Archives for January 2020

New Ardbeg Arrivals From Edencroft!

January 29, 2020 by Gary Leave a Comment

Ardbeg / Perpetuum.
£185.00

New Arrivals

Ardbeg / Perpetuum.
£185.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age:
Strength: 47.4%.

Summary:

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Islay.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

DISTILLERY: Ardbeg.

BOTTLER: Distillery Bottling.

BOTTLING SERIE: Limited Edition.

BOTTLED: 2015

CASK TYPE: Bourbon & Sherry Casks.

NUMBER OF BOTTLES: 72000

ABV: 47.4% Vol.

COLOUR: Deep Amber.

NOSE: Tar, soot and pine resin leads to dark chocolate, treacle toffee, and a distant, nutty/oaky note. Water initiates fresh, briny sea-spray, linseed oil, and a pine resin/lime top note. Remarkably fresh for such a peaty whisky.

TASTE: Intense, robust peat smoke, savoury smoky bacon, cinnamon and nutmeg, but also an incredible creamy, sweet vanilla/milk chocolate note.

FINISH: The never-ending aftertaste sees more linseed oil (a hint of the Sherry Casks), creosote and tar, but understated, always gentle.

Ardbeg / Ardbog.
£250.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age:
Strength: 52.1%.

Summary:

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Islay.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

DISTILLERY: Ardbeg.

BOTTLER: Distillery Bottling.

BOTTLING SERIE: Limited Edition.

BOTTLED: 2013

CASK TYPE: ex-Bourbon Barrels & Manzanilla Sherry Butts.

NUMBER OF BOTTLES: 13000

ABV: 52.1% Vol.

COLOUR: Deep ochre.

NOSE: Pecan nuts, fudge, leather and a whiff of lavender and violets. Aromatic smoke, with salty Iberico ham and olives. With water, smoked rhubarb, aged balsamic vinegar and salty, 'graphite' notes.

TASTE: Oily/tingly mouthfeel leads to salty, savoury cashews, peanuts, clove, aniseed flavoured toffee, green olives and a curious hint of anchovy.

FINISH: Long and lingering with maple syrup sweetness kept in check by oak tannins, clove and coffee grounds.

Blantons / Gold Bourbon.
£100.00
Country: American
Region: American
Age:
Strength: 51.5%

Summary:

COUNTRY/REGION: America/Kentucky.

THIS BOURBON WHISKY DUMPED ON: 17/08/19

FROM BARREL NO: 600

STORED IN WAREHOUSE: 11

ON RICK NO: 56

ABV: 51.5%

Blanton’s Gold Edition was created for discerning bourbon aficionados who appreciate exceptional smoothness and complexity in their bourbon whiskey. The nose is first marked by spicy rye and tobacco notes. Caramel and honey follow soon after, mingled with dark fruit and citrus notes. The palate emulates the same complex nose with rye, tobacco, and honey at the forefront. Round and bold notes of charred oak and vanilla carry you through to an extremely long and harmonious finish. This bourbon consistently delivers on balance and character, on par with the world’s finest whiskey. Best served neat or with a splash of water.

COLOUR: Dark Amber

NOSE: Powerful and Dry, marked by Honey, Heavy Rye, Dried fruits, Vanilla, and Chocolate.

PALATE: Sharp, Full and Rich, Marked by Apricot, Butter, Pepper, Light Honey, and Oak

FINISH: Long, with Toffee and Apple, Developing on Pecan and Caramel.

Blantons / UK Exclusive Barrel Pick Cask #120.
£120.00
Country: American
Region: American
Age:
Strength: 46.5%

Summary:

COUNTRY/REGION: America/Kentucky.

THIS BOURBON WHISKY DUMPED ON: 01/08/19

FROM BARREL NO: 120

STORED IN WAREHOUSE: H

ON RICK NO: 1

ABV: 46.5%

North British / Old Particular Chairman's' Choice 23 Year Old.
£70.00
Country: Scotland
Region: ScotclandLowland
Age:
Strength: 49.9%.

Summary:

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotcland/Lowland.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

DISTILLERY: North British.

BOTTLER: Douglas Laing.

BOTTLING SERIE: Old Particular.

DISTILLED: November 1995

BOTTLED: October 2019

AGE: 23 Year Old.

CASK TYPE: Refill Barrel.

CASK NUMBER: DL13630

NUMBER OF BOTTLES: 159

ABV: 49.9% Vol.

