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June 2010
Aberlour 10 year Sherry Cask Finish
Aberlour 10 Year Old Sherry Cask Finish is a soft single malt, whose gradually developing flavours provide an ideal introduction to single malt. The " Sherry Cask Finish " appellation applies to whiskies whose ageing is completed in casks previously used for sherry, from the Jerez region in Spain. The whisky develops notes of praline, grilled hazelnut, ripe plum and apricot. The finish is long and intense, balanced between the character of sherry and the drier influence of oak.
It offers a palette of complex aromas, with contrasts between the nose and the palate for a fine, rich sensory experience
This bottling has been available in France – where Aberlour is the best-selling single malt – for a while, but has just been made available for the world.
Nose: Quite nutty, chocolate brownies, some exotic fruit; develops excellent Christmas cake aromas.
Palate: Medium-weight. Raisins, chocolate, caramel. Melted vanilla ice cream.
Finish: Gentle and smooth with a traces of menthol, syrup and a dash of pepper.
Comment: A really well-made whisky. The perfectly-judged extra touch of sherry is seamlessly integrated and, along with the slightly higher bottling strength, this adds a new dimension to the standard 10yo while avoiding the usual pitfalls of ‘finished’ whisky, ie leaving the malt for too long in the second cask and letting the wine take over.
*****************************************************
April 2010
Glenfiddich 40 year
Glenfiddich announced the launch of limited edition Glenfiddich 40 Year Old bottles of single malt whisky. The previous collections of the drink received many awards in its field. It is the 6th set of Glenfiddich 40 Year Old, and only 600 will be presented on the world market, that is why experts from all round the globe are waiting for the release. This whisky was aged in oak barrels for at least 40 years and then added to the rest of the whisky of the previous year.
The rich palette of the drink had a bunch of notes: dried fruit, dark chocolate, roasted coffee, ripe cherry, wood smoke, polished leather and cloves. The smooth, luxurious and gentle taste with the initial aroma of Christmas pudding, dates, raisins, dry apples is covered with dryish oak and notes of dark chocolate with a tough of peat. The after-taste is long and extremely complicated. The packaging is worth the sublime taste of the drink. The bottles of unique form with a thick glass bottom have their own numbers, have a hand-written signature and are sealed with wax and have a copper sign.
The bottle is placed into a luxury case covered with calf leather; an engraved copper sign on the top of the case is decorated with delicate filigree. Copper pattern are also placed on the corners of the case. This luxury packaging goes with a lock and a key. It also has a booklet with a calf leather cover, telling about the history of the brand. The case has a certificate signed personally by Peter Gordon, a CEO of William Grant & Sons and four oldest master of blending at the distilling house. The bottle’s retail price is 1,700 pounds per bottle.
*****************************************************
March 2010
Glenfiddich Rich Oak
Glenfiddich's role as one of Scotland's more innovative distillers continues with the release of Rich Oak, an expression finished in virgin European oak and virgin American oak casks. Rich Oak is 14 years old and no other Scotch whisky distiller has previously used new European oak casks during maturation.
Malt Master Brian Kinsman has been responsible for the final stages of the new variant's ageing programme, and he says that " At Glenfiddich, we pride ourselves in offering a range of pioneering single malts, so I feel truly honoured to be releasing a whisky that has been carefully crafted in the authentic Glenfiddich tradition, but that also has its own unique story to tell. I expect the new and complex harmony of rich flavours, derived from the virgin oak, will delight whisky lovers everywhere." To celebrate the Speyside whisky's unique association with virgin European wood, Glenfiddich is planning to plant a Glenfiddich Oak Forest, and the current Chairman and fifth generation descendent of the distillery's founder, Peter Gordon, will plant the first sapling this month, ahead of an official opening in November. Our sampling notes on the liquid itself will follow in due course.
**************************************************************
March 2010
Arran the Rowan Tree
Isle of Arran distillery have announced the forthcoming release of the The Rowan Tree which is the Second edition of the Icons of Arran Limited Edition Series and a follow-up to the very highly rated Arran Peacock. This new release from Arran should be available from the last week of March 2010.
The Arran Malt Rowan Tree is a limited edition of 6,000 bottles worldwide. The whisky was distilled in 1997 then matured in 10 ex-Olorosso Sherry Casks for 12 years. It was bottled at 46% abv, Non-Chill Filtered and has No Added Colouring.
The Rowan Tree has a special place in Scottish folklore and is believed to ward off evil spirits. The Rowan Trees which surround the Isle of Arran Distillery certainly play their part as only the purest spirit is produced their under the watchful eye of the Arran Distilling team. This 1997 Distillation was aged for 12 years in 10 ex-Sherry Butts which were specially selected by the Distillery Manager, James MacTaggart. Classic Arran in character this bottling perfectly captures the flamboyant character of the Rowan Tree.
**************************************************************
March 2010
The New Dalmore Mackenzie
Say " hello, how are you " to the new Dalmore. This has actually been in the making for quite a few years. The first spirit used was distilled in 1992 and held in American white oak casks for 11 years. We then finessed the whisky by re-filling to fresh port pipes from the Douro for 6 years. It’s a 46% abv with a natural soft amber red hue and hints of vanilla, red fruits, spices and the brand’s classic signature citrus orange, it is a Dalmore after all.
