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Archives for June 2015

Kilchoman Purchases Rockside Farm!

June 24, 2015 by Gary Leave a Comment

Kilchoman Distillery Company Limited has agreed to buy Rockside Farm on the Isle of Islay

Kilchoman Distillery Company Limited has agreed to buy Rockside Farm on the Isle of Islay

Kilchoman Distillery Company Limited has agreed to buy Rockside Farm on the Isle of Islay from the current owners.

After more than 30 years on Islay, the current owners Mark and Rohaise French have decided to sell Rockside Farm in order to pursue new opportunities off the island, including spending more time with their four grown up children, who now all have families of their own.

It has been a wonderful privilege to live at Rockside, for the children to have grown up in this idyllic part of the world, and to have seen the distillery become the success it is today.

– Mark French

We have always been proud to produce whisky from barley to bottle and the purchase of Rockside Farm secures this vision for the future

– Anthony Wills: Managing Director of Kilchoman Distillery

Rockside Farm will run as normal until the property changes hands at the end of November 2015.

Filed Under: Kilchoman, News

Edencroft: Collectable New Malts – Spoil Those Taste Buds!

June 23, 2015 by Gary Leave a Comment

Macallan / Reflexion £ 899.00

Macallan / Reflexion
£ 899.00

New Arrivals

Allt A'bhainne / 21 Year Old / Old Malt Cask
Allt A'bhainne / 21 Year Old / Old Malt Cask

£ 105.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 
Strength: 50.%
70cl

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. Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside. Unit: 70cl. ABV: 50% Age: 21 Year Old. Cask: Refill Hogshead DL No: 8820. Bottles from Cask: 323. Distilled/Bottled: May 1991/July 2012. Nose: richly spiced – sweet & nutty – carrying a hazelnut praline style. Taste: mouth coating – warmingly spiced – still nutty + butterscotch. Finish: long & richly spiced + a cigar boxes & cedar wood character.

Blair Athol / 20 Year Old Rare Malts Selection
Blair Athol / 20 Year Old Rare Malts Selection

£ 395.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age: 
Strength: 54.7%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Highland. ABV: 54.7%. Unit: 70cl. Bottler: Distillery Bottling. Series: Rare Malts Selection. Age: 27 Year Old. Distilled: 1975. Bottled:  For sale only within the EEC.

Bowmore  / 35 Year Old Sherry Cask
Bowmore / 35 Year Old Sherry Cask

£ 8,999.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 
Strength: 42.1%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Islay. ABV: 42.1%. Unit: 70cl. Bottler: Distillery Bottling. Age: 35 Year Old. Distilled: 1964. A bottling of a single cask, part of the same batch of Oloroso casks that produced Black Bowmore. This particular cask yielded just 99 bottles, of which only 95 went on sale. This was originally earmarked by Bowmore as the very best of these famous casks and tasting it, you can see why – all the flavours are super-concentrated. For sale only within the EEC.

Caol Ila / 20 Year Old Rare Malts Selection
Caol Ila / 20 Year Old Rare Malts Selection

£ 395.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 
Strength: 61.18%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Islay. ABV: 61.18%. Unit: 70cl. Bottler: Distillery Bottling. Series: Rare Malts Selection. Age: 20 Year Old. Distilled: 1975. Bottled:  For sale only within the EEC.

Chivas Regal / 18 Year Old Designed By Lacroix
Chivas Regal / 18 Year Old Designed By Lacroix

£ 465.00
Country: Scotland
Region: 
Age: 
Strength: 

Summary: Chivas Regal has joined forces once again with French fashion designer Christian Lacroix to create a lavish limited edition bottle.
Following the success of the award-winning Chivas 12 Year Old Magnum by Christian Lacroix last year, the two international luxury brands – flamboyant fashion designer Christian Lacroix and ultra premium Scotch whisky Chivas Regal – have extended their exclusive partnership, unveiling Chivas 18 Year Old by Christian Lacroix.
Lacroix has delivered a lavish and sophisticated design for the bottle that is perfectly coupled by the bespoke mirrored presentation box, resembling an ancient relic of regal nature. It is a true gem for collectors.
The whisky bottle, label, capsule and presentation box are embellished in a rich tapestry, embroidered and bejeweled, yet still instantly recognizable as the Chivas Regal brand.
The intricate and finely detailed jacquard fabric, interwoven with metallic threads and diamante stones, created by one of the designer’s regular suppliers, is hand applied to the capsule, bottle and box.
Again the bottle features the metallic decoration that was developed for the Chivas 12 Year Old Magnum, but this time the technology as been challenged even further in order to extend it over the curved shoulders of the bottle. These decorative effects, applied in the colour of the whisky onto a premium silver surface, use precision laser technology to deposit thin metal-film features onto the glass substrate.
Chivas Regal global brand director James Slack, said “Christian Lacroix has produced something magnificent in the new Chivas Regal 18 Year Old Limited Edition – a design that perfectly combines the luxury of haute couture and the craftsmanship of luxury Scotch whisky. What we are presented with, is not simply a bottle of whisky, but a crafted collector’s piece. We feel privileged to have worked with Christian Lacroix yet again and are proud to include such an extraordinary limited edition to the Chivas Regal range.”
Chivas Regal 18 Year Old by Christian Lacroix will be released as a limited edition with only 3,000 bottles available internationally and will be available from the travel retail price of US$495.00.
Precision laser technology is used to deposit thin metal-film features onto the glass substrate About Chivas Regal Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits. Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin. Its portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater Gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth Gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport. In July 2010 Chivas Brothers launched The Age Matters campaign to help consumers understand the importance of Scotch whisky age statements. About the House of Christian Lacroix Since its inception in 1987, the House of Christian Lacroix has electrified the fashion world with its collections inspired by Gypsy and Provençal traditions, and by the flamboyant Haute Couture scene in Paris and London during the “Swinging 60's.”

Glen Albyn / 26 Year Old Rare Malts Selection
Glen Albyn / 26 Year Old Rare Malts Selection

£ 375.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age: 
Strength: 54.8%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Highland. ABV: 54.8%. Unit: 70cl. Bottler: Distillery Bottling. Series: Rare Malts Selection. Age: 26 Year Old. Distilled: 1975. Bottled:  For sale only within the EEC.

Glenesk 1979 / Gordon & Macphail Rare Edition
Glenesk 1979 / Gordon & Macphail Rare Edition

£ 340.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highlands
Age: 
Strength: 46.%
70cl

Summary: The distillery began life as a flax mill and became a Malt Distillery in 1898. It was re-equipped to produce grain whisky around the Second World War. It was then converted back to malt in the 1960's and extended in the 1970's. The majority of the distillery?s output was used for the Vat 69 blend. Althought the distillery is no longer in production, the large drum maltings continue to supply malt to group distilleries. AROMA WITHOUT WATER: Aromatic with stewed fruits and menthol. Delicate honey and sweet vanilla notes develop. TASTE WITHOUT WATER: Cracked black pepper with orange and strawberry flavours. Complemented with a delicate charred oak and milk chocolate edge. AROMA WITH WATER: Floral with toasted malt and charred oak aromas. Hints of gooseberry, lime and strawberry develop. TASTE WITH WATER: Ripe banana, red apple and blackberry flavours. Complimented by nutmeg, Brazil nut and a delicate eucalyptus edge. Country/Region: Scotland/Highlands. Unit: 70cl. ABV: 46%. Miscellaneous: Demolished Distillery.

Glenmorangie / Ealanta
Glenmorangie / Ealanta

£ 245.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age: 
Strength: 45.%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Highland.
ABV: 45%
Unit: 70cl
Age: 19 Year Old.
Cask Type: Virgin American white oak.
Distilled/Bottled: 1993/2012
Glenmorangie Ealanta is the fourth annual release in our award winning Private Edition range. Scots Gaelic for 'skilled and ingenious', Ealanta is a 19 Years Old Glenmorangie, fully matured in virgin American white oak casks with a provenance that stretches all the way to the mountains of Missouri and the Mark Twain National Forest. The porous oak wood, air-dried for over 2 years, but in this instance never seasoned with any other whisky, allows our precious spirit to extract maximum flavours as nature intended – producing a whisky of incredible taste and smoothness, with layers of vanilla and candied orange peel, interwoven with sugar coated almonds. Non chill-filtered
Aroma: Toffee, butterscotch, vanilla, and a curious hint of stewed fruits. Classic Glenmorangie mentholic top-note, interwoven with an unusual nuttiness, reminiscent of Brazil nuts in toffee.
Taste: Candied orange peel, sugar coated almonds, sweet vanilla and marzipan.
Finish: The taste goes on and on, finally giving way to some oak-derived spices – clove, ginger and a hint of aniseed.
 
 

Haig / 12 Year Old Dimple / 350th Anniversary Silver Decanter
Haig / 12 Year Old Dimple / 350th Anniversary Silver Decanter

£ 895.00
Country: Scotland
Region: 
Age: 
Strength: .%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland.
ABV: %
Unit: 70cl
Age: 12 Year Old.
This Limited Edition decanter is made from sterling silver and formed around Haig's iconic Dimple bottle. Inside is a whishy which has been matured for more than 12 years. The decanter commemorates the 350 years over which the Haig family has been distiling and blending the finest Scotch whiskies. Comes in original presentation box complete with House of Haig certificate.

Glendronach / 18 Year Old Tawny Port Finish
Glendronach / 18 Year Old Tawny Port Finish

£ 67.50
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age: 
Strength: 46.%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Highland. Unit: 70cl. ABV: 46%. Appearance: Bright amber with a tawny heart. Nose: Elegant notes of golden syrup drenched over red fruit compote with a contrasting grapefruit balance. Touches of cinnamon and nutmeg add to a rounded, warm depth. Palate: Vivid, tart cranberries and crisp barley marry harmoniously with stewed plums and roasted apples. Cedar wood and sweet cigar box spices add a delicate warmth and unique complexity to the long warm finish. Finish: A beautifully structured balance of contrasting rich fruit characters and intriguing warm oak spices.

Glendronach / 23 Year Old Px Sherry Puncheon Cask #1240
Glendronach / 23 Year Old Px Sherry Puncheon Cask #1240

£ 175.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age: 
Strength: 50.%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Highland. ABV: 50%. Unit: 70cl. Cask Type: Pedro Ximenez Sherry Puncheon. Colour: Dark oak with glinting gold. Nose: Rich toffee and toasted almonds with stewed barley over a chocolate-raisin richness. Taste: Huge dark raisins and stewed plums with a complex balance of herbs and spices. Espresso coffee and cocoa beans with hints of sweet barley sugar explode on the palate. Distilled/Bottled: 1990/2013. Age: 23 Year Old. Bottles from Cask: 647.

Glendronach / 19 Year Old Oloroso Sherry Cask #67
Glendronach / 19 Year Old Oloroso Sherry Cask #67

£ 140.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highlands
Age: 
Strength: 56.8%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Highlands. ABV: 56.8%. Unit: 70cl. Distilled/Bottled: 1994/2013. Age: 19 Year Old. Cask Type: Oloroso Sherry Butt. Colour: Rich crimson edged with gold. Nose: Stewed plums and dates, spiced with cinnamon, black pepper and gentle nutmeg. Taste: A full-bodied, robust sherry character holds a balance of dark dried prunes, raisins, sultanas and rich toasted spices. Roasted coffee bean and dark chocolate infuse with delicate herb notes in a long earthy finish. Bottles from Cask: 625.

