. . . I bought this in a supermarket !

https://youtu.be/tE8ZZ4Hckxk

Hockey Hall of Famer Ed Belfour Launches Second Career: Belfour Spirits

Ultra-Premium Whiskey Brand Debuts with Three Products in Illinois and Texas

DALLAS (Oct. 1, 2019) – Belfour Spirits proudly announces the launch of its ultra-premium whiskey brand and family of products, The Spirit of Champions™. The company is founded and led by Hockey Hall of Famer, Stanley Cup winner and Olympian Ed Belfour who teamed up with his son and daughter to translate his on-ice intensity into a new passion: hand-crafting spirits with unique character for whiskey aficionados and cocktail enthusiasts.

“There are a lucky few who do what they love, not once in a lifetime, but twice,” said Ed Belfour, president and CEO of Belfour Spirits, who retired in 2008 after 21 years of playing professional hockey. “For me, this is the perfect career, post hockey. There are so many similarities in this business to the sport – the competition, the art of distilling, the creativity in barrel selection, the dedication required, the camaraderie of the team. I feel blessed to work alongside my family and work to build what I hope is a second legacy for the Belfour name.”

The Belfour Spirits’ debut has been marked with high regards already from industry tasters, including Mark Gillespie of WhiskyCast, who rated the Bourbon Whiskey Finished with Texas Pecan Wood a 93 and the Rye Whiskey a 91, both out of 100 points.

A Five-Year Training Camp

For the past five years, two generations of the Belfour family (including Ed, son Dayn, 30, and daughter Reaghan, 27) have been working toward one goal: to produce a whiskey worthy of a championship; one that tastes as luxurious as its unique packaging: a 1920s-inspired, decanter-like bottle with a pattern that resembles cut crystal.

But additional generations of Belfours had a hand in this in the 1930s. “My grandparents in Canada were moonshiners, so we like to think this was our destiny,” Ed says.

Applying lessons learned by both father and son during their respective, professional hockey careers and industry education from attending two whiskey schools (Canadian Craft Distilling Institute in Kelowna, B.C., and Moonshine University in Louisville, Ky.), they have used teamwork, patience and attention to detail to distill 1,700 barrels of whiskey to date.

From Barrel to Bottle

All but 12 of its 1,700 barrels were distilled and continue to age in Statesville, N.C., by Ed and Dayn, in partnership with Southern Distilling.

They made the other 12 barrels first during Dayn’s internship at Woody Creek Distillery in Basalt, Colo. Those barrels aged the brand’s Limited Edition Straight Rye Whiskey. Fewer than 2,700 bottles exist and all are presented in a one-of-a-kind collector’s bottle and box.

“We meticulously handcraft in small batches, paying attention to the art of barrel selection, charring and blending, and marrying that with the science of fermentation, distillation and aging,” said Dayn Belfour, vice president of distilling and production for Belfour Spirits, who played professional hockey as a goalie until he was 26. “Our whiskey is intentionally well balanced, not too heavy with sweet or spice, and every bottle is infused with our family’s shared, immense passion.”

Three spirits are included in the brand’s debut: 

Rye Whiskey                                                                          47% ABV, 94 Proof, 750 ML

A nontraditional tasting Rye Whiskey, this spirit honors a nostalgic mash bill profile and has unexpected flavors for its kind.

• Appearance: Golden honey, medium amber

• Nose: A burnt sea salted vanilla caramel aroma, leather
• Taste: Sweet caramel, butterscotch, cinnamon
• Finish: Full-bodied velvety warmth that lingers with a peppermint finish 

Bourbon Whiskey Finished With Texas Pecan Wood                   46% ABV, 92 Proof, 750 ML

The majestic beauty of a 300-year-old, oversized pecan tree on the old Belfour ranch in North Texas inspired this unique spirit. This Bourbon Whiskey aged in American white oak barrels then spent extra time mellowing with added staves of Texas pecan wood, imparting subtle notes of brown sugar and heavy notes of smoky roasted pecan.

• Appearance: Golden honey, light amber
• Nose: Nutty, butterscotch, crème brulee
• Taste: Smoky vanilla, molasses
• Finish: Long mellow warmth with a rich mouthfeel layered with vanilla 

Limited Edition Straight Rye Whiskey                                50% ABV, 100 Proof, 750 ML

This Limited Edition is offered at 100 proof and presented in an autographed collector’s bottle, featuring a 1 oz. chalice cork that is plated in sterling silver.

