BUMS (Bureau of Malt Sippers) News Page

Postings on the latest tasting notes and Blogs on the BUMS single malt scotch tasting website

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Arran's Devil's Punch Bowl, Chapter II

After The Devil’s Punch Bowl I, from Isle of Arran, was released in August 2012 by the Arran Distillery and was a big hit, why not do a sequel? Well they did and it is now being released in the US. Befitting the Devilish nature of this dram they are releasing 6,600 bottles world wide.

Like last year, this new release is pulled from multiple years, styles (peated and un-peated), and multiple casking, (sherry butts, sherry hogsheads, bourbon barrels). They drew from 27 different barrels.

“The Sherry Butts act like the rhythm section of a band setting the tone and driving the character of the malt. Deep in color and rich on the palate these casks are the heartbeat of this whisky. The 1996 Bourbon Barrels add a wonderful honeyed sweetness to proceedings whislst the Sherry Hogsheads imbue a perfect harmony of aroma and flavor. As a unique twist I have added some of our 2006 Peated Arran in combination with regualr un-peated Arran for the very first time giving the finish a subtle smoky edge,” says master distiller, James MacTaggart.

McTaggart continues, “Chapter II of The Devil’s Punch Bowl is a true contrast of light & shade, hence the title ‘Anglels & Devils’. The 1997 & 1998 hogsheads I have chosen provide the foundation for this whisky and add a rich and satisfying depth. These are the finest ex-Oloroso Spanish Oak casks and their influence is unmistakable with a distinctive spicy character and notes of cigar box and dark chocolate. If the sherry casks are the darkness then the 2002 barrels bring a ray of sunshine to the proceedings with soft vanilla notes and more of the typical Arran citrus emerging especially with a dash of water. Finally our oldest Peated Arran casks from 2004 bring an earthiness not found in other releases of The Arran Malt and add further complexity to this intriguing concoction.”

This is a limited release so don’t expect this to be found just anywhere or for very long. It is currently hitting California and will slowly make its way East. For us, in Missouri, unfortunately there is no allocation but I imagine you will be able to find this new bottling in Illinois at Binny’s and elsewhere. 

Devils’s Punch Bowl II is bottled at Natural Cask Strength of 53.1% ABV

http://

See more here: 

bit.ly/189ypCM

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Wizards of Whisky Winners 2012

Well I was certainly asleep at the wheel when these awards were announced last year but better late than never.

This is a set of awards put together by Dominic Roskrow, prolific whisky writer and former editor of Whisky Magazine. These awards cover World whisky outside of Scotland. More than 80 brands entered and about 60 won medals. Several of the whiskies listed here are linked to previous reviews on the BUMS website.

All the details can be found at this website link for connosr. Dominic was also the editor of the book that fellow BUM Bill Meyers contributed to last year, 1001 Whiskies You Must Taste Before You Die.

Wizards of Whisky Awards were presented in these categories: USA Craft Distillers, Japan, 

   Independent Bottler, Europe, Canada, Australasia and Asia & Africa.

Although Roskrow decries the general state of craft distilling in the USA he was able to find a few worthy candidates for this category of awards:

USA Craft Distilling

Bronze Medal Winners: High West Double Rye, High West Son of Bourye

Silver Medal Winners: Balcones Baby Bourbon, Balcones Single Malt, Troy White Corn Whiskey

Gold Medal Winners: Balcones Brimstone, Balcones True Blue, High West Campfire, 

   High West Rendezvous Rye

Whiskey of the Year: High West Campfire

Craft Distiller of the Year: Balcones

Roskrow had kinder words for the Japanese whisky scene and these awards:

Japan

Bronze Medal Winners: (none)

Silver Medal Winner: Yamazaki 12 yr old

Gold Medal Winners: Hakushu 12 yr old, Hibiki 21 yr old, Yamazaki 18 yr old

Whisky of the Year: Yamazaki 18 yr old

Distiller of the Year: Suntory

See more here: http://bit.ly/14lpoFZ

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Ardbeg Galileo Wins Top Awards

Ardbeg Day Bottling, Single malt of the Year for 2013: Ardbeg Corryvreckan Single Malt of the Year 2011; Ardbeg Supernova, Scotch Whisky of the Year and Single Malt of the Year 2010; Ardbeg 10 World Whisky of the Year and Scotch Single Malt of the Year 2008; Ardbeg 1976 Single Cask No. 2390 Scotch Single Malt of the Year 2004

Its hard to find fault with Ardbeg, especially if you are Jim Murray. 

