Blended — Malthound

Glasgow Distillery Launches ‘Malt Riot’ Blended Malt Scotch Whisky!

June 3, 2020 by Gary Leave a Comment

Malt Riot Blended Malt Scotch Whisky!

Glasgow Distillery has announced the launch of Malt Riot Blended Malt Scotch Whisky!

Malt Riot is a selected blend of handpicked single malts from across Scotland, with the distillery’s Glasgow 1770 Single Malt sitting proudly at the heart of the spirit.

The new whisky re-tells the story of the malt tax protests that took place in 1725. First in the city of Glasgow and then across the nation, protestors came together to demand the tax on malted barley be overturned.

In Glasgow, malt stores were barricaded and the devilish excise men chased from the city. The home of the local member of parliament and former Collector of Taxes for the Port of Glasgow, who originally supported the introduction of the malt tax, Daniel Campbell, was destroyed.

In a bizarre twist of fate, Daniel Campbell was compensated for the damage by the city of Glasgow and used the money to purchase the island of Islay and part of Jura. He encouraged local farmers to seed surplus barley and ignited the legal production of single malt scotch whisky, which was to spread over time across Scotland.

Malt Riot celebrates this story of unity by bringing together a range of single malts from across the Scottish whisky regions and blending them together as one.

On the nose, Malt Riot offers notes of freshly planed oak, sweet vanilla slices and hints of floral hyacinth. To taste, toffee apples open up the palate followed by dry spices and caramelised pineapple, leading to a light and smooth finish with ripples of milk chocolate, fruit and nut.

Malt Riot celebrates a story of unity by bringing together a range of single malts from across the Scottish whisky regions and blending them together as one.

The story of the malt riots is a really powerful one for us to tell. Not only does it heavily involve the people of Glasgow taking a stand for what they believe in, but it was a catalyst that helped forge the Scotch Whisky industry as we know it today.

This story has been largely forgotten and is not widely known until now and is a wonderful example of the fiery passion and determination that continues to live on in our city. Glasgow is a city full of passionate people, who constantly stand up for what they believe in, igniting positive change at home and across the world; I guess it’s true what they say, people really do make Glasgow!

This year has been an extremely challenging time for all in light of COVID-19, one which we could never have envisaged 6 months ago and for Glasgow Distillery, the launch of Malt Riot, following on from the recent release of Glasgow 1770 Single Malt Whisky – Triple Distilled Release No.1, is hopefully the start of some return to normality.
– Liam Hughes: CEO and Co-Founder of The Glasgow Distillery Company

Enjoy Malt Riot Blended Malt Scotch Whisky with ginger ale over ice for a long refreshing drink or try something more adventurous and create the unbeatable Glasgow Whisky sour.

Malt Riot Blended Malt Scotch Whisky is bottled at a strength of 40% ABV and is now available for purchase from the Glasgow Distillery website & Independent Retailers at an RRP of £25 per bottle.

Glasgow Distillery products are also available to buy from:-

Master of Malt

Sampling The Angels’ Nectar Blended Whisky – Heaven In A Glass?

March 3, 2015 by Gary Leave a Comment

Angels Nectar – here’s to heavenly!

Angels on a White Background

I feel like an extra lucky pre-Easter bunny today and it’s not because I’ve gotten hold of some gold covered chocolate animals.

No, it’s because I recently received a sample of Angels’ Nectar, a new Blended Malt Scotch Whisky, inspired by the Angels’ Share, which has been launched by Robert Ransom.

An unknown fact (to me) and one that you can use to impress your workmates is that at any one time, there are an estimated twenty million casks maturing across Scotland!

In addition, they are all being exposed to what is affectionately called “the Angels’ Share”, the evaporation from casks that occurs during maturation.

The Angels take their pick; enjoying some casks more than others, whilst hard working distillers watch their efforts disappear.

The Angels’ Nectar Blended Malt Scotch Whisky is a re-creation of the Angels’ Share, bottled for whisky drinkers to savour.

Carefully created from a selection of Speyside and Highland malt whiskies, Angels’ Nectar Blended Malt Scotch Whisky is unusually bottled at natural colour.

The label for this new whisky brand features a striking fractal design, with an Angel shaped ethereal mist, within which, a series of Angels can be seen enjoying their share.

The Angels’ Nectar Blended Malt Scotch Whisky has been released by Highfern Ltd, a new drinks business founded by Robert Ransom.

