2003 AND 1990 VINTAGE LIMITED EDITIONS CÙ BÒCAN RELEASED

Cù Bòcan has added two more limited edition single malts to the range with the launch of 2003 and 1990 vintage releases.

The 2003 vintage limited edition Cù Bòcan (aged 15 years old) has been bottled at a strength of 46% and sits alongside the standard edition. It has been matured in peated Islay ex-Sherry butts and is only available while stocks last. This full bodied single malt has coastal peat smoke notes which are perfectly balanced with winter spices and orchard fruits.

The special 1990 vintage release was distilled on 17 October 1990 and has been matured in peated Islay ex-Bourbon barrels. In their past lives, the casks were home to one of Islay’s peatiest potions and hints of the untamed spirit have been working their smoky magic over the years. The final creation, at 52.9% strength, is smoky, with notes of tropical fruits and warm spices. Only 1,400 bottles of this rare whisky are available worldwide.

The Cù Bòcan brand is named after a mythical Highland hellhound which was rumoured to haunt the village of Tomatin and was launched in 2013 as a lightly peated alternative to the traditional fruity flavours of Tomatin single malt. The distillery has been producing peated malt for the last week of every year since 2005, and in recent years has been experimenting with different levels of peatiness (PPM) in order to diversity their offering in the coming years.

These latest releases follow previous limited editions including the 2006 vintage in 2017, the 1988 and 2005 vintages in 2016, the Virgin Oak, Sherry and Bourbon expressions in 2015 and the 1989 vintage in 2014.

Lorraine Waddell, Brand Manager, commented:

“As the Cù Bòcan brand continues to grow – sales have grown 15% year to date on last year – our followers have been eagerly awaiting news of the next limited editions to complement the standard edition, which is available all year round.”

The 2003 vintage is currently being rolled out worldwide and is expected to retail at £85.00 and the 1990 at £230.00.

Notes 

For more information about the Cù Bòcan brand please contact Lorraine Waddell, Brand Manager on 01463 572 727 or lorraine@tomatin.com.

1. Website: www.cu-bocan.com
   1. Facebook: www.facebook.com/cubocan
   2. Twitter: www.twitter.com/cubocanwhisky
   3. Instagram: www.instagram.com/cubocanwhisky
   4. In 2005, the decision was made to produce a peated single malt and for the last week of production that year a batch of Optic Barley peated to 15ppm was used to produce about 60,000 litres of lightly peated spirit which was filled into a variety of different cask types.

1. Then, on September 3rd 2013 this lightly peated whisky produced at Tomatin was released as Cù Bòcan – A single malt at 15ppm matured in a combination of Bourbon, Sherry and Virgin Oak casks. Since then, the Cù Bòcan brand has grown with a number of vintage releases as part of the brand limited edition collection.

1. The distillery is owned by Japanese company Takara Shuzo: http://www.takarashuzo.co.jp/english/index.html

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY RELEASES MUCH ANTICIPATED 2018 ANTIQUE COLLECTION WHISKEYS

Change in the Lineup: Eagle Rare 17 Year Old Bourbon will now be 101 proof 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Sept. 18, 2018) Fall is upon us, and that means Buffalo Trace Distillery is releasing its annual 2018 Antique Collection of whiskeys. The highly anticipated collection will once again feature five limited-release whiskeys of various ages, recipes and proofs, with one notable change, Eagle Rare 17 Year Old Bourbon will now be 101 proof.  Here’s what else fans can expect:

George T. Stagg

The powerhouse favorite of the Antique Collection, George T. Stagg weighs in at 124.9 proof this year.  Past releases of this uncut and unfiltered bourbon have won many top awards, including last year’s release nabbing a Double Gold Medal at the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. This year’s release contains bourbon from barrels filled in the spring of 2003. This batch contained 284 barrels, not quite as much as last year’s yield, but still significantly more than the yield from previous years.  Storage location of these barrels varied across warehouses C, H, I, K, P, and Q.  This whiskey tastes of dark chocolate, espresso, and tobacco.

William Larue Weller

The Antique Collection’s uncut, unfiltered, wheated recipe bourbon is William Larue Weller. Previous editions of this wheater have won many accolades, including a Double Gold Medal at the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and “Bourbon of the Year” by “Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2017.”  The 2018 offering was distilled in the winter of 2006 and aged in Warehouses C, I, K, L, M, and Q.  This bourbon registers in at 125.7 proof.  The bold flavors include dried fruit, fig, and caramelized vanilla.

Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye

Thomas H. Handy is the uncut and unfiltered straight rye whiskey. “Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2018” named previous years’ releases “Best Rye Whiskey with no age statement.”  This year’s Handy was distilled in the spring of 2012; aged in warehouses I and L and weighs in at 128.8 proof.  The flavor profile includes hints of allspice, teaberry, and clove.

Eagle Rare 17 Year Old

This year’s release is going back to its roots with a proof change from the previous 90 proof back to 101 proof, in tribute to the original strength used when the brand was launched in 1974.  This will be a permanent change to the proof for the Eagle Rare 17 year old from this year forward.  The 2018 edition was distilled in the Spring of 2000 and has been spending its time aging on the first, second and fifth floors of Warehouse C.  This bourbon tastes of toasted oak, coffee, spearmint, and butterscotch.

Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old

Last year Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old was named “Best Rye Whiskey Aged 11 Years and Over” by “Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2018.”  This 2018 straight rye whiskey release has notable flavors of dark chocolate, tobacco, and cinnamon. The barrels for this whiskey were filled in the spring of 1998.

The Antique Collection was introduced more than a decade ago and has become a cult favorite among whiskey connoisseurs. Since 2000 these whiskeys have garnered numerous awards from such notable publications as Whisky Advocate Magazine, Spirit Journal, and “Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.”

The 2018 Antique Collection whiskeys will be available in limited quantities starting in late September or early October.  Suggested retail price is $99 each.  For more information visit http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/brands/antique-collection.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

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.

This weekend our office is closed, that means no office opening hours on Saturday through to Monday. We do so hope no inconvenience is caused. A few days of foxing it up, like our foxy friend above, and then back to working hard on Tuesday for our 90th auction.

Diageo Special Release 2018

The latest batch of limited editions from the Diageo portfolio have now arrived at Loch Fyne! From your favourite distilleries like Lagavulin and Talisker, to more obscure distilleries like Pittyvaich and Inchgower, and even a very special blended malt – the latest line-up is as exciting as ever!

We ship all over the world!

Caol Ila 15 Year Old

£100

Caol Ila 35 Year Old

£675

Carsebridge 48 Year Old

£750

Cladach Blended Malt

£155

Inchgower

£300

Lagavulin 12 Year Old

£110

Oban 21 Year Old

£450

Pittyvaich 28 Year Old

£330

Talisker 8 Year Old

£70

Saturday, September 22nd 11AM-5:30PM

Scotch Tasting: Kilchoman & Exclusive Regions

Join us this Saturday for a taste of Islay, Speyside, and Orkney Scotch, presented by whisky expert Sam Filmus! Some of our own favorites from the Exclusive Regions line will be poured, as well as rare drams from Kilchoman Distillery.

Pourlist:

Exclusive Regions Speyside

Exclusive Regions Orkney

Kilchoman Single Malt Scotch

More Details & RSVP

29-30 SEPTEMBER 2018
OLD BILLINGSGATE, LONDON

The Whisky Show 2018

FINAL MASTERCLASS REVEALED

We’re very pleased to announce the final masterclass of the 10th anniversary Whisky Show.

Three Pillars of Islay Sunday 30 September 2018
4.30-6.30pm. £75

Join three of Islay’s best known whisky personalities – Lagavulin and Port Ellen’s Georgie Crawford, Ardbeg’s Jackie Thomson and Bruichladdich’s Lynne McEwan – for a slice of island life.

Tickets for this class are on sale now!

BOOK NOW 

Please note: you must have a valid ticket to the Sunday of The Whisky Show to attend this masterclass.

Buy Sunday Tickets 

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Products are offered subject to the following terms and conditions:

1. Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.
2. We do not issue physical tickets. When you make your booking, your name will be added to a guest list for the event.
3. In the case of cancellation on part of the organisers, the full ticket price will be refunded to you. We reserve the right to make cancellations up to 24 hours before the event.

Isle of Arran Distillers move closer to completion of new distillery as stills arrive 

Isle of Arran Distillers Ltd have edged closer to the completion of their new Lagg Distillery, having recently welcomed the arrival of their new custom-made copper pot stills to the island.

Following their departure from Rothes on the east coast of Scotland, the stills made the ferry journey from Ardrossan to Brodick on Thursday 30th August, before travelling down to the Lagg Distillery site early the following morning.

Master Distiller James MacTaggart, along with Graham Omand, the newly appointed Lagg Distillery Manager, and Faye Waterlow, the Lagg Visitor Centre Manager, were on site to welcome the copper pot stills to their new home, where they will begin the production of the signature Lagg Single Malt in early 2019.

