Archives for 2015

Jura Release Limited Edition Tastival 2015!

May 27, 2015 by Gary Leave a Comment

Jura Tastival 2015

A limited edition Jura Tastival bottling 2015 is unveiled today, marking the launch of the island’s Tastival 2015 celebrations on 27 & 28 May.

Willie Cochranes Notes

The intriguing notes of this expertly crafted single malt – casked in Sparkling Rose Wine barriques, exclusive to Jura – deliver a festival of flavour for whisky lovers.

With only 3,970 bottles available, Jura Tastival 2015’s rich and fruity flavour is influenced by its maturation in specially selected sparkling wine barrels from the chalk cellars of the House of Bouvet Ladubay in Saumur, Maine-et-Loire, France.

The whisky is non-chill filtered and bottled at cask strength, 52% ABV.

Distilled in 1997 and bottled 18 years later, Jura Tastival 2015, is full of distinctive flavour notes. Fans of the brand may detect raspberries and a hint of spice on the nose, with tangy blackcurrants and ginger spiced pears to taste.

A collaboration with Drygate Brewing Co. will also see a limited edition craft beer released to pair with Jura Tastival 2015, inspired by the aromatic single malt.

Richard Patersons Notes

Made in an extremely limited run, this beer will be available to taste at an on island craft beer session held as part of Tastival 2015, or on tap at Drygate during the week of the festival.

Our annual Tastival celebrations are much anticipated by Jura fans, so it’s fitting that we release an extraordinary, limited edition single malt each year to mark the occasion.
This year’s festival focuses on bringing taste to life, and Jura Tastival 2015 does just that, with a fruity, character-filled dram, that we’re sure our customers will interpret in a number of exciting ways.
– Willie Cochrane: Jura Distillery Manager

Jura Tastival 2015 is on sale now for £85 at the whisky festival and from selected whisky specialists.

Single Pot Still Irish Whiskeys of Midleton Google Hangout Now Available To Watch Online!

May 27, 2015 by Gary Leave a Comment

Single Pot Still Irish Whiskeys of Midleton Google Hangout Now Available To Watch Online!

The YouTube video is now available to watch online!

On Monday, May 18th, in honour of World Whisky Day, the Masters of The Midleton Distillery will come together for their first ever live Google Hangout ON AIR.

Broadcast live from the Foundry in Dublin’s Google HQ, the show will be streamed from 6pm GMT.

The event aims to raise awareness and educate whisk(e)y lovers about Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey.

Hosted by International Brand Ambassador, Dave McCabe, who will discuss all things Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey with Master Distiller Brian Nation, Master Blender Billy Leighton, Master of Maturation Kevin O’Gorman, Master of Whiskey Science David Quinn and Master Cooper Ger Buckley.

The seminar will cover everything from the history of Single Pot Still Irish whiskey, the Midleton Distillery’s unique maturation and wood programme as well as a tasting of some of the most revered Single Pot Still Irish whiskeys, Redbreast 12 Year Old, Green Spot, Powers John’s Lane and Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy.

New Arrivals Of Classic Malts From Edencroft!

May 26, 2015 by Gary Leave a Comment

Glen Garioch / Founder’s Reserve

New Arrivals

Caol Ila / 27 Rare Edition
£ 275.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 27 Years Old
Strength: 52.2%.
70cl

Summary: Douglas Laing & Co. proudly offer this fine example of the Distillers’ Art as a special selection from their oldest stocks of whisky. No water is added to reduce its strength, as the Angel’s share has already taken care of that. No caramel, colouring is added, so that you can see it’s pure and natural colour. They have chosen to bottle this malt without chill-filtration in the old fashioned and traditional style. By so doing, they leave in the entire Distillers’ preferred qualities apparent on the nose, palate and finish – self evident when you remove the cork. As you can see on the label, this is one bottle of a very restricted offering, which once consumed, cannot ever be repeated. On the nose, detect a harbourlike quality with an Islay ferry, oily engine room style plus late soft summer tar. The palate opens softly and sweetly spiced, developing to a richly smoked, softly peated character. On the finish, waves of smoke and spices intermingle and run to a hot chilli amd dark chocolate trait plus a late mentholated style.

Glenturret 26 Year Old / 1986 Hunter Laing
£ 250.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highlands
Age:
Strength: 46.8%
70cl

Summary: GLENTURRET DISTILLERY was licensed in 1775 but had been distilling illicitly since 1717 and can therefore claim to be THE OLDEST DISTILLERY IN SCOTLAND.
In keeping with this long history the distillery retains some unique traditions, mashing grist by hand and slowly fermenting the wort in wooden washbacks, for twice as long as other distilleries, to produce an extraordinarily smooth and fruity spirit. The middle cut of the spirit is selected by hand not by computer as it is in other distilleries.
Having worked closely with the Edrington Group, Hunter Laing & Co. Ltd is pleased to offer this exclusive limited-release of Glenturret 26 years old single Highland Malt whisky.
Bottled at natural cask-strength and without chill-filtration or artificial colouring, this small-batch release is a wonderful example of this small, artisanal distillery’s production. Matured in refill-bourbon casks specially selected from the distillery’s own stocks by its Master Blender, the whisky has a velvety palate with toffee notes and a vanilla sweetness combined with the unmistakeable fruitiness of ripe pineapples.
Limited to 2400 bottles worldwide and presented in a wooden gift box with accompanying certificate, this officially-licenced bottling of Glenturret 26 years old is available exclusively to partners of Hunter Laing & Co Ltd.
Colour: Golden to dark straw in colour, its tint speaks clearly of its long maturation in North American oak;
Nose: The whisky is wonderfully complex on the nose with sweet, fruity notes such as toffee apples combining with strong confectionery elements including milk chocolate & caramel along with toffee popcorn & fragrant woody notes including sandalwood & furniture polish. With the addition of some water it then becomes a little briny & musty;
Taste: On the palate, this Glenturret remains sweet with sherbet, some gentle spice and toffee notes. The caramel and golden syrup notes carry across from the nose to the palate and combine with an appealing vanilla sweetness;
Finish: The finish is medium to long, with caramel and ginger spice lingering on the palate.
Country/Region: Scotland/Highlands.
Age: 26 Year Old.
Unit: 70cl
ABV: 46.8%

Tullibardine / 1990 23 Year Old / Cask #10453 / Old Malt Cask
£ 99.50
Country: Scotland
Region: Highlands
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.
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.
Country/Region: Scotland/Highlands.
Unit: 70cl
ABV: 50%
Cask: 10453.
Bottles from Cask:
Age: 23 Year Old
Distilled/Bottled: 319.
Ratings: 95 Points / Jim Murrays's 2015 Whisky Bible.
©Tasting Notes from Jim Murray's 2015 Whisky Bible.

