ULTRA-RARE WHISKY LOTS ANNOUNCED AS SOTHEBY’S AND THE DISTILLERS’ CHARITY LAUNCH THE REMARKABLE
DISTILLERS ONE OF ONE AUCTION

Over 40 extraordinary whiskies and experiences will soon be available
at the first One of One Auction,
the proceeds of which will support disadvantaged young people in Scotland

The first Distillers ‘One of One’ Auction to take place near Edinburgh on 3 December 2021

LONDON, 5 October 2021 – Earlier this summer, The Distillers’ Charity and Sotheby’s announced a six-year partnership to host three biennial auctions of ultra-rare and unique Scotch whiskies and experiences under the name “The Distillers One of One”. The first Distillers One of One auction – comprising one-off, never-to-be-repeated lots specially created and donated by companies from across the Scotch Whisky industry – will take place on Friday 3 December 2021. The exceptional lots are now being revealed for the first time and will range in estimates from around £1,500 upwards to £500,000, all to be offered without reserve. Each lot has been carefully selected to showcase the excellence in craftsmanship, innovation and value of Scotch Whisky.

For the most serious collectors seeking an opportunity to own a piece of liquid history, some truly astonishing releases have been made available. Of particular note, as the highest valued lot of the auction, with an estimate of £350,000-£500,000, is a Talisker Cask of Distinction 1978. Casks of Distinction are selected on account of their outstanding quality, and this is the first ever to be offered at auction, paired with a cask-end that has been turned into an original work of art by Turner Prize nominee Callum Innes. After further ageing in the cask for up to five more years, the whisky will be housed in very special bottles and wooden presentation boxes, featuring the cask-end artwork of Callum Innes; another first for Casks of Distinction.

William Grant & Sons is providing three lots from Glenfiddich, The Balvenie and Ladyburn, all exceeding fifty years of age. Glenfiddich’s exceptional offering comprises four unique decanters – created especially for the auction and housed in a bespoke presentation case – from the 1950s: 1955, 1957, 1958 and 1959. The estimate for this ultra-rare collector’s piece is £220,000-350,000.

Beam Suntory are generously offering two lots, one from Bowmore, the other from Glen Garioch.

The Bowmore Onyx is an exceptionally rare and unique 51 Year Old single malt presented in a hand carved, bespoke black glass vessel, inspired by the terroir of the island home of Islay. Matured in a refill hogshead barrel from 1970, this whisky is bottled at 47% ABV, and is the first ever 51 Year Old released by Bowmore Distillery (estimate £100,000-180,000).

The Glen Garioch Cask lot features two full casks of whisky: the first, a 31-year-old cask from 1990; the second, an en primeur cask distilled in 2021 (estimate £100,000-150,000). The last time that Glen Garioch was distilled using direct fire on the stills was 31 years ago. The practice of direct firing is now being reintroduced and this will be the very first cask from the newly fired stills, making this a unique lot of historical significance.

Scotland’s Oldest Working Distillery, The Glenturret, is providing an exclusive Lalique decanter bottling containing a unique Single Malt whisky selected from 1987 Sherry casks created by Master Blender, Bob Dalgarno. To house this precious liquid, Lalique have created a spectacular One of One hand-blown decanter in green crystal; the rarest that is made. Included in this lot (estimate £15,000-25,000) is an invitation to The Glenturret Distillery to enjoy a sensational gastronomic experience, led by Head Chef, Mark Donald at the newly opened Lalique Restaurant.

On offer from Gordon & MacPhail, the 126-year-old family business,  is an unforgettable, bespoke visit to Elgin in Scotland. The lucky recipient will not only tour the historical warehouses but also sample from a selection of maturing Single Malt casks from the 1940s and 1950s. After choosing their favourite of the casks, one bottle of the whisky it contains will be filled into a unique decanter, with a second bottle provided for drinking. This once in a lifetime experience carries an estimate of £80,000-160,000.

The Distillers’ Charity is the philanthropic arm of The Worshipful Company of Distillers. Proceeds from The Distillers One of One auction will benefit The Youth Action Fund, which has been created by The Distillers’ Charity focusing on supporting disadvantaged young people in Scotland, transforming their life chances and empowering them to create positive change in their lives and communities. Working with charity partners who offer education and training programmes, the fund will provide young people with opportunities to develop life skills, discover their values and be work-ready.

