Whisky & Spirits Blog | Compare Buy Enjoy
Lust for custard
Cask No: 138.20
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Andalusian Indulgence!
Sherry boasts a spectrum of varieties, spanning from the light, crisp fino to the dry, nutty oloroso, and the sweet, luscious Pedro Ximenez.
Each style offers a distinct profile and flavour, so when it comes to “sherry cask-matured whisky,” the influence can vary depending on the type of sherry previously held in the cask.
Explore these delightful offerings (one combo. is shown below), all derived from casks sourced from Spain’s renowned “sherry triangle.”
It’s truly a global flavour expedition!
Embark on a voyage of lavish indulgence with two remarkable whiskies that blend the opulent richness of sherry with unmatched and tantalizing flavours.
Cask No. 128.31 Cava and raspberry liqueur jelly
Flavour Profile: Spicy & Sweet
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-carcavelos barique
Region: Wales
Age: 6 Years
Cask No. 68.122 A cafe in Jerez
Flavour Profile: Deep, Rich & Dried Fruits
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-px barrique
Region: Highland
Age: 15 Years
Notes from the Whisky Team:
From Portugal to the Brecon Beacons or From an Andalucian 9th generation bodega to Pitlochry? Both delightful and different journeys. Discover the influence of Caracavelos wine, which is not your run of the mill whisky cask… far from it as it’s a rarity and particularly fun with an incredibly fruity distillate from Wales.
Compare and contrast with a malt from a Highlands distillery aged in an actual bodega sherry cask, which is also a rarity. This cask has matured actual sherry in a bodega that has been a family business for 9 generations.
It’s wine-y funky and certainly not like a lot ot things you’ve tasted before. This is one for the geeks wanting to discuss the finer points of unconventional wine vs unconventional sherry maturation.
Or simply for the adventurers in search of originality!
Search The SMWS for SHERRY-CASK WHISKIES!
(Please note that you cannot buy SMWS Whiskies unless you are a member)
Sherry Whiskies – It’s truly a global flavour expedition!
During May SMWS hits the road visiting various festivals and whisky celebrations around Scotland and further afield. Below is a list of key dates and locations providing opportunities for SMWS members and non-members to catch up with the Society and sample our whisky.
Spirit of Speyside: 1st – 6th May 2024
30/4/24 (19:30-22:00) SMWS Dinner & Tasting @ The Quaich
The Islay Festival (Fèis Ìle) – 25th May – 1st June
27/5/24 (12:30-17:30) SMWS takeover of The Ballygrant
27/5/24 (19:30-22:00) SMWS Dinner & Tasting @ The Ballygrant
28/5/24 (10:00-21:00) SAMPLING STAND @ The Indie Bottler Festival
28/5/24 (14:15-15:00) SMWS PEAT & SHERRY Masterclass @ IBF
28/5/24 (18:15-19:00) SMWS PEAT & SHERRY Masterclass @ IBF
29/5/24 (19:00-21:30) SCOTCH AND SHERRY: A Flavour Odyssey – Screening of the Documentary and Tasting at The Machrie
30/5/24 (19:00-21:30) SCOTCH AND SHERRY: A Flavour Odyssey – Screening of Scotch & Sherry documentary and Tasting at The Machrie
SMWS Members’ Rooms
EU Festivals and Events (non-members welcome)
12/5/24 – Festival tasting – Stuttgart
25/5/24 – Festival tasting – Limburg
25/5/24 – Festival tasting – Furth
Whisky Tastings around the UK & EU (non-members welcome)
A full list of upcoming UK whisky tastings and events can be found here
A full list of upcoming EU whisky tastings and events can be found here
Valid to the end of June 2024, visit the events page here for dates and location
• 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
• 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.
A creative collaboration brings two new limited-edition whiskies to ‘The Dalmore Luminary Series’ curated in partnership with V&A Dundee!