Ancnoc / 12 Year Old Single Highland Malt
£ 27.50
Country: Scotland
Region: Highlands
Age:
Strength: 46.%
70cl

Summary: The anCnoc 12 Year Old is renowned the world over. Known as a must have in any whisky drinkers collection, it’s light and yet complex. Smooth yet challenging. And each twist and turn delivers a surprise. In fact, this is a dram that has something for everyone.
Nose: Soft, very aromatic with a hint of honey and lemon in the foreground.
Colour: Amber with a slight yellow hue.
Taste: Sweet to start with an appetising fruitiness and a long smooth finish. A malt for every occasion.
Country/Region: Scotland/Highlands.
ABV: 46%.
Unit: 70cl.
Ratings: 94 Points – Jim Murray's 2013 Whisky Bible.

Glen Garioch / Founder's Reserve
£ 30.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highlands
Age:
Strength: 48.%
70cl

Summary: The quintessential Glen Garioch, Founder’s Reserve celebrates the brothers who first established the distillery and the 200 plus years of craftsmanship that goes into every bottle that bears the Manson name.
Nose: Warm amber in appearance, sweet vanilla and subtle spice combine with fruitier green apple and grapefruits on the nose.
Palete: Butter cream and vanilla pave the way to fruity green apple skin and citrus cleanliness, leading to an elegant and subtle finish.
Country/Region: Scotland/Highlands.
Unit: 70cl.
ABV: 48%.

Glendronach / Uk Exclusive / 1990 / 23 Year Old Px Sherry Puncheon Cask #1240
£ 175.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age:
Strength: 50.%
70cl

Summary: 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.
Country/Region: Scotland/Highland.
ABV: 50%.
Unit: 70cl.
Distilled/Bottled: 1990/2013.
Age: 23 Year Old.
Bottles from Cask: 647.

Glendronach / Uk Exclusive / 1994 / 19 Year Old Oloroso Sherry Cask #67
£ 140.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highlands
Age:
Strength: 56.8%
70cl

Summary: 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.
Country/Region: Scotland/Highlands.
ABV: 56.8%.
Unit: 70cl.
Distilled/Bottled: 1994/2013.
Age: 19 Year Old.
Bottles from Cask: 625.

Glendronach / Uk Exclusive / 1995 / 19 Year Old Px Sherry Puncheon Cask #3250
£ 115.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highlands
Age:
Strength: 52.5%
70cl

Summary: 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.
Country/Region: Scotland/Highlands.
Distilled: July 1995.
Bottled: September 2014.
Age: 19 Year Old.
ABV: 52.5%.
Unit: 70cl.
Bottles filled from Cask: 554.

Glendronach / Uk Exclusive / 1995 / 19 Year Old Oloroso Sherry Puncheon Cask #4887
£ 105.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highlands
Age:
Strength: 55.4%
70cl

Summary: 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.
Country/Region: Scotland/Highlands.
Distilled: June 1995.
Bottled: September 2014.
Unit: 70cl.
ABV: 55.4%.
Bottles filled from Cask: 542.

Glenmorangie / Tùsail
£ 77.50
Country: Scotland
Region: Highlands
Age:
Strength: 46.%
70cl

Summary: The 6th release from Glenmorangie's award-winning Private Edition, Tùsail is the product of a carefully-selected parcel of Maris Otter barley, floor-malted by hand using traditional techniques, and non chill-filtered.
A rich winter variety of barley first introduced in 1965, Maris Otter was bred specifically to meet the demand for a high quality brewing malt and recognized for its ability to impart rich, rustic malty flavours. Now used only by a select few who continue, like Glenmorangie, to uphold an ethos of sacrificing yield for quality by using only the finest ingredients, the result is a whisky celebrating the variety’s renowned taste profile.
Aroma: Deep earthy, robust aromas of malty, biscuity tones, with a backbone of nut toffee.
Taste: A rich, rustic profile of nut toffee, sweet barley malt, ginger, cinnamon, and dates in molasses complements more familiar Glenmorangie notes of peaches, oranges and smoked pears.
Finish: Tùsail lingers on with a mouth-coating finish.
Country/Region: Scotland/Highlands.
Unit: 70cl.
ABV: 46%.

Old Pulteney / 35 Year Old Single Highland Malt
£ 495.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highlands
Age:
Strength: 42.5%
70cl

Summary: The embodiment of our Distillery’s exceptional craftsmanship, this new expression is matured in American ex-bourbon and Spanish ex-sherry casks which have been expertly hand selected by our Distillery Manager, Malcolm Waring. The eye catching detail and design of the limited edition reflects our rich maritime heritage, which includes a stunning wooden box with porthole revealing the unique Old Pulteney bottle which carries the classic herring drifter, which has become a symbol of the brand.
Colour: Light amber.
Nose: The initial wave of honey sweetness, exotic spices and citrus is followed by fruit cake and bitter chocolate. Over time gentle undertones open up with hints of fresh vanilla and sticky toffee pudding. A truly indulgent whisky on the nose enriched and fabulously balanced by the long maturation.
Taste: Full bodied and bursting with attitude. This exceptional dram is sweet and spicy and quickly develops a range of signature Old Pulteney flavours from honey, rum soaked raisins and Californian oranges to the heavier notes of seasoned leather, pralines and a touch of the salty North Sea air. A slow long finish with gentle waves of dried fruit and silky tannins.
Country/Region: Scotland/Highlands.
Unit: 70cl.
ABV: 42.5%.