Jonathan Driver, Master of The Worshipful Company of Distillers, said: “The generosity the Scotch Whisky industry has shown in coming together to create these truly unique lots available for this landmark sale has been humbling. Countless young people will benefit for years to come, thanks to the results of the auction. It is a testament to the spirit of the people who work within both the family-owned businesses, and global companies that have contributed to this momentous occasion. We cannot thank enough all those who have come on board with us and Sotheby’s to help realise our mission, and to all the collectors who will be taking part on the day”. 

Jonny Fowle, Sotheby’s Spirits Specialist, said: “This landmark sale, compiling such significant donations from so many world-renowned brands, shows the strength of community spirit in the Scotch Whisky industry. To bring this number of exceptional whiskies to auction, from unique bottles to rare casks offers, and all for a good cause, is reason enough to raise a glass to everyone involved.”

A full list of the lots available at The Distillers One of One is available on request.

About Sotheby’s Wine

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access, connoisseurship and preservation of fine art and rare objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 50 categories, which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Interiors, among many others.

Sotheby’s Wine’s annual worldwide auction sales of wine and spirits totaled an outstanding $92 million in 2020, with over 15,000 lots sold across 41 sales – a nearly 50% increase in the number of auctions held in 2019. Over $60 million of wine and spirits were sold to online bidders in 2020 versus $28 million in 2019, with 85% of all lots offered finding online buyers. Demonstrating continued strength in Asia, Sotheby’s led the market in the region for the third consecutive year, with over 70% of the total bid amount in all Wine and Spirits sales attributed to collectors in Asia.

Sotheby’s Wine’s has had the privilege of auctioning numerous record-breaking wines and spirits in recent years, with 2020 alone witnessing new world auction records for any bottle of Japanese whisky, any bottle of whisky produced by the Dalmore Distillery, as well as any bottle of Cognac. Sotheby’s Wine currently holds the world records for any whisky collection ever sold at auction, any private wine collection ever sold at auction, the most expensive bottle of wine ever sold at auction and the most expensive bottle of spirits ever sold at auction.

In addition to auction, Sotheby’s Wine launched a retail business in 2010. With a retail store located in Sotheby’s New York headquarters and e-commerce at www.sothebyswine.com, Sotheby’s Wine offers a carefully curated selection of wines from the world’s most prestigious producers and important regions. Expertly assembled by our experienced specialists, the selection is built upon lasting relationships with winemakers from across the globe, with bottles that are ready for immediate consumption, in addition to investment-worthy wines from highly sought-after vintages. A second retail location opened in Sotheby’s Hong Kong galleries in 2014.

* Estimates do not include buyer’s premium or overhead premium. Prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer’s premium and overhead premium and are net of any fees paid to the purchaser where the purchaser provided an irrevocable bid. Stream live auctions and place bids in real time, discover the value of a work of art, browse sale catalogues, view original content and more at sothebys.com, and by downloading Sotheby’s apps for iOS and Android

About The Distillers’ One of One

Launched in 2021, the Distillers’ One of One is a biennial series of auctions of Scottish whisky in aid of disadvantaged young people in Scotland. Led by The Distiller’s Charity, the philanthropic arm of The Worshipful Company of Distillers, and in partnership with Sotheby’s, the Scotch Whisky industry has gathered together to support philanthropy. Participating distilleries are donating ultra-rare whisky and experiences for sale at auction aiming to raise in excess of £1 million during the initial 3 December 2021 auction.

In order to help transform the life chances of young people in Scotland post pandemic, The Distillers’ Charity has created the Youth Action Fund. The proceeds from the Distillers’ One of One auction will be disbursed from the fund to a number of charities that focus on empowering Scotland’s young adults to create positive change in their lives and communities. Sotheby’s will also donate a portion of their buyer’s premium from the auction to The Distillers’ Charity.

About The Worshipful Company of Distillers

The Worshipful Company of Distillers (The Distillers) is an historic City Livery Company with a proud history and 21st century relevance. Established originally, to monitor and regulate commercial distilleries within a 21-mile radius of The City of London, The Distillers have changed with the times. Still at the heart of the distilling industry the focus is now very much on philanthropy and fellowship.

