Milk & Honey + Elijah Ammon Birthday Celebration
Presented by Tal Chotiner, Head of International Sales and Tomer Goren, Head Distiller
Saturday, February 6, 2021
2:00pm - 3:30pm Pacific Time / midnight in Israel
Milk & Honey (חלב ודבש) is Israel's first single malt whisky distillery. While not the most likely of places to start a whisky distillery, a group of whisky enthusiasts decided to chase their dream in Tel Aviv. Construction began in June 2014 and within a year the first spirit flowed from its pot stills. Besides manufacturing, there’s also a visitor center, where visitors can learn more about the distilling process and enjoy whisky tastings.
Since its establishment, the distillery’s operations were accompanied by the late Dr. James Swan, world-renowned whisky expert. The term STR refers to the shaved, toasted, and re-charred method he formulated. Among the original Israeli dreamers is Milk & Honey Head Distiller Tomer Goren. Partly self-educated, Goren also spent time honing his craft at distilleries in Scotland, as well as at the British Institute of Brewing & Distilling. All of the distillery’s products are Kosher.
We are also celebrating Elijah Ammon’s birthday — so we went big with teamwork from Sam Filmus @ ImpEx, Joshua and Jason @ Single Cask Nation, and bottles the club has curated over time to make this a memorable tasting.
the line-up:
1. M&H New Make 40% ABV
2. M&H Whisky in Bloom Double Cask 46% ABV
3. M&H Whisky in Bloom Lightly Peated 46% ABV
4. M&H Classic 46% ABV
5. M&H Sherry 46% ABV
6. M&H Red Wine Cask 46% ABV
7. M&H Peated 46% ABV
8. M&H Gin 46% ABV
9. M&H ImpEx STR Single Cask 59% ABV
10. SCN M&H 2yr retail release (ex-bourbon barrel matured) 59.85% ABV
11. SCN M&H 2yr online release (ex-Jamaican rum barrel matured) 61.3% ABV
Big thank you to Sam Filmus, Joshua Hatton, and Jason Johnstone-Yellin for making this happen!
Starward Australian Whisky
with David Vitale, founder + maker of Starward whisky
presented by Sean O'Connell, Starward whisky brand ambassador
Thursday, February 11, 2021
We are delighted to welcome David Vitale, the founder of Starward Australian whisky, for a virtual Masterclass. Founded in 2004, in an airport hangar in Melbourne’s Essendon Fields, the Starward distillery has built a fine reputation over the years. Inspired by Melbourne’s foodie culture, Starward has developed a world-class, premium whisky that challenges people's perceptions of what whisky can be. The distillery is focused on 3 things: whisky, culture and flavor. Starward has embraced its Melbourne roots, maturing almost all of their whisky in big, Aussie red wine barrels, and even Apera casks (basically sherry, except they can’t call it that). Although they have a foot firmly in the single malt world, they're also not afraid to draw outside of traditional constraints.
the line-up:
1. Penfold’s Bin 2 Shiraz Mataro (2017, South Australia)
2. Starward Two-Fold (wheat + malted barley / red wine barrels) 40% ABV
3. Starward Nova (red wine barrels) 41% ABV
4. Starward Solera (fortified wine barrels) 43% ABV
5. Starward Wally’s Single Barrel Cask #3330 55.6% ABV
6. Starward 10th Anniversary 52% ABV
+ Violet Crumble bar (Australian honeycomb toffee coated in chocolate)
Big thank you to Sean O'Connell @ Starward Whisky for making this happen!
Compass Box Virtual Tasting
presented by Jill Boyd, Whiskymaker @ Compass Box
Wednesday, March 3, 2021
We are delighted to welcome Jill Boyd, Whiskymaker at Compass Box, for a virtual Masterclass. Since joining the team in January 2017, Jill has become a key whisky maker at Compass Box and will be joining us all the way from the UK for this special event. Jill hails from the North-East of Scotland, and her job includes working on the brand's blends, purchasing new-make spirit to be filled into their own casks, as well as choosing and buying matured stocks. Apart from making whiskies, she is also a brand ambassador for Compass Box. She is the perfect person to be presenting the whiskies that we will be trying, as she has probably created and put them together with John Glaser.
the line-up:
1. Great King Street Artist’s Blend
2. Great King Street Glasgow Blend
3. Hedonism
4. The Spice Tree
5. Story of the Spaniard
6. Peat Monster
7. Magic Cask Ltd. Edition
Big thanks to Scott Ellis, Western Region Manager for making this happen!
