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Archives for April 2018

Glasgow Distillery Places Local Tasting Notes at Heart of New Bottle

April 30, 2018 by Gary Leave a Comment

Glasgow Distillery 1770

The Glasgow Distillery Company has revealed the bottle for its highly anticipated first release, 1770 Glasgow Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

The bottle was designed with the city’s industrial heritage in mind, and places the people of Glasgow at the heart of it. Tall and angular, it uses crisp, clean lines and has been a labour of love for the distillery founders. The stunning bespoke bottle will have Glasgow embossed at the foot and will be sealed with a unique, locally made, heavyweight copper-topped cork.

The bottle neck will feature tasting notes, some of which were suggested by Glaswegians who had been invited to the exclusive first tasting of the whisky.

In Glasgow’s own words, the whisky looks like “golden honey”; smells of “freshly cut apple and pear drops”, and tastes like “orchard fruit, velvety sweet caramel and toffee with a warm smooth finish”. Inspired by the whisky, the mixed panel of locals will see their reflections on the spirit intertwined with those of the distillers upon release.

1770 has already sparked international interest before even going on sale. When news broke that it would be available to purchase via ballot this summer, almost 3,000 people and distributors registered their interest in the whisky in the first week alone, from as far afield as Hong Kong, Australia and Mexico.

With only 5,000 bottles available globally, 1770 is on track to sell out when it goes on sale on Sunday 3rd June, and time is running out to register your interest. Those who want the chance to buy the whisky must sign up to a ballot before the bottle goes on sale, details of which can be found here.

It’s true people do make Glasgow, so it made sense to involve the city and its people in our whisky. Our stunning bottle reflects the quality of the liquid inside, while taking inspiration from the inspirational city from which it came, and the words of the people who inhabit it.

Rather than creating traditional tasting notes, we have chosen to crowd source the inspiration for ours from the people of Glasgow, which will be incorporated into our final bottle release.
– Liam Hughes: CEO and co-founder of The Glasgow Distillery Company

In order to be in with a chance of purchasing on 3rd June 2018, you must enter the online ballot.

About Glasgow Distillery

The Glasgow Distillery Company was established in 2012 by Liam Hughes, Mike Hayward and Ian McDougall.
Together, they opened Glasgow’s first independent single malt distillery since 1902, with the unwavering mission to bring single malt distilling back to the city again.

The single malt whisky is named 1770 after Glasgow’s original distillery, which was founded at Dundashill in 1770. During the 1700-1900, Glasgow, as a leading European city, had over 40 distilleries, transporting all round the world.
Only 5,000 50cl bottles of 1770 will be available. Those who register interest will be entered into a ballot to buy the single malt whisky on 3rd June.

Matured in first fill ex bourbon casks and finished in virgin oak, 1770 is non-chill filtered and bottled at 46% ABV.

The company also produces the award-winning Makar Gin, which boasts an impressive twenty international awards won in 2017; and G52, an urban craft vodka. Further new product development will be released in the coming months.

Filed Under: Glasgow Distillery, News

The Whisky Barrel Sovereign Exclusives – Dumbarton 1988 and Invergorden 1978!

April 26, 2018 by Gary Leave a Comment

The Dumbarton 1988 and Invergordon 1978

TheWhiskyBarrel.com has released two fantastic exclusive bottlings. Both have been carefully selected by The Whisky Barrel under the guidance of Hunter Laing & Company Ltd.

Dumbarton 30 Year Old 1988 Sovereign Exclusive

The Dumbarton 30 Year Old 1988 Exclusive was bottled at cask strength by Hunter Laing in March 2018. Aged in a bourbon barrel, this Dumbarton is a light gold whisky with a sweet nose of tropical fruits, vanilla and salted caramel.

Dumbarton Distillery was a single grain distillery built in Dumbartonshire in the 1930s, at which time it was the largest in Scotland. Dumbarton closed in 2002 and has since been demolished, making The Whisky Barrel’s exclusive Dumbarton 30 Year Old 1988 Sovereign a very special addition to any collection.

Invergordon 40 Year Old 1978 Sovereign Exclusive

The Invergordon 40 Year Old 1978 Exclusive was bottle at cask strength, again by Hunter Laing in March 2018. It too was aged in a bourbon barrel but this whisky has a burnished gold look to it and a rich nose of blackberries, apples and toffee.

Invergordon Distillery is the most northerly of Scotland’s grain distilleries and was established in 1959. It is a favourite of blenders so it is very interesting to see a single grain Scotch come out; definitely something special.

Both of these exclusives would make perfect birthday or anniversary gifts and both are packed full of rich flavour.

Available exclusively from The Whisky Barrel, shipping to customers Worldwide including the United States of America, Canada and Japan.


Tasting notes – Dumbarton 30 Year Old 1988 Sovereign Exclusive

Colour: Light gold

Nose: A sweet nose of tropical fruits, vanilla and salted caramel.

Taste: Rich and sweet with toffee, milk chocolate and forest berries.

