Highland Park Thor

So, it’s The Green Welly Stop’s THOR’sday, and we have the mighty Highland Park Thor in stock available for despatch!
At 52.1% Strength, it’s sure to be a true whisky of the gods

We did however, purchase the name www.Tyndrum-Gold.co.uk for future use!

Move forward to June 2011, a new planning application for the mine was being produced, we decided to look again at our Tyndrum Gold. Craig (our internet manager) was given the task to create our first ever bottling, from designing the label, to liasing with suppliers, obtaining quotes, the only thing Craig didn’t do, was actually attend the tasting session we had for the selection of the whisky!
By the start of July 2011 Craig had the idea for the label already in place and things were moving along well.

Edward, (our resident Keeper of the Quaich and also a Partner), decided that we would also need a back label for some more information on the bottling.
It was also decided at this point that we would do a limited release of 600 bottles, (excellent idea Craig)
So there we have it – the first insight into our Tyndrum Gold Limited Edition Whisky.

I will bring more information as time permits!
The internet team.

In January and February, the buying team head off to the various tradeshows to gather together what we hope will be fantastic items for our shops. Keep an eye on our whisky special offers here and don’t forget that you can get a variety of gifts online. We have such a variety of goods in our shops, and we try where possible to have the very best of them on line as soon as possible.

One of our biggest sellers on line was our range of Contigo Mugs which are truly amazing! Look out for any new designs and colours.

We really appreciate feedback and consider your comments as a gift, so we can make our service to you even better. Leave a comment on your purchases, and we will give you a 5% discount on your next purchase. How cool is that! Keep up with news, weather forecasts and general high-jinx on our Facebook pages, we even have a Welly Wednesday competition.

In the meantime, here’s to a fantastic 2011 and we look forward to welcoming you to The Green Welly Stop very soon!

Fiona

Batch 3 Optic Barley

Speyside’s smallest whisky distillery, Benromach, has added two new variants to its Origins range.

Benromach Origins Batch No. 2 was distilled in 1999 and has been fully matured in Port Pipes. This is the first Benromach expression to be fully matured in a wine cask, allowing the characteristics of the port to infuse with the whisky. The resultant single malt has red berry fruitiness with hints of orange peel, dark chocolate and soft smoke.

Benromach Origins Batch No. 3, distilled in 2000, has been created using the finest Optic barley then matured in Sherry casks. It displays zesty citrus flavours, softly infused with spicy aniseed and menthol notes. The two new whiskies are the latest additions to Origins – a series of special bottlings launched in 2008 to highlight how small changes in the art of whisky making can help shape the character of the final single malt. Each batch displays the ‘Benromach style’ of peat-smoke with malt aromas and a delicate perfumed nose, while at the same time offering a slightly different sensation for the consumer.

Batch 2 Port Pipes

Benromach has also recently re-packaged its exclusive Vintage Speyside Single Malt. This sophisticated greatly-aged single malt, a winner at this year’s Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards and described as ‘a powerful presentation of a Sherry-matured Speysider’, has been encased in a sleek brushed metal tin, replacing the previous outer box, to give it a stylish and contemporary look in line with other whiskies in the Benromach range.

Benromach Origins Batch 2 and 3, and Benromach Vintage will be available from whisky shops and fine wine and spirits retail specialists with suggested UK retail prices of £38.50 and £299.00 respectively.

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A wee while since I have posted a blog, however, as you can imagine, it’s been all go here!

This is just a wee notification that we have a new shop launched today! Go and have a browse – there is a wee offer available for you until the end of August.

Enter Here!

Mortlach 70 Year Old / Worlds Oldest Whisky / 70cl

The wait is over as the world’s oldest whisky sees the light of day
The world’s oldest bottled single malt whisky has been revealed today (Thursday 11 March) by whisky specialist Gordon
and MacPhail.

