Balblair 15 Year Old

Nestled between the mountains on the rugged Dornoch Firth coastline is Balblair. What’s not to love about this elegant 15-year-old? Free from chill filtration, natural colour, 46% abv with notes of tropical fruits and melted dark chocolate. Oh, aye please! This 15-year-old expression is from Balblair distillery in the heart of the Scottish highlands. Balblair relaunched their core range in 2019, introducing classic aged expressions in place of their practice of bottling by vintage. Notes of melted chocolate and tropical fruits with an incredibly smooth finish.

£80.00
£61.83
Buy Now ›

ralfy review 887 Extras – More on Starting your own Distillery.

SOWN, GROWN AND HARVESTED, DISTILLED, MATURED AND BOTTLED ONLY ON ISLAY,

WITH THE FULL EFFORT OF A COMMUNITY, PORT CHARLOTTE ISLAY BARLEY CELEBRATES NEW 2013 VINTAGE RELEASE

Port Charlotte single malt fully embodies the essence of its island home of the whisky-famous Isle of Islay. Conventional in flavour profile for that region but not in process, Port Charlotte has encapsulated the very heart of the passion projects within the local community–encompassing everything that an Islay single malt can and should be.

In 2004, the principals at Bruichladdich would convince their first growing partner to sowmalting barleyon the island. This first pioneer would go on to inspire a flood of farmers to join the project, with an average of 18 growers now harvesting between 40-50% of the distillery’s annual requirements within 10miles(as the crow flies)of where it’s then milled, mashed, distilled, matured and bottled.

Growing barley on Islay is no easy task. Betweentorrential rain, wild Atlantic winds and grazing geese, being part of the Islay barley project is a battle of wills. The hard labour has proved worthwhile for many, who have managed to diversify away from the island’s primary income of fishing and livestock farming. With the dairy industry long since crushed by the cost and convenience of supermarket produce, barley growing provides an opportunity to diversify and share in the spoils of a booming single malt industry.

While it is a proud moment for many, to raise a whisky that has the full involvement of the community, Islay grown barley has its flavour benefits too. Lashings of salt spray and a coastal maturation contribute a distinctive marine note to these single malts. Commenting on the new 2013 vintage of Concerto barley raised by seven farmers in 2012, Head Distiller Adam Hannett comments: “There is something magical about how the Islay grown barley holds the smoke back for a moment until releasing it dramatically on the finish.”

Tipped for release in August 2021, the Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2013 release is the fourth edition of heavily peated Islay-grown single malt released from the distillery. The farmers, Hunter Jackson, Iain McKerrell, Raymond Fletcher, Mark French, Alistair Torrance, Raymond Stewart and father & son team Donald and Andrew Jones have all worked with the distillery previously. Their wares would be trickle distilled through tall, narrow necked stills before being filled into first fill ex-bourbon casks. In its later years, 25% of the spirit would be recasked into first fill Pessac-Leognan French wine casks, adding fruit and spice notes.

Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2013has been bottled unchillfiltered and colouring free at Bruichladdich Distillery on Islay, at 50% abv. It will replace the Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2012 vintage alongside the permanent release of Port Charlotte 10 and the limited cask exploration release, currently Port Charlotte PAC:01 2011.

BOTTLED TIMELINE OF AMERICAN WHISKEY HISTORY TO BE EXHIBITED IN ONLINE AUCTION

America has had a storied history of distilling since the 18th century. From thrifty farmers that turned their hands to distilling alcohol with surplus crop, to settlers from Scotland and Ireland who set up stills on arrival to the ‘new world’, the early days of whiskey production would go on to shape what is now a thriving industry synonymous with American culture.

But in 1920 America saw its (legal) production of whiskey ground to a halt with the introduction of strict Prohibition laws – an era that would become one of the most historically significant moments in American history.

Now almost a century later, an extraordinary collection of over 500 whiskey expressions ranging from the pre-prohibition era to the present day are coming to online auction on Whisky Auctioneer. Spanning over 100 years in total, the auction will represent a timeline of America’s distilling history, journeying through its periods of challenge and triumph.

The 10-day sale will run from 13-23 August and will feature some of the most sought after American and bourbon whiskeys ever produced. The oldest bottle to feature in the auction will be an Old Overholt expression, distilled in 1908 in the years before prohibition. Highly sought after bottles produced during America’s prohibition years will also feature, including   Old Mock, I.W. Harper, and Harry E. Wilkin whiskeys.

