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Sampling ‘Highland Park’s 2003 16 Year Old Sherry Cask’ – A Whisky Exchange Exclusive!

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If you’re friends with Santa then give him a nudge in this direction!

A limited-edition 2003 Highland Park single malt bottled exclusively for The Whisky Exchange is now available!

Only 585 bottles are available!

Distillery bottled after spending 16 years in a single, first fill sherry butt (from 2003 to 2019) only 585 bottles are available.

Highland Park 2003 16 Year Old Sherry Cask TWE Exclusive retails for £199

The Whisky Exchange has kindly sent me a sample to try (Thanks @WhiskyExchange!).

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

Tasting Notes – Highland Park 2003, 16 Year Old Sherry Cask TWE Exclusive – Cask Number 1885 (58.9%)


Colour: Amazing dark sherry that clings to the glass!

Nose: Dark sherried wood with vanilla, chocolate, sherried fruits & a little orange. Later on comes powerful caramel toffee refreshed by green apple.

Palate: Satisfying, substantial mouthfeel with rich sherry and dark wood. There’s chocolate, toffee, heavy fruit Xmas cake with cane sugar sweetness.

Finish: Spicy finish that’ll knock your taste buds off initially! But then it mellows into a finely balanced smooth finish.

Overall: If you’re friends with Santa then give him a nudge in this direction – this is the perfect Christmas dram to get you sat in front of the archetypal roaring fire and make sure you stay there!

Sampling Midleton Very Rare 2020: Irish Whiskey At It’s Finest!

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Midleton Very Rare 2020!

Irish Distillers has unveiled the eagerly awaited Midleton Very Rare 2020, a unique parting gift from former Master Distiller Brian Nation!

This is the 37th edition in the world-renowned range!

In his final days as Master Distiller, Brian continued the long-standing tradition of hand-selecting whiskeys reserved for this coveted annual expression from Midleton Distillery’s exceptional inventory for the last time.

The result heralds the 37th edition in the world-renowned range.

Chosen from the most outstanding quality single pot still and single grain Irish whiskeys laid down over the past four decades in Midleton, Co Cork, Midleton Very Rare 2020 showcases an expression of whiskeys aged from 13 to 35 years in lightly charred ex-bourbon American oak barrels.

“This dram is like nostalgia in a glass – I’m getting very wistful!”

This year, Brian Nation selected a higher pot still inclusion when compared to previous vintages, while also increasing the use of refill barrels amongst his choice of casks. The result is a luxurious and balanced whiskey with rich pot still notes and elegant grain distillates that take centre stage thanks to the inclusion of refill casks – a fitting legacy from one of Irish whiskey’s great Master Distillers.

As a colleague and friend to Brian for many years, I could not be prouder to present his final Midleton Very Rare vintage and his legacy as Irish Distillers’ Master Distiller, to consumers across the globe.

Selected each year with passion and precision, this expression offers an initial burst of tangy fruity sweetness on the palate, with pot still spices building over time to add a mild prickle of chili oil.

Indeed, Brian’s love of a single pot still is reflected in this exceptional whiskey, while preserving the balance and beauty for which Midleton Very Rare is renowned.
– Kevin O’Gorman: Master Distiller at Irish Distillers

Former Master Distiller Brian Nation and Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman

In a break from tradition and in response to consumer demand for the annual vintage to be made available earlier in the year in question, newly appointed Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman will reveal Midleton Very Rare 2021 in spring next year, honouring a rare changing of the guard at the iconic Midleton Distillery.

Only the third Master Distiller to influence one of the world’s most sought-after whiskey collections, the unveiling of Midleton Very Rare 2021 will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the world of Irish whiskey.

Bottled at 40% ABV, Midleton Very Rare 2020 is available online and in Ireland now, and will hit shelves in the UK, USA, Global Travel Retail, Australia, Germany and Canada in the coming months at the RRP of €180.

The Midleton Family!

I was lucky enough to be invited to an online sampling of this years Midleton Very Rare. Many thanks to midletonveryrare.com (Instagram: @midletonveryrare) for the invite – the beautiful sample and glass set & the chance to try such an amazing dram!
Slainte!

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

Tasting Notes – Midleton Very Rare 2020 (40%)

For those who are curious, keeping the brand at 40% ABV (rather than have cask-strength versions) is designed to keep the balance of the whiskey just right and to maintain consistency over the yearly releases.


Colour: Golden sherry!

Nose: Gorgeous orange, tangerine and honeyed, vanilla toffee – delightful! There’s orchard fruits – mainly apples and heavy shades of dusky rooms, furniture polish and plasticine – love it!

Palate: Similar to the nose with increased lemon and orange citrus. The vanilla caramel combines well with delicate tropical fruit.

