Whisky tasting — Page 7

Sampling The Lakes Distillery Latest Release: The Whiskymakers’ Editions ‘Infinity’ – A Whisky Designed For The Curious…

September 30, 2022 by Gary Leave a Comment

Infinity – a whisky designed for the curious…

The Lakes Distillery has released The Whiskymaker’s Editions ‘Infinity’ – a whisky designed for the curious!

Unlocking a new dimension with every sip, The Whiskymaker’s Editions Infinity is inspired by a never-ending fascination with the interconnectedness of fragrance and flavour.

Designed for the curious whisky drinker, this single malt is described by its maker to “stimulate profound thought” and “offer a unique experience” as it delves deep into the notion that everything in nature is entwined in a state of perpetual motion, leading to somewhere new.

Available online and from The Lakes Distillery from Friday, 7 October 2022

Matured in a multitude of The Lakes Distillery’s finest sherry butts, including rare Palo Cortado seasoned American oak casks, it is the art of blending, carefully layering complimentary and contrasting flavours, and learnedly counterbalancing aromas that makes it possible for Infinity to appear in a state of constant evolution on both the nose and palate.

Simultaneously complex and enigmatic, bewildering and delightful, each inimitable taste entices you to go deeper and deeper into a metaphorical rabbit hole of flavours, offering the opportunity to explore infinite ever-changing combinations that make it difficult to define where they come from and where they lead.

Created with a modern approach and a wide variety of exceptional sherry casks, Infinity is a whisky that offers a unique experience.

With layer upon layer of continuously changing aromas and flavours, perfectly balanced and each jostling to shine through, it is a complex whisky that unlocks a different dimension with every sip. As one door closes, another one opens up in this constantly evolving whisky.
– Dhavall Gandhi: Whiskymaker at The Lakes Distillery

Non-chill filtered, bottled at the natural colour, and 52% ABV, The Whiskymaker’s Editions Infinity will be available this weekend at the Whisky Show London. Following the show, it will be available online and also from The Lakes Distillery from Friday, 7 October 2022.

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 Editions ‘Infinity’ (52%)

Nose: Heady shades of lemon citrus and orange with sugary cane syrup, banoffee pie and creamy chocolate.

Palate: Creamy, sherried notes with luscious toffee, chocolate and a little citrus.

Finish: Smooth with a lovely punchy, slightly dry, peppery finish.

Overall: This is a super dram and really recommended – possibly one of the best Lakes Distillery expressions I’ve ever tasted!

Great flavours abound and the ABV, though high, is not harsh at all. I’d say this is certainly a dram to take you to infinity – and maybe even beyond!

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

THE LAKES DISTILLERY

On the shore of Bassenthwaite Lake, near Keswick, in The English Lake District, The Lakes Distillery design an exceptional collection of spirits and attracts over 30,000 visitors to their whisky distillery each year.

Twice named “one of eight distilleries to visit before you die” by the World Whisky Day campaign, their bistro and distillery tour experience has held Visit England’s Gold accolade since 2018 and was voted the Icons of Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year 2019 by Whisky magazine.

In September 2019, the brand unveiled The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.1, their first widely available single malt whisky in what has become an internationally award-winning series showcasing their sherry-led signature style.

Named by The London Stock Exchange Group as one of the ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain 2020’, The Lakes’ portfolio of spirits includes single malt whisky, blended whisky, gin, and vodka.

Recently, The Lakes Distillery received the following prestigious awards:

2022: World’s Best Single Malt Whisky, World Whiskies Awards: The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.4
Outstanding Gold (98/100), International Wine & Spirits Competition: The Lakes Pink Grapefruit Gin.

2021: Best English Blended Whisky, World Whiskies Awards: The One Sherry Cask Finished

2020: Best English Single Malt Whisky, World Whiskies Awards: The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.2
Gold Award, International Spirit’s Challenge: The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.2
Spirit Gold Award (95/100), International Wine & Spirit Competition: The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.1

2019: World’s Best Vodka, World Vodka Awards: The Lakes Vodka
World’s Best Chocolate Liqueur, World Vodka Awards: The Lakes Salted Caramel Vodka Liqueur

Just A Few Days Now Until ‘The Gathering’ With The SMWS – Is Your Tasting Pack At The Ready?!

September 27, 2022 by Gary Leave a Comment

An evening of chat …. and whisky!

The SMWS ‘Gathering’ Tasting Pack Now Available!

