The latest edition of Hamish’s Hidden Malt:
Win a bottle of Balblair 25 Year Old!

Our giveaway last weekend with Benromach went down so well that we thought we would try it again! This time we have partnered with Balblair – for this weekend only in Hamish’s Hidden Malt giveaway we will be hiding a bottle of Balblair 25 Year Old (worth £525!) in one lucky winner’s order. Purchase either the 12, 15 or 18-year-old 70cl Balblair to enter – simple as that.

Even if your order arrives without the prize you’ll still have a brilliant bottle of Scotch to enjoy regardless!

PIONEERING HOLYROOD DISTILLERY HOLD CHARITY AUCTION OF THREE COLLECTABLE CASKS

THE THREE CASKS UP FOR AUCTION ARE TOTALLY UNIQUE FROM HOLYROOD DISTILLERY’S PUBLIC CASK PROGRAMME MAKING EACH A VALUABLE COLLECTOR’S ITEM

Holyrood Distillery, Edinburgh’s first single malt distillery in almost a century, has partnered with Whisky Auctioneer to offer three “extra special” whisky casks up for charity auction.

Matured in ex-bourbon barrels, this is an excellent opportunity for whisky enthusiasts to get their hands on three rare casks as they are completely distinctive from Holyrood Distillery’s current ‘Made by Edinburgh’ cask programme, which is offered exclusively in a selection of sherry casks.

The casks will be auctioned by renowned spirits bidding platform Whisky Auctioneer with the auction running from Friday 28th May until Monday 7th June giving whisky lovers a unique opportunity to own a piece of Edinburgh whisky history: https://discover.whiskyauctioneer.com/holyrood-charity-auction

All proceeds from the sale of the casks will be split between Edinburgh charities Vintage Vibes, tackling social isolation in the community; Edinburgh Food Project, a local food bank charity; and The Drinks  Trust’s covid relief fund for the hospitality industry.

Whisky Auctioneer has agreed to waive selling fees and will donate the 10% buyer’s commission to the total hammer price raised for the three charities.

Each 200 litre cask will be filled with ‘Made by Edinburgh’ new make spirit, at an ABV of 60% and matured in a first-fill American ex-bourbon barrel.

As the public ‘Made by Edinburgh’ cask offering comes exclusively in a selection of sherry casks, the ex-bourbon maturation makes the charity auction casks a truly unique collectable. Having been distilled using single-origin barley from a Lothian-based farm and a proportion of crystal and chocolate malt, the casks offer full traceability from field to barrel.

A proprietary mash bill containing roasted and specialty grains and single estate Lothian farm barley, fermented with the iconic “Edinburgh Ale yeast” combine to create an entirely new spirit style, worthy of the city that inspires Holyrood Distillery.

With all auction proceeds flowing directly into three important local causes, the auction offers an exciting opportunity for whisky fans to get hold of these iconic casks, as well as the spirit of giving.

Commenting on the charity cask auction, David Robertson, Co-Founder of Holyrood Distillery said: “As Edinburgh’s first single malt distillery in nearly a century, we wanted to shine a spotlight on Edinburgh’s amazing whisky heritage.

We’ve created a spirit that echoes what would have been done 100 years ago; using locally sourced barley and beer yeast from an Edinburgh brewery, filled into three extra special ex-bourbon casks.

“It was essential for us that we supported local Edinburgh charities, our whisky is made by local people and inspired by the city we’re in, so it was paramount to ensure that communities close to the heart of our distillery are supported during this time.”

Adding his thoughts, Joe Wilson, Head of Auction Content at Whisky Auctioneer said: “It’s a privilege to partner with Holyrood Distillery to bring these casks to auction in order to support some incredible charitable organisations.

The sale presents the very unique opportunity for our global customer base to acquire a piece of liquid history from this trailblazing Edinburgh distillery, whilst giving back to the local community.”

