Alan Winchester, Master Distiller of The Glenlivet led the inaugural tasting of a new mystery expression, The Glenlivet Alpha at a media launch event held at the Whisky Shop in Piccadilly on 8th May.
Chivas Brothers CEO, Christian Porta, attended the event to support the launch of the new expression, which is limited to 3350 bottles.
Guests were also invited to try a range of sensory challenges launched by the Glenlivet in collaboration with Greyworld to help whisky enthusiasts master their senses to unlock the secrets of The Glenlivet Alpha. The sensory challenges are hosted on The GlenlivetFacebook page and http://www.theglenlivet.com/.
Alan Winchester (pictured above leading the tasting) will reveal the tasting notes and cask information for the mystery expression in a video broadcast on 6th June at 12:30pm. To watch the reveal live, visit The Glenlivet’s Facebook page.
Notes
Follow The Glenlivet on Twitter via the handle @The_Glenlivet and stream the campaign through #alpha
The Glenlivet is the No. 2 single malt Scotch whisky in the world. Crafted in the remote Livet Valley since 1824, it is the only whisky with the unchallengeable right to be called The Glenlivet.
Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits. Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin. Its portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater Gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth Gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport.
Be sure to pick up a bottle of Long Island Spirits’
Rough Rider Straight Bourbon Whisky for this upcoming weekends Kentucky Derby!! While you’re out east, stop by the Tasting Room and sample the Rough Rider, LiV Vodka, and Sorbetta Liqueurs!
2.5 oz. Rough Rider Straight Bourbon Whisky
2 tsp. water
1 tsp. powdered sugar
4 fresh mint sprigs
Muddle mint leaves, powdered sugar, and water in a collins glass. Fill the glass with shaved or crushed ice and add Rough Rider Straight Bourbon Whisky. Top with more ice and garnish with a mint sprig.
Serve with a straw.
Take a sip and enjoy as you watch the long shot you just bet
The makers of premium whisky brand Wild Turkey are introducing an exciting honey-flavoured bourbon, American Honey to the UK this month. American Honey, is blended with real Kentucky Wild Turkey bourbon and hand-selected American honey and has been developed to be shared with friends, chilled from the bottle as a shot.
Unlike other honey flavoured bourbons, American Honey retains the taste and kick of straight bourbon but introduces subtle notes of sweet honey, caramel and orange giving it a much smoother finish. American Honey was the first ever bourbon liqueur with honey to launch in the US and is one of Wild Turkey’s signature drinks made in their distillery near Lawrenceburg in Kentucky, USA.
American Honey is smooth without being overly sweet and is perfect straight out of the bottle as a shot, chilled or over ice, or works well with mixers like cola.
American Honey will be touring University Student Unions around the UK with a branded American Honey photobooth and will also be offering the chance to win a US Road Trip in summer 2013. For more details go to www.facebook.com/americanhoneyuk
Ballantine’s, the No.2 ultra-premium and Prestige Scotch whisky range in Asia-Pacific, has unveiled the 2013 Ballantine’s Championship Blend after exclusively bringing together Master Blender Sandy Hyslop and winner of the 2012 Ballantine’s Championship, Bernd Wiesberger, to create the sixth unique expression of the prestigious blend.
The 2013 Championship Blend has been created with a selection of exceptional whiskies, aged for at least 41 years, and is being released to commemorate this year’s tournament which is taking place in Icheon, South Korea from 25 – 28 April 2013.
Just ten individually numbered bottles of this rare limited edition will be produced, with one being gifted to Wiesberger as reigning Ballantine’s Championship winner and collaborator in the creation of this year’s blend. A bottle will also be reserved for the 2013 champion and another will be auctioned during the tournament for charitable causes.
