The Scotch Blog

Whisky School sets sail for Islay

This is from my friends at Whisky School:

Gordon, The Alchemist, thought it was time for some spring cruises around the whisky isles so we located a newly refurbished 6 cabin boat that would fit the bill.

Gordon is a co-founder of  the Islay distillery Bruichladdich (re-opened in 2000) and his family distillery is Springbank. He knows his way in these waters and spent his childhood holidays in the area.

If you would like to join Gordon on one of our Whisky School Cruises fill in the contact form below and we’ll tell you more. The first sailing will be Saturday 26th May and the itinerary is open and being planned as I write so if you gather a few friends it’s quite likely we’ll adjust either a 3-day or a 6-day route to suit.

Rigorous study of fine whiskies will take place in hard to access sheltered locations as the sun slips below the western skyline. There is no doubt that this could be an unbelievable experience in the hands of a truly genial and welcoming host - Captain Wright of the good ship Islay Ahoy!

To sign up, visit Whisky School.

Re-org at Inver House

Inver House has announced a major re-org - four of their five distilleries now have new managers.

The moves include:

Pulteney Distillery Manager, Malcolm Waring
Balblair Distillery Manager, John MacDonald
Knockdhu Distillery Manager, Gordon Bruce
Balmenach Distillery Manager, Fred Sinclair

Bobby Anderson stays in place at Speyburn.

In addition, Derek Sinclair takes the helm as Group Distilleries Manager – a promotion from his previous position as DM at Balblair.

John MacDonald, previously worked as the Assistant Distillery Manager of Glenmorangie, is the outsider  and brings 17 years of malt whisky distilling experience with him to the role.

Malcolm Waring, who previously worked at Pulteney is looking forward to returning to Pulteney.

I am delighted to be returning to Pulteney as Distillery Manager.  All the DMs at Inver House are close and we regularly speak to each other - sharing our ideas and experiences. It is an incredibly proud moment for me and a great opportunity for us all.

Martin Leonard, Operations Director of Inver House adds:

It is an exciting time for Inver House. We are growing as a group and are delighted that we have been able to promote a number of our experienced and loyal members of staff in these changes. We have a great mix of talent, experience and enthusiasm within the team and I wish them success in their new roles.

New Scotch Blog Shirts...

The Famous Grouse and I have teamed up to offer you this season's must wear item.

This great shirt features The Famous Grouse logo on the front, along with one of the current ads - "On Ice" - on the back. But what makes this shirt really snazzy is the new The Scotch Blog logo on the left sleeve.

Sorry, but the shirt is only available in one size - Large.

While the shirt is not Free, it is pretty cheap. $4.95 which includes Shipping & Handling (and helps offset printing costs). As usual these are only available in limited quantities.

For an even better deal, order the Malt Whisky Yearbook and shirt together for only $30! (sorry, this MWY is offer only available to US residents).

Click here to order through Doceon Press...

Tastings in NYC

The Drammies

The nominations are in, will be finalized, and will be announced on December 8th. I'm so excited.

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Scotch & Poetry

Is there anything that says, “The holidays are here,” more than a bunch of poets sipping whisky? And besides, doesn't poetry sound better when you are drinking?

The Bowery Poetry Club is hosting a Single Malt Scotch Holiday Poetry Slam.

This fourth annual event features 6 poets reading descriptions of six single malts as the audience samples the whiskies. The audience votes on the poets and single malts. Door prizes include the Highlands Tweeds Coastal Single Malt Sport Jacket by Orvis and a one-night stay at the luxurious Equinox Hotel in Vermont.

Where: 308 Bowery at Houston
When: Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006, 5pm
Cost: $20 includes 6 single malts! ($15.00 in advance at virtuous.com)

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Park East Grill - Glenrothes Scotch Tasting Dinner
Three Courses & Three Single Malt Scotches
Featuring Commentary by Glenrothes' Killy Smith

See the Menu

Where: Park East Grill
When: Monday, January 8, 2007, 7 pm
Cost: MENTION SPECIAL CODE "SCOTCH20" BEFORE 12/8/06 TO RECEIVE 20% OFF YOUR BILL

Park East Grill
1564 2nd Avenue
New York, New York 10028
Phone: 212-717-8400