June 30th, 2010
It’s a holiday weekend coming up here in the U.S. I’m starting to think about what I’m doing, where I’m going, and (especially) what I’m drinking!
I think it would be appropriate to celebrate Independence Day with a good bottle of (made in the U.S.A.) bourbon, but I haven’t decided which one (or ones) yet.
How about you? Drinking anything fun? (And don’t say a keg of But Lite, like my neighbors just did.)
Those of you outside of the U.S. are also welcome to join in here.
June 30th, 2010
Chieftain’s (distilled at Port Ellen), 1982 vintage, 25 year old, 43%, $280
Port Ellen whiskies are getting pretty rare (and expensive). This one is softer and less vibrant than others that I’ve tasted, but still very much Port Ellen. And still enjoyable! Notes of coal tar, rooty licorice, toffee, dark chocolate, and nougat, with background citrus gum drops, ginger, brine, seaweed, peat bog and damp oak. I think bottling this at 46% without chill-filtering, or perhaps even cask-strength, would have helped the flavors “zing” (and elevated my rating).
Advanced Malt Advocate magazine rating: 86
June 29th, 2010
Duncan Taylor (distilled at Glenlivet), 1987 vintage, 22 year old, 46%, $110
Whiskies distilled at Glenlivet might be easy to find throughout the world, but this is a good thing. Take this one from Duncan Taylor—it’s delicious! It’s elegantly complex, with a tropical accent (coconut, pineapple), strawberries with whipped cream, and caramel-dipped apple. The sweetness is never heavy or cloying, and it’s balanced by lovely dried spice throughout (vanilla, ginger, soft mint, nutmeg), and especially towards the finish. Nicely done!
Advanced Malt Advocate magazine rating: 92
June 28th, 2010
Maybe WDJK readers know, but apparently most people don’t what the age statement on a bottle of whisky means.
Chivas Brothers conducted a study (details below in their press release) and only 10% of the people queried knew that it was the age of the youngest whisky in the bottle. Nearly half of the people thought it referred to the average age, and 35% thought it meant the oldest age in the bottle.
We all know that there’s a lot of ignorance when it comes to understanding the fundamentals concepts of whisky (in this instance, age statement). Chivas Brothers is launching a new global campaign titled “The Age Matters” to help demystify and clarify what the age statement really means.
Congrats to Chivas Brothers for embarking on something that will benefit everyone!
Additional note, which I am putting up after my original post: I do need to formally state though that I wish they were more clear that “older doesn’t always mean better”. To much of a good thing can work against you. Using Chivas as an example, I must say that I like Chivas 18 better than the younger AND older marks.
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THE AGE MATTERS
Chivas Brothers launches global consumer campaign
on the importance of Scotch whisky age statementsToday, 28 June 2010, the world’s leading producer of luxury Scotch whisky, Chivas Brothers, is launching a global campaign to advocate the importance and value of the age statements to consumers.
According to new research commissioned by Chivas Brothers, 94% of consumers believe the age statement serves as an indicator of quality, 93% believe that older whiskies are better quality and 89% actively look for an age statement when making a decision to purchase.
However, there is a global lack of knowledge about what the age statement actually means: only 10% understand that it refers to the youngest whisky in the bottle, nearly half (48%) believe an age statement refers to the average age and 35% believe it signifies the oldest whisky present. The Scotch Whisky Regulations (2009) make clear what an age statement means – the age of the youngest whisky in the bottle.
Chivas Brothers, Distiller of the Year 2009, is responding with a campaign called The Age Matters, which will manifest itself through stand-alone activity as well as through integration across the company’s aged whisky portfolio, which includes the Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, The Glenlivet, and Royal Salute brands.
The aim of the campaign is to enable consumers to understand fully the age statement and to appreciate the value of the premium product they are purchasing.
One of the greatest influences on the flavour of whisky comes from maturation. Much of the complexity of Scotch whisky comes mainly from its time in oak casks in Scotland; with outstanding spirit and excellent wood management, it follows that the longer the maturation period, the more complex the whisky.
From 1 July 2010, consumers will be encouraged to look for age statements on Scotch whisky, via point-of-sale materials, advertising and public relations. A logo using the language Guaranteed Age Whisky has been created for usage in retail, and will be visible in the environment of Chivas Brothers brands that carry an age statement.
Christian Porta, Chairman and CEO of Chivas Brothers Limited, says: “The revelation that so many existing whisky drinkers do not understand that the age statement refers to youngest age of the whisky, shows that there is an opportunity for us to inform them.
“In an age when consumers of luxury goods increasingly demand transparency and authenticity from brands, it is vital that we empower consumers with knowledge, so that they fully understand the value of what they are buying.”
June 28th, 2010
Who was the master distiller behind the creation of this whiskey? None other than Dave Pickerell, past Distillery Manager at Maker’s Mark. (He’s now involved with WhistlePig Rye Whiskey, among other activities.) I’m also getting a review sample of the whiskey, so I’ll let you know my thoughts after I taste it.
