August 27th, 2010

GlenDronach 33 yr. old returns, GlenDronach 31 yr. old debuts

John Hansell

It’s nice to see Glendronach 33 year old back on the market, along with this new 31 year old “Grandeur”.  The 33 year old is nice, and I’m looking forward to comparing it to the 31 year old. It’s nice to see the higher strength on the 31 year old (although perhaps not the higher price).

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Preiss Imports, The Nation’s leading importer of specialty spirits announces the new release of GlenDronach 31 year old, Grandeur, the new super-premium expression.

Aged 31 years, bottled at cask strength and housed in a stunning wooden gift box, Grandeur is the first new release of 2010. The nose has a tremendous concentration of fruits, nuts and berries enveloped in a coffee and mocha glaze; and subtle sweet sherry notes interact beautifully with sticky date pudding aromas. The palate offers big and gusty flavors with perfect balance and refinement. Initial spiced orange and rich old Oloroso sherry are met mid-palate with roasted almonds, coffee and treacle. This is a rewarding, memorable and captivating GlenDronach expression for a very special occasion.

Item Information:
45.8% ABV – 750ml – $700.00 Retail
Now Available / Limited Quantity, 60 2-pack cases for US market

Regarded by many as one of the distilleries greatest releases, GlenDronach 33 year old is back. Matured in the finest Spanish Oloroso sherry casks it is rich mahogany in color, viscous and syrupy. The nose is huge and aromatic with a combination of sweet stewed fruits, nuts and chocolate. The palate displays real elegance of spiced fruits drizzled in bitter chocolate sauce leading into walnut cake and mocha. GlenDronach 33 year old is a masterful dram which pleases the most jaded of palates.

Item Information:
40% ABV – 750ml – $379.99 Retail
Now Available / Limited Quantity, 50 6-pack cases for US market

Category: New Releases,Scotch whisky Tags: 6 Comments

August 27th, 2010

Two new Benromach “Origins” to be released

John Hansell

Gordon & MacPhail is following up on the first “Origins” whisky (one that featured Golden Promise barley) with two new ones, schedules for release later this year. As you can see here, I wasn’t thrilled with the first Origins release, Hopefully, these two will be better. Details are below.

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New Additions Boost Benromach Origins Range

Speyside’s smallest whisky distillery, Benromach, has added two new variants to its Origins range.

Benromach Origins Batch No. 2 was distilled in 1999 and has been fully matured in Port Pipes.  This is the first Benromach expression to be fully matured in a wine cask, allowing the characteristics of the port to infuse with the whisky.  The resultant single malt has red berry fruitiness with hints of orange peel, dark chocolate and soft smoke.

Benromach Origins Batch No. 3, distilled in 2000, has been created using the finest Optic barley then matured in Sherry casks. It displays zesty citrus flavours, softly infused with spicy aniseed and menthol notes.

The two new whiskies are the latest additions to Origins – a series of special bottlings launched in 2008 to highlight how small changes in the art of whisky making can help shape the character of the final single malt. Each batch displays the ‘Benromach style’ of peat-smoke with malt aromas and a delicate perfumed nose, while at the same time offering a slightly different sensation for the consumer.

Benromach Distillery Manager Keith Cruickshank anticipates that the new whiskies will be popular with both fans and novices alike:

“It’s two years since we released the first batch of Benromach Origins, created using Golden Promise barley”, said Keith.

“These two new batches are quite different but still recognisably ‘Benromach’ in style”, he continued.

“Because we are such a small operation, with just two distilling staff, we have the freedom to make changes to the whisky-making process, while maintaining our commitment to handmade quality. This results in interesting and innovative variations.”

Benromach has also recently re-packaged its exclusive Vintage Speyside Single Malt. This sophisticated greatly-aged single malt, a winner at this year’s Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards and described as ‘a powerful presentation of a Sherry-matured Speysider’, has been encased in a sleek brushed metal tin, replacing the previous outer box, to give it a stylish and contemporary look in line with other whiskies in the Benromach range.

