• Home
  • SMWS
    • The SMWS Advent Calendar 2023!
    • SMWS New Wave Mavericks!
    • The SMWS Advent Calendar Countdown 2022!
  • Special Offers
  • New Arrivals
    • Master Of Malt
    • The Whisky Exchange
    • The Whisky Barrel
    • Tyndrum Whisky
    • Cognac
    • Gin
    • Rum
    • Vodka
    • Brandy
    • Tequila
  • Whisky Diary
  • Whisky Related
    • List of Malts
    • LAPHROAIG LIVE 2015
    • LAPHROAIG LIVE 2014
  • Other Spirits
    • Cognac
    • Gin
    • Rum
    • Vodka
    • Brandy
    • Tequila

Malthound

Whisky & Spirits Blog | Compare Buy Enjoy

  • Bluesky
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Campbeltown
    • Glen Scotia
    • Hazelburn
    • Kilkerran
    • Longrow
    • Springbank
  • Highland
    • Highland: A – F
      • Aberfeldy
      • Balblair
      • Ballechin
      • Ben Nevis
      • Ben Wyvis
      • Blair Athol
      • Brora
      • Clynelish
      • Dalmore
      • Dalwhinnie
      • Deanston
      • Edradour
      • Fettercairn
    • Highland: G
      • Glen Albyn
      • Glen Garioch
      • Glen Ord
      • Glencadam
      • Glenesk
      • Glengoyne
      • Glenlochy
      • Glenmorangie
      • Glenturret
      • Glenugie
      • Glenury Royal
    • Highland: H – M
      • Hillside
      • Inchfad
      • Inchmoan
      • Inchmurrin
      • Lochside
      • Millburn
    • Highland: N – Z
      • North Port
      • Oban
      • Old Pulteney
      • Royal Lochnagar
      • Stronachie
      • Teaninich
      • Tullibardine
  • Island
    • Arran
    • Highland Park
    • Isle of Jura
    • Ledaig
    • Scapa
    • Talisker
    • Tobermory
  • Islay
    • Islay: A – I
      • Ardbeg
      • Big Peat
      • Bowmore
      • Bruichladdich
      • Bunnahabhain
      • Caol Ila
      • Finlaggan
      • Ileach
      • Islay Whisky
    • Islay: J – Z
      • Kilchoman
      • Lagavulin
      • Laphroaig
      • Octomore
      • Port Askaig
      • Port Charlotte
      • Port Ellen
      • Smokehead
  • Lowland
    • Auchentoshan
    • Bladnoch
    • Dunglass
    • Glen Flagler
    • Glenkinchie
    • Inverleven
    • Kinclaith
    • Ladyburn
    • Linlithgow
    • Littlemill
    • Rosebank
    • St. Magdalene
  • Speyside: A – F
    • Speyside: A
      • Aberlour
      • Allt-A-Bhainne
      • An Cnoc
      • Ardmore
      • Auchroisk
      • Aultmore
    • Speyside: B
      • Balmenach
      • Balvenie
      • Banff
      • Benriach
      • Benrinnes
      • Benromach
      • Braes of Glenlivet
      • Braeval
    • Speyside: C – F
      • Caperdonich
      • Cardhu
      • Coleburn
      • Convalmore
      • Cragganmore
      • Craigduff
      • Craigellachie
      • Dailuaine
      • Dallas Dhu
      • Dufftown
  • Speyside: G – Z
    • Speyside: G
      • Glen Elgin
      • Glen Grant
      • Glen Keith
      • Glen Mhor
      • Glen Moray
      • Glen Spey
      • Glenallachie
      • Glenburgie
      • Glendronach
      • Glendullan
      • Glenfarclas
      • Glenfiddich
      • Glenglassaugh
      • Glenisla
      • Glenlivet
      • Glenlossie
      • Glenrothes
      • Glentauchers
    • Speyside: H – O
      • Imperial
      • Inchgower
      • Knockando
      • Linkwood
      • Loch Dhu
      • Longmorn
      • Macallan
      • Macduff
      • Mannochmore
      • Miltonduff
      • Mortlach
    • Speyside: P – Z
      • Pittyvaich
      • Pride of Strathspey
      • Royal Brackla
      • Speyburn
      • Speyside
      • Strathisla
      • Strathmill
      • Tamdhu
      • Tamnavulin
      • The Singleton
      • Tomatin
      • Tomintoul
      • Tormore
  • World Whiskies
    • American
    • Australian
    • Canadian
    • Dutch
    • English
    • Finnish
    • French
    • Indian
    • Irish
    • Japanese
    • New Zealand
    • South African
    • Swedish
    • Welsh
  • Blended Whiskies
You are here: Home / 2018 / October / Archives for 3rd

