New Release

The third release in the Glenfiddich Experimental Series, this 21 year old has been finished in casks that previously held icewine – a sweet wine produced from grapes that have frozen on the vine and are picked by moonlight at temperatures of -10ºC. Now available to pre-order at The Whisky Shop, while stocks last.

Next day UK delivery available
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GLENFIDDICH WINTER STORM

This Speyside single malt has been finished for six months in French oak Icewine casks from the renowned Peller Estate winery in Niagara, Canada. After visiting the estate in January 2016, Malt Master Brian Kinsman experimented with various combinations of Glenfiddich and icewine casks, finding that only the rarer whiskies could cope with the extra intensity. The result is Winter Storm, a limited edition 21 year old bottled at 43% abv.  The nose has tropical fruit notes and candied sweets with an underlying wine character. The palate has soft candied fruits, Turkish Delight, lychee and a rich drying sensation, before a short and crisp finish.

£199 Pre-Order Now
Orders will be dispatched w/c 16th October

WEDNESDAY 1 NOVEMBER
7.30PM

Tickets on sale now

BOOK NOW »

The Whisky Exchange needs YOU to help choose a winner

Help us with the arduous annual task of tasting great drams and declaring one of them our Whisky of The Year!

We have narrowed down the list to eight whiskies – a few old favourites and some great new drams. All the contenders are ongoing releases from around the world, priced under £60 and bottled at standard strengths.

After a welcome drink, we will try all eight whiskies blind, with a surprise ninth to keep you going while the votes are being counted – the winner will be announced at the end of the night.

WEDNESDAY 1 NOVEMBER
7.30pm

£35

Please arrive at the venue from 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start

BOOK »

VENUE

BROWNS COVENT GARDEN
THE JUDGE’S COURT
82-84 ST MARTIN’S LANE
LONDON WC2N 4AG

Ralfy helps you deal with a tired old auction whisky with Ralfy Review 690 – Blending-up an 1980’s auction whisky

Green Spot Chateau Montelena Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey

Two proud Irish traditions collaborate to produce an exceptional Irish Whiskey with a Californian twist

Irish Distillers today proudly unveils Green Spot Chateau Montelena, the first Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey to be finished in French oak Zinfandel wine casks. Matured until the combination of wine, whiskey and oak has reached the perfect balance, this new release is the second in the Wine Geese series of Green Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskeys that have been finished in unique wine casks.

Green Spot Chateau Montelena has been initially matured in American Bourbon and sherry casks and then finished for one year in casks previously filled with Zinfandel wine from the famed Chateau Montelena, Napa Valley. This rare cask finish contributes pomegranate, cranberry and maraschino cherry on the nose, a dry note to the silky mouthfeel and the finish combines classic long pot still spice flavours with a delicate wine influence, all in perfect harmony.

Green Spot Chateau Montelena also represents the coming together of two stories of Irish endeavour and enterprise. The Mitchells, who bottled and sold the original Green Spot under bond until 1968 and Jim Barrett, who restored the California-based Chateau Montelena to its former glory in 1972. Son of John Barrett, a Waterford man who emigrated to the USA after World War I, Jim Barrett followed in a long list of Wine Geese – Irish migrants that established leading wineries around the world. Today, the time-honoured traditions of Chateau Montelena are upheld by Jim’s son, Bo Barrett.

Crafted at the Midleton Distillery by Kevin O’Gorman, Head of Maturation and long-serving Head Blender, Billy Leighton, Green Spot Chateau Montelena is the second edition in the Wine Geese series following the launch of Green Spot Château Léoville Barton in 2015. Bottled at 46% ABV and without chill-filtration, Green Spot Chateau Montelena will be available in limited quantities each year in the USA, Canada and Ireland (including Ireland Travel Retail).

Kevin O’Gorman, Head of Maturation at Midleton Distillery, explains: “Green Spot Chateau Montelena is the celebration of three famous Irish institutions – Midleton Distillery, Mitchell and Son and Chateau Montelena – working in harmony to craft a new and innovative Irish whiskey that will appeal to whiskey and wine drinkers alike.

“Exploring the influence of these prized wine casks on Green Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey was our inspiration. We found that the black-skinned Zinfandel grapes are full of ripe, spicy berry flavours, which imparts a distinctive and refined fruitiness to the wine and also the casks in which they matured. Working closely with Billy Leighton, we monitored the finishing process over the course of one year until we reached the perfect balance of flavours – the result is a rich pot still whiskey with classic Green Spot red apples, pears, vanilla and liquorice complemented by the dry and fruity Zinfandel wine.”