The nose opens like a paper bag of mixed hard candy developing to citric boiled sweets plus sherbet and golden honey. The palate reveals a range of spices, some warming, others so sweet while the finish has a raisin-filled fudge quality with breakfast cereal and more sugary notes apparent.

Caol Ila / 8 Year Old Elements Collection Earth Edition.
£79.50
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age:
Strength: 58.4%

Summary:

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Islay.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

DISTILLERY: Caol Ila.

BOTTLER: Douglas Laing.

BOTTLING SERIE: Old Particular – The Elements Collection.

DISTILLED: 11.2010

BOTTLED: 05.2019

AGE: 8 Years Old.

CASK TYPE: Refill Hogshead.

NUMBER OF BOTTLES: 319

ABV: 58.4%

NOSE: The nose brings bursts of peat smoke, beach bonfire embers and dry ash.

PALATE: Opens with a dry earthy quality, developing to damp wood and peated barley.

FINISH: The finish shows charred oak, cured meats and an earthy sweetness

New Arrivals From Abbey Whisky – Private Casks & Quirky Collectables!

January 28, 2020 by Gary Leave a Comment

Octomore Farm 9 Year Old – 2009 | Private Cask 336
£240.00

New Arrivals

Nikka Black Blender's Spirit | 60th Anniversary
£97.50
Country: Japan
Region: Japanese
Age:
Strength: 43%
70cl

Chichibu The Peated 2012 | Bottled 2016
£498.00
Country: Japan
Region: Japanese
Age:
Strength: 54.5%
70cl
Vintage: 2012
Bottler: Distillery Bottling

Octomore Farm 9 Year Old – 2009 | Private Cask 336
£240.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 9 Years Old
Strength: 61.8%
70cl
Vintage: 2009
Bottler:

Johnnie Walker White Walker | Games of Thrones
£34.98
Country: Scotland
Region:
Age:
Strength: 41.7%
70cl

Bruichladdich 9 Year Old – 2006 | Private Cask 0373 | Persabus
£298.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 9 Years Old
Strength: 66.7%
70cl
Vintage: 2006
Bottler: Distillery Bottling

Cutty Sark – Caskstrength and Carry On
£78.00
Country: Scotland
Region:
Age:
Strength: 51.4%
70cl

Lochindaal 11 Year Old – 2007 | Private Cask 3348
£240.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 11 Years Old
Strength: 60%
70cl
Vintage: 2007
Bottler:

Midleton Releases ‘Knockrath Forest’ Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey!

January 24, 2020 by Gary Leave a Comment

Midleton – Dair Ghaelach

Irish Distillers has introduced Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach Knockrath Forest, the third release in the Dair Ghaelach collection. A remarkable addition to the Midleton Very Rare story, the new expression has matured in barrels made from virgin Irish oak grown in Knockrath Forest, County Wicklow, reinforcing Midleton’s provenance and its standing as a true taste of Ireland.

The story of Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach, which translates as ‘Irish oak’, began over a decade ago when the Midleton Masters, ever keen to innovate and create unique and exemplary whiskeys, decided to explore the possibility of maturing Irish whiskey in native oak.

Kevin O’Gorman

Midleton’s talented team, led by Master of Maturation Kevin O’Gorman, Master Cooper Ger Buckley and Master Blender Billy Leighton, set out to source sustainable Irish oak from estates throughout Ireland to produce a series of whiskeys, each with their own individual history and taste profile, that could be traced back to the specific tree from which the oak cask was made.

For the third edition, the Midleton team selected the Knockrath estate in the ancient Vale of Clara where the oak has grown for more than 150 years amidst the landscape of mountains and lakes. Known for its cool summers and heavy rainfall, the climate of County Wicklow impacts the density and porosity of the oak.

This, in addition to a lighter toasting of the wood and unique combination of distillates, results in subtle flavour differences between Dair Ghaelach Knockrath Forest and its predecessors, Dair Ghaelach Grinsell’s Wood [1] and Dair Ghaelach Bluebell Forest. [2]

[1] Launched in 2015, Dair Ghaelach Grinsell’s Wood was the first expression in the collection, matured in Irish oak barrels grown on the Ballaghtobin Estate in County Kilkenny.
[2] In 2017 the second edition, Dair Ghaealch Bluebell Forest, was launched created using oak from the Castle Blunden Estate in County Kilkenny.