Above, are just a handful of the awards he has bestowed. 

Read about one of the newest Ardbeg Awards from the International Awards Challenge, below. Cheers!

Ardbeg, the Ultimate Islay malt whisky, won two top awards at the International Spirits Challenge for Ardbeg Galileo, a celebration of its “world first” space maturation experiment.

The ultimate Islay malt whisky won Best Launch campaign and Best PR campaign for the release of Galileo, a limited edition whisky released in June 2012.

The whisky, named after Galileo Galilei, the father of modern astronomy, celebrates the first ever experiment undertaken by Ardbeg Distillery (or any other distillery for that matter!) in space. Ardbeg was invited in late 2011 by US-based space research company NanoRacks, based in Houston Texas, to take part in an experiment to test what impact zero gravity has on micro-organic compounds drawn from the distillery’s production on Islay. This experiment will compare the difference in maturation (the inter-action of these compounds with charred oak) between normal gravity on Earth and micro-gravity in space, and is currently taking place on the International Space Station

Dr Bill Lumsden, Ardbeg’s Director of Distilling and Whisky Creation, explained: “We thought we would celebrate the experiment by the introduction of Ardbeg Galileo – our own earthly tribute to the scientific experiment taking place far up in space! We are over the moon at winning these campaign awards, it has been a privilege to have the opportunity to send Ardbeg molecules in to space and create an expression in its honour.”

See more here: http://

bit.ly/16SMfn4

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Kilchoman Islay Single Malt Releases 3rd Edition 100% Islay

100% Islay is unique in that it is the only Single Malt in Scotland where every stage of the whisky making process, from the barley grown in the surrounding fields to the malting, distillation, maturation and bottling, takes place at the distillery.

As the 3rd Edition of Kilchoman’s 100% Islay, the Single Malt is a vatting of four and five year old fresh bourbon barrels. Only 10,000 bottles of the limited edition will be available worldwide and are expected to sell quickly.

With a delicate and floral nose of soft fruits and pear drops, 100% Islay goes on to explode with peat smoke in the mouth, complimented by a long, sweet and lingering finish that blends with the softer tones of peat smoke.

  Anthony Wills, managing directorof Kilchoman,said: “The previous two editions of the 100% Islay range were extremely well received and we’re delighted with the way the Single Malt’s character is developing. The range is unique in that every stage of production, from barley grown to the hand-bottling takes place at Kilchoman.

“As a traditional working-farm distillery, 100% Islay epitomises what we’re all about.”

See more here: http://bit.ly/13z7Cij

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Ardbeg Unveils Dream Destination or Islay Whisky Fans

Ardbeg Distillery opens stunning luxury self-catering home .

  Whisky fans will now get the chance to come and stay at the iconic birthplace of the Ultimate Islay malt. 

  Ardbeg Distillery, home of the Ultimate Islay Malt, can now offer the definitive getaway for any whisky fan after restoring a 19th Century cottage at its iconic distillery on Islay.

Seaview Cottage offers stunning views, a location steeped in history, and every modern day luxury you would expect allowing visitors to unwind with their favourite dram at the very place of its origin.

Ardbeg’s Seaview Cottage has been renovated to the highest standards, with two double bedrooms and one twin bedroom, providing elegant self-catering accommodation at the very heart of the distillery.

Mickey Heads, Ardbeg Distillery Manager, explains, “The house has a lovely relaxed atmosphere with contemporary interiors and stunning views. Lucky visitors to the island will have the opportunity to stay at the home of the Ultimate Islay Malt, in a cottage that is full of Ardbeg history and lore.

