Archives for October 2018

The Glasgow Distillery Company “Inks” A New Distribution Deal!

October 24, 2018 by Gary Leave a Comment

François-Xavier Dugas, CEO of Dugas and Liam Hughes, CEO of The Glasgow Distillery Company

The Glasgow Distillery Company is toasting a new international distribution deal with French drinks specialists, Dugas.

The deal will see Glasgow Distillery’s inaugural whisky – 1770 Glasgow Single Malt Scotch Whisky – distributed throughout France, giving consumers in the country an exclusive opportunity to purchase a bottle of the whisky in-store, which was launched to the general public online earlier this year.

Dugas will work with a number of off-trade stockists looking for unique, high-quality spirits, to ensure the malt is on the shelves of France’s premier cavistes.

Dugas has built its reputation on the ability to discover new brands, and its ability to support them as they grow. The Dugas Company’s portfolio is renowned, and includes many premium Scotch whiskies.

The deal was cemented at the Club Expert trade show in Paris, which is hosted annually by Dugas and welcomes over 1,000 guests in the drinks trade, where François-Xavier Dugas, CEO of Dugas, and Liam Hughes, CEO of The Glasgow Distillery Company, put pen to paper on the agreement.

Founded in 2012, and the city’s first independent single malt whisky distillery since 1902, Glasgow Distillery draws on the pioneering spirit of Scotland’s first licensed distillers. In the six years since it was established, the distillery has already generated international acclaim for its Makar Gin range, including awards at the prestigious Gin Masters and San Francisco World Spirits Competition, having invested in the finest equipment, ingredients, and team of innovative young distillers.

We’re thrilled to sign the distribution deal for 1770 Glasgow Single Malt Scotch Whisky, and are excited to partner with Dugas to widen our reach in France.

Dugas has an exceptional portfolio of brands that we are proud to be in the company of, and its track record of success made partnering with them the obvious choice. The work they do to build strong relationships between brands and stockists is exactly what we are looking for, and from the beginning, we’ve been filled with confidence in their dynamic approach.

We’re looking forward to seeing our bespoke-designed bottles stocked in some of France’s premier cavistes, giving even more people the chance to savour 1770.
– Liam Hughes: CEO and co-founder of The Glasgow Distillery Company

Redbreast 12 Cask Strength Re-Claims Jim Murray’s ‘Best Irish Whiskey’ Spot!

October 18, 2018 by Gary Leave a Comment

‘Best Irish Whiskey’ in the world and ‘Best Irish Pot Still Whiskey’

Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength Batch B1/17, which is crafted at Midleton Distillery by Irish Distillers, has been awarded the overall ‘Best Irish Whiskey’ in the world and ‘Best Irish Pot Still Whiskey’ in the annual Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2019.

Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength Edition

Scoring an impressive 97 out of 100 points, Redbreast 12 Cask Strength is the most highly-awarded of all new Irish whiskeys to be tasted this year.

The achievement continues success for Redbreast in the Whisky Bible, with the range having scooped ‘Best Irish Whiskey’ in the whiskey compendium for the sixth time in seven years.

Recognition from Murray completes the whiskey awards season for 2018, a year in which Redbreast 12 Cask Strength has excelled across the board.

Key awards won include a Double Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirit Competition, a Master medal at The Irish Whiskey Masters and a 94 out of 100 point score at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge.

It is a real honour to accept the ‘Best Irish Whiskey’ award on behalf of Redbreast again this year – the sixth time in seven years that I’ve had the opportunity to do so.

Jim Murray is one of most distinguished names in the whiskey world, and I hope that his resounding endorsement for Redbreast, the quintessential Irish whiskey, will help to spread the gospel for exceptional Irish whiskey even further around the world. This award is a testament to the craftsmen at Midleton Distillery who assist me in blending outstanding Irish whiskeys for the world to enjoy.
– Billy Leighton: Master Blender at Midleton Distillery

The Redbreast range has been awarded ‘Best Irish Whiskey’ in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible six times over the past seven years:

2013 – Redbreast 12 Year Old
2014 – Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength
2015 – Redbreast 21 Year Old
2017 – Redbreast 21 Year Old
2018 – Redbreast 21 Year Old
2019 – Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength

Now in its 16th edition, Jim Murray has tasted more than 4,500 different whiskeys in order to compile Jim Murray Whisky Bible 2019, evaluating each entrant out of 25 for its nose, taste, finish and balance in order to curate a score out of 100.

Redbreast 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

Looking For Bourbons? Edencroft Can Fill Your Glass!

October 18, 2018 by Gary Leave a Comment

Eagle Rare / 10 Year-Old Single Barrel.
£37.85

New Arrivals

Eagle Rare / 10 Year-Old Single Barrel.
£37.85
Country: American
Region: American
Age:
Strength: 45%.
70cl.

Summary:

Country/Region: USA/Kentucky.

ABV: 45%.

Unit: 70cl.

Age: 10 Years Old.