• Appearance: Golden honey, light amber
• Nose: Smoke pear, plum, dark chocolate
• Taste: Light almond, white pepper, pear, apple
• Finish: Elegant lingering smoke, lasting warmth

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits will distribute Belfour Spirits in Illinois and Texas beginning Oct. 1, 2019. Consumers are encouraged to visit their local fine spirits stores and restaurants to inquire about the availability of Belfour Spirits.

About Belfour Spirits

Led by Hockey Hall of Famer Ed Belfour, Belfour Spirits is an ultra-premium whiskey producer known for its spirits’ unique character and stunning packaging. In 2014, the Belfour family began their journey to hand craft exceptionally smooth and well-balanced whiskey made from the finest ingredients. Today, the company has distilled and is aging more than 1,700 barrels of whiskey. Belfour Spirits distributes in Illinois and Texas with additional markets expected to follow in 2020. To learn more, visit belfourspirits.com.

Record breaking Scotch Whisky Industry Charity Auction raises over £370k for leading Scottish cancer charity

Glasgow, Scotland – At The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, the parties involved in the Scotch Whisky Industry Charity Auction for Beatson Cancer Charity gathered to mark the success in raising funds and awareness for the charity: The Auction smashed auction estimates by achieving a record-breaking £371,950.

This amount includes the hammer price total, plus 100% of the buyer commission donated by auction host Whisky Auctioneer along with other donations associated with the Auction.

Beatson Cancer Charity supports people and families affected by cancer, from providing wellbeing and patient care services to funding pioneering research and specialist clinical posts.

The inspiration and driving force for the auction came from Ian Curle, former CEO of Edrington and former Chairman of the Scotch Whisky Association, who benefitted first-hand from the skill and dedication of the clinicians at The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre.

The collection of 103 exceptional whiskies from over 30 different distilleries and independent bottlers encompassed the very best of the Scotch Whisky Industry and generated a significant level of interest globally, with over 4,200 bids placed by 321 bidders from across 35 countries.

Of particular interest were the one-of-a-kind whiskies bottled exclusively for the auction. One of these, the Bunnahabhain 50 Year Old Beatson Sherry Cask No.1 of 1, donated by Distell, is the oldest official bottling ever released by the Islay-based distillery and raised a stunning £12,650 (inc. buyer commission), which is £7,000 more than the previous auction record for an official Bunnahabhain bottling.

A further unique whisky was specially bottled and donated by Ian MacLeod Distillers, representing their first release in their role as new owners of the soon to be resurrected Rosebank Distillery. The Rosebank 1989 Single Cask 29 Year Old #2477 No. 1 of 1 raised £17,600 (inc. buyer commission), over £10,000 more than the previous auction record for an official Rosebank bottling.

Record UK auction prices were also achieved for The Macallan 1949 Millennium Decanter 50 Year Old, which raised £36,300 (inc. buyer commission) and Dalmore 1978 Constellation 33 Year Old Cask #1, which raised £7,370 (inc. buyers commission).  Previous prices included in this release are retrieved from data held by rare whisky analysts Rare Whisky 101.

Martin Cawley, Beatson Cancer Charity CEO said, “We have been absolutely overwhelmed by the success of this exciting initiative and extremely grateful to everyone involved in making it happen, whether they donated a bottle, helped with the organisation of the auction, or indeed purchased one of the vintage whiskies.  Everyone worked together to make this fundraising initiative such a wonderful success.  The amount raised exceeded all expectations and we are delighted at the outcome!  Our aim is to enhance the lives of people living with cancer and their families by providing practical care and support working closely with our colleagues at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre.  I can assure you this money will make a huge positive contribution to people’s lives.”

Commenting on the auction result, Ian Curle said, “We are delighted with the outcome of the auction, which wouldn’t have been possible without the collaboration of all parties involved. The sum raised is testimony to the generosity and support of my former colleagues and friends across the Scotch Whisky industry. A special thanks must go to Whisky Auctioneer who provided their services free of charge and donated their commissions to Beatson Cancer Charity. We were proud to come together to support the exceptional work of Beatson Cancer Charity which supports people through their cancer journey every step of the way.”

