Fancy winning a night’s stay in London?

Win a night’s stay for two at the stunning Nobu Hotel London Portman Square in the heart of central London’s chic Marylebone area, and enjoy dinner at Nobu Restaurant, House of Suntory cocktails, a bottle of sake or wine, and breakfast the next morning all courtesy of House of Suntory. Purchase any of the featured House of Suntory bottles between now and August 4th 2021 to automatically enter into our giveaway. Please note – no transport to/from hotel is included in the prize and any additional spend incurred will be paid by the winner during their stay. Best of luck!

TOKI
Suntory Japanese Whisky

A blend of whisky from the acclaimed distilleries of Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita, with subtly sweet and spicy vanilla and ginger notes, and flavours of green grapes, grapefruit, peppermint and thyme.

£40.00
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Linkwood 40 Year Old 1980

Bottled in October 2020, another spectacular vintage from G&M.  193 bottles from refill cask #8248 with lovely Autumnal fruits, polished leather, a hint of spice and toasted oak.

Rich vanilla and fresh autumnal apple aromas combine with notes of polished leather and oak.

Sweet flavours of orange marmalade lead to fried mango and underlying passionfruit.

Chili spice and toasted oak are complemented by subtle aniseed. A medium-bodied and long-lasting finish with lingering hints of grapefruit.

Linkwood 40 Year Old 1980 vintage Speyside single malt Scotch whisky. Single cask refill hogshead #8248. Distilled September 1980 & bottled October 2020 by Gordon & MacPhail for the Private Collection series. Just 193 hand-blown crystal decanters have been produced.

Linkwood Distillery was established in 1821 by Peter Brown in the Speyside whisky region. This is a malt whisky distillery equipped with six stills and whilst a large percentage of Linkwood whisky flows into blends an increasing volume is appearing as single malt whisky. There are some excellent independent releases including vintages such as Linkwood 1969 and Linkwood 1972 from Gordon & MacPhail.

Shop Linkwood 1980

Bardstown Delivers Yet Again: A 15-Year Stunner at a Remarkable Price
Calumet Farm 15 Year Old “Single Rack Black” Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) ($119.99)
A Rare Opportunity for Bourbon Collectors

In the world of collectible bourbon, finds like this are becoming vanishingly rare. Typically, a 15-year-old, age-stated whiskey from one of Kentucky’s most famous distilleries would command an exorbitant price thanks to collectors willing to pay it, but it would also come in such small quantities as to make it almost irrelevant in the broader market. Not so with the Calumet 15 Year Old “Single Rack Black.” Distilled in 2006 at the iconic Barton distillery in Bardstown, this 19-barrel batch enjoyed a place of honor in the rickhouse. That is to say, these barrels sat in the dead center of the building, where the aging process often yields the most compelling results. This incredible dram is the oldest aged release from the Calumet Farm brand so far, and it offers up everything bourbon fans love in old Kentucky whiskey at a price that makes it accessible to pretty much anyone. It’s also in stock at quantities that permit purchases of multiples, so savvy aficionados looking to stock their bars with a legit, age-stated masterpiece should not pass up this singular opportunity.

Calumet Farm 15 Year Old “Single Rack Black” Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) ($119.99)

The new Calumet Farm 15 Year is an unusual release from this upstart, Kentucky-based brand. Both the highest proof and highest age for the brand to date, this is great old Kentucky bourbon bottled without chill filtration. The “Single Rack” is a reference to source of the batch being from a single rack in the rickhouse, meaning all barrels were aged in the same center part of the warehouse, which lends to longer aging as compared to the top floors. Calumet Farm is the most famous horse farm in Kentucky (having bred and trained two Triple Crown winners and eight Derby winners), and their pedigree has allowed them access that few others have. Distilled and aged in Bardstown entirely in 2006, only 19 barrels were used in the production of this batch. At the time, only one distillery was operating in the area, so we can assume this is good Barton juice. The mash bill is 74% corn, 18% rye, and 8% malted barley.

GLENDRONACH BATCH 18

The King of Sherry Whisky, Glendronach has had a tumultuous time recently, however one thing that cannot be ignored is the sheer quality of its Single Cask whisky. We have a very limited number of their Batch 18 release left, with just one bottle available of each of these highly sought after collectables. Hand selected for release by Inverurie’s own Doctor Rachel Barrie, Master Blender for the GlenDronach Distillery, the Batch Releases are an annual event in whisky circles. Composed of a limited number of Single Casks, with heavy sherry influences, we are delighted to have a rare Port Pipe release included in the range.

