GreatDrams marks the easing of lockdown with Lockdown Lock-in special release – Available Now

For our second set of new releases for the year, we have mixed things up a little to have a range with an Islay single cask, a single grain from Strathclyde, a PX single cask from Craigellachie and a blended malt we have called The Lockdown Lock-in Dram. We always do our best to release totally different flavour profiles and to bring unique styles and production methods to consumers who otherwise would not be introduced to such gems, and this lineup is no different.

“Who, at the beginning of this decade, would have thought that whisky tastings would go virtual (and work really well!), that we would have no summer programme of events to see and pour our whisky for our awesome customers at. This whisky, The Lockdown Lock-in Dram, with its luscious notes of vanilla and honey is a smooth, easy-drinking blended malt whisky created to raise a glass to one another as we move through this challenging time and look forward to brighter times” – Greg Dillon, co-founder of GreatDrams.

As a company of two people, husband and wife duo Greg & Kirsty Dillon, we are able to be really nimble when it comes to what we do with our range, what we release and when we release new limited edition whiskies.

“This was all about doing something a bit different, maybe a bit quirky, but fundamentally the whisky is fantastic with so many layers and depth of flavours. Lockdown was hard for all of us in different ways, this is just our small way of marking this with a whisky to be shared, to bring a smile to those enjoying it and to remind ourselves of the journey we have all unexpectedly been on for the last fourteen months or so”.

THE GREATDRAMS SUBSCRIPTION HAS BEEN REVAMPED TOO

Named “Best Whisky Subscription for Exclusive Bottles” by IndyBest from The Independent… Are you looking to expand your whisky collection with some exclusives that cannot be bought in shops or even online? Looking for the ultimate present for the whisky lover in your life, the one who is always tremendously hard to buy for? Look no further than the GreatDrams Whisky Subscription, delivering bottles only available to subscribers every two months.

We utilise our knowledge, experience, skill and network to source members of The GreatDrams Subscription exclusive whisky bottlings from casks of ours that you simply cannot find anywhere else.

Each is selected by Greg & Kirsty for a variety of reasons; interesting flavour profile, unique cask maturation, interesting back story, rare distillery and many more. Our reasoning and journey to selecting each cask will be communicated with each bottle you receive.

Each subscription level includes a virtual whisky tasting for all subscribers every two months.

The full currently line up in the GreatDrams range is: 

THE LOCKDOWN LOCK-IN DRAM BLENDED MALT SCOTCH WHISKY
As featured in Mail+, this whisky, with its luscious notes of vanilla and honey is a smooth, easy-drinking blended malt whisky created to raise a glass to one another as we move through this challenging time and look forward to brighter times.

“We have already seen a lot of movement of this release in the gifting market as people look to buy something to mark the occasion when they get to dram together once again – or even for those who don’t know what to get the whisky lover in their life,” notes Greg, “it is already a crowd pleaser!”

Age: 12 Years Old     |     Cask: Ex-Bourbon casks     |     ABV: 48.2%     |     Only 500 bottles ever released

CRAIGELLACHIE 7 YEAR PX SHERRY CASK OLD
We love the Craigellachie Distillery, always have, always will, and this is a release driven by participants on our private virtual whisky tastings. Over 200 of them got to try this as we introduced cask samples to our whisky lineups and this whisky was loved by so many groups we felt compelled to do a small run of just a hundred bottles for those who wanted to get involved in this special whisky. This whisky has been matured for its whole maturation term in a Pedro Ximenez cask (known as PX in the industry) which has given it a stunning meaty flavour profile full of rich fruit and a pang of sweetness too owing to its time in the PX cask.

“Yes, only 90 bottles of this one have been produced, and all because of the awesome feedback we received when cask samples of this gem were used on our virtual tastings during the Christmas season” – Kirsty

Age: 7 Years Old     |     ABV: 48.2%     |     Only 90 bottles ever released

STRATHCLYDE 15 YEAR OLD SINGLE CASK SINGLE GRAIN SCOTCH WHISKY

As you’ll know, we love grain whisky so this is our core Single Cask Single Grain whisky release for 2021. Expect notes of toffee, fudge, stewed apples with a thick, oily mouthfeel evoking cereal and spicy notes whilst being incredibly smooth at the same time with honey and burnt brown sugar notes present too.

Age: 15 Years Old     |     ABV: 48.2%     |     Only 200 bottles ever released

ISLAY SINGLE CASK SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY
We have always wanted to bottle an Islay whisky, and our awesome customers have been pestering us to do so for a long time… finally it is here! A heavily peated whisky from the mystical island of Islay, matured in First Fill Bourbon Barrel and laden with beautifully balanced, classic Islay peated whisky notes as well as lovely soothing vanilla and citrus fruit notes along with cinnamon and warming spice notes too.