Eagle Rare Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey is masterfully crafted and carefully aged for no less than ten years, each barrel is discriminately selected. The rareness of this great breed of bourbon is evident in its complex aroma, as well as the smooth and lingering taste. Each bottle of Eagle Rare offers consistent flavours, but with a seemingly individual personality from each unique barrel. Eagle Rare is a bourbon that lives up to its name with its lofty, distinctive taste experience.

Nose: Complex aromas of toffee, hints of orange peel, herbs, honey, leather and oak.

Taste: Bold, dry, oaky flavours with notes of candied almonds and very rich cocoa.

Finish: Dry and lingering.

Ratings: Gold Medal / 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

1792 / Small Batch Bourbon.
£38.80
Country: American
Region: American
Age:
Strength:
1 75cl

Summary:

Country/Region: America/Kentucky.

Alc: 46.85%

Unit: 1 x 75cl

Sophisticated and complex. A distinctly different bourbon created with precise craftsmanship. Made from our signature "high rye" recipe and the marriage of select barrels carefully chosen by our Master Distiller. 1792 Bourbon has an expressive and elegant flavour profile.

Unmistakable spice mingles with sweet caramel and vanilla to create a bourbon that is incomparably brash and bold, yet smooth and balanced. Elevating whiskey to exceptional new heights, 1792 Bourbon is celebrated by connoisseurs worldwide.

Basil Hayden / Small Batch Bourbon.
£40.95
Country: American
Region: American
Age:
Strength: 40%.
700 ml.

Summary:

COUNTRY/REGION: USA/Kentucky.

CATEGORY: Bourbon.

DISTILLERY: Jim Beam.

BOTTLER: Distillery Bottling.

BOTTLING SERIE: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

STRENGTH: 40% Vol.

SIZE: 700 ml.

Late in the 18th century, Master Distiller Basil Hayden Sr. left his Maryland home for the greener pastures of Kentucky, bringing his family and reputation with him.

Not yet privy to the old guard’s ‘rules’ of bourbon, legend has it that Basil set out to make a batch simply using the ingredients he had on hand, unaware of what the traditionalists might think of his mash. What resulted was a bourbon with a uniquely high-rye mashbill, combining the sweetness of corn with the spicy undertones of rye. The purists may have been displeased, but not the neighbors who tried it.

Over 200 years later, the Noe family pays tribute to Basil’s masterful discovery with a high-rye, small batch bourbon that embodies the spirit of that very first recipe.

AROMA: Spice, tea, hint of peppermint.

TASTE: Spicy, light-bodied, gentle bite.

FINISH: Dry, clean, brief.

Jim Beam / Rye Whiskey.
£25.75
Country: American
Region: American
Age:
Strength: 40%.
700 ml.

Summary:

COUNTRY/REGION: USA/Kentucky.

CATEGORY: Rye.

DISTILLERY: Jim Beam.

BOTTLER: Distillery Bottling.

BOTTLING SERIE: Yellow Label.

STRENGTH: 40% Vol.

SIZE: 700 ml.

Pre-Prohibition-style rye whiskey. Bartenders have been dying to get their hands on it for years. Now it’s back and bolder than ever. Founded in 1795, our rye whiskey is made from one of the Beam family’s oldest recipes and is distilled with the same exacting standards that have governed Jim Beam® for more than 200 years.

Use it in any classic or contemporary cocktail for a spicy, warm kick with a black pepper bite. Savor the spicy aroma with hints of vanilla and oak notes to round off the distinct flavor of a classic pre-Prohibition-style rye whiskey.

TASTING NOTES: Drier & spicier than its Bourbon cousins, this smooth sipping whiskey is great in a Manhattan.

Maker's Mark / Cask Strength Batch 16-02.
£75.00
Country: American
Region: American
Age:
Strength: 55.75%.
700 ml.

Summary:

COUNTRY/REGION: America/Kentucky.

CATEGORY: Bourbon.

DISTILLERY: Maker's Mark Distillery, Inc.

BOTTLER: Distillery Bottling.

BOTTLED: 2016

CASK NUMBER: Batch No. 16-02

STRENGTH: 55.75 % Vol.

SIZE: 700 ml.

AROM: Big oak, vanilla and smoky charcoal.

TASTE: Richer, more robust flavours of spice, vanilla and smoke.

FINISH: Longer finish on front of tongue with no roughness or bitterness

Jack Daniel's / Master Distiller Series No.4.
£32.50
Country: American
Region: American
Age:
Strength: 43%.
700 ml.

Summary:

COUNTRY/REGION: USA/Kentucky.

CATEGORY: Bourbon.

DISTILLERY: Jack Daniel's.

BOTTLER: Distillery Bottling.

BOTTLING SERIE: Series No. 4.

STRENGTH: 43% Vol.

SIZE: 700 ml.

