Jura 1993 Boutique Barrel

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No matter what your passions in life are you will always have some sort of annoying gaps in your knowledge of them. There is always that film buff that hasn’t seen any of the Star Wars epics or the music aficionado who hasn’t gotten round to sitting down and really listening to Dylan. It’s exactly the same in the wonderful world of whisky. Every single day I am surrounded by walls and walls of the wonderful stuff and I often amaze/shock/scare myself by just how many of them I have tried. If I haven’t tried a whisky it can be hard to explain the character to an interested party who happens to wander through the doors. Of course there are some of the more expensive and rare vintages that I’ve never managed to wrap my lips around and then there are the ones that I have just inexplicably missed. They may have been released before I started my ramble through the whisky wilderness or may have just slipped under my radar. They sit on the shelves whilst I look at them wondering “how in the name of Zeus did I miss that?”

Being a bit of a geek I’ll generally try and track them down in some way or another to give them a try but sometimes this is easier said than done. Either they are so exclusive that samples are harder to get your hands on than a leprechauns gold or it just seems that they came out a while back and everybody has drank it. The latter seemed to be my dilemma when it came to the Jura Boutique Barrels releases. Three totally different single cask whiskies released by the Isle of Jura distillery to show the diversity of their spirit. We’ve had some here in the shop since we opened all the way back in June and I’ve been dying to give them a try. Very recently in a conversation with a representative from the parent company of Jura I dropped some not so subtle hints about wanting to try them but never having the chance. A week or so later a sample arrives (cheers Graham!) and I finally get to learn about these interesting little gems from the distillery.

The sample I received was from the 1993 Vintage Sherry JI release. Aged in American white oak from 1993 to 2002 the spirit was then transferred to an Oloroso sherry cask to add unique and exciting flavours to the typical Jura style.

Jura 1993 Sherry JI Cask
54% ABV
£74.00 at Whiskishop

Nose: Nutty and sweet. You get the distinct notes of Jura but notice how they are pulled in a totally different direction. Burnt sugar and cinnamon sticks develop mixing with caramel and treacle. Sweet and spicy! Water really softens down the initial bite with butter and honey taking pride of place.

 

Palate: Like licking a toffee covered pine cone- lots of sweet enjoyable woody notes. A light smoke comes in as well. Develops into bitter dried fruits and dark chocolates in the finish. Adding water helps bring down the burn but takes very little away from the original flavours.

Overall: A real cracker that was well worth the wait. Very different to any Jura that I have tried before and I think that makes it a bit special.

Well that is one of those missing drams taken care of. A few more to try and track down though. We also have the 1995 Bourbon JO cask in stock at the moment. I wonder where I can grab hold of a sample of that…

 

 

VALENTINES DAY – WHAT WOMEN WANT !

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Well, my perspective anyway, here goes…

First thing we don’t want to hear is “what a load of rubbish this Valentines Day nonsense is, why do we have to celebrate on one day only … blah blah blah …!”  Yes, we understand but on this special day we want you to show a bit of extra care and attention and put some thought into the day/evening – not too hard is it ?

So the ranting out of the way and there are three main things to consider :

1)         Card 
2)         Nice meal out somewhere
3)        Lovely thoughtful present

Cards
Got to be tasteful, nothing funny (or “meant” to be funny) and nothing rude – just a lovely card with some nice words inside. Got to be easy this one!

Nice Meal Out Somewhere
Now this is a crucial one – what we don’t mean is stay in and you cook with all the resulting mess and us having to help clean up or us cooking a romantic meal at home! Oh no, we mean just what it says – we want to go out somewhere nice and not have to clean up or be distracted by any urgent household matters.

So where exactly do we want to go, well somewhere with a lovely Valentines menu that is dark and romantic feeling. This doesn’t equate to the local boozer or an impersonal chain restaurant that has a 2-4-1 voucher ! Choose carefully as you will be judged on this choice and don’t for whatever reason ask us where we want to go and then when we suggest somewhere, reply with  “Ok then, where else is there?  Don’t try and change it once you’ve asked for our choice – easier to just not ask and book somewhere, be decisive, go on … we like that  – makes a nice surprise and the brownie points will be racking up.

