Discover the taste of Speyside with BenRiach

BENRIACH 21 YEAR OLD

This Speysider has been matured for at least 21 years in four different cask types: bourbon barrels, virgin oak casks, Pedro Ximenez sherry casks and red wine barriques. Whisky from each of these casks has been expertly married together by Master Blender, Rachel Barrie, to create a beautifully balanced single malt. The nose has ripe summer fruits and candied peel with a warming stem ginger note in the background. The palate brings soft vanilla and cinnamon with tangy red fruits emerging alongside citrus aspects. The finish is long and sweet with barley sugar and honeyed malt. 70cl / 46% abv

£139.00 – Buy Now

BENRIACH 2005 WHISKY SHOP EXCLUSIVE

This BenRiach has been bottled exclusively for The Whisky Shop and is packed with the fruity sweetness that is sure to go down well with our customers. Drawn from cask number 5279, this expression is limited to just 553 bottles and bottled at a cask strength of 56% abv. The nose has red liquorice, spearmint, plum pudding, rhubarb crumble, custard and fresh oak. The palate brings rich toffee and spearmint, fruity grapes and raisins mixing with freshly ground white pepper and bitter chocolate. 70 cl / 56%

£84.95 – Buy Now

BENRIACH 10 YEAR OLD CURIOSITAS

A peated malt – unusual for Speyside. BenRiach Curiositas achieves a peat richness through the use of malted barley dried in the traditional way over peat infused kilns. Traditionalists believe that peated malts achieve optimum balance of peat-bittersweet and oak infusion after 10 years of maturation. On the nose it is undoubtedly peaty, but there are fragrant hints of honey. On the palate, the expected smoke and peat flavour is followed by a complex mix of fruit, heather, nuts, oak wood and spices. 70cl / 46%

£47.00 – Buy Now

BENRIACH 12 YEAR OLD SHERRY WOOD

Crafted using three facets of sherry cask maturation, this Speyside single malt from the BenRiach distillery has undergone 12 years of maturation in sherry casks, followed by finishing in Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso sherry casks to give unexpected layers of sweet fruits and toasted oak spice. The nose is fruity and rich, with pear, figs, apricot and mandarin syrup, alongside creme caramel and toasted vanilla. The palate has more sweet fruits with honeyed fig, baked pineapple, sultana, chocolate fondant and nutmeg. The fruits continue in the finish with a long and lingering sherry note. 70cl / 46%

£48.00 – Buy Now

BENRIACH 21 YEAR OLD TEMPORIS

A peated expression from The BenRiach distillery, Temporis (meaning ‘time’ in Latin) recreates the original character of Speyside malts of the 19th century, when the use of peated malt was widespread across the region. This expression is crafted with whisky matured for at least 21 years in a combination of bourbon barrels, virgin oak casks, Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso sherry wood. Sweet pear notes and toasted oak spice combine with honeyed peat and smoked pinewood. The palate is smooth and creamy with rich peat building to smoked cinnamon, star anise and pineapple. The sweet and smoky finish is long and lingering. 70cl / 46%

£149.00 – Buy Now

Ben Nevis Batch #1

10 Year Old cask strength limited edition matured in sherry and bourbon casks. Ben Nevis 10 Year Old 2008 vintage Small Batch Highland single malt Scotch whisky. Limited edition matured in first fill Sherry, Bourbon and Wine casks bottled September 2018. Each bottle is numbered.

Ben Nevis Distillery is a Highland malt whiskey distillery established by John McDonald in 1825 at Inverlochy just north of Fort William and rests at the foot of Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest mountain. A Coffey’s Still was installed in in 1955 and both malt and grain whiskies were produced simultaneously until 1981. The core range comprises Ben Nevis 10 Year Old, McDonald’s Traditional and single cask bottling are released from time to time. The distillery is owned by Nikka of Japan.

Shop $109.50

The Good Dram Show – Episode 309 ‘Australian Whisky’ 

Welcome to this week’s episode of the show, in which I’ll be looking at a selection of Australian whisky, from the Lark Distillery, Hellyers Road, Mount Uncle Distillery, The New World Distillery and the Old Kempton Distillery.

https://youtu.be/HNp3VHYAosg

Highly Coveted and Extremely Rare, Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Returns with a Limited Re-Release to Commemorate the 84th Anniversary of Stitzel-Weller’s Opening

Masterfully aged at the revered Stitzel-Weller Distillery, the award-winning bourbon is back

LOUISVILLE, April 9, 2019 In celebration of the historic opening of the Stitzel-Weller Distillery 84 years ago, Blade and Bow re-releases its rare and limited 22-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon. An ode to the distinctive distillers who set the standard for crafting exceptional bourbon, this award-winning whiskey is the latest release from the famed distillery and will be available in 12 states along with a select allocation solely for Stitzel-Weller.

