Glen Scotia releases its oldest and rarest expression 

One of Campbeltown’s three surviving distilleries, Glen Scotia, has added an exceptionally rare 45-year-old single malt to its award-winning range.

Encased in a stunning handcrafted walnut box, and limited to 150 bottles world-wide, Glen Scotia 45-year-old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is not only the oldest expression to be released by Glen Scotia distillery but also one of the most exclusive. A whisky truly made by history, Glen Scotia 45 year old reflects the centuries of craftsmanship and experience associated with Campbeltown.

Embodying all the signature characteristics of a Campbeltown single malt, the liquid is dominated by maritime influences. On the nose, it presents bold coastal elements, as well as sweet notes of ripe pineapple, crisp green apple, rose and vanilla.

The liquid was distilled in December 1973 before being filled into refill Bourbon casks two days before Christmas. Over three decades later, in 2011, the precious spirit was carefully re-casked into first fill Bourbon then laid to mature under the watchful eye of master distiller Michael Henry before finally bottling in 2019.

He said: “Glen Scotia 45-year-old is one of the most magnificent expressions to be produced by our Campbeltown distillery and we are excited that after 45 years we are now able to unveil it to the world.

“Distilled in 1973, this single malt is steeped in history and is extraordinarily rare. The liquid has been maturing in refill bourbon casks, tucked away in our bonded warehouses, for over three decades before being finished in first fill bourbon.

“It embodies all of the unique elements which Glen Scotia is known for, delivering a long mouth-watering finish with notes of sea salt and lime citrus. On the palate, the liquid presents caramel sweetness at first, then juicy fruit with pineapple, mango and water melon rounded by vanilla and honey.”

Non-chill filtered to ensure it is enjoyed as nature intended, Glen Scotia 45 year old is bottled at 43.8% ABV and presented in a striking case created by family-owned, UK-based luxury packaging manufacturer, Moran’s Wood Components. Each case is handmade using sustainably sourced British walnut and features contains a delicate tile engraved with the individual bottle number and tasting notes. Inside, the case boasts embossed leather lining.

Paul Moran, director, Moran’s Wood Components, said: “It was an honour to create such a beautiful box for the Glen Scotia 45 year old, a very rare and historic whisky. Inspired by the intrinsic link between wood and whisky, we also drew from Glen Scotia’s vision of incorporating quality materials and craftsmanship, to reflect the same principles that go into the distillery’s award-winning single malts. 

“We constantly strive to push the boundaries, and everyone at Moran’s is extremely proud of this project.”

Campbeltown is Scotland’s fifth and smallest malt producing region. Throughout the Victorian era it was known as the whisky capital of the world and home to more than 30 working distilleries.

To raise awareness of the importance of the region to Scotland’s whisky heritage, Glen Scotia distillery has been campaigning for Campbeltown to be recognised the “whiskiest place in the world.” In July 2019, a parliamentary motion on the issue lodged at Westminster received cross party support.

Iain McAlister, distillery manager, said: “It might be the smallest region, but the contribution Campbeltown has made to Scotch whisky is incomparable. 

“For over 100 years, our coastal town has been crafting some of the world’s most exciting expressions and Glen Scotia 45 year old exemplifies everything you would expect of a fantastic Campbeltown single malt. It truly is the perfect addition to any collection.”

Glen Scotia 45 year old will be priced at £3,795 and available from specialist retailers from October, including the Whisky Shop.

Stockist

www.whiskyshop.com 

Tasting notes

Nose

Bold coastal elements, sea-soaked basalt leads into thick fruit of ripe pineapple and crisp green apple before floral notes of rose, vanilla and toasted oak come through. 

Taste

Viscous oily mouthfeel coats the tongue. Caramel sweetness at first then juicy tropical fruit, with pineapple, mango and watermelon rounded by vanilla and honey. 

Finish

Long mouth-watering finish with sea-salt and lime citrus before warming cinnamon and ground ginger spice. 

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.
• The Glen Scotia 25 Year Old Single Malt Scotch was awarded a Double Gold medal at the prestigious 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Almost 30,000 spirits were judged by the competition, the largest number of entries in its 19-year history.
• Images and interviews with key staff from Glen Scotia are available upon request.

www.glenscotia.com /Twitter: @GlenScotiaMalts

Ultra special new whiskies from Alberta Premium

Alberta Premium Cask Strength & 20 Year Old Limited Editions

Every now and then Alberta Premium treats its loyal customers to some truly mindblowing sipping whisky. Get ready: Alberta Premium Cask Strength and Alberta Premium Aged 20 Years are on shelves in Alberta now, and will be available nationwide in November.