Released under Gordon and MacPhail’s ‘Generations’ brand, Mortlach 70 Years Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
was finally revealed – and tasted – by special guests at a launch in the atmospheric setting of Edinburgh Castle’s Queen
Anne Room. One precious bottle of Mortlach was piped into the Castle, escorted by guards from The Highlanders (4th
Battalion).

The new-make spirit from Speyside’s Mortlach Distillery was filled into the cask on 15th October 1938 by John Urquhart,
the grandfather of Gordon and MacPhail Joint Managing Directors, David and Michael Urquhart. Exactly 70 years later, the
decision was made to carefully empty the cask and bottle the contents.

Founded in 1895, Gordon and MacPhail is known the world over as the custodian of some of the oldest and rarest single
malts available. Members of the third and fourth generations of the Urquhart family now own and manage the business.
David and Michael Urquhart, Joint Managing Directors of Gordon and MacPhail said -
"This is a very special day for us, one we’ve literally been anticipating for generations. Our family has been in the whisky
business for a long time, with each generation building and handing on a lifetime’s expertise to the next.
"We believe Mortlach 70 Years Old is a malt without comparison. If the reaction of those lucky enough to enjoy a dram
today is anything to go by, whisky fans and people wishing to own a unique piece of Scotland’s liquid history will be very
excited about it."

Charles MacLean, a well-known whisky writer and connoisseur, who was allowed a sneak preview of the single malt,
described it as "a delicate, fresh, vital, fruity whisky, with unusual attributes of waxiness and smokiness."
Each bottle will be beautifully presented in a tear-shaped hand-blown crystal decanter with an elegant silver stopper. The
decanter nestles in a stylish silver base and is framed in a handmade Brazilian Rosewood box, created using wood from
Forest Stewardship Council (FS C) Certified sources.

Mortlach 70 Years Old was matured in a Spanish oak, ex-bodega sherry hogshead cask, which yielded 54 full-size and
162 small decanters bottled at cask strength (46.1% ABV). The recommended retail price in the UK is £10,000 per 70cl
decanter and £2,500 for the 20cl version.

This is the first in a series of extremely rare malt whiskies to be released by Gordon and MacPhail under its ‘Generations’
brand.

Mortlach 70 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Full tasting note, by Charles MacLean

Appearance / The colour of sun-bleached polished mahogany. I would guess the butt is American oak.

Aroma / A mellow nose, at once waxy and fruity  candlewax to the fore initially, which becomes snuffed candle (a
thread of smoke), with Maraschino cherries in Madeira cake behind, and after a while an orangey citric
note – fresh and juicy, becoming apricot jam. Flaked almonds and whin flowers, becoming light coconut oil.

Taste / Surprisingly lively tasted straight. A smooth, waxy mouthfeel  a sweetish start becoming moderately dry,
but not overly-tannic. Dried fig and tobacco notes, and an intriguing light smokiness. A long finish and, for
the first time, a hint of planed hardwood in the aftertaste. With a teaspoon of water, the smooth texture
is enhanced. The fresh, light sweetness becoming pleasantly sour (‘Soor Plooms’), with sooty smoke in the
finish.

Comment / Remarkable! No trace of wood or must or bung cloth – a delicate, fresh, vital, fruity whisky, but with
unusual attributes of waxiness and smokiness – uncommon today, more usual before the 1960s.

Images Courtesy of Gordon and MacPhail and subject to availability.
The bottle will be hand delivered, unless it’s going outwith the UK, and we need time to book flights..
If you have any questions regarding this bottle – please email – craig@thegreenwellystop.co.uk

Amazing really, the warm weather has continued. For once, we (the locals) are moaning about the lack of water – that in itself is something that is rare in Tyndrum (the lack of water that is!) We experienced a beautiful winter, and an amazing spring, even though we still had some late snow falls! So fingers crossed that it’s going to be a scorcher! Mind you, we still want a wee bit rain; it does help with the soup sales! The first weekend of July saw 1.6” of rain fall in Tyndrum… with it; bits of trees were flying around too! It was pretty wild, however the rainfall was welcome!

