Archive for June, 2018

When myth and reality blur together…introducing Cask Orkney 18 year old, a new limited edition Single Malt from A. D. Rattray – Scotch Whisky News

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A.D. RATTRAY

When myth and reality blur together…introducing Cask Orkney 18 year old, a new limited edition Single Malt from A. D. Rattray.

Poised between the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, the Orkney Islands are steeped in mystery. Legends are as tangible as the gales of winter and sea-haars of summer. Indeed, just as the distinction between air and water is so often lost, myth and reality blur together.

A.D. Rattray’s Cask Orkney celebrates this Neolithic folklore with an exceptional single malt. Capturing the island spirit, it is deeply engaging and perfectly balanced with a rich range of flavours working in perfect harmony.

Cask Orkney is a limited edition single malt release which has been matured for 18 years in superior ex-bourbon casks.  It fits neatly into A. D. Rattray’s portfolio alongside Cask Islay and is a ‘must’ for fans of island malts.

Tasting Notes

Colour: Olive gold

Nose: Subtle and soft, with green apple and nutmeg, wood spice, sea salt and a hazy smoke.

Palate: Toffee, peach and apricot, with a rich velvety texture, sweet background smoke and a dry nutty finish.

Finish: A fine spirit, complex and balanced.

Information

700ml / 750ml. 46% Alc./Vol.

Non-chill filtered. Natural colour

Available worldwide. Limited release

www.adrattray.com/cask-orkney

About A. D. Rattray

A.D. Rattray, an independent whisky company established in 1868, are renowned for selecting and maturing Scotland’s best casks of single malt whisky for their Cask Collection single cask range. Their whisky portfolio also includes the award-winning single malt brands Cask Islay and Stronachie and the premium blend, Bank Note. Based on the West Coast of Scotland, you can visit their 5 star visitor attraction and home of their brands, the A. D. Rattray Whisky Experience and Shop in Kirkoswald, Ayrshire.

Just Whisky June 2018 Auction Live – Auction Whisky News

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AUCTION NOW LIVE!

Time to browse the auction?

This month see’s us with a barrage of high quality, aged whiskies as well as potential drinking bargains! We actually have a slightly smaller auction this month, but the quality of bottles is outstanding. Some of the whiskies are featured below but there are many more online. Don’t forget the 2018 Feis Ile bottles too!

Starting up in Sutherland, one of the stand-out whiskies of the month is the fabulous Brora 40 Year Old. Captured at an incredible 59.1% vol and housed in a hand-crafted wooden case by the Queen’s cabinet makers N.E.J. Stevenson Ltd it’s one we’d love to try.

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BRORA 40 YEARS OLD 1972

The first ever 40-year-old bottling from the long-closed distillery of Brora in Sutherland, Scotland. Taken at natural cask strength from a single cask distilled a generation ago, the fine pale gold malt in this exquisite decanter is a proud and rare survivor of another age. The decanter bears the golden emblem of the Scottish Wildcat, a now endangered species, which featured on the family crest of the distiller’s founder, the Duke of Sutherland.

The rare expression has been drawn from what Diageo considers to be “the most brilliant of its highly-peated bottlings”, the 1972 reserve, and has a natural cask strength of 59.1%.

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LAPHROAIG 40 YEARS OLD – NATURAL CASK STRENGTH

An incredibly sought after bottle of Laphroaig. This 40-year-old whisky was the official release which followed the 1960 40 year old which was exclusive to Oddbins.

In 1960, locally grown barley was malted by hand in the distillery’s own maltings. Using the soft peaty water from the Kilbride Dam and peat from the Glenmachrie Moss in March of that year, this unique whisky was produced and put away in the warehouse beside the sea for its long sleep.

This rare and unique whisky was produced and distilled under the care and attention of the legendary Bessie Williamson. Some people say she was the first genuine lady whisky distiller.

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MACALLAN 1950 GORDON & MACPHAIL (75cl)

This is an incredibly rare Single Malt Macallan which was distilled way back in 1950 and bottled in the early 1980’s by Gordon & MacPhail of Elgin.

Matured in sherry wood for over 30 years, this is a fantastic appreciating whisky which would grace the collection of any Macallan or whisky enthusiast. The hand-written style label adds a real touch of class to this collectable malt. Simply stunning!

