We all love a bargain, especially when whisky is involved! Have a gander below of the latest additions to our weekly price drop and get those deals added to your shopping basket.Remember that all orders over £75 are shipped for free.
View the full price drop selection here…
Want to sell your whisky in our next auction? With no sellers fees?
We’re offering a FREE personal courier collection service (UK)
From Sunday 4th July, the TWSA team will be on the road on a round trip from London to Glasgow (and everywhere in between!) to pick up your bottles from your doorstep. It can all be carried out contact-free, and we’ll take care of the cost.
At the moment, we’re accepting a minimum of 10 bottles or a minimum value of £1000. Please contact auctions@whiskyshop.com to discuss details.
Want to sell your whisky before July 4th?
We can organise a courier to pick up your bottle(s) free of charge and get you booked in the next available date.
To find out more or book your free collection:
✉️ Email auctions@whiskyshop.com
📞 Phone +44(0)141 427 2950
Please note that our offices are shut on weekends, but we’ll answer your query as soon as we reopen on Monday at 9am.
Who doesn’t love a whisky saving?
Glenfiddich 18 Year Old is currently down to £68.50 and even includes a free branded rucksack with every purchase – you will definitely look the part on your next jaunt around town! This is a cracking dram of fruity complexity from the home of the world’s best selling single malt.
Buy now →
View all sale here →
THE WORLD’S FIRST BIODYNAMIC WHISKY TO BE BOTTLED THIS SUMMER
Waterford Distillery will start bottling Biodynamic: Luna – the first whisky on sale anywhere in the world made solely from biodynamic barley – this summer
The product, the second instalment in Waterford Whisky’s Arcadian series, which explores the old ways of farming and flavour origins, will go on sale globally from late summer
CEO Mark Reynier’s quest to find the ultimate whisky flavour led Waterford Whisky to adopt the biodynamic farming method, which is used by many of the world’s greatest winemakers
Three growers in Ireland have incorporated the rigorous biodynamic principles, which are based on lectures by enigmatic Austrian philosopher-scientist Rudolf Steiner in the 1920s, and applied them to barley
Ireland’s Waterford Distillery has confirmed that its Biodynamic: Luna – the first whisky anywhere in the world to go on sale made from solely biodynamic barley – will be bottled this summer.
The whisky, which is the vision of CEO Mark Reynier, has been in development for several years. It will be the second instalment in Waterford Whisky’s Arcadian series, which investigates how historic farming and growing techniques impact the flavour of whisky. The first instalment, Organic: Gaia 1.1, was released last year to critical acclaim.
Waterford Whisky has distilled around 500 barrels of spirit made from local biodynamic barley, and annually incorporates biodynamics as part of its ongoing ambition to create the most flavoursome spirit possible.
Biodynamic: Luna’s arrival will be the culmination of Mark Reynier’s project to bring biodynamics out of the wine world and into whisky, which has required three Irish growers – Trevor Harris, John McDonnell and Alan Mooney – to apply biodynamic agricultural practices to barley.
An advanced and esoteric form of farming, often described as “uber-organic” or “organic plus”, the principles of biodynamic farming were first discussed in a series of agricultural lectures by Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner in 1924. They assume that each farm is its own self-sustaining organism and that elements including soil, crops, animals, people and the ‘spirit of place’ are all interconnected.
The approach includes some noteworthy methods that Waterford Distillery’s local growers have adopted for the production of biodynamic barley. They include: burying cow horns filled with manure or mineral silica under the soil during the winter or summer months respectively, ploughing fields with horses rather than mechanical machinery, and sowing barley seeds according to the position of the moon.
The purpose of all the elements combined is to produce the healthiest possible soil and thus crops – the ultimate regenerative agriculture. When applied to barley, the very source of malt whisky’s complex flavour, the Waterford Whisky team believes it will contribute to a more flavoursome whisky.
Mark Reynier, CEO and Founder of Waterford Distillery – who spent more than 20 years in the winemaking industry before another 20 in whisky – explains: “Many of the world’s very greatest winemakers follow biodynamic farming to produce the most exquisite flavours. The Burgundian legends Romanée Conti, Leroy, Leflaive, Trapet and Sauzet. Alsacians Zind Humbrecht, Ostertag and Zusselin; And the mighty chateaux of Latour, Lafite, Yquem, Climens, Pontet Canet, Angelus, Palmer from Bordeaux.
“But nobody has released a whisky made from purely locally-grown biodynamic barley – until now.
“Malt whisky already is the most complex spirit in the world thanks to the barley from which it is distilled, and with a biodynamic cultivation regime there is the ultimate opportunity to enhance its flavour. At Waterford, we are on a mission to create the most complex, unique and profound whisky, and biodynamics is the next step on that journey. It makes little financial sense, but for taste – for taste alone – it is the holy grail. Simply put: the healthiest possible soil equals the best possible flavour.”