Jess Gamble served as the Master Distiller for just two years, from 1964 to 1966. But it was an important time, Jess was the first of the head distillers to come from outside Jack’s family. Even so, he made sure the whiskey was made and mellowed Mr. Jack’s way.

COLOUR & NOSE: Deep orange amber.

TASTE & FINISH: Bold oak with layers of cinnamon, black pepper, vanilla and berry.

Jack Daniel's / Single Barrel Rye.
£47.50
Country: American
Region: American
Age:
Strength: 45%.
700 ml.

Summary:

COUNTRY/REGION: USA/Kentucky.

CATEGORY: Rye.

DISTILLERY: Jack Daniel's.

BOTTLER: Distillery Bottling.

BOTTLED:

CASK TYPE: Charred American White Oak Barrel.

CASK NUMBER:

STRENGTH: 45% Vol.

SIZE: 700 ml.

This historic creation marries the smoothness of Jack Daniel’s with a unique 70% rye grain bill. Complex flavours of ripe fruit mingle with light toasted oak notes to create a taste rich with spice and a pleasant lingering finish. This is a big, bold rye that does not overpower.

Old Forester / Classic 86 Proof Bourbon.
£34.50
Country: American
Region: American
Age:
Strength: 43%
70cl

Summary:

Country/Region: America/Kentucky.

Unit: 70cl

ABV: 43%

AUTHENTIC BOURBON WITHOUT ONE DROP OF HYPE

Created in 1870, Old Forester is the only bourbon continuously distilled and marketed by the founding family before, during and after Prohibition. At 86 proof, Old Forester delivers a genuine bourbon experience, with rich, full flavor and a smooth character that is ideal for sipping neat, on the rock, with a splash of water or in a classic cocktail.

NOSE: Sharp and sweet, with a strong floral character that swirls with hints of mint, rich tobacco leaf and vanilla. A touch of oak and pine provides a strong underpinning.

TASTE: Sharp at first, but softens quickly, with hints of oak, sweet corn and rye grain character. Spicy, with soft vanilla and light orange notes.

FINISH: Long, warm and slightly drying. Nice level of sweetness.

Awards: Double Gold Medal / 2013 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Woodford Reserve / Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey.
£42.50
Country: American
Region: American
Age:
Strength: 45.20%
1 70cl

Summary:

Country/Region: USA/Kentucky.

ABV: 45.20%

Unit: 1 x 70cl

Made in the traditional style of Kentucky Ryes, Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey delivers bold flavours of pepper and tobacco with a long fruit and sweetly spiced finish. It’s available for purchase in select markets throughout the country.

Appearance: Rich honey.

Nose: Spicy with distinct notes of rye, black pepper, cedar and cassia bark sweetened with a dusting of marzipan. Hints of pear, apple and almond dance in its depths.

Taste: Clove, rye, mint, molasses, sorghum and honey mingle together with hints of apple and malt.#

Finish: Long and sweetly spiced.

Benchmark / No 8 Straight Bourbon.
£20.50
Country: American
Region: American
Age:
Strength: 40%.
70cl.

Summary:

Country/Region: USA/Kentucky.

Unit: 70cl.

ABV: 40%.

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.

Ratings: Gold Medal / 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Buffalo Trace / Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
£20.00
Country: American
Region: American
Age:
Strength: 45%.
700 ml.

Summary:

COUNTRY/REGION: USA/Kentucky.

CATEGORY: Bourbon.

DISTILLERY: Buffalo Trace Distillery.

BOTTLER: Distillery Bottling.

BOTTLING SERIE: Straight Bourbon.

STRENGTH: 45% Vol.

SIZE: 700 ml.

Ancient buffalo carved paths through the wilderness that led America's first pioneers and explorers westward. One such trail led to the banks of the Kentucky River where Buffalo Trace Distillery has been making bourbon whiskey the same way for more than 200 years. In tribute to the mighty buffalo and the rugged, independent spirit of the pioneers who followed them westward, we created our signature Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

TASTING NOTES: This deep amber whiskey has a complex aroma of vanilla, mint and molasses. Pleasantly sweet to the taste with notes of brown sugar and spice that give way to oak, toffee, dark fruit and anise. This whiskey finishes long and smooth with serious depth.

RATINGS: Double Gold Medal / 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Elijah Craig / Small Batch Bourbon.
£35.95
Country: American
Region: American
Age:
Strength: 47%.
700 ml.

Summary:

COUNTRY/REGION: America/Kentucky.

CATEGORY: Bourbon.

DISTILLERY: Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.

BOTTLER: Distillery Bottling.

BOTTLING SERIE: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

BOTTLED: 2017

STRENGTH: 47% Vol.

SIZE: 700 ml.

The signature Bourbon bearing the name of Rev. Elijah Craig, a Bourbon pioneer who is credited with being the first distiller to age his whiskey in charred oak barrels.

Long before the term Small Batch even existed, our Master Distillers were hand-selecting just the right number of barrels to make Elijah Craig. This expertise and attention to detail give Elijah Craig Small Batch the right balance of rich flavour and full body. Each small batch carries a signature warm spice and subtle smoke flavour. A combination that belongs in any Bourbon fan’s regular rotation.

