Ancnoc Single Malt Tasting by Single & Available

It's always interesting to see what latest tipple the good people at Single and Available are bringing in to our sunny shores. Privileged to have with us the Master Distiller all the way from the distillery,  at a very elegant evening tasting soiree at the spanking new WHISKY COVE in the Pavilion Hotel.

AnCnoc (pronounced ANNOCK, the capital C being caps for a reason, ie, it's silent), is made from the purest spring water in Knock Hill (I guess that's where the "NOC" comes in), and their two copper pot stills are made to the same design as they were in 1984, with their wide bases and high necks (somehow images of swans come to mind) give anCnoc the fresh light flavour.

It is indeed very drinkable, the 12 year old glides down the throat effortlessly, is easy on the nose with hints of lemon and maybe caramel, almost sweet in taste.

12

12

The 18 year old is one classy dame..ooops, dram.....more complex than the 12, because it is matured in Spanish Oak Ex Sherry casks, and American oak ex bourbon casks, and not chill filtered.  We didn't get to try it with ice, but presumably it will turn a bit cloudy since it's not chill filtered.  The colour is a darker amber from the 12, with a dried fruity nose, and caramel, spicy taste.

From the rich peaty soils of Scottish uplands, the peat is used as a fuel resource to fire the stills and drying the barley, hence imparting that peaty taste that is actually very mild compared to the Islay ones, making it a perfect dram for those venturing into peat but not quite ready to go all the way.

An impressive ABV of 46%, I personally enjoyed this bottle the most, as it was different, and also I love the dramatic name that sounds like a Scottish medieval war movie.

For more information and pricing, contact the good people at SINGLE AND AVAILABLE.

Single Malt Sdn Bhd
Co number: 507468-W
D-0-3 & D-1-3, Block D, Plaza Damas.
60, Jalan Sri Hartamas 1, Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 6203 2151
Fax: 03 6203 1972

Single & Available, G111A, Ground Floor, Bangsar shopping Centre,
285, Jalan Maarof Bukit Bandar Raya, 59000 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel / Fax: 03 2287 2151

Single & Available, Mercato Lot 1.01, Level 1, Pavillion K.L
55100 Kuala Lumpur
Email: info@singlemalt.com.my

Phone: +60 3 6203 2151

Fax: +60 3 6203 1972

Or click HERE

Johnnie Walkers Blenders' Batch, Limited Edition

THE EVENT...

AT THE.... 

Get it? Well, it's Johnnie Walkers Limited Edition Blender's Batch, held at THE VAULT, in Sri Hartamas.

So, what's it all about?

We all (or at least me and my peers did ) grew up weaned on Johnnie Walker scotch, so it's always had a special place in my heart, and presumably liver.  But of course, over the years, a slew of other brands have appeared, from all around the world.  So, it's not surprising that Johnnie Walker®, the world’s number one-selling Scotch, houses a team of expert blenders that create the perfect blends, while having hundreds of ongoing new experiments with flavours being carried out by them.  Afterall, one has to stay ahead and keep up with the times, much as we have fond memories of the Black Labels, all the way to the Blue.. and beyond.

So, the event was to mark the release of a range of new blends, this being the  Johnnie Walker® Blenders’ Batch.  It's a brand new, limited edition series of experimental whiskies that challenge convention while revealing the skills and continuous pursuit of flavours that drives the small team of expert blenders led by Master Blender, Dr. Jim Beveridge, a man whose personal journey making whisky began over 40 years ago. 

Inspired by the time he spent blending bourbon and rye in Kentucky in the 90s, the first Johnnie Walker Blenders’ Batch series are the result of experiments into the influence of bourbon and rye whisky flavours on Scotch. - (quoted from Press Release)

The night started with a sense of anticipation, with cocktails made by the talented mixologist team at the Vault.

The first cocktail was the Evenfall (I kept thinking of Adele's Skyfall song). which I liked. It comprised the Bourbon Cask & Rye Finish, Vermouth Rosso, A VERY REFRESHING dash of YUZU juice (that was the clincher I think), Maraschino liquer, cinnamon syrup, and lemon rind.

Next was the more Feminine Butterfly, not least because of the Orchid garnish....Being more feminine, it was also a tad too sweet for me.

It's a real pleasure to see these guys at work, so passionate.

Aloshana delivering the keynote address, ... I'm sure I can't have been that drunk, but I don't remember anyone else giving a speech.

Another excerpt from the Press Release:
“The Johnnie Walker blending team believes that experiment is the key to innovation. We have been experimenting with flavours to ensure that the blends are of the best it can be for the past 200 years through various techniques, expertise and advances in science. Globally, interest in whisky is higher than it has ever been and this feels like the right time to open the doors to our experiments. With that in mind, the Johnnie Walker Blenders’ Batch series is the result of our innovation and we believe that by making it available here in Malaysia, our consumers will continue to love the brand, its story and these whiskies even more,” shared Rajesh Joshi, Marketing Director of Moët Hennessy Diageo Malaysia.

