A Wee DRAM #7

ISSUE 7

DRAMAA Wee

Potty aboutwhiskyThe Pot Still’sFrank Murphyreveals all.

Global ExpertsA focus on our topglobal whiskyambassadors withStruan Ralph asour cover boy.

Whisky GaloreOur guide to someof Scotland’s bestwhisky bars.

WINTER 2012

WeeDram7_WEE DRAM 18/10/2012 17:30

THE BEN NEVIS

1147 Argyle Street, Glasgow G3 8TB0141 576 5204

www.thebennevis.co.uk

Supporting Traditional Music and the Water of Life

Live sessions on Wednesday,Thursday and Sunday from 9pm

Voted mostdog friendly bar of the year


DRAM 3

4 NEWSThe latest from the world of whisky.

12 GLOBAL EXPERTSThe guys promoting whisky worldwide.

14 WHISKY DISTILLERY MAPSix places to visit this winter.

16 POTTY ABOUT WHISKYA Q&A with Frank Murphy of the Pot Still.

19 COCKTAILS Winter cocktails.

21 WHAT’S ONA host of whisky flavoured events to whet your appetite.

22 WHISKY GALORE A few of Scotland’s best whisky bars

24 WHISKY SPEED TASTING FESTIVALA collection of pictures from our recent events.

27 GIFTSIdeal present ideas.

30 TASTING NOTES

CONTENTS

Upper Floor, Finnieston House, 1 The Stables Yard, Glasgow G3 8ND. Telephone: 0141 221 6965 Email: [email protected]

A Wee DRAM is published by Media World Ltd.

The publishers, authors and printers cannot accept liability forerrors/omissions. Any transparencies or artwork will be accepted atowner’s risk. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be

reproduced in any form without the written consent of the copyrightholder and publisher, application for which should be made to the

publisher. Articles published in this magazine do not necessarily reflectthe opinions of the publishers.

© Media World Limited 2012 ISSN No 1470-2428.

• Editor Susan Young • Assistant Editor Jason Caddy

• Sales Manager Lynn Kelly• Sales Executive Martin Cassidy

• Admin Cheryl Cooke• Dogs…Tootsie and Lucy

Welcome to the Winter edition of theWee DRAM - the magazine that aimsto take the mystique out of whisky.

This issue we have an interview with one ofthe young guns that is helping to put whiskyback on the agenda for the youngergeneration - Frank Murphy. He doesn't justtalk the talk, but walks the walk too, havingtaken over The Pot Still pub in Hope Street,Glasgow last year. See what he has to say onpages and .

Jason Caddy checks out some of the best

whisky bars around, and there's a map whichhighlights some great distilleries to visit.Thinking about a gift for someone specialcheck out our gifting section.

The Oran Mor Whisky Speed Tastingevents also took place in October and wehave some great pictures of the people whotook part. See page 24.

sláinteSusan Young Editor

WELCOME

For the Love of... whisky speed tasting


NEWS

4 DRAM

Robert Burns is perhapsScotland’s most famousson, and he was known toenjoy a wee dram, so it’sonly fitting that Isle ofArran Distillers has re-launched its malt namedin his honour.

The distiller unveiledits Robert Burns SingleMalt, a multi-vintageedition of The Arran Malt,in September.

Made of the finest ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherrycasks, with no artificial

colouring added, thespirit has a rich andsmooth flavour. Arran’sMaster Distiller, JamesMacTaggart, says, “Thismalt has been skilfullycreated by combiningdifferent ages to producea beautifully roundedwhisky. The sweet, fruitynotes and the depth offlavour mean that thismalt can be happilyenjoyed neat, on therocks or as part of aclassic whisky cocktail.” It costs £28.99, and can be purchased online atwww.arranwhisky.com.

GLENMORANGIE CASTS

The team behind Jim Beam have created a new premium whiskycalled Devil’s Cut, playing on the notion of the ‘angel’s share’,namely the liquid lost to evaporation during ageing.

Jim Beam's distillers have developed a technique to extract thebourbon or ‘devil’s cut’ trapped in the barrel during this process.The liquid, which takes on the natural elements of the wood, isadded to six year old Jim Beam bourbon and bottled at 45% ABV,resulting in a deep bold bourbon, both in taste and colour.

THE DEVIL’S IN THE DETAIL

Arran DistillersRe-launchTribute Spirit –Robert BurnsSingle Malt

Wemyss Malts has launched itsfirst premium blended Scotch inthe form of a 15 year old calledLord Elcho. The whisky is namedafter Wemyss Malts founder's18th century ancestor who was aloyal supporter to Bonnie PrinceCharlie and led his lifeguards atthe Battle of Culloden during theill-fated Jacobite uprising in 1745.For his part in the uprising, Elchowas stripped of his title and landsand exiled to France, never

returning to his native Scotland.Lord Elcho's character is now

recreated in this new premiumblended Scotch whisky. LordElcho blended Scotch whisky isrich, smooth and aged toperfection. It has been craftedfrom a carefully chosen selectionof the finest malt and grainwhiskies (each aged a minimumof 15 years) with an emphasis onmalt whisky matured in sherrycasks.

A n new premium blended Scotch Whisky - Lord ElchoA n new premium blended Scotch Whisky - Lord Elcho

new premium blended

wee dram correction.indd 1 19/10/2012 10:28

NEWS

DRAM 5

People have claimed to see the faceof Jesus in a baked potato or a sliceof burnt toast, but thanks to a newbook that’s been commissioned bythe Glenmorangie company, theycan now see a portrayal of what isbelieved to be the real thing.

Early Medieval Scotland:Individuals, Communities andIdeas illustrates the results of newresearch that suggests The Hilton ofCadboll Stone contains a mysteriousfigure, believed to be one ofScotland’s earliest survivingdepictions of Jesus.

The Stone, which dates back to thePictish period, was originallydiscovered near the Glenmorangiedistillery and went on to become theinspiration for the company logo.

National Museums Scotland hasrevealed Early Medieval Scotlandwas part of a sophisticatedintellectual network with craftsmen

mastering complex technologies tocreate outstanding works ofdecorative art, some of which havebeen featured in the book.

Paul Skipworth, President andManaging Director of TheGlenmorangie Company says, “ForThe Glenmorangie Company thepublication of this beautifullywritten and illustrated bookrepresents a significant milestone inour six year partnership withNational Museums Scotland. It is theresult of two Scottish iconicinstitutions pooling their expertiseto further our understanding ofScotland’s past and enrich its culture.

“The Hilton of Cadboll Stone,originally found near Glenmorangie’sdistillery, is a national treasure fromthis period and the inspiration forour company logo which proudlyadorns our whisky bottles aroundthe world.”

S LIGHT ON THE DARK AGES

If you’ve been taskedwith organising a teambuilding event or staffaway day, why notinvestigate Science ofWhisky at the GlasgowScience Centre? Thisnew corporate eventsprogramme celebratesour national drink in afun way. Guests will beable to enjoy interactivewhisky stalls andinformal whisky sessionsranging from delicatelight and floral Highlandmalts with instantappeal to those firsttrying whisky, throughto robust and passionateWest Coast malts.

