Archives for 2014

LAPHROAIG LIVE 2014!

September 18, 2014 by Gary Leave a Comment

LAPHROAIG LIVE 2014 comes to STOCKHOLM!

On Wednesday 24th September at 7pm the eighth annual Laphroaig Live will broadcast from Sweden.

This year’s show will be streamed live from a tiny island called Fjäderholmarna which is part of the archipelago just outside Stockholm.

Previous shows have brought you the flavours of Spain, Germany, America and even Australia but this year will be uniquely Scandinavian in flavour – mainly due to the show’s location, a famous smokery restaurant called Rökeriet.

During the show a panel of whisky experts will be tasting 4 phenomenal Laphroaigs:

A unique 12 year old triple casked Nordic special.
This year’s much acclaimed Cairdeas finished in Amontillado casks.
The latest Global expression called Select.
A fourth sample that will be decided by a Friends of Laphroaig online vote.

An expert panel of guests will explore the strong connections between smoke and depth of flavour in what is sure to be a smoke fest!

As always, the Distillery Manager, John Campbell will be joining them.

This year he’ll be accompanied by a panel consisting of four famous Swedish personalities; Nour el Refai – a comedian, TV personality, host and a well-known Swedish radio presenter, Peter Borg – chairman of the Swedish Whisky Association and Håkan Dahlberg – a prolific Swedish whisky blogger of I Love Whisky.
And last year’s Swedish Bartender of the Year Madeleine Solo Rapp will be making a guest appearance and creating something special using Laphroaig.

You can watch the show live on Sept 24th. on our own dedicated page thru this link.

You can also submit a question for the panel (Laphroaig nosing glasses can be won for the best questions!)

Panel biographies:

John Campbell
Laphroaig’s distillery master since 2006 and the only islander to have held this position, will be joined by 3 famous Swedish personalities on this 199th year of Laphroaig. He may even drop a hint about some exciting developments which are being planned for next year.

Nour el Refai
At the young age of 26 she is already a famous comedian, TV personality, host and a well-known radio presenter. Nour also has a wide and genuine interest in all things whisky. Not being one to stand back, we look forward to her forthright and no doubt witty views.

Peter Borg
Peter is vice chairman of the Swedish Whisky Association and Chairman of the local Whisky club HABOST with over 3,000 whisky enthusiasts. His worldwide travels have given him an unrivalled knowledge in the field of whisky.

Håkan Dahlberg
Founder of Sweden’s largest whisky blog ‘I love whisky’ established in 2010. His blog is simply the go-to place for Swedes to discuss all things whisky. Håkan is now a major influence on the Swedish whisky landscape.

Abbey Whisky – New Glenfarclas Family Casks Range!

September 17, 2014 by Gary Leave a Comment

Supplier	Brand	Bottle Size	Price
Abbey Whisky	BenRiach 1976 / 37 Year Old / Cask #5463 / Batch 11 Country: Scotland Region: Speyside Age: 37 Years Old Strength: 51.9% Vintage: 1976 Bottler: BenRiach	70cl	£ 409.25 BUY NOW
Abbey Whisky	Bruichladdich Batch 1 Country: Scotland Region: Islay Age: Strength: 49.6%	50cl	£ 99.95 BUY NOW
Abbey Whisky	Glendronach 1993 / Single Cask #39 / UK Exclusive Country: Scotland Region: Speyside Age: 21 Years Old Strength: 58.8% Vintage: 1993 Bottler: GlenDronach	70cl	£ 109.95 BUY NOW
Abbey Whisky	Glenfarclas 1973 / Family Casks Summer 2014 / Cask #4795 Country: Scotland Region: Speyside Age: Strength: 48.2% Vintage: 1973 Bottler: Glenfarclas	70cl	£ 582.00 BUY NOW
Abbey Whisky	Glenfarclas 1974 / Family Casks Summer 2014 / Cask #8579 Country: Scotland Region: Speyside Age: Strength: 57.2% Vintage: 1974 Bottler: Glenfarclas	70cl	£ 573.60 BUY NOW
Abbey Whisky	Glenfarclas 1976 / Family Casks Summer 2014 / Cask #3105 Country: Scotland Region: Speyside Age: Strength: 41.8% Vintage: 1976 Bottler: Glenfarclas	70cl	£ 412.80 BUY NOW
Abbey Whisky	Glenfarclas 1980 / Family Casks Summer 2014 / Cask #3180 Country: Scotland Region: Speyside Age: Strength: 46.2% Vintage: 1980 Bottler: Glenfarclas	70cl	£ 341.20 BUY NOW
Abbey Whisky	Glenfarclas 1983 / Family Casks Summer 2014 / Cask #31 Country: Scotland Region: Speyside Age: Strength: 46.1% Vintage: 1983 Bottler: Glenfarclas	70cl	£ 339.90 BUY NOW
Abbey Whisky	Glenfarclas 1984 / Family Casks Summer 2014 / Cask #6032 Country: Scotland Region: Speyside Age: Strength: 47.0% Vintage: 1984 Bottler: Glenfarclas	70cl	£ 570.60 BUY NOW
Abbey Whisky	Glenfarclas 1985 / Family Casks Summer 2014 / Cask #2591 Country: Scotland Region: Speyside Age: Strength: 45.4% Vintage: 1985 Bottler: Glenfarclas	70cl	£ 286.20 BUY NOW
Abbey Whisky	Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky Country: Japan Region: Japanese Age: Strength: 45%	70cl	£ 48.20 BUY NOW

Tasting Notes – Kilchoman 5YO Exclusive Bottling From Abbey Whisky!

September 11, 2014 by Gary Leave a Comment

Tasting Notes – Kilchoman 5 YO Exclusive bottling

There is no doubt, it is official. Kilchoman is a very popular Islay malt whisky!

Not only does it fly off the shelves with each celebrated release but the whisky and it’s producers have also garnered a clutch of prestigious awards including Master Distiller of the Year 2013, Whisky of the Year at IWC 2013, Whisky Advocate’s Award for Islay Single Malt 2013 and Malt Advocates Artisan Whisky 2011.

