1. Single
malts
Issue 2
For isk Enthusiasts
thE
maCaLLan
in LaLiQuE
beHind tHe scenes of
tHe macallan 57 yeaR launcH
From Citrus
to LiQuoriCE
with Dwayne cheer
RobeRt buRns
Homecoming 250
yeaR anniveRsaRy
mEssagE in
thE bottLE
the evolution of Bottle Design
investing in wHisky
witH fRaseR jones

2. PLEASE ENJOY RESPONSIBLY
2 SINGLE MALTS SINGLE MALTS 1

3. * San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2007
2 SINGLE MALTS 3
Exclusively available in all MMI, Spinney’s & OUA retail shops
SINGLE MALTS

4. 4 SINGLE MALTS SINGLE MALTS 5

5. Editor’s toast
Editor’s
toast
W
elcome to the second edition of Single Malt. I
hope you enjoyed the festive period.
Our whisky trail continues as we journey to
the famous regions of Islay and its neighboring islands
to explore some of the finest distilleries in the world. The
legendary Robert Hicks, Master Blender of Laphroaig, joins
us for a dram on his whistle stop tour of the Middle East.
Felix Hartmann is back with his malt and cigar picks. We
go behind the scenes for an exclusive look at the Macallan
in Lalique and Glenfiddich 50 Year Old releases. I’m also
pleased to announce Fraser Jones, whisky evangelist, has
joined the team, welcome! So sit back pour yourself a wee
dram and enjoy.
Isle of Jura Pro le
Slainte Mhath!
John Gillespie
A
uthor of ‘1984’, George Orwell
once famously described Jura
as highly un-get-at-able, the
very quality which attracted
him in the rst place, and the reason
he chose the island for a retreat in
which to write his most famous novel.
Today, the island is still dif cult to
reach for those in a hurry, as it has no
airport, and travelers must rely on the
traditional ferry. But once the journey
has been completed, Jura rewards its
Get a Taste for
visitors with a wonderful welcome and
a relaxing pace of life.
Today the population is
a scant 200, but in the past
it was many times that.
Archaeological nds suggests
ISLAND LIFE
that the island was inhabited caption
as early as Mesolithic caption caption
caption caption
times (8,000BC), and there
caption caption
are signi cant historic caption caption
remains from then, through
Neolithic, Bronze and Iron WITH A RED DEER POPULATION THAT OUTNUMBERS HUMANS 10 TO 1,
THE ISLAND OF JURA HAS A CHARACTER AS UNIQUE AS ITS WHISKY.
ages showing continuity of
habitation ever since. It was
few.
North Carolina became the
History records that other Diurachs are known to have
shipped away during the famine era
only in much more recent primary home of ‘Diurachs’ in one Laird Archibald between 1830 and 1840.
times, in the 14th and 15th centuries were forcibly removed to the Borders North Carolina, Georgia and Virginia America between the years 1739- Campbell built the Many more sons of Jura were
distillery in the
that population began to decline. area of Scotland, a common ruse in America and eastern Canada. Their 55 and there are more descendants lost in the two World Wars, the
It began with the fall of the ruling of the Scottish Crown. This lasted reasons would have been no different of islanders in that State, than island contributing many soldiers to
‘Lords of the Isles’, coupled with what through the 1600s, but in the 1700s than modern expats - better weather, anywhere else in the world - North early 1800s near a such great regiments as the Argyll
we now know was a period of poor it was the sound of opportunity that better land, better pay, and better and Carolina census statistics note that
cave where illegal & Sutherland Highlanders, and in
distilling had been
climate conditions. Jura was hit by islanders heard as stories of plenty cheaper food. The opportunity to own over 2 million people in that state the immediate post-war years saw
political, climatic and agricultural to be found in North America began their own land would have been an alone claim Scottish descent. further decline. Today, however,
turmoil. Many islanders moved north to arrive. Highland historian James unbearable pull as well, particularly An emigrant ship departed carried on possibly things are better and the full-time
with the MacDonalds as they were
pushed out by the Campbells, or
Hunter wrote about the “Dance Called
America”. Islanders emigrated to
in a culture where landownership was
beyond the means of all but a very
in 1775 during the American
Revolution bound for Canada and
from the 1600s. resident population of the island is
around 185.
