Announcing our
8th Anniversary Celebration
and Grand Opening in SOMA
Saturday, June 23rd, 11am – 11pm

8th Anniversary Celebration Free Tours, Food Trucks, and More

As a thank you to our friends and supporters we will be offering:

• Free tours 11am to 5pm (held periodically throughout the day on Saturday, June 23rd)
• Food Trucks in our parking lot for your dining pleasure
• Cocktails and local craft beer in our new tasting room

This year’s 8th Anniversary Whiskey is a 4 year old Bottled in Bond Straight Rye Whiskey and it goes on sale at 11am on Saturday the 23rd.

• $49.99 per 375ml bottle
• 100 proof
• Available only at the distillery tasting room

Our Bottled in Bond Straight Rye is bottled in accordance with the Bottled-in-Bond act of 1897 which sets strict standards for the production of whiskey.  Having been made during one distillation season, by one distiller at our distillery, bottled at 100 proof, aged in a federally bonded warehouse, and be at least 4 years old it meets the criteria to be labeled as bottled-in-bond.

8th Anniversary Celebration Tasting

Rock Town’s 8th Anniversary Barrelhouse Masterclass is a seated tasting hosted by founder and head distiller Phil Brandon at the distillery. During the tasting you’ll learn all the details about Rock Town’s award winning whiskeys, including production, aging to tasting. The tasting will include these Rock Town whiskeys:

• 8th Anniversary Bottled in Bond Rye Whiskey
• Arkansas Bourbon Whiskey
• Arkansas Four Grain Sour Mash Bourbon
• Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey

Tasting starts at 6:30pm on Saturday, June 23rd. Space is extremely limited for the tasting and the cost is $60 per person. Tasting reservations can be made HERE

Rock Town Distillery
1201 Main Street
Little Rock, Arkansas 72202

Well, well, well. Glen Scotia, we meet again. Peated, cask strength, ruby port finish, ex-bourbon matured. A delight! An utter delight of everything that is fantastic and bass driven style of Campbeltown and west coast Scottish whiskies in general. This review comes out as I’m sunning myself in the sprawling metropolis that is, New York City. Enjoy the review, the whisky is outstanding, this city is brilliant. Cheers!

https://youtu.be/yyL_IdcAuRE

Distinguished Father’s Day whisky FOR A DIGNIFIED DAD 

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society has the ideal bottle of whisky and membership offer for Father’s Day 

If your dad is a dignified chap, then The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) has the perfect gift for him this Father’s Day (Sunday 17^th June 2018), with a special offer of membership to the SMWS including a limited edition single malt ‘For a dignified dad’ for only £130.

This 20-year-old Speyside whisky has matured in a refill ex-bourbon barrel to produce a single cask whisky that has been described as “characteristically waxy, oily, herbal and delicately tropical.”

Like the father in your life, ‘For a dignified dad’ carries an air of authority and experience that coveys that with “age brings distinction and the opportunity to wax lyrical, and deserves a respectful audience.”

With a stimulating nose and aroma of “hours spent in the garden or in the shed, emerging with the smell of soil from potting plants”, this whisky was bottled from a single cask that produced only 190 bottles, making it a limited edition single malt.

FATHER’S DAY OFFER

‘For a dignified dad’ and a membership to the Society costs only £130 which is a saving of £25. The whisky is from the Old & Dignified flavour category, which is one of the SMWS 12 flavour profiles.

Membership unlocks the doors to the Society’s unparalleled single cask whiskies, tasting events, the award-winning ‘Unfiltered’ magazine and Members Rooms and partners bars around the world.

New whiskies are released each month, providing an ever-changing choice of malts to discover.

Included in the offer:

• Full SMWS Membership (costing £65)
• 70cl bottle of: 36.142 ‘For a dignified dad’ (£90) 

Father’s Day offer valid from Friday 1^st June until Monday 18^th June 2018 Online media find out more here
Print media: https://www.smws.com/dignified-dad-offer

For more information on membership:
Online media go here
Print media: www.smws.com/society-membership

Tasting Notes: 

Title: For a dignified dad              

Bottle tasting note: Characteristically waxy, oily, herbal and delicately tropical as befits the slightly more old-school make of this distillery. Textbook stuff

Full tasting note: This old-school and dignified character exudes aromas of hours spent in concentrated industry out in the garden or in the shed, emerging with the smell of soil from potting plants, damp dunnage warehouses, as well as furniture wax, notes of camphor and wood resin. After strolling past gorse bushes, crossing a pine forest and picking brambles, it’s time to wash up with coal tar soap and relax with a little aged yellow Chartreuse, mint tea or Gewurztraminer. Age brings distinction and the opportunity to wax lyrical, and deserves a respectful audience.

