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What’s New For New Year At The Whisky Exchange!

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Hudson Baby Bourbon – Save £13!

January Sale
January Sale
The perfect time to pick up a new bottle!
Engine Gin
Engine Gin
Made in Piedmont, Italy, Engine Gin is made organically, with botanicals including juniper, lemon and sage, to create an aromatic and bittersweet profile. The distinctive metal container packaging, in the shape of a vintage oil can makes this an excellent gift for the gin-loving petrol-head in your life!
Hudson Baby Bourbon Save £13
Hudson Baby Bourbon Save £13
The first aged grain spirit to be distilled in New York since Prohibition ended in 1933, Hudson Baby Bourbon is a feast of cereal grains, flowing caramel, oaky spice and vanilla sweetness. For a limited time only, you can save more than 39% when you buy a 35cl bottle!
Black Tot 50th Anniversary Rum
Black Tot 50th Anniversary Rum
Created by Elixir Distillers to mark 50 years since Black Tot Day, this exceptional rum has recently been named TheFatRumPirate.com’s Rum of the Year for 2020!
No- and Low-alcohol Drinks
No- and Low-alcohol Drinks
New and exciting products if you’re taking part in Dry January, or just looking to reduce your ABV!

Tullamore Irish Whiskey – New Arrivals At Edencroft!

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Tullamore D.E.W. / 18 Year Old Single Malt.
£90.00

New Arrivals

Tullamore D.E.W. / Irish Whiskey .
Tullamore D.E.W. / Irish Whiskey .
£23.50
Country: Irish
Region: Irish
Age: 
Strength: 40%.

Summary: 

COUNTRY/REGION: Ireland.

CATEGORY: Blend.

DISTILLERY: Tullamore Dew.

BOTTLER: Distillery Bottling.

ABV: 40% Vol.

Tullamore D.E.W. Original is a triple distilled, triple blend of all three types of Irish whiskey: single malt, grain and pot still. The sweet softness of grain whiskey, soft spice from the pot still and fruitiness of the single malt create a uniqueness of flavour that marks out Tullamore D.E.W. from all other Irish whiskeys. Tullamore D.E.W. Original is triple cask matured in three distinct cask types – traditional refill, ex-bourbon and ex-sherry – to create unrivalled depth and balance of flavour.

The early floral yet biscuit flavour reflects the grain whiskey, while the soft spicy notes can be attributed to the pot still whiskey in the blend. The citrus flavour is complemented by the single malt. The nutty, or even marzipan note, combined with distinctive vanilla in the finish, is imparted by the sherry and bourbon casks used in maturation.

John Quinn, Global Brand Ambassador for Tullamore D.E.W., said: “Tullamore D.E.W. is the only whiskey to insist on the ‘Power of Three’ at the three key stages of whiskey making. It’s a triple distilled, triple blend of all three types of whiskey, matured in three types of cask. It’s the blend of all three types of triple distilled whiskey, and, in particular, the inclusion of single malt, that gives Tullamore D.E.W. more complexity and a unique smoothness, setting it apart from all others as an Irish whiskey of true character.”

NOSE: Light, sweet citrus and green apple combined with vanilla undertones.

TASTE: Early fresh fruit leads to a definite light spike followed by some toasted wood which evolves into a delicious vanilla sweetness.

FINISH: Put the glass down as you sense the almost buttery mellowness.
Tullamore D.E.W. / XO Caribbean Rum Finish Whiskey.
Tullamore D.E.W. / XO Caribbean Rum Finish Whiskey.
£28.00
Country: Irish
Region: Irish
Age: 
Strength: 43%.

Summary: 

COUNTRY/REGION: Ireland.

CATEGORY: Blend.

DISTILLERY: Tullamore Dew.

BOTTLER: Distillery Bottling.

BOTTLED: 15.02.2019

CASK TYPE: Caribbean Rum Cask Finish.

ABV: 43% Vol.

XO Rum Cask Finish is Tullamore D.E.W.'s Original triple distilled triple blend of pot still, malt and grain Irish whiskey finished in the finest first fill XO rum casks to deliver sweet tropical flavours. With this XO Rum Cask Finish, they pay tribute to the role of Irish Immigrants in the development of rum in the Caribbean in the 17th Century. Irish heart and Caribbean soul, they call it the Beauty of Blend. They carefully select barrels previously used to age Demerara Rum to impart their distinctive tropical fruit and warm spice flavours to Tullamore D.E.W. XO Caribbean Rum Cask Finish Irish Whisky.

