The Whisky Exchange — Page 3

Sampling Two New Whisky Exchange ‘Exclusives’ – Balblair 2005 & Arran 1996 – Rare Summer Treats!

June 8, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

More Whisky Exchange ‘Exclusives’!

The Whisky Exchange has released two more drams in it’s popular ‘Exclusives’ range!

First up is an ex-bourbon-matured Balblair 2005. Wonderfully fruity and a release that truly shows off a side of the distillery that is often overlooked.

The second dram is a 1996 Vintage Arran – matured in what The Whisky Exchange thinks was a wine cask – Arran’s records apparently are a bit spotty back in the early days of filling, and the exact cask type isn’t known!

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

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

Tasting Notes – Balblair 2005 – Whisky Exchange Exclusive (46%)

Balblair 2005

Region: Highland
Matured in a single cask
Cask Number: 213
Bottled: 2021

Not chill-filtered
Natural colour
180 bottles available

The Balblair retails at £145

Nose: Gorgeous aromatic fruits! Ripe & ready pears, green apples topped off with cane sugar syrup.

Palate: Sweet pears and apples, a little liquorice and shades of blackcurrant.

Finish: Punchy spice tempered with those pears. Grapefruit adds some dryness at the end.

Overall: Another quality dram from The Whisky Exchange’s ‘Exclusives’ range that doesn’t disappoint. The fruit flavours are the highlight of this dram – those pear aromas are amazing! A fresh, light whisky that’s perfect for the Summer – and long may the Sun shine!

Tasting Notes – Arran 1996: 24 Years Old – Whisky Exchange Exclusive (53.4%)

Arran 1996: 24 Years Old

Region: Island
Matured in a wine cask (possibly!)
Cask Number: 757
Bottled: March 2021

Not chill-filtered
Natural colour
273 bottles available

The Arran retails at £199

Nose: Powerful spiced orange that really dominates the nose – but only in a good way! Toffee with slight hints of smoke.

Palate: Rich mouthfeel, lots of orange, sweet vanilla, and plump fruits.

Finish: A little pepper to add to the finish but in the main it’s the initial palate that continues through to the end.

Overall: A beautiful dram! Incredibly morish and satisfying. It’s a rare treat at the price I know – but what a treat!

Once again, many thanks to The Whisky Exchange (@WhiskyExchange) for the tasters!

The Whisky Exchange Launches – ’20 Whiskies That Changed The World’ – Let The Journey Begin!

June 4, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

20 Whiskies That Changed The World!

The Whisky Exchange has launched a tasting set that takes you on a journey through the ground-breaking whiskies of the 21st century!

In the two decades since brothers, Sukhinder and Rajbir Singh founded The Whisky Exchange, which has now become the world’s leading fine spirits retailer, the whisky landscape has evolved dramatically.

From the meteoric rise of peated styles to the emergence of stellar whiskies from Japan, US, India and Taiwan, it has been quite a journey!

A journey through the ground-breaking whiskies of the 21st century!

Now Sukhinder and Rajbir invite you to experience that journey with 20 Whiskies that Changed the World, sharing the whiskies that have had the greatest impact on them, the whisky industry and whisky fans around the globe.

This eye-catching gift set of 20 x 3cl Perfect Measure samples tells the story of this transformation in the best way possible – by offering you the chance to taste some of the whiskies that made it happen.

20 Whiskies that Changed the World can serve as a delicious whisky cabinet that you dip into to enjoy whenever the mood takes you or as an educational whisky guide. The whiskies are grouped into a selection of four themes – Whisky Revolution, Magic of the Cask, Peat Makes the World Go Round and The New World – accompanied by a tasting book featuring producer profiles, tasting notes, and online tasting videos.

The whiskies are arranged in tasting order so you can either enjoy them at your leisure or taste them in four flights alongside the video guides.

In the 1980s, when my brother Rajbir and I were living above and working in The Nest, our parents’ off-licence in north-west London, the world of whisky was very different to the thriving, innovative industry we see today.