44 SINGLE MALTS SINGLE MALTS 45
The Cadboll
Stone
Glenmorangie
next issue
• We explore the vast region
of the Highlands
• Master Blender Richard
Paterson join us to share
his trade secrets
• We go behind the scenes
for the launch of Dalmore’s
58 Year Old Selene
• How whisky took over
the world
6 SINGLE MALTS SINGLE MALTS 7

6. Contents
24
Big Little Island
54
Glenfiddich 50
years launch
Contents
10 Message in the bottle
14 The Macallan in Lalique 57 years launch
18 What’s New
22 Top 10
24 Big Little Island
32 Investing in Whisky
34 Hotspots of Dubai & Abu Dhabi
36 Japanese Insight
38 Robert Burns homecoming 250 years
40 Lord of the Isles
46 Island Life profile of Jura
50 Whisky & Cigars
52 Events
54 Every year counts Glenfiddich 50 years launch
58 A moment with the master Robert Hicks
62
32
Nose of the month
64 From Citrus to Liquorice
66 Out of the woods, Glenfiddich Barrel Art
Investing in Whisky 72 Cocktail recipes
74 Ask the expert
8 SINGLE MALTS SINGLE MALTS 9

7. message in the bottle
from the mid to late 20th century were
machine-made with external screw
threads, a practice now spreading widely
in the wine industry too. Bottle maker
catalogues of the early 20th century
also offered many other variations of
this same general shape (tall, relatively
narrow cylinder with a bulging neck and
two-part mineral type finish) attesting to
its continued popularity. The style names
of some variations give us a fascinating
glimpse into the state of the liquor
industry at the time – some of the names
include ‘Belle of Anderson’, ‘The Primrose
Whiskey’, ‘Scotch Whisky’, ‘Sweet Wines’,
‘Black Wines’, ‘Pittsburgh Brandy’, ‘Tall
Bulb Neck Brandy’, ‘English Rum’, ‘Crown
Prince’, ‘Irish Whisky’, and others. After
the 1870s, black glass bottles largely
disappeared and lighter greens, olive
greens, shades of amber and colourless
glass began to dominate.
Tall, moderately slender bodied, straight
neck early ‘Patent’ style spirits cylinders
(mid-19th century): During the 1850s
the bulged neck, cylinder bottle evolved
closer to a general shape that continues in
popularity to this day, albeit with different
finishes and manufacturing methods. This
style is represented by a bottle which has
a neck of similar (moderate) length as the
earlier style, but which is straight sided
instead of bulging. The straight sided
neck usually has a bit of a taper inwards
from the base of the neck upwards to the
base of the finish. The body length is
“many ‘single malt’
Message in the
typical of the bulged neck cylinder above,
scotch bottles use in that it is relatively tall and moderately
t
this bottle shape
slender.
he period from the third quarter
of the 19th century to the first and design, but these changes have had and still have cork squat Cylinder
sealed mineral spirits bottles (Later):
bottLE
quarter of the 20th century little impact on the physical features
was a time of turmoil within found on most bottles today, with the Another fairly popular shape for spirits
the bottle making industry. Up until the exception that more modern bottles type finishes” bottles was called a ‘squat brandy’ in
mid-19th century, bottle and glass making tend to be made of thinner glass than some glassmakers catalogues, though it
followed virtually the same craft-based earlier machine-made bottles. non-cylindrical shaped bottles began to was likely used for an array of different
processes that had been used for many be superseded around 1730 for various liquor types including brandy in Europe,
centuries. Bottles made in Scotland the squat spirits/utility reasons, the main ones being that the and bourbon and rye whiskey in the
1630s (or even the 1030s for that matter) THeRe aRe aLMOST aS ManY TYPeS Of WHISkY BOTTLe aS Cylinder bottles (Earlier): cylinder shape was better for storing Americas. This shape is defined by having
were made in a virtually identical fashion THeRe aRe MaLTS TO fILL THeM. SInGLe MaLT InveSTIGaTeS. The earliest liquor bottles made tended and stacking, and the increasing use of relatively wide, but short squat body with
to many bottles made in the 1830s, with to have a wide, moderate height body, the ‘dip mould’ for forming hand-blown a neck that is relatively long and usually
some stylistic shape difference due to applied finishes. physical features - including the and a moderate length neck. Compared bottles. Dip-type moulds could not be straight-sided, though sometimes bulged,
regional variations and methods. Everything changed in the years 1905- location of mould seams - as a 330ml, to the next few cylinder liquor bottle used for the earlier shapes. with a brandy or straight brandy finish.
