Archive for 2016

Some Special Single Cask Expressions at The Whisky Shop – Scotch Whisky News

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Single Cask Special!

We have some amazing single cask expressions in stock here at The Whisky Shop. From an impressive Single Grain Scotch aged for half a century to a relatively sprightly 8 year old Single Malt Scotch, these whiskies are all limited to just a couple of hundred bottles.

Free delivery available on all orders over £75 Next day delivery available (selected lines only)

Invergordon 50 Year Old The Sovereign

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This expression from the Whyte & Mackay owned Invergordon Distillery has seen 9 different Prime Ministers during its 50 year maturation! Bottled at 50% abv, non chill-filtered and free from artifical colouring, this is a grown up drink with only 261 bottles produced. The nose is sweet and mellow with vanilla, sherbet and shortbread. The palate is fruity and effervescent with notes of dark chocolate and vanilla, while the finish is long and dry with sweet fruits and oak.

£845 Buy It Now

Auchentoshan 12 Year Old Distiller’s Art

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This Lowlands Single Malt was distilled in 2003 and matured for 12 years in a single refill hogshead before being bottled in 2015 at a strength of 48% abv. This expression from the Auchentoshan Distillery in Clydebank is non chill-filtered, natural coloured and, with only 257 bottles produced, a rare and unique take on the usual Auchentoshan 12 year old.

£76 Buy It Now

Old Malt Cask Bunnahabhain 26 Year Old

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Hailing from Islay’s most northerly distillery, this expression of Bunnahabhain Single Malt from Hunter Laing’s Old Malt Cask range has been aged for an impressive 26 years in a refill hogshead. Bottled at 50% abv, this single cask offering is non chill-filtered with no added colouring, with just 132 bottles produced. A sweet nose offers sticky toffee, green apples and vanilla, while the palate is indulgent with caramel shortbread and chocolate orange notes. The finish is long and lingering with a lasting oak influence.

£200 Buy It Now

Old Malt Cask Bruichladdich 12 Year Old

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Another Islay offering from Glasgow-based Hunter Laing’s Old Malt Cask range, this 12 year old expression from the Bruichladdich Distillery is non chill-filtered and presented with its natural colour at 50% abv. Limited to just 284 bottles. The nose is full of tangy apples and sultanas with a hint of butterscotch. The palate offers sticky toffee pudding with a lemon peel edge cutting through. The finish is long and satisfying with sweet dried fruit lingering.

£95 Buy It Now

Inchgower 8 Year Old Douglas of Drumlanrig

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This single cask expression from the Inchgower Distillery was distilled in 2008 before being matured in red wine finished barrels for 8 years. Bottled earlier this year at 46% abv, this Speyside Single Malt is limited to only 429 bottles. The nose has strawberry, vanilla and hints of toffee. The palate is malty and robust with fruit an oak notes, while the finish has red fruits and sweet oak lingering on.

£60 Buy It Now

FATHER’S DAY IDEAS at the Party Source – Whisky News

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Woodford Reserve 1L The Party Source Private Barrel! – We were sad when the Woodford Double Oaked private barrel program was suspended, but we’re elated that Woodford Reserve opened up a private barrel program for their flagship Woodford Reserve Bourbon! It’s smooth and sweet and everything you love about Woodford, but with a little more stuffin’. Stop by when the Tasting Library is open and ask J.O. for a taste.

Golden Moon – We received another shipment from what is quite possibly our favorite Colorado Distillery. Everything they make it top shelf. New Golden Moon Spirits include: Ex Gratia  – think Chartreuse, Grappa – from fresh CO wine grape pressings, Gunfighter American Bourbon Double Cask – finished in Port casks, Gunfighter Rye Double Cask  – finished in Port barrels, and finally the Golden Moon Colorado Single Malt – only malted barley from CO and surrounding states is distilled and aged in new oak casks and then finished in used oak casks.

Jim Beam Signature Craft Triticale – Here’s the newest in Jim Beam’s Signature Craft series. Triticale is a hybrid grain produced from a cross of rye and wheat. The rye is most prominent on the nose with notes of many baking spices. On the palate however, the wheat shines through more with notes of apples, vanilla, and chocolate.

Dalmore 18yr – The first 14yrs were spent in American oak casks, then four years in two different sized sherry barrels. The result is a rich, complex, and wholly excellent Highland Single Malt Whisky. There are lots of chocolaty and citrusy qualities found in this delightful bottle.

Ardbeg Dark Cove – Here’s a real treat. It has been aged in dark sherry barrels and is Ardbeg’s darkest malt yet. Packed with flavors both fruit and earth, sweet and spice, all with a nice smoky backbone, any Islay lover would be remiss to not try this limited release.