The collaboration is the second chapter of The Dalmore Luminary Series curated in partnership with V&A Dundee, Scotland’s design museum, which brings together luminaries from the worlds of whisky and architectural design
‘The Rare’ 49 Year Old Highland Single Malt, housed in a dramatic glass sculpture by Melodie Leung of Zaha Hadid Architects, will be auctioned at Sotheby’s in May 2024 with all proceeds donated to V&A Dundee
The Dalmore’s Richard Paterson OBE, Zaha Hadid Architects Melodie Leung, and The Dalmore’s Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass at The Dalmore Distillery
In collaboration with V&A Dundee, The Dalmore Luminary Series unveils its latest creations: an exquisite glass amber sculpture and a collectible presentation case housing two exceptionally rare Highland Single Malt whiskies. The Dalmore Luminary – The Rare – 2024 Edition will be auctioned, with all proceeds benefiting Scotland’s design museum, while The Dalmore Luminary – The Collectible – 2024 Edition will be available at luxury and specialist retailers worldwide starting April 2nd, 2024.
This trilogy celebrates the relentless pursuit of excellence through dynamic partnerships between whisky mastery and architectural design luminaries. The Dalmore Luminary – The Rare – 2024 Edition showcases a collaboration between Melodie Leung, Director at Zaha Hadid Architects, Gregg Glass, Master Whisky Maker at The Dalmore, and Master Distiller Richard Paterson OBE.
Leung and The Dalmore’s whisky artisans have collaboratively explored the intersections of their intricate skills and knowledge. The outcome is two remarkable releases that push the boundaries of Zaha Hadid Architects’ signature style and The Dalmore’s craftsmanship. These offerings promise to captivate both whisky aficionados and design enthusiasts, offering a captivating exploration of the interplay between flavor and form.
The Dalmore Luminary – The Rare – 2024 Edition
• Only three decanters and two sculptures will ever be made of The Rare, a 49 Year Old Single Malt from The Dalmore housed in a dynamic, glass amber sculpture designed by Leung and her team at Zaha Hadid Architects
• With an extraordinary maturation and blending process, the 49 Year Old Highland Single Malt offers layers of intense vanilla, dark berry fruit and cacao aromas, with a palate of freshly roasted chestnuts, blackcurrant, Doyenne pears and soft patisserie spices leading to a subtle, sweet smoke finish
• The whisky was matured in American White Oak ex-Bourbon casks and finished in a blend of Port Colheita 1963, Apostoles sherry, select Bourbon and a unique 1951/Virgin Oak hybrid cask
One covetable set is expected to attract interest from collectors globally and achieve upwards of six figures when offered at auction through Sotheby’s in May 2024, with all proceeds donated to V&A Dundee.
The Dalmore Luminary – The Collectible – 2024 Edition
• Whisky enthusiasts can also discover a one-of-a-kind expression from The Dalmore through The Collectible which features a small amount of exceptionally rare peated Dalmore spirit
• This introduces a whisper of herbal wood smoke over a nose of Manuka honey, crème brûlée, antique leather and delicate tropical notes complemented by a rich palate of ripe figs, oranges, forest fruits and brioche
• The 16 Year Old was matured in Bourbon casks and finished in a blend of Graham’s Tawny Port pipes and Apostoles sherry casks, with a small portion in peated, hand-selected, ex-refill Bourbon casks
• The bottle is housed in a presentation case that echoes the glowing, swirling design of The Rare sculpture
• From April 2nd 2024, 20,000 sets will be available at a recommended retail price of £275 at select luxury and specialist retailers worldwide as well as global travel retail
THE DALMORE LUMINARY – THE RARE – 2024 EDITION GLASS SCULPTURE
The carefully crafted elements of The Dalmore Luminary – 2024 Edition were conceived entirely collaboratively, with Glass, Paterson and Leung working symbiotically to bring the whiskies to life.
Glass says: “This was a true meeting of minds, and the new releases beautifully express the shared journey we’ve all been on.
While crafting our two new whiskies, we used the technique of time – nurtured carefully to transform through blending – to elevate The Dalmore to a new level. Flavour, colour and form meet together in a holistic sensory experience with swirls of texture, depth, complexity and nuance. We are delighted to finally be sharing these special whiskies with the world
– Gregg Glass: The Dalmore’s Master Whisky Maker
Experiencing The Dalmore’s outstanding craftsmanship first-hand and being initiated into the complex world of whisky making by Gregg and Richard provided extremely fertile ground for design inspiration.
The sculpture we created for The Rare was inspired by our fascinating discussions around the interaction and flow of flavour notes in the whisky-making process. It mirrors the multiple layers of ageing and blending that went into creating this whisky, which is the exquisite product of nature channelled over time.