Most were dumpy; teardrop shapes 1910, when the widespread licensing of crown finish, micro-brew beer bottle types, these would be called ‘squat’ This general cylindrical shape Some earlier examples have been noted
commonly called a ‘Belgian squat’ and the Owens Automatic Bottle Machine produced today. The same is true of in form. Interestingly, this basic and continued to be used for liquor bottles with a mineral finish. This shape seems to
were similar to bottles blown in Europe began. As automation came to dominate all types of bottles, although styles historic shape of early bottles is very throughout the 20th century and is have evolved from the early 19th century
several hundred years earlier or in ancient the bottle making industry, change grew (shapes) have changed somewhat over often reflected in the top of a whisky still used for many spirits today; many squat bottles first mentioned, possibly
Rome two thousand years ago. Almost more limited. For example, an early beer that time depending on the use of the still. These bottles were most commonly ‘single malt’ scotch bottles use this bottle appearing in the 1860s and surely by the
all bottles were produced with identical bottle produced then shares virtually bottle. Undoubtedly, there have been olive green, olive amber, and black shape and still have cork sealed mineral 1870s, though its popularity was mostly in
methods - free-blown, pontil scarred, with the same manufacturing-induced major advances in machine efficiency glass in colour. These earlier round but type finishes. Other cylindrical bottles the early 20th century.
10 SINGLE MALTS SINGLE MALTS 11

8. message in the bottle
Case gin bottles: century, the ‘case gin’ shape above besides. The art of the bottle is today
Some of the earliest liquor bottles were evolved (but of course did not disappear) almost as important as the art within.
square in cross section and generally into vertically straight sided multi-purpose Take your time to look along the gantry
designed to contain gin though bottles. Square bottles were of course of your preferred whisky bar, or even
undoubtedly contained various types of used for a wide assortment of different simply explore the darker recesses of
liquor and possibly wine. Commonly products and came in an array of different your own drinks cabinet. Even here you’ll
called ‘case gin’ or ‘taper gin’ bottles, these sizes and shape variations, though all find the glassmakers skill in much of its
would pack more efficiently to a case (6 share the feature that they have four infinite variety.
to 24 bottles) than round bottles. Case equal sides to the body, little difference Consider the visual appeal, the design
gin bottles are square with a more or less in diameter from shoulder to heel, with of the label and decoration, the colour
distinct taper inwards from the shoulder the corners (where the flat sides meet) of the glass (whether tinted or clear),
to the base. The neck is very short to usually bevelled. Case gin styles are the colour of the whisky within, the
almost non-existent with the finishes making something of a revival in the weight and heft of the bottle in your
varying from a laid-on ring, flared, premium gin sector – think Sapphire and hand, the ease with which it pours and
mineral finish, oil, and even a blob. This Gordons’ 10, for example. the pleasure it is to hold – all of these
shape and style of bottle originated in and elements contribute to the satisfaction
was commonly made in Europe at least modern Whisky: of savouring the dram they contain. It is
as early as the mid-17th century and has Today, almost every conceivable type this moment of sensation, contemplation
been found in contexts as early as 1745 in and shape of bottle is to be found filled and anticipation, which contributes in
the New World. However, some case gin with Single Malt whisky. Short, dumpy a unique way to the pleasure that is to
type bottles were made in the U.S. during cylinders (Ardbeg), green glass, clear come.
the time span of popularity for this bottle tall cylinders (Macallan), brown glass, So, next time you set down to enjoy
type from at least the early 19th century. triangular (Glenfiddich), square (Walker your favourite dram, spend a moment
brands), with fancy necks, squashed or two in quiet contemplation of the
tall square short-necked flasks (Singleton of Auchroisk), squat centuries of craft, skill and artistry that
spirits bottles: flasks (Glenrothes), bespoke flasks (Isle went into the very bottle from which it
Once two-piece full sized moulds came of Jura), embossed (map of Orkney was poured. There is a message in every
into common use in the early 19th underneath Highland Park) and more bottle, and it is simply this – “enjoy”.