Glendronach / 20 Year Old Px Sherry Puncheon Cask #2822
Glendronach / 20 Year Old Px Sherry Puncheon Cask #2822

£ 99.50
Country: Scotland
Region: Highlands
Age: 
Strength: 55.%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Highlands. Unit: 70cl. ABV: 55%. Distilled: November 1994. Bottled: November 2014. Age: 20 Year Old. Cask Type: Pedro Ximenez Sherry Puncheon. Colour: Polished mahogany. Nose: Succulent sultanas and soft ripe figs dusted with cocoa hold a contrasting fresh, crisp oak spice. Dried apricots emerge giving a light fruit balance to the refined finish. Taste: Vibrant orange bitters and sharp citrus notes flood through rum-soaked raisins and sultanas. Soft barley, stem ginger and a gentle herb note provide an ever-changing and lengthy finish to this classic expression. Bottles filled from Cask: 660.  

Glendronach / 19 Year Old Px Sherry Puncheon Cask #3326
Glendronach / 19 Year Old Px Sherry Puncheon Cask #3326

£ 115.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highlands
Age: 
Strength: 55.%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Highlands. Unit: 70cl. ABV: 55%. Distilled: June 1995. Bottled: July 2014. 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. Bottles filled from Cask: 661.

Glendronach / 19 Year Old Px Sherry Puncheon Cask #3250
Glendronach / 19 Year Old Px Sherry Puncheon Cask #3250

£ 115.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age: 
Strength: 
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Highlands. ABV: 52.5%. Unit: 70cl. Distilled: July 1995. Bottled: September 2014. Age: 19 Year Old. Colour: Dark cherry wood. Nose: A powerful balance of rich molasses sugar and dark treacle softens to raisins, stewed barley and touches of white pepper. Taste: Classic flavours of dark fruit-cake and muscovado sugar, drenched with prune syrup, which hold waves of coffee bean, soft clove and warm oak spices. Bottles filled from Cask: 554.

Glendronach / 19 Year Old Oloroso Sherry Puncheon Cask #4887
Glendronach / 19 Year Old Oloroso Sherry Puncheon Cask #4887

£ 105.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highlands
Age: 
Strength: 55.4%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Highlands. Unit: 70cl. ABV: 55.4%. Distilled: June 1995. Bottled: September 2014. Colour: Rich burnt amber. Nose: Sweet figs and toffee, infused with subtle allspice and white pepper, all of which combine perfectly to give a fully rounded and balanced aroma. Taste: Contrasting bursts of sweet dates and crisp, freshly-picked herbs, dusted with nutmeg, giving a tremendous depth of character. Soft sweet barley, touches of orange marmalade and toasted-oak spices enliven the long, slightly earthy finish. Bottles filled from Cask: 542.

Royal Lochnagar  / 24 Year Old Rare Malts Selection
Royal Lochnagar / 24 Year Old Rare Malts Selection

£ 285.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age: 
Strength: 55.7%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Highland. ABV: 55.7%. Unit: 70cl. Bottler: Distillery Bottling. Series: Rare Malts Selection. Age: 24 Year Old. Distilled: 1972. Bottled:  For sale only within the EEC.

Tullibardine / 23 Year Old / 1990 Old Malt Cask
Tullibardine / 23 Year Old / 1990 Old Malt Cask

£ 99.50
Country: Scotland
Region: spanHighland
Age: 
Strength: 50.%
70cl

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.
Country/Region: Scotland/Highland.
Bottler: Hunter Laing.
Unit: 70cl
ABV: 50%
Cask#: 10453
Cask Type: Refill Hogshead.
Distilled/Bottled: September 1990/April 2014.
Bottles from Cask: 319 
Age: 23 Year Old
Nose: beautiful structure and weight; a little toasty, but welcomes the nutty spread. Excellent salt to suger ratio;
Taste: sublime delivery with near perfect weight and poise and some ramped up barley. The oils are delicate, the sugars playful and the quasi-bourbon style liquorice adding just the right degree of tostesterone;
Finish: a late settling of some sugary scores as the light muscovado overpowers the fudgy oak;
Balance: an early morning reminder why I can really love this job.
Ratings: 95 Points / Jim Murrays's 2015 Whisky Bible.
©Tasting Notes from Jim Murray's 2015 Whisky Bible.

Talisker / 57° North
Talisker / 57° North

£ 85.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 
Strength: 57.%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Islay. ABV: 57%. Unit: 70cl. For sale only within the EEC.

Port Ellen / 22 Year Old Rare Malts Selection
Port Ellen / 22 Year Old Rare Malts Selection

£ 975.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 
Strength: 60.5%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Islay. ABV: 60.5%. Unit: 70cl. Bottler: Distillery Bottling. Series: Rare Malts Selection. Age: 22 Year Old. Distilled: 1978. Bottled:  For sale only within the EEC.

Port Ellen / 35 Year Old Hunter Laing Old & Rare Edition
Port Ellen / 35 Year Old Hunter Laing Old & Rare Edition

£ 1,385.75
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 
Strength: 56.5%
70cl

Summary: Whilst we are proud to place the Laing family name on all the casks we bottle, there are some whiskies which are so remarkable that they deserve a little extra recognition. Hunter Laing's Old & Rare name signifies a rare single cask malt that has been bottled at the peak of its flavour. Whether it was the water, the wood, or even the location in the warehouse, circumstances have conspired to create a sublime drinking experience which once consumed, can never be repeated. Each bottling of Old & Rare has been matured to perfection, so due to the angels' share there are comparatively few examples to emerge from each cask. Presented in a highly distinctive squat bottle, each expression comes beautifully packaged in a specially crafted wooden box. The personal tasting notes of our expert "nose" are included to complement the views of each individual taster. It goes without saying that each cask remains unadulterated by excessive filtration or added caramel. Although each sip from an Old & Rare cask is an exquisite experience the pleasure must be tempered with a little sorrow, due to the fact that such a taste can never be exactly replicated again. Country/Region: Scotland/Islay. Unit: 70cl ABV: 56.5% Age: 35 Year Old Distilled/Bottled: Sept 78/Oct 2013 Tasting Notes: A full bodied nose of earthy peatiness with a touch of iodine and sea salt. Initially sweet on the palate with peat coming through. A definite honey note takes over, giving a smooth mouth feel. The finish is long and lingering with the peat fading slowly and the honey giving a pleasant after taste. Bottles filled from cask: 231

Classic Malt Collection / Strong
Classic Malt Collection / Strong

£ 40.00
Country: Scotland
Region: 
Age: 
Strength: 
3x20cl

Summary: Here are the big flavours for the big fan of Classic Malts! These whiskies offer a broad canvas of powerful tastes ranging from the tang of the sea to the smoky and the peaty, making a distinctive Gift Pack to savour. The perfect gift for the person who enjoys malts that are uncompromising in their character.
TALISKER 10 YEAR OLD: A rich dried-fruit sweetness with clouds of smoke and strong barley-malt flavours, warming and intense. Peppery at the back of the mouth.
CRAGGANMORE 12 YEAR OLD: Nestling on the banks of the legendary salmon river, Cragganmoreª is, for many, the home of the definitive Speyside malt. Hugely complex, rich with layers of flavour and a whiff of smoke in the finish.
LAGAVULIN 16 YEAR OLD: A much sought-after single malt with the massive peat-smoke that's typical of southern Islay – but also offering a dryness that turns it into a truly interesting dram.
Lagavulin is an intensely flavoured, smoky-sweet single malt with seaweed flavours and a huge finish, aged in oak casks for at least sixteen years.

Ardbeg / Perpetuum Committee Distillery Edition
Ardbeg / Perpetuum Committee Distillery Edition

£ 340.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 
Strength: 49.2%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Islay.
ABV: 49.2%
Unit: 70cl
Ardbeg’s past, present, future – in a bottle.
Contains CLASSIC notes of Ardbeg’s yesteryear on the nose as mellow, RICH, enticing ARDBEGGIAN FLAVOURS mingle with the dark chocolate, TREACLE and NUTTY oak.
Then, like standing on Ardbeg’s pier this morning, water brings forth briny SEA-SPRAY with a PINE RESIN lime top note for a remarkably FRESH BOUQUET.
On the palate, ROBUST PEAT smoke and SMOKY BACON meet creamy VANILLA with the hint of SHERRY CASKS, culminating in a taste of the future… an aftertaste that is NEVER-ENDING…
PERPETUUM. A whisky that is forever Ardbeg.
 

Ardbeg / Perpetuum
Ardbeg / Perpetuum

£ 84.95
Country: Scotland
Region: 
Age: 
Strength: 47.4%
70cl

Summary: Colour: Deep amber. Aroma: Mellow, rich and enticing, with the unmistakable Ardbeggian combination of tar, soot and pine resin. This leads into dark chocolate, treacle toffee, coffee grinds and a distant, nutty/oaky note. A splash of water initiates a burst of fresh, briny sea-spray with a hint of salt, some linseed oil, and then some more of the classic Ardbeg pine resin/lime top note. A remarkably fresh bouquet for such a peaty whisky. Mouthfeel: Creamy and mouth-coating, slightly chewy. Taste: Intense, robust peat smoke, savoury smoky bacon, cinnamon and nutmeg, but also an incredible creamy, sweet vanilla/milk chocolate note, which soothes the palate. The never-ending aftertaste, sees more linseed oil (a hint of the sherry casks in the recipe), some creosote and tar, but understated, always gentle. ABV: 47.4%. Unit: 70cl.

Douglas Laing / Imperial / 17 Year Old / Old Malt Cask
Douglas Laing / Imperial / 17 Year Old / Old Malt Cask

£ 83.50
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 
Strength: 50.%
70cl

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. Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside. Unit: 70cl ABV: 50% Cask: Refill Hogshead DL No: 9270. Bottles from Cask: 148. Distilled/Bottled: 1995/2012. Nose: sweet & malty + old wooden fruit boxes & a hairdresser's quality. Taste: softly spiced, sweet style runs to caramelised peaches & vanilla. Finish: more sweet spices then developing to a drier, soft oak character.  

Glen Mhor / 22 Year Old Rare Malts Selection
Glen Mhor / 22 Year Old Rare Malts Selection

£ 435.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 
Strength: 61.%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside. ABV: 61%. Unit: 70cl. Bottler: Distillery Bottling. Series: Rare Malts Selection. Age: 22 Year Old. Distilled: 1979. Bottled:  For sale only within the EEC.

Glen Spey / 25 Year Old / Old Malt Cask
Glen Spey / 25 Year Old / Old Malt Cask

£ 110.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 
Strength: 50.%
70cl

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. Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside. Unit: 70cl. ABV: 50% Cask: Refill Hogshead DL No: 8196. Bottles from Cask: 299. Distilled/Bottled: 1986/2012. Nose: how evocative! A stroll through bluebell woods; slightly earthy without the smoke and floral without the pungency. Fresh and allows the barley to display a wonderful citrus edge. Taste: mouth-watering delivery with the malt growing in intensity by the second… amazing! Finish: slackens in pace as the vanillas move in; Balance: Rarely have I found a Glen Spey so self-assured and intense. Bravo! Ratings: 94 Points – Jim Murray's 2013 Whisky Bible.

