Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 390: Caol Ila 3 Year Old 2018 ‘One Day Old’ The Whisky Jury

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tries a whisky that is one day old! The Whisky Jury – a Belgian independent bottler – has spoiled us in the past with lovely single casks. For the 14th release he selected a first fill quarter cask that was filled with Coal Ila spirit on the 9^th February 2018 and bottled on the 10^th February 2021. Hence the funny tagline ‘one day old’. Only 152 bottles were available at the very fair price of 49 EUR and hence they flew off the shelves. Mark feels lucky that he was able to get a bottle.

https://youtu.be/cs8t8M9GMh0

COMPLETE YOUR COLLECTION WITH A WORLD’S FIRST FOR WHISKEY

-Blacks Launch 18 Year Old Single Malt with Irish Rum Cask Finish-

Just as 18 is a monumental age in a young person’s life, opening the doors to adulthood, it also holds a very special significance in the whiskey world, indicating a level of maturity and commitment to patience and craft.  For whiskey connoisseurs, in order to curate the perfect collection, they are constantly on the hunt for that special spirit which is rare and unique – a one of a kind.  The newest addition to the Blacks Brewery & Distillery portfolio, 18 Year Old Single Malt with Irish Rum Cask Finish, answers this brief.

Over the years Blacks have become accustomed to setting the industry trends and securing their place in history books with a number of firsts.  Located on the Wild Atlantic Way in Kinsale, Blacks are Ireland’s first co-located brewery & distillery. In 2018, husband and wife duo of Sam and Maudeline Black launched Ireland’s first-ever spiced rum, Blacks Spiced Rum, made entirely from start to finish in Ireland. Continuing to expand their offering Blacks Golden Rum hit the shelves and in 2020 took home the coveted gold award at the World Rum Awards.

With one simple mission, to escape the mundane of the mass market by producing beers with passion, personality and lots of hops, while also pushing the boundaries of flavour when crafting their range of award-winning spirits, Blacks are once again bringing us a world’s first.

Securing a limited amount of aged Single Malt that would complement the characteristics of their rum casks, which previously held their award-winning liquid gold, Blacks began the process of maturing a single malt whiskey with a unique twist.  After continuous sampling and endless hours of profiling, in April 2021 this treasure had reached peak maturation.

It is a whiskey lover’s dream come true! A world’s first for Irish Whiskey – an Irish Rum Cask finish. There are only 563 bottles of this limited edition 18 Year Old Single Malt, each individually numbered. For many whiskey collectors their collection remains unopened for many years, and so with every purchase Blacks are providing these whiskey fanatics with a free 20ml spirit sample so that they can also sip and enjoy this new Irish spirit.

Speaking in relation to this exciting new launch, founder Sam Black commented, “The idea stemmed from our desire to push the boundaries for Irish spirits and continue to bring about new and innovative releases.  We are very familiar with this rum cask style here at Blacks, but it is something completely new to even the most renowned whiskey connoisseurs.”

Presented in a bespoke treasure chest style box, this cask strength beauty comes in at 56% ABV and will transport you to a world never explored before by a whiskey drinker.

Tasting Notes:

Aroma: Opens with confected aromas of vanilla maple syrup, sticky toffee pudding and candied fruit. Slight hints of coffee beans are set aside by the oak wood undertones before being reminded of banoffee pie and tropical desserts.

Palate: A velvet soft, toffee rich mouthfeel gives way to notes of caramel coated nuts and butter baked biscuits. Sweet malt and rum spices then demand your attention, as exotic fruit notes push to the forefront of your palate.

Finish: An amazingly complex finish with lingering nutmeg spices and dried sultanas fading out before being left with the oak wood undertones that characterised this whiskey for the first 18 years of its life.

Retailing at €500 per bottle, this matured one-of-a-kind whiskey is available exclusively through the Blacks online store, www. blacksbrewery.com/shop/

To find out more about Blacks award-winning spirits and craft beers, or for more brewery and distillery offers and exclusives follow Blacks online at Facebook/BlacksOfKinsale, Instagram/blacksbrewery and Twitter @BlacksBrewery

Check Out These Amazing Kilchoman Limited Release Bottlings You Don’t Want to Miss!

We’re excited tell you all about the 2021 Loch Gorm and PX Sherry Matured!

All this lovely Shery color and flavor will entice your summer palate bringing in the luscious fruits of the season!

Here we go!

