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Sampling The Lakes Distillery “Whiskymaker’s Editions Reflections” – Easy To Enjoy – Very Quick To Disappear!

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The Whiskymaker’s Editions Reflections is a single malt whisky, designed in collaboration by The Lakes Distillery and Simon Rogan

In collaboration with Simon Rogan, owner of Lake District restaurants including three Michelin starred L’Enclume, Rogan & Co and Henrock, along with destinations in London and Hong Kong, The Lakes Distillery has designed a limited-edition single malt whisky to celebrate 20 years of the group’s past accomplishments, present triumphs, and the endless possibilities that lie ahead.

A limited-edition whisky created to mark Simon Rogan’s 20th anniversary as a chef/patron

Reflecting an evolutionary journey from the opening of Simon’s first restaurant L’Enclume, to the creation of his Cartmel Valley farm ‘Our Farm’ a few years later, to what is now his eight-strong restaurant portfolio across two continents, The Whiskymaker’s Editions Reflections is a modern interpretation of a classic, inspired by a moment of contemplation amid the natural beauty of the Lake District.

Grounded by earthly connections, a sense of place, and a desire to develop a harmonious relationship between the whisky’s flavours and the sustainable ethos and experience that keeps Rogan at the pinnacle of modern British dining, Reflections is a restrained, elegant and light whisky, but also incredibly vibrant.

Working with The Lakes Distillery on this special collaboration has been an absolute pleasure, especially since we have created something that celebrates our beautiful home in the Lake District.

Reflections is not only an embodiment of The Lakes but also a moment of gratitude and reflection on what has been achieved over the past two decades alongside everything that we have to look forward to.
– Simon Rogan

Suggestive of the autumnal Lake District in character, on tasting Reflections, spiced pumpkin and fragrant wood spice evolve into apple compote, warming cinnamon, and a long, reflective finish.

Bottled at 54% ABV, every bottle is non-chill filtered, natural in colour, and available to enjoy in Simon Rogan’s restaurants, at LakesDistillery.com and as part of November’s Home by Simon Rogan menu.

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 – Lakes Distillery ‘Whiskymaker’s Editions Reflections’ single malt whisky (54%)

Nose: Toffee apple, creamy cane sugar with a little lemon citrus and biscuit.

Palate: Dry, cane sugar sweetness with rich dark toffee.

Finish: Spicy and warming with an astringent grapefruit finish.

Overall: An easy going whisky with some great signature Lakes Distillery flavours. Easy to enjoy – very quick to disappear!

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

SIMON ROGAN

Simon Rogan is an internationally renowned, award-winning chef, recognised as one of the pioneers of the farm-to-table movement.

In 2002, Simon opened his debut restaurant L’Enclume in The Lake District village of Cartmel, with a focus on hyperlocal and seasonal ingredients. The restaurant currently holds three Michelin stars, the top spot in the Good Food Guide and five AA Rosettes.

In 2017, Simon was recognised as the AA chef of the year and is currently president of the Bocuse d’Or UK team. Simon opened Rogan & Co, his second venture in Cartmel in 2008 which won its first Michelin star in 2018 and currently holds three AA Rosettes. In 2011, Simon established Our Farm in The Lakes, which provides the restaurant group with high-quality, sustainable produce. In 2016, Simon launched Aulis Cartmel, a six-seater chef’s table experience. A London outpost of Aulis arrived in October 2017 as a stand-alone dining destination, an eight-seater chef’s table experience in central Soho.

Simon expanded his restaurant portfolio to Hong Kong, opening Aulis in January 2019 and Roganic in February 2019. In 2002 he opened The Baker & The Bottleman, a bakery and natural wine bar. Roganic Hong Kong was awarded its first Michelin star in December 2019. Simon opened Henrock in October 2019, an informally elegant restaurant set within Linthwaite House, a contemporary country house hotel in the heart of the Lake District. In 2020, in response to the global pandemic, the group launched Home by Simon Rogan, Simon’s delivery offering, providing regularly changing three-course ‘at home’ dining experiences created in The Lakes.

Sampling Kilchomans’ New 100% Islay 12th Edition – A Moreish Dram For Sure & I Can’t Say I’m Surprised!

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The 100% Islay 12th Edition

Kilchoman launch 100% Islay 12th Edition, Single Farm Single Malt!

