Twas the night before Christmas (Scotch Whisky Style)
Twas the night before Christmas (Scotch Whisky Style)
by Jeffrey Topping
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the distillery
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The casks were all stacked in the warehouses with care
In the hopes that the Angles would soon have their share.
The stillmen were nestled all snug in there beds,
Whiles visions of Cask strength whisky danced in their heads.
And Mama in her kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just finished our drams for a long winter’s nap.
When out in the still house there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the distillery I flew like a flash,
Tore open the excise locks, and threw open the doors.
The moon on the copper of the old weathered stills
Gave the luster of midday to the warehouse below,
When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature angel and eight tiny casks.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be here to give my casks a nip.
More casks than a forest, his casks did roll in, and he whistled and shouted and called them by name.
Now Bourbon! Now Sherry!
Now, Hogeshead and Firkin!
On, Port Pipe! On Puncheon!
On, Pin and Kilderkin!
To the top of the lein Arm!
To the top of the pagoda!
Now Mash Away! Ferment Away!
Distill away all.
Merry Christmas from my family to yours
The Wild Scotsman
an original adaptation by Jeffrey Topping 2007, all rights reserved.
Twitter Weekly Updates for 2011-12-18
- Enjoying a late night NUB San Andres with some single cask cognac #
- Like this shop better when it was a petsmart. They sold science diet for dogs $10-$20 cheaper per bag. I will find… http://t.co/7htiA8Xe #
- How many independent Scotch Malt whisky distilling Companies are there? (I.e. Springbank, Bruichladdich etc) #
- Looks like it is going to be a great day. Time to go too bed and I will see if my prediction is correct when I wake up. #
Twitter Weekly Updates for 2011-12-11
- Who Dey Cincinnati? WE DEY – The Pittsburgh Steelers!! Luv Ya Black and Gold #steelers #
- Enjoying a wee dram watching my favorite version of "A Christmas Carol" with Reginald Owen 1938 on TCM #
- Sons of Anarchy season finale was awesome. #
- RT @editordonbaker: @wildscotsman great Scotch tasting! photos from last night's event http://t.co/HYayYwqr >>Thank You #
- send out your Wild Scotsman Black Label Scotch gifts out next week as we will be restocked @thepartysource http://t.co/b1zT4psd #scotch .. #
- What are your top three Rye whiskies? High West, Pappy Van Winkle, and Hudson for me #rye #topthree #
- tonight will be a few drams of Nikka Japanese Malt Whisky. Did you know the creator of Nikka designed the first Suntory Distillery ? #
- Just restocked our KY distributor with Wild Scotsman Black. #
- Having a Liga Privada and a wee dram after surviving my wee one's 4th Birthday #cigar #ligaprivada #
State Of Ohio -Not Supporting Ohio Company and Ohio Brand
State Of Ohio -Not Supporting Ohio Company and Ohio Brand
by Jeffrey Topping
In the current economic and political climate in Ohio we have heard a lot about support local business and Ohio companies, however, those statements do not match the actions of the state of ohio. Wild Scotsman has lost 3 of 4 brands in a massive delisting. We willingly gave up two of our four brands to keep our flag ship products on line in Ohio. Now we are only left with Blend No 888 which does not ever bare the name sake of our Company. As Ohio Taxpayers every bottle of liquor on the shelf in Ohio belongs to you. You have a say in what brands Ohio has to carry. If you believe as i do that Ohio should support Ohioans than I ask you to contact the office of John Kaisch and ask him:
“Why does the State of Ohio not support Ohio business”
“Why does the State of Ohio support big business over small business”
Contact: http://governor.ohio.gov/Contact/ContacttheGovernor.aspx
Select Issue: choose>>other
My stance and the letter from Ohio:
Below is the delisting letter from the new head of the Division of Liquor Control. The basic impact to me is that I would need to take the 30% mark down on all my brands and give the state a $9,000 (value of mark down) in a credit to which they would basically buy inventory off credit. This is a loose-loose situation for my brand. A 30% reduction in price is a death nail in trying to re-introduce a brand back into the market. It takes me from $69.99 on the shelf to the mid $40’s. The head of liquor control told my broker that I could reintroduce my brand next year, however, the financial impact to my brand from now to then is detrimental.
In the past State of Ohio Liquor Control directors took a positive position on Ohio Companies and Ohio Brands even though there were no legislative obligations to do so. Basically, it was good business to support Ohio. The NEW director’s tact seems more lopsided towards large companies/distribution.