There’s only 3000 bottles of it being released, and the aim is to help raise funds for The Mackenzie Clan and help refurbish and maintain Castle Leod, which is still used by the clan to this day. The Mackenzie Clan has quite the history with Dalmore. Not only did the clan used to own the Dalmore distillery for nearly 100 years, the clan were also the inspiration for The Dalmore’s iconic stag head logo and its motto “ I Shine, Not Burn ” as that’s also the clan motto. And there’s also the fact that Dalmore has a King Alexander III expression, named after the the ancestor of Clan Mackenzie made when saving King Alexander III in 1263 from being gored by a stag.
For everyone else, the marketing types tell me it can be purchased from all good independent whisky specialists for £100 including The Dalmore Distillery. It will also be available in good stockists in USA, France, Germany, New Zealand and in Global Travel Retail.
According to The Dalmore’s master distiller Richard Paterson, the brand owner is hoping to raise a seven figure sum in the next 10 years to help protect the family’s place in Scottish history.
Paterson said: “Whether you are a Mackenzie or not, with only 3,000 bottles available globally, this is your chance to own a little piece of Scottish history.
*****************************************************
March 2010
Mortlach oldest whisky in the world
The world's oldest bottled single malt whisky has been revealed today by whisky specialist Gordon & MacPhail. Released under Gordon & MacPhail's Generation brand, Mortlach 70 Years Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky was finally revealed - and tasted - by special guests at a launch in the setting of Edinburgh Castle's Queen Anne Room.
The new-make spirit from Speyside's Mortlach Distillery was filled into the cask on 15 October 1938 on the order of John Urquhart, the grandfather of Gordon & MacPhail joint managing directors David and Michael Urquhart. Exactly 70 years later, the decision was made to carefully empty the cask and bottle the contents.Founded in 1895, Gordon & MacPhail is known the world over as the custodian of some of the oldest and rarest single malts available. Members of the third and fourth generations of the Urquhart family now own and manage the business.
David and Michael Urquhart said: "This is a very special day for us, one we've literally been anticipating for generations. Our family has been in the whisky business for a long time, with each generation building and handing on a lifetime's expertise to the next. "We believe Mortlach 70 Years Old is a malt without comparison. If the reaction of those lucky enough to enjoy a dram today is anything to go by, whisky fans and people wishing to own a unique piece of Scotland's liquid history will be very excited about it."
Charles MacLean, a well-known whisky writer and connoisseur who was allowed a sneak preview of the single malt, described it as " a delicate, fresh, vital, fruity whisky, with unusual attributes of waxiness and smokiness." Each bottle will be presented in a tear-shaped hand-blown crystal decanter with an elegant silver stopper. The decanter nestles in a stylish silver base and is framed in a handmade Brazilian Rosewood box, created using wood from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified sources. Mortlach 70 Years Old was matured in a Spanish oak, ex-bodega sherry hogshead cask, which yielded 54 full-size and 162 small decanters bottled at cask strength (46.1% ABV).The recommended retail price in the UK is £10,000 per 70cl decanter and £2,500 for the 20cl version.This is the first in a series of extremely rare malt whiskies to be released by Gordon & MacPhail under its 'Generations' brand.
**************************************************************
March 2010
Ardbeg Keep Rollin'On
Ardbeg Whisky, is certainly not the biggest single-malt whisky distillery in Scotland. But it has become the most talked about thanks to its often cheeky product names. Very Young, was a six-year-old Whisky released in 2004 and now sells for $380.00 by some retailers. And so the distillery is celebrating the ten year anniversary of the formation of the Ardbeg Committee, a now 50,000 plus group of fans and followers, by releasing a limited bottling of a new expression called Rollercoaster. To create Rollercoaster, the whisky has been created by taking from ten years of casks, from 1997 to 2006, and vetting enough to create a volume sufficient for 10,000 bottles.
Buyers have to be members of the committee, which can be joined online at www.Ardbeg.com. Rollercoaster fits in well with the growing family of Ardbeg whisky’s. That means it has smoke to burn. The key difference between Rollercoaster and, say, Ardbeg's 10 year old flagship product, is a bit more sweet spice added to the peat fires, burnt sugar and treacle flavors emerge along with a touch of the seaweed and brine that is characteristic of Islay malts. Most of the casks selected are ex-bourbon but a couple are ex-sherry. The result makes for a nice mix of fruit and vanilla undertones. Rollercoaster has been bottled at 57.3% ABV.
**************************************************************
Februari 2010
Highland Park 1968
We all have our luxury spoils for some of us, it's designer shoes, for others, it's extreme adventure travel but for Scotch whisky fans, it's the words "rare and old " that incite the urge to spend.
Those words were used earlier this week when the release of Highland Park 1968 vintage was announced in New York at Highlands Scottish gastropub in NYC's West Village. This first expression in Highland Park’s Limited Edition Orcadian Series which over the next five years will include up to 10 vintage, limited editions is the result of the marriage of eight carefully selected refill casks.