Age: 7 Years Old     |     ABV: 48.2%     |     Only 243 bottles ever released

All our releases are non-chill filtered and of natural colour.

“We have been toying with when to release our ancient Girvan for a while now and it felt right to do so now as it is just over 30 years old, is so rich and luxurious in its flavour composition and, frankly, like all our releases, we fell in love with it… who doesn’t love an ancient grain whisky?!” – Greg

In addition to new releases, GreatDrams is now taking bookings for private virtual whisky and gin tastings September through December, so far since lockdown was announced GreatDrams’ virtual tastings – public and private – have had over 2,000 participants and has added a fun dimension to what we do. Greg notes that he “never expected to do virtual tastings, and set the first one up as a way to get around 20 people to have a drink with him to alleviate the monotony of lockdown and it just spiralled from there”.

To get in touch and talk whisky contact Greg@GreatDrams.com or to buy limited edition whisky www.greatdrams.com/whisky-shop

ABOUT GreatDrams

www.GreatDrams.com
www.twitter.com/GreatDrams
www.Instagram.com/GreatDramsGreg
www.Facebook.com/GreatDrams

GreatDrams is all about raising spirits
Award-winning from our first dram, with one of our most recent award wins being in the most prestigious global whisky competition describing our whisky as being “amongst the finest products in the world”, we will introduce whisky drinkers to their next favourite. GreatDrams is a family business bringing great quality, limited edition whiskies and whiskeys to the people, all at a fair price. Never repeating our products, and never compromising on flavour.

GreatDrams was launched with the aim to make great whisky more approachable & available. We are experts in finding incredible tasting rare casks of whisky.

With twenty awards under our belts, we have a proven track record for producing great tasting whiskies that are recognised and awarded by both consumer and industry judging panels… that sell out every single time as well, which tells us all we need to know.

We love what we do and are constantly searching for whisky that not only has a story behind every drop and means something to us, but tastes sensational.

COMPLETE SET OF BLACK BOWMORE 1964 LEADS BONHAMS EDINBURGH WHISKY SALE

View the catalogue: Bonhams : Whisky Sale

A complete set of Black Bowmore 1964. Estimate: £45,000-54,000.

A complete set of Black Bowmore 1964 leads Bonhams Whisky sale in Edinburgh on Tuesday 1 June. Offered as one lot, the three bottles are estimated at £45,000-54,000.

The Black Bowmore 1964 first edition was bottled in 1993 in a production run of 2,000 bottles. The second edition followed in 1994 – when, again, production was limited to 2,000 bottles. The third, and final, bottling, in an edition of 1,812, took place in 1995.

Bonhams Whisky specialist in Edinburgh Martin Green said: “Bottles of Black Bowmore 1964 are always eagerly sought after by collectors, and the complete set of three is particularly desirable. I am expecting a lot of interest.”

Other highlights include:

·         Bowmore-40 year old-1955. Distilled and bottled by Morrison’s Bowmore Distillery, it comes in a Caithness glass decanter and its own fitted wooden cabinet. Estimate: £15,000-18,000.

·         Glen Grant Straight 1922 Scotch Whisky. Bottled by Rutherford & Kay, Edinburgh. Estimate: £10,000-15,000.

·         The Macallan-1938. Distilled and bottled by Macallan Glenlivet Ltd. Specially bottled for and imported for Belgium by Werco, Oostend. Estimate: £13,000-15,000.

Sale: WhiskyLocation: 22 Queen Street EdinburghDate: Tuesday 1 June at 11.00

Link to catalogue: Bonhams : Whisky Sale

NOTES 

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest and most renowned auctioneers, offering fine art and antiques, motor cars and jewellery. The main salerooms are in London, New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong, with auctions also held in Knightsbridge, Edinburgh, Paris, San Francisco and Sydney. With a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 22 countries, Bonhams offers advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full list of forthcoming auctions, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com. bonhams.com

One of the most common questions whisky fans ask is “How long has Glenfarclas been around for?”

The answer is – we genuinely don’t know.  The oldest evidence we have of whisky production here is from 1791, the date of this painting which clearly shows an active distillery.

That being said, you can’t really celebrate an inexact date, so we choose instead to mark the first official licence that the distillery was awarded, and this happened in May 1836. Although some would argue we shouldn’t be celebrating when our whisky was first taxed!