From it’s first inception in 2005, the founder Anthony Wills was determined to get back to basics with whisky distilling.

Using barley which is grown in fields surrounding the distillery and traditional floor malting are just two of the processes undertaken at the distillery.

This dedication to detail is reflected in it’s flavour.

Seeing red can be a good thing!

Abbey Whisky has managed to secure themselves a cask of this dram nectar and because they are very kind people, they are willing to share it with us!

Cask #285/09 has been matured for over four and a half years in a fresh bourbon barrel before being transferred to a Pedro Ximénez cask for a further four months maturation.

The idea is the Pedro Ximénez finish softens things down a little but still allows the dram to hold the traditional taste & characteristics of a Kilchoman whisky.

I think they have succeded!

Tasting Notes – Kilchoman 5 YO Exclusive bottling ( Cask strength – 58.3% )

Nose: Golden amber colour. Peaty aromas with brown sugar and vanilla.

Palate: Thickly peaty, sweet caramel combined with plump sultanas and a full cask strength alcohol hit to knock yer socks off!

Finish: Long spicy finish with slight peatyness, a modicum of tanin.

Overall: This is a fine meaty dram – the 58.3% sure packs a punch but in a controlled, defined way. It is difficult to believe this is such a young malt, it’s flavours offer a maturity seen in much older drams.
A malt whisky that is wise beyond it’s years!

Can’t believe Abbey Whisky is releasing this cask – I’d be tempted to keep it for private consumption.

But then, the folks at Abbey Whisky are very generous!

Many thanks to Abbey Whisky (@abbeywhisky) for sending the sample!

Kilchoman 5 YO Exclusive bottling has a limited stock of 270 bottles and is available to buy from Abbey Whisky priced at £78.95

Permanent Release for The Glenlivet Nàdurra Range

September 9, 2014 by Gary Leave a Comment

The Glenlivet Nadurra First Fill

Glenlivet has unveiled a second new permanent expression to it’s Nàdurra range.

The Glenlivet Nàdurra First Fill Selection is drawn from casks made from American White Oak that have never before been used to mature Scotch whisky.

These casks have always been a popular choice of distillers at The Glenlivet since the early 1900s, imparting hints of creamy vanilla to the malt whisky.

The release follows the initial launch of The Glenlivet Nàdurra Oloroso earlier this year and is supported by a new cask strength edition of this expression – The Glenlivet Nàdurra Oloroso Cask Strength.

The Glenlivet Nadurra Oloroso

Celebrating the highly skilful traditions of whisky making at The Glenlivet, all expressions in the Nàdurra range (Gaelic for natural) are bottled without chill-filtration, offering the additional complexity, body and texture of a whisky that has just been drawn from the cask.

The 19th Century production methods, combined with maturation in first-fill American Oak casks, imparts The Glenlivet Nàdurra First Fill Selection with an inviting aroma of soft vanilla, fudge and sweet, ripe pears, developing into a tropical mix of pineapple, banana and citrus on the palate and leading to a refreshing finish.

Nikki Burgess, Global Brand Director for The Glenlivet said, “Whisky enthusiasts have admired The Glenlivet for its signature smooth and fruity flavour profile for nearly 200 years so, with our Nàdurra range, we want to highlight the skill and craftsmanship behind The Glenlivet.

The Glenlivet Nàdurra has long held an extra special place in the hearts of single malt whisky connoisseurs and we are confident that our new Nàdurra innovations will satisfy their increasing appetite for excellence in single malt whisky craftsmanship.”

Ballantine’s Unveils Winning Night Market Bar

September 8, 2014 by Gary Leave a Comment

L’epicerie opens to the public at Parisian club, le Chacha

When Ballantine’s launched The Bar Project in France earlier this year, young mixologist Abderrahim El Asfar – known as “Abdou” – could only dream of his entry reaching the final stages and eventually being brought to life by Europe’s leading whisky brand.

However, last night, Abdou’s bar concept became reality, unveiled at a special launch event attended by some of Paris’s leading media and socialites.

“L’Epicerie” – Abdou’s imaginative bar concept which won the entrepreneurial competition with more than 50% of the public vote – is open to the public at popular Parisian nightspot “Le Chacha” now, opening Tuesday to Sunday for an exclusive six-week period.

Every week, customers will be able to join various sessions that will explore the characteristics of Ballantine’s, including the opportunity to sample some of the mixologists’ delicious concoctions that have been inspired by the whisky and its taste profile.

The bar is the product of a challenge set by Ballantine’s, inviting entrepreneurs from across France to submit their own vision for a dream bar.

The project saw more than 100 entries submitted via Facebook, which were whittled down to just three by a jury including Simon Baldeyrou, CEO of Deezer in France, and Laura Leonard, a renowned interior designer, the public vote then deciding the overall challenge winner.

El Afsar’s design is inspired by a traditional night market, in which customers are able to browse the ‘market’s’ evocative shelves, selecting their own ingredients which will then form the base of their cocktail. The mixologists behind the bar will then create an innovative whisky cocktail with these ingredients, selecting the most appropriate expression from the Ballantine’s range to match, which customers will be able to drink around the large host table that forms the centrepiece of the bar.

Peter Moore, Global Brand Director for Ballantine’s, said: “Given that our Founder George Ballantine is known to have created his first whisky in an ‘épicerie’ or delicatessen, it seems very fitting that it is this concept which we have been able to bring to life for the first time.

“The project has been so well received that it is to be repeated again in France next year and we have a number of other key markets who are also planning to run the competition. This means that more entrepreneurs around the world will have the chance to bring their own dream bar concept to life.”

Tasting The One – A British Isles Blend From Lakes Distillery!

September 5, 2014 by Gary Leave a Comment

The One – Floating On Water – Or Pretending To Do So!