Ardbeg 10yr with Uigedail and Corryvrecken 50ml sample bottles! – What better way to restock your Ardbeg 10yr than to get this gift pack that lets you try two of their other selections?  Compass Box – two special limited and special releases from Compass Box just came in.

Enlightenment had only 5,922 bottles produced, is a blend of fruity and floral Highland Single Malts, and is $78.99.

The Circus had only 2,490 bottles produced, are a harmonious blend of well-aged single malts that were then blended and aged, and is $239.99

FATHER’S DAY IDEAS

Child: “Dad, I’m hungry.” Father: “Hello Hungry, I’m Dad.” Check out the items below that any spirited father would be happy to receive in recognition of hard work, serious talks, enlightening life lessons, and Dad jokes.

Check it out:

For the Bourbon Loving Father 

Maker’s Mark The Party Source Private Select #2

Russell’s Reserve The Party Source Private Barrel

OKI Reserve 10yr Bourbon

For the Scotch Loving Father

Golden Moon Colorado Single Malt

AD Rattray Ben Nevis 17yr

Longrow Red 12yr

www.thepartysource.com

95 Riviera Drive, Bellevue, KY 41073  (859) 291-4007

Aberlour 25 Year Old 1990 Old & Rare at The Whisky Barrel – Scotch Whisky News

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Aberlour 25 Year Old 1990 Old & Rare

Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Aberlour 25 Year Old 1990 vintage Speyside single malt Scotch whisky. Single cask refill hogshead bottled March 2016 by Hunter Laing & Co. for the Old & Rare Platinum selection. 150 bottles. This golden whisky has a nose with notes of furniture polish, lychees in syrup and vanilla custard. The palate is smooth and fruity with sweet oak. The finish is long and dry with a hint of fruit as well as oak. Aberlour Distillery was founded in 1826 in the town of Aberlour in Scotland’s Speyside whisky region and is situated on the northern edge of Ben Rinnes mountain which accumulates snow and rainwater across its peaty moors and supplies cold, soft spring water to the distillery. Around a half of the spirit produced from Aberlour’s four copper stills is destined for single malts whilst much of the rest contributes to the Chivas brands of blended scotch. Aberlour malt whisky is matured in ex-sherry and ex-bourbon casks and Aberlour A’bunadh single malt whisky has  matured solely in sherry casks. Aberlour Distillery has a visitor centre offering a distillery tour and is an established participant in the popular Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.
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Young Entrepreneur Brings Bespoke Whisky Experiences to the World’s Whisky Lovers – Scotch Whisky News

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Young entrepreneur brings bespoke whisky experiences to the world’s whisky lovers 

Whisky tourism in Scotland is big business, with around 120 active whisky distilleries, 40 more in the pipeline and distillery visitor numbers reaching upwards of 1.5 million per year.

However, there’s a lack of services providing a personal connection between whisky tourists and the distilleries. With the industry looking to find innovative new ways to encourage whisky tourism in Scotland, whisky PR manager, Kirsty MacGeoch, has created the missing link between the distilleries and the visitors, with the launch of luxury whisky experience service, Whisky Co.

Based in Edinburgh and supported by RBS’ Entrepreneurial Spark start-up business accelerator, Whisky Co. connects people to Scotland’s distilleries through tailored whisky experiences.

Whisky Co. creates bespoke itineraries, individually suited to guests’ requirements and books all aspects of their trip, from transfers to tastings, with a focus on luxury. Whisky Co. has all whisky lovers covered, from the novice to the connoisseur.

Hailing from Scotland’s whisky capital, Speyside, Kirsty has created and hosted many VIP distillery trips for iconic whisky brands over the past 5 years. This experience, alongside booking spontaneous tours and transport for guests staying at her parent’s former guesthouse in Cardhu, gave Kirsty the idea to establish a tailored whisky experience service available to all;

“Whisky is a huge Scottish success story, but there’s a missing link between the distilleries and the whisky lovers coming to visit.  

“Everyone has a different taste when it comes to whisky and it’s the same when it comes to holidays. Whisky Co. stands for Whisky Connections, as that’s exactly what we do, provide that connection between the distilleries and the tourists. 

“I’ve always felt that there wasn’t a luxury, personalised service available to the public that offered something special to visitors. Whisky Co. is here to do that, by providing extra-special whisky experiences based on exactly what the customer wants, rather than providing just another pre-packaged whisky holiday. 

“I wanted to share my knowledge of Scotch and Scotland with the world to ensure visitors get the best out of what our country and its wonderful whisky have to offer.” 