Commenting on the release Robert said; “I have worked in the whisky trade for ten years, and during that time I have enjoyed giving many distillery tours and tastings.
Early on I noticed any mention of the Angels’ Share always made guests smile. The seed was sown; What if one could bottle the Angels’ Share? It would be the ultimate Blended Malt, and Angels’ Nectar is Highfern’s attempt to do just that.”

So, what did I think?

Here are my tasting notes …

Tasting Notes – Angels Nectar Blended Malt Scotch Whisky ( 40% )

As stated, the whisky is bottled at natural colour so expect a very pale dram indeed!

Nose: Citrus and fruit abound with a little wood. A hint of vanilla and sugar tops it off.

Palate: A dram that is light on the tongue with sweet sugary fruits and a zingy lemon tang.

Finish: Quite a short finish, the sweetness is complemented with a little grapefruit creating a dry tanin mouthfeel. This is blended with a gentle tobacco and spice finish.

Overall: An excellent, easy drinking blended malt. Light and easy on the palate and very much suitable for drinking at any time of the day.

A blended malt that will appeal to most palates without putting off those who prefer more ‘robust’ flavours. A lovely concept and one which I am happy to support. In short, those Angels will be sad not to get their hands on this fine dram!

Many thanks to Robert and the team at Angels Nectar for sending the samples!

You can also catch up with them on Twitter (@angelsnectar) & Facebook: (angelsnectarwhisky)

Angels Nectar is available to buy from these Whisky Merchants:-

Master of Malt
The Green Welly Stop
Robertsons of Pitlochry and the Speyside Heather Centre.

Tasting The One – A British Isles Blend From Lakes Distillery!

September 5, 2014 by Gary Leave a Comment

The One – Floating On Water – Or Pretending To Do So!

Have you ever thought to yourself, “There are now distilleries producing whisky across the British Isles. Wouldn’t it be great to buy them all and make the perfect British Isles blend?”

Well relax, because The Lakes Distillery has beaten you to it and named their creation, The One.

They searched far and wide (high and low, in nooks and crannies, in old cupboards at your grannies … well, you get the picture) to bring together a range of very special whiskies from the British Isles.

These have been blended with great care and passion to create a perfectly balanced whisky.

The One is available from the whisky merchants below and from The Lakes Distillery own online shop – so, no travelling at all required!

They’ll also be displaying all the train and bus ticket stubs used to travel the country to collect the ingredients for The One in a special exhibition (details to be announced soon …)

Tasting Notes – The One ( 40% )

Nose: Pale straw colored spirit with a slight smoke aroma, hints of wood and fresh citrus.

Palate: Sweet, smokey with stewed sultanas, a hint of liquorice and melon.

Finish: Spicy and peppery with a dry oak finish. Quite short and little tanin feel on the tongue.

Overall: An excellent blended whisky. Warming, moreish and easily drinkable. This One has the lot!

The One – Award Winner & Looks Good Perched On A Rock!

Many thanks to The Lakes Distillery (@LakesDistillery) for sending the sample!

The One is available to buy from these Whisky Merchants:-

Rare Glenglassaugh & New Compass Box Malts From Edencrofts!