Tullamore D.E.W. XO Caribbean Rum Cask Finish is the Original Triple Blend Irish whiskey with an additional finish in first fill XO Caribbean rum casks for sweet tropical notes.

NOSE: Notes of vanilla and oak overlaid with citrus, ripe bananas and delicate spice

TASTE: Creamy smooth mouthfeel bringing out the deliciously deep caramel and banana notes with hints of dates and raisins

FINISH: Long and sweet with bananas and caramel lingering
Tullamore D.E.W. / 14 Year Old Single Malt.
Tullamore D.E.W. / 14 Year Old Single Malt.
£54.00
Country: Irish
Region: Irish
Age: 
Strength: 41.3%.

Summary: 

COUNTRY/REGION: Ireland.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

DISTILLERY: Tullamore Dew.

BOTTLER: Distillery Bottling.

BOTTLING SERIE: Four Cask Finish.

BOTTLED: 17.12.2018

AGE: 14 Year Old.

CASK TYPE: Bourbon, Oloroso Sherry, Port and Madeira Finish.

ABV: 41.3% Vol.

This triple-distilled single malt that has been patiently aged for up to 14 years in ex-Bourbon barrels and then finished in 4 different cask types being old ex- Oloroso Sherry Butts, ex-Port Pipes and ex-Madeira Drums for a minimum of 6 months for a perfect balance and then bottled at 41.3%.

NOSE: Vibrant and lively with incredible fruitiness. Ripe apples, sweet citrus and hints of tropical fruit all enveloped in Vanilla Oak.

TASTE: Beautifully rich and sweet with layers of fruit, oak and subtle spice.

FINISH: Long lasting sweetness.
Tullamore D.E.W. / 18 Year Old Single Malt.
Tullamore D.E.W. / 18 Year Old Single Malt.
£90.00
Country: Irish
Region: Irish
Age: 
Strength: 41.3%.

Summary: 

COUNTRY/REGION: Ireland.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

DISTILLERY: Tullamore Dew.

BOTTLER: Distillery Bottling.

BOTTLED: 04.04.2019

AGE: 18 Year Old.

CASK TYPE: Bourbon, Oloroso Sherry, Port and Madeira Finish.

NUMBER OF BOTTLES: 2500

ABV: 41.3% Vol.

This triple distilled Single Malt whiskey that has been patiently aged in ex Bourbon casks for up to 18 years and then has been finished in 4 different cask types being old Oloroso ex-Sherry Butts, Ex-Port Pipes and ex Madeira Drums casks for at least 6 months.

A delightful combination of caramelised fruit, rich oak and baked apple brings us to a rich and warming finish of woody spice, toasted marshmallows and lingering malty sweetness.

NOSE: Rich and oaky with deep malty notes, caramelised fruit and woody spice.

TASTE: Velvety smooth and mellow vanilla oak notes intertwined with cinnamon, baked apple, toasted marshmallows and biscuit sweetness.

FINISH: Rich and warming with a lingering malty sweetness

Drinks Of The Month From The Whisky Exchange!

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Elements of Islay
Oc3

MALT OF THE MONTH Elements of Islay Oc3 50cl | 60.3% £89.95 WAS £120 SAVE £30.05 BUY NOW > https://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/feature/maltofthemonth From the people who make the peatiest whiskies in the world, this extremely smoky single malt has been matured in various cask types – including ex-wine casks – and bottled at cask strength. Oc3 balances clean fruit flavours with powerful peat into a very long finish.
MALT OF THE MONTH

Elements of Islay
Oc3

50cl | 60.3%

£89.95
WAS £120
SAVE £30.05

BUY NOW > https://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/feature/maltofthemonth