Kilchoman / Loch Gorm 2015
£ 62.50
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age:
Strength: 46.%
70cl

Summary: Kilchoman launch third annual Loch Gorm limited edition release
Independent farm distillery, Kilchoman, will be releasing a limited edition Loch Gorm Single Malt Whisky in March. Only a limited quantity of the exclusive bottling will be available and if past releases are anything to go by, it will sell quickly.
This is the third annual Loch Gorm Single Malt to be released by Kilchoman. Each release is differentiated by the distillation and bottling dates on the front of the bottle and gift carton.
Kilchoman’s Loch Gorm releases are traditionally matured in ex Oloroso sherry butts and this latest edition is no exception. Where the 2015 version differs from the previous year is the use of sherry hogsheads to mature a portion of the whisky rather than just sherry butts. This edition will also be marginally older than the five year old 2014 version, it being bottled from casks filled in both 2009 and 2010.
Anthony Wills, Founder and Managing Director of Kilchoman, said: “As well as this year’s release being slightly older, we decided to increase the ratio of single malt matured in smaller sherry hogsheads versus that matured in larger sherry butts. This increases the influence from the sherry casks and gives the whisky a striking intensity and richness. That said, the whisky retains the balance and complexity Kilchoman releases are well-known for.”
This range is named after a famously peaty loch over looked by the distillery; Kilchoman draws water for the production of Loch Gorm and their other releases from the burn that runs into the loch.
Colour: Deep and rich.
Nose: Soft, spicy and rich with light smoke dark chocolate and citrus fruit.
Palate: Soft fruits and peat smoke with a rich sweet finish.
Finish: Long and sweet, lingering smoke, well balanced.
Country/Region: Scotland/Islay.
Unit: 70cl.
ABV: 46%

Benriach / Uk Exclusive / 1999 / 15 Year Old Px Sherry Puncheon Cask #9150
£ 64.45
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 15 Years Old
Strength: 55%.
70cl

Summary: 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. .

Longmorn 1967 Rare Vintage / Gordon & Macphail
£ 450.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age:
Strength: 43.%
70cl

Summary: Longmorn Distillery is found between Glen of Rothes and Elgin. Its name is derived from the Gaelic, Lhanmorgund, which means "place of the holy man". This is a reference to the church which once stood there. Prior to the distillery being built in 1897, there had also been a grain mill on the site. R.J.S. McDowell considered Longmorn to be one of the top four malt whiskies.
Aroma without water: Soft and delicate, with a soft sweet Sherry nose, which mingles with ripe nectarine notes and hint of marzipan.
Taste without water: Initially sweet with a warming spiciness, ground black pepper. Stewed fruit and citrus flavours develop.
Aroma with water: Sweet and fresh with honey and a touch of aniseed. Sherry influences remain.
Taste with water: Creamy and rich with orange citrus fruit, stewed fruits and touch of pepper.
Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside.
Unit: 70cl.
Abv: 43%.
Age: 45 Year Old.
Distilled/Bottled: 1967/2012.
Ratings: 94 Points – Jim Murray's 2014 Whisky Bible.

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

Buffalo Trace / Benchmark
£ 19.25
Country: American
Region: American
Age:
Strength: 40.%
70cl

Summary: Named after the McAfee brothers who surveyed a site just north of Frankfort in the late 1700s, this rye recipe bourbon is yet another label that honors the storied history of the Distillery and the land it sits on.
Tasting Notes: The nose bears caramel notes with a delicate stone-fruit backdrop. A robust and sturdy palate with some fine leather notes mingling with dry tobacco, a touch of oak and a hint of dried cherries. The finish is smooth and calming.
Country/Region: USA/Kentucky.
Unit: 70cl.
ABV: 40%.
Ratings: Gold Medal – 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Stagg Jr
£ 75.00
Country: American
Region: American
Age:
Strength: 67.2%
75cl

Summary: George T. Stagg built the most dominant American distillery of the 19th century, during a time known as the Gilded Age of Bourbon. Uncut and unfiltered, this robust bourbon whiskey ages for nearly a decade and boasts the bold character that is reminiscent of the man himself.
Tasting Notes: Rich, sweet, chocolate and brown sugar flavors mingle in perfect balance with the bold rye spiciness. The boundless finish lingers with hints of cherries, cloves and smokiness.
Country/Region: USA/Kentucky.
Unit: 75cl.
ABV: 67.2%.
Ratings: Double Gold Medal – 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Gordon & Macphail Benriach, Glendronach, Macallan New Arrivals From Edencroft!

May 19, 2015 by Gary Leave a Comment

Gordon & Macphail Benriach / 12 Year Old Sherry Wood

New Arrivals

Gordon & Macphail Benriach / 12 Year Old Sherry Wood
£ 37.85
Country: Scotland
Region:
Age:
Strength:

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside.
ABV: 43%
Unit: 70cl
Ratings: 95.5 points / Jim Murray's 2015 Whisky Bible.
This rich, aromatic Single Malt Scotch Whisky has been created by marrying together whiskies matured in Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez Sherry Butts sourced from Jerez, Southern Spain.
Nose: Mocha, dark chocolate, sultanas and rich spices.
Colour: Deep gold – bronze.
Taste: The combination of Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez Sherry casks gives a wonderful balance of mocha and dark chocolate interwoven with figs, sultanas, vanilla, fruits and rich spices.

Gordon & Macphail Glendronach / Cask Strength / Batch 4
£ 55.95
Country: Scotland
Region:
Age:
Strength:

Summary: A classic GlenDronach exactly as they made it – cask strength, non chill filtered and at natural colour. The cask strength has been matured in a combination of Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso sherry casks. The first batch comprises of some 12,000 bottles and is bottled at 54.8%. Batch 2 has been bottled at 55.2% and batch 3 at 54.9%. The GlenDronach Cask Strength batch 4 was bottled at 54.7%.
Colour: Dark rich amber with a glint of burnished copper.
Nose: Delicious molten toffee and wild honey poured over ripe figs and dates. Subtle hints of tangerine, coffee grounds and a dusting of cinnamon add a perfect balance to the nose.
Palate: Vibrant oak spices and warming stem ginger compliment the rich sherry and dark fruit characteristics. Waves of sour plums and subtle gingerbread combine with stewed barley and roasted coffee beans, softened by a gentle hint of walnut.
Finish: A perfect harmony of the finest sherry casks and traditional Highland characteristics.

