SMOKEHEAD WHISKY DISRUPTS HALLOWEEN 

Smokehead Whisky have announced they’ll be present across the on & off trade in the UK and globally for Halloween 2020 

Smokehead Islay Single Malt Whisky will be emerging in the on and off trade across the UK as well as globally this Halloween. Smokehead-themed Halloween window displays will pop-up in specialist off licences across the UK, with the brand’s Freakishly Tasty Halloween Cocktail range available in Smokehead partner bars.

In time for Halloween 2020, bars and specialists across the UK have stocked-up on the original Smokehead Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky expression, as well as High Voltage, Sherry Bomb and our brand-new Rum Rebel, which in typical Smokehead style, disrupted International Rum Day on 16^th August 2020 with a rebellious launch.

The brand’s bold Freaklishly Tasty Halloween Cocktail range includes the Killer Kimchi, Don’t Bite Snow White and the Frankenshake. These cocktails are not for the faint of heart.

SMOKEHEAD WHISKY HALLOWEEN COCKTAILS

KILLER KIMCHI

Ingredients

o   50ml Smokehead Original

o   1 tbsp finely chopped kimchi

o   4/5 dashes jalapeno tobacco

o   4/5 dashes Worcestershire sauce

o   Dash of smoked paprika

o   Top up with tomato juice 

Method & garnish

Combine all ingredients and drop in ice. Use half a celery stick, some chives, cherry tomato and a red chilli sliced in half to garnish.

DON’T BITE, SNOW WHITE

Ingredients

o   50ml Smokehead High Voltage

o   25ml apple liqueur

o   25ml cranberry juice

o   2tbsp honey

o   Top up with cider

Method & garnish

Combine all ingredients and muddle, serve with plenty of ice and fresh green apple to garnish.

THE FRANKENSHAKE

Ingredients

o   50ml Smokehead Original

o   25ml coffee liqueur

o   75-100ml banana milk

o   1tbsp smooth peanut butter

o   1 tbsp honey

o   1 scoop chocolate ice cream

o   6/7 drops of doughnut reduction

Method & garnish

Combine all ingredients in a shaker, stir, mix, drop ice in and top with whipped cream, sweets and chocolate sauce.

Commenting on Smokehead’s Halloween 2020 plans, Iain Weir, Smokehead Brand Director, said: “Just like Halloween, Smokehead is not for everyone. We’re looking to cause a spooky stir in the trade this Halloween with our eye-popping off trade window displays and scarily tasty cocktails.

Obviously there have been and may well be further restrictions in the on-trade, but we’ve had a strong year for Smokehead under tough conditions. We’re delighted to see such an eager & enthusiastic response to Smokehead from the trade and will obviously continue to support our partners where we possibly can.

We believe this brand is custom-built for Halloween, and I’m sure our ever-growing tribe of Smokeheads would agree with us.

Enjoy Smokehead neat or in one of our freakishly tasty cocktails. Whatever works for you. After all, it’s your whisky.”   

*Smokehead always encourages responsible drinking*

 www.smokehead.com

f: www.facebook.com/smokeheadwhisky

i: www.instagram.com/smokeheadwhisky

#smokehead

NOTES:

About Smokehead:

• Smokehead is an Islay Single Malt Whisky and has been given a bold new look by Ian Macleod Distillers.
• Smokehead has been labelled the wild one of Single Malt Whisky and is not for everyone.
• Award-winning premium Scotch whisky that has an attitude-led positioning and smoky taste. 

About Ian Macleod Distillers:

• Established in 1933, Ian Macleod Distillers is one of Scotland’s leading independent, family-owned distillers, blenders and bottlers.
• Ian Macleod Distillers is the world’s 10th largest Scotch Whisky company, producing and selling over 15 million bottles of spirits every year.
• Ian Macleod Distillers has built up an enviable portfolio of premium quality spirits and is proud brand proprietor of Glengoyne, Tamdhu, Rosebank and Smokehead Scotch whiskies and Edinburgh Gin to name but a few.

Friday October 30th, 6:30 PM:

GlenDronach Halloween Whisky and Chocolate Event

with Rory Glasgow

Celebrate Halloween with The Whisky Shop at our expert presented virtual tasting! We’ve pulled out all the stops for our first virtual holiday tasting, with single malt, chocolates, distillery gifts, and whisky expert Rory Glasgow presenting. Our tasting pairs the award-winning Highland dram with Berkeley based chocolate maker TCHO’s richly flavored sweets, a luxurious experience for any palate and perfect for Halloween.

Tasting sets are sold out!

However this event is still free to view and join.

Click Here to RSVP

If you would like to buy GlenDronach in advance, all bottles are 10% off with the code ‘VIRTUAL‘ at checkout.

