Gary — Page 23 — Malthound

Sampling Cotswolds Distillery New ‘Reserve Single Malt Whisky’ – Most Approachable!

November 17, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

The Cotswolds Reserve Single Malt Whisky!

The Cotswolds Distillery is delighted to announce the launch of a new addition to their range of award-winning whiskies – Cotswolds Reserve Single Malt Whisky!

“We think it’s one of the most approachable whiskies we’ve ever produced at the distillery”

Our new single malt whisky expression joins our growing range of English single malt whiskies. We’re excited to launch this smooth and elegant Reserve whisky which has been aged in first-fill ex-Bourbon casks and STR (Shaved, Toasted & Re-charred) ex-red wine casks.

We think it’s one of the most approachable whiskies we’ve ever produced at the distillery.
– Dan Szor: Cotswolds Distillery Founder

Cotswolds Reserve Single Malt Whisky is made from 100% locally grown floor malted barley and is aged in specially selected first-fill ex-Bourbon and STR (Shaved, Toasted & Re-charred) ex-red wine casks at a ratio of 80:20 – 80% Bourbon and 20% STR.

This expression showcases the influence of the the first-fill ex-Bourbon casks which provide classic notes of vanilla, honey, butterscotch and a hint of coconut, resulting in a smooth, elegant and well-balanced dram.

A touch of whisky from the STR (Shaved, Toasted & Re-charred) ex-red wine casks has been blended in to enhance the richness, fruitiness and sweetness of this whisky. Bottled at 50% ABV the whisky is both naturally coloured and non-chill filtered.

£54.95 / ABV: 50%
Available to buy from cotswoldsdistillery.com

Cotswolds Distillery has kindly sent me a sample to try. Thanks cotswoldsdistillery.com (Twitter: @cotswoldistill / Instagram: @cotswoldsdistillery)!

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

Tasting Notes – Cotswolds Distillery Reserve Single Malt Whisky (50%)

Ingredients:

Malt: 100% locally grown, traditionally floor-malted barley from the Cotswolds.

Yeast: Two complementary varieties – Anchor and Fermentis – to ensure good yields and excellent fruity flavours.

Water: Village water supply – filtered, softened and demineralised before use.

Wood: Premium first-fill ex-Bourbon barrels and STR (Shaved, Toasted & Re-charred) American oak ex-red wine casks.

Nose: Crunchy green apple, sweet toffee, creamy vanilla and light floral notes – very inviting!

Palate: Very fruity with floral flavours – particularly rose – and sweet vanilla toffee.

Finish: Spicy and woody with lovely chocolate and shades of blackcurrant licorice.

Overall: A tasty, easy going, light whisky that is great to drink at anytime. I love the higher ABV – it always allows you to appreciate the flavours of the whisky in greater detail – and if it’s a tad strong for your liking – you can always add a little water!

Dan Szor, Cotswolds Distillery Founder said: “We think it’s one of the most approachable whiskies we’ve ever produced at the distillery.” – I think he’s right!

Cotswolds Distillery Products are also available to buy from these Merchants:-

Many thanks to cotswoldsdistillery.com (Twitter: @cotswoldistill / Instagram: @cotswoldsdistillery) for sending me the sample!

The Cotswolds Distillery

Located in Stourton, Shipston-on-Stour, the Cotswolds Distillery has become a premier Cotswolds attraction, offering tours and tastings. The distillery and stores in Broadway and Bourton-on-the-Water receive nearly 100,0000 visitors a year.

Cotswolds Signature Single Malt Whisky was launched in October 2017. It has won Gold at the World Whiskies Awards 2019 and was given two stars (one of one two whiskies to do so) in the 2019 Great Taste Awards. The distillery’s first cask strength whisky release, Founder’s Choice Single Malt Whisky, was awarded the title of Best English Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards 2019. In the Spring of 2021, it also won Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and won a Master Title at the Drinks Business & Spirits Business Spring Blind Tasting.

Cotswolds Signature Single Malt Whisky has expanded its UK distribution and is available in Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose stores across the UK. It was the first English whisky to be nationally listed by all three multiple grocers.

