Suntory “Hibiki Japanese Harmony” Blended Japanese Whisky (750ml)

91 points Wine Enthusiast

 The newest blended whisky offering from Hibiki is burnished gold in the glass and has a bold aroma that mixes vanilla, fresh pear and a hint of smoke. The smokiness comes forward at the first sip, wrapping around a core of oak and vanilla custard and finishing long, with a mouthwatering bitter chocolate note. *Best of 2016* (KN)  (3/2016)

90 points Whisky Advocate

 Poised and complex, with typically lifted fruitiness: strawberry ice cream, pineapple, peach, balanced by delicate oak, bamboo shoot-like delicacy, then lemon. The palate is more rounded than that very forward nose, with toffee notes adding some weight. A touch of smoke comes along in the mid-palate, before fruits and caramelized coffee biscuits. Water allows the flavors to flood the palate. Exemplary blending skills and classically Hibiki. (DB, Winter 2015)  (12/2015)

Wine & Spirits

 You can’t be a Japanese whisky enthusiast without having noticed that there’s a shortage of the stuff. What once was readily available is now hard to find. What once was affordable now costs various bodily limbs. It is due to more than a fad. The best Japanese whisky is remarkable stuff, and none are better than the top single malts from Suntory, Yamazaki, Hakushu and the blended whisky Hibiki. Hibiki comes in 12-, 17- and 21-year-old expressions, but even the youngest of these is now allocated. Harmony, the newest release, carries no age statement, indicating that it contains younger whiskies than other bottlings. Nevertheless, this is a welcome concession, with Suntory’s classic sense of balance, nuance and delicacy. *Best of 2015* (JM)  (11/2015)

K&L Notes

*96 points, Ultimate Spirits Challenge Top 100 of 2020* The newest incarnation of Suntory’s hugely popular Hibiki series, this time without an age statement attached. The same soft, mellow, vanilla-laden flavor is still here, however. It’s a true harmony of pure Hibiki flavor.

Hamish’s Highlights:
The Loch Fyne Caol Ila 10 Year Old

The Loch Fyne Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2010 + free glass!

[FREE GIFT ~ ONLY AVAILABLE ONLINE WHILE STOCKS LAST]

One of our very own; so we can make some guarantees with this one. This Caol Ila single cask whisky was aged for 10 years, and has a yield of only 414 bottles. This one is of course free from chill filtration and artificial colouring and presented at a hearty 57.2% abv. Bottled by none other than yours truly, we couldn’t be happier to celebrate this number from one of Islay’s great historical distilleries.

Nose: herbaceous, smoked meats, oily.
Palate: big body, confectionary, a waft of smoke.
Finish: peppery warmth, smoke lingering.

£60.00
Buy Now

Winners announced as the World’s Favourite Whisky Glass sponsors Scottish International Crime Writing Awards for the second year

Raymond Davidson, CEO and Founder of Glencairn Crystal, presents Craig Russell, winner of The McIlvanney Prize, with a Glencairn Glass trophy

Scottish family business Glencairn Crystal has sponsored this year’s 2021 McIlvanney Prize for the Scottish Crime Book of the Year and the Bloody Scotland Debut Crime Novel of the Year, with its famous Glencairn Glass for the second year.

The winners were announced at the opening of the Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival on Friday evening (17th September) in Stirling. This year’s winner of The McIlvanney Prize is Craig Russell with Hyde. He is the first author to win the prize twice. The Bloody Scotland Debut Prize went to Robbie Morrison with Edge of the Grave.

The winners were presented with a trophy by Raymond Davidson – CEO and Founder of Glencairn Crystal – who said:

‘We’d like to raise a toast to Robbie Morrison and Craig Russell and congratulate them on their success in winning the prizes. It is an honour to support the world of Scottish crime fiction with The Glencairn Glass and we wish all the participants well in the future.’

Both of the prestigious literary prizes are awarded as part of the annual Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival which takes place every September. Based in Stirling, Bloody Scotland has brought hundreds of crime writers – new and established –  to the stage along with enthusiastic festival attendees since 2012, with exciting events covering a range of criminal subjects from fictional forensics and psychological thrillers to tartan noir and cosy crime.

For further information visit:

www.bloodyscotland.com and www.glencairn.co.uk

Notes:

The Glencairn Glass, created in 2000, is the world’s favourite whisky glass.  Glencairn Crystal now make over 3.5 million Glencairn Glasses per year, across hundreds of brands, distributed to over 140 countries worldwide.

