July 16th, 2009

Unique WhiskyFest SF Whisky #2: The Dalmore

John Hansell

On Monday I disclosed that there will be a rare bottle of Isle of Jura single malt at WhiskyFest San Francisco on October 16th, personally selected by Willie Tait.

I also revealed that there will be six unique bottles, from six different world renowned whiskymakers, for this charitable effort at WhiskyFest. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample any of these whiskies, for a donation to charity.

Well, here is the second of these six rare whiskies. This one is a Dalmore, and has been personally created by Whyte & Mackay’s master blender, Richard Paterson.

Here are the details of this special whisky, from Richard himself:

As you know we “Shine not Burn” hence we have created a one off decanter of Dalmore to reflect this very statement, it is called “ Moonshine “ ( nothing to connect with your illicit whisky )

Why?

Because as Neil Armstrong stepped onto the lunar surface for the very first time at 02.56 GMT on 21st July 1969, the new sprit of Dalmore down on Earth on this very same day was being transported onto the circular surface of American White Oak to begin its epic journey too.

At 2.56 GMT next Tuesday 21st July 2009 after having matured for 40 years we hope to land this special anniversary Dalmore Single Malt into our handcrafted crystal “Moon” decanter for one lucky recipient. The quality is out of this world and unlike Galileo Galilei’s ( 1564 – 1642 ) comments 400 years ago when he observed the surface of the moon, I can assure you it is indeed “smooth and uniform”                     
  
Transporting this decanter to America for this special occasion may prove more difficult than landing on the moon!

I am still working on its trajectory to you earthlings.

Until then Slainte Mhath

Richard    

Thank you Richard. You rock!

Stay tuned for the details on the other four unique bottles of whisky debuting at WhiskyFest San Francisco for charity.

You are coming, right?

Category: Breaking news,Charity,Scotch whisky,WhiskyFest Tags: , 5 Comments

July 15th, 2009

New Ardbeg in September. Guess what it is?

John Hansell

I was just informed that there will be a new Ardbeg release to the U.S. this September. I know what it is, but I promised to no tell anyone until September.

In fact, I have a sample. I am drinking it, and it is really good!!

Is it a new bottling of Ardbeg? Is it an existing Ardbeg that still has not yet been imported to the U.S.? I’m not giving you any clues.

Why don’t you take a guess and tell us what you think it is?

Category: Breaking news,New Releases,Scotch whisky Tags: 24 Comments

July 14th, 2009

Suntory launching Hibiki 12 y/o in U.S.

John Hansell

This Japanese blended whisky was introduced to select European markets this past May. I was informed yesterday by their PR company that the whisky will be launched in the U.S. on October 1st.

I am  very excited about this. Suntory has many great whiskies in addition to their Yamazaki single malts. Hibiki is one. Hakushu, their other single malt distillery, is another. Maybe this means we might see Hakushu coming to the US in the near future? Let’s hope so.

Here’s some details on Hibiki from Suntory’s website.

I’m getting a review sample shorty and will report back with my thoughts.

Category: Japanese whisky,New Releases Tags: , 10 Comments

July 13th, 2009

Rare Jura whisky at WhiskyFest SF

John Hansell

Willie Tait of Isle of Jura single malt scotch is bringing one bottle of a very special whisky to WhiskyFest San Francisco on October 16th.

As many of you know, we have a charity table at WhiskyFest where we feature rare whiskies. To be able to taste a wee dram of the whisky, you must make a small donation to charity.  (This time we have chosen “Meals on wheels” as our charity.)

Well, Willie is bringing something very special. I’ll let him tell you all about it in his own words. (I love Willie’s sense of humor!)

I put a hogshead of Jura down 0n the 23rd Nov 1989, on my daughters 13th birthday.  This was my legacy for my children, as they have already taken all my money.

When you hear people say that they made this particular whisky, as we all know it’s not always true. I was the Manager at Jura at this time and when I thought about laying down a cask, what better if I did actually go and make this Dram.

I started Milling, then Mashing, through for Fermentation and then I did the Distillation, finally filling the new spirit into a fine sherry Hogshead. I am going to draw enough for a bottle from the cask and give it a special label and package.

Will keep you informed on the work in progress.

At this year’s WhiskyFest San Francisco, we have asked six different “Whiskymakers” to create one unique bottle of whisky for charity. In the very near future, I will be telling you about the other five. You will be amazed!

You didn’t need another reason to come to WhiskyFest San Francisco, because it will already be a great event. But now you have an even more compelling reason to attend.

Category: Breaking news,Charity,Scotch whisky,WhiskyFest Tags: 10 Comments

July 11th, 2009

Lombard whiskies currently available in the U.S.

John Hansell

Richard Lombard-Chibnall noticed my favorable review of his Brora a while back here. He also read some of your additional comments and queries about the Lombard line of whiskies, what’s available, and where you can source them.

So, I think I can help you with the answers to your questions. Below some information I received from Richard, along with a table listing what’s currently available in the U.S.

We were delighted with your recent review of our Brora 1982 and read, with interest, the comments on your blog thereafter. Here is a brief summary on our USA situation.  The portfolio is currently represented in the USA by Vici Wines and Spirits (Mike Gonzalez and Chuck Squires).  Their details as follows.  Vici would be the contact reference on what Lombard Single Malts are available in different outlets, throughout the USA:

Mr. Chuck Squires – Email: chuck@viciwineandspirits.com    

Mr. Mike Gonzalez – Email: mike@viciwineandspirits.com      

Some of your contributing blog writers mention our Lombard Dailuaine 1973 (very few left, but still available), the prospect of a Springbank 40yr being released (1969 distillation) and how difficult it is to source Lombard Single Malt bottlings.  Below is a list showing some of the single malt scotch bottlings we have available, currently lying stateside.
 