The Cotswolds Distillery also produces Cotswolds Dry Gin, which was named Best London Dry at the World Gin Awards and received the Top Gold Outstanding Award in the International Wine and Spirits Competition.

The Glasgow Distillery Launches 3 Distillery Exclusive Limited Edition Single Malts!

November 16, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

Three new limited edition releases!

The Glasgow Distillery Co. has today revealed three new limited edition releases of its Glasgow 1770 Single Malt Scotch Whisky!

The new releases consist of three different whisky styles finished in three different cask types which have been sourced from three different countries. These are an Unpeated Ruby Port Cask Finish; a Triple Distilled Tokaji Cask Finish and a Peated Sauternes Cask Finish.

‘Tokaji Cask Finish’ has an outturn of just 380 bottles

Each limited edition release is individually numbered and available on the Glasgow Distillery website from 10am on Thursday 18th of November.

The ‘Ruby Port Cask Finish’ has an outturn of 467 bottles at 56.2% ABV, ‘Tokaji Cask Finish’ has an outturn of 380 bottles at 53% ABV, and ‘Sauternes Cask Finish’ has an outturn of 486 bottles at 53.7% ABV.

Each bottle comes with in-depth detail of the whisky within to showcase the true journey of the spirit from the malt variety used to the distillation style, original cask filling, type of finishing cask used and final bottling date.

Non-chill filtered and natural in colour, as is the standard for all Glasgow 1770 Single Malt Scotch Whiskies, these three limited edition releases are a true representation of The Glasgow Distillery’s innovative and experimental approach to whisky making.

Something that sets us apart from most other distilleries is that we make three very distinct styles of single malt whisky at The Glasgow Distillery. Unpeated, peated and triple distilled spirit is a key feature of our annual production calendar and is characterised within our Glasgow 1770 Signature Range.

With these three limited edition releases, we’re showcasing the incredible flexibility and versatility of our single malt by combining the different spirit styles with a range of interesting casks that we have been experimenting with at the distillery over the past couple of years.

I’m really proud to be able to offer these three releases as an insight into what we get to see every day working at the distillery – innovation, experimentation and above all a commitment to quality. I hope everyone who makes a purchase chooses to open and enjoy these really interesting expressions.
– Liam Hughes: CEO and Co-founder

Available on the distillery’s website from 10am on Thursday 18th of November!

We’re excited to offer our customers a glimpse ‘behind-the-curtain’ and into the experimentations and cask-finishing trials we have been running recently. We have a really passionate and well-informed core customer base and I’m intrigued to see their reaction to these new expressions.

The ‘Ruby Port Cask Finish’ balances our sweet and fruity unpeated spirit with lovely notes of strawberries and cream, complete with a sweet spicy finish of pink peppercorns, all gained from the fresh Ruby Port Cask.

The Triple Distilled ‘Tokaji Cask Finish’ uses this wonderfully decadent Hungarian dessert wine cask to impart sweet and honeyed notes combined with hints of toffee apples, poached pears and apricot preserve to the already vibrant and smooth triple distilled spirit.

The ‘Sauternes Cask Finish’ perfectly rounds off our peated whisky in this fantastic French dessert wine cask to give great complexity and notes of sweet and smoky BBQ sauce, toffee and salted caramel with a deep earthy finish. Definitely one for any peat-heads.
– Mike Hayward: Co-founder, and Director of Distillery & Brands

Glasgow 1770 Limited Edition: ‘Ruby Port Cask Finish’, ‘Tokaji Cask Finish’ and ‘Sauternes Cask Finish’ will be available directly and exclusively from The Glasgow Distillery website at 10am on the 18th of November 2021. Each release is restricted to two bottles per person.