Finish: Long with a lingering tropical nose.

Price: £119.08 GBP / $139.39 USD (+ P&P)

Tasting notes – Invergordon 40 Year Old 1978 Sovereign Exclusive

Colour: Burnished gold.

Nose: A rich nose of blackberries, apples and toffee.

Taste: Sweet with salted caramel, forest fruits and green herbs.

Finish: Long with lingering sweetness.

Price: £191.22 GBP / $223.85 USD (+ P&P)

Filed Under: New Arrivals, The Whisky Barrel

Sampling Kilchoman’s 2018 Limited Editions: PART 2 – The Loch Gorm!

April 26, 2018 by Gary Leave a Comment

Kilchoman 2018 Port Matured and Loch Gorm Limited Editions

Kilchoman Launch 2018 Loch Gorm and Port Matured Limited Editions

Kilchoman have released their first limited editions of the year! They are 2018 editions of Loch Gorm and Port Cask Matured that became available worldwide on the 23rd of April. Traditionally the spring has seen the Islay distillery release their 100% Islay and Loch Gorm expressions, however this year sees the iconic 100% Islay moved to an autumn release with the much-anticipated Port Cask Matured taking its place.

So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

Tasting Notes: Kilchoman – Loch Gorm 2018 Edition (46%)


Colour: Pale sherry.

Nose: Smokey peat, orange, red apple and rich fruit cake spiciness.

Palate: Creamy mouthfeel, spicy, fruity, sweet vanilla topped off with a slight peat.

Finish: Punchy spice with a creamy vanilla, hint of tropical fruits, smoke and dry tobacco in a long finish.

Overall: A sweeter dram than the Port Cask Matured but full of rich flavours and aromas. My personal favourite of the two new releases!

You can catch up on what I thought of the Kilchoman Port Cask Matured – 2018 Edition (50%) here.

Kilchoman produces a portion of its whisky from barley grown on site

This will be the second Port Cask Matured expression released by Kilchoman, the first, launched in 2014 being one of the most talked about Kilchoman releases in the distillery’s thirteen-year history.

The 2018 edition is a vatting of thirty ruby port hogsheads filled in 2014, yielding a total of 10,000 bottles. The distillery’s commitment to full term maturation has continued, with the decision to age only in port casks rather than using such barrels for finishing, this gives the whisky an added dimension, with layers of red fruits, creamy vanilla and floral sweetness that flood in with the intensity expected of a 50% abv bottling strength.

Released alongside the Port Cask Matured is the well-established Loch Gorm release, the exclusively sherry matured limited edition has been a feature of the Kilchoman range since 2012. The 2018 release of 15,000 bottles is made up of nineteen oloroso sherry butts filled in 2007, 2008 and 2011, containing some of the oldest sherry casks ever filled at Kilchoman.

The Loch Gorm is the only global release from Kilchoman that is matured solely in sherry casks, with its combination of rich sherry notes, cooked fruits and subtle Islay peat, it’s not surprising that this is one of the distilleries best-selling single malts.

Both the Port Cask Matured and The Loch Gorm have peating levels of 50 ppm.

Historically our port and sherry matured releases have received a very positive response from the whisky community, I think the 2018 editions are probably the best versions of these expressions we’ve released to date so I’m excited to see the how these latest editions are received.
– Anthony Wills: Kilchoman Founder and Managing Director

Founded in 2005, Kilchoman is one of the smallest distilleries in Scotland and was the first distillery to be built on Islay for 125 years. Kilchoman, the only independently owned Islay distillery is most famous as the only distillery to produce a portion of its whisky from barley grown on site, completing all stages of the whisky-making process themselves using traditional farm distillery methods.

Since the first bottling was released in 2009, Kilchoman has quickly established itself as a high-quality Islay Single Malt Whisky with these notable awards:

Kilchoman’s exceptional quality was recognised at the prestigious International Whisky Competition (IWC) when Anthony Wills was named Master Distiller of the Year 2013.
In 2016 both core expressions won major awards with Sanaig named Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky – no age statement at the IWSC and Machir Bay came awarded Best Islay Single Malt Scotch in the International Whisky Competition.
In 2017 the distillery’s flagship expression, Machir Bay, was named Whisky Exchange Whisky of the Year 2017 as well as a rum matured single cask winning Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible, Single Cask of the Year 2017

The Kilchoman Port Cask Matured – 2018 Edition will retail for approximately £85.00.

The Kilchoman – Loch Gorm 2018 Edition will retail for approximately £70.00.

These drams will sell out fast!
“As usual be quick,
because Kilchoman on the shelf,
they do not stick!”

Many thanks to Kilchoman (@Kilchoman05) for the samples!

Kilchoman is available to buy from these Whisky Merchants:-

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

Filed Under: Islay, Kilchoman, Sampling, Whisky tasting

Jameson Launches Their First Ever Cask Strength Whiskey!

