Scallywag Whisky – The Ultimate Chocolate Companion

World Chocolate Day is just around the corner (Wednesday 7^th July) and to commemorate the indulgent occasion, Douglas Laing’s Scallywag Speyside Malt Scotch Whisky reveals its annual special bottling: Scallywag Chocolate Limited Edition #4.

The fourth release is a marriage of 100% Sherry matured Single Cask Single Malts only from Speyside. Each cask is said to have been hand-selected for its “cocoa-rich tasting notes”. The resulting spirit unveils a “natural burnt sienna colour” with delectable notes of “creamy chocolate icing, juicy dates and rich red fruits”. This full-bodied dram has been bottled at a high alcohol strength of 48%, proudly without colouring or chill-filtration.

The series has gained significant traction since the inaugural bottling in 2018, and with only 3,000 bottles of the latest edition available globally, those who have been patiently waiting in anticipation of the 2021 release are advised to snap one up quickly to avoid disappointment. The limited edition is packaged in a premium, gold-foiled gift tube and is expected to retail at £55.00/€64.00 from good specialist retailers.

In tandem with the new launch, the award-winning Speyside Malt has partnered with luxury Chocolatier – Sugarsnap – to create a set of bespoke Scallywag Whisky infused chocolates boasting decorative colourways inspired by Scallywag packaging. The partnership is set to elevate Scallywag’s positioning as “the ultimate chocolate companion” by showcasing how first, the chocolate inspired the Whisky, and now, how the Whisky has come full circle to inspire the chocolate. Scallywag’s “Small Batch, Big Flavour” ethos is said to have been “honoured” throughout the entire chocolate-making process. This mouth-watering collaboration is set to be dripped out on World Chocolate Day (Wednesday 7^th July) before flowing into a full month of tempting social media activity, mainly on Instagram (@scallywagwhisky).

Commenting on the new release, Cara Laing, Director of Marketing at Douglas Laing & Co, said: “We have been delighted to watch this delicious, melt-in-the-mouth limited edition release grow by popular demand since 2018. It’s a joy being able to taste and hand-select the darkest, fruitiest and most cocoa-rich Single Cask Single Malts that Speyside has to offer. This special bottling is certainly one that we have a lot of fun with year after year as we strive for chocolate perfection! We can’t wait to share more delicious details about Scallywag’s partnership with Sugarsnap on World Chocolate Day too – keep your eyes peeled on Scallywag’s social channels!”

About Scallywag

Facebook: /scallywagwhisky
Instagram: @scallywagwhisky

A marriage of Single Cask Single Malts, only from the Speyside region of Scotland, Scallywag is matured predominantly in Sherry casks, affording the spirit a rich, dark colour and a deliciously fruity, chocolatey flavour profile. The multi-award winning Scotch Whisky belongs to Douglas Laing’s Remarkable Regional Malts -“the Ultimate Distillation of Scotland’s Malt Whisky Regions” – also encompassing The Epicurean Lowland Malt Scotch Whisky, Timorous Beastie (Highlands), The Gauldrons (Campbeltown), Rock Island (from the Islands) and Big Peat (Islay).

About Douglas Laing:

www.douglaslaing.com

Twitter: @DLaingWhisky
Facebook: @douglaslaingwhisky
Instagram: @dlaingwhisky

Douglas Laing & Co. is a leading independent Scotch Whisky distiller, blender and bottler specialising in the selection and release of Single Cask Single and Small Batch Malt Scotch Whiskies.

The company was founded by Fred Douglas Laing in 1948 and is still owned and run by the Laing family – Fred Laing Jr and his daughter Cara Laing.

The company philosophy is to bottle the way the distiller intended – at a high strength and without chill-filtration to preserve the robust and unique character of the Whisky. Douglas Laing’s industry reputation and many awards is testament to this ethos.