Glasgow Distillery products are available to buy from these Merchants:-

Master of Malt
The Whisky Shop

About The Glasgow Distillery:

The Glasgow Distillery Company was established in 2012 by Liam Hughes, Mike Hayward and Ian McDougall.
Together, they opened Glasgow’s first independent single malt whisky distillery since 1902, with the unwavering mission to bring single malt distilling back to the city and encourage people to ‘Drink Better’
The Glasgow Distillery started to produce gin in 2014 and laid down their first cask of whisky in 2015.
The company produces an award-winning portfolio of brands which each tell a story rooted in Glasgow’s heritage, including:
Glasgow 1770 Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Launched in 2018, the distillery launched its first batch of single malt Scotch whisky with Release No. 1 selling out within days via an online ballot. The Original has subsequently been followed by the release of a Peated expression in 2019 and a Triple Distilled expression in May 2020, with all three expressions collectively forming the Glasgow 1770 ‘Signature Range’.
Makar Gin, which boasts an impressive 60 international awards since launch in 2015, including World’s Best Flavoured Gin for their Makar Cherry expression.
Banditti Club Spiced Rum, which launched in March 2019.
G52 Botanical Vodka, which consists of G52 Fresh Citrus and G52 Rich Coffee, which launched in February 2020.
Malt Riot Blended Malt Scotch Whisky launched in June 2020. Malt Riot is a blend of single malt scotch whiskies from across Scotland with distillery’s Glasgow 1770 Single Malt Scotch Whisky at its heart.
The Glasgow Distillery Company were crowned ‘Scottish Whisky Distillery of the Year’ at the 2020 Scottish Whisky Awards and are finalists for the same award in 2021.
The Glasgow Distillery launched its first distillery exclusive release in April of this year: ‘The Coopers’ Cask’ of which there were only 403 bottles available. This release sold out within 20 minutes online.

Irish Distillers Plays Host To The Three Drinkers’ At The Home Of Irish Whiskeys!

November 15, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

The Three Drinkers’ – Helena, Aidy & Beth Action

The Three Drinkers’ award-winning TV series returns to screens next year as Irish Distillers plays host to presenters Aidy Smith, Helena Nicklin and third drinker guest, Beth Brickenden in Midleton, the home of some of the world’s more renowned Irish whiskeys.

‘The Three Drinkers in Ireland’ will air globally on Amazon Prime from February 2022. Throughout the series drinks journalists and broadcasters Smith and Nicklin, the famous pair behind The Three Drinkers, will be joined by a diverse roster of guest stars who become ‘the third drinker’ as they explore the very best of Irish gastro-tourism.

The episode will air globally on Amazon Prime from February 2022

The road-trip travelogue will see The Three Drinkers travel the length of Ireland, from Sligo to Cork, while scoping out famous landmarks, breath-taking scenery, characterful locals and the must-visit food and drink destinations from distilleries to country pubs.

The Three Drinkers’ Irish adventure culminates in an exploration of the rich history of Irish whiskey, with a trip to Midleton Distillery (episode 3). During the episode Nicklin visits Old Midleton Distillery – built in 1825 and now home to the Jameson Distillery visitor experience – to interview fifth generation Master Cooper Ger Buckley about Irish Distillers’ rich heritage.

Just a stone’s throw across the site Distiller Katherine Condon walks Smith and Brickenden through New Midleton Distillery where Ireland’s most loved whiskeys, including Jameson, Redbreast, Midleton Very Rare, Powers and the Spot Range, have been produced since 1975. The episode explores the innovative styles and maturation methods Irish Distillers have developed in recent years, most famously in their on-site innovation hub, home to the METHOD AND MADNESS brand, as they continue to lead the global Irish whiskey renaissance.

Working alongside The Three Drinkers to bring this project to life has been a wonderful experience. Irish Distillers has a long and diverse history intrinsically linked to Ireland and its people and it’s been a joy to rediscover some of those stories as we’ve filmed.

We look forward to sharing our story with viewers across the globe.
– Katherine Condon: Distiller

Finally at Tourin House, home of the Jameson sisters, Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman and Kristin Jameson relay the story and significance of the historic 1966 meeting which brought Jameson, Powers and Cork Distillers together to begin a new exciting chapter in annals of Irish whiskey.

Midleton Distillery 2021

Away from whiskey the series also explores a variety of Irish drinks brands from cider to poitin, delving into the unique stories and people which bring each of them to life. The Three Drinkers in Ireland aims to bring viewers a 360° taste of Ireland.