This exclusive and exceptional blend is presented in a prestigious bottle with a handcrafted and gold finished metal band which bears the individual bottle number alongside the signatures of its two creators, Sandy Hyslop and Bernd Wiesberger. The bottle also features Ballantine’s unique crest carefully etched onto the glass, enhancing the brand’s proud heritage and excellence. The bottle sits in a solid wooden cabinet with a premium leather cover featuring the iconic Ballantine’s ‘B’ and gold coloured metal band. Interior leather panels on each of the cabinet doors, bearing a quote from Hyslop and Wiesberger, and a leather bound booklet complete the luxurious presentation of the 2013 Championship Blend, highlighting Ballantine’s association with golf and the uniqueness of the blend.
Since the inaugural event in 2008, Ballantine’s has established the unique tradition of creating an exclusive Championship Blend each year, created by Master Blender Sandy Hyslop with the reigning Championship winner. Wiesberger becomes only the fourth person in history outside of Ballantine’s expert blending team to be invited to work with a Master Blender in creating a Ballantine’s blend, with previous winners, Lee Westwood, Graeme McDowell MBE and Marcus Fraser having been granted the same privilege over the past five years. This year, Sandy Hyslop personally guided Wiesberger through a tasting of extremely rare and high quality grain and malt whiskies to assess which flavours he preferred before carefully blending the golfer’s selection.
Sandy Hyslop comments: “It was a pleasure to introduce Bernd Wiesberger to the art of blending while creating the 2013 Ballantine’s Championship Blend. We’ve created a truly unique blend that reflects Bernd’s own taste and character but is still true to Ballantine’s signature style – soft, sweet, elegant and balanced. I’m delighted with the results and I believe this Championship Blend is a fitting tribute to the shared flair, craftsmanship and excellence of Ballantine’s and professional golf.”
Bernd Wiesberger added: “It has been a privilege and an honour to join Ballantine’s Master Blender, Sandy Hyslop, in creating this special whisky. It will have a place of honour in my home, sitting alongside the Ballantine’s Championship trophy until an occasion so special that I am willing to drink it.”
Peter Moore, Ballantine’s Global Brand Director, says: “The Ballantine’s Championship Blend is a unique tradition that celebrates the shared values and heritage of Ballantine’s and golf, so we are thrilled to release this year’s unique expression, one of the rarest and most exclusive whiskies ever produced by our Master Blender, Sandy Hyslop. The synergy between Ballantine’s and golf has never been stronger and we are extremely proud to be associated with one of the most prestigious golf events in Asia, where our sponsorship investment, both at the top of the game and at grass roots level, marks our deepening commitment to world-class golf.”
Ballantine’s association with golf can be traced back to 1960 when the first Ballantine’s Tournament took place at Wentworth Golf Course in the UK. Since Ballantine’s became the title sponsor of the Championship in 2008, many professional golfers have demonstrated their world-class talents at the Ballantine’s Championship and the event has fast become one of Asia’s most prestigious golfing events, with over 45,000 spectators in 2012 and coverage broadcast to 300 million homes worldwide.
Notes
Tasting Notes of Ballantine’s Championship Blend 2013:
Nose: Wonderful flavours of sweet candy apples, soft fruity pears, rich fruitcake and a hint of dark chocolate and treacle.
Taste: Silky smooth with fruit flavours in abundance. This 2013 edition also has fantastic creamy toffee / fudge flavours complemented perfectly by a delicate nutty, oaky background.
Finish: Perfectly balanced, long and lush
About Ballantine’s:
Ballantine’sis the No 2 ultra-premium Scotch whisky in Asia, No 1 Scotch whisky in Europe and the range sells over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won more than 120 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for quality, as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the exclusive 40 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by the latest in a tradition of Master Blenders that dates back to 1827.
About Chivas Brothers:
Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits. Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin. Its portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater Gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth Gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport Scotch.
In July 2010 Chivas Brothers launched The Age Matters campaign to help consumers understand the importance of Scotch whisky age statements.
The members of the FTNYC staff and I are big bourbon whiskey fans. I’ve been on something of a crusade the past six months to sample as many bourbons as possible, and this has taken me from popular consumer brands like Makers and Woodford Reserve to some more difficult to find bourbons like Elijah Craig 21 year – a fantastic bourbon, I might add.