Iain McClune, Whisky Auctioneer Founder, said “We are blown away by the results of the auction and could not be more delighted to see Beatson Cancer Charity receive £371,950 towards their vital work. The Scotch Whisky industry has been unreserved in their generosity, donating some truly incredible whiskies that have attracted interest from around the world, achieving deserved record prices. We are truly honoured to have been asked to host the auction and would like to thank everyone involved in making it such a huge success.”

Karen Betts, Chief Executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, added, “It’s fabulous news that so much money has been raised for the Beatson Cancer Charity through the generosity of the Scotch Whisky industry and Whisky Auctioneer. The industry’s commitment to supporting organisations such as the Beatson in their provision of outstanding support to cancer patients in Scotland is testament to its spirit of generosity and collaboration.  Our congratulations go to everyone who was involved.”

The auction ran from 13 September and closed on 23 September.

Photographs can be found here (caption as below, and caption is also included in photograph information): https://whiskylink.co/swicapostauction

L to R, Alan Kilpatrick BEM, Kenneth Ferguson, Donna McLeod, Tom MacLaren, Ian Curle, Martin Cawley, Nathan Kaczmarski, Azmat Sadozye, David Glen, Jo Cook, Kirsty Nimmo, Lindsay McGarvie.

A link to the full auction is here:

https://www.whiskyauctioneer.com/scotch-whisky-industry-charity-auction

For more information about the auction or to register to participate in future auctions please visit https://www.whiskyauctioneer.com

For further information, please contact:

Nathan Kaczmarski, Whisky Auctioneer, nathan.kaczmarski@whiskyauctioneer.com 01738 245 576 or 07538 062 076

Graeme Littlejohn, Scotch Whisky Association, glittlejohn@swa.org.uk 0207 073 0544

Rosie Willmot, Scotch Whisky Association, rwillmot@swa.org.uk  0131 222 9225

About Beatson Cancer Charity

Beatson Cancer Charity supports people and families affected by cancer. From providing wellbeing and patient care services to funding pioneering research and specialist clinical posts, the Glasgow based charity reaches out to cancer patients across the West of Scotland and beyond. Working alongside the NHS and university partners, Beatson Cancer Charity strives to support The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre.

About The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre is an internationally renowned institution, one of the most innovative and modern cancer centres in the world and one of the busiest in terms of clinical activity and patient numbers. Each year The Beatson sees more than 8000 new patients and delivers more than 35,000 courses of chemotherapy and 6,800 courses of radiotherapy.

The Beatson has a catchment area of 2.5 million people, around 50% of the Scottish population. It is the primary centre for all radiotherapy and chemotherapy delivery to the population of the West of Scotland.

The Beatson is staffed by some 650 highly skilled and dedicated healthcare professionals across a range of disciplines.

About Whisky Auctioneer

Whisky Auctioneer is dedicated to the valuation and auctioning of fine and rare whiskies. We deal in whisky for the love of whisky, using our passion to support customers in valuing their collection, showcasing their whiskies to a wider audience and connecting it to those for whom whisky is also a passion – whether they be collectors, investors or connoisseurs.

 Whisky Auctioneer also looks for opportunities to support those undertaking charitable fundraising through our auctions and this has led to more than £7,000 being generated through auctions for causes including Islay Defibrillators, Street Soccer UK, Logan’s Fund, Leuchie House, the Feis Ile Committee and the Islay Pollinator Project.

Since 2013, Whisky Auctioneer has held regular monthly auctions. Each month our auctions feature over 5,000 whiskies and spirits. With a customer base of more than 30,000 registered users from 125 countries, sellers’ lots are shown to a truly global audience.

 Our easy-to-use and responsive site sees 60,000 bids each month.

 Our passion for whisky has gained us respect and authority from our customers, leading to world record hammer prices each month.

About Scotch Whisky Association

The Scotch Whisky Association is the trade body for the Scotch Whisky industry. With over 70 member companies, and more than a century’s experience of looking after the interests of this iconic industry, the SWA is recognised as one of the leading trade associations in the UK and is a respected and recognised voice in markets around the world.

The SWA strives to deliver the best possible global business environment for Scotch Whisky, in order to ensure Scotch Whisky continues to be the world’s premier whisky and consumers’ spirit of choice.

To achieve this, the Association works closely with members, with the UK and Scottish governments, international governments, and other partners to shape the future in favour of Scotch.