The West Highland Way has been very busy with walkers this year. There have been some ‘unusual’ sights; including a group of four walkers who had a dog, Ben with them… he was carrying his own little panniers, containing his food and blanket. He had sore paws, so had on little booties. He was too exhausted to get up, so I served his water to him! I wish I had been able to take a photograph of him when his Dad, Darren, put his panniers back on… the look Ben gave him was priceless! In addition to Ben, there was a brave Danish couple walking the WHW on a hot Saturday morning in June – also with full packs and their young daughter in a push chair! I met them after they had just bought some Contigo Mugs (great choice) from the Filling Station. That must be a mission and a half to do that. One of the staff said they would carry the bairn and wheel the packs – they have a point! Ben – top left; The Danish Couple showing off their new mugs are on the right.

Recycling has been a major project over the last few months and we have been making a huge effort here. As you can imagine, the amount of rubbish / packaging / waste that a business of this size goes through is scary! We have been compacting waste for a while now; however, the amount of recycled products that we have collected is fantastic. Plastic: 2,280 kg; Cardboard: 19,354kg; Metal: 2,630kg; Paper towels: 61kg. We also collect polystyrene and paper. The last collection amounted to 26,148kg being recycled! We have managed to reduce the commercial bins (the rubbish that goes into landfill) from 16 bins per week, to only 6 of them! Long may it continue! We do have other uses for card and plastic: the ‘good wrapping’ we use to post out internet orders – so if you order something, it will come in a recycled box with oddly shaped packaging to keep it safe! We try to recycle as much as we can.

Did they really say that? We do get the strangest things said to us…. As I am writing this, I got a call from Susie in Goodies & Gifts. A customer asked her, “Excuse me, can you tell me where the nearest petrol station is please?” Now, that’s a first! Looking back through the ‘Did they really say that’ book, here’s another cracker: “How did you come up with a crappy name like The Green Welly Stop?” Nice.

Look for the apple logo for healthy eating options in the Restaurant! We do try our best to cater for all tastes and dietary requirements. Don’t hesitate to ask a member of staff if you have any special needs – vegetarian, gluten free diets, we can feed you all!

Profile time!
Bernadette Marno has been employed in the business since 1992. Prior to working with us, she worked in Faslane, ensuring there were supplies for fixing the Submarines when they docked. Bernadette started in the business clearing tables, moved to the sandwich bar, bakery and then onto the counter. She has since moved up through the ranks as Supervisor, Assistant Manager, Restaurant Manager and now is the business Food & Beverage Manager. Her remit includes the Restaurant, Snack Stop and all other fresh foods that are sold in the business! Half the total numbers of staff in the business are managed by Bernadette. She is a busy lady! She has three daughters; Jennifer, Lorraine and Lyndsey. They have all worked in the business from a young age and all attended university. Lorraine is now our Office Manager and Lyndsey our Assistant Restaurant Manager. Bernadette is to be found on her days off generally in Asda or Makro, wheeling trolley loads of custard and Kit Kats. She has an amazing gift for remembering ‘numbers’, which was a talent from a very early age!

Cullen Skink: The Secret is revealed – well, sort of! It’s our best selling soup by far, and we have been known to sell over 70 litres in one day. So, what’s the secret? Buy the best peat smoked haddock that you can find – remember there’s good top quality smoked haddock and smoked haddock that has been ‘coloured’. Ours is supplied by Andy Race from Mallaig. In a pot, cook onions and tatties in a fish stock. Once your tatties are just about cooked, add in your smoked haddock and cream (you can try part milk and part cream, it depends how rich/fattening you want it!). Add parsley if you want for a bit of colour… Serve with fresh chunky bread (or buy a round of our cheesy cracked black pepper bread from the Snack Stop!) That’s about it really. Cracking Scottish soup is all about keeping it simple! Oh, did I say already that you can buy the cheesy bread (and the soup) to take home??