Maker's Mark Limited Editions
presented by Jane Bowie, Director of Innovation, Master of Maturation, and Private Select Programs at Maker's Mark Distillery
Thursday, March 11, 2021
Back in May 2019 we had the pleasure of hosting Jane Bowie and learning about the Private Select program. Now this time we are going into a deep dive of rare releases w/ Jane, Phil, and Johnnie. Maker’s Mark has absolutely spoiled us with these limited edition releases of their wood finishing series.
about Jane Bowie:
The distillery's Director of Private Select and Diplomat Program and has been instrumental in getting the Private Select program off the ground. Active in the Bourbon business for 14 years, she was the first international employee for Maker's Mark as the Global Brand Ambassador. Today she leads all innovation on behalf of the distillery from concept to execution and route to market as well as manage current innovation teams across quality control, sales and marketing.
the line-up:
1. Maker’s Mark White Dog (special 110 proof)
2. Maker’s Mark Cask Strength
3. Maker’s Mark 46 Cask Strength
4. Maker’s Mark WFS, RC6
5. Maker’s Mark WFS, SE4xPR5
6. Maker’s Mark WFS, Mr1-3 (Distillery Exclusive)
7. Maker’s Mark WFS, FAE-01
8. Private Select Store Pick, Old Oaks Cigar & Liquor
Big thanks to Johnnie Mundell and Phil Olson for making this special night happen.
St. Patrick’s Day w/ Teeling Irish Whiskey
presented by Frank Jakubka + Una Green
featuring a Virtual Distillery tour
Wednesday, March 17, 2021
The last time we did a Teeling tasting it was with Stephen Teeling, sales and marketing director at Teeling Whiskey @ The Black Cat. Back in February 2018 we tasted the pot still right before it was 3 years old and experienced the peated Blackpitts as a prototype. This time we will have Frank Jakubka + Una Green with us to come back full circle. We get to enjoy the final product, reacquaint with the core line, and have two very special releases to finish the night with to make St. Patrick’s Day memorable.
Teeling Distillery is an Irish whiskey distillery established in Dublin in 2015. It is the first new whiskey distillery to have opened in Dublin in over 125 years. Now, six generations later, a new pair of Teelings have built a craft distillery in the same neighborhood. The phoenix rising from the pot in the logo symbolizes the rebirth of the Teeling Whiskey brand as it forges a new future for Dublin and Irish whiskey.
the line-up:
1. Teeling Small Batch, 46% ABV
2. Teeling Single Grain, 46% ABV
3. Teeling Single Malt, 46% ABV
4. Teeling Pot Still, 46% ABV
Bang Bang Bar:
5. Teeling Blackpitts, peated, 46% ABV
6. Teeling PX Sherry Single Cask, 14 Year, Total Wine Exclusive 54.3% ABV
7. Teeling Chestnut Cask, 13 Year, Single Cask # 29555, 55.1% ABV
Bhakta 50 Brandy
Barrels 3, 7, 8, and 9 presented by Raj Peter Bhakta
Thursday, March 18, 2021
This event is a unique excursion to experience liquid history; while the product itself is delicious, the amazing thing is to actually taste something from the distant past. A percentage of the armagnac dates to the time of Napoleon and the end of the Civil War, and the youngest component is from when mankind first set foot on the moon.
Raj Peter Bhakta, revived rye whiskey with WhistlePig and now he is doing the same for French Armagnac. In 2019, Raj purchased the Ryst-Dupeyron Château in Condom, France, along with the family’s historic collection of Armagnac brandy. Now, in his latest adventure, he is trying to convince whiskey drinkers that ancient Armagnac, briefly finished in Islay casks should be the next big spirit to try. Bhakta 50 Brandy is a bridge connecting the world of armagnac to whiskey; particularly scotch. It’s a step into history with a blend of barrels that had been distilled between 1868 and 1970. Once married together the armagnac is finished in smoky Islay Scotch casks to create this unique convergence of brandy, whisky, and time.