The auction runs until Sunday the 17th June.

www.just-whisky.co.uk

It’s finally here… Glenfiddich Winter Storm Batch 2 at the Whisky Shop – Scotch Whisky News

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Glenfiddich Winter Storm Batch 2

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.

The first batch was released in October 2017 and flew off our shelves. Now, at long last, the second batch is available to order.

£199 Pre-Order Now
Orders will be dispatched w/c 11th June

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WhiskyFest Early Bird Pricing Ends Soon. Don’t Miss Out. – Whisky News

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Ralfy Publishes Ralfy Review #729 – Scotch Whisky News

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Ralfy re-examines an ‘oxidised’ conditioned old malt with Ralfy Review 729 – Brora 30yo 4th Edition revisited!

Glenmorangie marks 175 years of exceptional whisky creation with rare single-cask release – Scotch Whisky News

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Glenmorangie marks 175 years of exceptional whisky creation with rare single-cask release

— Anniversary bottling celebrates Highland single malt’s quintessential smoothness —

Glenmorangie celebrates the 175th anniversary of its exceptional Highland single malt Scotch whisky with a rare single-cask bottling. Available exclusively to those who make the pilgrimage to the Distillery in Tain, this 16-year-old malt epitomises the smooth, rounded taste which sets Glenmorangie apart.

Glenmorangie has been meticulously crafted on the beautiful banks of the Dornoch Firth since 1843. With just 191 individually numbered bottles created, the anniversary bottling honours the place from which every drop of Glenmorangie flows, to this day.

This celebratory Glenmorangie whisky’s story began with the fragrant, fruity spirit which emerges from the Distillery’s signature copper stills. The tallest in Scotland, their height allows only the finest vapours to reach the top. In late 2001, Glenmorangie’s select craftsmen, the Men of Tain, laid this spirit down in a superior ex-bourbon cask created from American white oak. Skilfully aged in their care, it drew from that first-fill cask all the creamy, vanilla notes and oaky smoothness for which Glenmorangie is renowned.

After 16 years of maturation, the whisky was deemed to have reached its very best. Bottled in 2018, the Distillery’s anniversary year, its character wonderfully amplifies Glenmorangie’s signature smoothness, complemented by the depths that come with age. Fresh and floral on the nose, it has a creamy, distinctive honey and beeswax taste, surrounded by gentle spices, and is non chill-filtered for extra texture and mouthfeel.

Dr Bill Lumsden, Glenmorangie’s Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation & Whisky Stocks said: “This single-cask bottling is the perfect way for us to mark such a seminal year in the Distillery’s history. Its aromas of vanilla and coconut and richly balanced tastes of tropical fruits, spice and oak, offer a unique insight into Glenmorangie’s quintessential style. I hope those lucky enough to own a bottle will enjoy celebrating this landmark anniversary.” 

https://www.glenmorangie.com/

Follow Glenmorangie on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Glenmorangie

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheGlenmorangie

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glenmorangiecom

NOTES:

Tasting Notes: 

Glenmorangie’s  175th anniversary bottling is non chill-filtered and bottled at cask strength – 53.1% ABV

Colour: Old Gold

Aroma:  A fresh, floral bouquet, with subtle hints of coconut and vanilla followed by an herbal top note.  A splash of water releases the distinctive aroma of beeswax, alongside honey and citrus.

Taste:  Creamy, luscious and rich, the depth of citrus and tropical fruits (peach, mango and pineapple) is topped by vanilla custard and mint garnish. Gentle spiciness of almond, coconut, ginger and oak contrasts elegantly with the fruitiness.

Finish: A lingering, mouth coating finish with hints of tropical fruit and melting honey sweetness.

RRP: £650 

The 175th anniversary bottling will be available at the Distillery shop from 6 June 2018.

About Glenmorangie:

Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch Whisky originates in the Scottish Highlands where, at
the Glenmorangie Distillery, it is distilled in the tallest malt whisky stills in Scotland for a purer spirit, expertly matured in the finest oak casks for great depth, and perfected by the Men of Tain, who have passed their skills down the generations, often from father to son.  These select craftsmen go to unseen lengths to ensure that Glenmorangie is made in the same unhurried, uncompromising way as it has been for 175 years.  The Distillery was founded in 1843 and is renowned as a pioneer in its field, uniting tradition with innovation.