Benromach Origins Batch 2 and 3, and Benromach Vintage will be available from whisky shops and fine wine and spirits retail specialists with suggested UK retail prices of £38.50 (Benromach Origins Batch 2 and 3) and £299.00 (Benromach Vintage).

Notes: Benromach distillery is Speyside’s smallest. Based in the attractive Moray town of Forres, the gateway to Scotland’s famous whisky producing region, just two expert distillers make this sweet, golden malt whisky.

The distillery went through many changes of ownership and closures before being ‘rescued’ and restored by local family-owned firm Gordon & MacPhail in 1993, and was officially opened by the Prince of Wales in 1998.

For more information about Benromach Distillery and the Benromach range of Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whiskies go to www.benromach.com. 

Category: New Releases,Scotch whisky Tags: , 1 Comment

August 26th, 2010

Two new Balvenie releases

John Hansell

We are being blessed with two new Balvenie releases, a Peated Cask and a Caribbean Cask. Both press releases explaining the details of the whiskies, along with images, are below. I’ll be receiving review samples shortly and will let you know my thoughts after I taste them.

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THE BALVENIE UNVEILS NEW LIMITED EDITION ‘PEATED CASK’ 17 YEAR OLD SINGLE MALT 

Most Handcrafted Single Malt Introduces Limited Edition, Collectible Whisky

The Balvenie, the world’s most handcrafted Single Malt Scotch Whisky, today announced the launch of a new and much-anticipated limited edition expression: The Balvenie Peated Cask aged 17 years.  Available starting in September 2010, this latest addition to the lauded Balvenie 17 Year Old range is an exciting marriage of Single Malt Scotch whiskies aged in special peated casks and finished in new American oak.

Like past 17 Year Old Balvenie expressions – which include the highly sought-after Islay Cask, Sherry Oak, New Oak, New Wood, Rum Cask and last year’s Madeira Cask – this latest offering is the brainchild of the Balvenie master distiller David Stewart.  More than 45 years of experience have given David an unparalleled expertise in single malt maturation. With a strong desire to experiment, David continues to look at the effects of age and wood upon The Balvenie spirit. The Balvenie Peated Cask is the result of David’s latest work and retains The Balvenie’s traditional honeyed complexity, but introduces layers of rich spice and smoke on the nose and palate.

In 2001, a heavily peated batch of barley was bought from a local supplier and distilled at The Balvenie Distillery. The distilled liquid was allowed to mature until David decided it was time to rejuvenate the maturation process and so the whisky was transferred to newly prepared traditional casks.

The casks that had originally held the peated liquid had taken on much of its character but were without purpose, until David decided to experiment by filling them with 17 year old Balvenie for a short period. The result was an intensely peaty whisky. Marrying this liquid with 17 year old Balvenie finished in new American oak casks produced a hugely complex single malt, rich and spicy with layers of smokiness.

David Stewart comments: “In the crafting of The Balvenie Peated Cask, we wanted to explore the impact of peat and new American oak upon The Balvenie single malt. What we have created is a wonderfully complex and unique whisky which is layered with spice and smoke whilst retaining the characteristic honeyed sweetness inherent to The Balvenie.”

The Balvenie Peated Cask will be available throughout the US from September 2010 for $129.99.

INTRODUCING THE NEWEST ADDITION TO THE BALVENIE RANGE

Most Awarded Single Malt Adds Touch of Spice to its Core Range with The Balvenie 14 Year Old Caribbean Cask

The Balvenie, the world’s most handcrafted Single Malt Scotch Whisky, today announced the newest addition to its collection of award- winning Single Malts – the Balvenie 14 Year Old Caribbean Cask.  Available nationwide starting in September, this rich and intense new expression will line up alongside the already established range of Balvenie single malts – 12 Year Old Doublewood, 15 Year Old Single Barrel and recent IWSC Trophy Winner 21 Year Old Portwood – as a permanent fixture in the Balvenie range.