Barrel 3: Pendragon
1868, 1897, 1939, 1946, 1952, 1963, 1964, and 1970
45% ABV, only 355 bottles released to the market
Barrel 7: Guinevere
1868, 1897, 1939, 1946, 1952, 1963, 1967, and 1970
47.1% ABV, only 356 bottles released to the market
Barrel 8: Sagramore
1868, 1924, 1934, 1946, 1955, 1962, 1967, and 1970
47.4% ABV, only 364 bottles released to the market
Barrel 9: Colgrevance
1868, 1893, 1929, 1941, 1955, 1962, 1965, and 1970
45.9% ABV, only 372 bottles released to the market
Huge thank you to Mira Anne Bhakta + team for making this special night happen.
Jefferson's Bourbon + Rye "old + new vertical"
presented by Trey Zoeller on National Cocktail Day
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Southern California Whiskey Club is doing one of those special tastings of something that has gotten very expensive in the secondary markets and auctions. These are bottles that Chris Uhde has been holding onto for almost a decade — so instead of doing the smart thing, we are gonna open them and share with you. Space is limited because we only have 1 bottle of each expression. Joining us will be Trey Zoeller, Founder & Chief Strategist Jefferson’s Bourbon. It took a lot of arm twisting with Pernod Ricard but we will have him grace us to go over the brand, how he sources the whiskey and the plans for the future. Also, since March 24 is National Cocktail Day so we will have an interactive cocktail class with the Minty where we make a black Manhattan to get the evening started.
Featuring vertical of old releases + new expressions.
the old (2012-2013):
1. Jefferson's Very Small Batch Bourbon, Batch No. 331
2. Jefferson's Straight Rye Whiskey, Aged 10 Years
3. Jefferson's Ocean, Aged at Sea Batch 1
4. Jefferson's Ocean, Aged at Sea Batch 17
5. Jefferson's Presidential Select 18 YO, Batch No. 18 [Aged in Stitzel-Weller Barrels]
6. Jefferson's Reserve Very Old, Very Small Batch, Batch No. 192
the new (2021):
7. Jefferson's Reserve Very Old, Very Small Batch, 2021 Release
8. Jefferson's Very Small Batch Bourbon, 2021 Release
9. Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea,Batch No. VOYAGE23
10. Jefferson's Chef’s Collaboration, Batch No. 17
bonus: Jefferson's The Manhattan Barrel Finished Cocktail
Jefferson’s Black Manhattan w/ The Minty recipe [here]
kit contains:
• 1.5oz Jefferson's Ocean, 45% ABV
• 1oz Averna Amaro Siciliano, 29% ABV
you provide @ home: aromatic bitters + cocktail cherry for garnish
Glen Scotia Distillery Visit
presented by Iain McAlister, Gary Mills, + Forbes McMullin
Sunday, March 28, 2021
2:00pm - 3:30pm Pacific Time / 10:00pm Scotland Time
Last time we had a visit was in September 2019; this time we are taking advantage of Zoom and doing a Campbeltown distillery experience without leaving home. We will be joined by Iain and Gary as they give us an intimate glimpse of the distillery as we taste through an exhaustive line-up. Founded in 1832, Glen Scotia is one of the finest scotch whisky distilleries in the Campbeltown region of Scotland that still maintains much of its original design, including the fermenters, the stillroom, and the dunnage warehouse. In 2014, the distillery was bought by Loch Lomond Group who have invested heavily in the site. Campbeltown still has 3 operating distilleries: Glen Scotia, Springbank, and Glengyle.
joining from Scotland:
Iain McAlister, Glen Scotia Master Distiller
Gary Mills, Visitor Experience Manager and Brand Ambassador at Loch Lomond Group
joining from Dallas:
Forbes McMullin, Vice President Sales at Loch Lomond Group
pour list:
1. Glen Scotia Double Cask, 46% ABV
2. Glen Scotia 10 Year Peated, 46% ABV
3. Glen Scotia 15 Year, 46% ABV
4. Glen Scotia 18 Year, 46% ABV
5. Glen Scotia Victoriana Cask Strength, 54.2% ABV
6. Glen Scotia Campbeltown Malts Festival 2020, 14 Year, Tawny Port Finish, 52.8% ABV
7. Cask 560, 2001, First Filled Bourbon, 57.1%
8. Cask 2017/413/6, 2005, Heavily Peated, Recharge American Oak Hogshead, 18 Months in Tawny Port, 57.8%
9. Master Distillers Edition selected by Ian McAllister, distillery manager cask number 637, 57.3% ABV
Huge thanks to Bozzy for making this special tasting happen, we appreciate you very much. #BlameBozzy
High Road Spirits
presented by Takashi Endo
featuring their portfolio of Japanese Whiskies
Friday, April 9, 2021
Southern California Whiskey Club is very excited to have Takashi Endo from High Road Spirits joining us. Their extensive portfolio features many great producer partners of international, craft spirits from Japan, Mexico, France, Italy, Spain, Haiti, and other pockets of the world. They pride themselves in bringing in authentic products from small, family-owned producers. For this tasting we will focus on their Japanese whiskies with a balance of new and established single malt distilleries from different regions of Japan.
