Archives for December 2021

Irish Distillers Awarded 183 Medals In 2021!

December 21, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

183 individual medals from the world’s leading taste and design competitions in 2021!

Irish Distillers is celebrating yet another outstanding awards season after being honoured with 183 individual medals from the world’s leading taste and design competitions in 2021!

The impressive haul of medals, an increase of 11 medals versus 2020, includes several of the top accolades in the Irish Whiskey Category for the distillers’ diverse portfolio.

Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaleach Knockrath Forest

Testament to the quality and craftsmanship of the world’s best loved Irish whiskey, Jameson Irish Whiskey, which enjoyed sales of 8.6 million cases globally in 2020/2021, was awarded a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Gold at the International Spirits Challenge.

Jameson Black Barrel, achieved recognition across the board, taking home Gold Outstanding (98 points) at the International Wine and Spirit Competition and winning the overall trophy for Best Irish Whiskey at the International Spirits Challenge, while Jameson Bow Street 18 Years achieved a Platinum Medal (96 points) at the Beverage Tasting Institute.

Redbreast continued its legacy as the world’s most decorated single pot still Irish whiskey, securing 29 medals of Gold and above, including a Platinum Medal and a top score of 100, for Redbreast 27 Year Old from the Beverage Tasting Institute. Redbreast also won the coveted Chairman’s Trophy (98 points) for its much-acclaimed 12 Year Old Cask Strength. Elsewhere, the Redbreast range collected six Master medals at The Irish Whiskey Masters, while Redbreast 21 Year Old was crowned the World’s Best Pot Still at the World Whisky Awards.

Jameson Black Barrel

Further reinforcing Midleton Very Rare’s standing as the pinnacle of Irish whiskey, Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaleach Knockrath Forest was awarded a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and named the Best Pure Pot Still Irish Whiskey. The range’s only permanent expression, Midleton Very Rare Barry Crockett Legacy, also achieved high praise including Gold Outstanding (98 points) at the International Wine & Spirits Competition.

The innovative and exemplary whiskeys produced by hand at Midleton’s Micro Distillery were also recognised with the METHOD AND MADNESS collection winning five Double Golds at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and two Master Medals at the Irish Whiskey Masters – the highest accolade at the competition.

Jameson

The iconic Powers collection, which celebrated its 230th anniversary this year, was recognised by a multitude of award bodies for both its distinctive distillate flavour and bold design. Powers Three Swallow and Powers John’s Lane both achieved Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, while John’s Lane also took home a Design & Packaging Master following the brand’s bold redesign, which was described by judges as eye-catching and prominent.

Last but not least, the return of Blue Spot to the historic Spot Family was warmly received by judges across the globe, winning five Gold medals and above and a prestigious spot in the Ultimate Spirits Challenge Top 100 Spirits list. The other expressions in the range were equally decorated, including a Double Gold for Green Spot at the San Francisco Spirits Competition, Gold for Red Spot at the International Spirits Challenge and a Master for Yellow Spot at the Irish Whiskey Masters.

Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman

It has been another tremendous season across the portfolio, and we are beyond proud to see so many of our whiskeys securing several of the top accolades in the Irish Whiskey Category.

The Jameson family continues to excite and delight whiskey fans across the globe with its smooth taste and signature DNA, while our prestige portfolio continues to solidify Irish Whiskey’s standing as a luxury spirit on the world stage.

These awards demonstrate the dynamism of the category – from reimagined heritage brands such as The Spot Range and Powers – to innovative whiskeys from Redbreast, to METHOD AND MADNESS with distillate experimentation such as Rye and Malt and our Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaleach series, which showcase wood experimentation and maturation.

These achievements are a testament to my colleagues at Midleton Distillery who work tirelessly to apply their knowledge and passion to produce whiskeys of unrivalled quality.
– Kevin O’Gorman: Master Distiller at Irish Distillers

Celebrate The Festive Season With These New Arrivals From Edencroft!

December 21, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

Ledaig / 28 Year Old Gordon & MacPhail CC.
£275.00

New Arrivals

Ledaig / 28 Year Old Gordon & MacPhail CC.
£275.00
Country: Scotland
Region: IsleofMull
Age:
Strength: 54.1%.

Summary:

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Isle of Mull.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

DISTILLERY: Tobermory.

BOTTLER: Gordon & MacPhail.

BOTTLING SERIE: Connoisseurs Choice – Cask Strength.

DISTILLED: 1993

BOTTLED: 2021

AGE: 28 Year Old

CASK TYPE: Connoisseurs Choice – Cask Strength.

CASK NUMBER: 703

BOTTLES FILLED: 517

ABV: 54.1% Vol.

COLOUR: Amber.

NOSE: SHERRY aromas give way to MEDJOOL DATES and RED APPLE. FESTIVE SPICES come to the fore alongside SEVILLE ORANGE ZEST and sweet SMOKE.

