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The SMWS May Virtual Whisky Tasting – Sampling Five Rare Distillery Drams!

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Distillery 19 Highland Rare Release: Hazelnut Bubble Gum!

Last Tuesday I had the pleasure of attending The SMWS May Virtual Tasting on Facebook!

Host Madeleine Schmoll was joined by Society favourites: Master Brand Ambassador, John McCheyne & SMWS Benelux Country Manager, Bob Wenting to guide us through five rare distillery drams!

The drams tasted on the night were:-

■ Distillery 5 Lowland Rare Release: Lime and Thyme

■ Distillery 19 Highland Rare Release: Hazelnut Bubble Gum

■ Distillery 36 Speyside Rare Release: A reward for patience

■ Distillery 93 Campbeltown Rare Release: Change faster than a chameleon

■ Distillery 53 Islay Rare Release: Throw the cork away!

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

■ Distillery 5 Lowland Rare Release: Lime and Thyme



Cask Type: 1st.fill ex-bourbon barrels

18 years old

55.8% ABV

Distillery: Auchentoshan



Nose: Apples, citrus and tropical fruits with some additional toffee thrown in.

Palate: Cane sweetness, fruity toffee and coconut chocolate coupled with a full bodied savouriness.

Finish: A dry finish with a fair bit of spice coming through and white woodiness.
Sadly, Not available to buy – But – See All That The SMWS Has To Offer!

■ Distillery 19 Highland Rare Release: Hazelnut Bubble Gum



Cask Type: 1st.fill ex-bourbon barrels

18 years old

55.6% ABV

Distillery: Glen Garioch



Nose: Crisp green apples, dried mango slices, vanilla custard with sweet biscuit & there’s hints of woodiness in there as well – WoW!

Palate: Creamy with an oily mouthfeel. Palate of banana and custard cream biscuits.

Finish: Very smooth finish with a building hint of spice to counteract what is a pretty sweet dram!
Sadly, Not available to buy – But – See All That The SMWS Has To Offer!

■ Distillery 36 Speyside Rare Release: A reward for patience



Cask Type: 2nd. fill oloroso & bourbon barrels

10 years old

57.6% ABV

Distillery: Benrinnes



Nose: Sweet mashed banana big time! Tropical fruits follow along rather sheepishly. Porty red wine and ginger spice come along later.

Palate: Banana with porty red wine, ginger and sweet, dark chocolate.

Finish: Sweet, astringent finish.

Sadly, Not available to buy – But – See All That The SMWS Has To Offer!

■ Distillery 93 Campbeltown Rare Release: Change faster than a chameleon



Cask Type: 1st.fill ex-bourbon barrels

8 years old

59.7% ABV

Distillery: Glen Scotia



Nose: A subtler nose for me but I eventually get lemon, citrus and oatmeal.

Palate: The palate is completely different from the nose! Slightly oily and creamy, throat lozenges, toffee and salt.

Finish: Gloriously creamy, sweet finish with some peppery spiciness.
Sadly, Not available to buy – But – See All That The SMWS Has To Offer!

■ Distillery 53 Islay Rare Release: Throw the cork away!



Cask Type: 1st. fill ex-oloroso hogsheads

8 years old

58.4% ABV

Distillery: Caol Ila



Nose: Gorgeous savoury smokehouse! Sweet peat, liquid oily smoke, burning embers and a rush to the kitchen for snacks!

Palate: Tasty smoke, peat and I especially love the way the peaty brine combines with such treacly sweetness!

Finish: Basically the palate continues with an additional salty, antiseptic and tar finish.

Sadly, Not available to buy – But – See All That The SMWS Has To Offer!

On the night I most enjoyed “Distillery 53 Islay Rare Release: Throw the cork away” – just gotta’ Love the peat!

Many thanks to SMWS (@SMWSUK) for such an enjoyable evening and for sending the samples!

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 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.

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

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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:-

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.

Sampling Kilchoman’s Madeira Cask Matured Islay Single Malt Whisky – Better Late Than Never!

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Kilchoman Madeira Cask Matured Islay Single Malt Whisky

After some IT issues I’ve finally got a chance to blog my thoughts on Kilchoman’s first limited edition release for the year: Kilchoman Madeira Cask Matured Islay Single Malt Whisky!

The Madeira Cask Matured limited edition was distilled in May 2016 and matured for 5 years and 3 months in 46 fresh madeira hogsheads, before being bottled at 50% abv.

Kilchoman had planned to release this in late 2021 however a bottle shortage meant that it was delayed. But now the wait is over and the Madeira Cask Matured will be available from Kilchoman stockists around the world! (See below)

Kilchoman really lends itself to maturation in fortified wine casks. The rich fruity character of the casks balances nicely with the creamy citrus sweetness of our new spirit. My preference when using wine casks has always been to use fresh first fill barrels with a view to bottling the whisky relatively young.