Gordon & Macphail Glendronach / Uk Exclusive / 1995 / Cask# 3326
£ 93.50
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 19 Years Old
Strength: 55%.
70cl

Summary: Distilled: June 1995.
Bottled: July 2014.
Age: 19 Year Old.
Cask Type: Pedro Ximenez Sherry Puncheon.
Nose: Deep amber gold.
Colour: Soft, well-rounded oak spices combine perfectly with rich plum juice and dates. Hints of citrus and cedar wood add a crisp contrast to the initial soft nose.
Taste: Lashings of dark fruit syrup and a dark chocolate depth are warmed by cracked black pepper and touches of orange bitters. The long finish explodes with traditional sherry characteristics.
.

Gordon & Macphail Macallan / Elliott Erwitt Edition / Print 22
£ 945.00
Country: Scotland
Region:
Age:
Strength:

Summary: It is with great pride that we can reveal, Elliott Erwitt, the world’s most influential living photographer, as the fourth edition of our award-winning Masters of Photography series. You will recognise his work as some of the most iconic and powerful photographs of our time, including the incredibly poignant portrait of Jackie Kennedy at her husband’s funeral, and intimate shots of Marilyn Monroe on the set of The Misfits.
The Masters of Photography: Elliott Erwitt Edition sees Elliott interpret the unique richness and quirkiness of our Scottish character through his clever observational skills and subtle humorous style. His ‘Great Scottish Adventure’, puts the focus solely on the heartland of our precious single malt whisky.
This edition is without doubt our most extensive, and ambitious, to date with 58 unique single cask whiskies being paired with a different signed Elliott Erwitt print captured during his Scottish adventure. There are just 35 sets available worldwide, so, if you get your hands on one of the highly covetable bottles it will be just one of 35 ever produced. This collection is completely unique in terms of its scale and breadth of single cask malt Scotch whiskies, each of which has been personally selected by our Whisky Maker Bob Dalgarno to interpret the very essence of the photograph it is matched with. The range showcases the stunning spectrum of natural colours our whisky produces, coupled with the amazing array of flavours (from citrus and vanilla to toffee and dried fruit) and variety of strengths – makes it an outstanding collection of single malt whiskies.
Shot against dramatically different backdrops in the Highlands and Islands, Glasgow and Edinburgh, Elliott captures the beauty of the perfect moment. His collection showcases the traditions and eccentricities of the Scottish people, as well as, his most loved subjects – dogs. The Elliott Erwitt Edition comprises a bespoke photo-archival book featuring a total of 158 images, shot by Elliott during his Scottish trip. With his signature playfulness in mind and in true Elliott style, a handmade glass flask containing the single cask malt whisky is concealed within the pages of the book.
In Elliott’s own words; “Photography is an art of observation – it’s about creating something extraordinary out of the ordinary. You choose a frame and then wait until the right time for something magical to come along and fill it. I realised while working on this project that this is exactly the way Bob, the Whisky Maker, works when creating The Macallan. He envisages how he wants a particular whisky to taste, selects the perfect cask to create it, and then he waits! Timing is everything”.
58 unique single cask whiskies have been paired with a different signed Elliott Erwitt print captured during his Great Scottish Adventure. Only 35 of each of the exclusive pairings are available, making a complete global release of 2,030. The Elliott Erwitt Edition comprises a bespoke photo-archival book featuring a total of 158 images, shot by Elliott during the process, with a 37.5cl handmade glass flask containing a single cask malt whisky concealed within its pages.
This collection is completely unique in terms of its scale and breadth of single cask malt Scotch whiskies, each of which has been personally selected by Whisky Maker Bob Dalgarno to interpret the character of its corresponding photograph.
"The incredible richness and depth of character found in every Macallan whisky lends itself perfectly to this year's Masters of Photography offering. Selecting 58 individual single cask malt whiskies to bring to life Elliott's 58 favourite images of his Great Scottish Adventure was wonderfully challenging – tasting the image through the whisky and the whisky through the image on such an unprecedented scale was inspiring," remarks Bob Dalgarno, Whisky Maker, The Macallan.

Abbey Whisky New Arrivals: Lots Of Perfectly Packaged Dram Heaven!

May 18, 2015 by Gary Leave a Comment

Glenturret 18 Year Old Single Cask / Vintage 1993

New Arrivals

Mackmyra Brukswhisky / The Swedish Whisky
£ 39.90
Country: Sweden
Region: Swedish
Age:
Strength: 41.4%
70cl

Compass Box Hedonism Quindecimus / 15th Anniversary
£ 126.00
Country: Scotland
Region:
Age:
Strength: 46%
70cl

Linkwood 15 Year Old / Gordon & MacPhail / 1980s
£ 120.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 15 Years Old
Strength: 40%
75cl

Bruichladdich 10 Year Old / 1990s
£ 118.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 10 Years Old
Strength: 40%
70cl

Compass Box Hedonism
£ 61.90
Country: Scotland
Region:
Age:
Strength: 43%
70cl

Port Charlotte 2002 / 12 Year Old / SMWS 127.42
£ 132.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 12 Years Old
Strength: 63%
70cl
Vintage: 2002
Bottler: SMWS

Aberlour aBunadh / Batch 50
£ 48.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age:
Strength: 59.6%
70cl

Kininvie Batch 3 – 23 Year Old / 1991
£ 126.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 23 Years Old
Strength:
35cl
Vintage: 1991
Bottler: Distillery Bottling

Caol Ila 2001 / Hermitage Wood Finish / Gordon & MacPhail
£ 51.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 13 Years Old
Strength: 45%
70cl
Vintage: 2001
Bottler: Gordon & MacPhail

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

Clynelish 15 Year Old – 1998 / Cask Strength (G&M)
£ 68.90
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age: 15 Years Old
Strength: 58%
70cl
Vintage: 1998
Bottler: Gordon & MacPhail

Caol Ila 10 Year Old – 2004 / Cask Strength / G&M
£ 54.90
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 10 Years Old
Strength: 60.1%
70cl
Vintage: 2004
Bottler: Gordon & MacPhail

Highland Park 8 Year Old – 2006 / Cask Strength / G&M
£ 48.50
Country: Scotland
Region: Island
Age: 8 Years Old
Strength: 58%
70cl
Vintage: 2006
Bottler: Gordon & MacPhail

Glentauchers 18 Year Old – 1995 / Cask Strength / G&M
£ 76.60
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 18 Years Old
Strength: 58.3%
70cl
Vintage: 1995
Bottler: Gordon & MacPhail