This exciting new expression follows the acclaim of 2008’s limited edition Balvenie 17 Year Old Rum Cask, and the subsequent popularity of rum cask-finished whiskies, with a whisky that bears all the hallmarks of the Balvenie, but with an added level of complexity that comes from finishing the whisky in casks that once held Caribbean rum.  After a 14 year maturation period in traditional oak whisky casks, the Balvenie is then transferred to the rum casks, leading to an exceptional Single Malt that exemplifies the signature smooth, honeyed character of the Balvenie, while adding unique notes of toffee and fruit that come from its innovative cask finish.

The outstanding quality of The Balvenie is a result of the unique craftsmanship retained by The Balvenie Distillery. Nowhere else is there a distillery that still grows its own barley, malts in its own traditional floor malting, employs a team of coopers to tend its casks, a coppersmith to maintain its stills and has in its service David Stewart, the most experienced Malt Master in Scotland, whose innovative approach to cask finishing has set a new standard in Single Malts.

Said Stewart of this new release, “We’ve found that many years maturation in traditional oak whisky casks followed by a few months of rum cask maturation complements The Balvenie single malt very well, and this expression is a beautifully rounded 14-year-old whisky that combines traditional Balvenie vanilla notes with rich toffee, a hint of fruit and a warm, lingering finish.”

 The Balvenie 14 Year Old Caribbean Cask is available nationwide starting in September with a recommended retail price of $59.99. 

Category: New Releases,Scotch whisky Tags: 16 Comments

August 25th, 2010

New Glenmorangie “Finealta”

John Hansell

I assume this is the follow-up to Sonnalta PX, which I liked.

This one sounds very exciting. It is available only in Travel Retail (for now). Details below.

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Glenmorangie reveals the newest addition to its Private Edition range with GLENMORANGIE FINEALTA

The Glenmorangie Company announces the release of Glenmorangie Finealta, the latest addition to the Private Editionrange of limited edition expressions by Glenmorangie’s award-winning Whisky Creators. Finealta, pronounced ‘Finalta’, is Scottish Gaelic for ‘elegant’. It is an exquisite recreation of Glenmorangie based on a 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, comments, ‘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 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.’

Whisky aficionados will delight in Glenmorangie Finealta’s distinctive vanilla and citrus notes that one expects in a Glenmorangie expression, while enjoying Finealta’s unique rich taste of mandarin segments, lime and hints of cherry brandy combined with a spicy palate of nutmeg and ginger. The final touch is a surprising one – a hint of peat creating a subtle smokiness with layers of gentle floral scents and depth to discover. The light touch of peatiness originates in an era when the Glenmorangie Distillery dried its malted barley in a peat-fired kiln.

Distillery archives show that during the early 1900’s this Glenmorangie dram was served in the American Bar of The Savoy, London’s most prestigious hotel, during La Belle Époque and at the height of Art Nouveau, the first modern art movement of the 20thcentury. The packaging design for Glenmorangie Finealta is inspired by Art Nouveau, which had a style for incorporating elements of nature such as floral and plant motifs into artwork, architecture and home furnishings.

Daniel Baerntuther, Manager of the American Bar at The Savoy, says, ‘We are very excited with the creation of Glenmorangie Finealta, which was first enjoyed by The Savoy’s guests at the turn of the 20thcentury. It is wonderful that the introduction coincides with The Savoy’s reopening on 10.10.10 as this will allow our new guests to also experience this special Glenmorangie expression. In restoring The Savoy, we have been careful to preserve the atmosphere, elegance and unashamedly old-fashioned glamour of the hotel and Glenmorangie Finealta fits perfectly.”

The popularity of Glenmorangie single malt whisky grew beyond Scotland during the early 1900’s when it was shipped around the world to whisky enthusiasts spanning America to Asia.

Bottled at a strength of 46% ABV, and non chill-filtered to impart a full body and texture, Glenmorangie Finealta will be made available to global travel retail in early September.

Category: New Releases,Scotch whisky,Travel Retail Tags: 17 Comments

August 24th, 2010

Buffalo Trace releases newest Experimental Collection whiskeys

John Hansell

There were several new whiskey releases announced while I was out of the office last week. I’ll get you up to speed on all of them over the next few days.

