Exel Wines of Perth; Gordon & MacPhail whisky tasting

Friends of ours Exel once again held a whisky tasting, a private tasting after hours here in Perth, in fact, just a 4 minute walk from where I live. A 6.30 start, but as usual for me, I turned up at 6.15 and had a wee chat with Kevin Cairns who took the tasting. He has been with G&M 18 months or so, been around a bit in the wine industry also. I was missing my “night at the museum” tonight with the Mad Ferrets! They w…ere performing at Perth museum. Och well. A wee group of 14 “slavoured” over the whiskies in front of us, personally I couldnee wait for the first dram;

CC DAILUAINE Single Malt Scotch Whisky 2004 46% VOL 70CL – an 11 yo dram, 1st refill sherry bottled in 2015. Strong, wee burn but nice dram. Cask strength, what I would call a “ZZ Top” dram (afterburner). Nutty, powerfull on the lips, good start Kevin.

We followed this with SPEYMALT FROM MACALLAN DISTILLERY Malt Scotch Whisky 2007 43% VOL 70CL – one from a range set up by pal Derek (see below), a 9 yo bottling, a longer after taste but personally I found this a boring dram. Maybe I have tried too many?

MACPHAILS COLLECTION GLENTURRET Single Malt Scotch Whisky 2004 43% VOL 70CL – 1st fill sherry, 12 yo bottled September 2016. Good legs, good nose, toffee caramel fudge, Christmas cake, used in the famous Grouse, best so far.

MACPHAILS COLLECTION BUNNAHABHAIN Malt Scotch Whisky PEATED 8YO 43% VOL 70CL – Islay immediately! Mary’s peat farm, light on colour, I tell you, for under 32 quid it’s a belter!

ARDMORE Single Malt Scotch Whisky 2002 57.5% VO 70CL – oh bliss! Oh bliss! Cask strength 14 yo, I didnee add water and it was sublime, rich, grand nose, reminded me of my visit to the distillery with Ingvar, a refill sherry hoggie, super smooth, toffee, wee touch of peat/smoke, best of the night, I went home happy with a full bottle @ under 60 quid! Should have bought a case.

CAOL ILA Single Malt Scotch Whisky 2005 57.3% VOL 70CL – final dram, 11 yo, 1st fill sherry butt, apples and perfume, at cask strength, great dram aye, but cannee beat the Ardmore.

A good tasting from a superb company. I know a few folks up in Elgin at G&M (another contact now), plus our pal Derek Hancock. Derek who spent over 40 years as a senior executive responsible for Single Malt Scotch Whisky exports and became a Keeper of the Quaich in 2001. Derek is passionate about whisky, as we are at MCLEANSCOTLAND. Derek works with us up in Speyside driving/guiding some of our tours. So I knew we would be in good hands tonight, G&M do not employ numpties.

Many thanks to the two lovely ladies at Exel for hosting this evening, and yes, it was worth missing the mad boys for this! For whisky collectors, drinkers and beginners – try out Exel for your whisky (and wines & beers by the way, plus all gins etc). Am I on a fee for this? No, just like to spread the word about good whisky joints. Put me on the list for the next one Keron!

Paul  www.mcleanscotland.com/   www.whiskytours.scot

WHISKY MAGAZINE APPOINTS NEW EDITOR AND GLOBAL AMBASSADOR

Whisky Magazine, launched in 1998, has appointed Rob Allanson, formerly Global Ambassador at William Grant & Sons, as its Editor and Global Brand Ambassador.

Responsible for all editorial content in Whisky Magazine, its digital edition, supplements, WhiskyMag.com and social media, Rob will also represent Whisky Magazine at Whisky Live around the world as its Global Ambassador.

After a career in regional press, followed by editorial roles with Scotland Magazine and Whisky Magazine, Rob returns to Paragraph with enhanced industry knowledge and expertise in all aspects of the production and blending process. Putting this knowledge in to daily use, Rob will become one of the two tasters for the magazine, will chair the World Whiskies Awards and host Masterclasses around the world. As Chairman of the Whisky Magazine Awards, he will work with all parts of the industry, from distilleries to their visitor centres, retailers to bars.

