Deanston debuts alongside The Three Drinkers on Amazon Prime 

Deanston distillery is set to hit small screens in a brand new series on Amazon Prime called ‘The Three Drinkers’, with the highland single malt launching the first episode of the series, which will premiere on Monday 26^th November. This four-part series explores the enigmatic world of Scotch Whisky, with the three presenters travelling across Scotland to take a look behind the scenes of some of our favourite drams.

Presented by a trio of wine and spirits experts, Colin Hampden-White, Helena Nicklin and Aidy Smith, the intrepid explorers uncover various finds on their travels to share with viewers, providing a fun and educational insight into whisky for newcomers and aficionados alike.

Deanston village, the home of the distillery has been industrious since its original inception as a cotton mill back in 1785. It then underwent a period of reinvention and was transformed into a whisky distillery in 1967, that industrious and innovative spirit has continued through the centuries to present day. The distillery’s progressive nature was evident from the very beginning when it used the water from the neighbouring River Teith to generate its own energy, which it still produces today.

In the first episode Deanston’s lead blender and widely respected whisky expert, Dr Kirsty McCallum, discusses the distinctive and complex development of the distillery’s most original core range expression – Deanston Organic.

Commenting on Deanston’s organic single malt, Dr Kirsty McCallum, Lead Blender at Deanston, said: “We are really proud of our founders’ entrepreneurial spirit, and we keep that alive by coming up with innovative ideas that bring something different to the ever-growing Scotch Whisky market. 

“Our organic expression has been developed over many years with a lot of trial and error to find what works best, like ageing in virgin oak casks for example. Being able to say that we are producing a 100% organic whisky in a distillery that is so in tune with its surroundings is a fantastic achievement, that we couldn’t have accomplished without the passion and dedication that is embedded in Deanston’s history, and of course practiced by the whole team today.”

Recently graded at gold level in Green Business Tourism Scheme, Deanston continues to reduce its environmental impact through the use of locally sourced ingredients, energy, water and waste reduction as well as being fully self-sufficient for electricity needs through two original hydro-powered generators designed by Aston Martin’s David Brown.

Full of heritage, Deanston has secured many accolades for its spirit over the years, from industry gongs to the big screen. It was chosen as the perfect filming location for Ken Loach’s Hollywood movie, ‘Angels Share’ in 2012 and also featured in global TV phenomenon, Outlander in 2016.

Oliver Stuart, Global Marketing Manager, Distell Malts, said: “The Three Drinkers have created an exciting new travelogue with a twist – we are delighted to be involved with the series and the team behind it. 

“We are all shifting to watching programmes and media on-demand. This innovative new series aims to make whisky relevant to new audiences and Amazon Prime provides a new platform for Deanston to be highlighted to consumers in key markets such as the UK and US. 

“Deanston is the perfect fit for the programme, as not only do we produce some really interesting products like our 15 year old organic, but stylistically we are also very accessible for newcomers to the world of single malt whisky. The light, sweet notes that come through on all of the range are delicate on the palate, offering a gentle introduction for those less experienced, but also something a little bit different for those more familiar with single malt whisky.”

To find out more, please visit www.deanstonmalt.com

Notes 

About Distell

• Distell is Africa’s leading producer of wines, spirits, ciders, scotch whisky and ready-to-drinks (RTDs) with a portfolio of close on 100 brands.
• Within the portfolio, Distell owns four single malts and a number of scotch brands produced across three distillery sites.
• The three distilleries include: Bunnahabhain on the Isle of Islay; Deanston in Doune, Perthshire and Tobermory based on the Isle of Mull.
• With a global network of offices and distribution partners, the company employs nearly 5000 people worldwide and has an annual turnover of R14.2 billion. (£1.09 billion)
• In Scotland, the company’s operations are based in East Kilbride where it has a bottling hall, with blending and warehousing facilities at Airdrie, both near Glasgow.
• Distell is the 2015 “Distiller of the Year” award winner at the International Wine and Spirit Competition.

For more visit: www.distell.co.za

JOURNEY CASK
A unique limited release for the whisky lover on your list

The Journey Cask Collection focuses on mentor distilleries from around the world, where the distillery or region was inspirational to our founder Dr. George G. Moore as he set out to make American Single Malt.

Hibernia: 11 year old Irish Single Malt Whisky

Our first Journey Cask is from George’s homeland, Ireland. Hibernia, showcases an 11 year old single malt from Ireland’s largest independent distillery, situated near where George grew up in County Louth.

