PLEASE NOTE WE HAVE A NEW VENUE - THE BLACK HORSE, AMBERLEY
Upcoming Events
Venue: The Black Horse Amberley
Date: tba
Time: 7:30pm - 10:00pm (ish)
Tickets: £18.00 each
Book tickets below. Next tasting event is still being arrange. Watch this space!
Previous Events
December 2019
All is not lost!!! - Discovering Scotland's old fashioned whisky flavours.
We will be sampling some classic drams from some of Scotlands lost distilleries along with some forgotten and hard to find drams. The line up will remain a bit of a mystery as there will be an element of blind tasting but trust us when we tell you this is a night you don't want to miss. The line up is based on unusual and hard to find bottles so worth making the effort to attend on a dark and cold winter night.
All is not lost!!! - Discovering Scotland's old fashioned whisky flavours.
We will be sampling some classic drams from some of Scotlands lost distilleries along with some forgotten and hard to find drams. The line up will remain a bit of a mystery as there will be an element of blind tasting but trust us when we tell you this is a night you don't want to miss. The line up is based on unusual and hard to find bottles so worth making the effort to attend on a dark and cold winter night.
Nov 19 - Cask innovation
For November’s meeting we explore the trends of cask innovation and design. Comparing whiskies from multiple regions, Cask sizes, finishes and Cask treatments. We will try octave, quarter cask and Shaved, toasted and re-charred (STR) casks to compare their effects on aging as well as a chestnut wood cask finish Irish whiskey. This month’s whiskies hail from Speyside, Highlands, England and Ireland, see below of listing:
For November’s meeting we explore the trends of cask innovation and design. Comparing whiskies from multiple regions, Cask sizes, finishes and Cask treatments. We will try octave, quarter cask and Shaved, toasted and re-charred (STR) casks to compare their effects on aging as well as a chestnut wood cask finish Irish whiskey. This month’s whiskies hail from Speyside, Highlands, England and Ireland, see below of listing:
- Glenglassaugh octave classic batch 2
- Glenallachie 8 year old quarter cask Koval rye finish
- Cotswolds Founders reserve STR red wine cask
- Method and madness single pot still French chestnut cask finish
- TBD
July 2019 - Bourbon Whiskey and Doughnut pairing
Yes, believe your eyes, we did do this!!!
We went all American (late Independence day) and paired American Whiskies/Bourbons with specialty doughnuts. THe doughnuts were freshly prepared onsite by the Black Horse chef andwere amazing!
There are a maximum of 12 tickets for the event so make sure you book early to avoid disappointment.
Old Forester – With a banoffee filled doughnut
Four Roses Small Batch – Vanilla Filled doughnut
Basil Hayden – with a mint chocolate filled doughnut
Mitcher’s Straight Rye – With a sugar and cinnamon coated doughnut
Booker True Barrel – Orange cream filled doughnut
We rated both the Whiskies on their own and then the pairings in order of preference below.
Best Whiskies
1. Booker True Barre
2. Mitcher’s Straight Rye
3. Basil Hayden
4. Old Forester
5. Four Roses Small Batch
Best combo of whiskey AND doughnut.
1. Old Forester – With a banoffee filled doughnut
2. Booker True Barrel – Orange cream filled doughnut
3. Mitcher’s Straight Rye – With a sugar and cinnamon coated doughnut
4. Basil Hayden – with a mint chocolate filled doughnut
5. Four Roses Small Batch – Vanilla Filled doughnut
So, a good doughnut can elevate a good whiskey it would seem!
Yes, believe your eyes, we did do this!!!
We went all American (late Independence day) and paired American Whiskies/Bourbons with specialty doughnuts. THe doughnuts were freshly prepared onsite by the Black Horse chef andwere amazing!
There are a maximum of 12 tickets for the event so make sure you book early to avoid disappointment.
Old Forester – With a banoffee filled doughnut
Four Roses Small Batch – Vanilla Filled doughnut
Basil Hayden – with a mint chocolate filled doughnut
Mitcher’s Straight Rye – With a sugar and cinnamon coated doughnut
Booker True Barrel – Orange cream filled doughnut
We rated both the Whiskies on their own and then the pairings in order of preference below.
Best Whiskies
1. Booker True Barre
2. Mitcher’s Straight Rye
3. Basil Hayden
4. Old Forester
5. Four Roses Small Batch
Best combo of whiskey AND doughnut.
1. Old Forester – With a banoffee filled doughnut
2. Booker True Barrel – Orange cream filled doughnut
3. Mitcher’s Straight Rye – With a sugar and cinnamon coated doughnut
4. Basil Hayden – with a mint chocolate filled doughnut
5. Four Roses Small Batch – Vanilla Filled doughnut
So, a good doughnut can elevate a good whiskey it would seem!
11th June 2019 - Israel vs England
The evening will involve 5 bottles from England vs Israel. The meeting will be hosted by founder member Jo Lawson who has a wealth of knowledge and experience.
We are all really looking forward to this exciting line up
The evening will involve 5 bottles from England vs Israel. The meeting will be hosted by founder member Jo Lawson who has a wealth of knowledge and experience.
We are all really looking forward to this exciting line up
October 18 -
We have the line up for the "rebranded and re-released" night which consists of whiskies that have recently gone through a revamp of the ranges, bottles and releases:
1. G&M discovery (sherry) Bunnahabhain 11 he old
2. G&M distillery labels Longmorn 2003/2018
3. Old Pulteney 12 yr old
4. Glenallachie 12 spirit of Speyside single cask
5. Port Charlotte 10
We have the line up for the "rebranded and re-released" night which consists of whiskies that have recently gone through a revamp of the ranges, bottles and releases:
1. G&M discovery (sherry) Bunnahabhain 11 he old
2. G&M distillery labels Longmorn 2003/2018
3. Old Pulteney 12 yr old
4. Glenallachie 12 spirit of Speyside single cask
5. Port Charlotte 10
September 18 blind tasting
5 bottles, no brands, which is the one you lie best.
July '18 - American Drams
This month we will tasting different Amercian Whiskies.
The line up will include the following:
5 bottles, no brands, which is the one you lie best.
July '18 - American Drams
This month we will tasting different Amercian Whiskies.
