TWO NEW AND EXPERIMENTAL IRISH WHISKEYS

WELCOMED TO THE ‘METHOD AND MADNESS’ RANGE

Irish Distillers, makers of some of the world’s best-known and successful Irish whiskeys, has added two new and experimental, limited edition Irish whiskeys to its METHOD AND MADNESS range; Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in Wild Cherry Wood and Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in Acacia Wood. The whiskeys represent the latest results of the research that Midleton Distillery and Micro Distillery, in County Cork, have undertaken into maturation in different wood types over more than 10 years.

In a world first, the Midleton masters and apprentices present a single pot still Irish whiskey that has been finished in nine casks crafted from wild cherry wood, sourced from France, for between seven months and four years. Wood from the cherry tree is characterised by its porosity, which results in significant interaction between the wood and the whiskey and has added complex flavours of shredded ginger, coconut and black tea to the ex-bourbon and sherry cask-matured whiskey. Bottled at 46% ABV, METHOD AND MADNESS Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in Wild Cherry Wood is available in six markets, including Ireland, the UK and global travel retail, from September 2019 at the RRP of €92.

Kevin O’Gorman, Master of Maturation at Midleton Distillery, commented: “Since 2014, our research into maturation in different wood types has challenged our expertise and approach to whiskey-making – but none so much as our experimentations with wild cherry casks. The rare, porous wood is different to anything that we have handled before, so it has been a real achievement to create the perfect balance of flavour – the result is a world-first in Irish whiskey, with a nose of coconut fibre and ginger, a palate of fresh green herbs, black tea and unmistakable pot still spices and a long, fresh finish with prickly spice and hazelnut.”

The second new release is a single pot still Irish whiskey that has been finished in barrels crafted from acacia wood, sourced from France, for between one and four years. Initially matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and sherry casks, the dense acacia wood has a tight grain that slowly imparts rich nutty and chocolatey flavours and a dark mahogany hue. METHOD AND MADNESS Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in Acacia Wood is bottled at 46% ABV and is available exclusively through the Celtic Whiskey Shop in Ireland from September 2019 at the RRP of €92.

Finbarr Curran,  member of the Maturation Research Team at Midleton Distillery, added: ‘METHOD AND MADNESS aims to push the boundaries of Irish whiskey and the Irish spirits category through innovative releases and it has been a real honour to work closely with Kevin in order to craft these two new whiskeys. The density of the acacia wood presented a challenge in contrast to the wild cherry wood as the maturation process was much slower and required a close eye and nose to achieve the perfect balance. But it was well worth the wait. This stunning single pot still Irish whiskey has a nose of sugared almonds and wood spice, a palate of coffee beans, dark chocolate and chilli and a finish with fading spice, charred wood and barley husk.”

METHOD AND MADNESS Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in Wild Cherry Wood

Tasting notes by Master of Maturation, Kevin O’Gorman

Nose: Box Hedge Clippings, Coconut Fibre, Shredded Ginger

Taste: Fresh Green Herbs, Black Tea, Pot Still Spices

Finish: Long and Fresh, Prickly Spice, Toasted Hazelnut

METHOD AND MADNESS Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in Acacia Wood

Tasting notes by Master of Maturation, Kevin O’Gorman

Nose: Sugared Almonds, Wood Spices, Crushed Cloves

Taste: Coffee Beans, Dark Chocolate, Chilli Oil

Finish: Fading Spices, Charred Wood, Barley Husk 

About METHOD AND MADNESS

Launched in February 2017 to push the boundaries of Irish whiskey, METHOD AND MADNESS is crafted in Midleton Distillery, harnessing the creativity of Midleton’s whiskey masters through the fresh talent of its apprentices. Taking inspiration from the famous Shakespearean quote, ‘Though this be madness, yet there is method in ’t’, METHOD AND MADNESS is designed to reflect a next generation Irish spirit brand with a measure of curiosity and intrigue (MADNESS), while honouring the tradition and expertise grounded in the generations of expertise at the Midleton Distillery (METHOD).

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers is Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits and wines and producer of some of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys. Led by Jameson, our brands are driving the global renaissance of Irish whiskey. Jameson is the world’s fastest-growing Irish whiskey, experiencing 29 years of consecutive growth and hitting sales of 7.3m cases in 2018. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets, with over 80 of those experiencing double- or triple-digit growth.

Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and Cork Distilleries Company. In 1988 Irish Distillers joined Pernod Ricard, gaining access to unprecedented levels of investment and an extensive global distribution network. Since 2012, we have invested over €250m to double our production and bottling capacity to meet global demand for our products.

We employ over 600 people across our operations in Cork and Dublin. 

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of €8,987 million in FY18. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Malibu liqueur, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,900 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 86 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics.

Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index.

FINISHED TO PERFECTION

Tomatin Distillery Release Two New Limited-Edition Expressions

06 September 2019 – Tomatin, the award-winning Highland distillery has today announced the release of two new limited-edition expressions, a 2009 Caribbean Rum Finish and 2006 Amontillado Sherry Finish.

The 2009 Caribbean Rum  expression was initially matured for 9 years in traditional Scotch Whisky Oak Casks before a one year finish in 1^st fill Caribbean Rum Barrels. This distinctive maturation is the distillery’s second release using Caribbean Rum Barrels, having previously released a limited expression in 2016. The barrels have imparted  flavours of soft tropical fruit, mocha and salted caramel, rounded off with a sweet, lingering finish. Non-chill filtered and with natural colour, the limited run has produced just 7,200 70cl bottles (46% abv) of this 10-year-old whisky, available world-wide and set to retail at £49.

The 2006 Amontillado Sherry similarly spent 9 years maturing in traditional Scotch Whisky Oak Casks,  before enjoying a three year finish in 1^st fill Amontillado Sherry Butts, resulting in rich flavours of dark chocolate, dried fruits, espresso and a hint of nut. The 12 year old,  non-chill filtered and natural coloured limited-edition expression has a limited of run of  just  5,400 70cl bottles (46% abv) available globally, priced at  £60.

Graham Eunson, Distillery Operations Director at Tomatin, said: “Our dedication to the continuous development of Tomatin Single Malt has been reflected in our growth and recent award wins. We are constantly striving to produce exceptional expressions that appeal to our existing customers and a wider audience. The array of tropical notes, sweet mixed spices and rich sherry infusions will hopefully entice a range of enthusiasts to sample the new products.”

Tomatin’s ability to experiment with creatively finished expressions comes from the distillery’s exceptional wood policy which ensures there is a wide range of casks sourced from prestigious partners within the industry.

The bold new releases are not the first from Tomatin. Fans of the distillery will remember the limited edition 14-year-old Cabernet Sauvignon and 9-year-old Caribbean Rum expressions which proved hugely popular back in 2016, followed by the limited edition 15 year old Moscatel finished single malt released last year.

Both limited edition expressions are available to purchase from select specialist retailers, for further information please visit: http://www.tomatin.com.

Notes to Editors: 

Tomatin Distillery has been producing and blending malt Scotch whisky since 1897. Over the last 50 years, the distillery has borne witness to vast change. At its peak in the 1970s, Tomatin was the largest distillery in the world operating 23 stills and producing 12 million litres of alcohol every year. Over the last decade, significant time has been invested in rediscovering the distillery, people and values, and in refining the business model to move away from the formerly lucrative bulk commodity market to now focus on Tomatin’s core range of single malts.

Tomatin is located in the Scottish Highlands (near Inverness) and is famous for its portfolio of soft and mellow whiskies, including a core range, a limited-edition range and a premium archive range (prices range from £35 – £2,500). Tomatin is one of the fastest growing whisky brands in the UK and ranks within the Top 10 Single Malt brands in the USA. Tomatin recently reported its turnover increased by almost 25% during the company’s most recent financial year (Dec 2016 – Dec 2017). Tomatin won Distiller of the Year 2016 and Brand Innovator of the Year 2017 at the Icons of Whisky Scotland Awards.

Tomatin Limited Edition 2009 Caribbean Cask

Now Available For Pre Order

A Limited Edition 10 Year Old Release from the Tomatin Distillery. Time in traditional oak casks and Caribbean Rum Barrels has brought warm flavours of soft tropical fruit, mocha and salted caramel, rounded off with a sweet, lingering finish. Spending it’s final year in a Caribbean Rum Barrel has added new depth to this fantastic whisky. r your text, link. Use the tools from the toolbox to format it according to your preferences.