COLOUR: Burnished copper.

NOSE: Delightfully complex with notes of vanilla bean, sweet fruit, and fresh mint.

TASTE: Smooth and warm; pleasantly woody with accents of spice, smoke, and nutmeg.

FINISH: Long, sweet, and slightly toasty.

Elijah Craig / 12-Year-Old Small Batch Bourbon.
£50.00
Country: American
Region: American
Age:
Strength: 47%
70cl

Summary:

Country/Region: America/Kentucky.

Unit: 70cl

ABV: 47%

Named after the Rev. Elijah Craig 12-Year-Old this is a true Small Batch premium Bourbon, and had the distinction before the term even existed.Bottled exclusively from a dumping of hand selected casks, the brand carries the name of the Rev.

NOSE: Notes of toasty oak, toffee, spicy stewed fruits, a touch of resin and a lovely crème anglaise character.

PALATE: Full and sublimely smooth with notes if stewed Bramley apples, malmsey, a touch of aniseed and a hint of spice.

FINISH: Good length with toasty oak notes and a creamy sweetness.

Ratings: Gold Medal / 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Elijah Craig / 18 Year Old Single Barrel Bourbon.
£170.00
Country: American
Region: American
Age:
Strength: 45%.
750 ml.

Summary:

COUNTRY/REGION: USA/Kentucky.

CATEGORY: Bourbon.

DISTILLERY: Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.

BOTTLER: Distillery Bottling.

BOTTLING SERIE: Single Barrel.

BOTTLED: August 2017

STATED AGE: 18 years old.

CASK TYPE: New American Oak Barrel.

CASK NUMBER: 4380

STRENGTH: 45% Vol.

SIZE: 750 ml.

A unique Bourbon showcasing our Master Distillers' expertise, Elijah Craig 18-Year-Old Single Barrel makes for an incredibly smooth sipping experience.

PRODUCT STORY & FLAVOUR PROFILE: Ready to experience some of the oldest Bourbon barrels in Kentucky? Elijah Craig 18-Year-Old Bourbon is bottled solely from the contents of one barrel, not the mingling of many. This expression of Bourbon-making craftsmanship is bold and robust. Truly a Bourbon for the avid collector, this bottle has won countless awards and is regularly listed as a top choice by those who appreciate its smooth yet complex flavour.

Evan Williams / Extra Aged Bourbon.
£26.00
Country: American
Region: American
Age:
Strength: 43%.
700 ml.

Summary:

COUNTRY/REGION: America/Kentucky.

CATEGORY: Bourbon.

DISTILLERY: Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.

BOTTLER: Distillery Bottling.

STRENGTH: 43% Vol.

SIZE: 700 ml.

A Straight Kentucky Bourbon launched in the 1960's by the Heaven Hill Company. A darkly hued sour mash bourbon, aged for 5 to 6 years. Rich flavours with leather, vanilla and toffee.

NOSE: A big nose with lots of oak, vanilla and a touch of marmalade.

PALATE: Crisp entry with spicy oak and a light grainy touch. Develops well with more oak and hints of mint and apple.

FINISH: A rich slightly rustic note with good spirit grip.

Larceny / Kentucky Straight Bourbon.
£33.50
Country: American
Region: American
Age:
Strength: 46%.
700 ml.

Summary:

COUNTRY/REGION: America/Kentucky.

CATEGORY: Bourbon.

DISTILLERY: Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.

BOTTLER: Distillery Bottling.

BOTTLING SERIE: Very Special Small Batch.

STRENGTH: 46% Vol.

SIZE: 700 ml.

Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon has its origins in the long and colourful history of John E. Fitzgerald and the Old Fitzgerald brand. According to lore, John E. Fitzgerald built a distillery on the banks of the Kentucky River in the 1870s and sold his fine Bourbon to rail lines, steamships, and private clubs. The Old Fitzgerald brand was first registered in the 1880s by S.C. Herbst, and was eventually sold to Julian P. “Pappy” Van Winkle during Prohibition. Pappy moved production of Old Fitz to his distillery where it became the first great wheated Bourbon and eventually one of the most famous Bourbon brands in the world.

THE TRUTH BEHIND THE LEGEND: Revealed in a family biography of Pappy Van Winkle, John E. Fitzgerald was not actually the man he has always been portrayed as. He was in fact a bonded treasury agent, who at the time were the only people legally allowed to carry the keys to the barrel storage rickhouses.

Mr. Fitzgerald apparently had a particularly discerning palate for fine Bourbon, and would use his rickhouse keys to gain access to the best barrels, which eventually became known around the distillery as “Fitzgerald barrels”. Herbst, and then Pappy, immortalized the man who had both the keys and the fine taste by naming the brand Old Fitzgerald.

Now Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon honours both the superb taste of this lawless treasury agent and the legacy of the Old Fitzgerald brand.

