#Advent Calendars from Drinks by the Dram

[thewhiskyphiles]

Whisky New Releases 2017 Week 35

#Whisky New Releases 2017 Week 35

Whisky New Releases 2017 Week 35

Welcome to The Whiskyphiles New Releases, our weekly report on the best of both the official and independently bottled whisky recently released.

This week we see the pre-order lineup of Drinks By The Dram’s fantastic advent calendar series – yes it will soon be Christmas…!

Sláinte!

Barry@TheWhiskyphiles

Advent Calendars from Drinks by the Dram Absinthe

The…

[anthony-sap]

Can't wait to open the bottle, the calendar is a different story unfortunately lol day 1 and 2 are done I think the others can wait till December... . The Laithwaites Christmas wine advent calendar, without this I don't think I would try a wine selection of this kind at any other time. There's 23 piccolo bottles and 1 half size for Christmas Eve. There's wine from all over the world from some of their best selling winemakers and varietals. Who knows this might start another interest... 😉 If you're interested in getting one to join the wine exploration check out https://www.laithwaites.com.au/jsp/offer/common/offer.jsp?name=advent-calendar-2022 . . Yiamas! 👍🥃 . #whisky #whiskyporn #whiskylover #whiskygram #whiskytasting #whiskey #bar #scotch #singlemalt #wine #cigar #cocktail #bourbon #scotchwhisky #gin #instawhisky #rum #liqueur #mixology #cocktails #alcohol #drink #liquor #thirsty #drinking #drinkup #mixologist #dram (at Melbourne, Victoria, Australia) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cj4uJsZydf-/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[greatdrams]

WIN a Japanese Whisky Advent Calendar from Drinks by the Dram https://www.greatdrams.com/whisky-advent-calendar-2018/

[prairiescotch]

Day 9 of the Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar started out with a bit of mystery -- offering number 19 was filed in the improper place! After dipping my hand behind the cardboard barricade and checking on slot 19, I discovered the true ninth bottle: a batch strength version of Wemyss Malts’ The HIve!

Batch strength, so far as I can tell, is a term interchangeable with cask strength or barrel strength/proof. It indicates simply that, unlike most commercially-released whiskies, it is not watered down to the standard 40% and is allowed to remain at the ABV (alcohol by volume) level that it was inside the barrel. See, water evaporates faster than alcohol, so as whisky sits in the barrel the water leeches off over time, leaving more and more alcohol behind and making for stronger product. 

Like anything in whisky, there are wangs who will insist that cask strength whisky is the only whisky there is, that anything less is an unmitigated and adulterated disappointment. Anyone who insists any one thing is the only true version of that thing is an idiot, and probably supports a single political party and insists that either the Beatles or The Rolling Stones are better than the other. That’s nonsense; there are no absolutes in this world, no blacks and whites, only delicious and beguiling greys. I do happen to love cask strength whiskies, if only because you can water them down to 40% yourself for the ‘standard’ experience and get more drinks out of your bottle, increasing the value for dollar. 

The Hive is a very good whisky, as I discovered in my first whisky advent calendar experience a few years ago. The 12 year old version of The Hive was pretty splendid, with lots of honey and fruit and a hint of leather. It was not nearly as one-note as the name might suggest, and well worth trying. I think it may have also been one of the first blended malts I had tried, a type that seems to be getting more and more common. As noted earlier this year and in the original Hive post, a blended malt consists of a bunch of single malts smashed together; different from a blended scotch, it does not have any neutral grain spirits mixed in. It makes for a much more complex and rich product!

So here we have a cask strength version of The Hive, which trades an age statement for a smashing 54.5% ABV. The constituent whiskies are from various undisclosed distilleries, and are aged in bourbon and sherry barrels. This is one of the darkest products yet in this advent, but still has no colouring or chill filtration.

On the nose, I was expecting honey, but there's actually a surprising amount of spicy Sherry influence at the bowl. A little further back in the vapours there's an awful lot of honey that does come through, along with a hint of vanilla and graham crackers. When tasting, the first shot is definitely honey from the bear, and lots of it. But the Sherry influence is just as strong, with lots of warming cinnamon and nutmeg and whatnot. Orange pith is apparent, bringing a touch of bitter, and some ginger heat too. There's a touch of smokiness that enhances the warming latter half and makes for a strong, lengthy, delicious finish. Water sands down the edges off every phase of this and makes it even better, enhancing the sweetness.

This was amazing, especially with some water in it. I would definitely recommend this, as I would have the standard ABV 12 year-old. 

If I’m being honest though, the balance of the calendar so far has been leaning really far into the sherry bomb territory, and I could use a break on that. Sherry-heavy drams are nice once in a while, but probably wouldn’t be my personal choice one a day (or twice or thrice a day, as was the case this weekend while I was playing catch-up on this calendar). We’ll see what comes next!

[carissahickling]

Advent Minis - Whistle Pig Rye 10 year 54.3%

Advent Minis – Whistle Pig Rye 10 year 54.3%

I had to be amused by the journey our 1st sample has taken. Originally from Canada – like me – it then was aged at WhistlePig Farm in Vermont. To then be rebottled by the folks at Drinks by the Dram in the UK and finally shipped off to me in Nurnberg, Germany.