We’ve loved bringing everything together for this new series from the food and drink to the people, places, culture and tourism of the whole of the island of Ireland. We’ve been blown away by the sheer quality of Irish produce too – it really is world class.

Ireland is also the perfect country to visit as the world opens up again, thanks to its wide-open spaces and easy accessibility, plus it’s a great location for lovers of fantastic food and drink to boot.
– Helena Nicklin: Presenter

This will be the second Three Drinkers TV series for Smith and Nicklin who also produce the popular ‘Bring a Bottle’ podcast, run the drink, travel and lifestyle-focused online magazine thethreedrinkers.com and have a growing social media/influencer presence.

Their first Three Drinkers series, ‘The Three Drinkers do Scotch Whisky’, aired on Amazon Prime in 2019 and is still streaming in over 170 countries (in 39 languages) as well as being broadcast in China and on various airlines including British Airways and Lufthansa.

Still Time! Watch The Video To Celebrate ‘Robin Redbreast Day’ & Raise Money For The Common Bird!

November 15, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

Robin Redbreast & Chris O’Dowd!

Redbreast Irish Whiskey has launched ‘Robin Redbreast Day’ a global date in the calendar year designed to raise awareness of the brand’s mission to help keep the common birds common. To kick off its first year, Redbreast has teamed up with the renowned Irish actor and Redbreast fan, Chris O’Dowd, to create a humourous video that will help raise funds to support the brand’s charity partner, BirdLife International!

Redbreast Irish Whiskey is inviting everyone to get involved in its global initiative by simply watching the 60 second clip on social media. For every view the video receives, 25 cents will be donated to BirdLife International to help continue its commitment of keeping the robin and other common birds safe for future generations.

Redbreast Irish Whiskey will also be releasing its limited edition 12-year-old bottle which features an intricately-designed copper casing that transforms into a bird feeder!

Set in a beautiful cocktail bar, the spot sees the actor and the brand’s iconic mascot, #RobinRedbreast, discussing Chris’ fear of heights as he contemplates living his life as a common bird. Robin Redbreast quickly gets things back on track to announce why the pair have come together to raise awareness of BirdLife International, revealing just how simple it is to get involved.

I am really excited to be supporting Robin Redbreast Day. Common birds all over the world are facing serious issues that we need to come together and solve, so I’m encouraging everyone to watch and share the video across social media to get as many eyes on it as possible.

BirdLife International does amazing work supporting common birds, so the more donations we’re able to raise the better!
– Chris O’Dowd

Entering the second year of its ‘keeping common birds common’ initiative, Redbreast continues to support the conservation and welfare of birds and their habitats across the globe and is proud to be extending its partnership with BirdLife International for another year. Robin Redbreast Day will take place every year on the second Friday of November – the month that sees robins start to prepare for winter – encouraging whiskey-lovers to annually raise a glass to their feathered friends.

We are thrilled to be partnering with BirdLife International for another year. We hope that Robin Redbreast Day becomes an annual occasion across the world for people to come together to support the common birds. We wanted to create an easy, accessible way for people to participate and raise funds – and what’s more fun than sharing and watching a video with friends.

We think Chris O’Dowd’s Irish humour and creativity is the perfect fit to help us spread the message – and we hope Redbreast fans enjoy it as much as we do!
– Brendan Buckley: Global Marketing Director at Irish Distillers

Following on from last year’s success, Redbreast Irish Whiskey will also be releasing its limited edition 12-year-old bottle which features an intricately-designed copper casing that transforms into a bird feeder. The limited edition bottle will be made available across nine markets including the UK, Ireland and the US, as well as through Global Travel Retail.

With so many birds around the globe threatened, the launch of Robin Redbreast Day couldn’t have come at a better time. We hope the day spreads awareness of the simple, yet important, things we must all do to help protect birds and their habitats whilst also raising vital funds.

