Morrison Distillers Second 2021 Release
Inverurie Whisky Shop
1 Burnside, Inverurie, AB51 3RY, United Kingdom
Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 371: Unleash the Cline 20 Year Old 2000 Mobster on Mopeds
Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tries an secret Clynelish. He’s quite naughty by revealing Clynelish immediately, for this is actually an ‘undisclosed’ malt. But when you label your release Unleash the Cline, well. Mark takes full responsibility. This is the eight release already of these so called Mobsters on Mopeds, again very limited. Only 53 bottles. And of course bottle 53 of 53 is proudly displayed in his cabinet until he throws the complete Mobster series in one of his online tastings soon.
FINE AND RARE MACALLANS LEAD BONHAMS MARCH WHISKY SALE IN EDINBURGH
Link to catalogue: Bonhams : Whisky Sale
The Macallan Millennium Decanter-50 year old-1949. Estimate: £18,000-20,000
The Macallan Millennium Decanter-50 year old-1949, distilled and bottled at Easter Elchies, Craigellachie leads a fine selection of Macallans in Bonhams first Whisky sale of 2021 in Edinburgh on Tuesday 2 March. It is estimated at £18,000-20,000.
The decanter was made by Caithness Glass in Crieff and comes in a fitted oak presentation case. The whisky, which was bottled in 1999 and released to commemorate the millennium, is regarded as one of Macallan’s finest expressions.
Other Macallan highlights include:
· The Macallan Select Reserve-51 year old-1946. Only 366 bottles were produced and Macallan decided to bottle just one on each day of the year, making each bottling unique. This bottled is dated 6 June. Estimate: £14,000-18,000
· The Macallan Fine and Rare-32 year old-1970. Officially bottled by hand in 2002 at The Macallan Distillery, Easter Elchies, Craigellachie. Estimate: £12,000-15,000.
· The Macallan Select Reserve-52 year old-1946. Peat rather than coal was used in the malting process because of the high price of the latter in the immediate post-war years, reverting to the practice when the distillery first opened in the 1820s. There are three bottles in the sale with an estimate of £10,000-14,000 each.
Among other highlights are:
· Dalmore-50 year old-1926 in a black ceramic decanter. Estimate £15,000-20,000.
· Bowmore-43 year old-1973. Distilled and bottled by Beam Suntory UK Ltd it comes in a wooden presentation case. Estimate: £6,000-7,500.
Bonhams Whisky specialist in Edinburgh Martin Green said: “The Macallan is always in great demand from collectors. Our first sale of 2021 offers some great examples including the much sought-after Macallan Millennium Decanter-50 year old-1949, as well as many fine bottles from other distilleries.”
Sale: WhiskyLocation: 22 Queen Street EdinburghDate: Tuesday 2 March at 11 am
NOTES
Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest and most renowned auctioneers, offering fine art and antiques, motor cars and jewellery. The main salerooms are in London, New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong, with auctions also held in Knightsbridge, Edinburgh, Paris, San Francisco and Sydney. With a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 22 countries, Bonhams offers advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full list of forthcoming auctions, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com. bonhams.com
THE DEVIL’S IN THE DETAILS: THE CRAFT IRISH WHISKEY CO. STRIKES GOLD AT THE LUXURY PACKAGING AWARDS 2020
The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. Wins ‘The Luxury Drinks Secondary Pack Award’ for the design of The Devil’s Keep Experience Box
23rd February 2021, London The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. has been crowned the winner of the ‘Luxury Drinks Secondary Pack’ award at The Luxury Packaging Awards 2020 for the design of The Devil’s Keep experience box.
The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. follows in the footsteps of Irish whiskey brand, The Macallan®, who won the corresponding award in 2019. This year, eight other well-established whiskies were also competing for the title, including Redbreast 27-year-old, Maison Ruinart ‘Second Skin’, Glenfiddich Grand Cru and the Macallan Gifting Range. The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. also won Highly Commended for the design of The Devil’s Keep bottle in ‘Luxury Drinks Primary Pack’ award, which was announced yesterday.
The Devil’s Keep is a rare triple distilled, 29-year-old single malt whiskey and one of the finest whiskies that Ireland has ever created. It was the first release from The Craft Irish Whiskey Co., making this accolade a moment of particular significance for Founder, Jay Bradley, and Design Director, Tiago Russo. The launch of The Devil’s Keep in November 2020 saw just 333 bottles released – with an additional 333 expected later this year. It was the most expensive inaugural first release in history, which sold at auction at USD $60,000 (almost £46,000 and €51,000 Euros), and the oldest triple distilled Irish whiskey in existence, only to be topped by The Craft Irish Whiskey Co.’s second release earlier this month of the 30-year-old The Emerald Isle Collection.