The State of Ohio is also not giving small business the tools to be more competitive with the big companies in regards to beverage sales. We are not allowed to contact spirits samplings within the store like both beer and wine. This is a huge advantage to the large companies as their marketing dollars can make up for this list tool.
With your help we can support Ohioans, Ohio business, and keep our state friendly to small business.
Slainte,
Jeffrey Topping
September 30, 2011
Dear valued vendor
The end of 2011 is fast approaching, and it is time to prepare for 2012. With your support The Ohio Division of Liquor Control has consistently performed month over month. You have brought innovation ”New Product”, price off promotions, Rebates, stack outs and value added packs to our table. We have tried to support your growth plans by buying over 300 new items and features in 2011.
As you are aware, Ohio Agencies inventory and display on average only 600 items, Ohio DOLC lists, warehouses and stocks over 1700 items, It is now time to consolidate and liquidate.
In preparation for a great 2012, we need to insure adequate merchandising space in our agencies for your new introductions. The de-list 2011 project is focused on this initiative. If a product is not performing at a comp store sales rate of 2 bottles per month or 1 bottle if over $50.00 then it is time to move on and utilize our space for something new.
Special consideration has been allowed for SPO, (special order) in support of the broker and supplier efforts we are maintaining items with national account distribution or unique clustering opportunities. Special order, unique or planned limited distributed items which have proliferated beyond their original distribution objective must be scaled back and productivity measurements must be met prior to gaining additional distribution.
The 2011 DOLC de-list program addresses our mutual objectives. De-listing is only 10% of the opportunity; we accomplish our goal by eliminating unproductive inventory from our agencies. As partners looking forward we are requesting your support in this mission!
2011 DELIST PLAN
Attached to this memo is a spreadsheet showing a possible 4 sections: KEEP, DELIST*, DELIST** and KEEP W/CONDITIONS. The Division of Liquor Control is requesting your support in accomplishing our goal.
>KEEP:
No action necessary, (You convinced us)
DELIST* – initial list of brands agreed upon
>Bottle inventory, retail base price, and total cost of agency inventory (as of 7-30-2011) supplied. You may up date.
>Sell down Nov, Dec, Jan.
>Eliminate the need and expense for broker transfer.
>Focus on in store display work for the holidays.
>DOLC REQUEST, 30% Mark Down per bottle off the retail price. (Agency inventory)
…DOLC will accept additional MD should you deem necessary. This will be managed as a Division generated Credit/Debit Memo process with funds withheld from future Bailment Purchase Orders.
Remove all remaining warehouse inventory by 10-31-11
DELIST ** (SAME DELIST* requirements)
KEEP W/CONDITIONS:
>DOLC will turn these items to NA (non allocate) effective 10-1-2011.
>Brokers must insure National Account inventory needs are met
>JAN 15th-2012, NEW REDUCED agency allocation list goes into effect, based on broker or supplier requests or by DOLC best store performance.
>Reduce the need for broker transfers.
>Reduce the on hand inventory.
>Focus on the key agencies supporting the item.
>Future expansion possibilities via National Account support, product trends and supplier
Marketing plans in 2012.
>DOLC REQUEST; 20% Mark Down per bottle off the retail price on all bottles sold from Oct-1-2011 until Jan 31st , 2012 (Agency inventory) If vendors agree to this program new quotes must be submitted showing the price reduction for 11-01-11 (The Division will need quotes by October 10th.) The Division will create Credit/Debit memo(s) to recover funds from future Bailment Purchase Orders.
(Should a supplier elect to discontinue their item rather than consolidate, 30% mark down on retail base price of all agency inventory is requested. See DELIST* above)
Together we can clean up years of neglected items, we can clean up the back storage rooms, and we can open shelf space for new and exciting product. Each of you has told me “THIS NEEDS TO BE DONE” now is the time! Please submit your support to Janet Watson NLT October 10, 2011.
Thanks in advance for your support
Your 2012 partners at DOLC are looking for a great year
TOM KAPPA
Chief of Agency Operations
Oliva, Cain, Nub, and Wild Scotsman…OH MY!
Oliva, Cain, Nub, and Wild Scotsman…OH MY!
by Jeffrey Topping
Come join me on Thursday November 10, 2011 at The Wharf “without piers” from 4 to 8pm to sample, Oliva and Cain VS NUB cigars. I will be pouring Blend No. 888 and my Signature Wild Scotsman Black aka Cigar Malt. There are many brands which claim to be made for cigars, Wild Scotsman Black is the only Scotch made by a cigar smoker for cigar smokers. Full Stop!
