CAPTURE YOUR HEART’S DESIRE

Bottles from this month’s Valentine-inspired Outturn are selling fast, with many now gone forever. Don’t miss out, capture your heart’s desire by clicking over to our website now. To set your pulse racing, we’ve selected some of our favourite February flavours.

VIEW WHISKY               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

Compass Box “No Name” Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) (Elsewhere $170)

In late 2017, Compass Box released this outstanding limited-edition whisky called “No Name,” a blend of 75.5% Ardbeg, 10.6% Caol Ila, and 13.4% Clynelish with an additional 0.5% French oak-aged Highland malt for extra flavor. We sold through our allocation in a flash, even with the “one bottle limit per customer” dictate slowing things down in the sales queue. Now that the fervor of the Christmas shopping season is over, we managed to consolidate a large chunk of what was left in the States and get it all delivered to K&L. That means no bottle limits, no restrictions, and no risk of running out anytime soon. If you were a fan of the “Flaming Heart” or the “Peat Monster,” this is sort of like a combination of the two. You get the clean, focused, highly peated intensity of Ardbeg, tempered ever so slightly by the roundness of Caol Ila and the oiliness of Clynelish.

$139.99

ARE YOU AVAILABLE LATE OCTOBER FOR AN INCREDIBLE WHISKY ADVENTURE? SCOTLAND!

A bespoke whisky tour blending distilleries, tastings and whisky events. Thursday 25th October – Monday 29th October 2018 tour includes; Glen Wyvis Distillery, Balblair Distillery, 3 nights bed and breakfast in en suite accommodation. Of course we introduce a welcome dram at the bar! The Old Pulteney Distillery, lunch with an outdoor whisky tasting along this historic coast, live music, a whisky walking tour – 5 or 6 venues, getting a dram in each, entertainment & nibbles along the way! A marquee full of whiskies from near and far – sample single malt whiskies, gins and craft beers from distilleries, independents and brewers, a range of local chocolates, savouries, cakes & cheeses. Whisky Cocktail Tasting. A Sunday Roast with a few drams to accompany your lunch. Blind Whisky Tasting – test your nosing skill, compare single malts and blended whisky to discern where they come from.

FOR THOSE WITH THE TIME AVAILABLE AND THE WHISKY DESIRE, CONTACT LIZ; liz@mcleanscotland.com

The Campbeltown Malts Festival 2018 is taking place between Tuesday 22nd and Friday 25th May 2018. Please allow this email to serve as a reminder for you of any details, times and dates associated with the festival and be aware that details and descriptions of some events have been updated.

In the coming weeks and months there will continue to be communication from us to you that will provide further information that we can only share nearer the time of the event.

Below you will find all relevant information regarding the events and tastings that are being provided during the festival by Springbank, Glengyle and Cadenhead’s. However, for your immediate attention here is a summary of the new information that has been added:

• The Springbank Society Tasting is Fully Booked
• Details of dinners taking place throughout Campbeltown on the evening of Wednesday 23rd May.
• Further instructions on how to order tickets from Eventbrite and what to do once your order has been confirmed.
• Time that Festival Bottles will go on sale during the Springbank Open Day + Glengyle/Cadenhead Open Day
• There will be the traditional Open Day Ceilidh taking place in the Malt Barns
• A full and updated description of the format of the Cadenhead Masterclass (the Big Cadenhead Tasting)

Please familiarise yourself with this full email so that you are aware of all the new details at this stage.

The festival will take place from Tuesday 22nd – Friday 25th May. Torrisdale Gin Distillers Beinn an Tuirc will be hosting events on the Tuesday with Wednesday onwards being dedicated, as usual, to the celebration of the whiskies produced here in Campbeltown.

Last year proved to be our most successful Malts Festival ever and, since you shouldn’t try to fix something that isn’t broken, we’ll be following a very similar formula in 2018.

However, to reflect each of our companies’ significance, we feel it is important to emphasise that in 2018 the Cadenhead’s/Kilkerran event on the Friday is just as much fun as the Springbank one the day before.