First up: the two newest Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection whiskeys. Details are below in the press release I received. I tasted both (a few times) informally over the weekend and I like both of them. (Formal review to follow soon.) The contrast between the two is striking.

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BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY RELEASES LATEST ROUND IN EXPERIMENTAL COLLECTION

French Oak Barrel Aged and American Oak Chips Seasoned Whiskeys are Latest in the Collection

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Aug. 18, 2010) – After more than 15 years in the barrel, Buffalo Trace Distillery releases the two latest whiskeys in its highly acclaimed Experimental Collection – a French oak barrel aged whiskey and an American oak chips seasoned whiskey. This experiment explores the differences between whiskey that has been aged in a new toasted French oak barrel, versus whiskey aged in a used American white oak barrel that has been seasoned with toasted oak chips. “It’s incredibly exciting to see how experiments like this will turn out, and we’re thrilled to offer these two whiskeys after 15 years,” said Kris Comstock, brand manager for Buffalo Trace.

Both whiskeys were put up April 7, 1995 on the eighth floor of Warehouse K.  Details are as follows:

  • 1995 French Oak Barrel Aged: This barrel was filled on April 7, 1995 and bottled July 21, 2010. Buffalo Trace Rye Bourbon Mash Bill #2 was used and the product entered the barrel at 125 proof. After more than 15 years and 3 months of aging, the new toasted French Oak barrel added rich complexity and interesting flavors to this whiskey. The result is a leathery and woody whiskey that has a good depth with a dark, dry finish.
  • 1995 American Oak Chips Seasoned: This barrel was filled on April 7, 1995 with Buffalo Trace Rye Bourbon Mash Bill #2 and toasted oak chips were added. After more than 15 years and 4 months of aging, this whiskey was bottled on August 5, 2010. The whiskey in this charred American White Oak barrel derived a smoky complexity from the toasted oak chip seasoning. It is a lighter whiskey for its age and has a good flavor without being heavy.  

“Our Experimental Collection always allows us the opportunity to say “what if… and then to try it and see what happens,” said Harlen Wheatley, master distiller, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “It’s always great to learn from these experiments and see what works and what doesn’t. And the excitement from our fans as we release a new offering is always gratifying.”

There are more than 1,500 experimental barrels of whiskey now aging in the warehouses of Buffalo Trace Distillery. Each of these barrels has unique characteristics making it different from all others. Some examples of these experiments include unique mash bills, type of wood, and barrel toasts. In order to further increase the scope, flexibility and range of the experimental program, an entire micro distillery complete with cookers, fermenting tanks and a state of the art micro still has been constructed within Buffalo Trace Distillery.

The Experimental Collection will be packaged in 375ml bottles. Each label will include all the pertinent information unique to that barrel of whiskey. These whiskeys will be released in August 2010 and retail for approximately $46.35 each. Each experiment is very rare and very limited. For more information on the Experimental Collection or the other products of Buffalo Trace Distillery, please contact Kris Comstock at kcomstock@buffalotrace.com.

Category: American whiskey,Bourbon,New Releases Tags: 8 Comments

August 6th, 2010

Review: Duncan Taylor “NC2? Aberlour 16 year old

John Hansell

Look what I found. Affordable too!

Duncan Taylor “NC2” (Distilled at Aberlour), 16 year old, 46%, $80
This whisky packs a lot of flavor. They’re clean, complex and well-balanced too. Creamy, layered, malty-sweet foundation ( vanilla, caramel, toffee), chock full of bright fruit (golden raisin, honeyed orchard fruit, currant), rounded out by firm, dried spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, mint) that dances on the palate. Long, warming, spicy finish. Nicely done!

Advanced Malt Advocate magazine rating: 92

Category: New Releases,Reviews,Scotch whisky Tags: , 17 Comments

August 5th, 2010

Review: Parker’s Heritage Collection Bourbon (2010 release)

John Hansell

 The fourth edition of Parker’s Heritage Collection, and the first wheated bourbon as part of the Collection. Another solid effort!

