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

Malthound

Whisky & Spirits Blog | Compare Buy Enjoy

  • Bluesky
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Campbeltown
    • Glen Scotia
    • Hazelburn
    • Kilkerran
    • Longrow
    • Springbank
  • Highland
    • Highland: A – F
      • Aberfeldy
      • Balblair
      • Ballechin
      • Ben Nevis
      • Ben Wyvis
      • Blair Athol
      • Brora
      • Clynelish
      • Dalmore
      • Dalwhinnie
      • Deanston
      • Edradour
      • Fettercairn
    • Highland: G
      • Glen Albyn
      • Glen Garioch
      • Glen Ord
      • Glencadam
      • Glenesk
      • Glengoyne
      • Glenlochy
      • Glenmorangie
      • Glenturret
      • Glenugie
      • Glenury Royal
    • Highland: H – M
      • Hillside
      • Inchfad
      • Inchmoan
      • Inchmurrin
      • Lochside
      • Millburn
    • Highland: N – Z
      • North Port
      • Oban
      • Old Pulteney
      • Royal Lochnagar
      • Stronachie
      • Teaninich
      • Tullibardine
  • Island
    • Arran
    • Highland Park
    • Isle of Jura
    • Ledaig
    • Scapa
    • Talisker
    • Tobermory
  • Islay
    • Islay: A – I
      • Ardbeg
      • Big Peat
      • Bowmore
      • Bruichladdich
      • Bunnahabhain
      • Caol Ila
      • Finlaggan
      • Ileach
      • Islay Whisky
    • Islay: J – Z
      • Kilchoman
      • Lagavulin
      • Laphroaig
      • Octomore
      • Port Askaig
      • Port Charlotte
      • Port Ellen
      • Smokehead
  • Lowland
    • Auchentoshan
    • Bladnoch
    • Dunglass
    • Glen Flagler
    • Glenkinchie
    • Inverleven
    • Kinclaith
    • Ladyburn
    • Linlithgow
    • Littlemill
    • Rosebank
    • St. Magdalene
  • Speyside: A – F
    • Speyside: A
      • Aberlour
      • Allt-A-Bhainne
      • An Cnoc
      • Ardmore
      • Auchroisk
      • Aultmore
    • Speyside: B
      • Balmenach
      • Balvenie
      • Banff
      • Benriach
      • Benrinnes
      • Benromach
      • Braes of Glenlivet
      • Braeval
    • Speyside: C – F
      • Caperdonich
      • Cardhu
      • Coleburn
      • Convalmore
      • Cragganmore
      • Craigduff
      • Craigellachie
      • Dailuaine
      • Dallas Dhu
      • Dufftown
  • Speyside: G – Z
    • Speyside: G
      • Glen Elgin
      • Glen Grant
      • Glen Keith
      • Glen Mhor
      • Glen Moray
      • Glen Spey
      • Glenallachie
      • Glenburgie
      • Glendronach
      • Glendullan
      • Glenfarclas
      • Glenfiddich
      • Glenglassaugh
      • Glenisla
      • Glenlivet
      • Glenlossie
      • Glenrothes
      • Glentauchers
    • Speyside: H – O
      • Imperial
      • Inchgower
      • Knockando
      • Linkwood
      • Loch Dhu
      • Longmorn
      • Macallan
      • Macduff
      • Mannochmore
      • Miltonduff
      • Mortlach
    • Speyside: P – Z
      • Pittyvaich
      • Pride of Strathspey
      • Royal Brackla
      • Speyburn
      • Speyside
      • Strathisla
      • Strathmill
      • Tamdhu
      • Tamnavulin
      • The Singleton
      • Tomatin
      • Tomintoul
      • Tormore
  • World Whiskies
    • American
    • Australian
    • Canadian
    • Dutch
    • English
    • Finnish
    • French
    • Indian
    • Irish
    • Japanese
    • New Zealand
    • South African
    • Swedish
    • Welsh
  • Blended Whiskies
You are here: Home / Archives for 2022

Archives for 2022

Elements Of Islay To Launch Re-Imagined Core Range Of Blended Malt Whiskies!

October 13, 2022 by Gary Leave a Comment

Elements of Islay Cask Edit, Elements of Islay Bourbon and Elements of Islay Sherry

EOI (Elements of Islay) is introducing this autumn a re-imagined core range of blended malt whiskies!

The multi-awarded brand which has won a loyal following over the years for its various limited batch editions, presents three permanent whiskies which each captures the essence of their origin: Islay.

The three expressions, Elements of Islay Cask Edit, Elements of Islay Bourbon and Elements of Islay Sherry are small-batch, expertly sourced, independently bottled whiskies; all are natural in colour and non-chill filtered. Each expression is inspired by a different element of maturation and aimed at curious whisky drinkers who have a desire to experience, taste and explore the unique flavours of Islay.