Photo courtesy of labanz.blogspot.com
But as I’ve read more about bourbon, I’ve also found that the drink itself has a rich history that like cigars is full of quirks and eccentricities. Here are a few I’ve found:
1. Bourbon originated in Bourbon County, KY – but bourbon is no longer produced there
This fact surprised me for two reasons: I had no idea bourbon’s name was pulled from its home county. But secondly, given that Bourbon County is still home to some of the purest water in the nation, along with a great climate and geography for bourbon, bourbon is no longer produced there.
2. Bourbon is American
No really – in 1964, when many more interesting things were happening in American history, an Act of Congress signed by then president Lyndon B. Johnson designated bourbon “The Official Spirit of America.”
3. Bourbon is always naturally colored
Like other spirits, bourbon is made from the purest of water. What is different, however, is that bourbon can’t be bourbon if colors are added, as they are in some rums or scotches. That means that inviting golden glow really is representative of the drink – just don’t let the deeper amber color of some bourbons fool you into thinking they are necessarily the best!
4. As bourbon ages, a portion evaporates – this portion was dubbed the “Angel’s share” by master blender Booker Noe.
This term has sparked its own multitude of marketing plays and knockoffs. “Angel’s Envy” is one bourbon who played on this fact. There’s even an ale called “Angel’s Share” that is aged in old bourbon barrels.
Johnnie Walker fans should look forward to tasting a new blend from the makers of their favorite whiskey. “The Gold Route” is the second blend in the Explorer’s Collection, and is “inspired by rich adventures traversing the Gold Route through Latin America.” More information below – it looks like this will go for around $95 suggested.
JOHNNIE WALKER® UNVEILS SECOND BLEND FROM JOHNNIE WALKER EXPLORERS’ CLUB – THE GOLD ROUTE™, INSPIRED BY THE RICHNESS OF LATIN AMERICA
JOHNNIE WALKER EXPLORERS’ CLUB COLLECTION™ – THE GOLD ROUTE™ launches, blended exclusively for travellers and inspired by rich adventures traversing the Gold Route through Latin America
March 2013: Today JOHNNIE WALKER, the world’s leading Scotch Whisky brand, unveiled the latest exciting blend from its Trade Routes Series: JOHNNIE WALKER EXPLORERS’ CLUB COLLECTION – THE GOLD ROUTE. The Gold Route takes inspiration from the journeys made by the Walker family and their agents – from Central America through the Andean mountains, passing the Inca pyramids and along the coast of the Pacific Ocean – where they witnessed magnificent scenery and diverse cultures whilst in pursuit of new businesses and rich experiences.
The blend is available exclusively for travellers in duty free stores, and like the other blends which make up the Collection, it pays tribute to the travelling heritage of the John Walker & Sons agents.
Crafted from the finest aged whiskies hand-picked for a luxurious smoothness and vibrant flavour, in the glass the JOHNNIE WALKER EXPLORERS’ CLUB COLLECTION – THE GOLD ROUTE evokes a sense of the exotic fruit flavours and beautiful rich golden colours of this region.
“We took inspiration from the richness of flavours, sights and experiences of Latin America to help us select the most precious liquids for this blend,” commented Master Blender Jim Beveridge. He added: “On the nose, there is an immediate wave of an exotic mix of bananas, mango and pitaya, complemented by a hint of vanilla sweetness. On first sip, the palate embarks on a journey that is as distinct and magnificent as the vistas of Latin America: tantalising flavours, a perfect blend of fruitiness with hints of pineapples, guava, passion fruit and raisins, all balanced perfectly by deep charred peaty notes, in keeping with the signature smoky JOHNNIE WALKER flavour. Best enjoyed neat or on the rocks, the finish is smooth and luxurious, a fitting addition to the JOHNNIE WALKER lineage.”
Steve White, Marketing Director of Diageo Global Travel and Middle East, said: “At the very heart of JOHNNIE WALKER lies a bold spirit of adventure which has given rise to a great number of epic journeys. Our blends have been inspired by tales of rich travel adventures, in this case, along the Gold Route of the Americas and the Caribbean.
