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Introducing The Whiskymaker’s Editions – Bal Masque!

September 7, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

The Whiskymaker’s Editions – Bal Masque!

The Lakes Distillery has launched a new limited-edition single malt whisky, The Whiskymaker’s Editions – Bal Masque!

Complex and aromatic, Bal Masque bears the mystery and seduction of a masquerade ball

The fourth release in The Whiskymaker’s Editions series, Bal Masque is a showcase of The Lakes Distillery’s sense of adventure.

Each one-off Edition is an expression of creative freedom, with an intrinsic objective to create outstanding flavours.

Complex and aromatic, Bal Masque bears the mystery and seduction of a masquerade ball. Flavours and aromas mingle like masked revellers with featherlight touches.

Paying homage to its risqué nature, this is not about playing safe and in transporting us to unchartered territories, the whiskymaker has masterfully conducted enigmatic French oak casks.

Working with French oak for primary maturation can be tricky in comparison to using American and Spanish oak, but the results can be quite fascinating. When used exclusively, the abundance of tannins and wood extractives can create a beautifully seductive and mysterious character.

With Bal Masque, forbidden orchard fruits entwine with sweet sensory spices, raisins, vanilla and nutmeg, and subtle background notes of toasted almonds and incense.

54% ABV, Non-chill filtered, bottled at the natural colour.
Available now from LakesDistillery.com – the RRP is £70

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

  • The Whisky Exchange
  • Master of Malt

About Lakes Distillery

On the shore of Bassenthwaite Lake, near Keswick, in The English Lake District, The Lakes Distillery creates an exceptional collection of whiskies, gins and vodkas and attracts over 100,000 visitors each year.

Twice named ‘one of eight distilleries to visit before you die’ by the World Whisky Day campaign, the visitor centre, bistro and tour has held Visit England’s Gold accolade for the last three years and was voted the Icons of Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year 2019 by Whisky magazine.

On 7 September 2019, The Lakes Distillery unveiled the first in a series of widely available single malt whisky releases that will showcase their house style, defined by whiskymaker Dhavall Gandhi.

The Lakes’ Story

The Lake District has long been a crucible for creativity, a place in which the imagination can flourish, and it’s no different for The Lakes Distillery. Taking inspiration from the UNESCO World Heritage Site where our state-of-the-art distillery has been built meticulously within a 160-year-old farmstead on the banks of the River Derwent, the idea of distilling being distinct individual elements is not how we look at the art. Rather it is part of a continuum, a net of possibilities where everything is interlinked. Change one element and the effect will change everything else.

Only by understanding how flavours are created throughout the spirit’s journey through the distillery can our whiskymaker fully comprehend the possibilities. That is why, unusually, Dhavall Gandhi is actively involved at every stage. It is holistic whisky-making, to ensure every flavour possibility is achieved.

Find out more about our whisky story at www.LakesDistillery.com

Recent Awards

Named by The London Stock Exchange Group as one of the ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain 2020’ and 19th fastest growing brand in Alantra’s 2019 Food and Beverage Fast 50, The Lakes’ portfolio of award-winning spirits includes single malt whisky, blended malt whisky, blended whisky, gin and vodka. Recently, they received the following prestigious World Drinks awards:
2020:
World’s Best English Single Malt Whisky, No Age Statement (Gold Award) – The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.2
International Spirit’s Challenge (ISC), World Single Malt Whisky (Gold Award) – The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.2
International Wine And Spirit Competition (IWSC), Spirit Gold Award – The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.1
2019:
World’s Best Blended Malt Whisky, No Age Statement (Best in English Category) – Steel Bonnets
World’s Best Blended Limited Release Whisky, No Age Statement (Best in English Category) – The ONE Sherry Expression
World’s Best Gin (Gold Award) – The Lakes Gin
World’s Best Gin Liqueur (Gold Award) – The Lakes Rhubarb & Rosehip Gin Liqueur
World’s Best Vodka (World’s Best) – The Lakes Vodka
World’s Best Chocolate Liqueur (World’s Best) – The Lakes Salted Caramel Vodka Liqueur

Filed Under: English, Lakes Distillery, New Arrivals, News, Whisky, Whiskymaker’s Reserve, Whiskymakers Reserve

It’s September! Celebrate With The Latest Stock From The SMWS!

September 3, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

“Orcadian nights”
Cask No: 4.284

New Arrivals From The Scotch Malt Whisky Society!