Have you ever thought to yourself, “There are now distilleries producing whisky across the British Isles. Wouldn’t it be great to buy them all and make the perfect British Isles blend?”

Well relax, because The Lakes Distillery has beaten you to it and named their creation, The One.

They searched far and wide (high and low, in nooks and crannies, in old cupboards at your grannies … well, you get the picture) to bring together a range of very special whiskies from the British Isles.

These have been blended with great care and passion to create a perfectly balanced whisky.

The One is available from the whisky merchants below and from The Lakes Distillery own online shop – so, no travelling at all required!

They’ll also be displaying all the train and bus ticket stubs used to travel the country to collect the ingredients for The One in a special exhibition (details to be announced soon …)

Tasting Notes – The One ( 40% )

Nose: Pale straw colored spirit with a slight smoke aroma, hints of wood and fresh citrus.

Palate: Sweet, smokey with stewed sultanas, a hint of liquorice and melon.

Finish: Spicy and peppery with a dry oak finish. Quite short and little tanin feel on the tongue.

Overall: An excellent blended whisky. Warming, moreish and easily drinkable. This One has the lot!

The One – Award Winner & Looks Good Perched On A Rock!

Many thanks to The Lakes Distillery (@LakesDistillery) for sending the sample!

The One is available to buy from these Whisky Merchants:-

Edencroft – New Arrivals & Get Rewarded For Buying Whisky!

September 2, 2014 by Gary Leave a Comment

Buy Whisky – Get Rewarded!

Edencroft has 4 New additions to it’s range this week and you can now take advantage of their rewards scheme to boost your purchasing power even more!

Supplier	Brand	Bottle Size	Price
Edencroft	Benriach / 1995 / Uk Exclusive / Cask# 182044 Country: Scotland Region: Speyside Age: Strength: 52.5%. Summary: Distilled: December 1995. Bottled: July 2014. Age: 18 Year Old. Cask Type: Bourbon Barrel. Style: Classic Speyside Style. Colour: Bright harvest gold. Nose: Classic crème caramel combines with ripe pear and apricot. Gentle waves of lime zest add a contrasting, crisp fresh edge. Taste: Fruit salad syrup, vanilla pod and touches of toasted coconut combine to give the delicious, classic-Speyside character. Barley sugar and toasted oak give a sweet, warm and lingering finish.	70cl	£ 87.50 BUY NOW
Edencroft	Glencadam / 21 Year Old Single Malt Country: Scotland Region: Speyside Age: 21 Year Old Strength: 46%. Summary: Multi-award winning Glencadam Highland Single Scotch Malt Whisky Aged 21 Years is a fine example of centuries of craftsmanship and tradition. “The exceptional” malt with a beautifully lingering, true flavour. Nose: light Golden; Taste: floral and elegant with some sweet orange citrus tones; Palate: refined, gentle, floral with orange citrus and candied peel sweetness balanced by underlying peppery oak tones; Finish: lingering and dignified.	70cl	£ 72.50 BUY NOW
Edencroft	Glendronach / 1993 / Uk Exclusive / Cask# 39 Country: Scotland Region: Speyside Age: Strength: 58.8%. Summary: Distilled: Jan 1993. Bottled: July 2014. Age: 21 Year Old. Cask Type: Oloroso Sherry Butt. Nose: Rich dark crimson. Colour: A rich, meaty character filled with dark fruit-cake and roasted coffee beans, leading to a gentle balance of sugared dates, zested orange and hints of red chilli. Taste: Fantastic depths of allspice, dark chocolate and espresso coffee combine with delicate, warm, toasted oak spices. A soft, floral fruitiness appears in the long, unique sherried finish.	70cl	£ 110.00 BUY NOW
Edencroft	Glendronach / 1995 / Uk Exclusive / Cask# 3326 Country: Scotland Region: Speyside Age: Strength: 55%. Summary: Distilled: June 1995. Bottled: July 2014. Age: 19 Year Old. Cask Type: Pedro Ximenez Sherry Puncheon. Nose: Deep amber gold. Colour: Soft, well-rounded oak spices combine perfectly with rich plum juice and dates. Hints of citrus and cedar wood add a crisp contrast to the initial soft nose. Taste: Lashings of dark fruit syrup and a dark chocolate depth are warmed by cracked black pepper and touches of orange bitters. The long finish explodes with traditional sherry characteristics. .	70cl	£ 93.50 BUY NOW

Edencroft – New Whisky Arrivals To Welcome!

August 27, 2014 by Gary Leave a Comment

Edencroft has 9 New additions to it’s range this week with whiskies from the Campletown, Islay and Speyside regions.

The brands include Ben Nevis, Benriach, Bunnahabhain, Glen Scotia, Glenfarclas, Glenfiddich, Macallan & Tobermory.

The ages of the new whiskies range from 13 to 20 Year Old malts.