The influence of biodynamics on the life and structure of the soil is undeniable: a recent study by Professor Magali Delmas at UCLA analysed tasting scores given to more than 128,000 French wines from 1995 to 2015 finding that biodynamic wines scored 11.8 points more compared to conventional or sustainable wines.
Unlike other whisky producers, Waterford Distillery’s credentials are built on the demonstrated concept of terroir, in which factors such as weather, soil and microclimate influence the flavours found in crops and the products made from them. A distillery-led academic study, published in peer-review journal Foods earlier this year, revealed conclusive evidence that terroir is found in barley and whisky.
About Waterford Distillery
Influenced by the world’s greatest winemakers, Waterford Distillery obsessively brings the same intellectual drive, methodology and rigour to single malt whisky.
Using 100% Irish barley, widely considered to be the world’s finest, its Single Farm Origin series is an uber-provenance range of limited edition natural whiskies that explore Irish terroir one farm, once place, at a time. They are expressions of precision and rarity, showcasing barley flavours derived from individual Irish farms and harvests. The distillery’s ultimate aim is that these component single malts come together to create the world’s most unique, complex and profound whisky.
For more information, visit https://waterfordwhisky.com/
Note: Though Waterford Whisky is the first producer to bring biodynamic spirit to the market, Mark Reynier first trialled distilling biodynamic barley several years ago when he ran Bruichladdich Distillery, Scotland – though using imported English barley at the time.
THE SOCIETY EXPERIMENTS WITH BOTANICALS TO INVIGORATE THEIR FLORAL COCKTAIL OFFERING
SMWS CREATES A SIGNATURE COCKTAIL MENU INSPIRED BY FRESH BOTANICALS
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) has teamed up with Dr Greg Kenicer of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and world-renowned mixologist, Jason Scott to explore how fresh plants can enhance the flavour of whisky cocktails.
Inspired by the summer plants that grow in our gardens and wild forests, Greg and Jason have created cocktails that explore the more delicate and floral notes within The Society’s outturn whiskies.
Dr Greg Kenicer is an expert botanist and lecturer at Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden and is the critically acclaimed author of the Scottish Plant Lore and Plant Magic.
Having been part of The Royal Botanic Garden for over 20 years, Greg has a keen interest in traditional plant uses, as well as the diversity and evolution of the pea family.
Through complementing and contrasting edible flowers and exciting mixers, the cocktails feature rich botanical ingredients that include fresh lavender, a key component of rich Mediterranean habitats and Scottish gorse, which brings a subtle flavour of coconut to any cocktail.
Dr Greg Kenicer, said: “I am delighted to be working with Jason and The Scotch Malt Whisky Society on this exciting and unique project.
“When it comes to enhancing and developing cocktail flavours, there is so much out there for drink makers and bartenders to explore from the botanical kingdom. Many of these plants can be grown in a garden or even a window box, or you can find them at your local supermarkets.
“Since the Stone Age, botanicals and fresh plants have been used as compounds to enhance the flavour of drinks. It’s really exciting to see mixologists across the world continuing this ancient legacy, and also innovating in so many creative ways.”
Adding his thoughts, Jason Scott of Bramble bar and Lucky Liquor Co. said: “Whisky’s botanical heart and the vast range of flavour profiles available mean there are a host of botanical ingredients that complement whisky inspired cocktails.
“After visiting The Botanics and meeting up with Greg, it’s been a journey of fun and discovery to create these fantastic floral cocktails. I’m confident whisky and flower lovers alike will adore this summer cocktail menu.”
The signature cocktails will be available at SMWS Bath Street, Queen Street and Greville Street from Friday 11th June. Non-members are also welcome to attend Queen Streets’ Kaleidoscope Bar and can visit both Bath Street and Greville Street venues on Tuesday evenings, by booking online or by phone.
To celebrate the signature cocktail menu, the SMWS will also be hosting an event on the 29th of June, at their Queen Street venue.
Cocktail list:
Queen Street, Edinburgh – Joy & Sorrel
The Joy & Sorrel features vibrant fuchsia flowers with a taste of citrus lemon and sweet sorrel syrup.
Bath Street, Glasgow – Melancholy Crush
This refreshing julep combines an elegantly fruity and herbal dram with fresh mint, lemon and Angostura Bitters.
Greville Street, London – Four Seasons
This London inspired violet Penicillin, features a 2008 Speyside distilled whisky combined with ingredients that include fresh lavender, finished in an old-fashioned glass.
Bottled – Flaming Primrose
Garnished with a primrose flower, this vibrant blood-red cocktail incorporates infused gorse Campari and Sweet Vermouth with an 8-year-old single malt, an oily and coastal whisky.
For more information about the Scotch Malt Whisky Society click here.