Established in 1798 on Orkney, Highland Park, known for its balance of subtle peat smoke with smooth, honey notes, is the most northerly Scotch whisky distillery in the world. The 1968 vintage is surprisingly bright given its age, and has no excessive oakiness that you might expect. Notes of plum and ginger mingle with a slight pepper, and it offers a mouth watering finish.
Of course, seeing as there are only 1,550 bottles being released, Highland Park 1968 comes with a hefty price tag, retailing for $3,999.
Still, that's nowhere near the $ 58,000 a British businessman paid for a bottle of Dalmore 62 Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky in 2005.
**************************************************************Januari 2010
Aged malt release for Glenfiddich
Glenfiddich has released a new batch of its 30-year-old whisky and a limited number of bottles of 40-year-old. The annual release of 30-year-old will bear an individual bottle number and batch number for the first time with the precise casks used to create the whisky identified.
The spirit used in the whisky has been matured in Bourbon and oloroso sherry casks and the whisky has updated packaging design for the 2010 bottling.
The 30-year-old is being released globally, rolling out from this month and retailing with a guide price of £225 per bottle.
It is bottled at 43% abv.
Just 600 bottles of 40-year-old are being released, the sixth edition of the malt. Peter Gordon, chairman of brand owner William Grant, said: "It is a great honour to release such a distinguished whisky to enthusiasts around the world and add to our existing portfolio of rare and precious aged single malts."
Glenfiddich 40-year-old is bottled at 45.8% abv and has a guide price of £1,700 per bottle.
**************************************************************
December 2009
Octave Bottlings
Duncan Taylor are delighted to introduce their Octave Collection of single malt and grain whiskies. There are 3 types in the range Bowmore 1982, Caperdonich 1972 and Cameronbridge 1978. These can be purchased individually or as a trio.
The Caperdonich bottle will be provided with a signed certificate to show the authenticity of this first release, Caperdonich is more highly sought after amongst drinkers and collectors due to the news that the distillery will never produce whisky again, therefore a great collectors item and a must have. The whisky in the Octave Range has not been chill-filtered or coloured, whiskies were originally matured in standard sized casks before undergoing Sherry Octave Invigoration for the final three months. This process has energized and added vitality to the whiskies as shown by the before and after tasting notes on the back label of the bottles. Each Octave has produced only 70 bottles and each cask is uniquely numbered.
Tasting Notes
Caperdonich
Before: Green apples, mown grass, lemon, lime, sweet.
After: Tutti fruity sweets, slightly medicinal, spicy oak, red fruits, white pepper.
Bowmore
Before: Warm grass, slightly smoky, spirit.
After: Balsam, bananas, rice pudding, crushed heracleum maximum, rounded.
Cameronbridge
Before: Dry straw, spicy, peppery, alcohol buzz.
After: Sweet, creamy, light cinnamon, sweet tea, citrus.
**************************************************************
December 2009
Bruichladdich The Octomore Orpheus 2.2.
BRUICHLADDICH has launched the latest addition to the Octomore series of bottlings - the Octomore Orpheus 2.2
The special 2009 release Orpheus is bottled at a massive 140ppm and has been matured in an American Bourbon cask, before being transfered to a Chateau Petrus wine cask. Orpheus is 5 year old and was bottled at 61% ABV and is a limited edition of 15,000 bottles. This dram is heavily peated and sweet.
If you you tried the earlier Octomore releases, you may be interested to see what influence the Chateau Petrus wine cask has had on the Orpheus, as Chateau Petrus wine is considered a rare super premium wine. But does a super premium wine guarantee a premium whisky, let us know if you taste it.
This enthusiastic colourful description of the new Octomore Orpheus is the official tasting notes from Jim McEwan.
Colour: Mahogany red.Body: Strong and muscular, absolutely in top condition. The texture is as smooth as the rocks on Islay’s western seaboard. An amazing warmth floods throughout the body lifting you to a level of pleasure you have never experienced from a malt whisky.
Nose/Palate: The aromas explode from the glass. It’s peat smoke, wet seaweed, archangel tar, wet sailcloth, all the Islay character is on the flood tide, then with time and a little water the wonderful sweet red fruit notes from the Petrus wine casks emerge; cherry, cranberry and pomegranate, Turkish delight, the sweetness of oak and barley slipstream, together they bring a sensational contrast to the phenolic maelstrom. It’s a journey of discovery for the senses, which are on full alert coping with physical heat, but they are loving it. It’s something they have never experienced before and they will never forget. This spirit cries "freedom" untainted by additives and attitudes. Let the spirit seep into your soul. It’s revelation in a glass.
Finish: It’s "Beauty and the Beast" Islay style. Total romance with a sensational ending, can’t tell you about it you HAVE to try it, it’s wicked.”
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November 2009
Highland Park launches new single malt.
HIGHLAND PARK has launched a new premium 15-year-old single malt - The Earl Magnus Edition 1. The limited edition expression is bottled at 52.6% abv and delivers a balance of ginger and lemon notes, cumulating with delicate aromatic blends of ginger and vanilla. The Earl Magnus Edition 1 will be on sale in the UK from late December priced £85.00.
