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Fettercairn Launches Innovative Scottish Oak 18 Year Old Whisky!

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Fettercairn Scottish Oak 18 Year Old!

Fettercairn distillery has today announced the arrival of a new dawn in its progressive whisky making with the launch of its inaugural 18 Years Old single malt and its first ever whisky finished in locally sourced Scottish Oak!

The culmination of years of planning and innovation, Fettercairn 18 Years Old is the very embodiment of Fettercairn’s commitment to the future and to its local communities.

“At Fettercairn we are passionate about the potential of Scottish Oak and the unique flavour characteristics it offers to the whisky maker.” – Gregg Glass

Fettercairn 18 Years Old has been realised from a refined marriage of American White Oak casks with an exceptionally hand-crafted finish in 100% Scottish Oak, sourced from the Scottish Highlands.

Progressive and innovative in style and substance, this whisky celebrates what makes Fettercairn different – from the surprisingly tropical -house style achieved by the distinctive copper cooling ring distillation; to their future focused, innovative approach to local sourcing and working with the land in Aberdeenshire – ‘The Garden of Scotland’.

Bottled perfect to be enjoyed at 46.8%, natural in colour and non-chill filtered, this single malt showcases a meticulous approach to cask management and whisky making. With a character defined by richness and depth, it plays on mature fruit flavours, toasted oak, fresh patisserie aromas and rich mouthfeel with soft spice balances cacao and berry fruits.

Fettercairn 18 is a culmination of an approach to whisky making I have developed across a number of years. This first release reflects the dedication not just of myself, but of our partners ‘from Forest to Field’, who each played a role in rekindling the skills required to harvest Scottish Oak.

At Fettercairn we are passionate about the potential of Scottish Oak and the unique flavour characteristics it offers to the whisky maker.
– Gregg Glass: Master Whisky Maker

Brought to life through our ground-breaking Scottish Oak programme and calling on a 100% finish in Scottish oak sourced from the Scottish Highlands, this whisky represents a long-term vision coming to life. Born from an initiative which extends far beyond cask production to the creation of a circular economy and the future-proofing Scottish Oak for the next generation of whisky makers.

The expression rolls out to key global markets from October onwards at an RSP of £175

TASTING NOTES

Colour: Golden amber

Nose: Sugared almonds, baking spices and tropical sweetness of passion fruit and guava

Taste: Exotic syruped fruits, patisserie sugars, brioche and spices with soft hints of berry fruits

Finish: Soft spice, cacao and natural vanilla

Fettercairn Whiskies are also available to buy from these Merchants:-

About Fettercairn

Driven by a progressive ethos at the heart of our distilling philosophy since 1824, today Fettercairn Distillery lives by a long-standing commitment to unfettered thinking.

We’re not like other distilleries and we’ve never been afraid to tread our own path. It’s only by defying convention, tradition and expectation, we can adopt an enlightened and progressive approach.

Take our cooling ring, our home-grown Scottish oak and single estate whiskies, the special collaboration with 200 local farmers, the Warehouse 2 Collection. And not forgetting the unicorn on our bottle!

Our vision is future facing, so we don’t need to look back to move forward. But ultimately, all of this leads to an unwavering commitment to a prosperous and sustainable future for whisky making.

We are Fettercairn; the home of enlightened whisky making.

About Gregg Glass- Master Whisky Maker

Respected whisky maker Gregg Glass joined Whyte and Mackay in 2016, where he has been a leading light in the rejuvenation of Fettercairn alongside Distillery Manager Stewart Walker.

Gregg enjoyed a childhood in the heart of whisky making country, the Black Isle. With 22 years in industry notably 11 years at innovative whisky maker Compass Box, Gregg joined Whyte and Mackay in 2016 to work alongside renowned Master Distiller Mr Richard Paterson OBE.

Gregg has enjoyed 15 years career as a blender and whisky maker. At Whyte and Mackay Gregg has led whisky development for Fettercairn Single Malt Whisky, Jura Single Malt Whisky and in 2017 launched Whisky Works – an independent innovation wing of Whyte and Mackay.

Gregg is devoted to his craft and believes in flavour-led hands-on whisky making. Gregg is passionately involved in every aspect of the whisky making process from ‘acorn to glass’ and since 2020 leads whisky making across the Whyte and Mackay portfolio.

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

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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!

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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!

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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!

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.