April 9, 2014 by Gary Leave a Comment

One of the Glenglassaugh – Rare Cask range

Supplier	Brand	Bottle Size	Price
Edencroft	Glenglassaugh – Rare Cask Batch 1 / Cask # 2114 Country: Scotland Region: sSpeyside Age: 41 Years Old. Strength: 50.6% Summary: Cask Size and Type: Refill Sherry Butt. Finish: Fully sherry matured. Appearance: Full amber glow. Nose: Revealing depths of prunes and rum raisins over milk chocolate releases harmonious crisp oak spices and zest of lime. Palate: Fantastic spiced honey and stem ginger rolls to prune syrup and hints of cocoa. Gentle cantaloupe melon with a dusting of ground almond and warm white pepper liven the crisp finish.	70cl	£ 585.00 BUY NOW
Edencroft	Glenglassaugh – Rare Cask Batch 1 / Cask # 6801 Country: Scotland Region: sSpeyside Age: 40 Years Old. Strength: 52.1% Summary: Cask Size and Type: Manzanilla Sherry Puncheon. Finish: Sherry Finish. Appearance: Deep crimson edged with gold. Nose: Magnificent full bodied, yet elegant sherry character. Plum juice and dates carry bursts of orange sherbet and touches of gentle anise. Palate: The freshness of candied peal balances the rich dark chocolate and sherried dark fruit character. A subtle grapefruit and warm oak spice lightens and adds a citrus twist to the finish.	70cl	£ 526.00 BUY NOW
Edencroft	Glenglassaugh – Rare Cask Batch 1 / Cask # 7801 Country: Scotland Region: sSpeyside Age: 38 Years Old. Strength: 42.4% Summary: Cask Size and Type: Moscatel Hogshead. Finish: Moscatel Finish. Appearance: Summer harvest gold. Nose: An initial suggestion of boiled sweets with a spearmint warmth gently flows to soft mango, caramelised green pears and cracked black pepper. Palate: Delicate fruit salad balanced with a warm black pepper spice softens to waves of gentle orchard fruits, rich oak and a beautiful fresh barley finish.	70cl	£ 432.00 BUY NOW
Edencroft	Compass Box – Last Vatted Malt Country: Scotland Region: IslaySpeyside Age: Strength: 53.7% Summary: This special limited edition bottling is a valedictory farewell to the Vatted Malt, one delivered with honour and pride. This whisky is made from a marriage of fine, old single malt whiskies from Islay and Speyside distilleries. It combines intense aromas and flavours of dried fruits and maltiness underscored by a subtle, sweet smokiness, all robed in the revealing signs of whiskies of antiquity. Only 1,323 bottles have been released for sale. Nose: the work of both oak and the peat kiln appear to be well matched here. Though perhaps it is the orange blossom and pear fruitiness that really makes the heart skip a beat; Taste: a sublime delivery. The Compass Boz marque of oakiness is stamped prominently, but couched this time by a stunning mix of creamcocoa, lightly sweetened by Demerara. Improbably, half way in there is a steady stream of juicy barley…about the same time you notice how well balanced the smoke is: like a great football referee, you dont actually notice him being there, but makes all else run beautifully; Finish: doesnt try to develop. Just allows the elements that make up this complex whisky the space to run their own course…; Balance: being an American, Compass Box founder and blender, John Glaser, knows a thing or two about pouring two fingers of whisky. So I join John in raising two fingers to the SWA and toast them in the spirit they deserve to thank them for their single-minded and successful quest to outlaw this ancient whisky term. Each bottle personally signed by John Glaser.	70cl	£ 175.00 BUY NOW
Edencroft	Compass Box – Oak Cross Vatted Malt Country: Scotland Region: Blended Age: Strength: 43% Summary: They call this malt whisky Oak Cross because it offers the best characteristics of both American and French oak aging. A rich, medium-bodied malt whisky, Oak Cross combines vanilla characters from American oak and spicy, clove-like characters from French oak. Flavour Descriptors: on the palate, notes of clove and vanilla accent a sweet maltiness and subtle fruit character. Recommendations: Suitable as an aperitif served with a chilled water in the winter months. Full enough to serve as a summertime digestif. Excellent match for many cheeses. Distillery Sourcing: made entirely of Highland single malt whiskies led by Teaninich and balanced with malts from the villages of Brora (for fruitiness) and Carron (for weight). All 10 to 12 years-old. Wood: all the whiskies are aged for their primary maturation in a mix of American oak cask types. The marrying casks are a mix of first-fill Bourbon barrels and our proprietary “Oak Cross” casks made of American and new French oaks. Bottling Details: bottled at 43%. Not chill filtered. Natural colour.	70cl	£ 33.30 BUY NOW