The first whisky from the Blenders’ Batch series that is being released is the Johnnie Walker Blenders’ Batch Bourbon Cask & Rye Finish. Bottled in individually numbered bottles, this limited edition liquid is part of the progression in making whiskies that a new generation of whisky drinkers are seeking. The outcome of the experiments focused on what happens when the intensely sweet flavours of bourbon and rye whiskies are brought together with the depth and subtlety of carefully crafted Scotch whisky.

Basically the Bourbon Cask does impart that bourbon flavour, (duhh), and I noticed this was particularly favoured by those who were inclined to bourbon.

On the floor above, guests had the chance to mix their own drinks and cocktails under the guidance of renowned mixologists, Ben Ng from Mish Mash Penang and Jeff from James Won...

After that, there was actually a LOK LOK Food truck (outside, obviously) for guests to fill their tummy.

My own conclusion is that the Blender's Batch is definitely a unique blend, I love that complex bourbon and rye finish, and despite the award winning mixologists concocting their magic, I still preferred to drink it neat, with a little bit of ice.

Of course, being a LIMITED EDITION (that is always the prelude to "not cheap for sure"), it is a bit on the pricey side.  But hey, young people of today have that hashtag right, #yolo.  It really is quite a lovely tipple, and if I had deep pockets, I would not hesitate in getting  few.

Meanwhile, the  Johnnie Walker Blenders’ Batch Bourbon Cask and Rye Finish cocktails, and presumably the whisky on its own, is available at select outlets nationwide including Mish Mash, The Vault, Forking Cork, Urban & Co, Culture Club, Mulligan's Signature, Pawn Room, The Attic, Berlin, Chaze, Suzie Wong, Locker & Loft and O'Sesame for a limited time only.

For more information, please follow:-

Official website : www.johnniewalker.com
Facebook page :https://www.facebook.com/JohnnieWalkerMalaysia/
Official Hashtags : #JohnnieWalker #JohnnieWalkerMY #JWBlendersBatch
#LimitedEdition


For media enquiries, kindly contact:
ROOTS PR Sdn Bhd
Olivia Chan / Aloshana Pandair
+603 7494 0292
olivia.chan@rootsasia.com /aloshana@rootsasia.com

For purchase queries, kindly contact:
diageoinfo@mhdm.com.my

Teeling Whiskey, The Irish Whiskeys (With an "E") Rise From the Ashes of Scottish Domination!!!!

Life really is a continuous learning process.  I did not know that before the great Scottish domination of whisky, was the golden era of Irish Whiskey, spelt with an "E"... and looks like they're poised to make a comeback.

We were privileged to have the company of Martin Lynch, from Teeling Distillery, Ireland, sharing with us about Teeling Whiskey, under the auspicious of local distributor, Single and Available.  A cosy gathering at LaBodega Lounge, it was a fun night with the usual suspects.

We were privvy to three types of Whiskeys that evening, ie, The Single Grain, the Small Batch and the Single Malt.

Three

It was interesting to note that because of the separation of the Republic of Ireland from the United Kingdom, which I just read happened in 1922 under the Anglo Irish Treaty, there was a huge decline in the Irish Whiskey distribution.  Of course, as an ex colony of the the UK, we know how vital the British Empire was in as far as trade was concerned, and how they were effectively the distribution channels to the ends of the earth.  Simple logic dictated that well, since you're no longer part of us, why should we promote your whiskeys...and thus the rise of the the Scottish whiskies, (spelt whisky).

To make things a bit more interesting, instead of the usual food pairing, Martin Lynch decided to pair the whiskies with music, and specifically with music by Irish Singers and bands.

The Single Grain, made from maize and corn, was recently awarded Best Single Grain Whiskey in the World Whisky Awards. It is only one of a handful of single grain bottlings in the world, and is matured in California Cabernet Sauvignon Barrels.  Hence the strong spice and tannins in the taste, with a strong dry finish dominated by wood and spice.

Next, pairing with this  Thin Lizzy song, (this is when Martin asked the audience what was the mistake in the poster, and it was the missing "E") was the Small Batch, a rum finished Irish Whiskey with a distinct character.  Bottled in small batches with no chill filtration at 46%, thus allowing the capturing of all the natural flavours of whiskey.

Finally, the Teeling Single Malt, paired with music from the famous iconic Irish musical, Riverdance.  Made from 100% malted barley of different ages, including some from 1991.  Like all Teeling whiskeys, it's bottled with no chill filtration at 46%, and is vatted in 5 different wine casks, including Sherry, Port, Madeira, White Burgundy and Cab Sauv.