12 SINGLE MALTS SINGLE MALTS 13

9. the macallan in Lalique
this third lalique decanter
features the ‘stilligoutte’ of a
the six Pillars
perfume bottle, a long piece the six Pillars are the
of pure crystal flowing down
to a point from the base of
unique elements that
the bottle stopper combine to make the
Macallan so special.
the spiritual Home:
Built in 1700, easter
elchies House, a
Jacobean manor in Speyside
Scotland, is The Macallan’s
spiritual home.
t
he Macallan have long been curiously small
recognised as one of the stills: The Macallan’s
finest single malt producers curiously small and
in Scotland and through the uniquely shaped copper stills
staggered release of their ‘Six Pillars’ help to concentrate the flavour of
collection they have cemented that the spirit.
reputation amongst purveyors of the
very finest whiskies. This winter they the finest cut: The
introduce the third of their Crystal ‘cut’ is the amount of
Lalique decanters, with this edition distilled spirit collected
comprising incredibly rare 57 Year Old from the stills as ‘new make’
Malt. spirit. The Macallan takes one of
Macallan’s exclusive Dubai distributor, the finest ‘cuts’ of any distillery
MMI, have secured this masterful single in Scotland; typically just 16 per
malt to offer through their flagship cent goes forward to the cask
duty free store, Le Clos. Previously the stage.
Dubai International Airport outlet has
successfully offered Macallan Lalique II, exceptional oak
a 55 Year Old whisky, to their extensive casks: Unfaltering
thE
international customer base. obsession with
The Macallan has been working selecting exceptional oak casks
with Lalique since 2005, to produce brings an unsurpassed, timeless
an exclusive series of limited edition quality to The Macallan.
decanters based on The Macallan’s
maCaLLan
Six Pillars. The first two decanters in natural colour. at
the series, Exceptional Oak Casks and The Macallan, natural
Natural Colour, have proved hugely colour is something
popular with both whisky consumers they insist on. It is the interaction
in LaLiQuE
and collectors of Lalique crystal. of spirit and wood alone which
The Macallan’s Finest Cut inspires delivers the rich variety of colour.
this third decanter in the Six Pillars
Collection. The Speyside producer Peerless spirit: The
takes one of the smallest ‘cuts’ of Macallan remains the
any distillery in Scotland and at an single malt against
exceptionally slow rate of ‘boil’. The ‘cut’ that the historically robust, fruity and Whisky Maker. David Cox, Director of of Macallan from first fill Spanish oak which was filled in 1952”. which all others must be judged.
is the amount of distilled spirit that is rich Macallan style will continue for Fine & Rare Whiskies for The Macallan, sherry butts originally filled in 1949, So while the quality of the whisky is It is celebrated far and wide by
actually collected from the stills and put generations to come as today’s new explains the complex composition of 1951 and 1952. The result is sumptuous without question, the Macallan Fine and experts and discerning drinkers
into cask. While not being the most cost spirit becomes future decade’s prize this rarest of drams… “The 57 year single malt, showing off the classic dried Rare Team had to find a suitable partner as the world’s most precious
effective way to create a malt whisky, malt whiskies. old has been vatted together from six fruits, spice and hints of peat redolent to share their uncompromising vision in whisky.
The Macallan takes only the best of the The creation of the 57 Year Old casks made from two different species of The Macallan house style of the early creating the Six Pillars Collection. They
best, typically just 16% of the total spirit required all the skill and experience of oak; the first, a 1950 American oak 1950’s. The age statement of 57 years opted to form a partnership with one
output to fill their casks. This ensures of Bob Dalgarno, Macallan’s Master sherry butt, and the second, a vatting old is determined by the youngest cask of the world’s finest crystal sculptors,
14 SINGLE MALTS SINGLE MALTS 15

10. the macallan in Lalique
the macallan in
Lalique 50 Years
The first release in the series draws
its inspiration from The Macallan’s
exceptional Oak Casks in which the
whisky was matured for a minimum
of 50 years.
The shape and fine detailing
echoes that of the cask and its
grain. 470 decanters released
the macallan in
Lalique 55 Years
The second release in the series draws
its inspiration from The Macallan’s
natural Colour and holds 55 years
old Macallan. Rather than adding
colourants to its whisky as many
other single malts do The Macallan
celebrates its diversity in colour as a
signature of the brands quality and
integrity. The decanter is based upon
the classic ‘parquerettes’ tiara perfume
bottle design by Rene Lalique in 1910.
