New on the shelf: Fettercairn 16 Year Old

Introducing the first release of Fettercairn 16 Year Old, available to buy exclusively from The Whisky Shop for the month of June. Distilled with chocolate malted barley, this limited edition expression has been matured in first-fill American ex-bourbon casks, before being enhanced in select sherry and port casks.This is a malt that perfectly embodies Fettercairn’s signature fruity flavour. Enjoy notes of vanilla and ginger and sun-kissed raisins on the nose, as well as peach, banana and chocolate on the palate.

Be the first to get your hands this delicious dram!

£69.99

The month is drawing to a close and we’re already looking ahead to June; a time for warmer weather, longer evenings and celebrating the summer solstice. While we enjoy a sun-downer on the year’s longest day, our friends in the southern hemisphere will be cosying up with a dram on their shortest, but luckily – there’s a Society flavour for every occasion!

If you can’t want for the official start of summer, we’re releasing five preview bottlings this afternoon before the full Outturn lands on Friday, 5 June at 9am. Hop to the website now before they all disappear!

PREVIEW BOTTLINGS             SEE ALL BOTTLINGS

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

Sought after and highly in demand, but is it still worth the money?

I’d say yes but it’s always so personal. Blanton’s, a whisky with some serious and very important history. 1984 is when it all started and in 2020, it is still going so strong.

Check our the video for the full history and why this is one of the most important products in Bourbon, if not whisky history.
Cheers!

https://youtu.be/1y65MlInIqw

On Thursday 4^th June we will take the momentous step of opening the distillery gates to the public for the first time in 11 weeks. Those of you that are keen to venture out and visit us will see quite a few changes have occurred on site. We have moved the whisky shop and reception back to the old distillery building as The Kitchen will remain closed for the time being.

Initially we will be offering 10 acres of grounds and a river walk for you to enjoy and our whisky & gift shop will be open for those who have a booze cupboard in need of replenishment or are in need of a gift for Fathers Day. In order to limit the covid risk – we will have a door bell on the door and ask you to ring this and we will come and let you in, enabling us to limit numbers in the shop itself; we will also ask you to give your hands a squirt with sanitiser at the door before entering. You may find some of our staff wear masks and glasses for obvious reasons, the only downside is that they won’t be able to drink with you. Finally the shop is going to remain cashless, so please bring a bit of plastic with you.

The missing parts of our offering sat dormant are the tours, bistro and conference facilities. The tours and conference facilities will open as soon as we can work out how to do this with social distancing or when social distancing rules are relaxed.

We would like to take this opportunity to warmly thank everybody who has supported us through these difficult times and look forward to seeing you all soon.

For the time being our Opening hours will be 10am – 4pm Monday –Saturday & 10am – 3pm on Sunday.

Kind Regards

Andrew Nelstrop

 Managing Director 

IRISH DISTILLERS NAMED IMPORTER OF THE YEAR AT  

SAN FRANCISCO WORLD SPIRITS COMPETITION 2020

Irish Distillers, makers of some of the world’s most enjoyed whiskeys, has been named Importer of the Year honour at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2020.

The accolade follows a stellar year for the world’s leading distiller of Irish whiskey, with brands across its portfolio achieving an outstanding 25 medals.

The Importer of the Year honour recognises the achievement of the distiller who attains the greatest number and level of medals. This year the award highlights Irish Distillers’ consistent commitment to producing whiskeys of outstanding quality to deliver exceptional experiences for discerning whiskey drinkers around the globe.

In addition to honouring Irish Distillers with one of its top awards, the judges of the annual tasting competition awarded its portfolio of Irish whiskeys with six Double Gold medals – including an exceptional performance from its celebrated and historic Spot range as Red Spot, Green Spot and Yellow Spot all collected a Double Gold medal.

Jameson Bow Street 18 Years Cask Strength also received Double Gold, testament to the unrivalled quality and craftsmanship of the whiskeys produced at Irish Distillers’ Midleton Distillery in County Cork. Newcomer Midleton Very Rare Dair Ghaleach Knockrath Forest was also highly commended, achieving a Double Gold medal on its first outing at the competition, reinforcing Midleton Very Rare’s standing as the pinnacle expression of Irish whiskey.