Unparalleled Value in a Classic Islay Single Cask Exclusive

2007 Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Hogshead Cask

Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) (Pre-Arrival) ($74.99)

NOTE: Our walk-in retail locations are currently closed. We have curbside pickup and low cost (often 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.

We couldn’t believe our good fortune when we happened upon this cask of Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old. Bunnahabhain is one of Islay’s most respected distillers and, with a large and devoted following, their 12-year-old expressions such as this usually command top dollar. But thanks to our strong relationships with many of Scotland’s best producers, we are able to ferret out remarkable casks at unheard of prices. Known for its pure, zesty, and unpeated style, Bunnahabhain delivered a real stunner with this engagingly complex dram. It’s a 12 Year that exudes pure freshness and vitality and is perfect for those who enjoy a more nuanced Scotch. At the same time, this single cask exclusive possesses an understated power, due in no small measure to the superb quality of the malt that goes into it. Bunnahabhain has been around since 1881, and little has changed since those early days, so this is a classic old-school Scotch that makes traditionalists swoon. This hogshead produced a mere 262 bottles, so there’s not a lot to go around, and at only $75, we don’t expect this cask strength stunner to last for long. Like the 28 Year Old Cameronbridge bargain that we offered last week, we expect this Bunnahabhain to sell out in a matter of hours, so you’ll need to act quickly to make this your own.

2007 Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Hogshead Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) (Pre-Arrival) ($74.99) —This product is expected to arrive for shipment or pickup by late November 2020.

This excellent cask of Bunnahabhain is proof that even with the incredible demand for Islay malt (both peated and unpeated) and the additional costs due to recent tariffs, we’re still able to secure single casks from top-tier distilleries at absolutely unbelievable prices. This legendary distillery on the shores just north of Port Askaig is one of Islay’s most unique. Not a lot has changed there since it was built in 1881. Located at the bottom of a steep cliff overlooking the Paps of Jura, it was once the perfect spot to load ships with the distillery’s excellent spirit. Famous for being the unpeated Islay whisky, Bunnahabhain uses 100% Concerto malt ground on their antique Porteus mill. Their massive mash tun (12.5 tonnes) feeds 6 Oregon pine fermenters holding more than 66 thousand liters of wash. Fermentation is a long slow 100 hours before distillation on their odd onion-shaped stills. Capacity is a relatively small 2.5 million liters per year. Much of that capacity is still dedicated to blending for various brands including Famous Grouse, Cutty Sark and Black Bottle. Typically when we see old malt from this excellent distillery, the prices are absolutely astronomical, but we were very pleased to see this mature barrel offered at a very solid price point. Even more lovely is the freshness of the spirit itself, which is brimming with zesty citrus, ripe orchard fruit and subtle ocean spray. This hogshead turned out 262 bottles at cask strength.

Bag a whisky bargain!

From Highland Park’s award-winning 18 Year Old to Caol Ila’s Distillers Edition – here’s a sneak peek at what’s on sale this week. Shop the sale to discover the rest and snap these prices up before they disappear!

Shop the Sale ›

Latest Waterford Series is back in stock

We are delighted to tell you that we have a very limited number of Waterford releases back in the shop. Off of the back of our Virtual tasting event last night, we are delighted to have these bottles again for general sale. If you missed out on the tasting, we were surprised to discover an almost four-way split in the favourite dram vote. A sure sign that the guys from Waterford have an excellent variety of whiskies, and all agreed that at just over 3 years old, each one is a very, very decent dram worth trying.

Welcome to this weeks episode of the show in which I’ll be tasting some samples from Waterford Distillery in Ireland, including new make and forthcoming bottlings.

WHISKY INDUSTRY JOINS FORCES WITH DODDIE’S FOUNDATION  

SCOTLAND’S whisky industry is set to toast Scottish rugby legend Doddie Weir in celebration of the third anniversary of his charity, the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, which was set up to raise funds to aid research into the causes of Motor Neuron Disease and investigate potential cures.

The Whisky Shop Auctions has kindly offered to host Doddie’s Whisky Auction online from Wednesday 11th November to Sunday 22nd November, with people invited to register for the event which is supported by the biggest and best-known names in whisky.

A wonderful collection of unique and highly sought-after bottles will come under the hammer to raise funds for Doddie’s charity, which since its inception in 2017 – following his diagnosis with MND – has raised over £7m for research and drug development.

Whisky lovers will be able to register when the auction site goes live on October 22, where the catalogue of bottles will be continuously updated on www.whiskyshop.com/auctions/doddies-charity-auction.

The auction includes a ‘Keepers of Quaich’ rare private single cask bottling of Strathisla, Talisker, Highland Park and Glenfiddich that is likely to attract whisky connoisseurs, collectors and investors alike, while the Worshipful  Company of Liverymen have offered up two bottles of their Master’s Cask single malt, of which only 200 bottles were produced.