“I hope that everybody who spends time there will feel the same as I do, and will want to return again and again.”

See more here: http://bit.ly/1b3HfBb

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Thirty-Second Tasting: Royal Lochnagar 12, Royal Lochnagar Selected Reserve, A.D. Rattray Royal Lochnagar 14

Royal Lochnagar finally makes it to the BUMS tasting table

This is a distillery I’ve wanted to put before the BUMS for quite some time but until Bill suggested that we “shop” in his Whisky Cellar I didn’t think the financial end would work. Fortunately he had some bottlings that he acquired a while ago so the pricing wasn’t quite so high, still our star bottle would be anywhere from $300-400 today, if you could find it, so thanks Bill, for buying at a good price and cutting the BUMS a deal.

Royal Lochnagar is in the Diageo stable of distilleries but is not one of their high volume producers like Glenkinchie at 2,500,000 liters per year or Caol Ila at 3,800,000 liters. Lochnagar produces only 450,000 liters per year. Presently the distillery has only two small pot stills that feed through lyne arms into two cast iron worm tubs. It is located in the Eastern Highlands and its official founding date is 1845.  Competitors burned down two earlier incarnations of the distillery. 

Read more here:

http://bit.ly/17gC1lw

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Glenmorangie Open Weekend June 15 and 16

Celebrate Father’s Day Weekend With Free Tours and Tasting and The Men of Tain

Glenmorangie’s Men of Tain set to share the secrets of Scotland’s favourite malt whisky

  --- Glenmorangie’s free, family-friendly Open Weekend will offer 170 years of history, Scotland’s tallest whisky stills, special tours, barbecue and tastings on June 15 and 16 ---

  Members of the public will be able to witness the magic of Scotland’s tallest stills in action when Glenmorangie’s distillery in Tain puts on a special Open Weekend on June 15 and 16.

The weekend-long programme of free tours, tastings and events will lift the lid on the production process behind Scotland’s favourite single malt.

Visitors will be able to meet and talk with the Men of Tain – the select group of craftsmen who are entrusted with the secrets of the Glenmorangie Distillery. Their dedication and skill has been handed down from generation to generation since the founding of the distillery in 1843.

They can also see the distillery’s 12 copper-necked stills in operation, the necks of which stand at over 16ft – the same height as a fully grown adult giraffe. This guarantees a smoother finish as only the lightest and purest vapours ascend to the top.

Paul Skipworth, President and Managing Director of The Glenmorangie Company, said: “We’ve been part of the Ross-shire landscape for 170 years when William Matheson first established the distillery. We are delighted to have this Open Weekend and to share some of the secrets that go in to making our famous whisky.

“Glenmorangie is distilled in the tallest malt whisky stills in Scotland, and we’d encourage as many people as possible to experience the special ‘cathedral-like’ atmosphere of this beautiful still house, and the tranquil surroundings of the distillery for themselves.”  As a family-friendly weekend, complementary activities include a barbecue, crźperie, hot chocolate, falconry and performances by the Tain Pipe Band.  Doors open from 10am until 4.30pm on Saturday and Sunday and there are two types of free tours available. 

Read more here: http://bit.ly/11jF6tP

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Single Cask Nation Makes A Mark On The Whisky Drinking Nation

Way back in June 2012 I posted a press release from what started out as the Jewish Single Malt Whisky Society, founded by Joshua Hatton which was morphing into the Jewish Whisky Company as he started a tasting society called Single Cask Nation. There’s a pretty good story there so if you want some background, click above. Just the recent facts? See below.

Like the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, this is a subscription only, single malt, single cask bottling company. You can join at various levels and receive various benefits, but always the star of the benefits is access to their Single Cask Nation-chosen single malt bottlings.

Along with fellow BUM, Bill Meyers, I finally got around to tasting some of their first batch of single cask bottles. As we tasted I would say our ratings and opinions were pretty close, but I will let Bill post his notes separately, if he wishes.

