Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup bottle

Bottles are limited and will be sold this morning beginning at 9 AM on a first come first served basis. Limit 1 per customer. When they’re gone, they’re gone!

This is an in-store purchase only.

$65.99 + tax

The Party Source | 95 Riviera Drive, Bellevue, KY 41073

GlenAllachie Cask Strength Batch 4

Moving onto the fourth batch of cask strength whisky from GlenAllachie distillery, this latest special release has been matured for 10 years in a combination of sherry puncheons and virgin oak casks. Bottled at 56.1% vol and a lot darker than we’ve seen from previous batches.

BUY NOW

It’s All About Springbank on this weeks episode of the show. Amongst the bottlings I’ll be tasting this weeks is a pair of 10 year olds, one from 2005 and one from 2020. I’ll also be tasting the IAAS Facebook group’s bottling.

https://youtu.be/rnNyMJEgR8c

Gordon & MacPhail unveils The Cairn 

Gordon & MacPhail has unveiled the brand for its new distillery being built in the Cairngorms National Park.

The distillery is to be named The Cairn, reflecting its stunning location overlooking the Cairngorm mountains, at the gateway to Speyside.

The family owned whisky specialists were granted planning permission for the new distillery last year and work started on site in July this year.

Unveiling the new brand Ian Chapman, Brands Director said: “We have put the consumer right at the heart of the process of creating the brand, as we have with the design of the distillery itself. We wanted to make sure it was clearly Scottish, but easy for consumers to pronounce and to spell. This will be particularly important for our international markets when English is not the first language.

“We also had to be mindful of Benromach, our other distillery. We wanted the new brand to complement, not compete.”

Benromach is positioned as a traditional, hand crafted brand so the new brand had to broadly occupy more contemporary territory.

Working with Glasgow based branding agency Good, the company cast its net wide looking for ideas for a name, asking staff and shareholders for suggestions.  More than 300 ideas were eventually whittled down to a shortlist which met select criteria.

As well as the name, the identity needed to have icons and graphical elements to make it unmistakable for non-English speaking consumers. An icon has been developed to symbolise the brand; the fragmented shape representing the coming together of many pieces to form a cairn.  The typography used for the words “The Cairn” is ultra-modern and premium, yet it is complemented by the use of a Serif font for the word “Distillery” to represent contemporary craft cues that imply heritage and legacy.

Ian Chapman added; “The brand is eye-catching and contemporary and the approach to develop it put the consumer at the centre of our thinking. It is the same approach we have taken to designing The Cairn Distillery itself. The modern building takes advantage of the outstanding views across the River Spey to the Cairngorms and has been designed with the customer at the centre of the experience.”

Scheduled to open in spring 2022, The Cairn Distillery will include a visitor experience, tasting rooms, retail space and coffee shop.

Notes  

Gordon & MacPhail is a family owned premium spirits company based in Elgin, Scotland. Owner of Scotch whisky distillery, Benromach, Gordon & MacPhail is also a Scotch whisky maturation expert, the owner of Scottish Gin brand, Red Door and the operator of a wholesale business in the United Kingdom selling premium Scotch whiskies and spirits, along with a high-quality retail outlet.

The company owns Benromach Distillery located in Forres in Moray.  Benromach Single Malt Scotch Whisky is handcrafted using traditional methods by a small team of distillers using the finest Scottish barley and the purest spring water from the nearby Romach Hills. The multi award-winning portfolio of single malts is enjoyed by whisky drinkers worldwide.

The company launched Red Door in the summer of 2018. Created at Benromach Distillery, this award winning, small batch Scottish gin now forms a strategic part of the company’s product portfolio.

Work commenced in July 2020 on the company’s second distillery, overlooking the River Spey towards the Cairngorms.  The new site will add further distillation capacity and brand ownership to the company’s asset base and is a key part of the plans to continue building a long-term sustainable business.  A high-quality visitor experience offering tours and tastings will also attract visitors from around the world.

