Our 102nd auction is now live… – Auction Whisky News
October 1st, 2019
Archive for 2019
The Whisky Exchange “Whisky Tasting: North Star Spirits” – Scotch Whisky News
October 1st, 2019
Discover the Indies: North Star Spirits
With brand ambassador Ciara Hepburn
Tuesday 15 October
7pm-8.30pm
£30
Limited Spaces. Tickets on sale now.
Tickets on sale now.
Our ever-popular independent bottler tastings continue with one of the newest kids on the block: North Star Spirits.
Founded in 2016, based in Glasgow and overseen by Iain Croucher – formerly sales manager and ambassador for hugely popular bottler A.D Rattray – North Star has already become a trustworthy source of excellent small batch and single cask single malts, as well as outstanding blends.
With standout releases from across Scotland under its belt already, North Star shows no signs of slowing down and remains a firm favourite with The Whisky Exchange team.
Join us for the evening to taste a range of North Star bottlings and hear the company’s story first hand from brand ambassador Ciara Hepburn.
The Line-Up
Glenrothes 11 Year Old: Oloroso Butt (Celebrating 10 Years of Ralfy.com)
Campbeltown Blended Malt 5 Year Old: Finished in PX
Vega Blended Malt 22 Year Old: Oloroso Butt
Sirius Blended Malt 31 Year Old: First-fill bourbon.
Caol Ila 9 Year Old: Finished in PX
A mystery dram
Glenrothes 11 Year Old: Oloroso Butt (Celebrating 10 Years of Ralfy.com)
Campbeltown Blended Malt 5 Year Old: Finished in PX
Vega Blended Malt 22 Year Old: Oloroso Butt
Sirius Blended Malt 31 Year Old: First-fill bourbon.
Caol Ila 9 Year Old: Finished in PX
A mystery dram
“North Star focuses its energies on the curiosities, peculiar oddities and obscurities – whisky as it comes, straight from the cask and into a bottle – nae funny business.”
Iain Croucher, Founder & Director, North Star Spirits
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Maker’s Mark® Introduces Its First-Ever Nationally Available Limited Release Bourbon – American Whiskey News
September 30th, 2019
Maker’s Mark® Introduces Its First-Ever Nationally Available Limited Release Bourbon
Loretto, Ky. (September 11, 2019) – Maker’s Mark® today announced the launch of its first-ever nationally available limited-release bourbon, Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series 2019 Limited Release: Stave Profile RC6. This cask strength expression of Maker’s Mark® Bourbon is finished with proprietary wood staves, referred to as Stave Profile RC6. The staves amplify notes of ripe fruit balanced with layers of baking spice – a taste profile inspired by the brand’s proprietary yeast strain used to produce its classic Maker’s Mark Bourbon. Only 255 barrels of the limited release bourbon will be produced, with bottles available at select retail locations beginning in late September.
This special edition bourbon is the first limited release in the Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series, a collection of Maker’s Mark expressions that use an innovative wood stave-finishing technique to enhance distinctive characteristics already present in Maker’s Mark® Bourbon. The series includes existing offerings Maker’s Mark 46™ and Maker’s Mark Private Select® and the distillery plans to introduce new limited-edition bourbons to the Series in the coming years.
We have been experimenting with wood finishing staves and techniques since we first released Maker’s Mark 46 in 2010, and it never ceases to amaze me how much natural flavor we can extract from just ten wood staves interacting with our bourbon over a period of time,” said Jane Bowie, Maker’s Mark Director of Private Select. “Stave finishes allow us to innovate with an already delicious product in a purposeful fashion, exploring different wood types, seasoning periods, cook times, and heat levels until we achieve the exact flavor vision we have in mind. We’re excited to share the distinct possibilities with whisky fans, starting with the 2019 Limited Release.
The 2019 Limited Release was created to introduce a version of Maker’s Mark that amplified the ripe fruit notes already found in the distillery’s proprietary yeast, balancing sweetness and spice. This specific vision was achieved by finishing fully-matured, cask strength Maker’s Mark Bourbon in a second barrel with ten proprietary “RC6” wood staves. The barrels were then rested in the Maker’s Mark limestone bourbon cellar, allowing the cask strength bourbon to interact with the staves to develop the expression’s unique flavor.
