5 weeks and counting!

That’s right, in just over 5 weeks it’s time for the 12^th edition of Maltstock. And boy are we looking forward to it!  Even more so with the whisky from Japan that arrived earlier this week…

We understand current restrictions can make you feel a bit a bit unsure if we can have Maltstock in September. But those restrictions are in place until 1 September. And all the relevant numbers are going in the right direction. Also, one day open air festivals are now allowed for up to 750 people in the Netherlands.

Proof of vaccination or negative test result is required. No other restrictions. It’s hard to imagine why we won’t be able to come together as fully vaccinated people in September. So we still expect to have a safe and relaxed Maltstock!

Stay healthy everyone, stay relaxed,

Annette, Bob, Klaas, Stan, Teun

Inge’s treats

It’s probably the main reason we do Maltstock. It’s makes us so relaxed that Inge has agreed to come to Maltstock again. Anyone that has tried some of her creations knows everything she does is delicious and pure magic. So spoil yourself and take some home as well. Those whisky chocolates…..  Oh, and she’s brining a special guest this year!

Milk & Honey

Milk & Honey distillery from Israel does not only produce really good whisky, it also has fantastic people!  And four of them, including head distiller Tomer, are coming to Maltstock! They will host some very interesting tastings. And everyone at Maltstock will get an opportunity to try a very special relaxed Milk & Honey edition!

Maltstock tickets

If you’re looking for a relaxed weekend and meeting old and new friends:

if you haven’t got a ticket yet then it’s time to get relaxed! We still have a few tickets available in our shop: https://www.maltstock.com/shop

Please do check out the information regarding Covid-19. By following these regulations we can have a safe and very relaxed Maltstock!

Stay healthy everyone, stay relaxed and we hope to see you in September!

LITTLEMILL DISTILLERY

30 Year Old 1988 Legends Collection

Littlemill 30 Year Old 1988 vintage Lowland single malt Scotch whisky. Single cask sherry butt bottled March 2019 Hart Brothers for the Legends Collection series. 100 numbered bottles. Sweet and slightly spicy on the palate. Smooth with a long lasting warming finish. Dark chocolate and treacle. Heather honey, vanilla, custard, banana and summer fruits. Tangerines with cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg.

Littlemill 30 Years

1988 Legend’s Collection. Single Sherry butt at cask strength 51.5% from the lost legend.

£1,800.00

Shop Littlemill 30 Years »

Littlemill Distillery was established in 1772 to the west of Bowling by the north shore of the River Clyde and on the main road into Glasgow. Subsequent modifications during the 1930s resulted in a number of novel features including double ventilation towers which sat over a single drying kiln and pot stills with rectifiers rather than the traditional swan necks. The combination of pot and column stills in Littlemill Distillery was designed to produce malt whisky which was expected to mature quickly. When production ceased in 1992 Littlemill Distillery was the oldest working malt whisky distillery in Scotland. Closed in 194 and demolished in 2006 and now Littlemill is a lost Scottish distillery although the shell of the manager’s house remains.

ralfy review 888 Extras – Paxarette (The Review)

Paxarette, is the name of a Spanish sweet condensed vino de color wine made generally with Pedro Ximenez grapes and finished by mixing the wine with essences, called arrope or sancocho, which are produced by boiling must down to a fifth and a third respectively. Pajarete was popular as a straight dessert wine in England in the 18th century and gets its name from a monastery and vineyards situated near Arcos de la Frontera in the province of Cádiz in Andalusia southern Spain. Paxarette does not enjoy Protected Geographical Status.

DEWAR’s 12YO and 18 YO Blended Scotch Whiskies

 Dewar’s shows its Mettle

Recently produced by IPL Packaging for Dewar’s, packaging for the brand’s latest 12YO and 18YO blended Scotch whisky expressions epitomise the twin benefits of striking impact and eco-friendly appeal and demonstrate metal’s versatility as a modern, sustainable packaging solution.

Identical in structure, yet differing in colour and design treatment, the Dewar’s 12YO and 28YO packs both feature embossed and debossed design elements on the body and lids and the iconic Dewar’s ‘white label’ on the front of each tin.  Both are gloss-varnish coated and feature printed spot matte varnish finishes.

The Dewar’s brand has long used metal as a packaging material for its many esteemed expressions and its no small wonder: as a packaging material metal is sustainable, economical, easy to handle, protective and attractive. It also fits comfortably into today’s circular economy.

