SMOKEHEAD REVEAL

MOTORCYCLE COLLABORATION 

‘The Smoker’ will be a bespoke motorcycle expertly crafted by the Ducati Whisperer, Tyler Lunceford 

Smokehead Islay Single Malt Whisky has teamed up with renowned global biking sensation Tyler Lunceford (known as the Ducati Whisperer of the New York tri-state), challenging him to create his boldest motorcycle ever. The project will follow the creation of a customised Ducati bike, captured through a series of episodes*.

US born, Tyler has a workshop in Brooklyn where he has customised bikes for many obsessive bikers and rock stars. He recently moved to Scotland and opened a workshop in Leith, Edinburgh and will produce a custom Ducati, inspired by vintage racing motorcycles, for Smokehead to showcase at key events. The project will run until September 2019, when the finished model, ‘The Smoker’, will be unleashed.

DOWNLOAD TRAILER: https://we.tl/t-hRUGHcPeLs

*FULL EPISODE NO. 1: https://www.smokehead.com/the-refinery

Commenting on the partnership, Tyler Lunceford, of North Motorcycle, said: “I’m excited to be involved with Smokehead. I love the idea of this brand supporting craftsmen and women, and it’s even better as I’m a huge Smokehead whisky fan.

Motorcyclists have an identity; they feel independent and different from other people. When you find something you like, such as a bold, smoky, outrageous whisky that is not for everyone, it gives you a sense of belonging when it is for you.

I’m literally building my dream bike; it will be something that’s never been seen before, something so bold, that even motorbike buffs will be blown away. It won’t be easy, but it’s a great opportunity to make something really special.”

Adding his thoughts, Iain Weir, Smokehead Brand Director, said: “We’re proud to be working with Tyler. His all-round attitude personifies Smokehead – bold, daring and independent. We can’t wait to see the bike unveiled. Just like Smokehead, motorbikes are not for everyone, but that’s okay, and that’s why this partnership works so well.”

The Smokehead Refinery
The campaign will share stories of partnerships with the boldest of craftsmen and women that Smokehead is proud to rub shoulders with. Chapter 1 of the project was unleashed in 2018, a successful partnership with Dram & Smoke creating a series of ‘Smokehead Feasts’ for media and trade across the UK. Chapter 2 celebrates the collaboration with Tyler.

In late 2018, Smokehead released Sherry Bomb, a heavily peated Islay single malt that has been boldly blasted by sherry casks; following hot on the heels of Smokehead High Voltage, along with their louder and bolder look, which was unveiled in April.

*Smokehead encourages everyone to drink responsibly, and not to drink and ride*

www.smokehead.com

f: www.facebook.com/smokeheadwhisky

i: www.instagram.com/smokeheadwhisky

#smokehead 

NOTES :

About Smokehead:

• Smokehead is an Islay Single Malt Whisky and has been given a bold new look by Ian Macleod Distillers.
• Originally launched in 2006, Smokehead has been labelled the wild one of Single Malt Whisky and is not for everyone.
• Award-winning premium Scotch whisky that has an attitude-led positioning and heavily peated taste. 

About Ian Macleod Distillers:

• Established in 1933, Ian Macleod Distillers is one of Scotland’s leading independent, family-owned distillers, blenders and bottlers.
• Ian Macleod Distillers is the world’s 10th largest Scotch Whisky company, producing and selling over 15 million bottles of spirits every year.
• Ian Macleod Distillers has built up an enviable portfolio of premium quality spirits and is proud brand proprietor of Glengoyne, Tamdhu, Rosebank and Smokehead Scotch whiskies and Edinburgh Gin to name but a few.

Diploma in the Art of Tasting launches…

The Academy is delighted to announce the inaugural Diploma in the Art of Tasting Whisky will take place on Wednesday 3rd April at Arniston House. This is the first sensory course of its kind with the focus on oak, odour recognition, flavour development and aroma memory.

The material covered on the course is:

• Anatomy & Physiology of Olfactory System (pre-course reading)
• Multi Sensory Tasting Experience (pre-course reading)
• Flavour Development
• The Aroma Journey
• Influence of Oak

John Ramsay is the Senior Course lecturer and candidates will benefit from his 40 years in the industry, most recently as the Master Blender at Edrington.

Macallan Rare Cask Batch No. 3

The third edition in the series of batched releases of The Macallan Rare Cask, this Speyside single malt is crafted from some of the rarest stocks in The Macallan Estate. Each limited batch is created with just 50 sherry seasoned European oak butts.