“Holyrood is a vibrant new distillery that will produce Edinburgh’s first malt whisky for nearly 100 years, so we are sure that this auction will inspire a huge amount of interest around the globe.”

During lockdown, Holyrood announced its ‘Made by Edinburgh’ cask programme; an opportunity for members of the public to purchase a piece of Edinburgh’s distilling future.

Strong demand has validated Holyrood’s position as a versatile and creative distillery, with The ‘Made by Edinburgh’ casks representing Holyrood’s passionate homage to the distilling history of Scotland’s capital city.

The prospect of owning a piece of liquid history has resonated with whisky enthusiasts worldwide, and now the founders want to give back to the community that inspires the distillery and spirit.

Co-founded by Canadian Rob Carpenter and Scottish whisky Yoda, David Robertson, Holyrood Distillery is the first single malt distillery to operate in Edinburgh in almost a century. Unfettered by tradition, the distillery is forging its own path in the creation of its whisky, using speciality malts and a variety of different yeasts.

T: @HolyroodWhisky

I: @holyrooddistillery

F: @holyrooddistillery

Notes:

About Holyrood Distillery

Holyrood Distillery (www.holyrooddistillery.co.uk)

• Holyrood Distillery is the first single malt whisky distillery in the heart of historic Edinburgh for almost 100 years. The last working distillery in the capital was Andrew Usher’s Edinburgh Distillery (aka Glen Sciennes) which closed in 1925.
• Holyrood Distillery was founded by Canadian couple, Rob and Kelly Carpenter and Scot, David Robertson. Rob co-founded the Canadian branch of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society with wife Kelly, while David has 25 years experience in the industry with The Macallan and The Dalmore, as well as co-founding Rare Whisky 101.
• As well as distilling single malt whisky, Holyrood Distillery produces gin on its specially designed gin still.
• The distillery, which is located in the heart of Edinburgh, features a 5-star brand home and shop
• Holyrood is a modern distillery, inspired by the city of Edinburgh and never afraid to experiment. With considerable experience in the whisky industry, the founders had a vision to create a new kind of distillery, to reflect the dynamism and diversity of Edinburgh.
• Holyrood Distillery, 19 St Leonard’s Lane, Edinburgh EH8 9SH. T: 0131 285 8977

About Holyrood Distillery ‘Made by Edinburgh’ cask offering:
This is a limited opportunity to be a part of the Holyrood story. We have decided to offer purchasers their choice of an incredible selection of 250 L Spanish oak sherry hogsheads which have been specially seasoned with different types of sherry. These casks will deliver spice aromas and flavours of cloves, cinnamon and ginger, while each individual variety of sherry allows purchasers to tailor the subtle nuances of flavour to their personal preference and complement the tropical and green fruits, and rich, dark undertones in the fledgeling spirit. Including a choice from six Spanish oak sherry casks, 10 years maturation of your chosen cask, invitations to all cask owners events. To discover more, or register your interest, please get in touch: casks@holyrooddistillery.co.uk

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: https://whiskyauctioneer.com/
Twitter: @Whisky_auction
I: @whiskyauctioneer
Facebook: @WhiskyAuctioneer

About The Drinks Trust:
The Drinks Trust is the community organisation for the drinks industry, offering support and services to help its community thrive, to upskill, to broaden their knowledge, to network and learn from one another. It will also be there to support them in challenging times, with wellbeing and financial assistance. https://www.drinkstrust.org.uk/

About Vintage Vibes:

Vintage Vibes is an award-winning project tackling isolation and loneliness in Edinburgh. The project, a partnership between LifeCare Edinburgh and Space & Broomhouse Hub, started in 2015 as a fresh new way to combat isolation and loneliness among over 60s (called VIPs) in Edinburgh. Vintage Vibes creates long-lasting one-to-one friendships offering support, companionship and the opportunity for lonely VIPs to be more socially connected and active in their local community. https://vintagevibes.org.uk/