Bruichladdich 22 Year Old – 1991 / Cask Strength / G&M
£ 112.50
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 22 Years Old
Strength: 52.4%
70cl
Vintage: 1991
Bottler: Bruichladdich

Balvenie Single Barrel / 15 Year Old / Cask 16286
£ 84.95
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 15 Years Old
Strength: 47.8%
70cl

Fettercairn 1997 / Connoisseurs Choice / Bottled 2014
£ 45.50
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age:
Strength: 46%
70cl
Vintage: 1997
Bottler: Gordon & MacPhail

Glencadam 1991 / Connoisseurs Choice / Bottled 2013
£ 74.40
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age:
Strength: 46%
70cl
Vintage: 1991
Bottler: Gordon & MacPhail

Caol Ila 2003 / Connoisseurs Choice / Bottled 2015
£ 42.20
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age:
Strength: 46%
70cl
Vintage: 2003
Bottler: Gordon & MacPhail

Arran 2006 / Connoisseurs Choice / Bottled 2015
£ 34.32
Country: Scotland
Region: Island
Age:
Strength: 46%
70cl
Vintage: 2006
Bottler: Gordon & MacPhail

Tullibardine 1993 / Connoisseurs Choice / Bottled 2008
£ 68.40
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age:
Strength: 46%
70cl
Vintage: 1993
Bottler: Gordon & MacPhail

Benromach 10 Year Old / 100Â° Proof
£ 48.24
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 10 Years Old
Strength: 57%
70cl

Benromach 10 Year Old
£ 34.60
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 10 Years Old
Strength: 43%
70cl

Glenturret 18 Year Old Single Cask / Vintage 1993
£ 168.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age: 18 Years Old
Strength: 59.8%
70cl
Vintage: 1993
Bottler: Distillery Bottling

Glenturret 10 Year Old
£ 32.45
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age: 10 Years Old
Strength: 40%
70cl

The Black Grouse Alpha Edition
£ 35.90
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age:
Strength: 40%
70cl

Kilchoman 100% Islay / Fifth Edition
£ 67.25
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 5 Years Old
Strength: 50%
70cl

Springbank 17 Year Old – Sherry Wood
£ 120.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Campeltown
Age: 17 Years Old
Strength: 52.3%
70cl

Glendronach 18 Year Old Marsala Finish
£ 125.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age: 18 Years Old
Strength: 46%
70cl

Single Pot Still Irish Whiskeys of Midleton Google Hangout!

May 18, 2015 by Gary Leave a Comment

Single Pot Still Irish Whiskeys of Midleton Google Hangout

On Monday, May 18th, in honour of World Whisky Day, the Masters of The Midleton Distillery will come together for their first ever live Google Hangout ON AIR.

Broadcast live from the Foundry in Dublin’s Google HQ, the show will be streamed from 6pm GMT.

The event aims to raise awareness and educate whisk(e)y lovers about Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey.

The link to the live Single Pot Still Irish Whiskeys of Midleton Google Hangout ON AIR will go live one hour prior to the event

You can also follow along on Twitter with the hashtags #SinglePotStill & #WorldWhiskyDay

Cutty Sark Twitter Tasting: A 33 Year Old, 3 Cocktails & 1 Fridge!

May 15, 2015 by Gary Leave a Comment

The Line Up!

Cutty Sark have teamed up with White Lyan for the latest inspired & educational Tweet Tasting event, which was once again ably hosted by Steve from The Whisky Wire.

We were given a chance to get our taste buds on and around their 33 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky, a rare dram indeed as only 3456 bottles have been produced globally.

Leading the sampling was Cutty Sark’s whisky blender @Kirsteen Campbell.

White Lyan, which was named ‘Best New International Cocktail Bar 2014’, were tasked with producing some cocktails for this tasting event and they did not disappoint. Their innovative style and perfectionism nailed it on the night.

The cocktails sampled were:-

Cutty Sark Artists Special

Cutty Sark Seelbach

Cutty Sark Old Fashioned

Tasting Notes – Cutty Sark 33 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky ( 41.75% )

Cutty Sark 33 Year Old

Focusing on the exciting Art Deco period of the 1920s and early 1930s this limited edition bottling has been released by Cutty Sark to celebrate a time when Cutty Sark blended Scotch whisky found its way into America.

Once there, it flourished within the emerging cocktail culture and changed the face of Scotch whisky forever.

The distinctive bottle, designed especially for this new expression, is beautifully decorated with sunburst and geometric designs in the style symbolic of this significant era.

Presented in a piano black wooden box inlaid with mother of pearl, it also contains two decorated glasses and a stunning 32-page book which provides a brief insight into the iconic Art Deco period.

As to the specific content of this 33 Year Old? It’s a blend of whiskies from 22 casks over 9 different distilleries …. and the rest is top secret!

Cutty Sark 33 Year Old is available from their online shop.

Nose: Toffee, fudge & vanilla straight off! Closely followed by sweet red apples, herbs. Very mellow.

Palate: Rich, fruity cake mix. Smooth honey, fudge and spices with little hints of grapefruit. There’s a little wood in there as well.

Finish: Wonderfully long, sweet finish with a gentle spiciness thrown in!

Overall: Excellent dram and amazing packaging – what is there not to like? Well not much – the £650 price tag may reign you in a bit though!

Tasting Notes – Cutty Sark Artists Special

Cutty Sark Artists Special

Cutty Sark, Oloroso sherry, Redcurrant & Lemon
(circa. 1927)
– Poured from the fridge into a frozen cocktail glass

What first hits me is the sweet and fruitness with, strangely, a hint of ginger – yum!

There’s a heavy taste and texture of Oloroso sherry and I love the way the whisky cuts thru the sherry sweetness to add some OOMPH!

All in all, it’s a well balanced feast of, tangy lemon, sweet sherry and warming whisky!

Tasting Notes – Cutty Sark Seelbach

Cutty Sark Seelbach

Cutty Sark, Triple Sec & Bitters
(circa 1917)
– Poured from fridge into a chilled champagne flute & topped up with 75ml. fresh soda water

Intensely fruity and sweet, strong and bitter – all at once – Nice!

Orange n’ lemon with a lovely bitterness that compliments each other perfectly

Fizzy, sharp, gorgeous!