Finish: Incredibly smooth finish with a soft, spicy pepper.

Overall: This dram is like nostalgia in a glass – I’m getting very wistful!

Too be honest, it’s TOO drinkable, so restraint is required, unless you want to gaze upon an empty bottle in double-quick time!

I also Love the bespoke glasses which are very swish! They’ll be going on my display shelf for sure!

The beautiful Midleton Very Rare sample and glass set I was sent!

About Midleton Very Rare

Midleton Very Rare is the ultimate expression of craftsmanship from Irish Distillers’ Midleton Distillery. Released once a year, Irish Distillers’ Master Distiller hand-selects the finest and rarest whiskeys from the inventory of Midleton Distillery before blending them to create a true whiskey masterpiece, often referred to as the ‘pinnacle of Irish whiskey’.

Created in 1984 by Master Distiller Emeritus Barry Crockett, to date only two Master Distillers, Barry Crocket and Brian Nation, have had the privilege of preserving its legacy.

Midleton is also available to buy from these Merchants:-

Sampling Jameson ‘Crested’ – Finished In Stout Barrels – Beyond Morish!

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Jameson Crested Finished in Black Ball Metric Stout Barrels!

I reported earlier this month that Irish Distillers had joined forces with Eight Degrees Brewing to create a unique edition of their beloved Jameson Crested.

Well, I’ve been fortunate to get hold of a sample from Jamesons (thanks!) and you’ll find my sampling notes below.

A limited-edition release of fewer than 10,000 bottles globally

Jameson Crested Finished in Black Ball Metric Stout Barrels is the next step in an exciting collaboration between Irish Distillers and its Co. Cork neighbour, Eight Degrees, who last year celebrated eight years of adventurous craft beer brewing by releasing a uniquely dark Black Ball Metric Stout finished in Jameson barrels as the last iteration of their Rack ‘em Up Series.

Always seeking an opportunity to innovate, Jameson returned the compliment by selecting a special whiskey to mature in the stout soaked barrels. The result is a stunning evolution of Jameson Crested, with a rich stout influence married with a luscious creamy texture and lingering finish of pot still spices and malt.

A limited-edition release of fewer than 10,000 bottles globally, Jameson Crested Finished in Black Ball Metric Stout Barrels is available from Jameson’s brand home outlets at Bow Street, Dublin, and Midleton, Cork.
It is also available through Jameson’s online shop at jamesonwhiskey.com, priced at €45 (70cl)

From mid-October, it will also be available to air passengers vising the new Dublin Airport shop in Terminal 2.

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

Tasting Notes – Jameson Crested Finished in Black Ball Metric Stout Barrels (40%)


Nose: Creamy stout, sweet, soaked raisins, crisp apples, chocolate and vanilla. After a while there’s woody aromas with hints of furniture polish and a dusty air!

Palate: Creamy mouthful, sweet chocolate, Christmasy fruits and pleasant shades of orange.

Finish: Smooth mild spice, creamy sweetness with a nice long peppery finish.

Overall: Beyond morish!

– If you’re a Jameson fan (and if not, why not?!) you must try this. If you don’t, you will regret it!

Remember – when-its-gone-its-gone!

Beyond morish – if you’re a Jameson fan (and if not, why not?!) you must try this!

Many thanks to the team at (@RxTLondon) for sending me the sample and, of course, jamesonwhiskey.com (@jamesonwhiskey) without whom!

Also, check out eightdegrees.ie (@8degreesbrewing) to see their wares!

Serving Suggestions:

Enjoy neat to get the best of this liquid or pair with a craft stout (Black Ball Metric Stout the best suiter).

For something mixed try:

Eight Degrees Stout & Spiced

Ingredients: 40ml Crested x Eight Degrees, 100ml Fever Tree Spiced, Orange Ginger Ale, 3 dashes chocolate bitters.

To Make: Fill a highball glass with ice. Pour in whiskey, bitters and top with spiced ginger ale. Garnish with an orange wedge.

Jameson Products are also available to buy from these Merchants:-

Looking For A Low Alcohol Drink? Plus Low Calorie? And Maximum Flavour? “Mary” Has It All!

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“Mary”

A global movement towards healthier lifestyles and a desire to know more about what we are putting into our bodies has inspired London start-up ILLOGICAL DRINKS, an alcohol company made up of four drinks experts (see below), to release Mary, a deliciously fresh low calorie, lower alcohol botanical blend made with responsibly sourced garden herbs.

Sales of No alcohol and Low Spirit alcohol are growing rapidly, significantly outperforming the Total Spirits category in value sales. It is also forecasted to increase even more during 2020.

So, Mary has come along at just the right time!

6% abv and only 9 calories per 25ml serving!

