Worlds northernmost Whisky to be released

After 3 years of production, Aurora Spirit Distillery, launches their first ever Whisky in May 2020. This will be the northernmost Whisky in the world and is named “Bivrost® Niflheim – Arctic Single Malt Whisky”.

Bivrost® Niflheim Single Malt Whisky is made from Nordic barley, pilsner malt and brewer’s yeast. The water is sourced from the local spring, which receives melted glacier water from the Lyngen alpine range. The Whisky was stored in carefully selected sherry casks, virgin oak and bourbon casks. It has been allowed to mature for the required three years in underground storage vaults, which were previously part of a network of tunnels in a Cold War NATO base.

The Whisky is made by Aurora Spirit Distillery, which has established a unique distillery that attracts international attention with its spectacular location. The distillery is the world’s northernmost, situated far beyond the Arctic Circle in Norway. Bivrost products are based on local herbs, berries and melted glacier water. Aurora Spirit has an award winning visitor centre which offers guided tours for visitors.

Until Aurora Spirit scale up Whisky sales with their “standard” Bivrost Whisky (Estimated release 2025) they will be releasing 2 limited editions each year as a “collectable series”, related to “the nine worlds of Norse mythology”. First one out is Niflheim (“world of fog”). This world is the homeland of darkness, cold, mist, and ice by ancient Viking beliefs. The brand name Bivrost® is more than 1000 years old. The producers’ Viking ancestors named the northern light “biv rost” (shaking path) – they thought it was a magical bridge between the worlds.

The different Whisky releases will have different taste impressions. Niflheim is fruity and sweet on the nose. On the palate it has a nice balance of sweetness, wood and spiciness, with a long and sweet finish. The use of small casks has enabled this whisky to mature beyond its youth. (Also see Whisky Author Blair Bowman’s opinions below).

The first 20 Whiskies will go on auction late April (www.whiskyauctioneer.com). The producer will arrange an online streaming event on the 23. Of April, with digital tasting, presentations and live music. Find out more on their Facebook page.

Whisky Author Blair Bowman’s words:

I feel incredibly lucky to have visited Aurora Spirits two times in the last few years. My first visit was in January 2018 and I was blown away by the whole experience. It was my first time in Norway and I felt an instant and very strong connection to the distillery and the team. The generosity and warmth from the Northern Norwegians was genuine and heartfelt. Their passion for their distillery is truly palpable. 

The distillery is unlike anything I’ve seen before. The Lyngenfjord area is truly breathtaking and the fact that they are in the Arctic Circle, on a former NATO base and using the old tunnels to mature their whisky is completely unique. Their use of a wide variety of interesting casks and the various casks experiments they are running is exciting to see too. 

I first got to taste their spirit when it was just over one year old and it was already showing great promise at that very early stage. I also then tried the spirit again at around two years of maturation and it had developed very well and was clearly well on its way to being an excellent whisky when it reached its 3rd birthday and legally became whisky. 

Now that the Bivrost Nifilheim Whisky is ready to be released I’m incredibly excited for others to get a chance to taste whisky from the most northerly whisky distillery in the world!

Tasting Notes: 

Nose: Initially lots of deliciously juicy dried fruits and sweet toasted nuts. Dried cherries, sultanas, raisins, figs. Then sweet caramelised peanuts, almonds and hazelnuts with a hint of black pepper.  A rich spiced malt note comes later like toasted malt bread with Nutella. 

Palate: A lovely balance of sweet and woody spice with hints of dried fruit. Like balsa wood shavings on a woodburner in a sauna that has maple syrup on the wooden benches and then a few black peppercorns and dried fruits are thrown into the burner. 

Finish: Long and sweet with hints of spice. 

Overall: A deliciously drinkable whisky with a very chewy and juicy mouthfeel and finish that makes you come back for more. 

An incredible achievement for a group of friends who were inspired to build their own distillery in the Arctic Circle after a trip to Islay in Scotland. This whisky really shows their dedication to the quality of the ingredients, the distillation and maturation. 