These cocktails are SO morish! 🙂 #watchout

Tasting Notes – Cutty Sark Old Fashioned

Cutty Sark Old Fashioned

Cutty Sark, Beeswax, Bitters & Gold Flakes
(circa 1800 to 1880)
– Poured from fridge into a frozen whisky glass

Everyone was captivated by the gold flakes dancing about in this cocktail; re-assurance was sought that they were okay to consume.

But all was well – edible gold it was!

As expected from the beeswax, there was rich honey with a floral and creamy sweetness.

Ths was topped off with a spicy warmth.

My Favourite Cocktail On The Night

Difficult one this. Morish they all are, tasty they all are but I’m going for the Seelbach – long, fizzy, sharp, fruity, gorgeous!

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 #CuttySark33 on Twitter.

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

Also, many thanks to the team at White Lyan (@WhiteLyan) for preparing & sending such amazing samples!

Visit them in London to taste their inspired creations – Open 7 days from 5pm. Reservations available via their website – takeaway cocktails are also available!

And of course, Cutty Sark Whisky (@cuttysarkblend), without whom! (They also have an excellent online shop!)

My fellow Tweeters were:-

@TheWhiskyWire @WhiskyDiscovery @WhiskyCorner @steveprentice @Perfect_Scotch @whiskytube @ben_cops @EdinburghWhisky @GreatDrams @JohnnieStumbler @raithrover @TonyWTC @Sherry_Ben @AlpacaJo @The_Lady_Sybil @Whisky_Magazine @MaltNerd @Whisky_Belfast @whiskyrepublic @rodbodtoo @MikeJack1976 @julie_gwc @BeersIveKnown @TheWhiskyKiwi @MashtunandMeow @msykesjones @mynameisgone @AWhetForWhisky @NeilMacKinnon1

Cutty Sark is also 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

Abbey Whisky: Collectable New Arrivals!

May 12, 2015 by Gary Leave a Comment

Clynelish 24 Year Old – 1989 / Single Cask #5890

New Arrivals

Clynelish 24 Year Old – 1989 / Single Cask #5890
£ 127.50
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age: 24 Years Old
Strength: 52%
70cl
Vintage: 1989
Bottler: Carn Mor

Lagavulin 16 Year Old
£ 62.40
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 16 Years Old
Strength: 43%
70cl

Blair Athol 8 Year Old / 1980s
£ 168.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age: 8 Years Old
Strength: 40%
75cl

Littlemill 8 Year Old / 1970s
£ 228.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Lowland
Age: 8 Years Old
Strength: 43%
75cl

Glendronach Cask Strength / Batch 4
£ 53.50
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age:
Strength: 54.7%
70cl

Adelphis Fascadale Batch 8 / Cara McKinnon Crawford
£ 84.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Island
Age: 14 Years Old
Strength: 46%
70cl

Robbie Burns 1970s / Famed Old Scotch Whisky
£ 105.00
Country: Scotland
Region:
Age:
Strength:
75.7cl

Rowans Creek Straight Kentucky Bourbon
£ 43.80
Country: America
Region: American
Age:
Strength: 50.5%
70cl

Chivas Regal Releases The Icon!

May 6, 2015 by Gary Leave a Comment

Chivas Regal The Icon

Chivas Regal has unveiled the pinnacle of the Chivas Regal range – Chivas Regal The Icon, a new ultra prestige Scotch whisky.

A blend of some of the rarest and oldest whiskies available

Created with a blend of some of the rarest and oldest whiskies available to Chivas Regal, a proportion from distilleries now lost forever, Chivas Regal The Icon will be available in Dubai Duty Free from May and globally from September at a price of $3,500.

Blending Chivas Regal’s heritage with the unparalleled expertise of Master Blender Colin Scott, Chivas Regal The Icon is a luxury Scotch with extraordinary depth and complexity.
Crafted with over 20 of Scotland’s rarest whiskies, Chivas Regal The Icon includes single malts from Strathisla, the oldest continuously operating distillery in the Scottish Highlands, Longmorn and Glen Keith distilleries.
Each year the Master Blender will produce a limited number of bottles of this luxurious Scotch whisky, making it a must have product for whisky adorers and collectors alike.

Presented in an elegant bottle, each decanter of Chivas Regal The Icon has been hand-blown by dedicated master craftsmen at Dartington Crystal before being hand-filled with the luxury liquid.
The glass is etched with careful precision before being dressed with finely crafted metalwork, while the green colour pays tribute to the original Chivas Regal bottle from 1909.

We are very proud to establish a new standard in precious Scotch whisky with Chivas Regal The Icon and we will continue to lead the way in crafting luxury Scotch that impresses Chivas fans and sophisticated whisky aficionados.
Chivas Regal The Icon is Chivas Regal at its very best, the new pinnacle of the range.
– Richard Black: Chivas Regal Global Brand Director

Chivas Regal The Icon is a truly exquisite blend. I feel very honoured to be the Master Blender to present this luxury Scotch which features rich notes of honey, vanilla and dark chocolate balanced by subtle hazelnut influences from the cask. Chivas Regal The Icon delivers a long and luxurious finish in the smooth Chivas signature style.
– Colin Scott: Master Blender for Chivas Regal

Edencroft New Whisky Arrivals & The Cheshire Whisky Event Update!

