GLENMORANGIE AND THE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP – THE PERFECT PARTNERSHIP

Scotland’s favourite single malt whisky has teamed up with golf’s most famous competition in a three year partnership which sees Glenmorangie become the Official Whisky of The Open Championship.

The pairing of Glenmorangie and The R&A, organisers of The Open Championship, is a natural fit as both have huge global followings. Glenmorangie is enjoyed in over 130 countries worldwide.

The Open Championship is golf’s most famous tournament watched on television by an estimated 458 million households in 196 territories worldwide. Over 200,000 visitors flock to Britain’s finest coastal golf courses every year to enjoy the drama of The Open in person. Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club, near Liverpool, will be hosting the Open Championship in 2012 (15-22 July).

Both Glenmorangie and The Open have a proud heritage dating back over 150 years. Glenmorangie was first produced in 1843 and The Open is golf’s oldest Major Championship dating back to 1860.

Peter Dawson, The R&A’s Chief Executive welcomed Paul Skipworth, President and Managing Director of The Glenmorangie Company, to St Andrews, and expressed his delight at the partnership.

Paul Skipworth said: “Glenmorangie is proud to become a part of this amazing Championship, which will see our whisky showcased to as many as 200,000 visitors at each Open. Glenmorangie is delighted with our partnership with The R&A, an association of our mutually high standards. Like The Open itself we believe in going the extra mile in the pursuit of perfection.” 

Peter Dawson said: “We are thrilled to welcome Glenmorangie as the Official Whisky of The Open Championship. Glenmorangie is an iconic Scottish brand which like golf is enjoyed the world over.”

Hitting it out of the Park! Orcadian 1971 & 1976 Vintages.

I'm a big fan of the Highland Park distillery and was really excited to have the opportunity to try the new 1971 and 1976 Orcadian Vintages. Around 2009, Highland Park started the release of exclusive Vintage limited editions each inspired by the myths and legends of Orkney.

These two new whiskies are adding to the exsisting range of the 1964, 1968 & 1970 (sadly I'm yet to try the 64 & 68). Sometimes, it feels like the seventies was a peak time in many ways for what is seen as a 'golden age' of whisky production. Most seasoned whisky drinkers know of an elusive dram from this period and more than once I've heard geeks talk with reverence for the barley strain of both the 70's & mid 80's, "Golden Promise"! (whether it was used at HP is another question)

Golden promises aside...

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Want Something Special? Try Diageo Special Release Whiskies 2011

Updated on Mon, September 12, 2011 by Diageo Whisky PR

Once again, it's that time of year where Diageo announce their special release bottlings. A selection of rare and unusual whiskies, which have been superb in previous years.

I'm positive the 2011 offering will be no different as it includes a 32 year old Brora, limited to only 1,404 bottles, and a Port Ellen, also at 32 years old (both are priced at approx. £300). These two iconic whiskies alone will undoubtedly sell out before retails have even received stock. Although I feel a majority are destined to linger in cupboards and on the shelves of collectors internationally, gathering dust, and rapidly increasing in value.

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Movember 2011: Who would you like to see grow a Mo? My vote is for the guys at Diggnation!

It's getting close to that time of year again, yes, I mean Movember and the release of the Whisky 4 Movember whisky!

What is Movember? It's a charity asking men to grow facial hair for November to raise awareness, and money for men's health issues. See the video below:

Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces in the UK and around the world. The aim of which is to raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and other cancers that affect men.

On Movember 1st, guys register at Movember.com with a clean-shaven face and then for the rest of the month, these selfless and generous men, known as Mo Bros, groom, trim and wax their way into the annals of fine moustachery. Supported by the women in their lives, Mo Sistas, Movember Mo Bros raise funds by seeking out sponsorship for their Mo-growing efforts.

Mo Bros effectively become walking, talking billboards for the 30 days of November and through their actions and words raise awareness by prompting private and public conversation around the often ignored issue of men’s health. 

At the end of the month, Mo Bros and their female supporters (known as Mo Sistas) celebrate their gallantry and valor by either throwing their own Movember party or attending one of the infamous Gala Partés held around the world by Movember, for Movember.  

Wouldn't it be cool? 

Now, if you're a tech geek, you might know of the guys from Diggnation (you can find the show on itunes here). They do a regular show for revision3.com, and was part of the inspiration for myself, Billy and Jason to do Village of the Drammed.

In episode 323, posted on Sept 7th, 2011, the guys agreed to grow beards for the next 3 months.

If one of them is unsuccessful the forfeit is to buy 3 bottles of Johnnie Walker Blue for the other participants, but don't you think it would be cool to see them grow Mo's for Movember?!