Once we are there, we like nice wine and something sparkling, maybe a glass of Champagne or Prosecco – don’t moan about the prices or all that all you want is a pint! Let the conversation flow and don’t talk all night about sport or your job – just don’t.

What about WHISKI Rooms special Valentines menu – ticks all the boxes.

Lovely Thoughtful Present
This is the icing on the cake and there is only one rule here – buy what we will like and  not what you would like. It’s hard and we are all guilty of it but if you love beers and your partner likes wine or gin then don’t buy her a gift hamper of Scottish beers so that she can try them!

Obviously if you are not married and want to ask that special question, Valentines night is a great night to do it.

Underwear – always tricky and I would steer clear as one size in one shop is not the same in another – and buying a wrong size is not a good start especially if it is many sizes too big or small !

Cushions or things for the house – no way – simply do not go there, they are not for us personally and we will not  be impressed – you have been warned.

Cosmetics – yes if you know the brand but not for anti-wrinkle creams – need I say more.

Perfume – always good if you know what we like at that moment in time but tastes do change. Your choice is not necessarily ours and what the salesperson recommends must not be taken as gospel – proceed with caution.

Ok, so a few hints and tips and here are a few recommendations that we can help you with here at the WHISKI Shop.  You know what we like to eat and drink so what about one of  WHISKI Shops beautiful gift hampers, this is just a selection but we can custom make them with anything you desire in them – we can even post them out worldwide if required.

Christian Audigier Champagnes £55.oo

Christian Audigier Chamnpagnes

Christian Audigier Chamnpagnes

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

What about a Wine and Scottish Gin Hamper, £54.70

Wine and Gin Hamper

Wine and Gin Gift Hamper

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just a few ideas, we have loads of options in our shop – pay us a visit

Happy Valentines Day  and hope you have a great night !

Valentine’s Day- What men want!

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Valentine’s Day can be a real ‘Catch 22’ situation if you’re of the male persuasion. I’d like to start by saying that not every guy in the world looks toward February 14th with the same sort of enthusiasm they have for electroshock treatment. Most of the gentlemen I am acquainted with take every chance they get to spoil their special someone and view Valentine’s Day as one of the best days of the year to do just this. It does seem, however, that they are in a bit of a no win situation as well. It seems to me (and it may only be me) that Valentine’s Day has been completely handed over to spoiling ladies whilst we men run around making bookings for fancy restaurants and keeping surprises to ourselves whilst making it look like we’re not keeping secrets from you. Not an easy task I tell you but all worth it. Until that is it comes to the exchanging of gifts.

Ah yes the gifts. The real make or break part of any Valentine’s Day. The number of do’s and don’ts you can read about when buying presents for women on Valentine’s Day is crazy. From diamond necklaces to engraved champagne bottles there is a world of choice to pick from when it comes to your lady. I often feel that we men can get left behind in the crazy world of Valentine’s gift giving. Here are a few suggestions to help you choose something that he will really enjoy.
For the man who buys you chocolates and flowers

Balblair 2000- These are tough economic times and there is a good chance that you and your partner don’t have oodles of spare cash. It really can be the thought that counts and this lovely fresh little number won’t leaveanyone disappointed. £39.95 at Whiskishop.com.

 
For the man who buys you Champagne

Highland Park 18 year old- Champagne adds a bit of class to any occasion and so does this wonderful whisky from Orkney. Rich and full with the slightest note of smoke. £68.99 at Whiskishop.com

 
For the man who buys you diamonds

Dalmore King Alexander- If he’s gone that little bit further then maybe you should too. A beautifully complex whisky from six different casks it truly would make a whisky lovers Valentine’s complete. £135.99 at Whiskishop.com.