– Melodie Leung: Zaha Hadid Architects
The Rare and The Collectible are covetable additions to any serious collection and reflect the shared commitment of The Dalmore, V&A Dundee and Leung to champion exceptional design and innovation on a global scale. All proceeds from Sotheby’s sale of The Rare will be donated to V&A Dundee in support of its important mission to inspire and empower through design.
The Dalmore, Zaha Hadid Architects and V&A Dundee have combined forces and included the architectural practice in an exciting new exhibition opening at V&A Dundee on Friday 29th March, Photo City: How Images Shape the Urban World – see Editors Notes.
The Dalmore Luminary – The Rare – 2024 Edition
TASTING NOTES
• Aroma: Madagascan vanilla, rich dark berry fruits, cinnamon and dark cacao
• Palate: Freshly roasted chestnuts, blackcurrant, Doyenne pears, and soft patisserie spices
• Finishing notes: Sugared almonds, plums, roasted Colombian coffee with lifts to a subtle sweet wood smoke
• Bottled at 40.6% ABV, natural colour, and non-chill filtered
MATURATION
• The 49 Year Old was matured in American White Oak ex-Bourbon casks and finished in a blend of Port Colheita 1963, Apostoles sherry, select Bourbon and unique hybrid casks
• A final flourish in a bespoke 1951/Virgin Oak hybrid cask air-dried at The Dalmore distillery and hand-toasted by Glass himself
THE DALMORE LUMINARY – THE RARE – 2024 EDITION GLASS SCULPTURE
• The Dalmore worked closely with Fiaz Elson from The Glass Foundry – one of the few master glass artists with the necessary experience and vision to manipulate glass to the desired form – to combine modern techniques with a centuries-old craft to deliver this unique sculpture
• The sculpture was in the kiln at The Glass Foundry for 12 weeks
• The initial moulding was made at 890 degrees and held at that temperature for 15 hours to ensure all moisture and air bubbles were released. The temperature was then gradually lowered around a degree a day until it was at room temperature. After this proving period, it was lifted carefully from the kiln, weighing in at 80 kilograms
• In a process that took over 500 hours, the sculpture was then fine-polished by hand across the entire surface area to achieve the liquid texture and gloss finish
ADDITIONAL NOTES
• In addition to the set offered at auction at Sotheby’s, a second complete set will be held at the distillery’s Highland home and one further decanter will be saved for a final Luminary Series Compendium Edition No 1, 2 and 3
• Two designer proofs will also go on display at V&A Dundee and Zaha Hadid Architects
The Dalmore Luminary – The Collectible – 2024 Edition
TASTING NOTES
• Aroma: Manuka honey, crème brûlée, antique leather, delicate tropical notes of pomegranate, guava, and cherry blossom
• Palate: Ripe figs, Seville oranges, forest fruits, passion fruit, lightly roasted Colombian coffee, fermented black limes, and brioche
• Finishing notes: Freshly roasted chestnuts, sweet wood spices, dark cacao, and Alphonso mangoes with a delicate whisper of herbal wood smoke
• Bottled at 48.6% ABV, natural colour, and non-chill filtered
New Exhibition at V&A Dundee – co-curated with the V&A to feature ZHA – Photo City: How Images Shape the Urban World (opens 29 March 2024, free)
Photo City brings together iconic images from the V&A’s spectacular photography collections as well as works by contemporary photographers, architects, and digital artists to explore how photography and cities have influenced each other.
ZHA has works held at the V&A South Kensington and now V&A Dundee have included the architectural practice in a new exhibition opening at V&A Dundee on Friday 29th March.
Supported by The Dalmore, the exhibition will be open to the public until 27 October to celebrate Dundee’s Decade of Design, the 10th anniversary of Dundee’s designation as the UK’s only UNESCO City of Design.
The exhibition explores how photographs are powerful tools that not only document the city, but also help us to project and design future cities and new ways of living together. The exhibition also expands on the idea of what photography is by including contemporary imaging technologies such as GPS, drones, gaming technology and lidar scanning.
Founded in 1839 on the banks of the Cromarty Firth in the Scottish Highlands, the Dalmore has been making masterpieces of whisky for over 180 years.
