Whisky & Spirits Blog | Compare Buy Enjoy
Fractal peatreek
Cask No: 66.237
Old & Dignified Qty left: 101
|
Heavily Peated Qty left: 93
|
Spicy & Sweet Qty left: 94
|
Heavily Peated Qty left: 101
|
|
Qty left: 97
|
Heavily Peated Qty left: 101
|
Heavily Peated Qty left: 104
|
Innis & Gunn Islay Whisky Cask Beer – made in collaboration with Laphroaig!
First released in 2021, this is Innis & Gunn’s fastest ever selling limited-edition. And the 2022 release had the highest rate of sale of any craft 330ml bottle beer in Scotland.
Islay Whisky Cask Beer, a 7.4% Scottish red ale, is brewed by Innis & Gunn before every year being matured in a different way, always in Laphroaig casks. This produces a limited edition that continues to evolve while offering familiarity – yet with subtly different nuances:
In 2021, matured solely in Laphroaig 10YO casks;
In 2022, matured in rare Laphroaig ‘Quarter Casks’ which, being smaller casks, allowed a greater interaction between cask and beer;
The 2023 release of Laphroaig’s Islay Whisky Cask beer is set to offer a unique and intriguing tasting experience. The larger Laphroaig 10YO casks, which have been previously used for second fill Bourbon, will be utilized for the first 10 weeks of maturation, followed by 3 weeks in second fill Port casks. This combination allows drinkers to savor a double dose of Laphroaig’s renowned and highly sought-after flavors.
The resulting beer is a deep chestnut color with an attractive head upon pouring. The aroma is initially intense and heady, with a hint of peat smoke that gradually gives way to notes of chocolate, spiciness, heather, and coffee. The taste is a contrasting marriage of oak and malt sweetness, full-bodied with hints of dried red fruits, toasted malt, caramel, and Scottish ‘tablet’. The Islay Whisky Cask beer finishes with a slight dryness, leaving a soft aftertaste that delivers subtle smokiness.
For the best experience, it is recommended to pour the beer cold (between 1°C to 4°C) into a goblet glass and enjoy with a dram of Laphroaig for a complementary pairing. With its higher ABV and full flavor profile, Islay Whisky Cask beer also pairs well with a variety of foods.
This is my favourite expression of our collaboration with Laphroaig yet. The double maturation, and use of ex-port casks, has brought further depth to the beer and introduced sweet, fruity notes which are in delicious balance with the briny-smoky hallmark Laphroaig taste.
Both our brewing team, and the distillery team at Laphroaig really understand how to balance flavour and have pushed themselves this year to make something really special. This uncompromising beer unites brewing and distilling craftsmanship at its best.
– Dougal Gunn Sharp: Founder and Master Brewer, Innis & Gunn
Our collaboration with Innis & Gunn is as natural as it is exciting. At Laphroaig, we’ve spent over two centuries perfecting our unique and bold flavours. It requires an uncompromising and original brand to match it – enter Innis & Gunn!
I’ve always been a fan of Innis & Gunn, and this latest release does not disappoint. You’ll taste a whisper of peat along with a distinctive toasted malt note that comes from the Laphroaig cold smoking kilns, along with rich fruits and a long-lasting sweetness from the double matured port casks. The unmistakable refreshing citrus and orange rind flavours from the beer are followed by a warming finish with hints of oak and that classic understated bitterness that Innis & Gunn create so well. It’s a superb combination of cask, whisky and beer all perfectly balanced in flavour.
– Barry McAffer: Distillery Manager, Laphroaig
Innis & Gunn Islay Whisky Cask in its specially designed gift carton by Scottish artist, Scott Naismith, is available from 17th April 2023 via the Innis & Gunn online shop, priced at £6 per 330ml bottle; and for the first time appearing on shelf from June at Waitrose and Sainsbury’s nationwide, plus in Booths Supermarkets and in Tesco in Scotland at £5-6 per 330ml bottle.
Pioneers of cask maturation, Innis & Gunn was founded in 2003 by Master Brewer, Dougal Gunn Sharp with the launch of ‘The Original’, a single malt whisky cask matured Scottish golden beer, widely available in supermarkets and in export markets.