Publisher Damian Riley-Smith said: “We are delighted to welcome Rob back to the publishing industry which has always been close to his heart. His writing and presentation skills, along with his depth of knowledge on all things whisky, make him the very best person to bring our whisky media, awards and events to their next level.”

Facts

•  Whisky Magazine: launched 1998
•  Published eight times a year in print and digital formats
•  Online since 1999 at www.whiskymag.com

Contact

Sam Coyne, Editorial Manager
Tel: +44 (0) 1603 633 808
Email: samuel@paragraph.co.uk

The exceptional John Milroy brand of single malt Scotch is finally back in the states. The spiritual successor to the Milroy of Soho line, which John “Jack” Milroy and Berry Bros Doug McIver worked to make famous since the little store’s inception in 1964. That special shop at No 3 Greek St in the posh Soho neighborhood of Westminster would become a whisky institution, built on the good nature and good taste of brothers Wallace and John Milroy and their unflappable store manager Doug McIver. Indeed, it remains one of the finest whisky shops in London, but the Milroy legacy goes further. After years running the shop and selecting excellent single cask whisky, Mr. McIver became the head of Spirits for the historical wine and spirits purveyor, Berry Bros & Rudd. Doug is a dear old friend of the store and we’ve been pushing hard to work directly with Berry Bros for years.

We’ve shared martinis at Dukes with Doug. We’ve explored the hallowed cellars below the venerated shop and tasted legends together in the cozy study. But, we’ve never managed to figure out how to work directly with Doug & the Berry’s team. BB&R, which opened its doors in 1698, is now a global force in the spirits industry, owning Glenrothes Distillery and marketing its brands across the globe. They’ve made famous the Blue Hangar blended Scotch, the No 3 Gin, the Cutty Sark brand and countless other brands, but international ambitions don’t often align with our single cask program here in California. The Berry’s big brands and bureaucracy has always made working directly together slightly our grasp. But, when Doug’s mentor and former employer struck out on his own with the John Milroy line, he knew that Berry Bros was the perfect partner to guarantee that the quality of stock remained up to Milroy’s exacting standards. Jack’s devotion to promoting Scotch Whisky and his talent for identifying special casks meant that the Milroy’s name would always be synonymous with the very top quality single cask scotch available.

In 2009, when Jack Milroy was ready to retire he came to his old friend Doug McIver with a request to keep the Milroy name untarnished and bottle only the very best under that label. Indeed, he said that Doug was the only one he trusted to take the reins of this venerable legacy. And so in 2009, the partnership that had started nearly 30 years earlier went full circle. From student to master, Doug had now ascended to pole position in driving the legacy that he had helped to create. This same legacy was ultimately responsible for his success and now became the fruit of his labor over those many years. We’ve spent many years solidifying our relationship with this venerable house and the exceptional gentlemen in charge of their spirits portfolio. It’s thanks to that close relationship and the incredible work he’s done selecting some of the best single casks from Berry’s vast stocks of single cask whisky that we’re proud to be the exclusive partners for the Milroy Brand in California. Finally, we’re getting our casks direct from Doug at incredible prices.

2006 Mortlach 10 Year Old “John Milroy” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($59.99)

The wonderful John Milroy’s line of Single Malt Single Cask Scotch is finally back and we’re proud to be the exclusive purveyor of this special brand in California. The legacy of the Milroy’s name goes back to 1964, when John “Jack” Milroy opened a little wine shop at #3 Greek St in an upscale neighborhood on the west end of London. Over the next 30 years, the Milroys and their talented store manager, Doug McIver would make the Milroy name synonymous with exceptional single cask scotch. Eventually, Mr. McIver moved on to become the head of the venerable Berry Bros & Rudd Spirits Department and Jack Milroy struck out on his own creating the equally well regarded “John Milroy Selection” brand of single cask single malts. In 2009, Jack tapped Doug as his pick to take the special line of scotch into the new century – partnering with Berry’s would ensure that only the very best whisky would be bottled under the Milroy name. Doug takes this spiritual legacy seriously and he’s finally put together a portfolio of exceptional single casks and we’re proud to be his partners in California. This wonderful little cask of Mortlach shows off the depth and power that can be achieved at this special distillery, even at a young age. A powerful nose of spicy malt, subtle oak, tropical fruit and fresh marcona almonds. The palate is rich and textural and deserves a few drops of water, which brings out some citrus and fresh oak along with the wonderful nuttiness we might expect. A great cask!