Developed over the course of two years in partnership with barrel producer Independent Stave Company, Stave Profile RC6 is made from American Oak that has first been exposed to the outdoors, or “seasoned,” for an extended 18 months before being toasted in a convection oven.
Bottled at 108.2 proof, each 750mL bottle of the Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series 2019 Limited Release will retail for a suggested $59.99 and will be available while supplies last.
About Maker’s Mark® Bourbon
In 1953, in Loretto, Kentucky, Bill Samuels, Sr., fulfilled his dream to create a handmade and delicious bourbon. He decided to make his whisky in small batches, using soft red winter wheat to enhance the softness and sweetness. He then rotated each barrel by hand for consistency, and finally, aged each barrel to taste. Bill Samuels, Sr., transformed bourbon from a “commodity” into a premium handmade spirit, and today Maker’s Mark® continues to make its bourbon the same way. In recent years, Maker’s Mark has introduced thoughtful, super-premium innovations to its portfolio including Maker’s Mark 46™ Maker’s Mark® Cask Strength, and Maker’s Mark Private Select®, the brand’s first-ever custom barrel program. In 1980, the Maker’s Mark distillery became the first distillery in America to be designated a National Historic Landmark and has also been decreed as the “world’s oldest operating bourbon whiskey distillery” by Guinness World Records. It remains one of the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. For more information, visit makersmark.com.
About Beam Suntory Inc.
As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands, Suntory whisky Kakubin and Courvoisier cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek, Basil Hayden’s and Legent bourbon; Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Toki Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Laphroaig and Bowmore Scotch whisky; Canadian Club whisky; Hornitos and Sauza tequila; EFFEN, Haku and Pinnacle vodka; Sipsmith and Roku gin; and Midori liqueur.
Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com
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Leith bar toasts to first anniversary with rare Glenglassaugh – Scotch Whisky News
September 30th, 2019
Leith bar toasts to first anniversary with rare Glenglassaugh
An experimental and award-winning community pub in Leith, Nauticus, has released a specially selected and limited edition single cask malt in partnership with elemental coastal distillery Glenglassaugh to mark its first anniversary, of which there are just 275 bottles available.
The renowned and industry-established duo behind the bar’s creation, Kyle Jamieson and Iain McPherson, opened Nauticus last year with the aim of showcasing the best of Scottish produce, whilst drawing on Leith’s history for global trade. Working with their team of expert bartenders, Kyle and Iain identified the perfect cask for bottling following a rigorous blind tasting session of a handful of the Highland
distillery’s rarest stock, put forward by Glenglassaugh Master Blender, Dr. Rachel Barrie.
The contents of Cask 288 was distilled in 2011 and has been matured in a Sauternes hogshead barrel for eight years before being bottled at cask strength this May. The expression was chosen for its distinctive character developed through wine cask aging.
Lustrous gold in colour, the whisky is abundant in butterscotch, baked pineapple and sherried fruit with caramel and sea air on the nose. When tasted, this develops into salted honeycomb and chocolate with pineapple fondant, culminating in a long, creamy finish.
Kyle Jamieson, co-owner at Nauticus commented:
“This single cask Glenglassaugh bottling is a special landmark for us as we celebrate our first birthday. After sampling about 12 single malts from across the Highland region, this Glenglassaugh cask was a clear winner for us and stood out with its fantastic character.“Our ethos in Nauticus is to always put Scottish produce and Leith’s rich wine and spirits history under the spotlight. We believe this specific cask captures this perfectly in whisky form.”
Dr. Rachel Barrie, Master Blender at Glenglassaugh Distillery, said:
“This limited expression is a beautifully layered whisky that has been shaped and nurtured by the distillery’s coastal location and the elements surrounding our warehouses, boasting a delicious contrast of sweet flavour from the Sauternes oak with a hint of saltiness from the North Sea air that breaths into our casks. It’s been fantastic to work with the Nauticus team to bottle a really unique single malt in celebration of one of Scotland’s most exciting bars.”
The Glenglassaugh 2011 Cask 288 is now available at RRP £64.95 from Nauticus and Royal Mile Whiskies.