From the people who make the peatiest whiskies in the world, this extremely smoky single malt has been matured in various cask types – including ex-wine casks – and bottled at cask strength. Oc3 balances clean fruit flavours with powerful peat into a very long finish.
SPIRIT OF THE MONTH Gin Mare Mediterranean Gin 70cl | 42.7% £34.25 (was £38.25) Save £4 BUY NOW> https://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/feature/spiritofthemonth Gin Mare is a Spanish gin made with botanicals from across the Mediterranean including Spanish olives, Italian basil, Greek rosemary, Turkish thyme and Seville lemons. Pair with Fever-Tree Mediterranean tonic and a slice of lemon for a refreshing, summery serve.
SPIRIT OF THE MONTH

Gin Mare
Mediterranean Gin

70cl | 42.7%

£34.25 (was £38.25)
Save £4

BUY NOW> https://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/feature/spiritofthemonth

Gin Mare is a Spanish gin made with botanicals from across the Mediterranean including Spanish olives, Italian basil, Greek rosemary, Turkish thyme and Seville lemons. Pair with Fever-Tree Mediterranean tonic and a slice of lemon for a refreshing, summery serve.

New Arrivals From Edencroft – Mackmyra “Moment Körsbärsrök”!

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Mackmyra / Moment Körsbärsrök
£99.00

New Arrivals

Mackmyra / Moment Körsbärsrök.
Mackmyra / Moment Körsbärsrök
£99.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Sweden
Age: 
Strength: 43%.

Summary: 

COUNTRY/REGION: Sweden.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

DISTILLERY: Mackmyra.

BOTTLER: Distillery Bottling.

BOTTLING SERIE: Moment range.

BOTTLED: 2020

CASK TYPE: .

NUMBER OF BOTTLES: 1500

ABV: 43% Vol.

The Moment Edition Story: Down in Bodås mine, thousands of casks are stored which are periodically quality tested by Mackmyra's Master Blender, Angela D'Orazio. During her trips to the mine, she sometimes encounters some casks that stand out from the rest, and these casks deserve to be bottled as they are or in an edition with an extra clear vision. Due to this reason Mackmyra created the exclusive series called Moment.

Moment Körsbärsrök (Cherry Smoke) is a smoky whisky with a peaty spiciness and sweet notes of cherry. The recipe of the whisky is created from a combination of Mackmyra's smoky and unsmoked new make, both distilled at our original Mackmyra Bruk distillery in 2010. The smoky new make was aged in ex-Bourbon casks in the sizes 100 to 200 litres. The complementary unsmoked spirit was aged in ex-Bourbon and American oak casks seasoned with German cherry wine.

The medium-sweet cherry wine is perfect for cask seasoning and gives the whisky fruity, intense notes of cherry.

Here, Mackmyra's most special casks and recipes come into their own. Each edition has a very limited amount bottles that are released and you can expect at least one new Moment edition per year.

NOSE: Fruity with notes of peat, tar and spicy juniper-smoke. Round notes of toasted oak, vanilla, anise, and fruity cherry followed by citrus and pear fudge.

TASTE: Fruity and smoky with a well-balanced spiciness. Fine smoky notes with peat, oil and juniper. Fruity cherries and round notes of oak and vanilla.

AFTERTASTE: Fruity, smoky and spicy with pleasant notes of tar, peat, juniper, vanilla and fruity cherries.

Compass Box Releases Magic Cask!

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A Limited Edition Inspired by A Single Extraordinary Sherry-Seasoned Cask!

A Limited Edition Inspired by A Single Extraordinary Sherry-Seasoned Cask

Compass Box has launched their latest Limited Edition Magic Cask Blended Malt Scotch Whisky. Made from a blend of Speyside malt whiskies, Magic Cask takes its defining character from the inclusion of whisky from one Sherry-seasoned cask. On the palate, Magic Cask reveals ripe golden dessert apples with an oaky richness, while flavours of toffee and cocoa powder are also conjured up.

The Compass Box whiskymakers recommend pouring the whisky after dinner and savouring its medley of autumn fruits and dark chocolate.

Compass Box Magic Cask

In 2016, Compass Box re-racked one-year-old malt spirit of robust character into first fill Oloroso-seasoned butts. By 2019, one particular cask – #2 – proved so compelling that they began to experiment.

Sometimes just one cask in a blend of many can provide the touch of magic that allows the whole arrangement to sing. We first took advantage of this phenomenon in 2006 when an experimental whisky, finished in an ex-Madeira barrique, led to the Limited Edition bottling we called Magic Cask.

