Unnamed Islay 28 Year Old

A secret Laphroaig

This 1992 vintage is purportedly a Laphroaig and has a flavour profile to match. A vatting of bourbon barrels (#6772) bottled in April 2021 at a nice 52.5%. Only 252 individually numbered bottles for the Signatory Vintage Cask Strength label.  Islay 28 Year Old 1992 vintage single malt Scotch whisky from a mystery distillery. Matured in bourbon barrels cask vatting #6772 bottled April 2021 by Signatory Vintage for the Cask Strength Collection. 252 numbered bottles.

Islay 28 Year Old – £361 / €352* / $406/ c$506

MYSTERY MALT SINGLE MALT WHISKY

Mystery single malt that don’t want to reveal their true identity. Rummage around and with a bit of investigation you are sure to find a rare unspecified bottling from independent bottler.

A very warm welcome to your newest bespoke Whisky Auction Platform.

Whilst we all wait for the main site launch, we present you with our holding page above. This enables you to sign up to our newsletter and enquire about selling your whisky through Highland Whisky Auctions inaugural auction in December.

Please do not hesitate in emailing us for further information or to ask any questions on Info@highlandwhiskyauctions.com

WHISKY WEEKLY IN NOVEMBER!

With celebrations restricted in 2020 – we plan to make up for it this year and roar into the end of 2021 as we prepare for a festive extravaganza!

As we introduce 18 new casks on First Friday Outturn – followed by new whiskies every week during November – check out the shop now to explore everything for release with the date they go on sale. Make your selection and be ready for 9am on Friday for the first release.  Get ready to roar into the party season!

OUTTURN HUB

VIEW ALL WHISKIES

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS

With Halloween out of the way, it’s officially time to get ready for Christmas, and what better way to count down the days than with the Society Advent Calendar. Celebrate each day of December with a special 25ml dram and enjoy a different flavour experience every day. You’ll find single cask and grain whiskies, a couple of Single Cask Spirits surprises and some exclusive special label bottlings that you might not have tried before. We’ll be exploring each day’s whisky online throughout December, so order your calendar now to be part of the experience.

ORDER MY ADVENT CALENDAR (AFTER JOINING THE SOCIETY!)

NOVEMBER UNFILTERED

It’s fantastic to be back out and about, but at this time of year it’s also comforting to hunker down at home and entertain friends and family in your very own tasting environment. In the new issue of Unfiltered – live now – we showcase some great SMWS member ‘whisky dens’, provide some invaluable advice on how to play host to your whisky-loving pals and include home tasting sheets to download.

READ UNFILTERED

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

Welcome to this weeks episode of the show. This week I fancied doing some American stuff, so I grabbed 6 random samples and this is the end result!

https://youtu.be/ouD8e0MoIAw

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY RELEASES FRENCH OAK BOURBON AS PART OF ITS OLD CHARTER OAK BRAND

 The Old Charter Oak Brand is dedicated to the Role Oak Plays

in Whiskey Making

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Nov. 3, 2021) – Old Charter Oak French Oak is the latest release from Buffalo Trace Distillery as it continues to showcase oak tree varietals through its Old Charter Oak brand.

First revealed in 2018, Buffalo Trace’s Old Charter Oak brand showcases the diverse taste profiles of barrels obtained from trees grown in different countries, climates and soil. The oak trees used for the barrels that are dedicated to this brand vary by country of origin, or species, or U.S. state. Some barrels are even made from century oaks, 100-, 200- or 300-year-old oak trees.

For the latest release, Buffalo Trace is revisiting its successful French Oak series, with a new release available beginning in late November.  In 2013, Buffalo Trace obtained a small number of barrels from France, filled them with its Mash #1, the same mashbill used to make Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare and other bourbons from the Distillery.

“We first experimented with French Oak barrels in 1995,” said Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley.  “We released our first experiment with French Oak in 2006, and we were so pleased with the results we bought more barrels from France and put more bourbon up to age.  Over time, this has become one of our favorite bourbons and it’s always a treat when we’ve got some that are ready to bottle. It’s power packed with sweetness, sourced from the vanilla, caramel and wood sugars while balanced with the French Oak tannins.  With the French Oak barrels, we are exploring how the flavors are delivered at different levels.  It speaks to the regionality of wood and how it can impact the flavor of the bourbon whiskey.”

By Federal standards, bourbon is required to be aged in a new, charred oak container. But there is no specification it must be American white oak, it’s just that nearly all bourbons made today are aged in American white oak.