This approach means the lighter clean flavours and fresh maritime peat smoke aren’t overwhelmed by the cask influence.
– Anthony Wills: Kilchoman Founder

Kilchoman Distillery

Kilchoman has kindly sent me a sample to try. (Thanks kilchomandistillery.com / @Kilchomanwhisky!)

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

Tasting Notes – Kilchoman Madeira Cask Matured Islay Single Malt Whisky (50%)

Nose: Rich, sweet peat with morish smokehouse savouriness. I’m also picking up sherry with hints of port, toffee and black treacle.

Palate: Sweet sherry, port, stewed fruits coupled with gloriously smokey flavours. Then you can add in some tangy peat with wisps of burnt wood with chocolate coming along later.

Finish: A lovely sweet, spicy finish with dark treacle and liquorice. The spice gradually builds ending with some tobacco dryness

Overall: A luscious, tasty tastebud treat that doesn’t disappoint! Worth an investment though some merchants might have sold out by now.

A luscious, tasty tastebud treat that doesn’t dissapoint!

Kilchoman is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Many thanks to kilchomandistillery.com (@Kilchomanwhisky) for sending me the sample!

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:

– KilchomanÕs 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 Ð 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.

Sampling The Irishman Whiskies – Tweet Tasting Some Irish Magic!

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The Irishman – The Harvest

Last Wednesday nights @TweetTastings, hosted by Steve from The Whisky Wire, gave us the opportunity to sample The Irishman range of whiskies.

The drams sampled were:-

  • The Irishman The Harvest
  • The Irishman 12 Years Old
  • The Irishman Caribbean Cask Finish
  • The Irishman Cask Strength 2022

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 #TheIrishmanWhiskey 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 Irishman The Harvest (40%)


Blended Irish Whiskey
ABV: 40%
Cask: American oak Bourbon barrels
Blend Mix: 70% single malt – 30% single pot still
RRP: £34.00

As part of the brands recent €500,000 rebrand, The Irishman – The Harvest, which was previously known as Founder’s Reserve, is a marriage of American oak Bourbon matured single malt and single pot still whiskeys, triple distilled and made using 100% Irish barley.

Nose: Crisp, green apples, fruit juice sweetness with lemon and hints of orange & citric acid.

Palate: Creamy, sweet palate with luxurious mouthfeel. Green apples, cane sugar, tropical fruits and growing chocolate.

Finish: A touch of spice and a dash of dryness but the honeyed sweetness wins out in the end!
Available to buy from these Merchants:-

Tasting Notes – The Irishman 12 Years Old (43%)


Irish Single Malt Whiskey
ABV: 43%
Cask: First-fill charred Bourbon barrels
RRP: £43.00

Triple distilled and made using 100% Irish barley.

I didn’t get the chance to sample this dram but it was a cracker if the comments by my fellow tweeters was anything to go by!

Tasting Notes – The Irishman Caribbean Cask Finish (46%)


Blended Irish Whiskey
ABV: 46%
Casks: Initially matured in American oak Bourbon barrels, before being finished in Chairman’s Reserve St Lucian rum casks for 6 months.
RRP: £58.00

Said to be a combination of St Lucian character and Irish heritage, it is triple distilled and made using 100% Irish barley.

Nose: ‘Earthier’ than the previous whiskies with apples and banana giving way to stewed fruits and rum n’ raisin ice cream with biscuit. Add in some fruit pastry and hints of coffee and I’m well and truly hungry!

Palate: Creamy tropical banana with melted rum and raisin ice cream atop. Plus, there’s sweet digestive biscuits dipped in!

Finish: Some strong dark chocolate at the end tops off a very remarkable dram!
Available to buy from these Merchants:-

Tasting Notes – The Irishman Cask Strength 2022 (54.9%)


Blended Irish Whiskey
ABV: 54.9%
Casks: American oak Bourbon barrel matured single malt and single pot still whiskeys
RRP: £115.00

An annual release, limited to just 6,100 bottles, it is triple distilled and made using 100% Irish barley.

Nose: A subtler nose for this dram but there’s apples, vanilla & citrus.

Palate: Mmm … very lush! Thick, creamy and fruity! Plump raisins, vanilla and toffee.

Finish: The palate continues joined by woody dryness plus sweet, dark chocolate.

Overall: A cracking dram – well worth the investment!
Available to buy from these Merchants:-

Part of The Irishman range of whiskies!

My Favourite On The Night

1. Cask Strength 2022
2. The Harvest
3. Caribbean Cask Finish

Cask Strength 2022 knocks it out of the park for me – a subtler nose but a cracking palate!