Showcasing the depth and complexity of The Macallan, less than 1% of the stock maturing in The Macallan Estate is deemed worthy to be used in the creation of Rare Cask Batch No.3. This release is presented at 43% abv in a sculpted, heavy glass decanter.

£295.00 – Buy Now

Learn more here

Linkwood 42 Year Old

1974 vintage hogshead cask matured. 237 numbered bottles. Linkwood 42 Year Old 1974 vintage Speyside single malt Scotch whisky. Matured in hogsheads #8440 & #8441 bottled February 2017 by by Signatory Vintage for the Cask Strength Rare Reserve Collection. 237 numbered bottles.

Linkwood Distillery was established in 1821 by Peter Brown in the Speyside whisky region. This is a malt whisky distillery equipped with six stills and whilst a large percentage of Linkwood whisky flows into blends an increasing volume is appearing as single malt whisky. There are some excellent independent releases including vintages such as Linkwood 1969 and Linkwood 1972 from Gordon & MacPhail.

Shop £698.48

Take your taste experience to a different depth: discover a vibrant diversity of flavour by exploring the colourful contrasts in our new cask collection.

READ OUTTURN              ALL WHISKY

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

BUNNAHABHAIN DISTILLERY TRANSFORMATION BEGINS

– £10.5 million investment programme over three years – 

A three year refurbishment programme has begun at Bunnahabhain Distillery on Islay, as its owners, spirits and wine producer, Distell International invests £10.5m in an extensive upgrade and refresh of the iconic distillery.

Located in the most northerly point of the island, Bunnahabhain has experienced many changes over the years. As part of the upgrade, a number of the original buildings will be carefully restored to their former glory giving them a new lease of life, whilst others will be removed and relocated to create more space, allowing for better operational flow across the site and to enhance the experience for visitors to the distillery.

A key focal point for the development programme is the creation of a new ‘brand home’ and visitor centre. This will also feature a café and retail space and will be positioned along the shoreline with stunning views overlooking Bunnahabhain Bay and the Sound of Islay. This is one of the first new buildings to be progressed and the plan is for the brand home to be ready to welcome visitors for the start of the 2020 season.

Some of the existing warehouses are in the process of being removed from their current shoreline positioning to enable the visitor centre to be located there. Work has already commenced with the demolition of four warehouse buildings, as well as the start of upgrades to the existing pumphouse. So far, over 99% of the materials processed during the demolition have been recycled with the majority retained for re-use at the distillery. This recycling rate is in line with the ambition to reduce the potential impact of the works.

Other areas being improved include the build of a new filling store, refurbishment of the production building and also the series of six cottages alongside the distillery, which will eventually be used for holiday accommodation.

The development schedule and phasing of activity have been carefully designed to ensure minimal disruption to whisky production and to the visitor experience during this timeframe.

Bunnahabhain embodies the character of the island, its non-peated flavour exposes the coastal location of the warehouses and the affect the salty spray of the sea has on the whisky. All of the single malt whisky in the Bunnahabhain brand will continue to be matured at the distillery, only metres from the shoreline.

Derek Scott, Brand Director for Malts at Distell International, said: 

“Our investment programme, here at Bunnahabhain, is about improving the operational side of our distillery for the long term future. We are restoring our buildings to their former glory and providing a visitor experience where we don’t just welcome visitors, after the long winding journey to get here, we help them enjoy a piece of Bunnahabhain life.

“The plans aim to make the navigation of the site much easier for the visitor and to, in simple terms, declutter it. This will ensure the buildings are more efficient from a storage point of view and located in better suited, more accessible locations to the production buildings. Furthermore, we are committed to reducing the environmental impact of the works. The whisky industry is starting to be more environmentally aware and our achievement of recycling over 99% of materials shows, with a little bit of extra effort, it is remarkable what we can achieve.

“Bunnahabhain has a special place in Islay’s whisky heritage and we are committed to retaining this by turning Bunnahabhain Bay into a world-class whisky destination of choice. As the most remote and northerly distillery on the island, our transformation will give those who have made the journey time to pause, forget about the rest of the world and enjoy the serene surroundings.”

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

Angels’ Nectar Whisky Caching returns for the 20th Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.

Similar to geo-caching, but with whisky,  a trail of  Angels’ Nectar Whisky Caches will be hidden across Speyside during the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival. Guests will be able to find the whisky filled caches via a series of clues after registering for the event via the Spirit of Speyside web site. The first to find each Angels’ Nectar Whisky Cache will be rewarded with a 200ml bottles of Angels’ Nectar Blended Malt Scotch Whisky, perfect for sharing.