The 100% Islay 12th Edition is now available!

Anthony Wills – Kilchoman Founder

This latest release was distilled from their 2009, 2010 and 2011 barley harvests then matured in 29 bourbon barrels and 6 oloroso sherry butts for a minimum of 8 years. There’s no doubt that, like previous editions, this will be a popular dram!

It’s a lovely 100% Islay, rich and fruity on the nose then lots of citrus sweetness and tropical fruit on the palate with waves of peat smoke coming through on the finish.

– ANTHONY WILLS: 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 100% Islay, 12th Edition, Single Single Malt Whisky (50%)


BARLEY VARIETY: PUBLICAN HARVESTS: 2011, 2012, 2013

20PPM Heavily Peated.

29 bourbon barrels & 6 oloroso sherry butts for a minimum of 8 years. 

12,500 bottles released.

Nose: Sweet, salty liquid smoke with attractive fruity peat. Rich, dark chocolate with hints of liquorice and blackcurrant come through a little later – a heady mix!

Palate: Sweet and deeply savoury with rich smokey peat, liquorice and dark chocolate add to the depth and richness.

Finish: Tasty chilli and there’s also an antiseptic peatiness which grows on you, and of course, appetite sharpening salt, sweet smoke!

Overall: A Moreish dram for sure and I can’t say I’m surprised – Kilchoman ALWAYS produces Moreish whisky!

I was a bit surprised about the antiseptic flavours coming through but like another famous brand that has this characteristic it all adds up to a cracking taste and sensory experience!

12,500 bottles released – there’s no doubt this will be a popular dram!

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

Kilchoman is available to buy from these Merchants:-

About Kilchoman

Kilchoman Distillery is a small family run farm distillery based on the rugged west coast of Islay. 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. Anthony and wife Kathy have been joined by their three sons; George, James and Peter.

Kilchoman Loch Gorm 2022

Kilchoman produces its 100% Islay single malt from barley which is grown in fields surrounding the distillery and completes every stage of the whisky-making process at the distillery, including traditional floor malting. Kilchoman is the only distillery in Scotland to do this.

Since the first bottling was released in 2009, Kilchoman has quickly established itself as a high quality Islay Single Malt Whisky with these notable awards:

– 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 – Machir Bay and Sanaig were both awarded Gold Medals.

– Kilchoman’s exceptional quality was recognised at the prestigious International Whisky Competition (IWC) when Anthony Wills was named Master Distiller of the Year 2013.
– In 2016 both core expressions won major awards with Sanaig named Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky – no age statement at the IWSC and Machir Bay came first as Best Islay Single Malt Scotch in the International Whisky Competition.
– Machir Bay was also awarded a Gold Medal in 2015 at the International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) with Loch Gorm being awarded a Silver Outstanding Medal and 100% Islay a Silver at the prestigious awards.
– Kilchoman won Malt Advocates Artisan Whisky of the Year 2011, only three years after the first bottling was released.

Get ready For ‘The Gathering’ With The SMWS – And Don’t Forget Your Tasting Pack!

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Get ready for ‘The Gathering’ with the SMWS – And don’t forget your Tasting Pack!


The SMWS ‘Gathering’ Tasting Pack Now Available!

£35.00

Friday 30 September, 8pm

The Gathering Tasting Pack offer! Get £10 off the Gathering Tasting tasting pack with purchase of any bottle using code DISCOVERY22 at checkout. Offer valid from 9am 14 September to 5pm 22 September.

The Gathering 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?!

The event will be held by a Society host will also be joined by Society ambassadors from across Europe to guide you through five special drams, bottled exclusively for The Gathering, and selected by you, the Society members.

It will be 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

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.

Fettercairn Distillery Unveils New 16 Year Old 2022 Limited Edition!

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Fettercairn Unveils New 16 Year Old 2022 Limited Edition!

Fettercairn Distillery has unveiled the latest release of its popular 16 Year Old Single Malt Whisky. The collection launched in 2020 as a series of limited-edition annual releases of 16 Year Old Single Malt, each with their own distinct recipe. This 2022 release offers a taste of the Aberdeenshire distillery’s distinctive tropical house style, whilst exploring the influence of a unique finish for Fettercairn!

