DOUBLE CASK DC101

After a long wait, our new Double Cask (DC101) is ready to be released.

DC101 is comprised of American and French oak casks, six in total, ranging from 10 to 12 years old.

“This whisky is a big, warm, round, malty hug. The nose has heaps of creaming soda, canned peaches and rose petals with lots of lovely warm malt too. On the palate we taste toffee apple, warm spices, white chocolate and a hint of pencil box, then on the finish there’s an explosion of malty chocolate with more ripe stone fruits and lemon curd.” Heather Tillott, Production Manager

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 Three New Mortlach Releases

Everyone should have a Morty

“There is not perhaps a distillery in Scotland that has so many private customers as Mortlach from whisky spirits are sent not only over the three kingdom’s to families, but to America, India, China and Australia, in all of whisky Mr. Cowie has customers that prefer his distillation to others.” Elgin Current 1868

Mortlach Distillery dates from 1823, But it was not till railroad surveyer George Cowie came in 1853 that its reputation began to soar. He became sole owner in 1867, and began a tradition that continues to this day. George’s son Alexander took over in 1897 after studying at the University Aberdeen and medical service in Vienna and Hong Kong. Working with distillery architect Charles Doig he expanded the distillery expanded and and put the 2.81 distillation process in place.

The distillery is in Dufftown, the first of seven in that highland town.

Mortlach Distillery is special as is the whisky, good portion of which goes into Johnnie Walker.

They use worm tubs for body and distill the whiskey 2.81 times. A smaller still is called The Wee Witchie .

s nice to see that they are releasing so very nice bottling. You will not go wrong with any of them. 

The 12 Y.O. is a wonderful sherried single malt is called The Wee Witchie good balance, nice all around, very nice finish. Has a little heat but a few drops of water puts it in a very nice place. Also Good Price.

The 16 Y.O. The Distiller’s Dram – Is going to be the sweet spot, it is the heaviest on the sherry, it has the heat as well, not in a bad way,and adding a little water really opens it up, nice balance, the finish is long and inviting, sit back for the ride. – A Cracker

The 20 Y.O. Cowie’s Blue Seal – 1973 Glenrinnes Lodge,                  This is an intricate whisky, recreating Dr. Alexander Cowie’s Private Stock, 12 bottles of a deliciously complex dram dating back to 1909 that his daughter found hidden when his house was renovated .

I have a feeling that there are single malts in this bottling older than the 20 Y.O. Statement maybe by 3-5 yrs., maybe even by 5 – 10 years. Could this blend contain whisky up to 30 Y.O.? – I am not sure.

I am sure that all 3 of this distilleries bottling are Very Good – Very Good All Around . You will not regret any of them. I will recommend to you what you will appreciate the most. You would regret having to wait for the next shipment to arrive.

Mortlach 12 Y.O. 43.4% Ex Sherry and Ex Bourbon casks.

Rich, fruity and vibrant with hints of umami, light spice, dark chocolate and cherries, leading to a smooth dry finish.    $57.99

Mortlach 16 Y.O. 43.4% 100% Ex Sherry cask

  Intense, rich and spicy with hints of clove, nutmeg and dar berries, leading to a lingering, surprisingly sweet yet dry finish.  $109.99

Mortlach 20 Y.O. 43.4% Ex Sherry and Whisky Refill

 Deep, complex and savory with hints of cedar wood, aromatic citrus, cocoa nibs and berries, leading to a long spicy finish.    $214.99

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1990 Port Dundas 28 Year Old “Sovereign” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Grain Scotch Whisky (750ml) $99.99 View

1988 Cambus 29 Year Old “Sovereign” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Grain Scotch Whisky (750ml) $109.99 View

Johnnie Walker Blue “Ghost and Rare Port Ellen Edition” Blended Scotch Whisky (750ml) $249.99 View

ralfy’s 10th ! 

https://youtu.be/GMtfMqhI0jA

TOBERMORY DISTILLERY CELEBRATES RELAUNCH WITH NEW SIGNATURE EXPRESSION

One of Scotland’s oldest distilleries, Tobermory, is celebrating its return to production following a 24 month intermission during which time the distillery team have been obsessively perfecting and crafting a new signature expression – Tobermory 12 Year Old.