Just landed: The Balvenie 25 Year Old

The Balvenie 25 Year Old Rare Marriages

American and European oak barrels are expertly married in this limited edition 25-year-old. Overseen by Malt Master David C. Stewart MBE, his six decades of experience allowing for the perfect harmony between the distillery’s signature characteristic of decadent runny honey and rich oak undertones, with layers of fresh fruit, toasted marshmallow and cinnamon spice. This one is a beauty!

£600.00
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WESTWOOD LINES UP PRESTIGIOUS NEW WHISKY PARTNERSHIP

Loch Lomond Whiskies, the Official Spirit of The Open, has agreed a new partnership with golf superstar Lee Westwood to promote the brand’s award-winning single malts across the world.

Westwood, who has won on five continents in his decorated 28-year professional career, worked with Loch Lomond Whiskies Master Blender, Michael Henry, to create and select the Lee Westwood Single Cask, 1^st Edition. The single cask has been aged 25 years to mirror Westwood’s 25 wins on the European Tour.

The spirit is born from Loch Lomond’s unique straight-neck pot stills and has the signature fruity character found in many of Loch Lomond’s multi award-winning single malts. Tasting notes include bursts of ripe peach and crisp apple, with orange zestiness. The finish boasts a caramel sweetness, toasted oak and juicy pineapple before waves of warming sugar and cinnamon spice.

Westwood has agreed the partnership ahead of The Open which takes place this week at Royal St George’s in Kent, England. Fans will watch the world’s best golfers compete for the iconic Claret Jug and Westwood will be aiming to win golf’s original Major on his 25th Open appearance.

Commenting at the launch of the Loch Lomond Whiskies partnership, Westwood said: “I’ve been hugely passionate about single malts for many years, so to see an outstanding whisky bearing my name is a huge privilege and a great pleasure.

“It’s been a pleasure to work with Michael and the team at Loch Lomond Whiskies to develop the Lee Westwood Single Cask Edition. I can’t wait for fans to get their hands on a bottle and I’m sure they’ll enjoy a dram as much as I have!”

Colin Matthews, Loch Lomond Whiskies CEO, added: “We’re absolutely thrilled to add Lee to our roster of iconic golf ambassadors. He is a global star and has enjoyed tremendous success across the world and most importantly a great guy, so a the perfect fit for our brand.

“We wish him the best of luck at Royal St George’s this week, and hope he continues the great form he has showed recently. We look forward to working with him in the months and years ahead.”

Westwood joins fellow Loch Lomond Whiskies ambassadors Colin Montgomerie and Darren Clarke, who won The Open the last time it was contested at Royal St George’s back in 2011.

For further information visit Loch Lomond Whiskies on Twitter: @LochLomondMalts, Instagram: @lochlomondmalts Facebook: Loch Lomond Whiskies and at www.lochlomondwhiskies.com.

About Loch Lomond Group

Loch Lomond Group is a multi-award winning leading international distiller of malt, blended and grain whisky with a rich heritage dating back to the foundation of its unique Littlemill Distillery (Scotland’s oldest distillery) in 1772. Its brands are present in over 120 countries around the world. Its key premium Scotch whisky brands include Loch Lomond – “The Spirit of the Open”, Glen Scotia, a Campbeltown malt whisky from the west coast, and Littlemill, the oldest licensed distillery in Scotland. It also produces High Commissioner and Loch Lomond blended Scotch whiskies, as well as Glen’s Vodka, Scotland’s number one vodka brand, and Ben Lomond, premium Scottish Gin.

With production sites across Scotland, Loch Lomond Group is one of the few distillers in Scotland to have a fully integrated production and supply capability. It operates three distilleries – Two (malt & grain) at Loch Lomond Distillery in Alexandria, Dunbartonshire which has on-site cooperage facilities and Glen Scotia distillery in Campbeltown, Argyll. The group also owns and operates Scotland’s largest independent bottling plant in Catrine, Ayrshire.

About Loch Lomond Whiskies

Loch Lomond distillery has been producing the finest single malt whiskies since 1814. The multi award winning Loch Lomond whiskies range includes the Loch Lomond 12-Year-Old which has been awarded the Platinum Award in 2020, one of only 7 single malts to be awarded this honour at the San Francisco World Spirits Challenge 2020. Other expressions in the range are the single malts Loch Lomond Original; Loch Lomond Classic; Loch Lomond 18-Year-Old; Loch Lomond 50-Year-Old; the Loch Lomond Island’s Collection which includes the Inchmurrin and Inchmoan ranges as well as the deluxe blend Loch Lomond Signature and Loch Lomond Single Grain