Glendullan / 14 Year Old / Old Malt Cask
Glendullan / 14 Year Old / Old Malt Cask

£ 66.35
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 
Strength: 50.%
70cl

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. Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside. Unit: 70cl ABV: 50% Age: 14 Year Old. Cask: Refill Hogshead DL No: 10124. Bottles from Cask: 336. Distilled/Bottled: October 1999/October 2013. Nose: what a beautiful mix between clean, alluring barley and citrus, mainly clementine’s; a little lavender freshens it up even further; Taste: just about a perfect impact on delivery; the malts are salivating, the sugars are crisp and clean, the vanilla un-embittered…wow!!! Finish: here’s the dull bit Glendullan…the oak injects a little natural caramel but a few spices compensate; Balance: at last! A Glendullan how I normally see it in the blending lab, rather than when tasting bottling’s for the bible. Of late they have been pretty ordinary and hardly representative. This one is much truer to its known quality among pros, mainly due to this crisp malt being presented in decent oak for a change. 93 Points / Jim Murray's 2015 Whisky Bible. Tasting Notes / Jim Murray's 2015 Whisky Bible ©.

Glenfiddich / 30 Year Old
Glenfiddich / 30 Year Old

£ 435.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 
Strength: 43.%
75cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside. ABV: 43%. Unit: 75cl. Age: 30 Year old. For sale only within the EEC.

Glenrothes / 16 Year Old / Old Malt Cask
Glenrothes / 16 Year Old / Old Malt Cask

£ 80.15
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 
Strength: 50.%
70cl

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. Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside. Unit: 70cl ABV: 50% Age: 16 Year Old. Cask: Refill Hogshead DL No: 10435. Bottles from Cask: 361. Distilled/Bottled: December 1997/October 2013. Nose: clean with a proud butterscotch tart theme. The barley is still fresh and at times concentrated; Taste: I defy you to count how many different style of natural toffee you can find on this…; a thin layering of ulmo honey sits well with the maple syrup and persistent malt; Finish: a little spiced cocoa on the fading barley sugar; Balance: given the right cask, shows what a lovely malt this distillery is capable of producing. Engaging and irresistible. 92.5 Points / Jim Murray's 2015 Whisky Bible. Tasting Notes / Jim Murray's 2015 Whisky Bible ©.

Karuizawa /  1984 Cask #3663
Karuizawa / 1984 Cask #3663

£ 2,450.00
Country: Japanese
Region: Japanese
Age: 
Strength: 56.8%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Japan.
ABV: 56.8%
Unit: 70cl.
Bottler: Distillery Bottling.
Nose: This is clearly a wonderful nose: a lot of oak influence, but what a fragrant sexy kind of oak it is: Old, Hints of smoke and cigar humidor. Lots of sherry cask influence too. Fortified wine. Balsamic. Plum jam. Thick with a few mint leaves to create one heck of a complex nose. Heavenly.
Palate: Great mouthfeel. Very approachable. Dried fruit and smoky tobacco leaves. Orange bits , plums, peaches. Chocolate and bitter oak. A peppery tang too. Sweet and savoury. With a nice amount of oak.
Finish: Sweet orange marmalade with traces of smoke tobacco. Dry. Oak.
This is a superb dram, one of the better Karuizawas i had in the same league give or take as the other 1984 cask 3692 , (if we take out the 1964 one I’ve had, which is in its own league).
Tasting Notes: Whisky Israel.

Benriach / 12 Year Old Single Malt
Benriach / 12 Year Old Single Malt

£ 35.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 
Strength: 46.%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside. ABV: 46% Unit: 70cl This smooth single malt has an elegant full taste and aroma that captures fruity, floral and oak wood notes, with fascinating overtones of honey, vanilla and spice. Nose: Honey, vanilla, floral, fruity with well balanced wood overtones. Colour: Mid-amber, hints of gold. Character: Rounded medium to full bodied, rich honey, vanilla with hints of cream, spice and chocolate. Ratings: Gold Medal Outstanding / International Wine & Spirits Competition 2014.

Benriach 15 Year Old Px Sherry Puncheon / Cask #9150
Benriach 15 Year Old Px Sherry Puncheon / Cask #9150

£ 64.45
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 
Strength: 55.%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside. ABV: 55% Unit: 70cl Distilled: July 1999. Bottled: November 2014. Age: 15 Year Old. Cask Type: Pedro Ximenez Sherry Puncheon. Colour: Polished antique gold. Nose: Warm toasted-oak spices flood through roasted orchard fruits drizzled with golden syrup and dusted with vanilla. Taste: Crisp green apple and pear sweeten to sultanas and dried apricot. Vibrant oak spices and soft vanilla pod warm and deepen the long, succulent finish. Bottles filled from Cask: 694

Benriach 18 Year Old Pedro Ximenez Sherry Finish / Cask# 3607
Benriach 18 Year Old Pedro Ximenez Sherry Finish / Cask# 3607

£ 87.95
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 
Strength: 54.4%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland / Speyside. ABV: 54.4% Unit: 70cl Distilled: January 1996. Bottled: September 2014. Age: 18 Year Old. Cask Type: Pedro Ximenez Sherry Puncheon. Style: Pedro Ximenez Sherry Finish. Colour: Rich amber gold. Nose: Luscious tarte Tatin with intriguing hints of orange bitters surround a gentle plum syrup and barley sweetness. Taste: A fantastic explosion of fresh citrus zest rolls over richly stewed plums and Demerara sugar. Crisp barley and black pepper fills the finish with a sweet rich warmth. Bottles filled from Cask: 668

Benriach 18 Year Old Classic Speyside Style / Cask# 182044
Benriach 18 Year Old Classic Speyside Style / Cask# 182044

£ 87.50
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 
Strength: 52.5%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside. ABV: 52.5% Unit: 70cl 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. Bottles filled from Cask: 208

Benriach 19 Year Old Virgin Oak Finish / Cask# 4386
Benriach 19 Year Old Virgin Oak Finish / Cask# 4386

£ 79.50
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 
Strength: 55.%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland / Speyside. ABV: 55% Unit: 70cl Distilled/Bottled: 27th July 1994/13th October 2013. Age: 19 Year Old. Cask Type: Virgin Oak Hogshead. Cask Style: Virgin Oak finish. Colour: Rich harvest gold. Nose: A perfect balance of toasted oak spices and sweet barley. Waves of ripped fresh mint and sweet gooseberries add a delicate fruit background. Taste: A powerful richly oaked character develops into waves of toasted coconut and fruit salad. Vanilla and barley sugar fill the mouth in the classically long sweet oak finish. Bottles produced: 344

Benriach 22 Year Old Tawny Port Finish / Cask #2596
Benriach 22 Year Old Tawny Port Finish / Cask #2596

£ 110.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 
Strength: 53.4%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside. ABV: 53.4% Unit: 70cl Distilled/Bottled: 1990/2012 Age: 22 Year Old. Cask Type: Tawny Port Pipe. Style: Tawny Port Finish. Colour: Coffee-bronze. Nose: Vanilla, orange and milk chocolate in a wonderful wrestling match. Taste: Rich tangerine notes with engaging contrubitions from sweet spices and vanilla-honey. Bottles from Cask: 624 Ratings: 95.5 Points – Jim Murray's 2013 Whisky Bible.

Benriach 34 Year Old  Rioja Finish / Cask #2588
Benriach 34 Year Old Rioja Finish / Cask #2588

£ 265.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 
Strength: 44.1%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside. ABV: 44.1% Unit: 70cl Distilled/Bottled: 1977/2012 Age: 34 Year Old. Bottles from Cask: 280 Cask Type: Rioja Barrel. Style: Rioja Finish. Colour: Rich bronze-toffee. Nose: A delicious combination of gooseberries, dates and honey. Taste: Sponge cake and coffee-mocha flavours with elegant grape and mellow oak notes. Ratings: 90 Points – Jim Murray’s 2013 Whisky Bible.

Benriach / 24 Year Old Tawny Port Finish / Cask #4000
Benriach / 24 Year Old Tawny Port Finish / Cask #4000

£ 110.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 
Strength: 52.6%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside. ABV: 52.6% Unit: 70cl Distilled/Bottled: 1988/2013 Age: 24 Year Old. Bottles from Cask: 251 Cask Type: Hogshead. Style: Tawny Port. Nose: thicker than a 1070 vintage; oakier and spicier than even a 35 Cockburn. Pulsing with orange peel; Taste: no let up on the delivery. Zesty with sublime spiced Dominican cocoa while the sugars never veer very far away from light molasses; Finish: dries but towards dates and fudge. Balance: why can't all wine cask matured whisky be like this? Hardly a single telling off note. Sublime. Tasting notes from: © Jim Murray's 2014 Whisky Bible. Ratings: 95.5 Points – Jim Murray's 2014 Whisky Bible.        

Benriach 28 Year Old Peated/pedro Ximenez Sherry Finish / Cask #1051
Benriach 28 Year Old Peated/pedro Ximenez Sherry Finish / Cask #1051

£ 165.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 
Strength: 49.9%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside. ABV: 49.9% Unit: 70cl Distilled/Bottled: 1988/2013 Age: 28 Year Old. Cask Type: Pedro Ximenez Sherry Barrel. Style: Peated/Pedro Ximenez Sherry Finish. Colour: Deep rich amber. Nose: An instant explosion of warm, honeyed peat smoke. Touches of mint emerge through rich dates and chocolate-coated raisins. Taste: A perfect sherry sweetness combining vanilla, chocolate and rum-soaked raisins, all smoked by the sweetest campfire peat reek. Bottles from Cask: 248 Ratings: 94 Points – Jim Murray's 2014 Whisky Bible.  

Linkwood / 23 Year Old Rare Malts Selection
Linkwood / 23 Year Old Rare Malts Selection

£ 375.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 
Strength: 61.2%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside. ABV: 61.2%. Unit: 70cl. Bottler: Distillery Bottling. Series: Rare Malts Selection. Age: 23 Year Old. Distilled: 1974. Bottled:  For sale only within the EEC.

Linkwood / 25 Year Old / Gordon & Macphail
Linkwood / 25 Year Old / Gordon & Macphail

£ 92.50
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 
Strength: 43.%
70cl

Summary: The distillery was built in 1821 by Peter Brown, the factor of the Seafield Estates of Moray and Banffshire, and is named after Linkwood House, the family home. Brown?s son, William, carried on the business and rebuilt the distillery in the 1870s. One of the managers in the 1930s believed that absolutely everything in the distillery played its part in making the whisky what it was and he commanded that nothing – not even a cobweb – be removed. Had he lived long enough, he would have been dismayed in 1962 when the internal layout was radically changed and again in 1971 when a second distilling unit with two pairs of stills was built alongside the original Linkwood single-pair set-up. Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside. Bottler: Gordon & Macphail. Unit: 70cl ABV: 43% AROMA WITHOUT WATER: Burst of freshness – hay like notes, with a defined hint of well toasted malt. Some candied fruits emerge and a subtle Sherry influence lingers. Herbal with a touch of Rosemary. TASTE WITHOUT WATER: Mouth watering with a sweet and creamy edge. Some delicate hints of bonfire embers develop. Vanilla emerges and a hint of peppery warmth comes to the fore. AROMA WITH WATER: Toasted malt, with a Sherried sweetness. Hints of citrus notes (lemon zest) linger and a defined vanilla edge becomes apparent. TASTE WITH WATER: Initially sweet and warming with hints of mixed spices and a defined dark chocolate nose. A subtle touch of peat smoke lingers in the background.

Macallan / 20 Year Old / Old Malt Cask
Macallan / 20 Year Old / Old Malt Cask

£ 130.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 
Strength: 50.%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside. Unit: 70cl ABV: 50% Distilled/Bottled: June 1993/February 2014. Cask #: 10290 Bottles from cask: 263 Nose: apples and pearsfreshly diced, topped with a aqueeze of lemon. The tannins look seemingly bemused and powerless…; Taste: though they don't hang around on delivery. Red liqourice to the fore, though soon swamped by salivating barley and muscovado suagr. A little orange hangs about; Finish: long, softy oiled and not a degree of light molassess and toffee as the tannins begin to make their mark; Balance ironically, a Macallan not from a wine cask, yet turns out to be as fruity as you'll find. A real treat. Ratings: 93 Points / Jim Murray's 2015 Whisky Bible. ©Tasting Notes from Jim Murray's 2015 Whisky Bible.

