Cask88 Launches Exclusive Whisky for The Merchistonian Club in Edinburgh 

UNITED KINGDOM — 03/11/2016 – Cask88, one of the world’s leading suppliers of bespoke whisky, today unveiled a historic bottling produced exclusively for The Merchistonian Club in Edinburgh. For over 15 years, the team at Cask88 has been helping world-class companies deliver legendary experiences with one-of-a-kind bottles of the finest whisky. Cask88 empowers brands and organizations to offer unique whisky to further initiatives and increase brand value. The team specializes in all aspects of the perfect bottle including cask procurement, bottling, labels and final distribution.

Three generations of Merchistonians working in the whisky industry have come together for this exclusive alumni release. Charles Maclean (1965-1969), Edward Davidson (1986-1989) and Patrick Costello (2001-2009) carefully selected a 1997 single malt from the widely acclaimed Clynelish distillery.  This 19 year old Highland whisky is from a single cask with only 350 bottles available worldwide, in Charles’ tasting notes he mentions that the whisky is “a splendid expression of Clynelish, embodying the make’s sophistication and elegance.”

This outstanding whisky is complemented by two bottling options, a decanter or bottle. The decanter has been carefully designed by Glencairn Crystal to offer an impeccable presentation piece. Either option includes a red and blue box baring the old Merchiston logo and selected bottle number (subject to availability). Patrick Costello notes, “this whisky is the perfect wedding, birthday or reunion gift for any Merchistonian.  It’s a great collectible that contributes to the fundraising appeal for new sporting facilities.”

FUNDRAISING INITIATIVE

The Merchistonian Club Whisky is being launched as part of The Fundraising Appeal. Merchiston Castle School is embarking on their biggest sporting development in a generation.  Facilities are being upgraded in order to expand offerings and allow student athletes to excel to new heights.  These facilities will be among the best in Scotland.  To date, two thirds of the target has been raised; enough to allow the initial phase of development to begin.

ABOUT MERCHISTON CASTLE SCHOOL

Merchiston is a Scottish School located in Edinburgh offering the English curriculum with a global, out-ward looking dimension. The school prides itself in the education of boys to prepare them for the world, as they have done for over 180 years.  A balanced curriculum, excellent pastoral care and a high A level pass rate make Merchiston one of the UK’s leading independent schools.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For those looking to learn more about The Merchistonian Club Whisky, information is available on the Cask88 website. You can visit http://store.cask88.com/ for more details.

Speyside Distillery shares the secret of Cask 27: exclusive limited edition single malt whisky from its first distillation

Bottle number one in an exclusive limited edition release of the first distillation from Speyside Distillery is to go under the hammer at auction. It is one of just 250 bottles from Cask 27, which contained the very first spirit to be produced by the artisan distillery in December 1990.

Cask 27 was the final cask to be filled on that milestone occasion and the single malt Scotch whisky has lain sleeping, patiently waiting to give up its secrets for the past 25 years. Bottle number one will be auctioned through McTear’s on Wednesday,, March 23 and it is anticipated there will be high level interest in the rare malt from whisky connoisseurs and collectors.

John Harvey McDonough, chief executive officer of Speyside Distillery, says the time feels right to finally share the historic dram through this limited edition bottling, which will go on general release following the auction.

The distillery is located at the foot of the Cairngorm mountain range in the Scottish Highlands within a former barley mill and croft. It was created by George Christie – a retired Royal Navy submarine captain – and was built by hand in a painstaking 30-year process.

“Mr Christie obviously knew that good things come to those who wait, and that is one of the reasons why we have been in no rush to release this very first distillate,” adds John.

“Managing director, Patricia Dillon and I feel honoured to be in a position of being able to release this very special cask. In doing so I personally felt that I was able to share the tremendous, meticulous work that went into building the distillery and laying down the first casks.