The line up will include the following:
- Stagg Jr Bourbon
- Buffalo Trace
- Rebel Yell small batch
- Sazerac Straight Rye
- David Nicholson 1843
- Johnny Drum Private Reserve
June '18 - New beginning, old friends
In June we have 18 different whiskies to try. It was a loooong night.
In June we have 18 different whiskies to try. It was a loooong night.
May 18- Age is just a number
This month we will be trying some Non-age statement (NAS) whiskies. It is easy to get hung up over the age of a whisky. Once you take the number off the bottle does that mean you lose quality? Of course not, we will be trying some easy to obtain bottles to see what we think of them.
Highland Park Dragon Reserve
English Whisky Chapter 7 Rum cask
Larceny 92 proof bourbon
Glen Moray Elgin Classic
Jura Superstition
We also have a couple of special bottles which will be making an appearance.
Kavalan Soloist Bourbon Cask
Mackmyra Preludium 06
This month we will be trying some Non-age statement (NAS) whiskies. It is easy to get hung up over the age of a whisky. Once you take the number off the bottle does that mean you lose quality? Of course not, we will be trying some easy to obtain bottles to see what we think of them.
Highland Park Dragon Reserve
English Whisky Chapter 7 Rum cask
Larceny 92 proof bourbon
Glen Moray Elgin Classic
Jura Superstition
We also have a couple of special bottles which will be making an appearance.
Kavalan Soloist Bourbon Cask
Mackmyra Preludium 06
April '17 - The theme of the tasting was 'Cask Finishes'. A chance to try different whiskies that have all been matured in different casks. The line up included.
The line up will include:
The line up will include:
- Arran Madeira Cask
- Arran Amarone Cask
- Benriach 15 Sauternes
- Deanston 2008 Red Wine Matured
- Johnnie Walker Blenders' Batch Rum Cask )
March '17 - Sweet 16
Our next tasting night will be Tuesday 13th March 2018. The theme of the tasting is 'Sweet 16'. This is a chance to try different whiskies that have all been matured for 16 yrs.
The line up includes:
These high quality expressions showcase what can be achieved in 16 yrs (in wood) an also the the quality and diversity that can be achieved for 3 simple ingredients (Water, yeast and barley).
The tasting will be hosted by our very own Alan Kendall.
Location: The Ram Inn, Woodchester
Time: 7:45pm start (please arrive from 730) - 10:00pm
Book your tickets now.
Our next tasting night will be Tuesday 13th March 2018. The theme of the tasting is 'Sweet 16'. This is a chance to try different whiskies that have all been matured for 16 yrs.
The line up includes:
- Aberlour 16
- Aberfeldy 16
- Glenrothes 2001
- Jura 16 Durachs Own
- Tomintoul 16 or Glenlossie 16 (tbc)
These high quality expressions showcase what can be achieved in 16 yrs (in wood) an also the the quality and diversity that can be achieved for 3 simple ingredients (Water, yeast and barley).
The tasting will be hosted by our very own Alan Kendall.
Location: The Ram Inn, Woodchester
Time: 7:45pm start (please arrive from 730) - 10:00pm
Book your tickets now.
December '17 - Christmas Party
We are closing off our 4th yr off with a bang as we are celebrate in style. We will be bringing along 15 bottles from our recent meetings. The planned itinerary is as follows. Attendees will be able to choose one bottle from each of the 5 rounds.
Location: The Ram Inn (Woodchester)
Date: December 12th , Tuesday
Time: 7:30pm - 10:00pm
All attendee's must be over 18 yrs of age.
See our booking page to secure your tickets.
*This line up is likely but may be subject to some change
We are closing off our 4th yr off with a bang as we are celebrate in style. We will be bringing along 15 bottles from our recent meetings. The planned itinerary is as follows. Attendees will be able to choose one bottle from each of the 5 rounds.
- Larceny 100 proof bourbon
- Rebel Yell small batch bourbon
- Auchentoshan American Oak
- Bernheim Wheated
- Chivas Regal 18 yr
- Syndicate 58/6
- Arran Madeira Cask finish
- Ardmore Port Wood Finish
- Jack Ryan 12 yr
- Mortlach Old & Rare
- Compass Box Spice Tree
- Benriach 15 yr
- Benrinnes 18 yr
- Deveron 18 yr
- Tomatin 18 yr
Location: The Ram Inn (Woodchester)
Date: December 12th , Tuesday
Time: 7:30pm - 10:00pm
All attendee's must be over 18 yrs of age.
See our booking page to secure your tickets.
*This line up is likely but may be subject to some change
Kilchoman Distillery Tasting
Stroud Whisky Club are delighted to announce our special event for November with Kilchoman Distillery was a resounding success.
Kilchoman displays all that is great about the grass-roots traditions of Scotch whisky distilling. As well as being one of only a handful of distilleries still practising floor malting, barley is also grown on the farm, making Kilchoman the only distillery to complete all parts of the whisky making process on site. Kilchoman truly is Islay’s farm distillery - from barley to bottling.
We will be updating our blog with tasting notes shortly.
Stroud Whisky Club are delighted to announce our special event for November with Kilchoman Distillery was a resounding success.
Kilchoman displays all that is great about the grass-roots traditions of Scotch whisky distilling. As well as being one of only a handful of distilleries still practising floor malting, barley is also grown on the farm, making Kilchoman the only distillery to complete all parts of the whisky making process on site. Kilchoman truly is Islay’s farm distillery - from barley to bottling.
We will be updating our blog with tasting notes shortly.
July Tasting - American bourbons
Every July we look across the pond to see what the Americans have to offer. The bourbon night is always fun as it gives us a chance to sample the familiar yet new.
The line included 5 bottles of good 'ol american bourbon.
Larceny 92 proof
Stagg Jr Bourbon
Makers 46 Bourbon
Rebel Yell small batch reserve bourbon
Bernheim Wheated Bourbon
Every July we look across the pond to see what the Americans have to offer. The bourbon night is always fun as it gives us a chance to sample the familiar yet new.
The line included 5 bottles of good 'ol american bourbon.