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society
#SMWS
About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society
The Society offers a variety of membership packages that can be tailored. Please see https://cutt.ly/RnT8ZDQ
For more information about the Society, visit https://cutt.ly/UnQtmAA
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society | SMWS
Become a member of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society and discover the world's widest selection of rare and exceptional single cask whiskies.
Twitter: @SMWSUK Facebook: @thesmwsuk Instagram: @smws_uk
Win a bottle of Glen Scotia 25 Year Old – currently the world’s best whisky!
We are also giving away Dunnage Tasting Packs to 30 runners-up. For a chance to win simply buy a bottle of Glen Scotia Double Cask at a special price of £31.90…
Glen Scotia Golden Dram Giveaway
Glen Scotia 25 Year Old recently won Best in Show at this years San Francisco World Spirits Competition – the distillery’s proudest achievement to date. We will be offering a bottle up as a prize in our latest Golden Dram giveaway. All purchases of Glen Scotia Double Cask between now and Sunday will be automatically entered and we will select one lucky winner who will receive both of these award-winning single malt whiskies straight to their door!
We are also sending Dunnage Tasting Packs (worth £50!) to 30 runners-up. This will allow you to enjoy five special drams selected by Glen Scotia Distillery Manager and Master Distiller, Iain McAlister. He will guide you through a virtual tasting session offering a window into Glen Scotia’s whisky making history and Campbeltown’s Victorian Scotch heyday. Sounds like a perfect way to spend any evening!
Even if you don’t win one of these fantastic prizes, you’ll still be receiving a delicious bottle of whisky at a fantastic price. Good luck!
Glen Scotia Double Cask
£31.90 buy now →
Double Cask is a great introduction to Glen Scotia. Rich, rounded caramel combines with fruitiness, spice and salt, with a little smoke pushing through. This is a real crowd pleaser.
Andy, The Whisky Shop Edinburgh, Victoria Street
Shop all Glen Scotia at The Whisky Shop
Glen Scotia Double Cask
The perfect balance of rich spicy fruits
Glen Scotia 25 Year Old
The current world’s best whisky
Glen Scotia Dunnage Tasting Pack
A rare chance to try these special malts
Glen Scotia Victoriana
Rich, robust, sweet and plenty of body
Glen Scotia 15 Year Old
Another Gold at this years San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Glen Scotia 18 Year Old
Understated and complex – this dram is a bit of class.
2020 DISTILLERY RESERVE COLLECTION EXCLUSIVE
Universal Whisky Experience | 1621 Central Avenue, Cheyenne, WY 82001
Welcome to this weeks episode of the show in which I’ll be taking a look at the Filey Bay range of whiskies from the Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery.
THE CRAFT IRISH WHISKEY CO. PUSHES THE BOUNDARIES OF IRISH WHISKEY CRAFTSMANSHIP
WITH THE LAUNCH OF ITS 2001 DOUBLE-DISTILLED, SINGLE-MALT WHISKEY
20th June 2021, Dublin The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. is delighted to announce its third release with the inaugural launch of a limited 661 bottles of rare double-distilled, single malt whiskey, matured for over two decades, The Brollach, on Father’s Day (20th June 2021). With three new product launches since November 2020, The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. has established more than a new brand; they have taken Irish whiskey into a new top-shelf ultra-luxury category and with the release of The Brollach, now looks to establish itself in the double-distilled space.
The Brollach is a personal tribute to Founder Jay Bradley’s late father, who sadly passed away in 2020, but was a huge inspiration for creation of The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. Together they shared an unmatched passion and knowledge of whiskey, with the dream of building a legacy and creating the finest Irish whiskeys. The latest release has been named after the O’Brollachans, which is the ancient rendering of the Bradley name and represents their Irish heritage, lineage and craftsmanship. The Brollach is a celebration of Irish whiskey tradition, since the Celtic nation was the originator of the brown liquor as long ago as the 12th Century.
Founder Jay Bradley had an entrepreneurial spirit from a young age and left school at 14 to work as a furniture craftsman with his father in Ireland until he was 19. On 21st January 2001 Jay left the Emerald Isle and moved to Australia on 22nd January 2001 to follow his dreams and embark on adult life. To honour this huge milestone in Jay’s life, The Brollach has been distilled on the same day: 22nd January 2001.
Located within close proximity to where Jay Bradley was raised, The Brollach was matured on the southeast coast of Ireland using the freshest Irish water and finest barley aged in 200-litre Ex American Bourbon casks, which adds a deep oaky flavour to the whiskey, and then finished in 128-litre rare French Oak Madeira barrels, emerging when it is at its zenith. French Oak Madeira is made exclusively on the island off the coast of Portugal and the 128-litre barrels achieve the perfect spirit ratio based on the flavour profile of the Madeira.