At just 6% abv and only 9 calories per 25ml serving, Mary is the world’s first low calorie, lower alcohol botanical blend, perfect for those wanting to moderate their drinking but not give up alcohol completely. You would need to drink six Mary & Tonics to equal one Gin and Tonic!

By adding just a small amount of alcohol, Mary still has a sophisticated feel that elevates it above a zero-alcohol or soft drink option, but doesn’t carry the heavy effects of a traditional spirit.

From the very beginning, every effort was made to ensure that Mary was a responsibly produced delicious premium beverage that has a light touch on your body, mind and the world.

Mary’s deliciously fresh, but sophisticatedly dry taste is derived from sustainably sourced plants including basil, thyme, sage, coriander seeds, angelica roots, pine needles and juniper. It is designed to match perfectly with tonic water.
It is also vegan, sugar free, zero carbs and only 9 calories per 25ml serving!

The packaging is also 100% recyclable – using as little plastic as possible while actively looking for solutions to eliminate it altogether.

There are a lot of pressures in today’s world. People are making lifestyle changes – including what they are drinking. So far, many new drink options are focused on zero alcohol, but not everyone wants to be a teetotaller or have a full-strength drink.

Some people want to simply moderate how much alcohol they put into their bodies and balance their lifestyle – but most of all they want to feel good about their choices. We made Mary, a drink you can feel good about by being lighter on you and on the world.

We wanted to offer something different. At 6% abv and 9 calories per 25ml, there is no one like us out there. As the world gets back to a new normal, we wanted to release Mary now so that drinkers have another option – in between full strength and zero alcohol.

We have also just been shortlisted by Food Matters Live in their “New Drink of the Year” category, which is great news for us!

– Eric Sampers: Managing Director of ILLOGICAL DRINKS

1-part Mary, to 2 parts tonic water with lots of ice works very well!

How did they decide on the name ‘Mary’ – as opposed to any other name?

We wanted a simple name, easy to remember, English (as the brand is made in London), easy to understand in many languages and that would make for a good brand call (Mary & Tonic). We also thought: There’s enough booze brands called Jack, Johnnie, George, William etc.!

So Mary came up quite naturally and we like the fact that there’s a lot we can play with (Bloody Mary etc.).
– Eric Sampers

Mary is now available online at drink-mary.com, and on Amazon.co.uk at the end of September, at a retail price of £23.90 for a 70cl bottle.

How to drink Mary?

Mary’s taste is designed to go with tonic. Try it with soda for a lighter drink, or any of your other favourite mixes. Mary also works great in Spritz style recipes with Kombucha, ginger beer or tonic.

A mix of 1-part Mary, to 2 parts tonic water with lots of ice and garnished with cucumber & lemon thyme works very well!

Or maybe change the garnish to something savoury like sage and black pepper, or something citrusy like orange.

The folks at Mary have sent me some to try (thanks!) So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

Tasting Notes: “Mary” – Low calorie, low alcohol botanical blend (6%)


Colour: Lime green!

Nose: Neat: Ginger & lots of it! Woody pine and savoury herbs.

Adding ice: herby citrus flavours – predominanetly lime.

Palate: With ice and the suggested tonic water: Very nice and refreshing with a big citrus hit! I also added some cucumber garnish which gives it a lovely clean, crisp, tasty edge. There’s also a little sweetness to compliment.

Finish: The herbs make it slightly savoury – akin to a good gin with lots of botanicals – which has bags of flavour and interest.

Overall: A light drink – without the heavy alcohol hit of standard strength drinks – which is actually very morish and refreshing!

Additionally, it doesn’t have that after-taste bitterness that you can often get.

All-in-all I liked it!

Mary is now available online at at a retail price of £23.90

Many thanks to Eric at drink-mary.com (Instagram: @drink.mary) for such a delicious drink – I wish them every success!

About ILLOGICAL DRINKS:

London start-up ILLOGICAL DRINKS is an alcohol company that wants people to drink less and drink better – for the first time in history that might not be so illogical. Started by four drink’s industry professionals and entrepreneurs, who want to quench the thirst of consumers who want to drink with a lighter touch on their body, mind and the environment.

Eric Sampers, Managing Director at ILLOGICAL DRINKS and former Global Brand Director of Beefeater Gin at Pernod Ricard, with over 16 years of international experience in the alcoholic beverage industry. Eric led the team that brought Beefeater back to double digit growth globally.

Angel Garcia, Business Development at ILLOGICAL DRINKS and former Marketing Manager of Beefeater Gin at Pernod Ricard with over 15 years experience in alcohol marketing, sales and distribution for Pernod Ricard across Spain, UK, US and other global markets. Angel led the development of Beefeater Pink – a strawberry flavoured gin that became one of the most successful NPD in Pernod Ricard history.

