour webcast whisky tasting.

If you’re interested in having a look, it will be broadcast here: distillerytasting.co.uk

You can buy Glenfiddich Malt Whisky from:-

The Whisky Exchange
Master of Malt
Edencroft Fine Wine & Spirit Specialists
Abbey Whisky
The Drink Shop
Whisky Online

Free Entry to Glengoyne Distillery to Celebrate St. Andrews Day

November 23, 2011 by Gary Leave a Comment

Glengoyne Malt & A Free Tour - Does It Get Any Better?

What: Free Entry to Glengoyne Distillery to Celebrate St. Andrews Day
Brief description: Glengoyne Distillery is offering free entry to the Glengoyne Tour, including a dram of 10 Years Old Single Malt, to celebrate St. Andrew’s Day.
Date: Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 November 2011
Location: The Glengoyne Distillery, Dumgoyne, Near Killearn, Glasgow, G63 9LB
Cost: Free!
Further information: www.glengoyne.com Tel: +44 (0)1360 550 254

On the weekend of 26 and 27 of November Glengoyne will be offering free admission to “Scotland’s most beautiful distillery” to celebrate St. Andrews Day and the launch of Scotland’s Winter Festivals.

Open from 10.00am – 5pm (last tour 4pm) the picturesque distillery is offering free entry to the Glengoyne Tour (normal price £6.75) which lasts one hour and includes a dram of 10 Years Old Highland Single Malt as you watch the brand new visitor information film. The film will give a glimpse into life at the distillery before you are taken to meet the stars on a fun and informative tour of the working distillery, learning the methods of whisky making handed down over the generations.

Stuart Hendry, Brand and Development Manager for Glengoyne commented: “What better way is there to celebrate Scotland’s national day than with Scotland’s national drink. We are always looking for new ways to share distillery life and the passion we have for whisky and hope that by offering free entry for St. Andrew’s Day we will be able to meet a host of potential new Glengoyne fans.”

Glengoyne Distillery, which offers an unrivalled visitor experience, is situated just 30 minutes outside Glasgow, looking out over the breath-taking West Highland Way. The event is open to all ages.

Glengoyne will also be at the Edenmill Farm Food Festival on 26 & 27 November offering tastings and Christmas gift ideas. For more information see www.edenmill.co.uk/food-festival

You can buy Glengoyne Malt Whisky from:-

The Whisky Exchange
Master of Malt
Edencroft Fine Wine & Spirit Specialists
Abbey Whisky
The Drink Shop
Whisky Online

About Glengoyne:
Owned by independent family company, Ian Macleod Distillers, Glengoyne, Scotland’s most beautiful distillery, has been producing its unique and complex, Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky for over 175 years. Using methods passed down for generations, Glengoyne has nurtured and perfected the art of producing the authentic taste of Malt Whisky, untainted by peat smoke. The result is a portfolio of multi-award winning whiskies including the core 10, 17 and 21 Years Old range, as well as special limited edition Single Malts, released each year.

Benromach Malt Whisky Shares the Secret with Sweden

November 21, 2011 by Gary Leave a Comment

Left to right: Michael Urqhuart, Joint Managing Director of Gordon & MacPhail, Susan Stenström, Emma Andersson, Helena Hugo

Three Swedish whisky ambassadors are set to share the secret of Speyside’s smallest distillery following a unique programme seeing them become Honorary Stillmen of Benromach for a day.

The ladies are winners of the inaugural Benromach Fellowship Award 2011 which allows them to travel to the distillery and be exclusively trained in the production of its single malt whisky by its two master distillers. The Benromach Fellowship award recognises individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the promotion and endorsement of Scotch Whisky in Sweden.

Whisky bar manager, Susan Stenström, restaurateur, Helena Hugo and popular whisky magazine ‘Allt Om Whisky’ editor, Emma Andersson, will learn firsthand the art of whisky making when they take part in milling, mashing and distilling. They will also hand fill casks which will mature at the distillery for years to come.

The ladies won the fellowship for their enthusiasm and dedication to whisky which has seen them share their knowledge and experience with others in their home country.

Michael Urquhart, Joint Managing Director of Gordon & MacPhail, owners of Benromach Distillery, said:

“It’s an honour to be sharing our expertise with such highly regarded international whisky ambassadors. Taking part in our Honorary Stillman programme is the best way of fully understanding the hands-on innovative processes used in producing whisky at Benromach.