April 25, 2018 by Gary Leave a Comment

Jameson Bow Street 18 Years Cask Strength

Jameson Irish whiskey has announced the launch of Jameson Bow Street 18 Years Cask Strength; the first cask strength Jameson to be available globally, which finishes its maturation in Dublin’s only live Maturation House in the Jameson Distillery Bow Street.

A reinterpretation of the revered Jameson 18 Years, the new expression celebrates Jameson’s Dublin heritage by returning part of the production process to the brand’s original home in Smithfield for the first time since 1975.

Presented at 55.3% ABV without the use of chill filtration and will be available in 20 markets

Distilled and matured at the Midleton Distillery, Co. Cork, Jameson Bow Street 18 Years Cask Strength is the new head of the Jameson family. After spending 18 years in a collection of bourbon and sherry casks, the blend of pot still and grain Irish whiskeys has been married together and re-casked in first-fill ex-bourbon American oak barrels for a final six to 12 months in the Maturation House at the Jameson Distillery Bow Street.

‘Marrying’ is a traditional method of re-casking batches of vatted whiskey and re-warehousing it to ensure infusion before bottling.

The first batch is presented at 55.3% ABV without the use of chill filtration and will be available in 20 markets from July 2018 at the RRP of €240.

I’ve long had the unique luxury of being able to taste Jameson straight from the barrel at cask strength. With this first ever global launch of a cask strength Jameson, I’m thrilled that Irish whiskey fans around the world can now experience the full intensity of our whiskey or add a few drops of water to enjoy it at their own preferred strength.

As a tribute to John Jameson’s distilling legacy in Smithfield, we’ve introduced some methods that would have been employed in days past. The final maturation period in Bow Street is our nod to the traditional “marrying” method. We’ve put our own Jameson stamp on it by using first-fill bourbon barrels, whereas the traditional approach would be to use casks multiple times. I like to think of the whiskey getting engaged in Midleton and then “married” in Dublin!
– Billy Leighton: Master Blender at Midleton Distillery

While Jameson’s approachability has been key to its success, we had an opportunity with Jameson Bow Street 18 Years Cask Strength to reinforce the more serious whiskey side of the brand’s heritage. For years, Jameson fans have been asking for a permanent cask strength expression of Jameson 18 Years. Consumers are looking for increased choice in style and quality in Irish whiskey and Jameson, as the category leader, is committed to satisfying this appetite.

On top of that, our research shows that consumers are increasingly looking for brand experiences. Now, for the first time ever, consumers will be able to experience the sounds, smells and aura of a functioning maturation room, in the heart of Dublin, at Jameson Distillery Bow St. Our doors are open and we look forward to welcoming whiskey fans to taste a piece of whiskey history.
– Simon Fay: International Marketing Director at Irish Distillers

Jameson Bow Street 18 Years Cask Strength is presented in a premium bottle design that truly reflects the quality and rarity of the liquid within. The bottle features 18 facets, one for each year of maturation, and the wooden presentation box celebrates the traditional pot stills used during the production process. In addition, a unique copper coin located underneath Jameson Bow Street 18 Years Cask Strength bottles provides Jameson fans with access to an exclusive online portal where they can delve deeper into the story of the whiskey which bears the Bow Street name.

Jameson 18 Years, presented at 40% ABV and first released 15 years ago, has become one of the world’s most respected and awarded Irish whiskeys and will remain in the Jameson family, maintaining a vital link to Jameson’s history and providing further choice to prestige whiskey enthusiasts.

Tasting notes by Billy Leighton, Master Blender at the Midleton Distillery:

Nose: Rich wood-driven influence with deep toffee notes and spice.
Taste: Toffee and oak remain consistent with hints of leather and vanilla along with a subtle sherry nuttiness creating depth and complexity.
Finish: Long and full with the sweet toffee notes slowly fading while the toasted oak and spice linger throughout until the very end.

Jameson is available to buy from these Whisky Merchants:-

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

Filed Under: Irish, Jameson, News, Whiskey

Gordon MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice Whisky: New Arrivals At Edencroft!

April 25, 2018 by Gary Leave a Comment

Blair Athol / 20 Year Old Gordon MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice.
£136.85

New Arrivals

Blair Athol / 20 Year Old Gordon MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice.
Blair Athol / 20 Year Old Gordon MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice.

£136.85
Country: Scotland
Region: Highlands
Age: 
Strength: 54.5%.
70cl

Summary: 

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Highlands.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

DISTILLERY: Blair Athol.

BOTTLER: Gordon & MacPhail (GM).

BOTTLING SERIE: Connoisseurs Choice.

VINTAGE: 1997

BOTTLED: 2018

STATED AGE: 20 years old.

COLOUR: Dark Gold.

CASK TYPE: Refill American hogshead.

AROMA: Charming and fruity: pressed apple and fresh squeezed lime infuse with banana, dried apricot, and subtle pineapple; hints of vanilla, elderflower, and cocoa powder remain.

