Aberlour Puts its Crafted Quality Under the Lens with Ted Dwane’s Photography Exhibition

Many peoples 'most favourite list' includes music, photography and great whiskies. Imagine discovering a collaboration that includes up-and-coming photographer and bassist for the world-famous band, Mumford & Sons, Ted Dwane and one of the world  major, if not best, Scotch Single Malt whiskies - Aberlour. Wham! You have an early Xmas present.

"The partnership celebrates an appreciation for authenticity, craft and enigmatic quality. The attention to detail required by both the photographer and the master distiller, in their mutual quest for a product of depth and intrigue, culminates in a multi-layered result, whether it be a velvety smooth single malt or a single edition hand-developed printed portrait."


See more at: Chivas Brothers website

Scotch Malt and American whiskey compared - really?

Some statements irritate like flies around a summer fish braai (barbeque). You should swat them or wear an Aussie 'cork-on-string hat' and move on. Mr Jim Murray's recent comments are a collective noun for flies - a grist of flies! So bad is his comment that I cannot resist a response!
 
"Scotch malt whisky is now being outshone by 'vastly improved' American brands, leading critic says."

See what I mean  - horrible - once you analyze this controversial claim and discover who made the claim it becomes quite obvious that It is a poorly qualified opinion.

The not-so-great 'WHISKY BIBLE' by Jim Murray

My opinion about this statement is that everybody has an opinion except some people write books. I purchased a copy of Jim Murray's Whisky Bible in both hard-copy and iPad App format. Both a waste of time & money if you ask me! This is my opinion. Some consider Jim Murray's whisky bible a good read. Others have discovered authentic whisky writers.

I promised myself never to waste money or time on Jim Murray's books. I exclusively read good whisky books by Charles McLean (pictured right), Michael Jackson, Paul Pacult and others. These men are, and have been, awesome contributors to a fantastic Scotch whisky industry and remain independent.

SCOTCH WHISKY ASSOCIATION'S RESPONSE
I am amazed at the very polite response from the Scotch Whisky Association. Rosemary Gallagher, the spokesperson for the Scotch Whisky Association stated: "... This is really about Jim Murray's personal taste." True but the man's looking for a fight.

THE CHALLENGE
Mr Jim Murray please defend the following US distilleries trends: white whiskey; 2 year minimum ageing versus Scotch 3 year minimum limit, hot climate & ageing, charcoal filtration etc? We know we have limited knowledge about a field you have mastered so we trust you will remain accurate in your reply. Please refrain from subjective answers.

John Powers John's Lane 12 yo now in South Africa

John Clement Ryan's visit to Cape Town at the end of January 2014 coincides with the availability of 'Powers John's Lane 12 year old pure pot still Irish whiskey' which will now be stocked in leading South African liquor stores and top end bars across South Africa. Stock are extremely limited.

This remarkable whiskey is described by internationally renowned whisky authority -  Dave Broom: "This is astoundingly complex for a 12yo. An instant classic" - and later states in the Financial Times "... a whisky which makes you sigh contentedly ... ". I concur. Powers John's Lane Pure Pot Still Irish whiskey is bottled at 46% ABV.

John Powers established his distillery in Thomas Street in Dublin, Ireland in 1791 - eleven short years after John Jameson. The John Jameson distillery was established on the banks of the River Liffey in Dublin, Ireland in 1780. John Powers was quick to innovate to protect his brand of whiskey, thus Powers Irish whiskey became the first bottled whiskey. This was followed by the Baby Powers for the ladies - the first whiskey 5.cl (50ml) miniature.

Dave Broom's tasting notes

Nose: Bold and rich with masses of oily leather, sandalwood, spices frying in melted butter, plump black fruits - black cherry and tayberry. 
Palate: That ebullient fruitiness continues, this time opening into apricot, cling peaches (and custard) and a topical edge of passion fruit. The sweetness becomes more savoury in the centre as the oiliness picks up.
Finish: Long and spicy.

Watch the YouTube video - Power John's Lane Release - The Irish

Powers John's Lane 12 year old Pure Pot Still Irish whiskey is now available in South Africa's leading top end liquor outlets. 

John Clement Ryan in Cape Town late January 2014

I have admired John Clement Ryan from the very first time I was invited to sit in on a tasting he presented. I remained mesmerized by this larger than life man with his deep baritone voice and abundant charm. He closed the evening by playing his classic guitar and  singing familiar Irish folk songs
John Ryan is a direct descendent of the famous John Powers whiskey family. As John himself says - his veins run whiskey.

