Archives for August 2020

NÜTRL Vodka Sodas From Canada – Remarkably Refreshing – Now Available At Master Of Malt!

August 21, 2020 by Gary Leave a Comment

NÜTRL Vodka Sodas come in a variety of fantastic fruit flavours!

NÜTRL Vodka Sodas – greatly refreshing tipples!

NÜTRL Vodka Soda range is a remarkably refreshing beverage without carbs or sugar!

Canadian in origin, they are passionate about keeping things precise, straightforward and delicious. No carbs, no sugar, no preservatives, just top-quality vodka, soda, and then the natural flavouring for each!

NÜTRL Vodka Sodas come in a variety of fantastic fruit flavours – check them out below!

Red Apple Vodka Soda

NÜTRL Red Apple
We’re rather fond of the NÜTRL Red Apple Vodka Soda, which we reckon is perfect for all sorts of occasions!
£3.25

Lemon Vodka Soda

NÜTRL Lemon
If citrus tastiness is more your style, then you’ll be pleased to hear that NÜTRL also has a great Lemon Vodka Soda!
£3.25

Black Cherry Vodka Soda

NÜTRL7 Black Cherry
Looking for something brilliantly bold, perhaps? NÜTRL has just the thing for that with its Black Cherry Vodka Soda…
£3.25

Black Raspberry Vodka Soda

NÜTRL7 Black Raspberry
…and its Black Raspberry Vodka Soda! Plenty of bright, tangy, lip-smacking berry notes running though this one.
£3.25

NÜTRL3 White Grape

NÜTRL3 White Grape
Marvellously light sipping right here from NÜTRL, filled with delicious white grape notes. Immensely refreshing indeed!
£3.25

Green Apple Vodka Soda

NÜTRL3 Green Apple
There’s also a supremely vibrant Green Apple Vodka Soda from NÜTRL, boasting a splendidly zesty flavour profile.
£3.25

The Whisky Exchange – A Round Up Of What’s New!

August 20, 2020 by Gary Leave a Comment

Independent bottlers!

Independent Bottlings
We recently received no fewer than seventeen new whiskies from Signatory Vintage – one of our favourite independent bottlers – inculding well-aged Jura, Glentauchers, North British, Glenlossie, sherry-aged Caol Ila and more. If you like your indies – or, indeed, just great single malt – then these are well worth your time.

Gin Sale
Few things scream summer – or any season, really – quite like the perfect G&T. If you’ve been thinking about a restock, or you’re just keen to try something new, come and have a look around our summer gin sale for great savings and special offers.

Meet The Makers
For August, we thought we’d introduce you not just to some of our favourite drinks, but to the people who make them, too. From Dennis Malcolm, the man behind Glen Grant distillery, to Roberto Bava, the architect of vermouth’s inexorable rise, and Sophie Decobecq, the brains behind Calle 23 Tequila, come and meet some of the most interesting people in drinks right now.

Virtual Tastings In August
As ever, we’ve some great virtual tastings lined up for this month and beyond, including our Glenfiddich tasting this Thursday 20th August, and a fantastic Faces Of Vermouth tasting on the 27th, led by our own Dawn Davies MW and some of the biggest vermouth producers out there: Roberto Bava of Cocchi, Mark Ward from Regal Rose, and Max Wagner and Seb Brack from Belsazar.

Cask-finished Arran
Last week we welcomed three cask-finished single malts from Arran – one finished in an Italian Amarone cask, one in a Sauternes cask, and one finished in a port cask. All wrapped up in their fresh new packaging and bottled at 50% ABV, these are sure to be of interest to fans of punchy, fruity Highland whisky.

Review: McDonald's Traditional Ben Nevis
“Really very good. This is a lovely bright, lemony, briney dram that has nice rounded edges that recall vanilla custard. It’s really quite similar to Lagavulin 8, if you happen to have tried that (which incidentally is my favourite whisky full stop). It’s not incredibly complex and the finish is medium, it being 46%, but an enjoyable drop nonetheless.” – Jack Tomlin

Now Shipping Champagne to the USA
We’re thrilled that we can now ship our superb range of Champagnes to the USA, so whether you live there and you’re in need of some great fizz, or you’d like to send something special to a loved one across the pond, you can – plus, Champagne isn’t subject to tariffs, so if you’re buying from the US, you won’t be paying over the odds. Come and explore our range of Growers’ Champagnes to find out why we were named Champagne Retailer of the Year 2019.