Host's Kevin Rose and Alex Albrecht, both in their 30's are well known in the tech world and regularly set challanges that veiwers get involved in. However, this one may be too big, as no offense to Kevin, but it looks like he may struggle and end up with a top lip from Michael Schumacher's mullet days. It would be great to see the Rev3 shows all in support of Movember, especially as they appeal to the prime age group testicular cancer can effect.

Cool? or not?Eitherway, this year we'll see a bunch of whisky fans, professionals and myself growing some fine Mo's to promote this worthy cause.

To find out more about Movember visit there site here, and the Whisky 4 movember bottle by Master of Malt will be releaved over the coming weeks.

Pioneering Spirits: Glenfiddich Whisky Invites You to Reach the Summit!

Updated on Tue, September 6, 2011 by Darren

If like myself, you grew up climbing and reading books by adventurers such as Joe Simpson, Chris Bonington and Pen Hadow, you'll be excited to know that Glenfiddich Distillery is hosting a summit for 21^st century pioneers.

The "ONE DAY YOU WILL Summit 2011", will feature motivational talks from key pioneers, such as the above mentioned writer, and Polar explorer, Pen Hadow. The two day forum will also include inspirational seminars, exclusive nosing and tasting sessions and a celebratory dinner.

Running from October 18th - 20th, 2011, it will be a great networking opportunity for anyone attending. 

An Inspirational Two-Day Event

I'm sure you'll also agree the incredible determination, strength and passion it takes to do these sometimes unimaginable feats, undoubtedly end's with great motivational stories. 

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Timed To Perfection: Balblair Scotch Whisky & WIRED Magazine Competition

Yesterday WIRED magazine and Balbair single malt whisky announced the launch of an exciting photography competition.

The prize is a 1965 vintage of Balblair, which is part of a limited release of just 350 bottles, this rare single cask edition, distilled in 1965 was aged in an American oak, sherry cask (potentially from Ardbeg?)

I've been lucky enough to try this whisky in the past, and I have to say it's a great dram, and a very rare opportunity to own a £1250- £1500 bottle of whisky!

The theme of the competition is the Highland whisky distilleries motto: "Timed to Perfection".  

Running from September 1st to October 14th the competition will be encouraging talented amateur photographers to submit their work to the WIRED team.  Entries will be judged by WIRED picture Editor Steve Peck and Editorial Photographer of the Year 2010 – Edmund Clark.

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Not a Whisky Riot, but a Smooth Jazz Experience!

Those who are fans of Islay whiskies may be familiar with the Feis Ile (also know as the Islay Whisky Festival).  An annual whisky festival in May, which dedicates individual days over the space of a week to the distilleries of Islay, Jura and Arran.

However, you might not be as familiar with the Lavavulin™ Islay Jazz Festival. Currently in it's 13th year it looks like it won't disappoint! 

Although the festival started in 1999, Lagavulin only started sponsoring the event last year (2010). Over it's thirteen years the festival has grown to become a staple in the UK Jazz scene. I guess the combination of fantastic whiskies and amazing musicians can't but help draw people from all over the UK and Globe.

The Festival covers the weekend of Friday 16th September to Sunday 18th September. It will be opened by vocalist Viktoria Tolstoy. She’ll sing her own special arrangements of many great standards along with interpretations of pop tunes.

The Festival also features the world premiere of the sensational Scottish Drummer Tom Bancroft ‘s Red Triowith English piano star, Tom Cawley, and Norwegian bass sensation Mats Eilertsen, while Brian Kellock and Jacob Karlzon front two piano trios at different edges of the jazz spectrum.

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La Fête Nationale! A Whisky Celebration with Auchentoshan 1999 Bordeaux Cask.

It seems last month I missed the launch of the new limited edition Auchentoshan. Aged for the entirety of it's life in a Bordeaux Cask.

These French oak casks from the region that produces extraordinary wines, such as Chateau d'yquem and Château Lafite Rothschild, generally offers up big spiced elements, cream, hints of woodiness and a depth of caramel sweetness not always attributed to whisky.

Released on Bastille day (July 14th) this dram has been recieved well by some of the blogs which have reviewed it already.

Earlier this evening myself, Billy and Jason B Standing had the opportunity to try it while recording the second offering of "Village of the Drammed".

In retrospect, I think this is the sort of dram I'd personally have to revisit or spend a little more time with. Initially I wasn't won over, but have found it to be the case with most other caskstrength Auchentoshan's I've tried! 

The Vital Statistics

Age: 11 years old

ABV: 58% ABV (Caskstrength),

Non-Chillfiltered

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Who is Number One? Karuizawa Whisky Stock Sold!

The second whisky tasting I ever organised was a Japanese night called "Lost in Translation", back in 2007.  

The idea was simple!