Alberta Premium Cask Strength, which was drawn from the barrel uncut at 61.5% abv. features cereal notes, dark fruits, and mild vanilla with rosewater, mint and peppery spices finishing on sweet and sour pickles and bitter grapefruit pith. Suggested price is $64.95.

Alberta Premium 20 Year Old, at 42% abv exudes a toffeeish, oily, floral, nose. The palate feels creamy with rye bread, peppery rye spices, citrus fruits and hints of cedar decking then sweet maple syrup, soft chocolates and brisk spices. Truly, elegance in a bottle. Suggested retail price is $89.95.

As with all Alberta Premium whiskies, these are distilled from 100% Canadian prairie rye mashed in Rocky Mountain water.

Prices will vary by market.

Canadian Club 42 Year Old

Canadian Club Chronicles – The Dock Man

On September 20, 1977, distiller Jack Farrell was busy filling hundreds of once used American Oak barrels with corn distillate. Now, 42 years later some of that whisky has been bottled as Canadian Club Chronicles – The Dock Man, the oldest Canadian whisky ever offered for sale, and it is spectacular.

The Dock Man is a sweet luscious whisky with a deep, complex nose and palate. Fruity and floral notes entwine delicately with Canadian Club’s signature prunes and black raisins followed by tartish apple skins, and apricots. Mild peppery spices evolve into sweetish baking spices, while woody notes are restrained, with soft tannins pulling gently on the cheeks. Dark fruit returns in a long spicy finish.

When this whisky was first released as a 40 year old, in 2017, it caused pandemonium in liquor stores as people jostled to buy their bottle. Liquor stores be warned: the Canadian Club brand team plans to continue the series annually with a 43-year-old in 2020 and right on up to 50.

Canadian Club Chronicles – The Dock Man

On September 20, 1977, distiller Jack Farrell was busy filling hundreds of once used American Oak barrels with corn distillate. Now, 42 years later some of that whisky has been bottled as Canadian Club Chronicles – The Dock Man, the oldest Canadian whisky ever offered for sale, and it is spectacular.

The Dock Man is a sweet luscious whisky with a deep, complex nose and palate. Fruity and floral notes entwine delicately with Canadian Club’s signature prunes and black raisins followed by tartish apple skins, and apricots. Mild peppery spices evolve into sweetish baking spices, while woody notes are restrained, with soft tannins pulling gently on the cheeks. Dark fruit returns in a long spicy finish.

When this whisky was first released as a 40 year old, in 2017, it caused pandemonium in liquor stores as people jostled to buy their bottle. Liquor stores be warned: the Canadian Club brand team plans to continue the series annually with a 43-year-old in 2020 and right on up to 50.

Last Straw

Sprouted Corn Whisky

As with everything Last Straw makes, what comes out of the barrel goes into the bottle. But at what abv? For their brand new sprouted corn whisky, the team at Last Straw distillery invited distillery visitors to taste the whisky at four different strengths and vote on their favourite.

This soft, sweet, creamy whisky began with 100% organic Ontario yellow dent corn, grown at Sheardown Family Farm in York County, and malted by King Farm Mills. Before it had reached four years maturing in #3 char American Oak the spirit already tasted pretty good with spicy peppers, hints of cinnamon and vague hints of corn cobs. When the Last Straw team poured samples at Whisky Ottawa, guests agreed it was ready for release.

And that final abv? Results were not available at press time, but a similar approach taken with their Cask #1 Rye Whisky yielded a sold out success.

Best to contact Last Straw for more details.

Whisky Bible® 2020 TWB Winners

Best Single Malt 11-15 Years (Single Cask)

TWB exclusive Edradour Ballechin 12 Year Old scooped the 2020 category award with a remarkable 96-points! Consequently (and sadly for those who missed out) this peated Highlander has sold out.

Don’t miss out on the remaining bottles from these other exclusive single casks reviewed in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2020. Order today to avoid disappointment!

TWB Exclusive Edradour 10 Year Old 2008

92.5-points Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2020. First fill sherry butt bottled at cask strength 58.7% 339 bottles exclusive to TWB. Selling out fast!

