Archives for March 2023

The SMWS Releases Their “New Wave” Whiskies – Celebrating New Distilleries & Hidden Gems!

March 31, 2023 by Gary Leave a Comment

The SMWS New Wave Whiskies!

The The SMWS “New Wave” releases are a celebration of new whisky distilleries with illustrations by Bob Dewar, the artist who was instrumental in defining The Society look when started 40 years ago and whose artwork still adorns the ceiling of The Society’s spiritual home at The Vaults in Leith!

Artist Bob Dewar

The ‘New Wave’ celebrates new distilleries and hidden gems – it’s a symbol of everything that the SMWS is all about.

This is a release of 10 bottles for markets around the world (4 to be released in the UK/EU), selected from three of the UK’s newest distilleries and all illustrated by the Society’s original illustrator, Bob Dewar, to marry up that original spirit with a new wave of bottles.

Trying new whiskies has always been part of the endless discovery journey for Society members, and that’s as true today as it has ever been. The ‘New Wave’ is a look forward, with an interpretation of flavour by our old master, Bob Dewar, on each bottle label.

The distilling scene is vibrant and it’s a pleasure to work with distilleries old and new.

All of these releases are from our new make fillings programme, so we’ve seen them develop from day one and are delighted to see these releases with the artwork of a key figure in the Society’s history.
– Euan Campbell: SMWS Head of Whisky Creation

Bob Dewar is the artist who was instrumental in defining The Society look!

The SMWS “New Wave” Whiskies

Spicy & Sweet

Join the great tumult
Cask No: 146.2
Cask Type: 1st fill STR barrique
Origin: England
ABV: 62.2%
£79.50

Peated

Christmas conflagration
Cask No: 156.3
Cask Type: 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel
ABV: 61.3%
£75.00

Young & Spritely

A walk in the woods
Cask No: 149.3
Cask Type: 1st fill US oak px butt
Origin: Scotland
ABV: 60.6%
£77.50

Oily & Coastal

Fire festival
Cask No: 149.5
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-oloroso butt
Origin: Scotland
ABV: 61.7%
£85.00

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS)

• The Scotch Malt Whisky Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and has 37,000 members around the world.
• It is owned by The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC) plc
• The SMWS bottles rare single cask and single malt whisky, exclusive blends and a range of other Single Cask Spirits.
• The Society has bottled whisky from 180 distilleries from Scotland and beyond
• The Society offers a new batch of around 20 different single malt whiskies every month
• Members have access to four exclusive SMWS Members’ Rooms in Leith, Edinburgh, Glasgow and London along with a global network of 100 partner bars.
• The Society offers a variety of membership options that can be tailored.
• For more information about the Society, visit: https://smws.com/, Twitter: @SMWSUK Facebook: @thesmwsuk Instagram: @smws_uk

About The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC)

• The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC) plc is based in Edinburgh
• The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC) plc is building a portfolio of premium brands that bring together some of the world’s best spirits producers with a growing movement of discerning consumers by curating unrivalled collections of craft spirits.
• ASC owns The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) and in 2021 it launched J.G. Thomson & Co. Inspired by its namesake, which was originally a wine and spirits merchant in Leith, Scotland, in the 1700s, J.G. Thomson is a new, adventurous blender, creating small batch blended malt whiskies, blended grain whiskies, rum and gin.

Lakes Distillery Releases “Elements” – Their First Whiskymaker’s Project!

March 30, 2023 by Gary Leave a Comment

Elements

The Lakes Distillery offers an insight into the mind of a whiskymaker with Elements!

Designed as a library of whisky learnings, Elements shares a rare glimpse into the mind of a whiskymaker as they embark on a journey to create a new single malt whisky.

Only 1,386 Elements libraries have been produced …

Originating long before The Lakes Distillery ever released a single malt, their first “Whiskymaker’s Project” began chronicling the research undertaken to understand how the theory of sherry cask maturation would translate to a new distillery.

Focusing upon the impact oak has on whisky’s flavour creation, Elements seeks to expand on a deep understanding of sherry wine as it studies the micro-climate and how New Make Spirit behaves with different sherry-seasoned oak casks.