I managed a small restaurant in Newcastle upon Tyne, which had a 50 seater Cinema attached, so we decided that a Japanese film (Lost in Translation) and whisky combo would be fitting.  In the lead up to the actual evening I discovered a set of Japanese whiskies sold as Ichiro’s Malt Card Series, being distributed by a drinks company called Number One Drinks.  I ended up buying a bottle of the Ace Of Spades, a thick heavily sherried 1985 Hanyu, bottled at 55% Abv. It left me hooked to most things Japanese!   

Since then Number One has continued to release and distribute amazing Japanese whisky, and has in my opinion really opened the European market to companies like Suntory and Nikka. 

Then a couple of weeks ago I heard rumours that the gents at Number One might have got their hands on all the remaining stock of Karuizawa whisky. This proved to be true as 10 mins ago the following press release popped up in my mailbox:

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"Brown Drink"! The Ultimate Whisky Cocktail?

"We got a little rule back home: if it's brown, drink it down; if it's black, send it back".

Homer Simpson - Homerpalooza

I'm sure you'll agree that the name "Brown Drink" may not be the most appealing, but it does make you think what is it and should I really drink that?! Well... that's what I thought back in July when I saw them eagerly in the process of product development.

In true Master of Malt style they are continuing to do whisky things a bit different.

"Brown Drink" is a cocktail of different spirits taken from the leftovers of their "Drinks by the Dram" production. Rather than pouring the dregs away they decided from the start to gathered them. Over the last 12 months they managed to accrue 37 bottles. This is a vatting of 500 individual spirits.

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Bramble, Edinburgh, launches barrel-aged Glenmorangie Cocktail

The vogue for barrel-aged cocktails gains momentum with the launch of Glenmorangie ‘Affinity’ at Edinburgh’s leading bar, Bramble. Glenmorangie, pioneers of the concept of extra maturation, is perfectly-suited to play a lead role in this on-trade phenomenon.

The success of Bramble, Class Magazine’s Classic Bar of the Year 2010, is largely down to the innovative approach of co-owners Mike Aikman and Jason Scott, who have created a barrel-aged, single malt whisky cocktail using Glenmorangie 10 Years Old.

Glenmorangie Head of Distilling & Whisky Creation, Dr Bill Lumsden, produced four bespoke 5-litre casks for Bramble, each with a different level of toasting to allow for experimentation. The cocktail has been in barrels for a minimum of six weeks. Bottling will be done by hand at Bramble, with labels indicating the date the cocktail was poured into the cask and date of bottling. When a Glenmorangie Affinity is ordered at Bramble, the well-chilled wax-sealed bottle is presented with a frozen glass, garnished with a twist of lemon zest and a fresh cherry, in which to pour the cocktail.

Dr Lumsden observes; “As with malt whisky, the key is to gauge the perfect length of time in wood, and the Bramble team have done just that with their cocktail, giving the perfect balance of flavours between the other ingredients and the wood.”

Tasting notes: Batch #1 Glenmorangie ‘Affinity’ Cocktail

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Press Release IWSC - Cooley on a Gold Run.

Cooley Distillery, the multi-award winning Irish whiskey distiller, continued its phenomenal success at the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) by claiming a further 8 IWSC Gold medals in London yesterday.

Cooley’s medal haul included a record 4 Gold Medals for its Connemara Peated Single Malt Irish whiskey range including two Best in Class honours reaffirming its place as the most honoured Irish Single Malt of all time at International Spirits Competitions.

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Press Release: Glenfiddich Ambassadors select distilleries vatted 1974 Vintage Reserve.

Brian Kinsman, Glenfiddich Malt Master, today unveiled this year’s Glenfiddich Vintage Reserve, a 1974 Glenfiddich single malt Scotch whisky. The whisky is Glenfiddich’s first ever vatted Vintage Reserve and celebrates the pioneering spirit and adventurous career paths of Glenfiddich’s highly skilled Brand Ambassadors, who joined Brian as part of the selection panel.

Chairing Glenfiddich’s largest ever Vintage Reserve selection panel, Brian Kinsman was joined by 13 of Glenfiddich’s Brand Ambassadors, Glenfiddich’s Global Brand Ambassador and the owner of the world’s largest collection of Glenfiddich whisky – with participants coming from all corners of the world, including South Korea, USA, China and R.S.A. 

The panel nosed and tasted three exceptional vatted vintage casks dating from 1973, 1974 and 1975, marking an adventurous change to the selection process.  After careful consideration and in-depth debate, the panel selected Vatting Number 2 – a 1974 Glenfiddich.

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The future of Oak?

I bought that shirt from the Van store last year!

Last weekend I read an article in the Scotsman relating to the Asian plant intruder Rhododendron and it got me thinking about oak.

When I worked as a Cocktail Bar Manager to pay my way through college, training as a Arborist, there was a mention of "sudden oak death" effecting trees in America.  A poorly chosen name, which plays on PR and the general love of oak. The organism that is to blame mainly effects other types of host tree/shrubs such as Rhododendron. 