PALATE: Creamy, sweet ripe melon, nectarine, and banana abound. Red apple emerges and transforms into milk chocolate subtly highlighted by hints of oak.

FINISH: ong and intricate with bursts of pepper and mature oak.

NUMBER OF BOTTLES: 255

STRENGTH: 54.5% Vol.

SIZE: 70cl

DELIVERY: All our wines are stored in our importers bonded warehouse’s, which have the optimum environment for fine wine storage, by carefully regulating temperature, humidity and other microclimatic factors.

As such, please allow between 7 and 10 days for your delivery to arrive.

Clynelish / 12 Year Old Gordon MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice.
Clynelish / 12 Year Old Gordon MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice.

£91.15
Country: Scotland
Region: Highlands
Age: 
Strength: 55.1%.
70cl

Summary: 

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Highlands.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

DISTILLERY: Clynelish.

BOTTLER: Gordon & MacPhail (GM).

BOTTLING SERIE: Connoisseurs Choice.

VINTAGE: 2005

BOTTLED: 2018

STATED AGE: 12 years old.

COLOUR: Dark Gold.

CASK TYPE: Refill Sherry butt.

AROMA: Rich and layered: sweet brown sugar and candied cherries combine with dried fruit and nutmeg. With time fragrant orange blossom and ripe citrus highlights.

PALATE: Intriguingly complex with smooth warming ginger, milk chocolate. Touches of baked plum develop over time into orange marmalade and mature forest fruits.

FINISH: Medium to long with a lingering lime zest edge.

NUMBER OF BOTTLES: 518

STRENGTH: 55.1% Vol.

SIZE: 70cl

DELIVERY: All our wines are stored in our importers bonded warehouse’s, which have the optimum environment for fine wine storage, by carefully regulating temperature, humidity and other microclimatic factors.

As such, please allow between 7 and 10 days for your delivery to arrive.

Glencadam / 19 Year Old Single Malt Oloroso Sherry Cask.
Glencadam / 19 Year Old Single Malt Oloroso Sherry Cask.

£115.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highlands
Age: 
Strength: 46%.
700ml.

Summary: 

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Highlands.

CATEGORY: Single malt.

DISTILLERY: Glencadam.

BOTTLER: Distillery Bottling.

STATED AGE: 19 years old.

STRENGTH: 46% Vol.

SIZE: 700ml.

COLOUR: Ripe golden barley;

NOSE: Sophisticated pot-pourri of floral malt, raisiny fruit cake with Sherry notes merging with mocha chocolate and crushed walnuts;

FINISH: Mature barley-malt elements are balanced by the rich flavours of fruit cake, mixed nuts and raisins gently drying to embrace some cigar box spiciness;

BALANCE: Wonderfully complex and sumptuous.

AWARDS:   Points / Jim Murray's 2014 Whisky Bible.

Old Pulteney / 17 Year Old Single Malt.
Old Pulteney / 17 Year Old Single Malt.

£75.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highlands
Age: 
Strength: 46.0%.
700 ml.

Summary: 

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Highlands.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

DISTILLERY: Old Pulteney.

BOTTLER: Distillery Bottling.

BOTTLED: 2011

STATED AGE: 17 years old.

CASK TYPE: Bourbon & Sherry Casks.

STRENGTH: 46.0% Vol.

SIZE: 700 ml.

The 17-year-old predominantly features ex-bourbon maturation, with the addition of spirit that has been wholly matured in Spanish wood ex-sherry casks, predominantly Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso. This adds a subtle depth and complexity to the whisky, making for an outstanding after-dinner drink.

NOSE: Sweet with traces of apples and pears: slightly woody with a hint of butterscotch.

COLOUR: Red amber with a rich autumnal hue.

TASTE: Full bodied, with hints of vanilla and floral notes in the background; a long-lasting memorable finish.

RATINGS: 95 Points – Jim Murray's 2016 Whisky Bible.

Arran / 22 Year Old Gordon MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice.
Arran / 22 Year Old Gordon MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice.

£146.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Arran
Age: 
Strength: 49.2%.
70cl

Summary: 

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Arran.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

DISTILLERY: Isle of Arran.

BOTTLER: Gordon & MacPhail (GM).

BOTTLING SERIE: Connoisseurs Choice.

VINTAGE: 1996

BOTTLED: 2018

STATED AGE: 22 years old

COLOUR: Dark Gold.

CASK TYPE: Refill Sherry hogshead.

AROMA: Rich and complex: dates, prunes, and stewed raisins mix with cardamom pod and cinnamon spice, with time a zesty orange peel freshness develops.

PALATE: Creamy with a mouth-warming spiciness, bountiful rich orange follows stewed raisins. Marzipan, cinnamon, and ginger unite reminiscent of a light fruitcake.

FINISH: Delicate with lingering notes of oak, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

NUMBER OF BOTTLES: 283

STRENGTH: 49.2% Vol.