The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. is the proud whiskey partner of The Michelin Guide and a partner in the Michelin Star Revelation Great Britain and Ireland 2021. The primary concept for The Devil’s Keep was inspired by Jay Bradley’s desire to create the perfect whiskey to be enjoyed after dinner, with the ultimate aim of creating the best and most luxurious Irish whiskey. With this in mind, Tiago Russo wanted to ensure that the design of The Devil’s Keep would create a multi-sensorial experience, which engages all five senses.
The Devil’s Keep bottle is encased in an experience box made up of two custom-locked cases, secured by bespoke brass Japanese style locks. The minimalist outer case of the experience box has a dark stained oak finish and a bolt of geometric gold detailing, while the burgundy leather walls that line the inner case help to refract the colours of the whiskey. Housed inside the box are the exquisite whiskey accessories: two uniquely designed glasses, an atomiser, a measure of barley, a carafe of water, a pipette and whiskey stones. To protect the main packaging, a structural transit box was designed in two parts, allowing a vertical extraction which makes the experience as effortless and ergonomic as possible.
No detail was overlooked in the creation of this multi-sensory experience, from the vial of barley sourced from the same malting house that housed the original barley for the whiskey, through to the carafe filled with water sourced from the Antrim hills which was also used for the original whiskey. A custom-designed pipette enables water to be applied precisely to release the micelles and the flavours, while obsidian whiskey stones can be used in place of ice to prevent the dilution of the whiskey. A special ‘angel’s share’ atomiser has been designed by expert perfumer Sarah McCartney, which is unique to The Devil’s Keep. It captures the unmistakable aroma one gets as you walk through the halls of a whiskey warehouse full of maturing whiskey. When the angel’s share has evaporated, it leaves the whiskey for the devil which is stored within the bottle, also designed by Tiago Russo, that sits centre stage within the experience box. The bottle is held by a chain which must be unleashed, meaning only the rightful owner can unlock The Devil’s Keep.
Bespoke glasses, a custom numbered whiskey certificate and a detailed booklet which tells the story of The Devil’s Keep are housed in each door. Érimón glass – rather than traditional crystal – has been used for the two specially designed glasses, which allows the whiskey notes to be experienced like never before. Inspired by traditional Turkish tea glasses, their shape encourages the dispersion of ethanol, ensuring that only the whiskey notes reach the nose and palate.
The Craft Irish Whiskey Co.’s Design Director, Tiago Russo, said: “It is a huge honour for myself and everyone at The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. to win this award. For us as a brand, it symbolises the return of Irish whiskey to its rightful place as an ultra-luxury product on the world stage. To me, this a triumph of design, demonstrating how it can empower and elevate a product, bringing to life the story of The Devil’s Keep and the history of Irish whiskey through a multi-sensory experience.”
Jay Bradley, Founder at The Craft Irish Whiskey Co., commented: “I am so proud that we have been recognised in the Luxury Packaging Awards 2020. It has taken our team years of dedication and passion to create such a unique whiskey experience. To be nominated in this distinguished category, amongst the very best in luxury design, is a huge accomplishment and has allowed us to fill the gap in the market for ultra-luxury Irish whiskey and redefine global perceptions of luxury. The Devil’s Keep was just the start for us: with the recent launch of The Emerald Isle Collection in partnership with Fabergé and some exciting new releases in the pipeline, I am excited for what the future holds for The Craft Irish Whiskey Co.”
For further information about The Devil’s Keep, please visit Instagram: @craftirishehiskeyco
Video: (password: watch)
Notes
Price: 10,000 Euros
About The Craft Irish Whiskey Co.: The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. is different. This is not mass-produced whiskey, but an attention to detail and crafting processes that create the very finest craft Irish whiskey.
The company sources rare whiskey and uses ultra-premium finishing barrels to mature its whiskey due to the high quality of the wood and previous spirit or wine that helps deliver complex flavour profiles. The Craft Irish Whiskey Co., knows that a premium level of spirit stored in this type of barrel adds deep and complex flavours into the finish which produces a phenomenal Irish whiskey.
The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. uniquely cask their whiskey at 52% ABV. Adding water in at the start allows the water and whiskey to marry over time creating a far smoother whiskey.