Olivia Ragni | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 30, 2017

Mortlach continues to be one of my favorite single malts, especially this unique John Milroy bottling. The Mortlach has an ever so faint note of smokiness and cured meats. It has an elegant balance of lemon zest and green apple with some more funky notes of petrol and charcoal. This is an incredibly complex single malt that has nuances that last for days.

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 30, 2017

I always seem to really like the offerings from Mortlach and this single cask is no different. It is a refreshing and a joy to drink. The aromas are bright, fresh, fruity and inviting. In the mouth this story continues with juicy fruity flavors. It is easy to enjoy, is very good, and has a nice long finish.

Keith Mabry | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 30, 2017

I love the salty creamy palate on this. It has richness and nutty grain notes in the mouth and a briny finish. It evokes a youthful malty appeal but the salinity makes this the perfect aperitif whisky.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 29, 2017

This is ultra clean restrained Mortlach that showcases the spirit in a way that we rarely get to see. Quite restrained at full strength with only hints of powdered candy, fresh malt, and tinge of dried herbs. With a drop of water, the incredible amount of interaction with oils is evident and the resulting explosion of flavor is shocking. Like the freshest Barlett Pears being sliced in front of you, tangerine peels, honeysuckle, not a beefy funky Mortlach, but a floral mineral note that reminds me of the best Alsatian wines. I really recommend just the tiniest drop and not more and with that on the palate we get tons of fresh ginger, more pear (the skins this time), sweet malt, and a earthy gentian note on the finish. This is that wild aperitif style that I love and while subtle, it’s ultimately and absolute pleasure to drink.

2000 Benrinnes 16 Year Old “John Milroy” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($59.99)

The wonderful John Milroy’s line of Single Malt Single Cask Scotch is finally back and we’re proud to be the exclusive purveyor of this special brand in California. The legacy of the Milroy’s name goes back to 1964, when John “Jack” Milroy opened a little wine shop at #3 Greek St in an upscale neighborhood on the west end of London. Over the next 30 years, the Milroys and their talented store manager, Doug McIver would make the Milroy name synonymous with exceptional single cask scotch. Eventually, Mr. McIver moved on to become the head of the venerable Berry Bros & Rudd Spirits Department and Jack Milroy struck out on his own creating the equally well regarded “John Milroy Selection” brand of single cask single malts. In 2009, Jack tapped Doug as his pick to take the special line of scotch into the new century – partnering with Berry’s would ensure that only the very best whisky would be bottled under the Milroy name. Doug takes this spiritual legacy seriously and he’s finally put together a portfolio of exceptional single casks and we’re proud to be his partners in California. Benrinnes is a wonderfully distillery. Originally built in 1826 and rebuilt multiple times due to floods and fires, the distillery still uses worm tubs and like Mortlach it used a 5th “Low wine” still to redistill the feints and the spirits still was fed by foreshots and the hearts of the low wine and wash still until 2007. This is a stupendous example of this special spirit at a wonderful price.

Olivia Ragni | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 30, 2017

Intense spice of cloves and nutmeg with flavors of nuts and fruits like quince, pears and apples. An incredible balance of fruit and spice perfect for a mid-day pick-me-up.

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 30, 2017

I tried this Benrinnes with a touch of water and without. With water it is soft and light , pure and easy. With no water it is lusher and more concentrated but still has subtle and delicate flavors. There is no smoke and this single malt is on the pretty side.

Ivan Diaz | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 30, 2017

With a drop of water, this one blossoms into a rich, complex offering showing plenty of oak spice, honey, citrusy fruit, buttery texture, and a long, hazelnut-driven finish that keeps me coming back for more. Very well-balanced.

Keith Mabry | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 30, 2017

The Benrinnes is a conundrum in a way. The nose is very classic with toasted spices and grains but leans on the subtle side. The mouth is a full blown explosion of flavor though. This has such sweet spice notes that it becomes almost a little too easy to drink. That very flattering mouthfeel and little to no heat, means water need not apply. This is now my get home, kick back and relax single malt.