Notes:

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society 

• The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is an international whisky club that bottles rare single cask, single malt whisky, and a range of other spirits
• The Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and now has more than 26,000 members and branches around the world
• The Society only ever bottles single casks – each cask is unique, making every Society bottling a limited edition
• The Society has bottled whisky from more than 134 distilleries in its history
• The Society releases a new batch of around 30 single cask, single malt whiskies every month
• The Kaleidoscope Whisky Bar and Shop has over 200 whiskies on offer and is open to everybody
• The Society offers a variety of membership’s packages which can be tailored. Please see www.smws.com/society-membership
• For more information about the Society, visit www.smws.com

45 Year Old Single Malt Introduces Scottish Folklore Whisky Series

EDINBURGH — Thursday 31 May 2018 – Scottish whisky specialists Cask 88 have launched the first in a series of single cask whisky bottlings inspired by legends of Scottish folklore, starting with the fearsome Cù-Sìth to represent a venerable 45 Year Ben Nevis 1972 Single Malt.

Intended to bond the stories of Scotland’s unique history with the very finest expressions of its spirit, the Cask 88 Scottish Folklore series launches with a bottling inspired by the Cù-Sìth, a terrifying large hound, with a murderous bark, said to stalk the Highlands of Scotland. The whisky typifying this formidable beast is a 45 Year Old Ben Nevis 1972 Single Malt (70cl; 43.2% ABV; £650 RRP) aged in a sherry hogshead, of which only 228 bottles are available. This first bottling will be available from the Cask 88 online bottle shop from 31 May 2018.

The Cù-Sìth is a terrifyingly large hound, said to roam the Highlands of Scotland and prey upon weary travellers. Legend tells that anyone with the misfortune of hearing the beast bark three times will be transported to the underworld. European Sales Director Jonny Fowle, also whisky tastings and event organiser Wandering Whisky, said “The bold spirit of the Ben Nevis, which has matured for four and a half decades in the Scottish Highlands, is matched only by the equally indomitable spirit of the legendary Cù-Sìth. Both have drawn upon the region to develop in character and repute throughout the ages, making for a fine match.”

Cask 88 have worked closely with art historian and Celtic Revival specialist Dr Frances Fowle (co-curator of the Celts: Art and Identity exhibition, British Museum, 2015-16) to understand the history of the Cù-Sìth legend and its place in Scottish folklore. “It’s been a pleasure working with the Cask 88 team to bring Celtic myths to a wider audience. Local legends, rather like Scottish whisky, are part of our cultural identity,” said Dr Frances Fowle. “Stories have been passed down from generation to generation, sometimes in poetry and song, and often accompanied by a drop of fine whisky. In the Hebrides the more superstitious members of the community lived in fear of the Cù-Sìth, a large black ‘fairy dog’ who roamed silently across the landscape on winter nights.”

The Cask 88 Scottish Folklore Series will consist of six unique, single cask expressions, with each expression dictating the myth or legend it embodies. Each release in the Cask 88 Folklore series will feature a mythical beast who has roamed the highlands, stalked the lowlands or inhibited the islands. “We intend to create a fantastic collection of some of the finest Scottish whiskies, selected to represent the breadth and depth of Scotland’s world renowned culture and heritage, while playing our part in ensuring these enchanting myths and folktales endure for generations to come,” said Jonny.

The first bottling in The Cask 88 Scottish Folklore Series: Cù-Sìth is available for purchase from the Cask 88 online bottle shop from Thursday 31 May 2018, and in person from Cask 88 Sales Representatives globally.

For more information, visit: https://cask88.com/scottish-folklore-series-whisky/

Tasting Notes:

Nose

This whisky’s aroma instantly flaunts its forty five long years of maturation. A nutty character alongside the rich sweetness of rum molasses are followed by luxurious notes of rich dark fruit and cherry.