We’re pleased to have Chris O’Dowd on board to help us spread the word and we are also very excited to see the return of the bird feeder, which created a huge buzz last year! Feeding birds is a contribution everyone can make to their survival.
– Patricia Zurita: CEO, BirdLife International

Redbreast Irish Whiskey is on a mission to raise up to €100,000 through its Robin Redbreast Day initiatives for its global partner, BirdLife International. Up to €70,000 will be raised through the sales of the limited edition bird feeder bottle and up to €30,000 will be raised from the video content views across social media.

Jameson Launches Limited Edition 21 Year Old Whiskey!

November 10, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

Limited edition Jameson 21 Years is set to join the family!
Photo: Eoin Holland – www.eoinholland.com

Jameson is signing off 2021 in style with the introduction of an exceptional limited-edition release to the world’s favourite Irish whiskey range. 2,301 bottles of Jameson 21 Years will be available for whiskey fans to purchase via an online ballot to mark the end of the year!

Taking its place at the head of the family, Jameson 21 Years is a blend of rare single pot still and single grain Irish whiskeys that were initially matured in a range of ex-bourbon and oloroso sherry seasoned casks at the Midleton Distillery for 18 years. Following on from that initial period of maturation, these whiskeys were then blended and re-casked into freshly emptied ex-bourbon barrels for an additional three years.

The incredibly rare Jameson 21 Years will be exclusively available to consumers through two separate online ballots!
Photo: Eoin Holland – www.eoinholland.com

After a long and complex maturation journey, these casks were then finally married with additional pot still whiskeys that had fully matured for over 21 years in first fill oloroso sherry seasoned wine casks. The final inclusion of these sherry casks add balance to the American oak contribution of toffee and dairy fudge, by delivering a heightened dried fruit intensity and extra layer of pot still spices.

Bottled at cask strength 57.2% ABV, the result is a spicy and full-bodied whiskey with a rich sherry contribution that brings dried fruit notes and character to the fore, whilst retaining a clear reference to Jameson’s unmistakably smooth DNA.

Following an outstanding awards season for the Jameson family, including Jameson 18 Years Bow Street being awarded a Platinum Medal at the 2021 Beverage Tasting Institute, it seemed fitting that we should further mark this success with the launch of an extra special release.

This delicious whiskey embodies the craft and creativity for which Jameson has always been renowned. With such a limited quantity available, we have decided to release the expression via an online ballot which is the fairest way to offer fans of Jameson the chance to get their hands on a bottle of this extra special expression.
– Kevin O’Gorman: Jameson Master Distiller

The incredibly rare Jameson 21 Years will be exclusively available to consumers through two separate online ballots at an RRP of €310

The first ballot will open to members of Barrel Club Midleton Distillery at 2pm Irish Saving Time (IST) on Wednesday 10th November and the second ballot will open to all other whiskey fans at 2pm (IST) on Thursday 11th of November. Applicants will have until 6pm (IST) on Wednesday 17th November to enter the ballot, with shipping to successful whiskey fans taking place from late November.

For your chance to purchase this showstopping bottle of Jameson 21 Years and to enter the ballot, head to this URL to sign up now!

Terms and conditions

Tasting notes by Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman:

Nose: Rich in wood spices with sweet notes of toffee and dairy fudge, while the dried fruits add extra layers of flavour with hints of dates and fig, all wonderfully in balance with the intensity of the pot still spices and floral grain notes.

Taste: Robust and complex with cinnamon and nutmeg spice to the fore accompanied by the oak’s soft tannins and silky nature of the pot still spirit. Dark berry fruits work in tandem with sweet vanilla and chocolate creating a medley of flavours intertwined with a sherry nuttiness and gentle touches of leather.

Finish: Lingering finish with the fruits slowly fading into the background, leaving the oak and spices have the final say.

Small Batch Spirits Brand J.G. Thomson Launches With Award-Winning First Collection!

November 9, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

JG Thomson & Co launch new collection of award-winning small batch spirits from the Artisanal Spirits Company

A first and already award-winning collection of small batch spirits with simple ingredients and complex flavours is today being launched by jgthomson.com, a new brand from Edinburgh.

Hailing from Scotland’s capital, J.G. Thomson & Co’s first collection of small batch spirits includes a bold Jamaican rum, a citrus dry gin, three blended malt Scotch whiskies featuring Sweet, Smoky and Rich expressions, and two exceptional limited edition aged whiskies – one a 23 year-old blended malt, the other a 1972 blended grain.