I can confirm that yes, Lombard does have casks of Springbank 1969 and plan to bottle in near future.  

JEWELS OF SCOTLAND

Age

Alc/vol

 Pack  /

Size

Balmenach 1979

21 Years

50%

6 x

75cl

Bruichladdich 1991

13 Years

50%

6 x

75cl

Bunnahabhain 1979

23 Years

50%

6 x

75cl

Caol Ila 1984

20 Years

50%

6 x

75cl

Clynelish 1982

16 Years

50%

6 x

75cl

Dailuaine 1973

31 Years

50%

6 x

75cl

Deanston 1977

26 Years

50%

6 x

75cl

Glen Elgin 1975

24 Years

50%

6 x

75cl

Glen Grant 1964

31 Years

46%

6 x

75cl

Highland Park 1988

16 Years

50%

6 x

75cl

Littlemill 1990

13 Years

50%

6 x

75cl

Lochside 1981 *

21 Years

50%

6 x

75cl

Rosebank 1989 *

13 Years

50%

6 x

75cl

Springbank 1991

13 Years

50%

6 x

75cl

Springbank 1965

30 Years

46%

6 x

75cl

Tamdhu 1989

13 Years

50%

6 x

75cl

LOMBARD SINGLE MALT

Age

Alc/vol

 Pack  /

Size

Caperdonich *

27 Years

46%

12 x

75cl

Teaninich

12 Years

43%

12 x

 75cl

 Thank you Richard for the updated information! So, if you’re  looking for any of these bottlings, contact Chuck or Mike at Vici.

(And just to be clear here, I have no financial interest in Lombard more than any other whisky brand. In fact I have never even spoken to Vici myself. I’m just passing along the information to you that they provided because of your interest in Lombard.)

Category: Independent Bottler,Scotch whisky Tags: 6 Comments

July 10th, 2009

Last call for Bruichladdich Whisky Academy

John Hansell

When I was checking out blog sites to link to WDJK, I noticed this posting a week or two ago on the Bruichladdich Blog.

It’s sad to see it go, but it’s great that it was around for as long as it was. A dream come true for Jim McEwan.

You still have time to attend. The last session will be be in October.

Well done, Jim!

Category: Distillery Tours,Scotch whisky Tags: 6 Comments

July 9th, 2009

What does everyone else know?

John Hansell

A lot, actually.

How ironic that I call this blog “What does John know?”. I never meant it to be a pretentious thing. I’m sorry if you interpreted it that way. In fact, it seems the older I get, the more I realize how little I really know. (Or maybe I’m just beginning to forget more?)

Either way, I feel that my calling in the whisky world has always been to bring people together to share a common passion, not to be the definitive authority on the subject. To this end, I have started to establish links under the category “What does everyone else know?” You’ll find it on the right hand column of this blog. (Scroll down.) I just started today, so the list is small. But I will continue growing it in the future. There’s some great stuff going on out there. Don’t miss out on it.

So, I ask two favors of you:

1) Check out the sites in my links and learn more than I alone can share with you.

2) If you see a good whisky blog that I don’t have a link to, let me know. I’ll do what I can to add them to my list of links.

To start, I’m focusing primarily on blogs. There are a couple of forums and podcasts I check out on a regular basis, and I am including them too.

I’ll still let you know, on a nearly daily basis, what I know. But please take a look at what the others are doing too. You’ll learn a lot.

Category: Administrative,Opinions 31 Comments

July 9th, 2009

Review: Delilah’s “15″ rye whiskey

John Hansell

Keeping the “American whiskey” postings going now for three days straight:

Delilah’s “15”, 15 year old rye whiskey, 50%, $150
Well matured, but still with a spicy rye mean streak. And there’s this lush sweetness that tames both the resinous oak and the bold rye spice. A harmonious balance between the three, actually. Warming cinnamon and cool mint meld with sweet corn, rhum agricole, honey-kissed citrus, pecan pie and cocoa powder, leading to a long, dry, spicy, leather-tinged finish. Bottled to celebrate the 15th Anniversary of Delilah’s bar in Chicago.  A worthy effort!

Advanced Malt Advocate magazine rating: 90

Category: Reviews,Rye whiskey Tags: 5 Comments

July 8th, 2009

Is Diageo going to ruin Scotch whisky?

John Hansell

That’s what the major political parties in Scotland fear, after Diageo announced they were closing a distillery, bottling plant, and laying off hundreds of employees. 

They are concerned that more Scotch whisky will end up being bottled outside of Scotland. Right now, 85% of Scotch whisky is bottled in Scotland.

I’m getting this information from the Scotsman, and you can find the link to the article here.

Read the article, and then let me know your thoughts.

Category: Media,Opinions,Scotch whisky Tags: 26 Comments

July 8th, 2009

2009 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon being bottled

John Hansell

Our wait for this year’s Old Forester Birthday Bourbon is nearly over. My sources at Brown-Forman tell me the whiskey is being bottled next week. Here’s some information I received on it:

This year’s vintage release of Old Forester is crafted from a 98 barrel batch of 97C19.  These barrels were stored in the small warehouse B and larger warehouse J, on their 5th and 8th floors respectively.  These upper floor locations exposed the barrels to a great degree of heat during the summer months which resulted in a rich, complex maturation profile.

Depending on the market, Old Forester Birthday Bourbon, a Brown-Forman product, retails for $39.99 and is sold at most liquor stores with a wide and varied range of bourbons. The 2009 edition of Birthday Bourbon is bottled at 97 proof to correspond with the year it was distilled, 1997.

I’ll be getting a review sample of the product soon after it’s bottled, so stay tuned.

Category: Bourbon,New Releases Tags: 5 Comments

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