The spirit is named after an the Orkney fable of Earl Magnus who ruled the island with his cousin Haakon. Haakon ordered that his cousin be killed due to his rising popularity. Magnus’s body was laid to rest on Egilsy and later at Birsay it was said that miracles of healing were experienced around his tomb.
The bottling is a unique light brown glass with an unusual orange peel texture. It is sealed with a black stopper, coated in black wax stamped with the Highland Park ‘ H ’.
The bottle is presented in a simply designed open window wooden gift box and etched with the historic tale of Earl Magnus.
Jason Craig, Global Controller of Highland Park, said: “Orkney has a wonderful and magical heritage born out of an incredibly colourful history; with troubles, strife, heroism and a lasting legacy of historical structures and ancient and mysterious standing circles on our island. We hope our Highland Park drinkers and collectors will love this limited edition bottling that captures a period of remarkable history, delivers a full strength 15 year old and is big on flavour and aroma which is succinct and distinguished in taste.”
Aberlour 10 year Sherry Cask Finish
Aberlour 10 Year Old Sherry Cask Finish is a soft single malt, whose gradually developing flavours provide an ideal introduction to single malt. The " Sherry Cask Finish " appellation applies to whiskies whose ageing is completed in casks previously used for sherry, from the Jerez region in Spain. The whisky develops notes of praline, grilled hazelnut, ripe plum and apricot. The finish is long and intense, balanced between the character of sherry and the drier influence of oak.
It offers a palette of complex aromas, with contrasts between the nose and the palate for a fine, rich sensory experience
This bottling has been available in France – where Aberlour is the best-selling single malt – for a while, but has just been made available for the world.
Nose: Quite nutty, chocolate brownies, some exotic fruit; develops excellent Christmas cake aromas.
Palate: Medium-weight. Raisins, chocolate, caramel. Melted vanilla ice cream.
Finish: Gentle and smooth with a traces of menthol, syrup and a dash of pepper.
Comment: A really well-made whisky. The perfectly-judged extra touch of sherry is seamlessly integrated and, along with the slightly higher bottling strength, this adds a new dimension to the standard 10yo while avoiding the usual pitfalls of ‘finished’ whisky, ie leaving the malt for too long in the second cask and letting the wine take over.
*****************************************************
April 2010
Glenfiddich 40 year
Glenfiddich announced the launch of limited edition Glenfiddich 40 Year Old bottles of single malt whisky. The previous collections of the drink received many awards in its field. It is the 6th set of Glenfiddich 40 Year Old, and only 600 will be presented on the world market, that is why experts from all round the globe are waiting for the release. This whisky was aged in oak barrels for at least 40 years and then added to the rest of the whisky of the previous year.
The rich palette of the drink had a bunch of notes: dried fruit, dark chocolate, roasted coffee, ripe cherry, wood smoke, polished leather and cloves. The smooth, luxurious and gentle taste with the initial aroma of Christmas pudding, dates, raisins, dry apples is covered with dryish oak and notes of dark chocolate with a tough of peat. The after-taste is long and extremely complicated. The packaging is worth the sublime taste of the drink. The bottles of unique form with a thick glass bottom have their own numbers, have a hand-written signature and are sealed with wax and have a copper sign.
The bottle is placed into a luxury case covered with calf leather; an engraved copper sign on the top of the case is decorated with delicate filigree. Copper pattern are also placed on the corners of the case. This luxury packaging goes with a lock and a key. It also has a booklet with a calf leather cover, telling about the history of the brand. The case has a certificate signed personally by Peter Gordon, a CEO of William Grant & Sons and four oldest master of blending at the distilling house. The bottle’s retail price is 1,700 pounds per bottle.
*****************************************************
March 2010
Glenfiddich Rich Oak
Glenfiddich's role as one of Scotland's more innovative distillers continues with the release of Rich Oak, an expression finished in virgin European oak and virgin American oak casks. Rich Oak is 14 years old and no other Scotch whisky distiller has previously used new European oak casks during maturation.
Malt Master Brian Kinsman has been responsible for the final stages of the new variant's ageing programme, and he says that " At Glenfiddich, we pride ourselves in offering a range of pioneering single malts, so I feel truly honoured to be releasing a whisky that has been carefully crafted in the authentic Glenfiddich tradition, but that also has its own unique story to tell. I expect the new and complex harmony of rich flavours, derived from the virgin oak, will delight whisky lovers everywhere." To celebrate the Speyside whisky's unique association with virgin European wood, Glenfiddich is planning to plant a Glenfiddich Oak Forest, and the current Chairman and fifth generation descendent of the distillery's founder, Peter Gordon, will plant the first sapling this month, ahead of an official opening in November. Our sampling notes on the liquid itself will follow in due course.
**************************************************************
March 2010
Arran the Rowan Tree
Isle of Arran distillery have announced the forthcoming release of the The Rowan Tree which is the Second edition of the Icons of Arran Limited Edition Series and a follow-up to the very highly rated Arran Peacock. This new release from Arran should be available from the last week of March 2010.
The Arran Malt Rowan Tree is a limited edition of 6,000 bottles worldwide. The whisky was distilled in 1997 then matured in 10 ex-Olorosso Sherry Casks for 12 years. It was bottled at 46% abv, Non-Chill Filtered and has No Added Colouring.