“Comfy and cosy”
Cask No: 19.51

Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Glen Garioch
Origin: Scotland
£90.00

Qty left: 81



“Having afters under the rafters”
Cask No: 35.300

Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Glen Moray
Origin: Scotland
£49.00

Qty left: 85



“Mediterranean comfort”
Cask No: 6.51

Cask Type: 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Glen Deveron (Macduff Distillery)
Origin: Scotland
£57.10

Qty left: 86



“Echoes”
Cask No: 63.77

Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Glentauchers
Origin: Scotland
£79.20

Qty left: 89



“Cricket in the Caribbean”
Cask No: 66.199

Cask Type: 2nd fill toasted and charred hogshead
Distillery: Ardmore
Origin: Scotland
£127.00

Qty left: 90



“Do try this at home”
Cask No: 10.228

Cask Type: 2nd fill ex-oloroso sherry hogshead
Distillery: Bunnahabhain
Origin: Scotland
£68.20

Qty left: 91



“Jampacked with dark fruits”
Cask No: 41.142

Cask Type: 1st fill Spanish Oak ex-Pedro Ximenes butt
Distillery: Dailuaine
Origin: Scotland
£65.10

Qty left: 92



“Breakfast in the sun”
Cask No: 5.82

Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Auchentoshan
Origin: Scotland
£90.00

Qty left: 99



“Defies belief!”
Cask No: 93.168

Cask Type: Refill ex-bourbon hogshead
Distillery: Glen Scotia
Origin: Scotland
£92.00

Qty left: 100



“Enigmatic and disputatious”
Cask No: 1.247

Cask Type: 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Glenfarclas
Origin: Scotland
£55.00

Qty left: 103



“My first scotch”
Cask No: 2.130

Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Glenlivet
Origin: Scotland
£79.25

Qty left: 107



“Best barbeque dram ever”
Cask No: 3.332

Cask Type: 1st fill toasted and re-charred barrique
Distillery: Bowmore
Origin: Scotland
£124.00

Qty left: 132



“Virtual Tasting Pack August 2021”

£35.00

Qty left: 147



“Orcadian nights”
Cask No: 4.284

Cask Type: Refill ex-bourbon hogshead
Distillery: Highland Park
Origin: Scotland
£150.00

Qty left: 170



“Virtual Tasting Pack September 2021”

£35.00

Qty left: 423

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

New Whiskies At Edencroft For September!

September 1, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

Bunnahabhain / Aonadh.
£120.00

New Arrivals

North British  / 18 Year Old Douglas Laing Old Particular Midnight Series.
North British / 18 Year Old Douglas Laing Old Particular Midnight Series.

£77.50
Country: Scotland
Region: Lowland
Age: 
Strength: 48.4%

Summary: 

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Lowland.

CATEGORY: Single Grain.

DISTILLERY: North British.

BOTTLER: Douglas Laing.

BOTTLING SERIE: Midnight Series.

DISTILLED: 2003

BOTTLED: 2021

AGE: 18 Years Old.

CASK TYPE: Refill Butt.

CASK NUMBERS: DL15145

NUMBER OF BOTTLES: 712

ABV: 48.4%

NOSE: Dark toffee gives way to baking spice, chewed leather and ripe, autumn fruits.

TASTE: Cocoa and mocha alongside a creamy cereal style with juicy plums and grape juice.

FINISH: Spiced, damp oak lingers on with a dark chocolate and Sherry sweetness.

Deanston / 2008 Oloroso Cask Matured.
Deanston / 2008 Oloroso Cask Matured.

£80.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highlands
Age: 
Strength: 57.2%.

Summary: 

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Highlands.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

DISTILLERY: Deanston.

BOTTLER: Distillery Bottling.

AGE: 12 Year Old.

CASK TYPE: Distilled and filled into Oloroso casks on 4th September 2008.

BOTTLES FILLED: 13902 bottles.

ABV: 57.2% Vol.

In a former life, the part of their distillery where this whisky matured had been a weaving shed (and the distillery as a whole had been a mill). So, in their more nostalgic moments, they think of their Oloroso sherry casks as looms of flavour interlacing the characteristics of their former occupant – a dry nutty sherry – with those of the new inhabitant – the soft, single malt, they replete with treacle toffee and fruit, the whisky is a sensual treat. 

They only use high quality ingredients sourced from local farms to craft their unique whisky. Expertly combined, they give Deanston a soft, sweet & honeyed character that truly embodies our industrious spirit.

COLOUR: Auburn.

NOSE: Cherries and chocolate reminiscent of a black forest gateaux, followed by sweet spice, nutmeg and sultanas.

PALATE: Treacle toffee, dark fruits and festive spice with hints of mocha and a touch of pine.