Today, the principal activity is to support relevant charitable causes, underpinned by giving back amongst the Livery, recognising the value of time and talent as well as money. Beyond this philanthropic scope, The Distillers is at the heart of the spirits industry, by inspiring the craft, understanding and enjoyment of distilled products through industry championship and fellowship.

From its formation as a corporation by Royal Charter in 1638, The Distillers were raised to the status of Livery Company in 1672, the 350th anniversary of this is in 2022. There are 110 Livery Companies in The City of London who play an active role in the life of The City.

About The Distillers’ Charity

The Distillers’ Charity (registered no. 1193683) is the philanthropic arm of The Worshipful Company of Distillers. The Charity’s vision is to make a difference especially to young people, and those within the distilled spirits trade, helping them to reach their full potential, improve their life chances and make a positive contribution to their communities. Distillers’ Charity mission is manifested through three distinctive grant-making areas:

Vocational Training & Education: to provide educational and development support to new and recent entrants to the UK spirits trade, encouraging high standards of distilling practice and service.

Livery & City giving: to fulfill our wider civic duties as a Livery, supporting the Lord Mayor’s Appeal, the Master’s charity and other good causes aligned with our vision.

Youth Action Fund: created by The Distillers’ Charity to use proceeds from The Distillers One of One auctions to support young people in Scotland, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds, to reach their potential and make a positive contribution to their communities.

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY RELEASES ITS

2021 ANTIQUE COLLECTION WHISKEYS

George T. Stagg Not Being Released This Year 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Oct. 6, 2021) Buffalo Trace Distillery will release its Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC) this fall, an ensemble of whiskies of various ages and proofs, ranging from uncut and unfiltered whiskey to whiskies as old as 17 and 18 years.

But this year, the lineup is missing George T. Stagg, the uncut, unfiltered 15-year-old whiskey.  George T. Stagg will not be part of the release because the 15-year-old barrels do not meet the Distillery’s taste standards for the Stagg brand. “Before any barrel can be dumped and bottled, it goes through rigorous testing procedures numerous times to ensure it is meeting the quality standards set forth for that brand,” said Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley.  “Unfortunately, this crop of barrels earmarked to be Stagg back when it was put in the barrel in 2006 did not meet the Stagg profile today.  We discussed at great length how to proceed, and ultimately decided we did not feel right about lowering our standards or the age, by dipping into next year’s supply of barrels.  We know fans will be disappointed, as are we, but we could not release a bourbon that we did not feel was up to par with the flavor profile expected of George T. Stagg.”

There are various measures of quality tests administered to all of Buffalo Trace’s bourbon, everything from checking turbidity and testing samples using gas chromatography.  But the most discriminating test of all is the human palate.  A team of taste testers, who have all gone through sensory analysis training, taste each barrel sample brought to the laboratory at Buffalo Trace to ensure each barrel matches brand standards before it is dumped to be bottled. If one taster disagrees, the barrel is sent back to be aged longer.

“Quality is always paramount for our products,” said Drew Mayville, master blender, director of quality. “If the taste doesn’t match our expectations, then we will not release it to our customers.  And unfortunately, this year’s yield of Stagg did not meet our expectations.  Good news is, we’ll have the barrels we put up in 2007, which are on track so far for a 2022 release, barring anything unforeseen changes.”

The four remaining members of the Antique Collection, William Larue Weller, Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye, Eagle Rare 17 Year Old and Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old will be released and should be available at retail starting later this month. Here are details of each:

William Larue Weller

The Antique Collection’s uncut, unfiltered, wheated recipe bourbon is William Larue Weller. The previous release of this wheater was honored with an “Extraordinary/Ultimate Recommendation” at the 2020 Ultimate Spirits Challenge.  The 2021 release was distilled in the winter of 2009 and aged in Warehouses C, D, K, L and Q.  This bourbon registers at 125.3 proof.  A nose of crème brulee, followed by cherry and toasted graham crackers on the palate and a long rich finish of coca, herbs and oak can be found in this year’s offering.

Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye

Thomas H. Handy is the uncut and unfiltered straight rye whiskey. Last year’s release earned a Double Gold Medal at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.  This year’s Handy was distilled in the spring of 2015; aged in warehouses I, L, O, and K and weighs in at 129.5 proof.  The flavor profile includes anise and cinnamon with a rich finish of spearmint and chocolate.