During the past two years, the Hebridean distillery has been on a journey of self-discovery taking inspiration from the town and its colourful houses along the harbour. Tobermory has always sat at the centre of a vibrant and artistic community, which has shaped its expressive style. Today, this is borne-out with a bold, new confidence that is reflective of the creative and artistic talent across the Isle of Mull, as Tobermory showcases its craft and skill at distilling more than just memorable malts.

To celebrate the reawakening of Tobermory Distillery and the launch of its new 12 Year Old expression, two gallery unveiling events are being held in the UK. The first will take place in London on 27^th March with the second event being hosted in Glasgow on 3^rd April. They will reveal the vibrant new packaging, which is reflective of the distillery’s colourful Hebridean home, as well as offer the first tastings of Tobermory 12 Year Old.

An expression of the iconic coloured houses that sit on the harbour at Tobermory, the distinctive new 12 Year Old liquid is vibrant on the palette. Using non-peated barley and water from the distillery’s private source, the whisky is created using tried and tested methods that allow the art of the Hebridean distiller to shine through.

Guests will also have a unique opportunity to view two original pieces of art donated to the distillery by Catherine Ross, who completed the first Artist in Residence programme at Tobermory last year. Her works will be supported by photographer Euan Miles who has successfully captured the essence of the distillery and the island on camera, which in turn has been used to create standout packaging across all the spirits produced at the Hebridean Distillery.

Tobermory distillery has consistently been innovative and unusual, its lone existence on the Isle of Mull has nurtured an artisanal approach to whisky production over the centuries, operating two production cycles during the year. One to produce an unpeated malt, Tobermory while the other creates a peated version, Ledaig. This Spring will not only mark the return of whisky production, but it will also see the distillery venture into new spirits too and guests attending the two events will have an advance preview of what’s in the pipeline for 2019.

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

“The past two years have been a voyage of discovery; we have all been on an incredible journey with Tobermory and it is far from over. It’s a dream for any of us in the industry to be given a beautiful Hebridean distillery nestled in the centre of an iconic and vibrant community and answer the question ‘what is its future?’. It’s been fascinating watching the character of Tobermory almost answer that question all by itself, which is why it’s so exciting to now be on the cusp of launching the 12YO.

“The distillery has a rich tapestry of stories to share and the latest chapter follows on from the success of our Artist in Residence programme last year and the works our first artist Catherine Ross has donated. These perfectly complement the heritage of the distillery and its island home and we are very excited to see the creativity that spins out of this year’s residency as we hope to welcome more rising stars during 2019 and beyond.”

Find out more about Tobermory Distillery at www.tobermorydistillery.com

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

Kilchoman Sauternes Finish Was Awarded Best Whisky of 2018 by Cigars Lover Magazine!

The Sauternes Finish has been awarded the Best Whisky of 2018 by Cigars Lover Magazine after scoring an amazing 92 points in a blind tasting competing with over 200 whiskies from around the world!

The Sauternes Finish is a limited edition release of only 10,000 bottles from 30 casks.  It was initially matured in ex-bourbon barrels before being transferred into fresh Sauternes hogsheads for five months prior to bottling.

Described by Cigars Lover tasting panel as “Intense, structured and harmonious. The deep aroma of the peat is refreshed by citrus, giving rise to an excellent aromatic bouquet.”

Nose: Maritime peat smoke, citrus and tropical fruit with hints of buttery sweetness.

Palate: Soft creamy chocolate and liquorice with waves of peat smoke, cinnamon and mixed fruit.

Finish: Layered peat smoke and fruit with lasting honey sweetness.

This follows news that Whisky Advocate gave Kilchoman the honor of being in the Top 20 Whiskies of 2018, and that Sanaig won ‘Best Peated Whisky’ from the Whisky World Cup!

Whisky Advocate writes: ‘To determine our Top 20, we begin by looking only at whiskies that rated “outstanding” (90 points or higher on Whisky Advocate’s 100-point scale)’

href=”https://impexbev.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=015fa69c1fef0d8de97fb4d76&id=54b151b535&e=110a891535″>Sanaig has been judged Best Peated Whisky at the Whisky World Cup 2018 after more than 2000 people cast their votes in 32 blind tastings held at whisky clubs across Sweden.

