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Fettercairn Distillery Unveils New 16 Year Old 2022 Limited Edition!

July 28, 2022 by Gary Leave a Comment

Fettercairn Unveils New 16 Year Old 2022 Limited Edition!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TASTING NOTES

COLOUR – Amber gold with sunrise flecks.

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

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

  • Compare prices for Fettercairn!

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

  • The Whisky Exchange
  • Master of Malt

About Fettercairn

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

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

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

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

Filed Under: Fettercairn, Highland, New Arrivals, News

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

June 30, 2022 by Gary Leave a Comment

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

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

The Gins sampled were:-

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

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

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

So, what did I think?

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

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


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

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

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

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

£33 – Buy Now


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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

£50 – Buy Now


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

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

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

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

My Favourite On The Night

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

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

My fellow Tweet Tasters on the night were:-


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

Filed Under: Cocktails, Gin, Kerr's Gin, New Arrivals, News, Sampling

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

June 29, 2022 by Gary Leave a Comment

“Flamenco dancer spilled his sherry”
Cask No: 48.149

New Arrivals From The Scotch Malt Whisky Society!



“Flamenco dancer spilled his sherry”
Cask No: 48.149

Cask Type: 1st fill ex-px hogshead
Distillery: Balmenach
Origin: Scotland
£59.70

Qty left: 91



“Petals on a fruitcake”
Cask No: 100.36

Cask Type: 1st ex-px hogshead
Distillery: Strathmill
Origin: Scotland
£71.70

Qty left: 88



“Toffee coffee”
Cask No: 64.129

Cask Type: 1st fill custom toasted European and American oak hogshead
Distillery: Mannochmore
Origin: Scotland
£65.90

Qty left: 88



“Hibiscus tea beneath a mango tree”
Cask No: 38.35

Cask Type: 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Caperdonich
Origin: Scotland
£280.50

Qty left: 89



“Stone fruit tartlets”
Cask No: 55.73

Cask Type: 1st fill ex-px hogshead
Distillery: Royal Brackla
Origin: Scotland
£76.50

Qty left: 91



“Ale and tea”
Cask No: 100.37

Cask Type: 2nd fill charred red wine barrique
Distillery: Strathmill
Origin: Scotland
£61.70

Qty left: 91



“Flamenco dancer spilled his sherry”
Cask No: 48.149

Cask Type: 1st fill ex-px hogshead
Distillery: Balmenach
Origin: Scotland
£59.70

Qty left: 91



“Iodine marmalade”
Cask No: 16.65

Cask Type: refill re-charred hogshead
Distillery: Glenturret
Origin: Scotland
£54.00

Qty left: 92



“From bright dawn to dry dusk”
Cask No: 1.267

Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Glenfarclas
Origin: Scotland
£61.20

Qty left: 92



“Chamoy from Mexico”
Cask No: 100.33

Cask Type: 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Strathmill
Origin: Scotland
£63.90

Qty left: 97



“A blaze of yellow”
Cask No: 39.245

Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Linkwood
Origin: Scotland
£57.00

Qty left: 99



“Succumb to smoke”
Cask No: 16.66

Cask Type: refill re-charred hogshead
Distillery: Glenturret
Origin: Scotland
£54.00

Qty left: 100



“Chalky charmer”
Cask No: 4.323

Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Highland Park
Origin: Scotland
£69.30

Qty left: 102



“In case of apocalypse break seal”
Cask No: 135.46

Cask Type: 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Inchmoan (Loch Lomond Distillery)
Origin: Scotland
£49.00

Qty left: 102



“A Neanderthals knapsack”
Cask No: 66.220

Cask Type: 1st fill ex-px hogshead
Distillery: Ardmore
Origin: Scotland
£83.80

Qty left: 102



“Salting and pickling”
Cask No: 44.150

Cask Type: 2nd fill ex-bourbon hogshead
Distillery: Craigellachie
Origin: Scotland
£88.20

Qty left: 102



“Cinnamon snickerdoodles and sanded pine”
Cask No: 9.236

Cask Type: 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Glen Grant
Origin: Scotland
£65.00

Qty left: 105



“The naked truth puzzling delightful”
Cask No: 53.409

Cask Type: refill ex-bourbon hogshead
Distillery: Caol Ila
Origin: Scotland
£70.30

Qty left: 108



“Gooey, nutty and buttery”
Cask No: 68.87

Cask Type: 1st fill ex-px hogshead
Distillery: Blair Athol
Origin: Scotland
£71.70

Qty left: 111



“Playful and teasing”
Cask No: 1.268

Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Distillery: Glenfarclas
Origin: Scotland
£61.20

Qty left: 114

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

Irish Distillers Releases Gold Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey!

