UBWS and World Whisky News
11/08/13
Distilling Port Charlotte (Again)
After a long run of unpeated Bruichladdich through the stills we have started to distill heavily peated Port Charlotte spirit this morning. We plan to be running Port Charlotte for around a month before changing again, to Octomore, the heaviest peated whisky in the world. The Octomore will take us through to the Christmas holiday.
The first 7.2 tonne batch of the pungent, peat-infused Port Charlotte grist was soaked in our lovely old cast iron mash tun on Wednesday of last week, the maximum amount of sugar being gently extracted to give a sweet wort.
After a long run of unpeated Bruichladdich through the stills we have started to distill heavily peated Port Charlotte spirit this morning. We plan to be running Port Charlotte for around a month before changing again, to Octomore, the heaviest peated whisky in the world. The Octomore will take us through to the Christmas holiday.
The first 7.2 tonne batch of the pungent, peat-infused Port Charlotte grist was soaked in our lovely old cast iron mash tun on Wednesday of last week, the maximum amount of sugar being gently extracted to give a sweet wort.
Bruichladdich
10/04/13
Scotch Distilleries Pronunciation Guide
Brian Cox, esteemed actor and proud Scot, sips his way through more than 40 brand names to help you out at the bar, the liquor store, and beyond
Brian Cox, esteemed actor and proud Scot, sips his way through more than 40 brand names to help you out at the bar, the liquor store, and beyond
Esquire
07/20/12
Can Scotch In A Can Stand Up To The Real Thing?
According to Men's Health Guy Gourmet Blogger Clint Carter "pitting cheap Scotch from a can against Johnny Walker is like locking Justin Bieber in a UFC cage with George St. Pierre, or signing Mary-Kate Olsen up for a hot dog eating contest with Joey Chestnut. You know who's going to win before the showdown starts. But let's be honest: Scottish spirits was asking for a battle. Putting single-malt Scotch into a can is a supreme act of arrogance, and as such, it deserves to be appraised without mercy."
Shutout, TKO, bloodbath - pick your metaphor. The contest played out exactly how you'd expect; every taster knew immediately which Scotch was which. The canned whisky was described as "almost carbonated" and "like colored vodka." The Johnnie Walker, on the other hand, was extolled for being deep, rich, and shot through with all the barrel's smoke and vanilla character.
Although Scottish Spirits' canned Scotch didn't make an impact, nobody was terribly offended, either. All tasters agreed that it was surprisingly smooth for an 80-proof spirit, and some commented that it had the soft sweetness of sweet apple candy.
According to Men's Health Guy Gourmet Blogger Clint Carter "pitting cheap Scotch from a can against Johnny Walker is like locking Justin Bieber in a UFC cage with George St. Pierre, or signing Mary-Kate Olsen up for a hot dog eating contest with Joey Chestnut. You know who's going to win before the showdown starts. But let's be honest: Scottish spirits was asking for a battle. Putting single-malt Scotch into a can is a supreme act of arrogance, and as such, it deserves to be appraised without mercy."
Shutout, TKO, bloodbath - pick your metaphor. The contest played out exactly how you'd expect; every taster knew immediately which Scotch was which. The canned whisky was described as "almost carbonated" and "like colored vodka." The Johnnie Walker, on the other hand, was extolled for being deep, rich, and shot through with all the barrel's smoke and vanilla character.
Although Scottish Spirits' canned Scotch didn't make an impact, nobody was terribly offended, either. All tasters agreed that it was surprisingly smooth for an 80-proof spirit, and some commented that it had the soft sweetness of sweet apple candy.
Men's Health Guy Gourmet Blog
07/19/12
Jefferson's Ocean Aged Bourbon
Accoring to ShakeStir.com Castle Brands introduces Jefferson's Ocean-Aged Bourbon, the latest addition to the Jefferson's Bourbon line of "Ridiculously Small Batch" whiskies. Jefferson's Ocean-Aged Bourbon is blended in Kentucky, aged in barrels for almost four years on a 126-foot research vessel and bottled at 88 proof.
This blend is inspired by the sheer curiosity of what effects temperature changes, salt air and continuous rocking of the sea would have on bourbon's aging process. The ocean's conditions allowed the whiskey to mature faster, producing a dark bourbon. There are only 250 bottles of this bourbon available which will release nationally.
Jefferson's Ocean-Aged Bourbon is priced at $200 per bottle.
Whether or not it's worth that kind of money is another question.
Accoring to ShakeStir.com Castle Brands introduces Jefferson's Ocean-Aged Bourbon, the latest addition to the Jefferson's Bourbon line of "Ridiculously Small Batch" whiskies. Jefferson's Ocean-Aged Bourbon is blended in Kentucky, aged in barrels for almost four years on a 126-foot research vessel and bottled at 88 proof.
This blend is inspired by the sheer curiosity of what effects temperature changes, salt air and continuous rocking of the sea would have on bourbon's aging process. The ocean's conditions allowed the whiskey to mature faster, producing a dark bourbon. There are only 250 bottles of this bourbon available which will release nationally.
Jefferson's Ocean-Aged Bourbon is priced at $200 per bottle.
Whether or not it's worth that kind of money is another question.
ShakeStir.com
05/18/12
Lottery Millionaire To Turn Belfast IRA Prison Into Distillery
An infamous Belfast prison which held Irish Republican inmates during the Troubles, is to be transformed into a whiskey distillery, as part of the city's regeneration plans.
The Crumlin Road Gaol prison, which was built in 1845, held such influential leaders as Eamon de Valera, Gerry Adams, and the Rev Ian Paisley in the past.