An equally rare 38-year-old Royal Salute ‘Stone of Destiny’ will attract interest from both home and abroad, as will a bottle from one of Speyside’s iconic distilleries – Balvenie Signature Batch No.1 from 2007- alongside some exceptionally rare Glenfiddich, Macallan, Glenrothes and Glen Moray. Highly sought-after single malts from Scotland’s island distilleries are well represented, with rare bottles from Tobermory, Arran, Bowmore, Caol Ila, Jura and Kilchoman.

All major parties in the distilling trade, including Diageo, William Grant & Sons, Chivas Bros, Whyte & Mackay, Edrington, Glenmorangie, Ben Nevis Distilling, Distell and Loch Lomond, along with several independent brands, have also generously contributed.

Scott Dickson, Marketing Director of The Loch Lomond Group who hatched the concept of ‘Doddie’s Whisky Auction’ said; “I watched Doddie last year on the BBC Sports Personality of The Year Awards and I made a commitment to myself to raise some awareness and more importantly funds for Doddie’s Foundation. I felt there was no better way than mobilising the scotch whisky industry into helping and with the help of Scott Hastings and Finlay Calder we brought this auction to life. Since starting this project it’s been amazing to see the generosity of the industry coming together to support the auction and proud that we have been able to do our bit and give something back.”

MN5DF founder, Doddie Weir OBE, expressed his enthusiasm and delight at this venture finally coming together.

“I do love a dram myself and for a while, I’ve had this idea of doing something with the various distilleries and brands, in thanking them for the support they continue to give the Foundation, but also to celebrate everything they have done for Scotland over the years,” said Doddie, who celebrated his 50th birthday in July.

“While many have staged individual challenges and events in recent months, the whole Covid-pandemic has greatly curtailed our more public and mass participation fund-raising activities.

“Doddie’s Whisky Auction will hopefully give a great many, from far and wide, a chance to support our work across all aspects of MND, and like the return of International rugby this autumn, show everyone we are back to tackle MND head-on.”

Valuer and broker David Robertson of Rare Whisky 101 added; “Doddie’s cause is one that has captured the attention of many throughout the country, particularly those of us within the whisky industry, whether as distillers, brand owners, retailers or auctioneers.

“Doddie, as a player and a champion of the fight against MND, has mirrored so many of the values we have in the whisky industry, in terms of tenacity, strength, global recognition and, of course, being proudly and fiercely Scottish, and we are all delighted to be joining forces with one of our own in such a great cause.”

The Macallan Debuts the Largest Assembly of Vintage-Dated Single Malt Whiskies in the World with its Fine & Rare Collection and New Release: The 1993 Edition

The Spirit of the Twentieth Century, Captured by one of the 

World’s Leading Fashion Photographers, Tim Walker 

New York, October 21, 2020 — With fifty-seven vintages, The Macallan Fine & Rare Collection marks its largest array since the inception of the collection twenty years ago. Today, The Macallan unveils the latest expression of this iconic collection: The 1993 Edition. The newest expression joins its storied predecessors, each completely individual but unmistakably The Macallan. Spanning eight decades from 1926 to 1993, each with a timeless story to share, the Fine & Rare Collection is the spirit of the Twentieth Century.

The Macallan Fine & Rare Collection stretches back to 1926 and continues to its newest 1993 release. As a collection, these bottlings provide a glimpse into the decades that marks their labels. Over the years, the Fine & Rare Collection has underpinned The Macallan as the one of the world’s most valuable and collectible single malt whiskies, sweeping auctions around the world. Available in very limited quantities, the Collection’s vintages come predominantly from single casks.

To capture the essence of the Fine & Rare Collection and the history of each decade from which they derive, one of the world’s leading fashion photographers, Tim Walker, whose work has graced the pages of renowned publications for years, journeyed to The Macallan Estate on the banks of Scotland’s River Spey.

For the 1993 Edition, Walker posed the bottle with a bird’s nest, weathered twine, the handpiece of a clock, and flowers, among other details, against a backdrop of shadowed sky blue. The portrait is a love letter to the 1990s, which witnessed the coming of the Internet and the advent of the environmental movement, as well as to Speyside and the Highlands, and hints at the passage of time. Each vintage and according decade is uniquely represented through Walker’s artistic lens.

“With fifty-seven vintages released over eight decades, the iconic Fine & Rare Collection is a culmination of the work by many men and women dating back to the early Twentieth Century“ said David Cox, Former Director, The Macallan Fine & Rare. “We felt now was the time to look back to the introduction of this collection of old and rare whiskies, the likes of which had never been seen before, and to remind ourselves of what this historic collection represents, both now and for the future.”