£35.00

Friday 30 September, 8pm

Just a few days now before The Gathering commences – have you got your Tasting Pack yet?!

Don’t forget, the SMWS is all about community – the coming together with other Society members and enjoying each others company. So for those of you who can’t make an in-person event, why not join them in sharing a dram online?!

Brand Ambassador John McCheyne and Society Ambassador Dean Marinello will host an evening of knowledge, chat and whisky as they share Society memories and stories.

They’ll be joined by Ambassadors Jutta Unterguggenberger from Austria, Klaus Bitschnau from Sweden, Monique Tenkortenaar from Benelux and a few other Society friends to guide you through five special drams, bottled exclusively for The Gathering, and selected by you, the Society members.

So, look forward to an evening of chat …. and whisky! As they share experiences and stories about the Society!

Find them Live on the SMWS UK Facebook page or on SMWSSilverscreen, their YouTube channel.

Each Festival Pack Contains:

Cask No. 18.46 – Bandyportfölj

Cask No. 39.251 – A sweet tongue twister

Cask No. 68.95 – A Negroni riff

Cask No. 73.144 – Un coin(g) de nature

Cask No. 112.109 – Das rennende Schaf am Strand

Five special drams, bottled exclusively for The Gathering, and selected by you, the Society members!

Goto the SMWS Facebook Page

Goto the SMWSsilverscreen Page

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 Circumstance Distillery’s First English Whisky – And It’s Sold Out Already!

September 23, 2022 by Gary Leave a Comment

Circumstance Distillery’s English Whisky – gone in under ten minutes!

On very rare occasions I get the opportunity to sample a whisky which basically doesn’t really exist anymore!

A strange experience indeed and such was the case with Circumstance Distillery based in Bristol who released their inaugural English Whisky onto the UK market earlier this month and it sold out in under 10 minutes!

Only 500 bottles were available …..

With only 500 bottles available, Circumstance English Whisky was available to buy directly from their distillery website for £60 – if you were lucky!

This single grain whisky was created from malted barley (85%) and unmalted barley (15%) that was processed by hand at Warminster Maltings. The grains were fermented on a French saison yeast for an extraordinary 14 days.

It was distilled in an 1800L hybrid still with a copper whisky hood and copper 4 plate column and then matured in first-fill ex-bourbon casks at the distillery for over three years.

There is a lot more to whisky than single malts. Creating a mash bill that contains more than just malted barley requires some real skill – which our team have an abundance of. This inaugural whisky release is an important milestone, but our journey continues.

A single grain rye whisky and a single grain wheat whisky should be ready for release in near future. Watch this space…
– Danny Walker: Co-founder

This single gain whisky glows a golden straw colour with aromas of scrumpy cider, lemon zest and milk chocolate. On the palate there is a hay like sweetness with cream soda and some wonderful delicate spice. The mouthfeel is oily and creamy. The finish is zesty with a hint of savoury.

Circumstance Distillery believes “It’s ready when it’s ready”

Modern whisky distilleries don’t just rely on casks, they build flavour in their whisky from the start with carefully selected grains, carefully selected yeast strains and long fermentations. The results speak for themselves.

At Circumstance Distillery we are at the forefront of modern whisky and at the forefront of English whisky.
– Liam Hirt: Co-founder and Managing Director

Circumstance Distillery kindly sent me a sample to try – lucky me! So thanks very much circumstance.com / @andcircumstance!

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

Tasting Notes – Circumstance Single Grain Whisky (44.5%)

Nose: Sweet tropical fruits with added green apple, lemon citrus and caramel fudge.

Palate: Creamy, oily mouthfeel with vanilla fudge, apple and delicate tropical fruits.

Finish: Warming, smooth spice which gradually grows in heat but that cane sweetness and caramel stays close for good measure.

Overall: A light dram, both in colour and taste. It’s full of flavour and character though with crisp fruits, warming spice and tropical flavours all combined rather nicely – no wonder it sold out in under ten minutes!

Once again, many thanks to circumstance.com (@andcircumstance) for sending me a drop or two of English Whisky history!

About Circumstance Distillery

Our distillery in the heart of Bristol is considered to be “”Britain’s most innovative distillery” (- Master of Malt)””.

Our highly motivated team work long and hard to get as much great flavour into their spirits as they possibly can. To achieve this we use organic mash bills, beer and wine yeast, and long open fermentations.

Spirits are matured in a variety of ways using a variety of woods. We use first fill ex-bourbon casks, virgin casks, seasoned casks and charred english oak spindles. Maturation is all about a balance between the new make spirit and the wood.