Michael Scantlebury – Marketing Director at ILLOGICAL DRINKS and founder of Impero, The Drum Creative Agency of the Year, with 15 years of global drink marketing experience across spirits, wine, beer and soft drinks.

Ade Chong – Design Director at ILLOGICAL DRINKS and a multi award-winning Design Director with 13 years of agency experience launching global brands. Recently named Campaign’s Future Leaders of 2019.

Sampling The New Rebel Yell ‘Cognac Cask Finish’ Bourbon – Shout It From The Rooftops!

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Rebel Yell Cognac Finish!

Kentucky-based Lux Row Distillers is launching its second limited edition release of Rebel Yell bourbon in the UK following the success of the brand’s French Oak Finish last year.

The new Rebel Yell Cognac Cask Finish is the distiller’s second bourbon which won’t be released in its US homeland, with sales of the limited edition reserved for its growing European market. Parent company Luxco saw its European sales rise by 22% in value last year.

A limited run of 6,000 bottles of the Cognac Cask Finish will be released

This year’s special release sees Rebel Yell Kentucky Straight Bourbon finished in cognac casks for six months, which gives the whiskey a golden amber appearance and an aroma of hints of oak and dark berries. The 45% ABV bourbon has notes of caramel, toasted sugar and raisins on the palate and will be on-sale from October at £34 per 700ml bottle.

Similar to last year’s Rebel Yell French Oak Finish, a limited run of 6,000 bottles of the Cognac Cask Finish will be released during the next 12 months. Lux Row Distillers’ master distiller and head blender John Rempe will then consider another special finish of the bourbon for 2021.

Secondary finishing is having a huge renaissance in the bourbon category, as it really appeals to consumers who typically value age statements and vintages in spirits. This is particularly true in the UK and Europe, where a secondary finish in bourbon is regarded as a yardstick for creative and complex flavours that must be tasted and savoured.

Last year’s special finish of Rebel Yell was a bit of an experiment to test demand amongst the brand’s European fanbase and to reward their loyalty. It proved such a hit that it inspired us to create this year’s cognac finish.

The challenge for us was to create another limited edition Rebel Yell that was distinctly different to the spicy, chocolate and ginger taste of the French Oak in 2019. The cognac casks really do give the bourbon a completely different character, with the subtle taste of raisins setting this year’s release apart.
– John Rempe: Lux Row Distillers’ master distiller and head blender

The secondary finish enables us to take the very best of the wheated Rebel Yell, which is aged over four years, and give its flavour a real point of difference that won’t necessarily be achieved by leaving the whiskey to sit for years longer in its original charred white oak barrels.

This innovative finishing really appeals to consumers who are increasingly inquisitive and adventurous when it comes to seeking out different tasting bourbons. It’ll help us further boost bourbon exports and grow the category internationally over the coming years.
– Greg Mefford: International Sales Director at Luxco

Rebel Yell Cognac Cask Finish will be distributed by Cellar Trends in the UK and be available through both the on and off-trade. The special finish is bottled at 90 proof and created using corn, wheat, malt and water at Lux Row Distillers in Bardstown, Kentucky. Following its UK launch, the Cognac Cask Finish will be released in Italy, Germany, Netherlands, France and Switzerland.

Many thanks to Andy (@ChapmanPoolePR) for sending me a sample!

And, of course, many thanks to luxrowdistillers.com (@RebelYell_UK) without whom!

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

Tasting Notes – Rebel Yell Cognac Cask Finish Bourbon (45%)


Nose: Sugary plump raisins, glorious orange and rich, fudgy, vanilla. It sure packs a sensory punch! To top it all there’s also a little white wood at the end.

Palate: Rich, creamy, smooth sugared raisins with powerful orange, tangerines and juicy blackcurrant.

Finish: Woody spice with hints of mint and treacle leaning towards dryness at the end.

Overall: A magnificent dram – almost like orange liquor in parts and then back to familiar whiskey!

Highly recommended!

Rebel Yell is available to buy from these Merchants:-

About Lux Row Distillers and Limestone Branch Distillery

Real roots, real family, real products: Lux Row Distillers – a bourbon distillery experience on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail – is a family-owned venture, bringing the Lux family history and spirits tradition to the bourbon industry.

Owned by consumer products company, Luxco (www.luxco.com), Lux Row Distillers is the home of bourbon brands including Rebel Yell, Blood Oath, David Nicholson and Ezra Brooks Kentucky Straight Bourbon.

Located in the heart of Bardstown, Kentucky, the 18,000-square foot Lux Row Distillers site includes a visitor centre, barrel warehouses, a tasting room, and event space, making for an all-encompassing bourbon experience. The 90-acre property is home to an 18th century stone house, registered as a National Historic Place, and a long, tree-lined driveway providing a scenic entrance to the distillery.
www.luxrowdistillers.com

Sampling The Dalmore ‘Four’ – Including Their New “Sherry Cask Select” Whisky!