The Rowan Tree has a special place in Scottish folklore and is believed to ward off evil spirits. The Rowan Trees which surround the Isle of Arran Distillery certainly play their part as only the purest spirit is produced their under the watchful eye of the Arran Distilling team. This 1997 Distillation was aged for 12 years in 10 ex-Sherry Butts which were specially selected by the Distillery Manager, James MacTaggart. Classic Arran in character this bottling perfectly captures the flamboyant character of the Rowan Tree.
**************************************************************
March 2010
The New Dalmore Mackenzie
Say " hello, how are you " to the new Dalmore. This has actually been in the making for quite a few years. The first spirit used was distilled in 1992 and held in American white oak casks for 11 years. We then finessed the whisky by re-filling to fresh port pipes from the Douro for 6 years. It’s a 46% abv with a natural soft amber red hue and hints of vanilla, red fruits, spices and the brand’s classic signature citrus orange, it is a Dalmore after all.
There’s only 3000 bottles of it being released, and the aim is to help raise funds for The Mackenzie Clan and help refurbish and maintain Castle Leod, which is still used by the clan to this day. The Mackenzie Clan has quite the history with Dalmore. Not only did the clan used to own the Dalmore distillery for nearly 100 years, the clan were also the inspiration for The Dalmore’s iconic stag head logo and its motto “ I Shine, Not Burn ” as that’s also the clan motto. And there’s also the fact that Dalmore has a King Alexander III expression, named after the the ancestor of Clan Mackenzie made when saving King Alexander III in 1263 from being gored by a stag.
For everyone else, the marketing types tell me it can be purchased from all good independent whisky specialists for £100 including The Dalmore Distillery. It will also be available in good stockists in USA, France, Germany, New Zealand and in Global Travel Retail.
According to The Dalmore’s master distiller Richard Paterson, the brand owner is hoping to raise a seven figure sum in the next 10 years to help protect the family’s place in Scottish history.
Paterson said: “Whether you are a Mackenzie or not, with only 3,000 bottles available globally, this is your chance to own a little piece of Scottish history.
*****************************************************
March 2010
Mortlach oldest whisky in the world
The world's oldest bottled single malt whisky has been revealed today by whisky specialist Gordon & MacPhail. Released under Gordon & MacPhail's Generation brand, Mortlach 70 Years Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky was finally revealed - and tasted - by special guests at a launch in the setting of Edinburgh Castle's Queen Anne Room.
The new-make spirit from Speyside's Mortlach Distillery was filled into the cask on 15 October 1938 on the order of John Urquhart, the grandfather of Gordon & MacPhail joint managing directors David and Michael Urquhart. Exactly 70 years later, the decision was made to carefully empty the cask and bottle the contents.Founded in 1895, Gordon & MacPhail is known the world over as the custodian of some of the oldest and rarest single malts available. Members of the third and fourth generations of the Urquhart family now own and manage the business.
David and Michael Urquhart said: "This is a very special day for us, one we've literally been anticipating for generations. Our family has been in the whisky business for a long time, with each generation building and handing on a lifetime's expertise to the next. "We believe Mortlach 70 Years Old is a malt without comparison. If the reaction of those lucky enough to enjoy a dram today is anything to go by, whisky fans and people wishing to own a unique piece of Scotland's liquid history will be very excited about it."
Charles MacLean, a well-known whisky writer and connoisseur who was allowed a sneak preview of the single malt, described it as " a delicate, fresh, vital, fruity whisky, with unusual attributes of waxiness and smokiness." Each bottle will be presented in a tear-shaped hand-blown crystal decanter with an elegant silver stopper. The decanter nestles in a stylish silver base and is framed in a handmade Brazilian Rosewood box, created using wood from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified sources. Mortlach 70 Years Old was matured in a Spanish oak, ex-bodega sherry hogshead cask, which yielded 54 full-size and 162 small decanters bottled at cask strength (46.1% ABV).The recommended retail price in the UK is £10,000 per 70cl decanter and £2,500 for the 20cl version.This is the first in a series of extremely rare malt whiskies to be released by Gordon & MacPhail under its 'Generations' brand.
**************************************************************
March 2010
Ardbeg Keep Rollin'On
Ardbeg Whisky, is certainly not the biggest single-malt whisky distillery in Scotland. But it has become the most talked about thanks to its often cheeky product names. Very Young, was a six-year-old Whisky released in 2004 and now sells for $380.00 by some retailers. And so the distillery is celebrating the ten year anniversary of the formation of the Ardbeg Committee, a now 50,000 plus group of fans and followers, by releasing a limited bottling of a new expression called Rollercoaster. To create Rollercoaster, the whisky has been created by taking from ten years of casks, from 1997 to 2006, and vetting enough to create a volume sufficient for 10,000 bottles.
Buyers have to be members of the committee, which can be joined online at www.Ardbeg.com. Rollercoaster fits in well with the growing family of Ardbeg whisky’s. That means it has smoke to burn. The key difference between Rollercoaster and, say, Ardbeg's 10 year old flagship product, is a bit more sweet spice added to the peat fires, burnt sugar and treacle flavors emerge along with a touch of the seaweed and brine that is characteristic of Islay malts. Most of the casks selected are ex-bourbon but a couple are ex-sherry. The result makes for a nice mix of fruit and vanilla undertones. Rollercoaster has been bottled at 57.3% ABV.