TASTE: STEWED RED BERRIES combine with fresh GINGER SPICE and subtle ANISEED. TOASTED ALMOND undertones develop accompanied by MINT.

FINISH: A full and long finish with lingering SPICE, FRUIT and BONFIRE EMBERS.

Bunnahabhain / 12 Year Old cask Strength.
£75.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age:
Strength: 55.1%

Summary:

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Islay.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

DISTILLERY: Bunnahabhain.

BOTTLER: Distillery Bottling.

BOTTLED: 2021

AGE: 12 Year Old.

ABV: 55.1%

Introducing Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old Cask Strength, a limited-edition whisky inspired by visitor tastings in the distillery’s iconic Warehouse 9.

Matured on the remote, north-eastern coastline of Islay, and produced using pure spring water from the Margadale Spring, the 12 Year Old Cask Strength is an undiluted celebration of the distillery’s hugely popular Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old expression.

For years, visitors making the pilgrimage to Bunnahabhain distillery have been enjoying drams straight from the cask in the famous, Warehouse 9, so now consumers from all over the world will be able to recreate this privilege at home.

Brendan McCarron, Master Distiller on the inspiration behind Cask Strength.

“When people embark on a journey to Islay and try Bunnahabhain whiskies straight from the cask, it creates so much joy. But we understand that not everyone is able to make the trip. With this limited edition 12 Year Old Cask Strength, we can give people around the world the chance to experience it themselves.”

“Not all whiskies work at cask strength and many whiskies don’t stand up to full maturation in sherry casks. Bottling our 12 Year Old at cask strength intensifies the core characteristics of spice, cracked black pepper, cinnamon but not at the expense of our spirit’s character. In fact, it enhances it. The mouthfeel and texture of the whisky increases and it shows off the balance of the spirit and the wood, but in a more concentrated form. This really represents Bunnahabhain in a bottle.”

COLOUR: Deep russet gold

NOSE: Dark berries, citrus and toasted oak which gradually transitions to sweet vanilla and a hint of cinnamon spice.

PALATE: Creamy chocolate, sherry-soaked fruit and a balanced nuttiness give way to cloves, nutmeg and a subtle sea salt spray.

FINISH: A lingering sweet finish with cherries and a touch of wood spice.

Compass Box / No Name #3.
£95.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Blended
Age:
Strength: 48.9%.

Summary:

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Various.

CATEGORY: Blended Malt

WHISKY COMPOSITION: Laphroaig, Bowmore, Mortlach, Clynelish and Highland Malt Blend.

BOTTLER: Compass Box.

BOTTLING SERIE: Limited Edition.

BOTTLED: 07.2021

NUMBER OF BOTTLES: 10,794

ABV: 48.9% Vol.

Vibrant and expansive, wild yet graceful peatiness

The series studying heavily-peated malt whisky reaches a somewhat OTT crescendo with this, the third and final No Name. Since 2017, Compass Box have used the same recipe structure to explore different smoky double acts. Whether it was the crème-brûlée-on-freshly-laid-tarmac effect of the inaugural release or the bonfire-in-a-cherry-orchard style of No Name, No. 2, fans of the series have been treated to radically different expressions of smoke

No Name, No. 3 marks a further point on the spectrum of peat. It is older, wilder and weirder than the previous No Names. Seaweedy and barbecue-scented single malt from the Laphroaig Distillery takes top billing, with malt whisky from the Bowmore Distillery lending compelling hints of mango and pineapple at the very limits of ripeness.

Seashells and sage; pineapple and allspice; smoke that moves in oily waves. This is the perfect whisky for introducing a little drama to proceedings – and a fitting conclusion to the peaty trilogy.

The third instalment in Compass Box’s gothic exploration of smoke, or the whiskies that shall not be named, builds upon their bewitching sequence of distillery duets. Pairing Ardbeg with Caol Ila, then Caol Ila with Talisker, blender James Saxon invited Laphroaig and Bowmore to dance for No. 3, underpinned by the familiar Compass Box foundation malts. There’s a charming balance of sweetness and peat, as the hardy coastal smokiness of Laphroaig is quelled by the ripe tropical fruitiness of Bowmore. The mouthfeel is satisfyingly creamy, with orange fondant, chocolate, honey, and apricot flavours tightly bound together by tendrils of smoke – 93 Points and Voted the ninth best Whisky in the World, Jonny McCormick, The Whisky Advocate Magazine.

Fettercairn Announces Latest Release Of Their 16 Year Old Whisky!

December 15, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

Fettercairn 16 Years Old!

Following the success of the inaugural Fettercairn 16 Years Old last year, the distillery has today announced the release of its successor. The annual series celebrates different maturation stories, whilst continuing to showcase the distillery’s tropical style achieved from the distinctive copper cooling ring distillation process.