With that in mind the Glengyle and Cadenhead celebrations on Friday 25th May are going to be bigger than ever. Not only is the Cadenhead Masterclass that is traditionally held on the Thursday moving to the Friday but also this year’s Kilkerran Festival Bottle will be exclusively available on Friday 25th May.

To emphasise, there won’t be a main Cadenhead’s or Kilkerran masterclass on the Thursday as both will now take place on the Friday. Similarly, there will be an exclusive bottling of Kilkerran only available on the Friday, not on the Thursday.

Before we move on to the main part of this email there is one more thing to tell you. We have decided to adopt a new way for you to order tickets for the tastings and masterclasses. We will be using a website called Eventbrite – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/

How to Order Tickets

Over the last few years it has become obvious to us that we cannot continue using the same old methods when it comes to the purchasing of tickets for the Campbeltown Malts Festival. The Festival has become so popular that many more people are attending it than ever before. This meant that we had to rethink things.

As mentioned above, we are going to be using Eventbrite and, when the time comes, that is where you will be able to buy tickets from.

Tickets will be available on Eventbrite from: Thursday 15th February at 2pm GMT (UK time). 

You can register on Eventbrite now to save time entering your details when you order your tickets but you don’t have to should you not wish to. You will still be able to order tickets even if you do not register in advance, though it might save you time to do so. Details of the Festival will be displayed on Eventbrite prior to the ticket launch, including descriptions of each tasting. Please search for “Campbeltown Malts Festival 2018” over the next few days – the page will appear within the next 7 days. We will also provide you with a link to the page in a future “reminder” email.

It will be a maximum of 2 tickets per person for each tasting and, please note (and this is important!), that some tastings do overlap in time so it might not be possible to do all of them.

Please remember to print off your order confirmation as you will need to bring this with you to the festival.

Available Now

Tickets for the Cadenhead Club Members Tasting and the Springbank Distillery Dinner can be ordered now but they are not on Eventbrite – details on how to do this can be found below.

Fully Booked

The Springbank Society Tasting fully booked.

Tuesday 22nd May

7pm: Cadenhead Club Tasting

On the evening of Tuesday 22nd May the Sales Team from Cadenhead’s will be hosting a tasting exclusive to Cadenhead Club Members.

This tasting will be free to attend but places are very limited. Please contact club@cadenhead.scot to book a place at this tasting – this can be done immediately upon receipt of this email.

Details regarding what this tasting will entail will be released in a future email, although you should expect a diverse collection of whisky from the Cadenhead range and Mark Watt telling a few stories.

Wednesday 23rd May 2018 

On Wednesday, festival staples return as we host the Springbank Society Tasting and our special dinner at Springbank Distillery.

Springbank Society Tasting – FULLY BOOKED

To kick off events at Springbank we will be holding an exclusive tasting for our lovely Springbank Society Members. The tasting will take place on Wednesday 23rd May at 11:30am in the Malt Barns at Springbank Distillery.

Further details regarding this tasting will be released in due course.

The Springbank Distillery Dinner

Once again we will be hosting an exclusive dinner at the distillery on the eve of our Open Day. This year, guests will be treated to dinner in the surroundings of our wonderful Malt Barns. This will take place on Wednesday 23rd May 2018 at 7pm.

On arrival to Springbank Distillery, you will be greeted with a champagne reception in our marquee which will also feature a range of locally sourced canapés.

Following this, you will sample a selection of whiskies, hand drawn from the cask by a member of our senior production team.

You will then be led to your table to enjoy a four course meal with a specially selected wine to accompany each course. To end your unique experience, each attendee will be presented with their own exclusive 70cl hand drawn bottle, chosen by public vote from the casks sampled earlier in the evening.

Throughout the evening, staff from J. & A. Mitchell & Co. Ltd. will be present to chat to and share some drams with. The cost of the dinner is £250.00 per person and payment is required upon booking to secure your place.

There will be a set menu so please advise us of any dietary requirements you have when booking. Also, please note that the meal will take place on the middle malt floor so guests will have to climb stairs to get to their table.

Tickets for this event go on sale today, Thursday 8th February, at 2pm GMT (UK Time) and are not available on Eventbrite.