KENTUCKY DISTILLERS’ ASSOCIATION WELCOMES THREE BOYS FARM DISTILLERY AS CRAFT MEMBER

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced that Three Boys Farm Distillery in Franklin County is the newest and 49th member of the nonprofit trade group that unites and leads Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.

Three Boys Farm Distillery was founded in 2012 on a scenic 127-acre farm in rural Franklin County. Located at 283 Crab Orchard Road, the facility hosts thousands of visitors each year to participate in the modest, authentic, family-owned craft distillery experience.

Entrepreneur and former architect Walter Zausch recently purchased the distillery and has been working aggressively to enhance the popular visitor center experience and event facilities, update production equipment and expand operational capacity.

The picturesque farm features the distillery, bottling line, gift shop and barrel storage nestled among fields of heirloom variety corn used in their Bourbons. Current products include Three Boys Bourbon, Three Boys Rye Whiskey, Whiskey Thief Crafted Bourbon, Whiskey Thief Rye Whiskey and Foggy Dog Flavored Whiskey.

“We couldn’t be more excited to join the KDA,” said Zausch, who is originally from Henderson, Ky.

“We offer a unique and hands-on experience for our visitors and guests. As we get ready to celebrate our 10th year as a craft distillery, our membership and partnership with the KDA will help us achieve our goal of offering one of the best small batch and single barrel experiences in Kentucky.”

KDA President Eric Gregory applauded Zausch for updating the distilling side of the business while keeping the intimate, home-spun visitor experience that has proven popular with guests. “Three Boys is not glitz and glamour, and that’s what appeals to visitors seeking the true craft experience,” he said.

“Walter is a whiskey aficionado who also brings decades of experience as an entrepreneur and leader in customer-experience in California’s tech industry. We look forward to his unique perspective and proudly welcome Three Boys Farm to our growing family of Kentucky’s finest distillers.”

Learn more at www.threeboysfarmdistillery.com.

Three Boys Farm Distillery is the KDA’s 29th Craft-level member, aging less than 10,000 barrels a year.

The distillery also is now eligible to apply to join the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour®.

Founded in 1880, the KDA is the voice for Bourbon and spirits issues. Its diverse membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from legendary, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are building the next generation of the timeless craft.

Kentucky Bourbon is one of the Commonwealth’s most historic industries, a thriving $8.6 billion economic and tourism engine that generates more than 20,100 jobs with an annual payroll topping $1 billion each year, and accounts for over $300 million in local and state taxes and $1.8 billion in federal alcohol taxes.

A key export, the iconic industry is currently in the middle of a $5.1 billion building boom, from innovative new tourism experiences to expanded production facilities, bottling centers and aging warehouses, all to meet the growing global thirst for Kentucky Bourbon.

Bourbon production has skyrocketed more than 430% since the turn of the century.

Kentucky now boasts more than 10.3 million barrels of Bourbon aging in warehouses across the Bluegrass, the most in its revered distilling history. Distillers filled more than 2.4 million barrels last year alone, the third year in a row that production topped the two million mark.

Attendance at the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® distilleries has skyrocketed more than 300 percent in the last 10 years. Total attendance in 2019 was nearly two million, the most since KDA founded the tours in 1999 and 2012, respectively.

Visit www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com to learn more.

The Kentucky Distillers’ Association is a 501(c)(6) non-profit trade association that passionately unites, promotes, protects and elevates the Commonwealth’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. The KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. 

KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL CRAFT TOUR®, KENTUCKY BOURBON AFFAIR™, KBT®, BOURBON TRAIL™, KENTUCKY BOURBON HALL OF FAME®, ORDER OF THE WRIT®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TALES®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL WELCOME CENTER®,, URBAN BOURBON TRAIL® and THE PROOF IS HERE® are trademarks/service marks of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. 

KENTUCKY DISTILLERS’ ASSOCIATION WELCOMES SADDLESTONE DISTILLERY AS NEWEST CRAFT MEMBER

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced that Saddlestone Distillery in Woodford County is the newest and 46^th member of the non-profit trade group that unites and leads Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.

Founded by Cynthia Bohn, Saddlestone Distillery is the latest venture for Equus Run Vineyards which opened in 1998 and is nestled on 38 acres amid picturesque horse farms, historic stone fences and the quaint charm of Midway, Kentucky’s first town built by a railroad.

The property at 1280 Moores Mill Road includes the winery and distillery, tasting room, offices, event barn/hall, vineyards and a beautiful amphitheater with live concerts. There are guided and self-guided tours and ample opportunities for picnics, fishing and relaxing.

Saddlestone Distillery will produce brandy and agave spirits. It received its Class B distiller’s license from the state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control in July.