This latest release unites both Sherry-matured and Sherry-finished casks to create a truly refined, balanced yet classic combination of rare Fettercairn and Sherry styles. The hand-selected casks from a small, family run Bodega in Jerez include first fill Oloroso, refill Oloroso and first fill aged Palo Cortado Sherry butts, which marry together seamlessly to enhance the distinctive distillery character.

2021 marks the second release in the annual series, which showcases different maturation journeys from the distinctive distillery character!

These rare, never to be repeated casks were selected with a focus on retaining the natural beauty and balance of the Fettercairn tropical house style, while taking on the bold sweetness of the dark and nutty Oloroso. This is complemented by refined vanilla and citrus notes from the aged Palo Cortado butts, which add complexity and depth to the ripe exotic fruit characters typically found in the Fettercairn spirit when it reaches its mid-late teens.

Bottled at 46.4%, natural in colour and non-chill filtered, this 16 Years Old boasts rich honey and bronzed hues. On the nose, sugared almonds, dried fruit and aged wood feature harmoniously, whilst on the palate, a myriad of Alphonso mango, rich citrus zest and apricots are balanced with walnut, coffee and liquorice notes giving way to salted caramel, sandalwood and iced ginger cake on the finish.

This one-off Fettercairn 16 Years Old limited edition was borne from fully-matured Sherry casks combined with hand-selected, rare and old, Oloroso and Palo Cortado Sherry butts. For me, this was about retaining the natural beauty and balance of our Fettercairn tropical house style while elevating the pure beauty and refinement of select, aged Palo Cortado and Oloroso casks.

Combining these elements allow us to share another aspect and dimension to our truly unique warehouse stocks at Fettercairn.
– Gregg Glass: Master Whisky Maker

The enthusiasm and love we saw for our first 16 Years Old reinforced our desire to create whiskies inspired by our enlightened whisky making philosophy. This 16 Years Old reveals finely balanced tropical and soft spice flavours and showcases the approach we take to making single malt.

This time around, we’ve called on rare Palo Cortado which is an elegantly dry Sherry alongside the dark richness of Oloroso, to add a special flair to this single malt and showcase the excellent maturation expertise coupled with the ripe tropical distillery character when the spirit reaches the late teen years. We are confident that this year’s 16 Years Old will be another Fettercairn release that excites and enthrals whisky drinkers.
– Kirsteen Beeston: Head of International Malts at Whyte and Mackay

Fettercairn 16 Years Old is now available across Europe including France, UK, the Netherlands, Germany Belgium, extending to Global Travel Retail and key Asia markets into 2022, at an RSP of £69. The GTR edition will be in 1L formats with an RSP of £79.

Fettercairn Whiskies are also available to buy from these Merchants:-

About Fettercairn

Our founder, Sir Alexander Ramsay, was one of the Scottish landowners who campaigned for the licensing of Scotch Whisky distilling. In 1824 Fettercairn he established the Fettercairn Distillery, in the Northeast of Scotland; it was to become one of the first licensed single malt distilleries. Despite his campaigns for regulation, Ramsay recruited illicit whisky makers as his first stillmen, knowing only they had the knowledge and experience required to make great whisky. From our very beginnings, we’ve been doing things a little differently in the pursuit of great whisky.

In the mid-1950s, the whisky makers at Fettercairn experimented, seeking ways to create a purer expression of their spirit. They found that pouring water down the still cooled the copper, increasing condensation inside so only the lightest vapours could rise for collection. They fashioned a copper tube around the top of the still to continually douse it with crystal clear mountain water. This simple yet ingenious engineering feat not only creates a purer expression of our whisky, but beautiful oxidized patina of the copper with shades of teal, brushed cooper and white proudly marking our stills. To this day our copper cooling ring remains unique in Scotch whisky making.

Today the Fettercairn Distillery continues this trend of ingenious thinking and is the home of enlightened whisky making, where experimental and considered, open minded innovation provides inspiration in the creation of the most exceptional and rare single malt whiskies. Driven by the idea of entire craft, there is an inherent commitment to the land and the idea of nurturing and embracing every single part of the process, from forest to field to Fettercairn.

As part of this philosophy, we are always discovering and learning and we use this to feed our imagination and passion to create distinct whiskies with a surprising tropical character.

New Arrivals From Edencroft – Celebrate Christmas With ‘Big Peat’, ‘Scallywag’ & More!

December 14, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

Douglas Laing / Big Peat Christmas 2021 Edition.
£52.50

New Arrivals

Douglas Laing / Big Peat Christmas 2021 Edition.
£52.50
Country: Scotland
Region: Lowland
Age:
Strength: 52.8%.

Summary:

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Lowland.

CATEGORY: Blended Malt.

DISTILLERIES: Caol Ila, Bowmore, Ardbeg and Port Ellen.

BOTTLER: Douglas Laing.

BOTTLING SERIE: Limited Edition.

BOTTLED: 2021

ABV: 52.8% Vol.