To book your place, please email donald@cadenhead.scot or call +44 (0) 1586 554761.

Dinners Taking Place in Campbeltown

A number of places in the town will be hosting dinners on the evening of Wednesday 23rd May should you wish to attend. There will be a dinner taking place at each of the below establishments and every event will feature an appearance by a Sales Team member.

• Ardshiel Hotel (01586 552133)
• Craigard Hotel (01586 554242)
• Royal Hotel (0800 151 3701)
• Food for Thought (01586 553865)

In addition to the telephone numbers in brackets, you can also find further contact details by visiting: http://www.explorecampbeltown.com/

A Sales Team Member will be on hand to serve all the guests at each dinner with the three drams that will also be sampled by attendees of the official distillery dinner that night. Guests at the official dinner will vote for their favourite from the three. Raffle tickets will be handed to each person at the above dinners and one lucky person from each will win a bottle of the whisky favoured by those in attendance at the official distillery dinner.

This bottle shall be collected at the Cadenhead’s Whisky Shop the following day.

Thursday 24th May 2018 

Springbank Open Day

The Springbank Open Day will take place on what is now the third day of the Campbeltown Malts Festival. The day will start at 11am and will include a wide variety of activities such as free distillery tours, a range of tastings and masterclasses, local craft and food stalls, exclusive bottlings, the famous warehouse whisky bar and more.

Festival Bottles

Springbank Open Day Festival Bottles will go on sale at Springbank Distillery from 10.30am. Please be aware that there will likely be a queue so it would be best to plan ahead if you are booked to attend one of the earlier masterclasses.

The tastings and masterclasses taking place during the Springbank Open Day will be available to book on Eventbrite from 2pm (UK time) on February 15th, excluding events that are only bookable on the day, and details of each can be found below:

11.30am – Getting to know Longrow and Hazelburn Masterclass – £30

Explore Springbank Distillery’s Longrow and Hazelburn expressions to experience the range that Springbank has to offer. Whether it’s the smoky and mysterious Longrow bottlings or the lighter, sweeter Hazelburn, there will be something here for every fan of the Springbank range.

11.30am – The How It’s Made Masterclass – £30

Your chance to get deeper into our production methods and the reasons behind we do things they way we do, with some great drams to enjoy while you learn. All production-related questions are welcome, especially if you want to submit them in advance…

12.30pm: Springbank Warehouse Tasting – £30

Sample a selection of the finest whiskies from Springbank, hand drawn from the cask in one of our traditional warehouses.

1pm: Springbank Distillers Single Cask Tasting – £30

As the title suggests, this is an opportunity to try some of the stunning drams which have been released around the world as single cask bottlings.

1.30pm: The Directors’ Cut (or The Good, The Bad and the Ugly) Tasting – £50

Join Director of Production Findlay Ross, Springbank Sales and Marketing Director Ranald Watson and Director of Sales for W.M. Cadenhead’s Mark Watt for a very special tasting that will take you through a wide range of drams and topics covering every corner of J&A Mitchell.

2.30pm: Springbank Warehouse Tasting – £30

Sample a selection of the finest whiskies from Springbank, hand drawn from the cask in one of our traditional warehouses.

2.30pm: Springbank Masterclass – £30

This is your opportunity to join one of the Springbank Sales Team in enjoying a selection of drams from across the Springbank selection. Whether you are new to Springbank or you are looking to enjoy some old favourites, this could be the tasting for you. This event is bookable on the day only.

3.30pm: Springbank; New and Forthcoming Releases – £30

A chance to try some of the most recent limited release bottlings from Springbank Distillers. February, March and April will see a number of new whiskies appearing and this may be your best chance to try them in one place.

4pm: Springbank Warehouse Tasting – £30

Sample a selection of the finest whiskies from Springbank, hand drawn from the cask in one of our traditional warehouses.

6.30pm: An Introduction to J&A Mitchell Tasting – £30

Get to know our company and our core products a bit better – these are the drams that provide the foundation to our business. Perfect for those just getting into whisky or who want to go back to basics with Springbank, Glengyle and Wm Cadenhead. This event is bookable on the day only.