Most whisky drinkers know that whiskies/whiskey's & bourbons are aged in oak, but don't general know to what extent. The legal requirement under The Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009 is that UK distilleries, those in Scotland, England and Wales have to age their spirit for a minimum of three years in oak before it can be classed as whisky.

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Update: Glenrothes Whisky Makers Comes To A Glorious Close!

The World Cup of the whisky world - also known as The Glenrothes Whisky Maker contest - reached its thrilling conclusion in June, with amateur whisky aficionados from Taiwan, England and the USA coming together in Speyside, Scotland, to tough it out in a series of challenges and tastings that would have tested the nerves of famed Scottish outlaw Rob Roy, let alone a malt expert.

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Press Release: House Spirits Distillery, Portland announces new funding and company structure

House SpiritsHouse Spirits, one of America's leading craft distilleries, has announced a new round of funding that will enable the company to expand into new markets and add to its line of artisanal spirits.

Over the next two years, House Spirits plans to build on its initial success in the West Coast and New York, bringing the unique taste of the Northwest to spirits connoisseurs in all major U.S. markets, the United Kingdom, Australia, and several other key export markets. Production for all House Spirits offerings will remain in Portland, Oregon where the company has been in operation since 2005.

With the new funding comes several changes to House Spirits' executive and operating team. Founder Christian Krogstad is now joined by Thomas Mooney, the company's new CEO and formerly a senior executive with FIJI Water, and by Arturo Litwak, the new CFO and previously the co-founder of Milagro tequila. Tom Wilen, formerly COO of Jim Beam Brands Worldwide and President of Allied Domecq North America and now an advisor to spirits sensations Leblon and Ty Ku, has joined the board. He will serve as an advisor to House Spirits.

Aviation Gin"This investment round brings an exciting group of global investors to what is a quintessentially Portland company. These include NFL legend Joe Montana, the Leal family from Guatemala and the Junco family from Mexico, and individual investors from Portland and beyond," said Thomas Mooney, CEO, House Spirits.

Event: Irish whiskey at ISES UK

Ice Sculpture by IceBox LondonSo, last night I was out at the summer party for the International Special Event Society UK Chapter (ISES) on the HMS President.  If you thought you knew how to throw a party, wait until you meet these guys!

Imagine having all the people who make Glastonbury or any major event happen, from the stage designer/building crews, catering to band management. They all put a little bit of something toward the party and that was last night! Also, Visit Ireland was there to support the Riverdance themed evening and the team at Cooley distillery had helped me out with some great drams.

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Orcadian Fire - Rocking out with Caskstrength Creative, Highland Park 18yo whisky and Arcade Fire

Let's be under no illusion that the sole reason Arcade Fire planned a show in Hyde Park, London, was not toAn extremely limited edition Highland Park 18yo play to a sold out audience of 60,000+ fans during the busy festival season. It was to actually collect the extremely limited edition Orcadian Fire bottling Highland Park had created for them with the help of Caskstrength.net's whisky agency Caskstrength Creative.

Not being sold via retail, there are only 75 bottles of the 18 yo which features a subtle bespoke Arcade Fire "The Suburbs" label.

Being based in Montreal, the band is more than acquainted with the fact that Canada is famous for the strict rules on importing alcohol and its sale. Scotch fans are limited to the selection made by the provincial liquor boards, which is generally meagre. To top this off, retailers outside Canada are finding products are blocked at the border and rarely make it to the customer who is waiting eagerly for that something special!

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Vintage or just a classic? The Glenrothes know what great whisky is with the 1995 vintage.

Updated on Thu, July 7, 2011 by The Glenrothes

Last year I was lucky enough to join the chaps from The Glenrothes for an evening in Speyside at the distillery house.  It was a fantastic trip in which I came away with a bottle of the 1985 vintage and was just blown away with its depth of flavour and ease of drinking.  

Glass sculpture at its best! Sarmiento Invasion Paranoia

So, last weekend I was both happy and sad when myself and glass blowing friend Jeff Sarmiento finished it while enjoying a curry (The Glenrothes 1985 whisky worked very well paired with a chicken Patia and rice).  With the departure to the bottle to the recyling bin you can imagine I was naturally excited to recieve a sample of the 1995 vintage whisky, and was not dissapointed in the slightest! 

Heres my tasting notes.

The Glenrothes 1995 Vintage Scotch Whisky

ABV: 43%vol

Distillled: 26/10/1995

Bottled: 06/09/2010 

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Press Release - Master distiller announces global finalists for ‘whiskey world games’

Colum Egan, Master Distiller at the Old Bushmills Distillery, has today announced the eleven pairs of friends who will represent their countries at ‘Bushcamp’, the global final of ‘Make it 2 Bushmills’, a competition hosted by BUSHMILLS™ Irish Whiskey.

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