Welcome to this weeks episode of the show in which I’ll be looking at some new stuff from the likes of Doghouse, Ardnamurchan, Dalmunach, White Peaks. Lagg and Torabhaig.
REDBREAST MARKS 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF SECOND FLIGHT WITH THE LAUNCH OF LIMITED EDITION 10-YEAR-OLD
The release celebrates 30 years since Irish Distillers resurrected the Redbreast Irish Whiskey brand in 1991
Redbreast Irish Whiskey, which is produced by Irish Distillers at Midleton Distillery, has unveiled Redbreast 10-Year-Old, a reimagining of Gilbey’s historic expression, last produced half a century ago. The limited-edition release celebrates 30 years since the resurrection of Redbreast Irish Whiskey and salutes the continuous revival of single pot still Irish whiskey on the world stage.
Redbreast 10-Year-Old pays tribute to the historic expression originally produced by W.A Gilbey, a wine and spirits merchant operating in Dublin at the turn of the 20th century. As importers, Gilbey’s had an ample supply of sherry casks in their vaults and would source distillate exclusively from the nearby Jameson Distillery to mature in their casks. This special bottling of Redbreast 10-Year-Old has been reimagined for a contemporary audience, signifying the ongoing renaissance of single pot still Irish whiskey.
The liquid is composed of three exceptional distillates, spanning 10 to 15 years in age, matured in both American oak ex-bourbon barrels and Oloroso sherry seasoned butts from Spain. A truly special offering, the inclusion of a rare, more traditional style of single pot still distillate which is usually reserved for older age-statement whiskeys in the Redbreast range pays tribute to the historic expression last produced in the 1970s. A significant contribution from the sherry butts references the prominent use of fortified wine casks in whiskey bonding throughout Ireland in the 1960s. Evoking the quality and craftmanship of Redbreast Irish Whiskey, this expression brings together rich and fruity flavours from across the world while paying homage to bonding, a tradition embedded in Ireland’s whiskey history.
The distinctive packaging of Redbreast 10-Year-Old has been designed to enhance the traditional credentials of the Redbreast brand, which was first brought to life in 1912, and features a timeline of significant dates in the brand’s history. The label, an outlier within the current Redbreast Irish Whiskey family and reminiscent of the original white label and red seal from the historic Gilbey’s 10-Year-Old, is set to appeal to the nostalgia of dedicated Redbreast fans around the world.
Bottled at cask strength, at an ABV of 59.1%, Redbreast 10-Year-Old will retail at €100. The expression will be available exclusively via The Birdhouse, Redbreast’s online membership platform, as a reward for loyal Redbreast fans whose dedication is driving the brand’s success as the most decorated single pot still Irish whiskey in the world.
On the launch of Redbreast 10-Year-Old, Master Blender, Billy Leighton comments: “This release rejoices the longstanding history of Redbreast Irish Whiskey and celebrates the distinctive qualities which Redbreast is known for globally. Redbreast 10-Year-Old offers a unique, rich flavour profile with notes of tropical and dried fruit, which gives way to a balance of richness from the inclusion of sherry casks. I am delighted to share this release with whiskey advocates and Redbreast fans across the globe.”
Blender, Dave McCabe adds: “Redbreast has gone from strength to strength to become the largest selling single pot still Irish whiskey in the world, with a fascinating and rich history of which we are incredibly proud. For this limited-edition bottling, we seized the opportunity to praise the iconic sherry influence on the range and pay tribute to the rich history between Spanish and Irish craft. This is a representation of the coming together of tradition, and true craftsmanship, which has been handed down for generations.”
Redbreast 10-Year-Old will be available exclusively via The Birdhouse on 11 March https://www.redbreastwhiskey.com/en-EN/thebirdhouse
Instagram @RedbreastIrishWhiskey
Facebook @RedbreastSinglePotStill
#RedbreastIrishWhiskey
#Redbreast10
#Passiton
Tasting notes:
Aroma: Intense aromatics of honeycomb and cedarwood with earthy notes, dried tobacco leaf and worn leather. Dark fruits linger in the background and slowly develop overtime along with toasted almonds and demerara sugar, while a pot still spice intensity continues to build, adding to the complexity of flavours layered over a strong foundation of oak.