• Every bottle of Kilchoman is hand bottled on Islay at a minimum of 46% ABV allowing for the full-bodied character of the whisky to shine through.
• Kilchoman Distillery ships all their barrels whole directly to Islay. Their Bourbon Barrels are sourced exclusively from Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky, and their Sherry Casks from Miguel Martin in Jerez, Spain.
• Kilchoman Distillery’s stills are amongst the smallest in Scotland, increasing copper contact and creating unmatched balance and complexity.
• Kilchoman Single Malt is never chill-filtered or colored; the whisky is a pure, unfiltered representation of traditional whisky distilling.

Please feel free to reach out for more details on the bottling: office@impexbev.com

There are few things many whisky connoisseurs love more than a good Single Cask whisky. We have a fantastic selection here at The Whisky Shop.

Take a look at our top picks.

Unique | Different | Interesting

MACALLAN EXCEPTIONAL SINGLE CASK 8167/02
Available now

Relaunched in 2017, the Macallan Exceptional Single Cask series is responsible for some truly spectacular single cask expressions from the 1990s which are often reported to be some of the greatest expressions the distillery has ever released.

This single cask, #8167/02, was distilled on 9th September 2002 and matured in a European oak sherry puncheon for 15 years before being bottled on 2nd May 2018. Selected for the series by Macallan Whisky Maker Sarah Burgess, this expression is limited to just 627 bottles at a cask strength of 60.1% abv.

£2,999 – Buy Now

Learn more here

GLEN SCOTIA 2006 BOURBON CASK THE WHISKY SHOP EXCLUSIVE

Distilled in December 2006 and matured in a single first-fill ex-bourbon barrel for eleven years, this Campbeltown single malt was bottled exclusively for The Whisky Shop in April 2018. Just 212 bottles have been filled, each one presented at a cask strength of 55.6% abv.

The nose has juicy fruit notes with a trace of vanilla and a subtle maritime influence. The palate is smooth, with sweet notes from the bourbon cask adding to the classic salty Campbeltown character. The finish brings a gentle spice with oak notes lingering.

£85 – Buy Now

Learn more here

TAMDHU 30 YEAR OLD PLATINUM OLD & RARE
Now in stock

Distilled at Speyside’s Tamdhu distillery in July 1987, this single cask bottling from Hunter Laing & Co.’s Platinum Old & Rare Selection has been matured in a single sherry butt for three decades. Bottled in July 2017 free from chill-filtration and without articial colouring, only 533 bottles have been produced at a natural cask strength of 53.9% abv.

The nose has orange marmalade and candied sweetness with a touch of apricot. The palate brings dried fruits with subtle spices and rich smooth toffee alongside massive sherry notes. The finish has more complex fruits and a developing sweet note atop a hint of honey.

£250 – Buy Now

Learn more here

THE LOCH FYNE SPRINGBANK 28 YEAR OLD

This single cask from Loch Fyne Whiskies in Inveraray was distilled at Campbeltown’s Springbank distillery in 1989 and matured for almost three decades before bottling in 2018 produced just 211 bottles. Presented at a natural cask strength of 40.07% abv, this limited edition was awarded the accolade of Liquid Gold in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2019.

Described as “a big, soft, archetypal Springbank that delivers an encyclopaedia of aromas and flavours, from honeyed sweetness to spiced ripe fruit with a long, warming and delicate finish.”

£350 – Buy Now

Learn more here

1988 Cambus 29 Year Old “Sovereign” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Grain Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($109.99)

The shuttererd Cambus distillery had a spectacular history in the development of modern whisky and has had an equally important, albeit shorter and more recent, history in K&L’s direct import program. At the dawn of the 20th century not everyone was in agreement that grain whisky produced on a Coffey still could actually be considered whisky. The extraordinary quality of Cambus was a key component in establishing that precedent which is a huge part of today’s whisky trade. In fact, for many years, Cambus formed a large portion of Johnnie Walker Blue. Unfortunately for whisky fans everywhere, Cambus was closed by Diageo in 1993. As a result, every dram is a piece of history and one step closer to the extinction of a classic. With stocks dwindling, we are thrilled that we have yet again been able to grab a cask for your and our drinking pleasure. Nearly 30 years in barrel has resulted in this grain whisky being devilishly smooth. The soft fruit and surprisingly subtle barrel influence goes down much too easy.