JOHNNIE WALKER EXPLORERS’ CLUB COLLECTION – THE GOLD ROUTE is a premium blend made exclusively for the intrepid travellers of today. It is a whisky to remind them of their own travels and inspire them to plan new journeys.”
JOHNNIE WALKER EXPLORERS’ CLUB COLLECTION – THE GOLD ROUTE is the second blend in the collection of three whiskies, collectively known as the Trade Routes Series, inspired by the richness that could be found along the great trade routes. The first release, JOHNNIE WALKER EXPLORERS’ CLUB COLLECTION – THE SPICE ROAD™, which launched in November to critical acclaim and great retail success, is an evocative expression of the vibrancy, aromas and spices that the JOHNNIE WALKER agents would have discovered in the thriving markets around Asia. The third release in the Trade Routes Series – JOHNNIE WALKER EXPLORERS’ CLUB COLLECTION – THE ROYAL ROUTE™ will be available exclusively in duty free stores later in 2013.
With a recommended retail price of $95, JOHNNIE WALKER EXPLORERS’ CLUB COLLECTION – THE GOLD ROUTE is available to travellers in duty free stores globally now.
Further information on the history of the John Walker & Sons agent journeys
From the four corners of Scotland to the four corners of the world, JOHNNIE WALKER has always pushed boundaries to discover new horizons.
From 1820, the Walker family and their agents travelled the world, navigating their way down the famous trade routes: the Spice Road of Europe and Asia; the Royal Route from Europe to Persia; and the Gold Route of the Americas and the Caribbean, in pursuit of adventures bringing both new business and rich experiences.
Their efforts ensured that, by the 1920s, JOHNNIE WALKER had arrived in 120 countries and was being enjoyed on the great railways, luxury ocean liners and early transatlantic flights. Meanwhile, the striking image of the JOHNNIE WALKER Striding Man was becoming an icon all over the world.
Back in London, close to the shipping houses and docks from which the JOHNNIE WALKER agents travelled the world, Alexander Walker established the Travellers’ Room where his agents would convene to rest, talk strategy and exchange stories and samples from their travels. These colourful tales of exploration influenced the JOHNNIE WALKER Master Blenders, who began to create different styles of whisky to reflect these exotic stories.
Today, this tradition continues as JOHNNIE WALKER produces the JOHNNIE WALKER EXPLORERS’ CLUB COLLECTION, a range of whiskies made exclusively for travellers. The first three blends in the collection collectively known as the Trade Routes Series are inspired by the richness that could be found along the great trade routes.
Kilchoman distillery has announced their latest release; Machir Bay 2013 which will be available from the 4th of March. The Machir Bay range is Kilchoman’s core expression, first launched in 2012 when it won the prestigious IWSC 2012 Gold Medal – Best in Class. Bottled once a year, each release contains more mature whisky each year allowing Kilchoman fans to follow the development of the unique Kilchoman malt as it matures. Machir Bay 2013 is a vatting of 4 and 5 year old ex-bourbon casks, with the 4 year casks being finished in Oloroso sherry butts for 4 weeks prior to bottling.
John MacLellan, Kilchoman Distillery Manager: “The 2013 Machir Bay displays further evolution of the 2012 release, showing more maturation flavours from the excellent cask regime and is softer and more rounded with lovely creamy mouth- filling flavours.
Anthony Wills, Kilchoman Managing Director: “Sales of Machir Bay 2012 far exceeded our expectations so we hope people will be equally impressed with this year’s more mature offering”
Machir Bay 2013 is bottled at 46% ABV and is available to buy from www.kilchomandistillery.com and specialist whisky retailers worldwide priced at £39.99 RRP in the UK.
Tasting Notes
Colour: Light beech
Nose: Soft cooked fruits with strong peaty aromas
Palate: Soft mixed fruits and vanilla with an intense sweetness
Finish: A long lingering finish. A classic Islay malt now showing the benefit of additional ageing.