About Edinburgh Food Project:
Edinburgh Food Project was founded in 2012 to tackle food poverty in Edinburgh. Affiliated with the Trussell Trust and Community Money Advice, Edinburgh Food Project provide emergency food supplies and support to people in crisis, by operating eight foodbank centres which provide emergency food supplies and their; More Than Food, Money Advice and Mental Health & Wellbeing Project to help address the underlying causes of food poverty. https://edinburghfoodproject.org/

info@edinburghfoodproject.org
Twitter: @Edinfoodprject
Instagram: @Edinfoodproject
Facebook: @Edinfoodproject

Heaven’s Door Whiskey™ and Redbreast Irish Whiskey® Announce First Ever Collaboration:

The Master Blenders’ Edition

A Tribute to American and Irish Artistry

NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 19, 2021 – Heaven’s Door Whiskey™, Bob Dylan’s evolving collection of American whiskeys, and Redbreast Irish Whiskey®, the world renowned Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, proudly announce the release of a limited-edition 10-Year Aged Bourbon finished in Redbreast casks. This first ever collaboration for both brands was created in tandem by Master Blenders, Ryan Perry of Heaven’s Door and Billy Leighton of Redbreast Irish Whiskey, and has been aptly named, “The Master Blenders’ Edition.” Marrying the best of American and Irish whiskey, The Master Blenders’ Edition has already been awarded a Double Gold medal in a blind tasting in the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

A collaboration more than two years in the making, Perry and Leighton worked together on a multitude of blends and barrel finishes to arrive at their final whiskey profile. As a lover of Irish Whiskey and of Redbreast in particular, Heaven’s Door Founder, Bob Dylan, worked closely with the Master Blenders and sampled over a dozen blends before settling on the final selection. “Mr. Dylan is a perfectionist and knows his whiskey,” said Billy Leighton. “His engagement and enthusiasm for this collaboration made this project even more special.”

The Master Blenders’ Edition features Heaven’s Door 10-year aged Straight Bourbon finished in Redbreast’s signature Single Pot Still Casks for 15 months, extracting flavor from single pot Irish whiskey and formerly Spanish sherry. The end result is a taste profile unlike any American whiskey and delivers prominent notes of nuts, spice and leather, as well as the influence of sherry, citrus, dark fruit, and a subtle sweetness of Yellow Man from the Redbreast casks.

“We’re honored to have had the opportunity to work with Billy and the rest of the Redbreast team to bring The Master Blenders’ Edition to life,” said Ryan Perry. “Heaven’s Door was founded around the spirit of collaboration, and this was a dream partnership for our brand. I can honestly say that the final flavor profile blew us away.”

“The Master Blenders’ Edition allows both the American and Irish Whiskey distilling traditions to shine through,” said Billy Leighton, Redbreast Irish Whiskey’s Master Blender. “We think fans of Redbreast, Heaven’s Door, and whiskey enthusiasts everywhere will be delighted with what they taste with this product.”

The Master Blenders’ Edition is offered in Heaven’s Door’s signature bottle, featuring a new gate design created by Bob Dylan in his Black Buffalo Ironworks studio, as well as Redbreast’s iconic Robin. Available in very limited quantities on ReserveBar.com and at select retailers, The Master Blenders’ Edition is being released in the U.S. just in time for Father’s Day. It will also be available in limited quantities in September in the UK and Ireland. With a suggested retail price (SRP) of $99.99 for a 750ml bottle and a single limited bottling, once this release is gone, it is gone for good.