The Whisky Exchange

Sampling The Lakes Distillery ‘One Collection’ – Four Drams – ‘One’ Standard Of Excellence!

August 19, 2020 by Gary Leave a Comment

Four samples – So what did I think?

In an earlier post I gave details of The Lakes Distilleries addition of two new whiskies to their One collection – The One Orange Wine Cask Finished Whisky and The One Sherry Cask Finished Whisky.

The One Orange Wine Cask

With The Lakes Single Malt at its heart – blended with select Scotch grain and malt whiskies from the Highlands, Speyside and Islay – The One collection is a showcase of maturation expertise, with each singular release demonstrating the different flavours that can be derived from the finest oak casks.

They are Non-chill filtered and bottled at the natural colour and the latest addition to the expressions have been finished in Andalusian Orange Wine casks and Sherry casks. They join The One and the Port Cask releases.

The Lakes Distillery have kindly sent me samples of the four drams in their One collection to try (thanks!) So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

Tasting Notes – The One (46.6%)

Nose: Hints of wood and fresh citrus with vanilla and fresh apples.

Palate: Sweet, with stewed sultanas, a hint of liquorice and melon. Slight smokiness.

Finish: Spicy and peppery with a dry oak finish. A little liquorice. Quite short and little tanin feel on the tongue.

Overall: An excellent blended whisky. Warming, moreish and easily drinkable!

£39.00

Tasting Notes – The One Orange Wine Cask Finished Whisky (46.6%)

Nose: A slow burner this one with faint tangerine, banofee pie and biscuit sprinkled with a little vanilla.

Palate: Sweet, with intense and creamy vanilla plus additional pleasant hints of orange.

Finish: Very smooth with a little pepper but the sweetness maintains throughout. The spiciness increases with more sampling though!

Overall: A subtle dram but it grows on you (much like the spiciness!)

£48.00

The One Sherry Cask

Tasting Notes – The One Sherry Cask Finished Whisky (46.6%)

Nose: Lovely rich and fruity with aromas of furniture polish and hints of chocolate.

Palate: Plump fruity Xmas cake with creamy, fudgy vanilla. A joy!

Finish: Some cheeky spice compliments well with the Seasonal flavours.

Overall: This is really very yummy indeed! Cracking full flavours that made me wish for roaring fires and decorated trees!

£48.00

Tasting Notes – The One Port Cask Finished Whisky (46.6%)

Nose: Light port with sweet vanilla.

Palate: Sweet, fruity port flavours with spicy vanilla.

Finish: Un-mistakeable spiciness – always there with a Lakes dram!

Overall: A tasty dram but not as rich in flavour when compared with the Sherry Cask.

£48.00

The One Collection

Many thanks to Lakes Distillery (@LakesWhisky) for sending me such fantastic samples!

I think of the four – The One Sherry Cask Finished Whisky is my favourite!

Other Lakes Distillery Whiskies (& Gins) are available to buy from:-

Ian Macleod ‘Smokehead’ Whiskies – New & ON OFFER – From Edencroft!

August 18, 2020 by Gary Leave a Comment

Ian Macleod / Smokehead High Voltage – NOW: £53.99

New Arrivals

Ian Macleod / Smokehead Single Malt.
(£39.99) NOW: £35.99
(You save £4.00)
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age:
Strength: 43%.

Summary:

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Islay.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

BOTTLER: Ian Macleod.

BOTTLING SERIE: Smokehead Single Malt.

BOTTLED: 2019

ABV: 43% Vol.

Smokehead Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky is intensely rich yet subtly sweet. With immense smoke and notes of sea salt and spice, this is a vigorous whisky that stands out from the crowd.