“We look forward to opening our new distillery to the public in the very near future and joining the membership of many wonderful spirits brands,” Bohn said. “The camaraderie and support of the KDA is to be commended.”

KDA President Eric Gregory said, “Cynthia has done an exceptional job establishing Equus Run as a first-class winery and popular destination for visitors. Her distilling venture is an excellent addition to the KDA, and we look forward to working with the Saddlestone team to champion Kentucky spirits.”

Learn more at https://www.equusrunvineyards.com/.

Saddlestone is the KDA’s 26^th Craft-level member, aging less than 10,000 barrels a year, and joins an impressive list of distilleries in Woodford County, including Woodford Reserve, Castle & Key, White Dog Trading & Storage and Bluegrass Distillers which is relocating to Midway from Lexington.

Saddlestone also is now eligible to apply to join the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour®, which the association created in 2012 as the nation’s first and only tourism attraction to showcase the flourishing artisan distilling movement.

Founded in 1880, the KDA is the voice for Bourbon and spirits issues. Its diverse membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from legendary, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are building the next generation of the timeless craft.

Kentucky Bourbon is one of the Commonwealth’s most historic industries, a thriving $8.6 billion economic and tourism engine that generates more than 20,100 jobs with an annual payroll topping $1 billion each year, and accounts for over $300 million in local and state taxes and $1.8 billion in federal alcohol taxes.

A key export, the iconic industry is currently in the middle of a $5.1 billion building boom, from innovative new tourism experiences to expanded production facilities, bottling centers and aging warehouses, all to meet the growing global thirst for Kentucky Bourbon.

Bourbon production has skyrocketed more than 430% since the turn of the century.

Kentucky now boasts more than 10.3 million barrels of Bourbon aging in warehouses across the Bluegrass, the most in its revered distilling history. Distillers filled more than 2.4 million barrels last year alone, the third year in a row that production topped the two million mark.

Attendance at the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® distilleries has skyrocketed more than 300 percent in the last 10 years. Total attendance in 2019 was nearly two million, the most since KDA founded the tours in 1999 and 2012, respectively.

Visit www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com to learn more.

“On behalf of the KDA and its distinguished members, we are happy to welcome Saddlestone Distillery to our growing family of Kentucky’s finest distillers,” Gregory said. “We look forward to supporting their efforts and celebrating their success.”

The Kentucky Distillers’ Association is a 501(c)(6) non-profit trade association that passionately unites, promotes, protects and elevates the Commonwealth’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. The KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. 

KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL CRAFT TOUR®,, KENTUCKY BOURBON AFFAIR™, KBT®,, BOURBON TRAIL™, KENTUCKY BOURBON HALL OF FAME®,, ORDER OF THE WRIT®,, KENTUCKY BOURBON TALES®,, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL WELCOME CENTER®,, URBAN BOURBON TRAIL® and THE PROOF IS HERE® are trademarks/service marks of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. 

Please enjoy Bourbon like a true Kentuckian – Responsibly

KENTUCKY DISTILLERS’ ASSOCIATION WELCOMES RD1 SPIRITS AS NEWEST CRAFT MEMBER

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced that RD1 Spirits in Lexington is the newest and 47^th member of the non-profit trade group that unites and leads Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.

Originally founded in 1865 as the Ashland Distillery by three prominent merchants in Fayette County, the company was the first to obtain a federally registered distillery license in Lexington and was assigned RD #1.

In 1871, prominent Bourbon County land speculator William Tarr and partner Thomas Megibben of Harrison County acquired the distillery and restarted whiskey production. But like many others, the distillery closed as a victim of Prohibition in 1933.

The Ashland Distillery was revived as RD1 Spirits in 2020 in Lexington’s historic Distillery District at 1170 Manchester Street, just down the road from the original distilling location. The company received its Class B distiller’s license in December 2020.

A temporary location is under renovation with plans to open to the public later this year. It will include a tasting area, full cocktail bar and retail space. RD1 Spirits plans to be under construction with its new facility by the end of first quarter 2022.

UK Coach Mark Stoops and family are major investors in the brand.

The inaugural RD1 Spirits releases are from the Tribute Line, paying homage to William Tarr, one of the original owners. These expressions include multiple gold award-winning Wm Tarr Manchester Reserve, an eight-year-old Kentucky straight whiskey blended with a 7-year-old Kentucky Bourbon.

Wm Tarr Inheritance, a 12-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon whiskey, is also part of that line.

CEO Mike Tetterton said RD1 Spirits is honored to be part of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association.

