whiskey

New Laphroaig Triple Wood Adds Sherry Finishing

Filed under: Spirits

There is so much sherry wood finishing going on in whiskey circles these days, it's a wonder that there are enough barrels to go around. And just when I thought I might be wearying of the trend, Laphroaig comes out with Triple Wood.

This Islay expression is Laphroaig Quarter-Cask that has been finished in Oloroso sherry casks. The effect is to take the already beautifully peaty Laphroaig and dial in some cherries and black currants. This could have been a bad result. But it turned out wonderful, with the fruit accenting and dancing at the edges of the peat bog, not getting overly involved in the smoke and charcoal that makes Laphroaig Laphroaig.

The price of $100 seems dead on right for this premium single-malt expression. The only bad news is that it will head into travel retail and the finer whiskey shops in Europe, and is not yet scheduled or U.S. retailers. This is one of those that is well worth dragging home from the airport.

Tags: Islay malt, Laphroaig, Laphroaig Quarter-Cask, Laphroaig Triple Wood, Single-Malt Scotch Whiskey, Single-malt whisky, whiskey, whisky

Bain's Cape Mountain Whisky

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits

There are traditional whisky-producing locales and then there is the new generation. The former includes places like Scotland, Ireland and Tennessee. But these days, the traditional distilleries are being met with a range of whiskies coming from around the world. The Japanese, with their aptitude towards replication the smallest detail, has made a name for itself in this arena. India has impressed with its Amrut whisky. And now South Africa can be counted among them.

Until the mid-80s, Scotland was still importing grain from South Africa for distillation in its whiskies, so some locals thought it was about time the country produce its own. Bain's Cape Mountain Whisky – produced in Wellington and named after the man who built the first road there – has actually been on the market for the past year, but has just returned triumphant from major drinks competitions in the UK, where it took a gold medal and best-in-class citation at the 2010 International Wine and Spirits Competition and a silver at the 2010 International Spirits Competition. Not too shabby, bokkie. Not too shabby at all.

Tags: bains, bains cape mountain whisky, cape mountain whisky, single grain, south africa, whiskey, whisky

Penderyn Releases Celtic Manor 2011 Ryder Cup Edition Whisky

by David Kiley (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits

Penderyn, the Welsh whisky distiller, is releasing a special edition whisky to celebrate The Celtic Manor Resort, the venue for the 2010 Ryder Cup on October 1-3.

The Penderyn Celtic Manor 2010, launched on September 8th, is limited to 200 bottles and was commissioned by The Celtic Manor Resort to commemorate the event.

The whisky is a unique Welsh single malt matured in a single Oloroso Sherry cask. Each bottle will be presented in a hand-made tulip wood box, crafted in South Wales by the fine furniture maker Giancarlo Bianchi.

The taste profile: Big fruity Sherry notes. Raisins and creamy toffee. Hints of oak from the Spanish oak cask.

Tags: Corey Pavin, Penderyn, Penderyn whisky, Ryder Cup, welsh whisky, whiskey, whisky

Old Forester Releases Its Latest Birthday Bourbon

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits

There may be many bourbons on the market, but only one can claim to have to have been produced continuously before, during and after Prohibition by the same distiller. That whisky is called Old Forester, and in addition to the standard version, the distillery releases a new Birthday Bourbon every year.

It's an event eagerly anticipated by bourbon enthusiasts. We've reported on these unique small-batch vintages twice before, and now the 2010 version is ready to hit shelves with a $49.99 MSRP.

Because the Old Forester Birthday Bourbon is hand-selected by Brown-Forman's master distiller from specifically dated barrels, no two years' editions are exactly alike, although the accolades won by previous bottlings bode well for the latest.

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Tags: birthday bourbon, bourbon, brown-forman, Old Forester, old forester birthday bourbon, whiskey

New Vintages and Alba Reserve from The Glenrothes

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits

To devotees of the Speyside variety of single malt scotch, The Glenrothes holds a special status. Such devotees will be eager to learn of three new expressions released from the highly acclaimed distillery, hitting shelves just in time for the Fall season as temperatures begin to drop and a warming dram looks all the more enticing.