The copper pot stills were manufactured by renowned still-maker, Forsyths. They have been specifically tailored to create a heavily-peated (50ppm) earthy spirit that will become the flagship Lagg Single Malt. It is expected that this spirit, despite being very different in nature, will retain many of the characteristics that are the staple flavours of the celebrated Arran Malt.

The wash still has a capacity of 10,000 litres and the spirit still a capacity of 7,000 litres. The new Lagg stills will allow for a production level within the first year of 200,000 litres of alcohol.

Speaking about the arrival of the stills, James MacTaggart said: “The copper pot stills will now be installed into their new home and complete a commissioning phase. The anticipation of waiting for them and then watching them arrive has created a great buzz on the site and on the island.

“Now the stills are here, it truly feels like the start of an exciting new chapter, not just in the story of whisky production on Arran, but for the island as a whole. I look forward to working closely with Graham to ensure that they get up-and-running and that the spirit produced at Lagg is of the highest quality.”

As well as the arrival of the stills, the three warehouses on site at the Lagg Distillery have been completed and the keys have officially been handed over from the construction team to Isle of Arran Distillers. This allows the team based at Lagg to start preparations to store the casks that will be filled at the new distillery.

When fully operational in 2019 the Lagg Distillery will increase Isle of Arran Distillers production capacity to 2 million litres. Furthermore, the total visitor numbers to both distillery sites is expected to exceed 200,000 by 2020.

To see footage of the stills arriving at Lagg Distillery, and to find out how you can become part of a new island whisky legacy, please click here.

In other news, the Isle of Arran Distillers have launched a search for the official poem of the Lagg Distillery, which will be immortalised at the site.  Budding writers have been tasked with producing a poem that beautifully captures the Isle of Arran’s history, landscape or, quite simply, it’s spirit – whisky or otherwise.

The closing date for entries is Friday 14 December and the winner and two runners up will be announced on Burns Night, Friday 25 January 2019. As well as being immortalised within the Lagg Visitor Centre, the winning entry will be exclusively published in Scottish Field magazine, the official media partner for the competition. The winning poet will also be invited to the official opening of the new Lagg Distillery & Visitor Centre in Spring of next year. The two runners up will receive an exclusive Lagg Distillery goodie bag.

All entries can be submitted to Scottish Field magazine by emailing Kenny Smith at ksmith@scottishfield.co.uk with the subject ‘Isle of Arran Distillers – Poetry Competition’.  Entrants will also need to include in their name, contact information and date of birth as this competition is only open to those over the age of 18.

Poems can also be submitted by post using the following address:

Kenny Smith

Scottish Field

496 Ferry Road,

Edinburgh,

EH5 2DL

Notes:

Accolades for Isle of Arran Distillery include Winner for:

Best New Exporter (2004), Queen’s Award for International Trade (2005), Scottish Distiller of the Year (2007) and Scottish Drinks Producer of the Year (2007) Scottish Field Visitor Experience of the Year 2014 & 2015

Drinks Business Best Contribution to Wine and Spirits Tourism (2017)

Best Brewery/Distillery Tour – Scottish Outdoor Leisure Awards (2017)

Product Awards include:

Arran 10 year -old: San Francisco World Spirits Competition Double Gold Medal (2018). International Wine & Spirits Competition Gold Medal (2018). Category Winner and Gold Medal ‘Best Scotch Under 12 Years’ Islands Non-Islay at the World Whiskies Awards (2018). International Spirits Challenge Silver Medal (2018). Ultimate Spirits Challenge 91 points (2018). Ultimate Spirits Challenge Cocktail Commendation for the Rob Roy (2018). Double Gold Medal China Wine & Spirits Best Value Awards (2014)

Arran 18 year-old: International Wine & Spirits Competition Gold Medal (2018) Category Winner & Gold Medal ‘Best Scotch 13-20 Years – Islands (Non- Islay) World Whiskies Awards (2018). International Spirits Challenge Silver Medal (2018)

Quarter Cask ‘The Bothy’: Category Winner & Gold Medal ‘No Age Statement Single Malt’ for The Bothy Batch 3 World Whiskies Awards (2018). International Wine & Spirits Competition Silver Outstanding Medal (2018). International Spirits Challenge Silver Medal (2018)

Arran Lochranza Reserve: International Wine & Spirits Competition Silver Outstanding Medal (2018), International Spirits Challenge Silver Medal (2018)

The Whisky Show 2018 – a preview

The Whisky Exchange Whisky Show is almost upon us! It’s our tenth show this year and we’re celebrating in style – we’ve got more whisky than ever before, bigger masterclasses, excellent show bottlings and even a guest spirit…

The Whisky

We’re still building the complete dram list (expect it on the Wednesday before the show, like every year – please stop asking me…) but we’ve broken the 650 mark and are still chasing up the final few bottles.

