Cask finished whiskies that you must try

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Published on Yahoo Lifestyle UK & Ireland on 10th May 2013:

A recent trip to the Isle of Skye revealed a whole new side of whiskies for me – the cask finished whiskies.

By law, all whiskies are aged in oak barrels for a minimum of three years. A select few also go on to be “finished” in special casks, which would impart additional flavours to the whisky. Majority of the casks were from sweet or fortified wines, giving the finished whisky a sweeter and fruitier note. Some, like Auchentoshan Three Wood, are even aged in three different types of casks.

I was in Skye for the unveiling of the Talisker Port Ruighe – the latest and permanent addition to the Talisker portfolio. Port Ruighe is the classic Talisker 10 finished in a port cask, a process which gave it a caramel hue, softened smoke and fruitier notes. Some might say, Talisker for the ladies.

Read more at Yahoo!

More than 50 British beaches ‘not safe’ under new EU rules

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Published on CNN on 7th May 2013:

More than 50 top British beaches would be declared unsafe for swimming under the European Union’s new water safety rules.

The European Environment Agency is to introduce new, stricter guidelines on water pollution in 2015.

The Telegraph has named 55 beaches in England, including popular resorts in Cornwall, Dorset and Hampshire, that do not currently meet the new standards, which would classify beaches as “excellent,” “good,” “sufficient” or “poor.”

“For those classed as poor, beach controllers will be required to display a sign advising visitors not to swim there,” said an Environment Agency spokesperson to CNN.

Read more at CNN

European Night of Museums: After-dinner art

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Published on CNN on 7th May 2013:

Achluophiliacs with a cultural bent, there’s a night of the year made specially for you.

The European Night of Museums on May 18 will see hundreds of museums across Europe offer after-hours visits.

Organized by the French Ministry of Culture and Communication, the European Night of Museums is in its eighth year and coincides with the International Day of Museums.

Many museums, mostly across Europe, will be putting on performances, events and installations specially for the event and for free to the public.

Read more at CNN