Award-Winning Whiskeys from a Thrilling New Distiller
“If New Riff is not on your radar, you need to follow them.
They’re one of the most exciting new distilleries in the world.” — Fred Minnick for Forbes

New Riff founders Ken Lewis and Jay Erisman have decades of experience in the spirits industry, specifically on the retail side of the business. Ken founded The Party Source—the largest independent retail shop in Kentucky. Jay was his spirits buyer—the man responsible for doing things like bottling single casks of Pappy back in the day. In 2014, eager to take the next step in their careers, Ken decided to sell the shop to his employees and build a brand new distillery in the parking lot. From day one, the vision has been to make quality whiskey. Jay and Ken, while two of the most knowledgeable people on the retail side of the spirits business, had in fact never made whiskey before. So, they hired Larry Ebersold and Brian Sprance to dial it in. Larry was the former master distiller at Seagram’s, known today as LDI and the source of the vast majority of “craft” whiskey on the market. Brian was a longtime brewing manager at Boston Beer Company. Together, these two guys have as much experience fermenting and distilling at the highest level as nearly anyone on the planet.

Available in California exclusively from K&L Wine Merchants, we are proud to partner with another fiercely independent family-owned spirits business to bring some of the best whiskey on the market to our customers.The result is a crack team of experts start to finish—production on through to marketing and sales—all with a palate for the good stuff. Their commitment to excellence goes well beyond hiring the best in the business. They have a few uncompromising values when it comes to their whiskey. It will always be unchillfiltered, and every drop is bottled-in-bond in accordance with the oldest and highest quality standard in American whiskey (unless it’s a single cask at full proof). Their first release came in the fall of 2018 when the youngest barrels were aged up to the minimum 4-year-old requirement to be bottled-in-bond. By March of 2019, they won Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits competition for all five of their entrants—the bourbon, rye, single barrel bourbon, and two fabulous gins. It is the most impressive haul by a new distillery we have ever seen.

New Riff Bottled-In-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) ($44.99)

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 20, 2019

The importance of what New Riff has done can’t be stated in a single review. The true magnitude of their accomplishments can only be understood when looking at the larger picture of the American whiskey industry and where they fit into it. As with any whiskey though, the story isn’t fully told until you get it in your glass and judge for yourself. I love the combination of richness and spice in the bourbon. In particular, the high (30%) rye content really amps up the experience. While the sweet vanillins and caramels of the barrel create a base for the whiskey, it’s the high toned peaks of rye aromatics that make the pour sing. Pepper and cinnamon abound, but the touch of dried alfalfa adds the savor needed to make it a complete drinking experience, not just a sweet and spice bomb. The finish lingers, both long and well rounded. Perfect at 100 proof, as required by the Bottled-In-Bond Act of 1897, you have many options for enjoying this one. Neat is never a bad idea, but the savory notes play extremely well with vermouth if you want to mix up some cocktails. There is enough punch that a little water or ice isn’t going to dilute you past the point of intense aromatics and flavor either.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 26, 2019

Easily one of the most exciting new distillers in KY, and we’re proud to be the partner for these incredible products. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill craft distillery, this is a proper, modern Kentucky style distillery. It’s not a tiny capacity, working on experiments and trying to reinvent the wheel. They’re just cranking out great whisky and we’re along for the ride. The flagship BIB bourbon is extremely well balanced and proof positive that craft whiskey doesn’t need to be old to be delicious. I’m not sure if they’re heat-cycling these warehouses, but they are rubbing all the edges of this little gem. A soft nose of sweet tea, deep oak, caramelized orange peel, and hints of earthy maltiness. On the palate it’s somewhat tropical, with a strawberry candy front palate building into a strong spice toward the back. It’s not a slouch and definitely has a spice backbone that’s going to suit lovers of Four Roses or Wild Turkey just fine. Despite the name, New Riff isn’t new school at all. Just great classic bourbon from an independent distillery that we’re unbelievably lucky to be a part of.

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

This is a medium bodied bourbon with a wonderful sweet nose with caramel notes. In the mouth there are caramel and honey flavors with a pleasing dry finish. I though that it was very good with and without the addition of water. It will be great alone or in cocktails.