From the Douglas Laing family to yours, we’re proud to present Big Peat’s Limited Edition Festive bottling for Christmas 2021! Proudly offered without colouring or chill-filtration and bottled at a natural cask strength of 52.8%, this potently punchy dram is the perfect accompaniment to those long, chilly winter nights.

Big Peat is a marriage of Single Malt Scotch Whiskies only from the island of Islay. With Caol Ila spirit bringing sweetness, Bowmore the perfect balance, Ardbeg a medicinal, earthy quality and Port Ellen, a degree of elegance, Big Peat represents all that is Islay in a bottle. Part of the Remarkable Regional Malts range, the ultimate distillation of Scotland’s Malt Whisky Regions.

Smothered in smoke and coated in coal, this remarkable marriage of Single Cask Single Malts, only from Islay, is packed with earthy, leathery, ashy charm, balanced by a wonderfully warming sweetness.

Douglas Laing / Scallywag 2001 Winter Edition.
£49.50
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age:
Strength: 53.1%.

Summary:

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Speyside.

CATEGORY: Blended Malt.

BOTTLER: Douglas Laing.

BOTTLING SERIE: Limited Edition.

BOTTLED: 2021

CASK TYPE: Oloroso & PX Sherry Casks.

NUMBER OF BOTTLES: 4200

ABV: 53.1% Vol.

Scallywag The Winter Edition is a Limited Edition marriage of Single Cask Single Malts, only from Speyside. Bottled at natural cask strength of 53.1% and proudly offered without colouring or chill-filtration, this delectably dark, rich and fruity dram is a real winter warmer.

Inspired by a long line of Douglas Laing family Fox Terriers, Scallywag Malt Scotch Whisky is a marriage of aged Speyside Single Malts matured predominantly in Spanish Sherry casks. Anticipate an explosion of rich, dark fruits, chocolate and spice interwoven with late vanilla. Award-winning Scallywag is bottled and released in genuinely small, precious batches.

One of only 4200 bottles available globally, this unique recipe for this special edition Scallywag comprises Single Malts distilled at Macallan, Mortlach and Glenrothes distilleries (amongst others).

100% Sherry Matured in a combination of Oloroso and Pedro Ximinez butts, the Scallywag Winter Edition displays bold notes of dark fruits, rich cocoa, subtle tobacco and warming winter spices.

Douglas Laing / The Epicurean White Port Edition.
£60.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Lowland
Age:
Strength: 48%.

Summary:

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Lowland.

CATEGORY: Blended Malt.

BOTTLER: Douglas Laing.

BOTTLING SERIE: Limited Edition.

BOTTLED: 2021

CASK TYPE: White Port Finish.

NUMBER OF BOTTLES: 4014

ABV: 48% Vol.

The Epicurean “Wood Finish” series continues with the launch of The Epicurean Cognac Finished Limited Edition. in the passionate belief that the cask can give the spirit up to 70% of its flavour, this Limited Edition Wood Series has seen Douglas Laing tirelessly journey the globe, searching for the finest casks in which to finish his Epicurean spirit.

Kilkerran / 12 Year Old.
£40.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Campbeltown
Age:
Strength: 46%.

Summary:

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Campbeltown.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

DISTILLERY: Glengyle.

BOTTLER: Distillery Bottling.

AGE: 12 Year Old.

CASK TYPE:

ABV: 46% Vol.

NOSE: Oak notes are dominant, followed by toasted marshmallows and dried fruit pudding, as well as cherries, marzipan and a hint of peat.

PALATE: Initially fruity with citrus notes and orange peel, after this: vanilla, butterscotch, honeycomb and digestive biscuits can all be tasted and enjoyed.

FINISH: velvet and smooth with lemon meringue, to conclude, there’s an oiliness and a saltiness that you’d expect from a Campbeltown dram

Macallan / 12 Year Old Sherry Cask.
£75.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age:
Strength: 40%.

Summary:

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Speyside.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

BOTTLER: Distillery Bottling.

BOTTLING SERIE: Sherry Oak.

BOTTLED: 2021

CASK TYPE: Sherry Casks.

ABV: 40% Vol.

The Macallan Sherry Oak 12 Years Old forms part of the Sherry Oak range which features a series of single malt whiskies matured exclusively in hand-picked sherry seasoned oak casks from Jerez for richness and complexity. A matured character, the 12 Years Old delivers rich wood spice and dried fruits and a natural rich gold colour.

COLOUR: Rich Gold.

NOSE: Complex with hints of vanilla.

PALATE: Smooth, medium balanced with fruit, oak and spice.

FINISH: Long with sweet dried fruits, oak and spice.

Macallan / 18 Year Old Sherry Cask.
£295.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Speyside
Age:
Strength: 43%.

Summary:

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Speyside.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

BOTTLER: Distillery Bottling.

BOTTLING SERIE: Sherry Oak.