Since the founding of the business in 1895, Gordon & MacPhail has sent casks to Scotch whisky distilleries throughout Scotland to be filled with new-make spirit, before being left to mature for many years either at the distillery or in their bonded warehouses in Elgin.  The Gordon & MacPhail portfolio offers some of the world’s rarest and most sought-after Single Malt Scotch Whiskies to discerning whisky drinkers globally.

The company’s wholesale business serves customers throughout the United Kingdom selling Benromach Single Malt, Red Door gin and Gordon & MacPhail whiskies into the on and off trade. The business also exclusively represents a number of ‘distributor’ brands and stocks premium whiskies and spirits.

The retail shop in Elgin remains the ‘spiritual home’ of the business, 125 years after it was first established in 1895.  The shop is home to a large selection of Single Malt Scotch Whiskies and is a destination for many whisky aficionados from around the world.

PENULTIMATE WHISKY REVEALED IN GORDON & MACPHAIL’S 125^th ANNIVERSARY SERIES 

— 40YO Mosstowie is third of four ‘last cask’ single malts —

Gordon & MacPhail has revealed its third commemorative whisky released to mark the company’s 125^th anniversary.

And continuing the theme, the remarkably rare Gordon & MacPhail 1979 Mosstowie from Miltonduff Distillery constitutes the independent bottler’s last remaining cask from the distillery, matured with spirit from the now-removed Lomond Stills.

Located within Miltonduff Distillery in Morayshire, Mosstowie was founded in 1964 under the ownership of industry pioneer Hiram Walker – who championed the use of longer, more versatile Lomond Stills to give a variety of flavour profiles.

The stills, which produced Mosstowie’s smoky, soft spirit, operated for just 17 years before being removed in 1981 due to the longer arms of the stills being notoriously difficult to clean.

Gordon & MacPhail 1979 from Mosstowie Distillery [RSP £1500*] 

Only 164 bottles are available worldwide of this full-bodied whisky, full of sherry influences and dark chocolate notes. The 40-year-old whisky was laid down in Gordon & MacPhail’s Elgin warehouse on Thursday 13 September 1979 in cask number 20323, a refill Sherry Hogshead.

Bottled at 49.8% ABV, the whisky is dark gold in colour, with aromas of vanilla pod, butterscotch and stewed apples. On the palate, flavours of black pepper are complemented by spiced grapefruit, dark chocolate and raspberries, before giving way to a long and medium-bodied finish with hints of fresh mint leaves.

Stephen Rankin, a fourth-generation member of Gordon & MacPhail’s owning family and the company’s Director of Prestige, said: “Each of the extremely rare whiskies released to commemorate our 125^th anniversary is truly unique as they are the last cask of that particular make we have maturing in our warehouse. With no official bottling ever available of the elusive Mosstowie malt, we are particularly excited to bring this special whisky to the market.”   

For more information visit www.gordonandmacphail.com.

#GordonandMacPhail

*Prices in international markets may vary due to local taxes and import duties.

Tasting notes:

Gordon & MacPhail 1979 Mosstowie from Miltonduff Distillery

Matured in cask 20323, a refill Sherry Hogshead, and bottled at 49.8% ABV. Outturn of 164 bottles. 

COLOUR: Dark Gold 

AROMA: Fragrant VANILLA POD and BUTTERSCOTCH aromas lead to CANDIED PEEL and hedgerow BLOSSOM. LEATHER and STEWED APPLE notes come to the fore alongside BLACKCURRANT LEAVES. 

TASTE: Flavours of BLACK PEPPER complement SPICED GRAPEFRUIT and subtle SHERRY influences. DARK CHOCOLATE undertones develop accompanied by tart RASPBERRIES and STRAWBERRY LIQUORICE. 

FINISH: Long and medium-bodied with a hint of fresh MINT LEAVES on the finish. 