Neal Fischer | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 20, 2019

Balsa wood, incense, and musky cologne emerge from the glass. Cinnamon, clove, and other earthy spices come to the fore and dominate the nose of this bottled-in-bond bourbon that’s woody and peppery enough to make one wonder if it’s a rye. There’s just enough caramel to keep things in bourbon territory though, with freshly sliced vanilla bean and nutmeg creeping in and making the nose a bit more rich and voluptuous. It’s woodier on the palate with more bold spice character as well. This is definitely a great whiskey for lovers of high-rye bourbons.

New Riff Bottled-In-Bond Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml) ($44.99)

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 20, 2019

When you start a new distillery, it’s not uncommon (for the savvy operators) to hire a longtime industry pro to make sure the setup of the facility is up to snuff. If you’re really dedicated to making great whiskey, you hire the best. If you’re dedicated to making great rye, that means you find the man who has a reasonable claim to having distilled more rye whiskey than anyone on earth. Larry Ebersold spent 40+ years making whiskey at what is today known as MGP—at one time the largest whiskey distillery on the planet—and he is responsible for making an enormous portion of the bourbon and rye available on the market today. The investment in great people has paid off in a big way for New Riff. They let Larry order up the “small” distillery of his dreams and implemented a few new ideas he had that were not in the cards at a massive facility like MGP. A bit unusual in that it is 100% rye (95% rye and 5% malted rye) this is a dissertation on why rye is such a compelling distillation grain. It’s both spicy in flavor and plush on the palate. There is a small floral and grassy component that is intense but not perfumy or overly sweet. The cinnamon and pepper that is so clear in the high-rye bourbon, counterintuitively melts into the core of this 100% rye. Bottled-in-bond, this Fall 2019 bottling is a masterpiece and rightly deserves to be where New Riff hangs their hat.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 26, 2019

While everyone is talking about the New Riff bourbons, I think it’s the rye that’s secretly their most exciting product. New Riff bourbons are high rye already, but they follow sort of the standard Kentucky process. With the rye, New Riff is actually riffing a bit on the classic Larry Ebersold Seagram’s mashbill that’s made the rye from the distillery down river so famous. This is 100% rye with 5% of that being malted rye. The resulting whisky is earthy and complex. It doesn’t have the obvious mint qualities of some other 100% ryes, instead replacing those with a dark underbrush aroma that’s really appealing. Still, an evergreen quality and some sweet oak give this an obvious forest essence that I think will become a hallmark of New Riff’s wonderful ryes. The palate is very forgiving without relinquishing the savoriness, but offering tons of flambeed citrus, roasting herbs, Manuka honey and a round creamy texture. This one loves a bit of water.

Neal Fischer | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 20, 2019

This bottled-in-bond no chill-filtered Kentucky rye has a gorgeous and incredibly aromatic nose. It’s so floral at the start, but not without spicy and fruity notes. This is a bit of a slow-burner rye, where you almost expect it to be a softy push-over, but rest assured that this grows bolder the more you sniff. After the fresh-cut flowers, apple and cinnamon come out strong. But for me, it’s not like a friendly baked apple pie – no, this is fresh ground cinnamon powder dashed onto just-cut green apples. This is intense. There’s more spice on the palate that lights you up without blowing your head off. Charred oak meets fresh cut wood with incense before getting spicy again with a dose of cooling mint to spare your tongue from the burn. This is a fun little trip of a rye.

New Riff “Single Barrel #15-4076” Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) ($49.99)

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 20, 2019

Distilled in the fall of 2015 and bottled in the fall of 2019, barrel #15-4076 clocks in at 112.4 proof. More than one of our staff members muttered impressed profanities under their breath upon tasting this barrel. It’s jammed with expanding flavors ranging from caramel, chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg, to sandalwood, mint, tangy apples, cracked pepper and varnish. The proof is high, but the heat is remarkably restrained. It’s an easy sipper even at cask strength. Of course like all of their whisky – it’s bottled without chill filtration. Just raw, unadulterated whiskey goodness. Selected for exceptional quality and bottled one barrel at a time, the single barrel SKU never gets old. Each one is a unique, but complete expression of the quality New Riff produces every day.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 26, 2019

While the bottled in bond stuff has proved to be superlative at this new distillery in Northern Kentucky, it will surely be the wonderful single barrels that seal the deal with so many whisky fanatics. These barrels deliver so much depth and complexity, I’m always shocked that we’re able to sell them for so little. So few of Kentucky’s great distillers are offering us cask strength single barrel and going forward we’ll be scouring New Riffs warehouses for the very best cherries. This barrel shows a very different character than the standard BIB right now. The nose explodes out of the glass with exotic aromas: sandalwood and white flowers, grilled stone fruits, and surprisingly low spice on the nose. On the palate here comes the oak spice and vanilla! Long, warming cinnamon, and slight hints of roasted corn. A pretty tidy package filled with tons of flavor and wrapped in a silk ribbon.

