February 17th, 2009

Mackmyra is coming to the U.S. Soon!

John Hansell

This great, young distillery from Sweden is coming to the U.S. For those of you who tasted some of their products at WhiskyFest New York last November, you know that this distillery is already making some very interesting whiskies. Here’s some information I just received from Lars Lindberger of Mackmyra regarding their plans for the U.S.

At WhiskFest New York last year we started a project where the goal is to sell our whisky on Manhattan by January 2010. And last week our Marketing Director and our Sales manager visited NY to meet with importers, stores, restaurants, the Swedish embassy etc. We are visiting other markets as well, but the US-market is one of the most interesting for us right now and starting point is New York.

We’re not launching with a big office in Empire State Building and Paris Hilton on the release party ;-) . We are doing this the Mackmyra way: working slowly to try to understand the market and get to know our future customers. And then release a volume that matches the interest.

So there you have it. Something worth looking forward to for all of us here in the U.S. I already tasted and rated their first “official” release on my blog. Perhaps those of you overseas (or bootleggers from the U.S.) who also tried some of their releases might want to also add your thoughts.

Category: European whiskies 3 Comments

November 11th, 2008

Annoucing the 2008 Malt Advocate Whisky Awards

John Hansell

The 2008 Malt Advocate Whisky Awards were announced earlier this evening just prior to WhiskyFest New York. The awards ceremony occurred at the Marriott Marquis on Times Square.

Here is a listing of the award winners. A full write-up will appear in the 1st Quarter 2009 issue of Malt Advocate magazine, due out on January 15, 2009.

The top ten new whiskies for 2008 (listed alphabetically)
The Antiquary Blended Scotch, 21 year old
The Balvenie Vintage Cask, 1976 vintage
Black Bowmore, 1964 vintage, 42 year old
White Bowmore, 1964 vintage, 43 year old
Brora , 30 year old
High West Rendezvous Rye, Batch No. 10
Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve Irish Whiskey
The Last Drop Blended Scotch
Parker’s Heritage Collection Bourbon, 27 year old
Willett Family Reserve Bourbon, 25 year old
 

Best Buy of the Year
Ancient Ancient Age Ten Year Old

American Whiskey of the Year
Parker’s Heritage Collection 27 Year Old Bourbon

Canadian Whisky of the Year
Canadian Club 150th Anniversary 30 Year Old

Irish Whiskey of the Year
Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve, 2007 Release

Scotch Blended Whisky of the Year
The Antiquary 21 year old

Scotch Malt Whisky of the Year
Black Bowmore, 1964 Vintage, 42 year old

Microdistillery Whisky of the Year
Penderyn Welsh Whisky

Industry Leader of the Year
Dr. Bill Lumsden

Pioneer of the Year
The United States Microdistillers

Distillery of the Year
Four Roses

Lifetime Achievement Award
Willie Tait (Whyte and Mackay)
Kenny Gray (Oban)
Ronnie Eddins (Buffalo Trace)

Category: Bourbon,Breaking news,Canadian whisky,European whiskies,Irish whiskey,Microdistilleries,Rye whiskey,Scotch whisky,WhiskyFest 11 Comments

October 1st, 2008

News on Penderyn Welsh Whisky

John Hansell

Penderyn is a great example of what a small distillery can do. They only began operation in 2000, and only put out their first whisky in 2004, but I have been really impressed with the quality of the whisky, considering how young it is. They have also been doing a pretty good job of getting it out in circulation and making it available for those who want a bottle, considering they only make about two barrels of whisky each day.

There’s no age statement but, according to Ed Minning of Penderyn, the whisky right now is hovering between 4  3/4 and 5 1/2 year old. The whisky tastes much more mature than that. Whisky consultant guru Dr. Jim Swan is working closely with the Penderyn folks, and his impact shows.

Here’s some interesting information the Ed Minning told me regarding Penderyn:

Jim intends to eventually reach about 6 1/2 to 7 years (for the average age of Penderyn), above which he says there will be no benefit in additional aging  because of the unique still.

There are actually 2 new expressions that we are just about to introduce in the U.S.,  Peated and Sherrywood. Regarding the limited edition Peated expression, it is far different from the 1,000 bottle limited release ($225) of several years ago. 

So, some new expressions coming out from Penderyn. Details to follow. And if you thought that Penderyn has been getting better (like me), the gradual transition towards a slightly more mature whisky might be one of the key reasons why.

Category: European whiskies,New Releases 5 Comments

August 7th, 2008

Review: Mackmyra, First Edition

John Hansell

Mackmyra, First Edition, 46.1%, $85
The first “big” release from this Swedish distillery. I’m very impressed. It’s youthful, but not immature. Very intriguing too. Bright notes of ripe orchard fruit and soothing vanilla cream on the nose and palate, along with more subtle bramble, silky honey and caramel, toasted coconut, marshmallow, bread dough and grist. Teasing smoke emerges occasionally, adding to this whisky’s delight. Clean, toasted oak finish. I particularly enjoy the complex interplay between the fruit and sweetness. A fun whisky with a playful personality. More please! (Note: this whisky is not yet available in the U.S.)

Advanced Malt Advocate magazine rating: 90

Category: European whiskies,Reviews 5 Comments

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