Whisky Fest SF

by **Ganga** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 7:23 pm

MikeyMad and I will be attending the Whisky Fest in San Francisco October 23, 2007. We would be interested in getting together with anyone else that will be at this event or just meeting for a dram.

by **mikeymad** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 8:14 pm

It is my understanding that peergynt323 will be attending the show as well...

I would be happy to host a tasting event at my house during the weekend before the show either the 20th or 21st. Just to get ready.

Cheers,

by **Ganga** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 4:58 am

I certainly have some whiskies that I can bring along for tasting. A few of the Aberlour A'bunadh would work quite nicely or maybe we could make a theme out of the tasting.

by **Drrich1965** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 2:01 pm

Sadly, I will be in town for a conference from Oct 27-30th, so will miss the major malt festivities, but would love to meet one evening for a dram or two, or three, or.....

by **Ganga** » Mon Aug 20, 2007 5:42 pm

Oi! Are ya tryin' to mess up my vacation schedule? Grrrr! At least I haven't purchased the flight tickets yet.

Let's see. I guess I'll need to start looking at flying in on the 23rd and staying through the weekend.

by **mikeymad** » Wed Aug 22, 2007 11:20 pm

Drrich1965 wrote:Sadly, I will be in town for a conference from Oct 27-30th, so will miss the major malt festivities, but would love to meet one evening for a dram or two, or three, or.....

Sounds like a great idea DrRich.... :thumbsup:

You will have to let us know what nights (if not every night) that you are avalible, and go from there. There are a couple of places to go to explore some dramming. Or there is always my garage (not too far away).....

If we can nail something down we may be able to get some others along as well. We have been out with peergynt as well..

Cheers,

by **Drrich1965** » Wed Aug 22, 2007 11:59 pm

mikeymad wrote:
Drrich1965 wrote:Sadly, I will be in town for a conference from Oct 27-30th, so will miss the major malt festivities, but would love to meet one evening for a dram or two, or three, or.....

Sounds like a great idea DrRich....

You will have to let us know what nights (if not every night) that you are avalible, and go from there. There are a couple of places to go to explore some dramming. Or there is always my garage (not too far away).....

If we can nail something down we may be able to get some others along as well. We have been out with peergynt as well..

Cheers,

Well , I will be without car. For whisky mates, I will be flexable...PIck a night the 27th, 28th, 29th, and if we can do it in the city...I was at that Japanese Restarunt,Nihon? Pricy, but good selection....

by **Ganga** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 9:06 pm

Ok, I've clear with the Mrs to be gone through Sunday October 28. Looking forward to a dram or two.

by **mikeymad** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 9:35 pm

Hmmm that must mean that I better clear it with my Ms. to see if it is okay....

Cheers,

by **Ganga** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 9:02 pm

Well, plans are falling into place for the events of this week. If there are any other members from the forum that will be attending, I'd like to get together for a dram. Let us know.

So, is it all clear with the Ms, Mikey?

by **Ganga** » Thu Sep 13, 2007 7:40 pm

Woohoo. Received notice that tickets will be shipped today.

by **mikeymad** » Wed Sep 19, 2007 7:28 pm

Tickets for the SF show have arrived.

3 for the show - ganga, peergynt, mikeymad......

Anymore going to be joining us.....?????

If not, we will just have to sample your share...

Cheers,

by **les taylor** » Wed Sep 19, 2007 7:43 pm

mikeymad wrote:If not, we will just have to sample your share...

Cheers,

Mikey you can enjoy my share. Hope you have a good day.

by **Ganga** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 7:15 pm

But we were so looking forward to seeing you.

Maybe next year. :thumbsup:

by **Deactivated Member** » Fri Sep 28, 2007 1:16 pm

My share too unfortunately.