Understanding how the theory of sherry cask maturation translates to the surrounds of the Lake District and with our New Make Spirit was a fundamental step toward establishing our oak-led maturation philosophy and designing a new sherry-led single malt.
– DHAVALL GANDHI

Delving deep into the oak’s treatment, its seasoning and how each variation imparts a very different characteristic style to the whisky, Elements explores flavour, aroma and texture to give a snapshot of the distinct role seven sherry-seasoned oak casks can play: Fino, Manzanilla, Amontillado, Palo Cortado, Cream, PX, and Oloroso.

Inspired by a simple question, to see what would happen if the idea of flavour creation in whisky was turned on its head, only 1,386 Elements libraries have been produced.

Individually numbered and accompanied by a Book of Elements offering a background to each sherry wine and how it interacts, Elements gives a unique insight into the way whisky is designed at The Lakes and the cask laydown needed to create the complex flavours and profile of The Lakes Single Malt Whisky.

Now available in the UK at specialist whisky retailers and LakesDistillery.com, Elements: A Whiskymaker’s Project contains seven 20cl bottles of single malt whisky, each at 54% ABV, and retails for £500.

Alongside the accompanying book, registered owners also receive online access to exclusive behind-the-scenes content, including an audio conversation between whiskymaker Dhavall Gandhi and The Lakes’ commercial director Kirsty Taylor, discussing the project in more depth.

Designed as a library of whisky learnings, Elements shares a rare glimpse into the mind of a whiskymaker

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

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

Stoli Group Launches Kentucky Owl “Takumi” Edition Bourbon Whiskey In The UK!

March 29, 2023 by Gary Leave a Comment

Kentucky Owl Takumi Edition Bourbon Whiskey!

Stoli Group has announced the release of its latest collaboration, the Kentucky Owl Takumi Edition Bourbon Whiskey in the UK. The Takumi Edition is the second limited edition release from Kentucky Owl showcasing the brand’s innovative approach to traditional bourbon!

Amber Beverage UK, part of the Amber Beverage Group, is the UK distributor of Kentucky Owl and will be introducing the Takumi Edition to premium on-trade and off-trade accounts.

The Kentucky Owl Takumi Edition will be available to purchase shortly. RRP: £130. ABV: 50%

A collaboration between Kentucky Owl’s Master Blender John Rhea and Nagahama Distillery’s Master Blender Yusuke Yahisa, this latest limited edition release blends new and old, showcasing Kentucky bourbon through the eyes of Japanese whisky. Both Kentucky and Japan are home to whiskey lovers who respect tradition and craftsmanship, but who also admire innovation. The Japanese term kaizen — continuous improvement — echoes through this latest project. “Takumi” means “master” in Japanese, with the name of the release celebrating the art and craft of modern whisky blending.

Rhea and Yahisa worked together to create the resulting Takumi Edition blend, with Rhea selecting four different formulations and sending the samples to Japan. Yahisa evaluated those samples, which represented different ages and mash bills available from Kentucky Owl. Yahisa then created different blends with those formulations to develop one most reflective of his Japanese whisky style.

This collaboration encompasses not just the art of blending, but the flavours and taste profiles that both countries are famous for in their whiskeys.

The Takumi Edition provides bourbon lovers insight into the flavour profiles sought after by a Japanese whisky blender. As someone who has worked in the industry for several decades now, it was exciting for me to work with a rising star in whisky with a unique perspective
– John Rhea: Kentucky Owl’s Master Blender

I was very excited to have the opportunity to work with John Rhea on this unique project. Bourbon is a whiskey that I admire and it was an honour to be able to partner with John and create a new and unique blend of Kentucky Owl together.
– Yusuke Yahisa: Nagahama Distillery’s Master Blender

Kentucky Owl’s Master Blender John Rhea and Nagahama Distillery’s Master Blender Yusuke Yahisa

The Takumi Edition Bourbon is a blend of 4, 5, 6 and 13-year-old Kentucky straight bourbons with mash bills containing corn, rye or wheat, and malted barley.