FINISH: Long and warming finish with notes of gingerbread and nutmeg.

Tobermory / 17 Year Old 2004 Oloroso Cask Finish.
Tobermory / 17 Year Old 2004 Oloroso Cask Finish.

£130.00
Country: Scotland
Region: IsleofMull
Age: 
Strength: 55.9%.

Summary: 

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Isle of Mull.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

DISTILLERY: Tobermory.

BOTTLER: Distillery Bottling.

AGE: 17 Year Old.

CASK TYPE: Distilled & filled into Oloroso casks on 8th June 2004.

BOTTLES FILLED: 11124 bottles.

ABV: 55.9% Vol.

Aged for 17 years and limited to 11,124 bottles, the full maturation in Oloroso sherry casks has packed this special Tobermory release full of flavour.  Expect notes of caramel, fruit and rose petal, balanced with hints of oak, leather and an unusually dry and nutty finish.

COLOUR: Yellow Gold.

NOSE: Packed full of caramel and toffee followed by almonds, blackcurrant and hints of spice.

PALATE: Rose petals, tropical fruit, walnuts, cherry and creamy toffee balanced with oak, tannins and hints of leather.

FINISH: Unusually dry and nutty finish with a ginger spice.

Bunnahabhain / Aonadh.
Bunnahabhain / Aonadh.

£120.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 
Strength: 56.2%

Summary: 

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Islay.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

DISTILLERY: Bunnahabhain.

BOTTLER: Distillery Bottling.

AGE: 10 Year Old.

ABV: 56.2%

Pronounced 'Oon-ouch' and Scots Gaelic for “Union", this 10 year old Limited Edition Single Malt is a perfect marriage of the finest port finished and sherry matured Bunnahabhain.

A limited bottling of 14,088 bottles, like all Bunnahabhain whisky, this special release is natural colour and non-chill filtered.

Distilled and filled into cask on 7th February 2011, this release is a marriage of port finished Bunnahabhain and malt fully matured in sherry casks which were brought together post maturation

The result is a unique spirit alive with creamy vanilla, caramel, oak, nuts, fruit and cinnamon spice with a subtle salty note.

COLOUR: Deep Auburn.

NOSE: Rich creamy vanilla with notes of brandy butter, caramel, indulgent berries and a subtle hint of oak.

PALATE: Sweet red and black fruits are complimented with a cinnamon spice, roasted nuts and a slight saltiness coming through at the back.

FINISH: Long finish with a fading spice reminiscent of chilli chocolate and hints of floral candy.

Compass Box / Canvas.
Compass Box / Canvas.

£99.50
Country: Scotland
Region: Blended
Age: 
Strength: 46%.

Summary: 

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Various.

CATEGORY: Blended Malt

WHISKY COMPOSITION: Tomatin, Glen Elgin, Imperial and Glenburgie.

BOTTLER: Compass Box.

BOTTLING SERIE: Limited Edition.

BOTTLED: 2021

NUMBER OF BOTTLES: 5880

ABV: 46% Vol.

Canvas focuses on the generous sweetness of whiskies aged in American oak barrels. However, to complete the composition, Compass Box turned to an experimental parcel of single malt re-racked into Spanish orange wine casks for three years. Bright, bold and delicious, their aim with Canvas is to inspire further creative work.

Pour a glass, prime your canvas, and fill the frame.

FLAVOUR PROFILE: The gloriously waxy and citrusy nose is followed by forest honey and vanilla shortbread notes on the palate. Flavours of nutmeg, cardamom and chocolate intertwine in the long-lasting finish.

SERVING RECOMMENDATIONS: Outstanding when neat and paired with autumn fruit pies, Canvas also shines with a few drops of water.

Filed Under: Edencroft Spirit Specialists, New Arrivals, News

Sampling Whisky Pioneer’s New Delivery Service – Unique Drams – Eco. Friendly – And 50% Off Your First Months Subscription!

August 27, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

Whisky Pioneer – great Whisky – dram by glorious dram!

Use this link to receive 50% off your first Whisky Pioneer delivery in September
– just sign up before the end of August!

Whisky Pioneer is a new Whisky delivery service that allows whisky fans to discover new drams – but done in a way that tries it’s best to not add to the waste in the world!

Whisky Pioneer uses 100% recycled plastic bottles!

Firstly the whisky. They are offering mainly single malt whiskies on a monthly subscription basis, a number of which will be new releases and none of your usual supermarket offerings!

Their aim is to share a treaty dram each month that will allow members to decide if they wish to investigate that brand / bottle / finish / style or region further.