420 decanters released
the macallan in
Lalique 57 Years
The 57 year old has been vatted
together from two casks; the first, a
1950 american oak sherry butt, the
second a vatting of Macallan from
Spanish oak sherry butts originally
filled in 1949, 1951 and 1952.
Lalique of Paris. Lalique is the only crystal brand which, The result is a soft sumptuous single
through artistry and fusion at 1,400°C, metamorphoses raw malt, showing off the classic dried
materials into unique works of art. fruits, spice and hints of peat redolent
This third Lalique decanter features the ‘stilligoutte’ of a of The Macallan house style of the early
perfume bottle, a long piece of pure crystal flowing down 1950’s. Due to the rarity of the liquid,
to a point from the base of the bottle stopper. A portion of only 400 decanters have been released
the stopper has been left completely clear and not ‘satinee’,
running from the top down to the point. This clear portion
represents the 16% ‘finest cut’. Crafted at Lalique’s crystal While the previous Six Pillars releases have proved
making facility in Wingen-sur-Moder, Alsace, each piece exceptionally popular, excitement surrounding the launch
was worked on by up to 15 craftsmen, many of whom have of The Macallan’s third Lalique presentation has been
attained the ‘Meilleur ouvrier de France’, a coveted award astonishing. Perhaps as traditional investment opportunities
bestowed upon only the finest craftsman of France. look less secure than in past times, some consider it a sound
David Cox explains how when working in collaboration option to place their wealth into rare and valuable nectar d’or.
with such an esteemed partner, only the finest will do… “In Whatever it may be that drives the success of this stunning
homage to the beauty of Lalique’s Finest Cut decanter, we series, it’s certain the 400 owners of the newly released
chose a particularly rare 57 year old Macallan single malt Lalique decanters will sit proudly at the top table of The
whisky. It is the second oldest Macallan whisky ever released, Macallan family with a rare piece of history.
only surpassed in age by the legendary 1926, a 60 year old Witness The Macallan Lalique 57 Year Old in Le Clos,
bottled in 1986.” Dubai International Airport.
16 SINGLE MALTS SINGLE MALTS 17

11. hat’s
IT TAKES TIME AND PATIENCE
TO GET SUCH A richly flavoured whisky.
W
nEW?
BUT ALL OUR DRINKERS AGREE
IT WAS worth their while.
S.
Ue, MORe LOCaTIOn
MORe CHOICe, MORe vaL WITH MMI…
eeRfUL
ReaSOnS TO Be CH
bring you more
ntly working to
a
tM MI, we’re consta r value all the tim
e.
ce and even bette
choice, convenien th e opening of ou
r
ed to announce
So we’re delight ted in Dubai Fe
stival
flagship store conveniently loca her 10 outlets
new of our ot
w store, or any wine
City. Visit our ne from the largest
the city, and pick up a bottle ays great in-stor
e
across lf – there’s alw
rtfolio in the gu course
and spirit po e for less. Plus of
ring you get mor ed in this issue
promotions ensu gle malts featur
you’ll find all the fabulous sin
Magazine.
of your Whisky
gold for glengoyne –
second year in a Row
Dumgoyne, 20th november 2009: Judges gLEnFiddiCh
is the World’s most
of the internationally famed and highly
277mm
respected scottish field whisky challenge
(sfwc) surprised even themselves
this year, by once again awarding
glengoyne 21 years old highland awarded single malt
single Malt whisky the top accolade
of overall 2009 Distillery Bottling of scotch Whisky - Let
the year – for the second year in a row.
Everyone Know!
Since the launch of Every Year turn of the Millennium (2000).
At Laphroaig, we’re not surprised when people tell us they don’t feel Counts in 2007, Glenfiddich has The IWSC and ISC are the most
ready for our richly peated whisky. But we’re even less surprised when claimed the title of ‘The World’s contested global awards with
they change their mind. Because although Laphroaig is a challenging Most Awarded Single Malt Scotch more entries than any other
Whisky‘. The claim is based on spirit or whisky competitions.
single malt, it’s also a rewarding one. So even if you’re not a Laphroaig
results from the International Over the past two years, we have
drinker today, we’re always ready to welcome you as a Friend of Laphroaig. Wine & Spirit Competition strengthened the claim with
We’ll even give you a square foot of Islay and invite you to share a dram (IWSC) and the International outstanding results for all
of whisky with us here on your very own plot of land. Spirits Challenge (ISC) - since the our range variants.
To find out more about our whiskies and how to become
a Friend of Laphroaig visit www.laphroaig.com gLEn garioCh 12 YEars
Morrison Bowmore Distillers has cultured over the last 200 years to
today launched its Glen Garioch Single create a boutique range of whiskies.
Malt Whisky, with packaging and The new packaging designed by the
designs by edinburgh-based nevis . agency is a reflection of the tradition
The unveiling marks a new and boutique nature of Glen Garioch
chapter of whisky making at one of and the distillery. Tactile, highly
ENJOY RESPONSIBLY LAPHROAIG®, D Johnston & Co. (Laphroaig), Isle of Islay, Scotland Scotland ’s oldest distilleries. The crafted elements have been used
launch celebrates the distillery’s long throughout, resulting in a hand-made,
standing tradition of craftsmanship quality look and feel.
– taking the skills and experience
18 SINGLE MALTS Ready when you are SINGLE MALTS 19

12. What’s new
sCotLand’s
most
EXPEriEnCEd
maLt mastEr
nominatEd bowmore 1964 trilogy
tHe balvenie WhisKY iCon sells for $21,600 at
distilleRy christie’s auction
announces william grant and sons’ owned company, David The Bowmore 1964 Trilogy sold for $21,600
limited David stewart has won
a lifetime achievement
has personally overseen
the distiller’s award-
at a Christie’s auction in New York on
Saturday, beating the asking price of $18k.
edition award after 46 years of winning range of single The three-bottle lot included the newly- C
madeiRa dedication to his craft.
the longest serving
malts and blends: these
include glenfiddich,
released Gold Bowmore, White Bowmore
(released in 2008) and Black Bowmore
M
cask 17 Master Blender and the world’s most (released in 2007).
Y
yeaR old Malt Master in scotch awarded single malt, the Bowmore is one of the oldest distilleries CM
whisky, the toast of handcrafted whiskies in Scotland, and was the first distillery to be MY
David Stewart has the whisky industry of the Balvenie and established on the island of Islay.
CY
announced a new limited at gliitering award grant’s Blended scotch, Like the previously-released whiskies in
edition from The Balvenie ceromony as he the world’s favourite the Trilogy, Gold Bowmore matured below CMY
Distillery, a 17 year old collected The Whisky family owned blend. he sea level in the distillery’s Number 1 vault. K
single malt finished in Magazine icon of has been responsible Charles Curtis, head of North American
Madeira casks. whisky award for for a number of industry wine sales for Christie’s, said: “The
Matured in traditional his contributions and firsts, earning him Bowmore Trilogy, which sold for $21,600,
oak and finished in casks accomplishments some of whisky’s top excited interest worldwide and was keenly
previously used to make throughout a accolades and helping pursued by potential buyers.
fortified Madeira wine, distinguished career. william grant & sons “We are honoured to have been the
The Balvenie Madeira in the 46 years become Distiller of the route to market for the debut of this
Cask 17 Year Old is a since he joined the year an unprecedented prestigious spirit, and believe that this
real treat for the Scotch independent, family- three times in a row. result demonstrates the strength of the
whisky enthusiast; nascent market for collectible spirits.”
an exceptionally rich Mike Keiller, chief executive of Morrison
an CnoC 16 YEars
and rewarding mature Bowmore Distillers, said: “The final
single malt whose deep, addition to the Trilogy, Gold Bowmore,
luxurious aromas translate Inver House has introduced a 16 Year Old was only launched in October and was met
into an equally rewarding expression of its anCnoc single malt Scotch with wonderful acclaim.
flavour of spice and whisky brand. Unchill filtered “For the entire 1964 Bowmore Trilogy to
dried fruit. and non-coloured, master distiller have been sold for an incredible price at
The Balvenie Madeira Stuart Harvey is said to have the most prestigious auction house in the
Cask is the latest in a hand selected the whiskies only world really is a fitting celebratory note to
series of six 17 Year Old from those matured in American end on for this unique collection
limited edition releases by bourbon oak barrels. Previous of whisky.”
The Balvenie Distillery and anCnoc whiskies have been “We are very proud of all three
offers a spicy counterpoint finished in sherry oak. The taste is whiskies – they’re great examples of
to the rich sweetness of described as light and zesty with the quality we strive for with every
2008’s release, the award- a hint of spice, warming up to expression we create – and we look
winning The Balvenie toffee. forward to continuing this success with
RumCask. future exclusive Bowmore editions.”