But this was no normal WhistlePg in my wee advent calendar of single casks – nope! This was a single barrel release at cask strength.

Wh…

[ginobsessions]

For the past couple of years I have been lucky enough to receive an advent calendar from the gorgeous lovelies at That Boutique-y Gin Company in collaboration with Drinks by the Dram, and this year has been no different!  Thankfully, as the arrival of Baby Button is imminent (apparently I’m making things a little too cosy in there,) timing is perfect for me to be able to enjoy a cheeky Boutique-y dram each and every day in the run up to Christmas, and I have a feeling that this year I’m really going to need those gins!!

2017 Calendar

As a child I remember being really excited by my advent calendar, mostly because it meant that I was allowed to eat a piece of chocolate before my breakfast every morning, something which was unheard of in our household, even when it was Easter!  As a grown up I’m not really much of a chocolate fan, sweets yes, chocolate I can give or take…gin on the other hand.  Who in their right mind would turn down a gin?!

2018 Calendar

The premise is exactly the same as with your average kids calendar.  Each day you open a new door but instead of merely a picture, chocolate or piece of Lego being encased in the cardboard and plastic tomb, you will find a 30ml dram of delicious gin!  Big difference, unless it’s a weekend or your day off, I would have to advise against partaking in your liquid gold before breakfast…it could land you in all kinds of trouble!  That Boutique-y Gin company have an incredibly vast and varied range of gins, including some which have been created in collaboration with other distilleries, ones which are designed to really capture nostalgic aromas and some which have even been over 24km above the earth, up in near-space!

Now I love a good surprise, especially at Christmas, but this year I’ve taken a hit for you guys and I’ve seen the list of gins which feature in the 2019 calendar…my oh my you are in for a treat!  A fantastic combination of some new, exciting and exotic offerings mixed with some of my absolute favourites which have become staples on my gin shelves.  Although I know what is in the calendar in general, thankfully I don’t know which gin is behind each door, so my excitement levels are still piqued!

2019 Calendar

  The 30ml dram bottles are beautifully labelled with small versions of the artwork featured on the larger bottles.  If you’re into crafting these little beauties could be turned into candle holders or a cute little garland…I did make one with my drams from a couple of years ago, but I can’t for the life of me find the picture anywhere, so dram pictures are just going to have to suffice!

Your daily Christmas tipple can be enjoyed as a standard G&T or as a cheeky little cocktail.  Historically Boutique-y have added an “Advent Serves” section to their website and social media accounts, which gives details of cocktails which can be created using the gin of the day.  Last year I created a blood orange and cumin margarita using the World Gin Day – 7 Continents Gin, which was rather scrummy even if i do say so myself!

30ml 7 Continents Gin 60ml Fresh Blood Orange 20ml Lime juice A dash of sugar syrup (optional) Salt and cumin rim by running a lime around the rim of glass and then dipping into the mix.

So if you think you’re going to need, or just perhaps fancy a gin related treat each December day in the run up to Christmas you need look no further.

“But how much is that going to set me back?!”

I hear you cry, well I shall tell you!  The That Boutique-y Gin Company advent calendar is currently available from Master of Malt for £49.95!  And, if you’re feeling guilty for buying it, super generous then fear not, you could always be extra nice and treat someone special to one of the other Boutique-y goodies which are available, including alternatives for your favourite whisky lovers.

So all that’s left for me to do now is wait…wait for Christmas, wait for Ginvent and wait for this baby!  My patience is most definitely being tested, I should probably just take a leaf out of Juniper’s book, she seemed to have the right idea last year…

…waiting for Christmas 2018!

That Boutique-y Gin Company Advent Calendar was gifted

A Very Boutique-y Christmas – 2019 Gin Advent Calendar For the past couple of years I have been lucky enough to receive an advent calendar from the gorgeous lovelies at…

[from-tiny-pennies]

12 Advent Calendars for 2018, and not a chocolate in sight

12 Advent Calendars for 2018, and not a chocolate in sight

I love a good Advent Calendar and I have already bought mine and my God-Daughter’s.  I just need to resist the temptation to open mine…

If you are still a bit light on the old Advent Calendars, here is a selection of chocolate free ones (there may be a bit of chocolate on the biscuits, sorry) to get you thinking.

Ginvent Calendar (2018 Edition) – £124.95 from Masters of Malt.