The nose features a savoury mix of light rye bread with sweet caramel richness and a hint of tangy fruit salad. On tasting, there is an initial wave of buttery rye bread with a full-bodied feel. The savoury mix of rye and caramel combine into a cinnamon and caramel sauce that clings to the taste buds and brings out a bit of fruitiness — mostly apple and pear — that provide a flavourful and lasting finish.

Bringing together Rhea and Yahisa, bourbon and whisky, Kentucky and Japan has proved to be another great whiskey collaboration.

Through this second limited edition international collaboration release of Kentucky Owl Whiskey, Stoli is pleased to present another rare new blend that marries the craft and skills of two Master Blenders from two great whiskey making nations.
– Damian McKinney: Global CEO of Stoli Group

Yahisa is an up-and-coming master blender — through his blending skills, Nagahama Distillery is one of only 10 Japanese distilleries to have earned awards in the world’s three largest whisky competitions (San Francisco World Spirits Competition, International Spirits Competition and the World Whisky Awards), despite being Japan’s smallest distillery. Started in 2016, Nagahama Distillery is located on the shores of Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest freshwater lake, and produces single malt whisky with its own distinct flavour characteristics imparted by the unique climate.

This is the fourth Kentucky Owl release under Rhea, who previously served as Four Roses Distillery’s chief operating officer, where his responsibilities included quality control, maturation, evaluation and product blending. He was inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame in 2016 and served as chair of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association board of directors.

Stoli Group, the leading global ultra-premium spirits and wine company, purchased Kentucky Owl in 2017. Originally founded by C.M. Dedman in 1879, the Kentucky Owl Bardstown distillery went dark during the Prohibition era and remained dormant until a descendant revived the brand in 2014. Since then, the company’s small batch releases have sold out quickly and received rave reviews.

The Kentucky Owl Takumi Edition will be available to purchase shortly. RRP: £130. ABV: 50%

About Kentucky Owl:

Founded in 1879 by C.M. Dedman, Kentucky Owl offers an artfully blended line of craft Bourbon and Rye Whiskey, each bottled at a proof selected by the Master Blender to bring out the exceptional flavour profile of each product. Kentucky Owl products are for those who appreciate high quality, attention to detail, artisanship, and authentic heritage. For more information, visit kentuckyowlbourbon.com

About Stoli Group:

Stoli Group was established in 2013 and is responsible for the production, management, and distribution of a global spirits and wines portfolio. Mainly known for the Stoli Vodka brand, Stoli Group has expanded to appeal to luxury on-premise and more sophisticated global consumers. Signature brands are: Stoli Vodka, elit™Vodka, Bayou Rum, Kentucky Owl™, Villa One™, Gator Bite™ Rum Liquers, Cenote™ Tequila, Tulchan Gin™, Se Busca™ Mezcal and Stoli Group’s wine division, Tenute del Mondo. With a presence across a network of more than 176 markets, Stoli Group works with a passionate team of 200 distributors around the world. Headquartered in Luxembourg, Stoli has production facilities in Spain, Italy, Argentina, and the United States, some of which are steeped in history dating back to the early part of the last century. For more information, visit stoli-group.com

About Amber Beverage UK:

Established in 1999, Amber Beverage Group UK (previously known as Cellar Trends) has an enviable record in building brands of wines, spirits and associated products in the UK. The company serves all sectors of the UK drinks trade in both on- and off-trade categories with a portfolio of 60 international brands. Since 2018, the company has been a part of Amber Beverage Group. For more information, visit amberbev.com

Sampling Kilchoman’s “Loch Gorm” 2023 Limited Edition Whisky – Always Different But Always A Classic!

March 27, 2023 by Gary Leave a Comment

Kilchoman Loch Gorm 2023 Limited Edition!

Kilchoman launch Loch Gorm 2023 Limited Edition!

The vatting has been completed and bottles will be hitting shelves around the world any day now!

Named after the famously dark, peaty loch overlooked by the distillery, the annual Kilchoman Loch Gorm limited edition is their only regular expression matured entirely in oloroso sherry casks.

For the 2023 Edition Anthony and Robin selected a total of 22 casks, distilled for a minimum of 8 years.

For the 2023 Edition a total of 22 casks were selected & distilled for a minimum of 8 years

Each cask was chosen for its unique flavour profile which, when combined together with the other 21 casks, create a beautiful balance of rich fruity character with layers of classic Kilchoman peat smoke and citrus sweetness.