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The Dalmore ‘Four’!

Last Sunday night I had the pleasure of attending another @TweetTastings, courtesy of Steve from The Whisky Wire.

The Dalmore was the distillery in question and we had the pleasure of sampling four of their range.

They were:-

  • The Dalmore Sherry Cask Select
  • The Dalmore Cigar Malt
  • The Dalmore Port Wood Reserve
  • The Dalmore King Alexander III

We were also fortunate to be joined on the night by Stephen Martin (@shakenstephen) who is Global Single Malt Whisky Specialist for Whyte & Mackay.

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 #TheDalmore on Twitter.

So, what did I think?

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

Tasting Notes – The Dalmore Sherry Cask Select (43%)

Initially matured in American white oak ex-bourbon casks, before being finished in casks that previously held Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry.

It is designed to push the boundaries of what is possible in whisky production and the art of cask curation.

Available from October! (rrp £69.99)

Nose: Beloved old wood & furniture polish! Stewed, sherried fruits and creamy vanilla sweetness. Crisp n’ crunchy green apples.

Palate: Sweet sherry, creamy chocolate, vanilla and a smidgen of cherries on the palate!

Finish: Creamy with rich fruits & spicy black pepper – very warming and satisfying!

Overall: A great dram, it has all the classic hallmarks of a Dalmore and should be a worthy addition to The Dalmore range.

Will Be Available to buy from these Merchants:-

Tasting Notes – The Dalmore Cigar Malt (44%)

Initially matured in American white oak ex-bourbon casks, with a small proportion remaining in the casks. The rest being transferred into a combination of Gonzalez Byass sherry casks which have previously contained 30 year old Matusalem oloroso sherry and Cabernet Sauvignon wine barriques.

Master Distiller for Cigar Malt Reserve, Richard Paterson (@the_nose) said: “The body, structure and character of this extraordinary expression is the perfect complement to a fine cigar.”


Nose: Orange and furniture polish with pencil shavings thrown on the floor! Fruity & caramel aromas come along later.

Palate: Quite oily and buttery – sweet but not overpowering with rich chocolate.

Finish: Some sharp spiciness to jiggle those taste buds!

Overall: ’tis a nicely balanced dram. As for going well with a cigar I’ll have to take up smoking!

Available to buy from these Merchants:-

Tasting Notes – The Dalmore Port Wood Reserve (46.5%)

Matured in American white oak ex-bourbon casks, before being transferred into a combination American white oak casks and aged Tawny Port pipes from W & J Graham’s vineyard in Portugal.

Nose: Red wine with a healthy slug of portiness. Again, there’s that furniture polish and pencil shavings thing goin’ on! Getting more of the chocolate with this one. It’s also fruity with some apples & blackcurrant.

Palate: Spiciness to the fore – and cracking with it! Smooth with nice flavours of chocolate, porty fruits and hints of liquorice.

Finish: Lots of peppery spice ending with quite a tannin dryness.

Overall: A great dram with some finely balanced spice and fruitiness.
Available to buy from these Merchants:-

Tasting Notes – The Dalmore King Alexander III (40%)

Matured in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels, before being transferred into a combination of ex-bourbon casks Matusalem oloroso sherry casks, Madeira barrels, Marsala casks, Port pipes and Cabernet Sauvignon wine barriques.

Nose: Slow to give of it’s secrets this one – it demands patience! Plasticine & old school rooms. Along comes caramel, orange and chocolate but not so pronounced as the other drams. There’s a little bit of mint bit and nice tropical aromas after quite a sit in the glass.

Palate: Orange, rich fruits, creamy chocolate, tropical flavours and some mintiness as well!

Finish: Glorious tempered spice which gives way to some woodiness and shades of liquorice.

Overall: That’s very smooth – not even a hint of harshness! It’s not a cheap dram but it is like a luxury car: beautifully balanced, comfortable, relaxing and you never want the journey to end!

Available to buy from these Merchants:-

My Favourite On The Night

Even though the King Alexander III is superb, out of the four drams, I think it’s got to be the The Dalmore Sherry Cask Select. It’s incredibly tasty and taking price-point in consideration as well, the best all-rounder on the night.

Many thanks to Steve at The Whisky Wire (@TheWhiskyWire / @TweetTastings) for a great evening and The Dalmore (@DalmoreWhisky) for providing the samples and without whom!

The Dalmore Sherry Cask Select is Available from October!