“Sweden has a huge whisky following and is becoming an increasingly popular market for Benromach. We hope the ladies will share their experiences of their scholarship and our single malt whisky with friends and family when they are back home.”

Susan Stenström is a well known whisky authority in Sweden who through her passion and dedication has created a unique whisky bar with her own personal stamp at Friiberghs Herrgård. Susan regularly organises whisky weekends aimed at encouraging people to discover and enjoy whisky. Excited to be taking part in the programme she said:

“As a huge whisky fan it’s been a real opportunity to come to Scotland and have such a personal experience in the production of this great single malt. Being a small distillery we got a real insight into a typical working day and the expertise and skill that is involved in making Benromach. Not many people get a chance to be so hands on and learn direct from the master stillman. It’s been a once in a lifetime trip.”

Restaurateur and whisky ambassador, Helena Hugo, has created a venue for whisky lovers in the middle of the Swedish countryside. Bredaryd Värdshus is a Mecca for connoisseurs offering great food, a micro-brewery and an excellent whisky selection. Helena ensures her staff can deliver exceptional customer service by arranging for them to attend whisky education courses in Sweden and Scotland.

Emma Andersson is editor of one of the world’s best whisky magazines, Allt Om Whisky. Emma’s focus on delivering quality news and features from the world of whisky, is one of the major reasons why Sweden has some of the world’s most informed and passionate whisky enthusiasts.

You can buy Benromach Malt Whisky from:-

The Whisky Exchange
Master of Malt
Edencroft Fine Wine & Spirit Specialists
Abbey Whisky
The Drink Shop
Whisky Online

Unique and collectable Benromach whisky to go under the hammer

November 18, 2011 by Gary 1 Comment

The Signed Bottle Of Benromach Single Cask

A unique and collectable bottle of signed whisky from Speyside’s smallest distillery will go under the hammer this week in an online auction with proceeds going to a local rescue charity.

Distillery manager, Keith Cruickshank, and infamous whisky blogger, Ralf Mitchell, commonly known as ‘Ralfy’, have signed the bottle of Benromach single cask for a charitable auction being hosted by Scotch Whisky Auctions, who have kindly agreed to waive their auction fees.

The money raised from the sale will go to Findhorn based Moray Inshore Rescue Organisation (M.I.R.O) who are an independent rescue service manned entirely by volunteers.

Keith Cruikshank said he expected the online auction, which started yesterday (17 November 2011) and runs until the 27th of November, to generate global interest.

He said: “This is a very unique bottle of Benromach Single malt whisky hand bottled by Ralfy at our distillery. It is the only bottle to be bottled at this time so we hope it will be a hit with collectors and whisky enthusiasts across the globe. The proceeds of the auction, made possible by Scotch Whisky Auctions, will go towards making a splash in Moray Inshore Rescue Organisation’s funds, which are based only a few miles away from our distillery.”

The winner will also get an exclusive selection of Benromach merchandise including a sample bottle of whisky, two blender glasses, key ring, polo shirt, wallet, stow bag, calendar and a newsletter signed by David and Michael Urquhart.

Ralfy will also donate a memory stick containing all the v-logs created for the auction, including a personalised v-log to the winner and signed tasting notes.

Simon Paterson from the Moray Inshore Rescue Organisation said: “We are very grateful to Benromach for donating a bottle of their finest whisky to be auctioned online.”

Previous charitable auctions of similar products have seen funds of around £400 raised. Anyone interested in bidding for this unique bottle of whisky can make a bid by visiting www.scotchwhiskyauctions.com.

About M.I.R.O
MIRO is one of around 50 independent rescue services that operate around the UK. It is manned entirely by volunteers and funded by the generosity of the general public and local business. Every penny raised by MIRO goes directly into the charities funds with nothing deducted for third parties or administration.
Please visit www.morayinshorerescue.orgfor details.

You can buy Benromach Malt Whisky from:-

The Whisky Exchange
Master of Malt
Edencroft Fine Wine & Spirit Specialists
Abbey Whisky
The Drink Shop
Whisky Online

GLENFIDDICH UNVEILS FIRST-EVER VATTED VINTAGE RESERVE

November 10, 2011 by Gary Leave a Comment

Glenfiddich Brand Ambassadors gather to select limited edition bottling

Glenfiddich, the world’s most awarded single malt Scotch whisky, today announced the release of the 1974 Glenfiddich Vintage Reserve, Glenfiddich’s first-ever vatted Vintage Reserve. After the pioneering launch of Snow Phoenix, which was created by combining Glenfiddich whiskies of different strengths, ages and finishes, Glenfiddich is delighted to be releasing another vatted single malt Scotch whisky.