We’re very excited to present a new, re-imagined core range of whiskies for Elements of Islay. The rich, smoky flavours make this unquestionably elemental and a great start to the Elements of Islay whisky journey.

The blend combines fresher, fruitier style of peaty Islay single malt from the north coast with a typical rich and smoky style from Islay’s south coast and has been matured in four different styles of casks to offer a complex but balanced whisky for enthusiasts and people looking to discover the incredible island of Islay. We already had an excellent reception from the trade and hope we’ll introduce more drinkers to the joy of Islay whiskies.
– Oliver Chilton: Elixir Distillers, Master Blender

Cask Edit is a union of two single malts aged in bourbon and sherry casks leading to the creation of an exceptionally peaty Islay whisky showing the perfect balance of drinkability and personality at 46% ABV. The whisky also lends itself particularly well in cocktails.

On the bolder side, Bourbon Cask is matured in first fill and refill bourbon barrels and is bottled at 54.5% to fully demonstrate the whisky’s dominant Islay’s personality.

Sherry Cask offers a synthesis of flavour with notes of dried fruits, dark chocolate lemon oil and smoke. Bottled at 54.5%, it aims to challenge the status of quo of what it means to be an Islay whisky.

The new Elements of Islay range is available in the UK from this month onwards before rolling out to other markets later this year.

Elements of Islay Cask Edit – 70 cl – 46% ABV – RRP: £44.95
Elements of Islay Bourbon Cask – 70 cl – 54.50% ABV – RRP: £59.95
Elements of Islay Sherry Cask – 70 cl – 54.50% ABV – RRP: £64.95

Filed Under: Elements of Islay, Island, Islay, New Arrivals, News

Whiskey Flash Blog: Sampling Kentucky 10 Year Old Bourbon 100 Proof – “Rebel Rebel, I Love You So!”

October 12, 2022 by Gary Leave a Comment

Kentucky 10 Year Old Single Barrel Bourbon 100 Proof Whiskey!

Welcome to the #RebelBourbon #Whiskey #FlashBlog!

Organised by Steve from The Whisky Wire numerous contributors will be posting articles today sharing their sampling thoughts on the recently released Kentucky 10 Year Old Single Barrel Bourbon 100 Proof Whiskey.

If you would like to see what everyone thought search for the hash tag #RebelBourbon on Twitter!

A bourbon that is one-of-a-kind, just like the rebels who drink it!

So, here goes …

Kentucky-based Lux Row Distillers have released this special bourbon which has been distilled and aged in Bardstown, Kentucky, USA.

A Multi-award winning Whiskey, distillery notes say it “initially has hints of caramel and citrus but continue sipping and it morphs into a velvety oak flavour with unabashed spice.”

Aged in charred oak barrels for 10 years, this bourbon boasts a unique flavour profile specific to each batch. It’s one-of-a-kind, just like the rebels who drink it!

Did I say awards? Well, it has won one or two …

Double Platinum Medal
ASCOT, 2022

Gold Medal
San Francisco World Spirit Competition, 2022

Worlds Best Single Barrel Bourbon
Whisky Magazine World Whiskies Awards, 2020

Best Kentucky Single Barrel Bourbon
Whisky Magazine World Whiskies Awards, 2020

Platinum Medal
SIP Awards, 2018

Double Gold Medal
San Francisco World Spirit Competition, 2017

Kentucky 10 Year Old Single Barrel Bourbon 100 Proof Whiskey is avaliable from thebottleclub.com for £94.99.

So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

Tasting Notes – Kentucky 10 Year Old Single Barrel Bourbon 100 Proof Whiskey (50%)

Nose: An orchard extravaganza! Lots of crisp fresh apples, sweet toffee and banana.

Palate: Oaky with a little dryness. Toffee, lemon citrus, seville oranges and a little chocolate.

Finish: Deep and warming spice that grows with each sip topped with sharp pepper.

Overall: A very tasty dram indeed with plenty going on – I’m not surprised it has been a multi-award winner!

Many thanks to Steve at The Whisky Wire (@TheWhiskyWire / @TweetTastings) for the invite!

And many thanks to chapmanpoole (@ChapmanPoolePR) for sending me the sample!

And, of course, many thanks to rebelbourbon.com (@rebelbourbonglobal), without whom!


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.


Filed Under: American, Bourbon, Flash Blog, News, Rebel, Sampling, Whiskey, Whisky tasting, WhiskyFlashBlog

SAVE £20 On The Balblair 18 Year Old With “The Malt Of The Month” From The Whisky Exchange!