We start with an important mentor for our founder, not just in the whisky journey but in the journey of life as well. John Teeling was instrumental in bringing George to the U.S. through a series of events, specifically advocating on George’s behalf for a scholarship to George Washington University in DC. This was to be the start of many journeys for George, and John Teeling remained a close friend and mentor throughout all of it. We honor both George and John with this dedicated cask, sourced from John Teeling’s own Great Northern Distillery.  As a blending of our two distilling approaches, we have left the spelling of the whisky without the e, as the Irish typically leave it in.

Bottled at cask strength, on the nose, the whisky showcases aromas of soft caramel and milk chocolate mingled with toasted walnuts and vanilla. The palate evolves with notes of fresh nectarine and apricot merging into candied orange peel, shortbread, butterscotch and a hint of ginger.

This limited release single cask comes in a special collector’s box and decorated bottle. Bottled unfiltered, the true expression of the whisky can be seen. Enjoy this unique single cask this holiday season from your friends at Virginia Distillery Company.

Purchase Journey Cask

SCOTCH TROOPER CASK 

Perfect for any whisky AND Star Wars fan!

A long time ago, in a distillery far, far away…
We teamed up with Scotch Trooper to again go beyond the norm with relentless dedication in delivering some of the finest most distinguished whisky expressions available and nothing but.

Marrying whisky from the Old World with ours made in the Highlands of Virginia, aged at least one year, yields a distinguished and complex spirit.

Cuvée wine cask finishing adds nuanced character with notes of raspberry, mocha and baking spices.

Join us for the release of this fun whisky– and meet Scotch Trooper himself- on Saturday, December 1st at the distillery Visitors Center.

May the Dram be with you.

Purchase Scotch Trooper Cask

THE MEDALLION PROGRAM
A great annual gift for the spirits lover who has it all

The Medallion Program allows members access to a special limited edition of Courage & Conviction, aged a minimum of three years. The product will be a distinct barrel selection from our core Flagship offering. Each annual offering will be a unique batch with a different removable medallion.

This is a three-year aging program. The current offering allows purchasing now with bottles shipping in late 2021.

Purchasing a membership guarantees access to this limited release whisky. All memberships come with the allocated bottlings based on purchasing level as well as access to any member event or perks throughout the membership period.

A welcome letter & membership certificate will be sent via mail to the address provided.

Purchase A Medallion Program Membership

CASK SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP
The ultimate gift for any whisky lover! 

The whisky lover on your list can never have too much whisky, right? Why not really spoil them with a full cask this holiday season?  Our Cask Society program allows you to purchase a cask of our coveted American Single Malt whisky. As a Cask Society member, the recipient will also gain instant access to many specialty VIP perks.

Don’t need a full cask? Our Cask Collective allows you to purchase a share of a cask and also comes with some great perks while the whisky ages.

Purchase A Cask Society Membership

YOUR FAVORITE WHISKY. DELIVERED.

Our award-winning  whiskies can now be shipped to 42 states!

If you have someone on your shopping list who is already a fan of our whiskies, or if you would like to gift them a favorite of your own, we now ship our Virginia-Highland Whisky Series to 42 states through our friends at Passion Spirits!

Available Now:
Port Cask Finished Virginia-Highland Whisky
Cider Cask FInished Virginia-Highland Whisky
Brewers Batch Virginia-Highland Whisky

Back In Stock December 3rd:
Chardonnay Cask Finished Virginia-Highland Whisky

PRO TIP: Order 2+ bottles and shipping is just $1.

Purchase Virginia-Highland Whisky Series

WHISKY STOCKING STUFFERS 

Need a stocking stuffer for your favorite whisky fan?  Our online store features a large selection of gift cards, glasses, barware, hats and apparel that they are sure to love!

Even better…join us for shopping & whisky tasting at our annual Winter Warmer event on Saturday, December 10th at our Visitors Center.

Shop Our Online Store

TRIO GIFT PACK 

If you can’t choose just one, our Virginia-Highland Whisky Series Trio Pack makes a great gift! It includes 375ml bottles of these products:

Port Cask Finished
Virginia-Highland Whisky

Cider Cask Finished
Virginia-Highland Whisky

Chardonnay Cask Finished
Virginia-Highland Whisky

Available at our Visitors Center

Make it Personal

If there’s one thing that makes your favourite dram better, it’s receiving it from someone special. But what makes it extra special is when they’ve also had a declaration of their undying love for you inscribed in the glass! You don’t have to go that far with your own engraving, but maybe note the occasion and who it’s from – they’ll love it!