Larceny 92 proof
Stagg Jr Bourbon
Makers 46 Bourbon
Rebel Yell small batch reserve bourbon
Bernheim Wheated Bourbon
June '17 - Independent Bottlings
Following a hugely successful April meeting where we had the Independent bottling talent of "Boutiquey Whisky" in to take us through their wares, we were inspired. We decided to look at other independent bottlers for June's meeting to find more gems that are a bit less mainstream than the distillery standard bottlings.
Corriemhor Cigar Reserve
Benrinnes 1998 - 17 yr
Glenlossie 1998 - 16 yr
Glengoyne 2005 - 7 yr
Linkwood 1999 - 17 yr
See blog for details.
Following a hugely successful April meeting where we had the Independent bottling talent of "Boutiquey Whisky" in to take us through their wares, we were inspired. We decided to look at other independent bottlers for June's meeting to find more gems that are a bit less mainstream than the distillery standard bottlings.
Corriemhor Cigar Reserve
Benrinnes 1998 - 17 yr
Glenlossie 1998 - 16 yr
Glengoyne 2005 - 7 yr
Linkwood 1999 - 17 yr
See blog for details.
April '17 - Boutiquey Whisky
We were really lucky to be joined by That Boutique-y Whisky company (TBWC) in April. They are sent their big guns to Woodchester in their brand ambassador (Dave Worthington a.k.a @WhiskyDiscovery) along to join us for a unique whisky tasting.
TBWC are an independent bottler who specialise in sourcing high quality single malt, single grain and blended whiskies. Dave brought 6 excellent bottles along as well as his years of experience and knowledge.
The line up on the night was as follows:
We were really lucky to be joined by That Boutique-y Whisky company (TBWC) in April. They are sent their big guns to Woodchester in their brand ambassador (Dave Worthington a.k.a @WhiskyDiscovery) along to join us for a unique whisky tasting.
TBWC are an independent bottler who specialise in sourcing high quality single malt, single grain and blended whiskies. Dave brought 6 excellent bottles along as well as his years of experience and knowledge.
The line up on the night was as follows:
- Ben Nevis Batch 5, 21 Year Old
- Glen Keith Batch 4, 24 Year Old
- Paul John Batch 3, 6 Year Old
- Cooley Battch 1, 17 Year Old
- Caledonian Batch 1, 33 Year Old
- Fettercairn Batch 2 cask strength
March '17 - Blind Tasting
Our ever popular blind tasting was held by Jo this time around. She put a lot of thought into the theme and gave a very in depth presentation.
See the blog notes for details.
February 17- 5 Big 18's
February's meeting was a classic. The bottle line up was as follows:
Talisker 18
Glengoyne 18
Glenmorangie 18
Bunnahabhain 18
Deveron 18
We decided to go big and these are some cracking Whiskies. What a way to start the year.
February's meeting was a classic. The bottle line up was as follows:
Talisker 18
Glengoyne 18
Glenmorangie 18
Bunnahabhain 18
Deveron 18
We decided to go big and these are some cracking Whiskies. What a way to start the year.
December '16 - Christmas Party
After another successful year we had a bit of fun to unwind for Christmas.
15 bottles, a few prizes, crackers, mince pies and you have a recipe for a fun night.
After another successful year we had a bit of fun to unwind for Christmas.
15 bottles, a few prizes, crackers, mince pies and you have a recipe for a fun night.
- Ballantines Finest (award winning blend)
- Tullibardine Sovereign
- Haig Clubman
- Paul John Bold (India)
- Paul John Edited (India)
- Langatun Old Bear (Switzerland)
- Teerenpeli Kahri (Finland)
- Deanston 17yr
- Miltonduff 8yr
- Glendalough 7 yr (Ireland)
- Tormore 15 yr cask strength
- Auchentoshan American Oak
- Oban Little Bay
- Compass Box - Spice Tree
- Syndicate 58/6 12yr
November '16 - Blind Tasting
An absolutely stellar line up arranged by Paul. A mixture of blend, grain and vatted malt. All were great bottles and choosing a winner was difficult.
Adam scored the highest on the night so was declared the winner.
An absolutely stellar line up arranged by Paul. A mixture of blend, grain and vatted malt. All were great bottles and choosing a winner was difficult.
Adam scored the highest on the night so was declared the winner.
October '16 - Battle of Britain
Our October meeting was a Battle ofBritain and Ireland. We tasted a bottle of whisky from each of England, Ireland, N. Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
The bottles lined up were as follows:
- Scotland - Benromach 15 yr old
- England - English Whisky Co Chapter 7 Rum Finish
- Wales - Penderyn Portwood
- Ireland - Jack Ryan Beggars Bush 12 yr old
- N. Ireland - Bushmills
And the winner was... Benromach closely followed by Penderyn.
Sept '16 - Great finishes!
In recent years there has been an exponential increase in single malt whiskies being "finished" in a range of different casks. This has allowed the distilleries to experiment and produce a wide range of flavours with the same base spirit. After all, the maturation process is fundamental in shaping the whisky that ends up in your glass.
With this in mind looked at single malt whiskies that have either been matured completely or finished in different casks.
The line was as follows:
Glenfiddich 21 Reserva Rum Finish
Arran Madeira Cask Finish
Ardmore 12 Yr Port Finish
Benriach 15 Yr Sauternes Wood Finish
Aberlour A'Bunadh Sherry Cask
Glen Moray 10 yr Chardonnay Cask
In recent years there has been an exponential increase in single malt whiskies being "finished" in a range of different casks. This has allowed the distilleries to experiment and produce a wide range of flavours with the same base spirit. After all, the maturation process is fundamental in shaping the whisky that ends up in your glass.
With this in mind looked at single malt whiskies that have either been matured completely or finished in different casks.
The line was as follows:
Glenfiddich 21 Reserva Rum Finish
Arran Madeira Cask Finish
Ardmore 12 Yr Port Finish
Benriach 15 Yr Sauternes Wood Finish
Aberlour A'Bunadh Sherry Cask
Glen Moray 10 yr Chardonnay Cask
American beauties - July '16
In July we tried a range of American whiskies of different styles. WE kicked off the evening with an amaerican classic..the "Old Fashioned" made with Johnny Drum 15yo.