The prison which has laid empty since 1996, will be the new site for Belfast's first whiskey distillery in 75 years.
Millionaire lotto winner Peter Lavery who runs the Belfast Distillery Company (BDC) has signed a lease to establish a Cooley Distillery in a wing of the derelict Victorian era building.
A former bus driver, Lavery launched two new whiskeys last year, under the Titanic and Danny Boy brands, which are distilled at the Cooley Distillery in County Louth.
An infamous Belfast prison which held Irish Republican inmates during the Troubles, is to be transformed into a whiskey distillery, as part of the city's regeneration plans.
The Crumlin Road Gaol prison, which was built in 1845, held such influential leaders as Eamon de Valera, Gerry Adams, and the Rev Ian Paisley in the past.
The prison which has laid empty since 1996, will be the new site for Belfast's first whiskey distillery in 75 years.
Millionaire lotto winner Peter Lavery who runs the Belfast Distillery Company (BDC) has signed a lease to establish a Cooley Distillery in a wing of the derelict Victorian era building.
A former bus driver, Lavery launched two new whiskeys last year, under the Titanic and Danny Boy brands, which are distilled at the Cooley Distillery in County Louth.
irishcentral.com
04/10/12
ISS Ready To Make Own Batch Of Ardbeg
A Scottish whiskey distillery recently began a two-year experiment to answer maybe the most important question in human history: does zero gravity make alcohol taste more excellent? Thanks to the heroes on the International Space Station, we'll soon have an answer.
The Ardbeg Distillery, which has been producing whiskey on the Scottish island of Islay since 1798, sent some of the basic components of their whiskey up to the International Space Station back in October. The cargo included compounds of unmatured malt and particles of charred oak, the same materials that go into the barrels used in the aging process. The plan is to see how these complex molecules, collectively known as terpenes, interact in zero gravity conditions.
A Scottish whiskey distillery recently began a two-year experiment to answer maybe the most important question in human history: does zero gravity make alcohol taste more excellent? Thanks to the heroes on the International Space Station, we'll soon have an answer.
The Ardbeg Distillery, which has been producing whiskey on the Scottish island of Islay since 1798, sent some of the basic components of their whiskey up to the International Space Station back in October. The cargo included compounds of unmatured malt and particles of charred oak, the same materials that go into the barrels used in the aging process. The plan is to see how these complex molecules, collectively known as terpenes, interact in zero gravity conditions.
io9.com
04/06/12
New Beer's Eve (1933)
New Beer's Eve is an unofficial holiday in the United States, celebrating the end of Prohibition in the United States.
The beginning of the end of Prohibition in the United States occurred as a result of the Cullen-Harrison Act and its signing into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on March 23, 1933. Sales of beer in the U.S would become legal on April 7, 1933, provided that the state in question had enacted its own law allowing such sales. The beer had to have an alcohol content less than 3.2% (4% ABV), compared to the 0.5% limit of the Volstead Act, because 3.2% was considered too low to produce intoxication. On the evening of April 6, people lined up outside breweries and taverns, waiting for midnight when they would be able to legally purchase beer for the first time in over 13 years. Since then, the night of April 6 has been referred to as "New Beer's Eve."
New Beer's Eve is an unofficial holiday in the United States, celebrating the end of Prohibition in the United States.
The beginning of the end of Prohibition in the United States occurred as a result of the Cullen-Harrison Act and its signing into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on March 23, 1933. Sales of beer in the U.S would become legal on April 7, 1933, provided that the state in question had enacted its own law allowing such sales. The beer had to have an alcohol content less than 3.2% (4% ABV), compared to the 0.5% limit of the Volstead Act, because 3.2% was considered too low to produce intoxication. On the evening of April 6, people lined up outside breweries and taverns, waiting for midnight when they would be able to legally purchase beer for the first time in over 13 years. Since then, the night of April 6 has been referred to as "New Beer's Eve."
Wikipedia
04/01/12
New Bottles for April of 2012
- Auchentoshan "Heartwood"- This Duty-free only Western Lowlands single malt combines the perfect balance of rich whisky aged in Oloroso sherry casks, with a nuttiness from bourbon cask maturation.
- BenRiach "Pedro Ximenez"- A Speyside Lossie single malt finished in Pedro Ximenez Sherry butts, sourced from the bodegas of Jerez de la Frontera in Andalucia, Southern Spain.
- Bowmore Chateau D'Yquem finished (Murray McDavid), SB CS, 11yo (1999/2010)- A single barrel cask strength South Shore Islay single malt additionally matured in a Chateau D'Yquem cask (Sauternes). We previously tried the Chateau Lafite Rothchild version.
- Caol Ila, 12yo- a classic staple single malt from Islay's North Shore: Caol Ila's beloved standard 12 year old expression.
- Double Barrel by Douglas Laing (Highland Park, Bowmore), 10yo- Another brilliant release from Douglas Laing's Double Barrel series combining 2 casks from 2 distilleries. Should be interesting!
- Glenrothes "Robur Reserve"- this Duty-free only Speyside single malt has been matured in casks made from northern Spanish oak trees (Quercus Robur) which give the bottling it's name.
- Littlemill, 12yo- we add a new distillery to our list with this Lowland single malt. A rare opportunity to try a dram from a silent distillery which was closed in 1996.
- Redbreast,12yo, Cask Strength- a very limited release of one of our favourite Irish whiskies at full cask strength. Matured in Oloroso Sherry and Bourbon casks.