October 7, 2022 by Gary Leave a Comment

BALBLAIR
18 YEAR OLD
SAVE £20

Balblair 18 Year Old
Balblair 18 Year Old

BALBLAIR
18 YEAR OLD
70CL | 46%

£107

WAS £127

SAVE £20

Ki No Bi Kyoto Dry Gin
Ki No Bi Kyoto Dry Gin

KI NO BI
KYOTO DRY GIN
70CL | 45.7%

£40.95

WAS £45.95

SAVE £5

Special Offers
Special Offers

New In
New In

Filed Under: New Arrivals, News, The Whisky Exchange

Cù Bòcan Releases Limited Edition 15 Year Old – The First Age-Stated Whisky Added To Their Range!

October 6, 2022 by Gary Leave a Comment

Cù Bòcan Limited Edition 15 Year Old!

Cù Bòcan Single Malt has released a limited edition 15 Year Old which is the brand’s first age-stated whisky expression. The 15 Year Old has been fully matured in Oloroso Sherry casks for a minimum of 15 years and this 2022 Edition is the first in a series of planned annual batch releases!

Only 3,000 bottles available worldwide …

The award winning experimental Highland Single Malt is distilled every winter at Tomatin Distillery in limited batches and made with lightly peated Scottish barley for its signature wisp of smoke. In late 2005, after Tomatin had achieved its annual production quota, the Distillery Manager at the time brought in a load of lightly peated barley allowing the distillery to produce its own peated spirit for the last week of the year.

This production coincided with incredibly low water temperatures and resulted in a slightly oilier mouthfeel in the new make spirit. Recognising the quality of this spirit, the distillery continued to produce Cù Bòcan in small batches every winter since 2005. The newly released Cù Bòcan 15 Year Old features some of the first lightly peated spirit to be laid down in casks.

Matured fully in Oloroso Sherry casks for a minimum of 15 years, Cù Bòcan 15 Year Old is a decadent single malt with sun dried fruits and smoky exotic spices. The Oloroso Sherry casks impart flavours of dried fruits, flamed orange peel, cinder toffee, black cherry and cardamom. The peat provides a traditional earthy dryness rather than an obvious smoke, this has helped keep some of the sweeter elements of the sherry casks perfectly balanced.

Cù Bòcan is also renowned for exploring innovative maturations, creating whiskies full of intrigue and surprise. Earlier this year the brand released two new expressions within their Creation series, Creation #3, matured in Moroccan Cabernet Sauvignon casks and Creation #4, matured in a combination of Port and Cognac casks.

The current Cù Bòcan range now comprises of Cù Bòcan Signature, the only ongoing product within the range, matured in Bourbon, Oloroso Sherry and North American Virgin Oak casks, the Creation series and the newly released Cù Bòcan 15 Year Old.

We are delighted to introduce the 15 Year Old into the Cù Bòcan range, this whisky takes us back to where it all began, when we first started producing lightly peated spirit in the midst of winter back in 2005.

This release is a celebration of how far we have come since then, and a nod to all the exciting plans we have in store for Cù Bòcan, opening up the world of lightly peated whisky.
– Graham Nicolson: Sales Director

Each Cù Bòcan Single Malt offers an exploration in the subtleties of smoke, the character of the casks and the mastery of maturation.
The range is always non-chill filtered and natural in colour.
Cù Bòcan 15 Year Old, 2022 Edition, has been bottled at 50% Abv. and is a limited batch release with only 3,000 bottles available worldwide.

Cù Bòcan 15 Year Old, 2022 Edition, is available in specialist shops worldwide with an RRP of £95 per 700ml bottle.

Filed Under: Cu Bocan, New Arrivals, News, Whisky

The SMWS Advent Calendar 2022 Is Now Available (Plus More New Arrivals!)

October 6, 2022 by Gary Leave a Comment

The SMWS Advent Calendar 2022!

New Arrivals From The Scotch Malt Whisky Society!

SMWS Advent Calendar 2022

SMWS Advent Calendar 2022

£189.00

Qty left: 523

Sugar-coated oak tree

Sugar-coated oak tree
Cask No: 28.87

Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Tullibardine
Origin: Scotland
£57.00

Qty left: 78

Salting and pickling

Salting and pickling
Cask No: 44.150

Cask Type: 2nd fill ex-bourbon hogshead
Distillery: Craigellachie
Origin: Scotland
£88.20

Qty left: 79

Pâtisserie au jardin

Pâtisserie au jardin
Cask No: 73.147

Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Aultmore
Origin: Scotland
£61.20

Qty left: 80

Emergency whisky!