The latest Glenrothes bottlings include the Vintage 1994 ($79.99), the Vintage 1998 ($54.99) and the Alba Reserve ($59.99). The two new Vintage expressions follow the popular 1991 edition, supplies of which will soon be exhausted, while the smooth Alba Reserve, aged in American oak refill casks, follows the likes of the Glenmorangie and Ardbeg (as well as the special wood finishes from Bruichladdich) in earning kosher certification.

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Tags: alba, alba reserve, glenrothes, kosher, scotch whisky, speyside, the glenrothes, the glenrothes alba reserve, the glenrothes vintage 1994, the glenrothes vintage 1998, vintage 1994, vintage 1998, whiskey, whisky

Glenmorangie's New Finealta To Help Open London's Savoy

by David Kiley (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits

Glenmorangie has launched a new whisky in its Private Edition line: The Glenmorangie Finealta, pronounced "Finalta." The word translates as "elegant" from the Scottish Gaelic. It is a recipe with historic significance as it is a recreation of a Glenmorangie recipe dating back to 1903.

The century-old recipe was uncovered in the distillery's archives. Dr Bill Lumsden, head of distilling and whisky creation, said: "Glenmorangie decided to recreate this recipe so that we, and whisky connoisseurs, could have a taste of this historic Glenmorangie expression. We followed the recipe meticulously, which included marrying whiskies of different ages and from different cask types. The final result is a whisky of such depth and distinction that we selected it as the second release in Glenmorangie's exclusive Private Edition."

Archives show that this Glenmorangie expression was served in the American Bar of The Savoy, London, during La Belle Époque and at the height of Art Nouveau, the first modern art movement of the 20th century. The packaging design for Glenmorangie Finealta, not surprisingly, is inspired by Art Nouveau, which had a style for incorporating elements from nature such as floral and plant motifs into artwork. And, unusual for Glenmorangie, the taste profile involves a bit of peat.

The release of the whisky coincides nicely with the The Savoy's reopening on October 10, 2010. Bottled at a strength of 46% ABV, and non chill-filtered, Glenmorangie Finealta will be made available to global travel retail from early September, and in fine whisky shops in North America in early 2011. Price $85.00.

Tags: Bill Lumsden, Finealta, Glenmorangie, Savoy Hotel, scotch, scotch whisky, single malt, Single-malt whisky, whiskey, whisky

English Whisky Co. Offering Full Casks to the Public

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits

There may be no shortage of whiskies coming from the British Isles, but most hail from Scotland and Ireland. The English Whisky Company is serious about proving England as a whisky-producing country as well, and has already been winning hearts and palettes with its St George's single malt. Now the English distillery is offering a rare opportunity for connoisseurs and enthusiasts to get their hands not just on a bottle or two, but an entire cask!

The barrels are being offered in 30-liter (£1200) and 50-liter (£1800) sizes, and sold at a first come, first served basis. Buyers can choose from peated or unpeated malts; all contents have been aged for 3 years and are delivered non-chill-filtered and at a cask strength of 46% ABV.

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Tags: english whisky company, single malt, st george, st georges, st georges distillery, whiskey, whisky

Ardmore Releases Exceptional 25-Year Old Single-Malt

by David Kiley (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits

Scottish Highland distillery Ardmore has been coming on strong the last few years with a terrific non-age-stated single-malt whisky it markets as Ardmore Traditional Cask. Now, it has complimented its portfolio with a cask strength 25-year old.

Ardmore has long been the principal single-malt contributor to Teacher's blended whisky. But a few years ago, seizing the popularity of single-malts, it started distributing its own expression. Previously it also released a highly regarded 30-year old, priced about $450.

Ardmore is a unique player in Scotland in that it is the only Highland distillery still using peat in its malting. Rather than coming through strong like an Islay malt, though, Ardmore's peatiness is more leathery than smoky. It is an utterly unique flavor among Scotch whiskies.

The 25-year old carries through the Ardmore signature but the spiciness and citrus that aren't s much in evidence in Traditional are incredibly well done in this older expression. And then there is the streak of smoke and leather jetting through. A first-class job.