We are very proud of our flavoursome new makes and as such some releases are considerably “younger” than traditional whiskies or grain spirits.

We believe it’s ready when it’s ready.

Sampling The Lakes Distillery “Whiskymaker’s Editions Reflections” – Easy To Enjoy – Very Quick To Disappear!

September 23, 2022 by Gary Leave a Comment

The Whiskymaker’s Editions Reflections is a single malt whisky, designed in collaboration by The Lakes Distillery and Simon Rogan

In collaboration with Simon Rogan, owner of Lake District restaurants including three Michelin starred L’Enclume, Rogan & Co and Henrock, along with destinations in London and Hong Kong, The Lakes Distillery has designed a limited-edition single malt whisky to celebrate 20 years of the group’s past accomplishments, present triumphs, and the endless possibilities that lie ahead.

A limited-edition whisky created to mark Simon Rogan’s 20th anniversary as a chef/patron

Reflecting an evolutionary journey from the opening of Simon’s first restaurant L’Enclume, to the creation of his Cartmel Valley farm ‘Our Farm’ a few years later, to what is now his eight-strong restaurant portfolio across two continents, The Whiskymaker’s Editions Reflections is a modern interpretation of a classic, inspired by a moment of contemplation amid the natural beauty of the Lake District.

Grounded by earthly connections, a sense of place, and a desire to develop a harmonious relationship between the whisky’s flavours and the sustainable ethos and experience that keeps Rogan at the pinnacle of modern British dining, Reflections is a restrained, elegant and light whisky, but also incredibly vibrant.

Working with The Lakes Distillery on this special collaboration has been an absolute pleasure, especially since we have created something that celebrates our beautiful home in the Lake District.

Reflections is not only an embodiment of The Lakes but also a moment of gratitude and reflection on what has been achieved over the past two decades alongside everything that we have to look forward to.
– Simon Rogan

Suggestive of the autumnal Lake District in character, on tasting Reflections, spiced pumpkin and fragrant wood spice evolve into apple compote, warming cinnamon, and a long, reflective finish.

Bottled at 54% ABV, every bottle is non-chill filtered, natural in colour, and available to enjoy in Simon Rogan’s restaurants, at LakesDistillery.com and as part of November’s Home by Simon Rogan menu.

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 – Lakes Distillery ‘Whiskymaker’s Editions Reflections’ single malt whisky (54%)

Nose: Toffee apple, creamy cane sugar with a little lemon citrus and biscuit.

Palate: Dry, cane sugar sweetness with rich dark toffee.

Finish: Spicy and warming with an astringent grapefruit finish.

Overall: An easy going whisky with some great signature Lakes Distillery flavours. Easy to enjoy – very quick to disappear!

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

THE LAKES DISTILLERY

On the shore of Bassenthwaite Lake, near Keswick, in The English Lake District, The Lakes Distillery design an exceptional collection of spirits and attracts over 30,000 visitors to their whisky distillery each year.

Twice named “one of eight distilleries to visit before you die” by the World Whisky Day campaign, their bistro and distillery tour experience has held Visit England’s Gold accolade since 2018 and was voted the Icons of Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year 2019 by Whisky magazine.

In September 2019, the brand unveiled The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.1, their first widely available single malt whisky in what has become an internationally award-winning series showcasing their sherry-led signature style.

Named by The London Stock Exchange Group as one of the ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain 2020’, The Lakes’ portfolio of spirits includes single malt whisky, blended whisky, gin, and vodka.

Recently, The Lakes Distillery received the following prestigious awards:

2022: World’s Best Single Malt Whisky, World Whiskies Awards: The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.4
Outstanding Gold (98/100), International Wine & Spirits Competition: The Lakes Pink Grapefruit Gin.

2021: Best English Blended Whisky, World Whiskies Awards: The One Sherry Cask Finished

2020: Best English Single Malt Whisky, World Whiskies Awards: The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.2
Gold Award, International Spirit’s Challenge: The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.2
Spirit Gold Award (95/100), International Wine & Spirit Competition: The Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.1

2019: World’s Best Vodka, World Vodka Awards: The Lakes Vodka
World’s Best Chocolate Liqueur, World Vodka Awards: The Lakes Salted Caramel Vodka Liqueur

SIMON ROGAN

Simon Rogan is an internationally renowned, award-winning chef, recognised as one of the pioneers of the farm-to-table movement.