The Master Blenders’ Edition is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks or with a splash of water and features the following characteristics:

• Age: 10 Years
• Proof: 100
• ABV: 50%
• Nose: Full and complex body with notes of red apples, figs and dates
• Palate: Marzipan and walnut with buttery ground nut sweetness, raisin, and nougat
• Finish: Delicate with a touch of honey and coconut and subtle sweetness from Irish honeycomb

The Heaven’s Door portfolio of whiskeys includes Straight Bourbon Whiskey (92 proof, $49.99 SRP), Double Barrel Whiskey (100 proof, $49.99 SRP), and Straight Rye Whiskey finished in cigar barrels from Vosges, France (92 proof, $79.99 SRP), as well as various limited time offerings, including the annual Bootleg Series of rare whiskeys. First introduced in 2018 to wide acclaim, Heaven’s Door is an ever-evolving line of handcrafted whiskeys which are the perfect melding of art and craft, as each bottle features Dylan’s unique ironwork sculptures.

Heaven’s Door’s portfolio of whiskeys is available nationwide and online via Reservebar.com/collections/heavens-door, and globally in Canada, Germany and the U.K.. For more information about the brand visit www.heavensdoor.com or engage with the brand on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.

The Redbreast portfolio of Single Pot Still Irish whiskeys includes Redbreast 12 Year Old, the definitive Redbreast expression matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks ($70), also available in Cask Strength ($90), Redbreast 15 Year Old ($120), Redbreast 21 Year Old ($230), Redbreast 27 Year Old which includes whiskey matured in ruby port casks ($500) and Redbreast Lustau Edition born from a unique collaboration between the Bodegas Lustau and Midleton Distillery ($85).

About Heaven’s Door Whiskey

Heaven’s Door Spirits is a collaboration between legendary artist Bob Dylan and Spirits Investment Partnership (“SIP”). Heaven’s Door Spirits is Bob Dylan’s first and only consumer brand partnership in his 50 years as a worldwide cultural icon, which makes this collaboration unique and important – a true interplay of art, craft and commerce. Website: www.heavensdoor.com. 

About Spirits Investment Partners:

Spirits Investment Partners (“SIP”) is a boutique spirits innovation company comprised of a team of highly seasoned spirits professionals with expertise in new product development, branding, global sales and distributor management,  strategic marketing, fundraising, and finance.

About Redbreast Irish Whiskey

For more than a century, Redbreast has stayed true to the single pot still whiskey making tradition and today is considered to be the definitive expression of this quintessential style of Irish whiskey. Crafted by Master Blender, Billy Leighton, at Midleton Distillery in County Cork, Redbreast offers a rich, full-bodied flavour profile with a signature sherry influence, and is growing in popularity in key Irish whiskey markets around the world including the US, UK and Ireland. The most-awarded single pot still Irish whiskey range in the world demonstrates a clear commitment to age, quality and innovation in Irish whiskey, and features; Redbreast 12 Year Old, 12 Year Old Cask Strength, 15 Year Old, 21 Year Old and 27 Year Old; Redbreast Lustau; and limited editions such as Redbreast Dream Cask.

www.redbreastwhiskey.com

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the No.2 worldwide producer of wines and spirits with consolidated sales of €9,182 million in FY19. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has developed through organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard, which owns 16 of the Top 100 Spirits Brands, holds one of the most prestigious and comprehensive brand portfolios in the industry, including: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute, and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Malibu liqueur, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard’s brands are distributed across 160+ markets and by its own salesforce in 73 markets. The Group’s decentralised organisation empowers its 19,000 employees to be true on-the-ground ambassadors of its vision of “Créateurs de Convivialité.” As reaffirmed by the Group’s three-year strategic plan, “Transform and Accelerate,” deployed in 2018, Pernod Ricard’s strategy focuses on investing in long-term, profitable growth for all stakeholders. The Group remains true to its three founding values: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust, and a strong sense of ethics. As illustrated by the 2030 roadmap supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), “We bring good times from a good place.” In recognition of Pernod Ricard’s strong commitment to sustainable development and responsible consumption, it has received a Gold rating from Ecovadis and is ranked No. 1 in the beverage sector in Vigeo Eiris. Pernod Ricard is also a United Nation’s Global Compact LEAD company.

Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index.

