Our February auction is now LIVE!

Place your bids from Friday 12^th February until Sunday 21^st February.

www.whiskyhammer.com

Every month, we present an incredible selection of whiskies and other fine spirits to our members right across the globe. You will find everything here from limited edition releases and vintage bottles to whole casks of rare whisky. There is certainly something for everyone – whether you are looking to collect, invest or enjoy!

Macallan – Red Collection

Chichibu – Intergalactic Series

Macallan – Easter Elchies (2008-2013)

Kavalan – Single Cask (Virgin Oak)

Macallan – 52 Year Old

Selling whisky? Why not arrange the pick-up of your bottles using our global courier service? If you’re based in Scotland, you might want to arrange the personal collection of your bottles. Wherever you’re based in the world, we will make getting your bottles into our monthly auction as simple as possible. Get in touch with the Whisky Hammer team now by dropping them a message at sales@whiskyhammer.co.uk.

OLD & RARE WHISKY SHOW RETURNS WITH ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME VIRTUAL TASTINGS

Old & Rare Whisky Show 2021 boasts a series of live-streamed masterclasses that provide a window into history – and they’re free to watch.

The famed annual celebration of old & rare whisky is returning, and for the first time will take place virtually. There will be four masterclasses live-streamed on Facebook across three days: 25, 26, 27 February 2021. Each class will be available to watch for free, with tasting packs available to purchase for those who wish to follow along with the hosts on Zoom.

The show is famed for celebrating the discovery of extremely rare whiskies produced in bygone eras, and this year will be no different. The show founders – Sukhinder Singh, co-founder of The Whisky Exchange, and whisky experts Angus MacRaild and Jonny McMillan – and Billy Abbott, The Whisky Exchange ambassador, will be joined by a variety of guests to lead the classes, sharing a lifetime of invaluable expertise and passion for old spirits.

The tasting sets feature old and rare whiskies rarely seen open, drawn from the collections of the hosts. Tasting packs are available to purchase from thewhiskyexchange.com, ranging from £150-225.

Masterclass line-up:

Waxy Whisky Masterclass: Thursday 25 February, 7pm

One of the key hallmarks of older style single malts is the elusive characteristic we call ‘waxiness’. In this tasting, our hosts will be joined by Roe and Co head distiller Lora Hemy and whiskyfun.com creator Serge Valentin to explore this flavour profile in depth with some famous and lesser-known examples.

Longmorn Masterclass: Friday 26 February, 7pm

Longmorn is one of the Scotch whisky blenders’ favourite malts, used as a ‘top dresser’ for adding something special to their blends. Our hosts and their guests – The Whisky Exchange’s Old and Rare Spirits Manager Diego Lanza and Catawiki whisky specialist Jeroen Koetsier – will dig deep into the flavours of Longmorn to discover what makes the distillery’s older whiskies so special.

Gordon & MacPhail Old & Rare Masterclass Saturday 27 February, 4pm

Gordon & MacPhail are one of the world’s oldest and most respected independent bottlers, with an unrivalled range of bottlings to its name. Host Billy Abbott will be joined by Diego Lanza and Jason Vaswani from The Whisky Exchange Old & Rare spirits team to showcase some of the best examples of more recent years, distilled between 1953 and 1972.

Old-Style Peat Masterclass: Saturday 27 February, 7pm

The flavour of peat is one of the most misunderstood and least explored aspects of whisky. The tasting pack features some excellent examples of single malts that express starkly differing aspects of peat flavour. A journey through history and geography with some stunning, rarely available whiskies. Our hosts will be joined by Scotch Whisky Research Institute senior scientist Frances Jack, and photographer, author and smoky whisky expert Marcel van Gils to taste some stunning examples of single malts that express starkly differing aspects of peat flavour.

In less than a year of our whiskies being on sale, Waterford Distillery has won an Icon of Whisky Ireland Award 2021 in not just one, but two categories – the coveted Distiller of the Year Award and Brand Innovator of the Year Award.

The Icons of Whisky are announced by Whisky Magazine each year to recognise the people, places and products that complete the whole dynamic of the whisky industry. This year the awards were announced online and a full list of the winners can be seen here

It promises to be a very exciting Spring for Waterford Distillery – they have some major announcements coming later this month…

Give your input and you could win a free bottle of Hibiki 17

Dekanta

2-49-7 Minamiikebukuro Toshima-ku, Tokyo

Our biggest ever whisky sale is ON!

We’ve slashed prices on 100 of our top-trending products over at our online shop, including gems from The Dalmore, Benriach, GlenDronach and more.