The Loch Fyne Blend Engraved

£34

The Loch Fyne
The Living Cask
Batch 6 Engraved

£55

The Loch Fyne The Living Cask
1745 Engraved

£85

We ship all over the world,
from our front door to yours!

https://youtu.be/NwMASiNXYYs

 A salty islander, forged by the rough seas of the Atlantic ocean that carries it’s briny nature in every bottle that has been cracked open in celebration. This one though is a little different. Cask strength of 59.4% – not to be underestimated. This was by far and a way the best of the Diageo 2018 releases and also the cheapest! Can’t argue  with the value of £70 in the UK, perfect pricing for something of this power and stature. Cheers!

Benromach unveils limited edition 1978 vintage 

Only 184 bottles of 40-year old Speyside single cask available worldwide 

The Benromach Distillery Company Ltd is releasing an extremely rare and limited-edition Scotch malt whisky matured for 40 years in a single Refill Sherry Hogshead cask.

Building on the popularity of previous vintage releases from the 1970s, 184 bottles of Benromach 1978, from cask number 2608, are available for worldwide sale.

The single cask (56.3% abv) whisky has a deep golden hue with an aroma of honey and vanilla, along with ripe fruits, lime and a touch of butterscotch and fresh ginger, with smooth sweetness balanced by a hint of pepper. To taste, it has notes of pear and kiwi, with chocolate and spices, and a touch of subtle peat smoke on the finish.

Keith Cruickshank, Benromach distillery manager, said: “Over the 40 years that this intriguing whisky was maturing, it drew incredible depth, character and flavours from the wood. Outside the cask, the distillery was evolving and changing. After it closed in 1983, the distillery lay silent for more than 15 years before it was purchased by the Urquhart family in 1993 and reopened in 1998.

“Our carefully chosen Heritage single cask releases give Benromach lovers the opportunity to taste moments in time from the distillery’s rich history. We are confident our 1978 vintage will surpass expectations and are proud to be releasing such a rare and precious whisky during the 20^th anniversary year of distilling restarting here at Benromach.”

Benromach 1978 is beautifully presented in a decanter-style bottle with shapes and textures inspired by the distillery. The bottle has a copper-foil embossed label and nestles in a dark oak wooden box, representing the original washbacks at Benromach. The copper cut medallion on the packaging signifies the moment in time when the distillers cut to the sweet heart of the spirit run.

The Benromach 1978 is available worldwide from 5th December 2018 with a recommended retail price (RRP) in the UK of £1,250 (€1,410). Prices in local markets will vary depending on local taxes and duty.

Benromach is one of only a few distilleries in Scotland to use traditional methods, without any automated machinery. The small team of distillers employ all their senses when crafting the classic Speyside single malt Scotch whiskies, managing the process by sight, sound and touch to create the unique, handcrafted and authentic Benromach taste.

For more information on Benromach, and to explore the range of expressions available, please visit: www.benromach.com.

Notes 

Tasting Notes

Pour your dram of Benromach 1978, cask number 2608, and prepare your senses to encounter an experience as rare as this gorgeous whisky.

First, lift your glass to the light and appreciate the beautiful deep golden hue created by lingering for 40 years in a single Refill Sherry Hogshead as the whisky grew and matured in character.

Take a short inhalation, appreciating the wonderful aromas without water… enjoy the rich, sweet notes of honey and vanilla, mingling with ripe fruits, tangy lime and a touch of butterscotch and fresh ginger.

Now take a sip. Savour the smooth sweetness beautifully balanced by a hint of pepper. Top notes of oak mingle with succulent pear and kiwi, rich dark chocolate and dried tobacco, with lingering spices and a wisp of peat smoke on the finish.

Add a few drops of water and take time to enjoy the nose as it develops…  aromas of luscious raspberry and rhubarb mingle with creamy vanilla custard and vibrant lime zest followed by a subtle edge of fresh menthol.

Now lift it to your lips and enjoy a slow sip… a creamy sweetness with a touch of warm pepper immediately emerges. Notes of poached summer berries and rich dark chocolate follow, leading to a subtle and lingering wisp of peat smoke on the finish.

Benromach Distillery

Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life when the Urquhart family realised a lifelong dream to own a distillery and purchased it in 1993. The distillery was extensively re-equipped over a five-year period before it was officially opened by HRH The Duke of Rothesay in 1998.

In reopening Benromach Distillery, the Urquhart family wanted to create a single malt whisky that has a classic Speyside character: beautifully balanced with a light touch of smoke.

Benromach Distillery is located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres. A five-star visitor centre is open to the public throughout the year for tours and tastings. Benromach Distillery is a member of the world-famous Malt Whisky Trail.

The WhiskyBarrel.com releases their latest whisky exclusives; two brand new single sherry cask bottlings of 1992 vintage 26 Year Old GlenDronach. 