The main tasting session featured –
Blanton’s Original Single Barrel Bourbon
Balcones Baby Blue Corn Whiskey
James E Pepper 1776 Rye
Bernheim Small Batch Wheated Whiskey
In July we tried a range of American whiskies of different styles. WE kicked off the evening with an amaerican classic..the "Old Fashioned" made with Johnny Drum 15yo.
The main tasting session featured –
Blanton’s Original Single Barrel Bourbon
Balcones Baby Blue Corn Whiskey
James E Pepper 1776 Rye
Bernheim Small Batch Wheated Whiskey
Catch up - Tuesday 14th June '16
In June we revisitied a number of the popular bottles from previous events. There were be 15 bottles in attendance and everyone was able to taste at least 5 of these. The list below shows what was available.
In June we revisitied a number of the popular bottles from previous events. There were be 15 bottles in attendance and everyone was able to taste at least 5 of these. The list below shows what was available.
- Auchentoshan - American Oak
- Glenfiddich 12
- Tullibardine - Sovereign
- Glencadam 10
- Strathmill 14
- Glenfiddich 15 (Distillers Edition)
- Deanston 17
- Ben Nevis 22
- Mortlach 18
- Floki (Icelandic)
- Glen Els (German)
- Glendalough (Irish)
- Highland Park - Dark Origins
- Lagavulan 12 Cask Strength
- Oban Little Bay
Blind Tasting - May '16
organised by Sean McCarrick the May meeting was a blind tasting. Sean cleverly arranged for 5 different whiskies from all over the world to bamboozle those doing the tasting.
Countries included:
Scotland
USA
Ireland
Japan
Switzerland
The Japanese Nikka Black was the most popular on the night followed by the highly rated Smooth Ambler Straight Bourbon. The blog will have details of the night soon.
organised by Sean McCarrick the May meeting was a blind tasting. Sean cleverly arranged for 5 different whiskies from all over the world to bamboozle those doing the tasting.
Countries included:
Scotland
USA
Ireland
Japan
Switzerland
The Japanese Nikka Black was the most popular on the night followed by the highly rated Smooth Ambler Straight Bourbon. The blog will have details of the night soon.
Highland Fling - Tuesday 12th April '16
We hosted a highlands tasting in April. Wetasted 5 different bottles from the Highland region of Scotland.
The line up was...
Tullibardine Sovereign
Oban Little Bay
Stronachie 18
Macduff 13
Glenmorangie 18 Extremely Rare
We will also sampled Deanston 17 yr old & Fettercairn Fior.
- February 2016 - World Whisky Tasting
World Whisky - Our February meeting saw us trying bottles from Iceland, Germany, Finland, India and the Netherlands. That's is FIVE different bottles from all over the world.
Our blog will be updated shortly with details of the night.
December - Christmas Party
Our Christmas party was held on Tuesday 8th December We wrapped up another successful year of SWC with some fun and games. A few prizes, crackers, mince pies, etc. The bottles in attendance were...
Craigallachie 8
Glenallache Octave
Glenrothes 8
Miltonduff 8
Macallan Speymalt
Tobermory 10
Elijah Craig
The Glenlivet Nadurra
Fettercairn Fior
Glen Marnoch 18
The Tyrconnell
Glengoyne 7
Stronachie 18
Royal brackla 16
Deanston 17
Paul John Edited
Lagavulin 12
Laphroaig Select
Lots of whisky, lots of fun, a little structure (slight hangover).
Our Christmas party was held on Tuesday 8th December We wrapped up another successful year of SWC with some fun and games. A few prizes, crackers, mince pies, etc. The bottles in attendance were...
Craigallachie 8
Glenallache Octave
Glenrothes 8
Miltonduff 8
Macallan Speymalt
Tobermory 10
Elijah Craig
The Glenlivet Nadurra
Fettercairn Fior
Glen Marnoch 18
The Tyrconnell
Glengoyne 7
Stronachie 18
Royal brackla 16
Deanston 17
Paul John Edited
Lagavulin 12
Laphroaig Select
Lots of whisky, lots of fun, a little structure (slight hangover).
November - Glenfiddich Night
We were lucky enough to have Glenfiddich to come to Woodchester in November.
Mark Thompson, the UK brand ambassador for this iconic distillery, led the tasting in his own unique style. He took the lucky attendee's through the world famous Glenfiddich range. As the worlds most award winning single malt whisky it is fair to say he knows a thing or two.
His charismatic and engaging presentation was absolutely mesmerising. Add this to his industry knowledge and personal anecdotes and you suddenly had a whisky experience to remember.
This was a sold out event and one that will be long remembered. Everyone at Stroud Whisky Club would like to thank Chris and Mark from Glenfiddich for arranging this special night for us.
Details of the bottles will be added to the blog once we have fully recovered from the event.
We were lucky enough to have Glenfiddich to come to Woodchester in November.
Mark Thompson, the UK brand ambassador for this iconic distillery, led the tasting in his own unique style. He took the lucky attendee's through the world famous Glenfiddich range. As the worlds most award winning single malt whisky it is fair to say he knows a thing or two.
His charismatic and engaging presentation was absolutely mesmerising. Add this to his industry knowledge and personal anecdotes and you suddenly had a whisky experience to remember.
This was a sold out event and one that will be long remembered. Everyone at Stroud Whisky Club would like to thank Chris and Mark from Glenfiddich for arranging this special night for us.
Details of the bottles will be added to the blog once we have fully recovered from the event.
October Meeting - Age before beauty?
With soaring demand for whisky the distilleries have been finding stocks in short supply. They can't make enough to match demand. This is a problem because, as you would imagine, to have stocks to make a 12 year old single malt you need to plan ahead by at least 12 years.
This has led to a surge of Non Age-Statement (NAS) expressions. We have seen The Glenlivet phase out the 12 yr old and introduce "Founder Reserve" in its place. Laphroaig have launched "Select" alongside the 10 year old to ease pressure on the 10 yr stocks.
Is this a good thing or a bad thing? Well really its neither because if a whisky is good, its good. With this in mind we tasted a range of NAS whiskies from Scotland.
The complete line up was:
Want to attend a distillery hosted tasted. See below as we have lined up Glenfiddich to come to Stroud in November!