SIZE: 70cl

DELIVERY: All our wines are stored in our importers bonded warehouse’s, which have the optimum environment for fine wine storage, by carefully regulating temperature, humidity and other microclimatic factors.

As such, please allow between 7 and 10 days for your delivery to arrive.

Tomintoul / With a Peaty Tang.
Tomintoul / With a Peaty Tang.

£32.65
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 
Strength: 40%.
700ml

Summary: 

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Speyside.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

DISTILLERY: Tomintoul.

BOTTLER: Distillery Bottling.

STRENGTH: 40% Vol.

SIZE: 700ml

Tomintoul distillery was founded by the whisky broking firms W&S Strong and Hay & MacLeod. In 1974, the number of stills were doubled from 2 to 4, when its first single malt was marketed. For a number of years Tomintoul Single Malt was renowned for its perfume shaped bottle. The distillery is 8 miles from Tomintoul village which is used by walkers and climbers as a base camp.

NOSE: takes me back to my early teens, spending schooldays working on a farm: pure farmyard with an earthy yet fruity punch. The sort of complex nose that almost makes you forget to drink the stuff…almost…;

TASTE: a gentle coating of vaguely sweet peat that multiplies in intensity; salivating yet chewy. Some liquorice and hickory notes make their drying mark;

FINISH: distinctly gristy and unusually dry for a smoky malt. Long, luscious and not a little oaky late on;

BALANCE: a bit more than a tang, believe me! Faultlessly clean distillate that revels in its unaccustomed peaty role. The age is confusing and appears mixed, with both young and older traits being evident.

AWARDS: 94 Points – Jim Murray's 2016 Whisky Bible.

Braeval / 20 Year Old Gordon MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice.
Braeval / 20 Year Old Gordon MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice.

£124.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 
Strength: 59%.
70cl

Summary: 

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Speyside.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

DISTILLERY: Braeval 

BOTTLER: Gordon & MacPhail (GM).

BOTTLING SERIE: Connoisseurs Choice.

VINTAGE: 1998

BOTTLED: 2018

STATED AGE: 20 years old

COLOUR: Dark Gold.

CASK TYPE: Refill American hogshead.

AROMA: Layered and subtle: ripe pear, lime, and hints of fresh clove are underscored by a honey edge. Creamy sweet vanilla emerges with gentle floral and grassy highlights.

PALATE: Smooth, creamy, and mouth-coating reminiscent of vanilla ice cream with a vibrant lime zest. Charming oak combines with pressed green apples for a fresh lift.

FINISH: Soft, subtle, and delicate with a floral undertone.

NUMBER OF BOTTLES: 185

STRENGTH: 59% Vol.

SIZE: 70cl

DELIVERY: All our wines are stored in our importers bonded warehouse’s, which have the optimum environment for fine wine storage, by carefully regulating temperature, humidity and other microclimatic factors.

As such, please allow between 7 and 10 days for your delivery to arrive.

Dailuaine / 19 Year Old Gordon MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice.
Dailuaine / 19 Year Old Gordon MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice.

£104.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 
Strength: 46%.
70cl

Summary: 

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Speyside.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

DISTILLERY: Dailuaine.

BOTTLER: Gordon & MacPhail (GM).

BOTTLING SERIE: Connoisseurs Choice.

VINTAGE: 1998

BOTTLED: 2018

STATED AGE: 19 years old.

COLOUR: Golden.

CASK TYPE: Refill American hogshead.

AROMA: Full, complex, and sweet: glazed pineapple and strawberries topped with fresh vanilla cream and sticky brown sugar, gracefully balanced by a menthol edge.

PALATE: Warming white pepper gives way to a layered sweetness: luxurious chocolate truffle with the liveliness of ripe nectarine, mango, green apple, and juicy pear.

FINISH: Delicate, lingering oak subtly underscored with fresh ginger.

NUMBER OF BOTTLES: 670

STRENGTH: 46% Vol.

SIZE: 70cl

DELIVERY: All our wines are stored in our importers bonded warehouse’s, which have the optimum environment for fine wine storage, by carefully regulating temperature, humidity and other microclimatic factors.

As such, please allow between 7 and 10 days for your delivery to arrive.

Glen Elgin / 20 Year Old Gordon MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice.
Glen Elgin / 20 Year Old Gordon MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice.

£136.85
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 
Strength: 55.7%.
70cl

Summary: 

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Speyside.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

DISTILLERY: Glen Elgin.

BOTTLER: Gordon & MacPhail (GM).

BOTTLING SERIE: Connoisseurs Choice.

VINTAGE: 1997

BOTTLED: 2018

STATED AGE: 20 years old.

COLOUR: Amber.

CASK TYPE: First fill Sherry butt.

AROMA: Rich and layered: vanilla opens into forest fruit highlights; stewed raisins, tangerine peel, and toffee apple develop and, with time, touches of charred oak come to the fore.