2021 Kilchoman Loch Gorm

The highly anticipated Loch Gorm is once again ready for its annual release.  Named after Islay’s largest freshwater loch neighboring the distillery, Loch Gorm is the only Annual Limited Edition matured entirely in Oloroso Sherry Casks.  Year over year the vatting of Loch Gorm subtly changes (and sometimes not so subtly), in age, color, and character.

The 2021 edition, is a vatting of 24 Oloroso Sherry Butts filled in 2011 and 2012.  These large 500 liter Sherry Butts have been sourced from Bodega Miguel Martin in Spain and filled with Kilchoman spirit peated to 50 ppm.  Once these casks had been matured for a minimum of 9 years, they were then vatted together and bottled at 46% abv, resulting in 17,000 bottles being made available to Kilchoman fans around the world. 2,040 of these made it to the US and are on their way to specialty retailers near you.

“Rich bold flavours with a breadth, depth and balance of character that sets it apart, the 2021 edition is packed with juicy fruit, macerated lemon and sweet chargrilled BBQ smoke,”

~ Anthony Wills, Kilchoman Founder & and Managing Director

NOSE: Marzipan, citrus sweetness, floral soft fruit, and light peat smoke.

PALATE: Bright, fresh, lemon cheesecake, tropical fruit, and salty peat smoke.

FINISH: Rounded yet assertive with lasting citrus and stone fruits.

Kilchoman PX Sherry Matured

This special edition, the second of Kilchoman’s two Spring Limited Edition releases, is a combination of 33 casks – 9 fully matured in Pedro Ximénez casks and 24 finished in PX casks for between 12 and 18 months.

While Kilchoman has released a number of Pedro Ximénez Single Casks over the years, this is the first time they’ve vatted multiple casks together for a global release. Anthony and Robin spent many days in the warehouses tasting endless numbers of casks to find the perfect balance of character, constructing a whisky that showcases the rich sweet flavors of Pedro Ximénez Sherry but also reflects the signature flavors of Kilchoman’s 50 ppm spirit.

Bottled at 47.3% abv, this release yielded 12,000 bottle for the world to enjoy. 1,500 of these made it to the US.

“Pedro Ximenez casks aren’t always the easiest to work with.  That was why we decided on a combination of full maturation and finishing, to balance the distinct PX influence with that of our spirit.  I’m delighted with the result; big and bold but with a delightful poise and balance of flavor”

~ Anthony Wills, Kilchoman Founder & Managing Director

NOSE: Prunes, sultanas, and heathery peat smoke with fresh coffee, sea spray, and hints of citrus.

PALATE: Warming, with dark berries, caramelized brown sugar, tobacco leaf, licorice, and fruit cake with mixed spices and smoldering peat smoke.

FINISH: Rounded Sherry notes with waves of summer berries and dried spices.

Thanks again for being part of our family and enjoying these fine whiskies with us!

Fan of our Brands and our People?
We would love to hear your feedback!
Please feel free to leave your reviews and share your experiences here.

We’ll be in touch about other exciting news as the year drinks on … 🥃

Our mailing address is:
ImpEx Beverages Inc.
360 Swift Ave
Side B # 9
South San Francisco, CA 94080

For more information please feel free to email office@ImpExBev.com

www.ImpExBev.com

For this month only, you have the option to purchase, on a  ‘buy it now’ basis, a bottle of Glenfarclas 1991 30 year old. EXCLUSIVE FROM US it’s from a 2nd fill Hogshead and rich in colour. We’ve had a little swig of the stuff and believe us, it’s a cracker! You’ll have to be quick though as there are only 539 bottles produced with many already sold. Once they’re gone, they’re gone!

Grab one whilst stocks last and please note there is ZERO BUYERS PREMIUM on these bottles! It’s an absolute BARGAIN!

View Auction

Join the Springbank Society Ballot for

28yo Springbank Tasting Pack
& Springbank 8yo Fresh Oloroso

The Ballot Opens Monday 7th June, 12pm BST

On the 7th and 8th of June we are running ballots for our Springbank 28yo Tasting Packs and our new Springbank 8yo fresh oloroso release.  These products are exclusive to society members through our Experience.Springbank.scot website.