Whilst there is no charge to take part, whisky cachers are asked to leave a whisky miniature (or better!) in place of the dram they find. Thus everyone who finds an Angels’ Nectar Whisky Cache will be a winner.

Geo-caching is a worldwide treasure-hunting phenomenon, which started in 2000 and has grown to encompass more than three million caches across 190 countries. The Angels’ Nectar version does not require GPS, but as the search for the caches will involve some light walking, outdoor clothing and footwear are recommended. The caches will also contain a logbook for participants to record their visit, and guests are invited to share their experience and tasting notes of the dram they find on social media, with #angelsnectarwhiskycache

Commenting on the event, Robert Ransom, Angels’ Nectar founder said, ‘We hope Angels’ Nectar Whisky Caching will encourage festival goers to explore Speyside’s beautiful countryside and discover new drams. Whilst there is no need to have been geo-caching before, for the whisky loving geo-cacher, what could be better than a trail of Angel’s share inspired whisky filled caches.’

Angels’ Nectar Whisky Caching is one of more than 650 events due to take place across Speyside as part of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, which this year runs from the 1^st to the 6^th of May. In addition Angels’ Nectar will be offering complimentary tasting sessions at Elephants in the Pantry, Grantown-on-Spey, on the 4^th of May and at Brodie Countryfare, Forres, on the 5^th of May.  

Notes:

Angels’ Nectar, blended malts inspired by the Angels’ share, was launched by Grantown-on-Spey based Highfern Ltd in 2014.

www.angelsnectar.co.uk

www.twitter.com/angelsnectar

www.facebook.com/angelsnectarwhisky

www.spiritofspeyside.com #dram19
For more information and pictures please contact;
Robert Ransom, Highfern Ltd, robert@highfern.co.uk Mobile: 07811 640778

An Exceptionally Rare Find for Whisky Collectors
1974 Garnheath 44 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Grain Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($299.99)
“A superlative example of the merits of old grain whisky and worth every single penny.”
—David Othenin-Girard

This is one of those rare bottlings that we simply can’t believe we got our hands on. Coming from the long-shuttered Garnheath distillery, this 44-year-old single grain is not only a slice of history, but also a shockingly delicious of bottle of Scotch. Garnheath, for a brief twenty-two-year stint, produced the grain component for Scotch Inver House Rare Blended Whisky. Unfortunately, the cost of the operation became too much and the distillery was closed in 1986. The remaining casks like this one knocked around Lowland warehouses for years, slowly being picked off by independent bottlers. When our spirits team tasted this cask, they knew immediately it belonged on our shelves. Smooth, sophisticated, and refined, it serves up sweet caramel, berries, chantilly cream, wood spice, and so much more. When it comes to old single grains, this is easily among the best we’ve encountered. Its smooth and supple approach is the icing on the cake. Only 139 bottles were produced, so it will be a lucky few who get to enjoy this treasure. The moral of the story, don’t delay on this divine single barrel.

1974 Garnheath 44 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Grain Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($299.99)

Garnheath was the grain side of a short-lived but very large malt and grain whisky production complex in Airdrie that only operated for 22 years. Opened in 1964, Garnheath was one of the most efficient and promising distilleries in the Lowlands. It was situated in the old Moffat paper mill and produced the grain for Scotch Inver House Rare Blended Whisky. Unfortunately for lovers of fine grain whisky, Garnheath closed its doors to production in 1986 deep in a hole of debt. Today, just the blending and office facilities remain and with every bottle of Garnheath consumed there is one less drop in the world. Perhaps the most robust of this year’s single grain lineup, this 44 year old whisky sports a particularly full custard and cream driven profile. It’s very fresh given its age and carries a surprisingly spicy backbone.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 17, 2019

The special spirit that came off the column still at the Moffat distillery 44 years ago should have never managed to make its way to the shelves of a little shop in California. It was certainly supposed to be dumped for some mild blend or traded off stiffen up some Drambuie. But instead this weird little bird was shuffled around and eventually forgotten in the back of some Lowland warehouse. Perhaps it was acquired by our friend Fred Laing along with the great Scotch liquidation of the mid ’90s that saw the transfer of countless casks of rare closed distilleries to this small family owner—Ardbeg, Port Ellen, Cambus, Garnheath. We’ll never really know the journey this barrel took, but only what it brought here with it. A nose of pure powdered candy, vanilla extract, quince peels and ripe steamed hominy. The somewhat restrained elegant nose is nothing like the mossy funky style we saw on her sister casks last year and doesn’t prepare you for the rich, almost syrupy texture that invades the palate on entry. As the fabulous JP Robinson would say, “it’s baby’s bottom.” The definition of smooth, but it’s not some slight little thing. The absolute lack of burn lets it completely envelop the palate and draws out a host of odd fruits—jelly melon, loquat, dragon fruit, white raspberry. The finish moves slightly more savory, showing turbinado syrup, cake frosting, meringue, and white chocolate. It’s astonishing that this is just oak, spirit and time rather than some mysterious concoction of fruit and sugars. Dangerously easy considering the nearly 100 proof. A superlative example of the merits of old grain whisky and worth every single penny.