Macallan / 25 Year Old / Old Malt Cask 15th Anniversary
Macallan / 25 Year Old / Old Malt Cask 15th Anniversary

£ 475.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 
Strength: 51.4%
70cl

Summary: To conclude a very rewarding year for me, professionally and personally, Hunter Laing & Co Ltd. is releasing two special new lines. The first of these is an Anniversary series of six casks, bottled to celebrate fifteen years of our flagship Old Malt Cask brand. Together with my sons Scott and Andrew, as well as our Master Blender Tom Aitken, I have selected casks from our maturing stocks which each do justice to the label's fifteen year milestone. These cask-strength Anniversary bottlings are presented in green glass with wooden gift boxes, and are finished in the original-style labels to pay homage to the earliest Old Malt Cask releases. Choosing these casks allowed me to reflect with pride on my last fifteen years as a single cask bottler and, in reviewing our stocks, to look forward with relish to the next fifteen years of the Old Malt Cask. Stuart Laing. Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside. Bottler: Hunter Laing. Unit: 70cl ABV: 51.4% Distilled/Bottled: 1988/2013. Miscellaneous: 285 bottles drawn from cask.  

Macallan / Reflexion
Macallan / Reflexion

£ 899.00
Country: Scotland
Region: 
Age: 
Strength: 

Summary: The Macallan Reflexion represents the natural colour and beauty of The Macallan – a true reflexion of the foremost influence of first fill sherry seasoned oak casks.
This incredible whisky has been given its character both in colour and in taste in part by the maturation in smaller hogshead casks allowing a greater surface area of wood to interact with the whisky – in this case Spanish and American Oak casks were used in the maturation process.
The result is spectacular both in its rich colour and its its sublime complex taste.

The Macallan Oscuro And Lalique Gift Pack
The Macallan Oscuro And Lalique Gift Pack

£ 1,450.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 
Strength: 44.6%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside.
ABV: 44.6%
Unit: 70cl.
Bottler: Distillery Bottling.
The Macallan and the historic French crystal brand Lalique have designed and launched a most unusual presentation for The Macallan Oscuro, which is exclusive to a select number of duty free and travel retail outlets in Asia.
The Macallan Oscuro and Lalique gift pack contains a bottle of exceptional single malt whisky, which is part of The Macallan 1824 Collection, and a Lalique crystal “Cheval Kazak Running Horse” which, with its streaming mane and tail, symbolizes speed and freedom.
With just 300 having been made, this limited edition of The Macallan Oscuro and Lalique gift pack was unveiled at the end of January at Hong Kong International Airport.
“This is our first local partnership with Lalique and we are very happy to have developed this exclusive gift pack together,” says Edrington’s Regional Marketing Manager Claren Wong. “The pack provides consumers with a unique and attractive choice for their gifting during festival season.”
“The Macallan Oscuro and Lalique gift pack is a perfect match; both names stand for excellence, artistry and a pursuit of perfection,” adds Lalique General Manager Montiza Tornow-Siu.
The Macallan is one of the most awarded and applauded single malts in the world and its peerless reputation is testament to the skill of the Masters of Spirit and Wood at The Macallan’s home in Scotland who have been responsible for its creation and maturation over the last two centuries.
About The Macallan Oscuro and Lalique
The Macallan Oscuro, whose name derives from the Spanish word for “dark,” has a rich deep color and intense flavor. Exclusively matured in sherry-seasoned oak casks, many of which were first fill, and bottled at 46.5% ABV, The Macallan Oscuro is a whisky of outstanding quality.
Lalique, the renowned crystal brand, is not only a part of the heritage of France but has been embraced by international markets.

Mannochmore  / 22 Year Old Rare Malts Selection
Mannochmore / 22 Year Old Rare Malts Selection

£ 365.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 
Strength: 60.1%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside. ABV: 60.1%. Unit: 70cl. Bottler: Distillery Bottling. Series: Rare Malts Selection. Age: 22 Year Old. Distilled: 1974. Bottled:  For sale only within the EEC.

Mosstowie / 1979 Rare Edition / Gordon & Macphail
Mosstowie / 1979 Rare Edition / Gordon & Macphail

£ 500.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 
Strength: 46.%
70cl

Summary: For over 25 years Miltonduff Distillery produced 2 different Single Malt Whiskies. In 1955 due to the increased demand within Hiram Walker for different styles of whisky, a chemical engineer, Alistair Cunningham designed the Lomond Still. This type of still had a wide neck which housed three rectifying plates. These plates were used to vary the amount of reflux that took place within the still thus altering the spirit produced. The plates could either be filled with cool liquid or left dry. They could be rotated – the horizontal position would maximise reflux while the vertical position would reduce reflux. Due to increased demand for Ballantines Blend in the 1980s, the Mosstowie stills were altered to produce Miltonduff – the key component of Ballantines. Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside. Unit: 70cl ABV: 46% Distilled/Bottled: 1979/2012. Miscellaneous: 350 Bottles from Cask. AROMA WITHOUT WATER: Freshly washed wool and hessian. With hints of polished oak, beeswax and orange peel. TASTE WITHOUT WATER: A sweet liquorice and aniseed flavour. Pepper and ash notes linger. AROMA WITH WATER: Creamy hot chocolate aromas with spiced orange and cardamom notes. TASTE WITH WATER: Cinnamon and Clove influences with hints of Cedar wood.

Old Ballantruan / The Peated Malt Aged 10 Years
Old Ballantruan / The Peated Malt Aged 10 Years

£ 47.25
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 
Strength: 50.%
70cl

Summary: "Old Ballantruan" Speyside Glenlivet Single Malt Scotch Whisky is only one of a handful of peated malt whiskies from the Speyside region. After 'sleeping' for 10 years in hand-picked oak barrels, this whisky has been bottled at 50% volume and without any chill-filtration to retain its layered and integrated peaty flavours. Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside. Unit: 70cl ABV: 50% Colour: Warm-gold. Nose: Gentle waft of "peat reek", smoked campfires and subtle citrus fruit notes. Taste: A mellow, dry peat with hints of lemon cheesecake, cocoa and shortbread. Finish: Lingering smoke and peat with a light pepper kick.

Strathisla / 42 Year Old / Vintage 1955 / Gordon & Macphail
Strathisla / 42 Year Old / Vintage 1955 / Gordon & Macphail

£ 750.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highlands
Age: 
Strength: 40.%
70cl

Summary: Founded by George Taylor and Alexander Milton, it was originally known as Milton – named after the nearby Milton Castle. Strathisla was the name of the actual whisky produced and eventually became the name of the distillery. Much of Strathisla's production is used for blending and the distillery is the home of the one of the most famous blends – Chivas Regal.The distillery is the oldest in Northern Scotland and is certainly a delightful distillery to visit as it has an almost fairytale quality. Country/Region: Scotland/Highlands. Unit: 70cl. ABV: 40%. Distilled/Bottled: 1955/1997. Miscellaneous: Only 1 bottle left.

Strathisla / 27 Year Old / Vintage 1967 / Gordon & Macphail
Strathisla / 27 Year Old / Vintage 1967 / Gordon & Macphail

£ 350.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 
Strength: 40.%
70cl

Summary: Founded by George Taylor and Alexander Milton, it was originally known as Milton – named after the nearby Milton Castle. Strathisla was the name of the actual whisky produced and eventually became the name of the distillery. Much of Strathisla's production is used for blending and the distillery is the home of the one of the most famous blends – Chivas Regal.The distillery is the oldest in Northern Scotland and is certainly a delightful distillery to visit as it has an almost fairytale quality. No box available for this whisky. Country/Region: Scotland / Speyside. Unit: 70cl. ABV: 40%. Distilled/Bottled: 1967/1994. Miscellaneous: Only 1 bottle left.

Strathmill / 21 Year Old / Old Malt Cask
Strathmill / 21 Year Old / Old Malt Cask

£ 92.45
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 
Strength: 50.%
70cl

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. Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside. Unit: 70cl ABV: 50% Age: 21 Year Old. Cask: Refill Hogshead DL No: 10122. Bottles from Cask: 294. Distilled/Bottled: December 1991/October 2013. Nose: plenty of Kentucky at work here with the liquorice and hickory giving depth to the vanilla. The barley is not outdone, though…; Taste: the oak yoke is discarded on delivery and the barley is at full blast; Finish: just adore those gristy sugars which have somehow survived all these years; some lemon to the late vanilla; Balance: simple, but so elegant with it! 91 Points / Jim Murray's 2015 Whisky Bible. Tasting Notes / Jim Murray's 2015 Whisky Bible ©.

Penderyn / Icons Of Wales / Red Flag
Penderyn / Icons Of Wales / Red Flag

£ 42.15
Country: Welsh
Region: Welsh
Age: 
Strength: 41.%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Wales. Unit: 70cl. ABV: 41%. Penderyn Red Flag is the first edition in the Icons of Wales Series. It commemorates the first time that a red flag was raised as a symbol of social protest: during the 1831 Merthyr Rising which ended in the execution of miner Dic Penderyn. The Red Flag special edition carries a passage telling the story of Dic Penderyn, whose real name was Richard Lewis, and the bottle features a specially commissioned print by the artist Andrew Davidson. The whisky is finished in madeira casks to impart a delicate flavour of subtle complexity. Tasting Notes: Aromas of fresh apples and citrus fruits intermingle with cream fudge and sultana raisins in the nose to create a complex yet fresh, clean and well-balanced whisky. In the mouth, this single malt whisky is incredibly smooth and both fresh and rich dried fruits abound. Delicate and sweet on the palate with just a hint of bitterness to remain refreshing, then slowly presents a long finish leaving an aftertaste of Madeira cake and sultanas. Ratings: 94 Points / Jim Murray's 2015 Whisky Bible.

Penderyn / Icons Of Wales / Independence
Penderyn / Icons Of Wales / Independence

£ 42.15
Country: Welsh
Region: Welsh
Age: 
Strength: 41.%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Wales. Unit: 70cl. ABV: 41%. The second ‘Icon of Wales' is called ‘Penderyn Independence', and commemorates the signing of the American Declaration of Independence in 1776. The emerging statesman Thomas Jefferson, who went on to become one of America's most famous Presidents, was one of the fifty-six men who adopted the Declaration of Independence. Wales is a small country with an equally small population, yet Jefferson and fifteen of his fellow signatories came from Welsh roots. Penderyn Independence is beautifully presented and wrapped in a copy of the Declaration, accompanied with a quill and boxed. The front of the box also highlights the signatories from the Declaration. Tasting Notes: Aromas of fresh apples and citrus fruits intermingle with cream fudge and sultana raisins in the nose to create a complex yet fresh, clean and well-balanced whisky. In the mouth, this single malt whisky is incredibly smooth and both fresh and rich dried fruits abound. Delicate and sweet on the palate with just a hint of bitterness to remain refreshing, then slowly presents a long finish leaving an aftertaste of Madeira cake and sultanas.