To mark the occasion, Callum Fraser (Distillery Manager) and Douglas Belford (Managing Director) were given the enviable task of going out in to the warehouses to hunt for casks from across the decades that they felt best represented our 185 year history. This was a long process, but after almost 2 years of adding a few casks at a time, they are more than delighted with the final result. This well layered dram with a phenomenal finish showcases the true Glenfarclas character. It was bottled at 46% and will be available soon from specialist whisky shops via our network of international distributors.

The bottle takes pride of place next to the original distillery typewriter/Douglas and Callum pose with the fruits of their labour while on a break from selecting casks.

Callum and George enjoy the first taste of the new bottling/the bottle sits under a suitable moody Speyside sky.

Malt Mysteries

Orkney 15 Year Old

From an unnamed Orkney distillery.  It’s not Scapa.  Matured in refill sherry butts this is a lovely example of this Orcadian whisky from Signatory Vintage’s Un-Chillfiltered Collection. 15 Year Old 2006 vintage single malt Scotch whisky from a mystery distillery on Orkney. Matured in refill sherry butts#DRU17/A65 #3 bottled March 2021 by Signatory Vintage for Un-Chillfiltered series. Mystery single malt that don’t want to reveal their true identity. Rummage around and with a bit of investigation you are sure to find a rare unspecified bottling from independent bottler.

£48.58 / €46.97 / us$57.44 / c$69.28 

Shop – Orkney 15 Year Old 2006

When Mr. Paul P John decided to create single malt whiskies in India, he traversed the lanes of Scotland to learn about its distilleries and whisky culture. Starting his company in 1996, he soon launched The Great Indian Single Malt to award-winning acclaim.

Skilfully chosen indigenous ingredients and the warm environs of Goa, double-distillation in copper pot stills with long necks, and maturation in white oak barrels create the magic that is Paul John Single Malt Whisky. Rich and full-bodied with distinct fruit and spice flavours.

Mithuna – 2021 Release

Limited Edition | 70cl | 58% ABV

Named after the Indian counterpart of the Zodiac sign Gemini, Mithuna by Paul John, brings to you an indescribable, almost ethereal, luxury experience. With hints of old oak, aromas of liquorice, delicate beeswax and a soothing ulmo honey on crisp toast with a tinge of vanilla, Mithuna delivers chewy flavours of coffee mocha, orange peel, and soft spice floating on active tannins that lead to a long and gratifying finish.

£209.95

Add To Basket

PENDERYN WHISKY UNVEILS A NEW FLAGSHIP DISTILLERY IN HISTORIC LLANDUDNO, NORTH WALES

Penderyn Llandudno opens to the public on June 1, 2021, and celebrates the 20th anniversary of the rebirth of the whisky industry in Wales after a hundred year absence.

The brand’s second location features a Penderyn signature single-column Faraday still, and will be the first distillery in Wales fully dedicated to the production of peated single malt whisky.

Penderyn Distillery, Llandudno, Wales

Llandudno, Wales – May 19, 2021: On the 20th anniversary of its launch in Wales, Penderyn Distillery announces the opening of a new flagship in the historic town of Llandudno in Northern Wales. The new location commenced operations on May 17, 2021 and opens to the public on June 1, 2021. Penderyn Llandudno joins the company’s original Brecon Beacons location producing the award-winning whisky credited with reviving the industry in Wales after a hundred-year absence. The new Llandudno location features a signature single-column Faraday still – which produces a whisky at an industry high of 92% ABV and is key to the delicate spirit that is the Penderyn signature – and for the first time in Welsh history will produce peated barley single malt whisky.

Penderyn’s expansion into Northern Wales marks the ongoing evolution of a whisky brand that has established itself as the standard-bearer domestically and as one of the most prominent Welsh exports internationally, distributing to more than 45 countries. Last year, Penderyn exceeded annual spirit sales of one million bottles for the first time and was awarded its biggest-ever gold medal haul at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition – Double Gold and two Gold Medals – in addition to various other top ratings, awards, and accolades. Often referred to as “Welsh Gold’’ for its color, quality, and rarity, Penderyn has become the gold standard for the growing whisky industry in Wales.

According to Penderyn Distillery’s CEO, Stephen Davies, “Penderyn has always had a loyal following in North Wales. But with the South separated from the North by mountains and lakes, Penderyn has finally brought the country together. By opening in Llandudno, visited by 9.6 million tourists every year, we’re saying ‘Welcome home to Wales and to Penderyn.”