- Rock Hill Farms- a crowd favourite returns in the form of this Kentucky Straight Bourbon produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery bottled at an unusual 50% (100 proof)
- RoughStock Montana Malt Whisky- we're adding a new State and a new distillery to our record: our first Montana single malt!
- Willet Pot Still Reserve - The Willett Distilling Company, which has been family, owned and operated since 1935, is now the home of Kentucky Bourbon Distillers, Ltd. This estate reserve is from Barrel #8046 with only 256 bottles produced. It is bottled in a lovely glass pot still decanter.
Kolja Erman
03/22/12
Glenfiddich Breaks World Record With $94K Whisky
Adrian Grenier recently hosted an event celebrating Glenfiddich's 125th Anniversary at which a bottle of 55-Year-Old Glenfiddich "Janet Sheed Roberts Reserve" was sold for $94,000.
You read that number correctly. The winner, Mahesh Patel, must have the world most impressive taste buds because there has never before been a $94,000 whisky. This is a new world record for most money paid for the spirit at auction. Patel is actually an whisky investor, but I like to think he\'s going to go home and drink it. Maybe he has a rough day at the office and decides to down his sorrows in liquid gold.
Scratch that. At yesterday's closing price for gold, this whisky is officially worth 2.24x more than the precious metal is per ounce!
Adrian Grenier recently hosted an event celebrating Glenfiddich's 125th Anniversary at which a bottle of 55-Year-Old Glenfiddich "Janet Sheed Roberts Reserve" was sold for $94,000.
You read that number correctly. The winner, Mahesh Patel, must have the world most impressive taste buds because there has never before been a $94,000 whisky. This is a new world record for most money paid for the spirit at auction. Patel is actually an whisky investor, but I like to think he\'s going to go home and drink it. Maybe he has a rough day at the office and decides to down his sorrows in liquid gold.
Scratch that. At yesterday's closing price for gold, this whisky is officially worth 2.24x more than the precious metal is per ounce!
Guyism.com
03/15/12
Frustrated Fruit Flies Turn To Drinking
"Rejection stinks. It literally hurts. But worse, it has an immediate and negative impact on our brains, producing withdrawal symptoms as if we're quitting a serious addiction cold turkey. It's no wonder, then, that we are tempted to turn to drugs to make ourselves feel better. But we're not the only species that drowns our sorrows when we're lonely - as a new study in Science reveals, rejected Drosophila do, too. Scientists have found not only will these sexually frustrated flies choose to consume more alcohol than their happily mated peers, sex and alcohol consumption activate the same neurological pathway in their brains."
"Rejection stinks. It literally hurts. But worse, it has an immediate and negative impact on our brains, producing withdrawal symptoms as if we're quitting a serious addiction cold turkey. It's no wonder, then, that we are tempted to turn to drugs to make ourselves feel better. But we're not the only species that drowns our sorrows when we're lonely - as a new study in Science reveals, rejected Drosophila do, too. Scientists have found not only will these sexually frustrated flies choose to consume more alcohol than their happily mated peers, sex and alcohol consumption activate the same neurological pathway in their brains."
Scientific American
03/01/12
New Bottles for March of 2012
The Feature: Bruichladdich "Hart Brothers - Ardbeg Matured", 16yo (1994/2010)
The Stock Bottles:
The Feature: Bruichladdich "Hart Brothers - Ardbeg Matured", 16yo (1994/2010)
The Stock Bottles:
- Aberlour "Double Cask Matured", 12yo
- Ardbeg, 10yo
- Auchentoshan "Bordeaux Cask Matured", CS, 11yo (1999/2010)
- Auchentoshan "Valinch" CS (2011)
- Blair Athol "Provenance - K&L Exclusive", CS, 11yo (1999/2010)
- Laphroaig, 10yo
- Laphroaig "Cairdeas Ileach
- MacDuff "AD Rattray", CS, 10yo (2000/2011)
- Willet SB CS, 7yo
Kolja Erman
02/21/12
Kentucky Bourbon Trail
Found an interesting link, if any of you are planning a vacation in Kentucky. You can visit six distilleries in two days.
Found an interesting link, if any of you are planning a vacation in Kentucky. You can visit six distilleries in two days.
Jim Leuper
02/10/12
A Drinking Game You Play with Your iPad
Proof is an elegantly designed web app drinking game for the iPad that encourages you to learn something about alcohol while you're drinking alcohol. But don't think of it as a college frat boy power hour drinking game, instead think fancy man with a glass of scotch drinking experience.
The "game" puts you on a virtual tour of Scotland through the use of different kinds of single malt scotches. You'll learn more about what single malt scotch is, where it's made and offer up tasting notes so you can focus on the drinking and not the getting drunk part (which will inevitably come). If it all sounds incredibly stuffy and snooty, well, it kind of is. But Proof wants you to have fun with the whole experience and I can get down with anything as long as alcohol's involved. Check it out, it's free anyway.
Proof is an elegantly designed web app drinking game for the iPad that encourages you to learn something about alcohol while you're drinking alcohol. But don't think of it as a college frat boy power hour drinking game, instead think fancy man with a glass of scotch drinking experience.
The "game" puts you on a virtual tour of Scotland through the use of different kinds of single malt scotches. You'll learn more about what single malt scotch is, where it's made and offer up tasting notes so you can focus on the drinking and not the getting drunk part (which will inevitably come). If it all sounds incredibly stuffy and snooty, well, it kind of is. But Proof wants you to have fun with the whole experience and I can get down with anything as long as alcohol's involved. Check it out, it's free anyway.