A whisky that’s uncompromising, unexpected and defiantly different, Smokehead embodies a wild spirit that’s custom built for outliers.

Ian Macleod / Smokehead High Voltage.
(£59.99) NOW: £53.99
(You save £6.00)
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age:
Strength: 58%.

Summary:

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Islay.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

BOTTLER: Ian Macleod.

BOTTLING SERIE: Smokehead Single Malt.

BOTTLED: 2019

ABV: 58% Vol.

If Smokehead is an assault on your senses, then High Voltage is an all-out attack.

Its breath-taking intensity is a red light for the faint of heart. And a thumbs-up for those who don’t just enjoy the vigorous thump of the bass drum in their chest at a gig but savour the ringing in their ears afterwards.

Ian Macleod / Smokehead Sherry Bomb.
(£67.99) NOW: £61.19
(You save £6.80)
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age:
Strength: 48%.

Summary:

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Islay.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

BOTTLER: Ian Macleod.

BOTTLING SERIE: Smokehead Single Malt.

CASK TYPE: Spanish Oloroso Sherry Casks.

BOTTLED: 2019

ABV: 48% Vol.

Smokehead Sherry Bomb is a peaty Islay single malt that has well and truly earned its name. Blasted by rich, sweet and spicy Spanish sherry casks, it has emerged as fiery, explosive, heavy hitting dram that has even turned our skull red.

It might well be the exact, highly unusual taste you’ve been waiting for. It might be a cannonball careering towards you that you’re keen to avoid. Either way, we’ve taken our ‘not for everyone’ mantra to a whole new level.

Ian Macleod / As We Get It Islay Whisky.
£55.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age:
Strength: 60.6%.

Summary:

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Islay.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

BOTTLER: Ian Macleod.

BOTTLING SERIE: Islay Single Malt.

BOTTLED: 2019

ABV: 60.6% Vol.

A well-respected brand in Scotland, these unique and quirky Highland and Islay single malt Scotch whiskies are made the old fashioned way.

A ‘valuable’ addition to any whisky collection, ‘As We Get It’ is bottled straight from the cask in the traditional manner.

Unchillfiltered for a richer, smoother taste, both whiskies’ colour and strength change with each bottling, so no two bottlings are ever the same.

Traditional packaging complements the ‘As We Get It’ theme.

There’s Still Time To Vote For Whisky Of The Year!

August 17, 2020 by Gary Leave a Comment

The Whisky Exchange Whisky of the Year!

For the second year running, whisky fans can become whisky judges for the internationally recognised award: The Whisky Exchange Whisky of the Year!

The Perfect Measure Packs – available from September 2020!

The first stage nominations are now open – meaning there’s never been a better excuse to re-taste some favourite drams!

The Whisky of the Year award is given to one whisky that stands out from the crowd each year, chosen by our customers for our customers.

The winning whisky is given a dedicated landing page on www.thewhiskyexchange for the year to showcase the distillery and the bottling, while customers can watch out for special offers online and in-store ‘Of The Year’ tastings.

In order to nominate their favourite dram, voters will visit here to put forward up to four whiskies. The three most popular nominations will be selected for the Whisky of the Year shortlist.

The criteria for nominations are:

· The whisky must have a retail price of £65 or less
· It must be 48% ABV or less
· It must be permanently available (ie. not a limited release)

A further three whiskies will be picked by co-founder of The Whisky Exchange Sukhinder Singh and head buyer Dawn Davies MW to complete the shortlist.

Once the whiskies have been selected, customers will have the opportunity to purchase a Perfect Measure tasting set featuring all six finalists. The whiskies will be labelled A to F so they can be judged blind and the sets will be available from September 2020.

For those who would like to judge alongside like-minded whisky lovers, a Whisky of the Year judging session will take place during the Virtual Whisky Show from 2 – 4 October.

Customers will then be able to cast their vote online for their favourite whisky at www.thewhiskyexchange.

Nominations opened at 10am on 10th August and will close on 24 August. The blind tasting judging packs will be available online and in-store from 28 September and the Whisky of the Year will be revealed on 1 December 2020.

