Archives for February 2022

Midleton Very Rare 2022 – Truly The Pinnacle Of Irish Whiskey!

February 23, 2022 by Gary Leave a Comment

The Midleton Very Rare 2022

Irish Distillers, maker of some of the world’s most enjoyed whiskeys, has unveiled the eagerly awaited second Midleton Very Rare annual vintage to be released by Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman!

Midleton Very Rare is globally renowned as the pinnacle of Irish whiskey!

For the 39th edition in the renowned and highly collectable range, O’Gorman and the team of highly skilled whiskey makers at Midleton distillery, Co. Cork, once again enjoyed the pick of the finest whiskeys in the distiller’s inventory.

The Midleton Very Rare legacy began over four decades ago when the then masters, ever keen to create exemplary expressions, began setting aside small amounts of exceptionally performing whiskey for a new luxury offering in the world of Irish whiskey. Today, Midleton Very Rare is globally renowned as the pinnacle of Irish whiskey.

Drawing heavily from Midleton’s much-coveted ‘A2’ traditional stone warehouse dating back to the 1860s, O’Gorman and his team selected a blend of single pot still and single grain whiskeys from the inventory to create a whiskey worthy to carry the name of Midleton Very Rare for the latest annual vintage.

Featuring whiskeys aged between 12 and 33 years matured in lightly charred first fill and refill ex-bourbon American oak barrels, O’Gorman continued to draw on his wealth of experience of both distillation and maturation to maintain a significant contribution from the excellent single grain whiskeys in Midleton’s inventory, while once again allowing the pot still component to express itself within a delicately blended vintage.

Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman

As with any Midleton Very Rare Vintage, we start the search for our perfect components many months in advance, in a bid to create the luxurious, balanced aroma and taste profile for which this annual release is renowned.

Drawing predominantly from our historic A2 warehouse, we have selected a blend of whiskeys that work together beautifully – from superb grain whiskeys dating back to 1989 with beautiful floral and rosewater notes, to some truly wonderful pot still whiskeys from 2009 that offer a delightful fruit element with citrus.
– Kevin O’Gorman: Master Distiller

Beginning the search for the perfect blend from Midleton’s inventory in summer 2021, O’Gorman and the Midleton team sampled whiskeys from hundreds of casks that have been set aside over many years for potential inclusion in a prestigious Midleton Very Rare annual vintage.

Bottled from a single vatting during January 2022 at 40% ABV, Midleton Very Rare 2022 will be available over the coming months in the USA, Canada, Global Travel Retail, Europe, Australia, and Asia at the RRP of €200

Focusing on a small collection of casks considered to be at their optimal moment for selection, O’Gorman then worked with three prototypes that all offered an experience worthy of the pinnacle of Irish whiskey, only settling on his ultimate selection after taking all three home for a weekend of final tasting and consideration.

We were delighted to create three incredibly strong liquids for consideration, all worthy of becoming a Midleton Very Rare annual vintage.

In the end, I kept returning to the vintage we are launching today, a stunning whiskey bursting with notes of fruit and citrus, a palate of caramelised red apples, orange zest with luscious, sweet, decadent waves of crème brûlée, and culminating in a rich and lasting finish.
– Kevin

In keeping with the traditions of the Midleton masters, part of the job for O’Gorman and his team was to check the progress of those whiskeys already set aside for potential future inclusion, as well as to lay down the finest new distillate.

Our annual Midleton Very Rare vintage is not only a unique opportunity to re-nose some of the very finest whiskeys in our inventory, but also to consider which distillates and casks we should place into warehouse A2 for our forward planning.

This is an extremely enjoyable experience knowing that some of these casks that we’ve put aside may be selected as part of a vintage many years from now.
– Deirdre O’Carroll: Blender

Tasting Notes

Aroma
Fruit-led introduction with fresh citrus notes of mandarin and candied apple, while dustings of white pepper with grated nutmeg deliver subtle levels of spice that complement the rich and velvety tones of hazelnut chocolate and toffee. Carefully balanced, the charred oak works in tandem with the elegant grain character, elevating the delicate and nuanced fresh floral tones with the addition of sweet vanilla and warming toasted wood aromas.