Anthony Russo | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 28, 2017

What an awesome buy at the price! Although this Scotch has some age to it, the youthful fruit complexities still shine bright and keep the flavors interesting through a long, smooth finish. This is the bottle for sipping on a sunny porch with some good tunes.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 21, 2017

Yowza! This is perfect naked Benrinnes. No funky sherry or astringent oak to get in the way. Must have been 2nd or 3rd fill, but I’m not complaining. The beauty of this spirit is on full display here. Rich nose of marzipan, earthy malt, Poire Williams, and subtle herbal notes. A tiny drop of water softens the malty (almost gentian) quality of the nose allowing the dense pommace fruit to come to the front. The palate is seamless and balanced and straightens out perfectly with just the tiniest drop of water. The finish is all malt and soft barrel spice. A truly wonderful quaffer that shows off the overt quality of the spirit coming out of the Benrinnes distillery.

1996 Glen Moray 19 Year Old “John Milroy” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($79.99)

The wonderful John Milroy’s line of Single Malt Single Cask Scotch is finally back and we’re proud to be the exclusive purveyor of this special brand in California. The legacy of the Milroy’s name goes back to 1964, when John “Jack” Milroy opened a little wine shop at #3 Greek St in an upscale neighborhood on the west end of London. Over the next 30 years, the Milroys and their talented store manager, Doug McIver would make the Milroy name synonymous with exceptional single cask scotch. Eventually, Mr. McIver moved on to become the head of the venerable Berry Bros & Rudd Spirits Department and Jack Milroy struck out on his own creating the equally well regarded “John Milroy Selection” brand of single cask single malts. In 2009, Jack tapped Doug as his pick to take the special line of scotch into the new century – partnering with Berry’s would ensure that only the very best whisky would be bottled under the Milroy name. Doug takes this spiritual legacy seriously and he’s finally put together a portfolio of exceptional single casks and we’re proud to be his partner in California. This lovely distillery in the hollow on the western edge of Elgin is cranking out a good deal of solid quality Speyside malt whisky. Here is a great single cask (our first from Moray) aged nearly 20 years and showcasing the distillery’s finest efforts. It represents the most authentic example of what Speyside whisky should be -freshly floral, herbaceous malt, honeyed finish, and dangerous drinkability.

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 30, 2017

An interesting and delicious addition to K&L’s single malt selection. There are aromas of malt and barley grain with a touch of Bourbon influence. With a splash of water , it is malty, soft and easy with a nice creamy mouth feel. Here again there is a subtle influence of Bourbon flavors.

Ivan Diaz | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 30, 2017

For cask strength Scotch, this is exceptionally smooth and caramely on the palate. Fully-realized after 19 years, it balances sweeter flavors of vanilla and orange peel with warm spices (coriander, allspice) and compelling brininess. While soft and creamy on the palate, this finishes with savory saltiness and woodsy spice for a complete Speyside experience.

Keith Mabry | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 30, 2017

This Glen Moray has gorgeous sweet fruit and vanilla tones on the palate. Fine balance and a caramelized Bourbon cask quality that is great for fans of all whisky and whiskey alike.

Anthony Russo | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 28, 2017

A little smokier, this is for someone who wants the whole package in their Scotch. It boasts beautiful, fresh cut cedar, a “clean-sugary” tone, and cigar box warmth. Delicious.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 21, 2017

Glen Moray (pronounced Murrey) is easily one of the most underappreciated Speysiders around. Perhaps that’s thanks to the French owners lack of risk taking in the their standard distillery offerings, but we’ve taken note of the quality on some of the older single casks we’ve seen and appreciate the incredible value they represent. This casks has all the classic Speyside notes in spades. The nose is one big bushel of heather, the brambly shrub which dot the Scottish highlands with vibrant color in late summer. Honeyed citrus, bitter vanilla extract, tea, and barrel spice round out the inviting nose. The palate is bigger and richer than the nose might suggest, exhibiting a rather chewing texture at full strength. No need for water here, but drop will certainly turn up the fruity notes on the palate. The finish is long and warming with an almost cotton candy sweetness as the herbal tones dissipate. Another tremendous value from the Milroy line.

Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)

Email: wine@klwines.com

K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA

San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

On Tuesday 11th April, craft whisky makers R&B Distillers will be at The Cocktail Trading Company from 6.30pm to give away free drams of their brand new, limited edition, second release of Raasay While We Wait alongside the final drops of the first release.