Berry Bros & Rudd New Arrivals From Abbey Whisky!

August 17, 2020 by Gary Leave a Comment

Ledaig 10 Year Old – 2009 | Cask 700331 | Berry Bros & Rudd
£96.00

New Arrivals

Teaninich 11 Year Old – 2008 | Cask 710888 | Berry Bros & Rudd
£65.50
Country: Scotland
Region: Highland
Age: 11 Years Old
Strength: 56.6%
70cl
Vintage: 2008
Bottler: Berry Bros & Rudd

Ledaig 10 Year Old – 2009 | Cask 700331 | Berry Bros & Rudd
£96.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Island
Age: 10 Years Old
Strength: 58.6%
70cl
Vintage: 2009
Bottler: Berry Bros & Rudd

Macduff 10 Year Old – 2009 | Cask 900277 | Berry Bros & Rudd
£43.50
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 10 Years Old
Strength: 46%
70cl
Vintage: 2009
Bottler: Berry Bros & Rudd

Tormore 26 Year Old – 1992 | Cask 101160 | Berry Bros & Rudd
£230.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 26 Years Old
Strength: 45.2%
70cl
Vintage: 1992
Bottler: Berry Bros & Rudd

Glenburgie 21 Year Old – 1998 | The Single Malts of Scotland
£114.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 21 Years Old
Strength: 51.3%
70cl
Vintage: 1998
Bottler: Elixir Distillers

Bunnahabhain 18 Year Old – 2001 | Single Malts of Scotland
£135.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 18 Years Old
Strength: 54.7%
70cl
Vintage: 2001
Bottler: Elixir Distillers

Benrinnes 13 Year Old – 2007 | Reserve Casks Parcel No.3
£63.60
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age: 13 Years Old
Strength: 48%
70cl
Vintage: 2007
Bottler: Elixir Distillers

The Whisky Exchange – Meet The Makers!

August 15, 2020 by Gary Leave a Comment

Iain McAlister of Glen Scotia

Iain McAlister of Glen Scotia
Born and raised in Campbeltown, Iain McAlister has now been at Glen Scotia for more than a decade. Using his expertise as an engineer, find out how he has helped modernise and increase production at Glen Scotia, and helped the distillery solidify its signature style of single malt whisky.

Dennis Malcolm of Glen Grant
Having been actually born on the Glen Grant distillery grounds, it’s difficult to imagine master distiller Dennis Malcolm working anywhere else, and his tenure at the distillery has seen Glen Grant single malt become one of Scotland’s best-loved and most-awarded whiskies. Find out more about the man behind the whisky with our profile and video interview now.

Lorena Vasquez of Ron Zacapa
With a background in chemistry and a natural sensitivity to taste and aroma, Lorena Zasquez was probably destined to end up in the spirits business. But did you know that she previously worked in quality control at a brewery? And what might it have been like to join an industry which was for so long dominated by men? Answers to those questions and more, now live.

Roberto Bava of Cocchi
Renaissance man Roberto Bava balances an appreciation for history with an eye toward the future. This approach and a keen eye for detail and quality is what has led him to rejuvenate not just heritage wine house Cocchi, but the entire vermouth category, in a matter of years. Find out about how he makes his own fountain pen ink and more in our interview.

Sophie Decobecq of Calle 23
Having trained in biochemistry and engineering, a work placement saw Sophie Decobecq relocate to Mexico and fall in love with its culture and, crucially, its drinks. Intrigued by the processes involved, she began making small batches of agave spirits for personal consumption, but enjoyed it so much that she decided to turn it into a business, and thus Calle 23 was born. Find out more about her story and that of her Tequila in the interview!

Patrick Van Zuidam of Zuidam Distillers
Originally a producer of traditional fruit liqueurs, Zuidam Distillers is now a whisky and fine spirits producer with quality at its heart – and Patrick Van Zuidam at its head. After studying IT, Patrick joined the company on a temporary basis, and now finds himself running it. Watch the interview for more of his story.

The Whisky Exchange

Master Of Malt – Last Chance For Summer Sale Savings!!