In-person teaching returns

We’re looking forward to getting back to Arniston House next month as our in-person whisky diploma courses resume for the first time since September. There are a few spaces available on the Diploma in Single Malt Whisky (Thursday 17 & Friday 18 June) and Diploma in the Art of Tasting Whisky (9 July), with further availability from September onwards.

We do hope to make more places available on all courses as the requirements for physical distancing are relaxed, so do keep an eye out for updates on our website and social media channels. We also have a full diary of dates for 2022, so, if you’re planning to join us in the future, let’s make it a date!

 READ MORE 

Live Virtual Tasting

The GlenAllachie

Tasting Packs to be enjoyed live with Billy Walker, Master Distiller

Join industry legend and proprietor of GlenAllachie distillery Mr Billy Walker on Facebook live for a virtual/live tasting event of the new Wine Cask Finish series plus a MacNair’s Lum Reek 12 Year Old on Thursday 24th June 2021 at 7pm GMT with this tasting kit.

A limited number of packs containing:

1x 25ml GlenAllachie 11 Year Old Grattamacco Wine Cask

1x 25ml GlenAllachie 12 Year Old Sauternes Wine Cask

1x 25ml GlenAllachie 13 Year Old Rioja Wine Cask

1x 25ml MacNair’s Lum Reek 12 Year Old

BUY NOW – GlenAllachie Tasting Kit

Our schedule for collections in June has been confirmed. If you live outside the areas listed and would like a collection of 10+ bottles or bottles to the value of £1000 please complete the request form and we will try to accommodate you.

Our schedule is as follows:

Inverness – Tuesday 8th June 2021

Elgin – Tuesday 8th June 2021

Aberdeen – Wednesday 9th June 2021

Ayrshire – Tuesday 8th June 2021

Inverclyde – Tuesday 8th June 2021

Central Scotland – 8th – 10th June 2021

England – Between 11th-15th June 2021.

London – Sunday 13th June 2021

Islay – Thursday 17th June 2021

Campbeltown – Saturday 19th June 2021

Collections are limited and by appointment only. If you would like to attend please complete the form which can be found here. Please note deadlines apply for collection requests. In a bid to adhere to social distancing guidelines it would be appreciated if bottles could be packed for uplift with the submission form and label completed. A winner in our auction? We are now offering a delivery (to collection point) service to customers who are dropping bottles off for a future auction. This service is charged at £12 (inc VAT), optional loss and breakage cover is available.

Our mailing address is:
mail@scotchwhiskyauctions.com

Inaugural Release: A Revival of a Pre-Prohibition-Era Rye
Leopold Bros. “Collector’s Edition” Bottled In Bond Three Chamber Rye Whiskey (750ml) (Pre-Arrival) ($249.99)

This incredible project has been brewing for almost half a decade. This unbelievable product is the result of one man’s conviction. Todd Leopold has been on a mission to recreate the flavors of the Rye whiskies of old. There are many questions about why Rye whisky doesn’t seem to taste quite like it once did, and as it turns out, almost all the country’s rye was once produced on stills like the one Todd had commissioned by Vendome Copper Works in Louisville. The exact specifications of the still were pieced together from the scant historical record, but the results ultimately speak for themselves.

After years of research and planning, they’ve finally arrived at the final product, the closest approximation to what would have been the most popular spirit in pre-prohibition America, the Three Chamber distilled rye. This is similar to what distillers across the northeast would have used to make whisky at their farms in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and beyond. A modern resurrection executed with dazzling success, this limited production first release of this special rye reflects the incredible cost that Todd incurred to create it, but it’s ultimately well worth the price of admission considering the quality and complexity offered. We’re excited to see how this whisky continues to evolve as those first distillates continue to age, but they’ll always be among the country’s rarest and most sought-after whiskies.

Restock of award-winning Glen Scotia 25 Year Old!