BOTTLED: 2021

CASK TYPE: Sherry Casks.

ABV: 43% Vol.

The Macallan Sherry Oak 18 Years Old forms part of their Sherry Oak range which features a series of single malt whiskies matured exclusively in hand-picked sherry seasoned oak casks from Jerez for richness and complexity. A full bodied palate of mature oak, ginger and raisin flavours is complimented by a light mahogany natural colour.

COLOUR: Light mahogany.

NOSE: Dried fruits and ginger with hints of vanilla and cinnamon.

PALATE: Soft and rich, with hints of spice, clove, orange and toasted mature oak.

FINISH: Lingering with dried fruits, ginger and orange zest.

Compass Box / Magic Cask
£125.00
Country: Scotland
Region:
Age:
Strength: 46%.

Summary:

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland.

CATEGORY: Vatted Malt.

DISTILLERY: Imperial and Aberlour Distillery.

BOTTLER: Compass Box.

BOTTLING: 2020

NUMBER OF BOTTLES: 5538

ABV: 46% Vol.

When they began a maturation trial in 2016, they hadn’t expected the whiskies to develop such deliciousness in so short a period of time. One-year-old malt spirit, made at a Speyside distillery famous for the robust character of its whiskies, was re-racked into first fill Oloroso-seasoned butts. Sampling them three years later, one particular cask – #2 – proved so compelling that they began to experiment.

A parcel of first fill Bourbon barrels containing whisky from the now closed Imperial Distillery had sat in their sample library for some years. Though delicious in its own right, as whisky-makers they couldn’t hit on the ideal match. The much younger malt whisky from the Oloroso-seasoned cask proved the ideal means to deepen the fruity and creamy profile of this rare parcel.

FLAVOUR PROFILE: Aromas of marmalade and chai tea spices, with hints of plum. Ripe golden dessert apples dominate the luscious palate, supported by an oaky richness. Flavours of toffee and cocoa powder are also conjured up.

Save £20 When You Join The SMWS – The World’s Most Entertaining Whisky Club!

December 9, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

We can’t wait to welcome you!

Save £20 On the Bottle of the Moment When You Join the World’s Most Entertaining Whisky Club!!

Code: FEELINGFESTIVE20

(Simply add the bottle of the moment to the basket after hitting “Sign Me Up”)

Whatever kind of malt whisky you enjoy, you belong here. Become a member to access exclusive events, discounts, offers and of course, malt whisky you’ll struggle to discover anywhere else. We can’t wait to welcome you!

Access exclusive events, discounts, offers and of course, malt whisky!

Sampling The Luxco Xmas Whiskey Tweet Tasting – Designed To Get Chrimbo Off To A Tasty Start!

December 3, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

Sampling The Luxco Xmas Whiskey Tweet Tasting

I was Ho! Ho! Honoured to be invited to a #LuxcoXmasWhiskey TweetTastings earlier this week which was hosted by Steve from The Whisky Wire – all designed to get Chrimbo off to a tasty start!

The samples came from the Lux Row Distillers stable of drinks whose drive to innovate has quickly allowed them to become one of the top USA-based independent producers of alcohol beverage products across all categories.

The three whiskies sampled were:-

Yellowstone Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Ezra Brooks Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Ezra Brooks Straight Rye Whiskey

If you want to catch up on what all the tweet tasters had to say you can view their comments by searching for the hash tag #LuxcoXmasWhiskey on Twitter.

So, what did I think?

Here are my tasting notes … and the one which was my favourite on the night!

Tasting Notes – Yellowstone Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon (46.5%)

Yellowstone Kentucky Straight Bourbon is a delicate fusion of flavours from seventh-generation distillers, this straight bourbon features a handpicked blend of 4- and 7-year-old bourbons, for an exclusive small-batch whiskey that honours its deep family origins.

Yellowstone Bourbon is crafted at Limestone Branch distillery, Kentucky which has been around since the start of the Kentucky bourbon business.

Nose: Gorgeous, sweet, stewed fruits with toffee. Then a real blast of tropical fruitiness shows itself plus a little chocolate.

Palate: Lovely sweetness and satisfying mouthfeel. Superb tropical fruits with mango coming out on top!

Finish: Some orange and chocolate, warming and spicy and slightly medicinal with a dry tannin finish. Interestingly, adding some water adds some Ginger flavours …

Overall: A great Bourbon with a little bit of everything. Fruity, sweet and with a powerful spice and dry finish!

Yellowstone Select:

Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Distillery: Limestone Branch
ABV: 46.5%
Available from Ocado for £45 – Save £7, was £52.00

Tasting Notes – Ezra Brooks Kentucky Straight Bourbon (40%)

Ezra Brooks is distilled using only the finest ingredients (corn, rye, barley) and charcoal filtered for an unmistakable, mellow flavor.