Metal’s low carbon footprint is derived from its high recyclability rate; it has the potential to be recycled numerous times without molecular degradation or loss of structural integrity.

Tin and metal is also the most commonly recycled of all household materials (almost three quarters of metal packaging is recycled in Europe). From a packaging design perspective it can also be as economic or as luxurious as required – able to be moulded into several shapes and sizes, thereby promoting its use across diverse industry verticals.

Ultimately for brands looking to improve their sustainability credentials without losing the quality look and feel of their packs – tin, with all its versatility, is an ideal choice.

For more information visit www.dewars.com or www.iplpackaging.com

New Glen Moray campaign inspires drinkers to ‘shake, sizzle, sweeten and share’ their single malt this summer

For summer 2021, Glen Moray single malt whisky has launched a new campaign to showcase the wonders of whisky as a spirit to savour and share in the warmer months.

From delicious fruit-infused cocktails to sip in the garden to spicy steak sauces to sizzle on a barbecue and refreshing iced desserts for after; these new recipes are designed to make the most of a single bottle of Glen Moray Elgin Classic in the great outdoors, sharing good times with friends.

To create their collection of new summer drinks and dishes, Glen Moray has enlisted the help of some adventurous collaborators, challenging them to dream up refreshing concoctions to enjoy in the sunshine, inspired by the light, smooth and fruity flavours of the whisky.

Top UK chef and cookery book writer Ben Tish, spirit supremos Neil Ridley and Joel Harrison plus ‘diggers and swiggers’ The Thirsty Gardeners have all joined the campaign, whipping up food and drinks recipes with a bottle of Glen Moray Elgin Classic and some of the season’s most luscious ingredients.

Four recipes will feature in a leaflet included in special ‘Share the Flavour of Summer’ packs of Glen Moray Elgin Classic appearing in supermarkets from July. The campaign will be supported by a new Glen Moray microsite packed with updates, tips, recipes and ‘how to’ videos from the summer drinking team.

For Glen Moray, it’s all about encouraging people to explore the taste and versatility of their popular whisky, in a year when people will be looking for new things to do and try at home over the summer.

As Claire Baigrie, Glen Moray UK Sales Director notes: ‘We are an adventurous and inclusive single malt and we want everyone to share and enjoy our whisky all year round. We know however that people sometimes let their single malts languish in the drinks cabinet over the summer months. So we’ve taken action! Our three collaborators were asked to take inspiration from the flavours of our Elgin Classic whisky and dream up new ways to serve it for warm summer evenings, BBQs and back garden gatherings. And these are no ordinary whisky recipes. They’re ingenious, creative and easy to make, packed with fresh fruity flavours and fun tips for new ways to experiment with whisky and enjoy its delicious flavour with friends. Our mission is to show just how many things you can do with a single bottle of Glen Moray whisky and we hope enjoy making and mixing them up at home this summer.’ 

THE THIRSTY GARDENERS

Foraging experts Nick and Rich have raided their garden to create two deliciously light and aromatic cocktails. Their Rhubarb Whisky Sour starts with a home-made rhubarb syrup, which is then shaken with Glen Moray Elgin Classic for a summery take on this classic whisky cocktail. Their easy-to-make rosemary bitters are the starting point for a delicious Rosemary Old Fashioned which brings a sweet, summery, scented flavour to the mix.

BEN TISH

Ben has created a rich, tangy ‘Ultimate BBQ Sauce’ with a tasty whisky kick that’s easy to make and perfect for marinading steaks, basting on meats and veggies or slathering on a burger before topping with cheese. He also turns seasonal, summery strawberries into a refreshing and vibrant Strawberry Daiquiri Granita ‘iced cocktail’ dessert with a lovely Glen Moray hit.

NEIL RIDLEY AND JOEL HARRISON 

Inspired by the rich, malty notes of Glen Moray, Neil and Joel have created a Sunshine Punch, packed with the flavours of fruit, honey and vanilla and perfect for sharing; and the refreshing Elgin Cooler, a summery spritz that blends whisky with peach, apple and a hit of fresh mint.  

Neil and Joel’s Glen Moray Sunshine Punch

Made in advance to allow the mixture to fully infuse for the tastiest experience, this punch is perfect for sharing with friends as you soak up the sun. The rich, malty notes of Glen Moray combine beautifully with the ripe citrus ingredients and the sweet flavours of honey and fresh vanilla. 