During dinner, guestswill also be able to learn

about whisky from aunique perspective, aswell as tasting andexploring a few dramsfor themselves.

Judy Rae, CorporateEvents Manager says,“Whisky is one ofScotland's most iconicexports and one of thecountry's mostproductive industriesand rightly deserves tobe celebrated. Our‘Science of Whisky’dinner events offersguests the chance tolearn about ‘the water oflife’ from a uniqueperspective as well astasting and exploringthe joys of a dram forthemselves.”

The science of whisky

A Springbank WhiskyWeekend will take place on27th and 28th October.During the weekend uniquetastings with whisky drawnstraight from the cask at thelegendary Springbank’s No 3Dunnage warehouse willtake place, and there willalso be visits to thedistillery and to the GlenScotia and Glengyledistilleries too. Hotels in theCampbeltown area will alsobe hosting special whiskydinners.

Whisky weekend


NEWS

DRAM 7

Glasgow’s very ownMorrison BowmoreDistillers - the producer ofAuchentoshan, Bowmore,Glen Garioch andMcClelland’s - has beenvoted Whisky Distiller ofthe year at the 2013 Icons of Whisky AwardsScotland. The awards, which tookplace last month atEdinburgh’s PrestonfieldHouse, celebrate thepeople and places behindthe greatest whiskies inthe world and two longserving MBD employeesalso won individualawards.Eddie MacAffer, BowmoreDistillery Manager, wonthe inaugural DistilleryManager of the Yearcategory for 46 years ofcommitted service, andIain McCallum landed theBrand Ambassador award.Mike Keiller, CEO, MorrisonBowmore Distillers said,“To see off such stiffcompetition and land ahat-trick of awards is amassive boost for us.Compared to any of ourpeers, we’re a smallcompany so it’s immenselyflattering to see both our business growth and individual expertiserecognised. Being a single malt specialistrequires considerable careand patience, but we’recertainly reaping therewards of our investment.”

Aberdeen student BlairBowman has decreed thatWorld Whisky Day 2013will take place on Saturday18th May. The plan is to celebrate Scotland'snational drink around theworld on that day. Forfurther information go towww.worldwhiskyday.com

The Isle of Jura Distillery’s Superstition haswalked away with The Whisky Shop’s 2012Whisky of the Year award

Now in its sixth year, the awards are based ona combination of customer choice, sales, andrecommendations from store managers.

David Brown, Sales Director at owners Whyte& Mackay, says, "Jura Superstition has long beenrecognised for its unique character which comesfrom the very special Island of Jura located offthe West coast of Scotland. Lightly peated inflavour, Jura Superstition doesn’t have thepolarising nature of many of the Island whiskies,which is probably the secret of its success."

Previous winners of the award includeDalmore 12 year old, Laphroaig Quarter Cask,Auchentoshan 12 year old, Bowmore 12 year oldand Bunnahabhain 12 year old.

Superstitionis the way

With the popularity of TV shows likeDownton Abbey and vintage clothespopping up on the catwalk, it seemsthe fashion for harking back to thepast is all the rage. And now TheGlenrothes has followed suit,releasing a series of single caskbottlings from the late 1960s andearly 1970s called ‘The ExtraordinaryCask Collection’.

Since 1994, The Glenrothes hasreleased less than one single cask ayear, but a cache of casks came tothe attention of Ronnie Cox, BrandsHeritage Director, and after alengthy process of assessment, asmall number of these casks wereselected as being worthy of TheGlenrothes Extraordinary CaskCollection.

Ronnie says, “Extraordinary is aterm associated with the heritage ofthe wines. It applies equally to thesecasks selected for their personalityand excellence, allowing them tostand alone as examples of thesupremacy of The Glenrothesbloodline. The first of these is awhisky distilled in 1970 which, in

keeping with The Glenrothes’philosophy to bottle at peakmaturity, is now ready to becommitted to glass.”

The shape of the bottle has beenretained and enhanced further,using hand-blown lead crystal, forthe single cask decanter in a waythat is in keeping with heritage ofThe Glenrothes. Each decanter hasbeen individually created by amaster craftsman at Atlantis Crystalin Alcobaca, Portugal, using thepurest form of crystal.

David Beard, Creative Director atthe agency Brandhouse, whichdesigned the decanter, suggest thebottle takes extra inspiration fromthe world of perfume. The outer caseis fine, hand-crafted leather, andeach bottle comes with its own oakplinth, made from solid Scottish oak,for display purposes. However youneed to have some cash in the bank...prices start at £3000 per bottle.

For more information on theinitial launch, The Glenrothes 1970Extraordinary Cask #10573,visitwww.theglenrothes.com.

SOMETHING QUITE EXTRAORDINARYFROM THE GLENROTHES


NEWS

8 DRAM

There’s been a second release of the 1997 Vintageof Balblair Highland Single Malt Scotch Whiskymeaning that, for the first time, there will be acore range of four Vintages (1975, 1989, 1997 and2002) rather than three.Balblair 1997 has a contemporary designedbottle, is un-chill-filtered, naturally colouredand is bottled at 46% abv.

Distillery Manager John MacDonald says,“The first release of the 1997 Vintage was in2007, so this second release has enjoyed afurther five years of maturation in first-fillAmerican oak, ex-bourbon barrels. I trust thatwhisky enthusiasts worldwide will appreciatethis newest member of the Balblair family.”

Bourbon enthusiasts willbe over the moon to knowthat the Buffalo TraceDistillery 2012 AntiqueCollection has now arrived inthe UK. The Buffalo TraceDistillery 2012 AntiqueCollection includes: EagleRare 17 Year Old, George T.Stagg, Sazerac Rye 18 YearOld, Thomas H. HandySazerac Rye, and WilliamLarue Weller.Said Buffalo Trace MasterDistiller Harlen Wheatley,“Every year the excitementand anticipation of thesewhiskeys grows and we’reexcited as well to finally beable to share them, and lookforward to seeing whatcritics and consumers alikethink about them.”

Look out this month forThe Macallan Gold, the firstexpression in The 1824Series, which will eventuallyinclude three furtherexpressions, Amber, Siennaand Ruby, to be launched inSpring 2013. Bob Dalgarno, The Macallanwhisky maker, says, “Usingcolour to drive and define a whisky differsdramatically from theconventional age approach.The Macallan Gold allowedus to explore different casksand base our choices onaromas and flavours. Thepalate is ruled by citrus andboiled sweets along withhints of ginger andcinnamon, while soft oaknotes reveal toasted apples.We have been able to workcreatively with the full rangeof matured stock available,rather than working to apre-determined characterbased on age.“The Macallan Gold isavailable to purchase fromwww.themacallan.com at aprice of £36.

Now you can combine a whisky liqueur cocktailwith a trip to the cinema thanks to ‘A Taste of theExtraordinary’ - the brand new partnershipbetween Drambuie and Edinburgh’s FilmhouseCinema that will see the whisky liqueur brandsupport a series of film seasons over the nexttwelve months.