The Springbank Warehouse tastings will be 45 mins long.

All other tastings during the Springbank Open Day are scheduled for strictly 1 hour.

Tickets for tastings that are only bookable on the day are not available on Eventbrite and must be purchased at Springbank Distillery.

Ceilidh

The traditional Open Day Ceilidh will once again be happening in the Malt Barns and you are all welcome to come along, of course. Things will get underway around 7.30pm and will feature live music throughout the night.

Friday 25th May 2018 

Cadenhead and Mitchell’s Glengyle Open Day

The final day of the Campbeltown Malts Festival 2018 will be dedicated to Mitchell’s Glengyle Distillery and W.M. Cadenhead’s.

Our Friday events will take place at Mitchell’s Glengyle Distillery where there will be hourly free tours of the distillery, local stalls and the very popular Cadenhead Lucky Dip Bar will be joined by the Fyne Ales bar and a Cocktail Bar.

Please note: The Kilkerran Festival Bottle will be available at 10.30am.

The tastings and masterclasses for Friday 25th May can be found below:

10am: Cadenhead Warehouse Tasting – £30

Sample a selection of the finest Cadenhead whiskies with a member of the Cadenhead Sales Team. Each dram will be hand drawn from the cask inside one of the warehouses at Springbank.

10.15am: Cadenhead Warehouse Tasting – £30

Sample a selection of the finest Cadenhead whiskies with a member of the Cadenhead Sales Team. Each dram will be hand drawn from the cask inside one of the warehouses at Springbank.

10.15am: Cadenhead Alternative Tasting – £30

Throughout its 176 year history Cadenhead’s has been about more than just excellent whisky – this is a chance to try some of our alternative spirits. The tasting will include a selection of Gin, Rum and Cognac from current bottlings and possibly some surprises.

11.30am: Kilkerran Masterclass – £30

Familiarise yourself with the house style of Kilkerran, our bottlings to date and perhaps one or two of the early experiments from Glengyle Distillery. Join us for a comprehensive Kilkerran experience.

1.15pm: Cadenhead Masterclass – £30

Traditionally taking place on the Thursday of the festival, the “Big Cadenhead Tasting” looks like it fits in well on Friday. This year’s tasting will take on a special format as Sales Team members Cameron Mcgeachy and Jenna McIntosh go head to head in competition as they each present to you a selection of drams from the International Small Batch range and the Authentic Collection respectively. Mark Watt will serve as your special guest referee for this contest.

In past years we have also rolled a cask into the Malt Barns to be sampled by those in attendance but this time there will be two casks for people to taste and purchase bottles from. These bottles are only available at this tasting.

3pm: The Kilkerran Alternative Masterclass – £30

A chance to explore Kilkerran Single Malt further, with one or two twists on the usual style. Tickets for this tasting will not be on Eventbrite. They must be purchased at Glengyle Distillery.

3pm: Cadenhead Warehouse Tasting – £30

Sample a selection of the finest Cadenhead whiskies with a member of the Cadenhead Sales Team. Each dram will be hand drawn from the cask inside one of the warehouses at Springbank.

3.15pm: Cadenhead Warehouse Tasting – £30

Sample a selection of the finest Cadenhead whiskies with a member of the Cadenhead Sales Team. Each dram will be hand drawn from the cask inside one of the warehouses at Springbank.

As a Society member, you will receive several additional emails in the near future as more information on the Campbeltown Malts Festival will be released in due course.

Just over 3 months to go…

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY HAS ANOTHER RECORD BREAKING YEAR FOR VISITORS

Over 200,000 Guests Visited Historic Distillery in 2017, Expansion Set to Accommodate More

FRANKFORT, FRANKLIN COUNTY, KY (Jan. 18, 2018) Bourbon sales continue to grow, and bourbon tourism is growing at an equally rapid pace, at least for Buffalo Trace Distillery. In 2017, this National Historic Landmark Distillery set a new record for visitation, ending the year with 201,491 guests. This is an increase of 18% in visitation over last calendar year, and a total increase of 287% since 2010.