20 SINGLE MALTS SINGLE MALTS 21

13. top 10
Where to Find a
good dram toP 10 most
feaTURInG OveR 20 SInGLe MaLT, InCLUDInG
8 Of TOP 10 In THe WORLD, anD fURTHeR 20 EXPEnsivE WhisKiEs
MORe BRanDS avaILaBLe On ReqUeST, THeRe’S
SOMeTHInG fOR eveRYOne 1 The Macallan 1926 Fine and Rare ........................................ $75,000
2 Dalmore 62 Single Highland Malt ......................................... $58,000
dubai Flagship retail store 3 Glenfiddich 1937 Rare Collection ......................................... $20,000
Le Clos ......................................Tel: 04 220 3583 4 The Macallan 55 year old Lalique Crystal Decanter ............. $12,500
Al Wasl ....................................Tel: 04 232 5522 5 Dalmore 50 year old decanter .............................................. $11,000
Mall of Emirates .......................Tel: 04 341 0371 6 Glenfarclas 1955 50 year old ................................................. $10,878
Ibn Battuta ..............................Tel: 04 368 5626 7 The Macallan 1939 40 year old fine and rare collection ...... $10,125
Trade Centre ...........................Tel: 04 352 3091 8 Chivas Regal Royal Salute 50 year old .................................. $10,000
Shiekh Zayed Road ..................Tel: 04 321 1223 9 The Macallan 1947 Fine & Rare Collection ............................. $6,800
10 Ladybank Single Malt ............................................................. $4,700
toP 10 WhisKY
Consuming nations
1 France ................................................................................. 48m litres
festival City, MMI’s latest retail store 2 USA .................................................................................. 33m litres
3 Spain.................................................................................. 29m litres
4 UK .................................................................................... 28m litres
Dubai Festival City ...................Tel: 04 232 5522 5 Thailand ............................................................................ 14m litres
Opening Hours for all stores 6 Venezuela ......................................................................... 11m litres
11:00am-9pm (Sat-Thurs). Closed Fridays 7 Brazil ................................................................................. 10m litres
8 China ................................................................................... 9m litres
spinney’s Flagship retail stores 9 Greece ................................................................................. 8m litres
Spinneys Muroor .....................Tel: 02 641 9366 10 South Korea ........................................................................ 8m litres
Spinneys Khalidiya .................Tel: 02 681 2356
Spinneys Al Ain .......................Tel: 03 763 6367
Source: Scotch Whisky Industry Review 2009 and relate to 2008 consumption
Opening Hours for all stores
10:00am-1pm & 4pm – 8.30pm (Sat-Thurs).
Closed Fridays
oman Flagship retail stores
OUA Madinat Qaboos .................Tel: 2460 3892
SCS Azaiba...................................Tel: 2449 5157
OUA Ruwi ..................................Tel: 2470 4031
Opening Hours for all stores
9am-1pm & 5pm-9pm (Sat-Thurs). Closed Fridays
sign uP to the single Malt
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our weBsite www.MMiDuBai.coM
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14. BigLittle
Profile of islay
isLand
fROM JUST One LITTLe ISLanD Off THe WeST COaST Of SCOTLanD
COMe SOMe Of THe WORLD’S BeST LOveD MaLTS. ISLaY, PROfILeD.
t
he Isle of Islay is the southernmost
island of the Inner Southern
Hebrides of Scotland, and counts the
Isle of Jura, Kintyre peninsula and
Northern Ireland as its neighbours. The earliest
known reference to the Isle of Islay comes in
Adomnan’s ‘Vita Columbae’, in a biography
of the Irish Saint, Columba or Colum Cille, in
about 720 AD. St Columba visited the Isle of
Islay on his way north, prior to founding the
famous monastery on the Isle of Iona, off the
southwest tip of the Isle of Mull.
Adomnan, St Columba’s biographer, wrote
Islay’s name as ‘Ilea’, describing Islay as an
inhabited island, which was later transformed
to Islay through anglicised spelling. In Gaelic,
the island’s name is spelt Ìle and pronounced
EE-leh by native Gaelic speakers. The
anglicized pronunciation is ‘eye-luh’, and never,
ever call it Is-lay!