Alongside the single malts there will be the odd Rye, Grain, Irish Pot Still, Blend, Bourbon, etc, that meets the grade, giving everyone the opportunity to delve further into these varied styles!

As a ‘taster’ of what to expect, they are currently in discussions to share three new Single Malt releases – each with an expected retail of £50+

£7.95 per. month (with FREE delivery!)

Whisky Pioneer will be sending out at least 5cl. every month and 6cl. whenever possible (which they will be doing for the remainder of this year.)

For their September delivery, the dram will be a first taste of a single malt that will launch a couple of days after!

The subscription price is £7.95 per. month (with FREE delivery!) and people will need to sign up by the 1st. of the month to get that month’s whisky. The dram will then be sent on or just after the 10th.

Use this link to receive 50% off your first Whisky Pioneer delivery in September
– just sign up before the end of August!

Alternatively, use this coupon code at checkout: WP92KCWGAMIJFD550

Single malt whiskies – new releases – and none of your usual supermarket offerings!

Whisky Pioneer are also trying to make a difference by ensuring their whisky subscription service doesn’t add to the plastic waste in the world.

Instead they aim to take it out of the environment by teaming up with Prevented Ocean Plastic to create 100% recycled plastic bottles.

Consequently, the plastic in their bottles is not perfectly clear. This is a sign that it’s been recycled as there is always some amount of coloured plastic in the mix.

I actually like the look of the bottles, they have a smokey look which gives the dram a mysterious air!

Prevented Ocean Plastic also works with communities around the world to take waste plastic out of the environment in locations where it is likely to make its way out to sea.

Find out more here, including links to Prevented Ocean Plastic, something Whisky Pioneer are very proud to be able to be a part of!

Members can also return their empty bottles in batches of 10 (or multiples thereof) and they will be sent a FREE dram(s)!

Whisky Pioneer will try it’s best not to add to the waste in the world!


Whisky Pioneer has kindly sent me a sample to try. Thanks Whisky Pioneer / @WhiskyPioneer!

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

Tasting Notes – Masthouse Column Malt Whisky (45%)


An interesting whisky that won’t have been tried by the majority and will cause some to want to keep their eyes out for the brand going forward!

Location: Chatham, England
Expression: Column Malt Whisky
ABV: 45%
AGE: NAS
Casks Used: First-fill and second-fill ex-bourbon
Purchase from: www.copperrivetdistillery.com

“Masthouse Column Malt Whisky uses Belgravia barley from a single harvest from a single Kentish field (40 Acre Field), less than 15 miles from Copper Rivet Distillery, where Masthouse Whisky is created.

Fermented for seven days before the wash is distilled slowly in a pot still and then for a second time in a unique 10m tall, 40 plate column still, designed and made by the Copper Rivet team. The whisky is aged in ex-Bourbon casks from bourbon distilleries selected by founders Matthew and Abhi after visits to cooperages to find the one whose craft ethos most closely matched theirs.

Before bottling, seven casks of the whisky were married for as long as it takes, in this case 6 weeks, to develop the flavours and mouth-feel the team is looking to capture in the bottle.”

Nose: Fresh green apples plus tropical fruits thrown in for a good and tasty measure! Dusted icing sugar and then vanilla fudge shows up a little later.

Palate: Cane sweetness, vanilla and those lovely tropical fruits make a welcome addition to my palate!

Finish: Robust spiciness with a deep chilli bite. Savoury with a woody dryness at the end.

Overall: Those tropical fruit flavours are a joy and not what I expected! The tropical taste increases as time goes on and the savoury chilli is a great balance.

Once again, many thanks to Whisky Pioneer (@WhiskyPioneer) for sending me the sample!

Filed Under: New Arrivals, News, Offers, Sampling, Whisky, Whisky Pioneer, Whisky tasting

Rare Scotch Whisky Miniature Sells For £6,440 At Whisky.Auction!

August 27, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

Rare Scotch whisky miniature sells for £6,440 at whisky.auction!

Rare Scotch whisky miniature sells for £6,440 at auction!

A tiny 5cl bottle of Springbank Scotch single malt whisky distilled in 1919 has sold for £6,440 via online auction site Whisky.Auction!

The Springbank Scotch single malt whisky distilled in 1919

Whisky collector and co-founder of online retailer The Whisky Exchange, Sukhinder Singh, sold over 400 bottles from his collection of whisky miniatures during the latest miniatures and memorabilia auction at Whisky.Auction, with the full collection reaching a tremendous £56,732.95 after commission.