Specialist online whisky shop, TheWhiskyBarrel.com, is proud to release two exclusive single cask bottlings from the Highland distillery, GlenDronach. These have been selected and approved by Rachel Barrie and her team for TheWhiskyBarrel.com.

Distilled in June 1992 and bottled in 2018, the GlenDronach 26 Year Old 1992 Cask #8314 has an ABV of 52% and an attractive bronze appearance. Tasting notes provided by GlenDronach describe a nose of ‘dark chocolate and figs’ and a palate of ‘roasted chestnuts and Christmas spices.’

Also distilled in June 1992 and bottled in 2018, the GlenDronach 26 Year Old 1992 Cask #8315 has a slightly higher ABV of 51.8% and a copper appearance. Tasting notes provided by GlenDronach describe a nose of ‘toffee popcorn and Cantaloupe melon’ and a palate of ‘marzipan, pineapple skin and hints of freshly ground rose pepper.’

The GlenDronach Distillery sits in the valley of Forgue, deep in the East Highland hills near Aberdeenshire. It is named after the source of its water; the Dronac burn. Founded in 1826, the distillery was one of the first licensed distilleries. Throughout the years, GlenDronach has maintained its true Highland style that stands it apart from other malts. Renowned as the masters of sherry cask maturation, the Highland whiskies are well recognised by their deep colour and rich flavours.

GlenDronach has a very strong reputation in the whisky world. The Highland distillery under the ownership of Brown-Forman has continued to release highly prized single cask scotch. The Whisky Barrel is, therefore, delighted to have 706 bottles of Cask #8314 and 720 bottles of Cask #8315. Both are exceptional whiskies, full of character and flavour.

Available exclusively from The Whisky Barrel, shipping to customers Worldwide including the United States of America, Canada and Japan. 

GlenDronach 26 Year Old Exclusive | 1992 | Cask #8314 for TheWhiskyBarrel.com | 52%

GlenDronach 26 Year Old Exclusive | 1992 | Cask #8315 for TheWhiskyBarrel.com | 51.8%

Tasting notes – Cask #8314 

Colour: Bronze

Nose: Dark chocolate, sultanas, dried apricot and figs. 

Taste: Roasted chestnuts with figs and Christmas spices. Apples and pear compote. 

Finish: Lasting sweetness balanced by the spices and nuts.

Price: £269.95 GBP / $292.25 USD (+ P&P) 

Tasting notes – Cask #8315 

Colour: Copper

Nose: Toffee popcorn and chocolate covered caramel nuts. Cantaloupe melon. 

Taste: Marzipan and sticky toffee. Grass, pineapple skin and hints of freshly ground rose pepper. 

Finish: A big finish bringing the sweet and earthy notes in a burst. The slightly higher ABV is notable. 

Price: £269.95 GBP / $292.25 USD (+ P&P) 

Notice :-

Q) What is the product called?
A)  GlenDronach 26 Year Old 1992 Exclusive Cask #8314 and GlenDronach 26 Year Old 1992 Exclusive Cask #8315.

Q) When will this product be released/was it released?
A) Wednesday 28^th of November 2018.

Q) Where is it available?
A) Scotland, off-trade, TheWhiskyBarrel.com.

Q) Is this product already available in other markets?
A) Scotland only, TheWhiskyBarrel.com ships worldwide.

Q) How much is it?
A) £269.95 GBP / $292.25 USD (+ P&P)

Q) Who handles the product’s distribution?

A) In-house at TheWhiskyBarrel.com.

Q) What is the ABV of this product?
A)  Cask #8314 52% ABV natural cask strength.

Cask #8315 51.8% ABV natural cask strength.

Q) Why has this product been launched?
A) Limited Edition single cask distillery exclusive for The Whisky Barrel. 

Notes 

The Whisky Barrel is a specialist online whisky and spirits merchant based in Fife, Scotland and  was established in 2007. The Whisky Barrel won Whisky Magazine Online Retailer 2018 and was International Wine & Spirits Competition runner-up in 2016.

N.B. Prices correct at the time of publishing and are subject to currency fluctuation.

 BILLY LEIGHTON JOINS THE WHISKY MAGAZINE HALL OF FAME

Billy Leighton, Master Blender at Midleton distillery, has been inducted into the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame in a special ceremony at The Dean Hotel, Dublin. Billy was bestowed the great honour in recognition of his 42 years in the industry and contribution to the growth of the Irish whiskey category with Irish Distillers.