Enjoy the fest!
MT

by **mikeymad** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 6:56 pm

Pour list from K&L Wines for the show, should be:

And

Bruichladdich, 2001 "First Born" 6yo Bourbon/Ridge Zinfandel, K&L cask

"first release with 'new' whisky since reopened in 2001"

Cheers,

by **mikeymad** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 6:54 pm

More pouring information:

From Binny's - Brett will be there with:

all exclusive casks

Note from Brett: I'm looking forward to this tasting, we have a lot of great customers in CA, now I get to put faces with names

Now it is going to get to be hard to find the tables to exclude.....

Cheers,

by **mikeymad** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 8:08 pm

I got a comfirmation email from Beltromos about their pour list:

Glenfarclas 'Beltramo's Sherry Cask' 15 Years 1990 94 Proof Single Malt Scotch
Our Spirits Buyer visited Glenfarclas, one of the few family owned distilleries in Scotland. With the help of George Grant, who represents the sixth generation of Grants working at the distillery, he was able to procure a very special sherry cask of 15 year old whisky. "We sampled many different casks until we had a nice collection of whiskies of various styles and different ages. After a very thorough comparative tasting, this 1990 Sherry cask was a standout." This is not your typical elegant Speyside malt. It has very showy vanilla and burnt caramel aromatics. It is very spicy, very rich, and very sherry. This cask was bottled at the distillery at 94 Proof.

Highland Park 'Beltramo's Sherry Cask #2498 ' 19 Years 1986 107.6 Proof
On a visit to Scotland our Spirits Buyer flew to the windswept Orkney Islands to find another exclusive cask of whisky for Beltramo's. About ten casks were sampled and then tasted beside the entire Highland Park line. This remarkable sherry cask offers the refined Island malt style that Scotland's northernmost distillery is famous for and also a singular richness and punch that this cask imparts. There are slightly smoky nuances on the nose and hints of sea air. We have shipped bottles of this whisky to back to Scotland to collectors there.

Highland Park 'Beltramo's Sherry Cask' 15 Years 1990 107.2 Proof Single Malt Scotch

And 2 Bourbon bottlings - Blantons and Eagle Rare 10 year

We are getting close these days.

Cheers,

by **mikeymad** » Tue Oct 16, 2007 7:54 pm

Show Before the Show:

Peergynt and myself are signed up for a tasting on Sunday, before the main WhiskyFest show on Tuesday.

Sunday, October 21st:

Gordon & MacPhail/Benromach tasting sponsored by Traverso's
Hyatt Vineyard Creek Hotel
170 Railroad Street
Santa Rosa, CA
(707) 542-2530
4 pm
Cost: $50

If anyone else is interested, give them a call.

Cheers,

by **mikeymad** » Thu Oct 18, 2007 5:49 pm

I got am email yesterday and it looks like GlenLivet will be at the show with some samples of the new 25yo 43%. Not avalible in the US yet.

Samples will be avalible to The GlenLivet Society members. Which I am...

More fun for the show...

Cheers,

by **Ganga** » Mon Oct 22, 2007 5:02 pm

Ok lads and lasses, we're in countdown mode for flight to the show. T-minus 7 hours and counting.... :angel:

by **Ganga** » Mon Oct 29, 2007 9:49 pm

Well, I'm back from my "Week of Whiskies" in the Bay Area. As promised, a small review of the WhiskyFest.

Mikey and I arrived about 4 PM and decided on sushi for dinner. Following dinner we walked over to the event and found no lines. Those that had paid the extra amount were allowed into the waiting area where they could register and nosh before being allowed onto the floor. this was one of the best ideas I've seen for one of these events. :thumbsup:

At 6 PM we were allowed to enter this area to register and nosh ourselves. While waiting for our 6:30 PM floor time, we planned out our places to go. Do you remember those times as a child when your eyes are bigger than your stomach? Well in this case, it was more of the time constraint. :headbang:

Upon entering the floor we immediately came to Benriach, one of the distilleries that we haven't spent much time with in the past. This really provided some food (figuratively) for thought with the 20 yo and 25 yo. Immediately adjacent to Benriach was Duncan Taylor and then Springbank and then.... You get the picture. :smoke:

Well about 8 PM we decided we needed a break from the floor to get a little bit to eat. We retreat to the area to find most of the food gone and the rest being put away. :evil:

We grab a little bit, use the facilities and decide whether to attend one of the lectures or return to the floor. Floor wins.

