Tag Archives: new whisky

Glenlivet releases Founder’s Reserve

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The Glenlivet launched a permanent expression to the brand’s core range, Founder’s Reserve. The cool party was held at Leonardo’s in Bangsar’s Jln Bangkung.

Come 'ere!

Come ‘ere!     —

The Founder’s Reserve is simply put, a pleasanter or easier variation of the 12. It’s got  sweetness, with a round, balanced flavour, and delicate aromas of citrus fruit.

I’ve always liked the 12, and was disappointed to hear that it’s being discontinued, from most markets. However Malaysia is fortunate as the 12 will go on over here.

Lionel Lau intro-ing the new product

Lionel Lau intro-ing the new product     —

Boasting the classic fruity flavours of The Glenlivet, this expression is the brand’s tribute to its founder George Smith’s original vision to craft the definitive smooth single malt whisky.

It uses distilling methods used in 1824 (when the brand began), in unique, wide lantern-shaped copper stills created by Smith himself almost 200 years ago. Each bottle comes from about 100 different casks. Amazing.

launch-of-the-glenlivet-founders-reserve-15Master Distiller Alan Winchester has complemented the fruitiness of the Founder’s Reserve with the creaminess and sweetness from the addition of First Fill American oak casks. The result is a well-balanced and smooth whisky.

Lionel leading a yam seng..

Lionel leading a yam seng…     —

It’s a NAS (no age statement whisky) meaning it does not state the age of the whiskies that are in the bottle.

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It won a Gold Medal at the International Wine & Spirit Competition 2016, as well as a Gold Medal at The Spirits Masters 2015.

Interestingly, the Founder’s Reserve is priced in parity with the 12, which means you should be able to get it at the same price at selected bars where it’s carried.

Give it a shot.

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Yea, there was haggis too! Was a no-brainer   —

Brain damage: 8.5/10

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Introducing Glenglassaugh

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Glen…what??

Yea, it’s not a familiar whisky to most dramheads in the world, that’s coz the distillery’s been out of commission for awhile. However, Glenglassaugh’s here in Malaysia, where it was launched at Blue Elephant recently, after being brought in by Single Malt Sdn Bhd.

The distillery back in action

The source

Glenglassaugh is actually one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries dating back to 1875, and is situated on the Banffshire coast, founded by a local merchant named James Moir.

The highlanders

The highlanders

After being completely re-built in 1960, the distillery continued to produce whisky until 1986 when it was mothballed. Although it’s located near the sea, it’s a highland-style whisky.

It’s whiskies are bought by distilleries like Scotland’s favourite whisky The Famous Grouse, and Cutty Sark to be used in their delicious blends.

The stills are bored no more

The stills are still no more

The distillery sat silent until a group of investors bought Glenglassaugh distillery and started production again in 2008. So now we have a whole bunch of expressions of the Glenglassaugh range – Revival, Evolution, Torfa and the rare 30 Year Old and 40 Year Old.

The Revival is a x year old dram

The Revival is a reintroduction whisky

So 2012 saw the introduction of ‘Revival’ and ‘Evolution’ – the first single malt Scotch whiskies to be produced at the distillery in over two decades. Both whiskies are NAS (no age statement) ones, meaning it doesn’t say 12 years or 14 years or anything.

However, like all Scotch whiskies, it needs to be aged at least 3 years to be called a Scotch.

The stash

The stash

I find the Revival to be smooth, well-rounded, with sweet sherry notes. It does time in sherry casks as well for six months. The Evolution, which weighs in at 50% ABV, is kinda peppery and robust.

The Torfa is actually a peated highland whisky! It was only introduced last year. Nowhere as smokey as the Islay gang, but you definitely feel it.

Cool bottle

Cool bottle

While many distilleries have become highly automated; at Glenglassaugh, the spirit is still handcrafted by a small, skilled team dedicated to creating the highest quality product.

You can try them out and score yourself one at Single and Available stores:
– Revival, ABV 46% (no age statement) at RM270
– Evolution, ABV 50% (no age statement) at RM309
– Torfa, ABV 50% (no age statement) at RM299
– 30YO, ABV 44.8% at RM2280
– 40YO, ABV 42.5% at RM8500

As you can see, none of them are 40%. However, they are still very smooth, well-created whiskies. Adventurous drinkers should get a bottle or two.

Brain damage: 7/10

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Grant’s 12 launches

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Famous blended Scotch whisky Grant’s last month launched it’s premium 12 Year Old blend in Malaysia, making this country the first in Asia.

Here it comes

Grant’s 12 is made of a blend of fine single malts and grain whiskies, matured in oak for a minimum of 12 years. It also does an additional three months in American oak casks. The result – a full-bodied whisky that’s real smooth and rich. It’s main notes – mix of vanilla n spice, and a lil fruity too.

Grant’s is from William Grant & Sons (how come it’s never … and Daughters?) Ltd, a family-owned distillery since 1886. It won Distiller of The Year at the IWSC in 2010 and 2011.

Starter

The event took place at one of my favourite-lookin lounge, Flo. Food was great, and there was haggis too. Tender stuff.

Funky joint

Main bar

There were guys in skirts dancin

I’m pretty sure that the award-winning Grant’s 12 has been in Malaysia before, I’ll tell u why. My bro got married a few years ago, so after the ceremony in the morning, there was a drinking session at a members club for the groom’s posse before the lunch. Within that short period before we makan with the bride’s side n all, we polished 20 bottles of Grant’s 12. Good stuff.

We were very late and very high by the time we showed at the hall for lunch. And the dancing began.

Ready to party

Great to see you again Grant’s.

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