Ballot 1

4 x 2cl samples of 28yo Springbank &
1x Springbank 8yo Fresh Oloroso 57.3% (70cl)

Ballot Opens Monday 7th of June

Quantity: 610

£90 (inc VAT)

Ballot 2

1x Springbank 8yo Fresh Oloroso 57.3% (70cl)

Ballot Opens Tuesday 8th of June

Quantity: 1,220

£55 (inc VAT)

The first ballot for 610 bottles and tasting packs will open on Monday 7th June at 12pm BST and close 24 hours later. You can enter the Ballot 1 at any time throughout this 24 hour period – all entries will have an equal chance of being successful. If you are unsuccessful in Ballot 1 you will have the opportunity to enter Ballot 2 for one of the remaining 1,220 Springbank 8yo bottles. Similar to Ballot 1, you will also have 24 hours to enter Ballot 2. Duplicate entries will not be accepted – members making multiple entries for a single ballot will be disqualified from all ballots. On entry of the ballot, you will follow the standard checkout process and prepayment will be taken from your card for both the product and the shipping to your address. All successful entries will be notified via email and payment taken automatically from the card used for guarantee. If there is an issue with your payment or payment method you will be emailed to confirm payment information, and you will have 24 hours to respond to the email and complete your order. The ballot process for Canadian members will run separately. If you are based in Canada, please do not enter this ballot.

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

The past few decades have seen huge changes in whisky and this carefully curated tasting set dives into that recent history and gives you the chance to taste your way through the special spirits that have created the modern whisky world. Twenty whiskies, a tasting book and a pair of glasses – the perfect set to help you embark on a journey of whisky exploration and discovery.

20 Whiskies that Changed the World can serve as an educational whisky guide or a delicious whisky cabinet to dip into and enjoy whenever the mood takes you. The whiskies are grouped into four themes and are arranged in tasting order, so you can either enjoy them at your leisure or taste them in four flights alongside the tasting book and specially made video guides.

20 carefully curated 3cl Perfect Measure samples of some of the finest whiskies available today from around the globe. A 52-page full-colour book with details of all the whiskies and why we chose them, as well as space for your own notes. A pair of Perfect Measure tasting glasses to make sure you can get the most out of each whisky – each sample is the perfect size to share.

Join us on a journey of discovery, finding out what makes old favourites special and uncovering new whiskies to continue your exploration of the world of fine spirits.

£160

ralfy review 879 Extras – Comments on GlenScotia ‘Victoriana’ single malt.

New Bourbon Trail™ Passport & Field Guide Offers Visitors The Ultimate Kentucky Bourbon Experience

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour is celebrating its 22nd birthday with a new Bourbon Trail™ Passport & Field Guide to help visitors plan and prepare for the ultimate journey behind America’s only native spirit.

The comprehensive guide contains 150 pages of information about the attraction, from maps and suggested itineraries to cocktail recipes, helpful tidbits, tasting notes and, of course, key data about participating distilleries on the KBT® and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour®.

And here’s the best part — Passport stamps now unlock access to special collectible bottles and private barrel selections, souvenir barware, tastings and other unique rewards at the 18 Kentucky Bourbon Trail® participating distilleries.

“This new guide is a must-have resource for Kentucky Bourbon tourists as they explore the rich history and heritage of our signature spirit,” said Eric Gregory, president of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association that founded the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® adventure in 1999.

“We’re really excited about all the rewards that now come with your Passport stamp. Visitors are clamoring for distinct bottles and exclusive souvenirs that they can only get in Kentucky. We listened, and our distilleries have worked hard to elevate their Kentucky Bourbon voyage.”

Adam Johnson, Senior Director of the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experiences, said Passport owners will be able to register their Field Guide online to receive the latest news and events happening at their favorite distilleries.

The guide also has detailed information about each distillery that will help visitors tailor their trip, such as whether the distillery has an on-site restaurant or cocktails available, accepts online reservations, produces other spirits besides Bourbon and more.

“The KBT program has evolved so much over the last 22 years,” Johnson said. “It’s more about savoring the Bourbon journey than a race to complete your Passport. This new book is a perfect companion piece that allows guests to celebrate our legendary Bourbon culture with ease.”

The new Passport & Field Guide is for sale starting Thursday at participating distilleries for the suggested retail price of $5.99. Passport & Field Guides also can be ordered now at the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® online shop at https://www.kybourbontrailshop.com.

“We are pleased to share with you an easy-to-use, fit-in-your-pocket, guide where you will discover Kentucky Bourbon is more than just a drink. It’s a way of life,” said Dee Ford, Chairwoman of the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail® Advisory Panel.

