The Scotch Blog

Serge is going to War...

...and he wants you to join him.

Serge, Malt Maniac and the man behind Whisky Fun has apparently been burned by thieves selling fake whisky on sites such as eBay.

I’ve been caught myself (at least four bottles I think within one year) and that really hit a nerve! That's why I decided to expose all forgeries (or even possible forgeries) on Whiskyfun’s main  page and to simultaneously archive them on this central page.

Serge tells me:

We need to get rid of these people. It's not for the collectors but for the 'little guys' who think they can buy old bottles for relatively cheap and end up with owning USD 3.000 worth of... valueless fakes and may think that the whole whisky world is plain rotten.

But this isn't just a call to arms - Serge is cataloging every fake he comes across on Whisky Fun. So, go read up on Serge's campaign, get informed, and help stop putting money in the pockets of thieves and forgers!

Black Bowmore Competition

This in from Bowmore & Chunk.

Morrison Bowmore Launches Prize Draw to Promote Black Bowmore

Digital marketing agency Chunk has launched a new campaign for Morrison Bowmore, targeting Whisky lovers and collectors Worldwide who have been waiting with anticipation for the release of Bowmore’s oldest ever expression the now legendary Black Bowmore. In conjunction with its release one lucky winner will be drawn at random to win one of these limited edition bottles worth £2000.

Each of the 827 bottles have come from a single cask a vatting of 5 casks filled on the 5th of November 1964 and are individually hand numbered and come with a wooden presentation case.
Bowmore are offering a unique opportunity to own a piece of distilling history by launching a free prize draw to win one of these exclusive bottles. Entries are only open to those of legal drinking age in their respective countries and participants can enter online at www.bowmore.co.uk.

The prize draw is also part of the build up to the new Bowmore campaign which launches at the beginning of next year. The Bowmore Way website, which is aimed at Whisky enthusiasts, includes a host of never seen before lifestyle video tips, public debate and opinion, competitions and much more.

Ewan Morgan, Online Ecommerce Manager for Bowmore, said, “The Black Bowmore prize draw is just the first of many exciting campaigns on the Bowmore website. I’m sure this will help raise the online communities awareness of Bowmore as a premium Single Malt Whisky brand. This is new, exciting ground for us in many respects and we hope to run many more new and exclusive promotions in the near future.”

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This is NOT a paid promotion.

This is a press release.

Whiskipedia is on the Air.

Happy Hogmanay!

In keeping with Scottish First Foot tradition, make sure a dark-haired man (and NOT a light-haired man, or a woman), is the first person to cross your threshold after midnight. He should be bearing a gift. This will ensure good luck in the new year!

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Ian Buxton just let me know that Whiskipedia is live.

It uses a separate registration than The Whisky Channel, but it uses the same engine as Wikipedia, so if you are familiar with posting/reading Wikipedia, they'll be no learning curve.

From the site:

First of all, our thanks are due to Gavin Smith, well-known whisky author, who has kindly provided the overwhelming bulk of the site at launch (1st January 2008) in full recognition that you will probably all mangle it unrecognisably. The launch text is drawn from Gavin's excellent and authoritative book Whisky: A Book of Words (Carcanet Press, 1993),and subsequent paperback edition The A-Z of Whisky (NWP).  A new and fully revised edition will be published sometime in 2008.  BUY THIS BOOK!

However comprehensive this initial coverage it can never be totally complete and some entries require revision. THIS IS WHERE YOU COME IN! The site is arranged in classic 'wiki' format, which means you can add new articles and edit existing entries. Please feel free to do so, bearing in mind some commonsense rules for behaviour:

1. Please log in and identify yourself. Attributed entries carry greater authority. If you want to post it you should be prepared to put your real name to it!

2. Please respect the opinions and views of other users and do onto others as you would be done by. It's a community - be nice.

3.  Distillers/Brand Owners: By all means post an entry on your brand/distillery/key personnel, but confine yourself to matters of fact and historical record. 'Flogs' and blatant puffs will be removed and, if you keep doing it, you'll be blocked! Kindly don't pretend to be a consumer - we've seen that trick before.