About Gordon & MacPhail Whiskies

For over 125 years, Gordon & MacPhail has been driven by a simple mission: to create single malt Scotch whisky of exceptional quality. Through four generations of family ownership, the company has matched spirit from over 100 Scottish distilleries to its own bespoke casks. It is this unique depth and breadth of experience that enables Gordon & MacPhail to combine oak, spirit and time to create a portfolio of iconic whiskies found nowhere else in the world.

• ‘Discovery ’– This flavour-led range is the perfect introduction to our portfolio of quality single malt Scotch whiskies
• ‘Distillery Labels ’– A range celebrating our long-standing relationships with Scotland’s distilleries
• ‘Connoisseurs Choice’ – The heart of our portfolio. Always unique, these non-chill-filtered, natural coloured, small batch expressions are genuine one-offs.
• ‘Private Collection ’– Greatly-aged single malts from celebrated, little-known, or closed distilleries specially selected by members of the Urquhart family

‘Generations’ – A prestigious collection of old, rare, and exclusive masterpieces

Bimber Distillery unveils its 2020 Country Collection 

Range of twenty Country Editions crafted to meet growing demand for Bimber’s single malt whiskies

Expressions produced for distributors across Europe, Asia, Australia and the US

Cask strength, single cask releases drawn from the distillery’s stock of ex-bourbon, ex-sherry, virgin American oak and ex-peated casks

London’s Bimber Distillery today announced the upcoming release of its 2020 ‘Country Collection’ of single cask, single malt whiskies.

Following increasing international demand for Bimber’s products over the past twelve months, twenty cask strength, single cask ‘editions’ been bottled exclusively for Australia, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Taiwan and the USA.

Each exceptional cask was hand-selected to showcase Bimber’s award-winning single malt spirit with the unique personalities derived from four different cask types – ex-bourbon, ex-sherry, virgin American oak and ex-peated casks.

Bimber’s Country Collection marks a significant expansion of the London-based distillery’s global reach – and a recognition of the burgeoning demand for the craft producer’s single malt whiskies.

The ‘French Edition’ bottled for La Maison du Whisky was released in early October 2020 as a precursor to the remaining 19 single cask editions which will be available from November 2020.

Each of the Country Collection Editions were crafted to Bimber’s exacting standards. The spirit was produced from the distillery’s single farm barley and malted on a dedicated floor at Warminster Maltings before being fermented for seven days in bespoke, on-site constructed American oak washbacks. Distillation took place in Bimber’s customised stills, which possess an increased copper surface area, resulting in a light and fruity, but layered new make spirit.

Speaking of the upcoming release of the Country Collection, Bimber Distillery spokesperson Matt McKay said: “We’re delighted to see the budding worldwide excitement for our London single malt whiskies. As a small, field to glass producer, we hope that in releasing our Country Editions we’re able to meet some of the demand from Bimber enthusiasts who are located outside of the UK. We’re excited to be witnessing the continued emerging interest in English whisky – and we’re thrilled to be playing our part in driving that thriving interest forward.”

Notes to editors

Bimber 2020 Country Collection

The twenty expressions in the 2020 Bimber Country Collection are comprised of:              

Cask #137 (Ex-sherry), 57.7% ABV                              – Produced for Australia

Cask #140 (Virgin American Oak) 58.1% ABV               – Produced for Australia 

Cask #135 (Ex-sherry), 57.7% ABV                              – Produced for Top Malts, Belgium

Cask #142 (Virgin American oak), 58.1% ABV               – Produced for Top Malts, Belgium

Cask #169 (Ex-bourbon), 58.9% ABV                           – Produced for CRT Spirits, Denmark

Cask #93 (Virgin American oak), 58.5% ABV                – Produced for La Maison du Whisky, France

Cask #96 (Virgin American oak), 58.3% ABV                – Produced for Kirsch Import E.K., Germany