Penderyn / Icons Of Wales Series / Dylan Thomas
Penderyn / Icons Of Wales Series / Dylan Thomas

£ 42.50
Country: Welsh
Region: Welsh
Age: 
Strength: 41.%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Wales. Unit: 70cl. ABV: 41%. The third in the ‘Icons of Wales' series,which is a new Single Malt, specially created to celebrate the centenary of the birth of the famed Welsh writer, poet and broadcaster Dylan Thomas. This Sherrywood finish edition was awarded Silver in the Worldwide Whisky No Age Statement Category at the International Wines & Spirit Competition 2014. Released to coincide with a busy programme of events around the world, this officially licenced edition celebrates Dylan's life and works, and features original photography, illustrations and quotations that capture Dylan at his most creative. Included within this pack is a small notebook, in which we have printed some specially chosen extracts from Dylan's canon. The whisky is matured in a combination of ex-dry Oloroso Sherry casks and ex-bourbon casks. Dr Jim Swan's Tasting Notes: This Penderyn Sherrywood begins with the aroma of sugar bonbons, rich with the smell of creamy toffee and vanilla. Soon Penderyn's own fresh green apples and boiled berry fruits join in. In the mouth, cream sherry flavours, obvious but not overt, mingle with delicate fruits reminiscent of white currants and honeydew melon. An aperitif whisky with a medium long finish that ends up with an attractive aftertaste of mixed fruits. Dinner beckons! Ratings: 91 Points / Jim Murray's 2015 Whisky Bible.

Filed Under: Ardbeg, Benriach, Blair Athol, Bowmore, Caol Ila, Edencroft Spirit Specialists, Glen Albyn, Glen Mhor, Glen Spey, Glendronach, Glendullan, Glenesk, Glenfiddich, Glenmorangie, Glenrothes, Highland, Imperial, Islay, Japanese, Linkwood, Macallan, Mannochmore, New Arrivals, Port Ellen, Royal Lochnagar, Speyside, Strathisla, Strathmill, Talisker, Tullibardine, Welsh

Abbey Whisky: New Arrivals From Old Classics!

June 22, 2015 by Gary Leave a Comment

Glenrothes 1971 - The MacPhails Collection (G&M) £ 420.00

Glenrothes 1971 – The MacPhails Collection (G&M)
£ 420.00

New Arrivals

Bowmore 1983 / Feis Ile 2011 / 100 Limited Release
Bowmore 1983 / Feis Ile 2011 / 100 Limited Release

£ 1,950.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 
Strength: 55.6%
70cl
Vintage: 1983
Bottler: Distillery Bottling
Glendronach 1993 / 21 Year Old / Single Cask #23
Glendronach 1993 / 21 Year Old / Single Cask #23

£ 178.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age: 21 Years Old
Strength: 52.1%
70cl
Vintage: 1993
Bottler: Distillery Bottling
Glendronach 1994 / 19 Year Old / Cask 67 / UK Exclusive
Glendronach 1994 / 19 Year Old / Cask 67 / UK Exclusive

£ 148.50
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age: 19 Years Old
Strength: 56.8%
70cl
Vintage: 1994
Bottler: Distillery Bottling
Port Ellen 1979 / Rare Old / Gordon & MacPhail
Port Ellen 1979 / Rare Old / Gordon & MacPhail

£ 698.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 
Strength: 46%
70cl
Vintage: 1979
Bottler: Gordon & MacPhail
Rosebank 1991 / 23 Year Old / SMWS 25.69
Rosebank 1991 / 23 Year Old / SMWS 25.69

£ 648.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Lowland
Age: 23 Years Old
Strength: 52.5%
70cl
Vintage: 1991
Bottler: SMWS
Yoichi 1987 / 26 Year Old / SMWS 116.20
Yoichi 1987 / 26 Year Old / SMWS 116.20

£ 725.00
Country: Japan
Region: Japanese
Age: 26 Years Old
Strength: 61.6%
70cl
Vintage: 1987
Bottler: SMWS
Yamazaki 2003 / 11 Year Old / SMWS 119.14
Yamazaki 2003 / 11 Year Old / SMWS 119.14

£ 495.00
Country: Japan
Region: Japanese
Age: 11 Years Old
Strength: 53.9%
70cl
Vintage: 2003
Bottler: SMWS
Chita 2009 / 4 Year Old / SMWS G13.1
Chita 2009 / 4 Year Old / SMWS G13.1

£ 194.00
Country: Japan
Region: Japanese
Age: 4 Years Old
Strength: 58.3%
70cl
Vintage: 2009
Bottler: SMWS
Miyagikyo 1990 /  23 Year Old / SMWS 124.5
Miyagikyo 1990 / 23 Year Old / SMWS 124.5

£ 660.00
Country: Japan
Region: Japanese
Age: 23 Years Old
Strength: 66.7%
70cl
Vintage: 1990
Bottler: SMWS
Port Charlotte Cask Exploration 03 Bruthaich Dubh
Port Charlotte Cask Exploration 03 Bruthaich Dubh

£ 149.50
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 10 Years Old
Strength: 59.2%
50cl
Vintage: 2004
Bottler: Distillery Bottling
Kilchoman Islay Pipe Band / Single Cask Octave #581
Kilchoman Islay Pipe Band / Single Cask Octave #581

£ 138.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 3 Years Old
Strength: 60.5%
70cl
Vintage: 2010
Bottler: Distillery Bottling
BenRiach 12 Year Old / Sherry Wood
BenRiach 12 Year Old / Sherry Wood

£ 36.20
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age: 12 Years Old
Strength: 46%
70cl
Kilchoman Single Cask 455/2008 / Bottled 2013
Kilchoman Single Cask 455/2008 / Bottled 2013

£ 138.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 5 Years Old
Strength: 60.5%
70cl
Vintage: 2008
Bottler: Distillery Bottling
BenRiach Albariza 18 Year Old / PX Sherry Casks
BenRiach Albariza 18 Year Old / PX Sherry Casks

£ 89.90
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age: 18 Years Old
Strength: 46%
70cl
Bruichladdich Valinch 1992 -  22 Year Old / Raymond Tibbs
Bruichladdich Valinch 1992 – 22 Year Old / Raymond Tibbs

£ 149.50
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 22 Years Old
Strength: 49.9%
50cl
Vintage: 1992
Bottler: Distillery Bottling
Glenrothes 1971 - The MacPhails Collection (G&M)
Glenrothes 1971 – The MacPhails Collection (G&M)

£ 420.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 
Strength: 43%
70cl
Vintage: 1971
Bottler: Gordon & MacPhail
Bruichladdich Octomore 7.2
Bruichladdich Octomore 7.2

£ 186.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 5 Years Old
Strength: 58.5%
70cl
The Royal & Ancient Golf Club 250th Anniversary
The Royal & Ancient Golf Club 250th Anniversary

£ 89.00
Country: Scotland
Region: 
Age: 12 Years Old
Strength: 43%
70cl
Three Ships 10 Year Old
Three Ships 10 Year Old

£ 49.92
Country: South Africa
Region: South African
Age: 10 Years Old
Strength: 43%
75cl
Ardbeg Kildalton 2014 Release
Ardbeg Kildalton 2014 Release

£ 275.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 
Strength: 46%
70cl

Filed Under: Abbey Whisky, New Arrivals

Dalmunach Distillery Opened By First Minister

June 22, 2015 by Gary Leave a Comment

Dalmunach Distillery

Dalmunach Distillery

£25M NEW SPEYSIDE MALT WHISKY DISTILLERY OPENED BY FIRST MINISTER

Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, has moved to secure future malt supplies with the launch of the Dalmunach Distillery. The £25m state-of-the-art operation has been opened on the site of a former silent distillery on the banks of the River Spey.

Dalmunach Distillery, named after the nearby pool in the River Spey on whose banks the new facility sits, was officially opened today by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. The completion of the distillery in Carron sees the culmination of an investment package which has increased Chivas Brothers’ malt whisky distillation capacity by 17% as it looks to support long-term global demand for its brands.

Situated on the site of the former Imperial Distillery which was mothballed in 1998, Dalmunach has been built using the latest innovations and environmental expertise such as heat recovery technology. It is the most energy efficient distillery within Chivas Brothers’ portfolio, with a 20% efficiency improvement over traditional distilleries. Chivas Brothers recently won The Sustainability Award at The Drinks Business Green Awards with Dalmunach praised for its design efficiency.
Dalmunach is capable of producing up to 10 million litres per year, with the high quality Speyside style spirit used in bestselling blended whisky brands within Chivas Brothers’ portfolio, which includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s and Royal Salute.

Every element of the distillery design, including the unique still shapes, has been geared to producing the very highest quality Speyside malt whisky with a rich, fruity character, a vital ingredient to the highest quality blended Scotch whiskies.

Local Speyside companies were heavily involved in the Distillery’s construction and five permanent employees have been recruited.

Dalmunach Distillery

Dalmunach Distillery

Today is the latest culmination of our ongoing investment to satisfy the growing demand for our brands.

Dalmunach Distillery is an excellent example of securing the future of the industry by respecting its heritage and it’s fitting that the remnants from the old Imperial Distillery have been built into an extremely efficient distillery with an architecturally stunning design. It is a real pleasure to see this piece of land in Carron which has had a role in whisky making all the way back to 1897 play a future role in whisky production.

With the opening today, over the last three years we have expanded our malt whisky distillation by 17% as part of an annual capital expenditure commitment of £60m per annum. This investment continues and we have already begun work on significantly increasing capacity at The Glenlivet.

– Laurent Lacassagne: Chairman and CEO of Chivas Brothers

Scotch Whisky is one of Scotland’s iconic brands and is in huge demand all over the globe due to the exceptional quality the industry produces. It is hugely important to the Scottish economy and its protected EU status means it has an unmatched international reputation.

The Dalmunach Distillery is one of a 115 across Scotland and it is a sign of continued investment from Chivas Brothers. It’s also fitting that this facility opens in the Year of Food and Drink as we celebrate and promote the magnificence of our natural larder.

We want to work with firms to sustain and build on the success the industry enjoys – this distillery will play its part in that and will also contribute to the continued growth of Scotland’s economy as a whole.

– Nicola Sturgeon: First Minister

The distillery architecture of Dalmunach has been inspired by the shape of a sheaf of barley reflecting the core ingredient of single malt whisky. It houses eight unique copper pot stills, with a tulip shape used for the wash stills and an onion shape used for the spirit stills, replicating those from the Imperial distillery which was situated on the site from 1897 until 2012. In a departure from tradition, the stills have been positioned in a circular design that provides a unique aesthetic for the future.

Other original features from the previous distillery have been carefully incorporated to ensure a sense of heritage remains intact. Red brick from the original mill building has been reclaimed to create a feature wall in the new entrance area, and wood from the original washbacks has been used to form an entrance ‘drum’ and adorn the gable walls of the new tun room which contains 16 new stainless steel washbacks. A new 9.5m diameter mashtun has been installed which draws spring water for production from the site’s original water sources. Dalmunach also features a unique hexagonal spirit safe housing four safes with a waterfall feature which is a first in the Scotch whisky industry.

The Dalmunach Distillery will not be open to visitors but will be visible from the nearby Speyside Way walking trail. Great care has been taken to ensure the external façade of the distillery is in-keeping with its surrounding environment and the traditional architectural style of the region, thus providing an interesting and fitting new viewpoint for passers-by.

The design and construction of the distillery was overseen from start to finish by Douglas Cruickshank, who stepped back from his role as Chivas Brothers’ Production Director two years ago to concentrate on the new build until its completion.

The completion of the project is a fitting end to Cruickshank’s career which began at the age of 15 at the Imperial Distillery, he now takes retirement having come full circle restoring distilling to the same location after a 16 year slumber.