**************************************************************
Februari 2010
Highland Park 1968
We all have our luxury spoils for some of us, it's designer shoes, for others, it's extreme adventure travel but for Scotch whisky fans, it's the words "rare and old " that incite the urge to spend.
Those words were used earlier this week when the release of Highland Park 1968 vintage was announced in New York at Highlands Scottish gastropub in NYC's West Village. This first expression in Highland Park’s Limited Edition Orcadian Series which over the next five years will include up to 10 vintage, limited editions is the result of the marriage of eight carefully selected refill casks.
Established in 1798 on Orkney, Highland Park, known for its balance of subtle peat smoke with smooth, honey notes, is the most northerly Scotch whisky distillery in the world. The 1968 vintage is surprisingly bright given its age, and has no excessive oakiness that you might expect. Notes of plum and ginger mingle with a slight pepper, and it offers a mouth watering finish.
Of course, seeing as there are only 1,550 bottles being released, Highland Park 1968 comes with a hefty price tag, retailing for $3,999.
Still, that's nowhere near the $ 58,000 a British businessman paid for a bottle of Dalmore 62 Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky in 2005.
**************************************************************Januari 2010
Aged malt release for Glenfiddich
Glenfiddich has released a new batch of its 30-year-old whisky and a limited number of bottles of 40-year-old. The annual release of 30-year-old will bear an individual bottle number and batch number for the first time with the precise casks used to create the whisky identified.
The spirit used in the whisky has been matured in Bourbon and oloroso sherry casks and the whisky has updated packaging design for the 2010 bottling.
The 30-year-old is being released globally, rolling out from this month and retailing with a guide price of £225 per bottle.
It is bottled at 43% abv.
Just 600 bottles of 40-year-old are being released, the sixth edition of the malt. Peter Gordon, chairman of brand owner William Grant, said: "It is a great honour to release such a distinguished whisky to enthusiasts around the world and add to our existing portfolio of rare and precious aged single malts."
Glenfiddich 40-year-old is bottled at 45.8% abv and has a guide price of £1,700 per bottle.
**************************************************************
December 2009
Octave Bottlings
Duncan Taylor are delighted to introduce their Octave Collection of single malt and grain whiskies. There are 3 types in the range Bowmore 1982, Caperdonich 1972 and Cameronbridge 1978. These can be purchased individually or as a trio.
The Caperdonich bottle will be provided with a signed certificate to show the authenticity of this first release, Caperdonich is more highly sought after amongst drinkers and collectors due to the news that the distillery will never produce whisky again, therefore a great collectors item and a must have. The whisky in the Octave Range has not been chill-filtered or coloured, whiskies were originally matured in standard sized casks before undergoing Sherry Octave Invigoration for the final three months. This process has energized and added vitality to the whiskies as shown by the before and after tasting notes on the back label of the bottles. Each Octave has produced only 70 bottles and each cask is uniquely numbered.
Tasting Notes
Caperdonich
Before: Green apples, mown grass, lemon, lime, sweet.
After: Tutti fruity sweets, slightly medicinal, spicy oak, red fruits, white pepper.
Bowmore
Before: Warm grass, slightly smoky, spirit.
After: Balsam, bananas, rice pudding, crushed heracleum maximum, rounded.
Cameronbridge
Before: Dry straw, spicy, peppery, alcohol buzz.
After: Sweet, creamy, light cinnamon, sweet tea, citrus.
**************************************************************
December 2009
Bruichladdich The Octomore Orpheus 2.2.
BRUICHLADDICH has launched the latest addition to the Octomore series of bottlings - the Octomore Orpheus 2.2
The special 2009 release Orpheus is bottled at a massive 140ppm and has been matured in an American Bourbon cask, before being transfered to a Chateau Petrus wine cask. Orpheus is 5 year old and was bottled at 61% ABV and is a limited edition of 15,000 bottles. This dram is heavily peated and sweet.
If you you tried the earlier Octomore releases, you may be interested to see what influence the Chateau Petrus wine cask has had on the Orpheus, as Chateau Petrus wine is considered a rare super premium wine. But does a super premium wine guarantee a premium whisky, let us know if you taste it.
This enthusiastic colourful description of the new Octomore Orpheus is the official tasting notes from Jim McEwan.
Colour: Mahogany red.Body: Strong and muscular, absolutely in top condition. The texture is as smooth as the rocks on Islay’s western seaboard. An amazing warmth floods throughout the body lifting you to a level of pleasure you have never experienced from a malt whisky.
Nose/Palate: The aromas explode from the glass. It’s peat smoke, wet seaweed, archangel tar, wet sailcloth, all the Islay character is on the flood tide, then with time and a little water the wonderful sweet red fruit notes from the Petrus wine casks emerge; cherry, cranberry and pomegranate, Turkish delight, the sweetness of oak and barley slipstream, together they bring a sensational contrast to the phenolic maelstrom. It’s a journey of discovery for the senses, which are on full alert coping with physical heat, but they are loving it. It’s something they have never experienced before and they will never forget. This spirit cries "freedom" untainted by additives and attitudes. Let the spirit seep into your soul. It’s revelation in a glass.