THE SINGLE PURE POT STILL IRISH WHISKEY DINNER IN CAPE TOWN
John Ryan will be hosting a dinner late January 2014 for a group of invited guests in Cape Town, South Africa. He is introducing us to the Pure Pot Still Irish whiskey's new to South Africa. The new Pure Pot Still Irish whiskey's being introduced to South Africa from November 2013 include: Redbreast, Middleton Very Rare, Green Spot and Yellow Spot Pure Pot Still whiskey's.

This is now my most anticipated evening for 2014. Seats to the dinner are sought after but limited. We have one seat reserved for a true whiskey lover, so If you wish to meet the awesome Mr John Clement Ryan as an invited guest to his whiskey dinner - publish a remarkable  comment. Remember, if you are not from Cape Town, South Africa you need to budget for travel expenses.

Ballantine's South Africa Webiste Launched

Ballantine's Finest is the leading blended Scotch whisky in the world. The Ballantine's Family extends across various aged expressions including. the 12, 17, 21, 30, 40 and 41 year old Ballantine's. Many major whiskies of the world have no or limited age expressions.

Ballantine's is known as 'THE SCOTCH'. Not only is the bottle an original reflection of the bottles in which whisky was first bottled - now redesigned but still true to this original heritage. The lable is adorned with a coat of arms granted by The Lord Lyon - the master of Arms, and reflects the true art of whisky making.

There are over 40 single malts in Ballantine's. These malts are from across all the whisky producing regions in Scotland. Ballantine's therefore deserves the title of 'THE SCOTCH' as every element on the bottle and the contents in the bottle represents all and the best of scotch whisky making.

Visit 'Ballantine's South Africa Facebook Page' to see the latest Ballantine's bottle design. Please like the Ballantine's Facebook page.

Although its not WHISKY it's Malibutique 2013 Event Hosted By Malibu Rum

Malibutique 2013 What is Malibutique ? It is a play on the words Malibu and boutique, a promotional pop-up event hosted by Malibu Rum....

I love this innovative, creative and convivial Malibu experience that has me wondering why WHISKY is taking itself so seriously. I'm so tired of the same stuffy WHISKY festivals. We need a fresh approach.

Alyn Smith: Whisky association must accept a sound judgment - News - Scotsman.com

I have not applied my mind to this fully but find myself intrigued and concerned. At face value I agree cheap drinks add to endemic alcohol problems but I remind myself I must think this through more fully. Please add comments that may illuminate areas I am so shadowed about. See the article below

Alyn Smith: Whisky association must accept a sound judgment - News - Scotsman.com

Not Irish Whiskey if it is spelt whisky!

Jameson Irish whiskey is the leading Irish whiskey in the world and is the reason for Irish whiskey's continued international growth. 



The above picture does not feature a bottle of Jameson. It is a fact that Jameson is a  powerful brand that it often overpowers other brands. The picture below shows just how Jameson dominates.

Irish whiskey deserves to regain its position as a leading whiskey of the world. It is distilled three times and refined twice to ensure absolute purity and smoothness. We all know the crack the Scots make at the Irish expense: "the Irish distill it a third time because they couldn't get it right the second time"! Take a sip of any scotch (even a twelve year old Scotch) and then a sip of Jameson Irish whiskey and you will discover why the Irish distill once more and why the Scots are bitter.

It is a proud day finding a new Irish Whiskey website -  http://irishwhisky.org.uk featuring: Jameson, Powers, Bushmills, Paddy, Tullamore Dew, Connemara, Kilbeggan, Tyrconnell, Inishowen, Greenore, Redbreast, Midleton, Greenspot, Locke's, Clontarf, Knappogue Castle and Danny Boy.

Its a sad day that it isn't managed by the Irish. How do I know that it is not managed by the Irish - simple - an Irishman would have spelt whiskey correctly. I hope sanity prevails and the Irish take back this site. Especially as it is a 'dot org' web address.

A Great Swedish Story - Mackmyra Swedish Whisky

Established in 1999 producing from pilot distillery, then building their new distillery in 2002 after attempting nearly 200 recipes to arrive at the perfect whisky. After launching with Mackmyra Reserve in 2002, they introduced Mackmyra Preludium in 2006 and in 2008 they launched the very popular Mackmyra First Edition range. In 2010 they launched their first premium whisky - Mackmyra Brukswhisky. Visit http://mackmyra.com/ for further information.