Andy Romine/Jim Leuper
02/01/12
New Bottles for February of 2012
Kolja Erman
01/06/12
New Bottles for January of 2012
The Feature: Glenmorangie Signet
The Feature: Glenmorangie Signet
- Auchentoshan Limited Edition 1998
- Bruichladdich Rum Cask, 17yo
- Cooley 2011 Irish Single Malt (AD Rattray Cask Collection)
- Glen Moray, 12yo
- Hooker's House Bourbon
- John L. Sullivan Irish Whiskey
- Laphroaig 2010, 11yo., Chateau Lafite Rothchild Matured (Murray McDavid)
- Three Ships Limited Edition, 10yo. South African Single Malt
- Wemyss "Smooth Gentleman", 8yo.
Kolja Erman
01/04/12
Scotch In A Can
According to Esquire Scottish Spirits Imports has proposed a canned whisky which is set to hit shelves in US outlets soon. There is some criticism being leveled at this venture in the Scottish homeland because of concerns that putting 12 oz of hard liquor into a non-resealable container may promote excessive drinking. If the Scottish become concerned about excessive drinking... one should probably listen.
According to Esquire Scottish Spirits Imports has proposed a canned whisky which is set to hit shelves in US outlets soon. There is some criticism being leveled at this venture in the Scottish homeland because of concerns that putting 12 oz of hard liquor into a non-resealable container may promote excessive drinking. If the Scottish become concerned about excessive drinking... one should probably listen.
Kolja Erman
01/04/12
The Health Benefits of Whisky
LiveStrong.com reports that although any type of alcohol can be deadly in excess, the medical community has found some health benefits to drinking moderate amounts of alcohol, especially whiskey. Low-fat, low-carb whisky can cut the the risk for having a stroke or developing dementia in old age in half and slash diabetes risks by up to 40% because of alcohol's ability to increase good cholesterol and decrease blood clots. In addition alcoholic drinks, especially whisky, contains ellagic acid, an anti-oxidant which can destroy cancerous cells.
LiveStrong.com reports that although any type of alcohol can be deadly in excess, the medical community has found some health benefits to drinking moderate amounts of alcohol, especially whiskey. Low-fat, low-carb whisky can cut the the risk for having a stroke or developing dementia in old age in half and slash diabetes risks by up to 40% because of alcohol's ability to increase good cholesterol and decrease blood clots. In addition alcoholic drinks, especially whisky, contains ellagic acid, an anti-oxidant which can destroy cancerous cells.
Anthony Lanni
07/01/11
Uisge Beatha Whisky Society is proud to present a very special whisky tasting:
On Wednesday, July 13th, 2011, 7pm, we will be hosting Nicholas Pollacchi, Balvenie Ambassador for the Western US, as well as Mitch Bechard, West Division Glenfiddich Ambassador, in the Hidden Room.
Join us for this unique opportunity to taste a range of whiskies from two of the most wellknown distilleries in Scotland.
Please note: attendance is strictly limited and by invitation only. July members will be given the opportunity to RSVP for this event via evite. Make sure to RSVP as soon as possible!
On Wednesday, July 13th, 2011, 7pm, we will be hosting Nicholas Pollacchi, Balvenie Ambassador for the Western US, as well as Mitch Bechard, West Division Glenfiddich Ambassador, in the Hidden Room.
Join us for this unique opportunity to taste a range of whiskies from two of the most wellknown distilleries in Scotland.
Please note: attendance is strictly limited and by invitation only. July members will be given the opportunity to RSVP for this event via evite. Make sure to RSVP as soon as possible!
The Society
06/28/11
Whisky Magazine has published the results of the 2011 World Whisky Awards!
Here's a few of the winners:
Here's a few of the winners:
- World's Best Single Malt: Yamazaki 1984 - a steal at a measly 600 bucks!
- World's Best Blended Whisky: Hibiki 21yo
- World's Best Blended Malt Whisky: Taketsuru Pure Malt 21yo
- World's Best North American Whiskey: Parker's Heritage Collection 10yo Cask Strength Wheated Bourbon
- World's Best Grain Whisky: Greenore, 15yo
- Best Campbeltown Single Malt Whisky: Springbank, 12yo
- Best Highland Single Malt Whisky: Glenmorangie Signet
- Best Islay Single Malt Whisky: Bowmore Tempest
- Best Island Single Malt Whisky: Highland Park 25yo
- Best Speyside Single Malt Whisky: Glenfarclas 40yo
- Best Lowland Single Malt Whisky: Auchentoshan 1998 Sherry Matured
- Best Irish Single Malt Whiskey: Bushmills 16yo
- Best Japanese Single Malt Whisky: Yamazaki 1984
- Best Rest of the World Single Malt Whisky: Kavalan Solist Sherry Cask (Taiwan)
- Best Irish Pot Still Whiskey: Redbreast 15yo
- Best North American Bourbon Whiskey: Parker's Heritage Collection 10yo Cask Strength Wheated Bourbon
- Best North American Non Bourbon Whiskey: Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye
- Best Rest of the World Blended Whisky: Three Ships Bourbon Cask Finish (South Africa)
Kolja Erman
04/22/11
With fuel prices rising like they are going crazy, a man from Kentucky probably came up with what is thought to be a solution to gas prices of today. A 62 year-old man, Mickey Nilsson, of Bardstown, Kentucky, made a bourbon-powered junk car.
It took Nilsson approximately six months to manufacture the vehicle which actually runs on a $24 Makers Mark bottle of bourbon. "The car will run on almost any bourbon, but she really purrs on Maker's Mark" said Nilsson.