My fellow Tweeters were:-


@TheWhiskyWire @MaltMusings @whiskeychap @TheWhiskyNovice @rodbodtoo @ReviewsWhisky @2rumheads @whiskyrover @dvdbloke @WhiskyWings @StillSurreal @WhiskynStuff @MrMDMaloney @PoshScotch @DramofWar @somewhiskybloke @SplashyWine @PhilScott101 @Jotterface @FiShoop @SpiritAndWood @JasonGilluley @LeedsWine @AK_The_Great @bogstandarddram @dram_gazette @LaCaveDeCobalt

Sampling ‘The Gathering 2020’ – A Live Virtual Tasting Of Some Real Drams!

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Pick a card – everyone’s a winner!

The Vaults was the place to be – even if only ‘virtually’ – last Sunday as a week-long celebration of all things SMWS came to a head at their spiritual home in Leith, Scotland. We were treated to a live dramming of five special whiskies from their special Discovery Pack.

The event was streamed live on their Facebook page, hosted by Ambassador Dean Marinello and Global SMWS Ambassador John McCheyne. But don’t worry if you missed the stream as all the content is now available on both Facebook and YouTube!.

The dramming featured five exclusive Gathering bottlings with a range of flavour profiles so it was a great chance to sample some cracking drams – all in one go – from the comfort of your sofa!


They whiskies sampled were:

26.145 Mood-lifting sanctuary

35.259 Rumtopf, birnenbrot and stollen

7.243 Twinning

10.195 Shiver me timbers

53.332 Storm-tossed kelp on an Islay beach

There are still some Packs left! Especially as four of the five drams are now, sadly, Out of Stock. Such is the way with tasty SMWS whiskies!
Price £32.00 or £35.00 for non-members

A great chance to sample some cracking drams – all in one go!

I was lucky enough to be sent a Discovery Pack – Many thanks to SMWS (@SMWSUK) for the samples!

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

1) Tasting Notes – 26.145 Mood-lifting sanctuary (58%)

Region: Highland
Distillery: Clynelish
Cask: 2nd. fill ex-bourbon barrel
Age: 8 years
Date: 19th. September 2011
ABV: 58%
Available in The Gathering Discovery Pack: £32.00 or £35.00 for non-members


Nose: Sweet orange and vanilla, there’s also servings of syrupy tinned pears and aromas of candied fruits. Quite woody as well.

Palate: Sweet candied fruits with heavy flavours of blackcurrent thrown in.

Finish: Peppery spice and white wood with a long smooth finish of sweet pepperiness. There is some dryness at the very end.

Overall: A punchy dram, initially you get some fruity sweetness and then peppery spice hits you right between the taste buds!

2) Tasting Notes – 35.259 Rumtopf, birnenbrot and stollen (53.5%)

Region: Speyside
Distillery: Glen Moray
Cask: 1st. fill ex-bourbon barrel
Age: 24 years
Date: 27th. October 1995
ABV: 53.5%
£138 (membership required)


Nose: Attractive aromas of furniture polish, moist parkin, plasticine and creamy vanilla. What a combination!

Palate: Syrupy mouthfeel. Pleasant light fruits with a leaning towards tropical fruits.

Finish: Smooth fruity finish with a little spice to add some balance.

Overall: A very enjoyable dram with a little something to please everyone. Quite pricey though.

3) Tasting Notes – 7.243 Twinning (59.8%)

Region: Speyside
Distillery: Longmorn
Cask: 1st. fill ex-PX butt
Age: 16 years
Date: 26th. May 2003
ABV: 59.8%
Available in The Gathering Discovery Pack: £32.00 or £35.00 for non-members


Nose: The stromg alcohol vapours makes it hard to get near initially! But then I get sweet fudge with thick, stewed fruits. There’s also aromas of dusty, old rooms with lots of furniture polish!

Palate: Very syrupy with reduced liquid fruits coupled with a warming mellowness and vanilla fudge.

Finish: A warming power punch that is kinder to the palate than nearly 60% really should be – lovely!

Overall: Ooh! This gets nicer and nicer with the tasting! A superb, rich, glorious, nostalgia inducing dram that’s perfect for firesides and leaving the telly off!

4) Tasting Notes – 10.195 Shiver me timbers (59.8%)

Region: Islay
Distillery: Bunnahabhain
Cask: Refill hogshead / HTMC (high toast, medium char)
Age: 6 years
Date: 17th. October 2013
ABV: 59.8%
Available in The Gathering Discovery Pack: £32.00 or £35.00 for non-members

Nose: WoW! Super smokey and salty with added peat and seaside-iness all thrown in. Fires burning on a beach and all that! Plus smoked, barbecued foods that make me want to raid the larder!

Palate: Much of the same as the nose with a thinner feel than the other drams. Very smokey with less peat and more barbecue – a pleasant sweetness adds to the yuminess – quite a stunner!

Finish: Punchy again but it holds back a little, there’s dryness at the end but there’s lots of salt and smokiness and that feeling that you’ve just been locked in a smokehouse! Love it!