It’s no secret that the best Japanese whisky can be hard to find – even in Japan. Despite all the limited-edition bottles and the re-releases of old single malts, the good stuff is in chronically short supply. The definition of what can be called Japanese Whisky is also about to change, thanks to a new set of rules announced by the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association (JSLMA) recently. This tasting will be a good way to experience and taste some of the best Japanese whiskies available.
the line-up:
1. Mars Iwai Whisky 45, Single Malt + Grain Whisky, 45% ABV
2. Ichiro's Malt & Grain, Chichibu Distillery, 46.5% ABV
3. Akashi Single Malt Whisky, Green Label, 46% ABV
4. Mars Komagatake Single Malt Whisky, Limited Edition 2020, 50% ABV
5. Kanosuke New Born Single Malt Whisky, Matured 16 Months, 57% ABV
6. The Akkeshi Single Malt Whisky, Lightly Peated, “Sarorunkamuy”, 55% ABV
Ardmore Distillery
presented by Simon Brooking
Teacher’s intro cocktails w/ The Minty
Saturday, April 10, 2021
1:00pm - 2:30pm Pacific Time / 9pm Scotland
Southern California Whiskey Club is pleased to have our good friend Simon Brooking join us for an early afternoon Ardmore tasting to share stories and learn about this under appreciated Highlands distillery as we taste a flight of 9 whiskies. One of the things that makes Ardmore so unique, is that their malt is one of the very few Highlanders to use peat smoke. That alone is a reason to celebrate their brand and character. We will begin with an interactive cocktail class with our own The Minty where we make a Bloody Mary to get the afternoon started.
The Ardmore distillery was built in 1898 to secure fillings for their blend, Teacher's Highland Cream (of which it remains the principal component). The distillery sits at the highest point of the Northern railway line, 600 feet above sea level, near the small village of Kennethmont. The proximity to the railway line allowed founder Adam Teacher to transport materials from Glasgow to this remote corner of Aberdeenshire, helping the distillery flourish. Almost unchanged from the moment he made his dream a reality, the water is still drawn from the naturally rising springs that sit on the 1,500 foot tall Knockandy Hill. The distillery is owned and operated by Beam Suntory, an American subsidiary of Suntory Holdings of Osaka, Japan.
the line-up:
1. Ardmore Legacy, 40% ABV
2. Valinch & Mallet Ardmore 8 Year, Single Koval Cask 48.8% ABV
3. Single Malts of Scotland 2009 Aird Mhor, Single Cask 707921, 10 Year, 59.5% ABV
4. Signatory 2009 Ardmore, 9 Year, Single Cask 706260, 46% ABV
5. Single Malts Of Scotland 1998 Ardmore 21 Year, Single Hogshead #750753, 50.2% ABV
6. SMWS 66.108 “Carmelized Smokiness” 11 Year, 1st Fill Moscatel Hogshead, 58.9% ABV
7. Firkin 2011 Ardmore 8 Year, Marsala Cask, 48.9% ABV
8. Alexander Murray 2008 Ardmore, 9 Year, 46% ABV
9. Teacher's Highland Cream Whisky, 43% ABV
make @ home cocktail:
Teacher’s One Minute Mary [recipe] or Teacher’s Highball [recipe]
10th Street Distillery
presented by Virag Saksena + Tim Grimes
Wednesday, April 14, 2021
Virag Saksena launched 10th Street Distillery in 2017 with his partner Vishal, a chemical engineer stolen without any regrets from the world of high tech for this endeavor. With a philosophy of no compromises and no shortcuts, 10th Street Distillery's focus is to craft great whiskies which people can enjoy every day. They are experimenting with California wine casks for finishing some of their expressions.
the line-up:
1. California Coast Whisky, 42% ABV
2. Single Malt, 46% ABV
3. Single Malt, Peated, Distillers Cut, 44% ABV
4. Single Malt, Peated, 46% ABV
5. Peated Single Malt, Finished in Port Casks, 45.2% ABV
Big thanks to Tim Grimes for making this happen!