Edencroft	Compass Box – Spice Tree Vatted Malt Country: Scotland Region: Blended Age: Strength: 46% Summary: As in the past, The Spice Tree is 100% malt whisky sourced from northern Highland distilleries, (notably and primarily malt whisky distilled at the Clynelish distillery). The primary maturation is in a mix of first-fill and refill American oak. Nose: quite paradoxical,. First sniff and you think: "whoa! Thats a big-un." Then you nose again, slowly and carefully you realise that whilst the nose does seem superficially big, it is actually made up of dozens of tiny aromas ganging together. The main theme is delicate tangerine and vanilla – almost like tangerine yogurt – but there are weightier spices to note, all of them fragments, especially the watery allspice and ginger…sublime. Taste: and now the palate continues with exactly the same theme: a million little flavour explosions, all timed to go off one after the other, but all on a sweet muscovado sugar bed created by the superb base malt of Clynelish. Finish: thins rapidly into a more basic vanilla, though there is still a spice pulse and glow; just a little bitter at the death. Balance: having initially been chopped down by the SWA, who were indignant that extra staves had been inserted into the casks, The Spice Tree is not only back but in full bloom. Indeed, the blossom on this, created by the use of fresh oak barrel heads, is more intoxicating than its predecessor – mainly because there is a more even and less dramatic personality to this. Not just a great malt, but a serious contender for Jim Murray Whisky Bible 2011 World Whisky of the Year.	70cl	£ 38.26 BUY NOW
Edencroft	Compass Box – The Peat Monster Country: Scotland Region: Blended Age: 46% Strength: Compass Box Summary: Rich and loaded with flavour: a bacon-fat smokiness, full-blown peat, a maltiness, hints of fruit and spice. The finish is very long, echoing peat and smoke for several minutes. Flavour Descriptors: rich and loaded with flavour: a bacon-fat smokiness, full-blown peat, a maltiness, hints of fruit and spice. The finish is very long, echoing peat and smoke for several minutes. Recommendations: a fantastic late-night digestif malt whisky. Also suitable for taking the chill off a cold day. Excellent with blue vein cheeses. Distillery Sourcing: Islay single malts from the village of Port Askaig as well as some south shore whisky (as of late 2007); and Ardmore. All aged from 10-16 years. Wood: a mix of first-fill and refill American oak. Bottling Details: bottled at 46%. Not chill filtered. Natural colour.		£ 36.95 BUY NOW
Edencroft	Douglas Laing – The Christmas 2011 Big Peat Country: Scotland Region: Islay Age: Strength: 57.8% Summary: HISTORICALLY WE CALL THIS – WHISPER IT – A VATTED MALT, BLONDE IN THE BOTTLE – BUT WITH A BIG PEAT KICK A SMALL BATCH BOTTLING TRADITIONALLY UNCHILL FILTERED CONTAINING ONLY ISLAY MALT WHISKIES! But what exactly is a Vatted Malt? It is what the Scotch Whisky industry has traditionally called “a marriage of Malts”. Big Peat contains Malt Whisky ONLY from the island of Islay – some say it’s the ultimate taste of Islay! Big Peat is a feisty Islay character has a sweet side too – ‘he’ carries a big peaty (“phenolic”), beachy, oceanic, rather ashy selection of malts only from the island of Islay. We do not chill filter – we prefer a more old fashioned traditional approach – so you will detect a massive amplification of sea-faring qualities on the nose, palate, and finish Nose: just one of those noses where it takes a tremendous act of will to put the glass down…the interplay between the salts and sugars, the counterweights between the different varieties of phenols themselves; Taste: when the delivery strikes home with the oils, phenols and sugars in immediate harmony, you know you are in for an experience. The question is: can it keep this quality to the end? Finish: …indeed it can! In fact, it improves and so complex and tantalising are those astonishing Demerara and peaty riches, it is hard to quite know where the end begins. A number of teasing bourbon tones, on the liquorice and hickory side – perhaps with a hint of honey – stokes the fireside complexity further…; Balance: I haven’t got a television these days as my life is simply too busy. And with entertainment like this in the glass to keep you occupied, who needs one…? I doubt if any Christmas special on the box came remotely close to matching this…!		£ 47.50 BUY NOW