June 10, 2022 by Gary Leave a Comment

Gold Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Compare prices!

Filed Under: Irish, Irish Distillers, New Arrivals, News, Whiskey, Whisky tasting

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

June 10, 2022 by Gary Leave a Comment

The Dalmore 21 Year Old 2022 Edition Highland Single Malt!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Compare prices for The Dalmore!


Tasting notes

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

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

About The Dalmore

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

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

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

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

Filed Under: Dalmore, New Arrivals, News

Jura Announces 2022 Distillery Exclusive To Celebrate Fèis Ìle!

June 1, 2022 by Gary Leave a Comment

Jura’s limited edition 2022 Distillery Exclusive!

Jura Single Malt whisky is celebrating the return of the popular Fèis Ìle festival with a very special community gathering and the launch of a limited-edition 14 Year Old Distillery Exclusive, crafted inside a specially selected cask waiting patiently in one of the island distillery’s warehouses!

The new whisky will be available from the 3rd June, the date that Jura Distillery marks its official day as part of the Fèis Ìle celebrations, which this year will see the whisky community at the distillery come together with islanders for a gathering that also includes Deer Island Rum and Lussa Gin.

Just 700 bottles will be available …

The 2007 limited Jura Distillery release was matured in Cask No.1892, a hand-selected Sherry butt from Jerez in Southern Spain, for 14 years. Just 700 bottles will be available of this exquisite liquid which boasts a golden orange colour and a cask strength of 57.2% ABV.

The distillery team had earmarked this cask as a potential island exclusive and it was easy to see why. The fruity, aromatic qualities we’ve found around the 2007 vintage, combined with the rich, warming notes from its time in a single Sherry butt make for a compelling expression of Jura’s distinct character.

Trying it with Mark and the team on the island, we quickly realised it would be the ideal candidate for 2022’s Fèis Ìle Distillery Cask, celebrating the return of this great festival.
– Joe Ricketts: Lead Whisky Maker for Jura

With an inviting nose expressing warm sweet spice, prunes soaked in Armagnac, crystal malt, dried peach, green banana and bitter orange, this 14 Year Old single cask malt delivers dried stone fruit and sweet citrus on the palate, together with notes of chocolate mint, medium roasted coffee and pistachio, before finishing with a lovely citrus blossom lift.

We knew this was a special cask destined for great things. Our distillery team had shortlisted it as a potential future distillery exclusive and Joe agreed.

We’ve worked harder than ever to ensure this celebratory bottling is ready for Jura Day, filling, wax dipping and completing every single bottle with hand-written labels all on island. A fitting tribute to the great community here.
– Mark Bruce: Jura Distillery Brand Home Manager

The 700 bottles will be available to purchase exclusively from the distillery visitor centre on the 3rd of June before the remaining allocation of bottles is made available for pre-sale to select international markets via the Jura Whisky website, with an RRP of £120

There will be no tours or tastings in the distillery this year, however the visitor centre will be open to all and distillery staff look forward to greeting everyone keen to get their hands on a bottle of Jura 2022 Fèis Ìle Distillery Exclusive. Deer Island Rum, Jura Brewery, Lussa Gin and The Island Bakehouse will also be running activities throughout the day and, for the islanders themselves, along with anybody lucky enough to be staying overnight, there will be live music from Glaswegian sensation Trail West supported by local band Pete Smoke and the Roaches, from 8pm in the local community hall.