August 15, 2020 by Gary Leave a Comment

Save lots of cash!

Deals right here!

Don’t miss our Summer Sale deals!

It’s the final weekend of our Summer Sale, so if you’ve been thinking about snapping up one of our brilliant bargains on whisky, gin and more, now is the time to do so. We’ve also brought back all of this week’s Daily Deals for the weekend, in case you missed your opportunity to snatch up something superb to sip on like the phenomenal Mortlach 16 Year Old. Right now, you can save £17 on this terrific single malt from the Beast of Dufftown! Fancy checking out all the deals? Click right here to be whisked away to our Summer Sale page!

Masons Gin

Masons Steves Apple Edition
All the way from Yorkshire comes Masons Gin, and this particular expression shines a spotlight on delicious apple notes!

Starward Nova

Starward Nova
A truly Aussie tipple, Starward matured this single malt in casks which previously held Australian wine!

Yellowstone Select

Yellowstone Select
If you’re more of a bourbon fan, we’ve got you covered, too. You can save £10 on the brilliant Yellowstone Select!

Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla

Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla
Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla takes inspiration from the orange groves of Spain, visited by creator Charles Tanqueray in the 1860s!

Cardhu 12 Year Old

Cardhu 12 Year Old
A classic Speyside single malt here from the Cardhu Distillery, this 12 year old expression is immensely well-rounded and satisfying.

Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice

Hendrick’s Gin
Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice is a cracking gin with heavy floral notes running through it. Just the thing for a summery G&T!

Whisky Sour Day – Celebrate With J&B Rare!

August 14, 2020 by Gary Leave a Comment

The J&B Sinatra Sour!

Whisky Sour Day is celebrated every year in America on the 25th August. This iconic cocktail is delicious, easy to create and perfect to enjoy on a hot Summer evening.

J&B Rare has created their own twist on this classic cocktail – The J&B Sinatra Sour, named after Frank Sinatra, who was part of the infamous Hollywood ‘Rat Pack’ and was known to enjoy J&B Rare in their heyday:

J&B Whisky Sour

Ingredients: 35ml J&B Rare, 10ml lemon juice, 10ml sugar syrup, 3 dashes Angostura Bitters, Maraschino cherries

Method: add all the ingredients to an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake and fine strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a black cherry, preferably a Maraschino cherry.

Created in the 1930’s, J&B Rare is distilled, blended and bottled in Scotland. 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.

As this elegant blended whisky is lighter than most Scotch whiskies, J&B Rare is the bartenders go-to for blended Scotch whisky cocktails. Perfect for celebrating Whisky Sour Day!

RRP: £22.50, ABV: 40%

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

The Whisky Exchange – New & Exciting Drinks For August!

August 13, 2020 by Gary Leave a Comment

Great new spirits from The Whisky Exchange!

Belvedere
Summer Bay
Vodka
A creamy and spicy, limited-edition vodka from Belvedere, Summer Bay is the perfect base for your fruity cocktail of choice.

The Channel Islands
Liquor Co.
Indica Rum
A blend of rums from the Americas and the Caribbean aged for a minimum of eight years, this rum is at once rich and sweet, and fresh and grassy.

Mezcal Neta Cucharillo
Celso Garcia Cruz
2018
Celso Garcia Cruz produces award-winning Mezcal in tiny batches of between 20 and 400 litres. This 2018-vintage batch of just 48 bottles has been made to showcase the cucharillo agave type.

Storywood
Reposado Tequila
Oloroso Sherry Cask Aged
Aged in oloroso sherry casks for seven months, this reposado Tequila from Storywood has an earthy, agave flavour augmented by sweet-cherry and dark-fruit notes from the cask.

Maison Monteru
Folle Blanche 2012
Grape Brandy
Double-distilled French grape brandy aged in American oak casks, this a nutty spirit with a rich undercurrent of dried-fruit flavours.

Tarquin's
Blood Orange
Cornish Summer Gin
Be transported to the sunny Cornish coast with this summery, blood orange-flavoured gin from Tarquin’s – just right for creating the perfect bittersweet G&T.