Look for Ardmore 25-year old in duty-free and some of the better whisky shops in major cities. Price: About $195.

Tags: ardmore, Ardmore 25-year old, Ardmore 25-year old whisky, Ardmore whisky, scotch, Single-malt Scotch, whiskey, whisky

Canadian Mist Black Diamond Rye Whisky

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits

Lovers of rye whisky take note: Canadian Mist is set to march on the United States with a new premium expression. Called Black Diamond, the special Canadian Mist was created in response to customers who liked the existing rye, but wanted something a little more special for special occasions.

Like the regular Canadian Mist, the Black Diamond is distilled in Ontario using water from the Georgian Bay, North America's largest pure water source. Black Diamond upgrades with an increased sherry flavor and a higher rye content, bottled at 86 proof, and will launch in six states this month before being rolled out coast to coast early next year. Suggested retail price for a 750ml bottle comes in at an entirely reasonable $14.99.

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Tags: black diamond, canadian mist, canadian mist black diamond, canadian whisky, rye, rye whiskey, rye whisky, whiskey, whisky

Royal Salute Whisky Launches 62 Gun Salute in Bespoke Gold & Crystal Bottle

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits

Royal Salute, part of the Chivas Brothers luxury whisky stable, is releasing a new limited edition Scotch in a gold and crystal decanter to honor the Queen of England. Dubbed 62 Gun Salute in homage to the fusillade fired at the Tower of London every June to mark the Queen's official birthday and accession to the throne, the exclusive Scotch was created with the input of four generations of master blenders and each whisky used is at least 40 years old. Presented in an exquisite hand crafted Dartington Crystal decanter decorated in 24 carat gold and crowned with a cut crystal stopper, the result of 40 hours of artisanal craftsmanship, it will go on sale at the end of the year priced at $2,200 per bottle. The most prestigious expression within Royal Salute's permanent collection, it is available in limited supply due to its exceptional age and extraordinary rarity.

Gallery: 62 Gun Salute

Tags: Chivas Regal, crystal, decanter, gold, London, Queen of England, Royal Salute, Scotch, Scotland, whiskey, whisky

The Macallan Launches Albert Watson Edition [Video]

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits, Art

Famed Speyside distillery The Macallan has announced the second photographer tapped to collaborate on its limited edition Masters of Photography series – Scottish-born Albert Watson, whose nudes of Kate Moss fetch astonishing prices at auction. Following the form of the storied single malt's Rankin Edition, the Watson bottling's labels will feature examples of the master's work commissioned specially for the project, shot on various locations around the globe. The exact theme of the project is being kept under wraps for now, but we've been told that the the key elements include "a dramatic and yet romantic 'art noir' voyage, a stylish couple and the key secret behind The Macallan Single Malt." Check out this video from the first stages of the shoot documented on The Macallan Blog by Director of Malts for the Edrington Group, Ken Grier.

Tags: Albert Watson, macallan, photographer, photography, Rankin, Scotch, Scotland, whiskey, whisky

Park Avenue Whiskey by NY's Tuthilltown Spirits

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits

New York's storied Park Avenue Liquor Shop, established in 1934, is releasing new limited edition whiskey bottlings made exclusively for them by the artisanal Tuthilltown Spirits distillery in New York's Hudson River Valley. Priced at $45 per bottle, the Park Avenue Whiskey collection features 375 ml bottlings of bourbon, rye and a special new "BouRye", each 46% alcohol by volume. The first is dubbed "Baby Bourbon" because it is made using very small barrels, the whole grain rye is aged in oak, and the "BouRye" is a 50/50 blend of bourbon and rye, a combination requested specifically by the shop's owner and whisky expert Jonathan Goldstein. Goldstein also selected the specific barrels at Tuthilltown from which the exclusive whiskies were bottled to produce a truly unique set of spirits, presented in hand-numbered, wax-sealed bottles.