Lockdown nightcaps? Sorted! At a fraction of the price.

Buy Now ›

Black Velvet Whisky Introduces Black Velvet Apple

A natural fit for the Black Velvet flavors lineup, apple continues to see heightened success across brown spirits as the leading flavor. Black Velvet Apple delivers a smooth, balanced taste with a burst of tart, green apple followed by a bright, crisp finish. Apple joins Black Velvet Toasted Caramel to further expand the current flavor offerings in the franchise.BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Black Velvet Whisky, the second-largest selling Canadian whisky in the world, today launched Black Velvet Apple. With its perfect blend of original Black Velvet Canadian Whisky and natural apple flavors, the new flavor is ripe for success amongst a growing category.

“Black Velvet Apple is an approachable flavor that marries the quality of Black Velvet Whisky with the hottest flavor in brown spirits today for an extraordinary taste,” said Hannah Venhoff, Group Product Director, Heaven Hill Brands. “With renewed attention and investment in Black Velvet, we are invigorating the brand with thoughtful innovation that honors the Black Velvet legacy and brings new consumers to this iconic brand.”

Heaven Hill Brands acquired the Black Velvet Distilling Company in November 2019, quickly moving forward on infrastructure developments to build upon the success and experience of the Black Velvet team in Lethbridge, Canada. Building on the success of Toasted Caramel, flavor innovation with Black Velvet Apple introduces the next phase of investment in the historic brand, welcoming in new consumers and providing choice to current fans. Black Velvet Apple will be supported at retail with point of sale and displays, as well as across trade media.

Black Velvet Apple will be available in limited markets February 2021 at a suggested retail price of $10.99/750ml. Bottled at 70 proof, Black Velvet Apple will be produced in 1.75L, 750ml, and 50ml.

Enjoy Black Velvet Apple served neat, over ice, with your favorite mixer, or in one of the following refreshing cocktails:

Canadian Mounty Mule

½ oz. Lime Juice2 oz. Black Velvet Apple

3 oz. Ginger Ale

Build all ingredients in a mule mug or collins glass over ice, stir, and garnish with lime

Oldman Old Fashioned

1 ½ oz. Black Velvet Whisky¾ oz. Black Velvet Apple

3 dashes of Angostura Bitters

2 dashes of Orange Bitters

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice and stir well until chilled. Serve over ice and garnish with orange peel.

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL BRANDS: Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY -based Heaven Hill Brands (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, Larceny, and Henry McKenna Bourbons; Rittenhouse Rye Whisky; Deep Eddy and Burnett’s Vodkas; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; Black Velvet Canadian Whisky; Lunazul Tequila; The Christian Brothers Brandies; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; Carolans Irish Cream Liqueur; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur.

The Archive Series

Gordon & MacPhail

A wonderful selection of Exceptional Casks selected by Gordon & MacPhail to highlight some of the fantastic age that their cask selection and management expertise yields.

One of, if not the oldest Independent Bottler in the world, Gordon & MacPhail does things differently. By maintaining it’s own casks and filling with spirit direct from the distilleries, the team in Elgin manage every step of maturation that their casks undergo.

Here, we are delighted to expose to you some of the oldest, rarest whiskies available from their collection.

£5,000.00

Glen Grant 1950 68 Year Old

Shop now

Glenlivet 1969 48 Year Old

£2,000.00

Shop Now

Glenlivet 1967 49 Year Old

£2,250.00

Shop now

Glenlivet 1979 39 Year Old

£1,100.00

Shop now

Raising your glass to the extraordinary

Inverurie Whisky Shop

1 Burnside, Inverurie, AB51 3RY, United Kingdom

http://www.inveruriewhiskyshop.com

To join the Springbank Society please contact them at society@springbank.scot

From today, Friday 12^th February the following whiskies will be for sale in the UK.

Due to ongoing delays in shipping, they will not be available in Europe yet but will follow soon. Keep in touch with your local Springbank stockist to alert you when the new expressions arrive.

Due to shipment times, releases throughout the rest of the world will be at different dates.

Longrow Red (52.5%ABV) 

This edition of 10,000 bottles has been matured for 7 years in bourbon casks then a further 3 years in refill malbec red wine casks. The Malbec barriques for this expression have been sourced from De Toren Private Cellar in Stellenbosch, South Africa.

Nose

Aromas of chewy vanilla fudge and butterscotch with a hint of tart and sticky stewed rhubarb and grape juice.

