Isle of Raasay Distillery’s Burns and Whisky Weekend package – £339

The Isle of Raasay Distillery is hosting a Burns and Whisky Weekend a stone’s throw away from where the bard, Sorley Maclean, was born.

The offering includes a two-night stay for two including all meals, checking in Friday 25th January, checking out Sunday 27th January 2019. Guests will dine at the distillery on Friday evening and enjoy a hearty lunch on Saturday before an exclusive whisky tasting and warehouse tour with the distillery’s co-founder, Alasdair Day.

The weekend will finish in style with a traditional Burns supper on the Saturday evening, priced at £25, featuring traditional Scottish dishes, from Cock a Leekie soup and traditional haggis to rhubarb cranachan with homemade shortbread.

Rooms will be allocated on a first come first served basis, early bookings are advised to secure an idyllic Cuillin view.

One can book by contacting: info@raasaydistillery.com or +44 (0) 1478 470178

1991 John McCrae (Balvenie) 26 Year Old “Hepburn’s Choice” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($139.99)

We’ve discussed the practice of “teaspooning” at K&L several times before and it’s critically important to understanding just how special this cask of whisky is. There are some producers who freely sell or trade their single malt and are happy to have their name used in the sale of that whisky. But there are also producers who carefully guard their name, as is their prerogative, but who still end up selling or trading whiskey with the independent bottler market. To guard their distillery name, they “teaspoon” casks before selling them. This is simply the addition of a minuscule amount of whisky from another distillery to the cask. That teaspoon of whisky renders the entire cask “blended malt” (a blend of single malt whiskies from two different distilleries) instead of single malt and as such makes it illegal to call the cask by the producers name. The independent bottling market has created unique names for each independent cask that comes from a particular distillery. Enter “John McCrae.” While the distillery is known for their double cask program, this single cask is everything you want from a 26 year old Speysider of impeccable pedigree. A true gentlemen of the highest order.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 23, 2018

Another stupendous “blended malt” from Hepburn. This is world class stuff that we just happened to get a hold of. Of course the only reason Balvenie wouldn’t use this exceptional whisky in it’s extremely well regarded whisky program is if it didn’t meet the brands standards. That by no means implies that this whisky is any lower quality than the insane 25 year old single barrels they sell for $700+, but that it just didn’t fit in the program. And I bet William Grant was well pissed when they rolled this cask out of the warehouse to find it had gone under the 47.8% that the 25 year is bottled at. But, we’re the lucky beneficiaries of that “fault” and can now sell you something, that missed the mark for that special line by about 3.2% for an 80% discount. Oh and it taste goddamned delicious, just as you’d expect from an old whisky of this pedigree. There’s no question that we’ll be looking out for more malts like this one, but I doubt we’ll find many that taste quite this special.

Will Blakely | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 24, 2018

A powerful whisky despite its relatively low proof, this bottling definitely shows the prowess of its original distillery. Savory and softly herbal on the nose, it comes across as hearty and wholesome, even soul-nourishing. The taste is deep and earthy supplemented by lighter tones of ginger, citrus and mint. With a dash of water, the aromas open up to include whispers of sweet flowers and thyme. The finish is intensely flavorful and immensely satisfying, like a big meal after a long day of hard work. This is definitely a one-of-a-kind bottle that you don’t want to miss.

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 17, 2018

The last time that K&L had a cask from this distillery it sold out in a very short time. After tasting this selection, I can see no reason that this will not happen again. There is a very pretty almost delicate but pronounce wax and honey nose . The mouth feel is velvet and cream with nice lush honey like flavors. There is a dry and long finish.

GlenAllachie Single Casks Batch #1

Exclusive for the United Kingdom market. Batch #1 from Bill Walker’s GlenAllachie distillery consists of eight casks including Sherry, Port and Bourbon wood.

Glenallachie Distillery is a Speyside distillery sitting on the eastern edge of Ben Rinnes mountain where it is rather exposed to the elements and is often to be see sitting within the snowline. A modern building and its architect William Delmé-Evans created a distillery which is rather pleasing on the eye. Glenallachie was commissioned in 1967 with two stills which increased to four in 1989 in order to meet blenders ever increasing demand for Glenallachie malt whisky. Whilst official releases are few independent releases are more numerous with those from Signatory Vintage and Cadenheads proving popular.

Shop – GlenAllachie Single Casks Batch #1

Bring happiness, joy and good cheer to the season with this collection of perfectly paired presents and stocking filler single casks.

SHOP NOW              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

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SOCIETY SLEIGH OFFERS EDINBURGH BUSINESSES DESKSIDE DRAMS IN BUILD-UP TO CHRISTMAS 

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society will bring the festive spirit to Edinburgh Christmas parties

Scrap the humdrum office party traditions this Christmas by having an expert from The Scotch Malt Whisky Society hand-deliver exceptional drams right to your desk.

Alongside the standard secret Santa and flashing festive jumpers, you can explore a selection of warming whiskies to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.