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

My fellow Tweet Tasters on the night were:-


@TheWhiskyWire @WhiskyLee232 @WhiskyWings @whiskyrover @WhiskyWithMolly @FiShoop @TomsDram @PhilScott101 @WalshWhiskey @sprungatom @ManyMilesWhisky @WhiskyUnplugged @scotch_whisky78 @MaltBox @whiskyRubhach @_PMcDermott @ultanfinegan @bogstandarddram @StillTripleDist @sirdeco @Marc_Whiskey @WhiskeyPundit @grainnemoshea @dram_gazette @IRLWhiskeyStout

The Irishman is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Sampling The Tamnavulin White Wine Cask Edition – An Inviting Whisky Where Everyone’s Welcome!

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Tamnavulin White Wine Cask Edition!

Speyside’s Tamnavulin Distillery has launched its latest creation, Tamnavulin White Wine Cask Edition, following on from the success and popularity of the Red Wine Cask Editions!

Tamnavulin White Wine Cask Edition showcases the distinctive orchard fruit character of the Speyside distillery, which complements the flavours enhanced by the white wine finish. In line with Tamnavulin’s tradition of double matured whiskies, this expression began its life in American White Oak barrels, before undergoing its second maturation in Sauvignon Blanc white wine casks.

Tamnavulin White Wine Cask Edition Goes Really Well With Elderflower & Soda!

The resulting whisky is rich, fresh and fruity with a soft, dry finish. It is defined on the nose by signature orchard green apple notes which combine with banana, ripe honeydew melon and white peach together with fresh citrus, jasmine and vanilla coconut cream. Flavours of lemon, grapefruit and baked apple tart together with a hint of cinnamon spice, ginger and lime biscuits please the palate.

The influence of the white wine cask offers a bright and fruity accompaniment to the sweet, mellow and smooth character of Tamnavulin and taps into consumers’ love of white wine. A finish rarely seen in the retail space, this whisky has an accessible fruity profile as well as offering drinkers greater choice and diversity of flavour without breaking the bank.

The Speyside single malt brand was brought back to life in 2016 to offer a compelling single malt proposition to price conscious consumers looking for a credible, quality alternative to blends and a solution to those looking to begin exploring the malt category. Since then, it has fast developed a reputation as a premium, trusted brand which is demanding consumer and trade attention alike.

This success is testament to the quality of Tamnavulin’s single malts and demand for such whiskies at a competitive price, which is fuelling repeat purchase and encouraging blended whisky shoppers to trade up.

Tamnavulin White Wine Cask Edition is now widely available in the UK with the US and select European markets following in the coming months, at an RSP of £32.

So, what did I think?

Tamnavulin has kindly sent me a sample to try. Thanks Tamnavulin / @tamnavulinwh!

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

Tasting Notes – Tamnavulin White Wine Cask Edition (40%)

Nose: Crisp, green apples with creamy cane sugar, banana and tropical fruit hints.

Palate: Apples, cane sugar, light caramel and lightly floral creaminess with dryness slowly coming through.

Finish: The dryness continues but there’s a nice tropical sweetness making a welcome appearance together with a hint of spice.

Overall: Light is the key with this dram which would be most welcome as a Summer tipple. A light, delicate whisky that’s inviting – but not pushy!

Tamnavulin is available to buy from these Merchants:-

About Tamnavulin

On the Southern edge of Speyside, in the foothills of the Cairngorm Mountains, lies Tamnavulin Distillery. Built in 1966, the Distillery takes its name from the Gaelic for ‘mill on the hill’, the distillery was named after the historic woollen mill which still sits next to the distillery. After closing in 1995, the distillery underwent a major refurbishment before it was re-opened in 2007. The first whisky from the newly opened distillery was launched in 2016, much to the anticipation of whisky fans.

Tucked away on the edge of the River Livet, set on the bank of the Allt’ a Choire, Tamnavulin draws water from underground springs in the Easterton hills formed by snowmelt from the surrounding mountains. This water is naturally filtered through ancient limestone rock before reaching the distillery, resulting in some of the purest spring water to be found in Scotland.

The small group of skilled, time-served craftsmen began creating Tamnavulin’s signature Speyside malt whisky over fifty years ago using the finest ingredients combined with age-old distilling expertise and sophisticated techniques.

Since its launch in 2016, Tamnavulin has driven a successful path which has seen it become the fastest growing single malt globally in 2020 (IWSR ‘000’s 8.4L cases) and the no.4 brand by volume in the UK (Nielsen Scantrack/Kantar date to 9th of October 2021).

Sampling The Lakes Distillery “Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.5” – Made With The Art Of Elevage!

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The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.5

On a journey to define their signature style, The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.5 is the latest in what has become an internationally award-winning series of single malt whiskies made by The Lakes Distillery!