Tags: bourbon, distillery, Hudson River, Hudson River Valley, liquor store, New York, Park Avenue, Park Avenue Liquor Shop, rye, spirits, Tuthilltown Spirits, whiskey, whisky

Luxist Samples The Dalmore Mackenzie

by Jonathon Ramsey (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits

When it comes to scotch we are always-eager drinkers, yet we know our palate for the ochre-hued beverage has a few years of finesse left to develop before we can lay claim to a scotch maturity. Yet if we are known for anything, it is our willingness to do what it takes to hone those finer points of our humanity. It was the brand's parent, Whyte & Mackay, who flew us to Edinburgh to take the next step in our whiskey learning, and that is how we found ourselves seated in a table at the Scottish National Gallery in Edinburgh, set before Benjamin West's 12-foot-wide, 17-foot-tall painting from 1786, Alexander III of Scotland Rescued from the Fury of a Stag by the Intrepidity of Colin Fitzgerald, about to taste The Dalmore Mackenzie. Our hosts provided us a powerful and delicious education.

Gallery: Luxist Tastes The Dalmore Mackenzie

Tags: scotch, scotch whiskey, scotch whisky, the dalmore, the dalmore mackenzie, whiskey, whisky, whisky tasting

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Highland Park 1968 Whisky

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits

This spring Highland Park is launching Highland Park 1968, a blend of 8 different 40 yr old whiskies that marks the first of 10 vintages planned for release by Highland Park over the next 5 years. Described as lighter than its younger cousins, with a golden amber hue and deep chocolate notes, what really makes this scotch stand out is its price tag of $3999 a bottle -- a price which is making it unclear who will stock it. As of now no bars in New York have signed on to offer it, but experts say casinos will be likely takers along with a few smaller or private establishments.

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Tags: highland park, HighlandPark, scotch, whiskey, whisky

Colorado Whiskey Joins Scotland and Kentucky For Malt Advocates' Best

by David Kiley (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits

The Malt Advocate released its picks for Best Whiskies of The Year" in its new Spring issue. Like many of these rankings, there is a little to go around for everyone to argue about, as well as a surprise or two.

Top of the list for pleasant surprises is Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey. This young distillery, opened in 2004, has been a stand out since getting started, but it is also up against dozens of emerging micro-distilleries popping up all around the U.S. It used to distill from beer wash obtained from Flying Dog Brewery, but is now making its own. batch 49, honored by Malt Advocate, contains whiskey as young as two years old, but no older than five. At $55 a bottle, it's a buy, with an eye toward putting one away for future auctions. On the palate, you should find notes of English toffee, maple, roasted chestnuts and a bit of tobacco.

"Best Buy" of the Year went to The MacPhail's Collection; 8-year old expressions of Highland Park, Glenrothes and Tamdhu. At $30-$35, it was a solid choice. It's hard to find age stated whiskies this good, and nicely packaged. All are aged in refill Sherry casks. There are whiskies I like as much at the lower end of the range: Ardmore 'Traditional Cask" comes to mind, but for a few dollars more. That makes The MacPhails a worthy winner.

The American Whiskey of the Year went to Parker's Heritage Collection "Golden Anniversary." This expression was developed to mark Parker Beam's fifty years of service at Heaven Hill Distilleries. The blend was created from whiskies from the last five decades. With so many ages mingles, its not surprising to find a very complex, layered taste: vanilla and cocoa, but with very definite notes of citrus and cinnamon. At $150.00, I'd have to say it's right priced.

The Canadian Whisky of the Year is Crown Royal Cask No. 16. This is not surprising, but perhaps a little disappointing. No. 16 is a fine whisky to be sure. But the choice is disturbingly predictable because of the seeming lack of innovation coming out of Canada compared with the U.S. and Scotland. A close competitor in my tasting book would be Canadian Club 30 Year, at $200.00. To be eligible for Malt Advocate's ranking, the whisky has to have been sold in the U.S. in the previous year. The problem with some of the better, smaller volume Canadian whiskies is that they are not sold in the U.S., and they are often priced lower than they deserve, making comparisons with high-end Crown Royals and Canadian Clubs difficult for many taste testers.

Gallery: Whiskies of The Year