Saturday, July 7th 2:30-5:30 PM

Scotch Tasting: Edradour & Signatory Vintage

Treat yourself to a traditional single malt at our double distillery scotch tasting!

Featuring Edradour, the smallest traditional distillery in Scotland since 1823, and Signatory Vintage, one of the most discerning independent bottlers in the world, this expert presented tasting will have a variety of new and rare scotches to share.

About Edradour:

Edradour is world renowned as the smallest traditional distillery in Scotland and arguably the most unique. Dating back to 1825, Edradour, stands alone as the last stronghold of handmade single malt whisky from a farm distillery still in production today. Their ever-popular spirits maintain the traditional tastes of the Highland region, as well as unique wine-cask and peated finishes.

About Signatory Vintage:

Signatory Vintage Scotch is one of the most discerning independent bottlers of Scotch in the world. They bottle one cask at a time, capitalizing on the unique color and flavor characteristics of each individual cask. By sourcing all-natural malts from the best distilleries in Scotland, selecting the best single batches and bottling only the finest casks within those batches, they maintain an unparalleled standard of quality – The resulting “single, single, single malt” is about as exclusive it gets.

Click Here for More Details & RSVP

Glen Scotia 2005 Single Cask Loch Fyne Exclusive

Distilled at Glen Scotia in March 2005 and matured in a single cask (no. 17/413-10) for 13 years, this Campbeltown single malt has been selected and bottled exclusively for Loch Fyne Whiskies by the good folks at the distillery. Only 330 bottles have been filled, each one at a natural cask strength of 55.6% abv and free from chill-filtration.

£85 Buy Now

Ralfy has a few issues with . ralfy review 733 – Bowmore 18yo @ 43%vol

Heaven Hill Distillery Announces Limited Edition Release of Heaven Hill 27-Year-Old Barrel Proof Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Less than 3,000 bottles of pre-fire Bourbon available in this one time-release

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Distillery announced today the release of Heaven Hill 27-Year-Old Barrel Proof Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a rare bottling produced at Old Heaven Hill Springs Distillery before it was destroyed by fire in 1996. Only 41 barrels produced in 1989 and 1990 passed taste testing for inclusion in this limited release that represents Heaven Hill’s heritage of distilling.

“As stewards of the Bourbon movement we take pride in the perseverance that is a hallmark of Heaven Hill’s 83-year history,” said President Max L. Shapira. “We remain committed to an enduring legacy of quality and patience, just as we have since 1935.”

Heaven Hill Barrel Proof Small Batch Bourbon, selected from limited remaining stocks of pre-fire barrels, has been closely monitored and allowed to age for an astounding 27 years. All but five of the barrels in this small batch were aged on the first and second floors, where increased humidity and evaporation caused the proof to drop. When all 41 barrels were mingled for bottling, the natural barrel proof was an unusually low 94.7 proof (47.35% abv). The resulting taste profile begins with an aroma of dried fruits and baking spices, with pipe tobacco notes developing after some time in the glass. A gentle entry is followed by an explosion of vanilla and floral flavor with traces of pepper and clove. After a slow and warming build up, the finish is incredibly long, yet very soft.

This ultra-premium Bourbon will be released in an elegant, tall 750ml bottle placed in a custom wooden box bearing two H’s on each side signifying the Heaven Hill name. The bottle is secured in the box with magnetic closure and sits in a blue satin-lined base. The distiller’s notes label features hand-written bottle numbers, distiller tasting notes, and DSP-KY-31, denoting the Old Heaven Hill Springs Distillery. The one-time release of Heaven Hill 27-Year-Old Barrel Proof Small Batch Bourbon, shipping late fall 2018, will be available in limited markets for a suggested retail price of $399.

 ABOUT HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERY: Founded in Kentucky by the Shapira family in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery continues its legacy as one of the foremost American Whiskey producers. Heaven Hill has cultivated the traditions and history of America’s Native Spirit with its fierce independence, passionate family ownership, dedication to quality, and thoughtful innovation. Today, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains over 1.4 million barrels aging in 55 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Larceny Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Pikesville Rye Whiskey, Rittenhouse Rye Whisky and Parker’s Heritage Collection. Heaven Hill Distillery currently holds the title of 2018 San Francisco Spirits Best Bourbon, 2017 Whisky Advocate Whisky of the Year, and previously held the titles of 2016 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year, 2016 Whisky Advocate American Whiskey of the Year and 2016 Rye Whiskey of the Year from “Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.” For more information, please visit www.heavenhilldistillery.com.