Since the 16th century the Brabazon family has watched over Knockrath Forest and continues to sustainably manage the trees from one season to the next. Under their guardianship, the Knockrath estate became one of the first sites where the iconic Great Spotted Woodpecker – engraved into the whiskey’s stunning wooden case – set up residence on its return to Ireland following years in exile. Today, after ten years of silence, the woodpecker’s drumming can be heard throughout the forests of Wicklow and beyond thanks to the Brabazon family and the expanding oak forests.

Once felled, the carefully harvested trees were shipped to the Maderbar sawmills in Baralla, north-west Spain, where they were traditionally quarter sawn into staves for barrel manufacturing and transferred to the Antonio Páez Lobato cooperage in Jerez. After a 15-month drying process, the staves were worked into barrels and given a light toasting before returning to Ireland. Back at Midleton Distillery, the virgin oak casks were filled with Irish pot still whiskeys ranging in age from 13-26 years.

Following two further years maturing in the Irish oak, O’Gorman and Leighton diligently checked the barrels each month until finally the pair felt the whiskey had the perfect balance of flavour, aroma and wood contribution ready for bottling.

Knockrath Forest

Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach Knockrath Forest is bottled at cask strength ranging from 56.1% – 56.6% ABV, giving drinkers the opportunity to taste Irish whiskey almost directly from Irish oak. The native wood contributes notes of caramel, fruits, vanilla and chocolate for a smooth and robust whiskey.

Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach Knockrath Forest is an amazing 150-year journey from Knockrath Forest to bottle and one we’re proud to be part of. Traceability and sustainability are at the heart of this whiskey and, until we started this project, Irish oak had not been used to mature whiskey for well over 100 years.

Today, thanks to sustainable practices, we can harvest small volumes and trace each bottle right back to the very oak tree that helped to create it. This has, in turn, fostered an awareness and appreciation among whiskey lovers that there is even a subtle difference between trees which contributes to a whiskey’s unique flavour.
– Kevin O’Gorman: Master of Maturation

It’s an honour to present the latest edition in the Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach collection.

Truly a taste of Ireland, the barley, water, oak and indeed craftspeople at the heart of this expression are all home-grown, making us extremely proud to share this latest expression in the Midleton story with the world.
– Billy Leighton: Master Blender

Dair Ghaelach Knockrath Forest is available from January 2020 in Ireland, UK, France, US and China at the recommended selling price of €310 per 70cl.

Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaelach Knockrath Forest Tasting Notes

Nose: Pot still spices are accentuated by the Irish oak contribution, adding waves of toasted wood with hints of vanilla and roasted coffee, layered over fresh fruit which evolves from orchard fruits to tropical notes.
Taste: Classic pot still spices give a luscious texture to the fore, while the influence of the Irish oak adds a medley of sweet notes including chocolate and honeycomb.
Finish: Remarkably long finish with fruit and spices fading to allow the Irish oak to have the final say.

Midleton is available to buy from these Merchants:-

New Arrivals From Edencroft – Cu Bocan Creation 2 & Highland Park 17 Year Old!

January 21, 2020 by Gary Leave a Comment

Cu Bocan / Creation 2.
£60.00

New Arrivals

Cu Bocan / Creation 2.
£60.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highlands
Age:
Strength: 46%.

Summary:

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Highland's.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

DISTILLERY: Tomatin.

BOTTLER: Distillery Bottling.

BOTTLED: 2019

CASK TYPE: Japanese Shochu and European Virgin Oak Casks.

NUMBER OF BOTTLES:

STRENGTH: 46% Vol.

An experiment where the Far East and Europe meet, this innovative creation is rich and lively with hints of smoke and key lime pie.

Ethereal + Estery: Pear Drops, Sweet Lime and Earthy.

European Virgin Oak Full Bodied + Warming: Maple Syrup, Toasted Walnuts and Exotic Spice.

Highland Park / 17 Year Old Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice.
£120.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Island
Age:
Strength: 57.9%.

Summary:

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Orkney.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

DISTILLERY: Highland Park.

BOTTLER: Gordon & MacPhail.

BOTTLING SERIE: Connoisseurs Choice.

DISTILLED: 2002

BOTTLED: Thursday, 5 September 2019

BOTTLES FILLED:

AGE: 17 Years Old.

CASK TYPE: Refill Sherry Butt.

ABV: 57.9 % Vol.

COLOUR: Lightest Gold.

NOSE: Freshly cut grass notes lead to rich dark chocolate and a hint of ginger. A soft undertone of toffee develops alongside caramelised orange peel and subtle lime zest.

TASTE: Sweet golden syrup combines with grapefruit zest and cocoa powder. An undertone of vanilla develops, giving way to mixed nuts and soft chilli spice.