Product information:

Distillery Exclusive Fèis Ìle Edition 2022 (14 Year Old, 2007 Vintage)

ABV: 57.2%

Available in 70cl

Colour: Orange gold

Nose: Cocoa dusting, warming sweet spice, prunes soaked in Armagnac, crystal malt, dried peach, green banana and bitter orange

Taste: Dried stone fruit, sweet citrus, chocolate mint, medium roasted coffee and pistachio

Finish: Finishes with a citrus blossom lift

Jura is also available to buy from these Whisky Merchants:-

  • The Whisky Exchange
  • Master of Malt
  • Hard To Find Whisky
  • Compare prices for Jura!


About Jura:

Jura is an island nestled off the West Coast of Scotland. With only one road, one pub, one whisky distillery and 212(ish) people, Jura is as beautiful as it is remote.

The distillery was established in 1810 and reborn in 1963 to revive the community.

Inspired by our history and our island home, we create single malt with a true passion for the craft of whisky making.

Filed Under: Feis Ile, Island, Isle Of Jura, New Arrivals, News, Whisky

Sampling Kilchoman Loch Gorm 2022 – An Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky That Is An Annual Treat!

May 27, 2022 by Gary Leave a Comment

Loch Gorm is their only annual limited edition matured entirely in oloroso sherry casks!

The annual ‘Loch Gorm’ from Kilchoman Distillery has once again been released! And Kilchoman has kindly sent me a sample to try. (Thanks kilchomandistillery.com / @Kilchomanwhisky!)

Named after Islay’s largest freshwater loch neighbouring the distillery, Loch Gorm is their only annual limited edition matured entirely in oloroso sherry casks!

The 2022 edition was matured in oloroso sherry butts previously used by Bodega José y Miguel Martín for a minimum of eight years. The 22 casks selected are a combination of 20 fresh and 2 refill casks. (To find out more see my blog post on the release announcement)

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

Kilchoman kindly sent me a sample to try – Thanks!

Tasting Notes – Kilchoman Loch Gorm 2022 – Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (46%)

Nose: Inviting, sweet, peaty smoke hits me straight away – very stimulating to the taste buds! There’s also crisp, green apples with an added citrus zest, plus toffee and a little woodiness.

Palate: Mmm … liquid, fruity smoke with rich dark chocolate mixed in for good measure! The tastiness continues with liquorice, slight blackcurrant and a little citrus.

Finish: Warming, gentle spice, toffee with some tobacco dryness and a slightly antiseptic edge.

Overall: A Fantastic dram and a great dram to round an evening off. Come to think of it … it’s a great dram to begin the evening with and to continue the evening with as well!

Once again, many thanks to kilchomandistillery.com (@Kilchomanwhisky) for sending me the sample!

Kilchoman is available to buy from these Merchants:-

  • The Whisky Exchange
  • Master of Malt
  • Hard To Find Whisky
  • The Whisky Shop
  • The Little Whisky Shop
  • Compare prices for Kilchoman!

About Kilchoman

Kilchoman Distillery is a small family run farm distillery based on the rugged west coast of Islay. The distillery was established by Anthony Wills in 2005, the idea was to build a new distillery which took whisky production back to its roots. Anthony and wife Kathy have been joined by their three sons; George, James and Peter.

Kilchoman Loch Gorm 2022

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

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

– The IWSC 2022 competition – Machir Bay scored 98 points and was awarded ‘Gold Outstanding’. 100% Islay was also awarded a “Gold Award’ and scored 95 points.

– The International Spirits Challenge 2022 – Machir Bay and Sanaig were both awarded Gold Medals.

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

Filed Under: Islay, Islay Whisky, Kilchoman, New Arrivals, News, Sampling, Whisky, Whisky tasting

Fèis Ìle Is Back & Kilchoman Celebrates With A Special Festival Release!

May 25, 2022 by Gary Leave a Comment

The Islay Festival
27th. May to 4th. June 2022!

Fèis Ìle is back!

After two years of being restricted to online events, Kilchoman are delighted to be gearing up to welcome everyone back to Islay in person and to celebrate Anthony Wills, Kilchoman Founder, has selected some very special casks!

The 2022 Fèis Ìle is a combination of 5 first fill bourbon barrels filled in 2006, making this a 16-year-old release!   

With just 7 casks filled in 2005, these represent some of the earliest casks ever filled at Kilchoman.

Limited to 865 bottles and only available to purchase in person from the distillery shop on the day.