Whisky was always magical – to us, at least – but the new ideas, innovations, techniques and personalities who have graced the whisky stage so far this millennium have elevated the world of whisky to a new level. We hope people enjoy drinking these whiskies as much as we enjoyed choosing them.
– Sukhinder Singh: The Whisky Exchange Co-Founder

Now available from The Whisky Exchange, priced at £160

The 20 Whiskies that Changed the World Perfect Measure tasting set is available Now from The Whisky Exchange, priced at £160.00

Full list of whiskies:

Whisky Revolution
Compass Box Hedonism – Blended Grain Scotch Whisky
Monkey Shoulder The Original – Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
Clynelish 14 Year Old – Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Glenfiddich 15 Year Old – Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Johnnie Walker Blue Label – Blended Scotch Whisky

Magic of the Cask
The Balvenie 12 Year Old DoubleWood – Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Cask – Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
The Glendronach 15 Year Old – Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
The Dalmore King Alexander III – Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Glenfarclas 105 Cask Strength – Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Peat Makes the World Go Round
Talisker 18 Year Old – Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Springbank 10 Year Old – Campbeltown Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Laphroaig Quarter Cask – Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Lagavulin 16 Year Old – Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Octomore 10 Year Old Fourth Edition – Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The New World
The Yamazaki 12 Year Old – Japanese Single Malt Whisky
Nikka Coffey Malt – Japanese Single Grain Whisky
Amrut Fusion – India Single Malt Whisky
Blanton’s Gold- Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Michter’s US*1 Single Barrel Rye – Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

The Whisky Exchange has kindly sent me the Tasting Set to try (Thanks @WhiskyExchange!)

I will be tasting these drams and sharing my thoughts in forthcoming blogs

– I can’t wait!

What’s New At The Whisky Exchange Including Fèis Ìle Whiskies!

June 1, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

TOP 10 ISLAY WHISKIES!

TOP 10 ISLAY WHISKIES
Fèis Ìle – the Islay Festival of Music and Malt – started on 27 May, taking to cyberspace to bring you exclusive bottlings and a celebration of all things Islay!

ISLAY FESTIVAL OFFERS
Islay whisky special offers in one place!

FATHER'S DAY 2021
It’s that time of year again – Father’s Day – 20 June!

DEWAR'S CASK SERIES
Launching with two brand-new expressions – Dewar’s Caribbean Smooth, aged in ex-rum casks and Dewar’s Ilegal Smooth, the first Scotch whisky to be aged in ex-mezcal casks – Dewar’s prove once again that they’re still at the forefront of cask maturation!

GLENDRONACH 26 YEAR OLD CASK 8634 TWE EXCLUSIVE
Exclusive single casks of superb, sherry-aged Glendronach has spent its entire maturation in an ex-PX puncheon – a luxurious must-try for fans of sherried whisky!

WATT WHISKY
Watt Whisky is the brainchild of whisky industry power couple Mark and Kate Watt – previously of Glenfarclas, Cadenhead’s, Springbank, Duncan Taylor and The Scotch Malt Whisky Society. A carefully-curated selection of whiskies showcases some delicious and lesser-known drams!

Father’s Day Ideas From The Whisky Exchange!

May 27, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

Say ‘cheers!’ to your Dad!

Father's Day Selection

TOP 10s

GENEROUS GIFT PACKS

PERSONALISED WHISKY

PERSONALISED GIN

ENGRAVE YOUR BOTTLE

TASTING PACKS & EXPERIENCES

New and Exciting Drinks At The Whisky Exchange!

May 19, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

Talisker
43 Year Old
Xpedition Oak

Talisker
43 Year Old
Xpedition Oak
Aged in casks built with barrel staves which have traversed the Atlantic with adventurer James Aiken, this venerable, 43-year-old dram is mellow and waxy, packed with fruity notes with a fresh hint of ocean spray.
£3,250

Lp12
Elements of Islay
Single Malt Whisky
The newest Lp in Elixir Distillers’ much-lauded Elements of Islay range is a marriage of two casks, both distilled in 2014 and blended together to create a big, smoky dram with notes of roast vegetables, dried fruits and smoky bacon.
£55.95

Damoiseau
Les Arranges Pink Guava & Vanilla
Rum Liqueur
A rum liqueur from Guadeloupe rum producers Damoiseau which has been made by infusing fresh cane-juice rhum with chunks of ripe pink guava and vanilla pods.
£36.95

The Artisan
London Dry Gin
Half Litre
A London Dry gin inspired by the flavours of Croatia, The Artisan has been made using 14 organic botanicals including juniper, citrus peels, elderflower, cinnamon and olive tree leaves.
£45.45