The Redbreast portfolio continued its legacy as the world’s most decorated single pot still Irish whiskey as Redbreast 12, Redbreast 15, Redbreast 21 and Redbreast Lustau Edition were presented with coveted Gold medals. The bold and distinctive taste of the Powers range was also recognised, with the judges awarding Powers John’s Lane, Powers Three Swallow and Powers Gold Label with Gold Medals. The accolades follow a dynamic new bottle design for Powers, announced earlier this year, as part of a bid to attract a new generation of drinkers to one of Ireland’s most loved whiskey brands.

Irish Distillers’ intrepid step into the modern premium gin market was also rewarded, with its METHOD AND MADNESS Irish Micro Distilled Gin taking home a Gold medal after being unveiled last year as the first release from Irish Distillers’ new Micro Distillery in Midleton. The award acknowledges the commitment to experimentation and innovation within the METHOD AND MADNESS range, which continues to push the boundaries and re-write the future of modern Irish spirits.

Commenting on the strong start to the 2020 awards season, Tommy Keane, Production Director at Irish Distillers, explains: “We are delighted to have received such a fantastic range of honours from one of the world’s leading tasting competitions, and one of the ultimate accolades for any distiller to win – Importer of the Year.

“We are incredibly proud that our whiskeys continue to impress both whiskey experts and connoisseurs around the world. These awards are a true testament of the passion, creativity and commitment of the world-class production team who make Midleton Distillery a special place to work.”

Now in its 20^th year, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition is one of the oldest spirits tasting competitions of its kind. A blind tasting process guarantees that every entry is judged fairly and given equal consideration.

Notes 

Full results from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2020:

• Jameson Bow Street 18 Years Cask Strength – Double Gold Medal
• Midleton Dair Ghaelach Knockrath Forest  -Double Gold Medal
• Method and Madness Single Malt – Double Gold
• Green Spot – Double Gold Medal
• Yellow Spot – Double Gold Medal
• Red Spot – Double Gold Medal
• Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition – Gold Medal
• Method and Madness Irish Micro Distilled Gin – Gold Medal
• Jameson Crested – Gold Medal
• Jameson 18 Year Old – Gold Medal
• Jameson Coopers Croze – Gold Medal
• Redbreast 12 Year Old – Gold Medal
• Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength – Gold Medal
• Redbreast 15 Year Old – Gold Medal
• Redbreast 21 Year Old – Gold Medal
• Redbreast Lustau Edition – Gold Medal
• Powers John’s Lane 12 Years Old – Gold Medal
• Powers Three Swallow – Gold Medal
• Powers Gold Label – Gold Medal
• Midleton Very Rare 2019 – Gold Medal
• Method and Madness Single Grain Irish – Silver Medal
• Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition – Silver Medal
• Jameson Black Barrel – Silver Medal
• Jameson Distillers Safe – Silver Medal
• Jameson Blender’s Dog – Silver Medal

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers is one of Ireland’s leading suppliers 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 bestselling Irish whiskey, experiencing 30 years of consecutive growth and hitting sales of 8m cases in 2019. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets, with over 70 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 €400 million 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 No.2 worldwide producer of wines and spirits with consolidated sales of €9,182 million in FY19. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has developed through organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard, which owns 16 of the Top 100 Spirits Brands, holds one of the most prestigious and comprehensive brand portfolios in the industry, including: 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’s brands are distributed across 160+ markets and by its own salesforce in 73 markets. The Group’s decentralised organisation empowers its 19,000 employees to be true on-the-ground ambassadors of its vision of “Créateurs de Convivialité.” As reaffirmed by the Group’s three-year strategic plan, “Transform and Accelerate,” deployed in 2018, Pernod Ricard’s strategy focuses on investing in long-term, profitable growth for all stakeholders. The Group remains true to its three founding values: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust, and a strong sense of ethics. As illustrated by the 2030 roadmap supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), “We bring good times from a good place.” In recognition of Pernod Ricard’s strong commitment to sustainable development and responsible consumption, it has received a Gold rating from Ecovadis and is ranked No. 1 in the beverage sector in Vigeo Eiris. Pernod Ricard is also a United Nation’s Global Compact LEAD company.

2009 Heaven Hill 10 Year Old “Archives Whisky From The Whiskybase Team” K&L Exclusive Single Cask #496 

NOTE: In accordance with local directives, our walk-in retail locations are currently closed. We have low cost and free delivery options available in ZIP codes where we can ship lawfully, including anywhere in California. We can also include any new or existing will call orders in your delivery batch. Choose local delivery at checkout to learn if you qualify.