FINISH: A delicate finish with lingering traces of aniseed.

New Arrivals From Abbey Whisky – Bruichladdich, Glendronach & Octomore!

January 20, 2020 by Gary Leave a Comment

Bruichladdich 14 Year Old – 2003 | Calvados | Laddie Crew UK
£141.60

New Arrivals

Bruichladdich 14 Year Old – 2003 | Calvados | Laddie Crew UK
£141.60
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 14 Years Old
Strength: 60.8%
70cl
Vintage: 2003
Bottler: Distillery Bottling

Glendronach 18 Year Old Allardice
£94.90
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age: 18 Years Old
Strength: 46%
70cl

Octomore 10.4 | Virgin Oak
£154.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 3 Years Old
Strength: 63.5%
70cl
Vintage: 2016
Bottler: Distillery Bottling

New Swedish Mackmyra Whisky Arrivals – Now Available From Edencroft!

January 16, 2020 by Gary Leave a Comment

Mackmyra / Brukswhisky.
£38.25

New Arrivals

Mackmyra / Brukswhisky.
£38.25
Country: Scotland
Region: Sweden
Age:
Strength: 41.4%.

Summary:

COUNTRY/REGION: Sweden.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

DISTILLERY: Mackmyra.

BOTTLER: Distillery Bottling.

ABV: 41.4% Vol.

Mackmyra Brukswhisky has a balanced character with fruits and butterscotch. The nose is clean with light, spicy notes.

Clear fruitiness with butterscotch, citrus and pear. Prominent notes are liquorice and mint. The palate is fruity and slightly smoky while the aftertaste is fruity and slightly spicy.

Enjoy Brukswhisky as it is, with or without ice, on any occasion.

NOSE: Butterscotch, citrus, pear, liquorice, banana and mint.

MOUTH: Fresh fruity and peppery with a spicy taste of toffee.

SUMMARY: Spicy oak and apple pie whilst remaining light and nimble.

Mackmyra / Mack.
£32.50
Country: Scotland
Region: Sweden
Age:
Strength: 40%.

Summary:

COUNTRY/REGION: Sweden.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

DISTILLERY: Mackmyra.

BOTTLER: Distillery Bottling.

ABV: 40% Vol.

MACK by Mackmyra is a artisanal single malt whisky made from only Swedish ingredients. MACK is great in cocktails but also on its own, straight or on the rocks.

It is a flavourful whisky with a bright, fresh character and notes of vanilla, pear and citrus.

NOSE: The nose is fruity and elegant, with aromas of citrus and pear. It has a soft touch of vanilla oak and a slight spiciness, with herbal notes of anise, mint and vanilla.

MOUTH: The palate is fresh and fruity with a spicy character of pear, citrus and a soft touch of vanilla oak. The aftertaste is short with notes of sugar, vanilla and spiciness.

SUMMARY: Fruity and oaky, slightly salty and with a dryish end.

Mackmyra / Svensk EK.
£41.50
Country: Scotland
Region: Sweden
Age:
Strength: 46.1%.

Summary:

COUNTRY/REGION: Sweden.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

DISTILLERY: Mackmyra.

BOTTLER: Distillery Bottling.

ABV: 46.1% Vol.

Svensk Ek has a spicy character giving notes of sandalwood, dried ginger, black pepper, roasted oak barrel and herbs to the whisky. These spicy characteristics are complemented by fruity undertones with hints of vanilla and toffee from oak barrels, previously used to age Bourbon.

The Swedish oak barrels are made of oak from southern Sweden where oak trees have grown for centuries.

Harsh weather conditions and dramatic seasonal shifts have left their marks on the trees, making them very durable. Before the trees become barrels staves are cut and then dried for at least a year.

The barrels are then coopered by hand and heavily toasted on the inside, enabling the wood fibres to give the whisky more character.

Mackmyra are constantly developing their ancient craft to make it even better. One example of the many innovations is to age a great deal of the whisky in smaller barrels thereby extracting more flavour.

NOSE: Fruity with citrus, pear, apple and honey. A light oakiness with sweet, lightly toasted bread notes and fresh butter toffee.

MOUTH: Svensk ek has a spicy character giving notes of sandalwood, dried ginger, black pepper, roasted oak barrel and herbs to their whisky. Fruity and smooth with citrus, caramel and honey. A light oakiness can be discerned at the end.

SUMMARY: The aftertaste is tuned and balanced with hints of dark chocolate.