Gold Medal Winner
The Wharf
3464 Pentagon Park Blvd
Beavercreek, OH 45431
RSVP: (937) 426-0633
Time: 1600 to 2000/hrs
View Larger Map
Check out these Dayton, OH retailers for a bottle near you:
Twitter Weekly Updates for 2011-11-06
- Touch down Buckeyes! #
- Buckeyes just skinned the badgers! #osu #
- RT @imacinjosh: @wildscotsman doing what he does best….. http://t.co/SGMSUAEq >>great shot of a remarkable familar person! #
- Just crawled thru my attic for measurements and now time to buy another layer of insulation #
- My wee one is off to trick or treat with mother witch #
- Had to huff my spooky princess on daddy's shoulders the final 1/4 mile as she was too tired from hauling candy #
- Nothing says Halloween like watching an Iron Maiden concert! #
- Attic is now officially R-60 insulated. Time for a wee dram of bunna 38yr single cask to be released Jan 2012 #
- Behind ever great man there is a woman rolling her eyes behind him -Bruce Almighty #
- Just had my car's ECM flashed. There are days were I wish I could flash my own brain for repairs #
- Many thanks for the #FF @Spirit_Imbibing @whiskyIsrael @galg @kintrawhisky #
Twitter Weekly Updates for 2011-10-30
- RT @cigarexplorer: @wildscotsman i just walked in local bar in Tokyo and I believe it is john Mcdugall's. http://t.co/3GeOTIdz >> Yes! #
- It must be a grand day as I awoke from my deep slumber quite alive and ready to go! #
- I feel like I am working in. A blender today. Stuff hitting me from all directions. #
- Looking foreword to pouring drams @vineandtable event on Friday night #scotch #indy #
- Enjoying a the big wall of chocolate, glass of red wine, and celebrating my wife having another 21st birthday http://t.co/J0vPvyaf #
- Stop by booth 22 Friday night at the 3rd Annual Wine and spirits Expo in Indiana and get your wild on! http://t.co/Br9WNR3O via… #
- Doing a bit of low flying to make my show with @vineandtable #
- Hello Indianapolis, Indiana. I am heading to the 3rd Annual Whiskey and spirits expo #
- Let the pouring begin! (@ Montage w/ 2 others) http://t.co/29bFbEJf #
- Enjoying a dram with my friends at High West http://t.co/hBm1qPJa #
- Great show in Indy. Packing up and enjoying a @Room101Cigars cigar #cigars #indy #scotch #
- Having a beer with @sunkingeric #
- Having a wee dram (@ MacNiven's Restaurant & Bar w/ 5 others) http://t.co/6xTlWvKF #
- RT @jasonwuerfel: @thespiritofcork Whiskey Expo 2011 is a HUGE success – awesome job Denis! Wild Scotsman 27yr = my fav!!! >>Many thanks!! #
- RT @captncognac: Wild Scotsman Cao Ila 27: peat, smoke, minerals. Super balanced http://t.co/bBaxq4Kb >>Many thanks Brother! #
- Another day on the road with fuel and a big cup of #Pilot coffee (@ Pilot Travel Center) http://t.co/nQNNRGsU #
- Just picked up my wee lassie from Grandma's. Nothing like being greeted with a daddy dance #
3rd Annual Whiskey & Fine Spirits Expo
3rd Annual Whiskey & Fine Spirits Expo
by Jeffrey Topping
come join me at the Montage in Indianapolis, IN Friday Oct 28 for the 3rd Annual Whiskey & Fine Spirits Expo put on by our friends at Vine and Table. We will be sampling a variety of Scotch, Irish, American whisk(e)y styles just in time for your holiday gifts.
Brands:
Blend No. 888- Hands down the best blended Scotch whisky at less than $27 per bottle
Wild Scotsman Black Label Vatted malt Scotch Whisky. The only malt whisky made by a cigar smoker for the pure enjoyment of a cigar. Don’t take my word for it…bring a stick and try it yourself!
Gold Medal Winner
John McDougall’s 13yr Vatted islay- Come taste Islay through the eyes and bottling created by the only living Master Blender and distiller of Scotch Whisky in the world.