Here are some other tidbits of information that Frank Coleman of the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. (DISCUS) provided me. (Thanks Frank!)
*Prince Andrew and Gov. Bob McDonnell (then-AG) cut the ribbon on the distillery in the Fall of 06.
*DISCUS and WSWA funded the $2.1 million project in 2001.
*Ground was broken in Fall, 2001–five years of archaeology and then construction followed.
*The Distillery and its second floor museum about the history of distilling in America is The Gateway to the American Whiskey Trail www.Americanwhiskeytrail.com.
*DISCUS got a law passed in to allow the GW Distillery to be a special ABC store.
*In February, 2010 DISCUS passed a law to permit ABC stores to allow tastings of spirits–law is effective July 1. Hence, this is also the first public liquor store tasting since Prohibition.
*Demonstration distilling was done several times since 2002 on the lawn on an exact replica of the 18th cent Smithsonian Pot Still built by Vendome Copper of Louisville.
*Products from those events, including GW Rye and Martha’s Rum were only sold at private auctions.
*The first two bottles of the first demonstation GW Rye sold to publisher Marvin Shanken for $100k–a record for an American whiskey. Bottle #1 is in the Distillery museum; bottle #2 is on display at Shanken Communications.
*A unique vatted American whiskey, aged and blended on the grounds at Mount Vernon, and made from a dozen great American whiskeys including Jack Daniels, Maker’s Maker, etc has been on sale in mini-bottle gift sets. The public will also be able to taste and purchase those sets on July 1.
Official Press Release:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Frank Coleman, Distilled Spirits Council (202) 682-8840
June 25, 2010 Melissa Wood, Mount Vernon, (703) 799-5203
BUY GEORGE!: First Public Opportunity to Buy and Taste
George Washington Rye Whiskey at the Mount Vernon Distillery
MOUNT VERNON, VA. — On July 1, for the first time since the George Washington’s distillery burned to the ground in 1814, the public will be able buy Rye Whiskey made at the founding father’s distillery. And, thanks to a new law in Virginia, they can taste it BEFORE they buy it at this special public tasting event.
The extremely limited edition whiskey (550 bottles) was produced in the reconstructed distillery in 2009 according to the General’s own recipe discovered by historians in the mansion’s extensive records. (Bottle shot at left, courtesy of Russ Flynt.)
Starting at noon, the public will be able to sample small amounts before purchasing one of the unique 375 ml bottles for $85. The proceeds will benefit Mount Vernon’s education programs.
What: First public sale and tasting of the new George Washington Rye Whiskey produced at George Washington’s Distillery using the Founding Father’s own historic recipe
When: July 1, 2010
11:30 a.m. Media set-up
11:45 a.m. Inaugural tasting with public officials followed by media tastings
12:00 p.m. – 1 p.m. Public tasting event (while supplies last)
12:30 p.m. Unveiling of local artist’s painting in distillery’s upstairs museum
Where: George Washington’s Distillery
5514 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway (SR 235)
3 miles south of Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens main entrance.
Who: Jim Rees, President, Historic Mount Vernon, Public Officials
June 25th, 2010
Not Chill-filtered and Not artificially Colored: that’s where the NC2 comes from.
This peated Bunnahabhain is a good one from the new group of releases, but it’s not my favorite of the bunch. (Stay tuned for more reviews.) Still, these new smoky Bunnies are popular (because they normally aren’t smoky), so I wanted to post up a review.
Duncan Taylor (distilled at Bunnahabhain), 1997 vintage, 12 year old, 46%, $88
More mature peated Bunnahabhain Islay whiskies are emerging (like this one). Indeed, tarry, peat ash notes are throughout this one, (especially on the finish!), along with nutty toffee, nougat, smoked olive, glazed ginger, and candied lime. Pretty even-keeled throughout, and not as medicinal and aggressive as its cousins on the southern end of the island. The smoke and layered sweet notes balance nicely. If you’re looking to ease your way into smoky Islay whiskies, this would be a good start.
Advanced Malt Advocate magazine rating: 85
June 24th, 2010
This is a continuation from my review of the 1997 vintage recently. Both were just released to the U.S.
Balblair, 1991 Vintage, 43%, $130
Here’s the older sibling to the 1997 vintage released in U.S. at the same time. It costs twice as much as the 1997 vintage, and guess what? I like the less expensive, 1997 vintage better (because of its lovely balance and creamy texture). Still, this 1991 vintage is a nice whisky, rich with vanilla, coconut cream, citrus (orange, tangerine), pineapple, and sultana. A soothing, mouth-coating texture lingers, with some polished oak on the finish.
Advanced Malt Advocate magazine rating: 85
June 23rd, 2010
It seems like just yesterday we ran a feature on the Arran distillery shortly after they began distilling. Fifteen years is something to celebrate. Congratulations!
Press release is below. (Pretty cool bottle. too!)
ISLE OF ARRAN WHISKY CELEBRATES WITH SPECIAL BOTTLING
June 29th will mark the 15thAnniversary of award-winning single malt Scotch whisky producer the Isle of Arran Distillery.