Some of the most collectible bourbon in existence will feature in the sale, including expressions bottled under the guidance of Julian Van Winkle Jr. from the legendary Van Winkle family. These consist of Pappy Van Winkle, Old Rip Van Winkle and Van Winkle Reserve bottlings, and also feature the very rare 1975 Special Reserve bottled exclusively for the Corti Brothers of Sacramento. A variety of expressions from iconic brands such as Four Roses, Wild Turkey, and Maker’s Mark will also be included.

The auction follows Whisky Auctioneer’s sale of the ‘Heart and Soul’ of Pat’s Whisk(e)y Collection last year, which secured mass interest across the globe and an overall hammer price of $485,625 (£375,000).

And this interest in American whiskey is showing no sign of slowing down – Whisky Auctioneer has recorded a 600% increase in the volume of whiskeys from the USA featuring in its auctions between 2016 and 2020, with value increasing by over 900% in the same time period.

Other highlights in the upcoming auction that are expected to excite collectors and American whiskey lovers include:

• Over 65 expressions of Willett Family Estate bourbon and ryes, including some which have been personally autographed by legendary industry figure, Even Kulsveen.
• More than 40 commemorative decanters containing liquid from Stitzel-Weller and Michters.
• Several legendary examples of the famous A.H. Hirsch 1974 Reserve, including Van Winkle’s first Lawrenceburg bottling, produced on 26th February 1990.
• Highly revered bottlings of ‘Old Heaven Hill’ distilled before the original Bardstown distillery’s notorious fire in 1996. These finite expressions are a highly prized possession for bourbon collectors and connoisseurs.
• A very rare and sought-after 1999 bottling of 16 year old Stitzel-Weller bourbon produced by Van Winkle for the Twisted Spoke bar in Chicago, IL.

Joe Wilson, Head of Content at Whisky Auctioneer, said:

“We’ve seen interest in Bourbon and American whiskey soar over recent years. Once confined to small, passionate communities of “dusty-hunters” and online forums, the world of collectible bourbon is now a mainstream fascination. This auction celebrates the names that proved so influential in the evolution of this, from A.H. Hirsch and Van Winkle to Buffalo Trace.

“However, through a carefully curated selection of 20th century classics, this auction is also a ground-breaking opportunity to explore, engage with and ultimately own a piece of the story that continues to capture the hearts and minds of whiskey-lovers across the world.”

Peggy Noe Stevens, Founder of the Bourbon Women Association and the world’s first Female Master Bourbon Taster, said:

“This incredible American Whiskey auction is literally a treasure trove of some of the finest whiskey and vintage finds available on the market. In my 30 years as a spirits veteran and Master Taster, this one-of-a-kind collection is certainly one for the record books, pleasing any palate and showcasing the finesse and expertise of our famed Master Distillers.”

To register for the auction, click here

About Whisky Auctioneer

Whisky Auctioneer is the global market leader and trusted authority on the buying and selling of whisky and spirits at auction. Founded in 2013 and located in Perth, Whisky Auctioneer utilises its expertise and knowledge combined with its auction platform, to increase interest and passion in the whisky and spirits community.

Whisky Auctioneer endeavours to make the market more accessible for buyers and sellers of any background and geography. Its monthly global auctions feature the most comprehensive selection of old, rare and collectible whiskies and spirits available online. Whisky Auctioneer is passionate about connecting these bottles with those who share in their passion and actively support their customers in their aims, whether that be consuming, collecting or investing.

In February 2021, the Perth-based online auction house made history during the iconic sale of The Perfect Collection when a bottle of The Macallan 1926 Fine and Rare 60 Year Old sold for a hammer price of £1m, the first time a single bottle of whisky has sold at an online only auction for one million pounds.

Whisky Auctioneer became the first online auction house to sell a million-pound bottle and outperformed the nearest traditional auction house by 200% in value from spirits sales in 2020, showcasing the move that whisky collectors, investors and drinkers have already made online and firmly establishing their leading position within the modern secondary whisky market.

The business currently sees over 100,000 bids per month and has conducted deliveries to 74 countries across the globe. It also opened its first European base in Germany last year.