A whisky expert Father Christmas from the renowned whisky club will be flying the Society sleigh around Edinburgh’s Christmas parties, hosting a one-of-a-kind tasting with a range of rare bottles from the Society’s 12 flavour profiles.

The sleigh, which comes with a SMWS ambassador, can be booked for private hire throughout December at the cost of £15 per person, including two drams of single malt whisky. This is subject to a minimum party size.

For more information on how to hire The Scotch Malt Whisky Society sleigh for your private event this Christmas, visit: https://campaign.smws.com/sleigh/

The ultimate whisky Christmas present

Membership to The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is the perfect gift this Christmas. Begin your journey of endless whisky discovery with access to a revered and ever-changing selection of single cask whiskies and exclusive tasting events.

Members will also be granted access to the Society’s venues, including their spiritual home at The Vaults in Leith, Edinburgh as well as Members’ Rooms at 28 Queen Street in the city centre.In London, The SMWS has recently opened a new pop-up at 78 Northcote Road, Clapham where guests can experience a range of single cask whiskies and other spirits as well as a selection of fantastic food.

Annual membership is £65, but the SMWS offers a range of options for new members up to and including its Pioneer Welcome Pack at £130. It comes with a beautiful presentation box containing three 10cl sample bottles of Society whisky to get started, a £15 e-voucher, entertaining SMWS journal and a club lapel badge.

For more information on membership, visit: http://bit.ly/2Pd1nJr

EDEN MILL UNVEIL NEW SINGLE MALT WHISKY FOR ST ANDREWS DAY

Eden Mill, the popular Scottish gin and whisky distiller, has today (Friday 30^th November) announced the release of its new 2018 Single Malt whisky in celebration of St. Andrew’s Day.

Retailing at £79, only 3,200 bottles of this special spirit are available; with less than 2,000 available for sale in the UK.

The first ever delivery of the special bottles was via three Rolls Royce Phantoms in convoy to two of Scotland’s most prestigious hotels: The Old Course, and the Fairmont situated in iconic St Andrews.

The golden-amber expression comes from a mix of golden promise and propino barley strains and represents the ultimate blend of some of the best ‘honey’ casks Eden Mill’s distilling team have chosen.

Young casks have been selected, varying in both size and style including, four of the finest Olorosso Sherry hogsheads, four outstanding ex-bourbon first fill American standard barrels and a few exceptional octave barrels which previously held Pedro Ximinez sherry.

The whisky is presented in a premium crisp, white box – perfect for those looking to add to their whisky collection this festive period.

Paul Miller, Co-Founder of Eden Mill, said, “We are delighted to be able to release our second whisky to our customers just in time for Christmas. This is sure to be a must-have gift for any whisky lover or keen collector.

“This release is the first in an annual series, which will build over the coming years and we thought it was only appropriate to launch the 2018 Single Malt on St Andrew’s Day!”

Eden Mill’s 2018 Single Malt delivers light aromas of vanilla, candied barley-sugar sweetness with a hint of hazelnut. On the palate, sweet and juicy notes of peach and plum emerge. The expressions Sherry influence is most noticeable, with a light, fruitcake character along with sweet, oaky-vanilla. Customers can expect a light whisky, with a candied sweetness that brings delicate spice and hints of dried plum or raisin.

The 2018 Single Malt is expected to prove popular with new and loyal Eden Mill drinkers and will be available through lead retail outlets such as, Royal Mile Whisky (Edinburgh and London), Luvians St Andrews and Eden Mill’s new shop in Glasgow’s Princes Square.

The 2018 Single Malt will also be tasted at the Telegraph Whisky Festival this weekend (3^rd and 4^th December) in London for the first time. The expression is available from specialist retailers and via the Eden Mill website at a cost of RRP £79 and comes in a 70cl bottle (46.5% abv).

For additional information please visit: www.edenmill.com

ABOUT EDEN MILL 

Eden Mill were Scotland’s first single site brewery and distillery, making it their mission to revive the lost art of distilling and brewing gin, beer and whisky in St Andrews, Scotland. Based on the historic original site of the Seggie Distillery, run by the Haig family until 1860, Eden Mill are the first to make spirits in the region in 150 years. As well as gin the spirit the innovative brand are known for, Eden Mill have carved a formidable reputation with their award winning super-premium craft beers and are now bringing whisky distilling back to the region. In 2018, Eden Mill released the first Single Malt whisky to be distilled in St Andrews in over 150 years. The First Bottling was sold at auction and broke the world record for a first release at £7,100. Eden Mill was named Gin of the Year at Annual Scottish Gin Awards 2018. The brewery and distillery won the most awards, five in total, including London Dry Gin of the Year and Exporter of the Year.

HOLIDAY 2018 SPECIAL: HIBIKI JAPANESE HARMONY ANNIVERSARY GIFT PACK                           ***NEW

The House of Suntory has released a limited-edition, specially-designed bottle of Hibiki Japanese Harmony just in time for the 2018 holiday gifting season. Designed to represent both celebration and shared happiness in honor of the 30th anniversary of Suntory’s celebrated Hibiki brand, the bottle design is inspired by a traditional kimono pattern. It is embellished with the tabane-noshi, a traditional Japanese symbol of celebration that has adorned precious gifts since ancient times.