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 25, 2019

This cask has aged beautifully and has the soft concentration of age but is still alive and fresh. It is sweet and easy with a nice soft fruitiness. There is a long mouth coating finish that is delicate and delicious.

Jackson Lee | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 22, 2019

It’s not every day that I get to try a 44-year-old Scotch and I definitely appreciated and took my time with this in the glass. After spending that much time in a barrel, the normal alcohol note took a backseat and allowed more of the esters to come through. The nose was warm and inviting, giving off notes of candied dried plum, pencil shavings, baking chocolate and an underlying note of iodine. The taste was exceptional and dessert-esque; a soft texture yet with enough heat to liven up the palate. Notes of chocolate covered sweet cherries and strawberry angel food cake with whipped cream dominated my taste buds. The finish was ridiculously long and just as smooth. Soft notes of candy corn and ripe apricots ran to the finish line together while a sweet spearmint peaked towards the very end. If you haven’t had a Scotch with this kind of age on it, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better deal.

William Beare | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 29, 2019

This feels like a significant cut above some of the other overaged single grain offerings that we have had of late. From the first passing waft, the nose carries loads of fleshy fruit, caramel, and ultra-creamy custard. I spent so long picking out different elements of the nose that I almost forgot to actually drink it. Well…OK…not really. Sweet toasted challah bread hit the palate with incredible delicacy and smoothness. It drinks like a dream from start to finish, and could go toe-to-toe with single malts for twice the price. There is a bit of wood on the finish, not overwhelming, but rather a pleasant old cigar box spice (clove and cedar).

Neal Fischer | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 29, 2019

This single grain Scotch is so luscious and layered. On first smell, it seems like this Scotch is leaning toward armagnac territory. There are a lot of brandy qualities on display: from the woody notes that remind me of polished Limousin oak to the fruit-forward aspects. The glass bursts with fresh orchard fruits, especially apricot, cherry, and peach. The polished oak morphs into sandalwood, then gets herbaceous and a little medicinal. The palate is also quite fruit-focused adding flavors of a berry medley. Further sips reveal creamy vanilla and bready flavors. As it progresses, the whisky gets quite salty and spicy on through the finish. Is this a grain whisky or a fruit brandy? It’s jazz-fusion, and it’s as odd and magical as a Zappa record.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 23, 2019

Almost rum-like in its nose. It’s sweet and caramelly and smells like a bowl of fresh, ripe strawberries covered in heavy whipped cream. On the palate it’s got amazing spice and persistence. There is tons of fruit, but a peppery drive of wood spice as well. The finish is complex and lengthy jumping back and forth between cream, brioche, stone fruit in syrup, and allspice. This should sell out quickly as more and more people are understanding the pleasures and value of old single grain.

Macallan 1937 32 Year Old Fine & Rare

Part of the revered Fine & Rare series from The Macallan, this 32-year-old expression was distilled in 1937 and was originally bottled in 1969 before being re-bottled in 2002. Presented at a strength of 43% abv, this release had a total outturn of just 174 bottles.

The nose has fresh apples and lemon citrus with light ginger and floral aspects, alongside mature wood, dried fruits and peat smoke. The palate brings apple and lemon with hints of drying wood and warming peat. The finish is a balance of fruits and wood notes with drying peat smoke.

£47,500.00 – Buy Now

Learn more here

Glenrothes 43 Year old

1973 vintage single cask bottled by Signatory Vintage. 149 bottles. Glenrothes 43 Year Old 1973 vintage Speyside single malt Scotch whisky. Single cask hogshead #11099 bottled February 2017 by by Signatory Vintage for the Cask Strength Rare Reserve Collection. 149 numbered bottles.

Glenrothes Distillery was established in the narrow valley of the Rothes Burn on the west side of Rothes in the Speyside whisky region by James Stuart & Co. in 1878. This is a large malt whisky distillery owned by Berry Bros & Rudd of London, with eighteen washbacks, ten copper stills singing in their own mighty cathedral and has retained its traditional pagoda roof. Popular distillery releases include Glenrothes 1995, 1998 and Glenrothes Peated.

Shop £698.48