About Dr Bill Lumsden:

Dr Bill Lumsden is Glenmorangie’s acclaimed Director of Whisky Creation, Distilling & Whisky Stocks.  Dr Bill is regarded by the malt whisky industry as an innovator, creating whiskies which have revolutionised the single-malt market.  In recognition of his team’s work, The Glenmorangie Company was named Distiller of the Year at the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) in 2012.  Dr Bill, who has a PhD in biochemistry, has combined art and science in his work since he joined The Glenmorangie Company in 1995.  He is renowned for his groundbreaking wood management techniques, experimentation with exceptional casks at various ages, and use of extra-maturation.  Dr Bill has won a series of prestigious awards and accolades.  He added to his plaudits by winning the 2015 International Spirits Challenge’s special recognition award for a Master Distiller/Blender and was further honoured with the title of Master Distiller/Blender of the Year, at Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky 2016 awards. Most recently, Dr Bill has been hailed as Master Distiller of the Year by the International Whisky Competition, in both 2016 and 2017.

About visiting the Distillery:

The Glenmorangie Distillery welcomes visitors from around the world, throughout the year. Tours offer an unparalleled insight into the Distillery, taking visitors through all stages of Glenmorangie’s award-winning whisky creation – from mashing and fermenting to distilling and maturation.  Pre-booking is recommended. Those seeking a memento of their visit will find a range of Glenmorangie expressions in the Distillery shop, including the 175th anniversary bottling.

For more information call 01862 892477, email tain-shop@glenmorangie.co.uk or visit www.glenmorangie.com

Responsible Drinking:

The Glenmorangie Company advocates responsible drinking and suggests that drinkers
savour Glenmorangie whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines
for alcohol consumption.

Glen Scotia delivered triple treat at Campbeltown Malts Festival – Scotch Whisky News

Glen Scotia Distillery Manager Iain McAlister Campbeltown Malts Festival C

Glen Scotia delivered triple treat at Campbeltown Malts Festival 

Whisky lovers enjoyed a triple treat as independent distiller Glen Scotia rolled out three limited edition single malts as part of this year’s Campbeltown Malts Festival.

The Campbeltown Malts Festival, which this year ran from 22-24 May, celebrates all that is unique and special about single malts from the region. In the Victorian era the town was home to more than 30 distilleries and known as ‘whisky capital of the world’.

Today Glen Scotia is one of just three surviving local distilleries and its award-winning whiskies are known for their distinctive Campbeltown character.

The Glen Scotia 25 Year Old Single Malt, launched during last year’s festival, was recently crowned a Double Gold medal winner at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2018, along with the Glen Scotia 18 Year Old Single Malt, which was also a newcomer in 2017.

Making its debut as part of this year’s event was the Glen Scotia 2000 Single Cask Festival bottling. Selected by a panel which included whisky expert Charles MacLean, just 147 bottles of this beautifully balanced 18 Year Old, which combines maritime notes with a buttery vanilla sponge base, have been made available and they can only be purchased directly from the distillery, priced at £150.

Guests at the Glen Scotia Whisky Dinner, which launched the festival on Tuesday 22 May, each received their own exclusive single malt. The Glen Scotia Whisky Dinner Single Cask bottling was distilled in 2010. It combines subtle peat with a sweet spiciness before a salty and distinctly maritime finish.

The sold-out event, which paired local produce with a selection of Glen Scotia drams, was held at the Ardshiel Hotel. The hotel’s bar is renowned internationally for its extensive collection of single malts.

Finally, making its first international outing at the festival was the Glen Scotia Campbeltown Malts Festival 2018 Limited Edition Ruby Port Finish, priced at £45. Distilled in 2008 and matured in first fill bourbon barrels before being finished in Ruby Port casks for six months, the non-chill filtered liquid was then bottled at cask strength – 57.8% ABV.

Peated and smooth, this limited edition 10 Year Old Single Malt is sweetened by red fruits before delivering a long finish tinged with a dry saltiness. Only 6,000 bottles have been made available worldwide, with orders already in from markets including Germany, Switzerland and Taiwan.