Bottled at 46.4%, natural in colour and non-chill filtered, this new 16 Year Old promises the very best of Fettercairn

This highly anticipated release offers a rare experience of the distillery’s tropical character with accentuated notes of exotic fruits and syruped figs, underpinned by gentle roasted coffee. This 16 Year Old is an expertly balanced expression finished with a trilogy of casks; influence led by maturation in first fill Oloroso sherry cask, before further maturation in first fill Pedro Ximénez sherry casks and a final finish in ex Bourbon barrels, all shaping the unique character of this refined whisky.

This specially selected trilogy of casks illustrates Fettercairn Distillery’s curiosity – seeking to create and evolve flavour with each new release. The resulting 16 Year Old Single Malt whisky unites exotic fruity aromas in the form of ripe guava with patisserie spices, cocoa and a crescendo of natural vanilla to create layers of rich flavour bringing depth to the ripe exotic fruit characteristics typically found in Fettercairn spirit when it reaches its mid-late teens.

Bottled at 46.4%, natural in colour and non-chill filtered, this new 16 Year Old promises the very best of Fettercairn, unifying rare, matured spirit with a unique cask journey for Fettercairn, bringing to life a story of creativity and craft in the distinctive way which has come to define the distillery.

In creating this recipe, selecting these casks, I set out to further explore the boundaries of what we can achieve at Fettercairn in our quest for true distinction whilst continuing to deliver on the tropical house character that defines Fettercairn.

Once again, the result is a very special, one-off creation that will never be repeated. The challenge was to fine tune the balance of cask influence that would deliver the unique profile I was looking for. A unique drinking experience, which, with accentuated flavour characteristics, define Fettercairn.
– Gregg Glass: Master Whisky Maker

Fettercairn 16 Year Old 2022 release will be available across Europe including France, UK, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium from July onwards, extending to Global Travel Retail and key Asia markets into 2023, at an RSP of £72. The GTR edition will be in 1L formats with an RSP of £82.50.

TASTING NOTES

COLOUR – Amber gold with sunrise flecks.

NOSE – Dried exotic fruits, lightly syruped figs, grapefruit and notes of mature oak.

TASTE – Sunkissed raisins, ripe guava, patisserie spices and cocoa qualities elaborated with a crescendo of natural vanilla. Finish encompasses moist ginger cake, passion fruit, baked apple, underpinned with gentle notes of roasted coffee.

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

About Fettercairn

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

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

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

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

“Splice The Lemon” – It’s The Kerr’s Gin Tweet Tasting!

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“Splice The Lemon” – It’s The Kerr’s Gin Tweet Tasting!

Kerr’s Gin was the subject of last nights @TweetTastings, which was once again ably hosted by Steve from The Whisky Wire.

The Gins sampled were:-

  • Kerr’s Borders Gin
  • Kerr’s Navy Strength Gin

We were very lucky to get a chance to try their brand new, limited edition Kerr’s Navy Strength Gin and it didn’t disappoint!

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

So, what did I think?

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

Tasting Notes – Kerr’s Borders Gin (43%)


Named after William Kerr, a botanist from their home-town of Hawick. Kerr was one of the 19th century’s great plant hunters, sending 238 plants to Kew Gardens from his travels to Canton, Java and Manila.

Kerr’s Borders Gin is classed as a “barley to bottle gin” which uses its own malted barley spirit for re-distillation through its unique recipe of botanicals in its specially commissioned one-shot vapour Carter-Head still.

This Gin is made from local Scottish borders barley. Every grain is grown within 33 miles of the distillery (The Borders Distillery) and their Growers & Distillers programme has allowed them to form relationships with each of the 12 farms involved.

In addition, it is made with botanicals from around the world; Macedonian Juniper, English Coriander, Scottish Heracleum, Bitter Orange, Sweet Orange, Lemon, Cassia, Angelica, Myrtle, Angelica, Orris, Almond and Liquorice.

£33 – Buy Now

Nose: Quite strong ‘corn-on-the-cob’ nose for me initially leading to creamy strawberries and nice citrus (mainly lemon.) Lots of biscuit comin’ thru later on.

Palate: Mmm … creamy sweet, sugared lemons (like a lemon drizzle cake) with some very punchy. peppery spiciness!

Finish: With tonic the lemons are holding out nicely, but are not so sweet – but it’s even more morish than when it’s taken neat!

Overall: A classy gin to make the perfect cocktail with. As an alternative, add cucumber to your G&T instead of the usual – it’s crackingly good!