Emergency whisky!
Cask No: 35.326

Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Glen Moray
Origin: Scotland
£57.00

Qty left: 81

Citrus tang on meringue

Citrus tang on meringue
Cask No: 5.110

Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Auchentoshan
Origin: Scotland
£106.20

Qty left: 81

Leave the bottle ...

Leave the bottle …
Cask No: 94.27

Cask Type: 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Fettercairn
Origin: Scotland
£72.60

Qty left: 81

Smoked haddock soufflé and vanilla honey cupcakes

Smoked haddock soufflé and vanilla honey cupcakes
Cask No: 4.326

Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Highland Park
Origin: Scotland
£69.40

Qty left: 82

Sweeties in the forest

Sweeties in the forest
Cask No: 46.126

Cask Type: 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Glenlossie
Origin: Scotland
£57.10

Qty left: 82

Mysterious and magical

Mysterious and magical
Cask No: 68.89

Cask Type: 1st fill ex-oloroso hogshead
Distillery: Blair Athol
Origin: Scotland
£63.90

Qty left: 90

Hogsheads from space!

Hogsheads from space!
Cask No: 64.132

Cask Type: 1st fill Hybrid American & European oak hogsheads
Distillery: Mannochmore
Origin: Scotland
£65.90

Qty left: 94

Quietly delicious

Quietly delicious
Cask No: 28.83

Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Tullibardine
Origin: Scotland
£57.00

Qty left: 112

Mental menthol turning mild-mannered

Mental menthol turning mild-mannered
Cask No: 112.106

Cask Type: 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Inchmurrin (Loch Lomond Distillery)
Origin: Scotland
£59.70

Qty left: 123

Christmas Selection Box

Christmas Selection Box

£30.00

Qty left: 203

Frazzle dazzle

Frazzle dazzle
Cask No: Batch 19

Cask Type: 1st fill tempest smoked barley wine hogshead

£60.00

Qty left: 343

Marmalade overdrive

Marmalade overdrive
Cask No: Batch 18

Cask Type: 2nd fill bourbon & shiraz barrels & hogsheads

£62.00

Qty left: 971

Filed Under: New Arrivals, News, Smws, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

Sampling The SMWS Drams From ‘The Gathering’ – Season Of Mists & Mellow Fruitfulness In A Glass!

October 5, 2022 by Gary Leave a Comment

Septembers Fabulous Five!

On the last evening of September I had the pleasure in taking part in the latest online ‘Gathering’ of The SMWS!

Hosting for the event was ably carried out by Brand Ambassador John McCheyne and Society Ambassador Dean Marinello and they were also joined by Ambassadors Jutta Unterguggenberger from Austria, Klaus Bitschnau from Sweden and Monique Tenkortenaar from Benelux.

They guideed us through five special drams, bottled exclusively for The Gathering and selected by Society members.

Sadly, the UK allocation of these drams has now gone (they were used to make-up the Tasting Kits!)

But The SMWS ‘Gathering’ Tasting Packs Are Still Available Priced At £35.00!

For full bottles you will have to try their EU site – be quick though!.

The Drams Sampled on the night were:

Cask No. 18.46 – Bandyportfšlj

Cask No. 39.251 – A sweet tongue twister

Cask No. 68.95 – A Negroni riff

Cask No. 73.144 – Un coin(g) de nature

Cask No. 112.109 – Das rennende Schaf am Strand

So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

Tasting Notes – Cask No. 73.144 – Un coin(g) de nature


Cask Type: 1st. fill ex-bourbon barrel

11 years old

62.5% ABV

Distillery: Aultmore



Nose: Sugar cane sweetness with a little tropical fruit with a predominant pineapple. I also picked up caramel and toffee.

Palate: Creamy, sugar cane sweetness, very fresh and fruity!

Finish: Very punchy spice with some dryness at the end but the toffee has a long reach!

Sadly, Not available to buy – But – You Can See All That The SMWS Has To Offer!

Tasting Notes – Cask No. 39.251 – A sweet tongue twister


Cask Type: 2nd. fill ex-bourbon barrel

11 years old

59% ABV

Distillery: Linkwood



Nose: Creamy vanilla and quite woody with additional orchard fruits and a little toffee.

Palate: Deep sugary sweetness with bursting fruits, liquorice and caramel.

Finish: Oaky and dry with very warming peppery spice to complete the experience!

Sadly, Not available to buy – But – You Can See All That The SMWS Has To Offer!

Tasting Notes – Cask No. 18.46 – Bandyportfšlj


Cask Type: 1st. fill ex-oloroso hogshead

13 years old

58.6% ABV

Distillery: Inchgower



Nose: Sherried and porty with vanilla and apple toffee – very inviting indeed!

Palate: Sweet dried fruits with lovely sherry flavours, shades of Christmas flavours including toffee and chocolate.