Llandudno is a picturesque Victorian seaside resort town on the North Wales coast and a major tourist attraction for its charming pier, funicular railway, numerous hotels, and stunning promenade that runs along the Irish sea for nearly two miles. A source of inspiration to its many visitors throughout the ages, it is believed Llandudno and its enchanting surroundings were the inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, whose real-life titular character, Alice Liddell, and family frequently vacationed in the town.

Penderyn’s new flagship is housed within a landmarked building, the Old Board School, which dates back to 1887, and until recently served as the Conwy Council archive. With an investment of £5 million (approximately US$7.09 million) the building has been transformed into a world-class distillation site, housing traditional pot stills, one of Penderyn’s signature Faraday stills, and a spacious visitor center and tasting bar designed to welcome approximately 60,000 guests per year.

Under the supervision of Commissioning Distiller Bethan Morgans, the new distillery is projected to produce one-third of Penderyn’s yearly output. It will become the first distillery in Wales to be fully dedicated to producing peated single malt whiskey. Underscoring its commitment to crafting a product that celebrates and reflects the heritage and history of Wales and its local setting, whisky produced in Llandudno will be distilled using natural spring water supplied from a reservoir that once served the Victorian Lighthouse on the mythic Great Orme Headland that is synonymous with the town.

Penderyn’s Director of Operations, Neil Quigley, has been pivotal to getting the new Llandudno distillery open on time, carefully navigating the COVID-19 protocols of the past year. He says, “Since its inception three years ago, this has been a hugely exciting and challenging project. I’m pleased to have kept this remarkable renovation on time and on track.” The re-imagining of the historic building was done in partnership with Mold-based MPH Construction and Michael Kavanagh, Development Director of Short Bros Homes, who together oversaw the restoration of the existing structure, as well as the addition of a an architecturally stunning modern glass-and-steel extension that welcomes visitors to the new distillery.

As Penderyn looks to the future – and a third location in Swansea in 2022 – it is working with the UK Government to enshrine 70 Welsh Geographical Indicators (GIs) as hallmarks of the unique production process of Welsh Whisky. This will ensure that all distillates bearing the designation ‘Welsh Whisky’ reflect the quality of the products associated with the destination, while establishing them as unique exports in the competitive world whisky market.

For more information about Penderyn, visit penderyn.wales.

About Penderyn:

Penderyn is an independent distillery with locations in the foothills of the Brecon Beacons National Park and the Victorian seaside town of Llandudno, Wales, UK. Established as one of the most influential Welsh exports, Penderyn is credited with reviving the country’s whisky industry after more than a 100-year absence. Renowned for its high-quality single malt whisky and other distillates, Penderyn is also recognized for respecting the long heritage of whisky production and combining it with an innovative approach to distilling. Penderyn is exported to over 40 destinations, including Europe, Canada, the USA, Japan, Russia, Singapore, Australia, and China.

BLADNOCH DISTILLERY LAUNCHES 2021 SINGLE CASK COLLECTION

This year for the first time, the annual collection will include a 6th cask, highlighting one of the rarest cask types in the Bladnoch Distillery archives.

BLADNOCH, SCOTLAND (MAY 26, 2021) – Bladnoch Distillery will release its annual Single Cask Collection in limited quantities on the 26th of May, 10am BST through their UK online store, Visitor Centre and later in various countries around the world throughout Bladnoch’s trusted network of distributors.

The 2021 collection will consist of 6 unique single casks, hand selected by Master Distiller, Dr Nick Savage as the very best that were maturing at Bladnoch’s 204 year old estate this year. Featured in this year’s collection will be some tantalising cask types including Palo Cortado Sherry, Port Pipe and Amontillado Sherry.

The 2021 Collection will feature an additional 6th cask, a grand ex Canasta Butt that is one of only a few to exist in Bladnoch’s bluestone warehouses. This distinguished single cask will be differentiated by a luxurious all-black bottle presentation. Distilled in 2002, this single malt displays notes of liquorice sticks, delicate florals and almonds on the palate.

Dr Nick Savage said of the collection, “The 2021 Single Cask Collection once again allows us to demonstrate the quality and breadth in style of the maturing stocks at Bladnoch. As part of this five year program, these 6 whiskies add to the 2020 collection with more cask types and vintages, including the extreme rarity of certain casks such as the specially selected Canasta Butt. The 2021 collection showcases the very best casks from our maturing stocks.”

The inaugural 2020 Single Cask Collection sold out in record time to whisky enthusiasts around the world. With bottle quantities of each cask very limited, Bladnoch’s 2021 Single Cask Collection is set for a similar fate.

