(December 8th, 2010)

November means only one thing, the Preiss Imports Roadshow. Joining us this year were Alistair Walker from BenRiach and GlenDronach, and Ranald Watson from Springbank, myself, I was representing Duncan Taylor, and we had the pleasure of Steve Fox conducting proceedings and who was also our 'unofficial' driver. This was the busiest roadshow yet consisting of six tastings in six nights, taking in the East coast and Tennessee, and with over an attendance of over 280 people (not including Whisky Fest NY).

Day 1 - Providence, Rhode Island



(Alistair Walker with Elliot Fishbein from Town Wine & Spirits)

A tasting organised by Town Wine and Spirits, at the beautiful Wannamoisett Country Club in Rhode Island, dating back to 1898 and with the original 9-hole course designed by a Scotsman, Willie Campbell and later the current course designed by another Scotsman, Donald Ross . So it was fitting that three Scotsmen should come back there to do a whisky tasting. On offer was a full buffet and whiskies form BenRiach, Duncan Taylor, GlenDronach and Springbank. Over 130 people attended this event and everyone in attendance thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Favourite whiskies of the night were the BenRiach 15 year old Pedro Ximenez and 21 year old Authenticus, Caol Ila 26 year old Duncan Taylor, Glendarroch 41 year old Clan Lonach, Hazelburn 12 year old and Springbank 18 year old.

Whiskies available to taste on the night:

From BenRiach: 10 year old 'Curiositas', 15 year old Maderia finish, 15 year old Pedro Ximenez finish, 21 year old Authenticus.
From Duncan Taylor: Black Bull 12 year old, Bunnahabhain 12 year old NC2, Caol Ila 26 year old, Glendarroch 41 year old Clan Lonach.
From GlenDronach: GlenDronach 18 year old
From Springbank: Springbank 15 year old & 18 year old, Hazelburn 12 year old, Kilkerran 2nd release, Longrow CV.

Day 2 - Whisky Fest, New York



(Steve in a kilt?! No Way! Andrew Shand, Steve Fox, Ranald Watson, Alistair Walker)

Whisky Fest New York, an event on any whisky enthusiasts calendar. Whisky Fest NY 2010 was held at the very plush Marriot Marquis in Times Square. Over 250 whiskies were available to try from distillers and bottlers all over the world. Preiss imports had the main stage area and was represented by their Scotch whisky brands - BenRiach, Duncan Taylor, GlenDronach and Springbank - and Anchor Distilling and Brewing. Over 2000 people attended and it was great to get the chance to speak to whisky fans alike.



(First guests arrive)

Day 3 - Westborough, Massachusetts



(Ryan Maloney from Julio's, Andrew Shand, Steve Fox, Ranald Watson, Charles Tower from the Loch and K(e)y Society, Randall Bird from Julio's, Alistair Walker)

The first and only in-store tasting of the roadshow, took place at Julio's Liquors in Westborough. We were informed that it was kilt night so on went the kilts and it was good to see so many other kilt wearers in attendance. It was also good to meet the guys from the Loch and K(e)y Society there too. Whiskies that went down a treat were the BenRiach 10 year old 'Curiositas', Bunnahabhain 12 year old Peated NC2, GlenDronach 15 year old, Glen Grant 37 year old Sherry Duncan Taylor and Longrow CV and Kilkerran 2nd Edition.

Whiskies available to taste on the night:

From BenRiach: 10 year old 'Curiositas' & 16 year old
From Duncan Taylor: Black Bull 12 year old, Bunnahabhain 12 year old Peated NC2, Glen Grant 37 year old Sherry cask, Glendarroch 41 year old Clan Lonach.
From GlenDronach: 12 year old, 15 year old & 18 year old.
From Springbank: Springbank CV, Hazelburn 12 year old, Kilkerran 2nd Edition, Longrow CV.