Mackmyra / Svensk Rok.
£41.25
Country: Scotland
Region: Sweden
Age:
Strength: 46.1%.

Summary:

COUNTRY/REGION: Sweden.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

DISTILLERY: Mackmyra.

BOTTLER: Distillery Bottling.

ABV: 46.1% Vol.

In Sweden they have used juniper to season their food for generations. Now you can enjoy the timeless flavour in a golden form. The aroma is slightly smoky and spicy, with a much smokier flavour and peaty juniper notes. Together, the flavours unites in a quite unique Swedish flavour.

Svensk Rök (Swedish Smoke) is the only smoky single malt whisky made on Swedish ingredients only.

NOSE: Slightly smoky and spicy with aromas of peat, juniper and vanilla fudge.

MOUTH: Smoky with notes of peat, juniper, oak, tobacco leaves, herbs, salt, anise and green fruits.

SUMMARY: Slightly dry and smoky with notes of oak, salt and herbs.

Mackmyra / Intelligens.
£49.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Sweden
Age:
Strength: 46.1%.

Summary:

COUNTRY/REGION: Sweden.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

DISTILLERY: Mackmyra.

BOTTLER: Distillery Bottling.

BOTTLING SERIE: AI:01.

BOTTLED: 2019

NUMBER OF BOTTLES: 5000

ABV: 46.1% Vol.

Mackmyra's machine learning models, powered by Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform and AI cognitive services developed by Fourkind, were fed with their existing recipes (including those for award-winning blends), sales data, and customer preferences. With this dataset, the AI can generated more than 70 million recipes that it predicted will be popular and of the highest quality.

They then sampled the top 30 recipes and after careful assessment, chose this expression as the first AI whisky.

NOSE: Toffee and creamy vanilla, fine oloroso tones and fruit with citrus, pear & apples. Herbal notes of aniseed, ginger and white pepper and a light tone of toasted oak casks.

MOUTH: Vanilla with fine oak notes, fruits with citrus & pear, herbal spices with slight tobacco leaves and a very small hint of smoke

SUMMARY: Fruity and oaky, slightly salty and with a dryish end.

Mackmyra / Vintersol.
£50.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Sweden
Age:
Strength: 46.1%.

Summary:

COUNTRY/REGION: Sweden.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

DISTILLERY: Mackmyra.

BOTTLER: Distillery Bottling.

BOTTLING SERIE: Säsongswhisky.

BOTTLED: 2019

CASK TYPE: Quinta Do Vallado Port Wine.

ABV: 46.1% Vol.

Mackmyra Vintersol (Winter sun) is a Swedish single malt whisky created in collaboration with the Port wine producer Quinta Do Vallado, one of the oldest and most famous Quintas in the Douro Valley. The Swedish winter sun rarely visits as often as we like it to, and so we wanted the flavour of sun soaked grapes to keep this whisky company.

The aromatic profile of the whisky comes from finishing in casks that previously held port wine with notes of vanilla, chocolate and pepper. The resulting whisky is elegant With a light spiciness and notes of warm raisins, sun ripe fruits, tropical berries, buttery pear fudge, vanilla and toasted oak.

NOSE: Spicy and herbal with fruity warm vinous grape tones and a minerality. Soft vanilla oakiness, with aromas of anise, ginger, raisin, pear caramel and vanilla.

MOUTH: Soft, fruity yet spicy with dried fruit, pears and raisins, ginger and vanilla. With a creamy and medium-rich texture.

SUMMARY: Fruity, spicy and oaky with warm raisins..

Dalmore / 13 Year Old Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice.
£93.25
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age:
Strength: 57.9%.

Summary:

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Highland.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

DISTILLERY: Dalmore.

BOTTLER: Gordon & MacPhail.

BOTTLING SERIE: Connoisseurs Choice.

DISTILLED: 2005

BOTTLED: Tuesday, 16 July 2019

BOTTLES FILLED: 251

AGE: 13 Years Old.

CASK TYPE: Refill Bourbon Barrel.

ABV: 57.9 % Vol.

NOSE: Fragrant aromas of lavender complements citrus fruit and vanilla. Sweet red apple develops alongside toffee, toasted cereal, and a hint of white chocolate.

TASTE: Creamy white pepper spice with sweet red apple leads to toasted cereal and dried oak. Flavours of dried banana, mango, and fresh cut grass come to the fore with a hint of lime.

FINISH: Light; oak and sweet dried banana on the finish.

Tomintoul /Â With a Peaty Tang Aged 15 Years.
£55.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age:
Strength: 40%.