Finish: Very smooth with a little warming glow coming through. Perfect to cosy up by the fire with!

Sadly, Not available to buy – But – You Can See All That The SMWS Has To Offer!

Tasting Notes – Cask No. 68.95 – A Negroni riff


Cask Type: 1st. fill ex-oloroso hogshead

13 years old

58.1% ABV

Distillery: Blair Athol



Nose: Rich portiness with toffee and hints of apples toffee and fudge.

Palate: Very creamy, luscious mouthfeel bursting with apples, toffee, dried fruits and port.

Finish: Nice n’ spicy and the the rich fruits are very compelling to the taste buds – a gorgeous whisky!

Sadly, Not available to buy – But – You Can See All That The SMWS Has To Offer!

Tasting Notes – Cask No. 112.109 – Das rennende Schaf am Strand


Cask Type: Refill ex-bourbon hogshead

15 years old

51.5% ABV

Distillery: Inchmurrin (Loch Lomond Distillery)



Nose: Liquid smoke and fruity peat – very savoury – a fantastic nose! Some caramel comes along a while later …

Palate: Sugary sweet, smokey and peaty all in equal measures!

Finish: All of the above with growing antiseptic flavours with warming spice accompanying for good measure. An excellent starter if you are new to peat drams and ably showing that there’s nothing to be scared of in a peat whisky!

Sadly, Not available to buy – But – You Can See All That The SMWS Has To Offer!


On the night I most enjoyed “18.46 – Bandyportfšlj” & “68.95 – A Negroni riff” : It’s always SO hard to choose between SMWS drams as they are exceptional but these really stood out. Deep, rich, fruity and spicy flavours which are perfect for Autumn and the coming Christmas season!

Many thanks to SMWS (@SMWSUK) for such an enjoyable evening and for sending the samples!


About The SMWS

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is a club unlike any other.

As well as being a place to connect with other like-minded whisky lovers, they are also internationally renowned for their mission: “to provide our members with an adventurous and fun journey of discovery of the world’s widest collection of single cask whiskies.”

Conceptualised in the late 70’s and established in 1983, the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, now 35 years old, has branches and partners bars in 19 countries globally. The Society has a selection of over 500 casks every year, each cask yielding a few hundred or less whisky bottles which are unique to that cask.

Rather than name their Whiskies after the distillery, the Society has a coding system. The Society also creates fantastic tasting notes summaries for their Whiskies and other bottles. The whiskies are straight from the cask single malt, undiluted, without chill-filtration or colouring at cask strength.

More recently the Society has been named Independent Bottler of the Year in Whisky Magazine’s prestigious Independent Bottlers’ Challenge (IBC) competition.

Filed Under: News, Sampling, Smws, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Whisky tasting

Sampling The Lakes Distillery Latest Release: The Whiskymakers’ Editions ‘Infinity’ – A Whisky Designed For The Curious…

September 30, 2022 by Gary Leave a Comment

Infinity – a whisky designed for the curious…

The Lakes Distillery has released The Whiskymaker’s Editions ‘Infinity’ – a whisky designed for the curious!

Unlocking a new dimension with every sip, The Whiskymaker’s Editions Infinity is inspired by a never-ending fascination with the interconnectedness of fragrance and flavour.

Designed for the curious whisky drinker, this single malt is described by its maker to “stimulate profound thought” and “offer a unique experience” as it delves deep into the notion that everything in nature is entwined in a state of perpetual motion, leading to somewhere new.

Available online and from The Lakes Distillery from Friday, 7 October 2022

Matured in a multitude of The Lakes Distillery’s finest sherry butts, including rare Palo Cortado seasoned American oak casks, it is the art of blending, carefully layering complimentary and contrasting flavours, and learnedly counterbalancing aromas that makes it possible for Infinity to appear in a state of constant evolution on both the nose and palate.

Simultaneously complex and enigmatic, bewildering and delightful, each inimitable taste entices you to go deeper and deeper into a metaphorical rabbit hole of flavours, offering the opportunity to explore infinite ever-changing combinations that make it difficult to define where they come from and where they lead.

Created with a modern approach and a wide variety of exceptional sherry casks, Infinity is a whisky that offers a unique experience.

With layer upon layer of continuously changing aromas and flavours, perfectly balanced and each jostling to shine through, it is a complex whisky that unlocks a different dimension with every sip. As one door closes, another one opens up in this constantly evolving whisky.
– Dhavall Gandhi: Whiskymaker at The Lakes Distillery

Non-chill filtered, bottled at the natural colour, and 52% ABV, The Whiskymaker’s Editions Infinity will be available this weekend at the Whisky Show London. Following the show, it will be available online and also from The Lakes Distillery from Friday, 7 October 2022.