Old Charter is a brand that has always celebrated the central role that oak plays in making great whiskey, given its namesake. The brand dates back to 1874, when Adam and Ben Chapeze created the bourbon, naming it in honor of the Charter Oak tree, a famous symbol of American independence and free spirit, which grew in Connecticut in the 12^th or 13^th century until it fell in a storm in 1856.

This is the third release of Old Charter Oak French Oak, and the sixth release overall for the Old Charter Oak brand.  Past releases include Mongolian Oak, Canadian Oak, and Chinkapin Oak.   Old Charter Oak Bourbon will be releasing many different oak expressions in the future, with its next release planned for 2022.  Subsequent releases are planned each year.

The suggested retail pricing for the French Oak is $69.99.   Like the previous releases in the Old Charter Oak series, supplies will be limited. The Old Charter Oak French Oak Bourbon is 92 proof.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 35 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon was named World Whiskey of the Year for 2018 and its William Larue Weller and Thomas H. Handy Sazerac were named 2^nd and 3^rd finest whiskeys in the world for 2020.  Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com

MORTLACH

20 YEAR OLD
COWIE’S BLUE SEAL

70CL | 43.4% £165

WAS £195 SAVE £30

BUY NOW

An elegant 20-year-old single malt from Mortlach, offering a more refined look at The Beast of Dufftown (the distillery’s nickname). Matured exclusively in sherry casks this whisky finds a balance between rich sherried fruits and oaky spice.

The elegant oldie in the Mortlach range, channeling The Beast of Dufftown (the distillery’s nickname) into a more refined form. Matured solely in sherry casks, the whisky has been crafted to match rich and dark sherry character against old, refined oaky notes. It’s one to take time with, well-balanced and complex, with much more going on than you might expect.

TASTING NOTES

• Tasting notes from Billy Abbott, The Whisky Exchange

  • NOSE

    Olive oil, sultanas and green apples to lead. Warm, oily engines hide right at the back, with soft fruity notes pushing forward – sweet apples, raisins and mixed peel. Tropical notes begin to emerge: pineapple and candied papaya. Brown sugar and toasted oak slowly builds.

  • PALATE

    Demerara-sugar dusted apples, olive-oil sponge cake and a bowl of mixed sultanas and raisins. Darker flavours slowly develop, with dark chocolate, dates and prunes balanced against fresher apple and pear orchard fruit notes. Hints of honey and menthol appear towards the end.

  • FINISH

    Honey and menthol to start – lemon Lockets without the lemons – with nuts and vanilla to follow.

  • COMMENT

    Harking back to the elegance of the Mortlach 25 Year Old from the previous range, this layers on sherry notes and adds extra depth to that dram’s more gentle character. A marriage of traditional sherry with old Mortlach’s more delicate and frarant side. More a pussy-cat than The Beast of Dufftown, and that’s no bad thing.

• Producer’s Notes

  • NOSE

    Super dense and rich, with touches of floor polish and much more of the waxy, earthy, meaty element seen in the previous examples. This has real elegance and complexity – and little intrigue. There is an added oiliness which you only get from mature whiskies. This in turn moves into varnish, leather oil, wood resins and even a touch of dubbin. The sensation is like being in some ancient, mysterious, library. There are dried fruits, a touch of scented wood, fir trees, cedar, Moroccan leather, slightly foxed books, floor polish, and some ink. It grows in the glass, moving towards chanterelle mushroom/cep mushroom even some of the wax crayon also seen on the 12-year-old. Huge, highly complex and contemplative.

  • BODY

    Robust and rich. Palate clinging.

  • PALATE

    The mature depth seen on the nose comes immediately into focus, but before it goes towards the dark there’s a refreshing lift of aromatic and overripe fruits (quince especially) and a touch of spiciness. It then expands as the fruits dry and the oils start to coat the tongue. The meaty element comes in quickly here, full-on grunt with animalic edges, cured leather and light bitter notes that bring to mid nutshell, espresso crema, damson jam, cacao nibs all balanced with some hedgerow berry fruits meaning that the back palate has a brighter lift than you might expect from something which is so dense and meaty (think of a berry sauce with venison). As it develops so this back palate shows more roasting tin elements, some bark. It continues to extend into dried fruits.

  • FINISH

    Quite dense. It carries on seamlessly from the progression seen on the palate with liquorice and dried fruit.

This holiday season is set to be filled with joyful get-togethers. Get-togethers with the people we love. The people we haven’t seen for a while. The people we didn’t get to celebrate with last year. At Compass Box, we’re celebrating with a get-together of some of our finest whiskies. So once you get reacquainted with our core range, why not introduce a bottle to your friends and family? With each character bringing something different to the festivities, there’s a perfect gift for everyone to enjoy. Read on to find out more!