Filed Under: Dalmunach, News

Bushmills Whiskey Tweet Tasting: Tropical Fruit & Irish Genius!

June 18, 2015 by Gary Leave a Comment

The five Bushmills malts!

The five Bushmills Drams!

Bushmills was the selected distillery for Wednesday nights Tweet Tasting and we had the chance to try five of their superior Whiskey range.

Bushmills is the oldest licensed distillery in the world (1608) and their recent acquisition by Jose Cuervo could herald the start of a new era for this most famous of Irish distilleries.

The event was once again ably hosted by Steve from The Whisky Wire and the drams sampled were:-

  • Bushmills Original
  • Bushmills Black Bush
  • Bushmills 10 Year Old Single Malt
  • Bushmills 12 Year Old Distillery Reserve
  • Bushmills 16 Year Old Old Single Malt

One thing that became obvious during the night was how consistent the core flavours were over the range – in short, tropical fruits abound!

If you want to catch up on what all the tasters had to say you can view the tweets by searching for the hash tag #BushmillsWhiskey on Twitter.

So, what did I think?

Here are my tasting notes … and the one which was my favourite on the night!

Tasting Notes – Bushmills Original Whiskey ( 40% )

A NAS blend of triple distilled Irish single malt & Irish grain whiskey. Matured for at least 5 years in American oak casks. It is named after the River Bush, a fine salmon river that powered the textile mills of the Scottish settlers.


Nose: Fruity vanilla, slightly woody, furniture polish and then those “little green apples” start to come thru. Closely followed by pineapple, peach & mint – a feast!

Palate: Fruit cake mixture, sweet, with a little caramel thrown in.

Finish: Very smooth with a satisfying, spicy finish – quite short.

Overall: The Chilli is on slow burn but makes itself known after a time making this a very sippable dram indeed!

Tasting Notes – Bushmills Black Bush Whiskey ( 40% )

Made up of 80% malt whiskey & matured for up to 7 years in oloroso sherry casks & bourbon barrels.


Nose: More honey & caramel than the Original & more body menthol. There’s lots of apples as well as a smattering of demerera and rum.

Palate: Still getting sweet fruit cake mixture but there’s more treacle & it’s lovely and smooth!

Finish: A sweeter dram than the Original, syrupy and full of chilli spice.

Overall: Another short finish but it’s spiciness is warming my cockles! A welcome addition to any drinks selection!

Tasting Notes – Bushmills 10 Year Old Single Malt Whiskey (40%)

Matured for at least 10 years mainly in bourbon barrels.


Nose: Less sweetness than the previous drams with hints of pears & pineapple – ‘thinner’. Plus there’s bananas, apples giving some very fresh and clean aromas!

Palate: Light mouthfeel, pineapple, mango – basically 40% Lilt!

Finish: The spice seemed to disappear from this but then made a welcome return right at the end – it’s a bit shyer on this dram!

Overall: Another winner and continuing the tropical fruit theme that runs through all these drams.

Tasting Notes – Bushmills 12 Year Old Distillery Reserve Whiskey ( 40% )

Matured mainly in oloroso sherry casks and only available from the Bushmills distillery shop.


Nose: Vanilla & syrupy apples, pineapple, icing sugar.

Palate: Rich tropical fruit with a mango hit – nicely sweet.

Finish: Nutty caramel with a well balanced spiciness to finish.

Overall: Bit of a slow burner the 12YO- needs time to develop in the glass but stick with it and the rewards will come to those who wait!

Tasting Notes – Bushmills 16 Year Old Single Malt Whiskey (40%)

Made with two whiskies that have been matured for 16 years – one from a bourbon barrel the second from a sherry cask. They are then married together in port infused casks.


Nose: Fruit cake, sherry & port are very present. In addition there’s caramel and blackcurrant which was a revelation.

Palate: Sweet port giving way to pineapple & fruit sugar syrup.

Finish: The sweetness lingers and only gives way slightly to some welcoming spiciness!

Overall: These older drams certainly benefit from a little more time in the glass. Satisfying, rich mature flavours with lovely port being quite prominent.

My Favourite On The Night

Black Bush – smooth, sweet, full of chilli spice & fantastically priced.

But all had an interesting array of flavours – a close second being the 16 year old!

Many thanks to Steve at The Whisky Wire (@TheWhiskyWire) for a great dram evening.

And of course, Bushmills, without whom!

My fellow Tweeters were:-


@Whisky_Magazine @WhiskyDiscovery @DrinksEnthusist @EdinburghWhisky @Drinkmonger @brawspirit @BeersIveKnown @dvdbloke @mynameisgone @NeilMacKinnon1 @Andrew1McCallum @jpbglover11 @msykesjones @cache1337 @rodbodtoo @AWhetForWhisky @kaskwhisky @GingerWhisky1 @TheWhiskyKiwi @Whisky_Belfast @TheWhiskyphiles @MarkGwhisky @MrMDMaloney @bobsta1975 @annawizauk @Girl_Whisky @WhiskySpeller

Bushmills is available to buy from these Whisky Merchants:-

  • The Whisky Exchange
  • Master of Malt
  • Edencroft Fine Wine & Spirit Specialists
  • Abbey Whisky
  • Whisky Online
  • The Whisky Barrel
  • The Green Welly Stop

Filed Under: 10 Year Old, 12 year old, 16 Year Old, Bushmills, Irish, Sampling, Twitter Tasting, Whisky tasting

Classy New Drams From Edencroft – Treat Dad To A No Socks Fathers Day!

June 9, 2015 by Gary Leave a Comment

Bunnahabhain / 1966 Jim Mcewan's Celtic Heartlands £ 855.00

Bunnahabhain / 1966 Jim Mcewan’s Celtic Heartlands
£ 855.00


New Arrivals

Aberlour / 25 Year Old Director's' Cut
Aberlour / 25 Year Old Director's' Cut

£ 210.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 
Strength: 50.9%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside.
Unit: 70cl.
ABV: 50.9%.
Age: 25 Year Old.
Cask: Refill Hogshead DL No:9967.
Bottles from Cask: 88.
Distilled/Bottled: May 1988/September 2013.
The Directors of Douglas Laing & Co Ltd being often of sound mind and regularly of ample body are desirous to offer those Whiskiy Quaffers of likeminded quality orientation, this handpicked and much preferred Single Cask revelation.
We opine that this ABERLOUR AGED TO 25 YEARS is a superior exemplification of the time honoured Distiller’s craft. This bottle is bordering on unique, being one of only 88 filled.
Nose: Clean, fresh & fragrant – sweetly gristed + A Macedonia of fresh Autumnal fruits.
Palate: Light & fresh – velvety smooth – being delicately spiced & still fructiferous.
Finish: Medium long – attractively fresh – running drier to an orange pith character.

Ardbeg / 30 Year Old Guaranteed
Ardbeg / 30 Year Old Guaranteed

£ 965.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 
Strength: 40.%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Islay.
ABV: 40%.
Unit: 70cl.
For sale only within the EEC.

Bunnahabhain / 1966 Jim Mcewan's Celtic Heartlands
Bunnahabhain / 1966 Jim Mcewan's Celtic Heartlands

£ 855.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 
Strength: 40.1%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Islay.
ABV: 40.1%.
Unit: 70cl.
Series: Celtic Heartlands.
Age: 37 Year old.
Year of Distillation: 1966.
Year of Release: 2004.
Bottles: 726
For sale only within the EEC.

Compass / Box Hedonism 10th Anniversary
Compass / Box Hedonism 10th Anniversary

£ 500.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age: 
Strength: 43.%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Highland.
ABV: 43%.
Unit: 70cl.
The single cask, distilled in 1971 at the Invergordon Distillery, while much older than typically used for Hedonism, represented perfection in maturation, the basis for all the casks selected for Hedonism going back to that first batch in 2000.
This special edition, one-off bottling of only 144 bottles, was meant to be a suitable toast to all who had helped Compass Box in its first decade.
Year of Distillation: 1971.
Year of Release: 2010.
Number of bottles: 144
For sale only within the EEC.

Balcones / Baby Blue Corn Whisky / Batch #bb10-19
Balcones / Baby Blue Corn Whisky / Batch #bb10-19

£ 32.50
Country: American
Region: American
Age: 
Strength: 46.%
70cl

Summary: Baby Blue is not only Texas’ first whisky, but so far we know the only blue corn whisky made anywhere. It pays homage to the American whisky tradition and while adding something we think is new and innovative.
Balcones Baby Blue is made from 100% roasted Hopi blue corn. The Hopi have used it as a staple for thousands of years. Their origin mythology describes how the Creator gave the first people corn of many types, and the Hopi received the blue corn. The Hopi use blue corn as a major food source, but it has spiritual significance for them as well. It is used in many ceremonies representing long life, wisdom, understanding, and the strength that comes through overcoming hardship.
While Hopi blue corn we use has an extremely interesting history, there is really only reason one we prefer it to all other corn for our whisky– taste. Its gorgeous midnight blue kernels are packed with a rich, roasty nuttiness that is truly exceptional. Unlike most of the blue corn on the market, Hopi blue corn is not just white dent corn which has been specially crossed to give it a blue tint. There is a lot of quality corn in this category, even some nice organic examples. But in a blind taste test, we could not tell the blue from the white corn. Hopi blue corn, however, has been grown with the same rich colour and flavour for thousands of years and is the only corn that could impart the rich character we require for our whisky.
Americans have innovated the use of corn in whisky since we first set foot on this continent. Baby Blue is not white lighting nor bourbon. It has the freshness and verve of a traditional corn whisky but with a refined complexity added by brief aging in small oak barrels. It has a round nuttiness and roasty overtones with a smooth finish. By legal definitions it could be labelled as a bourbon, but it is not essentially a bourbon in character. Bourbon is largely dominated by the flavours of the wood in the barrel; the new charred oak barrels give bourbon is defining and recognizable flavours, colour and aroma. Our brief aging in oak certainly contributes some of the recognizable oak notes and characteristic of bourbon, but these flavours do not dominate the rich corn flavours we have taken so much trouble to impart to the spirit. In any case, bourbon drinkers, as well as other whisky drinkers, will find plenty here to like.
Tasting Notes: butter, masa corn meal, marzipan/toasted almonds, smoked chillies, dark chocolate, fresh baked bread aroma Our unique aging process encourages a maturation that is surprisingly balanced and smooth for such a young whisky…young whisky with an old soul. Best enjoyed neat, with a little cool water, or even on ice.
Country/Region: USA/Texas.
ABV: 46%.
Unit: 70cl.