Supplier	Brand	Bottle Size	Price
Edencroft	Ben Nevis / 16 Year Old / Old Malt Cask Edition Country: Scotland Region: Speyside Age: 16 Year Old Strength: 50% Summary: Old Malt Cask is unashamedly for connoisseurs of the finest expressions of Single Malt Scotch Whisky. As one of the most established brands in the single cask market, Old Malt Cask is trusted by thousands of Malt Whisky consumers all around the world as the selection which bottles some of the most noteworthy Scotches in the market. Each month, the Hunter Laing tasting panel reviews the company stocks and, after careful consideration, selects only the casks which are of the highest quality. Whether the whisky was distilled in Speyside or Islay, the Lowlands or the Islands, they all have one thing in common – they have been bottled at exactly the right time to capture the unique characteristics of the cask. Invariably bottled at 50% strength to maintain drinkability, each new expression is non-chillfiltered to ensure that the personality of each cask remains. Our expert blender also writes notes to guide the consumer through the tasting experience. We don't have to do much with the whisky – we let it speak for itself. Old Malt Cask has spent fifteen years as one of the market leaders in the single cask category. As the reputation of Hunter Laing rests on the quality of each release, they aim to ensure that each new bottling delights the consumer as much as the last one. Nose: big & fruity – aromatic & sweet – honey'd & spiced. Taste: attractively sweet – both fruity and foggy + late barley & smoke. Finish: carries a spicy gristiness + warming camphor & more salt honey.	70cl	£ 66.50 BUY NOW
Edencroft	Benriach / 13 Year Old / Virgin American Oak Finish Country: Scotland Region: Speyside Age: 13 Year Old Strength: 46%. Summary: BenRiach created this product last year specifically for the Swedish market, crafted from several casks of 1999 vintage BenRiach. Each cask was distilled and filled on the 12th August 1999. The whisky was originally matured in ex-bourbon barrels, before being finished in Virgin American oak casks – a style of cask that is relatively unusual for ageing Scotch whisky, but a style of maturation that we are using more and more at BenRiach, as they love the influence it has on the whisky. This is a one-off bottling, and the total production was approx 750 cases (6-packs). We have some additional stock available, and this is only being offered to the UK and Germany – so this product will only be available in the UK, Germany and Sweden. Once this stock is sold through, this whisky will be discontinued. Colour: Bright golden straw. Nose: Full and sweet, with notes of toasted vanilla pods to the fore. Clotted cream and barley sugar. Taste: A vibrant and intense dram; sweet toasted oak, rich vanilla and honey interact with caramelised apples. Creamy, with floral notes, and an elegant dry finish.	70cl	£ 37.50 BUY NOW
Edencroft	Bunnahabhain / 14 Year Old / Old Malt Cask Edition Country: Scotland Region: Islay Age: 14 Year Old Strength: 50% Summary: Old Malt Cask is unashamedly for connoisseurs of the finest expressions of Single Malt Scotch Whisky. As one of the most established brands in the single cask market, Old Malt Cask is trusted by thousands of Malt Whisky consumers all around the world as the selection which bottles some of the most noteworthy Scotches in the market. Each month, the Hunter Laing tasting panel reviews the company stocks and, after careful consideration, selects only the casks which are of the highest quality. Whether the whisky was distilled in Speyside or Islay, the Lowlands or the Islands, they all have one thing in common – they have been bottled at exactly the right time to capture the unique characteristics of the cask. Invariably bottled at 50% strength to maintain drinkability, each new expression is non-chillfiltered to ensure that the personality of each cask remains. Our expert blender also writes notes to guide the consumer through the tasting experience. We don't have to do much with the whisky – we let it speak for itself. Old Malt Cask has spent fifteen years as one of the market leaders in the single cask category. As the reputation of Hunter Laing rests on the quality of each release, they aim to ensure that each new bottling delights the consumer as much as the last one. Nose: very light smoke drifts across the simplistic barley-oak mix; Taste: early emphasis on the girsty, salivating barley. The smoke arrives later, becoming surprisingly weighty; Finish: a wonderful finish thanks to a decent oak input. Love the almost Indian style spiced nuts as well as the Horlicks which help play down the smoky intensity; Balance: so delicate, you are almost frightened to chew it too hard… a charming and, actually, quite cracking whisky.	70cl	£ 67.50 BUY NOW
Edencroft	Glen Scotia / 18 Year Old / Old Malt Cask Edition Country: Scotland Region: Campletown Age: 18 Year Old Strength: 50% Vintage: 1992 Bottler: Summary: Old Malt Cask is unashamedly for connoisseurs of the finest expressions of Single Malt Scotch Whisky. As one of the most established brands in the single cask market, Old Malt Cask is trusted by thousands of Malt Whisky consumers all around the world as the selection which bottles some of the most noteworthy Scotches in the market. Each month, the Hunter Laing tasting panel reviews the company stocks and, after careful consideration, selects only the casks which are of the highest quality. Whether the whisky was distilled in Speyside or Islay, the Lowlands or the Islands, they all have one thing in common – they have been bottled at exactly the right time to capture the unique characteristics of the cask. Invariably bottled at 50% strength to maintain drinkability, each new expression is non-chillfiltered to ensure that the personality of each cask remains. Our expert blender also writes notes to guide the consumer through the tasting experience. We don't have to do much with the whisky – we let it speak for itself. Old Malt Cask has spent fifteen years as one of the market leaders in the single cask category. As the reputation of Hunter Laing rests on the quality of each release, they aim to ensure that each new bottling delights the consumer as much as the last one. Nose: opens rich & spicy with toffee and a caramelized fruit style. Taste: round & mellow – richly spiced – running to a briny quality. Finish: smooth – still spicy – carrying a hard candy character.	70cl	£ 82.50 BUY NOW
Edencroft	Glenfarclas / 105 Cask Strength Single Malt Country: Scotland Region: Speyside Age: Strength: 60%. Summary: Colour: Deep peaty-gold. Nose: Complex, oaky, apples and pears, and a tempting dark toffee sweetness. Flavour: Dry and assertive, develops quickly to reveal a rich spiciness, combined with a hint of oak and sherried fruit. Finish: Amazingly smooth for the strength; wonderfully warming and with a lingering smokiness, yet very rounded. Comment: A great whisky holding all the flavours of all the Glenfarclas in one glass. Being so warming, this is the perfect Hogmanay dram. Don’t be afraid of the strength and order a 210, if you dare! The smoothness makes the 105 drinkable at cask strength, but I suggest adding a little water to fully explore its great depth. Glenfarclas / One Family / Six Generations: Since 1865 Glenfarclas has been owned and managed by just one family, the Grants of Glenfarclas. On the 8th of June 1865 John Grant acquired the tenancy for the Rechlerich Farm and as part of the transaction purchased the Glenfarclas Distillery for £511.19S.0d. To this day Glenfarclas is one of only a few distilleries in Scotland to remain family owned and managed. Now in the hands of the fifth and sixth generation of the family, the Grants remain committed to the vision of creating the best quality Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky, in the traditional Speyside style.	70cl	£ 43.50 BUY NOW
Edencroft	Glenfiddich / Foundation Reserve Single Malt Country: Scotland Region: Speyside Age: Strength: 50.8%. Vintage: 1993 Bottler: Summary: This unique Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch Whisky is drawn from a single cask to celebrate 125 years of The Benevolent Charity. Cask Number: 29670. Colour: Rich amber. Nose: A rich oaky aroma with beautiful spice notes intertwined with fruit cake with underlying subtle hints of dark chocolate and Seville orange. Taste: Exceptionally smooth and mellow with a deep oaky flavour and rich luxurious mouth feel. The addition of a little water releases an abundance of sweet fruit notes and spices, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Finish: Wonderfully long, sweet and memorable.	70cl	£ 450.00 BUY NOW
Edencroft	Macallan / 20 Year Old / Old Malt Cask Edition Country: Scotland Region: Speyside Age: 20 Year Old Strength: 50% Summary: Nose: Sweet and mellow, with vanilla, raisins and toffee apples; Taste: Smooth rich fruits, with notes of cinder, toffee and vanilla; Finish: Long and sweet, with a wisp of oak.	70cl	£ 120.00 BUY NOW
Edencroft	Macallan / The Coronation Bottling Country: Scotland Region: Speyside Age: Strength: 58.1%55.7%. Summary: The Macallan is celebrating the 60thanniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation with the release of a stunning limited edition commemorative bottling. The limited release comprises a beautifully designed box featuring two 350ml bottles of single malt whisky. This latest offering is expected to become a rare collectors’ item with only 1953 bottles being released for sale in the UK. The pack was designed by the acclaimed Art Director, David Holmes, who worked on the first ever advertising campaign for the brand and completes The Macallan’s trio of commemorative Royal bottlings. The two bottles each feature a different image of The Queen, one taken in 1953 by Cecil Beaton, the celebrated photographer, who is perhaps best known for his images of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, with the other featuring an image taken in 2004 by Julian Calder, one of the world’s most renowned portrait photographers. In keeping with the distinct and stylish design of The Macallan, the labels have been created to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s reign, with the first conveying the Queen as she was in 1953, aged just 26, and the second honouring the treasured monarch she has become today. Commenting on the special commemorative Coronation edition David Holmes said: "I just felt that the box design should reflect the coronation itself. Bright and celebratory, with Gold, Windsor Red and Blue as used on the Queen's Coat of arms. The idea of the confident red box with gold florettes underlines the respectful presentation. A sort of, must have, rare Royal treasure case." The representations of the earlier and later years of Her Majesty’s reign are depicted not only by the chosen images, but also through the two whiskies chosen by our Whisky Maker. A lively expression, symbolic of the young Queen at the start of the new Elizabethan era, is complemented by a more complex malt to represent her monumental achievements of the past 60 years. The first whisky, matured in American oak sherry seasoned casks, is a vibrant gold spirit offering a lemon and orange citrus nose. Ginger and summer berries flit in the background showing the exuberance of youth while hinting at a founding level of maturity. Matured in Spanish sherry seasoned oak casks, the second whisky is a splendid mahogany sprit and presents a richly mature, elegant and refined nose. Nutmeg, ginger, rich fruits and resin soften to give a full mouth feel. There is great maturity on the palate, yet no sign of age. Ken Grier, Director of Malts at Edrington, commented: “The Macallan is honoured to pay tribute to Her Majesty the Queen on the 60th anniversary of her Coronation. This exclusive release brings together the creative talent of David Holmes, two stunning images of the Queen which further underpin our photography credentials and it has allowed us to marry these moments from the Queen’s remarkable reign with two very special whiskies. We are proud of the whiskies we have created for this special bottling. They both portray the character and nobility of the Queen at two very different stages of her life and we hope that people will enjoy the story they have to tell.” Tasting Notes: Cecil Beaton Bottle (58.1% abv): Colour: Gold Nose: Vibrant. Lemon and orange strike a chord. The enveloping warmth of vanilla, banana and cinnamon temper then develop to show grace. Ginger and summer berries flit in the background showing the exuberance of youth, yet hint at maturity as the same time. Soft oak underpins late on, talking only when required. Palate: Ginger, cinnamon and wood spice drives the palate, opening up to show rich fruits and boiled sweets. The subtlety of the oak softens all but does not distract. Finish: Full and long finish. Julian Caulder Bottle (55.7% abv): Colour: Mahogany. Nose: Rich in maturity, elegant and refined. Abundant in dried fruits, raisins, sultanas, dates and figs. This is a world traveller. Burnished oak has grown in stature developing depth and complexity. Palate: Rich fruits, ginger, nutmeg and resin soften to give a full mouth feel. Viscous and fruity, there is a great maturity on the palate yet no sign of age. Finish: Never ending.	2x375cl	£ 1,100.00 BUY NOW
Edencroft	Tobermory / 15 Year Old / Old Malt Cask Edition Country: Scotland Region: Speyside Age: 15 Year Old Strength: 50% Summary: Old Malt Cask is unashamedly for connoisseurs of the finest expressions of Single Malt Scotch Whisky. As one of the most established brands in the single cask market, Old Malt Cask is trusted by thousands of Malt Whisky consumers all around the world as the selection which bottles some of the most noteworthy Scotches in the market. Each month, the Hunter Laing tasting panel reviews the company stocks and, after careful consideration, selects only the casks which are of the highest quality. Whether the whisky was distilled in Speyside or Islay, the Lowlands or the Islands, they all have one thing in common – they have been bottled at exactly the right time to capture the unique characteristics of the cask. Invariably bottled at 50% strength to maintain drinkability, each new expression is non-chillfiltered to ensure that the personality of each cask remains. Our expert blender also writes notes to guide the consumer through the tasting experience. We don't have to do much with the whisky – we let it speak for itself. Old Malt Cask has spent fifteen years as one of the market leaders in the single cask category. As the reputation of Hunter Laing rests on the quality of each release, they aim to ensure that each new bottling delights the consumer as much as the last one. Nose: dry hay, cut grass, wet muddy puddles & light peat. Taste: sweetly phenolic + liqourice, camphor and barley. Finish: the spices are sweet, the peat is softer, the grass drier.	70cl	£ 65.00 BUY NOW