“It took us 15 years to get to 100,000 visitors, but only three years to get to 200,000, so the momentum just keeps going,” said Meredith Moody, marketing services director. Buffalo Trace is already looking at ways to expand its Visitor Center, which was just expanded in 2015 to accommodate its ever-increasing needs. The expansion is part of the $1.2 billion dollars Buffalo Trace plans to spend in the next ten years to accommodate not only more visitors, but more bourbon barrels and more bottling lines.

As previously announced, Buffalo Trace is building new barrel warehouses on the farm it owns adjacent to the Distillery, at a rate of one new warehouse every four months for the next ten years. These new warehouses will hold 58,000 barrels, and construction on the first one is nearly complete.

Buffalo Trace will also expand its distilling operation, which includes new mash cookers, a boiler and fermenters. In order to make room, the existing bottling hall will be moving to another area on site starting this spring/summer and the bottling lines will be modernized to allow for more efficiency and better capacity. This is the first large scale structural expansion at Buffalo Trace Distillery’s campus since the 1950s.

“We are bursting at the seams, so to speak, in all areas, distillation, bottling and tourism, so we’re looking forward to our new expansion,” added Moody.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1773 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 21 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon was named World Whiskey of the Year by Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible 2018. Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 500 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

 

Aberargie Distillery

(read part 1.1 of our visit to Morrison & MacKay here)

You may not have heard of Aberargie Distillery. In fact you probably haven’t unless you have kept a watchful eye on new distillery openings or a fan of Morrison & MacKay whisky. Aberargie is one of the latest distilleries on the Scotch Whisky Map. Located on the border between the regions of Fife and Perthshire, this is a distillery with quiet pedigree. Although a separate entity from the Morrison & MacKay independent bottling business, they are beyond the paperwork, essentially one and the same. As we discussed in Part 1.1 of our #IndyScotchWhisky blog, the Morrison family have strong links to whisky, casks and in the case of Aberargie, the land. Following a tour of the new bottling plant for Morrison & MacKay (which will also be used for bottling future Aberargie single malt) we were invited to a have a wee look at the distillery itself.

Aberargie – Potted

Let’s take a quick look at the the creation of Aberargie Distillery. Here at The Whisky Barrel we have been working with Morrison & MacKay for many years. As a relatively local company, we’ve developed a very positive working relationship, which is in strong part due to the company’s very friendly and personable approach.  The Morrison and MacKay names both have strong whisky pedigree, most notably from their time at the helm of Bowmore Distillery on Islay. Consequently, it was no real surprise when they told us they were well down the road with dotting a new distillery on the map. Ground was broken in 2016, and by November 2017 the first new make Aberargie spirit ran off the stills and the first cask filled.

The biggest challenge for all new distilleries opening in the modern era, is to have something different. To be able to offer a whisky that will stand apart from the crowd. At Aberargie it is all about locality. The farm, owned by the Morrison family aims to provide all the barley that goes into making Aberargie Whisky. This will be local barley grown literally on the doorstep. The location of the distillery is rather attractive too. Set among farmland but in close proximity to the Tay River it sits rather picturesquely among its surroundings and with the backdrop of the Sidlaw Hills to the north and the Ochil Hills to the south.

Whisky Space

Standing from the main road with a view north to the distillery nestled among the barley fields and the sun behind you, the two beautiful copper stills glow through the large panel windows. Much like the traditional casks of of the warehouse, the copper Forsyths stills are the prominent marker of tradition and history. Beautiful. These fields are where the barley for Aberargie whisky grows. Literally as close as 50 yards to the stills. There is an instant connection to the land. If you’re looking for terroir with your whisky, then Aberargie will be able to challenge Bruichladdich here. The industrial farming style of the warehouse and distillery sit neatly among this Perthshire/Fife countryside.

 

The very first thing you notice when standing in the main building of the distillery is that you can see everything. On the spot, a 180 degree turn lets you take in the stills, spirit safe, mash tuns, washbacks and more. This is a modern distillery. For many standing in a distillery like this, initial thoughts might be along the lines of ‘no charm or character’. There are no white wash walls, there are no old stone walls, no aged tools, no walk between buildings. That is besides the point and not what should be expected here.  This is a new distillery with its shiny, modern and efficient set up. And it is not trying to be anything else. It’s gloriously on point.