We’re delighted to be able to share with you again the magical influence of one exceptional cask – a Sherry-seasoned cask in this case – can have on a recipe.
– John Glaser: Compass Box Founder and Whiskymaker

We have had samples of whisky from the lost Imperial Distillery in our Blending Room for some time. Aged in first fill Bourbon barrels, the spirit is brimming with fruit and vanilla notes and exhibits a lovely tongue-clinging texture. However, finding the right project and accompaniments to this parcel of single malt proved a challenge.

Then, last year, we discovered cask #2 amongst samples drawn from our 2016 Sherry cask maturation experiment. Full to the brim with cherry fruit and cedar spice character, it was a remarkably precocious whisky. When combined with the parcel from the lost distillery, it created an exceptionally rich and layered blended malt Scotch whisky.
– James Saxon: Whiskymaker

Available now in the UK, Magic Cask joins Limited Edition whiskies Hedonism Felicitas, Rogues’ Banquet and Peat Monster Arcana, which were released in 2020, Compass Box’s 20th anniversary year.

– 46% ABV Natural colour. Not chill-filtered.
– 70cl £145.00
– 5,538 bottles produced
– Available from compassboxwhisky.com

Magic Cask Tasting Notes:

Aromas of marmalade and chai tea spices, with hints of plum. Ripe golden dessert apples dominate the luscious palate, supported by an oaky richness. Flavours of toffee and cocoa powder are also conjured up.

5,538 bottles produced globally …

ABOUT COMPASS BOX

We are Scotch whiskymakers. This word ‘whiskymaker’ is our word – it does not appear in a dictionary. And for 20 years we have been relentlessly focused on reinventing Scotch whisky, with every new blend designed to help make the world of whisky a more interesting place. Of course, we have not done it on our own. We have collaborated with some of the world’s most visionary bartenders and designers to really push the boundaries of what is possible. We have won more awards for innovation than any other producer in Scotland because we are always experimenting. Always looking for sparks of creativity that will deliver something totally compelling, yet completely surprising. Whiskies that just must be experienced. This vision motivates us as whiskymakers. Our blends are consistently rated equal to or better than the great single malts of Scotland by the most respected voices in the industry. Six-time Whisky Magazine Innovator of the Year. 2020 Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame Inductee, John Glaser, Founder of Compass Box.

JOHN GLASER, WHISKYMAKER

American ex-pat John Glaser is the founder and head whiskymaker of Compass Box, the boutique Scotch whisky blending house widely recognised in the industry for their innovative approach to the creation and enjoyment of whisky. John began his career on a path to become a winemaker, before re-routing himself through the corporate world and ending up as a Marketing Director for Johnnie Walker in London. With a desire to do things differently, John started Compass Box from the kitchen of his west London home in 2000 in order to bring the joys of Scotch whisky to more people. From the beginning, his vision has been to create one of Scotland’s finest and most compelling whisky companies, re-imagining the standards for quality and style in the industry. In 2020, John was inducted into the Whisky Magazine’s Hall of Fame. Two decades later, Compass Box now has two blending rooms in London, a team of 20 working internationally and stocks of maturing whiskies in Scotland. In 2020, Compass Box celebrates its 20th anniversary. With a forward-looking approach and unrelenting focus on creativity and integrity, John and his team continue to take forward his mission to make the world of Scotch whisky a more interesting place.

Compass Box is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Sampling ‘Angels’ Nectar Cairngorms 2nd. Edition – A Dram Of Two Halves – But A Perfect Match!

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The Angels are supporting the Cairngorms Trust!

Grantown-on-Spey based Highfern Ltd have made a donation to the Cairngorms Trust of £1230, raised from sales of the Angels’ Nectar Cairngorms Edition, their Speyside Single Cask Scotch Whisky.
This donation will be used by the Cairngorms Trust for environmental and community projects in the Cairngorms National Park.

Cairngorms 2nd Edition

The Angels’ Nectar Cairngorms Edition, a Single Cask Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky, was released by Highfern Ltd in the summer in partnership with the Cairngorms Trust. Whilst the cask is now more or less sold out, a few bottles of this limited edition are still available from the Balliefurth Farm Shop and The Whisky Castle.