Other impressive lots included:

· An extremely rare 5cl 1940s Glenfiddich Special with box, bottled in the 1940s, which sold for £2,530 – a record for this particular whisky

· A 5cl Macallan Spiral Label from the 1970s which sold for £2,185

· A miniature bottle of The Glenlivet 50 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky from The Winchester Collection distilled in 1967 and bottled on 6 June 2018, which sold for £1,552.50

The carefully curated selection of miniatures had been collected by Sukhinder during the 1980s, 90s and 2000s. He decided to sell a large proportion of his collection to make room for future purchases, keeping just one bottle from each distillery to be displayed in a cabinet with the rest of his collection.

The carefully curated selection of miniatures had been collected by Sukhinder during the 1980s, 90s and 2000s

I am extremely pleased that after 40 years of collecting these miniatures they have found their way into other collections around the world. 10 miniatures from my collection reached prices of £1000 or more including the Springbank 1919 which achieved £6440.

I am thrilled to see that interest in miniature collecting is at an all-time high as it’s something I fell in love with four decades ago.
– Sukhinder Singh: The Whisky Exchange Co-founder

We have seen a wonderful renaissance in the appreciation of rare whisky miniatures. Bidders are willing to pay what seems like a lot of money for tiny bottles of whisky but it is the opportunity to taste a piece of history – particularly when standard 70cl or 75cl formats have become inaccessible for many enthusiasts to buy.

Highly rated limited edition whiskies can seem eye wateringly expensive, but the starting bids for miniatures at Whisky.Auction is just £2 and the market for the oldest and rarest examples is more accessible than ever before.
– Isabel Graham-Yooll: Auction Director at Whisky.Auction

Whisky.Auction runs a quarterly miniatures and memorabilia auction, with the next auction due to go live on 17 October 2021.

Filed Under: Auctions, News, Sukhinder Singh, The Whisky Exchange, Whisky Auctions

New Whisky Arrivals From Edencroft!

August 25, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

Bruichladdich / Red Cask Company 15 Year Old First Fill Sherry.
£220.00

New Arrivals

Springbank / 10 Year Old Single Malt.
Springbank / 10 Year Old Single Malt.

£45.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Campbeltown
Age: 
Strength: 46.0%.

Summary: 

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Campbeltown.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

DISTILLERY: Springbank.

BOTTLER: Distillery Bottling.

BOTTLED: 

STATED AGE: 10 years old.

STRENGTH: 46.0 % Vol.

The 10-year-old offers whisky drinkers the perfect introduction to the Springbank range. Matured in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks, it is perfectly balanced from the first sip through to the full, rich finish.

NOSE: Orchard fruit (pear) with a hint of peat, vanilla and malt.

PALATE: Malt, oak, spice, nutmeg and cinnamon, vanilla essence.

FINISH: Sweet, with a lingering salty tingle.

Isle of Raasay / Hebridean Single Malt.
Isle of Raasay / Hebridean Single Malt.

£45.00
Country: Scotland
Region: IsleofRaasay
Age: 
Strength: 46.4%

Summary: 

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Isle of Raasay.

ABV: 46.4%

The first batch of their flagship Isle of Raasay Single Malt, 46.4% ABV, natural colour, non-chill filtered.

This follows the sold out Inaugural Release 2020 and represents their signature Isle of Raasay style: lightly peated with rich dark fruits.

They set out to emulate some older styles of Hebridean single malts, with subtle, fragrant smokiness balanced with dark fruit flavours.

BARLEY: They mash only 100% Scottish barley in all their production, and they have also grown and malted Raasay barley using local peat for future 100% Isle of Raasay Single Malt releases.

HIGHLAND PEAT: The barley is malted using Highland peat, giving a rich, fragrant smokiness to their spirit.

THE WATER OF LIFE: Falling as rain on Dùn Cana, the island’s highest peak, the water flows across volcanic rock and filters through Jurassic sandstone into our distillery well, Tobar na Ba Bàine (the Well of the Pale Cow).

History flows through this mineral-rich Raasay water that adds character to our spirit at every stage of production, from mashing, to cask reduction and bottling.

MATURATION: They handpick only the finest oak casks and mature all Raasay spirit in their island warehouses, maximising the influence of the maritime, Hebridean climate on the spirit.

CAPTURING THE ISLAND THROUGH DESIGN: Raasay’s landscape is incredible. Much of the geological history of Scotland is here in one form or another. The decanter-like glass bottle captures this rugged natural beauty. With Raasay’s fossils and rocks moulded into the glass, holding it is like holding a piece of Raasay in your hands no matter where you are in the world. A fusion of tradition with contemporary thinking, process, and design. That’s the Raasay way.