Innis & Gunn’s innovative NPD programme continues to push the boundaries of brewing in 2023 with five Limited Edition brews being unveiled throughout the year.
About Innis & Gunn:
Since its foundation in 2003, Scottish brewer Innis & Gunn has grown to become one of the UK’s most successful craft beer businesses. Using innovative techniques including oak cask maturation, Innis & Gunn brew multi-award-winning beers including the flagship ‘The Original’ and Innis & Gunn Lager Beer, recently awarded at The Great Taste Awards. The brewer’s portfolio also includes a range of IPAs and a line of bespoke limited-edition brews which demonstrate quality, innovation and craft.
Fettercairn’s ‘Warehouse 14’ Limited Edition Whisky – The Last – But Certainly Not Least – Of Their “Warehouse Collection” Releases!
Fettercairn Distillery has released the fifth and final instalment of their ‘Warehouse Collection’, Warehouse 14. It is an experimental Limited Edition release, opening the doors to Warehouse 14 for the first time in the Collection’s journey!
The previous four releases in the Collection have been from Warehouse 2, but for this final release, Fettercairn has looked to a warehouse at the opposite side of the distillery. Warehouse 14 looks out on to the Cairngorms and is more exposed to the elements and changing seasons which has undoubtedly helped to shape this very special final release.
Fettercairn Warehouse 14 will complete the Warehouse Collection
Warehouse 14 has been crafted using a handpicked selection of first-fill and second-fill ex-Bourbon barrels. This release was initially created as an experiment in the unique Warehouse 14 by Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass and the Distillery Team. The recipe was finished in a mix of three different beer barrels – stout, dark ale and pale ale – each offering different flavour characteristics that enhance Fettercairn’s tropical house style.
Fettercairn’s signature house style, abundant with tropical fruit flavours and soft spice, is created by the unique cooling ring, which ensures only the purest vapours rise and produces the distinctive tropical characteristic, remains a feature of Warehouse 14 on the nose and on the palate.
For more information, my previous blog post on this release can be found here.
Fettercairn kindly sent me a sample of the ‘Warehouse 14’ to try. A hearty Cheers to fettercairnwhisky.com (@FettercairnWh) for the opportunity to sample this dram and also for sending some Joe & Seph’s tasty olive oil, sea salt and black pepper gourmet popcorn to go with it!
So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …
Limited Edition release, Non-Chill-Filtered and Natural Colour.
|
Nose: Sherbet sweet with apples and light tropical fruits which steadily grows over time. Creamy aromas with some woody notes add to a very inviting tasting ahead!
Palate: Initially there is creamy sweet tropical fruits and chocolate but it’s also quite spicy, peppery and savoury which comes to the front from an early stage. Finish: The tropical fruitiness comes back much stronger at the finish and it’s very welcome! The spice is still there you can also add a little toffee as well. The finish is short and dry. Overall: This dram has a higher ABV than the other warehouse releases and it’s very welcome! It gives more scope to the dram and opens up more tasting opportunities. |
Fettercairn Warehouse 14 completes the Warehouse Collection and is available at an RSP of £70. Available on a Limited Editon basis in limited selected markets including UK, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium and France.
Going forward Fettercairn is continuing their 18 and 16 Year Old annual releases as well as planning for next years 200 year anniversary which is in June 2024 (the oldest barrel in their warehouse is from 1962.)
Fettercairn Whiskies are also available to buy from these Merchants:-
“A satisfying finish to the collection!”
About Fettercairn – www.fettercairnwhisky.com
Fettercairn Distillery is a hidden gem – a Single Malt Scotch Whisky Distillery located in the heart of a thriving agricultural community, Aberdeenshire – ‘The Garden of Scotland’.
A spark of whisky making ingenuity is what makes Fettercairn special. A sense of wonder has been a constant theme back to 1824, as illustrated by our beautiful copper cooling ring, which produces a uniquely tropical style of new make spirit, and our Scottish Oak Programme from which we developed our Fettercairn 18 Year Old Scottish Oak.
Today we continue to take a progressive outlook and make new unexpected journeys in flavour led whisky making. We invite curious whisky lovers and connoisseurs to explore and enjoy Fettercairn Single Malt.