Bo Barrett, Chief Executive Officer at Chateau Montelena added, “It has been a pleasure to work with Billy Leighton, Kevin O’Gorman and the whole production team at Midleton Distillery on this exciting project. We were brought together by a shared heritage and common respect for excellence in craft that has been wholly realised in Green Spot Chateau Montelena. I hope consumers will enjoy the Zinfandel twist to the classic Green Spot single pot still flavour.”

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NOTES

Tasting notes by Kevin O’Gorman, Head of Maturation at Midleton Distillery

Nose: Crisp oak combines with the soft sweetness of vanilla, white chocolate and marshmallow, balanced with signature Green Spot red apples and ripe pears, along with pomegranate, cranberries and maraschino cherries, the contribution of the wine cask.
Taste: Sweet mouth coating takes on a dry note thanks to the effect of the wine cask. Pot still spices subside with zesty citrus leading to ripe orchard fruit and red berries. A touch of marzipan and toasted oak add to the complexity.
Finish: Satisfyingly long with pot still spices in harmony with the delicate dry wine contribution.

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

GIVE A GIFT AS UNIQUE AS THEY ARE THIS CHRISTMAS

 Treat your loved one to one of the finest, most unique single malt whiskies with  Lore, Select and 27 Year Old from Laphroaig

The award-winning, heavily-peated Single Malt Scotch whisky has been dividing opinions since 1815. It is not your everyday whisky for everyday people so this Christmas, get into the spirit and give the gift of history with three unique bottlings from the world’s No.1 Islay single malt.

HISTORY AT HEART

Laphroaig Select’s unique character is derived from the special selection of casks chosen for maturation. The heart of the spirit is drawn from a final maturation in new American Oak casks, rarely used for Scotch whisky.

Representing a subtle blending of peat, oak and sweetness, Laphroaig Distillery Manager John Campbell has selected the spirit from Laphroaig Quarter Cask, PX Cask, Triple Wood (European Oak casks) and a final addition of 10 Year Old to create San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2017 silver medal award winning Laphroaig Select.

Sparkling gold in colour, on the nose Laphroaig Select is reminiscent of burning embers of peat in a crofter’s fireplace with hints of coconut and banana. Full bodied, the whisky offers deep, complex and smoky flavours on the palate with a surprising gentle sweetness and a dry, spicy, finish, making it a great foil to smoked salmon, rich mince pies beside the fire or strong blue cheese this festive season.

For something extra special, give your loved one a limited edition Laphroaig Select gift pack including two bespoke Laphroaig nosing glasses alongside a full-sized bottle.

Laphroaig Select and the Laphroaig Select gift set are available in selected whisky specialists and retailers. RRP £35

THE RICHEST OF THE RICH

A double-gold medal award winner at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2017, Laphroaig Lore is shaped by Laphroaig Distillery Manager John Campbell, and drawn from 5 different casks including first-fill Bourbon barrels, new American Oak quarter casks, refill Laphroaig and Oloroso Sherry butts to create a rich Laphroaig like no other.

As the name suggests, this offering from Laphroaig is inspired by the knowledge and traditions passed down from generation to generation of its distillery managers, blenders and craftsmen.

Deep mahogany in colour, on the nose Laphroaig Lore is rich and smoky with seaside minerals, a hint of ash and bitter chocolate drops. Vanilla follows with chestnuts and a hit of fudge with malty sweetness – flavours reminiscent of Christmas treats. This develops into reach peat and a spicy chilli bite on the palate with a long, sweet aftertaste. A special gift from our family to yours, Laphroaig Lore will match well with a variety of foods over the festive season – it’s the perfect dram to sip alongside (or even pour over) your Christmas pudding, dark chocolate, or game meats.

Laphroaig Lore is available in selected whisky specialists and retailers. RRP £84

OLDER AND WISER

In 2015, to celebrate its 200th anniversary, Laphroaig launched a 32 Year Old exclusive – the highest aged whisky it had released in over 8 years. This formed the start of a super premium series which the limited release 27 Year Old Double Matured Laphroaig continues.

To make this exquisite liquid, mature Laphroaig previously aged in hogsheads was transferred into first-fill ex-bourbon barrels and refill quarter casks. Patiently aged in the famous Warehouse No. 1, these casks were then specially selected for a final maturation and bottled at cask strength.