Taste: Rich in tannins that work in tandem with the inclusion of traditional pot still distillate creating balance between oak and spirit. The oloroso wine casks emerge to contribute marzipan and fig along with subtle hints of mixed berry compote, while delicate touches of vanilla and treacle are found lingering in the background.
Finish: The pot still spices rise to a crescendo and then finally give way to the toasted oak and delicate sweetness that lingers until the very end.
Notes:
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.
Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index.
DS Taymans Director of Malts Danny Saltman inspects the casks in the companys warehouse
Kosher Scotch whisky finished in Israeli wine barrels wins major industry award
A kosher Scotch whisky company has won a coveted award at this year’s World Whiskies Awards. The whisky is finished in wine barrels from Flam, the boutique Israeli winery. This is the first time a kosher Scotch whisky company has scooped a major industry award. DS Tayman, an independent bottler of single malt Scotch whisky, picked up a Silver Award for its Caol Ila Second Edition.
Tasting notes for the whisky suggest a nose of mild coffee grinds, well complemented by chocolate, with smoked brisket in the background. On the palate there is cappuccino foam, coupled with rhubarb, custard and a sprinkling of gentle sea salt. The finish is long and rich, with the smoky and rich coffee flavours continuing to develop.
Kosher consumers can enjoy the whisky knowing it boasts three hechshers from the OU (Orthodox Union), KLBD (Kosher London Beth Din) and Rav Akiva Osher Padwa of London.
DS Tayman’s whiskies are highly unusual because they are finished in specially paired wine barrels to craft special finishes that have never been available to enjoy before.
DS Tayman only launched their first whisky in September 2020. The award-winning Caol Ila 12 is the company’s third limited edition whisky.
Danny Saltman, DS Tayman’s Director of Malts, said:
“This award is the culmination of several years’ work, creating a high-quality Scotch that is truly unique. We are delighted that our peers and industry experts have recognised our work and we look forward to developing our product lines in the years ahead. We haven’t just created a great kosher wine-finished whisky, we’ve created a great wine-finished whisky that happens to be kosher.”
Blair Bowman, independent whisky expert and author of The Pocket Guide to Whisky, said:
“There is no question that the team at DS Tayman are producing some excellent whiskies. I applaud their efforts in producing an award-winning wine-finished whisky. A bottle of DS Tayman can sit in the collection of any whisky lover and can be enjoyed by everyone. I am pleased that their efforts have been rightfully recognised by this excellent award.”
Notes:
The Fisherman’s Retreat launches its 8th edition whisky
Following the success of its previous editions, The Fisherman’s Retreat, located just beyond the picturesque town of Ramsbottom, has launched its 8th edition single malt whisky.
From buying the first few single malt whiskies to stock the bar back in 1992 to purchasing the first cask in 1995, whisky has always been at the heart of The Fisherman’s Retreat.
Now in its 29th year The Fisherman’s Retreat now stock over 500 different Scottish single malt whiskies, with the majority of these available to try by the dram or purchase by the bottle from their onsite and online shop.
The Yalumba Viognier white wine cask was filled in August 2013 with Arran spirit, bottled in February 2021 at 50.0% ABV with a cask strength version also available at 60.4% ABV
These latest releases are currently available on a pre-sale basis at £45.00 & £55.00 per bottle until they go on general sale on Monday 8th March
Purchases can be made via The Fisherman’s Retreat Shop https://www.fishermansretreat.com/shop/home/
The Grand Whisky Auction is…Live!
www.thegrandwhiskyauction.com/live-auction
2700+ lots to bid on including this…
2008 Distil Your World London Single Cask #21853
Auction closes at 9pm Monday 15th March!
Interested in selling whisky in our next auction?
+44 (0)1463 210 427
E. sales@thegrandwhiskyauction.com
American Whiskey Magazine: What’s In A Name?
“There was no stopping their vision and the launch of the brand’s new American single malt whisky, Courage & Conviction.”