Matured in the finest, bespoke Oloroso, PX, and red wine casks, comprising Spanish and American oak, The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.5 is an elegant and Moorish evolution, possessing the same sherry-led, wood-forward characteristics as its predecessors.

Now available throughout the UK!

Drawing inspiration from Cognac’s cellarmasters, The Lakes has taken the art of élevage to create a whisky with complexity and depth. Rather than sealing the oak and waiting for the result, unlike other distilleries, they take an active involvement that requires patience and time, and an intimate understanding of how the flavours in each cask are developing.

By frequently effecting change throughout the whisky’s maturation, whether by moving a cask’s location, or transferring the spirit between casks, The Lakes seek to evolve an array of intriguing layers of flavour from which they can blend the final whisky.

With The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.5, we wanted to create a whisky with a similar sherry-led profile to previous releases, but with certain characters restrained to achieve a textural refinement.

This is a whisky with seductively aromatic notes of dark chocolate and dried fruits, and a smooth finish with intricate layers of wood spice.
– Dhavall Gandhi: The Lakes’ whiskymaker

To celebrate the release of The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.5 and to connect the complexity of élevage with the simplicity of enjoying flavoursome whisky, The Lakes Distillery sought the imagination of some of the best Old Fashioned makers in the world.

By adding a twist to the traditional, layering complementary and contrasting flavours, and integrating personal influences within the recipe, mixologists from Scarfes Bar at the Rosewood London, The Berkeley Bar & Terrace, The Goring Cocktail Bar, The Chinoiserie at The Carlton Tower Jumeirah, and The Northall Bar at Corinthia London have used The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.5 to develop their own delectably delicious takes on the eminent Whisky Cocktail.

The result is a series of sophisticated and dramatically different serves, each designed to tell a story through the art of flavour creation, and available to enjoy from 1 June throughout the summer at any of these world-renowned bars.

Non-chill filtered, bottled at the natural colour, and 52% ABV, The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.5 is now available from LakesDistillery.com and throughout the UK with a recommended retail price of £70

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

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

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

Tasting Notes – The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.5 (52%)

Nose: A bit shy on the nose at first but there’s creamy, silky vanilla with spiced apples and hints of spice. Later on I detect slightly tropical fruits with mint.

Palate: Creamy, sherried fruits with chocolate and some coffee.

Finish: Sweet spices with shades of wood but it’s also peppery and gets more so with time.

Overall: A delicately balanced dram. Very fine with a subtleness to it’s flavours that’s very welcome in this world of taste-bud overkill!

The Lakes Distillery sought the imagination of some of the best Old Fashioned makers in the world!

About Lakes Distillery

On the shore of Bassenthwaite Lake, near Keswick, in The English Lake District, The Lakes Distillery creates an exceptional collection of whiskies, gins and vodkas and attracts over 100,000 visitors each year.

Twice named ‘one of eight distilleries to visit before you die’ by the World Whisky Day campaign, the visitor centre, bistro and tour has held Visit England’s Gold accolade for the last three years and was voted the Icons of Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year 2019 by Whisky magazine.

On 7 September 2019, The Lakes Distillery unveiled the first in a series of widely available single malt whisky releases that will showcase their house style, defined by whiskymaker Dhavall Gandhi.

The Lakes’ Story

The Lake District has long been a crucible for creativity, a place in which the imagination can flourish, and it’s no different for The Lakes Distillery. Taking inspiration from the UNESCO World Heritage Site where our state-of-the-art distillery has been built meticulously within a 160-year-old farmstead on the banks of the River Derwent, the idea of distilling being distinct individual elements is not how we look at the art. Rather it is part of a continuum, a net of possibilities where everything is interlinked. Change one element and the effect will change everything else.

Only by understanding how flavours are created throughout the spirit’s journey through the distillery can our whiskymaker fully comprehend the possibilities. That is why, unusually, Dhavall Gandhi is actively involved at every stage. It is holistic whisky-making, to ensure every flavour possibility is achieved.

Find out more about our whisky story at www.LakesDistillery.com

Recent Awards

Named by The London Stock Exchange Group as one of the ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain 2020’ and 19th fastest growing brand in Alantra’s 2019 Food and Beverage Fast 50, The Lakes’ portfolio of award-winning spirits includes single malt whisky, blended malt whisky, blended whisky, gin and vodka. Recently, they received the following prestigious World Drinks awards:
2020:
World’s Best English Single Malt Whisky, No Age Statement (Gold Award) – The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.2
International Spirit’s Challenge (ISC), World Single Malt Whisky (Gold Award) – The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.2
International Wine And Spirit Competition (IWSC), Spirit Gold Award – The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.1
2019:
World’s Best Blended Malt Whisky, No Age Statement (Best in English Category) – Steel Bonnets
World’s Best Blended Limited Release Whisky, No Age Statement (Best in English Category) – The ONE Sherry Expression
World’s Best Gin (Gold Award) – The Lakes Gin
World’s Best Gin Liqueur (Gold Award) – The Lakes Rhubarb & Rosehip Gin Liqueur
World’s Best Vodka (World’s Best) – The Lakes Vodka
World’s Best Chocolate Liqueur (World’s Best) – The Lakes Salted Caramel Vodka Liqueur

Kentucky Owl – The Wiseman Bourbon Launches In The UK!