Cask #128 (Ex-bourbon), 58.1% ABV                           – Produced for Kirsch Import E.K., Germany

Cask #66 (Ex-bourbon), 58.8% ABV                             – Produced for Beija-Flor, Italy

Cask #133 (Ex-sherry), 51.9% ABV                              – Produced for Beija-Flor, Italy

Cask #139 (Virgin American oak), 58.2% ABV              – Produced for Beija-Flor, Italy

Cask #87 (Ex-bourbon), 59.7% ABV                             – Produced for Whiskysite.nl, the Netherlands

Cask #168 (Ex-bourbon), 58.9% ABV                           – Produced for Bresser & Timmer, the Netherlands

Cask #115 (Ex-sherry), 58.2% ABV                              – Produced for Tudor House, Poland

Cask #141 (Virgin American Oak), 58.1% ABV              – Produced for ARen Trading, Taiwan

Cask #138 (Virgin American Oak), 58.3% ABV              – Produced for ARen Trading, Taiwan

Cask #125/9 (Ex-Peated Cask), 54.1% ABV                  – Produced for ARen Trading, Taiwan

Cask #45 (Ex-sherry), 58.9% ABV                                – Produced for the USA

Cask #95 (Virgin American Oak), 58.6% ABV                – Produced for the USA

Cask #154 (Ex-bourbon), 58.6% ABV                           – Produced for the USA

About Bimber

Bimber Distillery produces world-class single malt whisky, handcrafted with passion in West London. As a leading distiller of English whisky, we combine generations of rich distilling heritage, with the finest quality ingredients to create the ultimate craft whisky experience.

Bidding Begins on Lost Distillery Collection from Speyside’s Best Kept Secret, Caperdonich

The legacy of one of Speyside’s most elusive lost distilleries, Caperdonich, will live on from today (Friday 30 October) as bidding begins on one of the largest collections of Caperdonich to ever come to auction on whiskyauctioneer.com, the world’s leading platform for buying and selling whiskies at auction.

The auction is now live and will end from 7pm on Monday 9th November.

Over 70 rare bottles from this lost distillery feature in Whisky Auctioneer’s current auction, 63 of which are from a single owner’s private collection. Highlights from the sale include independent bottlings from Jack Wieber and Prestonfield House, over 40 expressions aged for over 35 years and a unique private cask blend of which only five bottles were ever produced

All lost distillery histories are laced with sadness and intrigue when they depart the whisky world, but the Caperdonich story is one of Speyside’s most eventful tales.

The distillery was the first of the ‘extension’ distilleries built next to the original Glen Grant    plant when demand began to rise back in 1897. Then named ‘Glen Grant Number 2’, the distillery changed its name to Caperdonich in 1967, meaning ‘secret well’, after its water source. After several acquisitions, the distillery was closed for good in the early 2000s.

Demolished in 2011, the Caperdonich distillery will never distil again and it is this scarcity that has led to expressions from Scotland’s lost distilleries becoming some of the most highly prized and sought-after possessions for collectors in recent years.

Joe Wilson, Head of Auction Content at Whisky Auctioneer, said:

“The history of Caperdonich is truly captivating and these bottles are rare sightings on the secondary market. A collection of this significance from a distillery as elusive as Caperdonich in a single auction is an exciting discovery and offers a unique opportunity for our global audience of whisky enthusiasts, and in particular, collectors of whisky from Scotland’s lost distilleries.

“Independent bottlings like these offer a fascinating insight into the secrets of a Speyside distillery that otherwise could so easily have only been a footnote in the story of Glen Grant distillery. Over recent months, we have witnessed an increase in the demand for liquid from Caperdonich and so we are sure that these bottles will attract a huge appeal.”

This single malt collection is not the only ‘lost’ distillery highlight of the online whisky sale, which also welcomes sought-after bottlings from ghosts of the whisky world including Glenugie, Dallas Dhu, Port Ellen and Rosebank. Other stand-out bottles in the sale include incredible aged and limited edition expressions from The Macallan, including the newly-launched Red Collection and the stunning 72 Year Old Lalique Genesis Decanter.