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

This barrel is elegant and layered. The nose is soft and inviting. In the mouth it is light and on the sweet side. With a splash of water it really opens up with the bright sweetness and delicate flavors coming together.

Neal Fischer | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 20, 2019

Cinnamon, clove, and burnt sugar waft up from the glass on this deceptively easy to drink cask strength bourbon. I’m pretty used to drinking high-proof whisk(e)y, but this is dang friendly and I’m not sure I would peg it as cask strength if it was handed to me blind. Spearmint and eucalyptus create a lovely relaxing balm with other herbal and medicinal notes. The palate is fairly earthy and herbal with tea notes that then go in a creme brulee direction. Adding water offers exciting changes to the whiskey with more florality emerging and snappy spices. Pepper, dark caramel, and toasted oak spice linger in the very long finish.

THE IAN HUNTER STORY
BOOK ONE: UNIQUE CHARACTER

“A Laphroaig for moments in your life
to be savoured and celebrated in style”
– John Campbell, Distillery Manager

LAPHROAIG 30 YEAR OLD
THE IAN HUNTER STORY
70cl | 46.7%

SHOP NOW

A series to celebrate the legacy of
Ian Hunter, the last man of the Johnston family
to own and manage this iconic distillery,
between 1908 and 1944.

Ian shaped the style of Laphroaig
making it the whisky it is today,
and we thank him for that.

TASTING NOTES

NOSE
Sweet and medicinal with manuka honey, light peat smoke, cooked apple and rosemary vanilla. Orgeat syrup and a hint of lemon peel complete the aroma.

PALATE
Peaty and peppery with notes of herbs, cedar, kumquat zest and gorse flower. A sweetness of custard cream and vanilla pods.

FINISH
Coastal with subtle iodine, sea salt and seaweed notes. A touch of coffee and oaky character.

Welcome to this weeks episode of the show. After a few weeks weeks of tantalizing and teasing I’m finally reviewing my bottling of Caol Ila and tasting it against a number of of its peers!

https://youtu.be/2A4b0RzT59Y

Wemyss Malts reintroduces ‘Nectar Grove’ Madeira cask finish as a limited edition Batch Strength release.

Scottish family whisky makers, Wemyss Malts, has reintroduced the award-winning, limited edition blended malt Scotch whisky named ‘Nectar Grove’ by bottling it as a Batch Strength release.  Nectar Grove is a combination of light and nutty Highland Scotch whiskies that have been carefully and considerately combined together before finishing for a further period in casks which had previously held Madeira fortified wine.

Nectar Grove Batch Strength is the first new expression in the Wemyss Malts Batch Strength range which launched in 2017 and currently consists of The Hive, Spice King and Peat Chimney Batch Strength Batch No.002 released earlier in 2019.

Bottled at the strength found to best suit the moreish stone fruit and nutty flavours of this Highland blended malt, an abv of 54.0% was chosen by the Wemyss Malts blenders. The result is an intensely fruity, sweet and indulgent malt whisky with a bright natural colour and an effervescent yet mouth-coating texture.

Nectar Grove Batch Strength is non chill-filtered and the Madeira wine finish has imparted a natural colour that has a rich, rose copper hue.

Striking ‘Rainbow Holographic’ material has been used to amplify the already eye-catching Nectar Grove packaging design that was initially inspired by artwork, jewellery and ceramics from the island of Madeira.

William Wemyss, Founder and Managing Director at Wemyss Malts, commented: “After the immensely positive feedback from our first “finished” blended malt we decided that a batch strength version of this recipe would prove an interesting and provoking addition to the blended malt category as a whole”.

8,100 bottles of Nectar Grove Batch Strength will be available, initially to the Wemyss Malts Cask Club. Retailers in the UK, EU and Asian markets will list from mid-October with suggested UK retail price of £55.00.