Taste

The indulgent richness of this cask’s dark and dried fruit character continue on the palate, but with the balance of citrus zest. This develops with notes of dark chocolate journeying into a mixture of tobacco leaves, dried herbs and a subtle oakiness.

Finish

Four and a half decades maturing in a single cask provide an incredibly long and complex finish, dancing between bitter chocolate, dry tobacco and sweet cherries with cinnamon and winter spice.

A rare single cask whisky with an incredibly rich and developed character.

Notes to Editors:

About Cask 88

Founded in 2007, Cask 88 is now internationally recognised as one of the world’s foremost whisky experts, selling old and rare casks and bottles from world-renowned distilleries. An extensive inventory and expansive global network provide an unparalleled selection of fine whiskies, which attracts a wide clientele from London, Hong Kong, Beijing to New York. Cask 88 believes that buying vintage whisky should be fun and offers clients the opportunity to select, purchase, label and package their own exclusive whisky drawn from the finest Scotch casks.

cask88.com

Follow Cask 88 on Twitter: @88Cask                        

Like Cask 88 on Facebook: facebook.com/cask88

Shackleton Blended Malt
Engraved with free limited edition glass

Inspired by the story of explorer, Ernest Shackleton, this blended malt Scotch whisky from Master Blender, Richard Patterson, recreates the Mackinlay’s Rare Old Highland Malt Whisky that Shackleton took on his 1907 expedition to the South Pole.

With the last bottles discovered under the ice in 2007, Paterson sought to produce his own interpretation of the taste in this blend. Combining the best Highland malt whiskies and allowing them to marry over a long period, Paterson has created an enigmatic blended malt with a dash of body and a whisper of smoke.

With complex notes of vanilla, honey and orchard fruits, the whisky has real warmth and depth, much like Shackleton himself.

£45 Buy Now
Order today to get it in time for Father’s Day!
Any engraved order placed after today cannot be guaranteed for Father’s Day delivery.

FEIS ILE AUCTION – NOW LIVE!

What an amazing Feis Ile this year – wonderful whiskies combined with sensational, sunny weather!

The Whisky Auctioneer team was lucky enough to join the festival, and although we can’t bring back the great weather, we were on standby for anyone looking to get their bottles transported safely off the island.

So if you weren’t able to make the trip over then do not worry – you’ll find all the whisky that the island had to offer in the current auction…

Check it out here!

Hunter Laing Kinship Collection 6 x 70cl / Feis Ile 2018

To celebrate the coming completion of their Ardnahoe distillery on Islay, Hunter Laing has released a second selection of 6 bottlings, following on from the original Kinship collection in 2017.

Feis Ile 2018 Official Releases

Each distillery had at least one release for those lucky enough to have made the epic journey to the island. Kilchoman introduced their most aged whisky to date, Laphraoig finished in sherry casks and Bruichladdich and Port Charlotte offered hugely experimental releases.

Bowmore Feis Ile 2018

Bowmore released two different expressions: There was a single cask release that many dedicated Bowmore fans sat patiently in line for, along with the 15 year old matured exclusively in Oloroso casks.

Feis Ile 2018 Independents

Whilst the lion’s share of the attention went to the official releases from each distillery, some fantastic indy bottlings were also up for grabs throughout the week. 

Campbeltown Malts Festival 2018

Lastly, we musn’t forget the fact that on the run up to the Feis Ile, Campbeltown had their own wee annual celebration where some mouth-watering releases were revealed. We have a selection of these available in our current auction.

Jura One For You

The final limited edition in the series that began with ‘One For The Road’, this 18 year old has been released in celebration of the entire Diurach community – the name given to the people of Jura and extended to embrace the worldwide Jura community. Matured in American white oak bourbon barrels and enhanced in American white oak virgin quarter casks, this Island single malt is bottled at 52.5% abv.

£130 Pre-Order Now
Orders will be dispatched week beginning 18th June

MID-SUMMER BLISS

Don’t miss these wonderful whiskies from June Outturn, we’ve hand-picked our recommendations for the summer solstice. Beautifully contemplative, rewarding and uplifting,
each brings total bliss in a glass.