Read more here: http://bit.ly/130F0KJ

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Rachel Barrie, Bowmore Master Blender, Opens Up On Why Adding Water to Whisky Makes Sense

Over the last few months Bowmore and Master Blender Rachel Barrie have been blitzing the various news outlets on the finer points of adding water to whisky and why it makes our senses, well, sense more. Their approach has been a two tier program: 1) Educating what they call their “on-premise” wait staffs and bartenders at various bars and 2) Educating you and me, the folks who buy and drink Scotch. 

Since Ms. Barrie has a 1st class Honours degree in Chemistry and a stint as a Research Scientist at the Scotch Whisky Research Institute it seems wise to hear her out and see what she has to say.  Rachel Barrie has been with Bowmore as their Master Blender since 2011 but spent the previous 8 years with Glenmorangie and Ardbeg creating some of the most noteworthy whiskies in recent memory, including Glenmorangie Signet, Ardbeg Corryvreckan, Supernova, Rollercoaster and Alligator. 

Read more here: http://bit.ly/12C2aax

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Join the Glengoyne "Family" for a Chance to Win a Decanter of 35-yr old Glengoyne

Well it never hurts to get the inside scoop on a distillery and what it has to offer and if that means I also have a chance to win an amazing Decanter of Whisky, why the heck not join.

www.glengoyne.com

Ian Macleod Distillers Ltd are the brand proprietors of Glengoyne Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Tamdhu Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Isle of Skye Blended Scotch Whisky,Lang's Blended Scotch Whisky,Hedges & Butler, King Robert II, London Hill Gin, TheChieftain's and Dun Bheagan Ranges, Smokehead Islay Single Malt, Six Isles Island Blended Malt Scotch Whisky, Wincarnis Tonic Wines and Macleod's Single Malt Whiskies.

See the Press Release Below.

They say you can choose your friends but you can’t choose your family. With Glengoyne you can with the official launch of a new online loyalty program - the Glengoyne Family. 

Following the re-launch of the brand last October and a new dedicated website, the Family is a way for likeminded Glengoyne enthusiasts to benefit from exclusive promotions and regular offers. The launch coincides with Glengoyne’s 10-year anniversary since being acquired by Ian Macleod Distillers, one of Scotland’s leading, independent, family owned distillers.

As well as receiving a regular e-newsletter, Family members will also benefit from early notice of new releases (in particular limited editions), exclusive special offers and promotions with affiliate partners as well as Family member bottlings and the opportunity to be part of the selection panel.

Read more here: http://bit.ly/12q4yRP

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Islay Scotch Lovers Get A New Single Malt

Kilchoman Intoduces A New Range From Islay's Independent Farm Distillery:Sherry-Cask Matured Loch Gorm

Until 2005 there were 8 distilleries on tiny Islay, known for its peaty heavy weights, 

Lagavulin, Ardbeg and recently, Bruichalddich. Islay is one of the Inner Hebrides Isles off the west coast of mainland Scotland. There were some great expectations heaped on Kilchoman(pronounced with a silent H) at its birth but for most it has lived up to its Islay heritage.

With its first bottling in 2008, at three years old, there have been a lot of bottlings that were one offs, but with Machir Bay and Loch Gorm we are seeing bottlings that will be available each year, with older whisky added as it matures. 

Here’s a press release on the new Loch Gorm. I’ll post tasting notes as samples are available. Cheers

Islay’s independent farm distillery, Kilchoman, has added a new range to its award winning Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky collection, Loch Gorm.

Named after the famously peaty loch near the distillery, the Loch Gorm range will be the only sherry cask-matured release from Kilchoman. Only 10,000 bottles of the inaugural five year-old bottling will be available worldwide and is expected to sell quickly. 

Aged in Oloroso sherry butts and finished in Oloroso sherry hogshead casks for six weeks, Loch Gorm adds a new dimension to Kilchoman’s portfolio, bringing depth of colour and fresh character to the Islay Single Malt.