NOSE: There’s very gentle smoke among the sweet, slightly fleshy, fresh fruits, dry grass/green bracken and, in the background, a slight mineral note and touch of wet linen. Give it time to rest and some weight is added to the fruits (plum, raspberry), as well as peppery spice.

Water opens it up fully. There’s a greater sense of space and also depth. Its more herbal, but there’s also banana peel, black cherry, as well as a new, slightly charred, element to the smoke.

PALATE: A very soft, sweet start with some green apple, and boiled sweets, with the red and black fruits working well, and the peat drifting along. There’s a succulence in the centre providing a lovely balance between the juicy, now cherry-accented fruits, and the sweet spices, with the smoke little more than the smell of a distant bonfire. Water adds softness but also length and shows the layering effect to its advantage.

FINISH: Pepper, mineral salts, fruit skin, and light smoke.

TASTING NOTES: David Broom.

Bruichladdich / Red Cask Company 15 Year Old First Fill Sherry.
Bruichladdich / Red Cask Company 15 Year Old First Fill Sherry.

£220.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Age: 
Strength: 63.1%.

Summary: 

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Islay.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

DISTILLERY: Bruichladdich.

BOTTLER: GLOBEL Whisky.

BOTTLED: 2021

AGE: 15 Year Old.

CASK TYPE: 1st Fill Sherry Cask (fully matured).

BOTTLES FILLED: 291

ABV: 63.1%.

COLOUR: Dark sherry.

NOSE:  Very sweet and fruity, stewed plums, hints of vanilla, Christmas pudding, Sherry trifle slight cigar, dark sweet musky Warehouse slightest hints of wood.

PALATE: Popping candy feeling on the tongue and gums. Sweet, dark chocolate, mint, hint of vanilla.

FINISH: Very slight cigar smoke, fruity Christmas pudding taste.

The Lakes Distillery / The ONE Fine Blended Whisky.
The Lakes Distillery / The ONE Fine Blended Whisky.

£40.00
Country: Scotland
Region: EnglandCumbria
Age: 
Strength: 49.5%.

Summary: 

COUNTRY/REGION: England/Cumbria.

CATEGORY: Blend.

DISTILLERY: The Lakes Distillery.

BOTTLER: Distillery Bottling.

BOTTLING SERIE: 

ABV: 49.5% Vol.

Singular in name, well-rounded in nature. The One is a characterful blended whisky with the versatility to suit all occasions.

The One is a showcase of our whisky maker's blending expertise. He's at the helm throughout the journey through the distillery and beyond. His single-minded focus at every stage provides continuity of character, our assurance that every flavour possibility is achieved.

Complex yet balanced with fresh orchard fruits, butterscotch and a hint of smoke on the nose. Deliciously rounded on the palate with vanilla custard, lightly honeyed fruits and a touch of spice.

This is a singular blend of select grain and malt Scotch whiskies from Speyside and Islay with The Lakes Single Malt at its heart.

Non-chill filtered for a richer mouth feel and fuller flavour. Bottled at natural colour.

The One enjoys a singular well-roundedness that makes it perfect to savour neat or enjoy as you please; on the rocks, with water, or in a chilled and refreshing highball.

NOSE: Fresh orchard fruits, butterscotch and a hint of smoke.

PALATE: Vanilla custard with lightly honeyed fruits and a touch of spice.

FINISH: Creamy and smooth with delicate wood smoke.

Filed Under: Edencroft Spirit Specialists, New Arrivals, News

Whisky Sour Day Is 25th. August – Celebrate With J&B Rare’s Iconic Cocktail!

August 24, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

It’s Whisky Sour Day!

Whisky Sour Day is 25th. August!

And why not celebrate it with J&B Rare’s Iconic Cocktail!

J&B Rare Whisky is distilled, blended and bottled in Scotland. A blend of 42 malt and grain whiskies, the heart of J&B Rare is formed from the finest Speyside single malts: Knockando, Auchroisk, Strathmill and Glen Spey and is expertly blended to create an approachable, rich and complex flavour.

STARLINO Cherries!

The round, fruity, unique and distinctive taste of the fine malt whiskies is delicately balanced by carefully chosen grain whiskies which gives J&B Rare its distinctive character.

J&B is available to buy from these Merchants:-

  • The Whisky Exchange – £20.45
  • Master of Malt – £22.65

Hotel STARLINO Maraschino Cherries are made from high-quality, Italian Marasca Cherries, also known as some of the highest quality cocktail cherries in the world. Marasca Cherries are a type of sour Morello cherry made from Royal Ann, Rainier or Gold Varieties Cherries. The de-stoned, plump, ruby red cherries produce a small “pop” after every bite, with a distinct sweet cherry flavour experience.