375ml Glen Moray Elgin Classic

1 fresh vanilla pod, split

The zest of one fresh lemon

Zest of half an orange

2 tablespoons honey

5 dashes cocktail bitters (optional)

1 small piece of fresh ginger, chopped

1 small apple, sliced

350ml chilled green tea

Add all the ingredients to a large bowl. Stir and allow to steep for a few hours or overnight. Strain using a small sieve and store in the fridge until needed. Serve over ice in a short tumbler, with a slice of orange. Makes ten drinks. 

                Visit for more summer inspiration: https://www.glenmoraysummer.co.uk/

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www.instagram.com/glen_moray_whisky

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 GLEN MORAY

Glen Moray is one of Scotland’s best loved single malt whiskies. It has been crafted since 1897 in the ancient town of Elgin, the capital of the Speyside whisky region, on what was once the Elgin West Brewery site on the banks of the River Lossie. Pure waters from the river, locally malted barley, distillation in traditional copper stills and maturation in American ex-bourbon casks combine to give the whisky its smooth, well-balanced, classic Speyside character. Glen Moray has always been a place where curiosity about flavour and cask maturation has been encouraged. Records dating back to the early days show new make spirit maturing in a wide variety of different casks – a highly unusual practice at this time. A passion for experimentation and a deep knowledge of wood have been passed down through generations of Glen Moray distillers. The result is today’s exceptional and extensive range of whiskies, offering a flavour and style to suit all tastes. Glen Moray is the 5th biggest malt whisky brand by volume in the UK and is growing in international markets.

BEN TISH

Ben Tish is the Culinary Director of London’s Norma Restaurant and the Stafford Hotel, and is established as cooking at the forefront of the modern tapas scene. At the Stafford Ben oversees the hotel’s food offering including the Game Bird restaurant, the American bar and private dining. In September 2019 he opened the critically-acclaimed Norma – a Sicilian-Moorish influenced restaurant on London’s Charlotte Street featuring a bespoke raw bar serving Sicilian style crudos.

Classically trained with over 20 years’ experience, Ben spent his formative career working with Michelin starred chefs such as Jason Atherton and Stephen Terry at various ground breaking London restaurants. He went on to head up his own operations at the Italian restaurant Al Duca in St James, London, and the Crinan Hotel in the West Highlands. More recently he was Chef Director and Partner of the Salt Yard Group – a group of 5 highly-acclaimed modern Spanish / Italian restaurants in Central London.

Ben is also an accomplished and award winning food writer with three published cook books. Moorish, his last book, was published in April 2019 and was named cook book of the year in the Times Magazine. Ben will publish his fourth book SICILA in Summer 2021. He appears regularly on TV including Saturday Kitchen, Sunday Brunch, and Masterchef and writes for Delicious, The Guardian, The Telegraph, The Times, Noble Rot, Restaurant Magazine, Chef Magazine, and other publications. 

THE THIRSTY GARDENERS

Allotment swashbuckling diggers and swiggers….Nick Moyle and Rich Hood are the Two Thirsty Gardeners, writers and bloggers who turn home grown and foraged ingredients into a variety of drinks. Living in Somerset they plunder their allotment, gardens and local hedgerows to conjure up a range of drinks from beers and ciders to cocktails and liqueurs. Their first book, Brew it Yourself, features recipes for some of their favourite boozy brews while their new release, Wild Tea, sees them explore more sober territory with a range of teas, coffees and infusions made from leaves, flowers, roots and berries. 

JOEL HARRISON AND NEIL RIDLEY

Joel and Neil are professional drinks writers, consultants, hosts and presenters. Neil and Joel have written six books on whisky and distilled drinks, winning the ’Best Drinks Book’ in The Fortnum & Mason Food and Drink Awards 2015. They are both ‘Keepers Of The Quaich’, one of the highest accolades in the Scotch whisky Industry, were made Mousquetaires d’ Armagnac, in recognition for their services to the global promotion of this noble French brandy, Rectifiers of the Gin Guild for their work within the growing gin market and are both Liverymen for the Worshipful Company Of Distillers. Both are regular drinks contributors across a range of media titles, and are more widely known for their regular TV outlet, Channel Four’s Sunday Brunch where, for the past six years, they have acted as the show’s most enduring drinks experts. Their appeal is simple: dispelling the myths and misunderstanding which surround the drinks world, presenting a clear, concise message to the growing number of those drinkers eager to experience the stories behind an array of incredible drinks from around the globe.