Jura Announces 2022 Distillery Exclusive To Celebrate Fèis Ìle!

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Jura’s limited edition 2022 Distillery Exclusive!

Jura Single Malt whisky is celebrating the return of the popular Fèis Ìle festival with a very special community gathering and the launch of a limited-edition 14 Year Old Distillery Exclusive, crafted inside a specially selected cask waiting patiently in one of the island distillery’s warehouses!

The new whisky will be available from the 3rd June, the date that Jura Distillery marks its official day as part of the Fèis Ìle celebrations, which this year will see the whisky community at the distillery come together with islanders for a gathering that also includes Deer Island Rum and Lussa Gin.

Just 700 bottles will be available …

The 2007 limited Jura Distillery release was matured in Cask No.1892, a hand-selected Sherry butt from Jerez in Southern Spain, for 14 years. Just 700 bottles will be available of this exquisite liquid which boasts a golden orange colour and a cask strength of 57.2% ABV.

The distillery team had earmarked this cask as a potential island exclusive and it was easy to see why. The fruity, aromatic qualities we’ve found around the 2007 vintage, combined with the rich, warming notes from its time in a single Sherry butt make for a compelling expression of Jura’s distinct character.

Trying it with Mark and the team on the island, we quickly realised it would be the ideal candidate for 2022’s Fèis Ìle Distillery Cask, celebrating the return of this great festival.
– Joe Ricketts: Lead Whisky Maker for Jura

With an inviting nose expressing warm sweet spice, prunes soaked in Armagnac, crystal malt, dried peach, green banana and bitter orange, this 14 Year Old single cask malt delivers dried stone fruit and sweet citrus on the palate, together with notes of chocolate mint, medium roasted coffee and pistachio, before finishing with a lovely citrus blossom lift.

We knew this was a special cask destined for great things. Our distillery team had shortlisted it as a potential future distillery exclusive and Joe agreed.

We’ve worked harder than ever to ensure this celebratory bottling is ready for Jura Day, filling, wax dipping and completing every single bottle with hand-written labels all on island. A fitting tribute to the great community here.
– Mark Bruce: Jura Distillery Brand Home Manager

The 700 bottles will be available to purchase exclusively from the distillery visitor centre on the 3rd of June before the remaining allocation of bottles is made available for pre-sale to select international markets via the Jura Whisky website, with an RRP of £120

There will be no tours or tastings in the distillery this year, however the visitor centre will be open to all and distillery staff look forward to greeting everyone keen to get their hands on a bottle of Jura 2022 Fèis Ìle Distillery Exclusive. Deer Island Rum, Jura Brewery, Lussa Gin and The Island Bakehouse will also be running activities throughout the day and, for the islanders themselves, along with anybody lucky enough to be staying overnight, there will be live music from Glaswegian sensation Trail West supported by local band Pete Smoke and the Roaches, from 8pm in the local community hall.


Product information:

Distillery Exclusive Fèis Ìle Edition 2022 (14 Year Old, 2007 Vintage)

ABV: 57.2%

Available in 70cl

Colour: Orange gold

Nose: Cocoa dusting, warming sweet spice, prunes soaked in Armagnac, crystal malt, dried peach, green banana and bitter orange

Taste: Dried stone fruit, sweet citrus, chocolate mint, medium roasted coffee and pistachio

Finish: Finishes with a citrus blossom lift

Jura is also available to buy from these Whisky Merchants:-


About Jura:

Jura is an island nestled off the West Coast of Scotland. With only one road, one pub, one whisky distillery and 212(ish) people, Jura is as beautiful as it is remote.

The distillery was established in 1810 and reborn in 1963 to revive the community.

Inspired by our history and our island home, we create single malt with a true passion for the craft of whisky making.

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.

Fèis Ìle Is Back & Kilchoman Celebrates With A Special Festival Release!

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The Islay Festival
27th. May to 4th. June 2022!

Fèis Ìle is back!

After two years of being restricted to online events, Kilchoman are delighted to be gearing up to welcome everyone back to Islay in person and to celebrate Anthony Wills, Kilchoman Founder, has selected some very special casks!

The 2022 Fèis Ìle is a combination of 5 first fill bourbon barrels filled in 2006, making this a 16-year-old release!   

With just 7 casks filled in 2005, these represent some of the earliest casks ever filled at Kilchoman.