Abbey Whisky – New American, Speyside & Swedish Whiskies!

August 13, 2014 by Gary Leave a Comment

Supplier	Brand	Bottle Size	Price
Abbey Whisky	Auchroisk Batch 1 Country: Scotland Region: Speyside Age: Strength: 44.7%	50cl	£ 69.95 BUY NOW
Abbey Whisky	Balcones Baby Blue Corn Whisky Country: America Region: American Age: Strength: 46%	75cl	£ 54.25 BUY NOW
Abbey Whisky	Balcones Rumble Texas Spirit Country: America Region: American Age: Strength: 47%	75cl	£ 65.20 BUY NOW
Abbey Whisky	Glen Keith Batch 1 Country: Scotland Region: Speyside Age: Strength: 51.2%	50cl	£ 45.95 BUY NOW
Abbey Whisky	Glendronach 1991 / 22 Year Old / Cask #1346 / Batch 10 Country: Scotland Region: Speyside Age: 22 Years Old Strength: 52.1% Vintage: 1991 Bottler: GlenDronach	70cl	£ 117.90 BUY NOW
Abbey Whisky	Glendronach 1995 / 18 Year Old / Cask #3025 / Batch 10 Country: Scotland Region: Speyside Age: 18 Years Old Strength: 51.1% Vintage: 1994 Bottler: GlenDronach	70cl	£ 91.90 BUY NOW
Abbey Whisky	Macallan 1951 / 50 Year Old / Fine & Rare Country: Scotland Region: Speyside Age: 50 Years Old Strength: 48.8% Vintage: 1951 Bottler: Macallan	70cl	£ 7,775.00 BUY NOW
Abbey Whisky	Mackmyra Special 05 / Happy Hunting Country: Sweden Region: Swedish Age: Strength: 47.2%	70cl	£ 66.50 BUY NOW
Abbey Whisky	Mackmyra Special 07 / Hope Country: Sweden Region: Swedish Age: Strength: 45.8%	70cl	£ 66.50 BUY NOW
Abbey Whisky	Mackmyra Special 08 / Handpicked Country: Sweden Region: Swedish Age: Strength: 46%	70cl	£ 66.25 BUY NOW
Abbey Whisky	Tomintoul Batch 1 Country: Scotland Region: Speyside Age: Strength: 47.8%	50cl	£ 44.95 BUY NOW

Edencrofts New Japanese & American Whiskies!