Taste
Caramelised red apples and orange zest with luscious, sweet, and decadent waves of crème brûlée that seamlessly intertwine with the pot still spices and cereal undertones, creating an intriguing and wonderful medley of fruits and spices.

Finish
Rich and lasting finish in which the grain and pot still spices are the first to softly fade, allowing the oak – after years of carefully maturing the spirit – to have the final say.

Midleton Whiskey is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Compass Box Releases Limited Edition “Experimental Grain Whisky” – Contrast Is Everything!

February 23, 2022 by Gary Leave a Comment

Compass Box Experimental Grain Whisky

Compass Box is synonymous with creating compelling, yet surprising whiskies and the central theme for their new Experimental Grain Whisky is contrast.

Experimental Grain Whisky’s label artwork draws on technical distillation textbooks, and the subversive doodlings of Picasso!

This is a unique release that will transport whisky lovers to new territories. Compass Box Experimental Grain Whisky will be available in the UK online (RRP £100) from 21st February online with only 6,142 bottles released worldwide.

This parcel sourced from Loch Lomond Distillery, which makes up one third of the recipe, might be 100% malt, but because it is produced in a column still rather than a pot still, Scotch whisky conventions require it to be classified as grain whisky.

In addition, Experimental Grain Whisky contains conventionally made grain whiskies aged in re-charred barrels and hogsheads, contributing rich crème brûlée notes that bring depth to the Loch Lomond whisky’s unique herbal and spicy smoke aromas.

The intense toffee, apple and vanilla notes one might expect from a Compass Box grain whisky are woven together with mossy, creamy peatiness, making for an unexpected and delicious blend of contrasts.

In keeping with Compass Box’s dedication to presenting design that is as interesting as its whiskies, Experimental Grain Whisky’s label artwork draws on technical distillation textbooks, and the subversive doodlings of Picasso.

Experimental Grain Whisky (RRP £100, ABV 46%)

With heavy copy on the front rather than the back, it is designed to capture the imaginations of whisky enthusiasts by reinventing the unique labels the producer is known for. The back label sticky notes convey the work-in-progress nature of bringing whiskies to life.

Experimental Grain Whisky (RRP £100, ABV 46%) @CompassBoxWhiskyCo (Instagaram)

Compass Box is available to buy from these Merchants:-

ABOUT COMPASS BOX

We are Scotch whiskymakers. This word ‘whiskymaker’ is our word – it does not appear in a dictionary. And for 20 years we have been relentlessly focused on reinventing Scotch whisky, with every new blend designed to help make the world of whisky a more interesting place.

Of course, we have not done it on our own. We have collaborated with some of the world’s most visionary bartenders and designers to really push the boundaries of what is possible. We have won more awards for innovation than any other producer in Scotland because we are always experimenting.

Always looking for sparks of creativity that will deliver something totally compelling, yet completely surprising. Whiskies that just must be experienced. This vision motivates us as whiskymakers.

Our blends are consistently rated equal to or better than the great single malts of Scotland by the most respected voices in the industry.
Six-time Whisky Magazine Innovator of the Year.
2020 Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame Inductee, John Glaser, Founder of Compass Box.

JOHN GLASER, WHISKYMAKER

American ex-pat John Glaser is the founder and head whiskymaker of Compass Box, the boutique Scotch whisky blending house widely recognised in the industry for their innovative approach to the creation and enjoyment of whisky.

John began his career on a path to become a winemaker, before re-routing himself through the corporate world and ending up as a Marketing Director for Johnnie Walker in London.

With a desire to do things differently, John started Compass Box from the kitchen of his west London home in 2000 in order to bring the joys of Scotch whisky to more people.