Kilchoman Distillery hosts their Fèis Ìle Day on Thursday 2nd June 2022. Throughout the day there will be various masterclass tastings, tours, activities, live music and entertainment as well as a great selection of drams and whisky cocktails at the bar.

Kilchoman Distillery hosts their Fèis Ìle Day on Thursday 2nd June 2022

Awards

Award season for 2022 is now underway and Kilchoman have been receiving numerous accolades for their core range whiskies.

• The IWSC 2022 competition – Machir Bay scored 98 points and was awarded ‘Gold Outstanding’. 100% Islay was also awarded a “Gold Award’ and scored 95 points.

• The International Spirits Challenge 2022 – Machir Bay and Sanaig were both awarded Gold Medals.

Kilchoman is also available to buy from these Merchants:-

  • The Whisky Exchange
  • Master of Malt
  • Hard To Find Whisky
  • The Whisky Shop
  • The Little Whisky Shop
  • Compare prices for Kilchoman!

About Kilchoman

Kilchoman Distillery is a small family run farm distillery based on the rugged west coast of Islay. The distillery was established by Anthony Wills in 2005, the idea was to build a new distillery which took whisky production back to its roots. Anthony and wife Kathy have been joined by their three sons; George, James and Peter.

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

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

– The IWSC 2022 competition – Machir Bay scored 98 points and was awarded ‘Gold Outstanding’. 100% Islay was also awarded a “Gold Award’ and scored 95 points.

– The International Spirits Challenge 2022 – Machir Bay and Sanaig were both awarded Gold Medals.

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

Filed Under: Feis Ile, Islay, Islay Whisky, Kilchoman, New Arrivals, News, Whisky

Redbreast Dream Cask Double Cask Edition Released To Celebrate World Whisky Day!

May 20, 2022 by Gary Leave a Comment

Redbreast Dream Cask Double Cask Edition!

Redbreast Irish Whiskey, produced by Irish Distillers at its world-renowned Midleton Distillery in Co. Cork, is launching the fifth edition in its celebrated Dream Cask series to mark World Whisky Day 2022!

Redbreast Dream Cask Double Cask Edition is a 30 year old single pot still Irish whiskey which captures the quintessential Redbreast style while celebrating innovation and craftmanship. The fifth edition represents a truly unique addition to the series, marrying two dream casks, hand selected by Master Blender, Billy Leighton and Blender, Dave McCabe, to create one exceptional whiskey.

To create this extraordinary whiskey, Leighton and McCabe each hand selected their favourite cask from Midleton’s inventory before combining them to create one heavenly whiskey. The first cask, chosen by Leighton, was originally laid down in a first fill oloroso sherry butt in May 1990, while the second – chosen by McCabe – was laid down in a first fill bourbon barrel in November 1991.

Each cask, reflective of the two distinct components of the Redbreast DNA, was chosen at its optimum maturity, then combined to showcase the unique traits imparted by each of the following three decades of ageing.

A 30 year old single pot still Irish whiskey which captures the quintessential Redbreast style!

Bottling these outstanding casks together at precisely the right moment has resulted in an incredibly complex Irish whiskey that harmoniously balances the vanilla sweetness and caramel creaminess from the bourbon barrel and the deep, dark fruitiness from the sherry butt.

With an ABV of 56.9%, the resulting liquid is rich in robust spice with wood-driven characteristics and notes of dark-roasted coffee, sweet liquorice, orange peel and smoked almonds amplified by the wine cask’s influence.
– Billy Leighton: Master Blender

Launching for World Whisky Day, 714 bottles of Redbreast Dream Cask Double Cask Edition will be available exclusively through an online ballot hosted on Redbreast’s online members’ club The Birdhouse at an RRP of €550. Each of the 500ml bottles will be presented in a keepsake book, made from recyclable cardboard*, detailing the latest instalment in the Dream Cask journey.

The ballot will be open for entries from Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, England, Scotland and Wales from 23rd May. When the ballot closes on 30th May, successful participants will be given an opportunity to purchase a limited-edition bottle of Dream Cask Double Cask Edition.

The Dream Cask collection has always been about sharing our most rare and special casks with Redbreast fans around the world and we are thrilled to showcase two distinct casks within this release.

