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(April, 2011)
This March road show saw our gang of whisky suppliers taking in events all across the country - exhibiting at some familiar shows but also some new shows too.
Event 1 -
Preiss Imports Spirits Showcase, San Francisco
The first stop on the road show was at the Anchor brewery in San Francisco, where Preiss Imports were showcasing the finest products from their prestigious producers. The Anchor brewery is of San Francisco’s most famous landmarks and businesses, and the event itself was held in the brewhouse – great for the exhibitors as this meant the chance to try some of the fantastic beer available from Anchor! Available for tasting on the Scotch whisky side were the core BenRiach, GlenDronach and Springbank ranges but also included was a single cask Manzanilla 14YO from Springbank. From Duncan Taylor there were a few bottlings from lesser known distilleries available – Auchroisk 10YO and Glen Scotia 19YO in the NC2 range and a Glen Esk 20YO in the single cask Rare Auld range.
(Amit Sawhney with Andrew Shand at the Preiss Imports Spirits Showcase, Anchor Brewery, San Francisco)
Event 2 -
Montana Whisky Society, Missoula
Next up was the Montana Whisky Society tasting in Missoula. When we arrived we were met by Charlie Brown (president of the Montana Whisky Society) who showed us great hospitality and took us for a tour around Missoula – stopping at the Big Sky Brewery for a beer on the way! The tasting was held in the Govenor’s Room in the Glacier Building. The fully attending crowd was treated to traditional Scottish music and Highland dancing. There was also an acoustic performance by a local singer-songwriter. New releases for tasting on the night were the Springbank 12YO Cask Strength and 14YO Manzanilla; the GlenDronach 1995 Pedro Ximinez and 14YO Virgin Oak and Sauternes; Longmorn 1973 Rare Auld. Steve Fox also brought along some gins: the Old Raj Blue Label, Junipero and No.3 gin.
  
(Missoula Whisky Society Tasting, Top to Bottom: Steve Fox; Ranald Watson; Alistair Walker)
Event 3 -
Universal Whisky Experience, Las Vegas
The very first Universal Whisky Experience was held at the Wynn-Encore Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. This was an event showcasing premium and high-end Scotch whiskies and BenRiach, Duncan Taylor, GlenDronach and Springbank were in attendance exhibiting some of their most rare and limited whiskies available to taste – at $500 a ticket you would only expect the best! Exclusive whiskies to taste on the night were the BenRiach 1966 40YO, Glen Grant 1970 37YO Rare Auld, Glendronach Three Generations, GlenDronach 31YO Grandeur, Longrow 18YO, Springbank 18YO and Tomatin 1965 42YO Rare Auld. Also available to taste was a very rare 1974 41yo Kinclaith from Duncan Taylor and the Black Bull 40YO blend.
 
(Universal Whisky Experience, Top to Bottom: Alistair Walker in full flow at his masterclass; Moji Zemani with Andrew Shand (Pictures courtesy of Universal Whisky Experience))
Event 4 -
Preiss Imports Spirit Showcase, Los Angeles
The second instalment of the Preiss Imports Showcase was held at the swanky Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood, Los Angeles. The Roosevelt Hotel is famous for attracting stars from film and music, and one Bryan Adams did compliment Alistair Walker on his kilt! The second instalment was very much in the same format as the first instalment and attendees came from far and wide – present were the San Diego Bartenders Guild who travelled especially up to Los Angeles for the event.
 
(Preiss Import Showcase Los Angeles, Top to Bottom: Ranald Watson, Alistair Walker, Andrew Shand and Euan Shand pre-show; Ranald Watson in action)
Event 5 -
Spirits in the City, New York
The Spirits in the City event was held at the Renaissance hotel in Times Square, New York. The event itself took place in the R Lounge at Two Times Square, which offered a fantastic view of Times Square. For tasting on the night were mainly core range releases but there was also the BenRiach 15YO Maderia, Glenlivet 22YO NC2 and Caol Ila 27YO Rare Auld from Duncan Taylor, GlenDronach 14YO Sauternes, Hazelburn 12YO and Springbank CV from Springbank.
(Alistair Walker, Ranald Watson, Andrew Shand and Steve Fox at the Spirits in the City event, Times Square, New York)
Event 6 -
Whiskies of the World, San Francisco
The Whiskies of the World event was held on the Belle Hornblower, a late 18th century style yacht. Once again wonderful gourmet food was available. Along with BenRiach, Duncan Taylor, GlenDronach and Springbank bottlings, Anchor brewery and distillery products were available to taste.
(Andrew Shand at the Whiskies of the World event, San Francisco (Picture courtesy of Whiskies of the World))
Event 7 -
Binny's World of Whiskies, Chicago
The day before Whisky Fest we stopped off at Binny’s to exhibit at their World of Whiskies event. For this event we mostly exhibited our new products so there was pouring of the new Springbank 14YOs - Amontillado, Fino, Manzanilla & Oloroso, Longrow Single Cask, BenRiach 1995 Pedro Ximinez, GlenDronach 1995 Pedro Ximinez and 14YO Virgin Oak, Lonach 36YO blend, Imperial 19YO and Dalmore 18YO from Duncan Taylor.
(Pouring at the Binny's World of Whisky event, Chicago (Picture courtesy of Binny's))
Event 8 -
Whisky Fest, Chicago
The 11th Annual Chicago Whisky Fest was held at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. The show started with the familiar awards ceremony and then it was on to the main event. The Lonach 36YO blend was a big favorite as I went through my allocated bottles in about 20 minutes - a lot of people must have heard good things! Overall, it was a good show and a good way to end the tour.
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