The auction also welcomes another presentation from Pat’s Whisk(e)y Collection, the largest private whisky collection to come to auction, with a spotlight on over 130 whiskies from The GlenDronach distillery.

Whisky Auctioneer’s auctions are world leading and record breaking. Unmatched in auction volume, variety of bottles offered, prices achieved, global reach, service standards upheld and broadness of knowledge and expertise, the company is truly a global authority.

To find out more and to register to take part in upcoming auctions please visit www.whiskyauctioneer.com

Notes 

About Whisky Auctioneer 

Whisky Auctioneer is the global market leader and trusted authority on the buying and selling of whisky and spirits at auction.

Founded in 2013 and located in Perth, Whisky Auctioneer utilises its expertise and knowledge combined with its auction platform, to increase interest and passion in the whisky and spirits community.

Whisky Auctioneer endeavours to make the market more accessible for buyers and sellers of any background and geography. Its monthly global auctions feature the most comprehensive selection of old, rare and collectible whiskies and spirits available online. Whisky Auctioneer is passionate about connecting these bottles with those who share in their passion and actively support their customers in their aims, whether that be consuming, collecting or investing.

Visit:  www.whiskyauctioneer.com

Instagram: whiskyauctioneer

Facebook: WhiskyAuctioneer

Twitter:  Whisky_auction

Springbank WAS in da house!

(Join their mailing list!!)

The three riders of Campbeltown

As we see the trees dropping their coats and creating layers of colours on the ground, we settle on our chairs and embrace the drinkable warmth. From your window you can see the wind and the rain, but what are you going to do with all those spooky costumes?

Fear not! We got a fantastic solution for you; strengthen yourself with our new range of sublime range of Springbank whiskies. This set will shield you from the weather and from all of those laughing pumpkins, since you will have the last laugh for sure!

Let’s start with the Springbank 12 years old cask strength (56.1%)! This whisky is a brilliant continuation of the Springbank legacy, as it delivers basketful of fruity flavours, mixed with soft ashiness and cigar box- like touch.  The finish takes you back to the ground with its balanced earthiness and woodiness.

How about something deeper and darker? I mean, it depends how far you want to go, but I would highly recommend stopping at Hazelburn 13 years old, as it offers delicious chocolate notes, with layers and layers of dry selections of berries. This whisky is familiar, yet offers an adventure of flavours that will take you through the dimmest of seasons.

Where shall you travel after this, you might ask? There are only a few distilleries in the world, which can deliver such quality at a young age like Kilkerran. Their new 16 years old is a must have for all the fans and new explorers of Campbeltown malts. Season after season, the distillery proves its exceptional and ever-expanding range of “taste-scapes”. This whisky a true blast of flavours, taking you between creamy nuttiness, to dry sceneries of peppery spice and fresher elements of fruits. On the top of all of this majesty, you have that trademark Kilkerran peat, which dances in harmony with the slight briny notes.

Before we get to the range, we would like to apologise a few issues our customers experienced during the last release. Apparently there were some products appearing as “coming soon” when in fact, they were already sold out. For some reason our system did not update this text.

If you are a Springbank society member, you are aware that you are able to get a discount on some Springbank products. You must be able to supply your Springbank society number and ID, thank you for understanding.

Quick important update, we have just received an update. Due to the weather in Campbeltown, sea levels in the location have gone to a phenomenal state, winds gusting at 22-27 knots. Some of our deliveries did not arrive on time, so please be aware that we will have another delivery of these whiskies for next week.

Springbank 12 years old – 2020 – 56.1% – 70CL 

45% Sherry 25% Bourbon 25% Burgundy 5% Port multicask matured.