Rather than dominating, Loch Gorm’s oloroso maturation works in harmony with the natural character of Kilchoman. The 2023 release has a fantastic spectrum of flavour, from rich spices and macerated peaches to fresh citrus, ginger, orange zest and waves of salty peat smoke.
– Anthony Wills: Kilchoman Founder

Kilchoman has kindly sent me a sample to try. (Thanks kilchomandistillery.com / @Kilchomanwhisky!)

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

Tasting Notes – Kilchoman Loch Gorm 2023 Limited Edition – Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (46%)

Nose: Sweet smokey peat in all it’s wonderful glory! Smokey hearths, liquorice and dark cherries.

Palate: Syrupy, dessert fruits mixed with liquid smoke, rich, dark chocolate and slight blackcurrant.

Finish: Tasty, sweet spice with strong black pepper and a dry ashy finish.

Overall: A great addition to the Loch Gorm range – always different each year with a character all it’s own – but also, somehow, the same – if you can even have such a thing!

Compare prices for Kilchoman!

Kilchoman is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Once again, many thanks to kilchomandistillery.com (@Kilchomanwhisky) for sending me such a quality dram!

About Kilchoman

Kilchoman is a family run farm distillery based on the rugged west coast of Islay, Scotland. The distillery was established by Anthony Wills in 2005, the idea was to build a new distillery which took whisky production back to its roots.

Sanaig received the most prestigious ‘Master Award’ and Machir Bay was awarded Gold at The Spirits Business Scotch Masters 2022!

Their 100% Islay range is made entirely from barley grown, malted, distilled, matured and bottled on site. Kilchoman remains Islay’s only farm distillery.

Awards
Throughout 2022 Kilchoman received numerous accolades for their core range whiskies.

• The IWSC 2022 competition – Machir Bay scored 98 points and was awarded ‘Gold Outstanding’. 100% Islay was also awarded a ‘Gold Award’ and scored 95 points.

• The International Spirits Challenge 2022 and The USA Spirits Rating 2022 – Machir Bay and Sanaig were both awarded Gold Medals.

• The Spirits Business Scotch Masters 2022 – Sanaig received the most prestigious ‘Master Award’ and Machir Bay was awarded Gold

Jura Distillery Trials Green Self-Repairing Building Repairs!

March 16, 2023 by Gary Leave a Comment

Jura Distillery will become the first building in the country to trial an innovative self-repairing limewash!

Jura Distillery, home to the UK’s number one single malt whisky brand, will become the first building in the country to trial an innovative self-repairing limewash as part of the whisky maker’s commitment to sustainability within the industry!

The new coating, developed by the University of Hertfordshire and leaders in bio-based construction, UK Hempcrete, aims to reduce the carbon footprint of the island whisky makers, which will celebrate its 60th anniversary in April.

The ground-breaking solution increases a building surface’s absorption of CO2 and this project will be the prototype for a potential solution in building conservation, which could help many businesses in their commitment to a zero-carbon approach.

The beachside distillery is located on the Hebridean Isle of Jura, home to a tiny island community of just 212. Currently, wind-driven rain on the island weathers the distillery, which prompts annual repainting to protect the building. As well as disrupting production and tourism, which is a core part of the island economy, it also increases carbon emissions through the transportation of materials to the island and the fulfilment of the maintenance works.

This new, more-robust surfacing is self-repairing, which is expected to reduce how often the repairs are needed, therefore reducing the annual carbon emissions from the distillery.

The initiative forms part of ‘The Green Print’, the roadmap to net zero created by the wider Whyte and Mackay whisky house, which lays out the Scottish whisky maker’s vision for a sustainable future.

The Isle of Jura is beautiful place to make Scotch Whisky, but it is not necessarily the easiest place be a whisky maker.

When we created The Green Print, we laid out our commitment to make a positive impact on the local community where we make our whisky. This partnership with our friends at UK Hempcrete and the University of Hertfordshire will deliver a pilot which we believe could make a positive impact across the Scotch Whisky industry and beyond.
– Jamie Muir: Jura’s Distiller Manager

This new, more-robust surfacing is self-repairing, which is expected to reduce how often the repairs are needed

The project has received funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council, as part of the Design Exchange Partnership Programme. The trial will aim to establish whether this is a sustainable solution for the building industry long term.