About Kilchoman
Founded in 2005, Kilchoman is one of the smallest distilleries in Scotland and the first distillery to be built on the Island of Islay for 125 years.
One of only a handful of distilleries still practicing floor malting but what makes Kilchoman special is that barley is grown at the distillery whereas other distilleries purchase barley from around the country.
Based on a farm on the rugged west coast of Islay, the distillery’s founder Anthony Wills wanted to build a distillery that took whisky production back to its traditional roots.
Kilchoman has quickly established itself in the whisky industry winning various awards including two IWSC Golds and a Silver in 2012, Malt Advocates Artisan Whisky of the Year 2011, GQ’s Coolest 100 things of 2011 and many more.
Midleton announced via press release last week the release of a new single-cask whiskey expression. It should be noted that each bottling is matured in aged and charred bourbon barrels, which we anticipate will add an enjoyable complexity to the drink. The bottles used for the new expression resemble the bottle of the Midleton Very Rare whiskey, the most exclusive product coming from Midleton.
MIDLETON LAUNCHES EXCLUSIVE SINGLE POT STILL SINGLE CASK WHISKEYS
Irish Distillers Ltd has reinforced its commitment to rejuvenating the Single Pot Still whiskey style with the release of ten exclusive Single Pot Still single cask whiskeys under the celebrated Midleton brand.
The new expressions highlight the complexity, elegance and balance associated with the Midleton range and have been released exclusively to key accounts in Ireland, France, Germany and the UK.
The new releases follow the launch of Irish Distillers Ltd’s first Single Pot Still single cask customer exclusive at the Celtic Whisky Shop, in November 2010, which saw the retailer sell out of its limited bottle. This success has led Irish Distillers Ltd to extend the initiative to six retailers across Europe and now also includes James Fox Cigar and Whiskey Store, Dublin Airport, La Maison du Whisky, Irisch Lifestyle and The Whisky Exchange. Each retailer is offering their customers between one and three expressions bearing the name of the retailer, the cask number and the Midleton brand name.
Each bottling has been matured in ex-bourbon casks, true to the Midleton style, which have been charred and seasoned with bourbon. The individual casks, which were laid down between 1991 and 1999, have yielded, on average, 185 bottles – making the range highly collectable. Each expression is presented in a premium bottle, following the same design cues as Midleton Very Rare, the most exclusive whiskey produced at The Midleton Distillery.
Casks #7102 and #53735 are exclusive to La Maison du Whisky in Paris and illustrate the individuality of the Midleton Single Pot Still single cask releases. Bonded in 1999, cask #53735 has a light Single Pot Still style with a nose of delicate spice, perfumed rose petal with a touch of garden mint, while cask #7102, bonded two years earlier, is an example of the heavier Single Pot Still style with a balanced nose of spices, herbs and wood. Each of the ten expressions enjoys a long finish, which is typical of the Midleton range.
Barry Crockett, Master Distiller at Midleton Distillery, says: “The Midleton brand name is synonymous with excellence in craftsmanship and the extension of the Single Pot Still single cask releases has allowed us to further showcase the quality of the Single Pot Still style to whiskey connoisseurs, who eagerly anticipate opportunities to taste Midleton whiskeys. The response to the release of cask #71578 in 2010 was phenomenal, so I anticipate a similar reaction this year and look forward to discussing each cask with Single Pot Still whiskey advocates.”
The Irish whiskey category has experienced a near 8% compound annual growth rate between 2005-2010 and its annual 4.9m case sales is expected to reach 7.9m cases by 2016*. Category growth has been boosted with a resurgence in the popularity of the Single Pot Still Irish whiskey style, led by Irish Distillers Ltd. In 2012, work began on a €200 million expansion of Midleton Distillery, significantly increasing its production capability and capacity.