Our team recently sat down with American Whiskey Magazine to discuss what it’s been like to release a brand new American Single Malt whisky during a global pandemic.
Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 374: Aberlour a’bunadh Batch 66
Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tries another Aberlour a’bunadh. Mark has tried quite a few a’bunadh in his day, batch 60 only last November, but recently got a bottle of batch 66. The buyer was not very fond of it and asked Mark to take it off his hands. He did so gladly, so here we are with this sherry monster that will brighten up his day.
BENRIACH CASK EDITION COLLECTION CAPTURES FULL FLAVOUR PALETTE
Benriach Distillery has today (Wednesday 3rd March) unveiled its latest single cask bottlings – Benriach Cask Edition Collection 2021. Each of its 19 premium expressions have been crafted to celebrate the individuality of the distillery’s cask types, and the resulting Single Malt that each helps to mature.
Each expression in the new collection has been individually nurtured and selected at its optimum maturation point by Benriach’s Master Blender, Rachel Barrie. Featuring both peated and unpeated styles of whisky, each expression celebrates the unique flavour impacted by its cask, and allows a different facet of Benriach’s multi-layered, fruit forward style to be explored.
From madeira to moscatel hogsheads and rum barrels to port pipes, 11 different cask types from around the world have been used to paint a rainbow of flavour across the collection. From the smoked nutmeg of the madeira cask to the smouldering pine nut and rich campfire smoke found in the Oloroso sherry butt, these flavourful individual casks range from 1994 to 2009.
Cask Edition Collection 2021 continues Benriach’s creative legacy of bottling individual casks in what is a new era for the distillery since it relaunched its portfolio last year.
Rachel Barrie, Master Blender at Benriach Distillery commented:
“When it comes to experimenting with flavour through our rich inventory of cask types at Benriach, it is important to appreciate the individuality of the cask and its back story to tease out its full potential. Benriach Cask Edition Collection 2021 offers an insight into this journey, capturing unique moments in time at our Speyside distillery.
“Exploring cask maturation at this specific level continues to excite me about the flavour possibilities of Benriach. From the honey, apricot and stewed plum of the sauternes barrique to the smooth barley cream of the rum barrel, it’s a true joy to savour the palette of flavour in these cask edition releases.”
Benriach Cask Edition Collection 2021 is available to purchase from specialist retailers in select markets globally from 3 March 2021. More information found below.
Notes
Expressions 21 years and over will be available in a secondary box. Younger expressions in the collection will be available in a secondary tube.
Details and market availability for each expression:
1994 CASK #1851
Aged 26 years
Cask Type: Pedro Ximénez Puncheon
Style: Peated
Appearance: Golden Brown
Nose: Chocolate orange and smoked dark honey, on a base of sandalwood, date oil and prune.
Palate: Chocolate espresso and black cherry with lingering campfire smoke and plum.
ABV: 51.5%
Availability: China
1994 CASK #1272
Aged 26 years
Cask Type: Oloroso Butt
Style: Peated
Appearance: Auburn
Nose: Sticky plum preserve and baked crème brûlée with smouldering pine nut and rich campfire smoke.
Palate: Blood orange, cherry cake and candied clove with lingering smoked caramel and pine nut.
ABV: 53.2%
Availability: China
1997 CASK #16004
Aged 23 years
Cask Type: Bourbon Barrel
Style: Classic unpeated
Appearance: Mellow gold
Nose: Candied lemon, bergamot and dark vanilla with traces of honeysuckle, apple and lime.
Palate: Lemon sweets and toffee with spiced vanilla, banana and lingering dark chocolate mint cake.
ABV: 51.1%
Availability: Israel
1998 CASK #2803
Aged 22 years
Cask Type: Pedro Ximénez Puncheon
Style: Classic unpeated
Appearance: Deep amber
Nose: Sticky toffee apple and caramel sponge pudding layered with cherry cake and sugar glaze.
Palate: Cherry and sultana bread with vanilla, candied peel and golden syrup, cinnamon and nutmeg.