This Glen Scotia has been matured in American oak casks for a quarter of a century before being hand-selected by the distillery’s Master Blender, Michael Henry, to be married in first-fill bourbon casks for up to a year before bottling. Bottled at 48.8% ABV, free from chill-filtration and artificial colouring, this is a smooth and refined Campbeltown single malt with an exceptional mouthfeel. Liquid gold! Maybe you tried to purchase a bottle last time around and were not quick enough – well now you’re in luck! A limited restock has arrived at Loch Fyne, so don’t hesitate if you want to get your hands on a bottle of this incredible single malt whisky.

Last month at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Glen Scotia 25 Year Old was awarded the highest accolade of ‘Best in Show’. With around 3800 entrants Glen Scotia came out on top and are proud to be labelled as the current best whisky in the world – not bad eh?

Glen Scotia
25 Year Old

£375.00

Buy Now

ONE OF SCOTLAND’S OLDEST WHISKY FAMILIES LAUNCH CAREFULLY CURATED PORTFOLIO

Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers release range of whiskies

Thursday 20TH May 2021, Aberargie, Scotland – Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers have launched their awaited portfolio of brands which include a wide variety of unique and exceptional casks from pedigree distilleries across Scotland. Since coming under sole ownership of Brian and Jamie Morrison last year, Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers (formerly Morrison and Mackay) have completely refined their portfolio.

The Morrison family can trace their involvement in the whisky business for over five generations. This includes Brian’s grandfather, William Walker a pre-eminent whisky broker of his era and was succeeded by Brian’s father, Stanley P. Morrison. Stanley cemented the family’s roots in the industry when he purchased Islay’s oldest distillery — Bowmore, which Brian would later become managing director of before its sale to Suntory. In their new venture the family are committed to continuing to impart the knowledge that has been passed down to them from generations of whisky makers.

THE PORTFOLIO

Mac-Talla – Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
A taste journey across Islay, from Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers
Current Expressions: Terra and Mara
Upcoming: Strata launching May 2021
RRP: £42 – £58

Old Perth – Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
The finest sherry-matured whiskies, specially selected to honour the birthplace of blending
Current Expressions: The Original and Cask Strength
Upcoming: Aged Collection launching autumn 2021
RRP: £32 – £45

Càrn Mòr – Single Malt Scotch Whisky
As close to drinking straight from the cask as you can get
Current Expressions: Strictly Limited and Celebration of the Cask
Upcoming: Family Reserve launching autumn 2021
Prices from £47

Jamie Morrison, Chairman of Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers says: “As one of Scotland’s oldest whisky families, we can trace our involvement in the whisky business back five generations where we have held almost every role possible in the industry including licensed grocers, brokers, blenders, bottlers and distillers”.

Jamie further comments, “In the coming years we will release Aberargie Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Distilled in our purpose-built facility in Aberargie, just outside Perth, its release will mark the return to distilling after nearly 25 years for my Father and I”.

The distillers next launch will be from their Mac-Talla range. Strata is a 15-year-old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky and as the rocks Islay stands on. Strata has a velvety texture with earthy is complex and layered peat and winter spices, making it rich and warming with a lovely smoky  finish.

Available from late May 2021.

www.morrisondistillers.com

Jamie Morrison, Chairman of Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers says: “As one of Scotland’s oldest whisky families, we can trace our involvement in the whisky business back five generations where we have held almost every role possible in the industry including licensed grocers, brokers, blenders, bottlers and distillers”.

Jamie further comments, “In the coming years we will release Aberargie Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Distilled in our purpose-built facility in Aberargie, just outside Perth, its release will mark the return to distilling after nearly 25 years for my Father and I”.