With soaring demand for whisky the distilleries have been finding stocks in short supply. They can't make enough to match demand. This is a problem because, as you would imagine, to have stocks to make a 12 year old single malt you need to plan ahead by at least 12 years.
This has led to a surge of Non Age-Statement (NAS) expressions. We have seen The Glenlivet phase out the 12 yr old and introduce "Founder Reserve" in its place. Laphroaig have launched "Select" alongside the 10 year old to ease pressure on the 10 yr stocks.
Is this a good thing or a bad thing? Well really its neither because if a whisky is good, its good. With this in mind we tasted a range of NAS whiskies from Scotland.
The complete line up was:
- Mortlach Old & Rare
- Aberlour A'bunadh (Batch 50)
- The Glenlivet Nadurra
- Fettercairn Fior
- Highland Park - Dark Origins
Want to attend a distillery hosted tasted. See below as we have lined up Glenfiddich to come to Stroud in November!
September was an ever-popular blind tasting event. These have proved to be one of the most popular theme's over the past 2 years and is ideal for all levels of experience.
There were 5 single malts in the blind tasting plus a bonus dram at the end. The line up (in order of service was as follows:
Without knowing this they drams were drunk and then we voted on preference. The results were very interesting and details will be uploaded to the blog shortly.
There were 5 single malts in the blind tasting plus a bonus dram at the end. The line up (in order of service was as follows:
- Tomintoul 16
- Stronachie 18
- Glendiffich 12
- Deanston 17
- Royal Brackla 15
Without knowing this they drams were drunk and then we voted on preference. The results were very interesting and details will be uploaded to the blog shortly.
July - Independence Night
We celebrated July with Whiskey from America. This gave us a chance to look beyond single malt to see what other top drawer offerings are available from the other side of the pond.
Everyone was greeted upon arrival with an 'Old Fashioned' cocktail before launching into the tasting evening.
Bottles tried were:
- Old Grand Dad
- Elijah Craig 12yr
- Blanton's Original
- Johnny Drum Private Stock
- Rittenhouse Rye (BIB)
June 15 - Catch up
The June tasting evening was a chance to catch up with some of the bottles that we have tasted over past meetings. There were 20 bottles to choose from. The idea was to choose which one you want to taste from each of the 5 groups. It is a great way to try new whiskies from distilleries (or even countries) you may not have experienced before. You may prefer to choose bottles you are familiar with. Either way, it is a fun way to try a range of exciting whiskies.
Glencadam 10 yr
Glen Moray Chardonnay cask
The Tyrconnell
Glengoyne
Glenallachie Octave
Glenrothes
Macallan Speymalt
Locke's
Bruichladdich Scottish Barley
Aberlour A'Bunadh batch 50
Macduff 13
Paul John Edited
Miltonduff 8
Hellyers road roaring fourties
Strathmill 14
Glen Marnoch 18
The Glenlivet Nadurra
Balvenie single barrel 15
Glentauchers 20
Inchmurrin 18
The June tasting evening was a chance to catch up with some of the bottles that we have tasted over past meetings. There were 20 bottles to choose from. The idea was to choose which one you want to taste from each of the 5 groups. It is a great way to try new whiskies from distilleries (or even countries) you may not have experienced before. You may prefer to choose bottles you are familiar with. Either way, it is a fun way to try a range of exciting whiskies.
Glencadam 10 yr
Glen Moray Chardonnay cask
The Tyrconnell
Glengoyne
Glenallachie Octave
Glenrothes
Macallan Speymalt
Locke's
Bruichladdich Scottish Barley
Aberlour A'Bunadh batch 50
Macduff 13
Paul John Edited
Miltonduff 8
Hellyers road roaring fourties
Strathmill 14
Glen Marnoch 18
The Glenlivet Nadurra
Balvenie single barrel 15
Glentauchers 20
Inchmurrin 18
May '15 - Cask strength gems
The bottles we tried for the May cask strength tasting were...
Details of tasting notes are posted on the blog.
The bottles we tried for the May cask strength tasting were...
- Tormore 15 Yr Cash strength 57.4%
- Glenallachie 6Yr 55.2%
- The Glenlivet Nadurra 1st Fill 63.1%
- Aberlour A'bundah Batch 50 59.6%
- Lagavulin 12 yr 55.1%
Details of tasting notes are posted on the blog.
April 2105 - Young and Feisty
April led us to look at young whiskies of 9 years and younger. It was a great opportunity to try a couple of lesser known distilleries.
The bottles we tried were as follows:
Glenrothes 8 yr
Glengoyne 7 yr
Craigellachie 8 yr
Glenallachie 6 yr
Miltonduff 8 yr
See the blog for our thoughts and tasting notes
April led us to look at young whiskies of 9 years and younger. It was a great opportunity to try a couple of lesser known distilleries.
The bottles we tried were as follows:
Glenrothes 8 yr
Glengoyne 7 yr
Craigellachie 8 yr
Glenallachie 6 yr
Miltonduff 8 yr
See the blog for our thoughts and tasting notes
Cotswold's Distillery Tour - March 2015
SWC were invited to tour the newest distillery on the block. Cotswold's Distillery opened last Autumn and is now in production. They are producing some fantastic spirit and this was a unique chance to tour the facilities, see the production process and ask questions. We also got to try their fantastic GIN, new make spirit, sherry cask aged spirit, espresso martini plus others. We will update the blog post shortly with details.
If you haven't been yet we strongly recommend it.
SWC were invited to tour the newest distillery on the block. Cotswold's Distillery opened last Autumn and is now in production. They are producing some fantastic spirit and this was a unique chance to tour the facilities, see the production process and ask questions. We also got to try their fantastic GIN, new make spirit, sherry cask aged spirit, espresso martini plus others. We will update the blog post shortly with details.
If you haven't been yet we strongly recommend it.
March 2015 - Irish Night
With St. Patrick's day falling in March what better way to celebrate than an Irish Whiskey night.
We sampled the following bottles on the night.
It was a lot of fun and showed that there are some quality Irish Whiskey bottle to choose from at very reasonable prices.
With St. Patrick's day falling in March what better way to celebrate than an Irish Whiskey night.