Eagle Rare 17 Year Old

This 101 proof whiskey was distilled in Spring of 2002 and aged on the first floor of Warehouse P.  The 2019 Eagle Rare release was honored with “Best of Category” at the Los Angeles International Spirits Competition.  This bourbon has a nose of ripe cherries, vanilla cream and oak, followed by a taste of caramel and coffee and a long finish of oak, pepper and fresh herbs.

Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old

The previous edition of Sazerac Rye 18 Year-Old was named “Best Rye Whiskey Over 15 Years” in the 2021 “Whisky Bible.”  This 2021 straight rye whiskey release has notable flavors of bright apples and herbs, anise and maple syrup on the palate and a finish of cocoa, coffee and dates.  The barrels for this whiskey were filled in the spring of 2003 and it rested on the second and fourth floors of Warehouses K and P.  It is bottled at 90 proof.

The Antique Collection was introduced more than two decades ago and Buffalo Trace has been humbled by the numerous awards bestowed from such notable publications as Whisky Advocate Magazine, Spirit Journal, and “The Whisky Bible.”

The 2021 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC) whiskeys, minus George T. Stagg, will be available in limited quantities starting in late October.  Suggested retail price is $99 each.  For more information visit http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/brands/antique-collection.

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

Wolfburn Poppyscotland Bottle

The Carnegie Whisky Cellars and Wolfburn Distillery are excited to announce a limited-edition single malt whisky in support of the 1921 Poppy Pledge, commemorating the 100^th anniversary of the first ever Poppy Appeal. A total of 1921 bottles are being produced by Thurso-based Wolfburn Distillery and will be sold exclusively from the Distillery and through the Carnegie Whisky Cellars in Dornoch. Both companies have agreed to give £5 to Poppyscotland for each bottle they sell through the joint 1921 Poppy Pledge, which will raise a combined total of £9,605.

The bottles will be available from both businesses from 11am on October 11^th 2021 (precisely one month before Remembrance Day) for £79, and will be sold on a strictly first-come-first-served basis.

Mark Westmorland, Wolfburn’s brand ambassador commented: “This exclusive bottling is our second collaboration with Carnegie Whisky Cellars in support of Poppyscotland and is a project that we’re very proud of. We owe a huge debt to our veterans – and we’ve crafted an appropriately special dram for the occasion. It’s made from some of our oldest spirit, matured in top-quality first-fill bourbon casks, giving it a really rich flavour, with lovely hints of smoke and oak. It’s a classic Highland single malt.”

Michael Hanratty from Carnegie Whisky Cellars added, “Wolfburn has a reputation for making truly excellent whisky, and we’re hugely proud to be in partnership with them again, to raise funds for such an important cause. Poppyscotland do unparalleled work supporting the veteran community in Scotland and we are delighted to support the 1921 Poppy Pledge in this way.  This is the third time we have partnered together with Wolfburn and the second time with Poppyscotland, they are a pleasure to work with as dedicated to their work, it’s fun and easy to work with their teams and we always look forward to these projects.”

The Scottish Poppy Appeal is the largest annual charity street collection in Scotland and raises more than £2 million each year. Run by Armed Forces charity Poppyscotland, money raised from the Poppy Appeal and their year-round fundraising enables them to deliver support to members of the Armed Forces community in Scotland by providing tailored funding and assistance. The charity also funds services in advice, employment, housing, mental health, and mobility.

Gordon Michie, Head of Fundraising and Learning at Poppyscotland said: “I’m delighted that Carnegie Whisky Cellars and Wolfburn have been working in partnership with Poppyscotland to produce this special-edition centenary whisky. 100 years on and the Scottish Poppy Appeal is still as important now as it was then, and the £5 donation from each bottle sold will help Poppyscotland provide the vital, life-changing support to those that have served, those still serving and their families.  For further information please contact info@wolfburn.com or whisky@thecarnegiecourthouse.co.uk

ABOUT WOLFBURN:

The original Wolfburn Distillery was founded just to the west of Thurso by William Smith in 1821.  In its day it was one of the largest distilleries in Scotland, producing, according to HMRC records, 28,056 “gallons of proof spirit” in a single year.  Taking its name from the stream that provided the water – the Wolf Burn – the distillery operated until around 1870.  The reasons for its closure are lost in time, but by 1877 the newly produced Ordnance Survey maps showed it being in ruins.