This collaboration with the University of Hertfordshire and Whyte and Mackay is a perfect fit for UK Hempcrete.

This is an opportunity to develop an innovative new low-carbon product alongside the development of primary research at the university, and simultaneously see its application in a real world context. This fits exactly with our ethos of improving the technical performance of buildings in the real world, whilst lowering their carbon footprint.
– Alex Sparrow: UK Hempcrete’s Managing Director

Jura is available to buy from these Whisky Merchants:-

Compare prices for Jura!

About Jura:

Jura is an island nestled off the West Coast of Scotland. With only one road, one pub, one whisky distillery and 212(ish) people, Jura is as beautiful as it is remote.

The distillery was established in 1810 and reborn in 1963 to revive the community.

Inspired by our history and our island home, we create single malt with a true passion for the craft of whisky making.

Sampling The Lakes Distillery New Release: “Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.6” – A Very Welcome Dram Indeed!

March 16, 2023 by Gary Leave a Comment

“Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.6” – A Very Welcome Dram Indeed!

The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.6 is the penultimate release in The Lakes Distillery’s journey to define a signature style!

An intensely aromatic evolution, the new sherry-led single malt retains the bold and complex characters The Whiskymaker’s Reserve is known for, bringing rich new flavours to the fore.

No.6 is Non-chill filtered, bottled at the natural colour, and 52% ABV

Delving deep into the subtleties of flavour creation, No.6 explores multi-layered nuances, turning the spotlight on exotic spices and gentle rose fragrance to create a distinctly different mood from its predecessors.

More flavour-driven, with a focus on accentuating notes of wood spice, it has been principally matured in bespoke-made Oloroso, PX, and red wine casks, hand-crafted from Spanish and American oak, and designed through the art of élevage and blending expertise.

Non-chill filtered, bottled at the natural colour, and 52% ABV, The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.6 is available from LakesDistillery.com and specialist whisky retailers, with a recommended retail price of £85.

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 Reserve No.6 (52%)

Nose: Intensely sherried (as highlighted in it’s colour!) and, surprisingly, cherries! Demerera sugar, caramel, creamy strawberries, mint and hints of rose – WoW!

Palate: Sherry and red wine in luscious abundance! Sugary caramel, creamy strawberries.

Finish: A tasty, peppery spice with some grapefruit and woodiness but the fruity creaminess is still there.

Overall: A fruit cocktail of a dram or maybe a sherry trifle of a dram! Whichever, it’s a taste sensation that always makes me wish the sample I was sent was a little bit larger! A whisky with a variety of flavours not always seen in a sherry-type dram – and that is a very welcome thing indeed!

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

THE LAKES DISTILLERY

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

Sampling Two Brewers ‘Yukon’ Single Malt Whisky – A No Nonsense Dram That Your Senses Will Say Yes Too!

March 3, 2023 by Gary Leave a Comment

Two Brewers Yukon Single Malt Whisky!

Two Brewers Yukon Single Malt Whisky – Release 35!

Like the best things in life the Two Brewers story starts with a canoe trip and a campfire. Talking late into the night, engineers and old friends, Alan Hansen and Bob Baxter hatched a plan for a craft brewery in Whitehorse, Canada. Yukon Brewing was established in 1997. Fast forward to 2009 and the two brewers purchased a still to take their craft brewing journey to the next level.

‘Yukon’ is a limited edition of 132

Applying their brewing expertise Two Brewers is distilled in small batches using different fermentation techniques and a mix of barrels. By exploring different production methods no two releases are the same, and each has a unique character of its own. Our first release from Two Brewers in the UK is from their Classic line, Release 35.

No tricks or traps, this is a no nonsense Canadian Single Malt Whisky from the Yukon. Release 35 has been created from a marriage of whisky distilled from fourteen different mashes matured in ex-bourbon and virgin oak casks, all matured for at least eight years.