Drinks by the Dram…

[thewhiskyphiles]

Drinks by the Dram Unveil New Lineup of Boozy Advent Calendars for 2020

Drinks by the Dram Unveil New Lineup of Boozy Advent Calendars for 2020 The original spirit-filled advent calendars are back with a range to suit every budget and taste

● The original boozy advent calendar creators are back for 9th year ● Ranging from £50 all the way up to £1,000 this year’s range offers something for everyone ● Drinks by the Dram have again teamed up with That…

[anthony-sap]

I know very little about wine so when I had the chance get the Laithwaites Christmas wine advent calendar, I thought there's no better way to learn. I don't think I would try a selection like this at any other time. There's 23 piccolo bottles and 1 half size for Christmas Eve. There's wine from all over the world from some of their best selling winemakers and varietals. Who knows this might start another interest... 😉 If you're interested in getting one to join the wine exploration check out https://www.laithwaites.com.au/jsp/offer/common/offer.jsp?name=advent-calendar-2022 . . Yiamas! 👍🥃 . #whisky #whiskyporn #whiskylover #whiskygram #whiskytasting #whiskey #bar #scotch #singlemalt #wine #cigar #cocktail #bourbon #scotchwhisky #gin #instawhisky #rum #liqueur #mixology #cocktails #alcohol #drink #liquor #thirsty #drinking #drinkup #mixologist #dram (at Melbourne, Victoria, Australia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CjNuSvSvZXt/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[greatdrams]

WIN a Japanese Whisky Advent Calendar from Drinks by the Dram https://www.greatdrams.com/whisky-advent-calendar-2018/

[jculture-en]

Boozy gin, vodka, rum and whisky calendars launched for Christmas 2019

#Whisky #NikkaWhisky [Cambridge News]Drams include Isle Of Jura 18-Year-Old, Nikka Days and Balcones Texas Single Malt RRP: £149.95, Master of Malt The Old & Rare Whisky Advent Calendar from Drinks by the Dram The incredible Old & Rare …

[prairiescotch]

The tenth day shall thus be dubbed “the Resurrection” as it brings back one of the most interesting whiskies from the 3rd version of the Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar. 

You may recall discussion of the Jericho, another recreation from the weirdo wizards at The Lost Distillery Company. They dubbed a variation on their attempt to bring back the product from the Highlands region of Aberdeenshire “Christmas Pudding,” due to its spiced Christmas cake notes. It succeeded in that right, but I’m more interested in this version, which is taken from their ‘Archivist’ range and evidently is comprised of a “much older” stock — though I note that no one seems to be saying how old (there are sites that suggest five to ten single malts make up TLDC blends, however).

It’s worth noting that Jericho is understood to be one of the first Scotch distilleries to use sherry casks to age whisky, and thus this is sherried from soup to nuts. Bottled at a slightly elevated 46% ABV, this is, true to form, aged in sherry casks for an undisclosed amount of time. 

This was surprisingly muted on the nose. In fact, it was tough to pull much from it at all. Working hard at it, I did manage to detect a slight, musty umami and some soft Sherry Cask notes, namely a bit of the aforementioned holiday spices. There was also a very unexpected, albeit tiny, touch of purple Popsicle. All in all, very weird.

However, on the palate this was big and booming, possibly one of the best Sherry finishes I've ever had on a whisky. Admittedly, it was troublesome at first because of a surprisingly punchy alcohol sting, way stronger than I'd expect at 46%. But once that passes, the Jericho hits with somewhat-soft but still assertive holiday spices, fudgey toffee, and a warming finish. Best of all, it lacks the overly bitter, tannic element that seems pervasive in most sherry-aged scotches. Usually by the time I finish a dram that bitterness can be a bit overwhelming, so the fact that it isn’t here is worth the price of admission alone. 

I found this to be immensely satisfying, though without a more fulsome, present nose it isn’t quite the total package. But my god, what flavour! If this is what they were drinking back in the 1830s, they don’t know how good they had it.

[carissahickling]

Drinks by the Drams - The Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar 2018

Now I must admit, for a few years I have coveted advent calendars… imagining exploring a bounteous array of unique whiskies.

As luck would have it, one of our Whisky Ladies of Mumbai was gifted a box – enthusiastically ordered from England for her sampling pleasure in India. A lovely thought… except those giving the generous gift had absolutely no clue the customs conundrum that would ensue……

[vidmidnews]

What's better than having 24 glasses of wine in an advent calendar? Having 24 drams of whisky. This year Drinks by the Dram, a company that sells tasting sets of spirits, has 13 Whisky Advent Calendars for you to choose from. Options range from a standard

[jbeer-en]

Premium Whisky Advent Calendar (2017 Edition)

#beer #PremiumMalts [www.masterofmalt.com]Drinks by the Dram’s Premium Whisky Advent Calendar is packed with 24 rather thrilling whiskies that are a step up from the already incredible stash squirreled away within the Whisky Advent Calendar. Behind each of the 24 doors is a different 3cl dram of ...

[thewhiskyphiles]

Bunnahabhain 11 Year Old Batch 9 (49.5%, That Boutique-y Whisky Company, 2018)

#whisky review: Bunnahabhain 11 Year Old Batch 9 from@Boutiqueywhisky and @drinksbythedram #WhiskyAdvent Day 17

Bunnahabhain 11 Years Old Batch 9 Whisky Review

Category: Islay single malt scotch whisky

Origin: Bunnahabhain distillery

Bottling: That Boutique-Y Whisky Company

ABV: 49.5%

Cost: £73.95

What they say

Bunnahabhain 11 Years Old Batch 9 produced 712 bottles at 49.5% ABV (remarkably similar to Batch 5 pictured)

What I say

Door #17 of the Drinks by the dram Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar.

Distilled…