Blair Bowman, March 2020

http://www.blairbowman.com/

Osaka, JAPAN, 4th April 2020– Yoshino Spirits Co. has launched “World’s First Sakura & Yoshino Sugi Cask Finish Whisky Brand’ under Kamiki Whisky portfolio firstly in U.K. market and now available for global export this month.

 Following on from the acclaimed Kamiki and Kamiki Intense expressions – the first whiskies matured in Japanese Cedar wood – this exciting new expression takes the brand an innovative step further, this time with a finish in Sakura wood, or Japanese Cherry Blossom as it is more commonly known.

 This new expression is finished in Japanese Cedar wood, just like the two before it, before being transferred to casks made from the famous Sakura tree for further finishing.

 Kamiki Sakura Wood already picked up awards, winning a Gold Award at the China Wine & Spirits Awards 2019, a Double Gold at the Women’s Wine & Spirits Awards 2019, a Platinum Award at SIP Awards 2019, a Double Gold from Las Vegas Spirit 2019 Awards, Double Gold at Cigar & Spirits Magazine 2019, Innovation and Consumer Choice Awards at SIP Awards 2019.

 About Yoshino Spirits Co. Yoshino is a private company based in Osaka, exporting finest Japanese whisky, wine and spirits to the world. For more information please visit www.yoshinospirits.com

Father’s day release
AVAILABLE NOW FOR
PRE-ORDER!

If you’re looking for something special this Fathers Day, look no further: this new Wolfburn limited release is an absolute treat. Matured in Oloroso sherry hogsheads it’s a beautifully sweet, creamy dram, rich and balanced – ideal for any discerning dad!

ON THE NOSE – There’s a beautiful mix of sherry aromas, overlaid with hints of golden syrup and caramel. No burn at all, just warmth and sweetness.

ON THE PALATE – The flavours are rich, creamy and full-bodied: butterscotch meets heather honey, with just a trace of dates and raisins. A truly sumptuous dram!

“A wonderfully smooth, rich and enjoyable dram.”
Iain Kerr, Distillery Manager.

Limited edition of 720 bottles

Available to buy now on our online store for £64.00

Buy now

Slàinte!
The Wolfburn Team

The Isle of Jura distillery was founded in 1810 by Archibald Campbell. Originally, known as the Small Isles Distillery, it was renamed in 1831, and rebuilt in the early 1960’s on the original site. The name derives from the Norse for ‘deer island’, a reference to the herds of local deer that greatly outnumber the island’s tiny population of residents.

Jura single malt can offer power and complexity, but without the bold, heady smoke of whiskies their Hebridean neighbour, Islay. The whiskies are typically sweet, fruity and approachable, with a slightly coastal character. Since 2018, they have been imbued with a subtle smokiness, due to the inclusion of a small amount of peated whisky in each bottling.

BROWSE OUR FULL JURA RANGE HERE

Continuing our series which introduces you to the people behind the Cotswolds Distillery, meet Angus, one of our Senior Distillers.

Have a read on our latest blog to learn more about Angus’ role at the distillery and his tuba-playing skills!

READ MORE…

. . . all about an Oban !

https://youtu.be/67MC7-SSQzs

GLEN LUSS DISTILLERY CROWD-FUNDING ANNOUNCEMENT FOR LOCH LOMOND PROJECT

Glen Luss Distillery has announced an initial round of crowdfunding. Investors will become members of the Founders’ Club and receive a range of benefits including private tours, distilling masterclasses, early access to new products, inaugural first releases, and an invitation to an annual private members’ event.

The micro distillery, which plans to open in May 2021, will be the first distillery and brewery on the shores of Loch Lomond and the first within the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Using existing vacant premises in the village of Luss the distillery will provide a year-round visitor experience.

“We are excited to develop a sustainable visitor experience for the estimated million tourists who visit Luss each year,” said Trystan Powell, Director of Visitor Experience for Glen Luss Distillery.