PALATE: Gentle creaminess leads into warm and drying menthol freshness. Subtle cinnamon hints add depth to crisp green apple and ripe cherry infused with toasted walnut.

FINISH: Long and slightly drying with orange and oak highlights.

NUMBER OF BOTTLES: 602

STRENGTH: 55.7% Vol.

SIZE: 70cl

DELIVERY: All our wines are stored in our importers bonded warehouse’s, which have the optimum environment for fine wine storage, by carefully regulating temperature, humidity and other microclimatic factors.

As such, please allow between 7 and 10 days for your delivery to arrive.

Filed Under: Edencroft Spirit Specialists, New Arrivals

Abbey Whisky New Arrivals Including Ledaig 13 Year Old Amontillado Cask Finish!

April 24, 2018 by Gary Leave a Comment

Ledaig 13 Year Old Amontillado Cask Finish
£68.90

New Arrivals

Ledaig 13 Year Old Amontillado Cask Finish
Ledaig 13 Year Old Amontillado Cask Finish

£68.90
Country: Scotland
Region: Island
Age: 13 Years Old
Strength: 59.2%
70cl

A peated single malt Scotch whisky, distilled at the Tobermory (Isle of Mull) distillery with time spent being finished in casks that previously held Amontillado sherry. ‘Ledaig’ wine finishes have been extremely popular in the past – no doubt this one will be as well!

Benromach 10 Year Old / 100° Proof
Benromach 10 Year Old / 100° Proof

£51.60
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 10 Years Old
Strength: 57%
70cl
Dew of Ben Nevis 12 Year Old
Dew of Ben Nevis 12 Year Old

£28.80
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age: 12 Years Old
Strength: 40%
70cl
Highland Park The Dark | 17 Year Old
Highland Park The Dark | 17 Year Old

£192.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Island
Age: 17 Years Old
Strength: 52.9%
70cl
Caol Ila 9 Year Old - 2008 | Cask Strength (G&M)
Caol Ila 9 Year Old – 2008 | Cask Strength (G&M)

£49.50
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 9 Years Old
Strength: 58.6%
70cl
Vintage: 2008
Bottler: Gordon & MacPhail

Filed Under: Abbey Whisky, New Arrivals

Sampling Kilchoman’s 2018 Limited Editions: Loch Gorm & Port Cask Matured!

April 23, 2018 by Gary Leave a Comment

Kilchoman 2018 Port Matured and Loch Gorm Limited Editions

Kilchoman Launch 2018 Loch Gorm and Port Matured Limited Editions

Kilchoman are set to release their first limited editions of the year; 2018 editions of Loch Gorm and Port Cask Matured will be available worldwide from the 23rd of April. Traditionally the spring has seen the Islay distillery release their 100% Islay and Loch Gorm expressions, however this year sees the iconic 100% Islay moved to an autumn release with the much-anticipated Port Cask Matured taking its place.

Kilchoman produces a portion of its whisky from barley grown on site

This will be the second Port Cask Matured expression released by Kilchoman, the first, launched in 2014 being one of the most talked about Kilchoman releases in the distillery’s thirteen-year history.

The 2018 edition is a vatting of thirty ruby port hogsheads filled in 2014, yielding a total of 10,000 bottles. The distillery’s commitment to full term maturation has continued, with the decision to age only in port casks rather than using such barrels for finishing, this gives the whisky an added dimension, with layers of red fruits, creamy vanilla and floral sweetness that flood in with the intensity expected of a 50% abv bottling strength.

Released alongside the Port Cask Matured is the well-established Loch Gorm release, the exclusively sherry matured limited edition has been a feature of the Kilchoman range since 2012. The 2018 release of 15,000 bottles is made up of nineteen oloroso sherry butts filled in 2007, 2008 and 2011, containing some of the oldest sherry casks ever filled at Kilchoman.

The Loch Gorm is the only global release from Kilchoman that is matured solely in sherry casks, with its combination of rich sherry notes, cooked fruits and subtle Islay peat, it’s not surprising that this is one of the distilleries best-selling single malts.

Both the Port Cask Matured and The Loch Gorm have peating levels of 50 ppm.

Historically our port and sherry matured releases have received a very positive response from the whisky community, I think the 2018 editions are probably the best versions of these expressions we’ve released to date so I’m excited to see the how these latest editions are received.
– Anthony Wills: Kilchoman Founder and Managing Director

Founded in 2005, Kilchoman is one of the smallest distilleries in Scotland and was the first distillery to be built on Islay for 125 years. Kilchoman, the only independently owned Islay distillery is most famous as the only distillery to produce a portion of its whisky from barley grown on site, completing all stages of the whisky-making process themselves using traditional farm distillery methods.