Buy – Edradour 10 Year Old 2008 – £70.00

TWB Exclusive Cambus 30 Year Old 1988

94-points Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2020. Single refill hogshead bottled at 45.2% from this Lost Lowland distillery. 313 bottles.

Buy – Cambus 30 Year Old 1988 – £104.86

TWB Exclusive Dumbarton 31 Year Old 1987

92-points Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2020. Single refill hogshead bottled at 50.5% from this Lost Lowland distillery. 207 bottles.

Buy – Dumbarton 31 Year Old 1987 – £119.08

Kilchoman 2010 Vintage

The 2010 vintage release from Kilchoman distillery, a vatting of fresh bourbon barrels and Oloroso sherry butts all filled in 2010 (roughly 85/15 bourbon/sherry casks). Bottled in 2019 at 48% vol, and as with all Kilchoman bottlings, with no chill filtration or colouring.

Limited stock available…

BUY NOW

The Norfolk Parched is back!  It is unique having been made from torrified and flaked cereals. The resulting whisky is delicious. We are very excited to announce that ‘The Norfolk Parched’ has acheived 96.5 points out of 100 in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2020. “It is a superstar whisky that gives us all a reason to live”

Only 2041 bottles released.

£49.00
TASTING NOTES

BUY NOW

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 280: Auchentoshan 18 Year Old 1978 Scott’s Selection

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tries an older independent bottling of Auchentoshan. In his book, this is now a golden oldie. Mark has had it in his collection for a while, but only the one bottle so he had not yet tried it. Thanks to social media he found someone offering up samples (in one of these so-called bottle share groups) and was able to secure a big sample, so that he can finally find out if this is any good. By now it has spent more time in the bottle than it ever did on the cask.

https://youtu.be/0xD8AfyO9c4

A. SMITH BOWMAN BOURBON WINS DOUBLE GOLD AT NORTH AMERICAN BOURBON & WHISKEY COMPETITION

John J. Bowman Single Barrel and Two Other Whiskeys Win Awards 

FREDERICKSBURG, VA (Sept. 25, 2019) – John J. Bowman Single Barrel won a double gold medal at the 2019 North American Bourbon & Whiskey Competition (N.A.B.W.C.).

Two others bourbons from A. Smith Bowman Distillery, Bowman Brothers Small Batch and Isaac Bowman Port Finish, won gold and silver medals, respectively.

The N.A.B.W.C. promotes excellence in bourbon, whiskey, and moonshine through a double-blind competition. The competition is based on a 100-point scale. The spirits are judged by styles and price categories.

“We are honored to receive awards for each of our core bourbons, especially the double gold medal,” Master Distiller Brian Prewitt said. “Our team at A. Smith Bowman works diligently to produce the highest quality whiskeys we can provide and these awards showcase that work.”

To find more information about A. Smith Bowman brands, please visit https://asmithbowman.com/

About A. Smith Bowman

A.Smith Bowman’s distilling roots date back to the years before Prohibition when the Bowman family had a granary and dairy farm in Sunset Hills, Virginia. They used excess grain from the family estate to distill spirits. In 1934, after the Repeal of Prohibition, Abram Smith Bowman and his sons continued the family tradition and built a more modern distillery in Fairfax County, Virginia called Sunset Hills Farm.  The Distillery was moved in 1988 and is now nestled in Spotsylvania County near the city of Fredericksburg, 60 miles away from the original location.

As a small and privately owned company, A. Smith Bowman Distillery continues the time-honored traditions on which it was founded. Considered a micro-distillery by today’s standards, A. Smith Bowman produces an assortment of hand-crafted spirits distilled from only the finest natural ingredients and using the latest technology. This micro-distillery focuses on the production of premium spirits honoring the legacy of Virginia’s first settlers. Its various brands have won more than 100 awards in the past five years, including John J. Bowman Single Barrel, which received a gold medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. For more information on A. Smith Bowman, please visit www.asmithbowman.com.

COTSWOLDS DISTILLERY APPOINTS NEW COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR

Nick Reed joins the Cotswolds Distillery as new Commercial Director

He brings over 30 years of drinks industry experience and is tasked with developing the distillery’s distribution and trade relationships

The Cotswolds Distillery has announced a new addition to its management team this week, with the hire of Commercial Director, Nick Reed, to develop all trade channels.