Can’t find the perfect whisky? Call us for a chat and we’ll be more than happy to make some suggestions. You’ll find details of how to get in touch on the footer.

VIEW WHISKY

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

THE MACALLAN UNVEILS OLDEST WHISKY EVER RELEASED BY THE DISTILLERY –  

THE MACALLAN 72 YEARS OLD IN LALIQUE, THE GENESIS DECANTER

Limited Edition Single Malt Whisky to Arrive in the US, September 2018

Friday June 4, 2018 (New York, New York) – The Macallan, the world’s most admired single malt Scotch whisky has unveiled The Macallan 72 Years Old in Lalique – The Genesis Decanter – a remarkable new limited edition whisky to celebrate the new Macallan Distillery and Visitor Experience which opened its doors on June 2, 2018.

An exceptionally rare Macallan 72 Years Old single malt, The Genesis Decanter is the oldest whisky ever released by the Distillery and celebrates a monumental achievement for The Macallan – available for purchase in the United States, in September 2018 for an estimated retail price of $65,000.

The Genesis Decanter is inspired by and honors a new era for the the brand as it finds its new home in a truly magnificent architectural masterpiece. Similar to the new Distillery and Visitor Experience, the decanter is defined by its beautiful craftsmanship and rounded design. Presented in a bespoke crystal decanter handcrafted by Lalique, it is a celebration of the collaboration of masters from across the fields of whisky, crystal, architecture, construction and craftsmanship and marks a new beginning in The Macallan story.

For nearly two centuries the mastery of exceptional whisky making has been at the heart of The Macallan Estate and the new Distillery and Visitor Experience, designed by internationally acclaimed architects, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, embodies the care, passion and superior craftsmanship that goes into every drop of The Macallan.

Distilled back in the 1940s, The Macallan 72 Years Old is a peerless spirit which began its journey to maturation during the optimistic post Second World War period and this atmosphere of reinvention inspired the new Distillery and the whisky and design of The Genesis Decanter.

For its seventy-two years of maturation, the deceptively light color hints that this is not an ordinary single malt. Reminiscent of a time gone by, it carries an exquisite balance of strong, sweet oak with the peaty spirit shaping its refined character. The whisky delivers surprise and delight with aromas of fruit followed by distinctive hints of peat, all the way through to the back of the mouth where it is finished off with a lingering hint of rich fruit and oak.

Nick Savage, The Macallan Master Distiller, remarks, “The Macallan 72 Years Old is an incredibly rare single malt defined by years of dedication and craftsmanship. As the oldest whisky we have ever bottled, this is a truly momentous occasion to commemorate our remarkable new Distillery. Although delicate throughout all aspects, it provides an intense experience which acknowledges the distinguished history of The Macallan.”

Lalique has captured the character of the new architectural wonder in crystal, incorporating the clean lines and natural curves of the new Distillery. The smooth curvature of the unique roof structure defines the decanter’s design, suggestive of the building rising and falling from the ground. Marrying together modern techniques with traditional skills, each decanter is handcrafted by master craftsmen who elevate the complex crystal making process to create a stunning art piece.

“Our new Distillery is both a tribute to the traditions of our whisky and its natural Speyside environment, and a future-facing vision, looking forward to the next chapter of The Macallan.” Said Ken Grier, Creative Director for The Macallan.  “Lalique have a deep and true understanding of The Macallan, having been our partner for over a decade. Their interpretation of this design masterpiece in crystal is beyond exceptional. Their mastery and creativity never ceases to amaze and inspire us and our extraordinary collaboration is reflective of the highly meaningful part Lalique have played in the story of The Macallan.”

Silvio Denz, Chairman of Lalique, said, “Lalique is very honored to be associated with such an important moment in the story of The Macallan, with the creation of this commemorative decanter. Our long-term partnership with The Macallan, which started over a decade ago, is based on shared values of excellence, craftsmanship and creativity; and the truly spectacular and never-before-seen architecture of the new Distillery & Visitor Experience has been highly inspiring for the design of the decanter.”