Iain McAlister, Distillery Manager at Glen Scotia, said: “We enjoyed welcoming visitors old and new to Glen Scotia as part of this year’s Campbeltown Malts Festival. It was a fantastic opportunity for them to discover our award-winning Glen Scotia single malts and the distinctive character associated with Campbeltown, which is the smallest of Scotland’s five Scotch producing regions.

“This year’s festival was extra special as it followed our recent double golds at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2018. We’ve long championed craftsmanship at Glen Scotia, and our time honoured traditions are now being recognised as more and more people seek to engage with craft drinks and discover new brands.”

In addition to releasing new expressions, Glen Scotia distillery laid on an expanded festival events programme this year.

On Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 May the distillery hosted dunnage tastings as well as free distillery tours. Cooperage demonstrations and tastings were also available, while local stalls offered a variety of craft items and produce.

Demand for Glen Scotia’s distinctive single malts has soared following the launch of a new Global Travel Retail range and the introduction of the ‘Glen Scotia Grand Tour’, an experiential event designed to offer whisky lovers the chance to experience the essence of Campbeltown.

Held in London’s Borough Market from 15 – 17 March, the Glen Scotia Grand Tour aimed to transport whisky lovers to the Glen Scotia distillery on the Mull of Kintyre and replicate the experience of visiting the distinctive Campbeltown Whisky region. It is set to be rolled out to the US later this year.

Glen Scotia Distillery - Campbeltown Malts Festival E

Follow Glen Scotia on social media using the Twitter handle @GlenScotiaMalts or by visiting www.facebook.com/GlenScotiaWhisky/

Notes:

About Glen Scotia:

•        Independent distiller Glen Scotia has been producing single malt whisky in Campbeltown since 1832.

•        Glen Scotia is one of three surviving distilleries in Campbeltown.

•        The Glen Scotia 18 Year Old Single Malt and Glen Scotia 25 Year Old Single Malt were each awarded Double Gold at the San Francisco International Spirits Competition 2018

•        Glen Scotia was named Best Campbeltown Distillery of the Year at the 2017 Berlin International Spirits Competition

•        Glen Scotia Victoriana won best Campbeltown Single Malt at World Whisky Awards 2017.

•        Glen Scotia Double Cask was named Scottish Field Whisky of the Year 2016

•        Glen Scotia 15 Year Old won Double Gold at the San Francisco International Spirits Competition 2016

The Macallan “Visit our new Distillery and Visitor Experience” – Scotch Whisky News

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BOOK YOUR VISIT TO THE HOME OF THE MACALLAN

We’re excited to open the doors to our new Distillery and Visitor Experience and are pleased to now offer online booking for select tours from 4th June 2018.

Join one of our friendly and knowledgeable guides to learn about the foundation stones that underpin the character of The Macallan and how we create our rich spirit; from the strong sense of place at the heart of the estate to our long experience of distilling and maturing single malt whisky.

BOOK NOW

Bookings can be made up to 6 weeks in advance.
For further information about tours and booking please see the Distillery Tour Terms and Conditions and FAQs.

The Whisky Barrel “Last chance to buy these G&M Malt Masters” – Scotch Whisky News

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Last chance to buy these great single malts.

Gone… but not forgotten

Gordon & MacPhail are slimming down their Scotch range. We’ve picked a choice selection of some of our favourite G&M bottlings which are now discontinued.

Last Chance…

What better way to say goodbye to Speymalt, McPhail’s Collection, Rare Old & Cask Strength than by stocking up now, once they’re gone, they’re gone!

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Loch Fyne Whiskies “Ardbeg Grooves: Can You Dig It?” – Scotch Whisky News

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Ardbeg Grooves

A limited edition celebrating Ardbeg Day at the 2018 Fèis Ìle, this Islay single malt harks back to the 1960s and the era of ‘Peace & Love’, or in the case of the famously smoky Ardbeg, ‘Peat & Love’! This release has been matured in wine casks which have been unusually re-charred, creating heavy grooves in the wood and allowing more interaction with the liquid.

£96 Pre-Order Now
Limited to 1 per customer
Orders will be dispatched week beginning 11th June


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