Glasgow Blend

A gregarious and gallus ode to the Glaswegian spirit. Beneath its smoky exterior lies the welcoming warmth of a coal fire. Best for the big and bold characters in your life. Shop now.

The Spice Tree 

A rich, well-rounded malt whisky. Bursts of baking spice are complemented by delightful toasty oak notes. A whisky for the lovable rogue of the group. Shop now.

The Peat Monster

This monster comes out after dark – for late-night sipping. Known for its layers of smoke and peaty intensity, it’s a gift for those who thrive on debate with bite. Shop now.

Serves & Pairing Ideas

This dangerously delicious Peat Monster Old Fashioned brings out an unexpected elegance from this smoky-peaty whisky, highlighting its depth and complexity. Discover more recipes to delight your guests with.

Whisky with dessert is the perfect holiday indulgence. Try The Spice Tree with some traditional fruit cake for an explosion of warm gingery flavours. Explore more food pairings to share and enjoy this holiday season.

Prepare your taste buds for ritzy glitz and glamour as a new cask collection takes to the stage in celebration of the most magical season.

GET LOST…

CASK NO. 59.64

INITIAL CASK:  Ex-bourbon hogshead

FINAL CASK: Heavy-toast medium-char refill ex-bourbon hogshead

AGE:  10 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Juicy, oak & vanilla

MANGO TECHNOSPHERE

LIMIT ONE PER MEMBER

CASK NO. 93.156

CASK TYPE:  1st fill ex-bourbon barrel

AGE:  10 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Sweet, fruity & mellow

DRAGON’S BLOOD FRAGRANCE OIL

CASK NO. 30.113

INITIAL CASK:  Ex-Oloroso butt

FINAL CASK:  2nd fill Pedro Ximenez butt

AGE:  7 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Deep, rich & dried fruits

SHAKE YOUR BUTT

LIMIT ONE PER MEMBER

CASK NO. 63.73

CASK TYPE:  2nd fill ex-Oloroso butt

AGE:  12 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Deep, rich & dried fruits

AN ORCADIAN PEATZERIA

CASK NO. 4.271

CASK TYPE:  1st fill ex-bourbon barrel

INITIAL CASKS:  Ex-bourbon hogsheads

FINAL CASK:  Refill ex-bourbon hogshead

AGE:  20 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Lightly peated

SMOKEY MACSMOKEFACE

CASK NO. 108.28

CASK TYPE:  2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel

AGE:  11 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Peated

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada
Suite 160
104 – 1240 Kensington Road NW
Calgary, AB  T2N 3P7
403-969-8225
curious@smws.ca
www.smws.ca

We hope you are well and looking forward to the weekend!

We are really excited to be finally able to tell you about more ‘live’ events we have planned for 2022!
Early-bird tickets for Newcastle, Liverpool and Manchester Festivals are now LIVE, so please do get booking!

We wanted to get Bristol, London, Edinburgh, York and Nottingham up, but we ran into some complications with Eventbrite.

But just to reassure those of you still waiting patiently for those events to appear, this will (with all fingers crossed!) happen next week.

To book Newcastle, Liverpool and/or Manchester, simply click on the relevant banner below and it will take you to the Eventbrite page with the tickets. They will go up on our website too soon!

These Early-Birds will not be repeated!

That’s it from me for now, but please don’t forget York Whisky Festival on the 27th November THIS YEAR! If you don’t have tickets yet, what are you waiting for?! Click the banners!

Have a great week and hope to see you soon!

Slainte,
Eddie

The Whisky Lounge

The Whisky Lounge Ltd
Unit 3
61a Osbaldwick Lane
York, North Yorkshire YO10 3AY
United Kingdom

A 15 Year Old Anonymous K&L Exclusive Cask from a Scotch Icon
2005 Unnamed Speyside 15 Year Old “Signatory K&L Exclusive” Hogshead Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky
(750ml) ($129.99)
“It’s a full and complete whisky … This is one of those casks that makes the independent bottling market so much fun.” — Andrew Whiteley, K&L Spirits Buyer

The outstanding Signatory independent bottlings that come from some of our Exclusive Casks often bring us the biggest names in Scotch at incredible prices. The trade-off is that sometimes the source of the whisky demands anonymity. In the case of this outrageously delicious, 15-year-old hogshead, it comes from arguably the most recognizable name in Scotch whisky, whose branded 15-year-old offerings typically go for well above and beyond the price of this incognito stunner. While this producer is the undisputed ambassador for sherry-aged whisky, in this particular cask the world-class character of the main ingredient takes center stage. As buyer Andrew Whiteley explains, “it’s truly the quality of the malt that makes it stand out and sit atop the single malt world as the most collectable thing around. In this hogshead-aged bottling you get to experience that malty goodness at cask strength, without a focus on the wood.” There simply aren’t many opportunities to acquire a whisky like this at such a price, so collectors should beat a quick path to secure one of the most impeccable deals they’re likely to see in a long time.