The business’ Founder, Iain McClune, was listed as ‘One to Watch’ in The Telegraph’s Most Ambitious Business Leaders 2020 programme.

About Joe Wilson, Head of Auction Content at Whisky Auctioneer

Joe Wilson manages the authentication and exhibition of the whiskies to feature in Whisky Auctioneer’s auctions. His interest and expertise lies specifically in old, rare and unusual American Whiskeys, stemming from his background in history and studying artefacts from some of the most highly acclaimed museums in Europe. The historian in him found rich pickings in researching these bottles, their complex history providing a fascinating insight into one of America’s most iconic industries. Today he is Whisky Auctioneer’s resident expert on all things Bourbon.

About Peggy Noe Stevens

Peggy Noe Stevens is president of Peggy Noe Stevens & Associates, founder of the Bourbon Women Association, and the first female master bourbon taster in the world.

More info about Peggy can be found here.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Visit:  www.whiskyauctioneer.com

Instagram: whiskyauctioneer

Facebook: WhiskyAuctioneer

Twitter:  Whisky_auction

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO BBQ
THE COMPASS BOX WAY 

July has been a real treat as we’ve dug deep into the delights of BBQ with Pitt Cue Co. It’s been such a feast of flavour that we’d love you to take our ideas and celebrate with your own flame-grilled family get-together.

So we’ve curated a menu of our favourite Pitt Cue dishes and combined them with whisky cocktails to sip by the grill. Get ready to eat well and drink creatively!

PITT CUE’S HOT WINGS

When you commit to the pursuit of flavour, you make discoveries like this. Just the right level of heat, tempered nicely with cow’s curd and pickled celery. Smoked for 90 minutes. Flame-grilled for two more. Perfect. Discover the full recipe and more on our website.

PITT’S NO. 1 PEAT MONSTER
SUMMER CUP

This creation by Pitt Cue Co. founder Jamie Berger marries the peatiness of The Peat Monster with triple sec, red vermouth, bitters and ginger beer for a delicious summer serve. Prepare in batches, then enjoy in good company. Learn how to make it here.

Feeling inspired? Head to our website to shop
our whiskies.

Share & Enjoy!
The Compass Box Team

PS: We’ve expanded our palette of flavours to bring you something new. Click here to find out more about our latest limited edition coming very soon…

Glen Grant 40 Years

1980 vintage cask #37. A beautiful distillery and whisky to match with this superb single cask. Glen Grant 40 Year Old 1980 vintage Speyside single grain Scotch whisky. Single cask Refill American hogshead #37. Distilled February 1980 & bottled September 2020 by Gordon & MacPhail for the Private Collection series. Just 105 hand-blown crystal decanters have been produced.

Nose : Citrus zest aromas combine with pineapple and subtle white chocolate. An undertone of green apple develops giving way to coconut and fresh herbs.

Palate : Soft pepper leads to smooth flavours of dried bananas with a hint of smoke. Sweet tropical fruit combines with rich orange and baked pear.

Finish : A medium-bodied finish with lingering mixed nuts and cocoa powder.

£1,950.00

Shop Glen Grant 40 Years »

Established in 1840 by brothers James and John Grant, the business prospered and in 1897 Glen Grant No. 2 Distillery was established across the road in order to meet the high demand for Glen Grant whiskey. During the late nineteenth century a Victorian garden was laid out in the valley behind the distillery and is now open to distillery visitors. Glen Grant is a Speyside malt whiskey distillery situated in Rothes equipped with eight stills and an on-site bottling plant. Gordon & MacPhail has released some rare vintage single malts dating back to the 1950s.

James Gordon and John Alexander MacPhail began their business in Elgin in 1895 with John Urquhart joining the workforce at that time, to become a partner in 1915 when MacPhail retired. When Gordon died in 1817 the Urquhart family took over the business. This independent family business prospered and built up a stock of good quality casks from a wide range of distilleries over the years. In 1993 they purchased Benromach Distillery. Brands include Connoisseurs Choice, Cask Strength, Rare Old and Speymalt.

ICHIRO’S MALT & GRAIN JAPANESE WHISKY 2020 DESCRIPTION

LAPHROAIG 10 YEAR OLD CASK STRENGTH

A smoky, complex bourbon barrel matured whisky from Laphroaig, this is the 13th edition of the Islay distillery’s ever-popular Cask Strength 10 Year Old single malt. Bottled in 2021, aromas of sweet biscuits, smoked cedar and Manuka honey mingle with pipe tobacco, old leather, candle wax and hints on vanilla on the nose. The palate offers notes of burnt oak, barbecued marshmallow, toffee, sea salt and Belgian caramel waffles, as well as roasted coffee beans, sticky toffee pudding and white pepper, wrapped in waves of peat smoke.

Every year, Laphroaig launches a new cask-strength edition of its flagship 10-year-old whisky. It dials up Laphroaig’s trademark coastal peaty character – run through with medicinal notes of iodine and fruity peat – and gives lovers of the distillery’s distinctive whisky an absolute treat. This year’s release has just arrived and is on sale now – if you love big, smoky whiskies, then make sure you get a bottle.

  SHOP NOW  

https://youtu.be/p9IqUoBc_9g

Port…do you like it as a cask finish?

I typically haven’t. Odd exceptions have been from Glen Scotia and Talisker, but everything has left me feeling like it doesn’t really work. It exaggerates alcohol and always leaves a slightly burnt taste in my mouth. But not anymore!

This port cask finish from Clonakilty has changed my opinion, or atleast opened it up to the world of port. Drenched in peaches, cherries and red grapes – it has managed to work in tandem with the spirit and develop into a welcomg style, combining the best of Ireland and Portugal into one!

The finale in our Clonakilty series!

Sotheby’s and The Distillers’ Charity Announce Partnership to Host Three Auctions of Ultra-Rare and Unique Scotch Whisky and Experiences

SCOTCH WHISKY INDUSTRY UNITES TO SUPPORT

DISADVANTAGED YOUNG PEOPLE IN SCOTLAND

Sotheby’s and The Distillers’ Charity

Announce Partnership to Host Three Auctions of

Ultra-Rare and Unique Scotch Whisky and Experiences

First ‘One of One’ Auction to Take Place at Barnbougle Castle near Edinburgh

LONDON, 28 July 2021 – The Distillers’ Charity and Sotheby’s today announce a six-year partnership to host three biennial auctions of ultra-rare and unique Scotch whiskies and experiences under the name “The Distillers One of One”. The first Distillers’ One of One auction – comprising one-off, never-to-be-repeated lots specially created and donated by leading Scotch Whisky distilleries – will take place at Barnbougle Castle on the outskirts of Edinburgh on Friday 3 December 2021. There will be over 40 lots, which will showcase the excellence in craftsmanship, innovation and value of Scotch Whisky, ranging in estimates upwards to £250,000.

The Distillers’ Charity is the philanthropic arm of The Worshipful Company of Distillers. Proceeds from the One of One auction will benefit a fund, which has been created by The Distillers’ Charity focusing on supporting disadvantaged young people in Scotland, transforming their life chances and empowering them to create positive change in their lives and communities. Working with charity partners, including The Prince’s Foundation which offers education and training programmes, the Youth Action Fund will provide young people with opportunities to develop life skills, discover their values and be work-ready.

The Prince’s Foundation’s President, HRH The Prince of Wales, Duke of Rothesay, has sent The Distillers’ Charity a warm message of support saying how pleased he was that the combined forces of the Scotch Whisky industry were standing alongside each other to benefit countless young people and provide them with the tools they require to become vital members of their communities. 

Jonathan Driver, Master of The Worshipful Company of Distillers, said: “Our ties with the Scotch Whisky Industry have been invaluable in creating this landmark sale, and the generosity shown has been overwhelming. Across the spectrum of the industry from independents to family-owned and global companies, we have come together in a collective endeavour to support the youth of today in Scotland through practical training and education. We are also delighted to have Sotheby’s on board to help with our philanthropic mission which will have far-reaching benefits for decades to come.”

Jamie Ritchie, Worldwide Head of Sotheby’s Wine and Spirits, commented: “Working closely with The Distillers’ Charity and The Worshipful Company of Distillers, we will harness our knowledge and expertise in hosting auctions to create a regular series of sales that will not only shine a light on the Scotch Whisky industry but also raise valuable funds to support disadvantaged young people in Scotland.”

Further information about the contents of The Distillers One of One will be distributed by Sotheby’s and The Distillers’ Charity in the autumn.