£49.99

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Tomatin Limited Edition 2006 Amontillado Sherry Cask

Now Available For Pre Order

A Limited Edition Sherry Cask from the Tomatin Distillery. Time in traditional oak casks and Amontillado Sherry Butts has brought rich flavours of dark chocolate, dried fruits, espresso and a hint of nut.
Finished for 3 years in First Fill Amontillado Sherry Casks.Enter your text, link. Use the tools from the toolbox to format it according to your preferences.

£60.00

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Pic – Greg Macvean – 06/09/19 – 07971 826 457

Founder of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Pip Hills, outside The Vaults, with the 1937 Lagonda classic car he used to transport the first-ever cask of SMWS whisky. This week the historic building in Leith, Edinburgh welcomes whisky-loving SMWS members from all over the world to celebrate ‘The Gathering’.

Pip is pictured holding bottle 1.1 from the first-ever Scotch Malt Whisky Society cask.

FURTHER INFO

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) is hosting ‘The Gathering’, a week-long celebration of its Leith origins that will bring members together to discover and share wonderful whisky experiences. The festival is taking place from Monday 2 to Sunday 8 September at The Vaults and other iconic Leith venues. ‘The Gathering’ encapsulates what it means to be a member of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, with a jam-packed week of fun-filled whisky-themed events. Festivities include a fascinating walking tour of Leith’s illustrious whisky history, an exclusive whisky and Leith food pairing, tasting and film screenings at renowned Leith venues, as well as member events in the courtyard of the spiritual home of the Society, The Vaults.

https://youtu.be/F5pFNhQ7YDs

Science is normally kept away from the labels of whisky bottles. For some it can seem confusing and for others, it can be seen is some more jargon to make marketing seem new and different. However, this is different, this is here to demonstrate how smoke can be sweet and how the Lowlands region can produce things that make you question the history of that area. Cheers!

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

Littlemill reveals latest addition to its exclusive Private Cellar collection 

Littlemill 29 year old, the latest expression from Littlemill’s Private Cellar collection, will be released this September, using liquid carefully selected from some of the last remaining casks to be laid down at the Littlemill Distillery.

Now recognised to have been the oldest licensed distillery in Scotland, the distillery fell silent in 1994 and was destroyed by fire in 2004, making this liquid exceptionally rare and covetable.

Littlemill 29 year old (RRP £2,750; 47.3% ABV) is the third release from the Private Cellar Collection, each crafted by Master Blender Michael Henry in Littlemill’s traditional Lowland ‘floral’ style. This latest release places particular emphasis on developing the wood character and only 600 bottles will be released across the world.

The liquid is contained within a bespoke Glencairn crystal decanter etched with an illustration of the River Clyde and a silver star signifying the Littlemill distillery’s location. Situated in Bowling on the banks for the River Clyde, it would prove to be a defining factor in the distillery’s success, opening important trade routes to key cities including Glasgow and Edinburgh when the Forth and Clyde Canal was completed in the 1790s.

Hand-engraved and hand-infilled by Glencairn’s specialist in-house team, each decanter is truly one of a kind and is individually numbered for exclusivity and collectability.

The beautifully crafted presentation box also includes a 5cl miniature of the liquid, a piece of an original Littlemill cask, and a booklet sharing the fascinating history of the Littlemill distillery with tasting notes from Master Blender Michael Henry.

Master Blender Michael Henry explains how each of the Private Cellar releases have been crafted to deliver different flavour profiles while still retaining the original character of the Littlemill distillery:

“The latest expression in the Private Cellar collection helps to tell another piece of the Littlemill story. Littlemill has always represented the traditional Lowland ‘floral’ style, and over the years the distillation and maturation processes evolved to maintain this flavour profile.

“The first Private Cellar release in 2015 was designed to reflect Littlemill’s original quality and style. The second release in 2017 focussed more on the distillery influence, and by maturing the liquid in refill bourbon casks the distilling process became the main factor in defining the whisky’s character. Littlemill 29 year old, our 2019 release, focuses on the influence of wood.”

“The original liquid was laid down in refill bourbon casks in 1990. Seven of these were selected and combined, then finished in first-fill oloroso sherry and Limousin oak casks. The oloroso sherry adds further floral notes, similar to the traditional sherry casks used at the Littlemill distillery, while the Limousin oak provides the European oak influence. The result is unmistakably Littlemill, with delicious caramel sweetness layered with spice.”