4. The site administrator's decisions are final. They may also be arbitary, inconsistent, capricious and downright wilful. Get over it.

Enjoy the site.  In the words of Austin Powers "Oh, behave."  Have fun.

Check it out: www.whiskipedia.ORG.

I've looked at the whisky-related pages on the original Wikipedia and was appalled by the stupidity and inaccuracies I've seen on that site. I'm hoping that this one is better, more accurate and will be the final word in on-line whisky information.

The Marketing of the Ultra-premium Whiskeys

Today's story comes from Foodie & blogger-extraodinaire, Kate Hopkins, the brains behind Accidental Hedonist.

Kate's been getting into our favorite beverage lately and has a great take on the 'surgence' (yeah, yeah, I know - that's not a word) of premium Bourbon.

There's the feeling out there that Scotch drinkers don't like Bourbon and that Bourbon drinkers don't go near Scotch. Speaking from my personal experience and the people that I meet, that's simply not true.

If you know a Scotch snob who looks down his nose at Bourbon, kick him in the nuts and find some new friends.

Coming in 2008 we'll devote a substantial chunk of time to Bourbon. And my annual whisky tasting this year will be focusing on non-Scotch whiskies (yes, like Bourbon), so look for that story. But to whet your appetite for the U.S's official liquor, here's Kate...

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The Marketing of the Ultra-premium Whiskeys
Accidental Hedonist, November 29, 2007
by Kate Hopkins

Eric Asimov, the drink writer at the New York Times, takes a look at bourbon and its increase in popularity.

The dive in sales forced bourbon producers to accept that the whiskey market had changed. They might not be able to compete with vodka, but to avoid permanent relegation to the dusty back shelves of liquor stores, bourbon producers would have to find a way to attract the budding connoisseur class.

For me, this evolution in the whiskey industry here in America is quite fascinating. For all of this talk of "tradition" and "history" in the Kentucky/Tennessee whiskey industries, the fact remains that these companies didn't really hit their stride until our own lifetime. Around the fifties and sixties, Canadian Whisky was the popular drink. Then Jack Daniels and Jim Beam hit their stride in the sixties and seventies, mostly from the fact that they had good financial backing, decent marketing, and the ability to get into markets that other distillers could not. No where on this list is the phrase "devoted to the quality of the product".

The future of the whisky community?

Ian Buxton is about to launch what could be the most ambitious whisky-focused portal ever.

I was asked to be a beta tester, and I can tell you first hand that the site brings together some of the best concepts from online communities: up-to-date news; "friends" and the ability to post messages to and about them; the ability to set up your own blog; and possibly the most interesting feature: Whiskipedia - a whisky focused "wiki".

You'll also be able to post video - sort of like You Tube for whisky...but a bit more adult.

Ian expects to launch at the end of the month...with whiskipedia following by Christmas.  That should give you plenty to do over the holidays.

What's it called? What's the address?

Look for the official announcement in a few days...

The Scotch Blog is the Best!

It's Saturday July, 14th and I've come to Can Can, one of my favorite local restaurants (French-themed if you couldn't guess), for a dinner of Moules & Frites (that's mussels and french fries, savages).

They've asked me to step away from the bar, as the Can Can girls are about to start dancing. On the bar.

My night is looking up.  No, this isn't an everyday occurrence. It's Bastille Day.

I've just picked up my mail from the office and in the pile is the latest issue (#64 - August 2007) of Whisky Magazine, sent to me from my friend Elliot Fishbein, owner of Town Wine & Spirits (Rhode Island, USA)

As some of you know, I moved my residence back in February and apparently one of the things lost in the shuffle was my subscription (Yep, I pay for my subscriptions, just like everyone else.)

Well the reason that Elliot has sent me the issue is that apparently Whisky Magazine says I'm the best.

My night is looking even more up.