The 12-point silver stag which proudly adorns each bottle was bestowed upon the first chieftain of Clan Mackenzie in 1263 by King Alexander III of Scotland. The stag became the whisky’s emblem when descendants of the clan took over the distillery in 1878.
The Dalmore distillery’s collection of idiosyncratic stills creates a New Make spirit of unique character and depth – robust and fruity, particularly well-suited to longer and more complex maturation. This allows renowned Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass and his team to develop spirit over longer periods, continuing a tradition of visionary whisky-making as they fully express their art using rare casks from some of the world’s finest wineries and bodegas.
Kilchoman Batch Strength!
Batch Strength possesses all the character that typifies a classic Kilchoman; fresh, vibrant peat smoke, citrus sweetness and a balance of fruit and spices.
However, with the influence of re-charred red wine casks, there is an abundance of red fruits and caramel, and at 57% vol. rather than the standard 46%, it has a weight and power that makes you stand up and take notice!
At 57% Batch Strength is a giant of a dram. It has a raw intensity, that I love!
But importantly, that power is balanced by a delicacy and finesse that speaks for the quality of our production processes in the stillhouse and also the quality of casks used for maturation.
– 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 …
 Nose: The classic rich, smokey peat of a Kilchoman with a hint of sweetness but there’s also fruits and growing creamy toffee caramel together with hints of black coffee. Considering it’s ABV this dram is very kind to the nose! Palate: Rich and heavy with smoke, peat and antiseptic flavours together with the addition of sweet, creamy toffee coming along a little later – with surprisingly, shades of mint! Finish: A very smooth finish with ginger, pepper spice and added salt. Overall: Certainly a dram to be added to your ‘Buy & Try’ list and one of the kindest of the high ABV’s I’ve ever had the pleasure to sample – it ticks A LOT of boxes. Savoury, smokey, sweet, creamy and fruity. In short: A GIANT! |
Once again, many thanks to kilchomandistillery.com (@Kilchomanwhisky) for sending me this dram!
Kilchoman is available to buy from these Merchants:-
Kilchoman is a family run business established by Anthony and Kathy Wills in 2005.Ê As the business expanded, the husband and wife team were joined by their three sons; James, George and Peter.Ê
Founded in 2005, Kilchoman was the first new distillery to be built on Islay in over 124 years. Anthony Wills set out to resurrect the grass roots tradition of farm distilling. Our 100% Islay range represents the revival of those traditions, standing alone as IslayÕs only Single Farm Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
“Our range of single malts balance maritime peat smoke and crisp citrus sweetness with layers of cooked fruits and rich spices.”
2023 Awards
◼ The San Francisco World Spirits 2023 Ð Sanaig received the prestigious ÔDouble GoldÕ while Machir Bay was also awarded Gold
◼ The Spirits Business Scotch Whisky Masters 2023 and The Sprits Challenge 2023 – Machir Bay and Sanaig were both awarded Gold Medals
2024 is the year of the Sherry casks!
If you’ve been exploring the world of whisky, you’ll be aware that the huge variety of styles, sometimes with completely different characteristics that can make the term ‘whisky’ feel a little inadequate.
One such style are Sherry cask whiskies which are prized for the spicy, nutty and rich dried fruits notes that they can contribute to whisky, as well as a deep mahogany colour.
There are notable variations depending on the type of sherry that was previously in the cask, from a dry oloroso to sweet Pedro Ximenez and beyond.
As mentioned, one such distinctive flavour profile is imparted by the use of oloroso sherry barrels whuich are crafted in Spain’s Jerez region. These casks, having aged sherry for years, bestow whiskies with a nuanced sweetness and deep mahogany hues.
This marriage of malt and sherry creates a lovely combination of flavours, making them a coveted choice among aficionados!
Search The SMWS for SHERRY-CASK WHISKIES!
(Please note that you cannot buy SMWS Whiskies unless you are a member)
New members can now receive an exclusive 10% discount on their first year of membership and a bottle by using this code at the checkout: SHERRY10
Many thanks to The SMWS (@SMWSUK) who have kindly sent me a Sherry cask whisky sample to try – Thanks SMWS!