Tasting Notes – Kerr’s Navy Strength Gin (57.1%)


Brand new and Limited to only 2,022 bottles, this is the first limited-edited Kerr’s Gin release.

The term Navy Strength harks back to the 18th century when the British Navy would mix spirits with gunpowder, then light with a match to test the strength of the alcohol. Today it usually refers to gins and rums bottled at over 57% ABV.

Produced using the same botanicals and locally harvested Scottish barley as their Borders Gin, the increased ABV of the Navy Strength, is said to master the balance of intensity and smoothness.

The rich blue design features state of the art printing technology, with Kerr’s Navy Strength Gin being the first Borders Distillery bottle to be completely paperless.

£50 – Buy Now

Nose: Very herby and citrusy straight off the bat! A juniper / citrus ‘dreadnought’ for sure!

Palate: Surprisingly smooth for such an abv. Juniper, creamy lemon, licorice coupled with muted spice that doesn’t bully the taste buds too much!

Finish: Adding tonic turn this into a smooth, sweet n’ savoury drink – that hides it’s high abv very nicely – could be dangerous at a party though!

Overall: It’s a very sippable gin this – maybe the higher abv has given it some mixer independance? Either way, neat or cocktailed, it’ll have you ‘riding on the ocean wave’ in no time!

My Favourite On The Night

Out of the 2, I think it’s got to be the Kerr’s Navy Strength Gin – totally abfab – either neat or as a cocktail – devilishly powerful though!

Many thanks to Steve at The Whisky Wire (@TheWhiskyWire / @TweetTastings) for a great evening and of course, Kerr’s Gin (#KerrsGin), without whom!

My fellow Tweet Tasters on the night were:-


@TheWhiskyWire @Sake_Baku @dvdbloke @moonbites @B_R_Drams @sprungatom @fiona_whisky @PhilScott101 @FiShoop @whiskyRubhach @iheartwhisky @WhiskyUnplugged @_PickledGinger @RealDramRob @socialdrammer @Nescaphe @MashtunandMeow @rodbodtoo @drinkersite @DramofWar @Whisky_And1 @WhiskyWithMolly @whiskygraeme @DistilleryBikes

“Flamenco dancer spilled his sherry!”- The Latest Stock From The SMWS!

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“Flamenco dancer spilled his sherry”
Cask No: 48.149

New Arrivals From The Scotch Malt Whisky Society!



“Flamenco dancer spilled his sherry”
Cask No: 48.149
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-px hogshead
Distillery: Balmenach
Origin: Scotland
£59.70

Qty left: 91


“Petals on a fruitcake”
Cask No: 100.36
Cask Type: 1st ex-px hogshead
Distillery: Strathmill
Origin: Scotland
£71.70

Qty left: 88


“Toffee coffee”
Cask No: 64.129
Cask Type: 1st fill custom toasted European and American oak hogshead
Distillery: Mannochmore
Origin: Scotland
£65.90

Qty left: 88


“Hibiscus tea beneath a mango tree”
Cask No: 38.35
Cask Type: 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Caperdonich
Origin: Scotland
£280.50

Qty left: 89


“Stone fruit tartlets”
Cask No: 55.73
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-px hogshead
Distillery: Royal Brackla
Origin: Scotland
£76.50

Qty left: 91


“Ale and tea”
Cask No: 100.37
Cask Type: 2nd fill charred red wine barrique
Distillery: Strathmill
Origin: Scotland
£61.70

Qty left: 91


“Flamenco dancer spilled his sherry”
Cask No: 48.149
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-px hogshead
Distillery: Balmenach
Origin: Scotland
£59.70

Qty left: 91


“Iodine marmalade”
Cask No: 16.65
Cask Type: refill re-charred hogshead
Distillery: Glenturret
Origin: Scotland
£54.00

Qty left: 92


“From bright dawn to dry dusk”
Cask No: 1.267
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Glenfarclas
Origin: Scotland
£61.20

Qty left: 92


“Chamoy from Mexico”
Cask No: 100.33
Cask Type: 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Strathmill
Origin: Scotland
£63.90

Qty left: 97


“A blaze of yellow”
Cask No: 39.245
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Linkwood
Origin: Scotland
£57.00