In 2011 plans were laid to resurrect the old distillery. Construction began in 2012 and in January 2013 the new Wolfburn Distillery commenced production, thereby becoming the most northerly distillery on the Scottish mainland.  Situated 300m from the site of the original distillery, the new Wolfburn operates in much the same way as the old: craftsmen use traditional methods to produce fine spirit, which is laid down in best quality oak casks to await the day when it is bottled as single malt scotch whisky.  Wolfburn’s single malt scotch whiskies are now available in over 30 countries globally.

Wolfburn Distillery, Henderson Park, Thurso, Caithness KW14 7XW

www.wolfburn.com

www.facebook.com/wolfburn

ABOUT THE CARNEGIE WHISKY CELLARS:

The Carnegie Whisky Cellars has quickly established a reputation for excellent service and product knowledge. Since opening the Carnegie Whisky Cellars has become a multi award winning independent shop and was named “Single Outlet Retailer of the Year 2021” at the “Scottish Icons of Whisky Awards” We stock a large selection of both official and Independently bottled single malts from across Scotland, alongside a range of Scottish craft gins and other bespoke items.

The Carnegie Whisky Cellars, The Carnegie Courthouse, Castle Street, Dornoch, Sutherland IV25 3SD

www.carnegiewhiskycellars.co.uk

www.facebook.com/carnegiewhiskycellars

ABOUT POPPYSCOTLAND

Poppyscotland provides life-changing support to the Armed Forces community. Money raised from the Scottish Poppy Appeal and Poppyscotland’s year-round fundraising enables them to deliver support to members of the Armed Forces community in Scotland by providing tailored funding and assistance. The charity also funds services in advice, employment, housing, mental health, mobility and respite. Please note that we are known as “Poppyscotland”, and not “PoppyScotland” or “Poppy Scotland”. For more information, please visit us at: poppyscotland.org.uk.

Discover the third and final release of our No Name series

Please welcome to the stage No Name, No. 3, a rock opera of a whisky. If the original No Name was whisky as thrash metal, and No Name, No. 2 showcased the flamboyance of progressive rock, this final creation in our trilogy takes peat to an OTT operatic crescendo.

We started the series back in 2017, and comparing all three will take you on quite a journey. Each No Name has been built around double acts of the same proportions, but with radically different smoky performers.

The two key players in No Name, No. 3 are led by seaweedy and barbecue-scented single malt from the Laphroaig Distillery, with single malt from the Bowmore Distillery in a supporting role, bringing hints of mango and pineapple. Seriously smoky, yet fruity and graceful – like a barbecue in an orchard.

Peat enthusiasts will be itching to know where No Name, No. 3 charts in terms of phenolic parts per million (ppm). Most ratings given elsewhere are for the malted barley prior to production – always much higher than that of the finished whisky. We measure the phenols present in the bottle itself and, to our surprise, No Name, No. 3 topped the original with 25.7ppm. Numbers alone can’t necessarily convey a whisky’s character though. No ppm-rating can capture, nor account for, the balance showcased by this final smoky anthem.

No Name, No. 3, the final release in the No Name series, is coming soon to our web shop and will be out in November in the US. Watch our Instagram for updates!

Share & Enjoy!

The Compass Box Team

Glenfiddich 40 Year Old
Release No. 16

Glenfiddich 40 Year Old Release No. 16 Description

£3,299.00
buy now

THE OXFORD ARTISAN DISTILLERY UNVEILS ITS FOURTH BATCH OF RYE WHISKY

Oxford, September 2021 – The Oxford Artisan Distillery has announced the release of The Graduate, the fourth batch of Oxford Rye Whisky and its largest bottling run to date.

Since the distillery launched their first batch of Oxford Rye Whisky back in April to great acclaim, each subsequent batch has been drawing praise for its quality of flavour. Supporting biodiversity through sustainable farming, the distillery only use heritage organic grains grown both close to Oxford and on prestigious estates such as Highgrove and Sandringham.

Officially launching at this year’s The Whisky Show, where the distillery are exhibiting for the first time, Oxford Rye Whisky Batch #4 has been bottled at the highest proof so far at 51.3% ABV and consists of 1,428 bottles. Harvested in 2017, the grain for this release was grown just 7 miles from the distillery, in soft sandy soils.