Glenfiddich’s largest-ever selection panel consisted of Glenfiddich’s Malt Master, Brian Kinsman, Glenfiddich’s Global Brand Ambassador, Ian Millar, 13 highly skilled Glenfiddich Brand Ambassadors and the owner of the world’s largest collection of Glenfiddich whisky, Hans-Henrik Hansen.

Marking an adventurous change to the selection process, rather than sampling whisky from single casks, the panel carefully nosed and tasted three exceptional vatted vintage whiskies dating from 1973, 1974 and 1975. After careful consideration and in-depth debate, the panel selected the 1974 Glenfiddich.

The nose of the 1974 Glenfiddich Vintage Reserve is rich and oaky with vibrant vanilla sweetness and an intriguing hint of polished leather and liquorice. With the addition of a little water there is a burst of fresh fruit and spice – orange marmalade, ripe berries, cinnamon, nutmeg and caramelised pear.

The taste is initially very sweet with a vanilla toffee character. The oak tannin develops with time giving a pleasing, oily texture and a slightly drier flavour. With water, it becomes velvety soft and mellow with beautiful layers of fruit, spice, oak and the merest hint of smoke.

Brian Kinsman, Glenfiddich Malt Master, said: “We’re delighted to unveil the 1974 Glenfiddich Vintage Reserve – not only because it’s our first ever vatted Vintage Reserve, but also because it was selected by a panel of Glenfiddich’s passionate Brand Ambassadors. Being surrounded by a panel of judges who are so passionate and knowledgeable about whisky was a fantastic and thoroughly rewarding experience. One thousand limited-edition bottles of the distinctly Glenfiddich whisky, which has rich, spicy oak notes and an amazing vibrancy for whisky of this age, will go on sale in September.”

Jamie Milne, Brand Ambassador for Glenfiddich in the UK, said; “Joining Glenfiddich Brand Ambassadors from all over the world to select this year’s Vintage Reserve was a once in a lifetime experience. It’s wonderful to see that the cask we selected this summer is now going on sale all around the world. We hope people enjoy it as much as we did.”

To watch the Vintage Reserve selection video and hear from each of the Glenfiddich Brand Ambassadors, please visit www.glenfiddich/explorers.com.

You can buy Glenfiddich Malt Whisky from:-

The Whisky Exchange
Master of Malt
Edencroft Fine Wine & Spirit Specialists
Abbey Whisky
The Drink Shop
Whisky Online

Edencroft Malt Whisky Christmas Tasting

November 6, 2011 by Gary Leave a Comment

The Christmas Edition of Big Peat

Mark from Edencroft Fine Wine & Spirit Specialists has let us know about their annual Christmas tasting on Sunday 13th. November
(11:00am – 5:00pm).

It’s on at:-
Willington Hall
Willington
Tarporley
Chester
CW6 0NB

And what’s more, there is no charge for the event (result!)

Sounds like a great opportunity to secure those Christmas Pressies for malt people (and maybe replenish your own personal dram stocks!)

They will have the following malts available for tasting:-

The Old Malt Cask, 16 Year Old ABERFELDY
The Old Malt Cask, 20 Year Old AULTMORE
The Old Malt Cask, 15 Year Old BENRIACH
The Old Malt Cask, 28 Year Old LINKWOOD
The Christmas Edition of Big Peat

Talsiker 57 North
Talsiker Distillers Edition
Talsiker 25 Year Old
Oban Distillers Edition

Dalmore 12, 15, 18, Alexander Castle Leod
The Shackleton Whisky

Nikka Yoichi 10
Nikka Miyagikyo 12
Nikka Taketsuru 17

The Tyrconnell 10yo Madeira
Kilbeggan 18
Greenore 18

Compass Box Spice Tree
Compass Box Peat Monster
Compass Box Hedonism

Glenmorangie Lasanta.
Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban.
Glenmorangie Nectar D’or.
Glenmorangie Sonnalta PX.
Glenmorangie Finealta.
Glenmorangie Signet.
Ardbeg 10 Year Old.
Uigeadail.

More information can be obtained from Mark at:-
EDENCROFT FINE WINES
8-10 Hospital Street
NANTWICH
Cheshire
CW5 5RJ

www.edencroft.co.uk

Tel: 01270 629 975
Mob: 07974 650 998