Aged in charred white oak barrels it delivers a beautifully smooth flavor and finish and is bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV)

Nose: Citrusy with lemons ‘afore! Reminds me of boiled sweets (spangles) plus some healthy apples thrown in. After a while I’m getting some sweet tropicalness and creamy vanilla.

Palate: Cane sweetness, buttery, with lots of juicy tropical fruits – Very Yummy!

Finish: A thinner mouthfeel, but very light with sweet vanilla and fruity flavours dancing on the tongue! Oaky and light honeyed at the end with a mild spiciness.

Overall: A cracking Bourbon and at a very tasty price!

Ezra Brooks Bourbon 80 Proof:

Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Distillery: Lux Row Distillers
ABV: 40%
Available from Ocado for £26 – Save £3, was £29.00

Tasting Notes – Ezra Brooks Straight Rye Whiskey (45%)

A genuine straight rye whiskey made from the finest ingredients available and bottled at an honest 90 proof.

INGREDIENTS
Rye and barley

AWARDS
Gold Medal – 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Gold Medal – 2017 Global Masters Spirits Competition

Nose: Slow burner this one – maybe hiding it’s light under a Kentucky bushel! Eventually there is mint, treacle and licorice – who would have thought?! A little toffee, a little oak, a little spice …

Palate: Some creamy chocolate and licorice, treacle and shades of mint!

Finish: Toffee on rye coupled with some great spice that’s not too heavy.

Overall: Some interesting flavours here for sure – but all in a good way!

Ezra Brooks Rye 90 Proof:

Kentucky Straight Rye
Distillery: Lux Row Distillers
ABV: 45%

Available from MasterOfMalt for £30.70

My Favourite On The Night

Out of the 3, I think it’s got to be the Ezra Brooks Bourbon with Yellowstone Select & Ezra Brooks Rye tying for second as I can’t decide between them! I chose ‘Ezra Brooks Bourbon’ as it’s seriously good for the price – buy two …….. and keep them both for yourself!

Many thanks to Steve at The Whisky Wire (@TheWhiskyWire / @TweetTastings) for a great evening and (@ChapmanPoolePR) for sending the samples.

And, of course, many thanks to luxrowdistillers.com, without whom!

My fellow Tweet Tasters on the night were:-

@TheWhiskyWire @Jotterface @WhiskyWithMolly @ManyMilesWhisky @AWhetForWhisky @ocdwhisky @WhiskyWings @ChapmanPoolePR @sprungatom @speakofwhisky @SpiritAndWood @PhilScott101 @MrEdwardMilner @ingo74 @WhiskyGeekPete @GaryMills01 @CEVokins @drinkersite @iheartwhisky @FreshPrinceRob @DramofWar @FiShoop @WhiskyManc @Whiskyviewer

ABOUT LUX ROW DISTILLERS

Real roots, real family, real products: Lux Row Distillers – a bourbon distillery experience on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail –brings the Lux family history and spirits tradition to the bourbon industry.

Lux Row Distillers is the home of bourbon brands including Rebel, Blood Oath, David Nicholson, Daviess County and Ezra Brooks.

Located in the heart of Bardstown, Kentucky, the 18,000-square foot Lux Row Distillers site includes a visitor centre, barrel warehouses, a tasting room, and event space, making for an all-encompassing bourbon experience. The 90-acre property is home to an 18th century stone house, registered as a National Historic Place, and a long, tree-lined driveway providing a scenic entrance to the distillery.

About Luxco

Founded in St. Louis in 1958 by the Lux Family, Luxco is a leading producer, supplier, importer and bottler of beverage alcohol products.

Our mission is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of consumers, associates and business partners. Merged with MGP Ingredients, Inc. in 2021 (Nasdaq: MGPI), Luxco operates as MGP’s Brands Division and manages all MGP/Luxco brands.

This extensive and award-winning spirits portfolio includes well-known brands from five distilleries:
– Bardstown, Kentucky-based Lux Row Distillers, home of Ezra Brooks, Rebel, Blood Oath, David Nicholson and Daviess County;
– Lebanon, Kentucky-based Limestone Branch Distillery, maker of Yellowstone Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey and Bowling & Burch Gin;
– Jalisco, Mexico-based Destiladora González Lux, producer of 100% agave tequilas, El Mayor, Exotico and Dos Primos;
– MGP’s historic distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where the George Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Rossville Union Straight Rye Whiskey are produced;
– and the Washington, D.C.-based Green Hat Distillery, producer of the Green Hat family of gins.

The innovative and high-quality brand portfolio also includes Everclear Grain Alcohol, Pearl Vodka, Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream, The Quiet Man Irish Whiskey and other well-recognized brands. For more information about the company and its brands, visit luxco.com.

This Year’s Winner Of The Whisky Exchange’s “Whisky Of The Year 2022” Is …..

December 1, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

This year’s winner of The Whisky Exchange’s annual tasting, Whisky of the Year 2022 is …..