Following the success of the project, Angels’ Nectar have announced the release of their Cairngorms 2nd Edition. Whilst every single cask is different, like the previous release this is an 11 years old single cask which has been bottled at 46% and at natural colour, and as before distilled at a speyside distillery in the Cairngorms National Park.

This exclusive dram has an inviting sweet nose with hints of vanilla fudge and floral notes, which opens on the taste to reveal more sweetness, brandy butter and dried tropical fruit. Thanks to the Angels’ share, the cask has given just 146 bottles.

As before a donation from each bottle sold of the Angels’ Nectar Cairngorms 2nd Edition will go towards the Cairngorms Trust, whose vision is to encourage sustainable and community led development, which enhances wildlife conservation, outdoor recreation and cultural heritage in the Cairngorms National Park.

Nancy Chambers and Robert Ransom

We are absolutely delighted that Angels’ Nectar are continuing their support to environmental and community projects around the Cairngorms National Park with the release of a second cask of the Cairngorms Edition.
– Nancy Chambers: Cairngorms Trust Manager

Firstly I would like to thank all those who have supported the important work of the Cairngorms Trust via their whisky glass! Looking ahead may we suggest the Angels’ Nectar Cairngorms 2nd Edition is the perfect Christmas gift for those who love whisky and the Cairngorms.
– Robert Ransom: Angels’ Nectar Founder

Amongst others the Angels’ Nectar Cairngorms 2nd Edition is now available from The Speyside Centre and from Highfern’s own on-line store highfern.com at £79.98 per bottle.

Free upgrade to 1st Class!

Orders placed on highfern.com until the 22nd. December:-
Pay for Royal Mail 2nd Class Signed For & they’ll send Royal Mail 1st Class Signed For!
Hopefully this will help ensure all drams arrive in time!

Robert from Highfern has very kindly sent me a sample (Cheers Robert!)

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

Tasting Notes: Angels’ Nectar Cairngorms 2nd. Edition – Single Cask Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (46%)


Nose: Quite buttery with soft toffee, vanilla and white wood. Fresh apple grow and grow and there’s even a little citrusy lime! – It’s a lovely gentle nose that gets more and more tropical the longer it sits in the glass!

Palate: Creamy vanilla toffee with accompanying sweetness coupled with fresh apples and citrus – very fresh and light.

Finish: Gentle spice that blends with the sweeter flavours. This eventually takes over to release a powerful, long, peppery, chilli finish with tanin dryness at the end.

Overall: This dram grows on me as I sip!

It’s a balance of two halves with a refreshing first-half followed by a more fiery, punchy second-half.

A perfect match!

Many thanks to highfern.com (@angelsnectar) for sending me the sample!


· Highfern Ltd are the proprietors of Angels’ Nectar Whisky and importers of Langatun Whisky, Seven Seals Whisky, Smögen Whisky, Strane Gin & Kinghaven Rum. Alongside the Cairngorms Edition, Angels’ Nectar also offer Angels’ Nectar Blended Malt Scotch Whisky – Original 40%, Angels’ Nectar Blended Malt Scotch Whisky – Rich Peat Edition 46% and Angels’ Nectar Single Malt Scotch Whisky – Islay Edition 47%.

· For more on the Cairngorms Trust please see cairngormstrust.org.uk

· Cairngorms National Park: With an area larger than Luxembourg, the Cairngorms National Park, is the UK’s largest National Park, but home to just 18000 people. Endangered wildlife resident in the park include capercaillie, wildcats, golden eagles, and black grouse. Four of the UK’s five highest mountains are in the park. The headwaters of the River Spey are within the park. For more see cairngorms.co.uk and visitcairngorms.com

· For more information about Angels’ Nectar, please see: angelsnectar.co.uk

Master of Malt Releases MoM’s Own collection!

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Master of Malt reveals MoM’s Own collection!

Master of Malt has unveiled its first own-brand collection spanning top-quality blended Scotch whisky, London dry gin, rum and vodka, developed to offer great everyday staples at accessible price points!

Multi-award-winning drinks eCommerce platform Master of Malt has released the inaugural four spirits in a new collection of accessibly priced, top-quality spirits, enabling customers to easily build a drinks cabinet of delicious everyday staples for both sipping and mixing.