The Lakes Distillery have kindly sent me a sample of their new dram to try (Thanks Lakes Distillery!)

So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

Tasting Notes – The Whiskymaker’s Editions ‘Infinity’ (52%)

Nose: Heady shades of lemon citrus and orange with sugary cane syrup, banoffee pie and creamy chocolate.

Palate: Creamy, sherried notes with luscious toffee, chocolate and a little citrus.

Finish: Smooth with a lovely punchy, slightly dry, peppery finish.

Overall: This is a super dram and really recommended – possibly one of the best Lakes Distillery expressions I’ve ever tasted!

Great flavours abound and the ABV, though high, is not harsh at all. I’d say this is certainly a dram to take you to infinity – and maybe even beyond!

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

  • The Whisky Exchange
  • Master of Malt


THE LAKES DISTILLERY

On the shore of Bassenthwaite Lake, near Keswick, in The English Lake District, The Lakes Distillery design an exceptional collection of spirits and attracts over 30,000 visitors to their whisky distillery each year.

Twice named “one of eight distilleries to visit before you die” by the World Whisky Day campaign, their bistro and distillery tour experience has held Visit England’s Gold accolade since 2018 and was voted the Icons of Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year 2019 by Whisky magazine.

In September 2019, the brand unveiled The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.1, their first widely available single malt whisky in what has become an internationally award-winning series showcasing their sherry-led signature style.

Named by The London Stock Exchange Group as one of the ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain 2020’, The Lakes’ portfolio of spirits includes single malt whisky, blended whisky, gin, and vodka.

Recently, The Lakes Distillery received the following prestigious awards:

2022: World’s Best Single Malt Whisky, World Whiskies Awards: The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.4
Outstanding Gold (98/100), International Wine & Spirits Competition: The Lakes Pink Grapefruit Gin.

2021: Best English Blended Whisky, World Whiskies Awards: The One Sherry Cask Finished

2020: Best English Single Malt Whisky, World Whiskies Awards: The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.2
Gold Award, International Spirit’s Challenge: The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.2
Spirit Gold Award (95/100), International Wine & Spirit Competition: The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.1

2019: World’s Best Vodka, World Vodka Awards: The Lakes Vodka
World’s Best Chocolate Liqueur, World Vodka Awards: The Lakes Salted Caramel Vodka Liqueur

Filed Under: English, Lakes Distillery, New Arrivals, News, Sampling, Whisky, Whisky tasting

Just A Few Days Now Until ‘The Gathering’ With The SMWS – Is Your Tasting Pack At The Ready?!

September 27, 2022 by Gary Leave a Comment

An evening of chat …. and whisky!


The SMWS ‘Gathering’ Tasting Pack Now Available!

£35.00

Friday 30 September, 8pm

Just a few days now before The Gathering commences – have you got your Tasting Pack yet?!

Don’t forget, the SMWS is all about community – the coming together with other Society members and enjoying each others company. So for those of you who can’t make an in-person event, why not join them in sharing a dram online?!

Brand Ambassador John McCheyne and Society Ambassador Dean Marinello will host an evening of knowledge, chat and whisky as they share Society memories and stories.

They’ll be joined by Ambassadors Jutta Unterguggenberger from Austria, Klaus Bitschnau from Sweden, Monique Tenkortenaar from Benelux and a few other Society friends to guide you through five special drams, bottled exclusively for The Gathering, and selected by you, the Society members.

So, look forward to an evening of chat …. and whisky! As they share experiences and stories about the Society!

Find them Live on the SMWS UK Facebook page or on SMWSSilverscreen, their YouTube channel.

Each Festival Pack Contains:


Cask No. 18.46 – Bandyportfölj

Cask No. 39.251 – A sweet tongue twister

Cask No. 68.95 – A Negroni riff

Cask No. 73.144 – Un coin(g) de nature

Cask No. 112.109 – Das rennende Schaf am Strand

Five special drams, bottled exclusively for The Gathering, and selected by you, the Society members!

Goto the SMWS Facebook Page


Goto the SMWSsilverscreen Page


About The SMWS

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is a club unlike any other.

As well as being a place to connect with other like-minded whisky lovers, they are also internationally renowned for their mission: “to provide our members with an adventurous and fun journey of discovery of the world’s widest collection of single cask whiskies.”

Conceptualised in the late 70’s and established in 1983, the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, now 35 years old, has branches and partners bars in 19 countries globally. The Society has a selection of over 500 casks every year, each cask yielding a few hundred or less whisky bottles which are unique to that cask.

Rather than name their Whiskies after the distillery, the Society has a coding system. The Society also creates fantastic tasting notes summaries for their Whiskies and other bottles. The whiskies are straight from the cask single malt, undiluted, without chill-filtration or colouring at cask strength.