Loch Lomond Inchmoan 12-Year-Old has been awarded Best Highland Single Malt 12 Years and Under at the 2018 World Whiskies Awards and a Gold Medal at the 2020 San Francisco 2020 Awards

Loch Lomond Whiskies was recently also awarded the following medals at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition:

• PLATINUM: Loch Lomond 12-Year-Old
• DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL – Inchmurrin 12-Year-Old
• GOLD MEDAL – Inchmoan 12-Year-Old
• DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL – Loch Lomond 18-Year-Old

In 2018 the company signed a five-year partnership with The R&A for Loch Lomond Whiskies to become “The Spirit of The Open”. The period includes the playing of the landmark 150th Open in 2021 at St Andrews, the home of golf.

For further information visit Loch Lomond Whiskies on Twitter: @LochLomondMalts, Instagram: @lochlomondmalts Facebook: Loch Lomond Whiskies and at www.lochlomondwhiskies.com

Speyside Whisky Auctions July auction is now LIVE, browse below a select few bottles we have up for sale or click on the link to view the full auction and find some hidden gems.

Auction closes from 8pm (BST) Tuesday 27th July.

VIEW FULL LIVE AUCTION

Macallan – Concept No.3 – inc. Exclusive David Carson prints

Concept Number 3 is the third and final release in the Concept Series. It brings together the worlds of whisky and design through this collaboration with David Carson. Matured in American ex-Sherry, European oak and selected refill oak casks.

David Carson is an American graphic designer, art director and surfer. He has teamed up with Macallan to present the Concept No.3 through his designs. He was inspired from Macallan’s close relationship to nature and the craftmanship that has been put into making their casks, bringing them to life in a new graphic interpretation presented on the box and label.

Some of the other amazing bottles we have available this auction…..

Glenfiddich
29 Years Old – Spirit of a Nation ~ South Pole Challenge

Glenfarclas
40 Years Old – Scottish Classic ~ Kidnapped

Macallan
25 Years Old – 1974 Anniversary Malt

Springbank 
25 Years Old – The Frank McHardy Bottling

Interested in Selling Whisky?

Click below for more information or to arrange a FREE* Bottle collection

Speyside Whisky Auctions

+44 (0)1309 673133

info@speysidewhiskyauctions.co.uk

A K&L Exclusive Pair: Cask Strength, Single Barrels from Heaven’s Door
“These two barrels from Heaven’s Door are absolutely crushing the competition for me these days.” — David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

In their search for the most unique bourbon barrels in the country for our K&L Exclusive program, our spirits team has often had to pivot away from Kentucky and look further afield. Thankfully, the hunt has been bountiful. Indiana’s renowned MGP distillery in Lawrenceburg is a key supplier for many of the most coveted labels in the domestic craft whiskey market, but access to aged single barrels has had to wait for time to take its course. Those stocks laid down by numerous craft bottlers and distillers six years ago are now coming to maturity and to market. Two of the most impressive MGP barrels we’ve found so far have been this pair from the hidden-gem label, Heaven’s Door. Despite both bottlings being from the same distillery and made in the same fashion, they show striking stylistic differences, with #230 falling in the more opulent end of the spectrum and #297 showing a pronounced earthy, spicy profile, and that’s just the start. With so many complex nuances between them, it’s almost impossible to compare them. As our own David Othenin-Girard says, “Either way, they’re both absolutely lovely, and I still can’t tell you which one is better!” Stocks are limited, however, so the obvious answer is load up on both and savor the distinctive character of some of the most thrilling and unique new whiskeys we’ve run across in a while.

It’s finally happening! All that MGP, which brands put down more than a half decade ago is starting to come of age. Of course, if this said Smoke Wagon on it, we’d probably sell the stuff out in a matter of minutes. But a new brand, without a record of selling cask strength barrels might be a bit of a sleeper. With the mature MGP stocks having been bottled years ago, this release marks the beginning of a new era. Our allocations from the legacy producers just down river are being cut left and right, so we’ve jumped head first into any good MGP cask we could find. And while 4 year old MGP can be delicious, there seems to be a BIG quality difference in just two years of additional aging. That’s why the prices nearly double on the brokers market between 4 and 6 year old stocks. Just 2 more years in the warehouse does make a huge difference. This lot of two barrels is bottled by Heaven’s Door – the brand founded by Folk Legend Bob Dylan. This barrel on April the 14th of 2015 and bottled on April 15th of 2021, just in time for its 6th birthday. Using the MGP 21% Rye Bourbon mashbill and an ISC #3 Medium toast, this barrel is a great reminder of why MGP should always be considered one of the country’s great distillers. These Heaven’s Door barrels are rich, complex and yet nicely balanced between the sweet toasted oak and bold barrel spice easily making this is one of the best new barrel programs on the market.