MoM’s Own launches with Blended Scotch Whisky, London Dry Gin, Rum, and Vodka. The recipe for each was developed alongside Atom Labs, the rapid innovation arm of Master of Malt’s parent company, Atom Group. Each bottling has been blended to offer a classic drinking experience that well represents each category, at a quality level that transcends customer expectations at that price point.

MoM’s Own Blended Scotch, 42% ABV, £29.95

This approachable expression boasts gentle, peaty malt wafts with buttery grain elements for a well-rounded drinking blend. It is ideal for after-dinner sipping, neat or over ice, or lengthened out into a Highball.

MoM’s Own London Dry Gin, 42% ABV, £24.95

A crisp, classic, juniper-forward London dry gin, lifted with cold-distilled citrus peels for a zesty, refreshing spirit. A traditional drinking gin, ideal in a G&T or in classics like the Martini, Negroni, or all manner of gin fizzes.

MoM’s Own Rum, 42% ABV, £24.95

An exciting aged expression set to appeal to the spectrum of rum drinkers, this sees aged and unaged Caribbean rums blended with higher ester liquid for an accessible but interesting serve. Sip it, top it up with premium cola, or try in a Daiquiri!

MoM’s Own launches with Blended Scotch Whisky, London Dry Gin, Rum, and Vodka!

MoM’s Own Vodka, 42% ABV, £24.95

A smoothly mouth-filling vodka distilled from a wheat and molasses base, MoM’s Own Vodka is a classic neutral bottling ideal for pairing with tonic and other mixers, and in the likes of the Bloody Mary, Moscow Mule and Cosmopolitan.

We’re incredibly excited to launch MoM’s Own, our very own collection of great drinks cabinet staples that offer both fantastic flavour and incredible value for money.

MoM’s Own represents a capsule wardrobe of drinks. In just a few accessibly priced bottles, our customers can build a versatile, easy to use collection that covers most spirits bases. It’s a range that’s ideal for everyday drinking, or for serving if you are entertaining this Christmas.
– Jason Hockman: Master of Malt general manager

MoM’s Own Blended Scotch Whisky, London Dry Gin, Rum, and Vodka are the inaugural four bottlings in the MoM’s Own collection, which will be extended and adapted according to market trends and customer demand. All four are available exclusively from Master of Malt now.

Celebrating 15 Years Of Kilchoman – The Journey Of Exploration Continues!

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Kilchoman was the first distillery to be built on Islay in over 124 years!

The first Kilchoman cask was filled at the distillery on 14th December 2005. Fifteen years on, they are delighted to be celebrating the many achievements they’ve made so far and are looking forward to many more successful years to come!

Kilchoman was the first distillery to be built on Islay in over 124 years! The distillery was founded in 2005 by Anthony Wills and is Islay’s only farm distillery, producing Single Farm Single Malt. Kilchoman is one of the few whisky distilleries in Scotland to remain independent.

Spirit Run – Comparing Sassy and Concerto Barley

Comparing barley varieties and how they influence the character of the spirit is something Kilchoman Distillery often talk about. Anthony Wills, Founder & Managing Director, is a great believer that barley variety and yeast type plays a huge part in the overall characteristics of the spirit and it is something which he enjoys experimenting with.

Comparing barley varieties …

The different barley varieties are now kept completely separate throughout the whole production process and in cask.

Kilchoman have grown ‘concerto’ as their consistent choice of barley variety for the last five or six years and have found it performs very well. For the last three years they’ve experimented with growing a different variety of barley alongside the concerto. In 2019 they grew ‘sassy’ for the first time on the farm and are now running it through the production process.

Immediately differences in the character at the mashing and fermentation stages were noticed. On the nose, the characteristics are different. Sassy has a lemon and citrus note, it is very clean and fresh whereas concerto, although also very clean and fresh, it has more creaminess about it, richer and perhaps more depth.

Although there are very clear differences in the character of the spirit at this stage, Anthony still believes that the cask plays the biggest part in terms of the overall character of the single malt that you will enjoy.

It will be interesting to continue making these comparisons between the spirit from concerto and sassy throughout the maturation stage.

The Journey Of Exploration Continues!

Kilchoman is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Karuizawa Distillers Launches ‘The Komoro Distillery’ In Japan!

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Sketch of Komoro Distillery by architect Akira Sogo

Multi award-winning master blender and distiller Ian Chang, joins newly formed, purpose-led Karuizawa Distillers Inc. (karuizawadistillers.com), to launch the Komoro Distillery in Japan!

  • Karuizawa Distillers Inc, has been formed by Karuizawa hotel-owners and residents, husband and wife team, Koji and Yoshie Shimaoka
  • Former Kavalan whisky-maker, Ian Chang joins Karuizawa Distillers, Inc. as vice president and master blender and distiller for the new Komoro Distillery
  • The Komoro Distillery is due to commence construction in early 2021 and start distillation in Spring 2022
  • The distillery, to be built at 910 metres above sea-level, at the base of Mount Asama, will be the highest distillery in Japan

Ian Chang & Koji Shimaoka

The newly-formed Karuizawa Distillers Inc. (KDI)‘s aim is to make the best Japanese single malt whisky, in the most environmentally friendly way possible, whilst honouring and protecting the legacy of the Karuizawa name.

KDI believe that in order to make truly great whisky, you need great people. To this end they have assembled one of the most exciting international teams in whisky. Chief among them is globally recognised, multi award-winning distiller, Ian Chang.

I am very excited to be able to continue my passion for whisky-making in such a well-respected whisky market as Japan. My late mentor, of 12 years, Dr Jim Swan, always said that whisky-making is about the perfect fusion of the right people in the right place, at the right time.

I know that with the incredible team we have in place, the abundant local natural resources, and the commitment from the local government, we can bring a brand-new chapter of world-class whisky-making back to the Karuizawa region.
– Ian Chang: Master Blender & Distiller

With over 50 years of experience in international business, the founders, CEO Koji Shimaoka, and CFO Yoshie Shimaoka, dreamed of reviving whisky-making locally.

Karuizawa whisky is a global symbol of the rich nature and history of our local area. I want to protect and honour this great name, whilst creating a new ‘legend’ in the place I have called home for over 20 years.
– Koji Shimaoka: Founder and CEO

Karuizawa Distillers logo

The Komoro Distillery aims to establish itself as a new benchmark in Japanese whisky. The state-of-the-art contemporary distillery, in the north of Komoro, and designed by architect Akira Sogo, is situated just 800 metres from the abundant water source, ‘Noma’. The site will comprise the distillery, visitor centre and a world class ‘whisky academy’. It will be the highest distillery in Japan, at 910 metres above sea level, in the foothills of Mount Asama.

Master Blender and Distiller, Ian Chang will manage the full production process including a wood maturation programme utilising Mizunara Japanese Oak as well as STR and Sherry casks.

Komoro Site with Distillery model

About Karuizawa Distillers Inc

Karuizawa Distillers Inc. (KDI) was founded in 2020 by Karuizawa hotel-owners and residents, husband and wife, Koji and Yoshie Shimaoka, who dreamed of reviving whisky-making locally. KDI’s aim is to make the best Japanese single malt whisky, in the most environmentally-friendly way possible, whilst honouring and protecting the legacy of the Karuizawa name. KDI aims to launch a number of distillery projects over the next 10 years, the first of which will be the Komoro Distillery.

Joining Koji and Yoshie as the founding team of Karuizawa Distillers Inc, are award-winning master blender Ian Chang, ex-Kavalan Kellie Tu as global product manager, Eddie Ludlow as chief brand educator and brand consultant and Amanda Ludlow as brand consultant.

About Komoro Distillery

Komoro Distillery, the first distillery project from Karuizawa Distillers Inc, is set to begin distillation in Spring 2022. The distillery, in the north of Komoro, will be situated just 5 miles from the original Karuizawa Distillery site and will produce limited amounts of whisky, with the proposed annual production output just one tenth of that of Yamazaki.

The state-of-the-art contemporary distillery designed by architect Akira Sogo, is situated just 800 metres from the abundant water source, ‘Noma’. The site will comprise the distillery, visitor centre and a world class ‘whisky academy’. It will be the highest distillery in Japan, at 910 metres above sea level, in the foothills of Mount Asama.

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