Archives for October 3, 2018

Midleton Very Rare 2018 – 35th Edition Unveiled!

October 3, 2018 by Gary Leave a Comment

THE MIDLETON VERY RARE 2018 EDITION

Irish Distillers has unveiled the 2018 vintage of Midleton Very Rare.

Bottled at 40% ABV, Midleton Very Rare 2018 is available globally

The 35th edition in the renowned and highly collectable range, first unveiled in 1984, is a masterfully blended Irish whiskey, crafted at the Midleton Distillery, Co Cork, by Master Distiller Brian Nation.

Midleton Very Rare 2018 is the result of the careful blending of exceptional, rare and hand-selected single pot still and single grain Irish whiskeys.

Each cask has been matured exclusively in lightly-charred ex-Bourbon American oak barrels for between 12 and 28 years, imparting a vanilla sweetness which is in keeping with the rich tradition laid down by the series over the past four decades.

The 2018 edition offers a subtle floral note alongside a hint of fresh herbs and citrus from the Irish grain whiskey contribution, which is complemented by the spicier Irish single pot still whiskey characteristics of cinnamon, clove and black pepper.

The vanilla sweetness contrasts with the charred oak to deliver a finishing touch of orchard fruit, green banana and a hint of barley sugar.

Bottled at 40% ABV, Midleton Very Rare 2018 is available globally from this month at the RRP of €180 in markets including Ireland, the UK, and the US.

It is a great honour to have my signature on the front of each bottle of Midleton Very Rare, and this acts as the ultimate guarantee of quality from the Midleton Distillery. We set aside very small amounts of particularly fine single pot still and single grain distillates each year so that the Midleton Very Rare legacy can continue.

This practice has been going on for over 40 years and today we are the proud custodians of the exceptional distillates with a duty of care to ensure that future generations are able to enjoy the pinnacle of Irish whiskey as we do today.
– Brian Nation: Master Distiller at Midleton Distillery

Midleton 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 Distillers, Midleton, Midleton Very Rare, News

“Knock Once. Knock Twice. Knock Thrice” – Whyte & Mackay Launch Wildcat Gin!

October 3, 2018 by Gary Leave a Comment

Wildcat Gin – a contemporary gin, featuring a Cat’s Claw botanical

Whyte & Mackay are continuing to grow their portfolio by announcing the launch of Wildcat Gin – a contemporary gin, featuring a Cat’s Claw botanical. Perfect for consumers who want to #SeizeTheNight.

Wildcat Gin has an ABV of 41.5% and is distilled especially for mixing

Wildcat Gin’s release is the latest in a series of investments by Whyte & Mackay and is reflective of their commitment to developing their premium spirits portfolio.

In August, the Glasgow based business launched a new Blended Scotch Whisky, named The Woodsman, with a pop-up tipi bar at the Edinburgh Festival. They also re-launched their Highland Single Malt Whisky, Fettercairn, with four new expressions, alongside a complete overhaul of their Jura Single Malt Brand and a full rebrand and re-launch for Tamnavulin Speyside Malt.

Wildcat Gin has an ABV of 41.5% and is distilled especially for mixing, using just ten carefully-selected botanicals – including Liquorice Root, Coriander, Angelica Root and Cat’s Claw Root – making it the perfect serve at home or in bar. It has a classic gin taste, refreshing and crisp, with a predominantly juniper aroma. But the addition of Cat’s Claw botanical gives Wildcat Gin a pleasant twist, with subtle hints of citrus, white pepper and spice.