All of J.G. Thomson & Co’s spirits are crafted creatively in small batches

Several of J.G. Thomson & Co’s first collection of small batch spirits have already won industry awards, including a prized Masters medal for Batch 1 of its rich 23-year-old blended malt Scotch whisky, Golds for the first batches of its three blended malts and its gin at the Spirits Business Luxury Masters 2021.

All of J.G. Thomson & Co’s spirits are crafted creatively in small batches, meaning that the individual taste characteristics of each spirit will evolve with every new batch – providing adventurous drinkers with a new taste experience to discover every time a new batch is released.

J.G. Thomson & Co takes its name from an 18th-century wine and spirits merchant once based in Leith in the 1700s, a time when trade ships were bringing new and exciting goods into Edinburgh. At the time, the savvy Thomson family became renowned for selecting some of these new spirits being brought in and introducing them to their discerning customers in Edinburgh, and to the wider world.

J.G. Thomson & Co is being launched by The Artisanal Spirits Company, which owns the Scotch Malt Whisky Society and is building a portfolio of premium brands and curating collections of craft spirits.

Driven by a dedication to creating small batch spirits with simple ingredients and complex flavours, the J.G. Thomson & Co brand offers a core range of three small batch blended malt whiskies, featuring Sweet, Smoky and Rich expressions.

With a focus on combining characterful spirit with high-quality casks, the blending team at J.G. Thomson & Co works closely with selected partner cooperages to either procure specific casks, or to create their own customised casks, toasted and charred to defined standards.

In addition to its core range, J.G. Thomson & Co is launching with the first two batches in a series of limited edition whiskies; a rich, complex 23-year-old blended malt Scotch whisky made of 100% Speyside malts; and a sweet 1972 blended grain Scotch whisky bringing notes of honey, wax and ginger on the nose.

On top of its whisky portfolio, J.G. Thomson & Co is releasing the first batch of its bold Jamaican rum which is 100% pot-stilled, and its first batch of citrus dry gin, which boasts aromas of orange, juniper and coriander on the nose.

All of J.G. Thomson & Co’s small batch spirits are available to order from jgthomson.com as well as a range of leading whisky shops, bars and restaurants.

Just like the Thomsons did in the 1700s, we’re constantly on the hunt for new spirits, flavours and tastes to explore from around the world, whether that’s handpicking whisky in Scotland or rum in Jamaica. By focusing on creating small batches and limited editions, we want to explore different tastes and take full advantage of the opportunity to experiment, innovate, marry, blend, discover and learn.

We believe there is a growing appetite for exceptional spirits among adventurous drinkers who are looking to taste something new and extraordinary. All our spirits are made using traditional methods such as small batch distillation, non-chill filtering and natural colour to focus entirely on taste and take people on a journey of discovery.
– Emily Coyle: J.G. Thomson & Co.

J.G. Thomson & Co

JG Thomson & Co is a new, adventurous blender, creating small batch blended malt whiskies, blended grain whiskies, rum and gin. Inspired by its namesake, which was originally a wine and spirits merchant in Leith in the 1700s, JG Thomson & Co showcases exceptional quality blended malt whisky and spirits that are a little out of the ordinary, appealing to drinkers keen to continue their journey in bold taste.

The Artisanal Spirits Company

The Artisanal Spirits Company plc is the owner of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, the leading curator and provider of premium single cask Scotch malt whisky for sale primarily online to a discerning global membership. In June 2021, the company floated on the stock market with a valuation of £78 million.

The Whisky Exchange Releases It’s Fine Christmas Malt For 2021!

November 8, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

A Fine Christmas Malt For 2021!

RAISE A TOAST TO CHRISTMAS WITH A FINE CHRISTMAS MALT!

This Christmas Malt brings festive cheer,
as we reach a merry time of year.
Soft and fruity, with smoke and spice,
all the things which make Christmas nice.
Now we have this Fine Christmas Malt,
good company and a glass or two,
it’s time to stand and raise a toast:
Here’s from us to all of you.