So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …
16 Years old
Deep Rich & Dried Fruits flavour profile
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-oloroso hogshead
Origin: Scotland
Region: Speyside
ABV: 59.7%
“After 13 years in an ex-bourbon hogshead, we transferred this to a first fill Spanish oak oloroso hogshead for the remainder of its maturation”
 Nose: Sweet apple, cherries, creamy strudel, sherry, toffee and black pepper – a lovely combination! Palate: Apple with sugared cherries, dried fruits, toffee and creamy biscuit. Finish: A lingering, fruity sweetness with all the flavours of the palate plus plenty of hot, black pepper – YUM! Overall: There’s lots of depth to this dram and the ABV gives it plenty of punch. If you wish, adding a few drops of water (it can take more than a few drops though!) makes the taste more savoury and creamy but don’t worry, there’s still bags of fruitiness and the presence of the cherries is a delight! |
During May SMWS hits the road visiting various festivals and whisky celebrations around Scotland and further afield. Below is a list of key dates and locations providing opportunities for SMWS members and non-members to catch up with the Society and sample our whisky.
Spirit of Speyside: 1st – 6th May 2024
30/4/24 (19:30-22:00) SMWS Dinner & Tasting @ The Quaich
The Islay Festival (Fèis Ìle) – 25th May – 1st June
27/5/24 (12:30-17:30) SMWS takeover of The Ballygrant
27/5/24 (19:30-22:00) SMWS Dinner & Tasting @ The Ballygrant
28/5/24 (10:00-21:00) SAMPLING STAND @ The Indie Bottler Festival
28/5/24 (14:15-15:00) SMWS PEAT & SHERRY Masterclass @ IBF
28/5/24 (18:15-19:00) SMWS PEAT & SHERRY Masterclass @ IBF
29/5/24 (19:00-21:30) SCOTCH AND SHERRY: A Flavour Odyssey – Screening of the Documentary and Tasting at The Machrie
30/5/24 (19:00-21:30) SCOTCH AND SHERRY: A Flavour Odyssey – Screening of Scotch & Sherry documentary and Tasting at The Machrie
SMWS Members’ Rooms
EU Festivals and Events (non-members welcome)
12/5/24 – Festival tasting – Stuttgart
25/5/24 – Festival tasting – Limburg
25/5/24 – Festival tasting – Furth
Whisky Tastings around the UK & EU (non-members welcome)
A full list of upcoming UK whisky tastings and events can be found here
A full list of upcoming EU whisky tastings and events can be found here
Valid to the end of June 2024, visit the events page here for dates and location
• 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
• 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.
Frolics on the forest floor
Cask No: 95.87
Spicy & Sweet Qty left: 38
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Deep Rich & Dried Fruits Qty left: 64
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Fettercairn has unveiled revamped lineups for both its domestic and international travel retail markets!
Fettercairn Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky has unveiled revamped lineups for both its domestic and international travel retail markets, aiming to build on its current momentum!
As they enter their bicentennial year, Fettercairn is introducing a refreshed range for domestic markets and an exclusive range for global travel retail. Each range consists of three distinct whiskies that highlight Fettercairn’s signature tropical house style across various ages.
Fettercairn 12 Year Old
For domestic markets, enthusiasts can enjoy Fettercairn 12 Year Old, 16 Year Old, and 24 Year Old. International travelers will have exclusive access to Fettercairn 14 Year Old, 17 Year Old, and 25 Year Old.
These updated selections are designed to offer consumers new age statements to explore and are clearly differentiated by maturation, price points, and purchasing options, tailored to meet the preferences of both drinkers and shoppers.
All whiskies in these ranges are finished exclusively in American White Oak ex-bourbon casks, which perfectly capture and convey Fettercairn’s unique tropical profile as it evolves over different aging periods.
The domestic lineup begins with Fettercairn 12 Year Old, bottled at 40% ABV. This expression embodies the essence of the Highland distillery and serves as an ideal introduction to Fettercairn’s flavors, with tasting notes that include sweet nectarine, tropical fruits, roasted coffee, clove, and ginger, culminating in a finish of sultanas and black toffee.
It also serves as an excellent base for cocktails like refreshing highballs or fruity sours.
Previously offered as a limited annual release with various finishes, Fettercairn 16 Year Old will now consistently feature an ex-bourbon cask finish and be non-chill filtered with a natural color at 46.4% ABV.
