Weekend send off | ARDMORE

Weekend send off | ARDMORE

Weekend send off Enjoyed this crispy peated whisky thoroughly. Very clean and crisp peat, wonderful juicy mouth feel with delicate bitterness. Medium finish. Feels young and spirited but has got balance.Hope everyone is set for the week ahead

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Ardbeg Grooves C.R

Ardbeg Grooves C.R

Thought I’d make the picture go with the grooviness 😁

Ardbeg Grooves C.R

ABV: 51.6
Released: 2018
NAS
Casks: Red wine and bourbon?

This is one that went both ways in terms of positive reviews (like most)

Sold out (like most)

Flipped on auction (like most)

So what’s the verdict? It’s groovy for sure. This one is quite the swinger, the typical Ardbeg with brine, tar, tabacco and smoke but and that’s a big but it’s god some medicine and spices with it, sort of vegetative notes and sharp notes of sweet raisins soaked in cinnamon and or ginger? Acidic, but that’s the only wine note that I get here. Can be a brilliant drink on a more adventurous evening but may very average drink when you want a ‘typical’ Ardbeg!

Ardbeg Grooves C.R

Amrut Triparva was a whisky that grew on the profile of enthusiasts

Amrut Triparva was a whisky that grew on the profile of enthusiasts

A video that warmed our hearts and made our day.

Amrut Triparva was a whisky that grew on the profile of enthusiasts. A limited edition bottle that was released in India in limited numbers; soon was sold out in most places.

Nanaiah Pattada a member of SMAC reached out to me late requesting for help in securing a bottle for his grandfather a Retd Col. who was to turn 95. Now with such a request how could I say no? With goodwill bestowed on us by all of you, we were able to secure a bottle for him.

Thrilled to receive this video from Col. Sood. Called him immediately to express delight hearing his feedback on the whisky, it was a remarkable conversation not to be forgotten. A very happy birthday to you sir and we hope many more in future.

Reiterating the fact: Whisky is best when shared
https://smacindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/203124482_1732901266890252_5039495504116010049_n.mp4

Humbled Charity Auction

Humbled Charity Auction

What an experience this evening! We are humbled by your generosity and passion. Raised over INR 3,00,000 to support the cause of Covid impacted families. As SMAC had committed 100% of the funds go to the charity.

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One statement that you would not want to miss folks

One statement that you would not want to miss folks

One statement that you would not want to miss folks, our May Whisky Statement is out and should have hit your mail box.
Please check your SPAM mail in case you have not received the same. mails from members@smacindia.com
Covered in this edition:
* Amaze III launch
* Mini Cask Program
* Whisky Wanderlust

First set of pictures from our event

First set of pictures from our event

It has been a while that we posted in the group and on the page. The country has been going through some devastating times & the second wave of Covid has taken its toll.

We sincerely hope that all of the members are safe and are being responsible during this trying times.

As we have always believed, it is important to take ‘your mind off’ from the present mayhem and remember the good times. We also hope to kindle the spirit of return to normalcy soon in a few of you. First set of pictures from our event that now seems so very long ago. We intend to tag everyone when we post in the group and keep adding to this album. So stay tuned on this one…

Thank all of you who made this event a grand success

 

 

Click here for event images

The AMRUT AMAZE final chapter got a grand launch by SMAC

The AMRUT AMAZE final chapter got a grand launch by SMAC

The AMRUT AMAZE final chapter got a grand launch by SMAC on April 3 2021 at ITC Gardenia, Bangalore. It was heartening to see members from across the country fly in just to be a part of the launch. We truly missed a few of you who could not make it due to the prevalent situation, we hope to see you next time around.

A bespoke gourmet dinner which was carefully paired with AMAZE was curated for the members. The launch was coupled with a few announcements by the club, stay tuned for future actions on these announcements.

This short video captures some of the highlights.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=IwAR317xVFkH04eUB7ll2y3j4Svovh0HM5uk3YWW_tUFSzmrhTa9fP0keTfMQ&v=klI9rQXFL2M&feature=youtu.be

PJ Mithuna: The twins seem to be fraternal!

PJ Mithuna: The twins seem to be fraternal!