NEW! This season – Porrelli’s ice cream – This is amazing stuff – Scottish Dairy Ice Cream with awesome flavours which include: Iron Brew (yes, that is the correct spelling for this product!), and Scottish Tablet. Don’t miss out on the Belgian Chocolate, for all the Chocolate fiends out there! It is available from the Snack Stop – in regular, waffle & teddy cones, and by the tub to take home in the Filling Station. Recommended too, and available from the Snack Stop and the Restaurant are yummy ice cream sundaes! If it’s an ‘after thought’ and you are in the Restaurant, don’t worry – go back up to the till and order one from there, it’s easy!

Are you on facebook? If so, become a fan of The Green Welly Stop. We invite you to take a picture of you / your family / your friends in and around the business and post them on our page… you might even get a prize for the most original picture… We post regular updates of what is happening in the business and even some special offers that are available online! If you have an email address, write it on one of the slips of paper that you will find in the restaurant on the wee table. We will add you to our very own, private mailing list and send you an email with our special offers and ideas for gifts! You will also have your address entered into a monthly prize draw! We won’t share your email address with anyone else, we promise.

IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists): Mobile Display Unit in Tyndrum. We try where possible to promote road safety in our area, and have the IAM here for advice over the summer weekends on how you can improve your driving. They are a friendly bunch, and might even persuade you to take the plunge into a ‘Skill for Life’. We have fantastic roads up here, and we would like you to drive / ride safely, other wise if there are accidents, the roads get closed and that is just an inconvenience for everyone. Keep the ‘shiny side up’ folks. Be safe, so everyone can enjoy their holidays, the lovely roads and the scenery!

It always seems to be holiday weekends that I get the ‘oops, haven’t blogged for ages’ feeling.  We have had a hectic start to the season between the renovations in the business and all the new stock coming into the shops.  We have some cracking stuff for you this year!

Our Internet Manager, Craig has been a busy bee in the last few weeks.  He went on an educational trip with Edward (the Author’s hubbie) to Elgin for a visit to Gordon & MacPhail.  I don’t want to steal Craig’s thunder, however, this is the official ‘nag’ – as if you had nothing better to do! …. you still have to write a wee blog telling us all about your trip…. I believe they had a great time, being both educational and giving them both peace and quiet from me for two days! I also got peace and quiet… let’s get that straight!

Motorbike season has started in earnest here.  The hard stand in the car park has been full to brimming most weekends, yet still our biker guests still insist on parking their pride and joys in the most silly places.  Parking on the exit to the business makes the whole place grind to a halt… think lads and lassies before you abandon your ‘beast’ in daft places! We have to attempt to keep the entrance/exits safe!

The Snack Stop have brought back Dairy Ice Cream which is going down really well, and we look forward to getting some lovely warm summer ‘ice cream’ weather! Remember, our stunning home made pizzas are on sale from 12 noon through to 9pm! For picnic addicts and those who enjoy taking your lunch to the office, you will love our new picnic boxes.  When we were at the Trade Show in February, Irene, Lynne and myself fell in love with these.  What’s even better, Black + Blum also make the bag for the boxes, which doubles up as a wee mat – it’ll save you getting crumbs everywhere.

Lynne’s other half works at the Gold Mine in Tyndrum. Not only has Lynne convinced him that Contigo are the mutt’s ‘what-sits’, but she showed him the new picnic boxes.  He was, apparently well impressed.  Lynne went on to ‘sell’ the bag idea…. that didn’t go down very well, apparently…. he thought that she was taking the mickey when she showed those to him…. Maybe not really what is required when you work at the Gold Mine… he might just get *cough* teased for that one…. not the ‘roughty-toughty’ image that he needs, carrying his lunch out of the truck in a nice coloured bag!