Glenglassaugh 2011 Cask 288 tasting notes:
Colour: Lustrous gold
Nose: Butterscotch, baked pineapple, sherried fruit with salted caramel and a whisper of sea air
Palate: Salted honeycomb and chocolate with pineapple fondant and custard cream
About Glenglassaugh Distillery:
On the crescent beach of Sandend Bay stands Glenglassaugh Distillery, producing a luscious coastal malt, shaped by the rich abundance of land and sea, with rolling waves of flavour. A complete distillation of its natural surroundings. A whisky whose essence is distilled from the visible and invisible influences of land, sea, air and spring water. Glenglassaugh Distillery, standing on the Moray Firth coast at the edge of the beautiful Sandend Bay, lay silent and forgotten for over two decades. Its heritage stretches back to 1875 when the distillery was founded by Colonel James Moir. It was on the banks of Glassaugh stream that the distillery was built, and its name ‘Glenglassaugh’ – meaning ‘valley of the grey-green place’ – has been taken from its beautiful surroundings. Despite being mothballed for over twenty years, the distillery has a history of elegant maturation, with award-winning old vintages dating back to the 1960s, and an award winning range of boutique younger whiskies, released in the years following the distillery’s reopening in 2008. As this jewel of a coastal malt is discovered and enjoyed, it promises to become a cult, contemporary classic.
About Nauticus:
The story of Nauticus began with Kyle and Iain, chatting over drinks about creating a bar to champion Scottish produce wherever possible. They dug deep – spending many days researching and thinking about every element. It soon became apparent that this had not been done before – this was brand new territory! Its priority was produce made in Scotland or owned by a Scottish company; where this wasn’t feasible, Scottish heritage somewhere down the line was paramount. 18 months later, the dream is a reality and 90% of Nauticus’ products are Scottish, or have Scottish links. The name Nauticus is latin for Nautical; the owners decided on this name due to Leith’s historical ties with shipping and global trade. Leith has an extremely rich and interesting history which has inspired the bar’s menu, with each chapter relating to a period of time in and around Leith; from tea and spice routes, the gin craze, sherry trade and the key role that Leith played in the whisky boom.
Nauticus was named the 2019 Admiral Taverns’ Pub of the Year at the Great British Pub Awards in London earlier this month, and is listed in the UK’s Top 50 Cocktail Bars.
GLENGLASSAUGH DISTILLERY:
www.glenglassaugh.com
Twitter: @Glenglassaugh
Instagram: glenglassaugh
Facebook: GlenglassaughDistillery
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*NEW RELEASE* Sullivans Cove Double Cask DC103 – Tasmanian Whisky News
September 30th, 2019
DOUBLE CASK DC103
Our latest batch of Double Cask Single Malt Whisky is now ready for release, exclusively to our mailing list members.
Double Cask Batch DC103 is made of up of three thirteen-year-old French Oak ex-tawny casks, and four American oak ex-bourbon casks between eleven and thirteen years old. DC103 is also our first release of Double Cask in our new and improved presentation box.
“You can tell this whisky started its life in a field of Tasmanian barley, with a powerful grain character defining this magnificent beast, best enjoyed cradled in the warmth of your hands.”
– Heather Tillott, Production Manager
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: Toasted malt, bakery and other grain notes dominate. With the warmth of the hand comes beautifully creamy, sweet and aromatic fruit like prunes, apricots, cherries and confection cream. Add some notes of roasted pineapple and you’re left with the impression of freshly baked fruit bread.
PALATE: Beautiful waxy texture rolls around the mouth effortlessly. Flavours of plum, cherries, strawberries and cream lollies. There’s a strong element of orange in this one and all manner of warm fruity and sugary notes.
FINISH: The creamy texture keeps on giving, as does that delicious fruity sweetness. Right at the end those initial grainy notes reappear and play their waxy song right on through the credits.
Click the link below to purchase.
The Whisky Colours Festival 2019 (10th to 14th, October) – Scotch Whisky News
September 30th, 2019
The Whisky Colours Festival 2019
There are just a few weeks to go before the first Whisky Colours Festival. Tickets are still available for events but time is running out.
We are finalising our Cosy Opening Dinner and Fireside Drams and the Closing Brilliance events. Robin Laing will be performing a set as part of both of these events. These are your best chances to see him during the festival.
The programme is now complete. If you have not been following us on Social Media you may have missed some of the additions we have made to the programme so we have included it below. This includes:
- Mortlach History Whisky Walk
- Coffee with a Special Shot
- Whisky Tasting: Murray McDavid
- Whisky Colours Tutored Photographic Walk
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Loch Fyne Whiskies “What’s behind the window today? Whisky of course!” – Scotch Whisky News
September 30th, 2019
Whisky Advent Calendars
A wee dram of whisky is one of few things better than chocolate. Count your way down to Christmaswith these grown up advent calendars!