Douglas Laing’s Remarkable Regional Malts, the Ultimate Distillation of Scotland’s Malt Whisky Regions, encompasses The Epicurean Lowland Malt Scotch Whisky, Timorous Beastie (Highlands), Scallywag (Speyside), The Gauldrons (Campbeltown), Rock Islands (Islands) and Big Peat (Islay). Beyond its Blended Malts expertise, the award-winning Douglas Laing portfolio also includes Provenance, Premier Barrel, Old Particular and Xtra Old Particular, collectively known as the firm’s “Exceptional Single Casks”.

June has been a great month for M&H!  The #1 Dad Single Cask Wowed Father’s Day Fans, M&H Distillery brought home multiple awards from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2021, and two new M&H Apex Expresssions are headed our way!

We hope you had a great Father’s Day and were able to get a bottle of this but every day can be Father’s Day when you want to show him he’s the #1 Dad.  This Single Cask Expression is still available in specialty stores throughout the US and a great way to say, “Thanks Dad”

M&H Father’s Day Edition 3 yo ex-Bourbon Single Cask No. 2018-0568

91 M&H Elements Sherry Cask Single Malt Whisky (Israel), 46%
M&H Elements Sherry is the first ever single malt whisky that was matured in Kosher sherry casks, seasoned exclusively for our distillery – straight from Jerez. Bourbon, Oloroso and PX sherry casks characterized its fruity flavors, rich aromas, with a special deep and natural color. Matured under the Tel Aviv sun.

91 M&H Elements Peated Single Malt Whisky (Israel), 46%
The Atlantic meets the Mediterranean. This whisky was matured in casks from Islay, that soaked in smoky aromas and salty flavors, and was then blended with ex-bourbon barrel-aged single malt. The Elements Peated integrates the fruity notes of the new make into the casks’ typical Islay peaty notes; the result is a delicate, rather mellow, and lightly peated whisky.

90 M&H Elements Red Wine Cask Single Malt Whisky (Israel), 46%
Ex-red wine casks that were sourced from Israel’s finest wineries were picked for this part of the Elements trilogy. The Mediterranean’s climate, variety of soil types, hot sunny days and cool nights bring a spicy and unique flavor to Israeli wine – and in turn, our casks. The wine casks used in the Elements Red Wine are a celebration of local terroir, curating a floral single malt with notes of raisins.

Two New Editions to the M&H Apex Line are on their way!

Tal & Tomer of M&H Distillery talk about the Apex Collection

M&H Apex Cognac Cask Small Batch
58.8% ALC/VOL
Non-chillfiltered, No color added

This Single Malt whisky offers wonderous flavors, derived from amazing 400 Liter, French Limousine oak casks from a family owned Cognac House, previously used to mature superb quality Kosher Cognac.

AROMA
Warm spices, complete with cloves, thyme and star-anise, evolving into an exotic combo of cacao powder and mango followed by notes of dark chocolate truffle and stone fruit.

PALATE
Rich texture and a warm mouthfeel, with a hint of nutmeg spiciness. Sweet fruit, with a touch of tart red berries.

FINISH
Baked apple pie, rich in butter and enhanced by cacao and sweettoasted barley.

M&H Apex Fortified Red Wine Cask Small Batch
60.4% ALC/VOL
Non-chillfiltered, No color added

This Single Malt whisky has been matured in fortified red wine casks from local Israeli wineries selected for their distinct flavor profile. It is an expression of our unique terroir and the excellent casks it produces.

AROMA
Dark chocolate perlines filled with raspberry jam, tobacco and earl grey tea, fragrant pine needles and a touch of cake frosting.

PALATE
Maple syrup, smoked dry chilli peppers, candied cherries.

FINISH
Peaty earthiness followed by fresh mint, comforting hot cacao.

Thanks again for being part of our family and enjoying these M&H Expressions with us!  Remember that during these uncertain times we encourage you to drink responsibly, so instead of quantity, drink quality!

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 …

Please feel free to reach out for more details on the bottlings: office@ImpExBev.com 

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

ARDBEG DISTILLERY

26 Year Old 1994 Cadenhead’s Authentic Collection

Time for Music

If you are in the mood for some music this World Music Day (June 21st ~ apologies for the late publication ~ WI), take inspiration from our Glengoyne colleagues. Together, we have compiled a playlist consisting of our go to songs to accompany a dram of Glengoyne.