If you are a fan of Facebook, keep up to date with The Green Welly Stop – I put in regular weather updates/news on it! It has been suggested that we need a webcam to show what the current conditions are in Tyndrum… The debate is: do we show the forecourt of the business, with 276 bikes parked outside on a busy weekend, the rain going horizontal, or the view of the queue to the Restaurant?? Your comments are welcome! Also, if you are a fan of Twitter, The Green Welly Stop moniker is @TheGreenWelly.  Follow us and you will get regular updates on new products, news items, updates from Facebook and daily witticisms from our Internet Manager! He has been known once or twice to publicly slag me, his boss and as you will see here (top right), his very own PA. Hmmm.

Where ever you are heading this holiday weekend, I hope you stop in for a wee break.  The shops are now fully stocked, and you can read an update on the main website. When you are passing, pop your email information in the box to be found in the restaurant.  We do regular draws for goodie bag winners from the email addresses posted! We promise never to share your details with any third parties – there is nothing worse than that!

We look forward to welcoming you to the business.  In the meantime, have an ace weekend!

Fiona

A wee update on the business….. Easter has started with a big bang – the weather this week doesn’t seem to have put anyone off visiting so far!  The roads are all clear, and Good Friday has been stunning – clear blue sky and sunshine – wow! This week has seen some wild weather in Tyndrum, and there are still piles of snow in some areas….

All our renovations are now complete: the Restaurant with its lovely new ceiling, and the Outdoor Store has had all the internal walls replaced to make shopping a much better experience. We can now hang things on the wall, leaving more floor space for wandering around!

There has been a tonne of new stock delivered in the last few weeks – one of our best selling new lines are Contigo Mugs not only are they really popular in the shops, they have been the best selling item on our internet shop this season! So, for the ultimate auto-sealing, non-spill technology lid, why not treat yourself. I have 3 travel mugs – one for the car, and two for work – one with water and the other for my coffee.  (I have to confess to consuming far, far too much coffee in a day, however, with the help of the Contigo Mug keeping the coffee nice and warm, I have halved my caffeine consumption!)

The Perfect Present has some fabulous lines – it puts the expression ‘cake of soap’ into the real context.  We are selling lovely soaps that really do look like slices of cheesecake! They smell so good you want to eat them! Look out for the new lines of jewellery – funky stuff at cheap-as-chips prices – so much so, Irene has had to re-order them already.

Coming soon are lovely picnic boxes – Black and Blum make these, and we will be selling them in Goodies & Gifts, the Filling Station and online too.  They are the ultimate must for the kid’s packed lunches, and you can buy with them a special bag that opens out into a wee picnic mat! We also have heaps of new lines in here, from fun mugs, witty tea-towels to coasters that are guaranteed to put a smile on any Victor Meldrews out there (you know who you are!) I dare you not to have a wee giggle as you go round the shop! One of the tea-towels that I love is this one!

The Filling Station have loads of games and stuff to keep the kids amused over the holiday period, from card games, aeroplane kits and kites.  Look for the Spirit of Air kites in the middle of the shop – ones for the wee kids to the big kids!

New in the Snack Stop is Dairy Ice Cream - Porrelli’s Dairy Ice Cream is produced to the highest standards with some unusual flavours – I dare you to resist the Scottish Tablet or the Iron Brew Ice Cream! I have just been chatting to one of our regular customers who was looking for a gift for their 7 year old grandson.  She was delighted when I took her to the Filling Station and showed her the Airplane kits, Balloon Modelling kits and the Stunt Kites.  We had a laugh at that one, we got our words all muddled up.  Try saying ‘stunt kites’ after a few beers!

Biker season is here! The Snack Stop is a favourite for them – giving the bikers the chance to take their cuppa outside for a blether, or sit in the warmth of the Café….. Welcome – ride safe and keep the shiny side up all of you!

Have a good Easter folks – remember to bag a bargain in the Whisky Shop there are one or two crackers there!

Be good, don’t eat too much chocolate and have a good holiday!

Fi :0)