Some of the most exciting projects in the world of whiskey are the bottlings coming from the Whiskybase Team. By taking classic American whiskies and aging them in Scotland, these bottlers have placed a uniquely European imprint on a classic American style. This 10-year-old barrel from the famed Heaven Hill distillery has undergone this unique aging process, and the results are nothing short of breathtaking. Yes, you get all the orchard fruit and vanilla one expects, but there’s also an added element of European refinement that takes things to another level. Wonderfully complex and irresistibly delicious, it is a marriage of styles that whisk(e)y lovers of all stripes will enjoy. Clocking at a whopping 133.2 proof, this is no shrinking violet, but Whiskybase is very adept at balancing the spirit’s heat against its sweetly seductive oak. All it takes is a splash of water to make this beauty sing—and what a song to behold. We couldn’t be more pleased to have access to this exclusive barrel, offering what was once only available in Europe. Our exclusive price of $120 makes this unique expression all the more tempting. For those looking to expand their whiskey horizons, we strongly recommend this spellbinding single cask expression.

2009 Heaven Hill 10 Year Old “Archives Whisky From The Whiskybase Team” K&L Exclusive Single Cask #496 American Whiskey (750ml) ($119.99)

The wonderful whiskies coming from the WhiskyBase team are finally available in the US and K&L is the exclusive retailer for the brand throughout California. One of the oddities of the Scottish whisky industry has been the release of several American whiskies from bourbon mashbills aged partially in Europe. These weird, wonderful whiskies have been released by famous names like Cadenhead’s and The Boutique-y Whiskey Company, but we’ve rarely seen these unusual products imported back into the US. Now, thanks to our relationship with the wonderful team making Archives, we’ve secured one of just a handful of these excellent Heaven Hill barrels that have made their way back into the US. There are huge differences in maturation between Scotland and Kentucky, but there’s still something inherently bourbon-y about this special spirit. This whiskey spent six years in Kentucky in used cooperage before making the journey to Scotland for four more years. The aromatics still rest resoundingly in the realm of sweet orchard fruit and vanilla, but instead of caramel and spice, it’s ripe, fresh fruit. Instead of pungent and smoky, the vanilla is subtle and floral. Behind the pretty aromatics are powerful exotic flavors. At an impressive 133.2 proof you’d expect the heat to be overwhelming without the sweetness of new oak, but this remains surprisingly supple and drinkable. We do recommend a splash of water and while its provenance is unusual, it remains a distinctly American spirit unlike any other.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: May 26, 2020

This oddity is part of a particular category of American whiskeys aged partially out of the country. This one spent at least six years in Kentucky before making the transatlantic journey to Scotland for further aging and bottling. Distilled at the Heaven Hill facility in Louisville known as Bernheim, it was aged in second use American oak for its entire life. We call this “the devil’s cask,” as it’s bottled at a staggering 133.2 proof, making the abv precisely 66.6%. The nose is fiery and raw at first, arresting, to say the least. Behind the intense nose are candied fruits and dried cinnamon. While I don’t usually recommend adding water to cask strength bourbon (this isn’t bourbon, but still), this loves water as well as any single malt would. Once you’ve added some water, the bourbon character becomes much more evident. It reveals a beautiful balance between sweet stewed fruit, exotic spices, and elegant vanilla. Once it hits your lips, we’re distinctly into bourbon territory, with a rich texture and a bold sweetness. We’ve moved more toward the orchard fruits, dried apple, and hints of mango, with a building spice on the finish. It is an excellent spirit that doesn’t fit any category well, but drinks like a dream. Don’t forget to give it a good splash to unlock its character. It’s a shame this style is considered an oddity, but considering how delicious and unusual this is, I wish we could have stuff like this all the time! Grab it while it lasts, as we’ve only got one barrel for the whole year.

Double Cask Batch DC106

Our latest batch of Double Cask Tasmanian Single Malt Whisky is finally ready for release to our mailing list members.

Double Cask batch number DC106 is a marriage of portions of nine different casks, ranging in age from 11 to 13 years. As well as whisky from several American oak ex-Bourbon casks, this batch also contains both first and second fill French oak ex-tawny casks as well as one French oak cask previously used to mature Australian white wine.