From the beginning, his vision has been to create one of Scotland’s finest and most compelling whisky companies, re-imagining the standards for quality and style in the industry. In 2020, John was inducted into the Whisky Magazine’s Hall of Fame.

Two decades later, Compass Box now has two blending rooms in London, a team of 20 working internationally and stocks of maturing whiskies in Scotland.

In 2020, Compass Box celebrates its 20th anniversary. With a forward-looking approach and unrelenting focus on creativity and integrity, John and his team continue to take forward his mission to make the world of Scotch whisky a more interesting place.

The Lakes Distillery Releases “Mosaic” – East meets West In A Limited Edition Inspired By The Silk Road!

February 18, 2022 by Gary Leave a Comment

The Whiskymaker’s Editions “Mosaic”

The Lakes Distillery has created a number of limited-edition single malt whiskies in the past twelve months, some rare releases of a few hundred bottles and others several thousand.

Intentional diversions from their house style, each bottling in The Whiskymaker’s Editions series is distinctly different from the last. Seen as a chance to play with flavour and nuance, to challenge traditional convention, and invoke emotions or feelings through the language of whisky, they are the product of a playground where instinct, experience, and inspiration are allowed to roam free.

Created with carefully designed pockets of flavour from The Lakes’ bespoke collection of casks, Mosaic is the latest Edition to tell a story through the art of whisky creation.

Inspired by the Silk Road, East meets West in The Whiskymaker’s Editions Mosaic!

Drawing inspiration from the Silk Road – the ancient intercontinental avenue of trade and cultural exchange – it brings together a sense of adventure from both East and West, uniting eclectic influences and flavours in a singular, sophisticated expression.

Taking you on a journey through time and cultural becoming, it seeks to immerse you in a tale of two worlds with a mellow, rustic elegance in keeping with its cosmopolitan influences.

The fusion of people, knowledge, ideas and cultural beliefs along the Silk Road has had a profound impact on the fabric of our society. This is our attempt to create a whisky with a flavour profile that is reminiscent of passage through its many pf ports and cities.

From crisp autumn days in the west, and the aromas of woodfire and spent leaves, Mosaic will lead you to the heady spice melange of Moorish bazaars and onwards into light, delicate oriental wood nuances that evoke a wisdom synonymous with Japanese temples.
– Dhavall Gandhi: The Lakes Distillery’s whiskymaker

Non-chill filtered, bottled at the natural colour and 46.6% ABV, The Whiskymaker’s Editions Mosaic is now available from LakesDistillery.com and throughout the UK with a recommended retail price of £80.

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

About Lakes Distillery

On the shore of Bassenthwaite Lake, near Keswick, in The English Lake District, The Lakes Distillery creates an exceptional collection of whiskies, gins and vodkas and attracts over 100,000 visitors each year.

Twice named ‘one of eight distilleries to visit before you die’ by the World Whisky Day campaign, the visitor centre, bistro and tour has held Visit England’s Gold accolade for the last three years and was voted the Icons of Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year 2019 by Whisky magazine.

On 7 September 2019, The Lakes Distillery unveiled the first in a series of widely available single malt whisky releases that will showcase their house style, defined by whiskymaker Dhavall Gandhi.

The Lakes’ Story

The Lake District has long been a crucible for creativity, a place in which the imagination can flourish, and it’s no different for The Lakes Distillery. Taking inspiration from the UNESCO World Heritage Site where our state-of-the-art distillery has been built meticulously within a 160-year-old farmstead on the banks of the River Derwent, the idea of distilling being distinct individual elements is not how we look at the art. Rather it is part of a continuum, a net of possibilities where everything is interlinked. Change one element and the effect will change everything else.

Only by understanding how flavours are created throughout the spirit’s journey through the distillery can our whiskymaker fully comprehend the possibilities. That is why, unusually, Dhavall Gandhi is actively involved at every stage. It is holistic whisky-making, to ensure every flavour possibility is achieved.