The ‘Gin of the Night’ Wildcat aims to become the go-to gin for up-tempo, after-dark occasions. It has mystique and style at its core – from its illicit brand story, to its distinctive bottle design – and encourages drinkers to #SeizeTheNight.

The Wildcat story starts in the 18th century, with a story of a rogue and the law. At the time Captain Dudley Bradstreet, a rogue and adventurer, arrived in London and set upon a scheme to sell gin in secret, when it had been made illegal to do so.

He hung the sign of a black cat over his window and let it be known that, by knocking three times, a generous measure of gin would be dispensed once money was placed in the cat’s mouth. Soon, cat signs began to appear all over the city and a new gin craze was born.

Like the spirit itself, Wildcat Gin’s bottle has been designed with mixing in mind, boasting grip points at the neck allowing for a speedy pour. The brand’s story also spills into the design, with “Knock Once. Knock Twice. Knock Thrice” embossed below the distinctive gold logo.

We are delighted to launch our new ‘Gin of the Night’ – Wildcat Gin. We are investing in innovation across our portfolio. Wildcat Gin is the latest brand launch to ensure we continue to offer consumer-led value to our customers.

As a business we recognised a key drinking occasion which is under served by current Gin brands – night time – so Wildcat Gin aimed at those who come to life after dark.

Wildcat Gin’s distinctive, yet classic taste makes it perfect for a simple gin and tonic or a bramble cocktail to be enjoyed as the consumer sees fit – as part of a great night out.

With a stand-out flavour profile and intriguing brand story, we’re confident Wildcat Gin will add value to the category while standing out against mainstream gin brands.
– Mike Greggs: Whyte & Mackay General Manager of UK, France and Germany

Wildcat Gin 70cl will be available in selected bars and retailers throughout the UK, with an RSP of £28.
For more information visit: wildcat-gin.com.

Filed Under: Gin, News, Whyte & Mackay

Whyte & Mackay Release Limited Edition Neck Tags To Celebrate ISC Wins!

October 3, 2018 by Gary Leave a Comment

Triple Matured Blended Scotch and 13-Year-Old were awarded Gold Medal status at the 2018 ISC awards

To celebrate winning two gold medals at this year’s International Spirits Challenge (ISC), Whyte & Mackay Triple Matured Whisky is releasing a limited-edition run of 200,000 commemorative neck tags.

The commemorative neck tags

Both Whyte & Mackay Triple Matured Blended Scotch and Whyte & Mackay 13-Year-Old were awarded Gold Medal status at the 2018 ISC awards – one of the most respected and sought-after accolades in the drinks industry due to the stringent nature of the judging process.

Featuring on 70cl and 1 litre bottles of Whyte & Mackay Triple Matured Blended Scotch Whisky, the celebratory neck tag will drive consumer confidence and aid decision making at point of purchase.

A mark of industry excellence, the neck tag ensures Whyte & Mackay will stand out on crowded shelves. The eye-catching design mirrors the gold medal status of the product, helping consumers to navigate the blended scotch category with ease, reassuring consumers that Whyte & Mackay Triple Matured Blended Scotch is of the best quality.

The bottles are available to purchase across the off-trade including supermarkets, wholesale and convenience stores nationwide from September 2018.

As always, the calibre of entrants at the International Spirits Challenge was extremely high, so we’re honoured to receive the Gold Medal for not one but two of our whiskies. Which is why, to celebrate, we want our bottles to wear their awards with pride.

A lot of dedication goes into our product – from our harmonious blend of flavours, to the rich golden colour created by our triple maturation process – and these award wins are a wonderful recognition of the hard work we distil into each bottle of Whyte & Mackay.
– Ruairi Perry: Head of Blended Whisky Brands, Whyte & Mackay

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

Filed Under: News, Whyte & Mackay

Chivas Launches “The Icon” – 50 Years Old & Their Oldest Whisky Ever!