For this 2022 expression, we set out to create a perfectly aged single pot still whiskey that captured the qualities and virtues of its Dream Cask predecessors, but with a new and distinctive twist of marrying these two casks just at the point of bottling. We are delighted with the results and are excited to share this next chapter in the unfolding story of Redbreast.
– Billy Leighton

714 bottles of Redbreast Dream Cask Double Cask Edition will be available

The traditional Redbreast style is so often associated with the influence of sherry casks that we sometimes overlook the role bourbon casks play in its composition. I am honoured to have been able to select my perfectly aged dream bourbon cask for this year’s Dream Cask and to pay homage to that unbeatable harmony that makes Redbreast so special.

We are incredibly fortunate that we have the variety of aged stock at Midleton Distillery to explore and make our dreams a reality. Sharing our discovery with whiskey drinkers across the world is one of the most exciting and joyful aspects of my role to date.
– Dave McCabe: Blender

Tasting Notes

Nose: A rich and complex balance of aromas. A suggestion of dried herbs and earthy tones combine with hints of antique furniture, anise, hazelnut and tobacco. Autumnal fruits, black cherry and cassis build in perfect harmony with oak and sherry wine influences.

Taste: Lucious and full with warming spices and soft tannins at first. Notes of dark roasted coffee, honey-menthol and sweet liquorice follow, complementing the pot still spices. Orange peel and smoked almonds add their own unique and subtle touch.

Finish: Long and satisfyingly rich with the precise balance of fruits, spices and oak lingering until the very end.

Redbreast Whiskey is also available to buy from these online Merchants:-

  • The Whisky Exchange
  • Master of Malt
  • Hard To Find Whisky
  • The Whisky Shop
  • The Little Whisky Shop

Filed Under: Irish, Irish Distillers, New Arrivals, News, Redbreast, Whiskey

Kilchoman Releases Their Annual Limited Edition Loch Gorm 2022!

May 18, 2022 by Gary Leave a Comment

It’s Loch Gorm Day!

The eagerly anticipated Loch Gorm from Kilchoman Distillery is once again ready for its annual release!

Named after Islay’s largest freshwater loch neighbouring the distillery, Loch Gorm is their only annual limited edition matured entirely in oloroso sherry casks!

Kilchoman Loch Gorm 2022

The 2022 edition was matured in oloroso sherry butts previously used by Bodega José y Miguel Martín for a minimum of eight years. The 22 casks selected are a combination of 20 fresh and 2 refill casks.

The sherry soaked oak adds layers of rich fruity character which balances beautifully with classic Kilchoman peat smoke and citrus flavours.

Having selected casks that range in age from eight to fourteen years old, this year’s vatting combines both the youngest and oldest casks we’ve selected for recent editions of Loch Gorm.

The freshness of the eight year old casks combined with the layered complexity of the older casks gives it a fantastic balance of rich, fruity oloroso influence which pairs beautifully with the citrus sweetness and peat smoke of Kilchoman.
– Anthony Wills: Kilchoman Founder

Tasting Notes: Kilchoman Loch Gorm 2022

Nose: Intense sweet pipe smoke, followed by waves of freshly cut strawberries and candied lemon peel. Lighter notes of Neroli (orange blossoms), soft toffee and cloves.
Palate: An initial note of dark chocolate and toasted walnuts, gentle tobacco smokiness, hints of caramel and dates accompanied by subtle warming peat smoke.
Finish: Long and evolving with cinnamon and liquorice wood, chocolate bitters and lingering earthy smoke.

Selected casks that range in age from eight to fourteen years old, this year’s vatting combines both the youngest and oldest casks we’ve selected for recent editions of Loch Gorm.

Kilchoman is available to buy from these Merchants:-

  • The Whisky Exchange
  • Master of Malt
  • Hard To Find Whisky
  • The Whisky Shop
  • The Little Whisky Shop

About Kilchoman

Kilchoman Distillery is a small family run farm distillery based on the rugged west coast of Islay. The distillery was established by Anthony Wills in 2005, the idea was to build a new distillery which took whisky production back to its roots. Anthony and wife Kathy have been joined by their three sons; George, James and Peter.

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

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

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

Filed Under: Islay, Islay Whisky, Kilchoman, New Arrivals, News, Whisky

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