Since the first bottling was released in 2009, Kilchoman has quickly established itself as a high-quality Islay Single Malt Whisky with these notable awards:

Kilchoman’s exceptional quality was recognised at the prestigious International Whisky Competition (IWC) when Anthony Wills was named Master Distiller of the Year 2013.
In 2016 both core expressions won major awards with Sanaig named Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky – no age statement at the IWSC and Machir Bay came awarded Best Islay Single Malt Scotch in the International Whisky Competition.
In 2017 the distillery’s flagship expression, Machir Bay, was named Whisky Exchange Whisky of the Year 2017 as well as a rum matured single cask winning Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible, Single Cask of the Year 2017

No news yet on prices but …
“As usual be quick,
because Kilchoman on the shelf,
they do not stick!”

So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

Tasting Notes: Kilchoman Port Cask Matured – 2018 Edition (50%)


Colour: Sherry with port redness.

Nose: Sherry, port coupled with a lovely smokey peat and a hint of red apples.

Palate: Rich sweet fruit, port and apple.

Finish: Peaty, vanilla sweet and spicy with a slight salt finish and hints of tobacco.

Overall: A full-bodied dram, bursting with flavours: well blended peat, fruit and vanilla with an added dash of peppery spice – Glorious!

I’ll be sampling Kilchoman’s Loch Gorm 2018 Edition soon!

Many thanks to Kilchoman (@Kilchoman05) for the samples!

Kilchoman is available to buy from these Whisky Merchants:-

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

Filed Under: Islay, Kilchoman, Sampling, Whisky tasting

Edencroft New Arrivals Including Bruichladdich 2007 Laddie Crew Cask – Syrah Cask!

April 18, 2018 by Gary Leave a Comment

Bruichladdich / 2007 Laddie Crew Cask – Syrah Cask.
£100.00

New Arrivals

Bruichladdich / 2007 Laddie Crew Cask - Syrah Cask.
Bruichladdich / 2007 Laddie Crew Cask –  Syrah Cask.

£100.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 
Strength: 60.3%.
700 ml.

This is a limited edition release only available to the ‘Laddie Crew’ who are a selection of hand picked retailers throughout the country – Edencroft being one of them!.

This first fill Syrah cask has had a dramatic effect on the spirit, layers of exotic red fruit and powerful French oak combine to give an intensity to this whisky.

The Bruichladdich DNA fuses with the power of the cask for a typically untypical Bruichladdich dram.

Summary: 

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Islay.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

DISTILLERY: Bruichladdich.

BOTTLER: Distillery Bottling.

BOTTLING SERIE: Micro Provenance Series.

BOTTLED FOR: Exclusive to UK Laddie Crew.

VINTAGE: 01.06.2007

BOTTLED: 16.03.2018

STATED AGE: 10 years old.

CASK TYPE: Syrah.

CASK NUMBER: 927

NUMBER OF BOTTLES: 

STRENGTH: 60.3% Vol.

SIZE: 700 ml.

Port Dundas / Old Particular 13 Year Old.
Port Dundas / Old Particular 13 Year Old.

£40.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Lowland
Age: 
Strength: 48.4%.
700 ml.

Summary: 

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Lowland.

CATEGORY: Single Grain.

DISTILLERY: Port Dundas.

BOTTLER: Douglas Laing.

BOTTLING SERIE: Old Particular.

VINTAGE: 2004

BOTTLED: 2018

STATED AGE: 13 years old.

CASK TYPE: American Oak Hogsheads.

NUMBER OF BOTTLES: 3000

STRENGTH: 48.4% Vol.

SIZE: 700 ml.

NOSE: Sugary boiled sweets with creamy custard and milk chocolate covered ice cream.

PALATE: Beautifully balanced with gentle spice, light cocoa and runny Scottish honey.

FINISH: Medium-long with nutmeg, strawberry, peppermint and crème brûlée.

Glen Grant / 1936 Gordon & MacPhail Licensed Bottling.
Glen Grant / 1936 Gordon & MacPhail Licensed Bottling.

£3,500.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 
Strength: 40%.
750ml.

Summary: 

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Speyside.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

DISTILLERY: Glen Grant.

BOTTLER: Gordon & MacPhail (GM).

BOTTLING SERIE: Licensed Bottling.

VINTAGE: 1936

STRENGTH: 40% Vol.

SIZE: 750ml.

Glen Grant / 1948 Gordon & MacPhail 40 Year Old Licensed Bottling.
Glen Grant / 1948 Gordon & MacPhail 40 Year Old Licensed Bottling.

£2,500.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 
Strength: 40%.
750ml.

Summary: 

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Speyside.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

DISTILLERY: Glen Grant.

BOTTLER: Gordon & MacPhail (GM).

BOTTLING SERIE: Licensed Bottling.

VINTAGE: 1948

STATED AGE: 40 years old.

STRENGTH: 40% Vol.

SIZE: 750ml.

Glen Grant / 1949 Gordon & MacPhail 33 Year Old Licensed Bottling.
Glen Grant / 1949 Gordon & MacPhail 33 Year Old Licensed Bottling.

£1,500.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 
Strength: 40%.
750ml.

Summary: 

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Speyside.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

DISTILLERY: Glen Grant.

BOTTLER: Gordon & MacPhail (GM).