The article is called "Blogging It" and despite the fact that "blog" is an integral part of this site's name, I really dislike the term. It's almost dismissive. But I digress. It's The Scotch Blog, and I'm stuck with it for now.

Written by Richard Jones, the article declares that The Scotch Blog is indeed, the best. And I think it is pretty cool to be recognized by a leading industry publication.

The actual article must have been written some time ago as they reference stories from last Fall, but here we are, still going strong, months later.

Reproduced, totally without permission:

www.thescotchblog.com

At the time of this writing, this is simply the best all-around Scotch whisky blog on the web.

Author Kevin Erskine provides frequent, well written, considered and often thought-provoking posts on a range of whisky related subjects. Recent examples of the more controversial variety include 'Men Behaving Badly', a criticism of certain attendees at a recent whisky event and 'Too Many Bruichladdich Editions?' questioning the number of releases from this Islay distillery along with a robust defence by Mark Reynier.

(ed. note - I actually wrote about the issue of too many Bruichladdich expressions in a story called 'A Visit to the Laddie'. Too Many Bruichladdich Editions was Mark's response.)

The blog is an excellent source of up-to-date whisky news with such items as the reorganisation of distillery managers at InverHouse, the latest BenRiach wood finishes and the new-look packaging for Highland Park.

It also has features more commonly found on a traditional website / forum such as 'Ask the Collector', a chance to pick the wisdom of The Whisky Exchange's Sukhinder Singh on matters of rare whiskies and their values.

Kevin is a US based blogger so some of his entries on forthcoming tastings are only of interest to readers on his side of the Atlantic, but this is a minor criticism.

The Scotch Blog is an invaluable, informative and highly entertaining resource for Scotch whisky lovers everywhere.

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Much thanks to Whisky Magazine; Richard Jones and Rob Allanson (Editor) as this is the type of recognition that makes writing The Scotch Blog worth my time. I especially like when terms like "well-written" are used to describe my work.

I'd also like to thank Sukhinder Singh for taking time to actually value the whiskies. He answers 10 emails for every one that makes it on the site.

Of course, I'd like to thank the readers, without whom, this would just be masturbation. In the mental sense of course ;)

Now, who do I talk to about getting nominated as a Keeper of the Quaich?

Other worthy sites mentioned:

The Daily Dram - Dormant since January 2007

Whisk(e)y 2.0 - Hungary represents

Whisky Fun - Malt Maniac Serge Valentin talks whisky and music

Whisky School - Also dormant since January 2007 - but James Thomson of Ladybank likes to come here and argue with me over my views on India :)

Drinking. But not necessarily Scotch.

It's been a while since I've done one of these compilation posts.

This one is about some of the best General Liquor sites. Most of these are by amateur mixologists and professional bartenders. They are witty; have great information; and cover a variety of alcohol beverages.

You only drink Scotch?

Really?

Get a life.

These are the ones I read regularly. I know there are millions more. Some I've never been to; some I've never heard of; some just didn't capture my attention. Sorry if you aren't on this list...

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Jeffrey Morgenthaler

One of the best sites for outspoken commentary about bar-tending stupidity - as well as a great resource for sharpening your bar-tending skills. In addition this is one of the most attractive Blog sites out there...

Cocktails with Camper English

Camper is what we refer to as "a real writer". All over the place but funny and interesting. For extra non-alcohol credit, visit his "Hate Blog"

Days That End in Y

All roads lead to "Days". Good site with lots of good drinking info. But Damn, Mike . . . hire a freaking designer.

The Art of Drink

Unlike most Americans, I actually like Canadians. And though I've never met him, Darcy O'Neil is one of those Canadians I'd like. Serious about his craft, Darcy brings a seriousness to his site. Good stuff.

Martini Groove

Rick Dobbs covers the world of drinks from a drinker's perspective. Great variety of topics. Good stuff. (Formerly known as Martini-Lounge)

Liquor Snob

This is where I go to stay up with the latest releases and coolest drinking gear. Funny, Sarcastic, witty and I do the occasional guest stint there.