So far on the list we have whisky from Scotland, England, Wales, Ireland, France, Sweden, Denmark, India, Japan, Australia, Canada, USA, South Africa, Switzerland, Taiwan, Israel and the Netherlands.

Dream Drams

The Dream Drams are back: some of the world’s rarest and seldom-tasted whiskies, all open and ready to try. We’ll be updating the final list until the start of the show – as the distillers find dusty bottles hiding at the back of cupboards and at the bottom of spreadsheets – but you can find the current line-up over on the show website.

A few of the old and rare bottlings from last year

Like every year, make sure you get your Dream Drams in early – there isn’t much of any of these whiskies and they do run out. Grab any extra tokens you want early and make a beeline for your first choices.

Current highlights for me include Douglas Laing’s 50yo ‘Speyside’s Finest’ (it’s almost certainly a Glenfarclas), Springbank 32yo and the Rosebank Jealousy release, which I’ll be pouring on the Show Bottlings stand up on the mezzanine.

And if that’s not enough for you…

The Masterclasses

Every year we up the game when it comes to masterclasses and this year is no different. The Port Ellen Special Releases class (tasting the ninth through sixteenth editions with Georgie Crawford, former Lagavulin manager and now manager of the project to rebuild Port Ellen) and our ‘six of the best show bottlings’ classes are sold out, but there are still a few tickets left for the others.

They run the gamut from a beginners tasting hosted by me, to a Signatory Vintage 30th Anniversary tasting hosted by Edradour and Signatory owner Andrew Symington, who started working in the whisky world before I was born. There’s food pairing, geeky examinations of casks, history lessons, bourbon, new whisky makers, whisky heroes, and even a rum vs whisky battle featuring Luca Gargano and Whisky Exchange boss Sukhinder Singh. On top of all that, we’ve got cigar-pairing classes running through the day, matching up three different whiskies with the different stages of smoking a cigar. Truly something for everyone.

The complete list of classes is up on The Whisky Show website.

The Main Stage

Along with the masterclasses, we have a full program of short talks and demos through the weekend. Meet the distillers, hear what’s coming next, get geeky and try some great drams.

There are more seats this year, but definitely get there early to secure your spot

They’re all free to attend, but make sure you get there early – seats fill up quickly. You can find the complete schedule up on the show website.

The Future of Whisky – Fever-Tree and Scotchwhisky.com

This year’s overarching theme is ‘the future of whisky’ and we’ve asked soft drinks expert Fever-Tree and whisky magazine Scotchwhisky.com to each create a room that shows what they think is coming next. As you might expect, they’ve come up with very different ideas…

Head into the Fever-Tree Perfect Pairings bar to try a range of highballs. Whisky is commonly mixed around the world, but drinkers are realising there’s more to it than taking a random dram and splashing in soda or Coke. Fever-Tree have pulled together a collection of great pairings and they’ll be serving them up for you to try.

Scotchwhisky.com have created the Future Trends Lab, a curated room of experimental ideas from packaging to production to drinking, bringing together drinks experts from across the industry. Step into the unknown in the sensory transportation room, leap into European rye spirit, explore non-alcoholic whisky and discover botanical spirits that combine the past with the future of drinking. There’s quite a lot to see…

The Show Bottlings

While there’s loads more to see at the show (including lunch, whisky and food pairings, coffee, book signings, photo competitions and more), make sure you come and see me on the show bottlings stand. I’ve got a stack of great whiskies to pour, from very special bottles that are being to launched at the show to new Whisky Exchange exclusives and a couple of secret treats.

If you recognise this whisky, then definitely come to the show bottlings stand…

Full details will be released soon, but for now all I can say is that the show bottlings are unlike anything you’ve ever seen before, and that if you like fruity Irish whiskey, you need to pop by.

Tickets

While Saturday is sold out, there are still Sunday tickets and a few weekend passes available. You can get them and find out loads more information at The Whisky Show website.

The Whisky Exchange Whisky Show takes place on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 September at Old Billingsgate in London. It is going to be excellent.

We just love boasting about our 0% commission for sellers with SWA. We know ‘mother’ always says don’t boast, but when it is this good, it’s hard not to.

Did you know we travel the length of the country collecting whisky from our greatly valued clients? Once a month we visit Inverness, Elgin, Aberdeen, London and Manchester, offering drop-off points for sellers. Not only do we visit mainland locations we also visit Orkney and Islay a few times a year. To sign up for the monthly reminders for each location please click on the map above.

FIND OUT MORE

Our mailing address is:
mail@scotchwhiskyauctions.com