“This has been a year in the making and we appreciate all the passion and energy that KDA members have devoted to making it come true,” said Ford, who is Brand Home Manager at Angel’s Envy in Louisville . “We can’t wait for you to meet our makers and be our tasters.”

Proceeds from the sale go directly to KDA responsibility and sustainability initiatives. The Bourbon Trail Passport & Field Guide emphasizes the KDA’s commitment to responsible consumption with transportation tips, tasting guidelines and visitor best practices.

“The KBT may have just come of legal age, but our industry has a long-standing commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of alcohol,” said Sara Barnes, KDA Director of Industry Responsibility and Sustainability.

“Visitors can purchase one of our new guides knowing that proceeds will help continue that pledge and also fund research and initiatives to ensure the sustainable stewardship of wood, water and grains that are vital to our communities and our future.”

The new Bourbon Trail™ Passport & Field Guide also features the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour®, which the KDA created in 2012 as the nation’s first and only tourism attraction to showcase the state’s flourishing boutique distilleries.

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® includes 19 participating distilleries, with many more on the way. Visitors who complete each of its four territories earn a collectible challenge coin.

Fans who tour all stops get a custom barrel stave to display their coins.

“The new Passport & Field Guide also will serve as a go-to planning tool for our Craft Tour visitors as well,” Johnson said. “The challenge coins have been very popular for people who are taking the deeper dive into our craft distilleries.”

Johnson said visitors have until Dec. 31 to use old Passports to both the KBT® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® experiences. For more information on the Passport programs, go to https://kybourbontrail.com/field-guide/.

KDA President Gregory said look for more news soon as the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tours continue to expand with more stops, more merchandise for visitors (and finishers) and more benefits for Passport holders.

“There are so many ways to enjoy Kentucky Bourbon and even more to experience our culture and craft. As Adam said, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® is a journey, a quest. And there’s only one true and authentic home for Bourbon – Kentucky. The proof is here.”

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the legendary voice for Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s landmark economic engine and its thriving, timeless craft. Member benefits include media relations, international trade development, private sampling events, technical assistance, economic development support, networking, legal defense, marketing strategies, governmental and regulatory advocacy and innovative tourism experiences through the KDA’s world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® adventures. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com 

JUDGES AWARD BARTON 1792 DISTILLERY SPIRITS WITH THREE DOUBLE GOLD MEDALS AT WORLD SPIRITS COMPETITION

            BARDSTOWN, kENTUCKY (May 25, 2021) – Three spirits produced at Barton 1792 Distillery were awarded Double Gold medals at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, meaning each spirit received Gold medal ratings from every member on the judging panel during the judging process. Out of a record-breaking 3,500 entries from all corners of the world, ten Barton 1792 Distillery spirits were awarded medals. Each entry was subject to rounds of blind tastings and individual evaluation on both taste and design by judges.

“We are humbled to receive recognition for our spirits,” Master Distiller Danny Kahn said. “These awards would not be possible without our team’s unwavering commitment to top-quality whiskey.”

Double Gold Medals went to:

• 1792 Bottled in Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• 1792 Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Early Times Bottled-In-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Gold Medals went to:

• 1792 Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• 1792 Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Thomas S. Moore Port Finished Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Silver Medals went to:

• 1792 Aged 12 Years Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Thomas S. Moore Cabernet Sauvignon Finished Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Thomas S. Moore Chardonnay Finished Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Bronze Medals went to:

• Early Times Kentucky Whiskey

For more information on the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, visit sfspiritscomp.com.

About Barton 1792 Distillery

Barton 1792 Distillery is part of Barton Brands.  Barton Brands has facilities in Bardstown, Ky., Carson, Calif., and Baltimore, Md. Barton Brands is owned by the Sazerac Company, an American family-owned company based in New Orleans, La. Barton 1792 Distillery was established in 1879 and continues today as the oldest fully-operating Distillery in the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” The Distillery is located on 196 acres and includes 28 warehouses, 22 other buildings, the Morton Spring and the Tom Moore Spring.  Distilling, aging and bottling fine Bourbon whiskey are hallmarks of the historic Barton 1792 Distillery. 1792 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey is produced at Barton 1792 Distillery and is named for the year Kentucky became a state. The Distillery has garnered a number of prestigious awards for its whiskies, including its 1792 Full Proof, which was named the World Whiskey of the Year for 2020.  To learn more visit www.1792bourbon.com.

ralfy review 879 – AnCnoc 18yo @ 46%vol: (2021)