About Gregg Glass- Master Whisky Maker – Icons of Whisky Distiller of the Year, Scotland 2023
Respected whisky maker Gregg Glass joined Whyte and Mackay in 2016, where he has been a leading light in the rejuvenation of Fettercairn alongside Distillery Manager Stewart Walker.
Gregg enjoyed a childhood in the heart of whisky making country, the Black Isle. With 22 years in industry notably 11 years at innovative whisky maker Compass Box, Gregg joined Whyte and Mackay in 2016 to work alongside renowned Master Distiller Mr Richard Paterson OBE.
Gregg has enjoyed 15 years career as a blender and whisky maker. At Whyte and Mackay Gregg has led whisky development for Fettercairn Single Malt Whisky, Jura Single Malt Whisky and in 2017 launched Whisky Works – an independent innovation wing of Whyte and Mackay.
Gregg is devoted to his craft and believes in flavour-led hands-on whisky making. Gregg is passionately involved in every aspect of the whisky making process from ‘acorn to glass’ and since 2020 leads whisky making across the Whyte and Mackay portfolio.
Award-Winning Whisky Makers Whyte and Mackay
Whyte and Mackay is home to a collection of multi-award-winning Single Malt Whiskies including The Dalmore, Jura and Fettercairn. With a premium spirits portfolio that includes contemporary whisky brands Shackleton, Woodsman and John Barr, alongside popular alcohol brands Wildcat, Fundador and Harveys Bristol Cream and Aperitivo. In the UK the company produce Whyte & Mackay, an award-winning ever-popular Blended Whisky, which recently launched the market-leading ‘Whyte & Mackay Light’ – a lighter spirit drink from Scotland, bottled at a lower ABV.
In 2020 the company were publicly recognised by the First Minister of Scotland for their support of the national pandemic response. Whyte and Mackay are official partners to SAMH – Scottish Association for Mental Health, which saw Whyte and Mackay employees worldwide complete a virtual-race-around-the-world to raise awareness for the charity.
Founded in Glasgow 1844, the whisky makers celebrated their 175 year anniversary in 2019. Today Whyte and Mackay have offices from New York to Singapore. In Scotland, Whyte and Mackay operate a state-of-the-art Bottling Hall and Distribution Centre in Grangemouth and a Whisky Production and Warehousing Centre in Invergordon.
Whyte and Mackay’s whisky making is led by Master Distiller Richard Paterson OBE and pioneering Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass.
“Jura Pale Ale Cask Edition”
Jura, the UK’s top malt brand, has introduced a new whisky called “Jura Pale Ale Cask Edition” to its ‘Cask Edition Series’!
“… a fruity and tropical hop character with a smooth and creamy finish.”
During the lockdown, Jura’s whisky makers, Gregg Glass and Joe Ricketts, saw an opportunity to collaborate with local craft brewers to source beer casks well suited to maturing Jura’s signature flavour profile.
The result is Jura Pale Ale Cask Edition, which has a fruity and tropical hop character with a smooth and creamy finish.
Jura Pale Ale Cask Edition joins three others in the Cask Editions Series – Jura Winter Edition, Jura Red Wine Cask Edition and Jura Rum Cask Finish.
At 40%, this whisky is intended to be enjoyed as part of sociable occasions, and there is a special Jura Hopscotch Highball cocktail recipe for adventurous drinkers offering a refreshing long serve and a twist on the classic beer cocktail combinations:
Jura Hopscotch Highball
This whisky will be available in stores across the UK, including Tesco and has an RRP of £35 (70cl) with an accompanying tube, making it an ideal option for gifting.
Jura is also available to buy from these online Whisky Merchants:-
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.
“Cricket bat wrapped in hessian”
Cask No: 28.67
Spicy & Sweet Qty left: 10
|
Juicy Oak & Vanilla Qty left: 10
|
Juicy Oak & Vanilla Qty left: 10
|
Spicy & Sweet Qty left: 14
|
Lightly Peated Qty left: 28
|
Juicy Oak & Vanilla Qty left: 29
|
Lightly Peated Qty left: 32
|
Spicy & Sweet Qty left: 34
|
Lightly Peated Qty left: 40
|
Spicy & Dry Qty left: 42
|
Join the great tumult – Cask No: 146.2
A quiet nose but it’s palate more than makes up for it!
You can get the complete picture of these releases from my previous blog post here …
The SMWS has very kindly sent me one of these bottles to try – namely ‘Join the great tumult – Cask No: 146.2’ to try. (Thanks SMWS!)
So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …
Cask Type: 1st fill STR barrique
Origin: England
ABV: 62.2%
£79.50
|
Nose: It’s a shy one, this dram. It gives up it’s aromas slowly. But give it time and there’s toffee apples, muted spring flowers, creamy biscuit and some citrus.
Palate: Luxuriant mouthfeel with cane sugar sweetness, syrupy orchard fruits, a little lemon and do I detect a hint of blackcurrant? Finish: Herby, grassy spice complete with punchy pepper and some honey sugariness keeping it in cosy company. A short finish completes the experience with some woody dryness. Overall: Well this whisky has a quiet nose but it’s palate more than makes up for this! If you like sweet fruits, wisps of flowers and some savoury bite then this dram is certainly for you! |
|
|
|
|
Many thanks to the SMWS (@SMWSUK) for sending me such a fine bottle of English Whisky!
• The Scotch Malt Whisky Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and has 37,000 members around the world.
• It is owned by The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC) plc
• The SMWS bottles rare single cask and single malt whisky, exclusive blends and a range of other Single Cask Spirits.
• The Society has bottled whisky from 180 distilleries from Scotland and beyond
• The Society offers a new batch of around 20 different single malt whiskies every month
• Members have access to four exclusive SMWS Members’ Rooms in Leith, Edinburgh, Glasgow and London along with a global network of 100 partner bars.
• The Society offers a variety of membership options that can be tailored.
• For more information about the Society, visit: https://smws.com/, Twitter: @SMWSUK Facebook: @thesmwsuk Instagram: @smws_uk
• The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC) plc is based in Edinburgh
• The Artisanal Spirits Company (ASC) plc is building a portfolio of premium brands that bring together some of the world’s best spirits producers with a growing movement of discerning consumers by curating unrivalled collections of craft spirits.
• ASC owns The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) and in 2021 it launched J.G. Thomson & Co. Inspired by its namesake, which was originally a wine and spirits merchant in Leith, Scotland, in the 1700s, J.G. Thomson is a new, adventurous blender, creating small batch blended malt whiskies, blended grain whiskies, rum and gin.
Kentucky Owl “Takumi” Edition Bourbon Whiskey
Kentucky Owl “Takumi” Edition Bourbon Whiskey has been released in the UK. The Takumi Edition is the second limited edition release from Kentucky Owl showcasing the brand’s innovative approach to traditional bourbon!
Amber Beverage UK, part of the Amber Beverage Group, is the UK distributor of Kentucky Owl and will be introducing the Takumi Edition to premium on-trade and off-trade accounts.
Never seen before – Origami wrapped Bourbon!
Takumi is a collaboration between Kentucky Owl’s Master Blender John Rhea and Nagahama Distillery’s Master Blender Yusuke Yahisa, this latest limited edition release blends new and old, showcasing Kentucky bourbon through the eyes of Japanese whisky. Both Kentucky and Japan are home to whiskey lovers who respect tradition and craftsmanship, but who also admire innovation.
The Japanese term kaizen — continuous improvement — echoes through this latest project. “Takumi” means “master” in Japanese, with the name of the release celebrating the art and craft of modern whisky blending. (I blogged all the details here … )
I was lucky enough to be invited to the launch of The Takumi Edition in London last week and had the great pleasure of being introduced to the team behind the launch including Tom Jones (from Wales – I kid you not!), Stoli Groups Global Brand Ambassador.
As much as his famous, singing namesake entertains, so did our Mr. Jones – talking us through this new Bourbon, bringing the whole ethos and process to life and then inviting us to taste some samples!
We first tasted their their previous editions: St. Patrick’s Edition (toffee with rum n’ raisin ice cream notes) and Confiscated (a fruitier delight) – before trying the Takumi.
Kentucky Owl also kindly gifted me a Origami wrapped bottle to take home for further tasting study. Thanks kentuckyowlbourbon.com / @kentuckyowl!
So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …
The Takumi Edition Bourbon is a blend of 4, 5, 6 and 13-year-old Kentucky straight bourbons with mash bills containing corn, rye or wheat, and malted barley.
|
Nose: A heady mix of toffee, sweet orange and crisp apple – all backed up with cereal notes.
Palate: Lovely, creamy, sweet orange, caramel and there’s also some apple and slight hints of chocolate. Finish: A very warming finish with some smooth spiciness and some lasting fruity sweetness. It’s a very controlled finish that treats the taster very gently. Not too harsh – not too peppery – in fact, just right! Overall: Too me, (adopting Yoda voice), “The orange is strong in this one!” And I think that’s a great thing. You can forget fieriness as well – there’s not a hint – smooth is the keyword for this premium whiskey and smooth comes as standard – and don’t forget loads of satisfying flavour as well! |
Nagahama Distillery’s Master Blender Yusuke Yahisa & Kentucky Owl’s Master Blender John Rhea. Rhea and Yahisa worked together to create the resulting Takumi Edition blend, with Rhea selecting four different formulations and sending the samples to Japan. Yahisa evaluated those samples, which represented different ages and mash bills available from Kentucky Owl. Yahisa then created different blends with those formulations to develop one most reflective of his Japanese whisky style.
The Kentucky Owl Takumi Edition will be available to purchase shortly. RRP: £130. ABV: 50%
Kentucky Owl is available to buy from these Merchants:-
Once again, many thanks to @mprcomms for the invite and for looking after me, and of course, kentuckyowlbourbon.com / @kentuckyowl, for producing such a phenomenal premium bourbon whiskey!
About Kentucky Owl:
Founded in 1879 by C.M. Dedman, Kentucky Owl offers an artfully blended line of craft Bourbon and Rye Whiskey, each bottled at a proof selected by the Master Blender to bring out the exceptional flavour profile of each product. Kentucky Owl products are for those who appreciate high quality, attention to detail, artisanship, and authentic heritage. For more information, visit kentuckyowlbourbon.com
About Stoli Group:
Stoli Group was established in 2013 and is responsible for the production, management, and distribution of a global spirits and wines portfolio. Mainly known for the Stoli Vodka brand, Stoli Group has expanded to appeal to luxury on-premise and more sophisticated global consumers. Signature brands are: Stoli Vodka, elit™Vodka, Bayou Rum, Kentucky Owl™, Villa One™, Gator Bite™ Rum Liquers, Cenote™ Tequila, Tulchan Gin™, Se Busca™ Mezcal and Stoli Group’s wine division, Tenute del Mondo. With a presence across a network of more than 176 markets, Stoli Group works with a passionate team of 200 distributors around the world. Headquartered in Luxembourg, Stoli has production facilities in Spain, Italy, Argentina, and the United States, some of which are steeped in history dating back to the early part of the last century. For more information, visit stoli-group.com
About Amber Beverage UK:
Established in 1999, Amber Beverage Group UK (previously known as Cellar Trends) has an enviable record in building brands of wines, spirits and associated products in the UK. The company serves all sectors of the UK drinks trade in both on- and off-trade categories with a portfolio of 60 international brands. Since 2018, the company has been a part of Amber Beverage Group. For more information, visit amberbev.com
Gregg Glass (center) receives his award from Christopher Coates (left) and Whisky Magazine Editor Bethany Whymark (right). Photo credit: Oliver Riley-Smith
Whyte and Mackay’s talented Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass has been named Master Distiller of the Year at the global Icons of Whisky Awards 2023, in a prestigious ceremony on Thursday 30th March.
This historic win for Glass sees him become one of the youngest ever recipients of this outstanding award, which is among the worldwide whisky industry’s ultimate accolades.
Glass is renowned for his experimental and inventive approach to whisky making. Since joining Whyte and Mackay in 2016, Glass’ impact has been felt throughout the business and its portfolio of single malt distilleries: The Dalmore, Jura, Fettercairn and Tamnavulin.
The team Glass created, shaped, and worked alongside is credited with the rejuvenation of the Jura and Fettercairn distilleries as well as the creation of the brand’s independent innovation wing, Whisky Works, in 2017.
Glass is also the mastermind behind Whyte and Mackay’s pioneering and celebrated Scottish Oak Programme, which aims to help establish the use of native oak as a quality raw material for the wider spirits industry, starting with Scotch. In 2022, the Scottish Oak Programme won The Spirits Business Award for Innovation in Production.
Having grown up on the Black Isle, across the Cromarty Firth from The Dalmore distillery, Glass has worked in the whisky industry for 24 years. Prior to joining Whyte and Mackay, he solidified his reputation as an innovator at Compass Box. Joining the fifth largest whisky producer – Whyte and Mackay – in 2016, Glass has since led whisky making innovation across the portfolio which also includes The Woodsman and Invergordon.
Presenting the award, Whisky Magazine’s Editor-at-Large, Christopher Coates, highlighted Glass’ undeniable passion for both nature and nurture, crediting him for charting an exciting course for the industry.
As a whisky maker, to be recognised by our industry, in a room of peers, at a time when Scotland is alive with brilliant whisky making, is truly humbling.
This accolade is not mine alone, it is testament to the dedication of everyone within the Whyte and Mackay community, who give their all in the pursuit of creating the finest whiskies.It is an absolute pleasure to be leading whisky making at five incredible distilleries on behalf of Whyte and Mackay. I cannot wait to share with you the fantastic whiskies the team have laid down, to be released when the time is right.
Thank you to everyone at Icons of Whisky for this award – it is a real honour.
– Gregg Glass: Master Whisky Maker
”
Gregg’s win follows his success in the recent regional Icons of Whisky Awards, where he was named Scotch Whisky Master Distiller of the Year
What an achievement for Gregg, an incredible accolade, and, likely, the youngest winner to be recognised by the industry in this way.
From the moment I met Gregg, I recognised not only his talent for creating exceptional whisky, but for his unmistakable passion. That passion is everything – it is what defines the greatest blenders in our industry and this award is a tribute to his creativity as a whisky maker.
– Richard Paterson: Master Distiller at Whyte and Mackay (Icons of Whisky Lifetime Achievement Award Winner & inductee number 15 into the Whisky Hall of Fame)
Gregg’s win follows his success in the recent regional Icons of Whisky Awards, where he was named Scotch Whisky Master Distiller of the Year. At those same awards, Invergordon Grain Whisky also received the top award in the Grain Whisky category, while Whyte and Mackay’s Kieran Healey-Ryder was Highly Commended as Scotch Whisky Ambassador.
Cù Bòcan Creation #5
Cù Bòcan Single Malt has just released the fifth instalment in its limited edition “Creation” series. Cù Bòcan Creation #5 is believed to be the first single malt scotch whisky to have been matured in Colombian Andean Oak casks!
The experimental Highland Single Malt is distilled every winter at Tomatin Distillery in limited batches and made with lightly peated Scottish barley for its signature wisp of smoke. Cù Bòcan is also renowned for exploring innovative maturations, creating whiskies full of intrigue and surprise and this latest Creation is no exception.
Cù Bòcan Creation #5 is available in specialist shops worldwide with an RRP of £60 per 700ml bottle
The Cù Bòcan Creation series pushes the boundaries of Scotch whisky with experimentation, whilst still paying homage to its protective heritage. A leading innovator in cask selection, this isn’t the first time Cù Bòcan have experimented with a new cask type, being the first to use Japanese Shochu casks for maturation for a previous Creation release in 2019; Creation #2.
Andean oak, as its name suggests, comes from the Andes Mountains, and its altitude conditions between 3500-4000 metres make it a truly special and unique wood. It is found in cold tropical climates, areas with extreme humidity and wild forests, sustainably logged high in the Cordillera region. In terms of its impact on colour, aroma, flavour and mouthfeel, it is aromatic and floral, (orange blossom and rose) and exotic and fruity (mango, papaya, passion). The nose is fresh and elegant with a spicy and resinous character. The palate is round, soft and sweet. Cù Bòcan Creation #5 was distilled in December 2011 and initially matured in refill American oak hogsheads before being filled into Andean Oak casks in June 2021. A little over a year later the whisky was removed from cask.