Glen Luss Distillery will produce a range of premium drinks. These will be available through the visitor attraction, as well as wholesaled to on-trade and off-trade domestically and through the export market. Initial product development is underway for a single malt Scotch whisky and other products,

“The Scottish food and drink industry is world renowned for its focus on quality and provenance. At the distillery we will utilise locally sourced ingredients to create a range of drinks inspired by Luss’ history and heritage,” said Daniel Lewis, Director of Operations for Glen Luss Distillery.

Glen Luss Distillery has held initial positive consultations with several groups and stakeholders in the development of the business plan including local community representatives, politicians, tourism bodies, local businesses, and the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.

It is estimated that twenty-six jobs will be created, and the aim is to draw a significant number of these personnel from the local community. Modern Apprenticeships will be provided to support the development of skills within this local workforce.

“With community benefit at the heart of our vision, the distillery will also commit 5% of profits annually, for an initial period of ten years, to a Community Development Fund for projects in the Luss and Arden area,” said Patrick Colquhoun, Sales Director at Glen Luss Distillery.

The initial round of crowdfunding closes on the 4th May 2020. Glen Luss Distillery are inviting interested parties to become part of their exclusive Founders’ Club. Further details can be found at www.glenluss.co.uk

NOTES

Glen Luss Distillery has been founded by Trystan Powell, Patrick Colquhoun and Daniel Lewis, graduates of the University of Strathclyde MBA. They bring together over forty years of combined industry and business experience to this project across operations management, customer experience and sales.

Luss is a picturesque village in the heart of the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, in the Highlands of Scotland. Luss is the historic home of the Clan Colquhoun and the Glen Luss range will take inspiration from the history of the area and the heritage of the clan. Glen Luss itself rises to the west of the village of Luss and is surrounded by six bens, most of which are over 600m high. These are Beinn Eich, Beinn Lochain, Cruach-An-t-Sithein and Beinn Mhanaich. The Glen is one of the sources of freshwater flowing into Loch Lomond. Loch Lomond itself is the largest body of freshwater (by surface area) in the UK.

RELATED LINK: www.glenluss.co.uk

The Largest Spirits Online Sale Presented by Sotheby’s Hong Kong

Open for Bidding Today Through 5 May

Fine Selection of Sought-After Spirits from The Macallan, Ardbeg,

Springbank, Glenfiddich and Samaroli’s Legendary Independent Bottlings, and

Elegant Classics from Karuizawa and Ichiro’s Hanyu Bottlings

Distilled | Whisky

Opening for Bidding: 21 April – 5 May

Comprising over 130 lots, Distilled | Whisky + Moutai + More is the largest online sale for spirits ever  presented by Sotheby’s Hong Kong. The sale focuses on the most sought-after names in both Scotch and Japanese whiskies as well as Chinese spirit Kweichow Moutai. Leading the sale is Karuizawa Aqua of Life 50 Years 1968, which is one of an incredibly limited release of only 248 bottles from 2018. The Mortlach 75-Year-Old Gordon & Macphail Generations (1 BT70), the oldest whisky ever bottled, is a trophy piece for any serious collector and not to be missed.

The Macallan Duncan Taylor The Rarest Collection 42 Year Old 1969 (1 BT70) Est. HK$170,000-220,000

As one of the oldest independent bottles of The Macallan at 42 years, this decanter set is a celebration of single cask expressions. Not only Is the whisky accompanied by cut crystal Glencairn glasses and adorned with a hallmarked silver stopper, but its presentation case is made out of its own cask #6860.

Mortlach 75 Year Old Gordon & Macphail Generations (1 BT70) Est. HK$130,000-180,000

A must-have for any serious collector for one simple reason: this is the oldest whisky ever bottled. Originally established in 1895, Gordon & MacPhail is one of the oldest and most revered independent bottlers in Scotch Whisky’s history. Gordon & MacPhail previously set the record for the oldest age statement whisky ever with their 70 Year Old Mortlach under the same Generations series.