Day 4 - Knoxville, Tennessee

(Andrew Shand, Ranald Watson, Brent Barnett and Matt Bratton from McSrooge's, Alistair Walker, Steve Fox)

Fourth stop on the roadshow was the McSrooge's event held at the Gettysvue country club in Knoxville, Tennessee - which not only had a 6,500 yard golf course and tremendous clubhouse. It was good to get back into the heat again after a fairly chilly (even for a Scotman!) tour of the East coast. We were pleasantly surprised when we arrived to find a local online drinks magazine, Vino All About It*, there to interview us. We were of course happy to oblige, I mean who doesn't want to get themselves on tv! Also on the menu was a great buffet with all the food complimenting the whiskies. Favourite whiskies on the night seemed to be the Auchroisk 10 year old NC2, Glenlivet 1970 Clan Lonach, BenRiach 1995 Pedro Ximinez single cask, GlenDronach 1995 Pedro Ximinez siingle cask, Longrow CV and the Kilkerran 2nd Edition.

* http://www.knoxivi.com/vino_all_about_it (Video - Dec 9th, 2010)

Whiskies available to taste on the night:

From BenRiach: 10 year old 'Curiositas', 16 year old, 1995 Pedro Ximenez single cask.
From Duncan Taylor: Auchroisk 10 year old NC2, Black Bull 12 year old, Bunnahabhain 12 year old Peated NC2, Glen Grant 37 year old Sherry cask, Glendarroch 1970 Clan Lonach,
From GlenDronach: 12 year old, 15 year old, 18 year old and 1995 Pedro Ximenez single cask.
From Springbank: Springbank CV, Hazelburn 12 year old, Kilkerran 2nd Edition, Longrow CV.

Day 5 - Johnson City, Tennessee

(Steve Fox, Ranald Watson, Andrew Shand, Alistair Walker, next to the Tennessee limo service)

We were not dissapointed with venues and for the Plaza Packaging event we were stationed at the Johnson City Country Club - another top location with a beautiful clubhouse and a golf course graced by the likes of Arnold Palmer. The only problem being I wouldn't have time for a game! This was a duel night of whisky and cigars with a food also available via a buffet. It was interesting for guests as they tried to match whisky and cigars together to find the best combination. Guests were also treated to Black Bull hot chocolate courtesy of some great thinking by the head chef - I had a cup and the dark fruit and spice flavours of the Black Bull went delightfully well with the chocolate, try it yourself! Near empty bottles at the finish were the Black Bull 12 year old, BenRiach 15 year old Maderia finish, GlenDronach 18 year old, Glen Grant 37 year old Sherry cask Duncan Taylor, Springbank 10 year old and Longrow CV.

Whiskies available to taste on the night:

From BenRiach: 10 year old 'Curiositas', 15 year old Madeira finish, 16 year old.
From Duncan Taylor: Black Bull 12 year old, Bunnahabhain 12 year old Peated NC2, Glen Grant 37 year old Sherry cask, Glendarroch 41 year old Clan Lonach.
From GlenDronach: 12 year old, 15 year old & 18 year old.
From Springbank: Springbank CV & 10 year old, Hazelburn 12 year old, Kilkerran 2nd Edition, Longrow CV.

Day 6 - Franklin, Tennessee

(Steve Fox's reflection, Andrew Shand, Alistair Walker, Ranald Watson)

Last tasting of the roadshow and a nearly 5 hour drive to get there! The Red Dog event was held at the Boxwood Bistro in Franklin, Tennessee. Guests could dine in and also enjoy a whisky in the entertainment venue. The Black Bull 12 year old, GlenDronach 18 year old, Macallan 18 year old NC2, BenRiach 15 year old Maderia and both the Springbank and Longrow CVs were choice tipples of the night.

Whiskies available to taste on the night:

From BenRiach: 10 year old 'Curiositas', 15 year old Maderia finish, 15 year old Pedro Ximinez finish, 16 year old.
From Duncan Taylor: Auchroisk 10 year old NC2, Black Bull 12 year old, Balmenach 10 year old NC2, Macallan 18 year old NC2.
From GlenDronach: 12 year old, 15 year old & 18 year old.
From Springbank: Springbank CV, Hazelburn 12 year old, Kilkerran 2nd Edition, Longrow CV.

Day 7 - Home!

If you you would like to be involved in any of our 2011 roadshows, please register your interest with me at -

ashand@preissimports.com