In the 2023 Canadian Whisky Awards Two Brewers was named Artisan Producer of the Year, and Release 35 was awarded Gold.

Robert from Highfern.com (@HighfernLtd) has kindly sent me a sample to try – Many thanks!

Two Brewers Bob Baxter and Alan Hansen

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

Tasting Notes – Two Brewers Yukon Single Malt Whisky – Release 35 (46%)

Bottled in August 2022, this is a limited edition of 132 numbered 700ml bottles (a further 959 750ml bottles were releases in Canada).

Nose: Toffee, red wine and sherry, green apples with shades of lemon citrus followed by sweet spices and chocolate.

Palate: Smooth, creamy mouthfeel with toffee, hints of apple with sherry, sweet chocolate and a touch of coconut.

Finish: Hot pepper with some chilli spice but the sweetness of the toffee and chocolate keeps it in check.

Overall: A cracking dram with bags of character and a fine balance of sweet and spicy flavours.

Two Brewers Yukon Single Malt Whisky is available to buy from these Merchants with an RRP of £90.00:-

The Whisky Exchange
Gauntleys of Nottingham
The Lincoln Whisky Shop

About Highfern

Highfern Ltd is the proprietor of Angels’ Nectar Blended Malt and Single Malt Scotch Whisky, and the UK importer of Langatun Swiss Single Malt Whisky, Strane London Dry Gin, and Cihuatán Rum.

Waterford’s New “Cuvée: Argot” – Where The Whole Is Greater Than The Sum Of It’s Parts – And A Dash Of Real Irish Peat As Well!

March 3, 2023 by Gary Leave a Comment

Waterford’s Cuvée: Argot

Terroir-driven producer of natural whiskies, Waterford Distillery, is delighted to announce a major release to its Cuvée Concept single malts – “Cuvée: Argot” is a new, permanent addition to the Waterford range!

Argot – pronounced “ar-go” – means a patois, the underground language of bohemians and renegades, an underworld idiom, a secret tongue, reserved for those in the know.

Argot, a single malt whisky, is created as a vibrant, enthusiastic, devil-may-care bottling, bringing together several of Waterford’s Single Farm Origins for beguiling depth and ultimate complexity with a mere hint of true Irish peat.

Argot is the exuberant little brother to the distillery’s flagship bottling The Cuvée, a new iteration of which is scheduled for the autumn

CUVÉE CONCEPT

Inspired by Bordeaux’s greatest chateaux, the Cuvée concept is the apogee of Waterford Distillery’s radical, novel philosophy. By harvesting, distilling and maturing Irish barley farm by farm – each expressing its own distinct terroir-derived flavour profile – an unprecedented flavour library is achieved.

By drawing on these building blocks, Head Distiller Ned Gahan can bring them together, layer by layer, to create the ultimate in complexity – where the whole is greater than simply the sum of the parts.

Argot is the exuberant little brother to the distillery’s flagship bottling The Cuvée, a new iteration of which is scheduled for the autumn.

Our somewhat sacrilegious view is rather than a manufactured product, Waterford Whisky is an agricultural produce. It’s of the land; our reverence for its raw material, barley. And Argot is our introduction to that Waterford Whisky world.

On the one hand we can express barley by letting Ireland’s farmlands do the talking via uber-specific focus of our Single Farm Origins; or as in this case, with ultimate creativity, we can bring these flavours, those barley ingredients together for ultimate harmony and complexity in the same way as Bordeaux Grand Vin and Champagne Grand Marques.

We call it the Cuvée Concept.

Argot with that wisp of peat smoke is our cheeky chappie – our wild child – heralding a new way to experience the Cuvée Concept.
– Mark Reynier: Waterford Whisky CEO

TASTING NOTES

Cuvée: Argot is matured fully in a mixture of 37% first-fill US Oak, 19% Virgin US oak, 19% Premium French Oak and 23% Vin Doux Naturel.

The whisky has aromas of orange peel, almonds stewed apple, bread crust, green foliage, mixed berries, fennel and white chocolate, with the flavours of bell peppers, granola, grapefruit, smokey barbecue, banana milkshake, green apple skin – the finish is long, warming, peppery and dry.

Cuvée: Argot is bottled at 47% ABV.