TASTING NOTES: Larceny was hand selected by the Master Distillers to have a taste profile of a six-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Made with wheat as the secondary grain, instead of the traditional rye, Larceny is a smoother tasting Bourbon.

COLOUR: Bright new copper.

AROMA: Fresh bread and toffee, with a note of butterscotch.

TASTE: Buttery caramel and honeyed notes, with a rich mouthfeel.

FINISH: Long, gently sweet and savoury.

Royal Salute Unveils Their Latest 21 Year Old Beach Polo Edition!

October 17, 2018 by Gary Leave a Comment

The Royal Salute 21 Year Old Beach Polo Edition

The ‘King of Whisky’ Royal Salute, continues to celebrate the harmony between the Sport of Kings and exceptional Scotch whisky, this month unveiling the latest in its annual Polo Collection: Royal Salute 21 Year Old Beach Polo Edition.

This is the second release in the Polo Collection

Inspired by the lingering bonfires, evocative salty winds and warm seaside air synonymous with the sport, the limited edition has been expertly crafted by Royal Salute Director of Blending Sandy Hyslop.

The result is an outstanding new expression that features a tantalising smoky flavour with soft peaty tones, rich fruits and sweet honey.

It is the second in Royal Salute’s annual Polo Collection and follows last year’s inaugural 21 Year Old Polo Edition. Like its predecessor, the Beach Polo Edition is endorsed by long-time Royal Salute World Polo Ambassador and former captain of the England Polo Team, Malcolm Borwick, with his signature and iconic red helmet featured on the packaging.

The porcelain flagon is a striking shade of deep blue, designed to evoke typical beach polo tournament backdrop of blue skies and sea.

Royal Salute has a longstanding affinity with polo; we share values with the noble game of honour, skill and integrity, and are proud to support more than 10 international tournaments annually.

Beach polo embodies all the qualities of the traditional sport which is why it’s a natural fit for our brand, however, it is slightly more playful fun, which is an exciting space for us to be playing in.

We’re thrilled add another exceptional expression to our Polo Collection, and our Director of Blending Sandy Hyslop has done a remarkable job in creating something new and different, that still has all the prestigious hallmarks of Royal Salute.
– Mathieu Deslandes: Royal Salute Marketing Director

The Royal Salute 21 Year Old Beach Polo Edition launched as a Global Travel Retail Exclusive from 1st July and is now available globally for a limited time from select luxury whisky retailers around the world for, RRP USD $140.

For more information, visit www.royalsalute.com.

The Polo Collection was created by Royal Salute Director of Blending Sandy Hyslop.

Royal Salute 21 Year Old Beach Polo Edition Tasting notes

This new Royal Salute whisky has a slightly smoky flavour and peaty tones with a long, luxurious finish.

Nose:
Rich, sweet, fruity notes of poached pears, vanilla syrup, salted caramel and runny honey, perfectly balanced with soft, peat smoke.

Taste:
A burst of sweet bonfire smoke followed quickly by a medley of ripe, soft fruits and species including apricot jam, candied lemons, nutmeg and oak.

Finish:
Long and tantalisingly smoky.

Royal Salute 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

Whyte & Mackay Is Giving Away Limited Edition Glasses!

October 17, 2018 by Gary Leave a Comment

Whyte & Mackay is giving away limited edition glasses with 70cl bottles throughout the UK!

Whyte & Mackay is distributing 120,000 limited edition glasses with their 70cl of Whyte & Mackay Triple Matured Blended Scotch Whisky throughout the UK, as part of their #FunnyAsFolk campaign.

Triple Matured Blended Scotch and 13 Year Old were awarded Gold Medal status at the International Spirits Challenge (ISC) 2018

The on-pack promotion gives consumers the chance to collect one of four bespoke whisky glasses, each featuring a funny one-liner making it a must-buy for blended scotch whisky drinkers. The quips include:-

‘never brings a bottle but always takes a drink’

‘I’ll just take a wee one’

‘always appears when the whisky comes out’

‘well, if you’re having one…’

The limited-edition bottles are available now, across the UK, in Tesco, Asda, Morrisons and Co-op stores.

The giveaway is part of Whyte & Mackay’s Funny as Folk campaign, which sees them celebrate the everyday funny people of the UK. As part of the campaign, the brand became named sponsors of the Whyte & Mackay Glasgow International Comedy Festival and Lead Sponsors of Comedy at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe’s Underbelly.

The Underbelly partnership which saw the blended scotch brand launch the Surprisingly Smooth Fringe Bar in the heart of Bristo Square. In it, they built the Roaring Review Booth – a specially built booth which resembled an old comedy club, where festivalgoers could review Fringe shows for a chance to win Whyte & Mackay prizes.

Through our Funny as Folk campaign, we’ve been sharing a dram good laugh with people throughout the UK – from grassroots comedians, to Fringe festival attendees and audiences at home. Which is why we decided to toast a busy year by giving away these limited-edition glasses with bottles of our award-winning Whyte & Mackay bottles.