The distillers next launch will be from their Mac-Talla range. Strata is a 15-year-old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky and is complex and layered as the rocks Islay stands on. Strata has a velvety texture with earthy
peat and winter spices, making it rich and warming with a lovely smoky finish. Available from late May 2021. www.morrisondistillers.com

Mac-Talla is a range of Single Malt Scotch Whiskies from the Scottish island of Islay. Created by one of Scotland’s oldest whisky families, it is a journey across this weather-beaten island through the eyes of the Morrison family. Mac-Talla, meaning “echo” in Scottish Gaelic, perfectly reflects the taste journey that the Morrison family take you on as they demonstrate the multiple dimensions that come from this complex, untamed environment. The range boasts a variety of strength and maturation style including one age statement. Each expression is Non-Chill Filtered with No Colour Added. www.mactallawhisky.com

The Scottish city of Perth was historically the home of many a whisky company. It was the blending capital of the world where many great blended malts were created however as they moved away, Perth became the forgotten whisky city. Old Perth is a range of Blended Malt Scotch Whisky which will restore tradition by blending in Perth and exclusively using sherry matured malt from a selection of Scotland’s finest distilleries, located in the Glenlivet region of Speyside. www.oldperthwhisky.co.uk

The Càrn Mòr range is a selection of whiskies from single or limited casks, each with their own individual character and story. Where many distilleries strive for consistency across larger batches, Càrn Mòr is able to release unadulterated expressions from these distilleries using traditional methods meaning it is as close to drinking straight from the cask as possible. www.carnmorwhisky.co.uk

GreatDrams marks the easing of lockdown with Lockdown Lock-in special release – Available Now

For our second set of new releases for the year, we have mixed things up a little to have a range with an Islay single cask, a single grain from Strathclyde, a PX single cask from Craigellachie and a blended malt we have called The Lockdown Lock-in Dram. We always do our best to release totally different flavour profiles and to bring unique styles and production methods to consumers who otherwise would not be introduced to such gems, and this lineup is no different.

“Who, at the beginning of this decade, would have thought that whisky tastings would go virtual (and work really well!), that we would have no summer programme of events to see and pour our whisky for our awesome customers at. This whisky, The Lockdown Lock-in Dram, with its luscious notes of vanilla and honey is a smooth, easy-drinking blended malt whisky created to raise a glass to one another as we move through this challenging time and look forward to brighter times” – Greg Dillon, co-founder of GreatDrams.

As a company of two people, husband and wife duo Greg & Kirsty Dillon, we are able to be really nimble when it comes to what we do with our range, what we release and when we release new limited edition whiskies.

“This was all about doing something a bit different, maybe a bit quirky, but fundamentally the whisky is fantastic with so many layers and depth of flavours. Lockdown was hard for all of us in different ways, this is just our small way of marking this with a whisky to be shared, to bring a smile to those enjoying it and to remind ourselves of the journey we have all unexpectedly been on for the last fourteen months or so”.

THE GREATDRAMS SUBSCRIPTION HAS BEEN REVAMPED TOO

Named “Best Whisky Subscription for Exclusive Bottles” by IndyBest from The Independent… Are you looking to expand your whisky collection with some exclusives that cannot be bought in shops or even online? Looking for the ultimate present for the whisky lover in your life, the one who is always tremendously hard to buy for? Look no further than the GreatDrams Whisky Subscription, delivering bottles only available to subscribers every two months.

We utilise our knowledge, experience, skill and network to source members of The GreatDrams Subscription exclusive whisky bottlings from casks of ours that you simply cannot find anywhere else.

Each is selected by Greg & Kirsty for a variety of reasons; interesting flavour profile, unique cask maturation, interesting back story, rare distillery and many more. Our reasoning and journey to selecting each cask will be communicated with each bottle you receive.

Each subscription level includes a virtual whisky tasting for all subscribers every two months.

The full currently line up in the GreatDrams range is: 

THE LOCKDOWN LOCK-IN DRAM BLENDED MALT SCOTCH WHISKY
As featured in Mail+, this whisky, with its luscious notes of vanilla and honey is a smooth, easy-drinking blended malt whisky created to raise a glass to one another as we move through this challenging time and look forward to brighter times.