Hotel STARLINO Maraschino Cherries are available to buy from:-

  • Master of Malt – £11.94

J&B has kindly sent me a very generous bottle of J&B Rare with some Marcascino Cherries to try. Thanks J&B / @Justerinis!

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

Firstly: Tasting Notes for J&B Rare Blended Whisky (40%)

Nose: Creamy, toffee sweetness, green apple and white wood.

Palate: Smooth and creamy with toffee sweetness.

Finish: Long, spicy finish with lemon citrus tang. Slightly woody and tannin.

Overall: Great for cocktails (as we’ll see below) but very satisfying neat which I find is always a good test of a whisky!

J&B Rare Whisky Sour

35ml J&B Rare
10ml Lemon Juice
10ml Sugar Syrup
3 Dashes of Angostura Bitters
Garnish: Hotel STARLINO Maraschino Cherries

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add J&B Rare, lemon juice, sugar syrup and bitters.

Shake the ingredients together, strain and remove the ice.

Add mixture to the shaker and dry shake.

Fine strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a maraschino cherries.

So, what did I think?
Sadly, no pictures as the cocktail I produced was none too attractive – I don’t have a cocktail shaker so I had to improvise!

However, the cocktail was wonderful!
Savoury, lemony sourness, which mellows to a sweetness and reminds me of a chilled hot toddy.

The Maraschino Cherries are absolutely gorgeous! And with that thought in mind I thought “Why not use them more?”

So here it is – my take on the Whisky Sour!

J&B Rare Whisky ‘Cherry’ Sour

50ml J&B Rare
20ml Lemon Juice
Hotel STARLINO Maraschino Cherries syrup – too taste
3 Dashes of Angostura Bitters
Garnish: Hotel STARLINO Maraschino Cherries

Prepare as above – or just put it all in a glass like I did!

So, what did I think?
As the syrup settles on bottom over time you first get nice, tangy lemon and a little lip-smacking, savoury bitters. As you progress it gets sweeter with luscious, marzipan cherry, fruity sweetness – highly recommended – I reckon (but then I’m biased!)

However you make your Whisky Sour – Enjoy it on 25th August!

Filed Under: Cocktails, J&B, News, Sampling, Whisky, Whisky Sour Day, Whisky tasting

Fettercairn Launches Warehouse 2 Batch No. 002 After Global Sell-Out Of Batch No. 001!

August 18, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

New Fettercairn Warehouse 2 Batch No. 002!

Discover Fettercairn: Rare, Pure & Enlightened!

Following the overwhelming success of the first release from its new, small batch collection, Fettercairn Distillery has unveiled Warehouse 2 Batch No.002 showcasing the treasures of its 14 dunnage warehouses, home to an array of exceptional maturing stock!

Limited to just 6,000 bottles ….

Limited to just 6,000 bottles, this spirit was distilled in 2009 and matured in a combination of first fill ex-American Rye barrels and first fill ex-Bourbon barrels. Just 29 casks were hand selected to create this single malt, specially chosen from Warehouse 2, where high humidity combined with a relatively cool and temperate environment makes it mark on the maturing spirit.

Bottled at 48.5% ABV to enhance the signature character, Fettercairn Warehouse 2 Batch No. 002 showcases the distillery’s tropical style achieved from the distinctive copper cooling ring distillation process. Natural colour and non-chill filtered, this single malt leads with sweetness and soft spice on the nose and excites the palate with layers of tropical and citrus fruits, complemented by sweet, warming richness and rounding off with cacao and coffee notes, making for a fulfilling yet intriguing taste experience.

The Warehouse Collection celebrates the talent, passion and commitment of the distillery team, coupled with the vision of the Master Whisky Maker in seeking unusual and interesting casks to craft these small batch releases. Limited in number and availability, the Collection has already captured the imagination of both collectors and whisky drinkers with its striking look and transparent whisky making ethos.

With discovery a driving force at Fettercairn, this wonderful collection of whiskies invites drinkers and fans to explore the foundations of its ethos with full details of the cask make-up presented prominently on the bottle and pack of each release.

Fettercairn Warehouse 2, Batch No.002 will be available at an RSP of £55

We were overwhelmed by the response to our first small batch release. This second release takes us on a deep dive into further exploration of the unique Fettercairn flavour, as we have bottled spirit matured in ex American Rye barrels, allowing us to show a more experimental side to our approach.