Balcones / Baby Blue Corn Whisky / Batch #bb129
Balcones / Baby Blue Corn Whisky / Batch #bb129

£ 32.50
Country: American
Region: American
Age: 
Strength: 46.%
70cl

Summary: Baby Blue is not only Texas’ first whisky, but so far we know the only blue corn whisky made anywhere. It pays homage to the American whisky tradition and while adding something we think is new and innovative.
Balcones Baby Blue is made from 100% roasted Hopi blue corn. The Hopi have used it as a staple for thousands of years. Their origin mythology describes how the Creator gave the first people corn of many types, and the Hopi received the blue corn. The Hopi use blue corn as a major food source, but it has spiritual significance for them as well. It is used in many ceremonies representing long life, wisdom, understanding, and the strength that comes through overcoming hardship.
While Hopi blue corn we use has an extremely interesting history, there is really only reason one we prefer it to all other corn for our whisky– taste. Its gorgeous midnight blue kernels are packed with a rich, roasty nuttiness that is truly exceptional. Unlike most of the blue corn on the market, Hopi blue corn is not just white dent corn which has been specially crossed to give it a blue tint. There is a lot of quality corn in this category, even some nice organic examples. But in a blind taste test, we could not tell the blue from the white corn. Hopi blue corn, however, has been grown with the same rich colour and flavour for thousands of years and is the only corn that could impart the rich character we require for our whisky.
Americans have innovated the use of corn in whisky since we first set foot on this continent. Baby Blue is not white lighting nor bourbon. It has the freshness and verve of a traditional corn whisky but with a refined complexity added by brief aging in small oak barrels. It has a round nuttiness and roasty overtones with a smooth finish. By legal definitions it could be labelled as a bourbon, but it is not essentially a bourbon in character. Bourbon is largely dominated by the flavours of the wood in the barrel; the new charred oak barrels give bourbon is defining and recognizable flavours, colour and aroma. Our brief aging in oak certainly contributes some of the recognizable oak notes and characteristic of bourbon, but these flavours do not dominate the rich corn flavours we have taken so much trouble to impart to the spirit. In any case, bourbon drinkers, as well as other whisky drinkers, will find plenty here to like.
Tasting Notes: butter, masa corn meal, marzipan/toasted almonds, smoked chillies, dark chocolate, fresh baked bread aroma Our unique aging process encourages a maturation that is surprisingly balanced and smooth for such a young whisky…young whisky with an old soul. Best enjoyed neat, with a little cool water, or even on ice.
Country/Region: USA/Texas.
ABV: 46%.
Unit: 70cl.
Ratings: Double Gold Medal / 2010 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Dalmore / 1981 Amoroso Sherry Finesse
Dalmore / 1981 Amoroso Sherry Finesse

£ 925.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age: 
Strength: 42.%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Highland.
ABV: 42%.
Unit: 70cl.
26 years in American white oak bourbon barrels followed by a short, intense period in Amoroso sherry casks from world-renowned bodega Gonzalez Byass has delivered a quite stunning single malt whisky. This single cask bottling has yielded just 484 bottles.
Tasting Notes: Almonds, citrus, autumn fruits.
This 1981 Amoroso Finesse combines crushed almonds, citrus fruits and warm berries with whispers of cherry, plum and mandarin. The extra period of finesse in Amoroso Sherry wood has nurtured the spicy character of this stunning single malt.

Dalmore / The Mackenzie
Dalmore / The Mackenzie

£ 335.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age: 
Strength: 56.%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Highland.
ABV: 56%.
Unit: 70cl.
A tribute to the Clan Mackenzie. The Dalmore will contribute a substantial proportion of the profits from this stunning single malt in support of the Mackenzie Clan Gathering in 2010. Matured initially in American white oak for 11 years, then transferred to port pipes from Oporto for a further 6 years. An unforgettable masterpiece.
Taste Notes: Sweet pear, bitter chocolate, crushed almonds.
Warm and seductive with aromas of ripe plums, citrus fruits and marzipan, followed closely with ginger spice and mangos. A taste of sweet pear, bitter chocolate and crushed almonds reward the senses.
For sale only within the EEC.

Glenury Royal / 23 Year Old Rare Malts Selection
Glenury Royal / 23 Year Old Rare Malts Selection

£ 595.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age: 
Strength: 63.1%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Highland.
ABV: 63.1%.
Unit: 70cl.
Age: 23 Year old.
Year of Distillation: 1971.
Year of Release: 1995.
For sale only within the EEC.

Royal Brackla / 1964 Gordon & Macphail Private Collection
Royal Brackla / 1964 Gordon & Macphail Private Collection

£ 750.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age: 
Strength: 45.9%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Highland.
ABV: 45.9%.
Unit: 70cl.
Age: 40 Year Old.
Year of Distillation: 1964.
Year of Release: 2004.
Number of bottles: 94
For sale only within the EEC.

Ancnoc / 22 Year Old Single Highland Malt
Ancnoc / 22 Year Old Single Highland Malt

£ 87.50
Country: Scotland
Region: Highlands
Age: 
Strength: 46.%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Highlands.
ABV: 46%.
Unit: 70cl.
Matured predominately in American oak, ex-bourbon casks as well as Spanish oak, ex-sherry butts, anCnoc 22 Years Old displays complexity and a wealth of character but its long lasting rich, smoky finish sets this dram apart from the younger offerings.
Colour: Bright gold with a copper tint.
Nose: Sweet and spicy with notes of honey and toffee. Warm Christmas cake is accentuated by the freshness of lemons, green apples and cut flowers. All wrapped in a delicate whiff of wood smoke.
Taste: Full bodied and complex. Distinct crushed clove, raisin and blood orange flavours are at the front, closely followed by layers of fragrant vanilla and leather. The long, rich finish is smoky and spicy.

Glendronach / 8 Year Old The Hielan Single Malt
Glendronach / 8 Year Old The Hielan Single Malt

£ 33.95
Country: Scotland
Region: Highlands
Age: 
Strength: 46.%
70cl

Summary: Matured & married in a combination of the finest bourbon and sherry casks (both Pedro Ximenez & Oloroso).
Colour: amber with a burnished copper glow;
Nose: rounded waves of orange blossom and a citrus twist flow over buttery, golden sultanas, sundried raisins and ripe yellow plums; all dusted with a touch of vanilla;
Taste: crisp, vibrant oak spices warm soaked sultanas, apricot jam and gingerbread; all rounded by delicate hints of butterscotch, cocoa and toasted almonds;
Finish: classic sherry overtones with a contrasting crisp dimension demonstrate the complexity of the traditional Highland character.
Country/Region: Scotland / Highlands.
Unit: 70cl.
ABV: 46%.

Talisker / 25 Year Old
Talisker / 25 Year Old

£ 470.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Island
Age: 
Strength: 69.9%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Isle of Skye.
ABV: 69.9%.
Unit: 70cl.
Age: 25 Year Old.
Year of Distillation: 1975.
Year of Release: 2001.
Bottles: 6000.
For sale only within the EEC.

Dailuaine / 1974 27 Year Old Silver Seal Edition
Dailuaine / 1974 27 Year Old Silver Seal Edition

£ 2,495.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 
Strength: 53.%
75cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside.
ABV: 53%.
Unit: 75cl.
For sale only within the EEC.

Glen Grant / 1953 Gordon & Macphail Private Collection
Glen Grant / 1953 Gordon & Macphail Private Collection

£ 1,165.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 
Strength: 45.%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside.
ABV: 45%.
Unit: 70cl.
Age: 48 Year Old.
Year of Distillation: 1953.
Year of Release: 2001.
For sale only within the EEC.

Glenfiddich / 21 Year Old Wedgwood Decanter
Glenfiddich / 21 Year Old Wedgwood Decanter

£ 545.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 
Strength: 43.%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Islay.
ABV: 43%.
Unit: 70cl.
Age: 21 Year old.
A 21 year old from Glenfiddich, released to celebrate a century of distillations at the distillery, presented in a Wedgwood decanter.
For sale only within the EEC.

Macallan / Easter Elchies 2012 Release
Macallan / Easter Elchies 2012 Release

£ 900.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 
Strength: 57.2%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside.
ABV: 57.2%.
Unit: 70cl.
For sale only within the EEC.

Macallan / Jim Mcewan's Celtic Heartlands
Macallan / Jim Mcewan's Celtic Heartlands

£ 1,200.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 
Strength: 40.3%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside.
ABV: 40.3%.
Unit: 70cl.
Series: Celtic Heartlands.
Age: 35 Year old.
Year of Distillation: 1969.
Year of Release: 2004.
Bottles: 726
For sale only within the EEC.

Penderyn / Port Wood Single Cask
Penderyn / Port Wood Single Cask

£ 295.00
Country: Welsh
Region: Welsh
Age: 
Strength: 59.%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Welsh.
Unit: 70cl.
ABV: 59%.
Penderyn have announced the release of their popular Port Wood finish whisky in a single cask edition.   Only 231 bottles of the Port Wood-matured Single Cask will be produced, and because the bottles contain whisky from specially selected cask No. PT72, their unique characteristics will remain distinctive and unmatched. The whisky is bottled at a cask strength of 59% and is presented in a handmade American Oak box.  Each bottle is hand labelled, numbered and individually signed by our director, Sian Whitelock.  The bottle and box are finished in a cream stencilling.
Tasting Notes: The rich ruby red colour of this Penderyn port cask matured whisky does not disappoint! The initial nose is one of rich port and fresh red berry fruits. Soon spiciness and fresh oak chime in. The overall effect is both complex and intensely fruity. In the mouth this whisky is both very sweet and mouth drying at the same time while revealing a rich ruby port flavour. Smooth and easy to drink yet we recommend sipping it gently to enjoy its complexity and port flavour. Few port wood matured whiskies are as intense as this one. It leaves a long lingering finish rich in fruit, vanilla and milk chocolate. Savour the moment!

Penderyn / Icons Of Wales "that Try"
Penderyn / Icons Of Wales "that Try"

£ 45.00
Country: Welsh
Region: Welsh
Age: 
Strength: 41.%
70cl

Summary: Country/Region: Welsh.
Unit: 70cl.
ABV: 41%.
As this is Rugby World Cup year we are delighted to announce the launch of Penderyn’s fourth in the series 'Icons of Wales' called simply 'That Try'.
That Try recounts the highlights of the match that took place on 27th January 1973 in a packed Cardiff Arms Park, when the All Blacks’ wing Bryan Williams kicked a high ball into the Barbarians twenty-two, little did he think that less than thirty astonishing seconds later the Baa-Baas would score the greatest try ever seen. The edition, which features a specially commissioned drawing of Gareth on the black bottle, and comes in a handsome black and white box to match the famous Baa-baas kit, is a Peated Single Malt Whisky at 41% abv.
This memorable moment in sporting history has been recounted with the full approval, and by kind permission, of the Barbarian Football Club, whose famous colours and distinctive badge have been the hallmark for fair play and open rugby for the past 125 years. They have committed all royalty fees relating to this product to a charity of their choice.
Tasting Notes: Mild aromas of peat smoke, early morning at the rocky seaside and warm marmalade-on-toast all compete for our attention.  A very fresh and clean whisky, beautifully distilled gives pleasure from the very first sip.  In the mouth it begins with great sweetness before the smoky, slightly medicinal flavours descend.  Slight bitterness follows that leaves a long and lingering fresh taste in the mouth.

Filed Under: Aberlour, American, Ardbeg, Bunnahabhain, Dailuaine, Dalmore, Edencroft Spirit Specialists, Glen Grant, Glendronach, Glenfiddich, Glenury Royal, Highland, Island, Islay, Macallan, New Arrivals, Royal Brackla, Speyside, Talisker, Welsh

New Balblair, Glendronach & Kilchoman Stock From Abbey Whisky!

June 8, 2015 by Gary Leave a Comment

Glendronach The Hielan 8 Year Old £ 33.70

Glendronach The Hielan 8 Year Old
£ 33.70


New Arrivals

Balblair 21 Year Old - 1993 / Cask 1962 / Cask Strength (G&M)
Balblair 21 Year Old – 1993 / Cask 1962 / Cask Strength (G&M)

£ 96.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age: 21 Years Old
Strength: 53.4%
70cl
Vintage: 1993
Bottler: Gordon & MacPhail
Glendronach The Hielan 8 Year Old
Glendronach The Hielan 8 Year Old

£ 33.70
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age: 8 Years Old
Strength: 46%
70cl
Kilchoman 10th Anniversary Release
Kilchoman 10th Anniversary Release

£ 165.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 
Strength: 58.2%
70cl

Filed Under: Abbey Whisky, New Arrivals

The Glen Moray Tweet Tasting!