Anthony Wills (above right), Managing Director of Kilchoman, said: “Over the years we have released a limited number of sherry-matured Kilchoman bottlings, all of which proved very popular with our customers. Loch Gorm shows wonderful balance between the peat smoke and spicy rich flavours, typical of sherry cask maturation.”

As with the two other ranges in Kilchoman’s portfolio, Machir Bay and 100% Islay, a new bottling of Loch Gorm will be periodically released as the whisky matures, with each bottling differentiated by distillation and bottling years printed on the label.

Read more here: http://bit.ly/112UzR2

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2013 Ultimate Spirits Challenge Winners

2013 Winners Include First 100 Point Spirit - Highland Park 25 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky Scotland, 45.7% ABV

Judging is done as Blind Tastings, where judges do not know what has been poured for them. 

Panels of highly qualified experts blind taste/evaluate flights of distilled spirits by classifications within major spirits categories, employing a custom-created, multistage format. Judges record their findings on a worksheet on which they score each product on the 100-point scale.

Multiple 3-person panels of judges are formed. The products from each category that score 90 or more undergo another level of evaluation by UBC panels of  experts to arrive at the best products from each greater category.  Final scores are derived from the cumulative total in order to allow each product multiple chances to shine. Each category will have a coveted “Chairman’s Trophy” winner selected from the Finalists.

New York, NY (March 21, 2013) – Ultimate Beverage Challenge’s (UBC) fourth annual Ultimate Spirits Challenge was held at state-of-the-art Astor Center in New York City on March 11-15, 2013. Today, Ultimate Spirits Challenge (USC) proudly announces this year’s Chairman’s Trophy winners and Finalists in more than 30 spirits categories, including USC’s first 100-point score that honors Highland Park 25 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky from Orkney.

Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2013 had a record number of entries, up 8% from last year, from more than 70 companies and 30 countries around the world. This year’s entries likewise included more craft spirits than ever before and an extraordinarily high standard of spirits across all categories.

Led by UBC Founder and Judging Chairman F. Paul Pacult and Judging Co-Chairman Sean Ludford, the judges included many of the world’s most famous distilled spirits authorities, award-winning authors, spirits buyers, journalists, educators, bar owners and consultants.  The judging panels rated the distillates on the 100-point scale, using USC’s innovative multilevel evaluation system, which renders the industry’s most unassailable results. This remarkable super-group of experts named 33 Ultimate Spirits Challenge Chairman’s Trophy winners and 151 Finalists. 

Top Three of Each Whisk(e)y Category (Scores shown, first): 

American Whiskey

96 Balcones 1 Texas Single Malt American Whiskey, 53% ABV

92 Bernheim Original Kentucky Straight Wheat, 45% ABV

88 Catskill Distilling One & Only Buckwheat, 42.5% ABV

Bourbon

97 Blanton’s Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon, 46.5% ABV

95 Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon, 50% ABV

95 Jim Beam Devil’s Cut Bourbon, 45% ABV

Rye

94 Knob Creek Rye Whiskey, United States, 50% ABV

92 Masterson’s French Oak Finished 10 years Old Rye Whiskey, Canada, 45% ABV

91 Bulleit Rye Whiskey, united States, 45% ABV

Tennessee Whiskey

95 George Dickel No. 12, 45% ABV

93 George Dickel Barrel Select, 43%

Read more here: http://bit.ly/YB06Ln

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Bacardi Launches Dewar's Highlander Honey “Infused Scotch Specialty

Is John Dewar, Founder of Dewar’s, Turning Over In His Grave?

Several Whisky News Outlets reported this week that Bacardi, owners of the Dewar’s brand, is introducing a flavored Whisky drink to compete with the, evidently successful, flavored Bourbons and Irish whiskies that have sprung up over the last few years. This “honey” infused drink can not be called Scotch but the particulars of labeling were blessed by the Scotch Whisky Association, which is very particular about such things and they gave their approval on labeling it as a “specialty.” It is made up of Dewar’s White Label Blended Scotch and Scottish honey.