Tasting Ballantine’s Brasil – Summer Is Here!

April 4, 2014 by Gary Leave a Comment

The Brasil Cocktail Kit

The recent launch of Ballantine’s Brasil – a new lime-infused spirit drink – has been a revelation to me.

I really enjoyed it!

I wasn’t sure I would as, after all, it is a bit different to the usual perception of whisky and the whiskies I taste and enjoy.

It is made by steeping Scotch whisky with Brazilian lime peel to create a spirit with an ABV of 35% with a delicate combination of citrus and vanilla and is aimed at people who are new to Scotch as well as existing Ballantine’s drinkers.

Ballantine’s has also developed a new drink for the Ballantine’s Brasil called the Highland Samba as well as a range of other cocktails.

It mixes Ballantine’s Brasil and lemonade, served over ice and topped with two freshly-cut slices of lime.

The other Brazilian-themed cocktails are:-

Glen Rio: a mix of Ballantine’s Brasil and apple juice
Flower O’Brasil: Ballantine’s Brasil mixed with freshly squeezed lime and elderflower
Caledinho: Ballantine’s Brasil combined with freshly squeezed lime and mixed with crushed sugar
Glen Coco: The Caledinho, with the addition of coconut

Peter Moore, Global Brand Director for Ballantine’s, said: “There is a huge opportunity for spirit drinks that are made with whisky, as it’s an exceptionally dynamic new category that is already demonstrating a strong rate of growth.

Ballantine’s Brasil is a venture into new territory for us, but we’re excited to have a product that can take advantage of this opportunity and one that can truly inspire those who have not yet found their perfect way to enjoy a Scotch whisky drink.

We hope that Ballantine’s Brasil will excite a new generation of consumers with the combination of Scottish authenticity and Brazilian passion!”

There is also a website, www.mixitwithbrasil.com, where you can find a series of tutorials on how to ‘Mix it with Brasil’ and create your own favourite Ballantine’s Brasil cocktails!

So, what did I think?

I got to try the first three cocktails plus I thought I’d try the classic coke combination.

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

Ballantine’s Brasil – Straight Up

Although it’s aimed at being a cocktail mixer I thought I’d try Ballantine’s Brasil neat.

Nose: Tangy lime and rich vanilla hit you straight away with hints of whisky.

Palate: Smooth, sweet vanilla and lime.

Finish: Long finish with tangy lime and a slight touch of spice.

Overall: Very nice! Certainly an enjoyable drink on it’s own and for people not too familiar with whisky.

The Highland Samba

Highland Samba

Pour 2 shots of Ballantine’s Brasil into a long glass and top up with ice and lemonade.

Drop in or squeeze a lime wedge to finish.

Nose: Lovely tangy fresh lime makes you feel tropical and ready for a holiday!

Palate: Fresh lime with an alcohol hit. The zestyness is refreshing, like a cold shower after a hot days sunbathing!

Finish: Syrupy lime aftershock!

Overall: The sweetness of the lemonade tempers the sharpness of the lime nicely. Very refreshing. Beware! It is very morish!

The Glen Rio

Glen Rio

Pour 2 shots of Ballantine’s Brasil into a long glass and top up with ice and fresh apple juice.

Drop in a slice of apple as a finishing touch.

Nose: Apple, lime and vanilla – a cocktail of tempting fragrances!

Palate: Syrup like apple mixed with lime.

Finish: The lime finish wins out over the apple to give a tangy ending.

Overall: A long refreshing drink with a hint of apple healthiness. Great for an afternoon cocktail.

Flower O’Brasil

Pour 2 shots of Ballantine’s Brasil, one shot of elderflower cordial and squeeze a lime wedge into a stirring vessel.

Stir well and pour into a coupette and garnish with lime zest.

(No pictures as I didn’t have the right glass!)

Nose: Lovely zesty lime and elderflower rich syrup.

Palate: Warming Liqueur with sweet lime. Well balanced with mango and passion fruit.

Finish: Pleasant ginger spice.

Overall: Excellent as an after dinner Liqueur or as an aperitif – or both!

Brasil n’ Coke!

Brasil n’ Coke

Pour 2 shots of Ballantine’s Brasil into a long glass and top up with ice and coke. Squeeze in some lime and garnish with a lime slice.

Nose: Fresh zesty lime and sweet coke.

Palate: All the great flavours of whisky n’ coke but the added lime and vanilla is amazing!

Finish: Sweet lime and vanilla finish.

Overall: A classic but make sure you squeeze some lime in for that vitamin C hit!

Two other cocktails that I didn’t get to try:-

Caledinho

Chop a lime into sixteen pieces and add into a copper mug together with two teaspoons of caster sugar. Muddle well.

Add 2 shots of Ballantine’s Brasil, crushed ice and stir well.

Add crushed ice again to build a snow cone and garnish with lime wedge and straws.

Glen Coco

Chop a lime into sixteen pieces and add into a silver mug with one shot of coconut syrup and muddle well.

Add 2 shots of Ballantine’s Brasil, crushed ice and stir well.

Add crushed ice again to build a snow cone and garnish with lime wedge or toasted coconut flakes.

My Favourite

As a lover of coke I thought this one was going to be the top of my list – but to my surprise the lemonade came out as my favourite – sweet, refreshing and very morish!