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Kentucky Owl The Wiseman

Renowned Bourbon whiskey maker Kentucky Owl has launched its latest expression, Kentucky Owl The Wiseman in the UK!

This luxury, ultra-premium award-winning Bourbon is a blend of Kentucky Owl 4-year-old wheat and high-rye bourbons, along with 5 ½-year and 8 ½-year-old Kentucky-sourced bourbons. Kentucky Owl The Wiseman is the latest addition to the Kentucky Owl portfolio, with its last blended bourbon, Confiscated, released in 2019.

The Wiseman and Soda

Kentucky Owl The Wiseman is an artful balance of soft wheat and spicy high-rye that provides a smooth but complex bourbon designed to drink neat, on the rocks or in a cocktail.

It leads with a beautiful caramel flavour and aroma followed by notes of allspice, citrus fruit and a nudge of oak.
– John Rhea: Kentucky Owl Master Blender

Kentucky Owl The Wiseman Bourbon has recently been awarded a Double Gold at this year’s San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the world’s largest and one of the world’s most prestigious spirits awards. This is the first Kentucky Owl release under Master Blender John Rhea, a 40-year Bourbon industry veteran who joined Kentucky Owl in June 2021.

Stoli Group, the leading global ultra-premium spirits and wine company, purchased Kentucky Owl in 2017. Originally founded by C.M. Dedman in 1879, the Kentucky Owl distillery in Salisa went dark during the Prohibition era and remained dormant until a family descendant revived the brand in 2014. Since then, the company’s small batch releases have sold out quickly and received rave reviews.

Kentucky Owl The Wiseman Bourbon Signature Recipes:-

Boulevardier

50ml The Wiseman™ Bourbon | 25ml Sweet Red Vermouth | 25ml Italian Bitter Liqueur

Garnish – Cherries

Rocks Glass

Manhattan

50ml The Wiseman™ Bourbon | 25ml Sweet Red Vermouth | 2 Dashes of Bitters (to taste)

Garnish – Cherries

Coupe Glass

Kentucky Owl The Wiseman is available to buy from these Merchants:-

A luxury, ultra-premium award-winning Bourbon!

Kentucky Owl has kindly sent me a sample to try. Thanks kentuckyowlbourbon / @kentuckyowl!

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

Tasting Notes – Kentucky Owl The Wiseman (45.4%)

Colour: Lovely rose pink sherried tinge.

Nose:Heavy toffee, vanilla, cane sugar with stewed fruits including figs but what comes along later are fantastic oranges!

Palate: Fruity and sweet with syrupy fruits, chocolate and the most amazing sevile orangeswhich reminded me of Cointreau!

Finish: A spicy, dry finish but not forgetting that morish orange that goes on and on!

Overall: A fine sipping whiskey and I haven’t even tried it in any cocktails yet!


About Kentucky Owl

Founded in 1879 by C.M. Dedman, Kentucky Owl™ offers an artfully blended line of craft bourbons and ryes. Kentucky Owl is for those who appreciate high quality, attention to detail, craftsmanship and authentic heritage. For more information, visit kentuckyowlbourbon.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. amberbev.co.uk

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.

Sampling The Lakes Distillery “Mosaic” – Inspired By The Silk Road – It’s A Path I Want To Follow!

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Sampling “Mosaic”!

The Lakes Distillery has created The Whiskymaker’s Editions “Mosaic” – a limited-edition single malt whisky!

Drawing inspiration from the Silk Road – the ancient intercontinental avenue of trade and cultural exchange – it brings together a sense of adventure from both East and West, uniting eclectic influences and flavours in a singular, sophisticated expression.

Inspired by the Silk Road, East meets West in The Whiskymaker’s Editions Mosaic!

Created with carefully designed pockets of flavour from The Lakes’ bespoke collection of casks, Mosaic is the latest Edition to tell a story through the art of whisky creation.

The fusion of people, knowledge, ideas and cultural beliefs along the Silk Road has had a profound impact on the fabric of our society. This is our attempt to create a whisky with a flavour profile that is reminiscent of passage through its many pf ports and cities.