It took Nilsson approximately six months to manufacture the vehicle which actually runs on a $24 Makers Mark bottle of bourbon. "The car will run on almost any bourbon, but she really purrs on Maker's Mark" said Nilsson.
Kolja Erman
02/08/11
Spend your Valentine's Day with either or, preferably, both! A new Ardbeg ad courtesy of...
Jim Leuper
10/11/10
This year the number one whisky is a blended scotch. #2 is a rye, and #3 is a bourbon. The #1 single malt is the octomore orpheus 2.2.
Ballantine's Takes Top Honours In 20100 World Whisky Awards
A blended scotch whisky has swept aside all single malt rivals to take the prestigious Jim Murray's Whisky Bible Award for 2011.
Ballantine's 17-year-old has topped all other whiskies in this year's publication, which includes 4,500 different brands - of which over 1,000 new entries were tasted by Jim Murray in six months. Single malt scotch, often a whisky preferred by whisky lovers, failed also to take either the runner's up or third spot. Second place went to Thomas H Handy Sazerac Rye (129 proof) ahead of William Larue Weller (134.8 proof), both from the same distillery: Buffalo Trace.
Speaking at the publication of the Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2011 Jim Murray said, "Blends are seen by many as the poor relations to single malts. Ballantine's 17 proves, quite spectacularly, what many of us have known for a great many years: it isn't. A blender has the chance to create something unique and quite beautiful by putting together many whisky styles. With Ballantine's 17, the blender has done his job in glorious, quite majestic fashion.
Giving the blend 97.5 points out of 100, Jim Murray describes the whisky as "one of the most beautiful, complex and stunningly structured whiskies ever created."
And in another boost for unsung whiskies, the own label Irish whiskey from Sainsbury's Dún Léire Aged 8 Years Single Malt, won Irish Whiskey of the Year, the first time a supermarket brand has gained top country honours in The Whisky Bible. Produced by the Cooley Distillery for Sainsbury's Jim Murray said, "this is Cooley at its best and a very astute and masterful piece of whiskey buying".
Ballantine's Takes Top Honours In 20100 World Whisky Awards
A blended scotch whisky has swept aside all single malt rivals to take the prestigious Jim Murray's Whisky Bible Award for 2011.
Ballantine's 17-year-old has topped all other whiskies in this year's publication, which includes 4,500 different brands - of which over 1,000 new entries were tasted by Jim Murray in six months. Single malt scotch, often a whisky preferred by whisky lovers, failed also to take either the runner's up or third spot. Second place went to Thomas H Handy Sazerac Rye (129 proof) ahead of William Larue Weller (134.8 proof), both from the same distillery: Buffalo Trace.
Speaking at the publication of the Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2011 Jim Murray said, "Blends are seen by many as the poor relations to single malts. Ballantine's 17 proves, quite spectacularly, what many of us have known for a great many years: it isn't. A blender has the chance to create something unique and quite beautiful by putting together many whisky styles. With Ballantine's 17, the blender has done his job in glorious, quite majestic fashion.
Giving the blend 97.5 points out of 100, Jim Murray describes the whisky as "one of the most beautiful, complex and stunningly structured whiskies ever created."
And in another boost for unsung whiskies, the own label Irish whiskey from Sainsbury's Dún Léire Aged 8 Years Single Malt, won Irish Whiskey of the Year, the first time a supermarket brand has gained top country honours in The Whisky Bible. Produced by the Cooley Distillery for Sainsbury's Jim Murray said, "this is Cooley at its best and a very astute and masterful piece of whiskey buying".
Brent Watkins
09/28/10
Check Out Theses Upcoming Public Whisky Events!
September 29th (tomorrow, reservations required. Call: 323-662-9024):
Silverlake Wine will be hosting a craft whiskey tasting at Cliff's Edge Restaurant, on Sunset Blvd. in Silverlake. The event will take place next Wednesday, September 29th at 7 PM and will feature 6 different Whiskeys: Colorado, Corn, Rye, Bourbon, Single Malt and white whiskey. Reservations are required and space is limited so please call the store to make a reservation, or if you have any other questions regarding the tasting. The cost will be $30 a person and payment is cash only at the door.
See you there.
George
Silverlake Wine American Craft Whiskey Tasting:
Wednesday, September 29th 7 PM Sharp
@ Cliff's Edge Restaurant
3626 Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, Ca 90026
$30 Cash only
October 8th:
WhiskyFEST - Friday, Oct 8th 6:30-9:30
San Francisco Marriott
October 13th:
WhiskyLIVE - Wed, Oct 13th 5:30-10
Beverly Wilshire Hotel
Amrut tasting events with the executive director Rick Jagdale:
October 10th:
Event 1 - 1 oz pours of 6 Amrut bottlings
Sun Oct 10th 2010 3-5pm
Retailer:
Wine House
2311 Cotner Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Ph: 310-479-3731 for tickets
Contact is Coffield or Richard
$25 price ($20 for LA scotch club and LA Whisky Society members)
Event Location:
Restaurant above the Wine House
October 11th:
Event 2 - 1 oz pours of 6 Amrut bottlings
Monday Oct 11th 2010 7-9pm
Retailer for tickets:
Silverlake Wine
(323) 662-9024 for tickets
Contact is George
Event 2 Location:
The Griffin Bar
3000 Los Feliz Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90039
Price $20
October 12th:
Event 3 - 1/2 ounce pours of only the malts: Amrut Peated, Amrut, and Amrut Fusion
Tuesday Oct 12th 2010 6:30- 9 pm
Location:
Seven Grand Bar
515 W. 7th Street, Ste. #300
Los Angeles, CA 90014
Price $0
September 29th (tomorrow, reservations required. Call: 323-662-9024):
Silverlake Wine will be hosting a craft whiskey tasting at Cliff's Edge Restaurant, on Sunset Blvd. in Silverlake. The event will take place next Wednesday, September 29th at 7 PM and will feature 6 different Whiskeys: Colorado, Corn, Rye, Bourbon, Single Malt and white whiskey. Reservations are required and space is limited so please call the store to make a reservation, or if you have any other questions regarding the tasting. The cost will be $30 a person and payment is cash only at the door.