Due to the bespoke nature of the trips, all prices are available on request.

Whisky Co. also make trip recommendations and can provide an itinerary only service.

Begin your whisky journey with Whisky Co here: http://www.thewhiskyco.co.uk/

The Whisky Lounge “Looking for the perfect gift for Father’s Day? Look no further…” – Whisky News

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Looking for the perfect gift for Father’s Day? Look no further!

You’ve now got no excuse not to get your Dad a great present this Sunday – get yourself 2 tickets to a Whisky Lounge festival and avoid the rush of last minute shoppers, no waiting in line, instant delivery and only good times to be had!

Each ticket includes entry to the festival, a Glencairn tasting glass, water (for obvious purposes), The Festival Guide and all whiskies sampled in the main hall….

Take a look below at our upcoming festivals and click on the ticket link to get yours for an unforgettable day out with Dad.

Can’t make a festival or looking for something a bit more personal? Take a look here at our other events around the UK including tastings, blending workshops and whisky schools or check out our special Father’s Day offer on TWL bottlings below…

DATES, LOCATIONS AND TICKETS

 June 18th Brighton Festival, Brighton Dome : Buy Tickets

June 25th Edinburgh Whisky Solstice Assembly Rooms: Buy Tickets

September 3rd Liverpool Festival The Crypt : Buy Tickets

September 10th Yorkshire Festival York Racecourse : Buy Tickets

October 22nd Manchester Festival Town Hall : Buy Tickets

November 12th Birmingham Festival Birmingham Council House : Buy Tickets

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Eddie, Amanda, Joe, Olly and the whole Whisky Lounge Team!

The Father’s Day Drinks Cabinet – Scotch Whisky News

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Delve into our Father’s Day drinks cabinet and pick out the perfect gift for your Dad. From an Orkney classic malt to a luxury Islay whisky, there’s a dram for the whisky connoisseur or the newcomer to the water of life.

The perfect introduction… 

Highland Park 12 Year Old

Highland Park 12 Year Old is the ideal malt for Dads who are fans of flavour with a honey sweetness, followed by fruity notes with a hint of gentle smoke. Highland Park 12 Year Old (ABV 40%) is available at multiple retailers including Tesco, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons and Co-op (RRP £35). www.highlandpark.co.uk/

The Macallan Gold

With vanilla and dark chocolate on the nose and citrus, ginger and cinnamon on the palate, the first expression in the 1824 Series is truly a special way to treat your Dad this Father’s Day. The Macallan Gold (ABV 40%) is available in multiple retailers including Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose (RRP £35). www.themacallan.co.uk/ 

The Ardmore Legacy

The Ardmore Legacy is a full-bodied and smooth dram with a dry, spicy and long-lasting finish. With notes of creamy vanilla, followed by smoky charcoal and savoury spices with a pleasant smoky taste, The Ardmore Legacy is the perfect introduction for Dads to peated single malt whisky. Legacy (ABV 40%) is available in multiple retailers including Tesco and Morrisons (RRP £29.99). www.ardmorewhisky.com/

Laphroaig Select

Laphroaig Select is the ideal gift for Dads who are fans of the unique peaty character offered in any of Laphroaig’s signature expressions. Laphroaig Select offers a deep, smoky taste yet surprises the palate with a gentle sweetness. Laphroaig Select (ABV 40%) is available in multiple retailers including Morrisons, www.thewhiskyexchange.com/ and www.masterofmalt.com/ (RRP £34.99). www.laphroaig.com/

Bowmore Small Batch

Bowmore Small Batch is exclusively matured in first and second fill ex-bourbon casks, then blissfully married together, exhibiting the best qualities of both. This combination of sweetness, subtle spices and peaty smokiness leads to a more intense peated experience.  Bowmore Small Batch (ABV 40%) is available in multiple retailers including Sainsbury’s and Tesco (RRP £33). www.bowmore.com/

Something special…

Highland Park Dark Origins

The latest edition to Highland Park’s core range, Dark Origins offers a naturally dark, rich flavour with sherried spice, a chocolate twist and the signature sweet smoke that fans of the Orcadian elixir have come to know and love. Highland Park Dark Origins (ABV 46.8%) is available in multiple retailers including Waitrose and www.thewhiskyexchange.com/ (RRP £65). www.highlandpark.co.uk/

Laphroaig Lore

Launched in March 2016, Laphroaig Lore promises to be the full-bodied, full-flavoured whisky that has come to be expected of Laphroaig. Known as the richest of the rich this new expression is wonderfully peaty with a chilli bite, and is ideal for Dads who are fans of Laphroaig’s peaty characteristics. Laphroaig Lore (ABV 48%) is available from specialist whisky retailers including Hedonism and www.thewhiskyexchange.com/ (RRP £85). www.laphroaig.com/