The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. is the proud whiskey partner of the The MICHELIN Guide and a partner in the Michelin Star Revelation Great Britain and Ireland 2021. https://vimeo.com/457863988 History of Irish Whiskey It is little known that Ireland invented whiskey in the 14th century and dominated the sector. By the 1800s, a group known as the ‘Dublin Whiskey Masters’ brought the art of whiskey making to its zenith with iconoclastic disruption. However, although Irish whiskey suffered a dramatic decline due to an unfortunate set of geopolitics, it is now being reborn and today, clawing back past glories. Ireland’s emerging, small-scale but disruptive distilleries have the talent and freedom to innovate whiskey on a scale not seen since the 19th century. The Devil’s Keep sees the age-old secrets of Ireland’s whiskey masters re-imagined with the launch of the oldest ever released triple distilled Irish whiskey and the most expensive first release in the history of whiskey. About the Luxury Packaging Awards 2020:
Winners for all categories will be announced through a series of video releases between 22nd – 26th February 2021.
The full panel of judges can be viewed here
The full shortlist can be found here
The Dram Team Partners With 6 Inspirational Whisky Women for Charity Tasting Event
The Dram Team, a Bristol based leading whisky tasting subscription company, has teamed up with six inspirational women from the whisky industry to host a one-of-a-kind virtual whisky tasting. In celebration of International Women’s Day falling on the 8th of March, this special whisky tasting set features 6 whiskies where women played a key part in their creation. Tasting set boxes will be available throughout March, and all proceeds will be donated to charity.
The Women in Whisky virtual tasting will take place on Wednesday 10th of March at 8pm on The Dram Team’s Facebook and YouTube channels. Dram Team Head of Marketing Harri Sharman will host the event and be joined by an impressive array of (female) representatives from Nc’nean, Compass Box, Tamnavulin, J.J. Corry, Penderyn, and Cardrona.
The tasting offers participants a rare chance to meet a wide range of whisky pros, ask questions, and taste six high-quality whiskies, all from the comfort of their own home.
Not only that, but everyone who takes part will be supporting two charities tied to the Women in Whisky theme, with the Dram Team donating proceeds equally to Bristol Women’s Voice – an equality focused charity local to their offices in Bristol – and The Drinks Trust – an industry charity supporting hospitality workers throughout the pandemic.
One of the tasting panel guests is Annabel Thomas, founder and CEO of Nc’nean Distillery. She says, “I’m so excited to be participating in this event – both to be supporting two fantastic charities and to be part of an awesome line up of whiskies. Looking forward to sharing some stories and a dram!”
Chris Borrow, founder of the Dram Team, believes whisky should be enjoyed by anyone: “People who work in whisky know that women are very much at the heart and soul of the industry, but a lot of daft, sexist myths still persist despite this. The Women in Whisky box aims to dispel these myths and send a clear message that whisky is for everyone.”
Harri Sharman, who will be hosting the event, agrees. “This event, to me, is not just about recognising and celebrating some of the amazing work that women are doing in the whisky industry, it’s also a fantastic whisky tasting in its own right. I was so excited to work on this project because of the great quality of the whiskies, the variety of flavours, and the talent of the women involved, and I think the two charities we’ve chosen do so much to support all types of people in both the whisky industry and the wider world.”
The tasting is open to all, but those interested in tasting the whiskies as well can pre-purchase their whisky tasting boxes for £34.99. They’ll also have the option to make an additional donation to these charities should they wish.
While this special edition tasting box is available as a one-off whisky box, participants can also opt to join The Dram Team’s whisky tasting club, saving £5 off subsequent whisky tasting boxes. For the full list of tasting panel guests and the whiskies included, visit The Dram Team’s website.
Event Information
Event: Women in Whisky – Virtual Live Charity Tasting
Time: Wednesday 10th March 2021, 8pm – 9:30pm
Price: £34.99 (with whisky box)
Ticket link: www.thedramteam.co.uk/iwd
Event link: www.thedramteam.co.uk/iwdtasting
Dynasty Decanter with real gold and silver decoration
A lost Linlithgow distillery bottled in hand-blown ATLANTIS crystal
St. Magdalene 31 Year Old Lowland single malt Scotch whisky. The Dynasty decanter was created to celebrate the evolution of Scotch whisky distilling during the 200 years spanned by seven Stuart monarchs. Cast in silver and decorated with pure gold medallions of the heads of the seven Stuart monarchs. The hand-blown decanter comes from one of the world’s leading crystal-glass manufacturers; ATLANTIS. Bottled by Hart Brothers.
A malt that is both vibrant and complex in nature. The nose is rounded with notes of ripe citrus fruit, almonds and sherry-soaked sponge. There are also hints of menthol and a slight peat aroma.
A soft Lowland character layered with sweet sherry spice. Brown sugar, toffee, more fruit and salted dark chocolate with a warming spice.
The finish is considerably long and reflects the palate. More fruit, toffee and spice, with a lingering finish of barley sugar.
