Introducing Glenfiddich Grande Couronne

Glenfiddich Grande Couronne 26 Year Old is elegance personified in whisky.

Deriving its name from the French for ‘crown’, this whisky should be the crowning glory of any evening, toasted during the most special of occasions. For 26 years at the Glenfiddich Distillery it has refined in flavour in American and European oak barrels, with a long finish in rare French Cognac casks to add warm spice, brown sugar sweetness and complexity.

On the nose there is a vibrant yet buttery aroma, reminiscent of the scents from a French patisserie. On the palate, enjoy notes of velvety smooth café crème with brown sugar and spice. It ends with long lasting flavours of sweet, toasted oak thanks to its extended finish in French Cognac casks.

Bottled at 43.8% ABV, the packaging is opulent and inside the gold emblazoned rotating box is an interior of Fresco artwork. This will look the part on any whisky shelf.

Discover Glenfiddich Grande Couronne ›

Virtual Tastings – April 2021

We’re almost done with March, so it’s time to announce our April virtual tastings. This month we’ve got a couple – a taste through the Elixir Distillers’ Whisky Trail and a secret one that we’ll reveal soon…

April’s Line-up

14 April 2021 2021, 7-8.30pm – Whisky Trail by Elixir Distillers with Oliver Chilton and Billy Abbott: Elixir Distillers may be best known for Port Askaig, Elements of Islay and Single Malts of Scotland, but they also have a selection of other ranges. While they were originally available overseas, we are now getting a few bottles over here in the UK, and I will be joined by blender and cask selector Oliver Chilton to taste through some of his latest whiskies from the Whisky Trail. We’ll be trying whiskies from the Retro Cars and Concert series: Cambus 1990, Linkwood 2010, Girvan 1989, Glenburgie 1998, Blended Malt 2001 and Ardmore 1998.

Buy the pack >

Coming soon

We’ll have another April tasting appearing soon – keep an eye on The Whisky Exchange website in early April to find out more… Planning for our first in-person show of the year continues: Whisky Show 2021 is on its way. Tickets are available for both the in-person and virtual show, and we’ll have masterclasses and packs up soon.

…and don’t forget that if you’ve missed a tasting, you can find them all up on Facebook and YouTube.

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 378: Wolfburn Private Cask 2017/540 for Tom Haseldonckx

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tries a private cask of Wolfburn from a friend. In February 2019 Mark tried this whisky before it could be named as such. The cask was filled in November 2017, so it would take at least until November 2020 before it was worthy of the name. Tom Haseldonckx, owner of this private cask #540, did not want to risk any Brexit entanglements and had it bottled and shipped before year’s end. So it is a youngling, which could not be helped. That does not stop us from enjoying this, however. Mark keeps some water handy, for it’s at cask strength.

https://youtu.be/jxOrJ13YovE

Master distiller renews bourbon pact with fans by creating Blood Oath Pact 7 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Latest addition to the Blood Oath series features bourbon finished in Sauternes casks 

LOUIS (March 16, 2021) – Lux Row Distillers is launching Blood Oath Pact 7 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Finished in Sauternes casks, Pact 7 is the latest in a series of Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey blends created by Lux Row Master Distiller John Rempe. Available at retail starting mid-April, Blood Oath Pact 7 has a limited allocation of just over 17,000 cases at a suggested retail price of $99.99 per bottle.

In a blend only known to Rempe, Blood Oath Pact 7 features a combination of three Kentucky straight bourbon whiskeys: a 14-year ryed bourbon, an 8-year ryed bourbon and an 8-year ryed bourbon finished in Sauternes casks. Sauternes is a sweet white wine from the small town of Sauternes in the Bordeaux region of France.

“Finishing in a Sauternes cask brings additional tasting notes and flavor to the bourbon,” said Rempe. “In the case of Pact 7, expect a nose of caramel, oak and spice with flavor notes of apricots, honey and peaches. The balance of sweetness and spice is what sets this bourbon apart.”

The Blood Oath concept was created in 2014 by Rempe, who had an idea to make an exceptional blend of Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey using three unique bourbons. He named the series Blood Oath, because he vows to be the only one who knows where these whiskeys have come from. He also promises to make the best bourbon for the bourbon connoisseur with each Pact.

“Creating an extraordinary and unique blend of Kentucky straight bourbon whiskeys is at the heart of the Blood Oath series,” said Rempe. “Pact 7 continues this tradition, and the result is a secret I can’t wait to share with bourbon lovers.”

The Blood Oath Pact 7 label is similar to its series predecessors, but with the color selection evoking rich French blue hues. Launching this spring, Blood Oath Pact 7 has a total allocation of 51,00 bottles, 1,400 of which will be held for a future Trilogy Pack release. The first Trilogy Pack, featuring Pacts 1, 2 and 3, was released in 2018. The second Trilogy Pack, featuring Pacts 4, 5 and 6, will be released later this year.