Finish: It’s "Beauty and the Beast" Islay style. Total romance with a sensational ending, can’t tell you about it you HAVE to try it, it’s wicked.”
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November 2009
Highland Park launches new single malt.
HIGHLAND PARK has launched a new premium 15-year-old single malt - The Earl Magnus Edition 1. The limited edition expression is bottled at 52.6% abv and delivers a balance of ginger and lemon notes, cumulating with delicate aromatic blends of ginger and vanilla. The Earl Magnus Edition 1 will be on sale in the UK from late December priced £85.00.
The spirit is named after an the Orkney fable of Earl Magnus who ruled the island with his cousin Haakon. Haakon ordered that his cousin be killed due to his rising popularity. Magnus’s body was laid to rest on Egilsy and later at Birsay it was said that miracles of healing were experienced around his tomb.
The bottling is a unique light brown glass with an unusual orange peel texture. It is sealed with a black stopper, coated in black wax stamped with the Highland Park ‘ H ’.
The bottle is presented in a simply designed open window wooden gift box and etched with the historic tale of Earl Magnus.
Jason Craig, Global Controller of Highland Park, said: “Orkney has a wonderful and magical heritage born out of an incredibly colourful history; with troubles, strife, heroism and a lasting legacy of historical structures and ancient and mysterious standing circles on our island. We hope our Highland Park drinkers and collectors will love this limited edition bottling that captures a period of remarkable history, delivers a full strength 15 year old and is big on flavour and aroma which is succinct and distinguished in taste.”
SEATTLE, April 8 1994
Kurt Cobain, the ragged-voiced product of a Pacific Northwest timber town who helped to create the grunge rock sound that has dominated popular music for the last four years, was found dead today at his home here. The police said they believed that Mr. Cobain, the lead singer, guitarist and songwriter for the influential band Nirvana, killed himself with a single shotgun blast to the head.
Kurt Cobain, the ragged-voiced product of a Pacific Northwest timber town who helped to create the grunge rock sound that has dominated popular music for the last four years, was found dead today at his home here. The police said they believed that Mr. Cobain, the lead singer, guitarist and songwriter for the influential band Nirvana, killed himself with a single shotgun blast to the head.
Great Britain, October 25 2004
John Robert Parker Ravenscroft, OBE, has died at the age of 65, (30 August 1939 - 25 October 2004), known professionally as John Peel, was an English disc jockey, radio presenter and journalist. He was the longest-serving of the original BBC Radio 1 DJs, broadcasting regularly from 1967 until his death in 2004. He was known for his eclectic taste in music and his honest and warm broadcasting style. He was one of the first broadcasters to play psychedelic rock, reggae and punk records on British radio.
Peel's Radio 1 shows were notable for the regular 'Peel sessions', which usually consisted of four songs recorded by an artist live in the BBC's studios, and which often provided the first major national coverage to bands that later would achieve great fame.
John Robert Parker Ravenscroft, OBE, has died at the age of 65, (30 August 1939 - 25 October 2004), known professionally as John Peel, was an English disc jockey, radio presenter and journalist. He was the longest-serving of the original BBC Radio 1 DJs, broadcasting regularly from 1967 until his death in 2004. He was known for his eclectic taste in music and his honest and warm broadcasting style. He was one of the first broadcasters to play psychedelic rock, reggae and punk records on British radio.
Peel's Radio 1 shows were notable for the regular 'Peel sessions', which usually consisted of four songs recorded by an artist live in the BBC's studios, and which often provided the first major national coverage to bands that later would achieve great fame.
2010
New Whisky Releases
Great Brittain, 1972, 1978 and 1982
Jethro Tull releases the 1972 album Thick as a brick. Ian Anderson decided to give them " the mother of all concept albums ", including the preposterous idea that the lyrics had been written by an 8 year old boy. The album consisted of a single track running 43:28. Thick as a Brick was the first Tull album to reach number one on the U.S.
In 1978 was the release of the album Heavy Horses and Broadsword and the Beast saw the light in 1982. Both albums had very succesfull World Tours.
Jethro Tull releases the 1972 album Thick as a brick. Ian Anderson decided to give them " the mother of all concept albums ", including the preposterous idea that the lyrics had been written by an 8 year old boy. The album consisted of a single track running 43:28. Thick as a Brick was the first Tull album to reach number one on the U.S.
In 1978 was the release of the album Heavy Horses and Broadsword and the Beast saw the light in 1982. Both albums had very succesfull World Tours.
Great Brittain, 1970
Led Zeppelin III is the third album by English rock band Led Zeppelin . It was recorded and released in 1970 by Atlantic Records.
Led Zeppelin III is the third album by English rock band Led Zeppelin . It was recorded and released in 1970 by Atlantic Records.
Great Brittain, 1968
The Beatles is the ninth official British album and the fifteenth American album by The Beatles, a double album released in 1968. It is commonly known as The White Album as it has no graphics or text other than the band's name on its plain white sleeve.