Summary:

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Speyside.

CATEGORY: Single malt.

DISTILLERY: Tomintoul.

BOTTLER: Distillery Bottling.

BOTTLING SERIE: Single Peated Malt.

BOTTLED: 21.09.2017

STATED AGE: 15 years old.

STRENGTH: 40% Vol.

After "sleeping" for 15 years in hand picked oak barrels this aged whisky exudes a heathery smokiness moderated by soft Speyside malt.

NOSE: Gentle heathery smoke balanced with creamy sweet tones and oaky spice.

PALATE: Conspicuous smokiness moderated by soft Speyside malt and gentle spice.

FINISH: Soft, smoky and prolonged with a hint of barley sugar.

Celebrate Burns Night With J&B Rare’s Bobby Burns Cocktail!

January 14, 2020 by Gary Leave a Comment

The J&B Rare ‘Bobby Burns’

Are you celebrating Burns Night on the 25th January 2020?

If you are, why not raise a glass to Robert Burns with the classic Bobby Burns cocktail? Especially as it has been given an unexpected ‘Rare’ twist by world-renowned Jason Scott, owner of Bramble Bar and the iconic blended Scotch whisky, J&B Rare!

Now in its 219th year, Burns Night is a true celebration of friends, food and whisky

Created in the 1930’s (at the very same time the first known printed recipe of the Bobby Burns appeared in Harry Craddock’s The Savoy Cocktail Book), J&B Rare has a light flavour profile, which makes it the perfect canvas for whisky cocktails such as The Bobby Burns.

Craddock’s original recipe called for Italian Vermouth and Scotch Whisky with 3 dashes of bitters, Jason Scott’s twist on the traditional combines J&B Rare with Balthazar Vermouth, Benedictine and Peychaud bitters, creating a subtle yet complex Bobby Burns.

Now in its 219th year, Burns Night is a true celebration of friends, food and whisky. What better way to mark the occasion than with Jason’s instant classic?

To make the J&B Rare Bobby Burns simply:

Add ice to a cocktail shaker

Pour in 50ml J&B Rare

25ml Balthazar Vermouth

5ml Benedictine

2 dashes of Peychaud Bitters

Stir and strain into a chilled coupe glass

Garnish with a fresh lemon peel twist

J&B Rare has been distilled, blended and bottled in Scotland since the 1930’s and is a blend of 42 malt and grain whiskies. The heart of J&B Rare is formed from the finest Speyside malts including Knockando, Glen Spey, Auchriosk and Strathmill. The blend is returned to the cask for a further three years’ maturation which brings together the bold flavours of the single malts with the lighter grain whiskies adding fullness and depth to the blend.

J&B Rare is available to buy from these Merchants:-

New Tomatin Arrivals From Abbey Whisky!

January 13, 2020 by Gary Leave a Comment

Tomatin Cu Bocan / Bourbon Cask
£47.45

New Arrivals

Tomatin Cu Bocan / Bourbon Cask
£47.45
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age:
Strength: 46%
70cl

Tomatin 12 Year Old
£36.95
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age: 12 Years Old
Strength: 43%
70cl

Tomatin 16 Year Old – 2001 | Connoisseurs Choice
£99.98
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age: 16 Years Old
Strength: 56.5%
70cl
Vintage: 2001
Bottler: Gordon & MacPhail

Arran 18 Year Old
£89.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Island
Age: 18 Years Old
Strength: 46%
70cl

Nevis Dew Special Reserve
£21.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age:
Strength: 40%
70cl

Powers Irish Whiskey Starts The Decade With A New Look!

January 9, 2020 by Gary Leave a Comment

The Powers Repack Family Line up

Powers Gold Label

Powers Irish Whiskey, which is made by Irish Distillers in Midleton Distillery, has unveiled a bold new bottle design for its range of premium Irish whiskeys. Debuting on core expression Powers Gold Label in the USA from March 2020, the dynamic new look is set to attract a new generation of drinkers to one of Ireland’s most loved whiskey brands.

The design features a new bottle shape which has been inspired by the distinctive pot still silhouette from the brand’s historical home at John’s Lane Distillery. Another striking aspect of the new design is the label which is styled on the iconic Powers ‘diamond P’ – one of the first ever trademarks registered in Ireland and a link to the legacy of Powers and Irish whiskey history all over Ireland.