Cinema-goers to the Filmhouse, on LothianRoad, will get to sample Drambuie’s blend ofScotch whisky, spices and heather honey in anarray of bespoke cocktails created to celebrateeach season by Drambuie’s Brand Ambassador,Bruce Hamilton.

Vicki Wonders, Senior Brand Manager at TheDrambuie Liqueur Company Ltd, says, “This is anexciting and relevant collaboration for

Drambuie. By adding a series of uniquescreenings to the already outstanding offeringthat the Filmhouse curates, we are enriching thecultural experience of the audience. This month,Drambuie presents Hitchcock’s Silent Seven, thefirst of the six film seasons. The season will bethe first time that Hitchcock’s surviving silentfilms have been shown to Scottish audiences,after being restored by the British FilmInstitute. Over the next twelve months,Drambuie will continue to bring a series of firststo Edinburgh’s home of cultural cinema with afurther five film seasons. For updates andgiveaways on Drambuie’s ‘A Taste of theExtraordinary’ cinema seasons, visitfacebook.com/UKDrambuie or @Drambuie.

Drambuie is Clapper Happy

Master of Malt and whisky writer JohnLamond has taken his The Scotch Whisky TrailCertificate Courses to The Good Spirits Co. at23 Bath Street in Glasgow. There are twocourses available, both of which are partlecture and part tasting: the Beginners classruns on a Monday evening and the Advancedon a Thursday, both starting at 6:30pm. Theeight week courses cover everything fromwhisky production, maturation andmarketing to the history of whisky and both

include in-depth tastings as part of eachclass. Both classes also feature a distillery orlab visit as part of the programme and all forthe bargain price of £65 with an occasionalsmall charge to cover some of the whiskiestasted. The next Beginners class begins onMonday 14th of January and the Advancedon Thursday 17th. Students must havecompleted the Beginners before doing theAdvanced. For more information [email protected]

SECOND RELEASE OF BALBLAIR 1997 UNVEILED


A record breaking whiskybottle was unveiled at thetail end of the summerwhen Famous Grouserevealed a bottle which canhold more than 200 litres ofwhisky, equivalent to 8,200drams. Made by Czech glass-makers, the hand-blownbottle is 1.7-metre high andweighs 50 kg, and it enteredthe Guinness Word Recordbook book, beating formerrecord holder Jack Danielsto the title. The giant bottlewas filled in front of aGuinness World Recordadjudicator at The FamousGrouse Experience in Perth.

Whisky and Chocolate a matchmade in heaven. Our tours andtastings offer something a littledifferent - a range of Classic SingleMalts paired with speciallyselected luxury highlandchocolates. Come and elevate yoursenses in one of the highestdistilleries in the land.The tourlasts approx 45 minutes and givesan explanation of the traditionalart of malt whisky distilling.At theend of the tour visitors will sampleDalwhinnie 15 Year Old Single Maltwith some special selectedchocolate that combinesbeautifully with the whisky.The guides will talk the visitorsthrough this tasting, giving adviceon the best way to appreciatewhisky and suggest other whiskyand food combinations.Every adultvisitor receives a complimentary

Dalwhinnie whisky glass and adiscount voucher, which can beredeemed in our shop against any70cl bottle of Single MaltWhisky.To ensure the best possiblevisitor experience tours sizes arekept to a maximum of 16 people

Chocolate and whisky elevatesDalwhinnie to a whole new level of taste


If you want one of the most interesting selections ofwhisky from the four corners of the Earth, we're here

If you desire some cracking cask ale or some boutique bottles of beer, we're open

If you just want some rest from the city centre scrum and a tasty hot pie, the oven's on.

If you're looking for the first ladies whisky club in Scotland, you'll find it in:

THE POT STILL154 Hope Street, Glasgow G2 2TH

Tel: 0141 333 0980www.thepotstill.co.uk

WHISKY WONDERLAND & HOP HEAVEN

NEWS

10 DRAM

anCnoc Highland Single MaltScotch Whisky has justunveiled the second in theseries of Limited Editionreleases from itscollaboration withinternationally renownedScottish illustrator, PeterArkle. The partnershiplaunched earlier this year,and has seen Arkle developan exclusive range of limitededition designs for anCnoc;each based on a uniqueaspect of KnockdhuDistillery, home of thesingle malt in Huntly,Aberdeenshire. anCnoc’seagerly anticipated newedition is inspired byArkle’s visit to thedistillery’s warehouse.Arkle found thistranquil, dark space tohave an enchanting

atmosphere – almost magical– with “an incredible sense oftime passing”. This isconveyed in his evocativeblack and white illustrationon the bottle, showing rowsof casks disappearing intothe darkness. The New York-based illustrator comments,"My illustration aims tocapture the essence of whatmakes the whisky so special –time, as the sense of timepassing was almost tangibleinside the warehouse. I hopethat drinkers get as muchenjoyment from my design

as they do from the magicinside the bottle!” GillianGibson, anCnoc BrandManager comments, “Weare incredibly excited torelease the next in theseries of anCnoc’s LimitedEdition campaign. ‘

anCnoc Releases Second inthe Series from Peter Arkle When Big Peat was

launched in 2009, thecharacter of Big Peat wascreated by a Scottish baseddesign company, and hewas modelled on the face ofFrancie – from Francie andJosie fame, who used to rollhis face inside out when hedrank whisky. Of course youwon't be doing that whenyou try Christmas Big Peat2012 – which differs fromBig Peat due to its naturalstrength – some 53.6% ABV

compared to 46% ABV. This Christmas Pig Peat also takes on a

Santa look – with the chracter growing awhite beard for the festive season.

The Big Peat brand, unusually for a blendof malts (formerly known as a vatted malt)consists of only Islay based malts includingArdbeg, Bowmore, Caol Ila and Port Ellen,with a couple of other secret ingredientsthrown in. Look out for the Christmas BigPeat 2012 – it doesn't stay around long. Fortasting notes see page 30.

Campbeltown’s Springbank Distillery hasrelaunched its Longrow range of whiskies.The extremely popular and highly-ratedLongrow CV has been given a new, classiclook and the CV part of the title has beendropped, though the whisky will remainexactly the same - a marriage of Longrow whiskyof different ages and cask types specially chosento bring out the peaty character inherent withinthe whisky but with an emphasis on ensuring thecomplexity and depth of flavour that Longrow isknow for is maintained. Ranald Watson, Sales &Marketing Manager at Springbank Distillers Ltd,says, “Longrow is an interesting mix of two ofScotland’s regional styles. It has an in-builtpeatiness reminiscent of the Islay whiskies but itis still very much a Campbeltown classic. The peatdoesn’t overpower the other flavours present inthe dram but instead complements them verynicely, creating a whisky with real layers of flavourand character.”

The full Longrow range is available now fromleading independent whisky stockists andsuppliers.