As always, full transparency and traceability are provided via its game-changing TÉIREOIR Code.

Argot will be available in selected retail locations worldwide as a permanent listing, priced at €59.90, £56.00 and US$59.95.

Waterford Whiskies are available to buy from these Merchants:-

The Lakes Distillery Releases “Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.6” – An Intensely Aromatic Evolution!

March 2, 2023 by Gary Leave a Comment

The ‘Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.6

The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.6 is the penultimate release in The Lakes Distillery’s journey to define a signature style!

An intensely aromatic evolution, the new sherry-led single malt retains the bold and complex characters The Whiskymaker’s Reserve is known for, bringing rich new flavours to the fore.

No.6 explores multi-layered nuances, turning the spotlight on exotic spices and gentle rose fragrance to create a distinctly different mood from its predecessors

To celebrate the release, The Lakes Distillery has partnered with renowned mixologists from some of the UK’s most exclusive bars to design a series of serves underlining flavour’s role in influencing your mood.

Taking over summer cocktail menus in Scarfes Bar at Rosewood London, The Stafford’s American Bar, The Berkeley Bar & Terrace, The Lanesborough’s Library Bar, The Mandarin Bar at Mandarin Oriental, and The Donovan Bar at Brown’s Hotel, like The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.6, the curated collection of cocktails tell a story through the art of flavour creation.

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

THE LAKES DISTILLERY

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

“Delightful Bewilderment” – The Latest Whiskies From The SMWS!

March 1, 2023 by Gary Leave a Comment

Delightful bewilderment
Cask No: 64.135

New Arrivals From The Scotch Malt Whisky Society!

Deep Rich & Dried Fruits

Delightful bewilderment
Cask No: 64.135
Cask Type: 1st fill Custom toasted American & European oak hogshead
Distillery: Mannochmore
Origin: Scotland
ABV: 59%
£75.20

Qty left: 33

Peated

Retro walnut ashtray
Cask No: 16.89
Cask Type: re-charred hogshead
Distillery: Glenturret
Origin: Scotland
ABV: 63.3%
£57.00

Qty left: 11

Sweet Fruity & Mellow

Radical juice
Cask No: 128.25
Cask Type: 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Penderyn
Origin: Wales
ABV: 62.6%
£76.00

Qty left: 29

Peated

Citrus-marinated beef and fruit kebabs
Cask No: 66.226
Cask Type: 1st fill oloroso hogshead
Distillery: Ardmore
Origin: Scotland
ABV: 56.0%
£179.80

Qty left: 33

Spicy & Sweet

A blast of springtime sweetness
Cask No: 35.346
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Glen Moray
Origin: Scotland
ABV: 59.8%
£61.20

Qty left: 46

Deep Rich & Dried Fruits

Cross-cultural
Cask No: 95.79
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-px hogshead
Distillery: Auchroisk / Singleton
Origin: Scotland
ABV: 55.5%
£80.50

Qty left: 47

Turn up that dial
Cask No: B4.4
Cask Type: 1st fill #3 char quarter cask
Distillery: F.E.W
Origin: Illinois (USA)
ABV: 64.1%
£78.80

Qty left: 51

Spicy & Dry

Barley sweetness hits dry oak
Cask No: 5.123
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Auchentoshan
Origin: Scotland
ABV: 58.0%
£125.00

Qty left: 55

Spicy & Sweet

Vin de custard
Cask No: 112.98
Cask Type: 2nd fill ex-bourbon hogshead
Distillery: Inchmurrin (Loch Lomond Distillery)
Origin: Scotland
ABV: 60.3%
£69.20

Qty left: 63

Juicy Oak & Vanilla

Buckthorn mousse and juice
Cask No: 9.260
Cask Type: 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Glen Grant
Origin: Scotland
ABV: 56.1%
£82.80

Qty left: 64

Spicy & Dry

Pumpernickel
Cask No: 48.158
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Balmenach
Origin: Scotland
ABV: 59.7%
£57.00

Qty left: 75

Spicy & Sweet

A night around the standing stone
Cask No: 19.93
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Glen Garioch
Origin: Scotland
ABV: 55.3%
£125.00