BOTTLING SERIE: Licensed Bottling.

VINTAGE: 1949

BOTTLED: 1982

STATED AGE: 33 years old.

STRENGTH: 40% Vol.

SIZE: 750ml.

Filed Under: Edencroft Spirit Specialists, New Arrivals

Henry Donnelly Is Appointed The New Distiller At The Micro Distillery, Midleton!

April 17, 2018 by Gary Leave a Comment

Henry Donnelly

Irish Distillers has announced the appointment of Henry Donnelly as the new Distiller of the Micro Distillery at the Midleton Distillery in Co Cork. As part of his new role, Henry will be responsible for the day to day operations of the Micro Distillery in Midleton and will work closely with Master Distiller Brian Nation on the production of innovative and experimental new whiskeys to add to the existing Irish Distillers portfolio.

Henry graduated from University College Cork in 2016 with a degree in Process and Chemical Engineering and joined the Jameson Graduate Distiller programme. Following successful completion of the programme, Henry was appointed as Process Technologist in the Midleton Distillery, a role that combined the role of brand ambassador with process optimisation.

I started my journey with Irish Distillers in 2016 when I was accepted on the graduate distiller programme and was lucky to learn from the masters about the intricacies of the entire whiskey production process – from grain to glass.

As the new Distiller of the Micro Distillery, I am looking forward to working closely with Brian and using my training and experience to produce a range of exciting and innovative new whiskeys.
– Henry Donnelly

As the Distiller in the Micro Distillery, Henry will also provide training to colleagues

We opened the Micro Distillery in 2015 and since then it has allowed us to explore experimental and innovative new mash bills and distillates, all of which are currently maturing. We are also looking to the past and experimenting with recipes and production techniques used by the great distillers that have come before us from the Jameson and Powers families and the Murphy family of the Cork Distilleries Company.

On top of that, it is a space where we can train the up and coming distillers of tomorrow. It is a fully manual operation which requires our young talent to hone and test their skills every day and to really understand the fundamentals of how to make the finest whiskeys in the world. We are delighted to announce the appointment of Henry to the role, we have no doubt that he will play his part in adding exciting new chapters to the incredible story of Irish whiskey.
– Brian Nation: Master Distiller at Midleton Distillery

As the Distiller in the Micro Distillery, Henry will also provide training to colleagues on the entire production process and enhance the visitor experience in the Jameson Experience Midleton.

Henry replaces Karen Cotter, who has moved into a role on the main site of the Midleton Distillery.

Filed Under: Midleton, News

Limited Release ‘North Star Spirits’ Classic Brands Casks – New Arrivals From Abbey Whisky!

April 17, 2018 by Gary Leave a Comment

Ardbeg 12 Year Old – 2005 | North Star Spirits
£180.00

New Arrivals

Ardbeg 12 Year Old - 2005 | North Star Spirits
Ardbeg 12 Year Old – 2005 | North Star Spirits

£180.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 12 Years Old
Strength: 51.9%
70cl
Vintage: 2005
Bottler: North Star Spirits
Aultmore 11 Year Old - 2006 | North Star Spirits
Aultmore 11 Year Old – 2006 | North Star Spirits

£46.80
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 11 Years Old
Strength: 53.2%
70cl
Vintage: 2006
Bottler: North Star Spirits
Islay 10 Year Old - 2007 | North Star Spirits
Islay 10 Year Old – 2007 | North Star Spirits

£60.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 10 Years Old
Strength: 57.6%
70cl
Vintage: 2007
Bottler: North Star Spirits
Royal Brackla 11 Year Old - 2006 | North Star Spirits
Royal Brackla 11 Year Old – 2006 | North Star Spirits

£46.20
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age: 11 Years Old
Strength: 55.2%
70cl
Vintage: 2006
Bottler: North Star Spirits
Glenfarclas 1981 - Cask 1606 | The Family Casks Winter 2017
Glenfarclas 1981 – Cask 1606 | The Family Casks Winter 2017

£482.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 
Strength: 54.6%
70cl
Vintage: 1981
Bottler: Distillery Bottling
Benromach Organic 2010 | Bottled 2017
Benromach Organic 2010 | Bottled 2017

£39.96
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 
Strength: 43%
70cl
Vintage: 2010
Bottler: Distillery Bottling
Ardbeg An Oa
Ardbeg An Oa

£48.90
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 
Strength: 46.6%
70cl
Bunnahabhain 29 Year Old - 1988 | Cask 3928 | Càrn Mòr
Bunnahabhain 29 Year Old – 1988 | Cask 3928 | Càrn Mòr

£272.50
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 29 Years Old
Strength: 59.9%
70cl
Vintage: 1988
Bottler: Carn Mor
Elements of Islay - I Love Peat Tasting Kit
Elements of Islay – I Love Peat Tasting Kit

£39.98
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 
Strength: 53.46%
15cl

Filed Under: Abbey Whisky, New Arrivals

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