Each whiskey in the Powers range is presented with a label in a different colour to bring to life its unique story; Powers Gold Label in red, an homage to the original red Powers diamond marque; Powers Three Swallow in blue, a nod to the feathers of the graceful bird; and Powers John’s Lane Release in metallic ink, to reflect the industrial innovation that the Powers family demonstrated at the original distillery established in 1791 on John’s Lane, Dublin.

Powers John Lane

Powers sense of identity has always focused on the diamond P; that became very clear to me as I worked my way through the historical archive. The diamond P was everywhere; on the casks, stationary, on bills and receipts, emblazoned on everything that left the distillery, and notably on the wonderful Powers mirrors that still hang in Ireland’s pubs today.

Workers at the old John’s Lane distillery even took to wearing a diamond P pin on their lapel, such was their pride to be part of the Powers family. For me it’s wonderful to see the diamond P front and centre on this new label, symbolising all the history of this great whiskey since 1791.
– Carol Quinn: Archivist at Irish Distillers

Following the launch of the new-look Powers Gold Label in March 2020, the new design will be introduced across Powers Three Swallow and Powers John’s Lane from mid-2020 in the USA and the rest of the world from late-2020. In Ireland, Powers Three Swallow and Powers John’s Lane will be released in March 2020, with Powers Gold Label to be reviewed in due course.

Powers Three Swallow

Powers has been famous for its bold taste profile and character since the family distillery was established in 1791. We are excited to introduce this new look to the world and inspire a new generation with the unique history and personality of Powers.

At Irish Distillers, we have pride in Powers as one of the world’s leading Irish whiskeys and we welcome this dynamic new chapter for the brand as we seek to continue the Irish whiskey renaissance around the world.
– Conor McQuaid: Chairman and CEO of Irish Distillers

New packaging for Powers Irish Whiskey underpins recent innovation for the brand as it seeks to reach and inspire whiskey drinkers including; the release of Powers Old Fashioned, the brand’s first ever pre-mixed classic cocktail; and the Powers Quarter; a collaboration between six Dublin bars to tell the story of Powers and its illustrious Dublin history.

Powers Whiskey is available to buy from these Merchants:-

New Gordon & MacPhail Arrivals From Edencroft – Bespoke Bottlings Of Cracking Drams!

January 8, 2020 by Gary Leave a Comment

Balblair / 12 Year Old Gordon & MacPhail Discovery Edition.
£52.50

New Arrivals

Balblair / 12 Year Old Gordon & MacPhail Discovery Edition.
£52.50
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age:
Strength: 43%.

Summary:

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Highland.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

DISTILLERY: Balblair.

BOTTLER: Gordon & MacPhail.

BOTTLING SERIE: Discovery Label.

BOTTLED: 2018

AGE: 12 Year Old.

CASK TYPE: Bourbon.

ABV: 43% Vol.

NOSE: Ripe pear and stewed rhubarb steeped in honey and decadent raspberry jam mature into sweet meadow grasses complemented by underlying fresh lemon and lime edge.

TASTE: Balanced, crisp green apple wrapped in salted dark chocolate accompanied by hints of peaches and cream and gentle menthol nuances.

FINISH: Light aniseed and warming white pepper develop on the finish whilst highlights of fresh lemon zest adds depth.

Cameronbridge / 21 Year Old Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice.
£125.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Lowland
Age:
Strength: 59.3%.

Summary:

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Lowland.

CATEGORY: Single Grain.

DISTILLERY: Cameronbridge.

BOTTLER: Gordon & MacPhail.

BOTTLING SERIE: Connoisseurs Choice.

VINTAGE: 1997

BOTTLED: 29th November 2018

AGE: 21 Year Old.

CASK TYPE: Refill Sherry Cask.

NUMBER OF BOTTLES: 581

STRENGTH: 59.3% Vol.

COLOUR: Dark Gold.

NOSE: Subtle sherry notes develop into candy store aromas: orange, sweet and tangy lemon, strawberry liquorice, and hints of soft vanilla fudge. Flashes of cocoa powder surface throughout.

PALATE: Sweet yet spicy; white pepper accompanies fresh vanilla pod flavours. Candied citrus weaves into notes of caramelised brown sugar; toasted malt layers over mature oak undertones.

FINISH: A lingering herbal edge highlighted by flashes of freshly-squeezed lemonade.

Glenturret / 14 Year Old Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice.
£95.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age:
Strength: 53.3%.

Summary:

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Highland

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

DISTILLERY: Glenturret.

BOTTLER: Gordon & MacPhail.

BOTTLING SERIE: Connoisseurs Choice.

VINTAGE: 2005

BOTTLED: 2019

AGE: 14 Year Old.