October 3, 2018 by Gary Leave a Comment

Chivas The Icon 50th Anniversary Limited Edition

Ahead of Manchester United’s first European Cup home game of the season, Chivas has unveiled Chivas The Icon 50th Anniversary Limited Edition to celebrate Manchester United’s famous cup victory in Europe in 1968. Four bottles of the limited edition, 50 year old Scotch have been created, to represent each of the goals scored by Manchester United on the memorable night at Wembley.

The second bottle in the limited edition release will be the only bottle in the world available to the public to buy

The new Official Spirits Partner of Manchester United, Chivas, will be gifting the first bottle of the exquisite whisky to a fan who has passionately supported the Club through every high and low. To find out how to be in with a chance to win this priceless whisky, please keep an eye on Manchester United social platforms for further details on how to enter.

The second bottle in the limited edition release will be the only bottle in the world available to the public to buy, going on sale with world-renowned auction house Sotheby’s in an online-only auction from 23rd to 30th November.

All proceeds from the sale will be donated to the Manchester United Foundation, reflecting Chivas and Manchester United’s shared belief in using success to enrich the lives of others. To find out how to take part in the auction and have the chance to get your hands on the only bottle of this celebratory whisky available to buy, visit the Chivas website where there will be details of the auction and how to get involved.

At Chivas we believe that blended is better – in life, football and Scotch – so we wanted to use our vast expertise to craft a truly unique blend that embodies the values of a truly unique team. To taste this whisky is to experience some of our oldest, most luxurious and rarest whiskies, some from now lost distilleries, hand-selected and brought together for their exceptional richness and fruity character.

Ever since Chivas’ founding brothers, James and John, first perfected the art of blending, Chivas has never released a whisky more than 30 years old – this limited edition 50 years old blend really is an iconic piece of history.
– Sandy Hyslop: Chivas Brothers Director of Blending

Presented in a hand-blown crystal decanter created by expert craftsmen at Dartington Crystal, the liquid is perfectly smooth with an intense concentration of sumptuous flavours, with rich notes of honey, vanilla and dark chocolate, balanced by subtle hazelnut influences from the cask that develop into an exceptionally long, lingering finish.

Each bottle is decorated with a bespoke metal plaque, enshrining the 1968 victory to the bottle’s crest. The fine detail of the plaque has been hand-carved and carefully hand-painted to match the colour of the team’s iconic 1968 shirt, with touches in gold in a nod to their victory.

The third Limited Edition bottle will take pride of place in the Manchester United Museum, before being offered for private sale at an end season event, with proceeds again being donated to the Manchester United Foundation. The final bottle will be placed on display at Strathisla distillery – the home of Chivas in Speyside, Scotland.

Watch the video!

Manchester United teammates Sergio Romero and Chris Smalling (L-R) take a closer look at a bottle of The Icon

Chivas 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: Chivas, News

Investigate The Highland Park Rebus30 – A ‘Thrilling’ New Arrival From Abbey Whisky!

October 3, 2018 by Gary Leave a Comment

Highland Park Rebus30
£54.00

New Arrivals

Highland Park Rebus30
Highland Park Rebus30

£54.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Island
Age: 10 Years Old
Strength: 40%
70cl
BenRiach 12 Year Old Sherry Wood
BenRiach 12 Year Old Sherry Wood

£42.94
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 12 Years Old
Strength: 46%
70cl
Glenglassaugh Port Wood Finish
Glenglassaugh Port Wood Finish

£48.72
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age: 
Strength: 46%
70cl
Highland Park Quercus
Highland Park Quercus

£298.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Island
Age: 
Strength: 48.3%
70cl
Blanton's Original Single Barrel #1576
Blanton's Original Single Barrel #1576

£64.90
Country: America
Region: American
Age: 
Strength: 46.5%
70cl
Orkney 12 Year Old | North Star Spirits
Orkney 12 Year Old | North Star Spirits