Still Whisky Stills

Our visit happened to come when the stills were silent. Chilly outside, chilly inside when these giant copper heaters are not working. A simple metal grate walkway leads you from one end of the distillery where the barley is poured into giant hoppers. Alongside run pipe works that takes the various stages of distillation to the next phase. Each part magnificently and purposefully engineered to do its job. And sitting in the windows are the lovely copper stills. Still holding the new look copper hue with the cooler condensers in salmon pink. We were reliably informed this is the colour they should be. If they go darker copper in colour then you might need to send the engineer in.

Inside the stills are some unusual panel heaters, not coils. Apparently, the type of heating element is decided by Forsyths themselves and even the distillery don’t know until they are delivered. They are the expert craftsmen after all. The whisky still is the perfect symbol for this distillery. It is the most recognizable part that makes up a distillery; an age-old design and shape still made with traditional methods in mind. But it is a symbol of modern engineering and practice.

Aberargie distillery and its whisky is the same. With the Morrison & MacKay name behind it we are certain of a high-quality scotch whisky. Their expertise of the industry and in distilling, as well as their incredibly high standard wood policy for their casks, combined with this new set up, bodes very well indeed. But we don’t just need words to tell you this is the case…

Aberargie New Make Spirit

The distillery is set up to make the best whisky possible. We won’t know what it tastes like until November 2020 at the very earliest. But we were fortunate enough to sample some of the new make spirits. And it is unlike any other we’ve tasted. Often New Make is a bit of a kick in the teeth:- very high ABV and rather stripped back with no external flavour influence of casks or otherwise. However, this Aberargie New Make you could nose all day. A lovely level of fruitiness and sweet candy which backs up the unmistakably young spirit. The cereals are dominant but rightly so, nodding towards the barley grown outside. The taste is like a high quality German wheat beer with sweet, melting popping candy.

Every whisky in Scotland has its own character and this Aberargie new make spirit is a glimpse of what Aberargie Single Malt Whisky will be. It’s shaping to be a fine Lowland (only just Lowland) scotch whisky. But in another bid to be different, Aberargie will also produce some heavily peated malts with limited run throughout the year. A big bruising peated lowland Aberargie? Time will tell. There is no doubt this is whisky to look forward to. Aberargie Distillery will progress quietly. No visitors. No gin. No fuss. But you have the wonderful range of Morrison & MacKay Carn Mor bottling to keep you keen at The Whisky Barrel.

Our huge thanks to everyone at Morrison & MacKay for entertaining us and Peter for going the extra mile (but with less haste ). A fantastic day. #IndyScotchWhisky

Sullivans Cove French Oak
Cask HH0377

The release of Cask HH0377 is a milestone for Sullivans Cove Distillery, marking the oldest French Oak we’ve released to date at 17 years old.

Aged in a 300L French Oak ex-Australian Tawny barrel, this single cask single malt whisky was distilled in 2000 and produced only 455 bottles.

Tasting Notes
Nose: Powerful oak & raisins
Palate: Cacao, cherries, burnt brown sugar, rich tannins
Finish: Lingering spice

Incredibly dark and complex, HH0377 is an exemplary example of our iconic French Oak expression.

As supporters, we’re delighted to offer our oldest French Oak released to date exclusively to you today – before its release to the public.

Please click on the link below to purchase ($500 per bottle)

PURCHASE NOW

SULLIVANS COVE

*Limit one bottle per customer

Peaches and cream, that’s what they should call this new 22 year old Tobermory, bottled for us by Sovereign. It’s loaded with fresh stone fruit and a rich creamy texture, to the point that I think even my wife is going to enjoy this one. Tobermory is on the Isle of Mull just across from Oban and it makes a similarly light and vanilla-laden malt. This particular single barrel edition is right on point: a very delicious expression of a textbook Scotch malt character, nothing weird or out of the ordinary, just damn good whisky, with age, at full proof, at a hot price. This will not be the bottle that you drink a tablespoon from every few weeks. You’re going to pour fingers of this stuff and it’s going to be empty before you know it. Dangerously drinkable liquid.