Bowmore 19 Year Old
French Oak Wine Barriques
This limited-edition whisky has been matured in first-fill French wine barriques, adding layers of juicy berries, candied ginger and caramel to Bowmore’s fruity and maritime spirit.
£175

Belvoir
Gin
This zesty and nutty gin has been inspired by the beautiful, Gothic architecture of Belvoir Castle. Packed with notes of juniper, liquorice, balsamic, chamomile and vanilla.
£32.25

TOP 10 WHISKIES

Our favourite whiskies of the moment

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OUR DRINKS
OF THE YEAR

Our top whisky, rum, gin and Champagne of the past 12 months

SHOP NOW >

Whats New From The Whisky Exchange!

May 14, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

THE DRINKS OF THE MONTH!

Drinks of the Month
A collection of delicious drops, each available with a great special offer: twelve cans of excellent red, white and rosé wine from one of our favourite South African producers, a zesty grapefruit and pomelo gin from Chase, plus save £50 on Caol Ila 25 Year Old.

World Whisky Day 2021
Check out their Top 10 World Whiskies for a little WWD inspiration!

Exclusive Kilchoman 2007
Matured in a single ex-bourbon cask for 13 years – distilled just two years after the distillery was established – this is a fresh and vibrant whisky from Islay’s only single-farm distillery

Bullion Spiced Rum
Sweet and decadent, made with a secret blend of herbs and spices – as well as added salted caramel!

Sampling A Whisky Exchange Exclusive: Kichoman 2007, 13 Year Old – A Real Special ‘K’ – And It’s Available From Today!

May 3, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

Kichoman 2007, 13 Year Old – Whisky Exchange Exclusive!

The Whisky Exchange has, today, released another one of their Exclusives – namely a Kichoman 2007, 13 Year Old!

Aged Kilchomans are few and far between so it’s a real treat when they release a 13 year old.

So what goodies are on offer? Here are the details:-
Kichoman 2007, 13 Year Old
Region: Islay
Made with barley peated to 50ppm
Matured in a single, first-fill bourbon cask – number 197 (18/7/2007)
Bottled: 25/2/2021
Bottled at cask strength of 53.9% ABV

Not chill-filtered
Natural colour
204 bottles available

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.

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

Only 204 bottles are available!

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

Tasting Notes – Kichoman 2007, 13 Year Old – Whisky Exchange Exclusive (53.9%)

A 2007 Kilchoman single malt bottled in February 2021 exclusively for The Whisky Exchange after 13 years in a single ex-bourbon cask.

Nose: Sweet woodsmoke with fragrant peat. Fresh coastal notes. Attractive, crunchy, green apples. Later on it melds into toffee and vanilla.

Palate: Full-bodied mouthfeel. Dark, sweet peat with wisps of woodsmoke and green apples. Following on there’s mint on the highnotes and dark chocolate.

Finish: Biting spice and heady pepper – but it’s alright – that sweet vanilla woodsmoke saves those tastebuds! This then gives way to charred wood and burnt embers with a little dryness.

Overall: This 13 year old has some very satisfying peat notes and flavours and it’s a mighty fine dram for it! It’s aged well and developed lots of character and body.

I love Kichoman – I love this Kichoman even more than usual – it’s a real special K!

£125

Once again, many thanks to The Whisky Exchange (@WhiskyExchange) for the taster!

Sampling Two Whisky Exchange Exclusives: Glenfarclas 15 & 21 Year Olds – Speyside Whisky Perfection!

April 30, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

The Glenfarclas 15 & 21 Year Old Whisky Exchange Exclusives!

I’ve been lucky enough to be sent a pair of samples from The Whisky Exchange’s “Exclusives” Range. Namely drams from the great Glenfarclas distillery: a 15 year old bottled at 100º proof (57.1%) and a 21 year old bottled at 95º proof (54.2%)!

The Whisky Exchange has worked with Glenfarclas since the early days of the online retailer, not only selling their great whiskies, but also selecting and bottling single casks and small batches.

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

The Glenfarclas 15 Year Old

Tasting Notes – Glenfarclas 15 Year Old – Whisky Exchange Exclusive (57.1%)

A fruity Glenfarclas single malt bottled exclusively for The Whisky Exchange after 15 years in sherry-seasoned oak.