See you there.
George
Silverlake Wine American Craft Whiskey Tasting:
Wednesday, September 29th 7 PM Sharp
@ Cliff's Edge Restaurant
3626 Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, Ca 90026
$30 Cash only
October 8th:
WhiskyFEST - Friday, Oct 8th 6:30-9:30
San Francisco Marriott
October 13th:
WhiskyLIVE - Wed, Oct 13th 5:30-10
Beverly Wilshire Hotel
Amrut tasting events with the executive director Rick Jagdale:
October 10th:
Event 1 - 1 oz pours of 6 Amrut bottlings
Sun Oct 10th 2010 3-5pm
Retailer:
Wine House
2311 Cotner Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Ph: 310-479-3731 for tickets
Contact is Coffield or Richard
$25 price ($20 for LA scotch club and LA Whisky Society members)
Event Location:
Restaurant above the Wine House
October 11th:
Event 2 - 1 oz pours of 6 Amrut bottlings
Monday Oct 11th 2010 7-9pm
Retailer for tickets:
Silverlake Wine
(323) 662-9024 for tickets
Contact is George
Event 2 Location:
The Griffin Bar
3000 Los Feliz Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90039
Price $20
October 12th:
Event 3 - 1/2 ounce pours of only the malts: Amrut Peated, Amrut, and Amrut Fusion
Tuesday Oct 12th 2010 6:30- 9 pm
Location:
Seven Grand Bar
515 W. 7th Street, Ste. #300
Los Angeles, CA 90014
Price $0
Alex Gurevich
09/03/10
As a thank you for bringing the Society its 250th unique whisky, an AD Rattray bottling of a 19yo Balblair from 1990, we gifted a bottle of his favorite Glenmorangie "Lasanta" to the lucky donor, Anthony Lanni.
We can add another country to our growing list: today the society tasted its first French whisky, a bottle of peated single malt Armorik, courtesy of yours truly. The whisky doesn't open up immediately but give it a few minutes in the glass and a couple of drops of water and you'll find that it transforms into a very solid and quite nice dram.
We can add another country to our growing list: today the society tasted its first French whisky, a bottle of peated single malt Armorik, courtesy of yours truly. The whisky doesn't open up immediately but give it a few minutes in the glass and a couple of drops of water and you'll find that it transforms into a very solid and quite nice dram.Kolja Erman
What whisky looks like under a microscope...08/25/10
We have a new feature: come and get your share!This week's feature bottle is a Welsh single malt whisky, the peated Penderyn. We had a regular non-peated Penderyn feature back in '08 courtesy of Will Bilton. Try this one out to see how this fairly young distillery has evolved since.
The new feature was brought over from the UK and presented to us by Robert Crawford.
Kolja
08/24/10
WineMag.com reports that "at the 2010 World Whisky Awards whiskies from Japan won prizes in two of the top three categories for Scottish-style whisky. No one was surprised; Japanese whiskies have been snapping up awards at international competitions for the last decade."
Kolja
08/22/10
Two new bottles have arrived at the bar!The first is a lovely sherry matured single cask independent bottling by AD Rattray of a Balblair single malt at full cask strength.
The second is an unusual peaty Speysider, the 10yo. "Curiositas" from the BenRiach distillery.Make sure to try them both!
Thank you Anthony!
Kolja
08/17/10
LiveAucioneers.com has apparently auctioned off 3 bottles of "Dharma Initiative" branded whisky. The "Dharma Initiative" labels were used on bottles of alcoholic beverages through the the series "Lost". Some information on this can be found at LostPedia.David Lawson
08/17/10
The BBC reports: Edinburgh Napier University has developed a new biofuel made from whisky by-products. It is the result of two years work by the universities biofuel research centre.The £260,000 project was funded by Scottish Enterprise's Proof of Concept programme.
It has been welcomed by WWF Scotland's director Dr Richard Dixon who said it would help a "clean environment" industry to reduce transport emissions.
As part of the research, the centre was provided with samples of whisky distilling by-products from Diageo's Glenkinchie Distillery in Edinburgh.
Kolja
08/16/10
Welcome to the all new UBWS website. This is it! No more! I'm done! Only minor tweaks and content updates from here on out...
Kolja
08/13/10
MSNBC reports: A crate of Scotch whisky that was trapped in Antarctic ice for a century was finally opened Friday - but the heritage dram won't be tasted by whisky lovers because it's being preserved for its historical significance.The crate, recovered from the Antarctic hut of renowned explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton after it was found there in 2006, has been thawed very slowly in recent weeks at the Canterbury Museum in Christchurch on New Zealand's South Island.
Russell
10/10/08
Even with the bar area still unpacked and not completely in order we will be having some whisky tasting tonight. Also we are going to do another collection towards the fund for feature bottles so if you could try and bring twenty dollars along with you that would be great. We are also thinking about another round of donated bottles but more of that to come after we get more settled. See you all tonight at the new location for a dram or two.