As architect and the Former Director of The Macallan Fine & Rare, David Cox provides a poetic look into the history and heritage of this unprecedented range of single malts in a film available on  themacallan.com. Shot at The Macallan Estate, the film journeys through time, to the soul of The Macallan, encompassing the spirit of the Fine & Rare Collection.

The Fine & Rare Collection is a true symbol of time honored craft and The Edition 1993 is no exception.

Matured in a single sherry seasoned American oak hogshead cask for 27 years, this exquisite single malt was distilled at a time in which concern for the planet was on the rise, but on The Macallan Estate this was nothing new. For nearly 200 years The Macallan has been intrinsically connected to nature and in 1993, as now, this single malt revelled in its natural home, beside the River Spey, in a peaceful, rural setting. With only 256 bottles available, the 1993 Edition joins a truly exquisite collection of single malts.

The Macallan 1993 Edition will be available globally starting October 21, 2020 for an SRP of $18,000. For purchasing inquiries, please email: Inquiries.us@themacallan.com. For further information or to view our digital Fine & Rare Guide, visit www.themacallan.com.

Whisky Maker’s Notes: 

ABV: 50.2%

Color: Warm mahogany

Aroma: Vanilla fudge, citrus merge with bright fruits of red cherry, plum and peach. A rich fig and spiced combination of cinnamon and ginger. Hints of salted popcorn combined with peach, figs and cherries. Rich antique oak leather and cigar box.

Palate: Sweet oak, combined with rich dark chocolate. Caramelized grapefruit blends into vanilla. Moving into wood spices of ginger, hints of citrus and a light liquorice, antique oak, mint, forest fruits and dark chocolate.

Finish: Long with a rich ginger and chocolatey intensity.

About The Macallan 

Founded in 1824, The Macallan is one of the world’s most admired and awarded single malt whiskies. The reputation of The Macallan is based on a product of outstanding quality and distinctive character. An obsession with excellence has been the hallmark of The Macallan since its founding, by Alexander Reid, on a plateau above the river Spey in north-east Scotland.

In 2018, The Macallan unveiled its new £140 million distillery and visitor experience on its Speyside estate, increasing investment in whisky, warehousing and in The Macallan’s signature sherry-seasoned oak casks.  The striking contemporary architecture, cut into the slope of the land, takes its cues from ancient Scottish hills.  It stands nearby Easter Elchies House, the Highland Manor built in 1700 which has been The Macallan’s spiritual home since 1824.  The new distillery marks an important milestone, recognising the significant journey of The Macallan since 1824 and marking an exciting new chapter in the evolution of the luxury single malt.

AWARDS NIGHT MOVES TO DIGITAL BROADCAST

The national awards celebration for the Scotch Whisky Industry has revealed its plans to broadcast a digital event this year to reveal winners in its annual competition.

The 2nd Annual Scottish Whisky Awards (Thursday 19th November 2020) reported a 50% increase in the volume of entries in this highly challenging year of business for distilleries and independent bottlers.  The competition which launched in March of this year has now completed its judging in both the business and the taste competition with panels assessing over 150 whiskies from 40 producers.

Winners will be announced as part of a digital event which will  be broadcast from the Glasgow Doubletree Hilton hotel by comedian Des Clarke, however the event will only be open to registered ticket holders who will be able to watch from any computer or mobile phone device.

The chair of the judging panel, Professor Alan Wolstenholme, commented,

“It’s important that we take time to recognise the achievements of the Scotch whisky industry in this year when businesses have been faced by extraordinary challenges.  We’ve been very heartened to read of the phenomenal social enterprise going on across Scotland to support communities and it has reminded us all about the truly special role Scotch whisky has in Scottish society.”

Kirsten Speirs, Director of KDMedia, founder of the programme, commented;

“We’re excited to be adding this digital event to our Scottish Whisky Awards programme and it is something we will certainly schedule on a long term basis.   It is an opportunity to extend our reach beyond the live experience and bring in others from around the world to join in our celebrations of Scotch.  Naturally, we are disappointed not to see everyone live this year, but we are encouraged by the positive support of finalists and sponsors to get involved.”

This week, judging the awards completed after 25 whisky experts from across the UK and Europe participated in live tastings on Zoom, moderated by global sensory experts, Cara Technology.  Samples of Scotch whisky had been carefully decanted and dispatched to the homes of the judging panel and were arranged into a series of sessions.  Marks are now being analysed and the finalists will be announced shortly.

Details on the new digital event can be found here

Abbey Whisky Daftmill Ballot

The Abbey Whisky Daftmill Ballot closes 23:59 GMT on Thursday 29th October 2020.

For the chance to purchase a bottle, please enter the Daftmill ballot via the link below.

ENTER BALLOT