Littlemill Distillery has long laid claim to an extensive and fascinating history, but new historic documentary evidence unearthed from the archives now conclusively proves that it was the oldest licensed whisky distillery in Scotland, with recent records unearthed with dates the license from 2^nd November 1773.

Brothers George and Archibald Buchanan – the original owners of Littlemill – were trailblazers for the rich tradition of Scottish whisky production, and Littlemill continued to lead the industry for over two centuries. Notably, it was one of the first distilleries to have a female licensee, Jane MacGregor, in 1823. Later, in 1931, under the stewardship of the American Duncan Thomas, Littlemill was at the forefront of still innovation with technical designs that could create three styles of single malts from full-bodied to light.

Whisky production at Littlemill, situated in Bowling on the banks of the River Clyde near Glasgow, continued until the distillery fell silent in 1994 and was subsequently destroyed by fire in 2004, never to produce a drop again.

For further information visit www.littlemilldistillery.com.

Littlemill 29 year old tasting notes: 

Nose: Floral notes of honeysuckle and rose mix with layers of spice, cinnamon and nutmeg followed by crème caramel and blossom honey with delicate orange.

Taste: Silk like mouthfeel glides over the tongue. Crisp green apple, ripe pear and kiwi fruit before a caramel sweetness is balanced by lime juice and orange marmalade citrus notes.

Finish: Long with toasted oak and waves of warming spice then thick, creamy vanilla and lingering green fruits.

About the Loch Lomond Group:

• Loch Lomond Group is an independent distiller based in Alexandria and is home to several award-winning scotch whisky and other spirits brands that are sold in more than 120 countries around the world.
• Loch Lomond distillery has been producing the finest single malt scotch whisky since 1814.
• Images and interviews with key staff from the Group are available upon request.
• www.lochlomondgroup.com

About Littlemill: 

Littlemill:

• The Littlemill distillery was officially established in 1772 on the site of an old brewery that had been founded during the 14th century in Bowling on the banks of the River Clyde near Glasgow.
• It is rumoured that illicit distilling had taken place there since 1750 when the site was bought by George Buchanan, a malt master, and according to the renowned whisky historian and writer Misako Udo in her book ‘The Scotch Whisky Distilleries’ distilling may have taken place there for many centuries before, possibly making it the world’s oldest whisky distillery.
• Littlemill fell into perpetual silence in 1994 and then the distillery was destroyed by fire in 2004.
• In 1931 Littlemill led whisky still innovation whereby its innovative design could create three styles of spirit under the stewardship of the American Duncan Thomas. It was these stills that provided the inspiration for the stills that remain in place at Loch Lomond Distillery today.
• In 2015 Loch Lomond Group commenced the new Littlemill Private Cellar Edition.
• Twitter / Instagram: @LittlemillMalt, Facebook: @LittlemillwhiskyE

Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Launches Unlock the Rickhouse Augmented Reality Program

To participate, consumers can simply download the new “Unlock the Rickhouse” augmented reality app on their own personal smart phone device. Once downloaded, consumers can explore the rickhouses by tapping on each one to search for a prize-winning “Fitzgerald barrel.” From Sept. 1 through Dec. 31, each tap of a rickhouse gains one entry to the grand prize of $10,000 (where legal). Daily prizes will also be awarded and include everything from a mini barrel shot glass and Larceny magnet, all the way up to a Larceny guitar or LED sign. These prizes will be sent out on a weekly basis to winning consumers.  BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey launched the new “Unlock the Rickhouse” augmented reality app today available to download on the Apple Store and Google Play.  With this app, consumers are invited to search through the rickhouses to learn more about Larceny Bourbon, potentially win daily prizes, and enter to win the grand prize of $10,000.

The app was inspired by the history of John E. Fitzgerald, who as a treasury agent in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s was one of the only people legally allowed to carry the keys to the barrel storage rickhouses.  With a discerning palate for fine Bourbon, John E. Fitzgerald often used his rickhouse keys to gain access to some of the finest Bourbon barrels for himself. Those barrels from which he chose to help himself were often referred to as “Fitzgerald barrels” around the distillery. This infamous act of larceny led to the Larceny brand and has now inspired the newest augmented reality app.