Nose: This cask strength whisky packs a lot of signature Springbank characteristics in from start to finish. The peat smoke is immediately present and very welcome with lovely ashiness. Aromas of bruised apples, mahogany, and tobacco leaves. There is a candied sweetness with notes of glazed red cherries and sugar-coated cola cubes.

Palate: It is rich and sweet to taste with ripe and juicy red fruit flavours. Strawberries and raspberries give way to orange-flavored chocolate and gooey toasted marshmallows and bubbling caramelized sugar.

Finish: In the finish, the earthy, dusty notes remain as well as the mouth-drying tannins from the burgundy casks. The whisky is deliciously sweet and smoky with the familiar Springbank characteristics prevailing.

SOLD OUT

Kilkerran 16 years old – 2020 – 46% – 70CL  

Nose: Initially delicate with herbal and citrus characteristics before opening up to reveal brighter and zestier notes with orange peel and tart lemon meringue pie. There is also a creamy, nutty aroma that develops over time and a hint of tropical pineapple. A fleeting briny component reminds you that this is definitely a Campbeltown Single Malt.

Palate: The palate reveals layers of complex flavors. Cereal and malt notes are present alongside soft dry peat smoke, herbs, black pepper, and tones of sandalwood and beeswax. The bourbon maturation allows a fragrant aniseed note to carry through from the spirit, which also lends a waxy texture to the dram.

Finish: The dry and ashy peat smoke influence continues as does the deep-rooted coastal brine. Overall this is a bright and complex whisky that is not overly sweetened from the bourbon maturation. It is fragrant, grassy, and gently peated.

SOLD OUT

Hazelburn 13 years old – 2020 – 50.3% – 70CL

Oloroso Sherry Cask

Nose: Juicy red grapes, raspberries and redcurrants followed by stewed strawberries and mint humbugs.

Palate: Initially a rich sweetness of marzipan, prunes, and raisins, developing into orange rind, dark chocolate and vanilla cheesecake.

Finish: Red apple, digestive biscuits, wholemeal toast, black cherries and almonds.

SOLD OUT

Cadenhead’s London

Cadenheads Whisky Shop & Tasting Room
26 Chiltern Street, London, W1U 7QF

It might be Halloween but don’t worry – there are no scary monsters here. Just 19 creature comfort casks to soothe your soul and help you coorie in for the upcoming festival season. Explore the spectrum of uplifting bottlings along with our home comfort suggestions to find your perfect remedy for the winter ahead.

DISCOVER THE OUTTTURN

ALL OUTTURN WHISKIES

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

1995 Blair Athol 24 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single First Fill Sherry Butt Cask Strength Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) (Pre-Arrival)

$119.99

This little distillery outside of Pitlochry is one of Scotland’s most picturesque. Few know it well on this side of the pond, but there’s a constant stream of visitors arriving to tour the famous home of Bell’s Blend. This regional blend is very popular in the U.K. and we’ve been lucky to have a steady stream of casks coming from the lovely distillery. Located just a few clicks south of the even tinier Edradour distillery, the beautiful stone buildings were originally constructed in 1798, but closed soon after opening. Now covered in vines, the distillery reopened in 1825 only to be mothballed again a century later in 1932. Finally, in 1949 it was purchased and reopened by Arthur Bell & Sons destined to become the heart malt for their eponymous blend. The distillery features 2 wash and 2 spirit stills and a total capacity of 2.5 million liters per year, although it’s unlikely they get close to that quantity. The spirit’s character is medium to full-bodied with a distinct herbal character that lends itself nicely to maturation in sherry casks. We’ve managed to keep these excellent first fill sherry casks at an altogether reasonable price point despite the increasing age and unbelievable quality. This is one of the more complex and savory sherry butts we’ll see this year with a full body and an unctuous texture. It’s not designed for those expecting sweeter flavors, but also refrains from crossing the savory line toward sulfur. This butt turned out 262 bottles at cask strength.