Behind every window there’s a wee dram for you to enjoy from some of our favourite distilleries.
Don’t forget 12 Drams of Christmas! A beautiful gift box with a selection of 12 drams to see you through to January 5th!
12 Drams of Christmas
Premium (2019 Edition)
£89.00
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The Good Dram Show – Episode 332 ‘Paul John’ – Indian Whisky News
September 30th, 2019
Welcome to this weeks episode of the show in which I’ll be taking a look at one of my favorite world distilleries.
Barton 1792 Distillery Bourbons Win Silver – American Whiskey News
September 29th, 2019
BARTON 1792 DISTILLERY BOURBONS WIN SILVER
Four Bourbons Awarded at North American Bourbon & Whiskey Competition
BARDSTOWN, KY (Sept. 19, 2019) – Kentucky Tavern Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Zackariah Harris Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Very Old Barton 80 Proof and Very Old Barton 90 Proof bourbons won silver medals at the 2019 North American Bourbon & Whiskey competition (N.A.B.W.C.).
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 very honored to receive four silver medals at the 2019 N.A.B.W.C.,” Master Distiller Danny Kahn said. “Our team at the Distillery takes pride in creating these whiskies. We are thrilled to be recognized for our work.”
To find more information about Barton 1792 brands, please visit https://www.1792distillery.com/
About Barton 1792 Distillery
Barton 1792 Distillery is part of Barton Brands. Barton Brands has facilities in Bardstown, Ky., Carson, Calif., and Baltimore, Md. Barton Brands is owned by the Sazerac Company, an American family-owned company based in New Orleans, La. Barton 1792 Distillery was established in 1879 and continues today as the oldest fully-operating Distillery in the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” The Distillery is located on 196 acres and includes 27 warehouses, 22 other buildings, the Morton Spring and the Tom Moore Spring. Distilling, aging and bottling fine Bourbon whiskey are hallmarks of the historic Barton 1792 Distillery. 1792 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey is produced at Barton 1792 Distillery. This whiskey is named for the year Kentucky became a state and is the recent gold medal winner at the 2018 Los Angeles International Spirits Competition. To learn more visit www.1792bourbon.com.
CROWD SOURCED BOURBON FROM BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY NAMED BEST IN SHOW – American Whiskey News
September 29th, 2019
CROWD SOURCED BOURBON FROM BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY NAMED BEST IN SHOW
Weller CYPB and 11 Other Whiskeys Win Awards at North American Bourbon & Whiskey Competition
FRANKFORT, KY (Sept. 17, 2019) – Buffalo Trace Distillery bourbon brand, W.L. Weller CYPB (Craft Your Perfect Bourbon) won “Best Of Show” at the 2019 North American Bourbon & Whiskey Competition (N.A.B.W.C.). W.L. Weller CYPB is a wheated recipe bourbon and is the result of thousands of whiskey drinkers crafting their perfect bourbon at www.yourperfectbourbon.com.
In addition to the “Best Of Show” award, Buffalo Trace Distillery bourbons received 11 other awards, including two double gold medals. The bourbons were awarded as follows:
- Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Double Gold
- W.L. Weller 12yr Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Double Gold
- Col. E.H. Taylor Jr. Kentucky Straight Barrel Whiskey – Gold
- Col. E.H. Taylor Jr. Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey – Gold
- Col. E.H. Taylor Jr. Kentucky Small Batch Whiskey – Silver
- Eagle Rare 10yr Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Silver
- W.L. Weller Special Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Silver
- Old Weller Antique 107 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Silver
- Elmer T. Lee Kentucky Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey – Silver
- McAfee’s Benchmark Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Silver
- Stagg Jr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Bronze
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. The top award in the competition is “Best Of Show.”
“We’re honored to receive not only ‘Best Of Show’ but 11 other awards as well,” Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley said. “Our fans sure know how to pick a good bourbon. Our W.L. Weller CYPB is proof that our fans have award-winning taste.”
To find more information about Buffalo Trace brands, please visit https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/
About Buffalo Trace Distillery
Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1773 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 21 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon was named World Whiskey of the Year by “Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible 2018.” Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 500 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.
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