PJ Mithuna: The twins seem to be fraternal!

Facts & Figures before we get onto the review: Mithuna (Gemini) is the second edition from the zodiac series released by Paul John, the first being Kanya (Virgo) released in 2018. While the Kanya has mixed reviews over time the Mithuna has a shiny badge over its shoulder – ‘3rd best whisky in the world! – Whisky Bible 2021’. I had done a take on this when there was a furore over this book and the descriptors used by the Author Jim Murray, would suggest a quick read https://smacindia.com/the-twins-take-a-bow-the-hat-drops/

Impressions made, lets move on… or wait… the folks at PJ seem to take their packaging very seriously. As like the first edition of the series the label and detailing are excellent and well done, the colour chosen is very distinct and though unusual it has been presented very well. Even the miniatures come in their own cocoon.

This edition in India has been released as two versions

1. The cask strength (or nearly) version of 58% available only in Goa

2. The second variant bottled at 50% ABV available in multiple states

The second variant being created by PJ to ensure compliance with India legal stipulations of some states which has a capping on the ABV for alcobeverages manufactured in India. In this review I am going to taste both versions and share my thoughts. Now please do remember that I have been an amateur for over 10 years (yes just realized that since 2011 to 2021) and I have a certain fondness to cask strength whiskies; but as per rules of tasting I will go with the lower ABV dram first.

Name: Paul John Mithuna

Distiller: John Distilleries Goa,

India ABV: 50%

Colour: Tawny

Now the colour has me a bit perplexed to be honest; the whisky has been created by maturing it in Virgin Oak and finished in Ex bourbon casks (which is rare nowadays with sherry finished whisky being very popular).

Nose: Hello Jammy! Vanilla dollops with sugar sweetness. I am going to say this, it smells a lot like the profile of another popular distiller from Bangalore India 😊. A gentle layer of Oak with a promise of spice. One of the characters of PJ single malt whiskies that I have observed is the evolution with exposure to air and this one does that rather quickly and dramatically. From super sweet cane sugars to fresh flowers. If you have visited a warehouse which has heavy moisture the air is heady with vapours of the alcohol, soaked wood, wet earth, this whisky has a bit of that on the nose.

Mouth: The first sip has a nice salt rim and surprisingly not as sweet as expected. It has the right viscosity not overtly thick like a sherry bomb which would make it quite heavy but not a light one as well, its got a cling to the tongue.

Finish: There is a flavoured spice, bitters and a mentholated mouthfeel, fresh like peppermint. The virgin Oak casks showing through here. Not overtly complex or layered but a very elegant, it has a rather long finish with the peppermint with bitters carrying it through.

Now for the 58% one 😊 (Wrings his hands in glee)

The colour is pretty much the same.

Nose: It’s obviously a pleasure to meet you, thank you very much. That oomph, the layer of honeyed sweetness with vanilla and a woody influence of the virgin oak is all felt in harmony. The 8% bump makes it a bit more expressive on the nose.

Mouth: Juicer? Not really a description I guess but there is an immediate secretion of saliva to meet the dryness of this dram, the salt rim again more evident here, immediately covered by sweetness and the spice and mentholated notes clamouring for space and finally nudging the sweetness away. The spicy character combined with higher ABV maybe a bit of a challenge for palates which are not familiar with high strength whiskies.

Finish: Sucks in the moisture and leaves you with satisfying bitters and mint chutney. Again quite long and great mouthfeel.

With a drop of water: More wildflowers and vegetation and easier on the sweetness of the 50% version the higher ABV one moves a notch on the earthiness and spice.

Now folks in India, please read the review carefully and remember the ground rules, every palate is different, and the review is one individual opinion which is mine. Higher ABV is not always better and I honestly believe that the 50% is not far behind. The higher ABV one It’s got that oomph and boisterous character coupled with elegance (sort of like Pierce Brosnan playing rough, the elegance always shows through 😃) but all these characters may appear ‘strong’, ‘rough’ & harsh to some of you. So the twins in effect are fraternal and not identical!