Mocha Chocolate mousse with Jameson Irish whiskey

from Independent.ie dated 24 February 2013

YOU WILL NEED

170g good-quality dark chocolate, broken into small pieces

170g unsalted butter

3 tbsps good-quality instant coffee granules, mixed with 2 tbsps hot water

4 free-range eggs, separated

150g caster sugar, plus 1 tbsp extra

2 tbsps Jameson Irish whiskey

Pinch fine salt

Whipped cream, to serve

Method

Bring a medium-sized saucepan of water to a gentle simmer and melt the chocolate, butter and coffee in a heatproof bowl that fits snugly over the pan without touching the water, stirring occasionally.

Carefully remove the bowl from the heat and set aside. Keep the saucepan of water simmering away. Place a few handfuls of ice in a large bowl and half-fill with water. Set aside nearby.

Sit a heatproof bowl that will fit into the bowl of ice over the saucepan of simmering water and add the four egg yolks, 150g caster sugar, Jameson Irish whiskey and one tablespoon of cold water.

Using a balloon whisk or hand-held electric beaters, whisk for about three minutes until the mixture thickens, becomes paler and has a similar consistency to that of runny mayonnaise.

Remove the bowl from the heat and place it in the bowl of iced water. Continue to whisk for a few minutes more until the mixture thickens and cools slightly, being careful that no water gets into the mixture. Add the chocolate mixture to the beaten egg mixture and stir to combine.

Whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt until just stiff and frothy. Add the extra tablespoon of caster sugar and beat again until just glossy.

Using a large mixing spoon, add one spoonful of egg whites to the chocolate mix and fold it in gently. Gradually fold in the remaining egg white, taking care not to over mix. Transfer the mousse to a jug, then pour into individual serving jars or glasses. Place in the fridge and chill for three to four hours before serving. Serve topped with a thick layer of whipped cream.

Add gooseberry and mint leaves.

The Real Oldest Distillery in Scotland - Strathisla

The Strathisla Distillery in Keith Scotland has the oldest uninterrupted* distilling history in Scotland beating out the second placed distillery by 28 years.

Every whisky book and whisky expert glibly states that Glenturret is the oldest distillery in Scotland. Glenturret make this claim on every label on every single bottle. Allow me to contradict this piece of misinformation.

I am unconvinced that a distillery which was established earlier then shut down for 40 years; then rebuilt on an new site may lay claim to such a title. Furthermore, if I then add up the total number of years this distillery has been operating from start to now, excluding the years it was not in operation, then it certainly does not add up anywhere near the oldest distillery in Scotland. The title as the oldest distillery in Scotland must go to Strathisla.

Strathisla Distillery built 1786

Glenturret was built in 1775. Strathisla distillery was built in 1786. Glenturret was built 11 years before Strathisla was built. No argument here. Glenturret closed down entirely early 1921, was dismantled; reopened June 1960 and produced filling malt before finally making a Glenturret single malt many years later. 

Now lets take away the 40 years the distillery was shut down. The maths is easy and you will then discover that Glenturret continues distilling history is 199 years versus Strathisla which has an uninterrupted distilling history of 227 years.

*uninterrupted other than during times of war which effected all distilleries.

The Case of Not So Rare

Have you noticed that the word "RARE" is no longer on a bottle of J&B or at least, by law, it should NOT be on the bottle or label. What defines a rare whisky? Would you expect to find a rare whisky in a medium priced Scotch? Has the SCOTCH WHISKY ASSOCIATION been unclear in it's definition allowed in Scotch whisky labels?

There are four Scotch whisky definitions:

1. Single Malt Scotch Whisky - a single distillate from one distillery; is made with 100% barley & is distilled in copper pot stills.
2. Blended Malt Scotch whisky - a blend of Single Malt Whiskies from many distilleries; each is made with 100% barley & is distilled in copper pot stills.
3. Blended Scotch Whisky - a blend of many different Single Malt whiskies (see point 2); is blended with grain whisky & is distilled in continuos stills that also produce Vodka. Grain whisky is made using other cereals such as wheat, corn, rye etc.
4. Grain Whisky - is mostly made using cereals other than barley and the process uses continuous stills as apposed to copper pot stills.