The release of a special festive whisky is by now a firm tradition at The Whisky Exchange and this year’s release, A Fine Christmas Malt 2021, provides a very splendid liquid with which to toast the Christmas season!

A delicious 16-year-old Highland malt that will take you on a rollercoaster of festive flavours!

A whisky that cannot be found anywhere else, this delicious 16-year-old Highland malt will take you on a rollercoaster of festive flavours, from fruit cake notes to Christmas-stocking apples and oranges, sweet and savoury biscuits, and hint of chocolate orange.

A whisky to inspire us to feel the spirit of Christmas this year – enjoy while unwrapping your presents, or share it as a gift with your favourite whisky lover.

Christmas Malt 2021 is available to buy via thewhiskyexchange.com. RRP £79.95. Engraving options are now available for an additional £10!

Engraving options are now available for an additional £10!

TASTING NOTES

By Billy Abbott, Ambassador at The Whisky Exchange

Nose: Barbecued apples, and a touch of lemon, orange and pineapple jelly to start. Smoky chocolate notes develop, with orange citrus, damp oak, singed raisins, and dark and spicy fruit cake building. Candied cherries and mince pies hide at the back with dark-chocolate-covered orange segments.

Palate: Chocolate biscuits, orange oil, sweet apple and soft wood smoke lead. Hazelnut-studded chocolate notes roll through the middle joined by a touch of forest floor, oat cakes and toasted rye bread. Brown sugar, baking spices, oatmeal-and-raisin cookies and fruit cake follow.

Finish: Soft charcoal notes linger as candied apple, chocolate biscuits and cinnamon spice slowly fade.

Comment: A softly smoky rollercoaster through festive flavours, from the more traditional fruit cake and pudding notes to Christmas-stocking apples and oranges, sweet and savoury.

Preorder The New Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old Cask Strength From Edencroft’s Website Now!

November 5, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old Cask Strength whisky!

On Thursday, November 18th Bunnahabhain are releasing a limited-edition cask strength whisky inspired by visitor tastings in the distillery’s iconic Warehouse 9!

It is now available to preorder on Edencroft’s website priced at £75.00 per bottle!

Bottled at 55.1% ABV – compared to the 46.3% of the core 12-Year-Old single malt

Matured on the remote, north-eastern coastline of Islay, and produced using pure spring water from the Margadale River, the 12-Year-Old Cask Strength is an undiluted celebration of the distillery’s hugely popular Bunnahabhain 12-Year-Old expression.

For years, visitors making the pilgrimage to Bunnahabhain have been enjoying drams straight from the cask in the famous, Warehouse 9, so now fans from all over the world will be able to recreate this privilege at home.

When people embark on a journey to Islay and try our whiskies straight from the cask, it creates so much joy. But we understand that not everyone is able to make the trip. With this limited edition 12-Year-Old Cask Strength, we can give people around the world the chance to experience it themselves.

Not all whiskies work at cask strength and many whiskies don’t stand up to full maturation in sherry casks. Bottling our 12 Year Old at cask strength intensifies the core characteristics of spice, cracked black pepper, cinnamon but not at the expense of our spirit’s character. In fact, it enhances it. The mouthfeel and texture of the whisky increase and it shows off the balance of the spirit and the wood but in a more concentrated form.

This really represents Bunnahabhain in a bottle.
– Brendan McCarron: Bunnahabhain’s Master Distiller

The 2021 edition is bottled at 55.1% ABV – compared to the 46.3% of the core 12-Year-Old single malt – the Bunnahabhain 12-Year-Old Cask Strength will be available in nine international markets and can be enjoyed neat or with a few drops of water to encourage more floral scents, followed by caramel and vanilla on the palate.

Preorder NOW on Edencroft’s website!

Tasting Notes

COLOUR: Deep russet gold

NOSE: Dark berries, citrus and toasted oak which gradually transitions to sweet vanilla and a hint of cinnamon spice.

PALATE: Creamy chocolate, sherry-soaked fruit and a balanced nuttiness give way to cloves, nutmeg and a subtle sea salt spray.