I’d also like to try the elderflower cordial in a long drink with fizzy spring water replacing the lemonade – I think that could be a winner!

Many thanks to the team at Richmond Towers (@DrinksPRAgency) for sending the The Brasil Cocktail Kit!

And of course, Ballentines, without which!

Tasting Notes: The Lost Distilleries Blend From Master Of Malt!

April 1, 2014 by Gary Leave a Comment

The Lost Distilleries Blend

Well I’m a happy boy and no mistake. I have just had the opportunity of tasting the new ‘Lost Distilleries Blend’ which is available exclusively from Master Of Malt.

It has received top honours, winning the prize for the World’s Best Blended Whisky at the recent Whisky Magazine World Whiskies Awards.

No mean feat as for the past eight years, whisky giant Suntory had taken the top honours in these awards and ‘The Lost Distilleries Blend’ beat more than 300 whiskies entered into the competition.

So it was with a certain amount of excitement that I opened the 3cl. sample which contains whiskies from the now closed Rosebank, Littlemill, Imperial, Mosstowie, Glen Keith and Port Ellen distilleries.

Tasting Notes – The Lost Distilleries Blend – Batch 4

The Lost Distilleries Blend – Batch 4

Nose: A pale coloured whisky with aromas of apple and sweet fruits.

Palate: Almost sherbet like sweetness at first, then sweet fruits and rich sultanas, sweet spices and cake mixture.

Finish: Well tempered spice that lingers long into a warm afterglow. Oaky, but not overpowering, dry finish.

Overall: By far the best blended whisky I’ve ever tasted! All the flavours are perfectly balanced. The perfect way to sample the whiskies of distilleries the stocks of which will one day be gone forever.

70cl, 50.9%

£349.95

Many thanks to Master Of Malt for the sample.

The Lost Distilleries Label Says It All!

Lost Distilleries Blend Wins World’s Best Blended Whisky Award!

March 26, 2014 by Gary Leave a Comment

The Lost Distilleries Blend

‘The Lost Distilleries Blend’ has received top honours winning the award for the World’s Best Blended Whisky at the recent Whisky Magazine World Whiskies Awards.

This marks the first World Whiskies Awards win for The Blended Whisky Company and for ‘The Lost Distilleries Blend’.

‘The Lost Distilleries Blend’ is a supremely complex and elegant Blended Scotch Whisky made exclusively from spirit distilled at now silent distilleries.

Whisky creator and blender Ben Ellefsen said, “We couldn’t be more proud that ‘The Lost Distilleries Blend’ has won the award for the World’s Best Blended Whisky.”

It is available exclusively from Master Of Malt.

For the past eight years, whisky giant Suntory has taken the top honours six times in the World’s Best Blended Whisky category, winning four times with Hibiki 12 Year Old and twice with Hibiki 30 Year Old.

More than 300 whiskies were entered into the competition, and each whisky is sampled and judged by a panel of impartial whisky authorities from the fields of journalism, distilling, blending, ambassadorship and retailing.

The Lost Distilleries Label Says It All!

Tasting Notes

Nose: Remarkably complex with orchard fruit, sultana and a little sea breeze that develops into fragrant spice and some papaya. There’s a hint of tarragon too, shiny red apple skins polished with a chamois leather, lemon slices and plenty of crème brûlée.

Palate: Immediately attention grabbing with exquisite, creamy mouthfeel. There is stunning interplay and great balance between rich, sweet malt and satisfying oak, as well as tropical fruit and more glorious red apple. Islay peat adds further interest and some perfectly measured cigar box character.

Finish: Very long, apple lovingly caramelised in golden sugar eventually gives up its stage to a delicate wisp of smoke that dances teasingly before finally taking a bow.

Overall: A simply incredible blend of truly historic whiskies. Complex, perfectly balanced and exciting throughout.

Ballantine’s Announces Launch Of New Spirit Drink – Brasil!

December 4, 2013 by Gary Leave a Comment

Ballantine’s Brasil

Ballantine’s has announced the launch of Ballantine’s Brasil – a new lime-infused spirit drink.

Made by selectively cask steeping Scotch whisky with Brazilian lime peel, Ballantine’s Brasil aims to fuse the traditions of Scotland with the passion of Brazil.

The delicate combination of citrus and vanilla notes is aimed at consumers who are new to Scotch as well as existing Ballantine’s drinkers.