“I have never seen a group of people work as hard as the KDA. They get more accomplished with a small staff and are the most socially responsible, hardworking group of people we have ever been associated with. Eric Gregory has put together an amazing team.”

Learn more at https://rd1spirits.com

KDA President Eric Gregory said RD1 Spirits will play an important role in preserving Bourbon’s heritage in the Commonwealth and Central Kentucky where the distillery first started. In fact, Gregory said Thomas Megibben was the first Chairman of the KDA’s Board of Directors when the KDA was founded in 1880.

“Mike and his terrific team at RD1 have worked diligently to meticulously revive and celebrate the heritage of this historic company and its founders,” Gregory said. “We commend their efforts in honoring Kentucky’s unrivaled distilling legacy. The proof is here.”

RD1 is the KDA’s 27^th Craft-level member, aging less than 10,000 barrels a year. Other Lexington-area KDA members include Bluegrass Distillers, Town Branch Distillery, James E. Pepper Distilling Co. and Barrel House Distilling Co.

RD1 also is now eligible to apply to join the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour®.

Founded in 1880, the KDA is the voice for Bourbon and spirits issues. Its diverse membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from legendary, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are building the next generation of the timeless craft.

Kentucky Bourbon is one of the Commonwealth’s most historic industries, a thriving $8.6 billion economic and tourism engine that generates more than 20,100 jobs with an annual payroll topping $1 billion each year, and accounts for over $300 million in local and state taxes and $1.8 billion in federal alcohol taxes.

A key export, the iconic industry is currently in the middle of a $5.1 billion building boom, from innovative new tourism experiences to expanded production facilities, bottling centers and aging warehouses, all to meet the growing global thirst for Kentucky Bourbon.

Bourbon production has skyrocketed more than 430% since the turn of the century.

Kentucky now boasts more than 10.3 million barrels of Bourbon aging in warehouses across the Bluegrass, the most in its revered distilling history. Distillers filled more than 2.4 million barrels last year alone, the third year in a row that production topped the two million mark.

Attendance at the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® distilleries has skyrocketed more than 300 percent in the last 10 years. Total attendance in 2019 was nearly two million, the most since KDA founded the tours in 1999 and 2012, respectively.

Visit www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com to learn more.

“On behalf of the KDA and its esteemed members, we are honored to welcome Mike and his team at RD1 to our Kentucky Bourbon family as our newest Craft member,” said Gregory. “We look forward to working with them as we secure Kentucky’s place as the one true and authentic home for Bourbon.”

The Kentucky Distillers’ Association is a 501(c)(6) non-profit trade association that passionately unites, promotes, protects and elevates the Commonwealth’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. The KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. 

KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL CRAFT TOUR®,, KENTUCKY BOURBON AFFAIR™, KBT®,, BOURBON TRAIL™, KENTUCKY BOURBON HALL OF FAME®,, ORDER OF THE WRIT®,, KENTUCKY BOURBON TALES®,, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL WELCOME CENTER®,, URBAN BOURBON TRAIL® and THE PROOF IS HERE® are trademarks/service marks of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. 

Please enjoy Bourbon like a true Kentuckian – Responsibly

Our October auction ENDS SOON!

Place your bids  until Sunday 24^th October.

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!

Karuizawa – 38 Year Old & 34 Year Old (Ruby Geisha)

Glenfarclas – 48 Year Old (1967) Pagoda Reserve

Chichibu – 2015 (Single Cask #4316) Intergalactic Edition 5

Glen Grant – 67 Year Old (1953) First Edition

Aberlour – 21 Year Old (1958) Centenary Decanter   

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.

Pittyvaich – the latest in the Ghost & Rare series

Johnnie Walker have unveiled their latest Blue Label offering – a ghostly dram with Pittyvaich spirit at its heart, blended with seven other rare whiskies. Known as one of the shortest-lived distilleries in Scotland, Pittyvaich gained a lasting legacy since its closure in the early 90s.

Butterscotch, apples, pears, and cinnamon on the nose leads to a tantalising palate with hints of orchard fruits, dark fruit, and sweet berries. The finish is beautifully balanced, with supple notes of honeycomb and oak warmth.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost & Rare: Pittyvaich Description

Discover more here →

Benrinnes 15 Year Old

This tasty single malt from the Benrinnes distillery in Speyside is partially triple distilled, a technique used in Irish whiskey and some Lowland or Campbeltown distilleries. But it retains such a rich, full-bodied character! Diageo’s Flora & Fauna series of malts really showcase some whisky gems at affordable prices.

£52.00 £49.99
Buy Now

BENRINNES 15 YEAR OLD DESCRIPTION