ABV: 52.7%
Availability: South East Asia
2005 CASK #2569
Aged 15 years
Cask Type: Oloroso Butt
Style: Classic unpeated
Appearance: Arabian sunset
Nose: Richly sherried with fruitcake, honey, orange and crème brûlée.
Palate: Chocolate meringue, toasted hazelnut and lingering sun-dried raisin.
ABV: 59.8%
Availability: France, Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark & Ukraine
2006 CASK #5303
Aged 13 years
Cask Type: Pedro Ximénez Puncheon
Style: Classic unpeated
Appearance: Mahogany
Nose: Nectarine, cherry cake and caramel mocha with hints of baked apple and spice.
Palate: Chocolate macchiato and baked orange with lingering sweet almond.
ABV: 61.2%
Availability: Australia
2007 CASK #8736
Aged 13 years
Cask Type: Moscatel Hogshead
Style: Classic unpeated
Appearance: Egyptian gold
Nose: Apricot and lemon syrup, with macadamia nut brittle and manuka honey.
Palate: Vanilla cream and sticky apricot preserve with lingering honeyed orchard fruits and praline.
ABV: 58.1%
Availability: New Zealand
2008 CASK #5813
Aged 12 years
Cask Type: Sauternes Barrique
Style: Classic unpeated
Appearance: Red gold
Nose: Honey, apricot and stewed plum, with fleshy orange, mixed nut and tropical fruit.
Palate: Sweet mandarin orange, lemon curd and ground nutmeg with lingering ginger and toasted malt.
ABV: 61.3%
Availability: Canada
2008 CASK #2014
Aged 12 years
Cask Type: Pedro Ximénez Puncheon
Style: Peated
Appearance: Golden walnut
Nose: Chocolate coated red apple, plum and redcurrant on a base of pistachio, sandalwood and espresso.
Palate: Smooth fig and apple with cinnamon spice, pistachio cream and chocolate coated dates.
ABV: 60.5%
Availability: China / South East Asia
1997 CASK #7420
Aged: 23 years
Cask Type: Virgin Wood Barrel
Style: Classic unpeated
Appearance: Chestnut gold
Nose: Sweet candied orange and almond biscotti with banana, toffee and cream pie.
Palate: Candied citrus and spiced apple with liquorice root, caramel and sweet oak vanilla.
ABV: 51.6%
Availability: France & Belgium
1998 CASK #10298
Aged: 22 years
Cask Type: Marsala Wine Hogshead
Style: Classic unpeated
Appearance: Burnished copper
Nose: Baked pear, apricot jam and clementine, with soft sweet spices and sugar fondant.
Palate: Caramelised apricot, tangy orange and hazelnut, layered with vanilla icing and ground nutmeg.
ABV: 52.2%
Availability: Italy
2005 CASK #1867
Aged: 15 years
Cask Type: Rum Barrel
Style: Classic unpeated
Appearance: Honeyed gold
Nose: Candied apple, tropical fruit and pineapple syrup, enriched with smooth barley cream.
Palate: Golden fruit, soft spices and crème caramel, with lingering maple syrup and nut brittle.
ABV: 55.9%
Availability: Benriach Distillery Visitor Centre, Scotland
2007 CASK #3944
Aged: 13 years
Cask Type: Pedro Ximénez Puncheon
Style: Peated
Appearance: Polished gold
Nose: Smoked apricot and silky milk chocolate with seared mandarin orange glaze
Palate: Smoked Brazil nut and walnut, balanced with sweet floral honey and chocolate cream.
ABV: 56.2%
Availability: France
2008 CASK #4052
Aged: 12 years
Cask Type: Pedro Ximénez Puncheon
Style: Peated
Appearance: Burnished brass
Nose: Smoked stone fruit with cedar wood, with maple syrup and custard.
Palate: Sweet peat, smoked gingerbread and cinnamon spiced plum with hazelnut, baked apple and almond.
ABV: 60.5%
Availability: Belgium, Cyprus, Greece, Malta & Poland
2009 CASK #4833
Aged: 11 years
Cask Type: Port Pipe
Style: Peated
Appearance: Ruby
Nose: Honeyed fruit syrup, smoked strawberry panna cotta and vanilla cheesecake.