An ABV of 35% ensures that the taste is both smooth and consistent, with the sweet and creamy flavours of Scotch balancing the refreshing lime taste.

Ballantine’s has also developed a new drink for the Ballantine’s Brasil called the Highland Samba.

It mixes Ballantine’s Brasil and lemonade, served over ice and topped with two freshly-cut slices of lime.

A further four Brazilian-themed serves have also been created:-

Glen Rio: a mix of Ballantine’s Brasil and apple juice
Flower O’Brasil: Ballantine’s Brasil mixed with freshly squeezed lime and elderflower
Caledinho: Ballantine’s Brasil combined with freshly squeezed lime and mixed with crushed sugar
Glen Coco: The Caledinho, with the addition of coconut

We hope that Ballantine’s Brasil will excite a new generation of consumers with the combination of Scottish authenticity and Brazilian passion!”

You can also pop along to www.mixitwithbrasil.com where you can find a series of tutorials on how to ‘Mix it with Brasil’ and create your own favourite Ballantine’s Brasil cocktails!

Brasil will be available from February 2014.

Edencroft – Compass Box & Bruichladdich New Arrivals!

October 29, 2013 by Gary Leave a Comment

Supplier	Brand	Bottle Size	Price
Edencroft	Compass Box – Delilah’s Whisky Country: Scotland Region: HighlandsandLowland Age: Strength: 40% Summary: Delilah’s is a Limited Release Compass Box homage to Delilah’s, Mike Miller’s legendary punk rock whisky bar in Chicago, to celebrate the bar’s 20th anniversary in 2013. The whisky was developed jointly by John Glaser and Mike Miller as an expression of their shared vision that great whisky should be enjoyable by all. Delilah’s is an intense yet subtly complex Scotch whisky aged in a mix of experimental new American oak barrels and rejuvenated American oak hogsheads. It has been created to be perfect served as a shot with a beer. Availability: Limited Release of 6,324 bottles, Bottled in July 2013. Flavour Descriptors: Rich and sweet, with intense yet subtly complex, honeyed and seductive fruity notes, cereals and vanilla-cream. Recommendations: Delicious drunk as a shot along with a beer or sipped neat with chilled water to taste Distillery Sourcing: Single malts from the towns of Alness and Longmorn (approx 50% of the recipe); single grain whisky from Fife (approx 50% of the recipe).	70cl	£ 50.00 BUY NOW
Edencroft	Compass Box – The General Country: Scotland Region: Blended Age: Strength: 53.4% Summary: It’s been a good year for sourcing ridiculously rare parcels of extraordinary whisky. Two different companies approached us this year with similar stories: they each had several casks of Blended Scotch that had been blended at quite young ages, then not required and put back into cask and left to age. One parcel was 33 years-old and the other 40 years-old. We know little of the component whiskies, only that, being Blended Scotch Whisky, they were blends of both single malt and single grain whiskies. We could tell by tasting that some were aged in former American whisky casks and some in sherry casks. But the provenance wasn’t really important, because each parcel had matured into something extraordinary in flavour, and to us, as blenders, they each represented distinct and complementary flavour profiles. And this is where things got interesting for us. While each parcel was compelling in its own right, we had the feeling that by combining them in the right proportions, we could make something even more interesting. So we experimented for many weeks, blending the two together at different proportions before landing on the recipe in this bottle. The result is a whisky with the “antique” character lovers of old whiskies seek out. John Glaser – Whiskymaker. Availability: Limited Release of 1,678 bottles. Flavour Descriptors: It has extraordinary depth, with aromas and flavours reminiscent of spices, dried fruits and old sherry wine character. The palate is very soft, a virtue of blending malt whisky with grain whisky, and the finish is very, very long. Recommendations: This is a classic late-night-and-into-the-early morning whisky.	1 x 70cl	£ 200.00 BUY NOW
Edencroft	Bruichladdich – Octomore Scottish Barley 06.1/ 167ppm Country: Scotland Region: Islay Age: 5 Years Old. Strength: 57% Summary: Titanic amounts of peat but with a light, delicate complexity and a beguiling finesse. Young, yet eminently mature, it defies us. It remains an enigma. We embrace that. Here, we pay tribute to its pedigree, to the land from which it came and the raw materials that gave it life: Octomore Scottish Barley. We believe in challenging convention. Character: Magnificently muscular. Most heavily peated malts are so dry and phenolic there is little else to spark the senses, not so this young warrior who arouses pride and passion, transporting you to that most famous rock in the Atlantic ocean – Islay – the beating heart of the Hebrides. Colour: Autumn sunshine/ citrine. Nose: The first waves bring a combination of sea spray, spindrift, wet sea weed and hints of oily iodine. Then peat smoke with cracked black peppercorn and as the spirit reveals itself, stunning notes of heather flowers, lemon balm and water mint. Its like watching a spiritual weaver create a tapestry from the Hebrides itself. Palate: As the spirit breathes in the glass a subtle change takes place. Rising steadily comes the crisp, malted barley then the sweet oak, giving notes of vanilla, toasted rye bread and walnuts. Add a burst of fresh lime, poached apple and pear from distillation whilst always in the background the steady rhythm of the sea painting pictures in your mind of a people and place who know that single malt is the stuff of life, sustaining them for generations. Finish: The senses will celebrate this genial, warm, thrilling experience long after the glass is empty. You will know that you have been on a journey by the warmth in your heart and the spirit in your soul. Mood: Welcome to the world of Progressive Hebridean Distillers.	70cl	£ 95.00 BUY NOW