From crisp autumn days in the west, and the aromas of woodfire and spent leaves, Mosaic will lead you to the heady spice melange of Moorish bazaars and onwards into light, delicate oriental wood nuances that evoke a wisdom synonymous with Japanese temples.
– Dhavall Gandhi: The Lakes Distillery’s whiskymaker

Non-chill filtered, bottled at the natural colour and 46.6% ABV, The Whiskymaker’s Editions Mosaic is now available from LakesDistillery.com and throughout the UK with a recommended retail price of £80

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

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

Tasting Notes – The Lakes Distillery Single Malt Whisky: The Whiskymaker’s Editions “Mosaic” (46.6%)

Nose: Fruity green apples, cane sugar, honey, caramel toffee with shades of woodiness and promises of a little spice.

Palate: Satisfying mouthfeel with rich, creamy fruits including apples with a little orange. Sugarcane sweetness with tasty toffee adds to the palate.

Finish: A much spicier finish that is more robust than I expected (and better for it!) married together with honey sweetness and a little tobacco dryness.

Overall: Mmm … a nicely balanced smooth dram with the flavours of sweet n’ spice battling it out – but in a polite way of course!

The Whiskymaker’s Editions “Mosaic”

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

About Lakes Distillery

On the shore of Bassenthwaite Lake, near Keswick, in The English Lake District, The Lakes Distillery creates an exceptional collection of whiskies, gins and vodkas and attracts over 100,000 visitors each year.

Twice named ‘one of eight distilleries to visit before you die’ by the World Whisky Day campaign, the visitor centre, bistro and tour has held Visit England’s Gold accolade for the last three years and was voted the Icons of Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year 2019 by Whisky magazine.

On 7 September 2019, The Lakes Distillery unveiled the first in a series of widely available single malt whisky releases that will showcase their house style, defined by whiskymaker Dhavall Gandhi.

The Lakes’ Story

The Lake District has long been a crucible for creativity, a place in which the imagination can flourish, and it’s no different for The Lakes Distillery. Taking inspiration from the UNESCO World Heritage Site where our state-of-the-art distillery has been built meticulously within a 160-year-old farmstead on the banks of the River Derwent, the idea of distilling being distinct individual elements is not how we look at the art. Rather it is part of a continuum, a net of possibilities where everything is interlinked. Change one element and the effect will change everything else.

Only by understanding how flavours are created throughout the spirit’s journey through the distillery can our whiskymaker fully comprehend the possibilities. That is why, unusually, Dhavall Gandhi is actively involved at every stage. It is holistic whisky-making, to ensure every flavour possibility is achieved.

Find out more about our whisky story at www.LakesDistillery.com

Recent Awards

Named by The London Stock Exchange Group as one of the ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain 2020’ and 19th fastest growing brand in Alantra’s 2019 Food and Beverage Fast 50, The Lakes’ portfolio of award-winning spirits includes single malt whisky, blended malt whisky, blended whisky, gin and vodka. Recently, they received the following prestigious World Drinks awards:
2020:
World’s Best English Single Malt Whisky, No Age Statement (Gold Award) – The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.2
International Spirit’s Challenge (ISC), World Single Malt Whisky (Gold Award) – The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.2
International Wine And Spirit Competition (IWSC), Spirit Gold Award – The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.1
2019:
World’s Best Blended Malt Whisky, No Age Statement (Best in English Category) – Steel Bonnets
World’s Best Blended Limited Release Whisky, No Age Statement (Best in English Category) – The ONE Sherry Expression
World’s Best Gin (Gold Award) – The Lakes Gin
World’s Best Gin Liqueur (Gold Award) – The Lakes Rhubarb & Rosehip Gin Liqueur
World’s Best Vodka (World’s Best) – The Lakes Vodka
World’s Best Chocolate Liqueur (World’s Best) – The Lakes Salted Caramel Vodka Liqueur

Sampling The Luxco Xmas Whiskey Tweet Tasting – Designed To Get Chrimbo Off To A Tasty Start!

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Sampling The Luxco Xmas Whiskey Tweet Tasting

I was Ho! Ho! Honoured to be invited to a #LuxcoXmasWhiskey TweetTastings earlier this week which was hosted by Steve from The Whisky Wire – all designed to get Chrimbo off to a tasty start!

The samples came from the Lux Row Distillers stable of drinks whose drive to innovate has quickly allowed them to become one of the top USA-based independent producers of alcohol beverage products across all categories.

The three whiskies sampled were:-

  • Yellowstone Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon
  • Ezra Brooks Kentucky Straight Bourbon
  • Ezra Brooks Straight Rye Whiskey

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 #LuxcoXmasWhiskey on Twitter.

So, what did I think?

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

Tasting Notes – Yellowstone Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon (46.5%)


Yellowstone Kentucky Straight Bourbon is a delicate fusion of flavours from seventh-generation distillers, this straight bourbon features a handpicked blend of 4- and 7-year-old bourbons, for an exclusive small-batch whiskey that honours its deep family origins.