LONGROW RANGERELAUNCHED


The Perfect Whisky Experience

Beautiful location - The Heart of Highland Perthshire

Atmospheric heritage exhibition

Traditional working distillery

Taste Aberfeldy Single Malt straight from the cask

Connoisseur and Private tours (booking essential)

Discover the spirit of Dewar’s

Winter opening hours: Monday - Saturday 10am - 4pm, Closed Sunday Please ring for opening hours over Christmas & New Year

Aberfeldy Distillery, Aberfeldy, Perthshire, PH15 2EB Tel 01887 822010 www.dewars.com

DRAM 11

THE LOCHSIDE HOTELLochside Hotel & Duffies bar, a friendly family run 10 bedroom hotel with magnificent views over

Lochindaal from its very popular restaurant.The hotel’s world famous lounge bar

houses around 300 Islay malts.

Shore Street, Bowmore, Isle of Islay PA43 7LBT: +44 (0) 1496 810244 F: T: +44 (0) 1496 810390

www.lochsidehotel.co.uk


TOM JONESGlobalAmbassador forJohnnie Walker

Diageo’s Tom Jonesshares his namewith the croonerfamous for songssuch as ‘What’snew Pussycat?’ ‘Delilah’ and most recent‘Sex Bomb’, and he has definitely heardevery joke going... He has just returnedto the Diageo fold, having spent twoyears working with Morrison Bowmoreas their European Whisky Ambassador,promoting their Single Malts and alsotheir Japanese Whiskies to aninternational audience. Prior to joiningMorrison Bowmore he had worked as aBrand Development Executive for BulleitBourbon, and has been involved inmany high profile events including theClassic Malts Cruise, The Brit Awards andthe Johnnie Walker Golf Championshipat Gleneagles. Since re-joining the teamas Global Ambassador for JohnnieWalker, Tom has been on quite a journeyof his own hosting numerous media,sales force and journalists visits aroundScotland; taken to the skies in ahelicopter and to the lochs on aspeedboat, even traversing the WesternIsles in a yacht - mentoring JohnnieWalker, all the way. To add to that, hehas also visited:- India, Dubai, NigeriaCyprus, Greece, USA, DominicanRepublic, Romania, Czech Republic,introducing the House of JohnnieWalker, to sales staff, distributors,customers and consumers.

As far as his most amazing event, Tomsays, “In Dubai I did a Johnnie WalkerPlatinum label tasting 150 floorsup in the Burj khalifa - couldthis be the highest Scotchtasting to date?

Whisky Brand Ambassadors fly the flag or our national drink. A Wee DRAM profiles some of theguys who are spreading this message, not just in the UK, but across the world.

‘I have been in my new role of Global Whisky Ambassador forBacardi Global Brands, taking care of Dewars Whisky and theirSingle Malts for a few months now. The reason I moved intothe role was that the role has changed from what it used toentail. Before an ambassador basically turned up, did atasting, and went home. Now there is more involved fromtrade advocacy programmes to drinks strategies and newproduct development. It has almost become half marketinghalf training. I also now get the opportunity to run a teamand make a real difference to being able to give the right

ANDY GEMMELLGlobal Whisky Ambassador for Bacardi Global Brands

GLOBAL EXP

‘Being a brand ambassador is anhonour and a pleasure. The hardwork and often long hours aremore than compensated by thesatisfaction of representing thisfantastic family of Distillers.Bartending, as preparation for afurther career in thedrinks industry, isperfect. Bartendersand drinks industryprofessionals all sharea certain affinitywhich I think comesfrom their hardworking nocturnalexistence. We alsoshare intimateknowledge ofwhat consumersactually want. When Igraduated in Chemistry, Ihad already been bartending for 5years. I looked at the jobs I coulddo with chemistry, they didn’tappeal as much as the jobs I coulddo with wines and spirits, theywere far more interesting, andoffered the chance to travel theworld and meet incredibly

interesting people. So I did adiploma in Wine and Spirits andthen a masters in Marketing.

I find the global market forspirits a fascinating reflection ofglobal financial and consumertrends. It also represents a greatchallenge. This job is very

rewarding andchallenging because Iget to speak todifferent passionatepeople about whiskyevery day. I think theback bone of anymarket we wish toembrace is thebartenders, they have a

captive audience and thrive oninspiration and novelty. It’s also apleasure to work withprofessionals who share aninterest in the way things aremade and the way they areserved. The fact that theGlenfiddich distillery is still familyowned and we still have peoplewho have been making the samewhisky for the past 50 yearsmakes a big difference. ‘

12 DRAM

STRUAN RALPH Glenfiddich Brand Ambassador for South East Asia


‘The best thing about being aBrand Ambassador is the factthat in this line of work everyday is a school day.Over the last decade Ihave been honouredto work for manywhisky brands. Myfirst foray into thewhisky world was asa tour guide atGlenkinchie.Customer servicewas king and still isthe most importantconsideration in thisline of work. I foundout very quicklythat for everystory I delivered in atour, I got at least 2 newanecdotes back, and at leastone new question to ponderover and investigate. After 5years at the distillery, Itravelled Canada talkingScotch, and now I am learningeven more about my tradewith the masters atBruichladdich. To connect with

people all over the world andshare the stories of how ourwhisky has gathered it’s

flavour and it’s soulis a massiveprivilege. There isnothing morerewarding thanstanding up in frontof people, (whether10 trade staff in a bar,or 200 whiskyenthusiasts in awarehouse atBruichladdich) andleading themthrough a masterclass connectingthem with the spirit

through laughter, storiesand conversation.

My proudest moment untilMay 2012, it would have to beplaying Wembley. A masterclass for 100 people beforeEngland vs Switzerland gaveme the opportunity to standup and say the immortal lines:“Good evening Wembley...”,before leading a group of fans

through a line up of 5 singlemalts. An electric atmosphere!This was surpassed this year atthe Islay Festival. We hostedthe Bruichladdich Young Gunsmaster class - 200 people, in awarehouse, on Islay: theatmosphere was charged withanticipation, the air heavy withthe Angels’ Share and theglasses charged with somecracking cask samples. It givesme goosebumps to thinkabout it.’

FEATURE

DRAM 13

message not just aboutour brands but alsoabout our nationalspirit. Whisky is always where I knew Iwould end up. My role is Global now soyou can imagine the travel that is involved. It is amazing buttiring at times. It gives me a great perspective about howpeople treat Scotch in different markets such as how theChinese mix theirs long with Green tea but that’s better thanIrn Bru I suppose. The ambassador role is a powerful onebecause you are the face of the brand so with great powercomes great responsibility.’

XPERTSDARYL HALDANEGlobal Brand Advocate -Highland Park

Daryl Haldane, or Daz, as he isaffectionately known, joinedEdrington in January 2012 as thefirst ever Global Brand Advocatefor Highland Park one of the mostpopular malts in the world.Daryl’s role is focused on drivingbrand awareness and distributionacross the globe and reinforcesthe ongoing commitment tobrand education in keymarkets.

Prior to joining theHighland Park team,Daryl worked withDiageo’s ReserveBrands as a brand ambassador forover four years, specificallyfocused on cross categorytraining around the UK. (Heappeared to have a lot of fun inthis role!) This covered a varietyof functions from brandeducation to productdevelopment predominantly inthe UK on-trade. A seasonedbartender and competitivemixologist, Daryl has first classskills and understanding of thedynamic trade environment aswell as a strong appreciation ofbar operations.