Comandon Cognac + Monteru Brandy
presented by Franck Vigneron
Saturday April 24, 2021
Southern California Whiskey Club is pleased to have our good friend Franck Vigneron join us for an impressive flight of brandy with Comandon Cognac + Monteru Brandy.
Comandon Cognac was founded in 1821 and is truly an independent house that still controls and performs all aspects of its production in-house. These expressions are created with the passion and intimacy that only such an artisan house can offer. This Cognac is created as limited editions and with the choice of eau-de-vie used presenting a very distinct taste profile. It’s a very versatile spirit, and can be enjoyed in many ways. It’s definitely worth experiencing neat, thanks to the complex taste profile and wonderfully long after taste. But it can also be well used as a luxurious addition to your favorite cocktail, or with a mixer of your choice to make a refreshing long drink—perfect for a warm day.
The origins of Monteru date back to the late 1700’s and has remained closely tied to the tradition of brown spirits distillation and has become a leading innovator by combining authenticity and tradition to create a product somewhere between traditional brandy and single malt whisky. Maison Monteru produces small batches with intricate differences that are aged in a stone cellar on the Atlantic coast where the temperature and the humidity levels remain stable. Another significant characteristic of their process is to age the brandies in different types of oak casks: French first, imparting delicate nut flavors, then American oak which conveys subtle spice and brioche aromas.
line-up:
1. Single Batch Cognac, Batch #34, Limited Release VS, 40% ABV
2. Single Batch Cognac, Batch #34, Limited Release VSOP, 40% ABV
3. 2003 Vintage Single Barrel #33, Petite Champagne, 43% ABV
4. Single Batch Cognac, Edition No. 1503, Limited Release XO, 40% ABV
5. Vintage Single Cask Ltd. Release, 2012, Borderies, Cask #78, 41.5% ABV
6. Vintage Single Cask Ltd. Release, 2004, Petite Champagne, Cask #198, 43% ABV
7. Monteru Double Distilled Single Grape Brandy 2014 / 2016, 5B002-16, 41.3% ABV
8. Monteru Double Wood Triple Toast 2012 / 2016, batch #003, 42.7% ABV
Old Forester's 150th Anniversary Celebration
presented by Joe Brooke
Thursday April 29, 2021
Old Forester is officially the longest-running bourbon and to celebrate their 150th Anniversary, SCWC is doing a tasting of all 3 releases along with the core line and an intro cocktail by our very own Minty. The ‘old’ in Old Forester isn’t just a marketing ploy, it was first bottled and marketed in 1870 by the former pharmaceutical salesman turned bourbon-merchant George Garvin Brown – the founder of the Brown-Forman Corporation. One of America’s founding bourbons, Old Forester continued to thrive until 1920, when Prohibition began. Many distilleries were closed, but fortunately, Brown-Forman applied for and received a license from the U.S. government to continue producing Old Forester for medicinal purposes. When Prohibition was repealed in 1933, Old Forester became the only remaining bourbon continuously sold by the same company before, during and after Prohibition. Old Forester is produced at the Brown-Forman distillery in Shively, Kentucky using a mash bill of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley.
Whiskey Row series
1. Old Forester 1870 Original Batch Bourbon
2. Old Forester 1897 Bottled in Bond
3. Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whiskey
4. Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style
Celebrate Old Forester's 150th Anniversary
5. Old Forester's 150th Anniversary 1
6. Old Forester's 150th Anniversary 2
7. Old Forester's 150th Anniversary 3
Big thanks to Stephanie Jerzy, Brown-Forman Market Manager for making this happen!
Aged Rum Master Class
presented by Holmes Cay founder Eric Kaye
Wednesday, May 5, 2021
Southern California Whiskey Club is pleased to host Eric Kaye for an impressive flight of independent rum. This is a rare opportunity to try a fascinating series of ultra-premium limited edition rums from the US importer Holmes Cay - Single Cask Rum collection. The company was founded in 2019 to bring exceptional examples of the rum distillers’ craft to US spirits lovers.