Palate: Chocolate velvet cake balanced with wild berry, spiced orange, red apple and angelica root.
ABV: 60.8%
Availability: United Kingdom
2009 CASK #1642
Aged: 11 years
Cask Type: Madeira Hogshead
Style: Peated
Appearance: Rich gold
Nose: Smoke-laced melon and jellied fruit with honeycomb, aromatic coffee and sugared malt.
Palate: Smoked nutmeg, burnt orange and macadamia nut with cinnamon, pepper and lingering wintergreen.
ABV: 60.6%
Availability: Andorra, Poland and Portugal
2009 CASK #8562
Aged: 11 years
Cask Type: Oloroso Puncheon
Style: Classic unpeated
Appearance: Burnt sienna
Nose: Toffee apple crunch and mixed nut brittle with pecan, almond and mixed spice.
Palate: Baked apple strudel with layers of bramley apple, brown sugar, cinnamon and raisin.
ABV: 58.9%
Availability: Nordics & East Europe
2009 CASK #8748
Aged: 11 years
Cask Type: Moscatel Hogshead
Style: Classic unpeated
Appearance: Deep copper
Nose: Heather honey, apricot and sweet orange marmalade with hazelnut in golden syrup.
Palate: Deliciously sweet and fruity with honey, apricot and lingering pecan syrup.
ABV: 53.9%
Availability: The Netherlands
2009 CASK #3911
Aged: 11 years
Cask Type: Pedro Ximénez Puncheon
Style: Classic unpeated
Appearance: Copper
Nose: Crème-caramel and fresh orange with rich malt and candied vanilla.
Palate: Mulled orange and chocolate caramel with brown sugar and chestnut cream.
ABV: 56.5%
Availability: Germany, Austria & Switzerland
About Benriach Distillery
A Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky as intriguing and extraordinary as Benriach could not have come to be without a unique whisky making heritage, dating from 1898, when founder John Duff built his distillery. Ruggedly beautiful, Benriach stands on the site of the old Riach farm in north Speyside, drawing water from a mineral-rich aquifer, deep beneath the distillery.
Thanks to a long-standing tradition of distilling three styles of whisky; classic unpeated, Highland peated and triple distilled, together with an eclectic selection of casks from around the world, our whisky makers are able to explore the full flavour possibilities of Single Malt, creating some of the richest, most multi-layered whiskies in Speyside.
This tradition continues today, under the guidance of Master Blender, Rachel Barrie. Benriach is the story of a hidden Speyside gem, quietly revealing its treasures to be discovered and savoured.
Facebook – @Benriach
Instagram – @Benriach
Twitter – @TheBenriach
ISLAY WHISKY LEGEND’S SIGNATURE COLLECTION UNVEILED
In the world of whisky, few have achieved such legendary status as that of Master Distiller, Jim McEwan. A true maverick that guided the renaissance of the iconic Islay distillery, Bruichladdich, McEwan played an integral role in inspiring the direction of the single malt category as a whole.
In celebration of more than half a century of service to the whisky industry, the final casks from his personal reserves are now ready for release. Bottled as Jim’s very own collection of his finest creations, the Jim McEwan Signature Collection is the ultimate tribute to a career-long quest to produce the perfect dram.
Containing iconic Islay malts drawn from casks distilled under McEwan’s watch at Bruichladdich and bottled by Scottish independent bottlers, Dramfool, the collection will be made available this month, with part of the inaugural release to be auctioned by Whisky Auctioneer from 11-15 March 2021.
A true Islay whisky lover’s dream, the collection is made up of nine releases – each containing a single cask Bruichladdich, Port Charlotte and Octomore expression.
The first edition bottlings to go under the hammer next week have been entirely matured in first-fill wine casks from the finest French Châteaux – inspired by McEwan’s use of alternative casks that would become a cornerstone of Bruichladdich’s legacy and style.
The first release includes an especially exciting Octomore expression – one of the oldest ever released at 13 years old and entirely matured in a Sauternes barrique, one of Octomore’s rarest wood styles.