Bowmore 15 Years Old Darkest

Matured in an inspired combination of both bourbon and sherry casks, it’s the final three years spent in Oloroso sherry casks that makes Bowmore 15 Years Old ‘Darkest’, one of the most beautifully balanced Bowmores. The rich, deep colour and warming finish are reflected in its name. Bowmore 15 Years Old ‘Darkest’ (ABV 43%) is available in multiple retailers including Fortnum & Mason and www.thewhiskyexchange.com/ (RRP £54).   www.bowmore.com/ 

A piece of luxury…

      The Macallan Rare Cask

With a rich mahogany red hue, The Macallan Rare Cask showcases two of The Macallan’s greatest strengths, exceptional oak casks and natural colour. Soft notes of opulent vanilla and raisin pique the nose. On the palate, a spicy quartet of root ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove before vanilla and chocolate lead the finale. The Macallan Rare Cask (ABV 43%) is available from specialist whisky retailers including The Whisky Shop (RRP £200). www.themacallan.co.uk/

Notes 

Maxxium UK Limited is part of the global sales and distribution alliance between Beam Inc and The Edrington Group. Its portfolio of premium spirits includes: The Famous Grouse, Teacher’s and Cutty Sark blended Scotch; Highland Park, Laphroaig, Bowmore, The Ardmore and The Macallan single malts; Courvoisier cognac; Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon. In addition Maxxium has premium brands across a number of other drinks categories including Sourz, Brugal, After Shock, Sauza and Harveys. Maxxium UK also represents third-party drinks brands including Stolichnaya vodka, Bols liqueurs, Galliano and The Glenrothes.

For further information on our brands and how to enjoy them log on to www.mixxit.co.uk Please enjoy our brands responsibly www.drinkaware.co.uk 

Kilchoman Loch Gorm 46% ABV SHERRY CASK MATURED – Scotch Whisky News

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Kilchoman Loch Gorm 46% ABV SHERRY CASK MATURED

This year’s Kilchoman’s Loch Gorm Single Malt Whisky is finally available in the US. Only a limited quantity of the exclusive bottling will be available and if past releases are any indication, it will sell quick.

Loch Gorm, located to the north of the distillery is very peaty in colour, similar to the dark rich colour of our sherry cask matured single malts.  This is the 5th installment of the Loch Gorm range and it’s been matured for over six years in Oloroso sherry butts.

Named after a famously peaty loch, from which Kilchoman draws water for the production of this and other releases, Loch Gorm is bottled at 46% ABV and is available in the US exclusively through ImpEx Beverages Inc, with a recommended retail price of $99.99.

“Loch Gorm’s rich, spicy character sets it apart in the Kilchoman range”  Anthony Wills, Kilchoman Founder & MD

Worthy of note, the Robb Report magazine just included Loch Gorm in a list with the most heavily peated Scotches in the world. See post here.

Tasting Notes

Nose:  Spicy and sweet with peat smoke and dark chocolate well integrated.

Palate:  Soft fruits, well rounded and full of character.

Finish:  Lingering, sweet and well balanced.

Notes: 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 now 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. Kilchoman is now very much a family affair:   Since the first bottling was released in 2008, 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.
  • Machir Bay was named Whisky of the Year at IWC 2013. Loch Gorm was also awarded Gold, Machir Bay received Silver and 100% Islay 2nd Ed was given bronze.
  • Kilchoman 2007 Vintage received Whisky Advocate’s Award for Islay Single Malt of the Year 2013.
  • In 2012 Machir Bay was awarded two prestigious IWSC Gold medals and a Silver medal, and was named in GQ’s Best 100 Things of 2012.

Kilchoman won Malt Advocates Artisan Whisky of the Year 2011, only three years after the first bottling was released.

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Two Great Black Bull Scotch Whiskies Father’s Day Offers From The Spirits Embassy Team – Scotch Whisky News

The Spirits Embassy

Father’s Day is getting closer so make sure to snap up another great deal..

15% off Black Bull 12 Year Old with code FATHER15

& 10% off Black Bull Kyloe with code FATHER10

every order will also receive a free nosing glass!*

You can find our full range on  The Spirits Embassy : Single Malts Direct’s brand new website.

Wish to see daily updates from us? Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram!

* while stocks last.

Black Bull 12 Year Old

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£26.91 ex. VAT (discounted price.)