Blood Oath Pact 7 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey arrives this April

About Luxco

Founded in St. Louis in 1958 by the Lux Family, Luxco is a leading producer, supplier, importer and bottler of beverage alcohol products. Our mission is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of consumers, associates and business partners. Lux Row Distillers brings the family’s legacy to the heart of Bourbon Country in Bardstown, Kentucky and is now the home of Luxco’s bourbon portfolio, including Ezra Brooks, Rebel, Blood Oath, David Nicholson and Daviess County. Luxco has also built a distillery in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico – Destiladora González Luxco – where the company’s 100 percent agave tequilas, El Mayor and Exotico, are produced. Luxco’s innovative and high-quality brand portfolio also includes Everclear Grain Alcohol, Pearl Vodka, Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream, The Quiet Man Irish Whiskey, and other well-recognized brands. For more information about the company and its brands, visit www.luxco.com.

Whisky Magazine Awards A. Smith Bowman Bourbons Bronze Medals at 2021 American World Whiskies Awards

FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA (Mar. 17, 2021) – John J. Bowman Single Barrel Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Bowman Brothers Small Batch Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey both received Bronze Medals in the Bourbon taste category at the 2021 World Whiskies Awards.

The competition, now in its ninth consecutive year, has set a worldwide standard for the selection of internationally recognized styles of whiskies based on taste and design. Awarded medalists are selected from many high profile, top-quality entries.

“We are ecstatic that our John J. Bowman Single Barrel and Bowman Brothers Small Batch have been recognized as Bronze Medalists in the taste category,” said Master Distiller Brian Prewitt. “This recognition is not only an honor, but an affirmation of the rich history and unwavering dedication that goes into our whisky processing.”

Whiskies in each category were subject to blind tastings in a three-round judging process to reward and promote the world’s best whiskies to consumers and trade across the globe.  The winners from the World Whiskies will now compete with counterparts from all over the world, and global winners will be announced later this month. For more information about the World Whiskies Awards visit www.worldwhiskiesawards.com.

About A. Smith Bowman

A. Smith Bowman’s distilling roots date back to the years before Prohibition when the Bowman family had a granary and dairy farm in Sunset Hills, Virginia. They used excess grain from the family estate to distill spirits. In 1934, after the Repeal of Prohibition, Abram Smith Bowman and his sons continued the family tradition and built a more modern distillery in Fairfax County, Virginia called Sunset Hills Farm.  The Distillery was moved in 1988 and is now nestled in Spotsylvania County near the city of Fredericksburg, 60 miles away from the original location.

As a small and privately owned company, A. Smith Bowman Distillery continues the time-honored traditions on which it was founded. Considered a micro-distillery by today’s standards, A. Smith Bowman produces an assortment of hand-crafted spirits distilled from only the finest natural ingredients and using the latest technology. This micro-distillery focuses on the production of premium spirits honoring the legacy of Virginia’s first settlers. As Virginia’s oldest and most award-winning distillery, its various brands have earned numerous prestigious awards over the years, including John J. Bowman Single Barrel, which was named America’s Best Non-Kentucky Single Barrel Bourbon at the 2020 American World Whiskies Awards. For more information on A. Smith Bowman, please visit www.asmithbowman.com.

LAUNCH: 2021 EDITION SPRINGBANK 25-YEAR-OLD

The latest edition of 25-Year-Old will be released on Friday 26th March (TODAY) for sale in the UK at select Springbank retailers. Its release throughout Europe and the rest of the world will follow.

SPRINGBANK 25-YEAR-OLD

This release has 70% sherry, 15% bourbon and 15% rum influence. It is bottled at 46% ABV and is limited to 1400 bottles, worldwide.

Nose

Initially rhubarb, tropical fruits, golden syrup and warm shortbread. Then coconut shavings, barbecued meats and sugar cane.

Palate

Almonds, pecan pie and butterscotch.  Peat begins to build, alongside notes of cigar box and old library books.

Very typical of a mature Springbank; salty, earthy and briny. 

Finish

Refined with a hint of peat smoke. Dunnage warehouse; earthy, bung cloth. Fruit notes develop with hints of molasses and sweet prosciutto ham. 

Available at select Springbank local retailers. 

RRP £370.00 – £390.00 

SOCIETY DISCOUNT: £10 OFF IN SELECT CADENHEAD’S STORES (at the store’s discretion).

Slainte,

The Springbank Team

To join the Springbank Society contact them at society@springbank.scot 

If you’re ever looking for a new bottle, our Top 10s are a great place to start. Carefully curated every month to showcase an collection of our favourite whiskies, there’s always a mixture of new bottlings and old classics.