Mature Scotch Rarities: The Upside of the 700ml

In late December of 2020, the TTB quietly passed a regulation that allowed 700ml bottles to be imported into the US. While this might not seem like big news, it is actually a windfall for spirits lovers as it unlocks a stash of previously untapped bottlings to our shores. We could not be more excited, as it quickly adds another dimension to our unparalleled spirits program. Below you’ll find some of our first discoveries in this format, and they are all incredibly rare and rewarding mature Scotch collectibles that also present remarkable value compared to other standards from the distilleries. If these are any indication of what’s to come, those extra 50ml will not be missed.

1994 Glen Keith 24 Year “Antique Lion’s Savannah Series” Cask Strength Single ex-Bourbon Barrel Speyside Single Malt Scotch (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $299.99 View

1988 Tormore 31 Year “Hunter Laing Old & Rare Heritage Platinum Selection” Single Sherry Butt Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $349.99 View

This lovely Oloroso Sherry butt from the Tormore Distillery was distilled in May of 1988 and bottled in 2019. A sister to the wonderful barrel we purchased last year, this time bottled in 700ml, it represents one of the best values in old, sherried malt available in Scotland today. The Tormore Distillery and its iconic copper roof is one of Speyside’s newer distillers. Built in 1958, great care was taken with the design of the exterior, unlike at other distilleries of the period. The distillery was expanded in 1984 and can produce upward of 3.7 million liters of alcohol per year. Nonetheless, it’s extremely rare to find Tormore of any age in the U.S. The relatively short and wide stills give a rich and textured spirit which lends itself nicely to sherry aging. Bottled at natural cask strength of 49.1% ABV and without chill filtration, only 60 bottles of this exceptional cask are available in the U.S. exclusively at K&L Wine Merchants. As described by the bottler, “This amber coloured whisky matured in an Oloroso sherry butt has lashings of hazelnuts, coffee, chocolate and tobacco on the nose. Spicy and nutty on the palate with a touch of toffee leading to a long, rich, peppery finish.”

1987 Bunnahabhain 30 Year “Hunter Laing Old & Rare” Single Sherry Butt Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $399.99 View

This stupendous old Bunnahabhain is as complex and delicious as it is rare. Of course, any Islay whisky that’s made it to the 30-year mark will command an extremely high price, but considering where the distillery’s own 25-year is priced these days, we felt this single sherry butt offered significant value. Distilled in 1987 and bottled at a natural cask strength of 48.4% ABV

1984 Benrinnes 30 Year “Silver Seal – Whisky is Nature” Single Barrel #2268 Speyside Single Malt Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $549.99 View

This exquisit example of the special Speysider is bottled under Massimo Righi’s exceptionally beautiful “Whisky Is Nature.” The majestic dipiction of an African Bull Elephant adorns the label appropriately hinting at the deep and complex nature of the whisky inside. This single cask #2280 turned out 480 bottles at cask strength, but only 36 bottles made it to the US and is sold exclusively at K&L Wine Merchants.

A celebratory release from Speyburn to commemorate the 18th anniversary of Bobby Anderson’s position as distillery manager. This single malt, aged for 18 years in American and Spanish oak casks, has aromas of toffee and sugared almonds, as well as tropical fruits on the nose. The palate holds flavours of rich dark chocolate, toffee and a touch of citrus, with plenty of smoke throughout. The finish is long and smoky, with a sweeter honeyed edge.

Glenfarclas 40 Years

The stunning core bottling encased within the red doors. A highly acclaimed whisky.  Glenfarclas 40 Year Old Speyside single malt Scotch whisky. This 40 year old Scotch is a truly amazing whisky, so fresh and vibrant for an old Scotch. 95/100 by the Malt Advocate magazine.

Nose: Reminiscent of relaxing in an old leather armchair while eating walnuts and chocolate covered raisins.

Palate: A sweet initial taste, orange segments dipped in liquid chocolate. Then a lovely flavour of burnt brown sugar at the back of the mouth.

Finish: The dry finish oozes big tannins and more rich dark cocoa beans. Let the whisky breathe a little or add a drop or two of water to fully open up the dram.