May 5, 2015 by Gary Leave a Comment

Laphroaig / 15 Year Old / 200th Anniversary Edition

New Arrivals

Edencroft	Glendullan / 1999 14 Year Old / Cask #10124 / Old Malt Cask Edition £ 67.75 Country: Scotland Region: Speyside Age: 14 Years Old 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. 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 ©.
Edencroft	Glendronach / Cask Strength / Batch 4 £ 55.95 Country: Scotland Region: Age: Strength: Summary: A classic GlenDronach exactly as they made it – cask strength, non chill filtered and at natural colour. The cask strength has been matured in a combination of Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso sherry casks. The first batch comprises of some 12,000 bottles and is bottled at 54.8%. Batch 2 has been bottled at 55.2% and batch 3 at 54.9%. The GlenDronach Cask Strength batch 4 was bottled at 54.7%. Colour: Dark rich amber with a glint of burnished copper. Nose: Delicious molten toffee and wild honey poured over ripe figs and dates. Subtle hints of tangerine, coffee grounds and a dusting of cinnamon add a perfect balance to the nose. Palate: Vibrant oak spices and warming stem ginger compliment the rich sherry and dark fruit characteristics. Waves of sour plums and subtle gingerbread combine with stewed barley and roasted coffee beans, softened by a gentle hint of walnut. Finish: A perfect harmony of the finest sherry casks and traditional Highland characteristics.
Edencroft	Glenrothes / 1997 16 Year Old / Cask #10435 / Old Malt Cask Edition £ 77.15 Country: Scotland Region: Speyside Age: 16 Years Old 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. 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 ©.
Edencroft	Highland Park / Odin £ 420.00 Country: Scotland Region: Age: Strength: Summary: Highland Park Odin represents a single malt Scotch whisky worthy of its namesake – the formidable and commanding ruler of Asgard. Its intense complexity ensures this final release is deserving of its rightful place at the head of the Valhalla Collection. Colour: Vivid burst of sunlight. Nose: This intense whisky possesses a fierce spice; cinnamon bark and nutmeg rise from Odin’s spirit. Behind the spice, toasted walnuts smoulder with pulsating explosions of smoke. Odin cuts an ominous figure and this whisky is no different. Palate: A huge, powerful palate draws on the complexity of Odin’s character. Layers of peat uncover thousands of years of wisdom. Dense oak and still smouldering away are the rich charred walnuts. Finish: Throughout is a subtle sweetness, sharing the knowledge of well-seasoned sherry wines. Plums and soft fruit disappear into the dark as the peaty embers glow into a smoky finale. Unit: 70cl. ABV: 55.8%. For sale only within the EEC.
Edencroft	Kilchoman's / Loch Gorm 2015 £ 62.50 Country: Scotland Region: Age: Strength: Summary: Kilchoman launch third annual Loch Gorm limited edition release Independent farm distillery, Kilchoman, will be releasing a limited edition Loch Gorm Single Malt Whisky in March. Only a limited quantity of the exclusive bottling will be available and if past releases are anything to go by, it will sell quickly. This is the third annual Loch Gorm Single Malt to be released by Kilchoman. Each release is differentiated by the distillation and bottling dates on the front of the bottle and gift carton. Kilchoman’s Loch Gorm releases are traditionally matured in ex Oloroso sherry butts and this latest edition is no exception. Where the 2015 version differs from the previous year is the use of sherry hogsheads to mature a portion of the whisky rather than just sherry butts. This edition will also be marginally older than the five year old 2014 version, it being bottled from casks filled in both 2009 and 2010. Anthony Wills, Founder and Managing Director of Kilchoman, said: “As well as this year’s release being slightly older, we decided to increase the ratio of single malt matured in smaller sherry hogsheads versus that matured in larger sherry butts. This increases the influence from the sherry casks and gives the whisky a striking intensity and richness. That said, the whisky retains the balance and complexity Kilchoman releases are well-known for.” This range is named after a famously peaty loch over looked by the distillery; Kilchoman draws water for the production of Loch Gorm and their other releases from the burn that runs into the loch. Colour: Deep and rich. Nose: Soft, spicy and rich with light smoke dark chocolate and citrus fruit. Palate: Soft fruits and peat smoke with a rich sweet finish. Finish: Long and sweet, lingering smoke, well balanced. Country / Region: Scotland / Islay. Unit: 70cl ABV: 46%
Edencroft	Macallan / 1993 20 Year Old / Cask # 10290 / Old Malt Cask Edition £ 130.00 Country: Scotland Region: Speyside Age: Strength: 50% 70cl Summary: 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. ©Tasting Notes from Jim Murray's 2015 Whisky Bible.
Edencroft	Port Ellen / 1978 / 35 Year Old / Old & Rare £ 1,385.75 Country: Scotland Region: Islay Age: 35 Years Old 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. 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.
Edencroft	Lagavulin / 12 Year Old / 2014 Release £ 79.95 Country: Scotland Region: Age: Strength: Summary: Lagavulin with a lighter spring to its step; big on distillery character and full of life, with freshness, cereals, citrus and signature smoke. Sweeter notes of toffee and fruit are unusually to the fore, though the serious interplay of tannins, herbs, resin and smoke leaves no doubt as to its lineage. Appearance: Very pale delicate gold. Long beading. Nose: Gentle, and slightly sweeter than expected. At first it seems like you're in an old-time dairy; scrubbed clean, with a background scent of damped-down peat smoke. Gaining depth, the aromas grow appetisingly with classic notes of spent firework and ash above grainy cereals, acetic sharpness married to butterscotch sweetness, and boiled sweets, applesauce, spearmint and juicy fruit. There's toffee and fresh-baked baguette or leather too, with spice in the finish. Softer with water, at first it's Purely cleansing, then there's a subtle interplay of mint, white vinegar and fresh woodsmoke. The overall impression is youthful and vibrant: a painting For Those Who want a full-on smoky! Body: Medium. Palate: Immediate and intense. Sweet and lively, pleasantly oily, with lime zest and a barley sugar sweetness soon wreathed in peat-smoke. Then, dry and aromatic wood cut by a salty, smoky sharpness in the mid palate. Better with water; lighter, still sweet and zesty, fruity and oily, slightly salty, the smoke more autumnal. Like a slice of rich fruitcake eaten near a wood-fired stove. Finish: Lengthy, warming and coating. Waxy, resinous and herbal with burnt dried mixed fruit; sweet on the tongue with wood smoke on the breath. With water a delicate sweetness supports late, resinous pine and autumn smoke. Country/Region: Scotland/Islay. Alc: 54.4% Unit: 70cl Rating:
Edencroft	Laphroaig / 15 Year Old / 200th Anniversary Edition £ 75.00 Country: Scotland Region: Age: Strength: Summary: Laphroaig 15 year old was first created 30 years ago. Barrels were individually selected for their particularly mellow rounded flavour, then batch bottled at the higher export strength of 43% ABV. The resulting flavour soon became a firm favourite winning many awards. Its highlight was being chosen for the famous ‘Erskine Charity Bottling’ in 2000 when 270 bottles were drawn from a single 15 year old cask signed by HRH The Prince of Wales for this charity of which he is a patron. The 200th Anniversary edition has been created in exactly the same way as the original. We very much hope it will be a delight both to those who have enjoyed it in the past and for many of you for whom it will be the first opportunity. COLOUR: Sparkling gold NOSE: Initial scents of grapefruit and fresh mint. A touch of water releases salted caramel, with signature Islay peat smoke underlying sweet orchard fruit aromas. BODY: Multifaceted. TASTE: Pink peppercorns, light peat smoke with a soft dryness, before a finish of tobacco and faint sea salt. FINISH: Mellow with a smoky aftertaste. Alc: 43%. Unit: 70cl.
Edencroft	Strathmill / 1991 21 Year Old / Cask #10122 / Old Malt Cask Edition £ 88.95 Country: Scotland Region: Speyside Age: 21 Years Old 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. 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 ©.
Edencroft	Tullibardine / 1990 23 Year Old / Cask #10453 / Old Malt Cask Edition £ 97.15 Country: Scotland Region: 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. 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. ©Tasting Notes from Jim Murray's 2015 Whisky Bible.