August 11, 2014 by Gary Leave a Comment

Supplier	Brand	Bottle Size	Price
Edencroft	Eagle Rare / 10 Year-old Single Barrel Country: American Region: American Age: Strength: 45% Summary: Eagle Rare Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey is masterfully crafted and carefully aged for no less than ten years, each barrel is discriminately selected. The rareness of this great breed of bourbon is evident in its complex aroma, as well as the smooth and lingering taste. Each bottle of Eagle Rare offers consistent flavours, but with a seemingly individual personality from each unique barrel. Eagle Rare is a bourbon that lives up to its name with its lofty, distinctive taste experience. Nose: Complex aromas of toffee, hints of orange peel, herbs, honey, leather and oak. Taste: Bold, dry, oaky flavours with notes of candied almonds and very rich cocoa. Finish: Dry and lingering.	75cl	£ 35.00 BUY NOW
Edencroft	Colonel Eh Taylor / Single Barrel Bourbon Country: American Region: American Age: Strength: 50% Summary: Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr. is widely considered one of the founding fathers of the bourbon industry, fighting for the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, nearly three decades after he purchased what is now called Buffalo Trace Distillery. During his time, Taylor implemented several innovative methods still used today, including climate controlled aging warehouses. E.H. Taylor Single Barrel is aged exclusively in Warehouse C, which was built by Taylor in 1881 and proven to be an excellent aging warehouse. Each barrel is hand-picked and Bottled in Bond at 100 proof to honour its namesake. Tasting Notes: The aroma carries lightly toasted oak, with dried figs and butterscotch. One sip brings flavours of sweetness balanced with tobacco and dark spices. The finish is just long enough to prepare the palette for another sip. The bottle itself is a likeness to Colonel Taylor's original design used over a century ago.	75cl	£ 92.50 BUY NOW
Edencroft	Colonel Eh Taylor / Small Batch Bourbon Country: American Region: American Age: Strength: 50% Summary: As founding father of the bourbon industry, Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr. left an indelible legacy. His dedication to distilling began at the close of the Civil War when he purchased O.F C. Distillery. There, he developed innovative techniques that are still in use today. Made by hand, this Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey has been aged inside century old warehouses constructed by E.H. Taylor, Jr. Barrels are evaluated and selected to create a perfect blend of distinctive character that is like no other. This bourbon is a true sipping bourbon that honours the uncompromising legacy of E.H. Taylor, Jr. Tasting Notes: Tastes of caramel corn sweetness, mingled with butterscotch and liquorice. The aftertaste is a soft mouth-feel that turns into subtle spices of pepper and tobacco.	75cl	£ 92.50 BUY NOW
Edencroft	Hakushu / Distiller's Reserve Country: Japanese Region: Japanese Age: Strength: 43%. Summary: From Suntory’s mountain distillery, nestled deep in the forests of Mt. Kaikomagatake, Hakushu is the herbal and gently smoky single malt. Straight from the untouched forests, mountains, and pure waters of the Southern Japanese Alps, it is no wonder that Hakushu is a “green and fresh” whisky, praised by the most curious whisky connoisseurs and lovers of gastronomy. Its crisp and vibrant feel, unique in a single malt, enlivens and liberates your senses. Colour: light gold; Aroma: peppermint, melon, cucumber; Taste: yuzu, grapefruit, lemon thyme; Finish: refreshing, subtle smoke.	70cl	£ 38.50 BUY NOW
Edencroft	Miyagikyo / 10 Year Old Single Malt Country: Japanese Region: Japanese Age: 10 Year Old Strength: 45%. Summary: The most subtle and least peated single malt by Nikka comes from the Miyagikyo distillery on the island of Honshu. This ten-year old, firm whisky is not unlike the single malts of Speyside. Colour: amber with an orange shimmer. Aroma: suave and precise, conveying notes of malted barley with slight touches of vanilla and caramel. Influenced by bourbon barrels, it begins with a citrussy aroma (soft lemon, orange), a touch of beer yeast, hops and smokiness, all of which is combined with a fine woodiness (light sherry). Taste: luscious and sensual, with flavoursome notes of oak, coconut and milk chocolate. Finish: firm and vegetal in character, suggested by the slightly bitter notes (hops, almond)and spices.	70cl	£ 59.50 BUY NOW
Edencroft	Miyagikyo / 15 Year Old Single Malt Country: Japanese Region: Japanese Age: 15 Year Old Strength: 45%. Summary: This unique and charming 15 years old single malt reveals the beautiful influence of oak and sherry. Colour: old gold with an amber shimmer. Aroma: nutty notes (nut oil) and spices, it reveals the influence of the sherry barrels used. With its pronounced rancio, it unveils fine notes of honey and field flowers (elderberry, clover). Taste: round and calm, marked by the softness of Malaga raisins, as well as strong oak tannins (green walnuts) and ginger. Finish: a fine example of a whisky aged in sherry casks, with a nourishing and charming side to it.	70cl	£ 98.50 BUY NOW
Edencroft	Yamazaki / 12 Year Old Single Malt Country: Japanese Region: Japanese Age: 12 Year Old Strength: 43%. Summary: Yamazaki is Suntory’s flagship single malt, multi-layered with fruit and Mizunara aroma. From Yamazaki was born the surprising, delicate yet profound experience of a Japanese single malt. Spiritual and deep, its signature multi-layered taste is highly praised by whisky connoisseurs all over the world. Today, Yamazaki is not only the No.1 single malt whisky in Japan, but is enjoyed in more than thirty-five countries. Colour: pure gold; Aroma: peach, pineapple, grapefruit,clove, candied orange, vanilla, Mizunara (Japanese oak); Taste: coconut, cranberry, butter; Finish: sweet ginger, cinnamon, long finish.	70cl	£ 50.00 BUY NOW
Edencroft	Yamazaki / 18 Year Old Single Malt Country: Japanese Region: Japanese Age: 18 Year Old Strength: 43%. Summary: Characteristic sweetness of dried fruits and aromatic chocolate that comes from sherry casks intermingled with a profoundly mature flavor that comes from aging the spirits over a long time in Japanese oak casks. Colour: deep amber; Aroma: raisin, apricot, café au lait, Mizunara (Japanese oak); Taste: blackberry, strawberry jam,dark chocolate; Finish: Ripe fruit, sweet & sour, with a long-lasting aftertaste.	70cl	£ 138.85 BUY NOW
Edencroft	Yamazaki / Distiller's Reserve Country: Japanese Region: Japanese Age: Strength: 43%. Summary: Characteristic sweetness of dried fruits and aromatic chocolate that comes from sherry casks intermingled with a profoundly mature flavor that comes from aging the spirits over a long time in Japanese oak casks. Colour: gold; Aroma: strawberry, cherry, Mizunara (Japanese oak); Taste: raspberry, white peach, touch of coconut; Finish: sweet vanilla, clean finish, hint of cinnamon.	70cl	£ 38.50 BUY NOW
Edencroft	Yoichi / 10 Year Old Single Malt Country: Japanese Region: Japanese Age: 10 Year Old Strength: 45%. Summary: Yoichi 10 years old was elected "best of the best" by Whisky Magazine in 2001, bringing international attention to Japan. In 2008, Whisky Magazine chose this single malt as the world’s best whisky. The single malt is made from a vatting of whisky from bourbon barrels, new oak barrels and sherry barrels, made and reworked at the distillery. Colour: amber with a golden shimmer. Aroma: firm. Marked by burnt wood and spices (pepper). Fruity (apple, apricot) on a malt barley, fresh menthol base. Taste: round, vanilla. Iris and lavender. The well integrated oakiness transcends the fruitiness (apricot, raisins). Finish: long, complex, it reveals a remarkable balance between the woody, fruity and floral notes.	70cl	£ 55.00 BUY NOW