The quippy one-liners depict characters every consumer can relate to, making them a must-buy, either for the home cabinet or a humorous gift.
– Ruairi Perry: Head of Blended Whisky Brands

Whyte & Mackay’s on-pack giveaway comes shortly after both their Whyte & Mackay Triple Matured Blended Scotch and Whyte & Mackay 13 Year Old were awarded Gold Medal status at the International Spirits Challenge (ISC) 2018. The accolade from the ISC is regarded to be the most respected and sought after in the drinks industry, due to the stringent nature of the judging process.

Whyte & Mackay 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

Irish Distillers Announces Major €150 Million Investment Programme!

October 17, 2018 by Gary Leave a Comment

More than €150 million is to be invested

Irish Distillers, one of Ireland’s leading suppliers of spirits and wines, has announced the investment of over €150 million in its sites in Cork and Dublin to meet demand for its products as the Irish whiskey renaissance continues apace.

Conor McQuaid, Irish Distillers CEO & Chairman

This is accelerated by the continued growth of Jameson which is now in double or triple-digit growth in more than 80 markets across the world. Nearly €130 million is to be spent expanding and upgrading the distillery in Midleton, and maturation site in Dungourney, Co. Cork, with over €20 million being invested in development of its bottling plant in Fox and Geese, Co. Dublin.

The investment will see the construction of eight new maturation warehouses, each holding 16,800 casks, with further land to be purchased to support the next phase of development, in Dungourney, Co. Cork.

The company has also added an additional mechanical vapour recompression evaporator, made by GEA Wiegand in Germany, to its Midleton Distillery in East Cork. The addition allows the distillery to further expand its capacity. A third mash filter and new fermenters are also to be installed in the distillery to meet the increasing demand for its portfolio of whiskeys. The distillery will also complete construction of a new office building in July 2019.

Investment in Irish Distillers’ bottling site in Fox and Geese will see extensions to the main operating bottling hall, storage warehouses, laboratory, and office spaces and additional upgrades to bottling and packing equipment.

The maturation site in Dungourney, Co. Cork

This €150 million investment in Midleton, Dungourney and Fox and Geese reflects the growing international success of Irish Distillers’ whiskey portfolio.

With a tradition dating back to 1780, we have been distilling in the Midleton Distillery since 1975 and we are delighted to confirm our commitment to this tradition, and at the same time continue to embrace progress, delivering new and innovative expressions of Irish whiskey. We look forward to building upon our success story by continuing to bring innovative Irish whiskeys to the market.

Irish whiskey is the fastest growing premium spirit in the world, with sales now accounting for more than one third of all Irish beverage exports. This investment will help to allow this growth to continue for years to come.

The company is proud to play its role in the Irish drinks industry, which is a hugely important part of the Irish economy.
– Conor McQuaid: Chairman and CEO – Irish Distillers

Glen Moray Launches The Cider Cask Project Whisky!

October 17, 2018 by Gary Leave a Comment

Glen Moray Cider Cask Project is a small batch single malt whisky expression exclusive to the UK

Glen Moray Distillery is excited to announce the launch of its Glen Moray Cider Cask Project, a small batch single malt whisky expression exclusive to the UK. This is the first release from the new Glen Moray Elgin Curiosity Range embracing Master Distiller, Graham Coull’s passion for experimentation and his desire to push boundaries in the world of whisky. Marketed as ‘The Gateway to Flavour’ the new Glen Moray Curiosity Range will see the production of single malt whiskies which are ‘bold with complex aromas and exciting flavours.’

Exclusively available from The Whisky Exchange until the end of October

Glen Moray’s Cider Cask Project, the first of the range, is a collaboration between Thistly Cross Cider, one of Scotland’s most highly awarded cider brands and Glen Moray Distillery. The partnership began five years ago when Graham Coull first tasted Thistly Cross Cider and saw the potential for a fruitful collaboration. Glen Moray loaned the cider makers some of their single malt whisky casks to create their Thistly Cross Whisky Cask Cider which is now distributed in over 20 countries worldwide. In return, Graham wanted to see what their vintage cider could bring to the whisky.

For me the inspiration was simple. When I first tasted the Whisky Cask Cider it was immediately obvious that the whisky flavours complemented the cider flavours perfectly. The logical next step for me was to see what the cider could bring to the whisky.
– Graham Coull: Glen Moray Master Distiller

The Whisky Cider casks were returned home to Elgin from Thistly Cross, coming full circle to be filled once again with Glen Moray Single Malt at the distillery. After careful monitoring, and what Graham considered the perfect maturation length, the exclusive small batch whisky was bottled. The result is Glen Moray’s Cider Cask Project which is an incredibly light and fresh whisky with caramelized apple notes from the cider casks which mix perfectly with the intense vanilla flavours found in all Glen Moray Single Malt Whiskies.