“We have already seen a lot of movement of this release in the gifting market as people look to buy something to mark the occasion when they get to dram together once again – or even for those who don’t know what to get the whisky lover in their life,” notes Greg, “it is already a crowd pleaser!”

Age: 12 Years Old     |     Cask: Ex-Bourbon casks     |     ABV: 48.2%     |     Only 500 bottles ever released

CRAIGELLACHIE 7 YEAR PX SHERRY CASK OLD
We love the Craigellachie Distillery, always have, always will, and this is a release driven by participants on our private virtual whisky tastings. Over 200 of them got to try this as we introduced cask samples to our whisky lineups and this whisky was loved by so many groups we felt compelled to do a small run of just a hundred bottles for those who wanted to get involved in this special whisky. This whisky has been matured for its whole maturation term in a Pedro Ximenez cask (known as PX in the industry) which has given it a stunning meaty flavour profile full of rich fruit and a pang of sweetness too owing to its time in the PX cask.

“Yes, only 90 bottles of this one have been produced, and all because of the awesome feedback we received when cask samples of this gem were used on our virtual tastings during the Christmas season” – Kirsty

Age: 7 Years Old     |     ABV: 48.2%     |     Only 90 bottles ever released

STRATHCLYDE 15 YEAR OLD SINGLE CASK SINGLE GRAIN SCOTCH WHISKY

As you’ll know, we love grain whisky so this is our core Single Cask Single Grain whisky release for 2021. Expect notes of toffee, fudge, stewed apples with a thick, oily mouthfeel evoking cereal and spicy notes whilst being incredibly smooth at the same time with honey and burnt brown sugar notes present too.

Age: 15 Years Old     |     ABV: 48.2%     |     Only 200 bottles ever released

ISLAY SINGLE CASK SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY
We have always wanted to bottle an Islay whisky, and our awesome customers have been pestering us to do so for a long time… finally it is here! A heavily peated whisky from the mystical island of Islay, matured in First Fill Bourbon Barrel and laden with beautifully balanced, classic Islay peated whisky notes as well as lovely soothing vanilla and citrus fruit notes along with cinnamon and warming spice notes too.

Age: 7 Years Old     |     ABV: 48.2%     |     Only 243 bottles ever released

All our releases are non-chill filtered and of natural colour.

“We have been toying with when to release our ancient Girvan for a while now and it felt right to do so now as it is just over 30 years old, is so rich and luxurious in its flavour composition and, frankly, like all our releases, we fell in love with it… who doesn’t love an ancient grain whisky?!” – Greg

In addition to new releases, GreatDrams is now taking bookings for private virtual whisky and gin tastings September through December, so far since lockdown was announced GreatDrams’ virtual tastings – public and private – have had over 2,000 participants and has added a fun dimension to what we do. Greg notes that he “never expected to do virtual tastings, and set the first one up as a way to get around 20 people to have a drink with him to alleviate the monotony of lockdown and it just spiralled from there”.

To get in touch and talk whisky contact Greg@GreatDrams.com or to buy limited edition whisky www.greatdrams.com/whisky-shop

ABOUT GreatDrams

www.GreatDrams.com
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GreatDrams is all about raising spirits
Award-winning from our first dram, with one of our most recent award wins being in the most prestigious global whisky competition describing our whisky as being “amongst the finest products in the world”, we will introduce whisky drinkers to their next favourite. GreatDrams is a family business bringing great quality, limited edition whiskies and whiskeys to the people, all at a fair price. Never repeating our products, and never compromising on flavour.

GreatDrams was launched with the aim to make great whisky more approachable & available. We are experts in finding incredible tasting rare casks of whisky.

With twenty awards under our belts, we have a proven track record for producing great tasting whiskies that are recognised and awarded by both consumer and industry judging panels… that sell out every single time as well, which tells us all we need to know.

We love what we do and are constantly searching for whisky that not only has a story behind every drop and means something to us, but tastes sensational.