This will compete with Diageo’s Bushmills Irish Honey, Beam Inc.’s Jim Beam Honey, Brown-Forman’s Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey and in a more general way any whisky that has added flavoring components such as Spicebox Canadian Whisky which is flavored with vanilla and other spices, probably nutmeg and cinnamon. In the US market we also have cherry flavored and maple flavored whiskies such as Beam Inc’s Red Stag and Diageo’s Crown Royal Maple Finished whiskey.

This product and product category is pitched at the 25-30 year old brown spirit drinker.

In a Shanken News Daily article, Arvid Krishnan, VP, brand managing director of Dewar’s had this to say, “We’re trying to reach out to a younger, newer consumer and speak to them in a language that they’ll identify with, in an environment that they’ll want to be in. Dewar’s Highlander Honey takes that one step forward.

“When you look at what’s happening in Bourbon and the overall flavor trends in the U.S., we figured it was time to create an offering that is still truly Scotch, but gives those who play with flavor trends an option to play within Scotch.”

Read more here: http://bit.ly/ZQs0mD

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New Loki Single Malt Scotch from Highland Park

Highland Park Single Malt Scotch Whisky Launches Loki, the Second Release of the Valhalla Collection

As of March 11, Highland Park has released its newest annual bottling in the Valhalla Collection. The new Loki bottling, follows their sold-out Thor bottling 

(there were only 1500 bottles available in the US, selling at $199) which was a 16-year old bottled at 52.1% ABV. Both are presented in a Vikingesque wooden boat likeness 

minus Kirk Douglas and Tony Curtis. Below the 1958 movie poster is the Press Release.

Loki is one of the most complex characters in Norse mythology, regularly positioned as a trickster and often engaged in treachery and mischief. Highland Park Single Malt Scotch has released a whisky that bottles the characteristics of Loki while still celebrating the unique Highland Park house style.

The second release in The Valhalla Collection, a set of four unique whiskies, which take inspiration from the legendary Nordic gods of old, Loki continues the ground-breaking achievement that Thor began; a malt designed around the personality traits of an individual.  The Orkney whisky maker has now created a unique flavor profile for Thor’s follow up – Loki, a 15 Years Old Single Malt.  While unquestionably Highland Park in style, the whisky mirrors the unpredictable, shape-shifting Loki character and as with the trickster god of fire himself, all is not as it seems.

Read more here: http://bit.ly/10UQ2D7

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The Spirit of Christmas Present

A Whiskey Surprise

You could say that I am a bit late or wayyyyyyy too early to be writing about a Christmas Present at this point in time but this all began with a Christmas Present from my wife.

Ask the spouse of any Whisk(e)y aficionado “what’s the toughest present to buy your love-muffin?” and they will always answer, “a bottle of hooch.” How can they come up with a successful choice when the person they are buying for is soooooo particular about what they drink? Well in the case of my wife, she usually goes to my favorite liquor locale, where they know my tastes and that’s that.  However in this case, she saw something on the whiskey shelf that grabbed her attention which wasn’t on the usual radar for said love-muffin, the Scotch drinker. She asked the helpful spirits sellers if they thought it would do the trick. They helpfully replied that, “everyone who had tried it had liked it.” So it was a done deal. And that’s how Whippersnapper Oregon Spirit Whiskey, a blend of bourbon and a Scotch-like spirit, came to sit under our Christmas tree and became my new BFF.

I’ve written about a fair amount of whisky start-ups and small whisky companies (Virginia Distillery, The Belgian Owl Distillery, Lost Spirits Distillery, Lark Distillery, Penderyn Distillery, Clear Creek Distillery andGlann ar Mor Distillery) and they all seem to have a drive or belief that they can do it better or different enough to get their spirit noticed and bought. 

That awesome attitude is also true of Ransom Spirits and its founder/distiller Tad Seestedt and his whiskey, Whippersnapper Oregon Spirit Whiskey.

On the Ransom web site is the “Whippersnapper Manifesto.”

Part of it states, “Whippersnapper is a pot distilled, handcrafted whiskey made by dedicated artisans for those who appreciate quality, flavorful whiskey. It is intended for sipping, mixing in cocktails, or just plain drinking.