Limited to 865 bottles and only available to purchase in person from the distillery shop on the day.

Kilchoman Distillery hosts their Fèis Ìle Day on Thursday 2nd June 2022. Throughout the day there will be various masterclass tastings, tours, activities, live music and entertainment as well as a great selection of drams and whisky cocktails at the bar.

Kilchoman Distillery hosts their Fèis Ìle Day on Thursday 2nd June 2022

Awards

Award season for 2022 is now underway and Kilchoman have been receiving numerous accolades for their core range whiskies.

• 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 is also 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 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.

Leon Webb Joins Tamnavulin As Their New Distillery Manager!

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TAMNAVULIN ANNOUNCES NEW DISTILLERY MANAGER!

Leon Webb joins Tamnavulin following distillery’s success at Spirit of Speyside Festival!

The award-wining Speyside distillery Tamnavulin has appointed experienced whisky maker Leon Webb as its new Distillery Manager. His arrival further bolsters the distilling team at the world’s fastest growing Single Malt1, which recently won gold at The Spirit of Speyside Awards for Tamnavulin Spanish Grenache Cask.

Leon joined the team in early May, returning to his native Scotland following a period of five years in Canada, working as Master Distiller and Blender for the well-respected Shelter Point Distillery on Vancouver Island, B.C.

Originally from Aviemore in the Scottish Highlands, Leon graduated with an MSc in Brewing and Distilling from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, before embarking on his distilling career in both Scotland and Canada, producing a number of award-winning liquids.

He joins Tamnavulin’s Distiller Sam Douglas and Blender Kirsty Hodge, who has been working closely with the distillery in recent years, as part of the wider Whyte & Mackay Distilling Team, which is headed up by Master Whisky Maker and Blender Gregg Glass.

Leon will be a fantastic addition to Tamnavulin and our Distilling Team. I am confident he will build on all the great work already done at the distillery and make a great contribution to the extraordinary growth of the Tamnavulin brand around the world.

Leon joins Tamnavulin at an exciting time, fresh after the Spirit of Speyside Festival.
– Shane Healey: Distillery Director at Whyte & Mackay

Tamnavulin recently announced the addition of a White Wine Cask Edition to its core range

The single malt brand was brought back to life in 2016 as a quintessential signature Speyside malt whisky. The fruit-forward liquids produced are all double-matured and enhanced through wine cask finishes, released at an affordable price point.

Numerous award wins later – coupled with a rapid growth in demand from consumer and trade alike have quickly established Tamnavulin as a leading example of quality Speyside whisky – testament to a distillery and whisky making team that will be further bolstered by Leon’s experience.

Tamnavulin recently announced the addition of a White Wine Cask Edition to its core range, building on the popularity of the brand’s Red Wine Cask Editions.

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).

Kilchoman Releases Their Annual Limited Edition Loch Gorm 2022!

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It’s Loch Gorm Day!

The eagerly anticipated Loch Gorm from Kilchoman Distillery is once again ready for its annual release!

Named after Islay’s largest freshwater loch neighbouring the distillery, Loch Gorm is their only annual limited edition matured entirely in oloroso sherry casks!

Kilchoman Loch Gorm 2022

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.

The sherry soaked oak adds layers of rich fruity character which balances beautifully with classic Kilchoman peat smoke and citrus flavours.

Having selected casks that range in age from eight to fourteen years old, this year’s vatting combines both the youngest and oldest casks we’ve selected for recent editions of Loch Gorm.

The freshness of the eight year old casks combined with the layered complexity of the older casks gives it a fantastic balance of rich, fruity oloroso influence which pairs beautifully with the citrus sweetness and peat smoke of Kilchoman.
– Anthony Wills: Kilchoman Founder

Tasting Notes: Kilchoman Loch Gorm 2022

Nose: Intense sweet pipe smoke, followed by waves of freshly cut strawberries and candied lemon peel. Lighter notes of Neroli (orange blossoms), soft toffee and cloves.
Palate: An initial note of dark chocolate and toasted walnuts, gentle tobacco smokiness, hints of caramel and dates accompanied by subtle warming peat smoke.
Finish: Long and evolving with cinnamon and liquorice wood, chocolate bitters and lingering earthy smoke.

Selected casks that range in age from eight to fourteen years old, this year’s vatting combines both the youngest and oldest casks we’ve selected for recent editions of Loch Gorm.

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 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:

– 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.

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