£54.48
Country: Scotland
Region: Island
Age: 12 Years Old
Strength: 57.8%
70cl
Vintage: 2006
Bottler: North Star Spirits
Springbank 18 Year Old | 2018 Release
Springbank 18 Year Old | 2018 Release

£89.98
Country: Scotland
Region: Campbeltown
Age: 18 Years Old
Strength: 46%
70cl
Caol Ila 33 Year Old - 1984 | Connoisseurs Choice
Caol Ila 33 Year Old – 1984 | Connoisseurs Choice

£499.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 34 Years Old
Strength: 52.8%
70cl
Vintage: 1984
Bottler: Gordon & MacPhail
Glenglassaugh 31 Year Old - 1986 | Connoisseurs Choice
Glenglassaugh 31 Year Old – 1986 | Connoisseurs Choice

£425.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age: 31 Years Old
Strength: 52%
70cl
Vintage: 1986
Bottler: Gordon & MacPhail
Bunnahabhain 11 Year Old - Discovery
Bunnahabhain 11 Year Old – Discovery

£47.98
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 11 Years Old
Strength: 43%
70cl
Ledaig 12 Year Old - Discovery
Ledaig 12 Year Old – Discovery

£47.98
Country: Scotland
Region: Island
Age: 12 Years Old
Strength: 43%
70cl
Miltonduff 10 Year Old - Discovery
Miltonduff 10 Year Old – Discovery

£47.98
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 10 Years Old
Strength: 43%
70cl
Tomatin 2007 Vintage - Discovery
Tomatin 2007 Vintage – Discovery

£47.98
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age: 
Strength: 43%
70cl
Vintage: 2007
Bottler: Gordon & MacPhail
Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery
Caol Ila 13 Year Old – Discovery

£47.98
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 13 Years Old
Strength: 43%
70cl
BenRiach 21 Year Old
BenRiach 21 Year Old

£118.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 21 Years Old
Strength: 46%
70cl
BenRiach 21 Year Old Temporis
BenRiach 21 Year Old Temporis

£126.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 21 Years Old
Strength: 46%
70cl

Filed Under: Abbey Whisky, New Arrivals

SMWS Top Ten Bestsellers

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society




Browse SMWS Low Stock Whiskies

Browse SMWS Whiskies Arranged By Distillery (A - Z)

SMWS – New Whiskies!

The Whisky Exchange

Distilled: Whisky News – Summarised

Distilled: Whisky News - Summarised

Malt Whisky Regions

Scotlands Malt Whisky Regions

Calendar Club

Pour & Sip



Pour & Sip

Drams to your door!

Krystal Web Hosting

Recent Posts

  • Sampling Kilchoman’s 20th Anniversary Cask Series – Classy And Sublime!
  • Tormore is BACK with its first official release under Elixir Distillers!
  • DADS DESERVE DRAMS! Here’s some whiskies that could be a nice fit!
  • Sampling That Boutique-y Whisky Company New Range – I think I’ll have another!
  • “Full-throttle coal scuttle” – The Latest Whiskies From The SMWS!
October 2018
M T W T F S S
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
293031  
« Sep   Nov »

Favourite Sites

  • Drink Supermarket
  • drinkaware.co.uk
  • Master of Malt
  • SMWS
  • The Whisky Barrel
  • The Whisky Exchange
  • The Whisky Wire
  • Tweet Tastings
  • Tyndrum Whisky
  • Whiskystats

Tags

10 Year Old 12 year old 15 Year Old 40% 43% 46% 1980 Ardbeg bottle bottled bottling bourbon Bowmore Caol cask casks distillery douglas Glen Glenfarclas Glenlivet Glenmorangie gordon Highland Island Islay laing Laphroaig Lowland Macallan macphail malt range rare refill scotch sherry signatory single Speyside Springbank strength whisky year years

Search

Archives

QR Code

QR Code for malthound.co.uk - scan the image with your smartphone & access malt whisky on the move!

· Whisky & Spirits Blog | Compare Buy Enjoy · About · Contact · Privacy Policy · Terms & Conditions · Copyright © malthound 2026 ·