From the psychedelic sounds of Pink Floyd to the mellow tones of Billie Holiday, we think there’s something for everyone – just like our whisky.

Listen Now

Welcome to this weeks episode of the show in which I’ll be reviewing a selection of the latest releases in Hunter Laing’s Old Malt Cask range.

https://youtu.be/1irgvvN8fOE

Announcing The Launch Of

Douglas Laing’s “Double Barrel” Rebrand

The award-winning family Scotch Whisky firm Douglas Laing & Co. today reveal the rebrand of their Double Barrel Malt Scotch Whisky.

With Double Barrel, Douglas Laing’s Master Blender carefully combines just two Single Malts from two very different Distilleries to create one exceptional experience. The range features two core bottlings – Islay / Highland and Speyside / Lowland – both are proudly bottled 46% strength and without colouring nor chill-filtration.

The Company chose to invest in the Double Barrel refresh following continued year on year growth since 2013 alongside recognising real opportunities in the brand due to the unique proposition and positioning it enjoys.

The rebrand features a premium gift carton and heavy-weight square bottle with intricate, hand-drawn illustrations bringing to life Scotland’s Whisky Regions. The Islay / Highland illustration depicts an Islay mermaid holding a single Highland thistle while the Speyside / Lowland packaging reveals a griffin – a symbol of power in Scottish mythology – entrusted with guarding the sleeping casks as the spirit matures over time.

Cara Laing, Marketing Director at Douglas Laing said: “Our investment in this brand refresh allows us to take Double Barrel to the next level. We passionately believe in the spirit quality first and foremost but also in its unique positioning where opposites really do attract – sweetness and smoke, honey and heat, citrus and spice. We hope with this engaging new-look, Whisky enthusiasts around the world will be intrigued and enthused by this fusion of Single Malts from two very different Regions.”

Double Barrel Malt Scotch Whisky is available from Specialist Whisky retailers with an RRP of £45.00 / €52.00.

Tasting Notes:

Islay / Highland: Opens on the nose with a sweetly smoked character, developing to well-fired toast and honey. The palate carries notes of smoke and ashes, balanced with a sweet Malt character. The finish is long, carrying charred nuts with a marzipan sweetness.

Speyside / Lowland: This Double Barrel marriage of Speyside and Lowland Whiskies offers a nose that is fragrantly fresh, carrying a fruity quality plus a sweet gristy character. Enjoy a sweet palate that remains fruity with both honey and vanilla. The finish is softly spiced with an orange zest kick.

We have some very relaxed news for you: Maltstock 2021 is on!

Last year we obviously could not do Maltstock. You have very relaxed kept your ticket for this year. Safe and relaxed!

And we still have some tickets available in our webshop: https://www.maltstock.com/shop

The safety of our crew and our guests is our number one priority. We will only host Maltstock if we can do it in a safe and relaxed way. And of course, it’s also important we can have a normal Maltstock. So no social distancing rules and a very relaxed program. We have a green light for both now! We are really looking forward to seeing you all again in September!

How will this be safe and relaxed?

With the current regulations in place regarding covid-19 in the Netherlands we can make sure we can provide a safe and relaxed Maltstock. We can create a safe, relaxed bubble. This means EVERYBODY on the Maltstock premisses will have to be either vaccinated or have had a recent negative covid test. Nobody will be allowed on the premisses if they can’t show either one of these. And with nobody we mean absolutely nobody. No exceptions. The safety of our crew and guests is our number one priority.

How does it work?

If you have been vaccinated, you can simply register it in the Corona check app. When you arrive at Maltstock you will have to to show the Corona check app.

• For our Dutch readers: https://coronacheck.nl/nl/ 
• For those who prefer the English language: https://coronacheck.nl/en/ 

If you not have had your vaccination yet you can get tested before you arrive at Maltstock. If you get negative result you can enter it in the corona app.