We sampled the following bottles on the night.
- Locke's 8 Yr old Single Malt
- The Tyrconnell Single Malt
- Bushmills 10 yr Single Malt
- Teeling Single Malt
- Redbreast 12 Pot Still
- Green Spot Pot Still
It was a lot of fun and showed that there are some quality Irish Whiskey bottle to choose from at very reasonable prices.
February 2015
Blind tasting
Four bottles, no labels, what could it be? Read the blog post for full details and tasting note of the evening. The bottles in question we are follows:
Glentauchers 20 Yr
MacDuff 13 yr
Glencadam 10 yr 1
Strathmill 14
Blind tasting
Four bottles, no labels, what could it be? Read the blog post for full details and tasting note of the evening. The bottles in question we are follows:
Glentauchers 20 Yr
MacDuff 13 yr
Glencadam 10 yr 1
Strathmill 14
January 2015
At our January meeting we explored 4 bottles from the Scottish Highlands.
Tasting notes will be posted on the blog
At our January meeting we explored 4 bottles from the Scottish Highlands.
- Glendronach 15yr Revival - "TWE Whisky of the year 2014-15"
- Inchmurrin 18yr
- Ben Nevis 22 yr
- Glen Marnoch 18
Tasting notes will be posted on the blog
December Meeting - Christmas
Our December was on Tuesday 9th December. It was a chance to revisit old friends and sample some of the Whiskies that we had tried throughout the course of the year.
The bottles in attendance were as follows.
It was a fun evening and we would like to thank the Ram Inn for their continued support. The venue is welcoming and friendly and the food is always excellent.
Our December was on Tuesday 9th December. It was a chance to revisit old friends and sample some of the Whiskies that we had tried throughout the course of the year.
The bottles in attendance were as follows.
- Bunnahabhain 12
- Penderyn Peated
- Penderyn Sherry Wood
- Penderyn Madeira
- Bruichladdich The Laddie TEN
- Kilkerran WIP 6 Sherry Wood
- English Whisky Chapter 6
- Glenfarclas 10
- Auchentoshan 12
- Bruichladdich Scottish Barley
- Kavalan Concertmaster
- Green Spot
- Monkey Shoulder - Batch 27
- Bushmills 10 year old
- Glenrothes 8
- Macallan Speymalt 9
- Ardmore Cask Strength
- Paul John Edited
- Tobermoray 10
- Laphroaig Select
- Ileach Peaty
It was a fun evening and we would like to thank the Ram Inn for their continued support. The venue is welcoming and friendly and the food is always excellent.
November - World Whisky
The theme for the meeting was World Whisky. Following our distillery hosted tasting evening with Penderyn it seems fair to say that some of the best Whisky in the world comes from unexpected sources. Scotland are the best known producers of Single Malt whisky but there are many other countries who are producing high quality whisky too.
The bottles tasted were as following:
Sweden - Mackmyra Preludium 06
Australia (Tasmania) - Hellyers Road Original 'Roaring 40's'
Holland- Millstone 5 Yr Peated
India - Paul John Edited
Taiwan - Kavalan Concertmaster
The theme for the meeting was World Whisky. Following our distillery hosted tasting evening with Penderyn it seems fair to say that some of the best Whisky in the world comes from unexpected sources. Scotland are the best known producers of Single Malt whisky but there are many other countries who are producing high quality whisky too.
The bottles tasted were as following:
Sweden - Mackmyra Preludium 06
Australia (Tasmania) - Hellyers Road Original 'Roaring 40's'
Holland- Millstone 5 Yr Peated
India - Paul John Edited
Taiwan - Kavalan Concertmaster
October -DISTILLERY TASTING NIGHT - PENDERYN
For our October meeting we were joined by Laura Davies (Distiller) and Stephen Davies (Managing Director) both from Penderyn. They focused on the Penderyn range, discussing the distillation processes as well as giving us an inside view of the recent distillery expansion and future plans. This fascinating insight went hand in hand with an expert tutored tasting.
Bottles in attendance on the night were:
New Make Spirit 92%
Madeira 46%
Sherrywood 46%
Peated 46%
Legend 41%
Bourbon Single Cask (Cask Strength) 63.2%
As distribution partners for Kavalan they also brought along 2 cask strength offerings from the Taiwanese distillery. Soloist cask strength Sherry cask and Soloist cask strength Bourbon cask.
See the blog for full details of the evening.
For our October meeting we were joined by Laura Davies (Distiller) and Stephen Davies (Managing Director) both from Penderyn. They focused on the Penderyn range, discussing the distillation processes as well as giving us an inside view of the recent distillery expansion and future plans. This fascinating insight went hand in hand with an expert tutored tasting.
Bottles in attendance on the night were:
New Make Spirit 92%
Madeira 46%
Sherrywood 46%
Peated 46%
Legend 41%
Bourbon Single Cask (Cask Strength) 63.2%
As distribution partners for Kavalan they also brought along 2 cask strength offerings from the Taiwanese distillery. Soloist cask strength Sherry cask and Soloist cask strength Bourbon cask.
See the blog for full details of the evening.
August 2014 - Blind Tasting
By popular demand we held a Blind Tasting evening. Each Whisky was served from an unlabelled bottle with no visual means of identification.
Using only your senses to identify the flavours and aromas and then make a guess to it's provenance, age and cost is not as easy as you might think.
We tried 5 different bottles from 5 different regions. In order of popularity the bottles were...
Old Pulteney Wk217 - Highland / Island
The Balvenie 15 Yr Single Barrel - Speyside
Kilkerran (Glengyle) Work In Progress 6th Edition Sherry Wood - Campbeltown
Auchentoshan 13 Yr - Lowland
Laphroaig Select - Islay
By popular demand we held a Blind Tasting evening. Each Whisky was served from an unlabelled bottle with no visual means of identification.
Using only your senses to identify the flavours and aromas and then make a guess to it's provenance, age and cost is not as easy as you might think.
We tried 5 different bottles from 5 different regions. In order of popularity the bottles were...