Qty left: 82

Juicy Oak & Vanilla

Raspberry fields forever
Cask No: 39.276
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Linkwood
Origin: Scotland
ABV: 61.7%
£68.40

Qty left: 87

Spicy & Sweet

Grist tea
Cask No: 82.46
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Glencadam
Origin: Scotland
ABV: 62.4%
£68.40

Qty left: 88

Juicy Oak & Vanilla

Dark and spicy
Cask No: 41.164
Cask Type: 1st fill chinkapin barrel
Distillery: Dailuaine
Origin: Scotland
ABV: 61.0%
£90.00

Qty left: 89

Lightly Peated

Endlessly revealing
Cask No: 1.281
Cask Type: 2nd fill ex-Islay barrel
Distillery: Glenfarclas
Origin: Scotland
ABV: 63.9%
£65.00

Qty left: 93

Spicy & Dry

Orange Rheinberg digestif
Cask No: 35.355
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Glen Moray
Origin: Scotland
ABV: 60.2%
£64.20

Qty left: 94

Sweet Fruity & Mellow

Tropically total taste
Cask No: 58.53
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Strathisla
Origin: Scotland
ABV: 58.1%
£82.80

Qty left: 95

Deep Rich & Dried Fruits

Drunken raspberries and prunes
Cask No: 55.80
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-oloroso hogshead
Distillery: Royal Brackla
Origin: Scotland
ABV: 56.6%
£106.90

Qty left: 98

Juicy Oak & Vanilla

A prehistoric homage to baking
Cask No: 89.19
Cask Type: 2nd fill HTMC hogshead
Distillery: Tomintoul
Origin: Scotland
ABV: 62.2%
£66.20

Qty left: 100

Spicy & Sweet

A fascinating fusion
Cask No: 94.38
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-px barrique
Distillery: Fettercairn
Origin: Scotland
ABV: 52.8%
£87.10

Qty left: 101

Spicy & Sweet

The more things change the more they stay the same
Cask No: 68.108
Cask Type: refill French oak barrique
Distillery: Blair Athol
Origin: Scotland
ABV: 57.3%
£89.40

Qty left: 102

Oily & Coastal

Kaleidoscopic contemplation
Cask No: 44.171
Cask Type: refill #4 char barrel
Distillery: Craigellachie
Origin: Scotland
ABV: 60.5%
£66.20

Qty left: 110

Deep Rich & Dried Fruits

Olde funkey butte
Cask No: 78.68
Cask Type: 2nd fill ex-oloroso butt
Distillery: Ben Nevis
Origin: Scotland
ABV: 67.3%
£72.00

Qty left: 150

Smokus fruticosus
Cask No: Batch 15
Cask Type: Bourbon, PX & Oloroso Barrels, butts & hogsheads

ABV: 50.0%
£63.00

Qty left: 253

Archives for March 2023

The SMWS “New Wave” Whiskies

Spicy & Sweet

Peated

Young & Spritely

Oily & Coastal

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS)

About The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC)

Kilchoman launch Loch Gorm 2023 Limited Edition!

The vatting has been completed and bottles will be hitting shelves around the world any day now!

Tasting Notes – Kilchoman Loch Gorm 2023 Limited Edition – Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (46%)

About Kilchoman

Tasting Notes – The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.6 (52%)

Two Brewers Yukon Single Malt Whisky – Release 35!

Tasting Notes – Two Brewers Yukon Single Malt Whisky – Release 35 (46%)

About Highfern

TASTING NOTES

New Arrivals From The Scotch Malt Whisky Society!

Deep Rich & Dried Fruits

Peated

Sweet Fruity & Mellow

Peated

Spicy & Sweet

Deep Rich & Dried Fruits

Spicy & Dry

Spicy & Sweet

Juicy Oak & Vanilla

Spicy & Dry

Spicy & Sweet

Juicy Oak & Vanilla

Spicy & Sweet

Juicy Oak & Vanilla

Lightly Peated

Spicy & Dry

Sweet Fruity & Mellow

Deep Rich & Dried Fruits

Juicy Oak & Vanilla

Spicy & Sweet

Spicy & Sweet

Oily & Coastal

Deep Rich & Dried Fruits

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