The UK’s greatest showcase of fine old and rare whiskies just got better. We are pleased to announce an exclusive show bottling for Whisky Show: Old & Rare 2019.

Please welcome The Single Malts of Scotland Director’s Special Ardbeg 25 Year Old. A single-cask release of single malt whisky from the cult distillery – only 175 bottles produced.

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Vignettes in Whisky

Trip to Taiwan – part 1/3

By Mark Dermul, Belgium

Apart from being a whisky blogger and vlogger, Mark Dermul from Belgium also works part time as whisky expert for the auction platform Catawiki. In that capacity he was recently sent – together with two colleagues – to Taiwan on a whisky business trip.

This is his report.

Part 1 of 3.

It goes without saying that one does not visit Taiwan without visiting the Kavalan Distillery in Yilan. It was, in fact, our first order of business.

Kavalan Distillery

Our tour was rather early, so our group was relatively small. The typical load of tourists had yet to arrive. It’s important to realize that Kavalan is visited by some 1 million (!) visitors per year. That’s a tenfold what Glendiffich – Scotland’s most popular destination in terms of whisky tourism – get per year. Hence their visitor center, shop and tasting room – or Spirits Castle as it is aptly named – is the size of a sports arena.

We were first presented with a 15 minute corporate video in the convention center, allowing us to discover that the King Car Group does so much more than just whisky. Milk products, Mr Brown Coffee, shrips, orchids, bio products, bug sprays, Buckskin beer… The list goes on. Factories can be found in Taiwan, but also in China and Vietnam.

It took about 3 full minutes to drive from the convention center to the distillery grounds – it is a vast project to say the least – where our guide was already waiting for us. All the steps of the whisky production were explained in detail. The guide’s English was very good, which was a good thing as my Chinese is limited to hello and thank you. She very patiently took us through the distillery, stopping in the mash room, distillery rooms (plural, there are three of them!) and warehouse.

After the expansion of 2018, Kavalan now has 2 distilleries in fact, plant A and plant B. It is one of the big players in the world. The still houses contain both classic pot stills by Forsyths of Scotland and German Holzstein column stills used for both grain whisky and the new Kavalan gin (coming to Europe in 2019). The production capacity is now a whopping 9 million liters per annum.

Funny detail: the distillery is adorned with information boards with the production explained in both Chinese and English (you can do a tour by yourself as well, even with audio guide), but not all the photos were from the Kavalan distillery. I discovered quite a few photos that were taken at my favorite Lowlander Auchentoshan. Serendipity!

Once past the mash tuns, washbacks and still, we were able to take a look in the warehouse where the casks are actually maturing upright! Maturation is done on a mix of bourbon, sherry, port, rum, wine and brandy casks. As far as sherry goes, the casks previously contained PX, Oloroso, Manzanilla, Amontillado and Fino. Surely you have seen them, for they are released in the popular and award-winning Solist range.

Our guide goes on to proudly explain that Kavalan whisky is now available in over 200 countries and their malts have amassed over 200 rewards. That is quite a feat for a distillery that has only been around since 2005.

But when all is said and done, I found the tour to be rather short. It took less than 45 minutes before we were invited to the obligatory stop in the shop. I took the opportunity to purchase the Distillery Reserve – limited releases of about 300 bottles of 30cl only available at the distillery. This time around, it was a Kavalan Peaty Cask and a Kavalan Rum Cask.

While the rest of the group seemed ready to get back into their cars, I certainly was not. I still wanted to do something extra…. You’ve guessed it: shooting one of my whisky ramblings for Youtube.

After this whisky adventure, it was high time for a hearty lunch in the heart of the city.

Part 2 will be published on February 24th and the final part 3 will be published on March 3rd.