The distillery’s grain contributes to soil health in the English countryside, and are grown specifically for the distillery, making The Oxford Artisan Distillery the only distillery in the world with a license to use these heritage grains, farmed exclusively for flavour and not yield.

Oxford Rye Whisky Batch #4 is a bright, spicy and herbal whisky. Notes of sticky ginger cake, old books and ripe banana mingle with creamy custard, salty roasted nuts and toffee.

Master Distiller, Francisco Rosa comments: “For those who enjoyed our first whisky release, this is The Graduate. Similar in style but with older, bigger and bolder flavours and an acquired complexity.” 

Consisting of six casks, (numbers 25, 27, 28, 31, 33 and 36), this batch has been matured in a variety of American oak casks, from several cooperages. The range of barrels, from different origins (and climates) to varying toast levels and sizes (both 130L and 225L), all aid the complexity of the final product.

Explaining how the distillery’s intricate production techniques create the whisky’s flavour profile, Francisco comments: “The grains bring herbal, floral, spicy and nutty notes, and the sandy soils they were grown in add a salty influence to the grain character. The fermentation in Hungarian oak vats brings fruit and boosts the lovely creamy notes. Our bespoke stills give espresso and toasted sourdough smokiness, and finally, it is the interaction with the casks, marrying all these flavour notes together, also adding sweetness, vanilla and toffee.”

Oxford Rye Whisky Batch #4 is priced at £95 and will launch at The Whisky Show at 5pm on Friday 1st October, and will then be available from specialist retailers including Master of Malt, Hedonism, The Whisky Exchange, The Whisky Shop and the distillery’s website from Saturday 2^nd October.

At the end of August, the distillery launched a series of experimental whiskies titled Grain Stories, with the inaugural release of Heritage Corn Whisky. Distilled from diverse corn varieties grown in England especially for the distillery.

www.theoxfordartisandistillery.com

Oxford Rye Whisky Batch #4 51.3% ABV, tasting notes by Master Distiller, Francisco Rosa:

Aroma: Refreshing spices to aniseed and pepper, a hint of flowers and mint, blackened banana and Bramley apple with candied ginger cake, yum yums and toasted almonds. The pleasant smell of old leather bring us the flavour of time and aging.

Palate: Hints of blackcurrant, salt, banana, creamy custard, dark-chocolate, chilli, black pepper and liquorice.

Finish: Creamy, silky, peppery and minty, hints of espresso and a lingering toasted sourdough smokiness.

Overall: Refreshing spices and herbs play with sweet ginger cakes and old books. Berries and ripe banana mingle with creamy custard, salty roasted nuts and toffee.

The Oxford Artisan Distillery:

The distillery opened for business at its purpose-built site in Oxford on 27th July 2017.

It is Oxford’s first ever distillery and produces a range of spirits, including gin, absinthe, vodka and whisky, all with total provenance from grain to glass. The Oxford Artisan Distillery is rare amongst UK distilleries in producing its own organic spirit, rather than purchasing Grain Neutral Spirit (GNS) from other sources.

The distillery has a licence to produce spirits for the University of Oxford and has a notable partnership with the University of Oxford’s Botanic Garden.

About Organic Heritage Grain:

Certified Organic in April 2020, The Oxford Artisan Distillery is the only distiller to use genetically diverse populations of ancient heritage organic grains – revived from historical sources by a leading archaeo-botanist and grown sustainably on over 350 acres, known as land races, both close to Oxford and on prestigious estates such as Highgrove and Sandringham. The distillery’s grain contributes to biodiversity and soil health in the English countryside. The grains are the result of John Lett’s lifelong research on ancient grains: John has spent a large part of his life sourcing and growing ancient grains together, as polycultures. John takes 30-100 varieties of grain, mixes them up, and grows them together in the same field, at the same time. These sustainable fields are similar to what you would have seen in medieval times – the grains are grown specifically for the distillery, making The Oxford Artisan Distillery the only distillery in the world with a license to use John’s grains, grown exclusively for flavour and not yield.