More recently the Society has been named Independent Bottler of the Year in Whisky Magazine’s prestigious Independent Bottlers’ Challenge (IBC) competition.

Filed Under: New Arrivals, News, Sampling, Smws, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Whisky tasting

Fettercairn Launches Innovative Scottish Oak 18 Year Old Whisky!

September 26, 2022 by Gary Leave a Comment

Fettercairn Scottish Oak 18 Year Old!

Fettercairn distillery has today announced the arrival of a new dawn in its progressive whisky making with the launch of its inaugural 18 Years Old single malt and its first ever whisky finished in locally sourced Scottish Oak!

The culmination of years of planning and innovation, Fettercairn 18 Years Old is the very embodiment of Fettercairn’s commitment to the future and to its local communities.

“At Fettercairn we are passionate about the potential of Scottish Oak and the unique flavour characteristics it offers to the whisky maker.” – Gregg Glass

Fettercairn 18 Years Old has been realised from a refined marriage of American White Oak casks with an exceptionally hand-crafted finish in 100% Scottish Oak, sourced from the Scottish Highlands.

Progressive and innovative in style and substance, this whisky celebrates what makes Fettercairn different – from the surprisingly tropical -house style achieved by the distinctive copper cooling ring distillation; to their future focused, innovative approach to local sourcing and working with the land in Aberdeenshire – ‘The Garden of Scotland’.

Bottled perfect to be enjoyed at 46.8%, natural in colour and non-chill filtered, this single malt showcases a meticulous approach to cask management and whisky making. With a character defined by richness and depth, it plays on mature fruit flavours, toasted oak, fresh patisserie aromas and rich mouthfeel with soft spice balances cacao and berry fruits.

Fettercairn 18 is a culmination of an approach to whisky making I have developed across a number of years. This first release reflects the dedication not just of myself, but of our partners ‘from Forest to Field’, who each played a role in rekindling the skills required to harvest Scottish Oak.

At Fettercairn we are passionate about the potential of Scottish Oak and the unique flavour characteristics it offers to the whisky maker.
– Gregg Glass: Master Whisky Maker

Brought to life through our ground-breaking Scottish Oak programme and calling on a 100% finish in Scottish oak sourced from the Scottish Highlands, this whisky represents a long-term vision coming to life. Born from an initiative which extends far beyond cask production to the creation of a circular economy and the future-proofing Scottish Oak for the next generation of whisky makers.

The expression rolls out to key global markets from October onwards at an RSP of £175

TASTING NOTES

Colour: Golden amber

Nose: Sugared almonds, baking spices and tropical sweetness of passion fruit and guava

Taste: Exotic syruped fruits, patisserie sugars, brioche and spices with soft hints of berry fruits

Finish: Soft spice, cacao and natural vanilla

  • Compare prices for Fettercairn!

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

  • The Whisky Exchange
  • Master of Malt

About Fettercairn

Driven by a progressive ethos at the heart of our distilling philosophy since 1824, today Fettercairn Distillery lives by a long-standing commitment to unfettered thinking.

We’re not like other distilleries and we’ve never been afraid to tread our own path. It’s only by defying convention, tradition and expectation, we can adopt an enlightened and progressive approach.

Take our cooling ring, our home-grown Scottish oak and single estate whiskies, the special collaboration with 200 local farmers, the Warehouse 2 Collection. And not forgetting the unicorn on our bottle!

Our vision is future facing, so we don’t need to look back to move forward. But ultimately, all of this leads to an unwavering commitment to a prosperous and sustainable future for whisky making.

We are Fettercairn; the home of enlightened whisky making.

About Gregg Glass- Master Whisky Maker

Respected whisky maker Gregg Glass joined Whyte and Mackay in 2016, where he has been a leading light in the rejuvenation of Fettercairn alongside Distillery Manager Stewart Walker.

Gregg enjoyed a childhood in the heart of whisky making country, the Black Isle. With 22 years in industry notably 11 years at innovative whisky maker Compass Box, Gregg joined Whyte and Mackay in 2016 to work alongside renowned Master Distiller Mr Richard Paterson OBE.

Gregg has enjoyed 15 years career as a blender and whisky maker. At Whyte and Mackay Gregg has led whisky development for Fettercairn Single Malt Whisky, Jura Single Malt Whisky and in 2017 launched Whisky Works – an independent innovation wing of Whyte and Mackay.

Gregg is devoted to his craft and believes in flavour-led hands-on whisky making. Gregg is passionately involved in every aspect of the whisky making process from ‘acorn to glass’ and since 2020 leads whisky making across the Whyte and Mackay portfolio.