All Scotch whiskies are matured in oak casks for a minimum of three years - both single malt and grain whiskies.

The reason for this definition was to avoid suppliers from deceiving consumers about their whiskies by using words to elevate the whiskies status.

The Scotch Whisky Association did a great job to implement these measures to guarantee customers are not deceived. It is now up to the industry to educate the consumers and to abide by the rules. There are still many whiskies that bend the rules. My research for this article focused on J&B's online communication. Every search related to J&B still shows the word Rare on the label. Even the JB website still shows the word RARE.

J&B is a good Blended Scotch Whisky even though there are no rare whiskies in the bottle. I could as easily have picked on other whiskies that also used fluffy words. As an educated consumer, please check your whiskies and challenge them if they do not adhere to the four approved definitions.

Major Scotch whisky capacity increase since 2010

Roseisle is a first large-scale malt distillery that was opened in Scotland in August 2010 by Diageo. Roseisle will distill up to 10 million liters of single-malt whisky a year. The liquor will be used to produce blended whiskies such as Johnnie Walker and J&B. The $60-million distillery has 14 copper whisky stills, and although traditional, is one of the top high tech distilleries.

The above is the Roseisle distillery

Earlier in the year, Pernod Ricard increased The Glenlivet single-malt whisky distillery in Scotland’s production capacity by 75%.

The Glenlivet Distillery has expanded capacity by 75% 

In the past three years, various liquor companies have spent over £600 million to expand whisky production facilities in Scotland, marking an increase in distilling capacity that has not been seen in decades, according to the Scotch Whisky Association.

Jameson Original Ginger Grapefruit special

I attended a glamorous functions with the staff of Irish Distillers at The Lanzerac Hotel nestled between vineyard and shadowed by the most spectacular mountain range.

I came across an awesome Jameson long drink which was the signature drink for the night. Jameson Whiskey, Ginger Beer and a slice of Grapefruit with ice. It is my new long drink.


In a tall glass
50ml Jameson Original
250ml Ginger Ale
Slice of red Grapefruit
Ice
Muddle ingredients


Enjoy the drink. Have a blast because this is such an easy drink and you will want another and another,

Corsair Distillery since 2010

Every day I read about some new whiskey expression that does not conform. There are  many new whiskey distillers thinking out of the box. They ignore boundaries. Minor 'entirely new' innovation is coming from the big players, but sadly mostly not. I suppose it is indicative of a large corporate to be more sure. It is their responsibility to shareholders and stakeholders alike to minimise risk. It takes young ambitious socials who embrace opportunities and work around the clock desperately make a success of their love and passion.



The above photo is directly from Corsair Distillery website and remain their sole property. Fair use is made to link directly to their website by clicking on the photo.

Corsair Distillery, known as Corsair Artisan, received their license to distill early 2010. They have recently launched a triple smoked bourbon to compete with any Islay Single Malt Whisky. I find it remarkable that it has taken so long for Bourbon to step up. They have already won many awards at International Spirit championships. Now to get me a bottle!

The Whisky Notebook StumbleUpon Likes

There are many articles of interest related to the drinks industry outside the scope of The Whisky Notebook environment. Many drinks industry articles of interest, but do not relate exclusively to whiskey, are therefore published to The Whiskey Notebook's StumbleUpon Account as well as on The Whiskey Notebook Google Plus Pages.

Most articles are published to Google Plus. The more 'out there' articles are published to StumbleUpon. Some articles that are of interest and often not related to drinks is also published exclusively to StumbleUpon.

The Full Fabulous Jameson Range - featured December 2012

This article is transferred from the feature section to the 'POSTS' section of The Whisky Notebook to make way for the new feature whiskey for January 2013. Check out this months feature whiskey - Aberlour Single Malt.

The Jameson Range includes Jameson Original, Jameson 12 year old Special Reserve, Jameson 18 year old Limited Reserve, Jameson Select Reserve, Jameson Gold Reserve, Jameson Signature Reserve and Jameson Vintage Reserve.

   

The various expressions of Jameson are each special .

Jameson Original is the reason I drink whiskey today. I started drinking Jameson Original with ginger ale. I still do but more often I drink Jameson with a splash of water. I now drink Jameson Select Reserve more often than Jameson Original. Jameson Select Reserve is a real bargain at the price - R100 more than Jameson Original but worth at least twice that.

Range rating: 97