Yellowstone Bourbon is crafted at Limestone Branch distillery, Kentucky which has been around since the start of the Kentucky bourbon business.

Nose: Gorgeous, sweet, stewed fruits with toffee. Then a real blast of tropical fruitiness shows itself plus a little chocolate.

Palate: Lovely sweetness and satisfying mouthfeel. Superb tropical fruits with mango coming out on top!

Finish: Some orange and chocolate, warming and spicy and slightly medicinal with a dry tannin finish. Interestingly, adding some water adds some Ginger flavours …

Overall: A great Bourbon with a little bit of everything. Fruity, sweet and with a powerful spice and dry finish!

Yellowstone Select:

Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Distillery: Limestone Branch
ABV: 46.5%
Available from Ocado for £45 – Save £7, was £52.00

Tasting Notes – Ezra Brooks Kentucky Straight Bourbon (40%)


Ezra Brooks is distilled using only the finest ingredients (corn, rye, barley) and charcoal filtered for an unmistakable, mellow flavor.

Aged in charred white oak barrels it delivers a beautifully smooth flavor and finish and is bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV)

Nose: Citrusy with lemons ‘afore! Reminds me of boiled sweets (spangles) plus some healthy apples thrown in. After a while I’m getting some sweet tropicalness and creamy vanilla.

Palate: Cane sweetness, buttery, with lots of juicy tropical fruits – Very Yummy!

Finish: A thinner mouthfeel, but very light with sweet vanilla and fruity flavours dancing on the tongue! Oaky and light honeyed at the end with a mild spiciness.

Overall: A cracking Bourbon and at a very tasty price!

Ezra Brooks Bourbon 80 Proof:

Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Distillery: Lux Row Distillers
ABV: 40%
Available from Ocado for £26 – Save £3, was £29.00

Tasting Notes – Ezra Brooks Straight Rye Whiskey (45%)


A genuine straight rye whiskey made from the finest ingredients available and bottled at an honest 90 proof.

INGREDIENTS
Rye and barley

AWARDS
Gold Medal – 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Gold Medal – 2017 Global Masters Spirits Competition

Nose: Slow burner this one – maybe hiding it’s light under a Kentucky bushel! Eventually there is mint, treacle and licorice – who would have thought?! A little toffee, a little oak, a little spice …

Palate: Some creamy chocolate and licorice, treacle and shades of mint!

Finish: Toffee on rye coupled with some great spice that’s not too heavy.

Overall: Some interesting flavours here for sure – but all in a good way!
Ezra Brooks Rye 90 Proof:

Kentucky Straight Rye
Distillery: Lux Row Distillers
ABV: 45%

Available from MasterOfMalt for £30.70

My Favourite On The Night

Out of the 3, I think it’s got to be the Ezra Brooks Bourbon with Yellowstone Select & Ezra Brooks Rye tying for second as I can’t decide between them! I chose ‘Ezra Brooks Bourbon’ as it’s seriously good for the price – buy two …….. and keep them both for yourself!

Many thanks to Steve at The Whisky Wire (@TheWhiskyWire / @TweetTastings) for a great evening and (@ChapmanPoolePR) for sending the samples.

And, of course, many thanks to luxrowdistillers.com, without whom!

My fellow Tweet Tasters on the night were:-


@TheWhiskyWire @Jotterface @WhiskyWithMolly @ManyMilesWhisky @AWhetForWhisky @ocdwhisky @WhiskyWings @ChapmanPoolePR @sprungatom @speakofwhisky @SpiritAndWood @PhilScott101 @MrEdwardMilner @ingo74 @WhiskyGeekPete @GaryMills01 @CEVokins @drinkersite @iheartwhisky @FreshPrinceRob @DramofWar @FiShoop @WhiskyManc @Whiskyviewer

ABOUT LUX ROW DISTILLERS

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

Lux Row Distillers is the home of bourbon brands including Rebel, Blood Oath, David Nicholson, Daviess County and Ezra Brooks.

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.

About Luxco

Founded in St. Louis in 1958 by the Lux Family, Luxco is a leading producer, supplier, importer and bottler of beverage alcohol products.

Our mission is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of consumers, associates and business partners. Merged with MGP Ingredients, Inc. in 2021 (Nasdaq: MGPI), Luxco operates as MGP’s Brands Division and manages all MGP/Luxco brands.

This extensive and award-winning spirits portfolio includes well-known brands from five distilleries:
– Bardstown, Kentucky-based Lux Row Distillers, home of Ezra Brooks, Rebel, Blood Oath, David Nicholson and Daviess County;
– Lebanon, Kentucky-based Limestone Branch Distillery, maker of Yellowstone Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey and Bowling & Burch Gin;
– Jalisco, Mexico-based Destiladora González Lux, producer of 100% agave tequilas, El Mayor, Exotico and Dos Primos;
– MGP’s historic distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where the George Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Rossville Union Straight Rye Whiskey are produced;
– and the Washington, D.C.-based Green Hat Distillery, producer of the Green Hat family of gins.