“The Whippersnapper represents an endeavor to utilize and combine the best of production methods, and technical approaches to making bourbon, Scotch, Irish whiskey, and Dutch corenwyn*.

Read more here: http://bit.ly/ZBTkGc

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Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch Lets You Design-A-Dram

New Cask Masters Online Program Puts The Power to Create a 

NewWhisky in Your Hands

This is a cool opportunity to be the one to create a new 

Glenmorangie Whisky for 2014.

The winner gets to choose the cask, help name the whisky, attend the advertising photo shoot, visit the country of origin of the cask (France or Spain) and attend the launch party. The first stage starts now but it all winds up in 2014.

Vote on your favorite cask now!

In a world first Glenmorangie is asking its own fans to create their own perfect dram.

  It means those who enjoy Scotland’s favorite malt will be able to vote online on the taste, design and launch of a new whisky.

  The Cask Masters online program was launched March 1 and will run for 18 months. Anyone can take part by logging on to www.glenmorangie.com/caskmasters

  Last year Glenmorangie was crowned Distiller of the Year at the IWSC Awards, and this initiative is a new way of interacting with the brand’s enthusiasts.

  Whisky fans from across the world will help develop a new type of Glenmorangie single malt, to be released in late 2014.

  In order to speed up the process Glenmorangie has pre-selected three whiskies that are nearing the end of their maturation at their Highland distillery. But it’s up to fans to register their opinions online and determine the outcome of the new whisky.

On the website listed above you can vote for Cask A, which held Grand Cru Burgundy; Cask B, which held Grand Cru Bordeaux or Cask C which held an unusual type of Sherry, Manzanilla.

Read and more and see video, here: http://bit.ly/YHYqhV

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Universal Whisky Experience Returns to Vegas

Mahesh Patel’s Premier Whisky Show Returns to Vegas, March 1-2, 2013

Well for High End Whisky Lovers I guess this is IT!!!

This is their chance to really concentrate on the High End Pours without having to brush aside the huge crowds that populate shows such as the WhiskyFests 

and Whisky Extravaganzas. 

Here is a show that ups the ante for those that have already tasted all there is to taste in drams that are normally available to Whisky Lovers.

No rushing through the doors as the beefy security guards lift the velvet rope. Here we have a more genteel experience and hey, if you can afford it, go for it.

As you may guess I’ve never been to one of Universal Whisky Experience gatherings although for those that regularly buy bottles in the $150-300 bottle range this is supposed to be a rather special event. 

Oh, by the way, Whyte & MacKay Whisky Expert, Robert Paterson will be on hand to spice-up the event and he alone is probably worth the price of admission.

At a ticket price range of $525-$2,295, this BUM will have to pass.

Here’s their press release:

Three is no longer a charm; it’s a rare gem as the 2013 Universal Whisky Experience is destined to prove. Founded by real estate developer and whisky enthusiast Mahesh Patel, the Universal Whisky Experience is celebrating its third birthday by convening more than 200 of the world’s finest whiskies in Las Vegas for one unforgettable weekend, March 1-2. 

“Whisky enthusiasts value rarity and exclusivity not only in their sips, but also in their experiences, says Patel. “In creating this year’s experience, we’ve curated the finest and most rare whiskies, alongside some truly spectacular excursions and added  whisky and investment enrichment sessions to create a one-of-a-kind weekend that will truly wow our guests.” 

Attending guests can enjoy a menu of exclusive experiences, including:

•The rare “Super Pours” representing whiskies valued at more than$300 a dram 

•The U.S. launch of Johnnie Walker’s Diamond Jubilee

•The premiere tasting of Karuizawa Single Malt Whisky from Japan 

•A stroll-around tasting featuring the world’s most distinguished and coveted whiskies

•A gourmet welcome dinner from the Wynn’s Executive Chef James Benson 

•A series of Master seminar classes led by renowned whisky ambassadors 

•Direct access to meet the makers of the best whiskies in the world.  

Read more here: http://bit.ly/VSXFCM