Qty left: 99


“Succumb to smoke”
Cask No: 16.66
Cask Type: refill re-charred hogshead
Distillery: Glenturret
Origin: Scotland
£54.00

Qty left: 100


“Chalky charmer”
Cask No: 4.323
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Highland Park
Origin: Scotland
£69.30

Qty left: 102


“In case of apocalypse break seal”
Cask No: 135.46
Cask Type: 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Inchmoan (Loch Lomond Distillery)
Origin: Scotland
£49.00

Qty left: 102


“A Neanderthals knapsack”
Cask No: 66.220
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-px hogshead
Distillery: Ardmore
Origin: Scotland
£83.80

Qty left: 102


“Salting and pickling”
Cask No: 44.150
Cask Type: 2nd fill ex-bourbon hogshead
Distillery: Craigellachie
Origin: Scotland
£88.20

Qty left: 102


“Cinnamon snickerdoodles and sanded pine”
Cask No: 9.236
Cask Type: 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Glen Grant
Origin: Scotland
£65.00

Qty left: 105


“The naked truth puzzling delightful”
Cask No: 53.409
Cask Type: refill ex-bourbon hogshead
Distillery: Caol Ila
Origin: Scotland
£70.30

Qty left: 108


“Gooey, nutty and buttery”
Cask No: 68.87
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-px hogshead
Distillery: Blair Athol
Origin: Scotland
£71.70

Qty left: 111


“Playful and teasing”
Cask No: 1.268
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Glenfarclas
Origin: Scotland
£61.20

Qty left: 114

Irish Distillers Announces Plans For Midleton Distillery To Become Carbon Neutral By 2026!

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Irish Distillers is to invest €50 million over the next 4 years to fund projects aimed at transforming Midleton Distillery into a carbon neutral operation by the end of 2026!

Irish Distillers has today announced that it will invest €50 million in Midleton Distillery over the next four years to deliver a carbon neutral operation by the end of 2026. This is the largest investment made by an Irish distillery to date in pursuit of this ambition, putting Midleton Distillery on track to become Ireland’s first and largest carbon neutral distillery!

The ambitious plan to eliminate scope 1 and scope 2 carbon emissions by the end of 2026 will involve the execution of a roadmap comprising several ground-breaking projects which will see Midleton Distillery entirely phase out the use of fossil fuels to power its operation.

The carbon neutral roadmap for Midleton Distillery will involve the roll out of several projects aimed firstly at reducing overall energy use by improving on-site energy generation efficiency and recycling waste heat in the distillation process. In time, the distillery’s remaining energy requirements will be fulfilled by generating power from renewable sources.

As part of the initial phases of the roadmap, Irish Distillers has invested in highly efficient boilers which will require less fuel to operate.

To deliver subsequent phases of the roadmap, Irish Distillers is working with global experts and partners on innovative Mechanical Vapor Recompression (MVR) technology which will see a closed looped system capture, compress and recycle waste heat in the distilling process. This the first time this technology has been used across multiple batch processes in distilling.

The first three phases of the roadmap alone are expected to reduce emissions by up to 70 per cent.

The final phases will see the introduction of renewable sources of energy, including green hydrogen and biogas to power the distillery and close the door on natural gas usage. To achieve this, Irish Distillers has partnered with local experts at EI-H2 to explore opportunities to source green hydrogen.

Irish Distillers has also carried out extensive research in partnership with MaREI, the SFI Research Centre for Energy, Climate and Marine, hosted by University College Cork, to determine the biomethane potential of the by-products of distillation and design the required anaerobic digestion process necessary to produce biogas.

Regarding its wider value and supply chain, Irish Distillers has recently completed a mapping exercise of its entire carbon footprint. Based on this data and insights gathered, Irish Distillers has committed to working with suppliers on projects and initiatives to reduce scope 3 emissions across all areas of its business including raw materials, dry goods, transportation, logistics and freight.

Midleton Distillery will be on track to become Ireland’s first and largest carbon neutral distillery!