SRP: $100 | ABV: 43%

TRENDING: SUNTORY WHISKY TOKI HIGHBALL                                                                                                 

Suntory Whisky Toki is the perfect gift for the Japanese whisky lover on your list, and, unlike most Japanese whiskies, it won’t break the bank. Add some high-quality soda water and the recipe for the Toki Highball (available in link below), and you’ve got yourself a complete, authentic gift. Better yet, take your friends out to enjoy one of the country’s best Highballs from the fancy new Toki Highball Machine – which dispenses the perfect Highball at the pull of a lever and is now available in more than 25 cities across the country, including hot spots such as Prairie in San Francisco, Katana Kitten in NYC and Little Trouble in Atlanta. Please inquire and we will be happy to tell you about the establishments in your city that carry the Highball Machine.

SRP: $34.99 | ABV: 43%

Bottle Deadline

SWA Friends, it’s been brought to our attention that the date on our website for the December bottle deadline was incorrect. To clarify, the deadline is the 14th of December. However, the office will still be open on Saturday the 15th to accept the final few bottles. We do so hope this hasn’t caused you any inconvenience.

December Dates:

14th Dec: Bottle Deadline (15th Glasgow Office still accepting personally delivered bottles)

28th Dec: Auction Begins

6th Jan: Auctions Ends

Saturday, December 8th, 2-5 PM:

Scotch Tasting: Mossburn 

Expand your whisky knowledge at our expert-presented traditional whisky tasting, featuring Scotland independent bottlers Mossburn.

The Mossburn signature line is a masterfully blended whisky, double-matured in three different cask woods to create rich and smokey flavors. In addition to masterful blenders Mossburn is also a discerning bottler of less commonly seen and notable whiskies, including limited-edition releases from select Highland and Speyside distilleries like Blair Athol, Ardmore and Craigellachie to name a few.

We’ll be pouring a variety of new and rare Mossburn releases, with whisky experts present for all your whisky questions.

More Details & RSVP

IS THIS THE OLDEST WHISKY STILL IN THE WORLD? 

ARCHAEOLOGISTS UNCOVER MEDIEVAL STRUCTURE AT LINDORES ABBEY DISTILLERY 

Drew McKenzie Smith, MD of Lindores Abbey Distillery and Gary Haggart, Distillery Manager, inspecting the new discover, The background shows the original grain store of the Abbey. 

Fife – A medieval structure, believed to be the one of the oldest possible whisky stills ever discovered, has been unearthed at Lindores Abbey. During the archaeological dig, experts uncovered what they believe to be an installation that was used for the distillation process during medieval times.

The archaeologists present at the dig confirmed that the structure’s features are characteristic of traditional kiln stills of the mediaeval era, and that the residue found within is certainly in keeping with brewing and distilling practices of the time.

The stone structure has been excavated and found to contain traces of charcoal, barley, oats, wheat and pottery that have been dated back to the medieval times, when the monks first began to distil their bols of malt, the product that we now know as Scotch whisky. The structure was unearthed next to the site of the original grain store, suggesting that grain was essential for its function.

The resident archaeologist at the dig commented: ‘It would be fair to say that the archaeological structures and environmental deposits that have been found are commensurate in character with distilling – they have also been found at a medieval monastery known, from historical records, to have been distilling on an industrial scale in the late medieval period. The evidence is however also commensurate with brewing, cooking, and baking which were practiced at the Abbey.’

Drew McKenzie Smith, MD and founder of Lindores Abbey Distillery, commented: ‘It is hard to overestimate the potential significance of this discovery. Many signs point towards this being one of the earliest stills ever discovered, and this is almost certainly the site referenced in the Exchequer Rolls of 1494 that include the first ever written record of aqua vitae or whisky, as we know it today. Lindores Abbey is the spiritual home of Scotch whisky, and this discovery underlines the historical importance of this site.’

NOTES 

• Lindores Abbey was founded in 1191 by David Earl of Huntingdon, on land overlooking the River Tay, given to him by his brother King William I. It was visited by Kings and Queens, warriors and statesmen. William Wallace took refuge with 300 of his men after their victory over the English.
• The first ever written record of Scotch whisky distillation took place at Lindores Abbey in 1494, according to the exchequer rolls of King James IV.

1. Built directly on the site of the Lindores dairy farm steading that Drew McKenzie Smith’s great grandfather bought in 1913, Lindores Abbey Distillery has been crafted from original Abbey stone.

• Lindores Abbey ruins are where William Wallace rested after the Battle of Black Earnside in 1298, the burial site of the first Duke of Rothesay, and a place of exceptional tranquility and beauty.

For  updates  on life at Lindores Abbey Distillery, visit www.lindoresabbeydistillery.com and our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages.