Archive for 2021

The Whisky Exchange ‘Just in: Laphroaig 10yo Cask Strength Batch 13’ – Scotch Whisky News

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.

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.

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The Whisky Exchange Elixir House, Whitby Avenue, Park Royal, London NW10 7SF, UK.

*UPCOMING RELEASE* Two Sullivans Cove French Oak ex-Tawny Whiskies – Tasmanian Whisky News

Two French Oak ex-Tawny Single Cask Whiskies

Our next release will be two French Oak ex-Tawny single cask whiskies, TD0290 and TD0300. This is the first time we have had two mature at the same time and ready to be released together. On Monday 26th of July, 2021, these two exceptional French Oak ex-Tawny whiskies, both aged for more than 12 years, will be available to purchase via ballot.

TD0290 French Oak ex-Tawny

TD0290 was filled on 12 June, 2008 and aged for 12 years and 10 months in a 300L French Oak ex-Tawny cask yielding 433 bottles. A lovely example of a first fill French Oak ex-Tawny cask; neither the oak nor the pre-fill (Tawny) overbear the spirit. A thick silky texture gives an excellent foundation for the flavour that follows. Fresh orange and a bowl of mixed berries fill the palate initially; then it’s all about the chocolate fudge. A hint of linseed, vanilla musk, ginger cake and honey. A nice sensation of ginger, both the warming and cooling feeling, and then we round back to the fruit, but this time plum jam and blackcurrants.

TD0300 French Oak ex-Tawny

TD0300 was filled on 23 July, 2008 and aged for 12 years and 8 months in a 300L French Oak ex-Tawny cask yielding only 337 bottles. The aroma is distinctly coastal and sweet, reminiscent of salted caramel. The palate starts with a rolling texture. The damp embers get in there early, and there’s a moist toasted note, like roasting pineapple (with a distinctly Tequila-esque vibe). Orange and poppy seed cake. Cola and apricot jam on the sides of the sides of the palate, and the saliva glands are triggered. Medjool dates (we are in Tawny territory, after all) and shortbread.

Full tasting notes and cask details can be found on the product page via this link. 

These whiskies will be released via ballot. The ballot will open for 24 hours from 11:00am Hobart time on Monday 26th of July, 2021. Further details will be sent prior to the ballot opening. A note on our ballot system. Our policy is one bottle, per person, per household. Our fraud detection algorithm detects multiple entries and removes them to ensure our whisky lands in the hands of our genuine supporters, so to ensure your entry counts, please enter once only. If you have any questions around our ballot process, you can email us at info@sullivanscove.com Successful entries will be notified shortly after the ballot closes.

Gordon & MacPhail Glen Grant 44 Year Old 1976 at The Whisky Barrel – Scotch Whisky News

Glen Grant 44 Year Old 1976

Private Collection from G&M. Refill American Hogshead #12403 at 53.4%.  Rare with just 40 bottles in the lovely art-deco decanter and box.

Tropical fruits, honeycomb and coconut. Vanilla pods, banana and mature oak. Strawberries and cream with Seville oranges. Toasted almonds, baked apples and grapefruit. Long finish with citrus and hazelnuts. Wow.

Glen Grant 44 Year Old 1976 vintage Speyside single malt Scotch whisky. Single cask Refill American Hogshead #12403. Distilled 1976 & bottled 2021 by Gordon & MacPhail for the Private Collection series. Just 40 hand-blown crystal decanters have been produced.

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.

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Balvenie – Rare Marriages Single Malt – 25 Year Old at Hard To Find Whisky – Scotch Whisky News

25 Year Old | 48% ABV | 70cl

Introducing The Balvenie 25

The most elegant expression of extraordinary depth and perfect balance. A beautiful, fruity Single Malt Whisky aged for 25 years.

A Flawless Marriage

European and American casks are brought together to craft something truly intricate and balanced.

Rich, Matured & Honeyed

The Balvenie’s signature flavours: runny honey with an underlying rich oakiness, with unfolding layers of fresh fruit, marshmallow and cinnamon.

£599.95

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ralfy review 886 Extras – Advice on starting a distillery – Whisky Startup News

ralfy review 886 Extras – Advice on starting a distillery

THE HOUSE OF SUNTORY WINS JAPANESE WHISKY DISTILLER OF THE YEAR AT THE 2021 INTERNATIONAL SPIRITS CHALLENGE – Japanese Whisky News

THE HOUSE OF SUNTORY WINS JAPANESE WHISKY DISTILLER OF THE YEAR AT THE 2021 INTERNATIONAL SPIRITS CHALLENGE 

Among Best in Category Trophy, Hibiki® 21 Wins Double Gold, Yamazaki® and Hakushu® Score Several Gold Awards in Prestigious Global Tasting Event 

London, 14 July 2021: – The House of Suntory, the founding house and pioneer of Japanese Whisky, received its latest wave of industry accolades from this year’s 2021 International Spirits Challenge across its core portfolio of premium whiskies, including a category win for Japanese Whisky Distiller of the Year, and a Double Gold win for Hibiki® 21 –  one of only 11 Double Golds awarded in the entire competition.

Other Gold wins for the House of Suntory went to Hibiki, Yamazaki® and Hakushu® expressions. The House of Suntory received 21 medals in total across the brands, including 13 Gold medals. Held in London in June, the International Spirits Challenge recognises outstanding quality, excellence and achievement in spirits around the world.

“We are honored to continue receiving this level of outstanding recognition year over year by one of the most prestigious industry competitions in the world,” says Jon Potter, Managing Director for the House of Suntory at Beam Suntory. “These awards are a testament to our company’s commitment to quality, precision and excellence. We congratulate our Chief Blender, Shinji Fukuyo, and his diligent team across our distilleries who exhibit the highest level of skill and passion for their craft. This hard-working group commit themselves daily to producing nothing but the best spirits.” 

The full list of House of Suntory competition results:

DOUBLE GOLD

Hibiki 21 Year Old 

GOLD

Hibiki Blender’s Choice

Hibiki Japanese Harmony

Hibiki Japanese Harmony Master’s Select

Hibiki 30 Year Old

Yamazaki Single Malt 12 Year Old

Yamazaki Single Malt 18 Year Old

Yamazaki Single Malt 25 Year Old

Yamazaki Single Malt Mizunara 2020 Edition

Yamazaki Single Malt Spanish Oak 2020 Edition

Yamazaki Single Malt Bordeaux Wine Cask 2020 Edition

Hakushu Single Malt 12 Year Old

Hakushu Single Malt 18 Year Old

Hakushu Single Malt 25 Year Old

SILVER

Suntory Whisky Chita

Suntory World Whisky AO

The Hakushu Single Malt Whisky

The Hakushu Single Malt Whisky Peated Malt 2021 Edition

The Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky

The Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky Puncheon 2020 Edition

The Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky Peated Malt 2020 Edition

ABOUT THE HOUSE OF SUNTORY

Since 1923, Suntory has been renowned as the pioneer of Japanese whisky for its House of Master Blenders and for their Art of Blending. The founding father of Japanese whisky Shinjiro Torii, built Japan’s first malt whisky distillery in Yamazaki, and the Suntory legacy continued with Torii’s son, Keizo Saji, Suntory’s second master blender who continued to establish distilleries including the Hakushu distillery. As the generations of Suntory’s master blenders carry on, Suntory Whisky remains committed to heritage and innovation. The House of Suntory Whisky has been named four-time Distiller of the Year at the International Spirits Challenge in London, UK (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014).

ABOUT BEAM SUNTORY

As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands, Suntory whisky Kakubin and Courvoisier cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek, Basil Hayden’s and Legent bourbon; Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Toki Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Laphroaig and Bowmore Scotch whisky; Canadian Club whisky; Hornitos and Sauza tequila; EFFEN, Haku and Pinnacle vodka; Sipsmith and Roku gin; and On The Rocks Premium Cocktails.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good.  Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.  For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com

The House of Suntory Ultimate Highball Summer Contest is LIVE! – Japanese Whisky News

THE HOUSE OF SUNTORY LAUNCHES ULTIMATE “TOKI® HIGHBALL SUMMER” WITH FIRST-EVER TRIP TO

TOKYO CONTEST 

Toki Instagram Contest Gives U.S. Fans Chance to See Tokyo, the Birthplace of the Modern Highball Cocktail, Safely in the City’s Prime – Redeemable in 2022 

Chicago, IL (July 1, 2021)The House of Suntory, the founding house and a pioneer of Japanese Whisky, is thrilled to kick off the ultimate Toki® Highball Summer with its new campaign, the #SuntoryTime “Next Stop: Tokyo” social media contest. For the first time ever, the company is offering a once-in-a-lifetime chance for one lucky fan and a guest to win a trip to Tokyo – the birthplace of the authentic Japanese Highball cocktail made with Suntory Whisky. The trip will take place in 2022 only after leisure travel from the U.S. to Japan is deemed safe.

With Tokyo as a focal point of the upcoming summer events, the #SuntoryTime contest is designed to celebrate the Highball, the popular and refreshing three-ingredient cocktail that originated in the “Torys” pubs known for after-work gatherings in Tokyo in the 1950s. Since then, Japanese bartenders have perfected the art of the Highball with unrivaled attention to detail, creating the perfect balance of crisp carbonation and delicious flavor, served at ice-cold temperature for maximum refreshment. Suntory Highballs are now found not only in the bustling izakaya (pubs) in Japan but in the greatest whisky bars all over the world, including on draft from the signature Suntory Toki Highball Machine, which blends ice-cold whisky and soda straight from the tap.

“This summer, all eyes will be on Tokyo and we’re thrilled to offer fans of Suntory Whisky Toki the chance to experience first-hand the birthplace our incredible blended Japanese Whisky and its signature cocktail, the famous Toki Highball,” says Jon Potter, Managing Director for the House of Suntory. “We can’t wait to see how our fans will get creative with their own takes on the Suntory Experience as they enter the contest on Instagram.”

To enter, U.S. residents 21 and older can log into their Instagram accounts to post a photo of their own “Suntory Time” experience with a Toki Highball, along with a creative caption highlighting their experience and tagging @SuntoryToki. Entries will be judged on creativity and originality of the photo, photographic quality and creativity of the caption. The full list of rules and regulations can be found HERE.

The Grand Prize winner will receive an immersive trip for two to Tokyo including five days and four nights at a luxury resort, a tour of the Yamazaki Distillery – the birthplace of Japanese Whisky, invitations to exclusive Suntory Toki events along with a cash stipend of $2,500. Fifty (50) First Prize Winners will receive a Suntory Time Highball Kit inclusive of two highball mugs, ice mold, Japanese peeler, cocktail jigger and bar spoon to make their own ultimate Highball. Contest submissions close on August 14, 2021. No alcohol will be awarded as part of the prize.

In addition to entering the “Next Stop: Tokyo” contest for a chance to win, fans can follow along for all things celebrating highball culture at the website hub https://house.suntory.com/en/na/highball including photos, recipes, demo videos, custom Suntory Highball art made by Tokyo based illustrator Tatsuro Kiuchi, and even a highball-inspired Spotify playlist.

 

TOKI HIGHBALL RECIPE:

1 part Suntory Whisky Toki®

3 parts soda water

Fill glass with large ice blocks or spear to chill. Add Toki, stir to cool whisky and glass. Add soda water, use spoon to lift ice for ultimate carbonation. Garnish with grapefruit peel (optional).

ABOUT THE HOUSE OF SUNTORY

Since 1923, Suntory has been renowned as the pioneer of Japanese whisky for its House of Master Blenders and for their Art of Blending. The founding father of Japanese whisky Shinjiro Torii, built Japan’s first malt whisky distillery in Yamazaki, and the Suntory legacy continued with Torii’s son, Keizo Saji, Suntory’s second master blender who continued to establish distilleries including the Hakushu distillery. As the generations of Suntory’s master blenders carry on, Suntory Whisky remains committed to heritage and innovation. The House of Suntory Whisky has been named four-time Distiller of the Year at the International Spirits Challenge in London, UK (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014).

whisky.suntory.com                 @suntorytoki               #suntorytime

ABOUT BEAM SUNTORY

As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands, Suntory whisky Kakubin and Courvoisier cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek, Basil Hayden’s and Legent bourbon; Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Toki Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Laphroaig and Bowmore Scotch whisky; Canadian Club whisky; Hornitos and Sauza tequila; EFFEN, Haku and Pinnacle vodka; Sipsmith and Roku gin; and On The Rocks Premium Cocktails.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good.  Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.  For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

Win a stay at Nobu Hotel London with House of Suntory 🥃 at The Whisky Shop – Japanese Whisky News

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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Gordon & MacPhail Linkwood 40 Year Old 1980 at The Whisky Barrel – Scotch Whisky News

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

A Stellar Discovery in Age-Stated Bourbon: Calumet Farm 15 Year Old at K&L California – American Whiskey News

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.

 


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