To purchase the Bladnoch 2021 Single Cask Collection, visit www.bladnoch.com. The collection will be available from 10am on the 26th of May.

RRP
£140-£400

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 and Scottish barley 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.

Scottish Whisky Awards Announces
St Andrews Day Event

The national independent awards programme for the Scottish Whisky industry has opened for entry with a promise to recognise, reward and promote the many achievements in Scotch, despite the challenges of the last year.

The 3^rd annual Scottish Whisky Awards line-up features new categories and plans to celebrate success at a black-tie St Andrews Day dinner in Glasgow which will also be broadcast live on 30 November 2021.

Chair of the Judging Panel, Professor Alan Wolstenholme, commented;

“These awards are eagerly anticipated as they give us all an opportunity to promote and celebrate the diversity and quality of Scotch Whisky.  The industry continues to be faced with several challenges, but fortunately these awards give everyone working in the industry some much needed fuel to fire up the engines of success.

“The plans for an industry dinner on St Andrews Day is something which we can all look forward to as the return of live events looks ever more promising over the coming months.”

The awards are sponsored once again by Bruce Stevenson Insurance Brokers and feature 9 business categories including Product Launch of the Year, Sustainable Scotch Distillery of the Year and Tourism Destination of the Year.

The creative response of marketing teams to the global pandemic has presented a range of new digital experiences for the whisky consumer worldwide. Digital Marketing Campaign of the Year is a new award introduced to the line up to recognise the achievements of marketing teams in creating an innovative digital campaign.

This year will also see the return of the presentation of the Dr Jim Swan Memorial Award for Services to Scotch Whisky to an individual chosen by the judging panel.

The panel, which consists of over 40 whisky experts, will be meeting in a few months’ time to assess the talent and skill crafted in the Scotch whisky industry through a carefully staged blind tasting competition moderated by sensory management experts, Cara Technology.

The Scottish Whisky Awards is open for entry until Wednesday 4 August 2021.  For full details on the categories, how to enter the competition and product delivery details please visit www.scottishwhiskyawards.org.uk   For details on available sponsorship opportunities, please contact maxine@kdmedia.co.uk.

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Greetings Shelter Point Community

The first of this year’s crop of barley has started to sprout here at the Farm, a sign of more great things to come in 2021.

While it still remains unclear when we’ll be able to open our doors to the public for tastings and retail sales, our webshop absolutely remains open for business. All of our classic Shelter Point Spirits are available, along with our core lineup of Whiskies, and if you stay tuned in the coming weeks, some tantalizing upcoming Distillery Exclusive whisky releases…

With freight and packaging costs increasing, we will be making an upcoming change to our order minimums to qualify for Free Shipping for online orders. Starting June 1^st, all orders $125 and over (before tax) will be eligible for Free Shipping. If you want to take advantage of our old minimum of $89 (pre-tax), you only have a handful of days left to do so. Savvy buyers should take advantage now while they still can!

We’re so pleased with how many of you out there have continued to support us while our doors remain closed, and we can’t thank you enough for your continued patronage. As soon as we’re allowed to open again we can’t wait to welcome you all back to Shelter Point Distillery for tours, tastings, and fun.

Until then we are still hosting virtual tasting every 2 weeks and there are currently 2 different options for Virtual Tastings. The first being a whisky exclusive option which will include five 50ml samples of our award winning whiskies and the second being a spirit tasting which will include five 50ml samples of our other spirits, Whisky and Liqueur. Both tastings kits will be delivered to your door and ready to sample along with a group of friends & new acquaintances, and are hosted by members of the Shelter Point team, including Distiller Leon Webb, Distillery Manager Jacob Wiebe, Distillery Spirit Guide Brian Ingle and Distillery Spirit Scribe Pat Dunlop. For more information and for booking, please visit https://shelterpoint.ca/distillery-tour-booking/

Cheers and stay tuned to our newsletter for further updates and announcements regarding events, new releases and more fun goings on here at Shelter Point!

Shelter Point Website

Father’s Day is a day to honour the role of fathers and father figures in our lives.  What a great excuse to treat them!

We have chosen a selection of gifts that may interest you for this special day.

The English – Smokey 70cl
£42.50

BUY NOW

GIFT PACKS TO SUIT ALL TASTES

See our range of award winning English whisky or gift packs.  We stock a variety of gift packs that include whisky and gift items

FOUNDERS PRIVATE CELLAR THE FINAL SIGNATURE 

Extremely Limited Release – hand selected casks by our Founder James Nelstrop. The last release of any bottle with our founders signature on.

SHOP ALL GIFT PACKS