It's always a fun party with Single and Available....

And check out this cool key chain.  The phoenix is the logo because like the mythical bird, it has risen from the ashes....

The Story of Teeling and Irish Whiskies is written so well, that I shan't even bother trying to paraphrase these excerpts:

Right in the heart of the Liberties, against the backdrop of a city steeped in whiskey history, the Teeling Whiskey Distillery opened its doors in 2015 as the first new distillery in Dublin for over 125 years. Once home to over 37 distilleries, Dublin is no stranger to the craft of whiskey making. Distilling is in the fabric of our city and our family, this is more than a beginning, this is a revival. With one eye on the past, but looking to the future, we’re the new generation of Dublin distillers. We approach our craft with a respect for generations passed but with the confidence to forge the next chapter. Here at the home of the Spirit of Dublin, the liquid tells the story.

For more information or to purchase, contact
Ms. Abigail Chua
Brand Executive
Single Malt Sdn Bhd

Office: (03) 62032151
Fax: (03) 62031972

Glengrant Comes of Age, There's an 18 Year Now!!!

It's always nice to be able to have the odd tipple or two before noon, it gives life such a holiday feel, so I was quite happy to attend the Glen Grant Media launch at 11am one fine morning, at the Westin KL, upon the kind invitation of Tim Chew of Malaysia's Hottest Blogger fame.

The event was actually to showcaase the latest premium offerings of Glen Grant’s finest, which now includes The Major’s Reserve, 10 Year Old, 12 Year Old, 18 Year Old and a selection of limited edition bottles; Gracing the event was Glen Grant’s award-winning Master Distiller, Dennis Malcolm, who has been with the distillery over 50 years.

According to Dennis, who is the longest tenured Master Distiller still in service in Scotland, “We are delighted to launch our new range of aged products and unveil our brand new, contemporary logo and packaging. Glen Grant has made a significant investment in its production within the worldwide luxury whisky market to meet the increased consumer appetite for premium whisky with a rich background. We are extremely proud of our new look which perfectly represents the passion, craftsmanship and family heritage of Glen Grant, while staying true to our Scottish heritage. We are confident that through our unique quality and history, our new aged range of products will prove extremely popular with our consumers.”

It was interesting to see the signficance behind the new Glen Grant logo, which is the Grant family monogram, with the letters ‘J’ ‘R’ and ‘G’ delicately intertwined in a timeless design. ‘J’ for James ‘The Major’ Grant and ‘R’ for his first wife Rose, emphasising the deeply rooted family heritage which helped to produce one of the world’s finest single malt Scotch whiskies.

A video sequence of the "launch" would probably have been better, but anyway, there you have it, the unveiling of the 18 years and ahem, again, we were the first in the country and apparently in the region, to have a taste of this glorious nectar of the gods.

There's always a palpable sense of anticipation when you see one of these tasting sheets...

We start with the 10 year old....

The 10 Year Old – Golden in colour, the 10 Year Old lingers in the mouth with a soft almond finish. For the last four years, the 10 Year Old has won the “Best Single Malt Scotch: 10 Years and Under” category award in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible. In addition to this, in 2015 the 10 Year Old also took home the guide’s top honour for single malts by winning overall Single Malt of the Year (Multiple Casks).

The 12 Year Old – A bright, golden colour and pleasant aromas of orchard fruit, almond and citrus, , and on the palate notes of apple pie crust and caramel, finishing with lingering fruit and subtle hints of spice. The 12 Year Old was recently awarded the IWSC GOLD 2016, Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Speyside, 12-13 Years Old.

The 18 Year Old – The rarest in the collection is the new Glen Grant 18 Year Old. This unrivalled single malt Scotch whisky matures for at least 18 years in the highest quality, handpicked oak casts, which creates a radiant golden colour and seductive floral and oaky aroma. Deeply layered and complex, this rich and vibrant whisky delivers beautifully intricate flavours of malted caramel, vanilla, and raisins and lingers with a long, sweet and pleasantly spicy finish.

And there you have it, the trio of a fine drop.

According to Malcolm, the casks in the distillery are only used a maximum three times.  The 15 year old which  no longer in production to make way for the 18 year old.  Quite interesting, that story as to why only now they are producing an 18 year old.  Although the distillery itself is old, it was recently (by recently I mean in 2006 or so??) by Campari, and there was some complicated clause regarding the age of the whiskies that could be kept.

For more information, please contact:

Shahlini T.Arasu
(email) shahlini@gmail.com (mobile) 012 334 3042

Susy Lee
(email) susyssl@gmail.com (mobile) 012 378 2243