More information, in Dutch and English, look here: https://www.testenvoortoegang.org

Please note this is how the current regulations work. Of course we will keep you updated if anything changes.

We are so looking forward to share a few drams and stories with you all. That’s what Maltstock is all about. Meeting old and new friends, in a very relaxed way. Over the next few weeks we will be working on a very relaxed program. We will keep you updated through our newsletters and of course our Facebook page (you’ll probably will see a slight increase in our postings over the next few weeks…).

Maltstock 2021 tickets

Almost everyone who had already bought a ticket for last year’s edition has kept it for this year. But fear not, we still have a few more tickets available. You can get yours and be relaxed again now in our webshop: https://www.maltstock.com/shop

In a very unlikely worst case scenario where we would have to postpone Maltstock once again, your ticket will remain valid for a future edition. Because of the corona app, which helps to make sure everyone is safe, events are not likely to be cancelled anytime soon though.

I know I’m repeating myself, but we will only host Maltstock is we can do it in a safe and relaxed way!

Maltstock 20201 is 10 – 12 September

If you have any questions, please just contact us. See you all in September!

Stay healthy stay relaxed!

Annette, Bob, Klaas, Stan & Teun

GORDON & MACPHAIL GLEN GRANT 1962 43 YEAR OLD SHERRY CASK DESCRIPTION

Glen Grant 1962 43 Year Old
Gordon & MacPhail
£1,499.00
Buy Now ›

On sale now

First Releases: Torabhaig, Dornoch Distillery and Ardnamurchan

Scotland is seeing a boom in new distilleries and the first of the new wave have recently come of age and started to bottle whisky. In this session we’ll be chatting with the people behind three of the most anticipated distilleries in Scotland, and tasting not only their sold-out first releases, but also something special they’ve found just for us.

First Releases Masterclass
Host: Billy Abbott, The Whisky Exchange ambassador
Sunday 3 October
12:30pm-1.30pm
£55

In this masterclass we’ll be tasting whiskies from these three distilleries:

Torabhaig: the second-ever legal distillery to be built on the Isle of Skye, its first release flew off the shelves when it finally landed in early 2021. This is a rare chance to try not only that first sold-out release, but also a specially selected cask sample to see what’s coming next.

Dornoch Distillery: the Thompson brothers are well known in the whisky world for their curation of the excellent Dornoch Castle Hotel whisky bar, and their distillery is hidden at the back of the hotel in an old fire station. They’re focused on old-fashioned whisky made slowly and with the finest ingredients. We’ll be trying their first release – from the first cask they ever filled – as well as something special from the warehouse.

Ardnamurchan: Adelphi have been known for independently bottling some of Scotland’s finest whiskies for decades, but after years of planning and waiting they have now started bottling their own. Hiding on the remote Ardnamurchan peninsula, the eponymous distillery is already turning heads with its early releases, and we’ll be trying the inaugural bottling. Along with that, they’ll also be bringing something special to show us what’s in store.

line up

Torabhaig Legacy Series 2017
Torabhaig Cask Sample
Dornoch Distillery First Release
Dornoch Distillery Cask Sample
Ardnamurchan Single Malt AD:09.20:01
Ardnamurchan Cask Sample

Book now

Please note: you must have a Sunday ticket to Whisky Show to attend this class.

Show Details
Friday 1 October 2021: 4pm-9pm
Saturday 2 October 2021: 11.30am-6.30pm
Sunday 3 October 2021: 11.30am-6.30pm

Old Billingsgate
1 Old Billingsgate Walk, London EC3R 6DX

Book now

We are big fans of Caol Ila at The Whisky Exchange, and when veteran independent bottler Gordon & MacPhail offered us the chance to take this single cask bottling as an exclusive, we couldn’t say no.

Aged for 19 years in a first-fill ex-boubon barrel, its smokiness has calmed just enough to let layers of fruit shine through – apple, pear, mango and pineapple – all backed up by spice and peat. It’s an excellent whisky, specially selected by and exclusive to The Whisky Exchange.

SHOP NOW