Now both versions are for some reason very ‘Indian’ to me, they have something which is not the usual whisky of today. It is indeed for me a quantum leap ahead from its predecessor in the same series and one to have in a blind lineup which would confound the ardent palates in terms of its origin and profile.

This for me is not a mantle piece, it has to be consumed and relished.

 

The final release of this very limited edition was launched on 4th April 2021

The final release of this very limited edition was launched on 4th April 2021

Amrut Amaze is the 1st limited edition single malt whisky series crafted for a club in India by the award winning Amrut Distilleries. Created as a trilogy the first edition was launched in 2018 amidst much fanfare, followed by the second release in 2019. Both whiskies were rated ‘exceptional’ by leading whisky judges and industry experts. The final release of this very limited edition was launched on 4th April 2021

While we at SMAC are a bit sad that the AMAZE trilogy has ended, we are ecstatic about the response, support and joy that series has brought. The whisky has created history and we hope it will be remembered well after the bottles are empty.
Bringing this series to you has been a lot of fun, please find a short video of the AMRUT AMAZE story- Thank you.

For membership and enquiries please visit www.smacindia.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=IwAR2HlNyU4rKgfOJiBpJktWzwygomDj-w8m8Eur96AqwJL6Nc1BKXPEJVv3o&v=HhX3C87eCEg&feature=youtu.be

The final teaser of AMRUT AMAZE Release III

The final teaser of AMRUT AMAZE Release III

Keeping the tempo on for the launch, here is the final teaser of AMRUT AMAZE Release III. In this teaser we see behind the scene shots of the distillery, casks and association with SMAC. We hope these teasers have kept you engaged for the grand finale. This club exclusive bottling is limited to 360 bottles

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Booking for the event

Booking for the event

So folks here is the latest on the event scheduled for 3 April 2021 at ITC Gardenia, Bengaluru. Again we cannot thank the enthusiasts from this group enough! We were pretty much sold out a week ago with a couple of seats being closed this week. We have closed the booking for the event. So

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AMAZE III- The Final Chapter BOOKING EXCLUSIVELY FOR MEMBERS OF SMAC

AMAZE III- The Final Chapter BOOKING EXCLUSIVELY FOR MEMBERS OF SMAC
Its time to make your BOOKING!

Please note: Emails have been sent to all members about the same

A very busy time indeed for the team working to make the Amrut Amaze III a success. As members all of you have been very patient and enthusiastic about this initiative and we cannot thank you enough for this. Couple of important points in today’s update.

The MAD RUSH

• We appreciate the enthusiasm by the members and would love to cater to all but please bear in mind, there are only 360 bottles that have come out from the casks allocated to SMAC. This makes it very difficult to keep our large community happy, but it’s the best we can do.
• We have decided to allocate a maximum of 2 bottles per member, please do not approach us for more, there isn’t enough available.
• Special bottle number allocations are not possible
• Please avoid fake registrations, allow other members to taste the whisky we struggled to deliver to you
• We humbly request our patrons to book only when you can comply with the T&C and go through with the purchase; booking and not purchasing puts that much pressure on us to reallocate the stock
• Keep patience, we will work our way through booking codes and allocations
• Mails going into SPAM, this is key please add members@smacindia.com to your safe senders list, this will help us get to you on time

Bottle collection:

• Anurag wines has made special arrangements for the bottle collection to happen smoothly
• Store timings are 10:30 to 22:30 however best times for bottle collection would be 11:00 to 16:30
• Please carry your membership ID and booking codes, these are important
• Please do NOT request for a special number, we will issue them randomly
• Anurag wines will store the bottle for a reasonable time in case you are unable to collect in person immediately
Lastly but not least please spread the word, the club thrives on likeminded people coming together, please keep the spirit alive.

Covid-19:
Launch Event:

• The planning for the event at Bangalore is proceeding as scheduled, there are no Govt. restrictions at the moment, we continue to watch the guideline issued by authorities closely.
• The venue is open air and we intend to keep the gathering restricted.
• Outstation candidates are advised to carry Covid test results to ensure they are not hassled by the authorities
• Masks are mandatory to enter the venue

Link to book AMAZE III: https://forms.gle/K85SXmgiUVCU5PEh7

AMAZE III

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