CASK TYPE: First fill Sherry hogshead.

NUMBER OF BOTTLES: 324

STRENGTH: 53.3% Vol.

COLOUR: Dark Gold.

NOSE: Sherry aromas come together in balance with sticky toffee apple and candied orange. Stewed prunes, sultanas and dates in perfect harmony with woody and leather nuances.

PALATE: Rich and mouth-coating. Candied orange, lemon peel, dark chocolate, and treacle. Red apple flavours complement notes of hazelnut and walnut with fresh baked panet tone flavours.

FINISH: Drying nutty tones on the finish with lingering citrus highlights.

Tormore / 24 Year Old Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice.
£165.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age:
Strength: 56.2%.

Summary:

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Speyside.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

DISTILLERY: Tormore.

BOTTLER: Gordon & MacPhail.

BOTTLING SERIE: Connoisseurs Choice.

VINTAGE: 1995

BOTTLED: 2019

AGE: 24 Year Old.

CASK TYPE: Refill Sherry Puncheon.

NUMBER OF BOTTLES: 448

STRENGTH: 56.2% Vol.

COLOUR: Dark Gold.

NOSE: Juicy raspberries and spiced fruitcake aromas are followed by tart or ange coulis. Vanilla and milk chocolate give way to polished oak.

PALATE: Mouth-warming spices lead to mulled raspberries, cherries, and blackberries. Seville orange and dark chocolate notes endure with hints of butterscotch.

FINISH: Medium-bodied, smooth, and well balanced with delicate oak tannins and fruits.

Pulteney / 19 Year Old Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice.
£135.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age:
Strength: 56.5%.

Summary:

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Highland.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

DISTILLERY: Old Pulteney.

BOTTLER: Gordon & MacPhail.

BOTTLING SERIE: Connoisseurs Choice – Cask Strength.

DISTILLED: 1999

BOTTLED: 10/07/2019

STATED AGE: 19 Years Old.

CASK TYPE: Refill Sherry Butt.

CASK NUMBER: Batch 19/120

NUMBER OF BOTTLES: 554

ABV: 56.5% Vol.

COLOUR: Amber.

NOSE: Rich sherry influences combine with hazelnut and rich milk chocolate. A floral note develops alongside sweet honey and cinnamon spice with a subtle hint of mint.

TASTE: Smooth and sweet stewed fruit initially. A hint of lemon develops complemented by almonds and an undertone of black pepper.

FINISH: Long, gentle finish with warming spices.

Longmorn / 14 Year Old Gordon & MacPhail Distillery Label.
£70.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age:
Strength: 43%.

Summary:

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Speyside.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

DISTILLERY: Longmorn.

BOTTLER: Gordon & MacPhail.

SERIE: Distillery Labels.

DISTILLED: 2005

BOTTLING: 2019

AGE: 14 Year Old

CASK TYPE: First fill Sherry hogsheads & refill bourbon barrel.

ABV: 43% Vol.

COLOUR: Dark Gold.

AROMA: Fragrant aniseed aromas with light fruit cake. hints of sherry join sticky orange marmalade. Dried fruit notes come to the fore with time. Almond marzipan accompanies cinnamon and nutmeg.

TASTE: Peppery yet sweet; dashes of warming white pepper develop into plump raisins highlighted by toasted almond, espresso coffee, and twists of orange peel.

FINISH: Medium bodied with a slightly drying feel. spicy notes combine with nutty undertones.

Glenfiddich / 21 Year Old Rum Cask Finish.
£135.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age:
Strength: 43.2%.

Summary:

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Speyside.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

DISTILLERY: Glenfiddich.

BOTTLER: Distillery Bottling.

BOTTLING SERIE: Reserva Rum Cask Finish.

BOTTLED: 2017

AGE: 21 Year Old.

ABV: 43.2% Vol.

After maturing their whisky for 21 years, the Malt Master adds even warmer and richer flavours by uniquely finishing this single malt in first fill bourbon barrels that once contained rum from the Caribbean.

The rum-soaked cask infuses the aged whisky with a spicy warmth and indulgent vanilla and toffee sweetness, the character of the Caribbean shining through. This gives the whisky a sumptuous sweet intensity that is both rich and creamy yet still retains the unmistakable character of Glenfiddich.

Great for those expecting a very mature, traditional yet intriguing malt. Initially soft, then brisk, vibrant and drying. New leather and oak nose combine with complex sweet, smoky and subtle ginger flavours in this classic Glenfiddich.

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