£973.25

Shop Glenfarclas 40 Years »

Glenfarclas Distillery was established in Speyside in 1836 by Robert Hay and following his death it was bought by John Grant in 1865 and has remained in the ownership of the Grant family ever since. The interior of the visitor centre is stunning, the walls are lined with the original oak panels salvaged from a lounge on the liner SS Empress of Australia when she was scrapped 1952. Ace sherry casks underpin the ethos of Glenfarclas single malt whisky, exemplified in the Family Cask range, and way back in 1968 released its first cask strength single malt. The range includes Glenfarclas 15 Year Old, Glenfarclas 105 and Glenfarclas 21 Year Old alongside the Family Casks series.

 Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 399: Caol Ila 2007 Distillers Edition

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tries another Distillers Edition. While the Distillers Editions from Diageo may vary from year to year, as far as Mark can ascertain Caol Ila has been part of the series many times, appearing for the first time in 2006 (so a distillate from 1993). It’s quite the malt. And those of you who follow his blog a little bit, know that Mark has a soft spot for Caol Ila. The cask used for the second maturation of this Caol Ila was prepared with Moscatel, a wine from the Muscat grape. This is a distillate from 2007 and bottled in 2019.

https://youtu.be/ImAEGb_zk0Y

Heaven Hill Distillery Launches Logger Certification Program in Partnership with Independent Stave Company

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Distillery has launched a logger certification sponsorship program in partnership with Independent Stave Company (ISC), creating a collective of family-owned companies dedicated to the future of American Whiskey. As part of Heaven Hill Brands’ corporate sustainability strategy first announced in January 2021, conserving the ecosystems that support the greater distilled industry and partners is a key priority. A sustainable supply of white oak is critical to the future supply of American Whiskey and the generations of loggers whose livelihoods depend on the trees.

Beginning in 2020, Heaven Hill and ISC sponsored loggers to complete sustainability certification through their state association logging programs, resulting in 120 certified loggers to date. As a core tenet of Heaven Hill’s sustainability values, the cultivation of thriving communities placed a focus on forestry management and an investment in education for those who first touch the natural resources that create the barrels. Much like the whiskey process from grain to glass, the journey of an American white oak takes years of patience. From an acorn to a tree ready for the cooperage, a span of 30-100 years may pass. The long-term forest management is crucial to helping trees thrive, and cooperages rely on the certified loggers to implement timber stand improvement, tree-felling and general safety guidelines.

“A sustainable supply of white oak entails relationships with the landowners, loggers, cooperages and the distilleries who all rely on each other as good stewards of these natural resources,” said Rachel Nally, Heaven Hill Environmental & Sustainability Manager. “We often consider the life of a barrel after the Whiskey is dumped, but it’s the sustainable forestry management that enables us to start that lifecycle. Heaven Hill’s partnership with Independent Stave Company to educate loggers is another step in ensuring the future of the industry.”

Loggers interested in future certification or state associations interested in learning more about sponsorship for American White Oak courses can contact Independent Stave Company at Loggercertificationprogram@Independentstavecompany.com. Together, Heaven Hill and ISC will continue to fund this training initiative as good stewards of natural resources and create opportunity for safer, smarter logging. As more trees thrive under these practices, so do the generations of business to come. To learn more about how this program was implemented with the Tennessee Forestry Association, please visit the Heaven Hill Distillery blog here.

“Through Independent Stave Company’s partnership with Heaven Hill, we are aiming to create a sustainable future for generations of loggers and landowners,” said Jason Stout, Vice President of Business Development. “Loggers are the heart of America and preserve the tradition of white oak that sustains the spirit of America, Whiskey. We are excited to provide an opportunity to further the education of these hard-working men and women whose livelihoods depend on sustainable forestry.”

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERY: Founded in Kentucky by the Shapira family in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery continues its legacy as one of the foremost American Whiskey producers. Heaven Hill has cultivated the traditions and history of America’s Native Spirit with its fierce independence, passionate family ownership, dedication to quality, and thoughtful innovation. Today, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains over 1.9 million barrels aging in 63 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Larceny Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Pikesville Rye Whiskey, Rittenhouse Rye Whisky, Parker’s Heritage Collection, and Old Fitzgerald along with its extensive Bottled-in-Bond label collection. Heaven Hill Distillery currently holds the title of 2020 Whisky Advocate Whisky of the Year, the second Whisky of the Year for Heaven Hill Distillery in the past four years. In 2019 Heaven Hill Distillery was named San Francisco World Spirits Competition Distillery of the Year, Best in Show Whisky, and previously held the titles of 2018 San Francisco Spirits Word Spirits Competition Best Bourbon, 2016 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year. For more information, please visit www.heavenhilldistillery.com.

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”