Of course I've talked about the wine Blogs I frequent: Dr. Vino & Basic Juice.

I don't read any Beer Blogs. Like the growing number of micro-brewery brands, with witty names and approaching double digit alcohol content, they are like cockroaches. But I do look for articles from Stephen Beaumont and Lew Bryson.

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I really think the better non-professional drinks writers need to join forces; get together; and create a single on-line presence - the ultimate resource for the alcohol loving web-surfer.

Have more suggestions from established sites? Leave them in the comments . . . but please, no self promotion...I'll zap it.

is this bartending?

Don't ask me how I come across this stuff.

This video came up in a search with the description:

At DrinksTv.com vote JC as Best Bartender in South Florida. Rate more hot bartenders on personality, cocktail, & looks at DrinksTv.com

Macallan Rocks

While this is a very complicated drink, I wondered if "JC" was a one-hit wonder.

Nope. He amazed me with this Scotch drink as well:

Glenlivet Rocks

How could you NOT vote for this guy????
 

Hey, how about this self-serving idea?

What do you do when you don't like how the world views your product? Change your product?

HEAVENS NO! You try to change the world.

Apparently that's how the Indian liquor industry views the world of business, because during the World Whiskies Conference, the managing director of India-based United Spirits (part of Vijay Mallya's United Beverages Group) called for the deregulation of the whisky industry.

Apparently they don't like the fact that stringent rules about the definition of whisky prevent their molasses-based rum from being called whisky and sold abroad.

Their solution? Get rid of all those pesky rules & regulations from around the world that define beverage identity.

From ArabianBusiness.com:

The managing director of Indian-based United Spirits has called for the deregulation of the global whisky industry. Speaking at last month's World Whiskies Conference in Glasgow, Vijay Rekhi said steps should be taken towards an all-inclusive category.

"There should be no barrier on whisky definition based on geography, as this can, and does lead to constraints on consumption. Whisky cannot ring-fence itself, so I think we need to broad-base the definition of whisky in all parts of the world," he urged.

In his speech to delegates, Rekhi stressed the potential of the Indian beverage market for Scotch whisky. Despite a global increase in demand for the beverage, the amount exported to India last year dropped by 6%, with the Scottish Whisky Association blaming the Indian tax regime - which can add up to 550% in import duty - for the decline in sales.

Campbell Evans, director of government and consumer affairs at the Scotch Whisky Association responded by saying that the World Trade Organisation's issue of tariffs was totally divorced from the Indian definition point, and therefore something that had to be resolved by the Indian government.

"This is often dressed up as an issue for the Scottish industry, but there are 70 countries around the world that have legal definitions that whisky be made from cereals, so it is a national issue" concluded Evans.

One World Whiskies Conference attendee was at this presentation and told me:

It led to a lively debate and lots of discussion. I think it's fair to say that he didn't convince many people.

This Just In...

Chris Bunting over at Nonjatta, writes to tell us that another site has joined the graveyard...

I feel like a cub watching the passing of the head of the pride. Taylor Smisson has announced that he will no longer be producing the Malt Drinker's Diary, which he has been publishing out of Tokyo for five years. This is sad news indeed.

"Although my enthusiasm regarding single malts has not waned and my health is still good, I find I no longer have the time required to search for, drink, photograph and write about good malt whiskies."

The Malt Drinker's Diary was a tour de force. As Smisson put it: "An ongoing bottle-by-bottle journey through the city that is the Scotch single malt drinker's heaven on earth - Tokyo." The whisky web will be a poorer place without the diary, which was published in both English and Japanese, and it is to be hoped that its 500 plus editions will be preserved as a resource. Smisson managed to taste more than 4,000 bottles of single malt during his odyssey and, though his public whisky adventure may be ending, his personal journey is by no means over. The final post finishes: "See you on the Malt Trail!"

If you are not familiar with Chris Bunting and Nonjatta, it's a fantastic site focusing on the whiskies of Japan - a topic much under-served in the western whisky world. In the future I hope to have Chris share some of his stories here.