Congratulations to the entire Irish Distillers team for blazing a trail, investing an incredible €50m to become Ireland’s first carbon neutral distillery by 2026. We need to take better care of our planet. Enterprise has a role to play, not just in reducing emissions that come dire

ctly from their operations, but by innovating and creating new products and ways of doing things that will help us make the changes that are needed. Companies, like Irish Distillers, who are committing to such bold and transformational change, will lead the way for many other similar businesses and I commend the team for their ambition and commitment.
– An Tánaiste: Leo Varadkar TD

Today is a hugely significant day for Irish Distillers as we announce our ambition for Midleton Distillery to become the first and largest carbon neutral distillery in Ireland by 2026. This announcement is reflective of our commitment and ambition to reduce our environmental impact. We understand that our long-term future depends on reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. This plan was many years in the making, and we understand that there are many more years ahead to reach our goal.

However, we are confident that by making this bold and brave move into the future, we will leave fossil fuels behind for good. Through the delivery of this plan, we hope to play our part in supporting Ireland’s decarbonising strategy while also aligning with Pernod Ricard’s commitment to follow a Net Zero trajectory by 2050.
– Conor McQuaid: CEO and Chairman

Supporting Irish companies to reduce their carbon footprint is a key strategic priority for Enterprise Ireland. Enterprise Ireland is proud to partner with Irish Distillers to support the roll out of an ambitious roadmap which will see Midleton Distillery become the first and largest carbon neutral distillery in Ireland by 2026.

Distilling is an energy intensive process and Irish Distillers is committed to significantly reducing emissions and making a positive environmental impact across all areas of their business. Their plans to leverage break-through emissions reducing technologies will in turn provide a blueprint for the industry and other distilleries in Ireland.
– Leo Clancy: Enterprise Ireland CEO

With the climate crisis at a critical juncture, Irish Distillers is committed to reducing our environmental impact across our entire value chain and an area that we cannot ignore is how we power our distillery.

While the technical challenges the team face in transforming our operations at Midleton Distillery to become carbon neutral are considerable, we believe that with the help and support of our partners at home and across the globe, this is possible. We are committed to doing the right thing for our industry, people, and communities. Together, we can make a real impact.
– Tommy Keane: Operations Director at Irish Distillers

World Whisky Forum Sets Sights on Sustainability!

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The fourth World Whisky Forum, taking place from 21st to 23rd June at Stauning Whisky Distillery in Denmark, will turn its attention to the importance of sustainability in the whisky industry.

The Forum, which brings together distilleries and stakeholders from around the world, is dedicated to building bridges in the whisky community, sharing open-minded thinking, insights and innovations.

The programme will focus on sustainability and its impact on the whisky industry; from how sustainability can impact production, distribution and consumption, to the sustainability of cereal crops and supply of wood, to the design of next-generation whisky distilleries and the future of packaging.

Following an opening day of introductions, scene setting and a keynote speech from Tommy Rahbek Nielsen of sustainable energy provider Vestas Wind Systems, day two will feature two special study sessions exploring the future of sustainability within global whisky.

‘The Use of Finite Resources’ will feature Whyte & Mackay Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass, Magali Picard from Demptos Cooperage Research and James Brosnan from the Scotch Whisky Research Institute.

The World Whisky Forum offers an exciting opportunity to meet with likeminded individuals across our industry from around the globe.

It’s an honour to have been invited to discuss the use of finite resources. Last year, at Whyte & Mackay we announced our Scottish Oak Programme, through which we’re helping to establish the use of native oak across distilleries in Scotland. It’s an ongoing and rewarding project and I’m proud to be able to share our insights at the World Whisky Forum.

Dave Broom, one of the co-founders of the World Whisky Forum, has been key within in the industry in supporting my journey as a whisky maker, as well as our Scottish Oak programme in particular. His perspective is truly unique in our industry.
– Gregg Glass: Whyte & Mackay Master Whisky Maker

The second session, ‘Building Sustainable Distilleries and the Financial Upside of Sustainable Production’ will involve Annabel Thomas from Nc´nean Distillery, Alex Bruce from Adelphi Distillery, Todd Leopold from Leopold Bros., Oskar Bruno from Agitator and Bastian Heuser from Stork Club Whiskey / Spreewood Distillers.

The final panel sessions on the third and final day of this year’s Forum will include Joanna Watchman from Content Coms, Ryan Chetiyawardana from Mr Lyan and Peter Kreiner from Noma, who will discuss the challenges and opportunities surrounding ‘Communicating with the Consumer’.

The World Whisky Forum was co-founded by Jan Groth, Ingvar Ronde and Dave Broom, the latter of which will moderate all panel discussions.