Years of maturation has imparted flavours of honeysuckle, butterscotch and caramel to create a whiskey that is unmistakably masculine and intimate, which brings a fresh, intense and potent profile – reflecting Jay’s father’s character. Irish whiskey is traditionally triple-distilled, however The Brollach has been uniquely double-distilled to symbolise the powerful bond between father and son and imparts complexity that is compelling, intense and vibrant to create the finest double-distilled, single malt Irish whiskey of its generation.
Crafted from raw Nordic oak and brushed with stainless steel, The Brollach’s experience box celebrates Irish craftsmanship, paying homage to the Bradley family’s Celtic heritage and honours Jay’s father as a master craftsman, with its strong, bold and masculine design. It features a heavy grain on the box, which cleverly leads the eye towards the clasps and the stainless-steel trim. The beautifully crafted box also contains a 70cl bottle of The Brollach, along with two handcrafted Finn glasses which blend science and artistry into an inimitably designed masterpiece, all the whiskey notes, scents and flavours to be highlighted and experienced like never before.
The Brollach bottle sits in a solid oak plinth, with a slightly curved backdrop that echoes the lines of a barrel, and the interior is a rich, dark suede, set against a foam protector. The drawer, which sits underneath, contains four obsidian whiskey stones, a glass and anodised silver pipette, and two vials; one for a taster of whiskey and the other for the user to add Irish spring water (or his / her preferred one) to open the flavours.
Jay Bradley, Founder, The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. commented: “Whiskey is my absolute passion in life and The Brollach is a very personal release to me as it is a tribute to my late father. The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. was born out of a conversation with him and our shared interest for the finer things in life, particularly whiskey craftsmanship.
The Brollach is unique as it has an intense and potent profile, which I feel really reflects my father’s character, and it is also pushing the boundaries of Irish whiskey craftsmanship as it is a double-distilled, single-malt whiskey matured for over two decades. As double-distilled whiskey ages, it becomes more complex and spicier, only released when the flavour of the whiskey is at its best. Traditionally Irish whiskey is triple-distilled and we are very proud to have created a product that ensures luxury Irish whiskey is being represented in the double-distilled space.”
The Brollach follows the success of the brand’s first release in November 2020, The Devil’s Keep, a 29-year-old, triple-distilled, single malt whiskey. The Devil’s Keep achieved the world record for the most expensive inaugural whiskey release ever at auction at USD $60,000 (almost £46,000 and €51,000). The multi award-winning first release achieved Gold in the ‘Packaging Design Category 2020-2021’ of the A’ Design Award and ‘Luxury Drinks Secondary Pack’ at The Luxury Packaging Awards 2020 for The Devil’s Keep experience box, as well as Highly Commended for the design of The Devil’s Keep bottle in the ‘Luxury Drinks Primary Pack’ award.
The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. also partnered with Fabergé to unveil ‘The Emerald Isle Collection’ in February 2021 – a seven-piece custom-made whiskey set which features two bottles of ultra-rare 30-year-old, triple-distilled Irish whiskey, along with two exclusive creations from Fabergé. It was crowned the oldest triple-distilled Irish whiskey in the world and the inaugural experience box sold at auction for a record-breaking USD $2m.
For further information on The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. and The Brollach visit: https://craftirishwhiskey.com/the-brollach/
Notes:
Cost: €5,500(+ VAT)
The Brollach Tasting Notes:
Nose: Vibrant, fresh and intense, with apricot, which melts into a subtle butterscotch.
Back palate: Dark cherry with a hint of sourness that softens into dark chocolate, with a caramelised banana flavour that lingers in an oily, almost velvet-like, mouth-feel.
About The Craft Irish Whiskey Co.:
The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. is different. This is not mass-produced whiskey, but an attention to detail and crafting processes that create the very finest craft Irish whiskey.
The company sources rare whiskey and uses ultra-premium finishing barrels to mature its whiskey due to the high quality of the wood and previous spirit or wine that helps deliver complex flavour profiles. The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. knows that a premium level of spirit stored in this type of barrel adds deep and complex flavours into the finish which produces a phenomenal Irish whiskey.
The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. uniquely cask their whiskey at 52% ABV. Adding water in at the start allows the water and whiskey to marry over time creating a far smoother whiskey.
The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. is the proud whiskey partner of the The MICHELIN Guide and a partner in the Michelin Star Revelation Great Britain and Ireland 2021 by presenting the award for Sommelier Of The Year 2021.
Their first release in November was The Devil’s Keep, the first ultra-rare Irish whiskey in the world and the oldest ever triple-distilled Irish single malt whiskey, as well as being crowned the most expensive first release in the history of whiskey at €10,000 per bottle. Significantly, it also achieved the world record for the most expensive inaugural whiskey release ever at auction at USD $60,000 (almost £46,000 and €51,000 Euros).