Nose: Sweet sherry with plump sultanas and raisins. Then it gets all vanillary with baked apple coated in brown sugar.

Palate: Richly toffee sweet with more plump raisins and that baked, sugared apple detected in the nose makes a welcome appearance!

Finish: Intensely spicy with more fruit leading to a dry finish.

Overall: That ABV is a beast – almost knocked my mouth out! I didn’t try it with water though – I preferred it’s full strength, no-nonsense approach!

£74.95

The Glenfarclas 21 Year Old

Tasting Notes – Glenfarclas 21 Year Old – Whisky Exchange Exclusive (54.2%)

A rich and fruity 21-year-old Glenfarclas single malt bottled exclusively for The Whisky Exchange after 21 years in oloroso sherry seasoned oak.

Nose: Banofee pie, fresh apples, wisps of tropical fruits. After a spell the nose leads to sugary, plump raisins, creamy toffee, vanilla and sherry – rather nice!

Palate: Gorgeous thick mouthfeel. Sweet cake spices including cinnamon. There’s fruit cake plus, minty, dark chocolate.

Finish: Sweet finish with a lighter spiciness than the 15 year old – but it still makes itself noticed! Pronounced, dry bitterness at the end with some salt.

Overall: Another great Glenfarclas dram!

£125

Many thanks to The Whisky Exchange (@WhiskyExchange) for the tasters!

Sampling A Whisky Exchange Exclusive: The Caol Ila 2005, 15 Year Old – Get Ready For A Taste Bud Treat!

April 29, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

The Caol Ila 2005 15 Years Old – Whisky Exchange Exclusive!

The Whisky Exchange has released another one of their Exclusives – namely a Caol Ila 2005 15 Years Old!

This 2005 Caol Ila single malt was matured in a single refill sherry hogshead for 15 years, before being bottled in January 2021 by Gordon & MacPhail as part of their Connoisseurs Choice range – exclusively for The Whisky Exchange.

Here are the details:-
Caol Ila 2005 15 Years Old
Region: Islay
Matured in a refill sherry hogshead #301507
Bottled: 06/01/2021

Not chill-filtered
Natural colour
266 bottles available

Gordon & MacPhail was established in Elgin, Scotland in 1895 and has always been a family owned and family run business.

They carefully select casks of whiskies from more than a hundred Scottish distilleries, many of which have since stopped production or simply vanished entirely.

Their ranges include Discovery – aimed at categorising Scotch whisky’s many facets and introducing new drinkers to new tastes in a manageable way – to the exclusive Private Collection and the iconic Connoisseurs Choice allowing them to cater for drinkers at every point on the Scotch whisky spectrum, from beginners to true connoisseurs.

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

“A glorious mix of orchard fruits and peaty smoke!”

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

Tasting Notes – Caol Ila 2005 15 Years Old – Whisky Exchange Exclusive (57.5%)

Nose: Fruit and smoke battle it out in a friendly fashion! There’s wisps of woodsmoke and peat mixed with fresh orchard fruits, mainly apple, with some additional sweet, sherry notes – glorious!

Palate: Wonderful mix of orchard fruits and peaty smoke! Sweet sherry with shades of toffee and some zingy mint.

Finish: Fiesty spice with some serious punch to it! It’s tempered though with fading smoke and vanilla sweetness.

Overall: A great selection of flavours wrapped up in a very enjoyable dram. I love the combination of fruit and smoke – making for a fantastic taste bud treat!

£120

Once again, many thanks to The Whisky Exchange (@WhiskyExchange) for the taster!

The Whisky Exchange – Laphroaig 10 Year Old Sherry Cask Finish – Is It For You?!

April 19, 2021 by Gary Leave a Comment

Laphroaig 10 Year Old Sherry Cask Finish!

Laphroaig 10 Year Old is one of the best-loved – and most divisive – single malt whiskies on the market.

Its powerful, peaty flavour has become synonymous with Islay, and also the whisky version of the Marmite test!

This newest incarnation takes Classic Laphroaig 10 Year Old, aged for most of its life in ex-bourbon casks before a finishing period spent in ex-oloroso sherry casks.

A beautiful balance of punchy peat flavour and rich, fruity sherry-cask influence!

So expect a richly-flavoured whisky, laden with notes of seaweed, dark fruits, honey and well-cured bacon.

Find out if this dram is for you!