John McDougall Blended Malt Islay 13yr
Wild Scotsman 15 yr Vatted Malt Scotch Whisky The dram that start it all! My first blended malt creation styled after my experiences in the Lowlands of Scotland. One of the most complex scotch whisky’s on the market today. 95 out of 100 in The Whisky Bible by Jim Murray and a silver medal at the International Wine and Spirits competition in the UK> Wild Scotsman 15yr Liquid Gold Award- Jim Murray's Whisky Bible
Wild Scotsman Caol Ila 27yr
Wild Scotsman 27yr Single Cask Single Malt Caol Ila only 108 bottles as the rest was used by the Wild Scotsman himself in his blending and private label bottlings.
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Event Location:
The Montage
8580 Allison Pointe Boulevard
Indianapolis, IN 46250
Get directions
Phone: 317-577-3663
-
Event Time
VIP Event: 5:00pm – 7:00pm
General Admission: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
-
Event Cost
VIP Ticket – $125.00
Regular Admission Ticket – $50.00
Designated Driver Ticket – $35.00
-
Event Contact
317-817-9463
View Larger Map
Twitter Weekly Updates for 2011-10-23
- Almost to Chi-town. Getting fuel and some awsome pilot coffee (@ Pilot Travel Center) http://t.co/AlRaZ2Uh #
- Whisky..check….I think that sums up everything I need for the day. #
- Selling some whisky today. Stop by this shop and get a John McDougall 16yr #Bladnoch #scotch (@ Gold Eagle Liquors) http://t.co/80voDFGk #
- Come get your Wild Scotsman, John McDougall, and Blend 888 here in Greyslake #scotch (@ Wine Knows) http://t.co/NgeEU4Gq #
- Here at Crystal Lake. I hope this does not turn into a bad episode of Friday the 13th (@ Cardinal Liquors) http://t.co/F4eDY6nR #
- Great shop. Look for Blend 888 and Wild Scotsman at the bar (@ Exclusively Napa) http://t.co/gKUW2QuI #
- Many thanks to everyone for comming out. Come drink Wild Scotsman, John McDougall, and 888 here! http://t.co/WWWl8q4J #
- Warehouse loaded up with more wild scotsman and Blend No 888 (@ Louis Glunz Wines) http://t.co/5lDjDwKl #
- I just became the mayor of Louis Glunz Wines on @foursquare! http://t.co/sAz4SPef #
- Steak, Scotch, and business meeting. Just need to finish off with a good rainy day cigar http://t.co/XBwRTben #
- Gail winds and sideways rain just a wee bit of excitment on the 6 hour drive from Chicago to Cleveland http://t.co/GnpwR9Fz #
- Getting set up for my event with the United States Bartender's Guild chapter in Cleveland (@ Light Bistro) http://t.co/JRqf3bDp #
- I am a few hours late but I knew I would get breakfast sometime today. At this rate lunch will be at 9pm tonight http://t.co/w4ZbxXWo #
- Having a wee tasting at the local Irish Pub (@ Parnell's Pub w/ 2 others) http://t.co/6VYI8Siu #
- Many thanks to everyone in Cleveland for your hospitality. Alba gu brath! #
- Many #ff to @kintrawhisky @markholycross @tobaccoevents @whiskylink @cheapwinefinder @thebronxbrewery @piperspub #
- Scotch..scotch..scotch…Cleveland loves scotch (@ Wild Scotsman Warehouse Cleveland) http://t.co/cB0gXTYr #
- Last event of the day before heading home! (@ M Restaurant & Bar) http://t.co/ncaCup8Q #
- I just unlocked the "Just Desserts" badge on @foursquare! http://t.co/YfkgPrw4 #
- Daddy is making up time from being on the rode and taking my little lassie for milk and donuts (@ Busken Bakery) http://t.co/pE13TVcC #
Twitter Weekly Updates for 2011-10-16
- Enjoying a cigar with Carlos Fuente from Arturo Fuente Cigars http://t.co/y0CnRwfr . #
- The Smith & Wollensky Experience on The Food Channel®: http://t.co/ODdeb1W0 #
- RT @cheapwinefinder: Rock out with UR Scotch out with @wildscotsman on 10/18. http://t.co/jU2huCUn. #chicago #scotch #cigar >>c u there! #
- We contend that for a nation to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle #
- Working on new distribution forms for TX, FL, DC, NV, and MA. My head hurts and so will my wallet when they are done! #
- France reaches Rugby World Cup final, topping 14-man Wales 9-8 in Eden Park thriller – The Washington Post http://t.co/Lvxs26cH #
- Having a big stein of Dunkel (@ Hofbräuhaus Newport w/ 9 others) http://t.co/7Nyo2LOk #