CRAIG JOHNSTONEBruichladdich Brand Ambassador


Glasgow

Tullibardine Distillery Stirling Street, Blackford,Perthshire PH4 1QGT: 01764 661 800www.tullibardine.comTullibardine is situated on thesite of Scotland’s oldest brewerydating back to the 12th Century. In

1488 the beer was bought for King James IV’s coronation at Scone. TheDistillery was converted in 1947 by William Delme Evans, mothballed in1995 and re-opened as an Independent Distillery in 2003. Specialising inpremium quality, exclusive and rare single malts, Tullibardinecan be found on the A9 between Perth and Stirling in thevillage of Blackford. The various malts on offer come fromthe purest highland spring water from the Ochil’s and areuncomplicated, light, fruity with a mellow flavour and areeasy to drink.

Tullibardine Distillery

Dalwhinnie Distillery, DalwhinniePH19 1ABT: 01540 672219www.discovering-distilleries.com/dalwhinnieWhisky and Chocolate; a match madein heaven. Our tours and tastingsoffer something a little different - a

range of Classic Single Malts paired with specially selected luxury highlandchocolates. Come and elevate your senses in one of the highest distilleriesin the land.The tour lasts approx 45 minutes and gives an explanationof the traditional art of malt whisky distilling. At the end of thetour visitors will sample Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old Single Malt withsome specially selected chocolate that combines beautifully

with the whisky. To ensure the bestpossible visitor experience tours sizes are kept to a maximum of 16 people.

Dalwhinnie Distillery

Isle of Arran Distillers Ltd.Lochranza, Isle of ArranKA27 8HJT: 01770 830264www.arranwhisky.com

The Isle of Arran Distillery is located inthe village of Lochranza on the north-west tip of Arran where it is perfectly

situated to benefit from the pure mountain spring water and soft sea airwhich grace this beautiful island. Established in 1995 the distillery hasrapidly gained a reputation as one of the most dynamic in the whiskyindustry and was named as 'Scottish Distiller of the Year2007' by Whisky Magazine. Visitors to the distillery can enjoya full tour of the production process followed by a nosingand sampling in the tasting bar of our award winning rangeof single malts.

Isle of Arran


Aberdeen

Cardhu Distillery, Knockando,Aberlour, Banffshire AB38 7RYT: 01479 874635 Share with us the story of the onlymalt distillery pioneered by awoman. The malt whisky producedhere has a warmth and cleanliness oftaste which experts describe as

"silky" and is used in some of the award winning Johnnie Walkerblends.

Our distillery shop stocks a wide range of single, rare andblended whiskies, and blended whisky. Here you will find our ownCardhu Single Malt and as the home of the Johnnie Walker brand

we stock a wide range of Johnnie Walker blends

Cardhu Distillery

Ballindalloch, Banffshire AB37 9AB T: 01479 874715 Cragganmore Distillery, on thebanks of the river Spey, is home toone of the most complex andcharacterful malt whiskies of therevered Speyside region.

Our distillery shop stocks a widerange of single and rare maltwhiskies. Here you will find our ownCragganmore 12 year old singlemalt, Cragganmore Distillers Edition& our Cragganmore 21 year oldSpecial Edition.

Cragganmore

w

Edinburgh

Pencaitland, Tranent, EastLothian EH34 5ETT: 01875 342012www.discovering-distilleries.comCome and visit the distillery andexperience a real taste of Scotland.Your visit begins in our Old MaltingFloors where you will have a chance

to see our fantastic exhibition which hosts the renowned modeldistillery. You will then be met by your guide and you will by ledthrough the production area of the distillery learning how to make ourwater of life. To finish your tour you are welcomed into the bar for adram of Glenkinchie 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky.

Glenkinchie


What brought you into thepub industry? My dad had a pub from aboutwhen I was six years old, soyou could say that working inthe drinks industry runs in thefamily. My dad ran what wasThe Hyndland Bar - now theRio Café - on Hyndland Street,and I started working therewhen I was 18. I was a beerdrinker back then, but this wasof course my springboard intowhisky.

What were you doing beforethe drinks industrybeckoned you? I went to Coventry Universityto study automotiveengineering. I wasn’t sentthere, I went of my ownaccord, but I only stayed therea year, as I was homesick. Justbefore I left my dad startedrunning the Arlington Bar onthe corner of Arlington Streetand Woodlands Road inGlasgow, so I came home andworked with my dad for a awhile in the bar.

Have you always wanted toown your own bar? I always thought I could do itbetter than my dad, so thatdrove me on. But then I wouldget the odd doubt and go offon tangents, like going touniversity. But I always keptcoming back to the pubindustry, and in time came toappreciate all that my dad hadachieved and then I started to

fully embrace whisky. It’s likethat Mark Twain quote thattalks about how he alwaysthought his father was a fool,until he got older and wasamazed by how much he’dlearned. Age gives you such adifferent perspective onthings.

What does your role involve? Running a popular whisky barin Glasgow is a privilege.People come from all aroundthe world to learn aboutwhisky, and because they havemade that journey, theydeserve to be listened to. So Idon’t talk up my own agendaor push things on people, andI do like to have as muchbackground information as Ican on most whiskies at myfingertips. Glasgow is also apit stop for many whisky trailsfurther north, so it’s also myrole to offer practical adviceon, say, booking the ferry forpeople going to Islay.

What is your favouritetipple? My regular Friday night whiskyis Benromach 10-year-old. Mydesert island dram would be30-year-old sherry maturedHighland Park.

What do you say to peoplethat say they don’t likewhisky? I keep putting bottles in frontof their face until they findone that they do. People will

say ‘yes’ to a Baileys or JackDaniel’s, without realising thatthey are drinking whisky, soit’s about making peoplerealise how diverse it is. Thatmakes the next step towardsadopting whisky far easier.

What do you do in yourspare time? My sister Geraldine and I loveto ‘geek out’ the SpeysideWhisky Festival every year, andI also play rugby everySaturday at Cartha QueensPark Rugby Club on Glasgow’ssouth side. Working in the puball week, it’s great to be ableto legally hit someone everySaturday. Only joking!

Where do you socialise? My own place, naturally. I alsolike Glasgow bars TheClockwork Beer Company onCathcart Road, The Finniestonon Argyle Street and Brew Dogon Dumbarton Road. And I liketo pop into The Bon Accord onNorth Street too, from time totime.

What are you busyorganising at the moment? It’s The Pot Still’s first birthday(under the Murphy clanownership) the weekend ofthe 28th November, so we arebusy organising lots of eventsfor the whole weekend, liketastings and live music. And allfor free. Details will be postedsoon to the website:www.thepotstill.co.uk.

Frank Murphy, 36, used to work in his dad’s pubs in Glasgow ow he and his family ownone of Scotland's most iconic whisky bars The Pot Still which boast some 460 whiskies.