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”

Tamdhu @ Maltstock

Gordon Dundas will be coming to Maltstock this year!

He’ll be hosting a relaxed masterclass on Tamdhu, focussing on the excellent sherried Tamdhu’s.

Gordon Dundas is International Brand Ambassador for Ian MacLeod Distillers Ltd, producers of Glengoyne, Tamdhu and Smokehead Single Malt whiskies. We are very delighted to have Gordon around this year!

Very relaxed!

Annette, Bob, Klaas, Stan, Teun

Friday, July 6th, 4-7PM

Scotch Tasting: Glen Scotia & Loch Lomond  

Experience the result of centuries of whisky making at this Friday-evening tasting. Both established in the 19th century, Campbelltown distillery Glen Scotia and Ben Lomond’s Loch Lomond have contributed a wealth of great drams to the whisky world. We’re very excited to see what whiskies will be brought to this event!

About Glen Scotia:

Founded in 1832, Glen Scotia is one of just three distilleries in Campbeltown and one of the smallest distilleries in Scotland. Much of their original 1830’s design has maintained in the distillery to this day , including their fermenters & stillroom. The result is a truly traditional whisky, richly flavored by centuries of historical practices.

About Loch Lomond:

Established in 1814 beside Scotland’s majestic Ben Lomond, Loch Lomond distillery has produced hundreds of fantastic whiskies.With centuries of rich whisky history behind each release, they continue to innovate with new and exciting scotch bottlings. The distillery’s latest innovation, a set of unique pot stills, allows for different ‘flavour notes’ to be captured through producing alcohol up to 90% ABV, wheras normal stills deliver the alcohol at around 70% ABV.

Click Here for RSVP

Happy 4th of July to our friends in the United States of America!

Japanese whisky is still something a medium sized proportion of whisky drinkers are yet to experience, if you are one of those drinkers and you like something that sets itself apart from the ‘typical’ Japanese style, this is the one you should try. Situated on the northern island of, Hokkaido, Yoichi distillery produces a style that is reminiscent of Bruichladdich and Talisker. Oily mouth feel, heavy spirit and a beautiful wisp of coastal smoke and savory spice. This and Hakushu are my personal favorites in the realm of Japanese whisky and Yoichi in particular has a familiar yet exotic taste to it and is without doubt a whisky that all drinkers can thoroughly enjoy. Cheers.

Please click here to view the review

THE MACALLAN UNVEILS M BLACK – 2017 Release

A LIMITED EDITION SINGLE MALT WHISKY IN A LALIQUE BLACK CRYSTAL DECANTER

New York, June 27, 2018 – The Macallan has released a new creation, celebrating the extraordinary collaboration between three masters of their crafts: The Macallan, Fabien Baron and Lalique.

The Macallan M Black 2017 Release is the latest and most complex masterpiece in the remarkable M series of single malt whiskies. In partnership with renowned creative director Fabien Baron and crystal masters Lalique, The Macallan M Black’s intriguing single malt comes encased in one of the world’s most beautifully designed and meticulously handcrafted crystal decanters.

Limited to 725 black crystal decanters worldwide, with only 40 decanters allocated to the United States, each decanter is engraved with its own individual number which will drive collectibility. It will be released worldwide from June 2018 onwards, at an estimated retail price of $6,995 USD.

An evolution of the iconic M Decanter, this new step into lustrous black crystal from Lalique was crafted to reflect the diverse history of The Macallan single malt and presents a striking complement to an uncharacteristically smoky Macallan. Reflecting a lifetime of whisky, M Black truly encapsulates The Macallan’s established history as an innovative and exceptional single malt, and represents absolute time distilled. This is all captured in flawless black crystal, a more complex and technically challenging material to craft than clear crystal.

