Tag Archives: WhiskyFest

WhiskyFest NYC – So much time, so little to do…scratch that, reverse it!!

‘Twas the night before WhiskyFest and all through the land, a lot of whisky was sipped on, especially Arran (yes, I know it doesn’t really rhyme).

Busy, busy, busy.  Here I was, the evening before WhiskyFest and I had a big whisky pouring event I was doing for the Kosher Wine Society.  Whiskies poured that night were: Glenmorangie Original, Usquaebach Reserve Premium, Usquaebach 15 Year Old, Usquaebach ‘Old-Rare’ and the new Arran 14yr.  The event was at Solo on Madison Ave – an amazing Glatt Kosher restaurant, BTW.

Put quickly & simply, I was honored to have been asked to speak at the event.  A big thanks to Aron Ritter of the Kosher Wine Society for asking me to speak.

Prior to this, I met up with Andy Hogan of Arran Distillery and we shared a few beers at St. Andrews.  Just as we ordered our little snickety-snacks, John Hansell of Malt Advocate, and shortly after that Richard “The Nose” Paterson of Whyte & Mackay, (with his freshly shaved mustache) walked in.

I met up with Andy for a few reasons:

A) He’s a heck of a guy and fun to drink with.

B) I asked him if he’d join us at our dinner with the Kosher Wine Society and he jumped at the chance.

C) Andy had some Arran 14yr for me to pour at the dinner and, for my own personal consumption, a bottle of the Arran 15yr Open Day, Distillery Only whisky!  Wham-bam-thank-you-Andy!

While talking with John Hansell, he eyed the two Arran beauties and remarked that he’s never had the Open Day bottling (not many people had — only 600 bottles ever produced).  Being the nice guy that I am, I took a running jump at a chance to share my Arran with someone such as Mr. Hansell.  He graciously jumped at the chance to taste the stuff 🙂

Andy did a fine job talking about both the 14yr and 15yr Arran whiskies.  Both are super fine drams (as pointed out by all of us at the table – tasting notes to come in a couple fo weeks).

After this private tasting, Andy and I headed off to Solo for the whisky pairing event.  While there, we met up with many, many good people including Noah Goldstein of Usquaebach and Aron Ritter, President of the Kosher Wine Society.  It was a pleasure to be a part of the event.  Again, thanks Aron!

So there we were, Andy Hogan & Joshua Hatton, bellies full of food & whisky — what to do next?  Well, head over to Ward III to meet Parker Beam and taste his new Evan Williams 2001 Single Barrel whiskey!  Sadly, we were too late and missed that event completely.  We did, however, get to meet up with Greenie D McGee (World traveler, prankster…Ladies’ man!).

So, what now?

Let’s fast forward about 20 hours into the future to the evening of WhiskyFest.

The folks at Malt Advocate were nice enough to comp a press pass for me to join the festivities (thank you again!).  Sadly, this detail did not make it to the press-pass list and with the place so packed, I had a bit of a fight to get the folks in charge of the passes to let me in.  Thankfully, Amy Westlake (John Hansell’s wife and basically the person in command of the event) was passing by and she vouched for me.  Thanks Amy!

Into WhiskyFest I went – Glencairn in hand and ready to sip on some VIP hour whisky goodness!  First stop — Arran.  I had to try some of the new Machrie Moor PEATED Arran.  A cask strength beauty which was lightly peated and complimented the Arran spirit so well.  Andy had a bottle in hand and was at the ready to pour.  Watch out!  Peated Arran, coming your way!

Stop number 2 – Compass Box to taste the new 10th Anniversary dram – The Flaming Heart.  People who say they do not like blends will miss out on the specialness that is Compass Box.  Robin Robinson, Compass Box Ambassador and all around nice guy, poured an ample sample for me.  I was happy.

Where to next? Angel’s Envy to finally meet Wes Henderson (who I recently interviewed here) and his dad, Lincoln Henderson, the artist who designed the new Angel’s Envy Bourbon (review of that whiskey here).

I’ve been in contact with Wes for sometime now and have heard from him bits and pieces of the many issues that present themselves when you go about releasing new whiskies.  It’s a tough process, no doubt.  So, as a way of saying “congrats” on the pending launch of Angel’s Envy, I presented Wes with his very own Jewish Single Malt Whisky Society (Honorary Whisky Heeb) T-Shirt.

After this, I hoped from table to table seeing what else there was to see/taste.