“We’re excited to present an innovative augmented reality program that will allow consumers to interact with and get to know Larceny Bourbon in a very unique way,” said Heaven Hill Group Product Director, Susan Wahl. “This kind of programming concept is still fairly new to the industry, and even newer to the Whiskey category. It provides the consumer an opportunity to engage with rich content while bringing the Larceny story to life.”

The brand launched the unique program with several exciting elements, including a custom augmented reality app that allows consumers to view the Larceny rickhouses and other surrounding buildings, a grand prize sweepstakes with the chance to win $10,000, and an eye-catching in-store display to help merchandise Larceny cases and encourage in-store interaction with consumers. The interactive display features directions on how to download the app, paired with a map of the Larceny rickhouses that can be scanned in-store using the app. Additionally, select 750ml bottles feature a Z-card necker that folds out into a map of the Larceny rickhouses on one side, with instructions on how to download the app, win prizes, and enter the sweepstakes on the other. This allows for consumers to take the experience home and play daily.

The Unlock the Rickhouse program is brought to life across various media platforms such as YouTube, programmatic video, mobile, social media including Facebook and Instagram, and at www.unlocktherickhouse.com.

Since Heaven Hill announced the launch of Larceny Bourbon in 2012, the brand has enjoyed tremendous growth and notoriety. In 2019, Larceny earned a Double Gold Medal at the SIP Awards, as well as the Tried and True award, a 93 point rating, and “Great Value” designation at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge. Additionally, the brand is a four-time Beverage Information Group “Rising Star” award winner, four-time IMPACT “Hot Prospect” brand, and was named a Top 20 Spirit in the World by Spirit Journal. Larceny Bourbon continues the Old Fitzgerald tradition of using wheat in place of rye as the secondary grain in the whiskey’s mashbill. On the palate, Larceny has a softer, rounder character that is the hallmark of the Old Fitzgerald legacy.

At an average national retail price of $24.99 for the 750ml size, Larceny is a true small batch Bourbon produced from 200 barrels or less that have been selected from Heaven Hill’s open rickhouses in Nelson County, Kentucky. Larceny has a 6-year-old taste profile and is bottled at a full-bodied 92 proof, or 46% alcohol by volume.

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

20TH ANNIVERSARY BALLOT

2019 PRICE £7500 | BALLOT PRICE £99

Here at The Whisky Exchange, Ardbeg is a single malt close to our hearts. Not only do we love drinking it, but at the same time we were opening our online store in 1999, Ardbeg too were embarking on a new journey, and bottling some remarkable whiskies to mark the occasion.

That’s why we’ve chosen Ardbeg 1976 Manager’s Choice Sherry Cask #2391 for our anniversary ballot, offering our customers the chance to buy a single bottle – now worth £7,500 – for its 1999 price of just £99. Only 497 bottles of this whisky were ever released, and it has now become exceedingly rare.

This one-off, single-bottle ballot will be live and available to enter from 16 September 2019.

MORE INFORMATION

SHOP 20TH ANNIVERSARY EXCLUSIVES

VALFATHER 

The Peatiest Highland Park to Date

From Scotland’s most northernmost distillery –
Highland Park – the Viking Legends trilogy has come to an end.
Introducing Valfather, father of the Slain.

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Matured exclusively in refill casks
and bottled at 47% ABV.

HIGHLAND PARK VALFATHER
70cl | 47%

A creamy, yet utterly peat-driven whisky
with endless notes of fruit on the palate
representing true Orkney tradition.

£54.95

TASTING NOTES

NOSE:
Waves of Highland Park smoke, slated caramel, grilled pear and vanilla. Honeycomb, Crème brûlée and smoked paprika.

PALATE:
Sweet apple followed by waves of refined smoke. Toasted cedar wood, more vanilla and some apple.

FINISH: 
Long and smoky but withstands a certain elegance right through to the finish.

Compass Box Myths & Legends

Compass Box
Myths & Legends I
£130.00

Compass Box
Myths & Legends II
£130.00

Compass Box
Myths & Legends III
£130.00

Compass Box Myths & Legends is here – Three limited edition expressions from the forward-thinking blender.

The Myths & Legends series seeks to “challenge assumptions, biases and prejudices concerning Scotch”.