“There’s something quite nostalgic about this whisky. Some spirits just conjure up more memories than others, and this is one of them. Deep, gentle, bold, dark, delicate. One to get lost in.” – Heather Tillott, Head Distiller

TASTING NOTES

NOSE: Seriously nutty, and deeply honeyed. Cocoa nibs, white chocolate, rye bread, ripe raspberries, along with dried apple, red rose petals, musk stick lollies and lemon peel. Vanilla is quite present, but taking a supporting role to hold the others together- someone nominate that vanilla for a Golden Globe! A whisper of sweet tobacco, and an old Cartier perfume: floral, nutty, woody, deep and elegant.

PALATE: Dream texture; velvety and thick without being too viscous. Loads of milk chocolate, peanut brittle, orange and raisins. Quite malty, and with flavours of dried coconut, rainbow Paddlepop, ripe cherries dried banana, glacé pineapple and dried ginger.

FINISH: A wave of pears and apples with a burst of citrus freshness leading to roasted macadamias, dates, fresh coconut, fruit & nut chocolate, and cola. Then a flush of apricot blossom, with a touch of brine and earthy vegetal notes to carry it all home.

Please Note: 
All domestic parcels will now be shipped via Australia Post Express, and charges will be based on actual shipping costs plus a small handling fee. This change has been made to improve shipping times and to decrease the incidents of lost and damaged packages. If you have any questions about this change, please don’t hesitate to email us!

Click the link below to purchase.

PURCHASE NOW

Join us on Friday 12th June at 20:00 BST for a very special Glengoyne Live Virtual Tasting as we sample three of our most rare and special drams; Glengoyne 21 Year Old, Glengoyne 25 Year Old and Duncan’s Dram 17 Year Old Single Cask.

The live tasting, hosted by our very own Robbie Hughes and Gordon Dundas, will be available on both Glengoyne’s Facebook and YouTube pages.

Bring the tasting experience to life in your own home by purchasing one of our extremely limited Glengoyne Tasting Kits. 

Priced at £50.00 the tasting kit contains 30ml drams of 21 Year Old , 25 Year Old and Duncan’s Dram 17 Year Old Single Cask. Also included in the kit is a Glengoyne Glencairn glass. Although at Glengoyne we are normally Unhurried, you’ll have to be quick to buy one of our kits as only 200 are available. Buy now for delivery in time for the Live Tasting.

BUY NOW

In the meantime, we invite you to send us your questions in advance or live on the night itself, and we will enter you into our prize draw, where one lucky winner will receive a 20cl bottle of Glengoyne 21 Year Old. T&Cs apply!

We look forward to you joining us with a dram in hand on the night of the 12th June!

Glengoyne Distillery, Dumgoyne, Near Killearn, Glasgow G63 9LB
Tel. +44 (0)1360 550 254

Cambus 30 Year Old

1988 vintage bottled 2019 for The Soveriegn label. Lost distillery single cask #16643 sherry hogshead of just 242 bottles.

Shop £141.64

Cambus 30 Year Old 1988 vintage Lowland single grain Scotch whisky. Single sherry hogshead #16643 bottled 2019 by Hunter Laing & Co. for the Sovereign series. 242 bottles. Butterscotch angel delight, bonfire toffee, manuka honey, candy floss. Oranges on the palate, apple purée and cinnamon leading to a long, sweet, caramel infused finish.

CAMBUS SINGLE GRAIN WHISKY

John Moubry commissioned Cambus Distillery in 1806 at Cambus near Alloa to produce malt and grain whisky. He was amongst a group of contemporary distillers ‘paid’ to close their works for a number of years by the Stein and Haig distilling family in order to enable the later to maintain their monopoly in the exportation of Scottish spirits into the London gin market. Cambus Distillery is a lost Lowlands grain whisky distillery having closed in 1993 although its whisky remains available and the site is occupied by a Diageo cask filling works. Hunter Laing Sovereign Cambus grain whiskies are extremely popular.

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 314: Bruichladdich 14 Year Old 2006 Liquid Art

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky vlogger, finishes of his series of Feis Ile videos with a brand new Bruichladdich. He was fortunate enough to experience the very first presentation of this new release of Liquid Art during a live-stream. It did not take long before it arrived on his doorstep. This 14 years old Bruichladdich was bottled at a cask strength of 51.7%.

https://youtu.be/o3wii_sdpHU