Benromach 40 Years 1981 (2021)

1981 vintage of this glorious Oloroso sherry cask matured Benromach limited to 1,047 bottles at 57.1%. Benromach 40 Year Old 1981 vintage Speyside single malt Scotch whisky. First annual release. Matured in first fill oloroso sherry casks and bottled 2021. Just 1,047 bottles

Shop Benromach 40yo »

Nose: Vibrant citrus aromas with ginger, stewed fruits & cinnamon and subtle dark fudge aromas. Rich beeswax polish notes develop with a touch of aged oak.

Palate: Intense Seville orange flavours give way to red apple with underlying spices. Demerara sugar and a soft herbal flavour lead to charred oak.

£1,600.00

Benromach Distillery was designed by Charles C. Diog and constructed at Forres in the Speyside whisky region for D. McCallum and F.W. Burickman in 1898. Following numerus periods of closure, it was purchased in 1993 by Gordon & MacPhail who charged up its single pair of stills in 1998 and have nurtured Benromach ever since. Striking new labelling combined with an increasing range of single malts is forging a very popular brand of single malt whiskies which includes Benromach Organic, Benromach Peatsmoke and Benromach 10 Year Old.

Saturday, October 16th,

10AM-4PM

Mystery Single Malt with Sam Filmus

Sam Filmus is back with more award-winning whiskies to share! As president of JVS Imports & “Keeper of the Quaich”, Sam Filmus is a venerable whisky expert who always brings exceptional whiskies from Scotland and around the world to share with us.

Sam’s tastings are some of the most popular at the shop, and no two event pourlists are the same. Whether you’re looking for a unique new scotch experience or simply thirsty for a taste of whisky, this tasting is sure to please.

Click Here to RSVP

(or email us at info@whiskyshopusa.com

Russell’s Reserve “Small Batch” 6 Year Old Rye 90 Proof (750ml) $39.99 View

92 points Wine Enthusiast

 The warm and fruity scent is reminiscent of fresh apples drizzled with caramel. On the palate, spicy cinnamon leads, softening to caramel midpalate and finishing with sizzling cinnamon, clove and cayenne pepper. Adjusted with water, a saline note emerges, creating a pleasing salted caramel-like sipper. (KN)  (7/2015)

Whisky Advocate

 Incredibly smooth for a rye whiskey (almost too smooth), but still with plenty of character to make the journey very entertaining. Notes of evergreen, almonds, and bright fruit lie on a bed of caramel, honeyed vanilla, and banana bread. Lingering spicy finish. (JH, Spring 2008) 

K&L Notes

One of America’s finest and most authentic rye whiskeys. Great price for an excellent 6-year-old rye.

Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Kentucky Bourbon (750ml) 90 $59.99 View

90 points Wine Enthusiast

 A word of warning: don’t drink this straight. Don’t even try. At 110 proof, it can be downright painful. But with proper dilution, this Bourbon is still rich and deep flavored. Maturation time in dark “alligator char” barrels yields hazelnut, oak and toffee seasoned with nutmeg and clove.  (7/2013)

Whisky Advocate

 Clean on the palate, with honey-kissed citrus, summer fruits, crisp mint, and cinnamon, balanced by creamy vanilla and soft toffee. A solid bourbon that’s nicely rounded and vibrant. It’s very much with the current trend of American whiskeys toward no age statement; youthful and playful in nature, and versatile. (Vol. 22, #1) 

K&L Notes

Bottled at 110 proof, the Russell’s Reserve single barrel isn’t labeled as “cask strength” but seeing that most single barrels of Wild Turkey we’ve tasted clock in at around 55% naturally, it might as well be. Wild Turkey isn’t a big, dark, rich, tannic style of whiskey. It’s a softer, more cinnamon and clove spice-dominated, easier-sipping style of Bourbon and the single barrel Russell’s Reserve might be the best product available from the distillery. It’s entirely drinkable at the full proof due to its more elegant style, but takes water or ice quite splendidly. Having recently visited the distillery, we’re now big fans of the kickin’ chicken here at K&L. The Russells have refused to alter their production methods to fit in with the current economic Bourbon boom. They still make old school Bourbon in an old school way and the single barrel is perhaps the best way to ascertain the quality of what they’re doing. Candy corn, mellow caramel, baking spices, and long, spicy richness that goes on forever, with just enough pop from the higher proof to really add that extra high note. Lovely, lovely stuff. **Gold Medal 2013 San Francisco World Spirits Competition**

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