We are absolutely delighted that the generosity and support offered by Graham Coull is about to be rewarded by the release of Glen Moray’s Cider Cask Project. The whisky casks ‘loaned’ by Glen Moray, have allowed Thistly Cross to take ‘our’ Whisky Cask Cider worldwide.

It is one of our best-selling variants which is perfectly finished by the Speyside characteristics of Glen Moray. A true story of Scottish hospitality and sharing.
– Peter Stuart: Cidermaker at Thistly Cross Cider

Graham Coull, Master Distiller

We are all very excited at Glen Moray Distillery about the launch of Glen Moray’s Cider Cask Project Whisky and The Elgin Curiosity Range. As Master Distiller of this historic distillery, I am keen to constantly evolve and create new whiskies which showcase the quality and breadth of whiskies which we can produce, reinforcing our message that Glen Moray is The Gateway to Flavour.

Glen Moray is delighted to be working hand in hand with the award winning Thistly Cross Cider to produce a delicious whisky which has been created through craftsmanship and honours the history of cider and whisky production in Scotland.
– Graham Coull

Glen Moray Cider Cask Project is exclusively available from The Whisky Exchange until the end of October (£52.95) and from November from all good specialist retailers.

Tasting Notes:

Colour: Polished gold

Nose: Toffee apple and candy floss. Reminiscent of a fairground.

Taste: Incredibly light and fresh. Summer fruits accompanied by vanilla ice cream sprinkled with toasted oats.

Finish: Smooth and satisfying. Carmelised apple laced with spice mixed with vanilla fudge, slowly melting on the tongue.

ABV: 46.3% non-chill-filtered

Get Heavily Into Peat With The Latest Abbey Whisky New Arrivals!

October 17, 2018 by Gary Leave a Comment

Port Charlotte 10 Year Old
£45.48

New Arrivals

Port Charlotte 10 Year Old
£45.48
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 10 Years Old
Strength: 50%
70cl

Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011
£61.98
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age:
Strength: 50%
70cl

GlenDronach 12 Year Old Original
£38.98
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age: 12 Years Old
Strength: 43%
70cl

Glengoyne 18 Year Old
£75.12
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age: 18 Years Old
Strength: 43%
70cl

Benromach Sassicaia 2010 | Bottled 2018
£45.36
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age:
Strength: 45%
70cl
Vintage: 2010
Bottler: Distillery Bottling

GlenDronach 25 Year Old – 1992 | Danish Whisky Retailers
£398.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age: 25 Years Old
Strength: 48%
70cl
Vintage: 1992
Bottler: Distillery Bottling

Benromach 1998 – 20th Anniversary Bottling
£299.95
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age:
Strength: 56.2%
70cl
Vintage: 1998
Bottler: Distillery Bottling

Ardbeg Grooves
£149.52
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age:
Strength: 46%
70cl

GlenAllachie 10 Year Old Cask Strength Batch 1
£53.52
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 10 Years Old
Strength: 57.1%
70cl

Glengoyne Cask Strength Batch 6
£51.60
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age:
Strength: 59.8%
70cl

Ledaig 10 Year Old
£39.72
Country: Scotland
Region: Island
Age: 10 Years Old
Strength: 46.3%
70cl

Glen Scotia 26 Year Old – 1992 | Connoisseurs Choice
£189.80
Country: Scotland
Region: Campbeltown
Age: 26 Years Old
Strength: 55.5%
70cl
Vintage: 1992
Bottler: Gordon & MacPhail

GlenDronach 15 Year Old Revival 2018 Release
£62.50
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age: 15 Years Old
Strength: 46%
70cl

Caol Ila 33 Year Old – 1984 | Connoisseurs Choice
£520.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 34 Years Old
Strength: 52.8%
70cl
Vintage: 1984
Bottler: Gordon & MacPhail

GlenAllachie 10 Year Old – Cask Strength Batch 2
£53.94
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 10 Years Old
Strength: 54.8%
70cl

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old
£47.60
Country: Scotland
Region:
Age: 12 Years Old
Strength: 46%
70cl

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old
£119.60
Country: Scotland
Region:
Age: 21 Years Old
Strength: 48%
70cl

MacNair's Lum Reek Blended Malt
£39.98
Country: Scotland
Region:
Age:
Strength: 46%
70cl

Aberfeldy 1999 – Hand Filled Cask 20658
£325.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age:
Strength: 60.6%
70cl
Vintage: 1999
Bottler: Distillery Bottling

Spica 20 Year Old From North Star Spirits – New Arrivals From Abbey Whisky – Maximum 1 Per Customer!