The auction will feature exclusive opportunities such as the chance to acquire the second editions before they have even launched, with bottles #1-20 in the auction featuring both Edition 1 and 2 of the respective whiskies. Bottle #88 will also feature both editions – a very sought-after bottle number due to its symbolism of fortune and good luck in Chinese culture.
Winners of bottles #1-20 and #88 will also receive first refusal on that same bottle number in subsequent releases – an ideal opportunity for aspiring collectors to complete a full collection of the same bottle numbers.
Jim McEwan commented:
“It’s wonderful to see this collection of my final casks bottled and ready to be enjoyed. From starting in the whisky industry aged 15, I can see no better way to mark the ending of a career than to release my own personal collection.
“As my last casks come to market and I look back on 58 years of making whisky, it still excites me to see what is happening. From apprentice cooper, to blender and then to master distiller, my journey has always been about education as well as passion, and it’s been a pleasure to share this with the world. Single Malt whisky is the blood of Scotland and it’s our job to look after it, cherish it and do a good job with it. It’s so important to our country as a whole, but particularly to the island of Islay that I call home.
“This collection really speaks for itself in terms of quality, just like each of the whiskies I’ve ever produced. I’m very excited to unveil these casks with Dramfool, and in partnership with Whisky Auctioneer I am sure they will be enjoyed across all corners of the globe.”
Joe Wilson, Head of Auction Content at Whisky Auctioneer, said: “The Jim McEwan Signature Collection embodies a true industry icon’s passion for the liquid he has spent most of his life creating, as well as the Island he calls home. It’s a pleasure to bring the first edition bottles to our online auction in partnership with Dramfool.
“These are the final casks to be selected by Jim during his time at Bruichladdich and the whiskies he has personally deemed to be amongst his finest creations. We’re sure Islay whisky lovers around the world will be incredibly excited to learn about the collection’s release, and to try these whiskies for themselves.”
From monstrous Islay smoke bombs to zesty, floral malts, each bottle is unique in style and flavour, yet similarly shaped by the Island’s wild, coastal elements.
Each expression in the Jim McEwan Signature Collection has been bottled at natural cask strength and is natural in colour, as well as non-chill filtered.
In addition to having the chance of being among the first to try the new liquid, Bruichladdich fans will also have the opportunity to bid on an exclusive private tasting experience during the auction, which will be hosted by Jim McEwan himself. 100% of the proceeds raised from this experience will be donated to Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance, a charity chosen personally by Jim which provides life saving support to the Islay community.
Jim McEwan began what would be a long and legendary career in the whisky industry at the age of 15 in 1963 as an apprentice cooper at Bowmore distillery, where he trained and refined his malt mastery for 38 years. He then helped reawaken Bruichladdich distillery in 2001, where he was Master Distiller for 15 years before retiring in 2015. McEwan was recently tempted back from retirement to help revive Ardnahoe Distillery on Islay.
To register to take part in the Jim McEwan Signature Collection auction, visit www.whiskyauctioneer.com
NOTES
About the Jim McEwan Signature Collection
BRUICHLADDICH 2007
RELEASE 1.1
265 BOTTLES
CASK TYPE – FIRST FILL BORDEAUX
CASK NUMBER – #R08/153-12
AGE – 13 YEARS
COLOUR – AMBER/GOLD
STRENGTH – 61.8%
NOSE – A combination of plump ripe grapes, sweet oak and hot-washed malt with an overture of rowan, birch and heather in bloom.
TASTE – Amazingly broad, ranging from fruity to floral to wine-like citrus, to kiln dried barley to oaky overtures.
PORT CHARLOTTE 2007
RELEASE 1.2
299 BOTTLES
CASK NUMBER – #RO8/152-2
CASK TYPE – FIRST FILL BORDEAUX
AGE – 13 YEARS
COLOUR – DEEP GOLDEN BRONZE BODY
STRENGTH – 60.9%
NOSE – Peat smoke and coastal wildflowers, held beautifully in a cradle of French Oak.
TASTE – Sweet crispiness of malted barley emerges and is accompanied by lighter notes of ripe plump grapes, and a coastal marine overture.