At 92 proof and 46% ABV, each drop of the liquid earns its 2017 title in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible as Best Bourbon 10 years and over from multiple barrels. With the perfect blend of smoky, spicy and sweet, whiskey enthusiasts seeking an expression of true mastery are sure to be delighted with every sip.

Beginning with a pronounced nose reminiscent of toasted oak layered with vanilla bean, figs and a light touch of dark caramel, this limited-release bourbon taste is accented with notes of torched sugar and apples baked in honey and spices, said North American Whiskey Educator Doug Kragel.  “It’s the kind of rare whiskey that makes you want to savor every note slowly, because at some point in the future, supply will run out”

Blade and Bow will toast the 22-Year-Old bourbon at its fourth annual A Stitzel-Weller Affair on May 3. Guests will gather for an exquisite supper on the lawn featuring an epicurean collaboration between famed Charleston, SC, culinary entrepreneur Brooks Reitz and beloved local chef Susan Hershberg, complemented by the soulful music of indie-folk band, Mt. Joy.

Embodying the unique artistry that has been produced by Stitzel-Weller’s rich traditions, the rarity of Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old has created a cult-like following, drawing in consumers who are looking to taste a bit of the past. Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey will be available in limited quantities in the following states: California, Texas, Georgia, Colorado, New York, South Carolina, Illinois, Kentucky, Washington, D.C., Tennessee, North Carolina and Virginia. The limited release will be available starting in mid-April. Learn more by following @bladeandbowwhiskey on Instagram.

This remarkable bourbon is best enjoyed slowly and responsibly in order to truly taste the passion that is layered throughout every drop.

About Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Blade and Bow pays homage to the artful passion and renowned craftsmanship of the legendary Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. Blade and Bow whiskey is currently available in two variants, Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old Limited Release Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Blade and Bow seeks to continue the story of Stitzel-Weller by providing whiskey aficionados with an inspired piece of Kentucky history.

PLEASE SIP RESPONSIBLY.

Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 45.5-46% Alc/Vol

©2019 STITZEL-WELLER DISTILLING CO., LOUISVILLE, KY.

About Diageo

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits, beer and wine categories.  These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B, Buchanan’s, and Windsor whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world.  The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO).  For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com.  Visit Diageoa’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

STIRLING GLASSMAKERS LAUNCH REFILLABLE WHISKY ANGEL

A team of glassmakers has launched the perfect gift for whisky lovers – an angel filled with a dram they can drink.

Stirling giftware company Angels’ Share Glass created the refillable angel as an addition to their signature range following customer requests.

Customers told Managing Director Karen Somerville they loved collecting the firm’s glass angels – filled and sealed with the `Angels’ Share’ of whisky – but also wanted drinkable editions.

Mrs Somerville said: “Every time I met customers at whisky festivals and events, they would tell me how much they loved our award-winning angels but wanted one they could open and drink too.

“Instead of saving the dram for the angels, they wanted a taste of the `Angels’ Share’ so we’ve responded to feedback and created Refillable Whisky Angels.

“They will be filled with rarer whisky options and we’re also planning to offer limited editions of whiskies which are not easily accessible to give people something a bit different.” 

The `Angels’ Share’ is the measure of whisky lost to evaporation during the maturing process which, according to distillers’ legend, is taken away by angels.

The new refillable angels are designed by the firm’s Studio Manager and glassmaker Bee Hardy and come filled with different whiskies from several distilleries.

They are the same size as the original sealed Angels but have a cork attached to a ribbon which can be removed so the 25ml of single malt inside can be consumed and refilled.

Ms Hardy said: “We’ve created a decoration with a difference which we expect to be popular with customers.”

Meanwhile, the team are opening up their Bridge of Allan studio to give customers the chance to try their hand at glassblowing.

They can spend either a morning or an afternoon learning the basic techniques of lampwork glassmaking before creating a bauble, angel decoration or drink stirrer.