For March, our Top 10 Whiskies has been shaped to show off some of our favourite Irish drams to mark St. Patrick’s Day. Irish whiskey is often differentiated from other styles by its fruity flavours and easy-drinking characteristics – a perfect middle-ground between the sweet-caramel and spicy flavours of bourbon, and fruity, malty Scotch whiskies.

Whether you’re looking to branch out from your go-to drams or you’re already an established Irish whiskey afficionado, come and treat yourself to something special from this month’s Top 10 Whiskies.

SHOP TOP 10 WHISKIES

SEE ALL TOP 10s

ralfy review 869 Extras – Spot-researching better Indi-malts.

BLADNOCH DISTILLERY LAUNCHES VINAYA RELEASE AROUND THE WORLD
Marking the biggest global release from Bladnoch since the distillery was revived in 2015 by David Prior

BLADNOCH, SCOTLAND (MARCH 22, 2021) – 204 year old Lowland distillery, Bladnoch, has today announced the global release of the Bladnoch Vinaya Single Malt Scotch Whisky. ‘Vinaya’, a Sanskrit word meaning respect and gratitude, pays homage to the original founders of the distillery who paved the way, as Bladnoch looks forward to a prosperous new era of production and innovation.

The expression also boasts a unique pair of cask types, ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry, a combination never before released by the historic distillery. Notes of fresh apple, sweet floral grass and hints of chocolate make the release a stunning representation of Lowland style Single Malt. As with all Bladnoch releases, Vinaya is non-chill filtered and natural colour with water sourced from the River Bladnoch which flows alongside the historic distillery.

Master Distiller, Dr Nick Savage remarked on the launch of the character led release, “As the name suggests, Vinaya was inspired by teachings throughout the distillery’s heritage. From our original founders to our new era, we wanted to showcase the Lowland style of Bladnoch Distillery. By using 1st fill ex-Bourbon barrels, we’re able to highlight the floral notes from the distillery character along with refreshing, citrus sweetness. The 1st fill ex-Sherry casks then add a subtle rich body to the whisky and mouthfeel to the experience, finishing with notes of chocolate. These individual aspects combine to showcase the classic
aspects of our distillery.”

On the global release, “As we embark on the 204th year of Bladnoch Distillery, the launch of Vinaya feels particularly significant. It is important for us to show gratitude to the previous custodians of this historic brand and estate as we move forward into our most ambitious year yet. Vinaya is a stunning expression of Bladnoch’s style and we’re excited to share it with the world.” shares David Prior who acquired the distillery in 2015.

Link for Purchase: www.bladnoch.com

Technical Details

Cask type: 1st fill ex-Bourbon barrel and 1st fill ex-Sherry cask matured

Strength: 46.7%

Colour: Summer barley field

Tasting Notes: Floral, Apples, Sweet

Nose: Sweet floral grass with boiled sweets

Palate: Fresh green apples and chocolate with a hint of pepper

Finish: Light and refreshing

Non-chill filtered, natural colour

About Bladnoch Distillery

Bladnoch Distillery was established in 1817, making it the oldest working Scotch Whisky Distillery in the Lowlands. As the southernmost distillery in Scotland, it is commonly referred to as the ‘Queen of the Lowlands.’ Hand crafted using only the finest local ingredients such as the pristine water from the River Bladnoch that flows alongside the distillery to create a rich, flavourful whisky that is best savoured. Bladnoch Single Malts are non-chill filtered to ensure the truest flavours shine through. This legacy brand has been revived by Master Distiller Dr. Nick Savage, formerly at The Macallan, and owner David Prior, a whisky connoisseur who is the first Australian businessman to own a Scotch Whisky distillery. Bladnoch is truly passionate about the preservation of the environment and the local community’s generational involvement in the iconic distillery.

Aberlour Sherry Cask

Exclusive Apollo 15

Exploration at its Greatest

Aberlour 12 Year Old 2008

Apollo 15 was the first of the Apollo “J” Missions focussing on greater lunar surface mobility. The Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV#1) was key to this. Prior to test driving the Rover, Commander David Scott proclaimed, “Man must explore. And this is exploration at its greatest“. The ninth bottling for the TWB Apollo series was distilled at Aberlour distillery and matured in a first fill oloroso sherry hogshead. Just 262 bottles from the cask.

Shop – Aberlour 12 Year Old – £125 / €121 / $144 / c$180*

USA SHIPPING UPDATE – GOOD NEWS!

We are delighted to announce that we are now shipping to…
ALL – US States!
FDA Taxes & Duties paid – you won’t have to pay anything else.
See out shipping page for more details.