Here's tonights listing:

Benriach 10yo (46%, Original Bottling, WFSF07, Curiositas) R-, M-5
Benriach 15yo (46%, Original Bottling, WFSF07, Dark Rum) R-5, M-5
Benriach 20yo (46%, Original Bottling, WFSF07) R-7, M-8
Benriach 25yo (50%, Original Bottling, WFSF07) R-7, M-7
Imperial 13yo 1994 (46%, Duncan Taylor, WFSF07, NC^2, 1994-07) R-5, M-4
St. Magdalene's 21yo 1982 (63.5%, Duncan Taylor, WFSF07, (Linlithgow), Rarest of Rare, d: 10.82, b: 7.04, 32/633, cask 2214) R-5, M-8
Macallan 37yo 1969 (40.9%, Duncan Taylor, WFSF07, Cask 6845, 99/183, d: 6.69, b: 3.07) R-9, M-9
Springbank 8yo (46%, Original Bottling, WFSF07, Hazelburn Ed. 2) R-, M-4
Springbank 15yo (46%, Original Bottling, WFSF07, black/green label) R-7, M-7
Springbank 10yo 1996 (46%, Original Bottling, WFSF07, Longrow) R-6, M-5
Aberfeldy 12yo (40%, Original Bottling, WFSF07) R-3, M-4
Aberfeldy 21yo (40%, Original Bottling, WFSF07) R-5, M-7
Bunnahabhain 25yo (43%, Original Bottling, WFSF07, XXV) R-8, M-9
Deanston 30yo (46.7%, Original Bottling, WFSF07) R-6, M-9
Tobermory 10yo (43%, Original Bottling, WFSF07, Ledaig) R-4, M-5
Highland Park 25yo (48.1%, Original Bottling, WFSF07, new bottling) R-10, M-10
Glenmorangie 10yo (43%, Original Bottling, WFSF07, The Original) R-3, M-
Glenmorangie 12yo (43%, Original Bottling, WFSF07, Asanta (sherry)) R-4, M-6
Glenmorangie 12yo (43%, Original Bottling, WFSF07, Quinta Ruben (port)) R-5, M-5
Glenmorangie 12yo (43%, Original Bottling, WFSF07, Nectar D'or (sauternes)) R-6, M-5
Glenmorangie 18yo (43%, Original Bottling, WFSF07, new bottling) R-5, M-7
Bladnoch 15yo (55.8%, Wild Scotsman, WFSF07, /230) R-4, M-5
Mortlach 13yo 1994 (46%, Wild Scotsman, WFSF07, 1994-07, cask 6776) R-4, M-5
Lagavulin 16yo 1991 (43%, Original Bottling, WFSF07, DE limited edition lgv. 4/495, 1991-07) R-8, M-8
Oban 15yo 1992 (43%, Original Bottling, WFSF07, DE OD 156.FS, 1992-07) R-4, M-4
Dalwhinnie yo 1990 (43%, Original Bottling, WFSF07, DE) R-4, M-4
Highland Park 33yo 1973 (54.4%, Original Bottling, WFSF07, binny's bottling, 1973-06, cask 13308) R-9, M-9
Highland Park 25yo 1981 (55%, Original Bottling, WFSF07, binny's bottling, 1981-06, cask 7380) R-8, M-8
Mortlach 17yo 1989 (56.9%, Signatory, WFSF07, binny's bottling, butt 2883, d: 30.5.89, b: 21.8.06, 74/486) R-7, M-7
Springbank 10yo 1997 (58.2%, Original Bottling, WFSF07, binny's bottling, d: 5.97, b: 7.07, cask 1518, 97/613) R-7, M-6
Laphroaig 16yo 1991 (55.1%, Signatory, WFSF07, binny's bottling, d: 25.6.91, b: 28.6.07, 153/199, cask 6989) R-7, M-8
Laphroaig 7yo 2000 (59.4%, Signatory, WFSF07, binny's bottling, d: 6.6.00, b: 28.6.07, 62/621, cask 3672) R-4, M-5
Laphroaig 7yo 1999 (58%, Signatory, WFSF07, binny's bottling, d: 25.3.99, b: 23.8.06, 278/624, cask 06/693/1) R-5, M-6
Bunnahabhain 9yo 1997 (59.9%, Signatory, WFSF07, binny's bottling, d: 1.12.97, b: 28.6.07, 338/593, cask 279, peated) R-4, M-6
Bruichladdich 14yo (46%, Original Bottling, WFSF07, Carnoustie Links) R-5, M-5
Bruichladdich 12yo (46%, Original Bottling, WFSF07, 2nd ed) R-4, M-4
Bruichladdich 14yo (46%, Original Bottling, WFSF07, It Coll. Sassicaha cask) R-4, M-5
Bruichladdich 14yo (46%, Original Bottling, WFSF07, It Coll. Barolo cask) R-4, M-4
Bruichladdich NAS (46%, Original Bottling, WFSF07, 3D3) R-5, M-6
Lochside 16yo 1991 (46%, Murray McDavid, WFSF07, K&L bottlings, 1991-07, cask 15193, /200) R-5, M-4
Mortlach 13yo 1993 (46%, Murray McDavid, WFSF07, K&L bottlings, /3600) R-5, M-5
Glenlivet 17yo 1987 (43%, MacKillop's Choice, WFSF07, d-26/11/87 b-9/05) R-4, M-6
Macallan 16yo 1989 (43%, MacKillop's Choice, WFSF07, d-27/1/89 b-9/05) R-5, M-5
Mortlach 22yo 1982 (43%, MacKillop's Choice, WFSF07, d-14/12/82 b-9/05 c-4180) R-6, M-6
Edradour 22yo (51.8%, Original Bottling, WFSF07, 482/547 Port) R-6, M-8
Edradour yo (%, Original Bottling, WFSF07, Ballechin - Peated) R-3, M-4
Tullibardine 14yo 1992 (46%, Signatory, WFSF07, 1992-06) R-4, M-4