2005 Unnamed Speyside 15 Year Old “Signatory K&L Exclusive” Hogshead Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($129.99)

K&L Notes: When really famous, top-notch, blue-chip distilleries need cash, they often sell off stocks to the independent market. Sometimes this happens in a straightforward manner: casks are sold, independent bottlers bottle them, and they get to use the name of the distillery on the bottle per Scottish law. However, when the distillery name is also one of the world’s most collectible single-malt brands, they like to protect their brand and keep it off of the bottle. Sometimes this is done via teaspooning, leaving the liquid technically a blended malt. Sometimes it’s simply contractual, as is the case with this Unnamed Speyside bottling. Signatory has a long-standing reputation for curating excellent single casks, and this bottling is no exception. This is perhaps the best deal on the independent market currently. While we don’t have the ability to use the name of the famous distillery, the whisky remains a perfect specimen in refill hogshead. A truly sprit-forward bottling. This cask comes from a vatting of barrels distilled on the same day and then redistributed to filling casks for sale to the independent market. Aged 15 years. Distilled 7/11/2005. Bottled 5/24/2021. Vatting Cask No: DRU 17/A 106#54. 61.1%ABV.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 29, 2021

I’m not sure why we couldn’t put the name of the distillery in the description, but the industry seems to be tightening up there. In any case, we’ll allude directly to the source, as I’ve seen these casks which had their tags ripped off, but some letters remained and it’s NOT MacDUFF! In any case, this large and important distillery is one of the Highlands’ most well-regarded, but they rarely bottles cask-strength offerings. The owners have a practice to maximize efficiency, which is used at their other distillery at the very northern tip of Scotland that’s very unique. When they want to sell bulk product they gather an entire day’s production and vat it together. Then they fill hogsheads to the top so they can minimize the space needed to deliver the product, while retaining the dates and single cask character. Luckily Signatory is nice enough to keep the original barrel codes on their bottlings, so we’re able to compare various lots. This one is vatting cask No. DRU 17/A 106#54. In any case, we don’t care what the label says. We just care that the juice is delicious. So here is what I think of it: The color is old gold, which implies that the vatting was made up of not totally inactive barrels. At a hefty 61.1% it’s likely going to need some water. The nose has big roasted malt flavor, hints of hazelnut, licorice bark, engine oil, and plummy fruit behind that. On the palate, it’s surprisingly easygoing without water, but honestly needs more than a splash to really open up. Now we’ve got some leather, rye dough, cacao nibs, and cashew butter. With some air, the palate is much sweeter now, with an unctuous texture, sweet baked nuts, toffee, roasted espresso beans, barley tea, and a big, spicy backbone that grips the palate nicely. This guy is no slouch and can easily bowl one over. It’s one of those weird ones that becomes bigger and more powerful with water. It’s not like any Macallan on the market for sure, and really not at all Speyside-like in character — more Highland power than Speyside finesse.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 28, 2021

For all the focus on sherry oak at this distillery, it’s truly the quality of the malt that makes it stand out and sit atop the single malt world as the most collectable thing around. In this hogshead-aged bottling, you get to experience that malty goodness at cask strength, without a focus on the wood. It’s pure and golden in color and flavor; rich and mouth-filling with a natural spiciness that so often gets attributed to a heavy sherry oak profile. At first pour it’s fruity and fun on the nose with creamy vanilla, lots of apricot, and a bit of upfront alcohol (it’s 61.1% ABV). Give it plenty of time to open and you’ll be richly rewarded. The broad shoulders muscle in over time; roasted and fresh cut barley stand out. Baking spices slowly meander all over the palate in a slow-rolling oil slick that is natural to this famous Speysider. The sulfur that is sometimes found in younger bottlings has faded to the background and all but disappears with a touch of water. That water also brings out a bit more of the savory side of things, showing some green peppercorn and hay, which rounds out the natural sweetness and vanilla so well. It’s a full and complete whisky, even without brooding sherry layered into it. This is one of those casks that makes the independent bottling market so much fun.