A testament to the custodians who have nurtured and guarded the casks and their precious contents for generations, this first release of M Black displays a rich natural color, with an ABV of 45%. Drawn from sherry-seasoned oak casks, a proportion of which contained peated malt, it delivers a profile of dark fruit, chocolate and espresso, which open into wood spice and an edge of peat. On the nose, there is rich cherry chocolate sweetness and fresh citrus notes with dried fruit, before salted caramel moves into whispers of peat smoke. The smokiness increases on the palate but serves to complement the flavors of green apples, citrus and dried fruit.

Crafted from just six sherry-seasoned casks, three butts and three hogsheads, M Black is a testament to   exceptional cask ageing and the craft of whisky making. The use of smaller 250L hogsheads serves to intensify the complex flavor profile.

Capturing the expressive aesthetic of Fabien Baron’s illustrious creative vision, the M Black decanter’s tall, slim dimensions and iconic geometric form push the boundaries of traditional decanter design. Its sharp, angular facets gave inspiration to the name M Black itself, selected as a typographic representation of the decanter’s striking design. The name also conveys the black crystal material of the decanter and hints at the dark flavor profile of the whisky encased within.

Lalique has drawn on 150 years of mastery and dedication, and its long-standing relationship with The Macallan, to bring refinement and flawless clarity to M Black. Fashioned in the highest-grade black crystal for the first time, each handcrafted decanter unites tradition with striking originality.

“An incredible collaboration between three masters, The Macallan M Black has been brought to conception by creative director Fabien Baron; brought to life by Lalique’s mastery of crystal; and brought to purpose by The Macallan’s whisky makers,” said Geoff Kirk, Director of Prestige for The Macallan. “Presented in an extraordinary handcrafted black crystal decanter, M Black reflects a lifetime of whisky and continues to showcase the vital influence of The Macallan’s exceptional oak casks and the ultimate craft of whisky making. M Black is a true work of art which raises the bar for whisky decanters around the world.”

Silvio Denz, Chairman of Lalique, remarks, “It is an honour to have worked with The Macallan – our long-standing partner for over a decade – to realise this exquisite piece and showcase our shared sense of mastery, craftsmanship and heritage. The decanter is completely unique in the world of decanters, very difficult to produce because of its shape and black color. The Lalique masters of crystal have relished applying their most complex skills to bring Fabien Baron’s creative vision to life in spectacular black crystal.”

For purchasing inquiries, please email: Inquiries.us@themacallan.com

For further information visit here

Whisky Makers Notes:

Color: Burnt umber

Nose: Rich cherry chocolate sweetness, and fresh citrus notes with the dried fruit. Salted caramel is enveloped by whispers of peat smoke.

Palate: The intensity of smoke increases but doesn’t dominate. It allows a subtle blend of green apples and citrus, dried fruit richness and smoke to perfectly combine.

Finish: Long and smoky

ABV:  45%

About The Macallan

Founded in 1824 in the heart of Speyside, The Macallan is one of the worlds’ most admired and awarded single malt whiskies. The reputation of The Macallan is based on a product of outstanding quality and distinctive character, founded upon a set of guiding principles, the Six Pillars. An unrivalled obsession with quality has been the hallmark of The Macallan since its’ founding by Alexander Reid on a plateau above the river Spey in north-east Scotland. The distillery is surrounded by the 390 acre Macallan estate, with Easter Elchies House at its center, a Highland Manor built in 1700.

For more information visit www.us.themacallan.com. The Macallan can also be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

© 2018 The Macallan Distillers Limited, The Macallan ® Scotch Whisky, Imported by Edrington Americas,

New York, NY. PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.

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 jewerly 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: jewelry, 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

About Fabien Baron

As the founder and creative director of Baron & Baron, Fabien Baron has crafted identities for the fash­ion, cosmetic and fragrance world’s most visible and influential brands. The creative director’s singular vision is evident in a broad range of award-winning advertising campaigns, package designs, logos and graphics. Baron has also applied his talents to the design of prominent magazines and books, including the role of Creative Director for Vogue Italia and Vogue Paris, and is renowned for his photography, as well as for directing groundbreaking television commercials, music videos and online video content.

Sherry casks part 4: what about soleras?