Ms Hardy said: “This is a rare opportunity to try your hand at a new experience – glassmaking with myself and my colleagues. 

“I’m passionate about the craft and we’re opening our doors so others can discover the joy of glassmaking. 

“It may even lead to the start of a fruitful hobby as well as being a fun day out to impress your friends. 

“No experience is needed although customers must be 16 or over.” 

To order the drinkable Angel, click HERE

To book a glass blowing session click HERE

Notes

Angels’ Share Glass is a family-run business based in Bridge of Allan, near Stirling. The firm was co-founded by Karen Somerville and her father Tom Young MBE – a world-renowned Master Craftsman who has been glassblowing and making lamp-work glassware for 60 years. More information about the company can be found at www.angelsshareglass.com

Order The COMPLETE Game of Thrones Single Malt Collection Today!

Act fast, they won’t be around for long

As the world is gripped by Game Of Thrones fever, we’re delighted to announce we have the complete Game Of Thrones Single Malt Collection available to order.

These definitely won’t be around for long, order today to avoid disappointment!

We ship all over the world
Next day UK delivery available

Game of Thrones Single Malt Collection

Winter is here! With the seventh and final series of Game of Thrones released in 2019, this collection of eight limited edition single malts is a true celebration of the hit HBO series. Each bottle in the collection is inspired by one of the seven Houses of Westeros and The Night’s Watch. Released by Diageo in collaboration with the makers of the series, each of the expressions features a unique design taken from the house sigils.

8x70cl

£398.00 – Order Now  SOLD OUT!

Orders dispatched w/c 3rd June
The collection consists of eight 70cl bottles including:
Cardhu Gold Reserve – House Targaryen – 40% abv
Clynelish Reserve – House Tyrell – 51.2% abv
Dalwhinnie Winter’s Frost – House Stark – 43% abv
Lagavulin 9 Year Old – House Lannister – 46% abv
Royal Lochnagar 12 Year Old – House Baratheon – 40% abv
The Singleton of Glendullan Select – House Tully – 40% abv
Talisker Select Reserve – House Greyjoy – 45.8% abv
Oban Bay Reserve – The Night’s Watch – 43% abv

MALTSTOCK 2019

Namesdropping

Time to drop some names of relaxed people who will be at Maltstock 2019! People you can meet and have a relaxed dram with, from September 7 – 9 at Maltstock! So get relaxed now and order your ticket in our online shop!

Annette, Bob, Klaas, Stan, Teun

Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1995 Sherry Cask

Single cask sherry butt from the Highland distillery bottled in 2019 by Hunter Laing & Co. for the First Editions series. 289 bottles at cask strength, 55.7%. Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1995 vintage Highland single malt Scotch whisky. Single sherry butt #15758 bottled 2019 by Hunter Laing & Co. for the First Editions series. 289 bottles.

Blair Athol Distillery was established in 1798 in Pitlochry and with footprints in four centuries it is one of oldest working malt whisky distilleries in Scotland. Purchased by Arthur Bell & Sons in1933 it is the spiritual ‘home’ of Arthur Bell’s range of blended scotch whisky complete with distillery visitor centre and Blair Athol Distillery tours. Although a large proportion of Blair Athol’s malt whisky cascades into blends, Bell’s to be precise, independent bottlings of Blair Athol single malts feature in the popular Connoisseurs Choice and Signatory Vintage ranges.

Shop – Blair Athol 23 Year Old – £109.58

https://youtu.be/0PtF6GZ-LxY

Feel like I’ve said this a lot already this year, but, hopefully for the final time…IT’S BACK! Now, i know my review of this is slightly delayed (by five months) – but it’s not a limited release and is now a regular feature, so i didn’t feel the need to rush the review. Also, I’ve tried the older one again for referencing and the differences are quite vast.  Something else I’ve also said a lot this year…Rachel Barrie is god. Cheers!