In 2002, Simon opened his debut restaurant L’Enclume in The Lake District village of Cartmel, with a focus on hyperlocal and seasonal ingredients. The restaurant currently holds three Michelin stars, the top spot in the Good Food Guide and five AA Rosettes.

In 2017, Simon was recognised as the AA chef of the year and is currently president of the Bocuse d’Or UK team. Simon opened Rogan & Co, his second venture in Cartmel in 2008 which won its first Michelin star in 2018 and currently holds three AA Rosettes. In 2011, Simon established Our Farm in The Lakes, which provides the restaurant group with high-quality, sustainable produce. In 2016, Simon launched Aulis Cartmel, a six-seater chef’s table experience. A London outpost of Aulis arrived in October 2017 as a stand-alone dining destination, an eight-seater chef’s table experience in central Soho.

Simon expanded his restaurant portfolio to Hong Kong, opening Aulis in January 2019 and Roganic in February 2019. In 2002 he opened The Baker & The Bottleman, a bakery and natural wine bar. Roganic Hong Kong was awarded its first Michelin star in December 2019. Simon opened Henrock in October 2019, an informally elegant restaurant set within Linthwaite House, a contemporary country house hotel in the heart of the Lake District. In 2020, in response to the global pandemic, the group launched Home by Simon Rogan, Simon’s delivery offering, providing regularly changing three-course ‘at home’ dining experiences created in The Lakes.

Sampling Kilchomans’ New 100% Islay 12th Edition – A Moreish Dram For Sure & I Can’t Say I’m Surprised!

September 22, 2022 by Gary Leave a Comment

The 100% Islay 12th Edition

Kilchoman launch 100% Islay 12th Edition, Single Farm Single Malt!

The 100% Islay 12th Edition is now available!

Anthony Wills – Kilchoman Founder

This latest release was distilled from their 2009, 2010 and 2011 barley harvests then matured in 29 bourbon barrels and 6 oloroso sherry butts for a minimum of 8 years. There’s no doubt that, like previous editions, this will be a popular dram!

It’s a lovely 100% Islay, rich and fruity on the nose then lots of citrus sweetness and tropical fruit on the palate with waves of peat smoke coming through on the finish.

– ANTHONY WILLS: Founder

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 100% Islay, 12th Edition, Single Single Malt Whisky (50%)

BARLEY VARIETY: PUBLICAN HARVESTS: 2011, 2012, 2013

20PPM Heavily Peated.

29 bourbon barrels & 6 oloroso sherry butts for a minimum of 8 years.

12,500 bottles released.

Nose: Sweet, salty liquid smoke with attractive fruity peat. Rich, dark chocolate with hints of liquorice and blackcurrant come through a little later – a heady mix!

Palate: Sweet and deeply savoury with rich smokey peat, liquorice and dark chocolate add to the depth and richness.

Finish: Tasty chilli and there’s also an antiseptic peatiness which grows on you, and of course, appetite sharpening salt, sweet smoke!

Overall: A Moreish dram for sure and I can’t say I’m surprised – Kilchoman ALWAYS produces Moreish whisky!

I was a bit surprised about the antiseptic flavours coming through but like another famous brand that has this characteristic it all adds up to a cracking taste and sensory experience!

12,500 bottles released – there’s no doubt this will be a popular dram!

Once again, many thanks to kilchomandistillery.com (@Kilchomanwhisky) for sending me such a quality dram!

Compare prices for Kilchoman!

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.

Get ready For ‘The Gathering’ With The SMWS – And Don’t Forget Your Tasting Pack!

September 16, 2022 by Gary Leave a Comment

Get ready for ‘The Gathering’ with the SMWS – And don’t forget your Tasting Pack!

The SMWS ‘Gathering’ Tasting Pack Now Available!

£35.00

Friday 30 September, 8pm

The Gathering Tasting Pack offer! Get £10 off the Gathering Tasting tasting pack with purchase of any bottle using code DISCOVERY22 at checkout. Offer valid from 9am 14 September to 5pm 22 September.

The Gathering is all about community – the coming together with other Society members and enjoying each others company. So for those of you who can’t make an in-person event, why not join them in sharing a dram online?!

The event will be held by a Society host will also be joined by Society ambassadors from across Europe to guide you through five special drams, bottled exclusively for The Gathering, and selected by you, the Society members.

It will be an evening of chat …. and whisky! As they share experiences and stories about the Society!

Find them Live on the SMWS UK Facebook page or on SMWSSilverscreen, their YouTube channel.