R&B are challenging true whisky-afficionados to put their palates to the test and to pick up on the subtle differences between the 1st and 2nd releases. The evening will be a chance to taste the whiskies and play spot the difference: guests will be given blindfolds and encouraged to guess which whisky is which and to write their own tasting notes.

This February R&B released the second batch of Raasay While We Wait. This intriguing whisky is a preview of the spirit that will run from the very first stills on the Isle of Raasay by 2020, but it has been finished for 18 months in Tuscan red wine casks compared to just 8 weeks for the first release. This whisky-fuelled evening will be a chance to brushing up on whisky knowledge while enjoying drams of this exciting new scotch.

The Cocktail Trading Company will be whipping up a very special cocktail to show off R&B’s newest whisky which will be available for one night only to buy at the bar.

TASTE BUD TWISTERS

April Outturn brings a feast for the senses with 18 adventurous single casks that will spark conversation and imagination. A real twist for your taste buds, tap dance across hot coals and volcanoes, set sail across high seas and be transported to exotic, faraway places. This First Friday, taste and explore our eclectic selection of drams for Easter.

EASTER FEAST 

With such great variety and diversity this Outturn, it’s difficult to highlight only one recommendation for the holidays. Browse the list and fantastic names and Tasting Notes jump out. But this month we’re in the mood for something unusual, and 35.184 Twists and turns doesn’t disappoint. Full of unexpected and tasty surprises, spend time discovering the labyrinth of layers in this dram.

READ THE FULL OUTTURN ONLINE
Details of all 18 new single casks

OUTTURN

Read Outturn

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

Bruichladdich Black Art 5

A marriage of casks that are a complete mystery to all but Head Distiller Adam Hannett, this fifth edition in the Black Art series was distilled in 1992 and matured for 24 years. Only 12,000 individually numbered bottles have been produced at a cask strength of 48.4% abv.

£255 Pre-Order Now

Orders will be dispatched week beginning 10th April

IRISH DISTILLERS’ PRESTIGE WHISKEY RANGE IMPRESSES JUDGES AT ULTIMATE SPIRITS CHALLENGE 2017 

• Yellow Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey scored 99/100 – the joint highest score by any whisk(e)y in any category for 2017
• Highest score for an Irish whiskey since Redbreast 21 scored 100/100 in 2014
• Eight of Irish Distillers’ single pot still Irish whiskey entrants scored 95 or above
• Top six highest scoring Irish whiskeys are all crafted by Irish Distillers   

Yellow Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey has been awarded an almost perfect 99/100 score at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2017 – one of the leading US based spirits awards. Yellow Spot was recognised by the judges for its quintessential single pot still character and is the highest scoring Irish whiskey in any category since Redbreast 21 was awarded 100 points in 2014.

Irish Distillers’ Prestige whiskey range was awarded eight scores of 95/100 or above, from nine entrants, demonstrating the unrivalled quality and craftsmanship of the whiskeys from the Midleton Distillery. For a full set of Ultimate Spirits Challenge results from the Redbreast, Spot and Powers ranges see below:

• Yellow Spot 12 Year Old (Chairman’s Trophy) – 99/100
• Redbreast 15 Year Old – 98/100
• Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength 12 Years Old – 97/100
• Redbreast Lustau Edition – 97/100
• Redbreast 21 Year Old – 97/100
• Green Spot Chateau Leoville Barton – 96/100
• Powers John’s Lane Release 12 Year Old – 95/100
• Redbreast 12 Year Old – 95/100

• Green Spot – 89/10

Lorna Kavanagh, Senior Brand Manager for Redbreast & Spot Range at Irish Distillers, said: “The Irish Distillers Prestige range has once again demonstrated its enduring class at a global spirits tasting competition. In particular, we are delighted that Yellow Spot scored a fantastic 99 out of 100, but we would also like to recognise Redbreast, which has cemented its position as the most awarded Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey in the world. The Ultimate Spirits Challenge signals the start of the awards season and we look forward to supporting the range throughout 2017.”

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard is Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits and wines and producer of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish Whiskeys. Led by Jameson, our brands are driving the global renaissance of Irish Whiskey. Jameson is the world’s fastest-growing Irish Whiskey, experiencing 27 years of consecutive growth and hitting sales of 5.7m cases in 2016. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets, with over 60 of those experiencing double- or triple-digit growth.

Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between John Powers & Son, John Jameson & Son and Cork Distilleries Company. In 1988 Irish Distillers joined Pernod Ricard, gaining access to unprecedented levels of investment and an extensive global distribution network. In 2015, we completed a €220m investment which doubled our production and bottling capacity to meet global demand for our products.

We employ over 600 people across our operations in Cork and Dublin. 

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 8,682 million in FY16. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Kahlúa and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier‐ Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, Graffigna and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,000 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 85 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics. Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index.

www.pernod-ricard.com

Whisky casks – all you need to know

It’s agreed that whisky gets much of its flavour from the wood it’s aged in. Many different types are used, but what do they add? This was the subject of a recent shop tasting hosted by senior assistant manager Chris Bolton. Here the key points about whisky maturation:

• the number of times the cask has been used – the more times, the less flavour will be imparted,
• the size of the cask – the greater the surface-area-to-volume ratio, the more flavour the whisky will get,
• the length of time in the cask – more time means more flavour extraction,
• the intensity of the spirit – a lighter style will get more influence from the wood than a heavier one.

We tasted six whiskies, each aged in a different type of cask

COMMON types of whisky cask

Bourbon

Bourbon barrels are the most common cask used for Scotch whisky. Why? It’s all down to supply and demand. By law bourbon must be aged in new casks, meaning that after their first use they are generally surplus to requirements. They are also cheap compared with other types of cask, which leads to high demand from Scotland (and other distilleries around the world). The example used for the tasting was our exclusive Balblair 1997 from Gordon & MacPhail, which showed the classic sweet, fruity style that bourbon casks impart along with the trademark notes of coconut and vanilla.

Sherry

Sherry casks (usually around 500 litres) are very popular, but are very expensive (up to 10 times the cost of a bourbon barrel), so many distilleries choose not to (or cannot afford to) use them on a regular basis. Casks used for all the main styles of sherry are used for ageing whisky, with the sweet Pedro Ximénez and rich oloroso the most common. We tried two sherried whiskies on the night: a refill butt from Signatory of Clynelish 1995 and Lagavulin 1995 Distillers Edition, which is finished in Pedro Ximénez (PX) sherry casks. Theses added notes of chocolate, orange and dried fruits, with the smokiness of the Lagavulin adding an extra dimension.

Port

The most common port casks used for whisky used to hold ruby port, although tawny or white are also used, the latter adding both richness and a refreshing dryness. Casks used for the red styles of port add notes of strawberry and raspberry. The example we tried was Benriach 21 Year Old Tawny Port Finish, from one of Chris’ favourite distilleries. It showed wonderful balance between dry spicy flavours – clove and nutmeg – and red fruits.

Rum

A lesser-seen type (and very rarely seen for full maturation), rum casks add a whack of tropical fruit and lots of sweetness to whisky. We were treated to Glenfiddich 21 Year Old, finished for around four months. This has proved a very popular release since its relaunch at the start of the decade, and with exceptional complexity and enticing notes of green apple, pear, mango, fudge and crème brûlée, it’s easy to see why.

Wine

Wine casks vary from dry to sweet, with both red and white used. Sauternes casks add sweetness and notes honeyed fruit, whereas dry white wine, especially Chardonnay casks, will add butteriness and a mouth-coating texture. Due to the tannin in red wine, these casks impart dryness and fruity notes. We tasted Glen Garioch 1998, aged for 15 years in red-Bordeaux casks. This displayed lovely integration between the red fruit (cherry and strawberry) and dry, earthy, smoke, with an underlying notes of grape.

Wine barriques are one of the many types of cask used to age whisky

Other casks USED TO AGE WHISKY

Madeira

A fortified wine from the eponymous island, these casks add extra spice and dark-fruit notes, along with dryness or sweetness depending on the style of Madeira. This year has seen a prominent release with the eighth edition of Glenmorangie’s Private Edition series: Bacalta, which was finished in sweet Malmsey Madeira casks.

Marsala

Ongoing releases of Marsala-matured whiskies are rare, in fact we only have one in stock, the limited-edition Ledaig 19 Year Old. This rich, fortified wine from Sicily can be dry or sweet, in both cases adding extra complexity and extra spice.