Palate

Delicate peat smoke is balanced with notes of juicy red apples and ripe black cherries. Freshly baked pretzels, vanilla and sugar-coated almonds offer buttery, sweet characteristics whilst there is a developing earthy hint of tobacco leaves towards the end.

Finish

The ashy, earthy, buttery characteristics continue with notes of burnt embers and warm buttered toast.

Available from 10am at Cadenhead’s Campbeltown, Cadenhead’s Edinburgh and Cadenhead.shop for £57.00 .

PLEASE NOTE: THERE IS NO SOCIETY DISCOUNT
AVAILABLE ON THIS BOTTLE.

BUY HERE: FRIDAY 10AM (GMT)

Please join the Society to reveal the link!

Shipping to UK and Rest of World only. Shipping to EU not currently available. 

Available at local retailers, if you are interested in this edition click below to find one near you.

UK RETAILERS

ALSO, BEING LAUNCHED ON FRIDAY…

Kilkerran 8-Year-Old Cask Strength (56.9%ABV.) 

Springbank’s sister distillery, Glengyle, will also be launching a new edition of Kilkerran 8-Year-Old Cask Strength.

This cask strength whisky has been fully matured in fresh sherry oloroso casks, giving it a rich, dark, treacly colour.

Nose

Well-balanced, rich and softly peated.

Juicy and sticky with notes of maraschino cherries, vanilla fudge, toffee pudding and coffee beans. Jam and fruit, balanced with a light smoky aroma.

Palate

Lovely dark fruit flavours continue with plum, cherry and sweet raspberry. Cooking apples, lemon glazing, a dusting of dark chocolate powder and a dry yet delicate peat smoke towards the end. A familiar coastal brine influence draws out the unique Campbeltown characteristics.

Finish

Notes of sea salt, dark cacao, smouldering campfire, sandalwood, BBQ meat and dry peat smoke.
Available from 10am at Cadenhead’s Campbeltown, Cadenhead’s Edinburgh and Cadenhead.shop for £48.00.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE IS NO SOCIETY DISCOUNT
AVAILABLE ON THIS BOTTLE.

BUY HERE: FRIDAY 10AM (GMT)

Please join the Society to reveal the link!

Shipping to UK and Rest of World only. Shipping to EU not currently available. 

Available at local retailers, if you are interested in this edition click below to find one near you.

UK RETAILERS

Slainte,

The Springbank Team

To join the Springbank Society please contact them at society@springbank.scot

DISCOVER THE MAKING OF

WE CAUGHT UP WITH OUR WHISKY BLENDER AND BRAND MANAGER, STEVEN SHAND, TO DISCOVER THE MAKING OF UNTOLD RICHES.

DISCOVER UNTOLD RICHES

HOW DID YOU SELECT THE CASKS?

WHILST THE SCOTCH WHISKY WE SET OUT TO MAKE WOULD COMPRISE SOLELY OF BUNNAHABHAIN, WE WERE ABLE TO SELECT CASKS FROM MULTIPLE STOCK PROFILES. THIS GAVE US A FANTASTIC RANGE OF FLAVOURS TO BUILD A NUANCED EXPRESSION FROM; SOME OF THESE ANCIENT CASKS HAD AS LITTLE AS 80 LITRES OF SPIRIT LEFT FROM WHAT WAS ONCE 250 LITRES IN THE CASK.

HARMONY OF WOOD AND SPIRIT WAS FRONT OF MIND, SO WE BALANCED ANY DEEP, HEAVILY-INFLUENCED CASKS WITH MORE DELICATE CASKS SO AS NOT TO LOSE THE SIGNATURE MALTY-SWEET CHARACTER OF BUNNAHABHAIN DISTILLERY (WHICH MAKES IT A FAVOURITE AMONGST US AT WEMYSS MALTS). IN THE END, UNTOLD RICHES WAS BORN FROM A RECIPE COMPRISING OF 31 SHERRY AND BOURBON CASKS, RANGING IN VINTAGES BETWEEN 1987 AND 1991.

SCROLL DOWN TO DISCOVER THE DETAILED CASK BREAKDOWN OF UNTOLD RICHES.

WHERE DID THE NAME ‘UNTOLD RICHES’ COME FROM?

YOU REALLY DON’T KNOW WHAT TREASURES YOU’LL FIND AMONGST OLD BUNNAHABHAIN CASKS. WE KNEW THERE’D BE SUBSTANTIAL CASK INFLUENCE, BUT WE DISCOVERED THERE WAS SO MUCH MORE TO THESE CASKS. INSPIRED BY THE TREASUROUS CASKS AND THE HIDDEN COASTAL PLACEMENT OF THEIR DISTILLERY, WE FOUND OUR NAME.