St. Magdalene’s malt whisky distillery was established by Adam Dawson at Linlithgow in 1824 and opened shortly thereafter. The Union Canal flowed right by on its southern doorstep and the Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway steamed right past on its northern flank ensuring easy access to rapidly expanding markets. St. Magdalene’s Distillery closed in 1983, later converted into private housing and is now a lost Lowland malt whisky distillery. All the whisky from St. Magdalene’s four stills went into blends during its working life, the few single cask bottlings are a modern development and listed amongst their limited number is Carn Mor’s 1982 vintage.
Liten Brun Hund Single Cask 2008 Mackmyra
Our local friends at Little Brown Dog have done it again! A stunning Single Cask release selected by Andrew and Chris from the Mackmyra Warehouses in Sweden. Liten Brun Hund was distilled in 2008 and bottled earlier this month from a Virgin Oak Single Cask. Bottled at a natural 49.8% and all natural colour it is an exquisite dram. Extremely limited and only available from a handful of retailers (including us!), these Doggies won’t be in the window very long!
*LIMITED TO TWO PER PERSON*
Loch Lomond
The Open Special Edition
Created in partnership with Colin Montgomerie, professional golfer and ambassador for Loch Lomond Whiskies, this expression has been matured in three types of American oak casks before being treated to a partial finish in Virgin American oak. This expression has been bottled at 46% abv without chill filtration or added colouring.
On the collaboration, Colin says: “Working with Michael Henry [Master Distiller] once again has been an incredible experience. I know that both golfers and whisky fans will love that we’ve been able to produce.”
£40.00
Loch Lomond 20 Year Old
Open Course Collection
Royal St. George’s
Loch Lomond’s Open Course Collection Royal St Georges, a 20-year-old single malt, is the result of a collaboration between professional golfer Darren Clarke and Loch Lomond Whiskies Master Blender Michael Henry.
Michael’s choice of casks, specially commissioned English Virgin Oak, bring out the signature fruit character created by the innovative stills at the Loch Lomond Distillery. Bottled in a traditional artisanal manner, this expression comes at a cask strength of 50.2% abv, without chill filtration or added colouring.
Canada’s Best Whisky Is Canadian Club
It is official: Canada’s oldest whisky is also its best. On February 25, 2021, nine independent whisky experts named 43-year-old Canadian Club Chronicles as Canadian Whisky of the Year at the eleventh annual Canadian Whisky Awards. Canadian Club 43 also took top honours as Connoisseur Whisky of the Year.
“This is truly a remarkable whisky, so deserving of the accolade,” said Davin de Kergommeaux, head judge and founder of the awards. “Canadian Club has been shortlisted for best whisky in past years, and for 2021, the judges awarded Canadian Club 43-year-old the highest overall score among over 130 Canadian whiskies entered in the competition.”
Other major winners include Pendleton Director’s Reserve which was named Connoisseur Whisky of the Year in the multi-market category. J. P. Wiser’s Triple Barrel Rye, which is a US exclusive, took home Sippin’ Whisky of the Year in the export-only category, while Gibson’s Finest Bold was named Sippin’ Whisky of the Year for the Canadian market.
J.P. Wiser’s 22-Year-Old Port Cask Finished claimed Cask Strength Whisky of the year, and the sensational Lot No. 40 Dark Oak was named Best New Whisky.
Windsor’s Hiram Walker Distillery is the 2021 Distillery of the Year, while Devine Distillery and Winery in Saanich, British Columbia was awarded Artisanal Distillery of the Year. Devine distiller, Ken Winchester received accolades for Lifetime Achievement in distilling. Shelter Point Distillery from Campbell River BC and Two Brewers from Whitehorse Yukon tied for Best Single Malt.
Notes:
About the Canadian Whisky Awards: The annual Canadian Whisky Awards, broadcast online in 2021, are normally held in conjunction with the Victoria Whisky Festival. The awards recognize the very best Canadian whiskies, and are intended to encourage distillers to maintain the highest quality standards. To qualify, each whisky must be distilled and matured in Canada.
An independent panel of whisky experts selects the winners after tasting each whisky blind. In keeping with current trends in whisky connoisseurship, the jury includes both women and men tasters, who have made significant contributions to understanding Canadian whisky.
Operated on a not-for-profit basis, the Canadian Whisky Awards are fully independent of the Canadian whisky industry.
For further information please contact:
Davin de Kergommeaux (613) 563-0254 or davindek@gmail.com.
For full results https://canadianwhisky.org/
Photo caption: The 43-Year-Old Canadian Club Chronicles has been named Canada’s best whisky at the eleventh annual Canadian Whisky Awards.
Photo Credit: Canadian Club