Members will have an opportunity to taste six different aged rums from five countries, ranging from 10 to 18 years in the cask. Featuring ALL of Holmes Cay - Single Cask Rum’s 2020 and 2021 limited editions. Bring those rum questions that you’ve been wondering about and get ready for a master class in aged rum.
featuring vintages:
1. 2004 South Pacific Distilleries 16 Year Old
Single American Oak Cask Fiji Rum
2. 2005 Travellers 15 Year Old
Single Ex-Bourbon Tropically Aged Belize Rum
3. 2009 Foursquare 11 Year Old
Single Port Cask Blended Barbados Rum
4. 2011 Clarendon Distillery (Wedderburn) 10 Year Old
Single Ex-Bourbon Cask Jamaica Rum
5. 2005 Diamond Distillers (Port Mourant) 16 Year Old
Single Ex-Bourbon Cask Guyana Rum
6. 2003 Diamond Distillers (Uitvlugt) 18 Year Old
Single Ex-Bourbon Cask Guyana Rum
Big thank you to Maura Gedid for making this event happen!
Woodinville Whiskey Co.
presented by Ariel Jahn, National Brand Ambassador
Thursday, May 20, 2021
We are extremely pleased to have Ariel Jahn, National Brand Ambassador for Woodinville Whiskey Co. lead us on a comprehensive tasting. Woodinville Whiskey Co. was established in 2010 by two longtime friends, Orlin Sorensen and Brett Carlile, using the highest quality locally grown grains, the best barrels and coopers in the world, the most technologically advanced distilling equipment, and the mentorship of an industry icon, David Pickerell. Now in its 11th year of operation, Woodinville is Washington state's largest craft distillery, handcrafting all of its products from 100% locally sourced grains.
Woodinville Whiskey Co. line-up:
1. Straight Bourbon
2. Cask Strength Straight Bourbon (Distillery Exclusive)
3. Straight Bourbon Finished in PX Sherry Casks (Distillery Exclusive)
4. Straight Bourbon Finished in Oloroso Sherry Casks (Distillery Exclusive)
5. Straight Bourbon Finished in Port Casks (Distillery Exclusive)
+ other #SecretStash surprises
Woodinville Whiskey Co. [link]
“Whiskies of the World” Blind Tasting
Thursday May 27, 2021
Southern California Whiskey Club is having a Whiskies of the World blind tasting event to challenge your senses and perception. The main focus of this blind format is to let people decide what they like for themselves with a lively conversation during the exploration. We aren’t focusing on the competitive side, more of the “enjoy what you like” vibe over the Zoom. Plan is to taste the color-coded bottles, do several polls, and then a full reveal. That’s about all I can say to keep you from any more influence…
Price is set low as a heartfelt thank you for all the support y’all have shown the club over the past year.
Ichiro’s Malt, Chichibu Distillery
presented by Yumi Yoshikawa, global brand ambassador of Chichibu Distillery
Tuesday, June 1, 2021
Southern California Whiskey Club is very excited to have Global Ambassador Yumi Yoshikawa from the legendary Chichibu Distillery to talk with us about the brand and the future of Japanese whisky as a category. Chichibu distillery (秩父蒸溜所) was founded in 2004 by Ichiro Akuto and is located at Chichibu, a city in Saitama Prefecture about 100km northwest of Tokyo. This distillery is generally credited with launching Japan's craft whisky movement as Akuto’s single malts have consistently won rave reviews. Join us to learn more about Ichiro's Malt and the future of this whisky category that has taken the world by surprise.
featuring:
1. On The Way 2019, 11,000 bottles, 51.5% ABV
2. Cask 3912, Bourbon Barrel, 2014/2020, 202 Bottles, 62.0% ABV
3. Ichiro’s Limited Edition 2019, Malt & Grain Blended “World Whisky”, 48% ABV
4. Cask #708, Ex-Hanyu Cask, 2010/2016, 304 Bottles, 63.1% ABV
5. Mizunara Wood Reserve, Japan Release, 46% ABV
Heaven Hill Distillery
Part 1 of 3, “Intro to Heaven Hill”
w/ Jack Choate, Western U.S. Whiskey Educator at Heaven Hill Distillery
Thursday, June 10, 2021
Virtual Tasting via Zoom
We are going to have a good ‘ol Heaven Hill taste off with our friend Jack Choate for a multi-part series where we get to know the brands in the Heaven Hill Distillery portfolio over several meetings. For this first event we will explore the newly released Elijah Craig rye with 2 other established ryes and 3 classic bourbons. This is a perfect way to learn about whiskey and the nuances that define these releases and reacquaint with these standards.