Burnished gold in colour, on the nose Laphroaig 27 Year Old offers ripe tropical fruit, toasted nuts, vanilla cream and fresh leather, which develops into smoke on the palate tempered by limes and stone fruit, giving way to sea salt and mild spice on the finish. Or in Distillery Manager John Campbell’s opinion it is like “dreams of stewed fruit and old potato sacks in the baking sun woken with carbolic soap. Ahh, lemony fresh!” Presented in a white wooden box with hand-carved images of the Laphroaig distillery inside, this exceptional bottling is perfect for that special someone and is the ideal dram to round-off your Christmas feast.

Laphroaig 27 Year Old is available in selected whisky specialists and retailers.

John Campbell, Distillery Manager comments: “Christmas is about sharing what you love with who you love. These three bottlings showcase our passion for making exceptional whiskies and offer Laphroaig lovers something extra special this festive season.”

To find out more information about Laphroaig or how to become a Friend of Laphroaig, please visit www.laphroaig.com. Please enjoy our brand responsibly www.drinkaware.co.uk

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You Asked, We Delivered!

 A limited amount of Johnnie Walker’s Black Label Bladerunner 2049 edition, “The Director’s Cut” is now available both in-store and online. This whisky comes in at exactly 49% ABV, a nod to the film’s title, and in a futuristic bottle design inspired by an on-screen prop. Only 39,000 bottles were made worldwide, and we have very few! Whether you’re a fan of the film or just looking for your next whisky, don’t miss your chance to get one of these soon-to-be very rare bottles.

Buy it Here

You can learn more about this very unique whisky (and see Harrison Ford carrying it around on-set) here.

SPEYBURN 10 YR OLD, 46% EXCLUSIVE BOTTLING at WHISKI SHOP

Our Speyburn 10 year old whisky is a belting wee dram we have bottled in our latest, and continuing range of independent Whiski Bottlings. Carefully selected by our own staff after the arduous task of sampling different whisky casks (yes, we know its hard work) we bring you the 6th release in our series of own exclusive whisky bottlings.

This is a single cask scotch malt whisky Speyburn 10 year old and it is bottled at 46% – limited to just 150 bottles available exclusively at Whiski Shop

This 1st fill ex Bourbon Cask Speyburn whisky surprised us with its character – oak and Caramac bars on the nose and a subtle sweet peat note finish with a long lingering note of fresh vanilla pods.

SPEYBURN DISTILLERY

Speyburn whisky distillery has been producing spirit since Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee and like many of the whisky distilleries of Scotland, it was designed by Charles Doig. Speyburn whisky distillery came with all the mod cons not only located in the beautiful location of the Rothes Glen it also was the first distillery in Scotland to use drum maltings. Today it produces around a million litres of spirit a year.

OUR EXCLUSIVE RANGE OF WHISKY

Over the years we have had a few amazing malt whiskies that we have bottled: from a Single Cask Bunnahabhain whisky sherry bomb to an oily and earthy 14 Year Old Craigellachie whisky, to a spicy 11 year old Benrinnes and even a Glenygone 10 year whisky with citrus lemon notes. We are continuing to search out wonderful casks to bottle and this wee Speyburn whisky is a wonderful whisky to add to our growing range.

Our Speyburn 10 year old whisky is priced at £49.95 – which we find is a fair price to try a single cask whisky – 1 of 150 bottles! This is a Whiski Shop exclusive and can be found in store in Edinburgh or on our web shop

Limited Edition Glenfiddich

Pushing the boundaries of whisky maturation, the Glenfiddich Experimental Series launched last year with the incredible Project XX and IPA Experiment. Now the third in the series has finally arrived, and it was worth the wait! Now available to pre-order at Loch Fyne Whiskies, Glenfiddich Winter Storm is only available while stocks last.

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Next day UK delivery available

Glenfiddich Winter Storm

The third in the Glenfiddich Experimental Series, this limited edition 21 year old Speyside single malt has been finished for 6 months in icewine casks from a renowned Canadian winery. There’s tropical fruit and candied sweets with underlying wine notes on the nose. The palate has soft sweet notes of candied fruits, Turkish Delight and mouth-watering lychee, before a drying sensation from the icewine, and a short and crisp finish.

£199 Pre-Order Now
Orders will be dispatched from next week (October 16th)

Thursday, October 19th, 5-7PM:

Bourbon Tasting: Smooth Ambler

Hailing from West Virginia, Appalachia distillery Smooth Ambler is a world-class spirit crafter. From grinding their own carefully selected regional grains, to labeling and signing each bottle, Smooth Ambler does everything by hand, the old-fashioned way. Their signature bourbon, Contradiction, has been highly praised by mixologists and bourbon fans alike, scoring 96 points in the 2017 American Bourbon category for The Ultimate Spirits Challenge.