“This truly is a beautiful dram in which the passion of this first distillate can be tasted. We are delighted to be joining together with McTear’s to auction bottle number one: as a prestigious auction house it is fitting for our rare bottle to be in their safe hands.

 “This is not just a whisky: this is an integral part of the distillery’s heritage. We are extremely proud to be able to share this part of our history with whisky lovers and we hope those who are lucky enough to secure one of the special limited edition bottles will raise a toast to those who painstakingly worked together to build the beautiful distillery and lay down this very first distillate.”

Cask 27 is bottled at 55.1% cask strength from American oak casks, and is non-colour and non-chill filtered.  It has a hue of light golden colour with an aroma of refreshing, delicate fruits with hints of vanilla and honey, and a taste of subtle vanilla with a smooth crème brûlée flavour. Its finish is mild, fresh citrus fruit

Cask 27 is presented in a beautiful humidor box with a hand written label, numbered bottle number and wax stamped with the wording – 1990 year of 1^st distillation. The box has a certificate of authenticity signed by the CEO.

Stephen McGinty, whisky specialist at McTear’s Auctioneers  says, “We handle many special limited edition whiskies, however, to have the great privilege of auctioning SPEY from Speyside Distillery bottle number one of this special edition bottling of Cask 27 is a very rare occasion indeed. This whisky ticks all the boxes and more for any investor and we are expecting to receive significant interest.”

Speyside Distillery near Kingussie is home of the SPEY brand of malt whisky. It has been in production since 1990 and is operated by Speyside Distillers Ltd. In 2012 the SPEY brand and packaging with its specially designed unique bottle was introduced.

For further information about Speyside Distillery, visit http://www.speysidedistillery.co.uk/. Follow Speyside Distillery on Twitter @SpeySingleMalt and on Facebook at facebook.com/speysidedistillery

Further information about the auction can be found at http://www.mctears.co.uk/ and on 0141 810 2880.

Picture caption – The new Spey from Speyside Distillery Cask 27 is a special limited edition from the first distillate. Bottle number one is being auctioned by McTear’s on Wednesday, March 23.

Old Pulteney on Top of the World as 1989 Vintage Crowned Best Single Malt

We’re celebrating one of our greatest triumphs to date – Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage has been crowned the ‘World’s Best Single Malt’!

The extraordinary achievement was announced last night at Whisky Magazine’s prestigious World Whiskies Awards, hosted at the Grand Connaught Rooms in London.

Only the world’s most exceptional whiskies were nominated, and with a record number of entries this year leading to tough competition, we have even greater cause to celebrate this accolade!

We released our peated 1989 Vintage in September 2015 as the embodiment of Pulteney Distillery’s renowned craftsmanship. Its distinctive smoky character comes from maturation in hand-selected American oak ex-bourbon barrels, which previously held heavily peated malt.

Old Pulteney Senior Brand Manager Margaret Mary Clarke was thrilled to hear news of the success. She commented: “This is a wonderful win for everyone at Pulteney Distillery and we couldn’t be more proud to have our 1989 Vintage recognised as the world’s best single malt. When we released the whisky last year it was a real hit with whisky enthusiasts and Old Pulteney devotees, who already recognise the quality and character of our full range of fine single malts. Last night’s award is another great testament to the dedicated Distillery team up in Wick whose passion and skill for creating incredible malt whiskies continue to be recognised around the world.”

The Managing Editor of Whisky Magazine, Mr Rupert Wheeler said: “This year has seen a record number of entries into our World Whiskies Awards and the Icons of Whisky continue to grow with the addition of new categories. I was delighted to have met so many guests last night, all of which make the whisky industry a pleasure to be a part of. The evening went extremely well and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the judges and sponsors of all of our awards. We look forward to doing it all over again next year.”

Our malt has been acclaimed for its excellence many times over. Old Pulteney’s 21 Year Old Single Malt holds the coveted title of ‘World Whisky of the Year’ for 2012 in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible – one of the industry’s highest accolades. Our whisky also achieved top ten status in the UK single malt market in 2012 and is flourishing in many other countries around the world, so we’re sure you’ll join us this evening in raising a dram to our team here at Pulteney Distillery.  Sláinte!