POTTY ABOUT WHISKY

INTERVIEW

16 DRAM


18 DRAM

DouglasLaing

A FEISTY BIG PHENOLIC CHARACTER FROM ISLAY – IN WHOSE COMPANY DETECT SEA FARING QUALITIES COMBINING CREOSOTED BEACH HUTS WITH SWEET

IODINE AND SEAWEED, FINISHING WITH THE ASHES OF A DAMP BEACH BONFIRE AND APPROPRIATELY THIS

TIME OF YEAR - EVEN SOME CHIMNEY SOOT.

STOCKED THROUGHOUT SCOTLAND AT;Aberdeen � Aberdeen Whisky Shop, S R & E Barron (Dyce). Ayr � Robbies Drams. Dundee � Aitken Wine Warehouse. Edinburgh �

Royal Mile Whiskies � Whiski Rooms (Shop). Glasgow � Peckhams. Highlands � Baxters/ Blackford � Whisky

Galore/Tyndrum � Deeside Drinks/Emporuim/Banchory � Dunnottar Wines & Spirits/Stonehaven � Robertsons/Pitlochry �

Single Malts Direct/Huntly � The Whisky Shop/Dufftown � Wood Winters Wines & Whiskies/Bridge of Allan. Islay � D & G Christie � and �The Whisky Shop� Estate throughout Scotland/England.

Facebook/BigPeat www.bigpeat.com www.douglaslaing.com � Please enjoy respectfully


DRAM 19

WINTER COCKTAILS

Ingredients35ml of BlendedWhiskyTomato juiceWorcester sauceSlice lemonIce

MethodTake a tall glass, addthe whisky, add ice, topup with tomato juice,add a dash of worcestersauce, and lemon togarnish.

Ingredients35mls Whyte & Mackay13yo 15mls Mozart whitechocolate liquor 10mls Gomme 5mls Triple sec

MethodIn a boston add all ofthe ingredients and fillwith cubed ice andshake hard. Doubletrain and pour in to achilled martini glassand garnish with atwist of lime.

Ingredients35ml Maker’s Mark®Bourbon1 tbsp cranberry jam 1 tbsp maple syrup 1 drop vanilla extract 3 measures ofcranberry juice Splash club soda Fresh cranberries forgarnish

MethodAdd the Maker’s Mark®Bourbon, cranberryjam, maple syrup,vanilla extract, andcranberry juice to ashaker. Add ice. Shakevigorously. Strain overice and add a splash ofsoda. Garnish withcranberries.

IngredientsDrambuie Rusty Nail35ml Drambuie35ml Blended Whisky

MethodHalf fill a rocks glasswith ice and theDrambuie and whiskyand stir.

CHOCOLATE TREAT

CRANBERRY COOLER DRAMBUIE RUSTY NAIL

BLOODY RABBIE

COCKTAILS


3 November The Scotch Malt WhiskySociety Weekend SpecialTastingThe Scotch Malt WhiskySociety28 Queen Street, Edinburgh4-5pmMembers ticket £10Non-members £15www.smws.co.uk� First Saturday everymonth, The Society takes youon a tutored tasting that'sideal to kick start yourevening at The Society, orrelax after a shopping sessionin the city centre. One hour,three drams with a chaserand expertise of ourAmbassador. Afterward, whynot book a table in TheDining Room or enjoy food atthe bar.

17 NovemberMalt Whisky Festival 2012The Arches, Midland Road,Glasgow� There will be more than 40stands in two atmospheric,stone arches featuringScotland’s best drams, pluswhiskies from all over theworld. Further stands willoffer whisky-related art, booksand other items. More detailsto be confirmed.Doors open at 1pm and lastpour will be at 4:45pm. Ticketon sale from 1st December.More information at:www.glasgowwhiskyfestival.com

7, 14, 21, 28 December Whisky and Cheese Tasting The WHISKI Rooms, EdinburghTime: 6PMPrice: £20 pp� What better way to breakout from last minuteChristmas shopping than awhisky and cheese tasting atthe Whiski Rooms? Fourdifferent single malts will be

matched to four extremelydifferent cheeses. One forwhisky lovers and those yet tobe converted!£5 of ticket price can be usedas a voucher against any 70clsingle malt whisky is storeand is valid for one week.

Every Tuesday, Thursday andSundayHighland Lochs, Glens &Whisky TourPrice: £34.00, Discount: £32.00Visit: www.timberbush-tours.co.uk� Explore Perthshire’sbeautiful scenic glens andvisit Scotland’s oldestdistillery, The Famous GrouseExperience (Est. 1775).Experience a brand newinteractive tasting bar andenjoy an exclusive tasting of a30 year old malt whisky forTimberbush customers takingthe distillery tour. Take awoodland walk at TheHermitage and enjoy a briefvisit to the picturesque townof South Queensferry with thechance to enjoy spectacularviews of the Forth Bridges.

Monthly on a WednesdayNightWhisky Loving Ladies NightThe Pot Still, Glasgow� Run by Geraldine Murphy,this ladies only whisky night isideal for those wanting tolearn more about whisky in afun environment. With MasterBlender special guests.For details of the next eventemail: [email protected]

29 November Oran Mor Whisky AwardsOran Mor, GlasgowTickets £50 plus VATTo book call 0141 357 6200� Find out what whiskieshave impressed the judges.And enjoy a three-course

meal and live entertainmenttoo.

6 December Scotch Whisky Taining School(one day course) Time: 9:00 AM to 5:15 PMThe Scotch WhiskyExperience, 354 Castlehill, TheRoyal Mile, Edinburgh, EH12NEwww.scotch-whisky-experience.co.ukFor further information pleasecontact Angela Keir on 0131478 7120.� Spend a day “immersed” inthe world of Scotch Whiskywith our whisky course. Andgain the “Certificate ofExpertise” recognised by theScotch Whisky Industry.A mixture of hands onactivities and differentlearning styles are covered tomake the day entertainingand fun as well as highlyeducational and informative.Course Price : £165.00

25 January 2013Scotch Whisky Taining School(one day course)Time: 9:00 AM to 5:15 PMThe Scotch WhiskyExperience, 354 Castlehill, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh,EH1 2NEwww.scotch-whisky-experience.co.ukFor further information pleasecontact Angela Keir on 0131478 7120.� Spend a day “immersed” inthe world of Scotch Whiskywith our whisky course. Andgain the “Certificate ofExpertise” recognised by theScotch Whisky Industry.A mixture of hands onactivities and differentlearning styles are covered tomake the day entertainingand fun as well as highlyeducational and informative.

DRAM 21

WHAT’S ON

WHAT’S ON


The Wee DRAM takes a look at some of Scotland’s most interesting whisky bars.

Pubs and whiskyTHE ARDSHIEL, KilkerranRoad, CampbeltownThe Ardshiel Hotel has a whiskybar with close to 700 whiskiesdisplayed. The bar and loungeareas have just beenrefurbished and the latestaddition to the whiskycollection is The Queen’sDiamond Jubilee Glen Grant 60-year-old, and the hotel hasbottle number 7, of only 85. Thenew look bar and loungefeatures tartan clad walls, andthe new function suite is whereits Whisky Club meets.