Edencroft	Yoichi / 12 Year Old Single Malt Country: Japanese Region: Japanese Age: 12 Year Old Strength: 45%. Summary: A single malt marked by partial ageing in sherry casks, it is rich, peated and slightly sweet. Colour: amber. Aroma: ample. Smoky, grilled bacon. Eucalyptus and menthol. It develops with vanilla, citrus fruit and honey. Taste: firm and frank, it begins with liquorice. Then come notes of charred wood and toffee, highlighting the softness and elegance of this whisky. Finish: long, soft and powerful, it finishes with charred wood and peat fire, bringing the distillery’s marine character to mind.	70cl	£ 81.50 BUY NOW
Edencroft	Yoichi / 15 Year Old Single Malt Country: Japanese Region: Japanese Age: 15 Year Old Strength: 45%. Summary: This single malt comes from a vatting of malt from several barrels, illustrating the diversity and richness of the whiskies made by the Yoichi distillery. Colour: amber with a rose and copper shimmer. Aroma: fresh and soft, it is marked by subtle fruit notes (white peach) on a thick peat base. When aired, it reveals a pleasant softness combining aromas of nuts (pecan), varnish, and dried grass (hay, tobacco leaves). Taste: unctuous and oily, it brings to mind the sweet and sour notes of barley sugar and salt. Suave, it develops with flowers, mentholated aniseed, spices (clove, pepper) and chocolate. Finish: elegant, a bitter chocolate and mocha taste emerges, as well as notes of coffee and citrus fruit (orange). It finishes with fresh fruit notes (white pear).	70cl	£ 97.50 BUY NOW
Edencroft	Yoichi 1990 / 20 Year Old Single Malt Country: Japanese Region: Japanese Age: 20 Year Old Strength: 50%. Summary: Single Malt Yoichi 1990 is made from four different types of malt whiskies, distilled at Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery in 1990. This whisky has its rich, deep aroma, lasting peaty character and distinctive dry finish.	70cl	£ 245.00 BUY NOW
Edencroft	Taketsuru / 17 Year Old Vatted Malt Country: Japanese Region: Japanese Age: 17 Year Old Strength: 45%. Summary: This version is a vatting of the Yoichi and Miyagikyo single malts of which a strong percentage is aged in sherry oak, giving this blended malt a unique richness. Colour: old gold with a copper shimmer. Aroma: spicy and delicate, it also reveals fruity (yellow plum, peach) and chocolate notes. It develops into old leather, dried tobacco leaf, and dried fruit (apricot, fig). Taste: rich and generous, it is reminiscent of preserved fruit (orange) and Morello cherry, and is highly unctuous. Creamy, it develops into toffee, mocha, and hazelnut. Finish: long and, with an aftertaste of praline, charred wood and cigar-smoke, worthy of an old Speyside whisky. Aniseed and citrus provide this whisky with its freshness and elegance. Fine herbal notes are also present.	70cl	£ 82.50 BUY NOW
Edencroft	Taketsuru / 21 Year Old Vatted Malt Country: Japanese Region: Japanese Age: 21 Year Old Strength: 45%. Summary: Round and rich, this blend of single malts will delight both beginners and experts as well as whisky-lovers. The pleasure is intense. Colour: old gold with a green shimmer. Aroma: firm, lively. A mixture of almond paste, flowers (iris, honeysuckle), citrus (lemon, orange) and salt, it is particularly powerful. It develops with vanilla, new oak, menthol and fresh tobacco notes. Finally, gentian gives it a pleasant bitterness. Taste: sweet, balanced, spicy (clove, nutmeg), growing in intensity. Praline and nuts (almond, cashew nut) calm the harsh flavours. This gives way to ripe fruit (pear, apple), vanilla and exotic fruit (pineapple, persimmon). The citrus flavours are full of sweetness. Finish: long, tender. Languishing on freshly cut grass, star anis, and green liquorice. The peat is all but a memory. It continues with mocha, acacia honey and green menthol. Its salty character grows in intensity.	70cl	£ 105.00 BUY NOW
Edencroft	Taketsuru / 25 Year Old Vatted Malt Country: Japanese Region: Japanese Age: 25 Year Old Strength: Summary: Introduced in Japan on May 29th 2012, the limited release Nikka Taketsuru 25 years old is now available in Europe, though in very small quantities.Like the rest of the Taketsuru range, which includes 12, 17 and 21 year bottlings, this pure malt whisky hails from the two Nikka distilleries in the north of Japan: Yoichi and Miyagikyo. Created as a tribute to their founder Masataka Taketsuru, the Nikka Taketsuru is an emblematic whisky range for the Japanese brand. This special status is reinforced by its many international awards.Made from malt whiskies aged at least 25 years, this new flagship offers floral aromas with soft sherry notes and a touch of sweetness from its long oak maturation. A hint of peat comes through on the complex finish.		£ 650.00 BUY NOW
Edencroft	Bowmore / 1985 / 26 Year Old Country: Scotland Region: Islay Age: 26 Year Old Strength: 52.3% Vintage: 1985 Bottler: Summary: Launched in 2012 this is the Bowmore 1985 Vintage, which follows in the footsteps of the previous 1980's Vintage series. Created from a unique combination of hand-selected sherry and bourbon casks, the expression is remarkably rich and fruity, balanced with the trademark Bowmore sea -salt tang, and possesses more smoke and depth than the earlier Vintage releases. This unique edition is a classic Bowmore; smoke, fresh Atlantic sea-salt and layers of fruit complexity. Presented in a wooden gift box with a 'weather-beaten' brown leather strap and copper buckle, each bottle is also accompanied by a hand-signed and numbered certificate by the Bowmore Distillery Manager, Eddie MacAffer. Hand crafted to perfection. From thrashing waves and Atlantic gusts to the purest water and finest peat, the ancient elements have also helped in shaping this Single Malt. Colour: deep chestnut. Nose: the trademark Bowmore peat smoke with fragrant summer berries encased in dark chocolate and lashings of cream. Taste: blood orange and grapefruit notes together with dark chocolate, salted honeycomb and hints of lemony-rose Turkish delight. Finish: the complex finish with sweet cherries, dark chocolate and leathery-smoke.		£ 785.00 BUY NOW
Edencroft	Glen Moray / Berry’s Own Selection / 20 Year Old Country: Scotland Region: Speyside Age: 20 Year Old Strength: 57.3% Vintage: 1991 Bottler: Summary: Nose: a lovely intertwining of polished oaky floors and muscavado-polished barley; Taste: deliveries on the palate rarely come more delicious than this: Glen Moray, when on form, is in the true malty elite of Scotland and here it tops the Premier League. The blend of sugars, some honeyed, spices and cocoa make you groan with pleasure; Finish: the vanilla and butterscotch kick in as you suspect they might. But the barley remains steadfast and clean; Balance: I have long regarded Berry’s whisky buyer Dougie McIvor one of the genuinely understated gems of the industry and the best whisky writer we never had. Here he demonstrates his understanding of clean, barley-rich malts which has made this year’s crop of Berry’s Own Selection arguably their best yet. When you taste this you can see why I exploded in rage at the deficiencies of the official ‘Distillery manager’ bottling a few years back…	70cl	£ 75.00 BUY NOW