October 9, 2018 by Gary Leave a Comment

Spica 20 Year Old – 1997 | North Star Spirits
£47.90

New Arrivals

Spica 20 Year Old – 1997 | North Star Spirits
£47.90
Country: Scotland
Region:
Age: 20 Years Old
Strength: 45.2%
70cl
Vintage: 1997
Bottler: North Star Spirits

Roughstock Montana Pure Malt Whiskey
£52.25
Country: America
Region: American
Age:
Strength: 45%
70cl

Glenglassaugh 7 Year Old – 2009 | Cask R1160/4 | UK Exclusive
£120.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age: 7 Years Old
Strength: 54.7%
70cl
Vintage: 2009
Bottler: Distillery Bottling

Kilchoman Club Sixth Edition | 10 Year Old – 2007
£149.50
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 10 Years Old
Strength: 57.4%
70cl
Vintage: 2007
Bottler: Distillery Bottling

Octomore 09.1 Dialogos | 5 Year Old | 156PPM
£120.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 5 Years Old
Strength: 59.1%
70cl
Vintage: 2012
Bottler: Distillery Bottling

Octomore 09.3 Dialogos Islay Barley | 5 Year Old | 133PPM
£159.98
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 5 Years Old
Strength: 62.9%
70cl
Vintage: 2012
Bottler: Distillery Bottling

Ballantine’s Creates Limited Edition Range With Famed Street Artist Felipe Pantone!

October 9, 2018 by Gary Leave a Comment

True Music Series limited edition gift packaging for Ballantine’s Finest and Ballantine’s 12 Year Old

Ballantine’s whisky has announced Felipe Pantone as the latest True Music Series collaborator following previous partnerships with beatboxer, Reeps One and graphic designers Leif Podhajsky and Dave Ma.

At the cutting edge of street art, Felipe Pantone is an Argentinian-Spanish visual and kinetic artist whose work fuses bold graphics, strong contrasts and vivid colours with mixed typography to create ultra-modern art that often brings music to life.

His work to date has adorned iconic music spaces around the globe including Ushuaia Ibiza Beach Hotel and the Life is Beautiful Music Festival in Las Vegas, as well as featuring in a music video for Anderson Paak and on album artwork for The Stroke’s Julian Casablancas. His latest pieces for Ballantine’s have been inspired by underground club culture, the recording and production process, and music soundwaves.

Featuring his distinctive geometric patterns, vivid colours, holograms and optical art, Felipe has created three inspiring artworks which form this year’s True Music Series limited edition gift packaging for Ballantine’s Finest and Ballantine’s 12 Year Old, which will be available around the world from September.

The True Music Series will take Felipe’s artwork across the globe – from Moscow to Johannesburg via Santiago – to transform a range of different music spaces with the distinctive geometric patterns, vibrant flavour and optical art that form his Ballantine’s limited-edition designs. Felipe’s artwork will connect to sound reactive projectors in each space, creating its own equaliser and allowing musicians to experience a visual representation of the music they produce and play within the space, ensuring a performance experience like no other for music fans.

Felipe Pantone is an Argentinian-Spanish visual and kinetic artist

I’ve always been surrounded by musicians and collaborating with Ballantine’s – a whisky brand that’s all about music – allowed me to explore a style marked by sound waves and flowing bits, juxtaposed with my signature elements.

It’s always a pleasure to work around music artists, the spaces and the fans.
– Felipe Pantone

There are a few artists who are really making waves internationally while creating forward-thinking and truly striking art, and Felipe is definitely one of them. With a passion and affinity for music as well as art, Felipe was an obvious choice for us and we couldn’t be happier with the bold and futuristic gift packs he has produced.

But the limited-edition packaging is only the beginning; we have some really exciting plans to bring Felipe’s artwork to life in some of the coolest music communities around the world, including Gost Zvuk in Russia, Primavera Fauna in Chile and with Kid Fonque in South Africa – it’s going to be epic.
– Tom Elton: Head of Music at Ballantine’s

The Ballantine’s True Music Series is an annual project that gives uncompromising artists a unique platform to share and visualise music and music scenes that inspire artists and fans worldwide. The latest limited-edition gift packs created by Felipe Pantone will be available globally from September 2018. Find out more.

Video: Ballantine’s True Music Series x Felipe Pantone

Ballantine’s 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

The Glasgow Distillery Company “Inks” A New Distribution Deal!

Redbreast 12 Cask Strength Re-Claims Jim Murray’s ‘Best Irish Whiskey’ Spot!

Looking For Bourbons? Edencroft Can Fill Your Glass!

New Arrivals

Royal Salute Unveils Their Latest 21 Year Old Beach Polo Edition!

Royal Salute 21 Year Old Beach Polo Edition Tasting notes

Whyte & Mackay Is Giving Away Limited Edition Glasses!

Irish Distillers Announces Major €150 Million Investment Programme!

Glen Moray Launches The Cider Cask Project Whisky!

Tasting Notes:

Get Heavily Into Peat With The Latest Abbey Whisky New Arrivals!

New Arrivals

Spica 20 Year Old From North Star Spirits – New Arrivals From Abbey Whisky – Maximum 1 Per Customer!

New Arrivals

Ballantine’s Creates Limited Edition Range With Famed Street Artist Felipe Pantone!

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