lineup:
1. Elijah Craig Straight Rye, 47% ABV
2. Pikesville Rye, 6 Year, 55% ABV
3. Rittenhouse Rye Bottled in Bond, 50% ABV
4. Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage 2013, 43.3% ABV
5. Evan Williams Black Label, Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 43% ABV
6. Evan Williams Bottled in Bond, 50% ABV
about the brand:
Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky was founded by the Shapira family in 1935 just a few years after the end of Prohibition. Unlike many distilleries of the time Heaven Hill has remained family owned for 85 years now. Its current distillery facility, called the Heaven Hill Bernheim distillery, is in Louisville, Kentucky. It is the seventh-largest alcohol supplier in the United States, the second-largest holder of bourbon whiskey inventory in the world, the largest, independent, family-owned and operated producer and marketer of distilled spirits in the United States. [link]
Big thanks to Ruben Pranata and Nona Gomez for making this happen!
Masterclass of Single Grape Varietals
presented by Franck Vigneron of Monteru French Brandy
Monday, June 14, 2021
Southern California Whiskey Club is pleased to have our good friend Franck Vigneron join us for an educational flight of single grape brandy with Monteru French Brandy. This is a convergence of the world of wine meeting the world of whiskey in an informative tasting of single grape varietals, all aged in oak. If you are a wine connoisseur who is curious about amplified wine or a whiskey drinker who wants to learn the subtle nuances of grapes this is meant for you. We will taste 5 grape varietals, a sherry cask, and then a bourbon drinkers’ brandy for an in-depth and unique tasting.
about the brand:
The origins of Monteru date back to the late 1700’s and has remained closely tied to the tradition of brown spirits distillation and has become a leading innovator by combining authenticity and tradition to create a product somewhere between traditional brandy and single malt whisky. Maison Monteru produces small batches with intricate differences that are aged in a stone cellar on the Atlantic coast where the temperature and the humidity levels remain stable. Another significant characteristic of their process is to age the brandies in different types of oak casks: French first, imparting delicate nut flavors, then American oak which conveys subtle spice and brioche aromas. [link]
Monteru French Brandy Line-up:
1. Single Grape Brandy, Riesling, 40% ABV
2. Single Grape Brandy, Merlot, 40% ABV
3. Single Grape Brandy, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2014/2016, CS002-16, 41.3% ABV
4. Single Grape Brandy, Chardonnay, 2014/2016, Batch CH002-16, 41.3% ABV
5. Single Grape Brandy, Sauvignon Blanc, 2014/2016, Batch SB002-16, 41.3% ABV
6. Rare Cask Finish, French Oak, Finished in Sherry Oak, 2012/2016, Batch 1, 41.7% ABV
7. Double Wood Triple Toast, 2012/2016, Batch 003, 42.7% ABV
The GlenDronach
Part 1 of 2, “Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky”
Presented by Rory Glasgow, Brown Forman Whisky Ambassador
Thursday, June 17, 2021
Southern California Whiskey Club is delighted to have our friend Rory Glasgow guiding us through the history and production of this famed Highlands distillery. Founded in 1826, The GlenDronach was one of the very first licensed distilleries and has a history of enterprising owners, from the flamboyant James Allardice to the ambitious Walter Scott. Over time this distillery has remained largely unchanged with their heavy and robust spirit being perfect for a long maturation period in the finest Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso sherry casks. [link]
lineup:
1. Port Wood Single Malt Whisky, 46% ABV
2. Original 12 Year Old, 43% ABV
3. Revival 15 Year Old, 46% ABV
4. Allardice 18 Year Old, 46% ABV
5. Parliament 21 Year Old, 48% ABV
+ #SecretStash
Very big thanks to Rory Glasgow for making this happen!
The Suntory Yamazaki Distillery
presented by West Coast Brand Ambassador Jonathan Armstrong
Friday, June 18, 2021
Southern California Whiskey Club is having a unique tasting of five single cask, cask-strength Yamazaki samples with brand ambassador Jonathan Armstrong. This is a deep dive into specific cask types; White Oak, Spanish Sherry, and Japanese Mizunara Oak for example, that are exclusive to this blind-format tasting. These rare cask strength component samples are unavailable except through the generosity of Beam Suntory.
line-up:
1. Yamazaki I
2. Yamazaki II
3. Yamazaki III
4. Yamazaki IV
5. Yamazaki V
about the distillery:
The Yamazaki Distillery is Japan’s first and oldest malt whisky distillery established in 1923 by Suntory's founder Shinjiro Torii. Inspired by traditional Scottish whisky, Torii envisioned a Japanese approach by choosing a terrain and climate completely different to those of Scotland to create a unique kind of whisky. The Yamazaki Distillery is thus the birthplace of Japanese whisky. Nestled proudly on the periphery of Kyoto, this region was formerly referred to as "Minaseno", where one of the purest waters of Japan originates. This event is for everyone interested in whisky, from veteran connoisseurs to beginners, and will include a short Japanese whisky 101 portion to provide an introduction to the category. [link]
Big thanks to Jonathan Armstrong for making this happen!