1995 Tobermory 22 Year Old K&L Exclusive “Sovereign” Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky $89.99 – On the Isle of Mull, just north of Islay along Scotland’s west coast, is host to one of the most unassuming of distilleries called Tobermory, a malt that has quietly made outstanding, straightforward Scotch whisky since 1798. Never the most bold or brash of single malts, neither the loudest nor the most assertive, Tobermory does make a smoky island whisky called Ledaig, but the flagship malt is a fruitier, maltier expression that really starts to sing after two decades in wood. With this 22 year old single barrel edition bottled for us by Sovereign, the oft overlooked attributes of Tobermory come into full focus, beginning with an arousing bouquet of nectarines stewing in freshly-milled barley. That stone fruit goodness emirates from the glass in waves, morphing into a sweet nectar of honey and peach on the palate. The vanilla from the oak aging starts to shape the whisky on the mid-palate, adding spice and richness toward the finish where the barley becomes the star. The malty, creamy finish is lifted by the 50.8% ABV and that extra proof tingles the taste buds for minutes. There’s nothing new to be had from this exceptional Tobermory expression, just a classically-flavored malt whisky for a fabulous price. In a market currently full of anomalies and unique flavors, this is the bottle you’ll return to again and again.

-David Driscoll

BLOOD OATH PACT NO. 2, 49.3%
£154.95

Blood Oath is made from a secret recipe of blended American Whiskey, the 2nd edition has a spiced winter fruit note.

BUY BLOOD OATH PACT 2 NOW

Glen Scotia soars into UK airports with World Duty Free 

Independent Campbeltown distillery Glen Scotia is taking off for the first time at airports across the UK in partnership with leading travel retailer, World Duty Free.

Two Global Travel Retail (GTR) exclusive expressions that showcase the distinctive heritage and craftsmanship championed at the distillery – Glen Scotia 1832 Campbeltown and Glen Scotia 16 Year Old – will be available in the travel retailer’s specialist World of Whiskies stores from this month.

The Glen Scotia distillery, which has a history dating back to 1832, is located in Campbeltown, one of Scotland’s five Scotch whisky producing regions. In the Victorian age Campbeltown was known as the ‘whisky capital of the world’ and was home to more than 30 distilleries. Today Glen Scotia is one of just three surviving local distilleries and is the only representative from the region in World Duty Free’s stores which are located in 22 airports across the UK.

Glen Scotia 1832 Campbeltown is a unique single malt whisky with a balanced peated character, while Glen Scotia 16 Year Old is a single malt whisky delivering the true Campbeltown character with hints of vanilla oak, interwoven with notes of sea spray and spicy aromatic fruits. The expressions incorporate new one litre bottles and premium packaging underlining the quality and provenance of the products.

The partnership with World Duty Free follows the release of a limited edition 26-year-old Glen Scotia Single Cask exclusively at Edinburgh Airport last year. Parent company, Loch Lomond Group has also achieved successful sales for its Loch Lomond GTR Scotch whisky range in the  World of Whiskies stores.

André de Almeida, managing director of Global Travel Retail at Loch Lomond Group, said: “We’re very excited to be introducing Glen Scotia in partnership with World Duty Free. The Glen Scotia 1832 Campbeltown whisky alongside the classic Glen Scotia 16 Year Old single malt, will provide a true taste of the distillery’s distinctive and authentic character.

“The launch forms part of our ambitious worldwide roll-out of our GTR range and marks a significant milestone for Glen Scotia, as it’s the first time the brand will be available in airports right across the UK.”

Kathryn Kindness, Commercial Category Manager from World Duty Free, said: “The launch of Glen Scotia is very exciting for us as it now ensures a Campbeltown Single Malt offering in each of our UK World of Whiskies stores so all of our consumers will have the opportunity to discover a region not previously represented.”

For further information, visit www.glenscotia.com

Notes 

 RRP:

• Glen Scotia 1832 Campbeltown £52
• Glen Scotia 16 Year Old £75

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

www.glenscotia.com

@glenscotiamalts