I made a point to stop at the Amrut table to meet Raj.  Raj, of Purple Valley Importers fame, was the person kind enough to send me samples of the Amrut line for review.  I had to say hello, say thank you and taste some of the limited Amrut Intermediate Sherry expression.  The Intermediate Sherry whisky was a big spicy dram though easily tamed with a dash of water.  I’ve got a sample on it’s way to me for a formal review.  Expect to see my tasting notes soon.

Other whiskies of note – Dry Fly 100% Wheat whiskey out of Washington state.  Duncan Taylor 12yr peated Bunnahabhain (one of my faves of the evening), Springbank CV, Longrow CV, Yamazaki 1984 (at $600/bottle, it was nice to have a chance to taste this nectar), Stranahan’s Colorado “Snowflake” triple wood whiskey and Glenrothes 1975 vintage.

Lots of whiskies were missed — with more than 300 whiskies on hand to taste, it’s to be expected.

I did get to try the new Black Grouse – a solid blend folks!  While at the Grouse table, I met up with Dan Friedman of The Jewish Daily Forward and we got a chance to talk about whisky.  And actually, Dan was nice enough to lay down some of our conversation here.

All of the seminars looked great to me but I was only able to attend one – Suntory’s seminar with their Master Distiller, Mike Miyamoto.  Mike did a great job taking us through the Yamazaki & Hibiki line as well as give a good history of the Suntory owned Japanese distilleries.  We learned quite a bit about the importance of oak on their whiskies; not just type of oak (American, European & Japanese) but type of cask used.  It was all very interesting.  Mike is a VERY serious guy and extremely passionate about his whiskies.  It was great to see him sip on the stuff and start spouting out tasting notes.  Eyes closed, mind working, taste buds tasting.

I got to the event, and was in the door, by 5:30 and before I knew it my iPhone was telling me that it was 9:15.  Time is fun when you’re having flies.

Earlier in the evening, when I was at the Angel’s Envy table, I missed an opportunity to meet/talk with Lincoln Henderson (creator of Woodford Reserve Bourbon and now, Angel’s Envy) so I rushed back to see if he was there.  Luckily for me, he was.  What a charming guy!  I had a nice quick conversation with him but, had I the chance, I would have loved to talk with him longer – with over 40yrs in the business, he’s got to have some AMAZING stories!

So, this brings us to the end of my experience.  A complete whirlwind tour of the event.  Almost overwhelming.  Actually, it was overwhelming.  I could envision this being a fantastic two day event (hint, hint, nudge, nudge).

I’ve heard complaints recently of the cost of a ticket — $120 (regular admission) $160 (VIP admission).  The VIP hour alone is worth the cash.  First off, most of these whiskies are hard to find in one place and, if you did find them, you’d pay double or triple that (at least) to taste them all.  Plus, the food is spectacular.  Great seminars to attend, etc…

If it comes close to where you are, do not miss this next year.  And, if you do go – make sure you come prepared.  Like having a birthing plan for when a woman goes into labor, I’d suggest you come to one of these events with a clear cut agenda.  What do you need to discover, who do you need to talk to, what seminars are available, etc…  Map it all out and STICK TO THAT PLAN.  I would have done that but I left my plan at home.  Oy.

Did somebody say WhiskyFest!?

I did.  Just now, I said it.

It’s hard to believe that it’s been a nearly whole year since Malt Advocate’s WhiskyFest in NYC!  Come this November, however, WhiskyFest is returning to New York and it’s going to be huge.

While my focus is on the New York City event, don’t forget that WhiskyFest hits two other cities: Chicago & San Francisco (the San Fran event, BTW, is happening on Oct 8th).

With a focus on NYC (and the 270 whiskies available to sample aside), there will be some great seminars with a veritable who’s who of top-guns within the whisk(e)y industry:

7:00-7:45 pm

Ronnie Cox, Director, The Glenrothes
Vintage Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Why Maturity matters, not age. Taste through different vintages of The Glenrothes to see first-hand, the influence of spirit and oak. *New Vintage Release*

Dr. Bill Lumsden, Head of Distilling and Whisky Creation, The Glenmorangie Company
Glenmorangie’s pioneering Spirit – tradition, excellence and innovation at the home of Scotland’s favorite single malt
Join Dr. Bill Lumsden – Head of Distilling and WhiskyCreation – for a tasting tour of Glenmorangie, voted “Distillery of the Year 2010 ” at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. This is a rare opportunity to taste through some of Glenmorangie’s most notable and award winning expressions as well as a few surprises…

Richard Paterson, Master Blender, Whyte & Mackay
Learn from The Nose!
This tasting room, hosted by Richard Paterson, third generation master blender for Whyte & Mackay, will introduce participants to one of the most awarded single malt scotch whiskeys, The Dalmore.
Paterson is known the world over for his exceptional blending skills which have resulted in signature expressions that suggest depth, character and richness. He travels the world selecting the finest barrels and blends the aged liquid from these until the result is like a fine orchestra – harmonious, elegant and rich. In this classroom setting you will taste through The Dalmore Core Expressions with Richard while learning the finer points of tasting. Don’t be surprised when he picks you to taste ‘the most expensive liquid in the world’.

Parker Beam, Master Distiller, Heaven Hill Distilleries
Why Rye? Whither Wheat? The Great Grain Debate
Everyone knows that Bourbon is made primarily with corn, and most enthusiasts would know that there are “traditional” Bourbons that add rye and “wheated” Bourbons that substitute wheat for the rye. But what exactly are the differences between these common “small grains”, both in the taste of whiskey and in the production methods? Join legendary Heaven Hill Master Distiller Parker Beam as we explore how these grains behave on the palate and in the still, in Bourbon mashbills and in straight rye and straight wheat whiskey recipes.

7:45 – 8:30

Mike Miyamoto, Suntory Yamazaki, Master Distiller
“Suntory Time: The Art of Japanese Whisky”
Yamazaki Master Distiller, Mike Miyamoto is a respected leader who has a great commitment to excellence and tradition. Join him as he leads a tasting of a full flight of Yamazaki and Hibiki whiskies. Experience the smooth, complex and uniquely Japanese characteristics that have made Yamazaki 12, 18, and the exceptionally rare 25 year old, international award-winners. Mike will also present Hibiki 12, first seen by Americans in the feature film “Lost In Translation”, starring Bill Murray and Scarlett Johannson. Hibiki 12 has just been introduced to the American market and is no longer “lost” to American whisky lovers. “Suntory Time” is not to be missed…..

Evan Cattanach, Master Distiller Emeritus, The Classic Malts
Classic Malts Mentor
The Classic Malts Mentor seminar uses the expansive knowledge of the Diageo Masters of Whisky to educate scotch enthusiasts on a sampling of the Classic Malts Distiller’s Editions. This multimedia, multi sensory seminar takes you through the history, production process, regionality and most important the flavor profiles of this vast selection of Single Malt Scotches. You will leave the seminar with an increased confidence to order your new favorite Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

8:30 – 9:15

Ricky Crawford, The Glenlivet Ambassador
The Single Malt that Started it All
Our seminar will cover the history of The Glenlivet, and the role it played in building the single malt scotch whisky industry during the 1800’s in Scotland and more recently, the 20th century in the U.S.
We will then step through the basics of scotch whisky production, highlighting the key elements of our production process that differentiate The Glenlivet from our competitive set.
The big finish will be a tasting of six marques from our core range.

Martin Daraz, Brand Ambassador, Highland Park
Last Call with Martin Daraz
End your WhiskyFest™ New York on a high note; come and sample “the best spirit in the world”* with Martin Daraz, native Scotsman and Brand Ambassador for the Highland Park Distillery in the USA.
We will be nosing and tasting five expressions from Highland Park 12 year old all the way up to Highland Park 30 year old

*F. Paul Pacult, Spirits Journal 2005/2009

Simon Brooking, Malt Master Ambassador, Laphroaig
Laphroaig: Where the Spirit Meets the Cask
Ever wondered how the use of different casks imparts flavors into your whisky? Laphroaig Master Ambassador Simon Brooking will walk you through a tasting of four expressions of Laphroaig and will show you how the use of different casks including a Maker’s Mark cask as well as former Sherry Casks impart specific flavor profiles into each whisky.

Fritz Maytag, President and Brewmaster, Anchor Brewing & Distilling Company
15 Years of Craft Distilling
Recreating America’s original whiskey one small batch at a time and discovering why young whiskey is better than immature whiskey.

So, if you like what you see (how could you not?), I would suggest securing your tickets ASAP as they’re selling quick.  I was just informed that the VIP tickets to the NYC event have been sold out!

Click here for more info: Malt Advocate’s WhiskyFest in NYC!