In the latest move to support the distillery’s exponential growth over the past 5 years, Nick has moved from Quintessential Brands UK, bringing over 30 years of experience within the grocery sector, 18 years of which were spent working as Trade Sales Director at distillery and distributor, William Grant & Sons.

Nick has worked in multi-national organisations in both business leadership and account management positions.

Cotswolds Distillery founder and CEO, Daniel Szor, said: “Nick’s appointment underpins our ambition to continue our exceptional growth and further build our brand footprint nationally.

“His experience in the grocery multiple channel will specifically allow us to reach more premium spirit shoppers.”

Reed joins the distillery following multiple national and global award wins including the International Wine and Spirit Competition, where both its range of whiskies and its gin won gold medals. In addition, the Founder’s Choice Single Malt Whisky was the only whisky to receive three stars at the Great Taste Awards 2019.

Of his appointment, Reed said: “What Cotswolds Distillery has achieved since it was founded just five years ago has been amazing and is testament to the high-quality products it produces.

“I’m looking forward to communicating its fantastic portfolio and working closely with trade partners both in the UK and internationally to drive consideration and demand for Cotswolds Distillery products.”

Based in the heart of the Cotswolds, the Cotswolds Distillery has become a leader in English whisky production since the inaugural launch of Cotswolds Distillery Single Malt Whisky in 2017.

Notes 

The Cotswolds Distillery

Located in Stourton, Shipston-on-Stour, the distillery has become a premier local attraction, offering tours and tastings daily, and now receives 30,000 visitors a year.

Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky was launched in October 2017. Each bottle lists the barley variety, harvest year and local Cotswolds farm it was grown on. It recently won Gold at the World Whiskies Awards 2019 and took 2 stars (one of only two whiskies to do so) in the 2019 Great Taste Awards. The distillery’s cask strength whisky release, Founder’s Choice Single Malt Whisky, was recently awarded the title of Best English Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards 2019.

In Jim Murray’s 2019 Whisky Bible, the Cotswolds Distillery received 5 ‘Liquid Gold’ awards. Three of their whiskies scored 95 points, with all of the distillery’s samples scoring over 88 out of 100.

Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky is available nationally and in 31 countries across the world. Key UK retailers include Waitrose & Partners, Majestic Wine, The Whisky Exchange, Harrods and Laithwaites.

The distillery also produces Cotswolds Dry Gin, which was named Best London Dry at the 2016 World Gin Awards and received the top Gold Outstanding award in the 2017 International Wine and Spirits Competition. Difford’s Guide recently ranked the Gin as one of the top 20 Gins available in a survey of 450 brands.

Cotswolds Dry Gin is on sale nationally and in over 30 countries.  Key national accounts include Waitrose & Partners, Majestic, Oddbins, Laithwaites, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, and Fortnum & Mason.

For more information, please visit www.cotswoldsdistillery.com.

Elijah Craig Launches Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey in Limited Markets

BARDSTOWN, KY – Elijah Craig, a leading premium Kentucky Bourbon, today announced the launch of Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey. The line extension affords experimenting whiskey fans the opportunity to challenge their palates with a new extra-aged Rye offering from the award-winning Elijah Craig family of Bourbons.

Elijah Craig Rye is made as a traditional American Straight Rye Whiskey with 51% rye, 35% corn and 14% malted barley. This combination of grains, which relies heavily on corn as the secondary grain rather than a higher percentage of rye, has been the primary Rye mashbill used by Kentucky Bourbon distilleries since taking over virtually all American Rye production post-Prohibition; the same mashbill directly responsible for the Rye resurgence seen today. Extra-aging is a tenet of the Elijah Craig portfolio, and Elijah Craig Rye is no exception. The resulting taste carries a spicy sharpness from the rye balanced with sweetness from the corn. Packaged in the iconic Elijah Craig bottle, the Straight Rye is distinguished by new bottle decoration, face, side and neck labels with green features.

“Elijah Craig was a larger-than-life innovator and the new Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey celebrates his bold reputation,” said Heaven Hill Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll. “Heaven Hill Distillery has the privilege within its vast inventory and distilling expertise to create American Whiskeys consumers desire. Elijah Craig Rye celebrates the heritage of Rye Whiskey in Kentucky and adds another quality option to an award-winning lineup of specially crafted whiskeys.”