OCTOMORE 2007
RELEASE 1.3
290 BOTTLES
CASK TYPE – FIRST FILL SAUTERNES
CASK NUMBER – #3807
AGE – 13 YEARS
COLOUR – PURE GOLD/CHARTREUSE
STRENGTH – 57.5%
NOSE – Opens on a heat haze of peat fires and sweet oak, bog myrtle, heather flowers, wild thyme, and
then the beauty that is the wine emerges with style and grace.
TASTE – Plums and soft green grapes mingle with a slipstream of cooling marine sea breezes. French oak, peat smoke and sweet barley are all created by the super-slow distillation and maturation on the West Coast of Islay, where the air is pure and the casks breathe in the salt-laden air.
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.
The Perth-based online auction house had a record year in 2020, which since January 2020 hosted 17 online auctions totalling a hammer price of almost £30 million. In February 2020, it made history during part one of the iconic sale of Mr. Gooding’s Collection when a bottle of The Macallan Valerio Adami fetched over one million dollars, and 1,932 bottles were sold for $4,277,000 (£3,290,000) hammer price in total.
Between mid-October and mid-November 2020 alone, the business experienced its largest month in value and volume across its auctions to date – including £375k hammer price for an exclusive Bourbon and American Whiskey Auction, £3.3m hammer price for its regular monthly October Auction and £218k hammer price for a specialist Glenfiddich Auction. The business currently sees over 100,000 bids per month and has conducted deliveries to 74 countries across the globe. It also opened its first European base in Germany last year.
The business’ Founder, Iain McClune, was listed as ‘One to Watch’ in The Telegraph’s Most Ambitious Business Leaders 2020 programme.
About Dramfool:
Dramfool are Scottish independent bottlers that have been bottling cask strength, non-chill filtered whisky since the business was founded by Bruce Farquhar in 2015. Bruce’s passion for good whisky has taken him all over Europe and as far as Japan hosting tastings and spreading the word of Dramfool. His mantra – ‘I only bottle whisky that I like’ does not waver; he won’t offer a bottling for sale unless he feels it meets his standards. This has led to consistently high reviews from connoisseur drinkers and industry specialists alike.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Visit: www.whiskyauctioneer.com
Instagram: whiskyauctioneer
Facebook: WhiskyAuctioneer
Twitter: Whisky_auction
Push new boundaries in the pursuit of flavour; taste and explore our beautifully unique and intriguing new cask collection as we feature a few lesser-known distilleries.
ENRICHED GERANIUM
CASK NO. 39.196
CASK TYPE: Refill ex-bourbon hogshead
AGE: 13 years
FLAVOUR PROFILE: Light & delicate
A CURIOSITY OF FLAVOURS
CASK NO. 46.88
INITIAL CASK: Ex-bourbon hogshead
FINAL CASK: 2nd fill Pedro Ximenez hogshead
AGE: 22 years
FLAVOUR PROFILE: Deep, rich & dried fruits
FUNKY OLD BODEGA
CASK NO. 63.63
CASK TYPE: 2nd fill sherry butt
AGE: 7 years
FLAVOUR PROFILE: Deep, rich & dried fruits
STIRS YOUR SOUL
CASK NO. 35.258
CASK TYPE: Refill Oloroso sherry puncheon
AGE: 11 years
FLAVOUR PROFILE: Spicy & dry
A BELTER OF A DRAM!
CASK NO. 6.39
INITIAL CASK: Ex-Oloroso sherry butt
FINAL CASK: 1st fill Pedro Ximenez butt
AGE: 7 years
FLAVOUR PROFILE: Spicy & sweet
CHEEKY AND REEKY
CASK NO. 135.21
CASK TYPE: Refill ex-bourbon hogshead
AGE: 14 years
FLAVOUR PROFILE: Lightly peated
SEARINGLY SWEET PURPLE SMOKE
CASK NO. 144.1
CASK TYPE: New oak barrel
AGE: 7 years
FLAVOUR PROFILE: Peated
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada
Suite 160
104 – 1240 Kensington Road NW
Calgary, AB T2N 3P7
403-969-8225
curious@smws.ca