The Icons of Whiskey Ireland aim to recognise the diversity and passion within the Irish whiskey industry today. The awards are presented by Rob Allanson, Editor of Whisky Magazine who said: “Billy Leighton is an Irish whiskey legend. His contribution to the revival of single pot still whiskey has re-shaped the Irish whiskey landscape and whiskey fans around the world owe him a debt of gratitude. On behalf of Whisky Magazine, I’m delighted to welcome Billy into the Hall of Fame and look forward to seeing what he’s got up his sleeve next.”

With almost a decade of experience as Master Blender behind him, Billy has diligently managed the mature stocks of Irish whiskey at Midleton Distillery in Co. Cork and used his logistical nous to forecast future demands. Some of Billy’s finest triumphs have come in the past 10 years with the revival of the much-loved Redbreast whiskey amongst his greatest achievements. The launch of Redbreast Dream Cask in May 2018 has arguably been the crowning glory of his work with Ireland’s most famous single pot still whiskey and will be remembered as Billy’s dream whiskey.

Billy, commented: “I’m deeply honoured to join the pantheon of whiskey greats in the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame, not least an old mentor of mine, Barry Crockett. It has been a pleasure to watch Irish whiskey regain its rightful place amongst the world’s leading spirits and I hope I’ve been able to make a contribution to this. Finally, I must thank the rest of the production team, past and present, whose dedication to craft and excellence has supported in the creation of some of the finest Irish whiskeys of all time, it’s been a pleasure and I look forward to what we can conjure up next.”

Conor McQuaid, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman at Irish Distillers, commented: “It is a pleasure to offer my congratulations to Billy Leighton upon his induction to the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame – he has been a true inspiration to Irish Distillers and the wider whiskey world over the course of his many years of dedicated service. His commitment to crafting whiskey that is worthy of revitalising the category has inspired a whole new generation with Irish whiskey and for this we will be forever grateful. We doth our cap to Billy and raise a glass in tribute to our Master Blender.”

Irish Distillers was also honoured with a number of top accolades including Visitor Attraction of the Year and Irish Whiskey Producer of the year.

Notes

About Irish Distillers
Irish Distillers 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 28 years of consecutive growth and hitting sales of 7.3m cases in 2018. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets, with over 80 of those experiencing double- or triple-digit growth.Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between John Power & 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. Since 2012, we have invested over €250m to double 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 €8,987 million in FY18. 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, Malibu liqueur, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,900 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 86 “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.

Whisky Maker’s Cut

The perfect holiday dram: now available at our online shop

Inspired and shaped by the hand of our Master Whisky Maker, Gordon Motion, The Glenrothes Whisky Maker’s Cut is matured entirely in first fill sherry seasoned casks. Bottled at 48.8%, this higher, complimentary strength is Gordon Motion’s preferred ‘cut’ to showcase the sherry cask flavours that form the foundation of the Soleo Collection. Candied orange peel and fresh oak notes are complimented by a rich and creamy palate. Long and fruity on the finish with hints of freshly grated nutmeg. The result is a whisky with a rich, spicy, festive character – perfect for enjoying around the holiday table. Bottled at natural colour, the beautiful golden tones really shine through. A true testament to the traditional art of the Whisky Maker’s craft.

“For Whisky Maker’s Cut, being at the strength of 48.8%, means that we can leave as much flavour in the whisky as possible. The European Oak sherry character gives it those spicier notes that I tend to prefer in my whisky”.

Gordon Motion, Master Whisky Maker.

UK – 18th December

EU – 17th December

Rest of the world – 14th December

The Whisky Maker’s Manhattan

Looking for that perfect festive serve? Try this delicious Manhattan made with our Whisky Maker’s Cut.

50 ml The Glenrothes Whisky Maker’s Cut

20 ml Sweet Sherry

A dash of Angostura Aromatic Bitters

Cranberries

Stir all ingredients with ice then gently strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Carefully place the cranberries on top for the perfect Christmas flourish.

The luxurious, sweet sherry in this cocktail emphasises the spicy nutmeg notes in our Whisky Maker’s Cut.

Happy holidays from all the team at The Glenrothes!

News from the distillery

We’re getting in the festive spirit early this year! Throughout December we’ll be filling some special seasonal casks for the warehouse to mature patiently, before we take some time off for a well-earned break to spend with our families. Slàinte!

The Gentleman’s Blend

***Blended Whisky of the Year 2018 awarded by Scottish Field magazine***

The gentleman’s blend is aged 38 years.

45.4% ABV

Tasting notes: Rich fruits,sweet and spicy oak, figs in syrup; a perfect balance of flavours and rich long after taste.

SHOP NOW

ralfy.com visits Ireland with ralfy review 755 – Redbreast 12yo Irish whiskey @ 58.2%

https://youtu.be/q5UshEZctI8