Typically, we would consider one year to be quite a short finish, however the influence of the Andean Oak casks in that period was remarkable. The nose is incredibly herbaceous with aromas of ylang-ylang, carnation, eucalyptus before sweeter hints of white chocolate pralines and lemon sponge cake develop. The mix of Andean Oak’s unique properties and Cù Bòcan’s light smoke has resulted in notes of toasted clove, smoked nutmeg, and creosote.
To taste, the sweeter notes begin to interact more with the smoke and spice leading to flavours of campfire banana splits, cinder toffee and clove spiced vanilla. The herbal notes that were so prominent on the nose sit subtly in the background before a warming finish with gentle phenols and spice.
– Scott Adamson: Blender and Global Brands Ambassador
The current Cù Bòcan range now comprises of Cù Bòcan Signature, the only ongoing product within the range, matured in Bourbon, Oloroso Sherry and North American Virgin Oak casks, the Creation series and Cù Bòcan 15 Year Old which was released late last year. Cù Bòcan Signature was recently awarded “GOLD” at the 2023 International Wine and Spirits Awards scoring 95 points out of 100.
We are delighted to introduce Creation #5 into the Cù Bòcan range. This is an incredibly rare and exciting release; the Colombian Andean Oak casks were more difficult to acquire than perhaps any other cask type we have matured Cù Bòcan in, but they were definitely worth the wait.
We are always excited to experiment with Cù Bòcan and can’t wait for our fans to try this new whisky.
– Graham Nicolson: Sales Director
Each Cù Bòcan Single Malt aims to open up the world of lightly peated whisky, offering an exploration in the subtleties of smoke, the character of the casks and the mastery of maturation. The range is always non-chill filtered and natural in colour. Cù Bòcan Creation #5 has been bottled at 46% Abv. and is a limited release with only 8,400 bottles available worldwide.
Cù Bòcan Creation #5 is available in specialist shops worldwide with an RRP of £60 per 700ml bottle
The Fettercairn Distillery ‘Warehouse Collection’, Warehouse 14
Fettercairn Distillery has announced the fifth and final instalment of their ‘Warehouse Collection’, Warehouse 14, an experimental Limited Edition release, opening the doors to Warehouse 14 for the first time in the Collection’s journey!
Warehouse 14 is the latest release from pioneering Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass. As is the aim of the Collection, this Limited Edition release takes Fettercairn and its famed tropical house style on another new and unexpected journey.
A rare and remarkable Single Malt, bottled at 51.2% ABV (Non-Chill-Filtered and Natural Colour), Warehouse 14 is shaped by Fettercairn’s unique dunnage Warehouse 14 and the whisky maker’s expert balance of unusual casks.
The response to our first four warehouse releases has been incredibly encouraging. Our ethos with the Fettercairn Warehouse Collection was to offer a taste of the experiments laid down here, with each Limited Edition expression exploring different flavour characteristics that enhance our unique tropical house style.
With the release of Warehouse 14 we were looking to create another new expression of our house style, building on the influence of ex-bourbon casks, which work very well with our distinctive tropical notes, whilst exploring the unique influence of casks sourced from local craft beer producers.
Each of our warehouses at Fettercairn has a sense of magic. It is a fantastic place to make whisky and with Warehouse 14, I think we have once again pushed the boundaries and offered a new perspective of what Fettercairn can be.
As always, we created this whisky to be enjoyed, and I am pleased to offer another unique, new expression that curious whisky lovers and connoisseurs can explore.
– Gregg Glass: Master Whisky Maker
Fettercairn Warehouse 14 will complete the Warehouse Collection
Warehouse 14 has been crafted using a handpicked selection of first-fill and second-fill ex-Bourbon barrels. This release was initially created as an experiment in the unique Warehouse 14 by Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass and the Distillery Team. The recipe was finished in a mix of three different beer barrels – stout, dark ale and pale ale – each offering different flavour characteristics that enhance Fettercairn’s tropical house style.
Fettercairn’s signature house style, abundant with tropical fruit flavours and soft spice, is created by the unique cooling ring, which ensures only the purest vapours rise and produces the distinctive tropical characteristic, remains a feature of Warehouse 14 on the nose and on the palate.