The role of the World Whisky Forum is to be a place where anyone working within the category can come, listen, debate, learn, and share. It is an example of the industry at its best, a collegiate space where everyone’s opinion is valid, no matter how big or small your operation may be.

No topic is more important than sustainability and navigating this complex area successfully will only be achieved by collective action and debate. I am looking forward eagerly to see what emerges at Stauning and encourage anyone interested to either attend in person – or virtually.
– Dave Broom: Founder

The three previous World of Whisky Forums have taken place at High Coast Distillery in Sweden, Cotswolds Distillery in the UK and Westland Distillery in the USA. The fourth meeting will be held on the beautiful west coast of Denmark at Stauning Whisky Distillery, a pioneer in the New Nordic whisky movement.


For the first time, attendees can also participate virtually, to watch panel discussions and even tour the distillery. Tickets can be purchased via the World Whisky Forum website

Irish Distillers Releases Gold Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey!

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Gold Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey!

Irish Distillers, together with the Mitchell family are marking 135 years of whiskey bonding among the Mitchell family, one of Ireland’s last remaining wine merchants, by crafting a celebratory vibrant Spot release, Gold Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey!

This limited-edition expression pays tribute to the colourful history of the Mitchell’s whiskey bonding business which commenced in 1887 when the bonders sent empty wine and fortified wine casks to the local Jameson Distillery, in Bow Street, to be filled with new single pot still spirit for maturation in its underground cellars. Once filled, the fortified wine casks would be marked with a daub or ‘spot’ of coloured paint, to determine the age potential with Blue Spot, Green Spot, Yellow Spot and Red Spot, respectively indicating the 7, 10, 12 and 15 years of the celebrated expression within the Spot range.

Matured for a minimum of nine years, the expression builds on the foundation of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks

The colour gold symbolises quality, prestige, specialness and celebration and so the Mitchells chose this colour to signify their enduring relationship with whiskey bonding over seven generations and 135 years. This special release commemorates the past and nods to the future of whiskey innovation by embodying the unmistakable qualities of single pot still Irish whiskey.

Matured for a minimum of nine years, the expression builds on the foundation of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, typical of the Spot whiskey style, and is married together with a unique proportion of hand selected Bordeaux wine casks and port pipes. The inclusion of port casks – sourced from Irish Distillers’ long-established partners in Portugal’s Douro Valley– is a first for a modern iteration of Spot whiskey.

Working in collaboration with the Mitchells, the team at Midleton Distillery was inspired by archive documents dating back to the late 1800s showing significant quantities of port casks imported into Ireland which, once emptied, would have been used to mature whiskey. The combination of the four different cask types imparts exceptional flavours of vibrant fruits enhanced by delicate oak tannins and wood spices, with the port wine-driven cask inclusion adding an additional layer of complexity and character, alongside a taste of history.

Available from Tuesday 14th June at the RRP of €120!

It has been a privilege and a joy to work with the renowned Mitchell family as they took us on a journey through the rich history of their business, handed down through seven generations.

Gold Spot truly is a liquid time capsule with the wine-driven casks treading a beautiful balance of tradition and innovation and marking their 135-year history of whiskey bonding in Ireland.
We cherish these opportunities to collaborate with the Mitchell family and look forward to welcoming even more whiskey fans to taste a piece of whiskey history within the Spot family.
– Katherine Condon: Distiller at Irish Distillers

As the oldest family run wine and spirits merchants in Ireland, we’re delighted to continue the legacy of the Spot family, and our family’s historic role in Dublin’s whiskey bonding era.

It has been fascinating to once again collaborate with Katherine Condon and the talented team at Midleton to celebrate the colourful story of our family business, utilising casks that would have been originally introduced to Irish whiskey in the late 1800s. We’re excited to see what the future holds for this wonderful family of whiskeys.
– Jonathan Mitchell: Managing Director at Mitchell & Son

Unveiled at Whiskey Live Dublin, the non-chill filtered release is bottled at 51.4% ABV or 102.8 Proof – a reference to historical methods of measuring alcohol content as noted in the Mitchell’s archive. The whiskey will be available online from www.spotwhiskey.com from 12pm Irish Time and at Whiskey Live Dublin on the 10th of June and from Mitchell & Son stores and all established retailers from Tuesday, 14th of June at the RRP of €120. It will be available to buy in Ireland, France, the UK and Global Travel Retail, and the USA from mid-July.