THE QUEEN’S ARMS,EdinburghNot only is The Queen’s Armsideal for a dram, but as a formerDRAM Gastro Pub of the yearwinner, it’s also great for a biteto eat. It’s an Edinburghfavourite with 50 malts on offerand lots of fun events. Saidassistant manager KateTrusdale, “The Make a Date withWhisky nights (whisky speedtasting where you can find yourperfect malt partner) are alwayspopular and it’s fantastic to seelots of new faces, and whiskylovers as well as people who arerelative novices enthuse about

our national drink. We are alsofinding that our specialistranges, like The Macallan 1946,are going great guns.”

THE MERCAT BAR &RESTAURANT, 28 WestMaitland Street, EdinburghThe Mercat recently debuted itsnew whisky basement bar. Withits stone clad walls andatmospheric lighting, it’s theperfect place to sample a dram.It currently has just under 100whiskies available although theaim is to have more than 300.Staff are always happy to offeradvice, so don't be afraid to trysomething new.

THE BEN NEVIS, 1147 ArgyleStreet, GlasgowYou’re guaranteed a warmwelcome at one of Glasgow’sbest loved whisky bars thanks tothe indomitable licensee, ElaineScott, and the roaring fire. Andthe red carpet is also laid out forpooches, which is why the bartook home the Dog FriendliestPub of the Year accolade at thisyear’s DRAM awards. Livetraditional music sessionshappen every Sunday,Wednesday and Thursday, andit’s so good in fact that last yearThe Ben Nevis walked away withthe Traditional Music and SongAssociation Scotland’s award forlive music in 2011.

THE BLACK CAT, 168 RoseStreet, EdinburghThe Black Cat opened in April2011, and in that short time ithas built up quite a following. Itnow has around 100 malts onoffer. Says owner Chris Miles, “Iwanted to open a traditionalpub that looked great andprovided a great environmentfor whisky drinkers. I think thatwe have achieved that with acontemporary Scottish design,and of course friendly staff who

22 DRAM

The Whiski Rooms

The Queen’s Arms

The Mercat bar & restaurant


are very knowledgeable aboutthe stuff. We also have livemusic every Monday,Wednesday and Sunday,which is always very informaland relaxed.”

THE BON ACCORD, 153North Street, GlasgowThe Bon Accord was recentlynamed Bowmore Whisky Barof the Year 2012. It has come along way since it re-opened in2001 with just a handful ofmalts on the gantry. It nowboasts a range of more than300 whiskies, ranging fromnips at £2 to a dram at £150,and the Bon Accord is nowrightly one of Glasgow’s mosticonic whisky bars. It alsoserves food, and afterattending training sessions atthe Auchentoshan distillery,the staff are always clued upon whisky and quick torecommend the best nip forevery type of palate.

THE WHISKI ROOMS, 4-7North Bank Street,EdinburghWhere can you sample a weedram, buy it, enjoy some food,and all with a great view ofthe capital? The WHISKIRooms has all three and isunique in Scotland in that it’s

a whisky bar and bistro, whereyou can sample a range ofover 500 whiskies that aremostly available to buy at theadjacent shop. There’s also adedicated tasting room withinthe shop and lots of tastingevents and whisky-relatedevents in the bar, plus live jazzat the weekends. There’s alsopavement seating where youcan take in even more of thatview over Princes StreetGardens.

THE LOCHSIDE HOTEL &DUFFIES BAR, Shore Street,Bowmore, Isle of IslayThis family run, 10-bedroomLochside Hotel boasts some300 Islay fine and rare maltsthat can be enjoyed in therelaxed and informal settingof Duffies Bar, or over dinnerin the restaurant overlookingLoch Indaal. As well as being agreat base for a tour of Islay'sdistilleries - the hotel is also astone’s throw from theBowmore Distillery and itsstate-of-the-art visitor centre -the staff are always happy toeducate visitors on the meritsof whisky. Well worth a visit.

For information of Glasgow’sother iconic pub see pages16-17.

y galore

FEATUREThe Black Cat

The Ben Nevis

The Lochside Hotel

The Bon Accord

The Ardshiel


24 DRAM

WhiskyTasting

The October ‘For the Love of Whisky’ speedtasting events took place at Oran Mor inGlasgow, and a great night was had by all. Ifyou want to see more about the event log onto www.barandpub.TV


DRAM 25


Campbeltown’s iconicSpringbank Distillery hasmade a major change to its

product line-up with a relaunchof the Longrow range of whiskies.

Longrow - produced frombarley peated to between 45 and50ppm - has had a makeover andthe range of whiskies availablehas been revamped to betterreflect the style and character ofthe smoky, complex single malt.

The extremely popular andhighly-rated Longrow CV hasbeen given a new, classic lookand the CV part of the title hasbeen dropped, though thewhisky will remain exactly thesame - a marriage of Longrowwhisky of different ages and casktypes specially chosen to bringout the peaty character inherentwithin the whisky but with anemphasis on ensuring thecomplexity and depth of flavourthat Longrow is know for ismaintained.

Ranald Watson, Sales &Marketing Manager atSpringbank Distillers Ltd,commented: “The Longrow rangeis an important part of our workat Springbank, even though itonly accounts for around 10% of

our annual production. Wewanted to give the brand a bit ofa freshen up to help bring it tothe attention of single malt fanswho, for one reason or another,maybe aren’t as aware ofLongrow as they could be.Longrow is an interesting mix oftwo of Scotland’s regional styles.It has an in-built peatinessreminiscent of the Islay whiskiesbut it is still very much aCampbeltown classic. The peatdoesn’t overpower the otherflavours present in the dram butinstead complements them verynicely, creating a whisky with reallayers of flavour and character.”

A new, limited release namedLongrow Red, bottled at cask

strength, will be releasedannually, with the debut 11yobottling having been matured forseven years in bourbon casksfollowed by four years incabernet sauvignon wine casks.These casks were sourced bySpringbank’s Director ofProduction Frank McHardy fromAngove’s Long Row winery inwestern Australia - a niceconnection between thenorthern and southernhemispheres.

The influence of those LongRow casks is very apparent in theLongrow whisky, with the tanninsand other flavour componentsfrom the casks marrying nicelywith the natural peaty, salty styleof the whisky.

Completing the range is theLongrow 18yo, first released in2008 and released annually inlimited quantities.

As with all of Springbank’soutput, all of the barley for theLongrow range is malted byhand on traditional malt floors atthe distillery. The barley is driedover burning peat for up to 48hours and the spirit is distilledtwice, in the traditional Scottishstyle.

The full Longrow range isavailable now from leadingindependent whisky stockistsand suppliers.

ADVERTORIAL

Relaunch for Longrow


DRAM 27

HIGHLAND PARK 21 YEAR OLD, 47.5%Originally created exclusively for global travelretail and duty free markets, this whisky wasre-released in the UK earlier this year. NamedBest Single Malt of the Year at the WorldWhisky Awards 2009, Highland Park 21 is afull-flavoured, powerful, sweet single maltwith a rich smoky finish. The 2012 re-releasealso has the malt back at its old strength of47.5% after a few years of selling at a lowerstrength due to stock shortages.