This move, strategically decided by Whisky Maker Gregg Glass and Distillery Manager Stewart Walker, presents a natural step up from the 12 Year Old, allowing enthusiasts to delve deeper into Fettercairn’s tropical style. This whisky offers flavors of grilled pineapple, vanilla, passion fruit, rich honey, Turkish Delight, and a finish that includes mandarin, cacao, and moist ginger cake.
Completing the core domestic range, Fettercairn 24 Year Old is a new addition, presenting the richest flavors at 46.5% ABV, non-chill filtered and with a natural color. It showcases an array of sweet and cooked tropical fruits, Madagascan vanilla, and red liquorice, with a sweet, spiced finish.
Additionally, Fettercairn 18 Year Old will continue to be available annually in select domestic markets, as part of a strictly limited release. This expression is the first from the award-winning Scottish Oak Programme, spearheaded by Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass, aiming to foster a circular economy within the whisky industry using locally sourced Scottish oak.
Fettercairn 12 Year Old.40% ABV. RSP $66 / £52
Fettercairn 16 Year Old.46.4% ABV. RSP $110 / £87
Fettercairn 24 Year Old. 46.5% ABV. RSP$635 / £500
For global travel retail, Fettercairn now offers an exclusive range!
For global travel retail, Fettercairn now offers an exclusive range consisting of 14 Year Old, 17 Year Old, and 25 Year Old whiskies, all non-chill filtered, with natural color in 70cl bottles.
Fettercairn 14 Year Old introduces a ripe, fresh aspect of the tropical house style with orchard fruits and delicate sweet spice. The 17 Year Old deepens into richer notes of honey, crème brûlée, and coconut. The 25 Year Old provides a glimpse into Fettercairn’s more rare and mature selections, offering flavors of sweet and cooked tropical fruits, passion fruit, warm vanilla, and freshly baked bread with a sweetly spiced finish.
These refreshed ranges will become available starting in April and mark the commencement of Fettercairn’s 200th-anniversary celebrations, available through specialist and luxury retailers throughout 2024.
Fettercairn 14 Year Old. 46% ABV. RSP $89 / £70
Fettercairn 17 Year Old. 47% ABV. RSP $153 / £120
Fettercairn 25 Year Old. 46.3% ABV. RSP $667 / £525
Kilchoman to launch their first ever UK wide cocktail competition!
Kilchoman Distillery are delighted to announce the launch of their first ever UK wide cocktail competition!
The finale will be held on Islay in September!
To celebrate the launch of their new whisky expression –Batch Strength, the farm distillery has come up with an exciting challenge for UK bartenders.
“Shake the Farm” will see candidates compete to win an all-expenses paid four-day hands-on apprenticeship at the distillery on Islay and the opportunity for the overall winner to select an exclusive single cask bottling (and to take six bottles of it home with them).
The concept follows Kilchoman’s ethos by asking participating bartenders to create a cocktail that showcases both Kilchoman Batch Strength whisky and a British farmed or foraged ingredient.
The competition will take place in different stages with three heats across the UK and a finale held on Islay in September.
The competition is open to all bartenders across the UK.
For more information, have a look directly on their website:
Whiskystats Unveils Major Differences In Retail Versus Auction Whisky Prices
Whiskystats, a premier whisky data analytics firm, has unveiled an exhaustive study showing a significant price difference between the retail and auction markets for whisky.
This study highlights that in 2023, whisky prices were 50-75% more at retail outlets than at auctions, suggesting auctions as a more budget-friendly option for whisky purchases.
Titled ‘Has Whisky Become a Buyer’s Market?‘, the report delves into the performance and trends of various whisky brands.
Key Insights:
– There was a 5% decrease in the volume of whisky bottles traded at auction houses, along with a 19% drop in their total sale prices in 2023.
– Over 10,000 bottles did not achieve their reserve prices at auction, a 36% increase from 2022.
– The auction market saw the most significant value drops in three Japanese brands: Chichibu (down 43%), Karuizawa (down 36%), and Yamazaki (down 33%).
– Glendronach and Port Charlotte emerged as the top performers in terms of ratings for their 2023 releases, based on analysis of Whiskybase data by Whiskystats.
– Conversely, Ardmore and Jura experienced the most significant drops in perceived quality, as reflected in public ratings.