Old Pulteney Wk217 - Highland / Island
The Balvenie 15 Yr Single Barrel - Speyside
Kilkerran (Glengyle) Work In Progress 6th Edition Sherry Wood - Campbeltown
Auchentoshan 13 Yr - Lowland
Laphroaig Select - Islay
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July 2014 - Islay Night
July was dedicated to Islay, the most romanticised of Scotland's Whisky producing regions. Renowned for it's hard to reach location, uncompromising weather, traditional Whisky production methods and BIG Whisky flavours. These are not for the feint hearted but those that dare shall be rewarded.
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June '14 - A blast from the past...
Our June meeting was arranged to go back over the bottles from meetings gone by and to meet old friends, try the ones you missed and to decide which you like the best.
Here are the bottles that made an appearance on the night.
Tomintoul 21
Mortlach 18 - Singatory Bottling
Tomatin 18
Ben Riach 15 Sherry Cask
Penderyn Madiera
Highland Park 12
Glen Marnoch 18
Glenrothes 8 - Machphail Collection
Tobermory 10
Macallan Speymalt
Kavalan Concertmaster
Dalmore 12
Bushmills 10
Green Spot
St. Georges Chapter 6
...and the winner is? See the blog for details.
Our June meeting was arranged to go back over the bottles from meetings gone by and to meet old friends, try the ones you missed and to decide which you like the best.
Here are the bottles that made an appearance on the night.
Tomintoul 21
Mortlach 18 - Singatory Bottling
Tomatin 18
Ben Riach 15 Sherry Cask
Penderyn Madiera
Highland Park 12
Glen Marnoch 18
Glenrothes 8 - Machphail Collection
Tobermory 10
Macallan Speymalt
Kavalan Concertmaster
Dalmore 12
Bushmills 10
Green Spot
St. Georges Chapter 6
...and the winner is? See the blog for details.
May 2014 - Independent Bottlings
We had a classy range of bottles of Scotch Single malt ranging up to 18 years old all from independent bottlers. Awaken yourselves to great independently bottled Whisky. See blog for details.
We had a classy range of bottles of Scotch Single malt ranging up to 18 years old all from independent bottlers. Awaken yourselves to great independently bottled Whisky. See blog for details.
Glenfarclas Tasting Evening - April 2014
On Thursday 24th April 2014 Stroud Whisky Club hosted Glenfarclas at The Ram Inn. Glenfarclas are one of the most highly acclaimed distilleries in Scotland.
We arranged for a special tasting session with a Glenfarclas ambassador who talked us through the production process, the brand, the history and the range of Whiskies. We tasted new make spirit straight from the still, 2 bottles you cannot buy from a shop and then the core range of single malts. See list below for details.
The sold out event was a huge success and was a great insight into arguably the finest independently owned Scottish distillery.
On Thursday 24th April 2014 Stroud Whisky Club hosted Glenfarclas at The Ram Inn. Glenfarclas are one of the most highly acclaimed distilleries in Scotland.
We arranged for a special tasting session with a Glenfarclas ambassador who talked us through the production process, the brand, the history and the range of Whiskies. We tasted new make spirit straight from the still, 2 bottles you cannot buy from a shop and then the core range of single malts. See list below for details.
- Glenfarclas - New make spirit. Distilled 2005 - 68% ABV
- Glenfarclas - 10yr Plain Cask Distilled '95, drawn off '05 - 63.5% ABV
- Glenfarclas - 10yr Oloroso Cask Distilled '95, drawn off '05 - 63.5% ABV
- Glenfarclas - 10yr - 40% ABV
- Glenfarclas - 15yr - 46% ABV
- Glenfarclas - 105 Cask Strength - 60% ABV
- Glenfarclas - 21yr - 43% ABV
- Glenfarclas - 25yr - 43% ABV
- Glenfarclas - 40yr - 46% ABV
The sold out event was a huge success and was a great insight into arguably the finest independently owned Scottish distillery.
March Meeting
The theme our March meeting was a blind tasting. Each Whisky was served from an unlabelled bottle with no means of identification. The trick was to try it, see what flavours and aromas you could pick up and then try to make a guess to it's provenance, age and cost.
Here are the bottles we tried on the night.
Tomintoul 21 yr
BenRiach 15 Yr Sherry Wood
Talisker 10 yr
Tobermory 10 yr
Glen Marnoch 18 yr
The evening was a real success and we will be having another version of the Blind Tasting later in the year.
The theme our March meeting was a blind tasting. Each Whisky was served from an unlabelled bottle with no means of identification. The trick was to try it, see what flavours and aromas you could pick up and then try to make a guess to it's provenance, age and cost.
Here are the bottles we tried on the night.
Tomintoul 21 yr
BenRiach 15 Yr Sherry Wood
Talisker 10 yr
Tobermory 10 yr
Glen Marnoch 18 yr
The evening was a real success and we will be having another version of the Blind Tasting later in the year.
February Meeting
Our February Meeting celebrated the diversity of these Isles of our by sampling one bottle from each of England, Ireland, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.
The English Whisky Company - St. Georges' Distillery - Chapter 6
The Dalmore - 12 yr
Bushmills 10 yr
Penderyn Madeira
Midleton - Green Spot
Whilst all were very popular, we had joint winners for the first time. Details to follow on our Blog.
Our February Meeting celebrated the diversity of these Isles of our by sampling one bottle from each of England, Ireland, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.
The English Whisky Company - St. Georges' Distillery - Chapter 6
The Dalmore - 12 yr
Bushmills 10 yr
Penderyn Madeira
Midleton - Green Spot
Whilst all were very popular, we had joint winners for the first time. Details to follow on our Blog.
January Meeting
The first meeting of 2014 went with a BANG!
We hosted a World Whisky tasting evening.
We tried Single Malts from 4 different countries.
India - Paul John Brilliance (Voted the best bottle of the night!)
Sweden - Mackmyra Brukswhisky
South Africa - Three Ships 10 yo Limited Edition
Taiwan - Kavalan Concertmaster
December
December saw us wrap up our first year with a festive twist and to celebrate what a great year it had been.
In 2013 we enjoyed a wide variety of Whiskies including having guest tasting sessions with Paul John Indian Single Malt and Buffalo Trace Bourbon.