Irish Distillers Group was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between Irish whiskey distillers John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and the Cork Distillery Company. In an attempt to reverse the decline in Irish whiskey sales, the board of directors decided to close the existing distilleries in Cork and Dublin, and to consolidate production at a new purpose-built facility.
A site alongside the existing distillery in Midleton, Co. Cork was chosen as the location for the new distillery, as there was no room for expansion in Dublin. Both the Old Jameson Distillery and the Old Midleton Distillery currently operate as visitor centres attracting over 330,000 visitors annually. Following an early unsolicited takeover offer and one of the most protracted battles in Irish corporate history made by GrandMet, Allied-Lyons and Guinness, Irish Distillers Ltd was taken over by Pernod Ricard in June 1988 with the support of the management and employees.
About Midleton Single Pot Still Single Cask Irish Whiskeys
Celtic Whiskey Shop, James Fox Cigar and Whiskey Store, Dublin Airport, La Maison du Whisky, Irisch Lifestyle and The Whisky Exchange are each offering between one and three Midleton single cask Single Pot Still Irish whiskeys to their customers. Each expression bears the Midleton brand name, the name of the retailer, the cask number, the date of bonding and the warehouse reference number.
I came across Vizcaya VXOP Cuban Rum Formula Cask No. 2a1 about a year ago. After finding a bottle in New York and trying a dram, I wanted more details about the rum. Vizcaya provides an excellent description on their website:
Made in the Dominican Republic, Vizcaya VXOP starts with sugar cane harvested at the peak of freshness, then quickly pressed to collect its fragrant juice. The juice is fermented and distilled in small batches, before being aged in selected oak barrels that formerly held bourbon. This process, known as methode agricole is the unique distilling method that infuses Vizcaya VXOP rum with its exquisite bouquet, smoothness, and delicately refined taste.”
The rum sounds appetizing from the description. Now time to see if this rum’s can stand up to its high reputation.
Bronze. When swirled around the glass the rum develops legs before slowly rescinding back down.
Nose
There is vanilla and caramel concluding with a faint hint of spice.
Palette
The palette follows the nose closely. Upon making contact with the palette, the rum opens with vanilla, caramel, and butterscotch before proceeding to an intricate floral note. There are hints of bourbon and woodiness from aging the rum in bourbon barrels adding complexity. The rum finishes with a light spice that complements the prior delicate flavors.
Finish
Smooth and velvety. There is no burn.
Cigar Pairings
I would recommend the Chateau Fuente, Guillermo Leon, and Zino Platinum for pairing with Vizcaya VXOP.
Conclusion
The award given to Vazcaya VXOP, best in show and double gold, display the craftsmanship that went into creating this exquisite rum. If you enjoy rum then I suggest you track down this rum.
After the forecasting of Hurricane Sandy to hit the east coast, I stocked up on necessary supplies as well as dark spiced rum to wear out the storm. I picked up a bottle of Kraken Black Spiced Rum. The Kraken is a black molasses based rum infused with various spices. This rum is able is priced around $20.
Product Specifics
Producer: Kraken
Country: Trinidad
Type: Spice Rum
Website: www.krakenrum.com
ABV: 94 Proof (47%)
Bottle: 750 mL
Appearance
The bottle is interesting with a white background with a black squid reaching its tentacles up to bring down a ship on the ocean. The rum is a dark mahogany that is almost black. Very little light makes it through the rum.
Nose
The initial whiff is alcohol but clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, maple, and molasses begin to open up.
Palette
Medium body with kitchen spices from the nose in addition to dried fruit.
Finish
The ending is smooth with molasses.
Cigar Pairing
This rum would pair nicely with a medium to full-bodied cigar with a maduro or habano wrapper that is Nicaraguan. I would recommend a Camacho Triple Maduro, Rocky Patel Decade and 15th Anniversary, and Illusione f9.
Conclusion
Kraken Spiced Rum is a welcome addition to the spiced rum market. This rum is a great value that is versatile. I found this rum worked well neat, on the rocks, but was particularly a great mixer. I found it worked well in coke and made an excellent Dark N Stormy.