Find out more about our whisky story at www.LakesDistillery.com

Recent Awards

Named by The London Stock Exchange Group as one of the ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain 2020’ and 19th fastest growing brand in Alantra’s 2019 Food and Beverage Fast 50, The Lakes’ portfolio of award-winning spirits includes single malt whisky, blended malt whisky, blended whisky, gin and vodka. Recently, they received the following prestigious World Drinks awards:
2020:
World’s Best English Single Malt Whisky, No Age Statement (Gold Award) – The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.2
International Spirit’s Challenge (ISC), World Single Malt Whisky (Gold Award) – The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.2
International Wine And Spirit Competition (IWSC), Spirit Gold Award – The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.1
2019:
World’s Best Blended Malt Whisky, No Age Statement (Best in English Category) – Steel Bonnets
World’s Best Blended Limited Release Whisky, No Age Statement (Best in English Category) – The ONE Sherry Expression
World’s Best Gin (Gold Award) – The Lakes Gin
World’s Best Gin Liqueur (Gold Award) – The Lakes Rhubarb & Rosehip Gin Liqueur
World’s Best Vodka (World’s Best) – The Lakes Vodka
World’s Best Chocolate Liqueur (World’s Best) – The Lakes Salted Caramel Vodka Liqueur

Jameson Invites You To ‘Widen the Circle’ – Make The World Feel A Smaller Place – One Sip At A Time!

February 15, 2022 by Gary Leave a Comment

#WidenTheCircle

Jameson’s ‘Widen the Circle’ campaign starts today with a new promotional video called ‘That Spark’, directed by Emmy and Grammy nominated director Jake Scott and starring comedian Aisling Bea.

Make the world feel a smaller place. One sip at a time!

It’s a multi-year campaign and is being launched in the lead up to St Patrick’s Day (17th March) and will run across TV, cinema and digital across the globe, as well as through influencer, PR and social media outreach. On- and off-trade activations are also planned.

As the serious whiskey that doesn’t take itself too seriously, Jameson believes that easy moments of true connection make the world feel like a smaller place.

Unspoken bonds or “sparks” (as Jameson like to call them) happen when kindred spirits connect. They want to encourage people to celebrate that spark between them over a glass of Jameson.

So this year, why not widen the circle and bring some new voices to the table? To share their spirit. And Jameson’s spirit. Making the world feel a smaller place. One sip at a time!

See the advert ‘That Spark’!

#WidenTheCircle

The serious whiskey that doesn’t take itself too seriously ….

Jameson Products are available to buy from these Merchants:-

Leeds Whisky Fest – A Brand New Festival Of Tasting, Learning & Entertainment!

February 14, 2022 by Gary Leave a Comment

Leeds Whisky Fest – a brand new Whisky festival – Saturday 9th. April 2022!

A vibrant selection of global and homegrown brands is set to take over Leeds Corn Exchange this Saturday 9th. April when Leeds Whisky Fest – a brand new Whisky festival – says its inaugural “Hello!”

Brought to you by Rolling Social Events and hot off the back of the very successful Leeds Rum Fest, the event brings an impressive line-up of whiskies from all over the world and will welcome guests for an afternoon or evening of tasting, learning and entertainment.

Leeds Whisky Fest will be hosted by one of Leeds’ most iconic buildings and will be packed full of ambassadors, makers and creators from renowned distilleries – brands include Woodford Reserve, Starward, Nikka, Slane, Port Askaig, Single Malts of Scotland, Highland Nectar and Elements of Islay – to name just a few!

Tickets will not only get you access to the festival, where there will be over 100 different whiskies on show, they also cover all your samples, talks, masterclasses and tastings – not to mention an exclusive Leeds Whisky Fest branded tasting glass and guide.

A fully stocked bar will be available for anyone keen to opt for a local craft beer, as well as an excellent range of highball cocktails.