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BUSHMILLS IRISH WHISKEY INTRODUCES BOURBON #3 CHAR CASK RESERVE – A RARE AND UNIQUE CASK-MATURED WHISKEY, AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY IN GLOBAL TRAVEL RETAIL 

THE THIRD EDITION IN THE LIMITED RELEASE BUSHMILLS IRISH WHISKEY STEAMSHIP COLLECTION 

Bushmills, Co. Antrim, Monday 2^nd October 2017: Bushmills® Irish Whiskey has announced the launch of BOURBON #3 CHAR CASK RESERVE – the third and latest edition in THE STEAMSHIP COLLECTION® – a rare and unique range of Bushmills Irish Whiskeys inspired by the extraordinary voyages of the steamship SS BUSHMILLS.

As a Global Travel Retail exclusive, this new variant follows the successful launch of Bushmills Irish Whiskey PORT CASK RESERVE and SHERRY CASK RESERVE, marking the 125th anniversary of the maiden voyage of the SS BUSHMILLS.

In 1890, the SS BUSHMILLS set course for America to deliver Bushmills Irish Whiskey to new corners of the globe.  On her extraordinary maiden voyage she established knowledge and relationships with some of the world’s finest wine and spirits producers, before returning home with a variety of their finest seasoned casks. It is these relationships that have served the Old Bushmills Distillery to this day, helping Bushmills master distillers explore the potential of whiskey maturation in exclusive and rare casks.

Helen Mulholland, Master Blender of Bushmills Irish Whiskey, said; “At Bushmills we are known for centuries of innovation, continuously exploring the nuances that different casks impart on our whiskey. BOURBON #3 CHAR CASK RESERVE is the result of our long-standing relationship with master coopers from Louisville, Kentucky who reserve only the finest American white oak, custom-charred bourbon casks to mature this unique whiskey.

“The amount of char you give a cask has a significant impact on the flavour and this is what makes BOURBON #3 CHAR CASK RESERVE so special. The seasoned casks are emptied of bourbon and re-charred before being shipped to the Old Bushmills Distillery where we fill them exclusively with triple-distilled Bushmills Single Malt Irish Whiskey.  By using a custom char we are able to draw out incredible spicy, honeyed vanilla flavours from deep within the fine grain American white oak.  The resulting whiskey has subtle notes of toasted oak, spices and crème brûlée with a long, rich and smooth finish.”

PROXIMO Global Travel Retail Director David Phelan added: “We know shoppers within travel retail seek unique products they cannot get in their domestic markets so BOURBON #3 CHAR CASK RESERVE demonstrates our passion and commitment to meeting this consumer demand. To date, THE STEAMSHIP COLLECTION has been a firm favourite with travellers and we’re looking forward to the response we get from this exquisite new liquid once it goes on sale in early 2018.”

Priced at RSP £50 for 1L, travellers can pick up a bottle of BOURBON #3 CHAR CASK RESERVE from early 2018, alongside the SHERRY CASK RESERVE and PORT CASK RESERVE editions at selected global travel retail outlets.

Notes

• BOURBON #3 CHAR CASK RESERVE is available in 1L
• BOURBON #3 CHAR CASK RESERVE has an RRP of GBP 50
• BOURBON #3 CHAR CASK RESERVE has an ABV of 40%

BOURBON #3 CHAR  CASK RESERVE will be available to sample from the PROXIMO stand (16 Bay Village) at the Tax Free World Exhibition, Cannes (1^st-6^th October).  Visitors to the stand will also have the opportunity to sample a range of innovative spirits from the wider PROXIMO portfolio.

About Bushmills® Irish Whiskey

Bushmills® Irish Whiskey is crafted with care at the Old Bushmills Distillery in the village of Bushmills, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. As Ireland’s oldest licensed distillery – making triple distilled malt whiskey and producing both blended and single malt whiskey – our unmatched malt is at the heart of all Bushmills® Irish Whiskeys and creates a unique combination of smoothness and richness.

www.bushmills.com

About PROXIMO

PROXIMO is a global innovator of quality spirits that create excitement with every sip. Its unique portfolio of brands includes the world’s largest selling tequila, Jose Cuervo®, Bushmills® Irish Whiskey, The Kraken® Black Spiced Rum, TINCUP® American Whiskey  and Boodles® British Gin.

www.proximospirits.com