Black Bull contains 50% malt whisky and 50% grain whisky. It is bottled at 50% ABV and has not been altered by chilled-filtration. This special blend is a marriage of the finest 12 year old single malt and single grain whiskies distilled in Scotland. The selection of whiskies falls true to the Duncan Taylor ethic of unbridled quality, each whisky from each cask is nosed and tasted before going into the Black Bull vatting.

Tasting notes:

Nose: robust, chunky aromas. Chocolate, toffee, sherry, vanilla and lemon sherbet.

Palate: smooth, mellow and rounded. Milk chocolate, treacle toffee, pears, green apples and lots of sweet vanilla.

Finish: some heavier fruity notes emerge, and lots of creamy notes coming through

(Tasting Notes by Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky Limited).

  Black Bull Kyloe 

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£16.49 ex. VAT (discounted price.)

From the award winning Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky Company and Black Bull brand comes Kyloe, a brand new release to add to the Black Bull fold. Kyloe (pronounced Kahy-loh) is inspired by the hardy breed of highland cattle, the Kyloe, known to survive in the bitter windswept highlands and islands of Scotland. Black Bull Kyloe shares much of its likeness with this great breed – robust and with outstanding pedigree.

Tasting notes:

Nose: rich, with toffee apple, pear, clementine, brown sugar, and toasted oak.

Palate: hazelnuts, milk chocolate, malt, and raisins.

Finish: vanilla, cream and oak. Medium to long.

(Tasting Notes by Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky Limited)

 

The Land of the Rising Dram at Loch Fyne Whiskies – Japanese Whisky News

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New additions to our Japanese Whisky range

Akashi Single Malt

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This single malt is aged for 2 years in Spanish sherry casks followed by 3 years in hogsheads. Non chill-filtered and bottled at 46% abv, this expression offers delicate hints of camomile and sherry on the nose. The palate is rounded and subtle with vanilla and creamy tones, while the finish is sweet revealing vanilla and woody aspects.

£95 Buy Now

Togouchi 12 Year Old

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This Japanese blend is matured in a 361 meter long tunnel at a constant temperature of 14°C with 80% humidity. The result is rich in peaty malts with an intensely citrus and smoky nose. The palate is dry and fresh with orchard fruits, citrus and spices, while the finish is gentle and smooth with lemon and vanilla influences.

£98 Buy Now

Togouchi 18 Year Old

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A well thought-out expression from Hiroshima, Japan, that has a rounded texture and complexity, similar in profile to a Lowlands Scotch. The nose offers hints of peach and pear, the palate is powerful and balanced with white pepper, malted cereals and violet, while the finish is dry and lingering with pine nuts and sunflower seeds.

£160 Buy Now

Togouchi Premium

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A well-balanced blend from Chugoku Jozo with peaty and chocolate tones where the grain whisky sweetens the more powerful malt. The nose has notes of hazelnut and freshly-cut grass, the palate is sweet and gentle with honey, white pepper and nutmeg, while the finish is smooth and spiced.

£60 Buy Now

Nikka From The Barrel

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Made from whisky married for 3 to 6 months to allow the components to stabilise and harmonise, this expression from Nikka Distilling Co. is bottled at 51.4% abv, delivering flavour by the barrel to create a rich and strong blend. The nose is floral with orange peel and a little spice. The palate is big and well-balanced with spicy oak and ripe fruits, while the finish has some fire and oak.

£54 Buy Now

Nikka Pure Malt White Label

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Tokyo-based Nikka Distilling Co. bottle this blended malt at 43% abv. A subtle expression, the nose offers elegant peat and ripe fruits. The palate is smoky with white pepper and walnuts before sweeter honey tones come through. The finish is dry and peaty with floral aspects revealed.

£60 Buy Now

Nikka Coffey Grain

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A complex grain whiky from Tokyo, this expression from Nikka has a mellow and sweet taste that originates with the grain itself. Bottled at 45% abv, the nose offers carnival candy floss, the palate is sweet but not sticky with vanilla and cinnamon, while the finish is vibrant with corn notes.

£75 Buy Now

 Nikka Coffey Malt

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A unique malt whisky from Japan that is made using “coffey” stills usually reserved for the production of grain whisky. This 45% abv expression is surprisingly rich in texture. The nose offers some smoke and pecan shells, the palate is full of vanilla, coconut and maple but without becoming too sweet, while the finish is smoky with some spice.

£70 Buy Now

The High West Whiskey Club – American Whiskey News

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As a friend of High West Distillery, we thought you’d like to join the

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This is an exclusive group for whiskey enthusiasts who want to stay in the know about all things High West. As a member you’ll keep up with our distillery and saloon, receive the inside scoop on new releases as well as invitations to members-only High West events.

New members will receive an exclusive High West Whiskey Club welcome kit


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