Heaven Hill Distillery’s 84-year history of distilling and its 1.6 million barrel inventory of aging American Whiskey has allowed for the regular production of major styles of American Whiskey, such as Rye, even as they were out of vogue with consumers. These years of steadfast attention to detail give Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, as well as the Elijah Craig Bourbons, the right balance of flavor and smoothness.

Elijah Craig was known for his pioneering spirit, honored through the making of Elijah Craig Bourbon and, now, Rye. Having founded his own distillery in 1789, Elijah Craig is credited as the first to char oak barrels to make Bourbon. The Baptist preacher also founded many businesses in and around Georgetown, Kentucky, as well as a school, which still exists today as Georgetown College. This heritage and his long-standing impact on the community lives on today through the award-winning lineup of Elijah Craig Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Elijah Craig Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and now Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey.

With an SRP of $29.99, Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey will first launch in the limited markets of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Oregon in January 2020.

About Elijah Craig Small Batch

Elijah Craig Small Batch bears the name of the Reverend Elijah Craig, known as “The Father of Bourbon,” who established his distillery in 1789 on the banks of Elkhorn Creek in modern day Georgetown, Kentucky. He is credited with being the first distiller to age his wares in charred oak barrels. The clear, unaged corn liquor became transformed into a bold amber liquid with a distinctively smooth flavor that makes Bourbon what it is today. Produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, it is complemented by Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Elijah Craig Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey in the portfolio.

First brought to market in 1986, Heaven Hill Distillery’s Master Distillers were selecting a small number of barrels of the finest Bourbon to make Elijah Craig Small Batch long before the term “small batch” even existed. It is this attention to detail and superb craftsmanship that give Elijah Craig an ideal balance of age, robust body and rich flavor. The Elijah Craig accolades have included Whisky Advocate’s Whisky of the Year, Best Small Batch Bourbon and Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and Excellent Highly Recommended honors at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge. For more information, please visit www.elijahcraig.com.

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERY: Founded in Kentucky by the Shapira family in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery continues its legacy as one of the foremost American Whiskey producers. Heaven Hill has cultivated the traditions and history of America’s Native Spirit with its fierce independence, passionate family ownership, dedication to quality, and thoughtful innovation. Today, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains over 1.6 million barrels aging in 58 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Larceny Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Pikesville Rye Whiskey, Rittenhouse Rye Whisky and Parker’s Heritage Collection.Heaven Hill Distillery currently holds the title of 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Distillery of the Year, Best in Show Whisky, and previously held the titles of 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Best Bourbon, 2017 Whisky Advocate Whisky of the Year, 2016 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year, 2016 Whisky Advocate American Whiskey of the Year and 2016 Rye Whiskey of the Year from “Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.” For more information, please visit www.heavenhilldistillery.com.

25th Anniversary Special Edition Twenty One Year Old

Sullivans Cove Distillery is celebrating 25 years, marking the anniversary with this very special limited-edition whisky. At an incredible 21 years of age, this whisky will be both the oldest Sullivans Cove has ever released and, as far as we know, the oldest official distillery release of Australian single malt whisky in modern history.

Between 1994 and 1999, the founders of Sullivans Cove produced a total of 162 casks of whisky. All of these casks were thought to be lost to time; bottled and sold years ago in one form or another. But last year, a phone call from out of the blue led us to a warehouse in Hobart, where we discovered four casks of Sullivans Cove’s earliest single malt. We were overjoyed at the discovery of such an incredible part of our own story – four casks of liquid history to share with the world. We were even happier when we tasted the whisky and discovered its incredible richness, texture and depth of character.

Sullivans Cove 25th Anniversary Special Edition is that whisky, aged for over 21 years in 200-litre American Oak ex-bourbon casks. Considering the incredibly advanced age and resulting low volume of these casks, the small amount of remaining whisky in each was married together to create this special release, yielding a total of 502 bottles at 49.6% abv.

This incredibly rare whisky comes with a hand numbered and signed certificate of authenticity and is presented in a crystal decanter by Glencairn. The label design reflects the packaging of Sullivans Cove’s first release of Tasmanian single malt from the late 1990s.

Click the link below to see full tasting notes and to purchase this incredible piece of Australian whisky history.

PLEASE NOTE: This release is strictly limited to one bottle per customer, and is not to be resold. Any attempts to purchase multiple bottles will be cancelled. 

PURCHASE NOW