Coleburn Samaroli Flowers 12 Year Old (1 BT) Est. HK$24,000-32,000

Silvano Samaroli’s whiskies are known to be among the best in the world, with Laphroaigs and Bowmores achieving the highest scores on Serge Valnetin’s WhiskyFun.com. Silvano began his independent bottlings in earnest with the Samaroli Flowers series. These whiskies were carefully selected and the label designs were drawn by Silvano himself. This Coleburn is one of this inimitable series, and to increase its desirability, Coleburn itself is a closed distillery, so very few of its bottles exist.

Karuizawa Aqua of Life 50 Year Old 1968 (1 BT70) Est. HK$280,000-400,000

Since March 2020, a 52 Karuizawa has held the record for the most valuable Japanese whisky ever sold when it achieved £636,000 at Sotheby’s in London. This 50 Year Old from cask #6223 known as “Aqua of Life” is one of an incredibly limited release of only 248 bottles released in 2018. Since Karuizawa’s closure in 2011, no new whisky has been distilled and existing stocks are becoming more and more limited as time goes by.

Hanyu Ichiro’s Malt Card Series Ace of Clubs cask #9523 2000 (1 BT70), Est. HK$110,000-160,000

After Hanyu ceased production in 2000, Ichiro Akuto, grandson of Hanyu’s founder, purchased 400 whisky casks from the closed distillery. He bottled his first few casks, each identified by a different playing card, which proved to be highly successful. Ichiro went on to complete the set with 58 cards produced in total, and his Malt Card Series became one of the most iconic series in the world of whisky. The ‘Ace of Clubs’ is particularly interesting as this was bottled from a Mizunara Puncheon – made from a very rare and valuable hardwood with aromatic properties.

ABOUT SOTHEBY’S

Sotheby’s has been uniting collectors with world-class works of art since 1744. Sotheby’s became the first international auction house when it expanded from London to New York (1955), the first to conduct sales in Hong Kong (1973), India (1992) and France (2001), and the first international fine art auction house in China (2012). Today, Sotheby’s has a global network of 80 offices in 40 countries and presents auctions in 10 different salesrooms, including New York, London, Hong Kong and Paris. Sotheby’s offers collectors the resources of Sotheby’s Financial Services, the world’s only full-service art financing company, as well as the collection, artist, estate & foundation advisory services of its subsidiary, Art Agency, Partners. Sotheby’s also presents private sale opportunities in more than 70 categories, including S|2, the gallery arm of Sotheby’s Global Fine Art Division, and three retail businesses: Sotheby’s Wine, Sotheby’s Diamonds, and Sotheby’s Home, the online marketplace for interior design.

We’re living in strange times just now, where unfortunately we’ve seen the cancellation of our member tastings and the doors closing on our partner bars and Members’ Rooms. However, the Society is all about coming together so we’ve been working hard behind the scenes to bring our members together and enjoy a whisky tasting….virtually!

We’re delighted to bring you the details of our first round of virtual tastings, which will be held on 9th and 10th May, over on our YouTube channel, Facebook or Zoom.

These will be hosted by brand ambassadors from the UK and across Europe, so you can choose an event local to you and join in with nearby members.

To get involved, all you need to do is purchase the special Discovery Pack we have curated for these events, which includes the five 25ml drams the ambassador will be sharing during the tasting. Then simply sit back, have your glassware and water ready and log on to the correct channel for your chosen event to enjoy this experience with us.

We look forward to seeing you all then!
#alltogethersmws

VIEW ALL VIRTUAL EVENTS                                     BUY VIRTUAL PACK

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

Whisky Works is an independent arm of one of Scotland’s oldest whisky companies – Whyte & Mackay. Created by whisky-maker Gregg Glass (formerly of Compass Box), Whisky Works is a boutique blending and bottling house that seeks to find the balance between pioneering new practices and the traditional art of whisky making. So far, they have released two batches of whisky, each containing a “classic” bottling of rare, aged whisky, alongside an experimental blend that pushes the boundaries of whisky making and maturation.

BROWSE OUR FULL WHISKY WORKS RANGE HERE