GIFTS

PERSONALISEDMACPHAILS 10YEARS OLD10 YEARS OLD, STRENGTH40%, SIZE 70CL, £35.00PersonalisedMacPhail's 10 YearsOld Single MaltScotch Whisky - Addup to 5 Lines oftext to personalisethis bottle ofwhisky, ideal forbirthdays,anniversaries,retirements andmany other specialevents.www.gordonandmacphail.com

THE GLENCAIRN GLASSThe perfect glass to enjoy your favourite whisky. Thisglass, which is available from most whisky shops, anddirectly from the makers Glencairn Crystal, was inventedin 2001, and it subsequently won the Queens Award forInnovation. Today the glass can be found in use by everydistillery in the UK & Ireland and many more around theworld, from craft distillers in the�USA to the Far East. http://shop.glencairn.co.uk from various outlets pricedaround £6.

There are lots of gifting opportunies in winter ..from Christmas to birthday's,

Valentines to anniversaries. Here are a couple of ideas for whisky loving people... PERFECTGIFTSTHE ANGELS' SHARE DVD This film, which was released earlier this year, isnow out on DVD. This whisky-tasting comedyfrom Ken Loach won the jury prize at theCannes Film Festival, and is very entertaining.The drama is about the how the lives of agroup of city tearaways are turned around byan appreciation of whisky. Scotland’s whiskytrade provides the film’s backdrop, with thecentral characters experiencing tastingsessions, quizzes, tours around distilleries,auctions of rare whiskies, and of coursedrinking the stuff. Play.com £11.49

MARKS AND SPENCER WHISKY CUBE £50.


NEXT TO EDINBURGH CASTLE TEL 0131 220 0441 WWW.SCOTCHWHISKYEXPERIENCE.CO.UK

A SENSATIONAL JOURNEYNEW INTERACTIVE RETAIL EXPERIENCE FOR 2012

The Teeling Whiskey Companyhas announced a whole newwhiskey category with thelaunch of Hybrid Malt Whiskey.In the Irish company's search

for new and interesting tastes anew category of whiskey wasborn – Hybrid Malt whiskey.The offspring from marryingaward winning aged Maltwhiskies from around theworld creates a fusion of stylesand flavours which delivers atruly unique taste experience.Bottled at cask strength withno chill filtration or colouringadded, Hybrid Malt Whiskey isfor connoisseurs who can seebeyond the norm.Jack Teeling, Managing

Director of the Teeling WhiskeyCompany, commented, “We setup the Teeling WhiskeyCompany to ensure that there

was an independentalternative to themultinationals who arecurrently driving the category.We will focus on innovationand providing choice andunique whiskey expressions forwhiskey connoisseurs andenthusiasts alike.The Hybrid is a prime exampleof our approach to productand category innovation. It is afusion of styles and flavourswhich delivers a truly uniquetaste experience. Over thecoming months the TeelingWhiskey Company will releasea range of other products thatwill further expand consumerchoice and challenge existingperceptions of Irish whiskey.”Edition No.1 of the Hybrid

Malt Whiskey consists of awardwinning Single Malt whiskey

The Teeling Whiskey Company inventsHybrid Malt Whiskey

from Cooley Distillery in Irelandand 10 Year Old Single Maltwhisky from Bruichladdich inScotland which has beenmarried together in oak barrelsfor 8 years. The Hybrid MaltWhiskey is bottled at caskstrength at 44.1% Alc/Vol withno chill filtration or colouringadded. Edition No.1 will belimited to just 1,200 70cl bottles.


GlenDronachCask StrengthColour: A deepgolden bodyglistens withrich crimson.Nose: A lusciousbalance ofsucculent sherryaromas explodein honey-drizzled goldensultanas spicedby warm oakand gentleginger.Palate: Intensetoffee and cocoacascade into the rich sherry-soaked dark fruits. Zestedorange explodes in the long,alcohol-infused chocolatefondant.

Christmas BigPeat 2012Colour:

Golden copperhue.Nose: Big Peatis pure Islay ina glass. It hasunmistakablebellowing rawpeat smoke,new-laid tar,salt, mint andmedicinalaromas.Palate: It's

considerablysweeter than it first suggests.Sweet Japanese seaweed andIslay medicinal Finish: The finish explodes –coal dust, creosoted beachhuts, tar and chimney soot...

Balblair 1997 Colour: Deep,golden amber inappearance, Nose: isredolent oftropical fruit;banana andpineappletogetherwith greenapple,orange andapricot as wellas notes of honey, vanillaand butterscotch. Palate: sweetness on thepalate is underpinned by afull-bodied spiciness. Finish: Long and maintainsthe spiciness detectedearlier

The Glenrothes SingleCask 1970 #10573Colour: Clear and brightwith rich golden hues.Nose: Distinctly earthy andautumnal, windfall applesand cider cellar. Toffeeapples with icing sugar,sponge fingers withcustard, puff pastrywith apple.Palate: Lightlypeppery andfresh withcitrus andeucalyptus.Subtle andsupple, satinfeel with atexture ofcrêpe de chine.Finish: Long andbeguiling with very, verydark chocolate.

Highland Park 21year oldColour: Naturalcolour; reddishgold OrkneysunsetNose:Butterscotch,dark chocolateand orangePalate: Fullflavour,candiedorange peelwith spicydark chocolateleading to a rich smokysensationFinish: Rich, complex, sweetsmoky sensation then softmedium dry

Jura ‘Camus anStaca’Colour: Amber inappearance

Nose: Theseductivenuances ofsandalwood,tuberose, limeand spicypatchouli soonusher in hintsof vanilla, Javacoffee,tangerine and

crushed Ogenmelon. Whispers of sea spray,spicy apple and honeyed figslinger in the background.Palate: Fleshy oranges, tangyliquorice, coconut and sweetpineapple are followed byorange rind, black cherries,dark toffee and sun driedraisins.

TASTING NOTESThe great thing about malt whisky is that people can taste a whole variety of flavours inthe liquid. Whisky connoisseurs have a host of descriptives, on this page we give yousome that are used to describe the various Island malts. When we talk about nose wemean smell, and palate means the taste. The Finish, is the taste that remains once youhave swallowed.

30 DRAM

NOTES


FROM ITS HOME IN THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS, THE GLENDRONACH

DISTILLERY HAS BEEN CREATING THE FINEST RICHLY SHERRIED SINGLE MALTS

FOR NEARLY 200 YEARS.

GLENDRONACH, A JOURNEY OF REDISCOVERY.

THE BENRIACHSINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

ESTABLISHED IN 1898 AND LOCATED IN THE ‘HEART OF SPEYSIDE’, THE BENRIACH

DISTILLERY BECAME INDEPENDENT IN 2004. PREVIOUSLY UNDISCOVERED, THE DISTILLERY

IS NOW ENJOYING A NEW LEASE OF LIFE.

With access to an impressive inventory of maturing whiskies dating back as far as

1966, our range of expressions is varied both in terms of age and style, including ‘classic Speyside’, special ‘finishes’, heavily peated BenRiach and single cask vintage bottlings.

www.benriachdistillery.co.ukUNLOCK THE SECRETS

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A Wee DRAM #7

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