Thursday 18 September 2014

This week in whisk(e)y #12

As you might know if you read this blog regularly, we get a fair few interesting press releases and news articles here at TimeforWhisky, and usually try to feature them with our own spin, experiences or comments. Sometimes though, they come thick and fast, and we just don't have time to do them all justice.

So we've decided to take a leaf out of some other excellent whisky blogs, and feature a "PR roundup" every now and then - basically a wrap-up of relevant press releases we've received in the previous week (or other interesting whisk(e)y news Steph & I think you might enjoy). So on with it then...


Cutter joins the anCnoc Peaty Collection
Back in April we mentioned the new AnCnoc "Peaty Collection", and it seems the trio now have a fourth joining their ranks - "Cutter".

"On the 1st of September a new expression has been added to the acclaimed Peaty Collection. Cutter is the fourth in the series and the peatiest one so far. While Rutter, Flaughter and Tushkar had phenol contents ranging from 11 to 15 parts per million (ppm), their new sibling boasts a very high phenol content of 20.5 ppm, putting it in line with some of the most intensely smoky whiskies on the market. It is worth noting that the level of peating is measured on the finished whisky rather than the malt or the new make spirit, giving a more reliable description of the actual perceived level of peatiness. What's more, the phenol content is highlighted on the packaging to help whisky lovers make more informed decisions. 
Cutter is matured in ex-bourbon casks made from American oak. It is bottled at 46% ABV and non chill-filtered. Like all Peaty Collection expressions it is presented at its natural colour, a light shade reminiscent of lemon juice. The aroma is unmistakably peaty with oily smoke followed by a sharper, more medicinal note and a piercing ray of fruit and spice. On the palate it gains even more smoky intensity with ashy overtones, a slight apple-core bitterness and a spicy vanilla heart. This is a richly phenolic whisky for the seasoned peat-lovers or those looking to shine light on their dark side of flavour and experience the full force of a truly peaty dram. 
Cutter will be available from the 1st September in key international markets, such as the UK, Canada, Australia, Germany and France to name but a few."

Cutter will sell for an RRP of $85AUD in Australia. No word yet on its release in Hong Kong.



Celebrate Jack Daniel’s birthday with “The Bar that Jack Built”
If you've been around the whisk(e)y scene for a few years (heck, if you've ever stepped foot into a bar pub that sells Jack in September), you'll probably have heard of "Jacktember", the month-long celebration of Jack Daniel's birthday.

Jacktember this year involves an ambitious new project in “The Bar That Jack Built” – the world’s first crowd-sourced bar built entirely "from the love of Jack Daniel’s", by fans.
"The campaign is being run through social media and kicks off with a recruitment shout-out to all Jack Daniel’s Facebook friends in NSW where the bar will be installed. They are being asked to donate materials, time, expertise and ideas in reward for Jack Daniel’s product and merchandise.  The more they give, the more they get with the biggest contributors getting tickets to the big birthday bash on the 27th of September.   
From the carpenters, electricians and designers who put the bar together, to the artists and musicians who perform on the night, every person’s involvement will come from a love of Jack Daniel’s.  Especially since everyone that participates will be rewarded with Jack Daniel’s product. 
Nora-Kate O’Connell, Brand Manager, Jack Daniel’s added, “We are asking friends of Jack to participate in the creation of a very special moment in Jack Daniel’s illustrious history. We are looking for people who can help us bring the bar to life and celebrate the inspiration that Jack has given people across Australia over the years. Here’s to raising a Jack to Jack this September.”
Having attended many a Jack Daniel's party previously, as well as one of their previous pop-up bars, I can assure you this will be one hell of a party and bar. Find out more information from this video on the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=832815786753077  


Oak Barrel Michter’s Masterclass with Matt Magliocco
Funny timing this one. Since the move into Asia, we've been slowly re-building the basics we had at home, but sadly had to leave behind (thankfully in safe hands). Steph and I used up our measly 1L/person duty free allowance on a few Aussie whiskies, and so the basics like Rye, Bourbon, Gin etc... we needed to re-buy over here.

When looking at Ryes, I stumbled across Michter's, which I'd seen a lot of from reading various US mags, but never tried. As I couldn't find my beloved Bulleit 95, I took a punt and picked up a bottle of the single barrel rye. Tasty stuff.

Then just a week later, I hear that Michter's is officially launching in Australia, with a masterclass held at (where else?) Oak Barrel, led by Matt Magliocco from the distillery, walking guests through a lineup of:

  • Michter’s American whisky
  • Michter's Single Barrel rye
  • Michter’s Small batch Bourbon
  • Michter’s Sour Mash Whiskey
  • Michter’s 10 Year Old Bourbon
  • Michter’s 10 year Old Rye

...for $10? Get outta here.

I'd love to try the 10yo and Small Batch Bourbon, but alas I can't, so you should all go and enjoy a dram (or 6 in fact) for me...



Palazzo Versace to host Chivas Regal Dinner
We've attended our fair share of whisk(e)y dinners over the past few years, and without fail they've always been a whole lot of fun. Sometimes the whisky matches brilliantly, sometimes not so much, but they're always fun-filled events, full of great food, great whiskies and plenty of banter.

So we have no doubt that the upcoming Chivas Regal Tasting Dinner at Palazzo Versace on October 20th will be the same. Hosted by Ben Davidson, National Spirits Ambassador for Chivas Regal (who's a fun fixture at most Chivas events in Australia), the night involves a four course dinner matched to:


...for $99.

$99 for a four course meal in Palazzo Versace's Vie Bar, with four whiskies (one of which you'd probably pay close to $50 for a nip in some bars), hosted by one of Pernod's most knowledgeable whisky folk.... sounds like a great night to us.

Details:
Date: Monday 20th October 2014
Price: $99 per person a four course dinner with Chivas Regal
Time: From 6.00pm
Venue: Vie Bar + Restaurant, Palazzo Versace - Sea World Drive, Main Beach, QLD Australia
http://www.palazzoversace.com.au/event-22

To book, complete the booking form, or emailrsvp@palazzoversace.com.au or call Nicole Blunt on (07) 5509 8000


http://www.oakbarrel.com.au/michters-launch-matt-magliocco/


Cheers, 
- Martin.

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