The list of bottles tasted is long and varied and to celebrate our first Christmas we will be revisiting some of them again. This gives members a chance to try old favourites and ones the might have missed.
December saw us wrap up our first year with a festive twist and to celebrate what a great year it had been.
In 2013 we enjoyed a wide variety of Whiskies including having guest tasting sessions with Paul John Indian Single Malt and Buffalo Trace Bourbon.
The list of bottles tasted is long and varied and to celebrate our first Christmas we will be revisiting some of them again. This gives members a chance to try old favourites and ones the might have missed.
- Highland Park 12
- Auchentoshan 12
- Bowmore 12
- Lagavulin 16
- Rittenhouse Rye (100 proof, bottle in bond)
- Eagle Rare Single Barrel
- The Glenlivet 18
- Compass Box Hedonism
- Chivas Regal 18
- Monkey Shoulder
- Bruichladdich The Laddie Ten
- Old Weller Antique 107 (Wheated Whisky)
- Bulleit Bourbon
- Buffalo Trace
- Ballantine's Finest
November Meeting - Bourbon Night.
We were lucky enough to have a representative from Buffalo Trace come along to our November meeting to walk us through the production process and tasting of some of their finest Whiskies. For comparison we also had a couple from rival producers.
Buffalo Trace
Old Weller Antique 107
Eagle Rare Single Barrel
Bulleit Bourbon
Rittenhouse Rye
We were lucky enough to have a representative from Buffalo Trace come along to our November meeting to walk us through the production process and tasting of some of their finest Whiskies. For comparison we also had a couple from rival producers.
Buffalo Trace
Old Weller Antique 107
Eagle Rare Single Barrel
Bulleit Bourbon
Rittenhouse Rye
October Meeting - Blend night
A large proportion of Whisky available on the market involves blended whisky. Often overlooked as cheap or lower quality alternatives to single malt. They can be cheaper but this doesn't necessarily mean lower quality.
We sampled a wide variety of bottles including:
There were several other bottles as well and covered a range of styles including vatted grain, vatted malt and blended whisky. Information on these will be posted on our blog.
A large proportion of Whisky available on the market involves blended whisky. Often overlooked as cheap or lower quality alternatives to single malt. They can be cheaper but this doesn't necessarily mean lower quality.
We sampled a wide variety of bottles including:
- Chivas 18 Yr
- Compass Box Hedonism
- Monkey Shoulder
- Ballantines Finest
There were several other bottles as well and covered a range of styles including vatted grain, vatted malt and blended whisky. Information on these will be posted on our blog.
In September we were delighted to host a "Paul John Indian Single Malt" Masterclass.
John Distilleries are the 7th largest global Whisky producer of award winning single malt and "Liquid Gold" cask strength Whiskies. Their highly rated 'Edited' and 'Brilliance' picked up Gold and Silver at the World Whiskies Masters 2013.
We had a senior representative of the Distillery provide a detailed walk through of the unique production process including the challenges faced maturing high quality Whisky at temperatures up to 40'C. We tried their range of flagship and cask strength expressions.
Both the peated and unpeated expressions exceeded expectations and have the unanimous seal of approval from our members. Read about it here.
John Distilleries are the 7th largest global Whisky producer of award winning single malt and "Liquid Gold" cask strength Whiskies. Their highly rated 'Edited' and 'Brilliance' picked up Gold and Silver at the World Whiskies Masters 2013.
We had a senior representative of the Distillery provide a detailed walk through of the unique production process including the challenges faced maturing high quality Whisky at temperatures up to 40'C. We tried their range of flagship and cask strength expressions.
Both the peated and unpeated expressions exceeded expectations and have the unanimous seal of approval from our members. Read about it here.
August Meeting
The theme for our August meeting was "Old and interesting". Our "old" Scottish Single malts had been aged for 18 yrs or more. We tried 3 bottles which were Highland Park 18, Tomatin 18 and The Glenlivet 18.
The "interesting" Whiskies were the award winning Irish Whiskey, Redbreast 12 yr Cask Strength and the Duty Free only Laphroaig QA Cask.
The theme for our August meeting was "Old and interesting". Our "old" Scottish Single malts had been aged for 18 yrs or more. We tried 3 bottles which were Highland Park 18, Tomatin 18 and The Glenlivet 18.
The "interesting" Whiskies were the award winning Irish Whiskey, Redbreast 12 yr Cask Strength and the Duty Free only Laphroaig QA Cask.
July Meeting
Our July Meeting saw us try the following Whiskies from Islay.
Jura Superstition
Lagavulin 16 YO
Bruichladdich 10 YO
Ardbeg 10 YO
Lagavulin was a real "marmite malt". It split the group in to two camps. Love and hate it. This strong, smokey, salty, peaty monster is full of big flavour and is one of the 6 classic malts of Scotland. I for one love it and think it is a must try malt but beware... it has BIG flavours and an even BIGGER finish!
Our July Meeting saw us try the following Whiskies from Islay.
Jura Superstition
Lagavulin 16 YO
Bruichladdich 10 YO
Ardbeg 10 YO
Lagavulin was a real "marmite malt". It split the group in to two camps. Love and hate it. This strong, smokey, salty, peaty monster is full of big flavour and is one of the 6 classic malts of Scotland. I for one love it and think it is a must try malt but beware... it has BIG flavours and an even BIGGER finish!
June '13 Meeting
This was our second meeting and it was a real success. Building on the previous meeting with an attendance of 2 this meeting we had 5 people. THe theme of this meeting was the same as our very first meeting which was 12 YO single malts.
The bottles tried were...
The Glenlivet 12
Auchentoshan 12
Highland Park 12
Bowmore 12
The HP12 was the most popluar malt on the night followed closely by the Auchentoshan. All great value bootles.
This was our second meeting and it was a real success. Building on the previous meeting with an attendance of 2 this meeting we had 5 people. THe theme of this meeting was the same as our very first meeting which was 12 YO single malts.
The bottles tried were...
The Glenlivet 12
Auchentoshan 12
Highland Park 12
Bowmore 12
The HP12 was the most popluar malt on the night followed closely by the Auchentoshan. All great value bootles.
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See Some of our Gallery Photo's here
Photo's Courtesy of Jo Lawson