However, this Limited Edition release offers whisky explorers and enthusiasts alike the opportunity to experience expert, craft and imagination, through this characterful creation.
To the eye, Warehouse 14 is a natural shimmering gold in colour and there is vanilla, honey and floral charm on the nose. To taste, warm toasty maltiness, tropical fruits with layers of crème caramel, apricot tart, cacao, soft wood spices and a pleasing nuttiness.
The Limited Edition Warehouse Collection brings to life curious whiskies created by Fettercairn, combined with the treasure trove of unusual casks found across their fourteen dunnage warehouses. The previous four releases in the Collection have been from Warehouse 2, but for this final release, Fettercairn has looked to a warehouse at the opposite side of the distillery. Warehouse 14 looks out on to the Cairngorms and is more exposed to the elements and changing seasons which has undoubtedly helped to shape this very special final release.
Fettercairn Warehouse 14 will complete the Warehouse Collection and will be available at an RSP of £70 from April. Available on a Limited Editon basis in limited selected markets including UK, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium and France.
Fettercairn Whiskies are also available to buy from these Merchants:-
About Fettercairn
Fettercairn Distillery is a hidden gem – a Single Malt Scotch Whisky Distillery located in the heart of a thriving agricultural community, Aberdeenshire – ‘The Garden of Scotland’.
A spark of whisky making ingenuity is what makes Fettercairn special. A sense of wonder has been a constant theme back to 1824, as illustrated by our beautiful copper cooling ring, which produces a uniquely tropical style of new make spirit, and our Scottish Oak Programme from which we developed our Fettercairn 18 Year Old Scottish Oak.
Today we continue to take a progressive outlook and make new unexpected journeys in flavour led whisky making. We invite curious whisky lovers and connoisseurs to explore and enjoy Fettercairn Single Malt.
About Gregg Glass- Master Whisky Maker – Icons of Whisky Distiller of the Year, Scotland 2023
Respected whisky maker Gregg Glass joined Whyte and Mackay in 2016, where he has been a leading light in the rejuvenation of Fettercairn alongside Distillery Manager Stewart Walker.
Gregg enjoyed a childhood in the heart of whisky making country, the Black Isle. With 22 years in industry notably 11 years at innovative whisky maker Compass Box, Gregg joined Whyte and Mackay in 2016 to work alongside renowned Master Distiller Mr Richard Paterson OBE.
Gregg has enjoyed 15 years career as a blender and whisky maker. At Whyte and Mackay Gregg has led whisky development for Fettercairn Single Malt Whisky, Jura Single Malt Whisky and in 2017 launched Whisky Works – an independent innovation wing of Whyte and Mackay.
Gregg is devoted to his craft and believes in flavour-led hands-on whisky making. Gregg is passionately involved in every aspect of the whisky making process from ‘acorn to glass’ and since 2020 leads whisky making across the Whyte and Mackay portfolio.
Award-Winning Whisky Makers Whyte and Mackay
Whyte and Mackay is home to a collection of multi-award-winning Single Malt Whiskies including The Dalmore, Jura and Fettercairn. With a premium spirits portfolio that includes contemporary whisky brands Shackleton, Woodsman and John Barr, alongside popular alcohol brands Wildcat, Fundador and Harveys Bristol Cream and Aperitivo. In the UK the company produce Whyte & Mackay, an award-winning ever-popular Blended Whisky, which recently launched the market-leading ‘Whyte & Mackay Light’ – a lighter spirit drink from Scotland, bottled at a lower ABV.
In 2020 the company were publicly recognised by the First Minister of Scotland for their support of the national pandemic response. Whyte and Mackay are official partners to SAMH – Scottish Association for Mental Health, which saw Whyte and Mackay employees worldwide complete a virtual-race-around-the-world to raise awareness for the charity.
Founded in Glasgow 1844, the whisky makers celebrated their 175 year anniversary in 2019. Today Whyte and Mackay have offices from New York to Singapore. In Scotland, Whyte and Mackay operate a state-of-the-art Bottling Hall and Distribution Centre in Grangemouth and a Whisky Production and Warehousing Centre in Invergordon.
Whyte and Mackay’s whisky making is led by Master Distiller Richard Paterson OBE and pioneering Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass.