Edencroft – New Ardbeg & Compass Box Arrivals!

June 3, 2013 by Gary Leave a Comment

Edencroft has 2 New additions to it’s range this week. They are from Ardbeg and Compass Box.

Supplier	Brand	Bottle Size	Price
Edencroft	Compass Box – Orangerie/whisky Liqueur Country: Scotland Region: Blended Age: Strength: 40% Summary: Flavours: fascinating aromas of fresh-peeled orange and Christmas cake spices rise from the glass. On the palate, soft, rich whisky flavours blend with hints of vanilla, cassia bark and clove, offset by sweet-natured orange. Recommendations: Orangerie is extremely versatile. Served slightly chilled, it is a wonderful match with dark chocolate. Orangerie is also great for making extraordinary cocktails. Our simple but all time favourite: clunk some ice cubes into a tall glass, pour over Orangerie and stir through to chill. Strain into a glass of your choice and serve with a twist of fresh orange peel.	70cl	£ 33.50 BUY NOW
Edencroft	Ardbeg – Corryvreckan Country: Scotland Region: Islay Age: Strength: 57.1% Summary: Corryvreckan takes its name from the famous whirlpool that lies to the north of Islay, where only the bravest souls dare to venture. Swirling aromas and torrents of deep, peaty, peppery taste lurk beneath the surface of this beautifully balanced dram. Like the whirlpool itself, Corryvreckan is not for the faint-hearted! Colour: Deepest amber. Aroma: Heady, intense and powerful. With the first sniff, encounter the deep and turbulent force of Corryvreckan as it pulls you inwards. Swirl the glass and dip your nose into the torrents of tarry ropes, creosote and linseed oil rising from deep within the vortex. As you succumb to its power, a collision of waxy dark chocolate, warm blackcurrants and muscovado sugar pulls you under its spell with a burst of plump cherries and earthy pine needles leaping from its depths. Swirl water into the glass, and observe the magical collision of whisky and water. As the liquid warms up, the seething cauldron bubbles and bursts, as you edge closer to sniff a pot full of gutsy cayenne-peppered steak and oysters smothered in hot pepper sauce. Salty seasoning brings a briny character with tangy crisp seaweed and smoky bacon swirling on the surface with hints of sweet vanilla, spicy cloves and blueberries. As the whirlpool narrows and quickens moving ever deeper, surrender to its dangerous depths with the heady force of menthol, treacle and chilli sauce. Taste: Plunge into the whirlpool and taste the mysterious depths of Corryvreckan. Torrents of taste well up on the palate; deep, peppery and chewy, bombarding the tongue with its intense tastes and textures. The first plunge brings forth chewy peppered steak soaked in pepper sauce with the tang of crispy seaweed. As you descend deeper, encounter a mouthful of black tarry espresso coffee that coats the palate with rich melted dark fruits (blackcurrants, blueberries and cherries) and bitter almonds. As the taste soaks in deeper, star anise and hickory dry out the palate before a surprise of chalky effervescent violets fizz to the surface. Finish: Long, deep and remaining powerful into the finish with black tarry coffee, chocolate coated cherries and hot pepper sauce, the lingering memories of your mysterious and daring journey into Corryvreckan.	70cl	£ 57.50 BUY NOW