 

A fine group of whiskies for any dram lovers there. Happy Valentine’s Day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whiskies for Burns night at home

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As we mentioned before the Whiski Rooms are hosting a wonderful Burns night dinner on the 25th of January to celebrate Scotland’s national poet in style. You can read about that here. However there maybe circumstances that stops you from coming along to partake in our festivities on that particular evening. Maybe you live on the other side of the world or perhaps you’re reading this from some rupture in time and space that the human race is yet to discover. Either way you can always enjoy a wonderful Burns supper in the comfort of your own home. All you’ll need is some good quality Haggis (don’t ask what it’s made from. Just enjoy it), a smattering of swedes (not people from Sweden. The vegetable.), a good few potatoes and some fantastic Scotch whisky to compliment the whole thing.

Now when it comes to which whisky to have along with your dinner it can prove to be a tricky little pickle. In one of life’s great ironies Scotland’s national food is notoriously difficult to match with Scotland’s national drink. With so much going on, both in the glass and on the plate, it can be a gastronomic minefield. We’ve prepared a few suggestions to help point you in the direction of some whiskies that we use on a day to day basis to balance the flavours just right. Follow our advice and all you’ll have to worry about is whether or not to tell everyone that you’ll be serving vegetarian haggis because the shop was sold out of the regular stuff. With a nice whisky sauce I’m sure that they’d struggle to taste the difference.

 

Talisker 10year old £35.99. Buy online at Whiskishop.com

Talisker is the whisky that many people fall back on when serving haggis. Why? Simply because it’s flavours match that of haggis so well. Smokey and briny with a totally unique peppery quality all of its own it stands up and compliments almost any haggis dish. The only problem of matching Talisker 10 year old with haggis is that you’ve probably tried it before. If you want to branch out with something a bit different then why not try…

 

Talisker 57 North £67.99. Buy online at Whiskishop.com

This cask strength bottling from the Talisker distillery proves to be a wonderful change up when served with a Burns supper. Stronger in alcohol then the standard 10 year old you can water to suit your own palate whilst enjoying a slightly smoother Talisker experience full of citrus fruits that make the mouth water.

 

Bowmore 15 year old £54.99. Buy online at Whiskishop.com

If someone has gone to the effort to make a suitably scrumptious sauce for your supper on Burns night you might want a whisky that has a suitably smooth character to it. Notes of spicy raisins, sweet dates and the slightest trace of the classic Islay smoke it’s famous for the Bowmore 15 year old adds a touch of luxury to a simple dish of haggis, neeps and tatties.

 

Ardmore Traditional £36.50. Buy online at Whiskishop.com

Young whisky works amazingly well with haggis. The sharp flavours compliment the spices wonderfully. Ardmore has spent time in quarter casks which helps settle it some some degree but with a nice whaft of smoke coming through as well this on is a dark horse when matching whisky with your traditional Scottish meals.

 

Benromach 10 year old £30.99. Buy online at Whiski shop.com

This independently owned distillery makes whisky the traditional Speyside way. Using peated barley and a mixture of bourbon and sherry casks their whiskies have a lot of character and body to them- perfect for stacking it up against a spicy haggis. Lots of dry woody notes and spirity characteristics make this a darn fine choice for any Burns night.

With the whisky sorted and all the ingredients for your meal tucked away safe and sound you should really start learning up on the address to a haggis. It is eight verses long. Here’s a little link to get you started- To a haggis by Robert Burns

Burns Night at the Whiski Rooms

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January isn’t the busiest of months here in Scotland. When it comes to tourists during the inaugural month of the year they tend to spend their winter days whizzing down the slopes of The Alps or heading south of the equator to catch some much needed sun.