Notes:

• Edinburgh based Wemyss Malts is family run company operated by brother and sister William and Isabella Wemyss. The Wemyss family Castle has been home to the family since the 1300s and is featured in the company logo.
• Nectar Grove Batch Strength joins other 2019 limited releases Blooming Gorse and Flaming Feast which are the 3^rd and 4^th release of Wemyss Family Collection range
• Wemyss Malts craft blended malt whiskies such as The Hive, Spice King and Peat Chimney as well as Batch Strength versions and single cask whiskies.
• Wemyss blended malts have recently won double gold medals for The Hive and Spice King as well as ‘Best in Class’ for The Hive at The San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The latest release of The Hive, Spice King and Peat Chimney Batch Strength, Batch No.002 all received gold medal wins from the Spirits Business Scotch Whisky Masters.
• The Wemyss family premium wines and spirits brands also include Lord Elcho blended Scotch whisky and Darnley’s Gin, together with the premium wine estate of Rimauresq Cru Classé in Cotes de Provence.

• The family opened a single malt distillery at Kingsbarns, near St. Andrews in Fife and in July 2017 also added Darnley’s Gin distillery to the site. www.kingsbarnsdistillery.com

We’re going back to our roots, celebrating our founder’s ethos of sharing unique discoveries with like-minded friends. Explore an exceptional collection of new casks, hand-picked for sensory adventure. We’re also celebrating the release of SMWS founder Pip Hills’ book, The Founder’s Tale – details below.

FRESH AND FLIRTATIOUS

CASK NO. 115.11

CASK:  Refill barrel

AGE:  8 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Juicy, oak & vanilla

DETAILS

TOFFEE AND TURF

CASK NO:  5.66

CASK:  1st fill barrel

AGE:  15 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Sweet & spicy

DETAILS

THYME FOR A BANANA

CASK NO:  113.19

CASK:  Refill barrel

AGE:  7 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Sweet & spicy

DETAILS

A BRIDE IN A WAXED JACKET

CASK NO:  46.62

CASK:  Refill hogshead

AGE:  25 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Sweet, fruity & mellow

DETAILS

SUCCULENT, SCINTILLATING AND SUBSTANTIAL

CASK NO:  30.106

CASK:  2nd fill PX butt

AGE:  21 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Deep, rich & dried fruits

DETAILS

FULL STEAM AHEAD!

CASK NO:  66.131

CASK:  Refill hogshead

AGE: 12 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Lightly peated

DETAILS

SPOT ON!

CASK NO. 53.272

CASK:  Refill hogshead

AGE:  11 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Peated

DETAILS

THE FOUNDER’S TALE

Finally, the man who founded The Scotch Malt Whisky Society has written a book about its origins.

Essential reading not only for those who have been long-term members of the Society, but for anyone who wants to understand how the club was founded and the ethos that fuelled its growth – an ethos that is still fundamental to the Society in our messaging that our whiskies are always “better when shared” and that as a club, our members and our whiskies are ALL TOGETHER UNIQUE. Available to buy from www.smws.ca in November.

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada
Suite 160
104 – 1240 Kensington Road NW
Calgary, AB  T2N 3P7
403-969-8225
curious@smws.ca
www.smws.ca

We are pleased to reveal to our Spirit of Rothes community our 13 Year Old Halloween Edition 2019 single malt and, with it, a ghostly revelation: Halloween is Scottish! The whisky celebrates the ancient traditions and forgotten rituals that permeate Scotland’s history.

Thirteen is an unlucky number for some, superstitious for others. For The Glenrothes, it’s the perfect year to open the most unusual casks, and our latest eerie release has a hidden treat for the owner. The Glenrothes Halloween Edition 2019 resurrects the mystique and mystery of a deeply Scottish celebration by combining the ancient with the new. State of the art Near Field Communication (NFC) technology is embedded on each bottle label to reward its lucky owner with a hidden webpage and exclusive tasting video in the company of the Spirit of The Glenrothes.

This is our spooky secret for now.
The limited edition launch will not be available to buy on www.theglenrothes.com until 13th October.
Haste ye back!

Additionally we invite you to watch the premiere of “The Real Halloween”, a short film from The Glenrothes unveiling Scotland’s latest smoky secret.

WATCH NOW