June 5, 2015 by Gary Leave a Comment

Let the sampling begin!

Let the sampling begin!

Last Wednesday I was lucky enough to be invited to the latest online Tweet Tasting with the opportunity of sampling the delights produced by the Glen Moray Speyside distillery.
The event, once again ably hosted by Steve from The Whisky Wire, gave us the chance to try five different drams including two New Make Spirits – a rare thing indeed.

The malts sampled were:-

  • Glen Moray New Make Spirit
  • Glen Moray Classic
  • Glen Moray Port Cask Finish
  • Glen Moray New Make Peated Spirit
  • Glen Moray Peated Single Malt

If you want to catch up on what all the tasters had to say you can view the tweets by searching for the hash tag #GlenMoray on Twitter.

So, what did I think?

Here are my tasting notes … and the one which was my favourite on the night!

Tasting Notes – Glen Moray New Make Spirit ( 69% )

New Make Spirit is at the core of the dram that will eventually end up in your glass but in this form it’s the raw essence of what will be whisky, once it’s been aged in oak casks for a minimum of 3 years.


Nose: Creamy, raw, fruity! Basically Banana smoothie! White rum with a little malt & barley (reminds me of moonshine) comes thru later.

Palate: Thick mouth feel, oily, sweet plums – God that’s strong!

Finish: Hot, fiery with a passion!

Overall: You have to be careful with the new make – it sent my taste buds flying like a bunch of skittles! Would make a good gin replacement in summer cocktails etc. if they ever retailed it – but I doubt they ever will!

Tasting Notes – Glen Moray Classic ( 40% )

Glen Moray mature their whisky in ex-bourbon barrels sourced from North America.


Nose: Slightly peaty, hint of vanilla & fruit, red apples & pears.

Palate: Very smooth, light with vanilla & fruit. There’s some grapefruit in there as well.

Finish: Peppery but also sweet – nice bit of glowing spice!

Overall: It’s really interesting to dram this after tasting the New Make as you can really taste the new make in there. All muted down of course to save those taste buds! A really nice dram this – nice and easy going!

Tasting Notes – Glen Moray Port Cask Finish ( 40% )

Glen Moray Classic Port Cask is finished for 8 months in Tawny Port casks before being bottled. A lovely rose colour when in the glass – the Twitter community thought this hue was very fetching!


Nose: Very similar to the Classic but there’s also a satisfying porty sweetness.

Palate: Creamy, sweet, jam-like, little bit of tanin.

Finish: Long, spicy finish coupled with a dry, fruity port hit!

Overall: If you like port and a dram with a rosy look to it then you’ll love this! Nicely balanced fruit, spice and sweetness!

Tasting Notes – Glen Moray New Make Peated Spirit ( 69% )

A peated base spirit with around 18ppm phenols.


Nose: Heavy peat, smoke, charcoal – BOOM! No fruit or sweetness at all – just a smokery!

Palate: Pretty much tastes like it noses – full on! Hot and fiery – quite oily – but mainly heavy peat n’ smoke.

Finish: Adding water brings out sweet, salty Liquorice.

Overall: Amazing opportunity to try this New Make but it demands respect – don’t expect it to be gentle with you!

Tasting Notes – Glen Moray Peated Single Malt ( 40% )

Glen Moray Classic Peated Cask is aimed at consumers who want a gentle peated style of whisky.


Nose: Again the Classic foundation is there but it’s infused with a lovely, smoky, albeit quite a shy, peat.

Palate: Very light, sweet with a dash of smoke n’peat – morish!

Finish: Light Liquorice comes thru at the end with a gentle warming finish.

Overall: This is a great peated malt, especially for those who are new to or wishing to explore the world of smokey drams! Great for quiet sipping and relaxing!

My Favourite On The Night

This would normally be the peatier dram but the Classic bags it for me tonight – it is what it says on the label – a Classic!
Their bedrock malt from which all their other styles flow!

A special mention though for the New Makes. Always a rare and welcome opportunity to taste the spirit in it’s original form, just so long as you do it in moderation!

Many thanks to Steve at The Whisky Wire (@TheWhiskyWire) for a great dram evening.

And of course, Glen Moray, for sending the samples and without whom!

If you want to visit, the distillery has a visitor centre which offers tours all year round!

My fellow Tweeters were:-

@TheWhiskyWire @WhiskyCorner @jpbglover11 @kaskwhisky @dvdbloke @msykesjones @godsofgoodison @cache1337 @BeersIveKnown @dramming_uk @MikeJack1976 @macphail_hugh @b7ryn @Pandemoniumd01 @kizzsmyth @TheRedFellow @bobsta1975 @mynameisgone @LaCaveDeCobalt @jdpjamesp @galg @GeorgeHHutton @KatharineSully @AWhetForWhisky @brawspirit @nitin_michael @Girl_Whisky @PMaitlando @whiskymagazine @Whisky_Belfast @julie_gwc @rodbodtoo @MashtunandMeow @JoeFHolmes

Glen Moray is available to buy from these Whisky Merchants:-

  • The Whisky Exchange
  • Master of Malt
  • Edencroft Fine Wine & Spirit Specialists
  • Abbey Whisky
  • Whisky Online
  • The Whisky Barrel
  • The Green Welly Stop

Filed Under: Glen Moray, Sampling, Twitter Tasting, Whisky tasting

Green Spot Unveils First Bordeaux Wine Finished Irish Whiskey!

June 4, 2015 by Gary Leave a Comment

Green Spot Whiskey 2015

Green Spot Whiskey 2015

Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard has unveiled the first ever Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey to be finished in Bordeaux wine casks, Green Spot Château Léoville Barton.

Set in the heart of the Saint Julien appellation in Bordeaux, one of the most revered winemaking regions in the world, Léoville Barton is a grand cru Château renowned for producing world class wine. Léoville Barton is overseen today by Anthony and Lilian Barton, direct descendants of Thomas Barton, a ‘Wine Geese’* winemaker who founded a wine merchant company in 1725, after migrating from his native Ireland.

(*‘Wine Geese’ winemakers migrated from Ireland in the 16th, 17th and 18th Centuries to establish wineries in countries such as France, Spain, Australia and the USA, many of which are considered among the best in the world.)

Green Spot can trace its roots back to Dublin-based wine merchants, Mitchell & Son, who matured, bottled and sold the original Green Spot under bond. Established in 1805, Mitchell & Son aged whiskeys bought from John Jameson’s Bow St Distillery in Dublin in their own casks up until 1968, when the practice of selling whiskey to bonders in cask ceased. From that date, Green Spot was bottled by Irish Distillers who also produce Yellow Spot 12 Year Old and now the new Green Spot Château Léoville Barton.

Initially matured in a traditional mix of ex-Oloroso sherry, new Bourbon and ex-Bourbon barrels the whiskeys were then transferred into the ex-Bordeaux wine casks for between 12 and 24 months. This imparted distinctive, floral flavours of varying intensity, resulting in a perfectly balanced whiskey.

With its fresh taste profile featuring notes of green apple, vanilla, toffee and liquorice, Green Spot has been a favourite among Irish whiskey lovers thanks to the Mitchell family since the 19th Century, so it is an honour to launch a further extension to our Spot family.

Maturing Green Spot in the Château Léoville Barton wine casks provided a fascinating assortment of floral and wood characteristics on the nose and palate, which give way to a long, spicy finish reminiscent of the terroir in France and Ireland.
I hope whiskey fans enjoy this latest addition to our growing Single Pot Still family and join us in toasting this new whiskey resulting from of our shared Irish heritage.
– Kevin O’Gorman: Master of Maturation at the Midleton Distillery

We are delighted to collaborate with the Midleton Distillery to create the new Green Spot Château Léoville Barton.

Having been born in Ireland, whiskey is very close to my heart, and wine has been in my family for hundreds of years, so it is an enormous privilege to be able to merge the two now and share our heritage with the Mitchell family with such an exceptional result.
– Anthony Barton: owner of Château Léoville Barton

Bottled at 46% ABV, Green Spot Château Léoville Barton is available from June in five markets, including Ireland, UK and France.

Green Spot Château Léoville Barton tasting notes by Midleton Master Blender, Billy Leighton

Nose: It is the contribution of the French oak which drives the initial aroma adding some crisp woodland notes to the spicy Single Pot Still character.
The wine seasoning brings a delicate touch of floral perfume and a hint of ripe berries such as raspberries and strawberries, these are in addition to the orchard fruits typical of Green Spot.

Taste: The familiar mouth coating effect is a very satisfying balance of oak and spices. Some vanilla sweetness works in harmony with the dry wine influence, while the fresh orchard fruits and French oak combine effortlessly with barley grains to complete the complexity.

Finish: The rich French oak character is slow to fade leaving the wine and spices of France and Ireland with the last word.

Filed Under: Green Spot, Irish, News

Waterford Crystal Launches New Whisky Collection Just In Time For Fathers Day!

June 3, 2015 by Gary Leave a Comment

Lismore Diamond 7oz Straight Sided Tumbler2

Lismore Diamond 7oz Straight Sided Tumbler2

Waterford is very excited to introduce their Lismore Connoisseur, a new range of specialty barware designed for the perfect enjoyment of whisky.

Lismore Square Decanter

Lismore Square Decanter

The collection includes tumblers and decanters, each handcrafted with beautiful cut crystal designs, and each created with a different whisky connoisseur in mind.

Waterford was first established in 1783 on land adjacent to Merchants’ Quay in the heart of the Irish harbour town of Waterford.
Its founders were two brothers, William and George Penrose, who were important developers and principal exporters in the city.

Their vision was to “create the finest quality crystal for drinking vessels and objects of beauty for the home.”
More than two hundred years later, the reputation established for creating glass of unsurpassed beauty and quality has transcended the intervening centuries.

The Straight Sided Tumbler is for the connoisseur who enjoys their whisky with a splash of water, a dash of soda or an ice cube or two. This tumbler features a universal shape wide enough for the liquor to breathe and perfect for all types of whisky / whiskey or bourbon.

The Rounded Tumbler allows the whisky connoisseur to enjoy a good swirl to appreciate the body and colour of the liquor and is ample enough to accommodate a spot of water or ice. The flared shape of this tumbler makes it extremely comfortable in and allows for a pleasant and “neat” swirling experience with any blended scotch whisky, Irish whiskey or bourbon.

Lismore 7oz Rounded Tumbler

Lismore 7oz Rounded Tumbler

The Flared Sipping Tumbler has a rounded bowl to comfortably warm and swirl the whisky, a pinched middle to concentrate the bouquet, and a flared opening that releases the nuanced nose notes. Crafted for the connoisseur who enjoys sipping their very finest single malt or aged-blend straight, it allows for the full experience of taste and aroma.

Lismore 6oz Flared Sipping Tumbler

Lismore 6oz Flared Sipping Tumbler

The Footed Tasting Tumbler is preferred by connoisseurs for tasting, sampling, sipping and scrupulous evaluation of a whisky’s attributes. It is fashioned with a unique tulip shape to gently allow warming liquor and with a narrower opening to concentrate the bouquet. This is the ultimate tasting tumbler for those who enjoy savouring their rarest single malts or pot blends.

Lismore 5.5 oz Footed Tasting Tumbler

Lismore 5.5 oz Footed Tasting Tumbler

The sophisticated Lismore Connoisseur collection gives a nod to the rising popularity of whisky today.

And just in time for Fathers Day!

See their range here: www.waterford.co.uk

Filed Under: Fathers Day, Waterford

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