To mark the occasion, the distillery is to release a commemorative bottling – a 1999 vintage which has been finished for two years in Amontillado Sherry casks. This has given the Arran Malt a rich nutty character with a complex sweet-spicy finish.
Arran’s Master Distiller, James MacTaggart said: “The quality of these casks from the famous house of Valdespino is second to none and we are delighted with the end result –this is the perfect whisky for toasting our 15th anniversary.
“Bottled at natural cask strength of 54.6% and limited to 5,640 bottles worldwide, demand for this release is sure to outstrip supply.”
No artificial colouring has been added and the whisky has not been subjected to chill-filtration at the bottling stage resulting in a more complex and full-bodied character.
Pale gold in colour, it has an intriguing aroma of hazelnuts, cloves and Parma-violets. This gives it a crisp, briny and lingering spice with a citrus note on the finish.
The whisky has been packaged in a striking design with the wings of a golden-eagle, the symbol of the Isle of Arran Distillery, emblazoned on both the bottle and the bold orange gift box.
Managing Director Euan Mitchell said: “We have come so far in 15 years that it was only fitting we mark the occasion with such a unique bottling of The Arran Malt.
“With this release we mark the past and look forward to great things in the future.”
The 15th Anniversary bottling will be available in 15 markets around the world including the UK, USA, France, Germany, Japan and Taiwan
In the UK, the 15th Anniversary will have a recommended retail price of £55.00 available from leading independent whisky retailers.
The Isle of Arran Distillery will be opening its doors on the 3rdof July and hosting a series of masterclasses finishing the day with a traditional Scottish ‘ceilidh’ with music by the renowned Skerryvore.
The distillery also recently announced it is to double production to meet rising demand following positive results for 2009.
June 23rd, 2010
You’ll never see me complaining about more Caol Ila whiskies. I personally like the existing 12 yr. old better than the 18 yr. old, so what does this mean for this new 25 yr old.? We’ll see.
I’m looking forward to trying it. That I know for sure.
Press Release:
CAOL ILA – NEW, BUT OLDER
A new member of the Caol Ila™ family of single malt Scotch whiskies has been announced by Diageo.
A 25 year old single malt Scotch Whisky is now joining this highly popular and award-winning collection. Caol Ilahas been distilled on the eastern shore of Islay since 1846.
Tasters have described the 25-year-old Caol Ila (bottled at 43% ABV) as majestic, sweet, smooth, slow-burning - and with an elegant, lightly smoky profile that brings to mind the faint yet resolute outline of the distillery itself, silhouetted in the soft moonlight of a still winter’s night. Yet it is welcome as an authentic example of that Caol Ila character first seen in the early years of Queen Victoria’s reign. Here are all those spicy sea-air aromas and sweet smoky-dry flavours, but with the subtlety of expression that comes only with age.
It will be the most mature member of the dynasty, standing alongside a 12 year old, an 18 year old, a natural cask strength bottling, a Distillers Edition™, and some limited edition younger expressions.
The new bottling is presented in a strengthened version of the same striking black and grey cartons as the regular series, but with a pull-off front-facing lid. The distillery looks to the east: the evening darkness falls early here at Caol Ila. So the pack image for the 25 year old hints at the vestiges of daylight fading behind Cnoc Dubh, the Black Hill behind the distillery.
The Caol Ila 25 year old will initially be available in the UK, the Nordic markets, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands, Japan, Taiwan and in travel retail channels in Europe.
The UK Recommended Retail Price is £135.
June 22nd, 2010
For the first time since its inception 19 years ago, Malt Advocate magazine will have multiple whisky reviewers. I’m proud to announce that Dave Broom and Dominic Roscrow have both agreed to join me in reviewing whiskies. These guys are great writers, accomplished book authors, excellent whisky reviewers, and also regular contributors to Malt Advocate.
As most of you know, many whiskies are not imported to the US (because of the 750 ml bottle requirements, burdensome labeling requirements, small bottling runs, and other issues). Some of these whiskies are very good, and I sometimes have trouble sourcing them. Dave and Dominic live in the UK and have easier access to them. Their focus will be on reviewing these whiskies, while I continue concentrating on those whiskies that come to the US.
The majority of Malt Advocate magazine’s circulation is in the US, so why include reviews of whiskies that aren’t? I can think of three strong reasons, outlined below:
First, this blog (WDJK) is definitely international in scope. Similar to past whisky reviews which I’ve done, we will be posting many new reviews up here first, before they are published in Malt Advocate.
Second, the world is a much smaller place. People travel internationally. Plus, thanks to the internet, websites, blogs, Facebook, Twitter, etc., people are becoming more aware of special releases, regardless of where they live.
Finally, now that we’ve joined M. Shanken Communications, I expect our circulation to increase rapidly–and internationally.
The reviews will begin with our next issue, Volume 19.3, due out around September 1st. We still have not determined the number of reviews or the specific whiskies. That will be sorted out in the near future.
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