New (virgin) oak

Very seldom used for full maturation, as it imparts powerful, spicy flavours which can overwhelm the spirit, it is useful for finishing, where the extra toast can add a layer of complexity, especially to longer-aged whiskies. An example of this is the newly release Bladnoch Talia 25 Year Old.

Cognac

One of the rarer cask types, Cognac casks are made from French Limouisin oak and add aromatics and perfumed fruit. One example of this is Bruichladdich’s excellent Cuvée 640 Eroica.

Many other cask types are used for ageing whisky. Some of them work – the recently launched Glenfiddich Experimental Series IPA Cask was finished in beer casks, resulting in a deliciously floral and fruity whisky – and some should never be tried again. I like a salty tang to my whisky, but Fishky, finished in herring casks, was the worst whisky I’ve ever tasted! Why not try a range of whiskies aged in different casks for yourself and see which style suits you?

Springbank Society

Hi folks, hope your week has started well.

When I said you would hear from me a lot over the next couple of months, I wasn’t lying. Today I write to make sure you have all seen the announcement that was made on the Kilkerran facebook page just over an hour ago. There is a new release from Mitchell’s Glengyle coming soon. —– Coming Soon – Kilkerran 8yo Cask Strength

From next Wednesday (12th April 2017) our Kilkerran 8yo Cask Strength will be available to purchase in the UK.

Nose – The aroma from the lightly peated barley is apparent from the off and some of the green apples which are becoming a feature of Kilkerran are also present. This whisky is like a favourite dessert, rhubarb crumble, with scents of stewed rhubarb, vanilla and all butter shortbread.

Palate – There’s an earthiness and saltiness, exactly what you want to taste in a Campbeltown dram. This is combined with icing sugar and puff candy which gives a sweetness to the whisky, along with milk chocolate and walnut flavours.

Finish – The peat remains, along with a sootiness, pencil shavings and a liquorice-influenced maltiness.

The KK 8yo CS will retail at around £47.50 and release dates in countries/markets outside of the UK will vary. And don’t worry, I will be in touch again very soon.

Sláinte

Nathan  (please contact Nathan at society@springbank.scot to join the Society)

For the Springbank Society

Karuizawa Auction is Live!

We are delighted to announce that our exclusive auction of the world’s largest known collection of Karuizawa is now live!

With 290 individual bottles going under the hammer, the auction will include close to every expression created by the renowned Japanese distillery.

This is an incredible opportunity to own a piece of whisky history. Take a look at just a few highlights below before heading over to our website to see the full listing!

Karuizawa 1960 Single Cask 52 Year Old #5627 / The Archer

Distilled in 1960 and matured in a single ex-sherry cask that yielded only 41 bottles, each one has been individually named and adorned with a matching carved netsuke figure. Presented within a finely crafted wooden case modelled on a traditional Japanese puzzle-box, this is an awe-inspiring whisky!

The Noh Cask Series

An extremely sought after range named after the ancient form of Japanese theatre. Each striking label features a different character and all were released in very limited numbers. Truly stunning bottles!

Karuizawa 1984 Single Cask #2961/Partners’ Reserve Dinner Bottling

A fantastic rarity, one of only 12 bottles gifted to attendees of a dinner party thrown by Number One Drinks Company. Containing 1984 vintage Karuizawa from single cask #2961 and bottled in 2012. The chance to purchase this bottle may never come around again, don’t miss out on this one!

The Geisha Series

A beautiful series, each bearing a label depicting the iconic Geisha figure. Featuring vintages from across 4 decades the range encompasses some of the finest whisky produced by the distillery.

Karuizawa 1963 Single Cask 50 Year Old #5132

Distilled in 1963 this 50 year old is the second oldest vintage in the auction. Produced from a single sherry cask it is one of only 131 released. Both crystal bottle and dark wood case are exquisitely decorated with cherry blossom, an image synonymous with Japan, which symbolises the fragility and beauty of life.

Honor Sumo Collection

3 single cask bottlings dedicated to the martial art of Sumo. Distilled in 1981, 1982 and 1983 the collection comes with matching presentation case. A fantastic collection and visually a lot of fun!

There is no registration fee, our commission structure is very competitive and we offer worldwide shipping. For our terms and conditions please click here.

Happy bidding!