For those that don't know the new location is FAB 128A.
For those that don't know the new location is FAB 128A.
Stu
09/29/08
As we didn't manage to get to the feature on Thursday last week we will be cracking this open this coming Wednesday. The feature is a 28yr old Port Ellen shown in the feature window below. See you all Wednesday.
Stu
05/08/08
Friday 23rd May 08 at 6pm: tonight we will have a new feature bottle as well as 2 other new Single Malts. The feature is a rare Signatory bottling of a 21yr old 1981 Brora, a now silent distillery. Brora, also once known as Old Clynelish, is located at the east coast of the northern Highlands. It was founded in 1819 by the Marquis of Stafford and changed its name to Brora when a new Clynelish distillery opened just across the road in 1969. After changing its name to Brora the distillery produced some more heavily peated whisky with a solid reputation. The other two new bottles tonight include a Signatory bottling of a 12yr old 1990 Glenrothes as well as a peated Irish Single Malt, the 12yr old Connemara. Of course we will also have another blind tasting courtesy of Alex Gurevich.
See you all there...
See you all there...
Kolja
04/11/08
Tomorow, Friday 9th May 08 at 6pm we will be having the first of our "blind" whisky tastings. In order to get some data for ratings to whiskies we have in stock, and also for a bit of fun, we will be conducting a blind tasting every Friday. We will present a single bottle for the blind tasting and each person will receive one dram from the bottle. From this you will be expected to fill in a very quick and simple form (sorry as there is only one bottle per Friday once the bottle is finished blind tasting will be over for that night). Alex Gurevich who put together the form you will fill in will be collating the information and will let everyone know the results through the mailing list on the following Monday. he will also reveal the bottle we are tasting when everyone present has filled in their form. The hope is that eventually all this data will be represented in the ratings on our website so that we get an overall picture of the more popular whiskies that the group enjoys. Please respond to the mailing list if you are thinking of attending tomorrow night at the following address layout-uisge-beatha@dreamworks.com
Further to this, tomorrow we will also be having our first bourbon whiskey tasting night at the gathering. Graham Whitted is next up on the feature list and has purchased a bottle of the highly rated George T. Stagg Kentucky Bourbon especially to coincide with this event. So there is a lot happening at the next gathering of the Whisky Society so get yourself along and join in. See you all tomorrow night.
Further to this, tomorrow we will also be having our first bourbon whiskey tasting night at the gathering. Graham Whitted is next up on the feature list and has purchased a bottle of the highly rated George T. Stagg Kentucky Bourbon especially to coincide with this event. So there is a lot happening at the next gathering of the Whisky Society so get yourself along and join in. See you all tomorrow night.
Stu
03/28/08
Will has now fixed the calendar to reflect the correct dates for future gatherings, And other news is Nathalie Buce is the provider of tonight's feature whisky which is a 16yr Bowmore 1990 Limited Edition, Sherry Matured, Cask Strength, Islay Malt. That's a bit of a mouthful now wasn't it.
02/28/08
Tomorrow night we will have a new feature chosen by Mr Alex Powell and for those of you who enjoyed the 10yr Ardbeg this may be one you want to get along and try as we have a bottle of Ardbeg Uigeadail for your delectation. See you all tomorrow night.
Stu
02/20/08
Sorry there is no new feature tonight but we did have a batch of new bottles for tasting added last Friday including, Amrut (Indian Whisky), Tyrconnell Irish Whiskey in a Madeira cask finish, Powers Gold Label Irish Whiskey, Laphroaig 10yr Cask Strength, Lismore Scotch Whisky, Compass Box Peat Monster Scotch Whisky, Talisker 10yr and Talisker 18yr Scotch and finally the feature for last week the 18yr Extremely Rare Glenmorangie.
Also those still to taste the 25yr Highland Park from a couple of weeks ago are as follows and should get along tonight if possible.
Martin Costello
Mark Fitzgerald
Spencer Knapp
Katie Jones
See you all tonight
Also those still to taste the 25yr Highland Park from a couple of weeks ago are as follows and should get along tonight if possible.
Martin Costello
Mark Fitzgerald
Spencer Knapp
Katie Jones
See you all tonight
Stu
02/14/08
Just a couple of notes on tonight's gathering. We have a new feature, 18yr Old Glenmorangie Extremely Rare, selected by none other than Miss Cortney Armitage. Also tomorrow night there are a couple of other interesting aquisitions, a couple of old favourites and some brand new labels to the society. I also would urge that people bring along $20 towards future features as we are now out of funds due to our last two purchases. (Those listed below have already paid). Finally to those society members that still have not tasted the 25yr Old Highland Park please try and make it along for at least a taste of this and the current feature tomorrow. See you all tomorrow night with money in hand. Stu
The next gathering will be Friday 15th.
The next gathering will be Friday 15th.
02/06/08
There is a gathering of the Whisk(e)y Society tonight and for those that didn't get a taste of the 25yr old Highland Park try and get along tonight to experience one of the most popular featured bottles to date. We do not have a feature tonight but there were a couple of new bottles added to the stock last week so get along and enjoy some of these. Also I'll be looking for another $20 from everyone as we are very low on money for the feature whisk(e)y fund.
Stu
01/30/08
Based on the popularity of the 18yr old Highland Park that JC Alvarez chose some months back I think it's safe to say that everyone will be interested to get a sample of our next featured bottle, a 25yr old Highland Park. Because of the 18yr's popularity we'll be restricting everyone to one dram each in order that everyone, currently a member, gets a chance to taste what hopefully should be one of the premium whiskies we will have sampled since our inception. See you all this Friday 1st at 6pm.