[This is the continuation of an old series. Here are the previous instalments if you’d like to catch up – What was a sherry cask, What is a sherry cask and What goes into a sherry cask]

What is a solera?

The solera system is at the heart of the sherry-ageing process. It is, simply put, a method of continuously blending younger and older sherries to ensure a consistent character over the years.

The solera system of maturation – confusingly, the last tier of the solera is also called the solera. Picture courtesy of SherryNotes

A solera can be thought of as a row of casks. When you want some sherry, you remove some from the last barrel in the row and then top it up with wine from the previous cask. That in turn is topped up from the one before it, and so on until you get back to the first in line: that one is topped up with young wine.

Head over to SherryNotes to learn more about The Solera System.

The important thing to note about soleras is that they’re not about adding woody character to maturing sherry – they’re about letting the sherry develop on its own, interacting with the environment. As such, the casks used are normally old, added to a solera once they no longer have woody flavours to impart – porous containers rather than a mines of flavour.

So, back to whisky.

Do we use solera casks to mature whisky?

When whisky fans talk about sherry casks, they often assume they have been used to mature sherry – look at any discussion online about sherry-matured whisky and you’ll soon see some reference to soleras. However, that’s not the case – the most commonly used casks are modelled after transport casks, once used to ship sherry around the world.

Read more in the first two parts in this series: What was a sherry cask and What is a sherry cask.

Building new casks – these are destined to be filled with young sherry, transport-cask style

Solera casks are made of old wood and have little wood influence left to give. They are much prized by the sherry industry, only retired from a solera when they are no longer needed or are no longer suitable for maturing wine. They aren’t commonly used in the whisky industry, as not only are they rare but I didn’t think they were great for maturing whisky thanks to the deliberately engineered tiredness of the oak.

It seems I was wrong.

Talisker finished in solera casks

Diageo has launched a new Talisker bottling, a 1978-vintage, 40-year-old whisky that was matured in ex-solera casks from Delgado Zuleta. The solera in question is used to mature Quo Vadis, an incredible amontillado that I’ve have had the privilege of trying a couple of times – it’s exceptionally rare to find it outside of Spain and is one of the most memorable sherries I’ve ever tasted.

Find out more about Quo Vadis over on SherryNotes.

The whisky is a vatting of five Quo Vadis casks. Each cask is more than 100 years old, used for most of that time to hold sherry. They are fragile and were shipped to Scotland whole, rather than flatpacked, as re-coopering such old casks would have been almost impossible. Once they’d arrived, they were filled with Talisker, but the whisky only stayed in the casks for a few months – they were too active to be used for any longer.

Buy Talisker 1978 40 Year Old The Bodega Series >

What’s an active cask?

When we talk about a cask being ‘active’, we mean that it has had a lot of influence on the whisky. Normally, it’s the wood that has had the effect, but that’s not the case with a solera cask – it has to be the previous occupant of the cask. When the cask has been filled with sherry for more than a hundred years, there’s going to be quite a lot of flavour left in the wood.

Calling an ancient cask ‘active’ has sparked some online discussions, but it makes sense in this case – there’s a lot of flavour from the sherry in the wood, and it’s easily soluble in alcohol: the perfect recipe for rapidly adding sherry character to the whisky.

What’s the future for solera casks and whisky?

While it’s rare to see solera casks used at the moment, there is potential for us to see more in the future. Unfortunately, it’s not for pleasant reasons.

Sherry is no longer as popular as it once was and soleras are being closed down – demand is low and eventually you can’t keep holding on to stocks of old wine. Once the casks are emptied they are no longer needed at home, and with demand never higher for casks in Scotland, there is an obvious destination.

An increasingly large proportion of casks in The Sherry Triangle are now being created and seasoned specially for the whisky industry

I don’t think we’ll see them being used for long maturation – inactive oak and overly active sherry character seems like a bad combination for new-make spirit – but turbo-charged sherry finishes are already in demand and being able to put ‘solera cask’ on the label kicks things up a notch.

If you want to read more about sherry casks and whisky, make sure to read WhiskyNotes and SherryNotes, and this fantastic article: Sherry casks in the whisky industry.