Overall: If you have an inner salty-sea-dog in you then this is for you!

5) Tasting Notes – 53.332 Storm-tossed kelp on an Islay beach (58.8%)

Region: Islay
Distillery: Caol Ila
Cask: Refill ex-bourbon hogshead
Age: 11 years
Date: 20th. February 2009
ABV: 58.8%
Available in The Gathering Discovery Pack: £32.00 or £35.00 for non-members


Nose: Resinous wood, popcorn, new-make spirit with added salty spikiness.

Palate: Very coastal and salt laden with fire burnt wood and shades of smokey clothes. The new make taste fades – this is a classy dram after all!

Finish: The rich coastal flavours persist with some light spice and creamy sweetness.

Overall: Totally in love with the sea? And smoke? And fires burning? Then this is for you – mouth drying, smoke filled and glorious!

About The SMWS

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is a club unlike any other.

As well as being a place to connect with other like-minded whisky lovers, they are also internationally renowned for their mission: “to provide our members with an adventurous and fun journey of discovery of the world’s widest collection of single cask whiskies.”

Conceptualised in the late 70’s and established in 1983, the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, now over 35 years old, has branches and partners bars in 19 countries globally. The Society has a selection of over 500 casks every year, each cask yielding a few hundred or less whisky bottles which are unique to that cask.

Rather than name their Whiskies after the distillery, the Society has a coding system. The Society also creates fantastic tasting notes summaries for their Whiskies and other bottles. The whiskies are straight from the cask single malt, undiluted, without chill-filtration or colouring at cask strength.

More recently the Society has been named Independent Bottler of the Year in Whisky Magazine’s prestigious Independent Bottlers’ Challenge (IBC) competition.

Introducing & Sampling The Whiskymaker’s Editions “Colheita” From The Lakes Distillery!

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The Whiskymaker’s Editions, Colheita

A diversion from their sherry-led house style, The Whiskymaker’s Editions Colheita is the first in a series of special-edition single malt whiskies from The Lakes Distillery which showcase whiskymaker Dhavall Gandhi’s sense of adventure in maturation and blending.

Each unique bottling is an expression of creative freedom, the product of a playground where instinct, experience and inspiration roam free, coming together to realise one intrinsic objective: the creation of outstanding flavours.

Each of the 5,400 bottles of The Whiskymaker’s Editions Colheita is non-chill filtered, bottled at the natural colour

In exploring an alternative side of The Lakes Single Malt, the inaugural release brings Colheita Port’s influence into the frame.

In Portuguese, Colheita means “harvest” and in this case, is a supreme and exceptionally rare expression of aged Tawny Port made exclusively of grapes from a single vintage.

Smooth and refined, maturation in the finest, meticulously sourced Colheita Port casks has been complemented by a very small proportion of Bourbon barrels to enhance and contrast certain flavour characteristics.

The Whiskymaker’s Editions is an intentional deviation from our house style, created to showcase a different personality of The Lakes Single Malt.

This particular expression has been designed to be a little more fun, fruity and easy to drink and, as a limited-edition, is perfect for anyone who appreciates The Lakes’ house style but wants to experience and explore the other side of The Lakes Single Malt.

My role as a whiskymaker is to unlock the infinite variables and never-ending flavour possibilities throughout the liquid’s journey through the distillery and, in the future, more Editions will follow.
– Dhavall Gandhi: The Lakes whiskymaker

At 52% ABV and with a recommended retail price of £65, each of the 5,400 bottles of The Whiskymaker’s Editions Colheita is non-chill filtered, bottled at the natural colour and available from LakesDistillery.com

The Lakes Distillery have kindly sent me a sample of their new dram to try (thanks!)

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

Tasting Notes – The Whiskymaker’s Editions “Colheita” Single Malt Whisky (52%)


Colour: Light sherry with a dash of porty redness in there!

Nose: Immediate porty flavours with some apple & orange. The port becomes sweeter with time and there’s hints of wood polish.

Palate: Creamy, stewed fruits with an almost Christmasy feel to it with some light port flavours.

Finish: Warming finish that’s punchy and spicy but not too brutal – very smooth indeed!

Overall: A lovely, smooth dram that belies it’s 52% strength. It’s not overpowering so can be easily drunk neat.

I still think that there are strong hints of their familiar sherry-led house style but it’s not a criticism – I like their sherry-led house style!

In Portuguese, Colheita means “harvest”

Many thanks to Lakes Distillery (@LakesWhisky) for sending me such a fantastic sample!

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

Sampling The Lakes Distillery ‘One Collection’ – Four Drams – ‘One’ Standard Of Excellence!

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Four samples – So what did I think?