That’s fine with us locals. We really need a hearty rest after showing them what Hogmanay is really about and then keeping the party going for a couple of days after that to really hammer home how it’s done. A little known secret in these parts is that the second week in January is the unofficial Scottish detox start date. Statistics (that I’ve just made up) say that at least one in every three people swear that they’ll starting dieting and not imbibe in any of the alcoholic treats they normally do until they get ‘fit’ again. They generally say this will take ‘about a month’. The rest of us quietly support them and wait for the inevitable conditions to start piling in. For every “I’ll only have a drink at the weekends” there is someone else saying “If I still avoid chocolate I can still eat crisps, right?” Usually by about two weeks later everyone has given up and we can all get back to normality which is handy because one of the highlights of the Scottish calendar is right around the corner.

January 25th is internationally known as a day of celebration for our national poet Robert Burns. A simple farmer’s son he grew up to be a wizard of words crafting some of the best known songs and poetry in the world today. The main part is, of course, the Burns supper itself. A magnificent mix of food, whisky and poetry it is truly dinner with a difference. This January 25th we will be hosting our very own Burns supper here in the Whiski Rooms. A three course dinner including all the food you could want plus bagpipes and whisky. A real Scottish night out if ever there was one. If you’ve never been to a Burn’s supper before then I’d be sure to book a place. They really are something else. If you have, then why not come for an evening of exuberance and entertainment in a world heritage location here at the Whiski Rooms.

A fantastic night of Haggis, Whisky and some of the finest written prose known to mankind awaits you. Surely that detox can wait until February?

 

 

BURNS NIGHT SUPPER

25th JANUARY 2012

£27.95 pp

*

Cock-a-leekie soup

*

Award winning MacSweens Haggis with Neeps and Tatties served with our delicious whisky cream sauce.
 (Traditional or Vegetarian Haggis)

*

Cranachan

*

Complimentary nip of Scotch single malt whisky to toast the Bard the evening will also include bagpipes, speeches, music and song!

The Burns night supper begins at 7.30pm

Call 0131 225 7224 or email bar@whiskirooms.com  to book.

Celebrate New Years Eve @ Whiski Rooms

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Yes, it’s fast approaching – 2012 that is and what better way to spend it than at our exclusive dinner party at WHISKI Rooms – bookings being taken now.
Avoid the cold and crush and pop outside to see the magnificent fireworks and then head back to your own table to welcome and celebrate 2012 arrival.

————————————————————————————-

NEW YEARS EVE DINNER PACKAGE £80 pp
(includes street party wrist bands to gain access )

Join us on New Year’s Eve for our exclusive dinner party to celebrate the arrival of 2012 in style and comfort. Our pakage includes street  wrist bands so that you can pop outside to see the magnificent fireworks if you want and then return to your table to continue the celebration in the magnificent WHISKI Rooms.  

OUR MENU

Glass of Prosecco & Canapés on arrival

*****

Jerusalem Artichoke Veloute
Haggis Bon Bons with Plum Sauce

*****
Sorbet
*****

Prime Fillet of Beef Wellington, Fondant Potato, Seared Foie Gras and Red Wine Jus
Half Lobster, Champagne Sabayon, Saffron Aioli, Fennel Chips

*** Vegetarian option on request ***

*****
Whisky  & Chocolate Delice with Mulled Wine Syrup
Scottish Cheese, Biscuits and Homemade Chutney

*****

Tea / Coffee and Chocolates

BOOK NOW

Christmas Hampers

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It’s the season to be jolly and deck the halls with bells of holly!I’m sorry for this awful rhyme,  

It is, of course, CHRISTMAS TIME!!!

Ah yes, Christmas! The only time of year it’s acceptable to over drink, over eat and for children to not only sit on the lap of fat man wearing a fake beard but to queue for the privilege. I jest of course. I am one of those individuals that still get hugely over-excited about the festive season. I just can’t help myself because there is just so much to look forward to. Not only do you have the best meal of the year but there is the possibility of snow! ACTUAL SNOW! Even just thinking about it makes me feel like fetching my fingerless mitts and going to the nearest old folks home to sing them carols. I won’t though. They’ve done nothing to deserve such torture. Besides I’ve got loads to do here in the shop at the Whiski Rooms.