I never cease to be inspired and enthralled by the diversity and quality of the amazing stock we have in our warehouses, and this itself creates a brilliant canvas to work from. The more I discover, the more excited I get about just what we can do as we continue to create exceptionally refined whiskies and offer something truly unexpected and different.
– Gregg Glass: Whisky maker, Whyte and Mackay

Fettercairn Warehouse 2, Batch No.002 will be available at an RSP of £55 in key global markets including the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and France from August from selected specialist outlets.

Tasting notes

Natural Colour: Beautiful rays of warm golden barley.

Nose: Sweet honey, sugared almonds and soft spices married with tropical fruit notes and sweet vanilla.

Taste: A wonderful myriad of flavours dance on the palate. Layers of tropical and citrus fruits are balanced by complex yet harmonised notes of sweet cassia bark, moist ginger cake and warming maple syrup. Light cacao notes then emerge alongside roasted Arabica coffee beans in a robust but refined expression that embraces both the beauty of our spirit and the finest influenced of hand- selected American oak casks.

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

  • The Whisky Exchange
  • Master of Malt


About Fettercairn

Located in the picturesque village of Fettercairn at the foothills of Scotland’s Cairngorm Mountains, this hidden gem is found among some of the finest and most fertile farming land in the North East of Scotland. With the purest of mountain water as an ingredient, it is almost no surprise that when the distillery was established by Sir Alexander Ramsay in 1824, the enterprising pioneer chose this location.

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. With this knowledge they fashioned a unique copper cooling ring around the neck of the stills drenching them with crystal clear mountain water – an ingenious and practical solution to creating their exceptional whisky, a technique which remains unique in Scotch whisky-making to this day. Fettercairn is home to Icons of Whisky Distillery Manager of the Year Stewart Walker.

About Gregg Glass- Master Whisky Maker

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

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

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

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

Filed Under: Fettercairn, Highland, New Arrivals, News

Bushmills Irish Whiskey “Singular Tales” Campaign Partners With George the Poet!

August 13, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

George the Poet

Bushmills Irish single malt whiskey (the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery), has recently launched the Singular Tales campaign in partnership with spoken word artist, George the Poet.

Bushmills’ award-winning 10 Year Old

The aim is to toast the unique tales that make up our lives and encourage people to reconnect as they share their own stories, over a bonding glass of award-winning, handcrafted Single Malt Whiskey.

Bushmills has been announced as the official Poetry Partner and Lead Spirit Sponsor for the inaugural Evening Standard Stories Festival in association with Netflix.

The new, three-day Stories Festival will see established narrators such as Line of Duty writer, Jed Mercurio, Grime artist, Stormzy and singer, Will Young tell compelling stories across written word, audio and screen from 24th-26th September at London’s Picturehouse in Piccadilly.

The new, three-day Stories Festival will see established narrators such as Line of Duty writer, Jed Mercurio, Grime artist, Stormzy and singer, Will Young tell compelling stories across written word, audio and screen from 24th-26th September at London’s Picturehouse in Piccadilly

Bushmills will also be serving a new Singular Tale cocktail created by Ch4 Sunday Brunch’s Pritesh Mody at the Stories Festival launch party on 23rd September, using Bushmills’ award-winning 10 Year Old.

Following this, Bushmills will be hosting a single malt tasting during the dedicated poetry session at the festival, where George’s evocative poem inspired by the Bushmills distillery and rich history in storytelling will be screened for the first time.

Filed Under: Bushmills, Irish, News, Whiskey

The Whisky Exchange: Summer Sale, A New Book & “Old Rare Marriages” Is Back In Stock!

August 13, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

The Summer Sale!

Summer Sale
Summer Sale

Stock up on a pair of bottles and save £7! More than 300 different whiskies are included in the offer, ranging from old favourites and exclusive bottlings!
Everything you Need to Know About Whisky
Everything you Need to Know About Whisky

A new book by whisky industry veteran Nicholas Morgan. It dives deep into the world of whisky, from how it’s made to the way we drink, collect and talk about the world’s greatest spirit. Packed with insider information about the industry, and debunks a few long held ‘truths’ about whisky. Essential reading!
Privateer Thick as Thieves
Privateer Thick as Thieves

A tasty exclusive release!
Balvenie 25 Year Old Rare Marriages
Balvenie 25 Year Old Rare Marriages

The Balvenie 25 Year Old Rare Marriages is back in stock! Matured in a combination of European and American oak, this elegant Speyside malt is rich and honeyed with baking spices on the nose and a palate full of classic Balvenie fruit. Get it while it lasts!

Filed Under: New Arrivals, News, The Whisky Exchange

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