There will be several masterclasses taking place on the day including The Flavour of Bourbon from our sponsors Woodford Reserve. There are over 200 detectable flavours in their Bourbon.

Nikka Whisky one of the many brands at Leeds Whisky Fest!

A variety of food samples will be tasted in this session. By comparing the flavour notes of the samples with the Woodford Reserve flavour wheel, the subtle flavour cues in Woodford Reserve can be experienced. Slane will also be educating people on the Resurgence of Irish Whiskey and showcasing their efforts towards sustainability and their unique blending process.

Further masterclasses will be announced very soon.

Making sure foodies are not left out of the fun, outlets such as Leeds’ very own Chinese eatery Mans Market and Ooey Gooey will be serving up meals and snacks throughout the day. Mans Market, based a stone’s throw away from Leeds City Centre, offers a unique dining experience through a combination of theatre and authentic Chinese cuisine.

Ooey Gooey will also be whipping up bourbon brownies in collaboration with Woodford Reserve exclusively for the festival.

Live music will come in the form of Leeds’ own mysterious Hot-Foot Hall. Rumour has it that on a family trip to the zoo as a child, young Hot-Foot Hall became separated from his family.

Finding himself in the tapir enclosure, Hot-Foot was raised by a friendly family of Brazilian tapirs.
As well as foraging for roots and tubers, the young man learned a primitive and high energy style of hoof stomping, loud hollering, down home and low down blues – attendees are in for a treat!

After a day of discovery and being re-acquainted with familiar names, Leeds Whisky Fest attendees will also be able to buy and take home their favourites with the help of Latitude Wine & Spirit Merchant who will be operating a bottle shop on the day.

It feels amazing to be able to plan our 2022 line up of events and we’re always wanted to put on a whisky festival, so we’re dead excited to add Leeds Whisky Festival into the calendar.

The events are always designed around drinking better quality, and we’re very lucky to be working with some incredible brands throughout the course of the year, including many sustainable and environmentally friendly distilleries.
– Lee Jones: Rolling Social Events

“It feels amazing to be able to plan our 2022 line up of events and we’re always wanted to put on a whisky festival”

We are delighted to be headlining the Leeds Whisky Festival with our brands this year (Port Askaig, Singles Malts of Scotland, Highland Nectar and Elements of Islay) and being involved from the inaugural event!

We’re looking forward to sharing a dram or two with some familiar faces as well as some new festival inductees! It is set to be a cracking day. See you all there!
– Julie Hamilton: Global Whisky Ambassador, Elixir Distillers

Punters can choose to head down to either the afternoon session (12-4pm) or the evening session (5-9pm) of Leeds Whisky Fest, with tickets available for £40 at eventbrite.co.uk

The Latest Stock From The SMWS – “Film star hangs out at smokers corner”!

February 2, 2022 by Gary Leave a Comment

“Film star hangs out at smokers corner”
Cask No: 4.297

New Arrivals From The Scotch Malt Whisky Society!

“Undying wood”
Cask No: 46.125
Cask Type: 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Glenlossie
Origin: Scotland
£57.10

Qty left: 82

“Fruity swagger”
Cask No: 78.54
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon hogshead
Distillery: Ben Nevis
Origin: Scotland
£49.00

Qty left: 83

“A fruity prescription”
Cask No: 5.81
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Auchentoshan
Origin: Scotland
£90.00

Qty left: 84

“Posh but playful”
Cask No: 91.33
Cask Type: 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Dufftown
Origin: Scotland
£62.00

Qty left: 89

“Come to the perfumed garden”
Cask No: 26.195
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Clynelish
Origin: Scotland
£57.50

Qty left: 90

“Andalucian Orcadian”
Cask No: 4.295
Cask Type: 1st fill shaved, charred & re-toasted ex-PX barrique
Distillery: Highland Park
Origin: Scotland
£147.50

Qty left: 96