– Craigellachie earned the title of the most improved brand of 2023, judging by shifts in public perception.
Whiskystats also launched a first-of-its-kind ‘collector-drinker gauge’ to compare secondary market turnover to public ratings and reviews.
The gauge reveals that Macallan, Hibiki, and Yamazaki are the most collector-oriented brands, while Ledaig, Kavalan, and Glen Scotia are the most drinker-focused.
Data shows that the whisky market is shifting. Buyers’ willingness to purchase whisky at listed retail prices has dropped significantly. And even for whiskies that eventually sell, bottles tend to remain on shelves far longer than in the recent past.
What we’re seeing in the auction market data is clear: prices are no longer reaching the peak prices of the COVID era, and there are some great bottles for sale at the lowest prices in years.
– Johannes Moosbrugger:
A full copy of the report is available for free download at: whiskystats.com/reports
Whiskystats is a Whiskybase company. Whiskystats and Whiskybase are independent: the report was not funded by any distillery group, bottler, whisky-adjacent agency, or related concern.
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The limited-edition Burns Night Tasting Trio!
To celebrate yesterdays Burns Night, a special three dram tasting was hosted by Whisky Me, the UK’s biggest whisky subscription club, on YouTube.
Led by Whisky Me founders Thomas Aske and Tristan Stephenson, they were also joined by Hugh Barron from James Eadie Ltd.
The limited-edition Burns Night Tasting Trio comprised each of the following Whisky Me exclusive bottlings, in partnership with some of the most esteemed Scottish distilleries:
Don’t worry if you missed the tasting though because you can watch it here!
Whisky Me was founded by Thomas Aske and Tristan Stephenson of Black Rock – the east London bar that’s made whisky accessible to all since 2016.
It is a Whisky Club for The Curious and promises a monthly dram of incredible Single Malt Scotch or World Whisky – curated from the planet’s best distilleries – delivered to your door.
Being snobby or elitist about whisky is not part of their ethos. They know there’s no such thing as a typical whisky drinker and to prove it, their aim is to drop drams of the world’s greatest whiskies through as many letterboxes as possible!
Valid until midnight Sunday 4th February!
Whisky Me kindly sent me the three Burns Night samples to try. (Thanks Whisky Me! / @whisky_me_)
So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …
LOCATION: SPEYSIDE
AGE: 9 YEARS OLD
CASK: BOURBON HOGSHEADS
This Whisky Me exclusive bottling from James Eadie Ltd. is not a typical Benrinnes – a distillery associated with sherry cask finishing and the dried fruits that come with it – because it is matured in bourbon barrels. Thus, the underlying meaty character of the distillery is revealed.
 Nose: Very syrupy fruity apples with brown sugar, molasses, cola, sultanas and popcorn and much, much later very creamy caramel – a mixed bag indeed! Palate: Dark, spicy wood with plump fruits, apples and dark chocolate giving way to a dry popcorn finish with peppery spice. Overall: There’s plenty going on with this dram and for those who literally crave the ‘spirit’ of adventure then this is certainly the whisky for you! |
LOCATION: HIGHLAND
AGE: 5 YEARS OLD
CASK: EX-BOURBON
This Glenlossie was distilled in 2017 and matured in a pair of bourbon barrels. This produced 500 bottles in total, most of which have gone into Whisky Me pouches.
 Nose: Tropical fruits with pressed orange, ginger and vanilla. Palate: Blood oranges, toffee, a little mint and hot pepper and ginger. Overall: A Gorgeous “orange” experience but also much, much more. If only this dram was part of your “5-a-day!” |
LOCATION: HIGHLAND
AGE: 5 YEARS OLD
CASK: BOURBON
This Whisky Me exclusive bottling in partnership with Carn Mor is a marriage of bourbon cask whiskies from Teaninich that were distilled in late 2017 and disgorged in 2023.
We cut the spirit to 47.5% which produced exactly 500 bottles, most of which have gone into Whisky Me pouches.
 Nose: Fruity chews with green tea and strawberry. Palate: Creamy strawberry, herb tea, apples and sweet chocolate with a savoury, peppery finish. Overall: Creamy strawberries – who would have thought? Anyway, it’s here in this whisky in a true taste bud treat! |
Valid until midnight Sunday 4th February!