I lined up my review sample, along with samples of a few other great wheated bourbons: Jefferson’s Presidential Select 17 year old Batch #1 (which I rated a 96), and the 2009 and 2008 releases of William Larue Weller (ratings of 93 and 96, respectively). This new Parker’s is in the same league.

For more information on this whiskey, check out my previous blog post announcing this whiskey.

Parker’s Heritage Collection (2010 release), 10 year old, 63.9%, $80
Soft, sweet, and very smooth. Richly textured layers of caramel, toffee, vanilla fudge, nougat, maple syrup, and rhum agricole. Bramble, date, cinnamon, subtle cocoa and nutmeg add complexity. Clean, polished and perilously drinkable. A delicious wheated bourbon!  Not quite the complexity of the classic 2009 William Larue Weller, but getting close.

Advanced Malt Advocate magazine rating: 93

Category: Bourbon,New Releases,Reviews Tags: 16 Comments

August 3rd, 2010

21 year old Czech single malt? Really?

John Hansell

Every once in a while, something comes out of the clear blue–like a 21 year old Czech single malt, reported today by Drinks International.

Apparently, when a company bought the distillery, they found the whisky. And it’s not a small amount that will sell out soon.

I wonder what Czech whisky, made with Czech water, barley and aged in Czech oak tastes like?

“Hammer Head” will sell for £34.99 in Travel Retail.

Category: European whiskies,New Releases,Opinions 22 Comments

August 2nd, 2010

Reviews: Jim Beam “Signature” Six Grain and Jim Beam Black

John Hansell

I received a review sample of the new Jim Beam “Signature” Six Grain bourbon, so I thought it would be fun (and informative) to compare it to it’s sibling, Jim Beam Black.

You can only find the Signature in Travel Retail outlets, but the Black is readily available. (I purchased my bottle at a local retailer.)

The Black is nice, pleasantly sweet, and fairly straight-forward, while the Signature is spicy, relatively dry, and more complex.

Jim Beam “Signature” Six Grain, 44.5%, €30

Caramel and vanilla notes, with a peppering of spice (primarily cinnamon, but also evergreen, cocoa, teaberry and nutmeg) and subtle roasted walnut, finishing dry, gritty and spicy (from the grains and also the oak). Spicier and not as sweet (when compared to its sibling Jim Beam Black, an eight year old). There’s certainly a lot going on here. A very “busy” whiskey. Intriguing too! A whiskey for exploring and discussing. (Exclusive to Travel Retail.)

Advanced Malt Advocate magazine rating: 88

 

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Jim Beam Black, 8 year old, 43%, $22

Moderately rich, with layered caramel, vanilla, fig cake and subtle sweet corn. Date, raisin, and a dusting of spice (cinnamon, cocoa, hint of ginger) round out the palate, leading to a gently sweet, soothing finish. A very versatile bourbon—certainly enjoyable enough to drink neat, but you won’t feel guilty if you make a cocktail with it or drink it on the rocks.

Advanced Malt Advocate magazine rating: 84

Category: Bourbon,New Releases,Reviews,Travel Retail Tags: 7 Comments

July 29th, 2010

Review: Duncan Taylor NC2 Glen Scotia 1981 Vintage

John Hansell

Duncan Taylor NC2 (distilled at Glen Scotia), 1981 vintage, 18 year old, 46%, $114
Glen Scotia has always been the bridesmaid to Springbank. This is justifiable, considering that both production and availability of quality bottlings have been sporadic over the past decade or so. I like this one. It really shows the simple, coastal pleasantness of this Campbeltown distillery. Ripe  malty notes are accompanied by brine, cut hay, banana cream pie and honeyed vanilla. Lingering salty, malty finish. With all the sherried and wine-finished Springbanks recently on the market (not that there’s necessarily anything wrong with it), here’s a nice, no-frills, Campbeltown whisky.

Advanced Malt Advocate magazine rating: 87

Category: New Releases,Reviews,Scotch whisky Tags: , 12 Comments

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