In an earlier post I gave details of The Lakes Distilleries addition of two new whiskies to their One collection – The One Orange Wine Cask Finished Whisky and The One Sherry Cask Finished Whisky.

The One Orange Wine Cask

With The Lakes Single Malt at its heart – blended with select Scotch grain and malt whiskies from the Highlands, Speyside and Islay – The One collection is a showcase of maturation expertise, with each singular release demonstrating the different flavours that can be derived from the finest oak casks.

They are Non-chill filtered and bottled at the natural colour and the latest addition to the expressions have been finished in Andalusian Orange Wine casks and Sherry casks. They join The One and the Port Cask releases.

The Lakes Distillery have kindly sent me samples of the four drams in their One collection to try (thanks!) So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

Tasting Notes – The One (46.6%)


Nose: Hints of wood and fresh citrus with vanilla and fresh apples.

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

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

Overall: An excellent blended whisky. Warming, moreish and easily drinkable!

£39.00

Tasting Notes – The One Orange Wine Cask Finished Whisky (46.6%)


Nose: A slow burner this one with faint tangerine, banofee pie and biscuit sprinkled with a little vanilla.

Palate: Sweet, with intense and creamy vanilla plus additional pleasant hints of orange.

Finish: Very smooth with a little pepper but the sweetness maintains throughout. The spiciness increases with more sampling though!

Overall: A subtle dram but it grows on you (much like the spiciness!)

£48.00

The One Sherry Cask

Tasting Notes – The One Sherry Cask Finished Whisky (46.6%)


Nose: Lovely rich and fruity with aromas of furniture polish and hints of chocolate.

Palate: Plump fruity Xmas cake with creamy, fudgy vanilla. A joy!

Finish: Some cheeky spice compliments well with the Seasonal flavours.

Overall: This is really very yummy indeed! Cracking full flavours that made me wish for roaring fires and decorated trees!

£48.00

Tasting Notes – The One Port Cask Finished Whisky (46.6%)


Nose: Light port with sweet vanilla.

Palate: Sweet, fruity port flavours with spicy vanilla.

Finish: Un-mistakeable spiciness – always there with a Lakes dram!

Overall: A tasty dram but not as rich in flavour when compared with the Sherry Cask.

£48.00

The One Collection

Many thanks to Lakes Distillery (@LakesWhisky) for sending me such fantastic samples!

I think of the four – The One Sherry Cask Finished Whisky is my favourite!

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

Sampling Angels’ Nectar ‘Cairngorms’ Edition – The “Angels” Are Helping Protect The UK’s Largest National Park!

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Angels’ Nectar Cairngorms Edition

Grantown-on-Spey based Highfern Ltd have launched their new Angels’ Nectar Cairngorms Edition, a Single Cask Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

Distilled within the Cairngorms National Park, the Cairngorms Edition has been released in partnership with the Cairngorms Trust, to support environmental and community projects in the Cairngorms National Park.

The 11 year old single cask has been bottled at 46% and at natural colour and is a limited edition of just 263 bottles.

Nancy Chambers and Robert Ransom

A donation from each bottle sold will go towards the Cairngorms Trust, whose vision is to encourage sustainable and community led development, which enhances wildlife conservation, outdoor recreation and cultural heritage in the Cairngorms National Park.

Recent projects the Cairngorms Trust have assisted include improving habitat to encourage breeding ospreys and mountain footpath restoration.

We are delighted that Angels’ Nectar have chosen to donate to projects within the Cairngorms through the sales of the Angels’ Nectar Cairngorms Edition.
– Nancy Chambers: Cairngorms Trust Manager

For those who are missing the opportunity to get out and about in the Cairngorms this summer, what could be better than enjoying this taste of the Cairngorms at home.
– Robert Ransom: Angels’ Nectar Founder

Amongst others the Angels’ Nectar Cairngorms Edition is now available from the Balliefurth Farmshop, the Speyside Centre, and online at whiskycastle.com and Highfern’s own on-line store highfern.com at £68.00 per bottle.

So, what did I think? Robert from Highfern has very kindly sent me a sample (Cheers Robert!)

Here are my tasting notes …

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


Nose: Honey sweetness, popcorn, red and ginger wine. After a while there’s tropical fruits.

Palate: Syrupy, light, tropical fruits with a vanilla sweetness. Very nice!

Finish: Highly spiced with white wood and the tropical fruit continues. The fiery spice is long with a dry grapefruit finish.

Overall: Quite a peppery punch to this dram – a real surprise!
This is quite a contrast to the sweet tropical flavours that dominate at the beginning.

I really enjoyed this dram and I think it’ll soon sell-out – which is good news for the Cairngorms and an excellent way to help the environment!

The “Angels” Are Helping Protect The Cairngorms!

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


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

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

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

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

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