The next gathering will be Friday 1st. fyi UBWS is low on stock !
NEWS FLASH: 25th January - HAPPY BURNS DAY IN SCOTLAND !!! HAGGIS DAY
There is a gathering of the Whisk(e)y Society tonight and for those that didn't get a taste of the 25yr old Highland Park try and get along tonight to experience one of the most popular featured bottles to date. We do not have a feature tonight but there were a couple of new bottles added to the stock last week so get along and enjoy some of these. Also I'll be looking for another $20 from everyone as we are very low on money for the feature whisk(e)y fund.
The next gathering will be Friday 1st. fyi UBWS is low on stock !
NEWS FLASH: 25th January - HAPPY BURNS DAY IN SCOTLAND !!! HAGGIS DAY
There is a gathering of the Whisk(e)y Society tonight and for those that didn't get a taste of the 25yr old Highland Park try and get along tonight to experience one of the most popular featured bottles to date. We do not have a feature tonight but there were a couple of new bottles added to the stock last week so get along and enjoy some of these. Also I'll be looking for another $20 from everyone as we are very low on money for the feature whisk(e)y fund.
01/18/08
Okay folks so tonight is a "feature" night. Jason McDade is back with us in full fitness but also with a feature bottle in his possesion. So get yourselves along tonight and sample a whisky from a Highland distillery nestled at the foot of the Ochil Hills in Perthshire, Scotland. Tullibardine Single Malt Vintage 1992 is on offer tonight and boasts a 93 point rating in JIm Murray's 2007 Whisky bible and is a whisky that is considered "eminently quaffable". See you all hopefully tonight.
The next gathering will be Friday 18th.
The next gathering will be Friday 18th.
01/09/08
Unfortunately Jason is out sick today so no new feature tonight but hopefully see a lot of you there anyway. Next up to purchase the feature bottle is Jason McDade. Will update the page when we have any info on what that will be.
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!!!
For those that can make it along the next gathering of the Whisk(e)y Society will be this coming Friday 4th January.
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!!!
For those that can make it along the next gathering of the Whisk(e)y Society will be this coming Friday 4th January.
12/17/07
Mr J T Bird is planning on bringing some Stones Ginger wine (very christmassy and british) to mix with the Whisky in Wednesday.
Mr Andrew Pilgrim has selected as our latest feature for 12/19/2007: Caol Ila
And a quick message from Matt Schmidt: 2007 whisky awards
Mr Andrew Pilgrim has selected as our latest feature for 12/19/2007: Caol Ila
And a quick message from Matt Schmidt: 2007 whisky awards
12/10/07
This week, due to the Annual Scanning Memorial Xmas Party taking place on Friday 14th Dec, we will be moving the Whisky Society's next gathering forward to the Wednesday 12th Dec. We should have a new feature whisky for this next gathering provided by Dave Valera.
See you all there Wednesday,
See you all there Wednesday,
Stu
12/06/07
Maybe a little out of our price range????? Rare Scotch whisky sells at auction for 20,000GBP
No feature tonight but for those that didn't make it along last Friday come along and try the Bowmore comparison taste test.
No feature tonight but for those that didn't make it along last Friday come along and try the Bowmore comparison taste test.
Stu
11/30/07
Tonight we have four whiskies to taste as a comparison of like verses like.
- Bowmore 12 year old
- Bowmore 12 year old (Bordeaux wine casked)
- Bowmore 12 year old (port casked)
- Bowmore 15 year old (sherry casked)
Robert Crawford
11/29/07
We will be tasting a new "feature" in the upcoming gathering on Fri 30th Nov which will be selected by Robert Crawford.
Stu
Keep it safe. Taste moderately. Take a cab.
Chorus:
Campbeltown Loch I wish you were whiskey,
Campbeltown Loch och-aye!
Campbeltown Loch I wish you were whiskey,
I would drink you dry.
Campbeltown Loch I wish you were whiskey,
Campbeltown Loch och-aye!
Campbeltown Loch I wish you were whiskey,
I would drink you dry.
Now Campbeltown Loch is a beautiful place,
But the price of the whiskey is grim.
How nice it would be if the whiskey was free
And the Loch was filled up to the brim.
But the price of the whiskey is grim.
How nice it would be if the whiskey was free
And the Loch was filled up to the brim.
I'd buy a yacht with the money I've got
And I'd anchor it out in the bay.
If I wanted a sip I'd go in for a dip
I'd be swimmin' by night and by day.
And I'd anchor it out in the bay.
If I wanted a sip I'd go in for a dip
I'd be swimmin' by night and by day.
We'd have a gathering of the clans
They'd come from near and far
I can see them grin as they're wading in
And shouting "Slainte mhor!".
They'd come from near and far
I can see them grin as they're wading in
And shouting "Slainte mhor!".
But what if the boat should overturn
And drowned in the Loch was I?
You'd hear me shout, you'd hear me call out
"What a wonderful way to die !"
And drowned in the Loch was I?
You'd hear me shout, you'd hear me call out
"What a wonderful way to die !"
But what's this I see, ochone for me
It's a vision to make your blood freeze.
It's the police afloat in a dirty big boat
And they're shouting: "Time, gentlemen, please!"
It's a vision to make your blood freeze.
It's the police afloat in a dirty big boat
And they're shouting: "Time, gentlemen, please!"