The Genesis Decanter is housed in a bespoke presentation case, designed by Burgess Studio and inspired by the interior of the Distillery, with a curved wooden roof over the decanter, and a footprint taken directly from the circular layout of the three new stillhouses. Handcrafted from the finest materials by The Royal Warrant holding cabinet makers, NEJ Stevenson, using only sustainably sourced timbers, the exterior is waterfall bubinga, with each bowl carved from mahogany layered with light maple. All drawer linings and fitments are hand-applied in pure suede and fabric, with latches and hinges in solid brass.

The Macallan 72 Years Old single malt will be rolled out globally from September 2018 and will be limited to 600 decanters worldwide (156 allocated to USA), with an estimated retail price of $65,000 per 750ml decanter. Further details about this unique whisky will be disclosed nearer to the actual arrival of the decanters.

For further information visit, us.themacallan.com 

Whisky Makers Notes:

ABV: 42%

Color: Golden amber

Nose: A delicate peat starts, leading to a soft, aged oak smoke. A body of refreshing citrus lemons and green apples, with a background of vanilla pods and raisins, with the smallest hint of ginger.

Palate: Delicate peat smoke combines with a soft vanilla, and a surprising sweet oak smoke. A gentle wood spice combines with a delicate peat smoke, which gradually fades to leave a viscous mouth coating of citrus fruits and subtle green apples.

Finish: Medium and fruity, with a sweet oaky mouth feel.

About The Macallan

Founded in 1824 in the heart of Speyside, The Macallan was one of the first distilleries in Scotland to be legally licensed. Since then it has built a reputation as one of the world’s finest single malt whiskies.  The story of The Macallan is built on the Six Pillars, each influencing the whisky in its own distinct way. From the spiritual home of Easter Elchies House; curiously small stills giving richness to the pure spirit; finest cut of the distillation, to exceptional oak casks which account for up to 80% of the final flavor in the whisky; natural color and finally peerless spirit, The Macallan itself.

Wood sits at the heart of The Macallan. The vital contributing influences of Spain, North America and Scotland, together with true mastery, set it apart from the rest. For more information on The Macallan, visit us.themacallan.com. The Macallan can also be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Lalique

Founded in 1888, Lalique is one of the crown jewels of France’s crystal glass industry. René Lalique, renowned as the inventor of modern jewellery, went on to become a master in the art of glassmaking. Over time, his name has become the powerful symbol of a unique expertise, a synonym for luxury, excellence, creativity and for a widely celebrated artistic style. Through its contemporary work in six areas, Lalique revives and pursues the creative, eclectic work of its founder: jewellery, decorative items, interior design, fragrances, art, as well as hospitality. All crystal items are handcrafted in the company’s sole manufacturing site, which has been located in the Alsace region in France since 1921. Lalique continues to thrive as a truly timeless lifestyle brand. www.lalique.com

There are only around a dozen Master Whisky Makers working in Scotland’s distilleries at any given time, which is a testament to the skill and experience needed to fulfil this vital role in the making of the finest single malt. Skills, passed down from one Master Whisky Maker to the next, that take up to a decade to acquire through long hours of dedication. At The Glenrothes Distillery, our Master Whisky Maker Gordon Motion was privileged to learn his craft from one of the legends: John Ramsay.

John Ramsay retired in 2009 after an illustrious career at the distillery, which involved him ‘nosing’ up to 600 samples every day in the pursuit of some truly extraordinary whisky. Before leaving, he passed the mantle on to his apprentice Gordon Motion, who had worked as his assistant for over 10 years.

But that was not the only thing he left. Along with his priceless knowledge, John Ramsay also bequeathed some precious stock to Gordon’s care upon leaving the distillery— ‘unfinished’ casks that he had laid down and left behind to mature. It was Gordon Motion’s responsibility to decide when to bottle them and bring his own distinctive vision to the whisky they contained. One of those casks is a distillery exclusive from our Cellar Collection, which today represents a unique collaboration between two generations of Master Whisky Makers.

Read More >>

Cellar Collection Vintage 2004

This special edition of Vintage 2004 from our Cellar Collection was created by our Master Whisky Maker Gordon Motion from casks originally filled by John Ramsay. It is an expression of The Glenrothes fruity spirit at a higher, yet complementary strength.

Bottled at natural colour and at 48.8% ABV from 100% first fill American Oak sherry seasoned casks. We’re making only 600 bottles available on our distillery shop as the perfect gift for Father’s Day.

Buy Now