IS THIS THE BEGINNING OF A SERIES?

GIVEN THE EXCLUSIVE AND ELUSIVE NATURE OF THE CASKS USED IN THIS BOTTLING, IT’S HIGHLY LIKELY THAT THIS WILL BE THE ONLY EXPRESSION OF UNTOLD RICHES. AS THIS IS OUR FIRST EVER VATTED SINGLE MALT AND WE’RE INCREDIBLY PROUD OF THE WAY IN WHICH WE HAND-CRAFTED IT, THERE’S POTENTIAL OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLORE MORE SINGLE MALT RELEASES IN THE FUTURE.

HOW WOULD YOU PAIR UNTOLD RICHES?

THANKS TO THE DEEP-YET-BALANCED NOTES OF UNTOLD RICHES, THERE ARE MANY PAIRING POSSIBILITIES. I’D START WITH SALTED CARAMEL DARK CHOCOLATE, A RICH PORTER BEER OR SOME SHARP SCOTTISH CHEDDAR.

DISCOVER UNTOLD RICHES

Dalwhinnie “Winter’s Frost Game of Thrones House Stark” Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) (Elsewhere $48) $21.99 View

Part of Diageo’s line of eight single malt whiskies to commemorate the eighth and final season of HBO’s hit television series Game of Thrones that is based on the novel of the same name, and the A Song of Ice and Fire series of novels, by George R.R. Martin. House Stark is located in the northern part of Westeros, and is known for its cold temperatures. Dalwhinnie is one of the highest-altitude distilleries in Scotland and resembles Winterfell in its remote and frigid location.

Doc Swinson’s “Alter Ego Triple Cask” Sherry & Cognac Finished Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $54.99 View

One of the latest additions to Doc Swinson’s lineup of whiskies aged in a variety of different cask types, the Triple Cask is finished with two different types of Sherry Butts (PX & Oloroso), Cognac Puncheons and a long resting period in ex-Cognac Foeders. The Sherry Butts come from Montilla-Moriles Spain where their Sherry Solera Pyramids date back to the 1920’s.

Heaven Hill Bottled In Bond Whiskies Collector Set (5x750ml) (Elsewhere $212) $149.99 View

 In 2018, Heaven Hill discontinued its 6 year old bottled in bond bourbon that was sold only in Kentucky, but now has roared back with this widely available 7 year old. While the bottled in bond designation isn’t necessarily a quality guarantee, this whiskey more than proves its merit. It’s explosive, bold, and buttery, with warm flavors of honey-roasted peanuts, caramel, chocolate, corn muffins, licorice, and cinnamon, all accented by notes of savory herbs, cloves, white pepper, tobacco, and an earthy undertone. Well-integrated big oak, sweetness, and spice combine to create grace, power, and length. This is pure bourbon bliss, at a very approachable price. *Number 4 in the 2019 Top 20* (DF, Winter 2019) 

K&L Notes

*NB: Partial Returns not accepted, all 5 bottles required* The Bottled In Bond Act was passed on March 3rd, 1897. This is perhaps the most important piece of spirits related legislation in the history of the United States. Not only did it establish the most rigorous standard for any distilled spirit in the world, it was also a critical change to tax law that allowed us to have great and relatively inexpensive whiskey. To be bottled in bond a spirit must meet a number of requirements. Most importantly for today’s whiskey consumer, spirit that is BIB must be a minimum of 4 years of age. In addition it has to be distilled in a single distillation season (Jan-Jun or July-Dec) by a single distiller at one distillery. That single season whisky must then be aged in a bonded warehouse and ultimately bottled at exactly 100 proof. The label must identify where it was distilled and who bottled it. In the case of Heaven Hill, no one has a larger or better portfolio of Bottled In Bond whiskies. This item includes 5 full-sized bottles: Henry McKenna – winner of best in show at SF Spirits in 2019. This bottle alone averages about $85 bucks since this prestigious award was bestowed upon it. A bottle of Heaven Hill 7 year – #4 on Whisky Advocates Top 20 Whiskies of 2019 (elsewhere $70). This 5 pack is rounded out by 3 other extraordinary whiskies: Even Williams BIB Bourbon, Rittenhouse BIB Rye, and Mellow Corn BIB Corn Whiskey. All stone cold classics and staples in any well stocked bar.