FINISH: A lingering sweet finish with cherries and a touch of wood spice.

Bunnahabhain, pronounced Bunn-na-ha-venn, meaning mouth of the river in Scots Gaelic, is the most remote distillery on Islay, nestled in Bunnahabhain Bay on the shores of the Sound of Islay. It is world-famous for its unpeated malts, going against the grain of the whisky which the island is usually recognised for, as well as its sherried single malts.

The Whisky Exchange ‘Golden Bottle Giveaway’ Is Back! Does Your Online Order Contain Something Special?!

November 5, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

The Golden Bottle Giveaway Is Back!

Golden Bottle Giveaway
Twelve bottles are waiting to be discovered in orders placed between now and Christmas Eve!

The twelve bottles include some of our best Scottish single malts and Irish pot still whiskey as well as Champagne and are worth up to £3,100!

Golden Bottle Giveaway
GLENFARCLAS
30 YEAR OLD
WORTH £500

Golden Bottle Giveaway
FETTERCAIRN
40 YEAR OLD
WORTH £3,100

Golden Bottle Giveaway
PERRIER-JOUET 2007
BELLE EPOQUE ROSÉ
WORTH £1,550

“Once, twice, three times deceptive” – The Latest Stock From The SMWS!

November 4, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

“Once, twice, three times deceptive”
Cask No: 5.85

New Arrivals From The Scotch Malt Whisky Society!

“Once, twice, three times deceptive”
Cask No: 5.85
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Auchentoshan
Origin: Scotland
£90.00

Qty left: 75

“Deep armchair satisfaction”
Cask No: 46.118
Cask Type: 1st fill shaved, toasted and recharred ex-oloroso barrique
Distillery: Glenlossie
Origin: Scotland
£205.92

Qty left: 67

“Desert island dram”
Cask No: 53.385
Cask Type: Refill ex-bourbon hogshead
Distillery: Caol Ila
Origin: Scotland
£65.00

Qty left: 68

“Faldari Faldara”
Cask No: 58.46
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Strathisla
Origin: Scotland
£52.00

Qty left: 68

“Dates and staves”
Cask No: 19.59
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Glen Garioch
Origin: Scotland
£90.00

Qty left: 70

“Herbstliches Picknick mit Zitronenkuchen Autumn picnic with lemon cake”
Cask No: 9.212
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Glen Grant
Origin: Scotland
£84.20

Qty left: 73

“Blooming marvellous”
Cask No: 80.25
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon hogshead
Distillery: Glen Spey
Origin: Scotland
£48.40

Qty left: 75

“A tweedclad mango”
Cask No: 19.62
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Glen Garioch
Origin: Scotland
£90.00

Qty left: 79

“A sweet treat for the senses”
Cask No: 28.70
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Tullibardine
Origin: Scotland
£54.80

Qty left: 79

“A sprig of mint”
Cask No: 5.88
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Auchentoshan
Origin: Scotland
£90.00

Qty left: 82

“A lovely bunch of coconuts”
Cask No: 9.221
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Glen Grant
Origin: Scotland
£65.00

Qty left: 83

“Swizzled or stirred”
Cask No: 80.24
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon hogshead
Distillery: Glen Spey
Origin: Scotland
£48.40

Qty left: 86

“A punch and a pout, honey and heft”
Cask No: 4.277
Cask Type: Refill ex-bourbon hogshead
Distillery: Highland Park
Origin: Scotland
£150.00

Qty left: 87

“Grist salsa avec flowers”
Cask No: 94.17
Cask Type: 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Fettercairn
Origin: Scotland
£62.00

Qty left: 89

“Comfort and contentment”
Cask No: 26.188
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Clynelish
Origin: Scotland
£65.00

Qty left: 90

“Soothing, serene, sensational!”
Cask No: 9.226
Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Glen Grant
Origin: Scotland
£65.00

Qty left: 93

“Dangerously deceptive”
Cask No: 113.52
Cask Type: Refill ex-bourbon hogshead
Distillery: Braes of Glenlivet (Braeval Distillery)
Origin: Scotland
£57.10

Qty left: 99