Dalmore Whisky Introduces New 21 Year Old To Its Principal Collection!

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The Dalmore 21 Year Old 2022 Edition Highland Single Malt!

The Dalmore Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky has introduced a new 21 Year Old, set to become the pinnacle of The Dalmore Principal Collection!

This elegant expression showcases the care taken to nurture The Dalmore Single Malt Whisky across 21 years of whisky making artistry. This new annual release is strictly limited to 8,000 bottles and available to purchase and enjoy in select locations worldwide.
The Dalmore 21 is a celebration – 21 years in the making. It captures the essence of the carefully composed spirit produced by The Dalmore’s symphony of stills, with a character developed over 21 years. The Dalmore’s whisky artistry team takes exceptional care to balance the influence of the rare casks and ensure that the character of The Dalmore 21 Years Old shines through.

A toast to the refinement that comes with age, The Dalmore 21 Year Old is a celebration of exceptional character and showcases the potential that emerges at this milestone, evolving to create a true masterpiece worth commemorating.

The Dalmore distillery produces a spirit renowned for depth and finesse, perfectly suited to maturation in carefully curated casks. This new expression rests for an initial period in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels. The whisky is then matured in specially selected rare casks sourced from esteemed sherry makers Gonzalez Byass, of Jerez. These casks were previously used within the unique solera system to produce the distinguished 30 Year Old Matusalem oloroso sherry.

The Dalmore 21 Year Old composition features a refined house style of bitter chocolate, Seville blood orange and subtle spice. The Dalmore whisky artistry team has sought to create harmony in this expression, balancing the characteristics of Columbian coffee on the nose, sweet liquorice on the palette and peaches on the finish.

Only after 21 years can a whisky of this quality and depth emerge, creating a delectably distinguished Single Malt.

The Dalmore 21 Year Old is a result of patience and craftsmanship which we’re tremendously proud to celebrate. We created this spirit for those looking for the finest of whiskies, whilst also creating an opportunity for those embarking on their whisky journey to try something truly inspirational and remarkable from The Dalmore.
– Gregg Glass: Master Whisky Maker

The Dalmore Principal Collection is an exceptional collection of eight Single Malt Whiskies, each an expression of The Dalmore’s signature depth and finesse. The Dalmore 21 Years Old will become the pinnacle of the collection that features the iconic The Dalmore King Alexander III and The Dalmore 18 Years Old.

The Dalmore 21 Years Old (bottled to be enjoyed at ABV 43.8%) is available from select retailers worldwide with an RRP of £575.


Tasting notes

Aroma – Generous and full as appealing aromas of dark bitter chocolate, overripe Seville oranges, Colombian coffee and vanilla come into play. A whisper of toffee apple and pecan pie dance in the background with great charm and persistence.

Palate – Explosive, heart-warming as a cascade of alluring flavours roll over the palate; sweet liquorice stick, grippy Black Forest fruits, roasted walnuts and thick marzipan make their presence felt before another level of luxury follows on – succulent peaches in a thick syrup, ginseng, pear tarte tatin and Sanguinello blood oranges.

About The Dalmore

For 180 years The Dalmore has been a masterpiece in the making. A Single Malt Whisky like no other, overseen by an unbroken chain of visionary whisky artistry teams, whose entrepreneurial spirit and restless pursuit of the perfect whisky endures today. Current Master Distiller, Mr. Richard Paterson, celebrates his sixth decade at The Dalmore in 2020. Richard Paterson continues to hand-select rare casks from the world’s finest bodega and wineries in which to mature the carefully composed sprit. This commitment is at the heart of our exceptional whiskies.

When asked what the greatest Dalmore he has ever made is; our Master Distiller, Richard Paterson responded: “We haven’t made it yet.”

The Dalmore Single Malt Whisky is available worldwide in the finest outlets, from Harrods, London, Galleries La Fayette of Paris, Beverly Wilshire of Los Angeles, and Shangri-La, Shanghai. For those that enjoy fine travel, The Dalmore is now available at 40,000 feet with Emirates First Class, and onboard Queen Mary II of Cunard.

Worldwide demand for The Dalmore by consumers and collectors alike has continued to grow. The Dalmore is now the fastest growing single malt whisky worldwide[1] and a Top Three Whisky Investment.

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