Filed Under: Fettercairn, Highland, New Arrivals, News, Whisky

Sampling Circumstance Distillery’s First English Whisky – And It’s Sold Out Already!

September 23, 2022 by Gary Leave a Comment

Circumstance Distillery’s English Whisky – gone in under ten minutes!

On very rare occasions I get the opportunity to sample a whisky which basically doesn’t really exist anymore!

A strange experience indeed and such was the case with Circumstance Distillery based in Bristol who released their inaugural English Whisky onto the UK market earlier this month and it sold out in under 10 minutes!

Only 500 bottles were available …..

With only 500 bottles available, Circumstance English Whisky was available to buy directly from their distillery website for £60 – if you were lucky!

This single grain whisky was created from malted barley (85%) and unmalted barley (15%) that was processed by hand at Warminster Maltings. The grains were fermented on a French saison yeast for an extraordinary 14 days.

It was distilled in an 1800L hybrid still with a copper whisky hood and copper 4 plate column and then matured in first-fill ex-bourbon casks at the distillery for over three years.

There is a lot more to whisky than single malts. Creating a mash bill that contains more than just malted barley requires some real skill – which our team have an abundance of. This inaugural whisky release is an important milestone, but our journey continues.

A single grain rye whisky and a single grain wheat whisky should be ready for release in near future. Watch this space…
– Danny Walker: Co-founder

This single gain whisky glows a golden straw colour with aromas of scrumpy cider, lemon zest and milk chocolate. On the palate there is a hay like sweetness with cream soda and some wonderful delicate spice. The mouthfeel is oily and creamy. The finish is zesty with a hint of savoury.

Circumstance Distillery believes “It’s ready when it’s ready”

Modern whisky distilleries don’t just rely on casks, they build flavour in their whisky from the start with carefully selected grains, carefully selected yeast strains and long fermentations. The results speak for themselves.

At Circumstance Distillery we are at the forefront of modern whisky and at the forefront of English whisky.
– Liam Hirt: Co-founder and Managing Director

Circumstance Distillery kindly sent me a sample to try – lucky me! So thanks very much circumstance.com / @andcircumstance!

So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

Tasting Notes – Circumstance Single Grain Whisky (44.5%)

Nose: Sweet tropical fruits with added green apple, lemon citrus and caramel fudge.

Palate: Creamy, oily mouthfeel with vanilla fudge, apple and delicate tropical fruits.

Finish: Warming, smooth spice which gradually grows in heat but that cane sweetness and caramel stays close for good measure.

Overall: A light dram, both in colour and taste. It’s full of flavour and character though with crisp fruits, warming spice and tropical flavours all combined rather nicely – no wonder it sold out in under ten minutes!

Once again, many thanks to circumstance.com (@andcircumstance) for sending me a drop or two of English Whisky history!

About Circumstance Distillery

Our distillery in the heart of Bristol is considered to be “”Britain’s most innovative distillery” (- Master of Malt)””.

Our highly motivated team work long and hard to get as much great flavour into their spirits as they possibly can. To achieve this we use organic mash bills, beer and wine yeast, and long open fermentations.

Spirits are matured in a variety of ways using a variety of woods. We use first fill ex-bourbon casks, virgin casks, seasoned casks and charred english oak spindles. Maturation is all about a balance between the new make spirit and the wood.

We are very proud of our flavoursome new makes and as such some releases are considerably “younger” than traditional whiskies or grain spirits.

We believe it’s ready when it’s ready.

Filed Under: Circumstance Distillery, English, New Arrivals, News, Sampling, Whisky, Whisky tasting

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • …
  • 10
  • Next Page »

SMWS Top Ten Bestsellers

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society




Browse SMWS Low Stock Whiskies

Browse SMWS Whiskies Arranged By Distillery (A - Z)

SMWS – New Whiskies!

The Whisky Exchange

Distilled: Whisky News – Summarised

Distilled: Whisky News - Summarised

Malt Whisky Regions

Scotlands Malt Whisky Regions

Calendar Club

Pour & Sip



Pour & Sip

Drams to your door!

Krystal Web Hosting

Recent Posts

  • Sampling Kilchoman’s 20th Anniversary Cask Series – Classy And Sublime!
  • Tormore is BACK with its first official release under Elixir Distillers!
  • DADS DESERVE DRAMS! Here’s some whiskies that could be a nice fit!
  • Sampling That Boutique-y Whisky Company New Range – I think I’ll have another!
  • “Full-throttle coal scuttle” – The Latest Whiskies From The SMWS!
April 2026
M T W T F S S
 12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
27282930  
« May    

Favourite Sites

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

Tags

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

Search

Archives

QR Code

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

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