In addition, we tried several vatted and blended malts and retried a couple of single malts.

Unfortunately, I didn't get the chance to attend any of the lectures/debates so I can say how these were run but they were constantly making announcements about them.

The two best things that the sponsors did to ensure that the show was enjoyable was to not have all the lines to get in and to give plenty of space so that attendees and presenters were not climbing all over each other. And before you ask, no vouchers. In general, I would say the attendees were very good about tasting and pouring out excess.

What they did wrong was to have no food available basically from 8 PM on.

by **K-Mile** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 9:25 am

Wow, great report Ganga, but all those whiskies in a single night? Although small drams (I hope :shock:

) I would probably have no taste left after the first six or eight..

Great job

by **les taylor** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 9:29 am

Yea good report Ganga. I like the way you also explained the good things and the bad about attending. I don't think Ganga drank all the whisky, because he explained about having the facility to pour away the excess drams. So a lot of it was tastings. A detailed report nonetheless.
Good work.

:thumbsup:

by **K-Mile** » Wed Oct 31, 2007 1:57 am

les taylor wrote:Yea good report Ganga. I like the way you also explained the good things and the bad about attending. I don't think Ganga drank all the whisky, because he explained about having the facility to pour away the excess drams. So a lot of it was tastings. A detailed report nonetheless.
Good work.

But still, your mouth can take in alcohol pretty quickly, so even if it's in there for just a couple of seconds, I guess you'll get a fair share

by **Sherried Malt** » Fri Nov 02, 2007 5:04 pm

Ganga, EXCELLENT report! :thumbsup:

I'm amazed you're still with us after all those tastings tho... :shock:

by **Ganga** » Fri Nov 02, 2007 5:56 pm

The problem is that you end up taking so much time off afterwards. SMWSA will be in SF Nov 6 and LA Nov 8. Unfortunately I will be occupied with work too much next week.

Whisky Fest SF

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