The Beatles is the ninth official British album and the fifteenth American album by The Beatles, a double album released in 1968. It is commonly known as The White Album as it has no graphics or text other than the band's name on its plain white sleeve.
Great Brittain, 2006
A decade after first taking the stage solo, Robbie Williams released And Through It All - Live 1997- 2006 the definitive live retrospective from one of the world's greatest performers. This definitive collection of over 50 live tracks spans his entire solo career.
A decade after first taking the stage solo, Robbie Williams released And Through It All - Live 1997- 2006 the definitive live retrospective from one of the world's greatest performers. This definitive collection of over 50 live tracks spans his entire solo career.
Los Angeles U.S.A. , 1938
Over the Rainbow is a classic ballad song with music by Harold Arlen and lyrics by E.Y. Harburg . It was written for the movie The Wizard of Oz and was sung by Judy Garland in that movie. Over time it would become Garland's signature song.
Over the Rainbow is a classic ballad song with music by Harold Arlen and lyrics by E.Y. Harburg . It was written for the movie The Wizard of Oz and was sung by Judy Garland in that movie. Over time it would become Garland's signature song.
Massachusetts U.S.A., 1992
Images and Words is the second studio album by American progressive metal band Dream Theater, released in 1992. The album is the first Dream Theater release to feature James LaBrie on vocals. The album maintains its position as the band's most commercially successful studio album to date, and the song Pull Me Under's status as the only Top 10 hit the band has ever had. Many critics and fans cite this album as a landmark release for the progressive metal genre. Although there isn't any title track in this album, the phrase Images and Words appears in the song Wait for Sleep.
Images and Words is the second studio album by American progressive metal band Dream Theater, released in 1992. The album is the first Dream Theater release to feature James LaBrie on vocals. The album maintains its position as the band's most commercially successful studio album to date, and the song Pull Me Under's status as the only Top 10 hit the band has ever had. Many critics and fans cite this album as a landmark release for the progressive metal genre. Although there isn't any title track in this album, the phrase Images and Words appears in the song Wait for Sleep.
Memphis U.S.A. 1997
Jeffrey Scott Buckley ( November 17, 1966 - May 29, 1997 ), raised as Scotty Moorhead, was an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. He signed with Columbia, recruited a band, and recorded what would be his only studio album, Grace. While awaiting the arrival of his band from New York, he drowned during a spontaneous evening swim fully clothed iin the Mississippi River, when he was caught in the wake of a passing boat. His body was found on June 4, 1997.
Jeffrey Scott Buckley ( November 17, 1966 - May 29, 1997 ), raised as Scotty Moorhead, was an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. He signed with Columbia, recruited a band, and recorded what would be his only studio album, Grace. While awaiting the arrival of his band from New York, he drowned during a spontaneous evening swim fully clothed iin the Mississippi River, when he was caught in the wake of a passing boat. His body was found on June 4, 1997.
Great Brittain, 1996
Purpendicular is the fifteenth studio album by English rock band, Deep Purple. It was released in 1996 and it's their first album with Steve Morse, guitarist of Dixie Dregs . It has a more experimental feel than previous albums, and displays the difference between Blackmore-era and Morse-era.
Purpendicular is the fifteenth studio album by English rock band, Deep Purple. It was released in 1996 and it's their first album with Steve Morse, guitarist of Dixie Dregs . It has a more experimental feel than previous albums, and displays the difference between Blackmore-era and Morse-era.
Great Brittain, 1970
Deep Purple in Rock (also known as In Rock) is an album by English rock band Deep Purple, released in June 1970. It was their fourth studio album, and the first with the classic Mk II line-up. Deep Purple in Rock was their breakthrough album in Europe and would peak at #4 in the UK, remaining in the charts for months. Album was supported by the hugely successful In Rock World Tour which lasted 15 months.
Deep Purple in Rock (also known as In Rock) is an album by English rock band Deep Purple, released in June 1970. It was their fourth studio album, and the first with the classic Mk II line-up. Deep Purple in Rock was their breakthrough album in Europe and would peak at #4 in the UK, remaining in the charts for months. Album was supported by the hugely successful In Rock World Tour which lasted 15 months.
U.S.A., 2000
Crush is Bon Jovi's seventh studio album, released on June 13, 2000 through Island/Mercury. It was their first studio album since These Days was released in 1995. The album produced by Luke Ebbin, Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora. Crush, which also produced such hits as "It's My Life" and "Thank You For Loving Me", became the band's fifth consecutive UK #1 album, sold eight million copies worldwide, and helped introduce them to a new, younger fan base. Crush was nominated for Best Rock Album at the 2001 Grammy Awards.
Crush is Bon Jovi's seventh studio album, released on June 13, 2000 through Island/Mercury. It was their first studio album since These Days was released in 1995. The album produced by Luke Ebbin, Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora. Crush, which also produced such hits as "It's My Life" and "Thank You For Loving Me", became the band's fifth consecutive UK #1 album, sold eight million copies worldwide, and helped introduce them to a new, younger fan base. Crush was nominated for Best Rock Album at the 2001 Grammy Awards.