Deanston 18 Year Old!

Deanston 18 Year Old (£11 OFF! Now £63.95) has triumphed in The Whisky Exchange’s annual tasting, taking the top spot in the only official blind whisky judging undertaken by members of the public!

Deanston, a Highland distillery housed in an old cotton mill on the banks of the River Teith, claimed the crown in the 8th annual Whisky of the Year blind tasting hosted by specialist spirits retailer The Whisky Exchange. Their 18-year-old expression is a delicious fruity, sweet single malt that has been matured in first-fill ex-bourbon casks, cranking the distillery’s distinctive honeyed, fruity character up to eleven.

Deanston 18 Year Old

This year’s shortlist included whiskies from the highlands and the islands, bold sherry bombs, creamy bourbon barrel single malts and a chocolatey Welsh whisky. After much deliberation whisky-loving consumers were encouraged to critique each whisky for nose, palate and finish, and select a first and second choice via a voting form.

All whiskies in the tasting were under £75 retail price, and all ongoing, commercially available releases. In addition to Deanston 18 Year Old, the shortlist featured:

Glen Moray 18 (runner up)

Oban 2006 Distillers Edition
Penderyn
Mortlach 16 Year Old
Old Pulteney 15 Year Old

Deanston is not your typical distillery and Deanston 18 is not your average dram. Matured for 18 years in American white oak, ex-bourbon barrels, the end result is a dram that is smooth and aromatic, typical of our Deanston distillery style: soft, sweet, honeyed and uniquely waxy in flavour & mouthfeel. This is Deanston in a bottle.

We are truly honoured to have impressed the blind taste panel, and titles don’t get much bigger than whisky of the year.
– Brendan McCarron: Master Distiller at Distell

I am super excited to see Deanston win this year. It is a really underrated distillery that is producing some great tasting whisky at the moment.
– Dawn Davies: Head buyer at The Whisky Exchange

Deanston distillery is housed in an old cotton mill on the banks of the River Teith

LET’S NOT FORGET RUM AND GIN!

The Whisky Exchange has also recognised other exceptional bottles, a rum and a gin, nominated by industry experts and staff.

Gin of the Year 2022 : Height of Arrows Gin: juniper takes centre stage in this minimalist gin from Holyrood Distillery in Edinburgh. The sole botanical is distilled with salt and beeswax for a full-bodied spirit with great depth and complexity. An exciting direction for gin.

Rum of the Year 2022 : Doorly’s 14 Year Old Rum : a vividly fruity Barbadian rum from Richard Seale’s Foursquare Distillery, Doorly’s 14 Year Old is made using molasses from sugar cane grown on the island and is distilled in a combination of pot and column stills. It has rich notes of golden sultanas, dried figs, mango, rich oak spice and the fruity, high-ester funkiness that is characteristic of Foursquare.

New Arrivals From The Scotch Malt Whisky Society!

December 1, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

“Jolly nice fruit and spice”
Cask No: 78.52

New Arrivals From The Scotch Malt Whisky Society!

“Vintage Belgium beer”
Cask No: 55.68
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Royal Brackla
Origin: Scotland
£52.00

Qty left: 80

“Day sipper”
Cask No: 39.232
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Linkwood
Origin: Scotland
£52.00

Qty left: 80

“A dash of youthful lan”
Cask No: 68.64
Cask Type: Refill ex-bourbon hogshead
Distillery: Blair Athol
Origin: Scotland
£59.20

Qty left: 81

“Jolly nice fruit and spice”
Cask No: 78.52
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon hogshead
Distillery: Ben Nevis
Origin: Scotland
£49.00

Qty left: 82

“Oaky fruit sorbet”
Cask No: 26.191
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Clynelish
Origin: Scotland
£65.00

Qty left: 84

“Ros Vinho Verde”
Cask No: 46.123
Cask Type: 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Glenlossie
Origin: Scotland
£57.10

Qty left: 86

“Grist salsa avec flowers”
Cask No: 94.17
Cask Type: 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Fettercairn
Origin: Scotland
£62.00

Qty left: 86

“Flapjacks assemble!”
Cask No: 9.230
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Glen Grant
Origin: Scotland
£84.20

Qty left: 86

“A fruity shuffle”
Cask No: 5.92
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Auchentoshan
Origin: Scotland
£90.00

Qty left: 87

“Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness”
Cask No: 88.26
Cask Type: Refill ex-bourbon hogshead
Distillery: Speyburn
Origin: Scotland
£62.00

Qty left: 88

“Unlucky duckling”
Cask No: 135.40
Cask Type: 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Inchmoan (Loch Lomond Distillery)
Origin: Scotland
£52.00

Qty left: 90

“Fizzy, fruity, minty and refreshing”
Cask No: 80.29
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon hogshead
Distillery: Glen Spey
Origin: Scotland
£48.40