The Cheshire Whisky Event

The Cheshire Whisky Event 2015

Held at the fantastic Willington Hall – Tarporley, The Cheshire Whisky Event gives you the unique opportunity to sample the greatest whiskies in the world, whilst mingling with the producers and distillers and marketers, all under one roof.

EXHIBITORS: The Cheshire Whisky Event brings a different balance of exhibitor guaranteeing a selection of the greatest whiskies in the world.

MASTER CLASSES: These tutored tastings provide a unique insight into the world of whisky and your chance to ask all those hidden questions. You have up to an hour of intense time learning more about your favourite whiskies.

Many of the Master classes are dedicated to one brand or expression, presented by brand ambassadors, master distillers, leading experts or Whisky Magazine writers, the Whisky Taste Master classes always guarantee a memorable experience.

TASTINGS: Taste and discover great whiskies, from the classic ranges you may have sampled before to rare and exclusive bottlings.
New to whisky or a seasoned expert, there is something new for everyone to try at The Cheshire Whisky Event.

Ticket prices are £25.00 per person (which includes admission, samples and entry to one Masterclass).

A bargain!

MASTER CLASS DETAILS

Master Class 1: Paul John Indian Single Malt Whisky / Presented by Brand Ambassador Krish Kumar.
Master Class 2: BenRiach, GlenDronach and Glenglassaugh / Presented by Brand Ambassador Stewart Buchanan.
Master Class 3: anCnoc, Blablair, amd Old Pulteney / Presented by Brand Ambassador David Reid.
Master Class 4: Tomatin / Presented by Brand Ambassador Alistair Mutch.

(Please state when ordering which if any Master Class you would like to attend.)

List Of Whiskies Available During Event

BenRiach / 10 Year Old. | BenRiach / 12 Year Old Sherry Matured. | BenRiach / 15 Year Old / Single Cask #9150. | BenRiach / 16 Year Old. | BenRiach / 18 Year Old / Single Cask #3607.

GlenDronach / The Hielan / 8 Year Old. | GlenDronach / 18 Year Old. | GlenDronach / 19 Year Old / Single Cask #3326. | GlenDronach / 19 Year Old / Single Cask #4887. | GlenDronach / Cask Strength Batch 4.

Glenglassaugh / Evolution. | Glenglassaugh / Torfa. | Glenglassaugh / 30 Year Old.

The Antiquary. | The Antiquary 21 year old.

Paul John / Brilliance. | Paul John / Edited. | Paul John / Classic Select Cask. | Paul John / Peated Select Cask.

Old Malt Cask / 16 year old Glenrothes. | Old Malt Cask / 20 year old Macallan. | Old Malt Cask / 21 year old Strathmill. | Old Malt Cask / 23 year old Tullibardine.

Old & Rare / 21 Year Old Ardbeg. | Old & Rare / 21 Year Old Macallan. | Old & Rare / 35 Year Old Port Ellen.

Sovereign / 26 Year Old Cambus. | Sovereign / 25 Year Old North British. | Sovereign / 36 Year Old Strathclyde.

An Cnoc / 12 Year Old. | An Cnoc / 18 Year Old. | An Cnoc / 22 Year Old. | An Cnoc / 1975. | An Cnoc / Cutter.

Balblair / 2003. | Balblair / 1990. | Balblair / 1999. | Balblair / 1983.

Old Pulteney / 12 Year Old. | Old Pulteney / 17 Year Old. | Old Pulteney / 21 Year Old. | Old Pulteney / 1990. | Old Pulteney / 35 Year Old.

Speyburn / Bradan Orach. | Speyburn / 12 Year Old. | Speyburn / 25 Year Old.

For more information: The Cheshire Whisky Event

Jura Release Limited Edition Tastival 2015!

Jura Tastival 2015 is on sale now for £85 at the whisky festival and from selected whisky specialists.

Single Pot Still Irish Whiskeys of Midleton Google Hangout Now Available To Watch Online!

The YouTube video is now available to watch online!

New Arrivals Of Classic Malts From Edencroft!

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Gordon & Macphail Benriach, Glendronach, Macallan New Arrivals From Edencroft!

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Single Pot Still Irish Whiskeys of Midleton Google Hangout!

Cutty Sark Twitter Tasting: A 33 Year Old, 3 Cocktails & 1 Fridge!

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Tasting Notes – Cutty Sark Artists Special

Tasting Notes – Cutty Sark Seelbach

Tasting Notes – Cutty Sark Old Fashioned

My Favourite Cocktail On The Night

My fellow Tweeters were:-

Abbey Whisky: Collectable New Arrivals!

New Arrivals

Chivas Regal Releases The Icon!

Edencroft New Whisky Arrivals & The Cheshire Whisky Event Update!

New Arrivals

The Cheshire Whisky Event

A bargain!

MASTER CLASS DETAILS

List Of Whiskies Available During Event

Favourite Sites

Search

Archives

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Archives for 2015

Jura Tastival 2015 is on sale now for £85 at the whisky festival and from selected whisky specialists.

New Arrivals

New Arrivals

New Arrivals

Tasting Notes – Cutty Sark 33 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky ( 41.75% )

Tasting Notes – Cutty Sark Artists Special

Tasting Notes – Cutty Sark Seelbach

Tasting Notes – Cutty Sark Old Fashioned

My Favourite Cocktail On The Night

My fellow Tweeters were:-

New Arrivals

New Arrivals

The Cheshire Whisky Event

A bargain!

MASTER CLASS DETAILS

List Of Whiskies Available During Event

Favourite Sites

Tags

Search

Archives

QR Code