The Isle of Islay has around 3,200 inhabitants,
covers an area of 600 square kilometres and has
an impressive 130 miles of coastline. The island
is famous for its malt whiskies and currently has
nine working distilleries, making the malt whisky
industry one of the most important sources of
income for the island. Famous names include
Bruichladdich, Bowmore, Laphroaig, Lagavulin,
Caol Ila, Bunnahabhain and Ardbeg all of which
are established brands and well known all
over the world; more recent additions are Port
Charlotte and Kilchoman. Given Islay’s location,
it is not surprising that her other main industries
are farming, fishing and tourism. It is with
good reason that she’s known as Queen of the
Hebrides. Bird watching is popular throughout
the year because of the large flocks of wild geese
that visit the Isle of Islay every winter (October to
May) and the huge variety of rare birds seen on
Islay such as the corncrake and the chough.
The island has a very long and rich human
history. Evidence has been found showing that
the Isle of Islay was inhabited by very early
settlers who came here in Mesolithic times after Laphroaig; The World’s no.1 Islay Malt Whisky
the last Ice Age in around 7500BC as fishermen
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15. Profile of islay
Bowmore Distillery
“it is believed that
and hunters. In later Neolithic and Islay’s climate benefits from the crofters grew the forerunner of the McLeish of Kilchoman Parish proclaimed them they produce in excess of 20,000,000
early Bronze Age times, many standing warming effect of the Gulf Stream, modern barley, called ‘bere’, which they that “we have not an excise officer on the litres of alcohol per year and with a rate
and carved stones were raised - the irish monks first bringing mild winters with little frost or used for their subsistence, leaving a whole island. The quantity, therefore, of of duty of £19.81 per litre of alcohol, Islay
intriguing Cultoon stone circle dates
back to this time.
introduced the art snow and summers that are not too hot.
The driest, most pleasant weather is often
healthy surplus that could be distilled.
In those early days, distilling was
whisky made here is very great, and the
evil that follows drinking to excess of
and Jura can hold their heads high as
major contributors to the UK economy.
The island was also once the main of distillation to from May to July, when the long daylight carried out openly in black shebeens this liquor is very visible on the island”. In former years, possibly 95% of the
seat of power in the west of Scotland islay, during the hours are most enjoyable. This lack of until the introduction, in 1644, of the The situation on Islay in 2002 reverted whisky produced was used in the make
early fourteenth
and became known as the home of the extremes plays an important role in the Excise Act when a tax was levied on to that of 1797, where no Gaugers were up of all the famous blends, i.e. Johnny
Lords of the Isles. The remains of their maturation of Islay’s unrivalled whiskies. whisky. This forced the distillers to move stationed on the island. Walker, White Horse, Black and White,
settlements are still visible at Finlaggan, century” It is believed that Irish monks first into the remote glens and caves to avoid The Mull of Oa peninsula was well Dewar’s White Label, Balantines, Chivas
which is one of the most important introduced the art of distillation to Islay, detection, but in fact the first exciseman, known for illicit distilling, with stills Regal, Famous Grouse, Bell’s - the list
archaeological sites to be found here. to around 800AD and is a fine example during the early fourteenth century. In known as ‘Gaugers’, did not dare to set found at Cragabus, Stremnishmore, Lower is endless. However, with the increased
Other remains of Islay’s religious history of this early history. Other high crosses Islay they found an island eminently foot on Islay until 1797. There was great Killeyan and Goil. There were also stills at interest worldwide in Single Malts a far
and carved stones are visible at several can be found at Kilnave and Kilchoman, suited for the production of Uisge Beathe, reluctance on the part of the excisemen to Octomore, Bridgend, Dail, Lossit, Tallant greater proportion of whisky is now
locations around the island - the Kildalton and carved grave slabs can be seen at (water of life) thanks to her unlimited come to an island where the natives had a and Mulindry. Today we are left with nine laid down for release in this way, and
High Cross is the last unbroken ringed Kilchoman, Kilnaughton, Keills, Bridgend, supplies of peat, and lochs and rivers fearsome reputation as a ‘wild barbarous licensed working distilleries on Islay (and Islay’s distillers are experimenting with
Celtic cross existing in Scotland, dating Finlaggan and Nereabolls. filled with pure soft water. The local people’. In 1777, the Reverend John one on the nearby island of Jura); between an ever growing range of finishes and
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