For all the amazing things about this merry time of the year it does come with its pitfalls as well. Travel issues, family disputes and the old conundrum of gift giving. Personally I’m finding it harder every year as my family and social circles expand into something that will last for a long, long time. Nobody wants to be the guy that bought his girlfriend’s granny an Alice Cooper CD. Trust me. It did not go down well. Some gifts take a lot of thought. Others can be over thought. Sometimes the harder you try with trying to come up with the perfect gift just leads you into a panic and grabbing at something your brain makes the loosest of connections with the person you’re buying for. Continue reading →

Isle of Jura 1976 a’chaorainn

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Isle of Jura 1976 scotch whiskyA lot of things seemed to happen in 1976 that have shaped the way we know and experience the world today. 1976 was the year that Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Roland Wayne (no relation to Bruce Wayne sadly) first sat down at their keyboards and founded the Apple Computer Company. Without them every second person in the street wouldn’t have white cables coming from their ears and there certainly wouldn’t be an App for…well…anything.

On the 21st of January 1976 commercial passengers with cash to burn could travel at supersonic speeds for the first time with the launch of Concorde. The joint project between Britain and France ran for 27 years and they managed to only fall out a couple of times. It went so well in fact that during the 1980’s they decided to make a tunnel connecting the two countries together making them, like, proper BFF’s. Since you could now get to France (or to England depending where you were starting from) by train Concorde was binned and you can’t travel the world faster than the speed of sound in a pointy tube made of aluminium any more. Sad I know.

It was also the year that a down on his luck boxer rain up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and straight into our hearts forever. The Sylvester Stallone penned ‘Rocky’ went on to win Best Picture at the Oscars that year and Stallone negotiated the directing rights to start in the lead role. A legend was born.

While all this was going on around the world the lovely people at the Isle of Jura distillery were busy doing what they do best- making whisky. Situated just off the west coast of Scotland Jura has a few famous facts of its own including that the author George Orwell wrote the bleak futuristic novel ‘1984’ on the island. In 1976 the distillery was busy filling three very special casks for a whisky that has just come onto the market place. The Isle of Jura Feith a’chaorainn. Feith a’chaorainn means ‘the lands around the rowan tree’ and the bottle has been adorned with a Druich swirled rowan tree that looks rather fetching. Rowan trees have always proved to be good omens on the Isle of Jura and the whisky certainly lives up to that reputation. Only 500 bottles have been produced and this is going to become a real collector’s item in the future. The casks used were American white Oak and, as I already said, there were only three. Each bottle is individually numbered (we have number 6 in the shop) and you have the option to register your purchase online to be in the exclusive club of the lucky 500.

Jura 1976. Available at Whiski shop on the Mound

Nose: Lemongrass, soft warm honey with sage and cinnamon.

Palate: Rich dark chocolate with coriander and liquorice.

Finish: Conflicting fruit sensation with orange peel and apples lingering on the tounge.

Due to the limited nature of this product please call us on 0131 225 1532 regarding availibilty.

So there we have it. 1976 a year that shaped the world as we know. You can now enjoying watching the original ‘Rocky’ on your iPad 2 whilst flying through the air (sadly not on Concorde). It’s nice to think that you could also enjoy a little dram from a tiny Scottish island to just finish up the retro 1976 experience nicely.

A History of Whisky

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When I was at school I often thought that the subject History fell into one of two camps with the pupils. You loved it or you hated it! Like marmite or interpretative dance it really splits people right down the middle. Some of the class took to it like a duck to water and others found it about as fun as being a slug thrown into a giant pile of salt. Personally I always enjoyed History and found that dates found a way of getting wedged in my brain. My brothers on the other hand hated it and if I hadn’t been the oldest I’m sure they would have tried to strong arm me into doing their homework. I never made them do mine. I liked getting good grades.

