The Scotch Blog

Made in America

A couple of Fridays ago, I received an email from Eric Felten (who writes the How's Your Drink? column for the Wall Street Journal). Eric was in the midst of writing a story* and wanted to ask my opinion on the small number of American single malt whiskies currently on - or waiting to hit - the market.

Kevin, I'm working up a column on American single malts, and thought I'd touch base with you to see what your impression of them is -- if you've tried any of them.

What do you think of the concept -- that is, does it make any sense to make Scotch-style whisky in the US when the Scots seem to be doing it pretty well already?

Is it possible to devise a malt whisky that has an American identity?

An interesting question, to which I answered:

Eric,

I have not tried any of them (aside from Anchor's Old Potrero single malt rye).

In concept - Why not?

The problem is that most Americans don't understand that "Scotch" IS whiskey or that (or how) single malts differ from blends. So will they understand that "Wasmund's" is a single malt -  like Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, but not a "Scotch" and not a Bourbon?

American single malts will have the unenviable task of differentiating themselves from Bourbon; Blends; Scotch; Irish Whiskey; Canadian Whisky; etc.

If the boutique American single malts are charging based on their cost (or aspirational pricing) as opposed to what the market will bear - they will have a really tough time.

For better or worse the whisky with an American identity is Bourbon.

Fuelish behaviour & some classy expression

Some of you may have heard that issues with a pier on Islay, combined with rough weather had put a stop to fuel deliveries to the island threatening to put a halt to distillation for a while.

A reader writes to ask:

Dear Scotch Blog,

I've just read the post on Bowmore and its planned makeover.

It mentions " A stylish,very contemporary space with a simple tasting bar arranged to take advantage of picture postcard views over Loch Indaal (giving a good view of iconoclastic local rival Bruichladdich into the bargain!)".

Ruining it for everyone

Were you one of the people who took advantage of an offer for a free hip flask by purchasing a bottle of Glenfiddich?

Were you one of the people who fraudulently tried to get something for nothing?

Apparently there was a code included with bottles of Glenfiddich which offered a free flask - all you had to do was go to a web site, enter the included code and in return, you'd be sent the flask - assuming of course you had purchased a bottle of Glenfiddich.

Alan Lazerow emailed me to ask me if I knew anything about the fact that people had not been receiving their promised flasks.

I contacted Sharon Owen, one of the excellent Glenfiddich & Balvenie U.S. Brand Ambassadors, to see what she could tell me about the issue.

A new chapter for Bowmore

---

Today's story was contributed by Ian Buxton.

Just in case you are not familiar with Ian's work, there is a brief bio at the end of the story. Suffice it to say, I'm honored that Ian reads The Scotch Blog, and I'm bowled over that he thinks enough of it to actually write a story for exclusively for us.

---

There were bright lights, fireworks and lasers on Islay recently as Morrison Bowmore unveiled some radical new changes to their flagship single malt range and revamped visitor facilities.

As part of a "strategic review" of their business the Japanese-owned distiller has decided that new packaging and new advertising is in order for Bowmore, the world's tenth best-selling single malt. Morrison Bowmore sells 132,000 cases of Bowmore worldwide each year but believes there is scope for further growth - but driven by the brand's quality and positioning not aggressive pricing. Key markets are the USA, Asia and tax-free, with a planned £20m investment (approx $39m) scheduled over the next five years.

Glen Moore, the global brand director for Bowmore, said it was "very much a new chapter" for the brand. "This is the most complete review of the Bowmore range in the company's 227-year history and we expect it to put the brand in good shape for the future," he said.

Ask The Collector - HOLIDAY EDITION

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Hopefully your New Year's Eve / Hogmanay was a lot of fun and you all stayed safe.
Unless something REALLY big pops up, this will be the only story this week.

---

And now another installment of our very popular "Ask The Collector" column in which Sukhinder Singh of The Whisky Exchange answers questions about the value of collectible whisky.

The Collector is usually published on the last Friday of each month, but because of the I've combined November & December into a single article.

We generally respond to questions within a day or so (completely dependant upon Sukhinder's schedule).

Remember, when you are in London, you can visit The Whisky Exchange in Hanwell or at their satellite shop at Vinopolis near the Borough Market. And of course you can always visit The Whisky Exchange on-line.

---

We are getting swamped with emails every month! Believe me, we get a LOT of questions and only a small percentage of them make it here - but we try to respond to everyone.

In order to help reduce the amount of work, I thought I'd establish some ground rules:

1. Before emailing, please look through the old "Ask The Collector" stories, to see if a similar bottle has already been appraised. If we get another question about the value of a bottle of White Horse from 1990, I'm going to put my head through the screen.
   
2. Some people have been leaving questions for Sukhinder in the comments. This is a no-no. I will assume any questions left in comments are for other readers to answer and NOT for Sukhinder - If you want Sukhinder's expert opinion please use the "...Ask the Collector" email address in the link to the right.
3. No questions will be considered without an included picture. I spend too much time asking people for pictures. Starting in 2007, I'm afraid we can't respond to any questions which don't include a picture of the bottle. If you don't include a picture, you won't get a response. Make sure your pictures include the fill level as well as the label and any distinguishing characteristics!
4. If Sukhinder makes an offer to buy your bottle, please do him the courtesy of responding whether you accept his offer or not.
5. Please visit The Whisky Exchange - either in person or via their website. Let's support Sukhinder, as he is providing this valuation services for free!

---

Dear Collector,

How much are these worth?

15 year Glendronach
Talisker
Caol Ila
Macallan 1979

Don't know if that is worth anything but the regular value. My brother, Rick, was quite the scotch connoisseur, unfortunately he never got a chance to enjoy all of this. He was killed at 54, 4 years ago. Just thought I would tell you that so you would have some background as to why I have all of this. I think he may have brought some of it back from Scotland in 2000.

Thanks, Robyn B.