Auchroisk Distillery Deep Dive
w/ Ewan Morgan, National Program Director - Diageo Reserve at Diageo
Friday, June 25, 2021
Western Washington Whisky Club and Southern California Whiskey Club are pleased to do a thorough deep dive with Diageo ambassador Ewan Morgan to learn about this elusive Speyside distillery. The Auchroisk distillery produces a single malt scotch whisky with a heavy character from a process of rapid mashing, quick fermentation and, in the wash stills, a rapid boiling regime which almost cooks the solids and allows controlled carryover of some solids. Despite being completed as recently as 1974, you can be forgiven for never having heard of the distillery, or having tasted Auchroisk whisky, because much of its distinct character is used to create the signature taste of many blended whiskies like the Justerini & Brooks' blend [J&B].
The event will start with a J&B Basil Whisky Sour cocktail curated by The Minty to enjoy before we dive into this comprehensive tasting of Auchroisk.
OB lineup:
1. J&B Rare Blended Scotch Whisky, 40% ABV (intro cocktail w/ The Minty)
2. Auchroisk, 9 Year, The Manager's Choice, Bodega Sherry Cask No. 11323, 60.6% ABV
3. The Singleton of Auchroisk, 12 Year, Distilled in 1978 - Bottled 1991, 43% ABV
4. Auchroisk, 30 Year, Limited Edition 2012, Natural Cask Strength, 54.7% ABV
IB lineup:
5. Battlehill Auchroisk, 5 Year, 55.9% ABV
6. Vintage Auchroisk, 18 Year, Distilled in 1996, 6 Month Port Finish, 46% ABV
7. Trader Joe’s Auchroisk, 19 Year, Ex-Bourbon Single Cask 11744, 58.4% ABV
8. Hepburn's Choice Auchroisk, 21 Year, 1996, K&L Exclusive, 52.6% ABV
9. The Old Malt Cask Auchroisk, 24 Year, 1994, K&L Exclusive, 53.4% ABV
about the distillery:
Located in Banffshire, speyside Scotland. It was established after Dorie's Well was discovered and found to have water similar to the water used by the Glen Spey distillery, which was used by Justerini & Brooks to produce malt whisky for their blends. The well's water was used to produce a test batch of whisky at Glen Spey distillery, and was approved, which led to the start of construction of the Auchroisk distillery at the site of the well in 1972 to produce whisky for the J&B blend. Production started in 1974. The distillery produced its first single malt in 1978. The single malt was rebranded as 'The Singleton' in 1986, as the name 'Auchroisk' was perceived as too difficult for consumers outside Scotland. The name changed back to Auchroisk in 2001, when a bottling was released under the name 'Auchroisk 10 Year Old Flora & Fauna' in the Diageo Flora & Fauna range. In 2008 the name was changed again, this time to 'The Singleton of Auchroisk'. The distillery is used as a hub for vatting Auchroisk with the highland whiskies used in J&B before being shipped off for marrying and bottling. [link]
Big thanks to Elijah and Shauna for making this happen!
10/10
A Blind Tasting of Bourbon & Rye
date: Friday, July 2, 2021
Virtual Tasting via Zoom
Back in August and September 2020 we did two, 20 expression tastings of bourbon and rye. Now for the final one of this series we are doing a split where the assignment will be to pick which is rye or bourbon and then rank on a scale 1-5. We will have everyone tally the style of whiskey and grade them on Zoom poll questions, and after all 20 have been tallied, we will reveal the bottles.
A scorecard will be included in each kit. We strongly suggest tasting + grading the whiskeys (notes, ratings scored, and pick rye vs bourbon) over several days BEFORE the Zoom. Also suggested is to save about a 1/3 to re-taste during the live event. This is going to be an educational tasting and a chance to try whiskies of varying degrees of quality and price, blindly, next to each other, and see how it all nets out. This will be a small meeting of about 20 members just like the previous.
Big thanks to Josh Peters for making this happen!