 

From the 17th to the 30th of November we’ll be taking part in “Previously…” which is Scotland’s history festival (We as in the Whiski Rooms. Not we as in me and my brothers). It’s a celebration of all Scotland’s amazing history and is aiming to promote and make people more aware of it. With the range of events there is truly something for everyone to head along and enjoy. If all you know about Scottish battles is what Mel Gibson made up in ‘Braveheart’ I’d be sure to head along to something and expand your horizons on the history front. A classic example of Braveheart’s historical fact fudging is clear in the Battle of Stirling Bridge. There is no bridge in the movie. Watch it again and see. Now think about it and grab one of the programmes for the History Festival enjoy one of their many events. Perhaps even come along to ours…

 

Did you see what I did there? Good, eh? Well what we’ve got going on during the festival is a very fitting History of Whisky tasting. Without the use of a TARDIS we will be whisking you back in time to how Scotch whisky was first made. We then proceed to see examples of how the drink would have evolved from a clear spirit straight off the stills to the refined dram we know and love today. Four whiskies to tell the story of over 500 years. Not your usual style of tasting but one that is extremely interesting and interactive. Whisky is Scotland’s national drink and our culture is soaked in it. Why not come along and learn how it actually came about and went on to become one of the greatest spirits in the world.

 

For those of you that loved History from the first time you saw a fossil it’s full of facts and dates that will fill your head up and you’ll come away knowing that little bit more than when you came in. For those that thought History was the learning equivalent of stubbing your little toe- we have four whiskies to try. Well actually 3 whiskies and a little something else that really packs a punch. The three whiskies on offer are Benromach 10 year old, Hankey Bannister and Springbank 10 year old. Yes we have found a way to link them together. Honestly. If nothing else these interesting drams are worth sampling. So come along! It’ll be more fun that a bouncy castle speedboat! Probably. An evening of facts, whisky and good old fashioned banter is what you’ll get and surely that’s to everyone’s taste!

A History of Whisky @ The Whiski Rooms

6pm 17th-30 Novmeber

Contact: shop@whiskirooms.com

Please book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Here’s a little bit about the whiskies we’re going to be using during this tasting.

Benromach 10 year old. £30.99 at Whiskishop.com

Nose: Hints of smoke with butterscotch and vanilla coming through.

Palate: BBQ and raisins. Lots of wood coating all over the palate.

 

Springbank 10 year old. £34.50 at Whiskishop.com

Nose: Ripe fruits with a rich briney maritime tone. Cereals sneaking in at the end.

Palate: Nutmeg and spice lead on to some vanilla and oak.

Hankey Bannister. £16.99 at Whiskishop.com

Nose: Light and fresh with a slight spiciness.

Palate: Clean and sweet with a finish that lets you know it had been there.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Old Pulteney Comparison Tasting

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Around this time every year something is released within the
whisky world that can change the landscape forever. The results can cause joy,
intrigue or downright outrage.  Whatever comes from its pages always raises a good debate. I am, of course, talking about the annual release of ‘Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible’. Well less about the bible itself and more about the resulting awards that are dished out from it.

I’d like to say that this is not an attack on Jim Murray.
The man has tasted more whisky than I will ever come across and is indeed
entitled to his opinion. His opinion is one that has earned the trust of
thousands of people and I’m not here to question that. What I am trying to discuss
is the recurring word from those sentences- opinion.

I may not have 20 years of experience when it comes to writing about whisky but I do have some outrageous opinions. Some aren’t relevant here. In fact most aren’t. Nobody needs to hear my rants about why dogs should wear hats and what would be the best way to survive the inevitable zombie horde that will one day take over the Earth. Not right now anyway. The opinion that does carry (some) relevance in this discussion is what I make of
Jim’s ‘World whisky of the year’. This year that ultimate accolade was thrust upon the Old Pulteney 21 year old Single Malt.

I love Old Pulteney. This distillery and I go way back to when I first started to enjoy single malt whisky. I’ve tried countless expressions and have enjoyed the vast majority of them. Seeing them handed one of the biggest prizes the industry has to offer was a great time. The little distillery in Wick done good! There is just this feeling that maybe…just
maybe… they got the wrong whisky.

Continue reading →