The innovative and high-quality brand portfolio also includes Everclear Grain Alcohol, Pearl Vodka, Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream, The Quiet Man Irish Whiskey and other well-recognized brands. For more information about the company and its brands, visit luxco.com.

Sampling Cotswolds Distillery New ‘Reserve Single Malt Whisky’ – Most Approachable!

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The Cotswolds Reserve Single Malt Whisky!

The Cotswolds Distillery is delighted to announce the launch of a new addition to their range of award-winning whiskies – Cotswolds Reserve Single Malt Whisky!

“We think it’s one of the most approachable whiskies we’ve ever produced at the distillery”

Our new single malt whisky expression joins our growing range of English single malt whiskies. We’re excited to launch this smooth and elegant Reserve whisky which has been aged in first-fill ex-Bourbon casks and STR (Shaved, Toasted & Re-charred) ex-red wine casks.

We think it’s one of the most approachable whiskies we’ve ever produced at the distillery.
– Dan Szor: Cotswolds Distillery Founder

Cotswolds Reserve Single Malt Whisky is made from 100% locally grown floor malted barley and is aged in specially selected first-fill ex-Bourbon and STR (Shaved, Toasted & Re-charred) ex-red wine casks at a ratio of 80:20 – 80% Bourbon and 20% STR.

This expression showcases the influence of the the first-fill ex-Bourbon casks which provide classic notes of vanilla, honey, butterscotch and a hint of coconut, resulting in a smooth, elegant and well-balanced dram.

A touch of whisky from the STR (Shaved, Toasted & Re-charred) ex-red wine casks has been blended in to enhance the richness, fruitiness and sweetness of this whisky. Bottled at 50% ABV the whisky is both naturally coloured and non-chill filtered.

£54.95 / ABV: 50%
Available to buy from cotswoldsdistillery.com

Cotswolds Distillery has kindly sent me a sample to try. Thanks cotswoldsdistillery.com (Twitter: @cotswoldistill / Instagram: @cotswoldsdistillery)!

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

Tasting Notes – Cotswolds Distillery Reserve Single Malt Whisky (50%)


Ingredients:

Malt: 100% locally grown, traditionally floor-malted barley from the Cotswolds.

Yeast: Two complementary varieties – Anchor and Fermentis – to ensure good yields and excellent fruity flavours.

Water: Village water supply – filtered, softened and demineralised before use.

Wood: Premium first-fill ex-Bourbon barrels and STR (Shaved, Toasted & Re-charred) American oak ex-red wine casks.

Nose: Crunchy green apple, sweet toffee, creamy vanilla and light floral notes – very inviting!

Palate: Very fruity with floral flavours – particularly rose – and sweet vanilla toffee.

Finish: Spicy and woody with lovely chocolate and shades of blackcurrant licorice.

Overall: A tasty, easy going, light whisky that is great to drink at anytime. I love the higher ABV – it always allows you to appreciate the flavours of the whisky in greater detail – and if it’s a tad strong for your liking – you can always add a little water!

Dan Szor, Cotswolds Distillery Founder said: “We think it’s one of the most approachable whiskies we’ve ever produced at the distillery.” – I think he’s right!

Cotswolds Distillery Products are also available to buy from these Merchants:-

Many thanks to cotswoldsdistillery.com (Twitter: @cotswoldistill / Instagram: @cotswoldsdistillery) for sending me the sample!

The Cotswolds Distillery

Located in Stourton, Shipston-on-Stour, the Cotswolds Distillery has become a premier Cotswolds attraction, offering tours and tastings. The distillery and stores in Broadway and Bourton-on-the-Water receive nearly 100,0000 visitors a year.

Cotswolds Signature Single Malt Whisky was launched in October 2017. It has won Gold at the World Whiskies Awards 2019 and was given two stars (one of one two whiskies to do so) in the 2019 Great Taste Awards. The distillery’s first cask strength whisky release, Founder’s Choice Single Malt Whisky, was awarded the title of Best English Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards 2019. In the Spring of 2021, it also won Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and won a Master Title at the Drinks Business & Spirits Business Spring Blind Tasting.

Cotswolds Signature Single Malt Whisky has expanded its UK distribution and is available in Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose stores across the UK. It was the first English whisky to be nationally listed by all three multiple grocers.

The Cotswolds Distillery also produces Cotswolds Dry Gin, which was named Best London Dry at the World Gin Awards and received the Top Gold Outstanding Award in the International Wine and Spirits Competition.

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