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Wolfburn First Release

Introducing Wolfburn Highland single malt. First release from the distillery which last produced Scotch 150 years ago! Essential for connoisseurs and collectors. Wolfburn Highland single malt Scotch whisky. Matured in matured in ex-Islay quarter casks made from Spanish and American oak. Launched on 18th March 2016, this is the Historic first release from the distillery in Thurso which reopened in 2013. Limited release of 10,000 bottles. On the nose you’ll find fruit and malty aromas with just a hint of peat. On the tongue, sweet and nutty flavours are present which coat the palate to leave a very slightly pleasant flavour of smoke. Wolfburn distillery is a Scotch whisky distillery in Thurso, Caithness, Scotland. After ceasing production in the 1850s it reopened in 2013. The first bottling from the new distillery was released in March 2016.

Buy – $54.14

Though Islay is a small island, their whiskies are big and bold, with smoke, peat and the ocean breeze.

Discounted Items

Port Ellen 14th Release 35 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky One of the most rare and collectible whiskies $3899.99

Islay Blended Duncan Taylor Bottling Malt Scotch Whisky The palette is lovely with rich fruits, oily texture, chewy toffee, peat, smoke, cocoa and oak spice to the back end. $174.99

Octomore 5 (Bruichladdich) Year Old Scottish Barley Single Malt Scotch Whisky Sweet intense peat, grain, and rich smoke aromas. $164.99

Octomore (Bruichladdich) 5 Year Old Islay Barley Single Malt Scotch Whisky A richer style dram, with more honey tones, grains, rich peat and smoke shining through. $179.99

Kilchoman D&M Exclusive Single Malt Scotch Whisky The palate is richer and more rounded with crushed nuts, citrus fruit rinds, and a quite nice ripe fruit note. $119.99

Caol Ila Distilled 1983 Samaroli Bottling Single Malt Scotch Whisky A rich palate with the sweet smoke, honeycomb, and a bit of burning garrigue $679.99

D&M, 2200 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94115

A Once in a Lifetime Opportunity

We are about to fill our 1000th barrel, or at least you might be.  We are offering one lucky whisky fanatic the chance to not only fill our milestone barrel, but also their own 20L cask.  How you say?  Simply purchase your own personalised 20L barrel between 17th of March and 17th of April and you automatically go into the draw.  You’ll be flown from your nearest capital city, take part in all the festivities mentioned above, followed by a personal tour of the distillery by Patrick Maguire Director/Owner of Tasmania Distillery. You must be available for travel in May 2016.  The exact date is yet to be announced. So what are you waiting for.  Stop thinking about it – cancel the family holiday, sell those golf clubs that are collecting dust, do whatever you have to.  Just don’t miss out on this one time only experience.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR BARREL NOW

Terms and Conditions apply, offer open to Australian residents only

Today we’re publishing a series of snippets from the world of whisky…

A new Whisky Barrel blog post on the brand new Wolfburn Single Malt Whisky they now have available, you may read the details here.

Ailsa Bay

The first single malt Scotch whisky to be released from Ailsa Bay distillery, which was build in 2007 within the grounds of Girvan distillery. The whisky within this release is heavily peated and has been created from a combination of casks – new oak, baby bourbon barrels, refill American oak and first fill bourbon.

£53.40

Whisky News from Scotland’s Oldest Working Distillery

This month, The Famous Grouse Experience continued its award-winning streak with another accolade: Whisky Visitor Attraction Manager of the Year at the Global Icons of Whisky Awards 2016. The award, organised by Whisky Magazine, was given to General Manager Stuart Cassells for his work in cementing The Famous Grouse Experience as one of Scotland’s must-visit destinations. Read more about it here.