Whisky Reviews every Wednesday ~ Facebook.com/whiskytube ~ Twitter.com/whiskytube ~ Youtube.com/whiskywednesday

SAZERAC INTRODUCES “MISTER SAM,” HIGHLY LIMITED NEW BLENDED WHISKEY 

“Mister Sam” Whiskey is a Blend of Sazerac’s Finest American and Canadian Whiskeys and Pays Tribute to Late Seagram’s Leader
Sam Bronfman

Montreal, canada (April 9, 2019) – Sam Bronfman, or “Mister Sam,” as he was affectionately known, was the founder of the modern day distilled spirits industry.  Despite his humble origins as an immigrant to Canada from Imperial Russia in the late 1800s, Bronfman would go on to propel Seagram’s into the then largest and most successful distilled spirits company in the world.  Relentlessly focused on making and blending the finest whiskies possible, maintaining the highest quality standards in the industry, creating cutting edge packaging to appeal to consumers and driving incessant product innovation, “Mister Sam” created some of the world’s most iconic spirit brands while at the helm of the Seagram’s empire until his death in 1971.

Montreal, Canada served as the headquarters of the legendary Seagram Company and its patriarch Sam Bronfman.  The tie between the Seagram and Sazerac Companies was formed in the 1940s, when Sazerac’s owners became one of the first distributors of Seagram brands in the United States, forging a long lasting relationship between the two companies.  Today, Sazerac owns 15 former Seagram’s brands including the iconic Seagram’s V.O., Seagram’s Five Star, and Seagram’s ’83, along with its own Distillery in Montreal.

As a tribute to “Mister Sam” and the vast contribution he made to the industry, the Sazerac Company has developed a highly limited blended whiskey expression made with some of Sazerac’s finest American and Canadian Whiskeys.  The “Mister Sam” blend was created by Sazerac’s Master Blender Drew Mayville whose career included a 22 year stint at Seagram’s where he was the fourth and last Master Blender under the Seagram dynasty. Mayville had the vast array of Sazerac’s American and Canadian Whiskey stocks at his disposal while developing the final blend. This project holds a special place in Mayville’s heart, a native Canadian now living in Kentucky.

“I was thrilled to be able to work on the blend for this exciting tribute whiskey.  Mister Sam was known to say ‘Distilling is a science; Blending is an art,’ and he’s right.  Creating the elusive perfect blend is every bit about experimentation and precision.  We’re very proud of the whiskey we’ve created.”

So too is F. Paul Pacult, publisher/editor of F. Paul Pacult’s Spirits Journal, who has reviewed the “Mister Sam” blend and has given it Five Stars and notes that it is “An Instant Classic” with a finish “that’s hugely satisfying.”

Pacult’s complete “Mister Sam” tasting notes are as follows:

Nose:  Cigar box, pipe tobacco, Madeira cake, toffee in that order of ascent, but then there’s a rush of oaky vanilla, limestone, flint and sweetened breakfast cereal.  Hearty but elegant, woody but grainy, and floral yet spicy, quite an achievement.

Mouth:

Entry: Wow, this whiskey is high octane and scintillating, meaning there’s a lot happening here between the spirit fire and the oaky flavor and the lush texture, all pulling the taste profile forward.

Midpalate:  the majestic flavors blanket the palate with lush tastes of raisins, prunes, mince pie, candied walnut, chocolate covered cherry, heather honey, toasted marshmallow, praline, nougat, pecan pie.

Texture: Full bodied; oily; viscous

Finish: The aftertaste merely underscores all the attributes and virtues identified in the aroma, entry, and midpalate, bringing them into a grand finale that’s hugely satisfying.

Bottled at Sazerac’s Old Montreal Distillery in Montreal, Quebec, “Mister Sam” is 133.8 Proof and will be released once a year.  The recently bottled 2019 release features just 1,200 750ml bottles and will be sold only in the United States and Canada.  Suggested Retail Price is $249.99.  Bottles of “Mister Sam” will be housed in an elegant wooden box which will include a copy of the legendary “From Little Acorns” book which Sam Bronfman penned in 1970 and which details the history of the Seagram’s company.

The Old Montreal Distillery, located adjacent to the Port and Old Montreal, dates back to 1929. Sazerac purchased the Distillery in 2011 and brought distilling back to Old Montreal for the first time in decades when it installed a still and began producing whisky in early 2018. The Distillery employs more than 100 employees and is currently undergoing renovations to add a  visitor center and gift shop. It plans to start offering tours by the end of 2019.

About Sazerac

Sazerac is one of America’s oldest family owned, privately held distillers with operations in the United States in Louisiana, Kentucky, Indiana, Virginia, Tennessee, Maine, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Maryland, California, and global operations in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, India, Australia and Canada. For more information on Sazerac, please visit www.sazerac.com.