Heaven’s Door 6 Year Old K&L Exclusive Barrel #230 Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) ($59.99)

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 13, 2021

This absolutely gorgeous barrel of nicely aged Indiana bourbon is exactly the reason I’m not so sad that Kentucky is cutting all our allocations left and right. If we can continue to get barrels like this out of MGP at this excellent price, we can all leave the Kentucky cartel in the rearview! You’ve seen the detailsthis looks pretty good on paper, but it drinks even better! The color is chestnut. The nose is a bombastic explosion of sweet tarts, rose hip syrup, dark cherry, bitter orange peel, and toasted vanilla bean. With a bit of time in the glass more spice comes forward along with some herbssubtle dill, bright mint, cinnamon, and clove. It’s definitely off the big hot spices though. On the palate, the entry is very sweet with a downright buttery texture. That dark cherry continues, and now some chocolate, exotic wood, and a balancing spice appear in the back end. It goes down altogether too easily. Everyone wants me to pick a favorite between these two casks, but honestly they’re so different, despite being almost identical on paper. If you’re a Four Roses fan, you’ll probably like the pungent opulence of this cask. Maybe you Wild Turkey guys, looking for earthy spice, will prefer 297…You’re not going to be disappointed either way.

Heaven’s Door 6 Year Old K&L Exclusive Barrel #297 Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) ($59.99)

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 13, 2021

These two barrels from Heaven’s Door are absolutely crushing the competition for me these days. It’s partly the additional age and easy availability (for now) that attracts me to them, but I also love tasting these next to each other to show just how different two nearly identical barrels can be. They’re obviously so similar on paper, but as soon as you drill down, you’ll notice that barrel 297 has a significantly higher proof by nearly 3%! Otherwise, they share almost everything except slightly different distillation and bottling dates. Let’s see how this barrel tastes. The color is chestnut. This one is a bit closed to start, offering hints of black pepper, toasted oak, and roasted herbs. With some air and maybe the tiniest drop of water, we start to see it build. Powerful aromas of fresh herbsdill and aniseand licorice root are coupled with a rich, earthy spice and an exotic peppery note. It’s all a bit brooding, and you might expect a hard edge on the palate, but it’s surprisingly friendly, still highlighting those darker earthy flavors. It doesn’t have the big cinnamon thing that you might expect but does have a lot more of that than the other barrel, which is very pretty and approachable. This one is more wood-driven and has that earthy warehouse thing with a distinct pepperiness that we sometimes get in Russell’s picks. Either way, they’re both absolutely lovely, and I still can’t tell you which one is better!

Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2007

Connoisseur’s Choice doublae matured with Hermitage wine casks for 3 years.  Spectacular marriage of casks and spirits with fruitcake, cherries, cured meats and sweet smoke from a warming bonfire.

Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2007 vintage Islay single malt Scotch whisky. Double matured in Hermitage French red wine casks bottled 2021 by Gordon & MacPhail for the Connoisseurs Choice series.

Fruitcake and cherry aromas combine with sweet smoke. Cured meat flavours are balanced by summer berries and almonds. A medium bodied finish with lingering bonfire embers.

Caol Ila Distillery is famous for the stunning view from its still house windows looking out across the Sound of Islay and for the objects which have passed by including naval battleships, submarines and whales. Caol Ila was established in 1846 by Hector Henderson on a sheltered but rocky stretch of coast on north east Islay. Now the largest malt whisky distillery on Islay it produces peated and some un-peated malt whisky with the distillery range including Caol Ila 12 year old and the Distiller’s Edition. Caol Ila participates in Feis Ile, the annual Islay Festival of Malt and Music.

Shop Caol Ila 2007

New issue out NOW!

The latest edition of Whisky Magazine, issue #177, publishes today!

This issue looks at the art of collecting and investing whisky, and whether you’re new to the practice or you have a growing collection yourself, there’s sure to be something to pique your interest.

If you want to know how to spot a fake, evaluate the ethics of ‘flipping’, or just need some guidance on how to navigate whisky auctions, we’ve got everything you need this issue, with our contributors speaking to auctioneers, collectors, and whisky makers to examine some of the finest whiskies the world has to offer.

We’ve also got tasting reviews of some very special whiskies, from Midleton’s Very Rare 2021 expression to Single & Single’s bottling of a 25-year-old Imperial dram.

We hope you enjoy this issue!

Christopher Coates
Editor
Whisky Magazine

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