Qty left: 90

“Taking the pith”
Cask No: 2.132
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Glenlivet
Origin: Scotland
£79.25

Qty left: 90

“Icecream van dram”
Cask No: 39.231
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Linkwood
Origin: Scotland
£52.00

Qty left: 90

“Toffee rolled in herbs and soot”
Cask No: 4.308
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Highland Park
Origin: Scotland
£57.00

Qty left: 90

“Rose mead”
Cask No: 94.20
Cask Type: 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Fettercairn
Origin: Scotland
£62.00

Qty left: 93

“Bootleg saloon breakfast”
Cask No: 80.28
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon hogshead
Distillery: Glen Spey
Origin: Scotland
£48.40

Qty left: 94

“Sugar and spice”
Cask No: 6.55
Cask Type: 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Glen Deveron (Macduff Distillery)
Origin: Scotland
£57.10

Qty left: 96

“Pie in the sky”
Cask No: 48.139
Cask Type: Refill ex-bourbon hogshead
Distillery: Balmenach
Origin: Scotland
£57.10

Qty left: 96

“A feeling of comfort”
Cask No: 18.42
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-oloroso sherry hogshead
Distillery: Inchgower
Origin: Scotland
£58.75

Qty left: 96

“Gorse mustard”
Cask No: 13.92
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Dalmore
Origin: Scotland
£58.00

Qty left: 96

“Chameleon”
Cask No: 64.125
Cask Type: Refill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Mannochmore
Origin: Scotland
£48.40

Qty left: 97

“Pyroclastic flow”
Cask No: 93.172
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Glen Scotia
Origin: Scotland
£58.00

Qty left: 100

“Roasted pumpkin ale out of a wooden goblet”
Cask No: 48.137
Cask Type: Refill ex-bourbon hogshead
Distillery: Balmenach
Origin: Scotland
£57.10

Qty left: 100

“A tea room special”
Cask No: 46.119
Cask Type: 2nd fill ex-bourbon hogshead
Distillery: Glenlossie
Origin: Scotland
£61.90

Qty left: 102

“Two become one”
Cask No: 100.31
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-oloroso sherry hogshead
Distillery: Strathmill
Origin: Scotland
£58.75

Qty left: 106

“Flowers crushed by a falling oak tree”
Cask No: 73.128
Cask Type: 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Aultmore
Origin: Scotland
£54.80

Qty left: 106

“Bog”
Cask No: 42.71
Cask Type: Refill ex-bourbon hogshead
Distillery: Tobermory / Ledaig
Origin: Scotland
£72.00

Qty left: 108

“In the mood”
Cask No: 73.127
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Aultmore
Origin: Scotland
£54.80

Qty left: 108

“Orcadian Sunday roast”
Cask No: 4.305
Cask Type: 1st fill shaved, toasted and recharred ex-PX barrique
Distillery: Highland Park
Origin: Scotland
£114.40

Qty left: 123

“Into the shed”
Cask No: 12.66
Cask Type: 2nd fill charred ex-red wine barrique
Distillery: Benriach
Origin: Scotland
£64.00

Qty left: 126

“Tabanco Time”
Cask No: SM0.11
Cask Type: Ex-Oloroso butts & Ex-Pedro Ximenes hogsheads

£55.00

Qty left: 171

Irish Distillers Awarded 183 Medals In 2021!

Celebrate The Festive Season With These New Arrivals From Edencroft!

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Sampling The Luxco Xmas Whiskey Tweet Tasting – Designed To Get Chrimbo Off To A Tasty Start!

Tasting Notes – Yellowstone Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon (46.5%)

Tasting Notes – Ezra Brooks Kentucky Straight Bourbon (40%)

Tasting Notes – Ezra Brooks Straight Rye Whiskey (45%)

My Favourite On The Night

My fellow Tweet Tasters on the night were:-

ABOUT LUX ROW DISTILLERS

About Luxco

This Year’s Winner Of The Whisky Exchange’s “Whisky Of The Year 2022” Is …..

Deanston 18 Year Old!

LET’S NOT FORGET RUM AND GIN!

New Arrivals From The Scotch Malt Whisky Society!

New Arrivals From The Scotch Malt Whisky Society!

Favourite Sites

Search

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Archives for December 2021

New Arrivals

About Fettercairn

New Arrivals

Save £20 On the Bottle of the Moment When You Join the World’s Most Entertaining Whisky Club!!

Tasting Notes – Yellowstone Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon (46.5%)

Tasting Notes – Ezra Brooks Kentucky Straight Bourbon (40%)

Tasting Notes – Ezra Brooks Straight Rye Whiskey (45%)

My Favourite On The Night

My fellow Tweet Tasters on the night were:-

ABOUT LUX ROW DISTILLERS

About Luxco

Deanston 18 Year Old!

LET’S NOT FORGET RUM AND GIN!

New Arrivals From The Scotch Malt Whisky Society!

Favourite Sites

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Search

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