WATERFORD TASTING
SOHO WHISKY BAR
7th February 2022 – 6:30PM
Nathan Shearer will be talking us through the line-up below:
Waterford Hook Head 1.1 / 50% / 70cl
Waterford Ballymorgan 1.2 / 50% / 70cl
Waterford Grattansbrook 1.1 / 50% / 70cl
Waterford Sheestown 1.2 / 50% / 70cl
Waterford Gaia Organic 1.1 / 50% / 70cl
Waterford Luna 1.1 Biodynamic / 50% / 70cl
A STORY OF RARE DEDICATION: THE GLENDRONACH UNVEILS
OLDEST EXPRESSION
The GlenDronach is today announcing the limited release of its first-ever 50 Year Old Single Malt; the Highland Distillery’s oldest and rarest whisky to date. Distilled in 1971, this expression represents a milestone in the near two-hundred-year history of The GlenDronach Distillery.
The GlenDronach Aged 50 Years has quietly slumbered over five long decades in rare Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks, from the Spanish bodegas of Jerez in Andalucía. Personally selected by Master Blender Rachel Barrie, these exquisite casks have been married for a final maturation in a single Pedro Ximénez cask. Only a small number of casks are chosen to reach such a celebrated age, and just 198 bottles will be available worldwide of The GlenDronach Aged 50 Years.
Protected and nurtured in The GlenDronach’s traditional dunnage warehouses for over half a century, this rare liquid has survived floods and howling Highland winters, as well as being haunted by the legend of a Spanish ghost. This expression tells a story of the rare dedication and mastery of those custodians who have devoted their lives, through highs and lows, to protecting and nurturing this exceptionally rare Single Malt.
Master Blender, Rachel Barrie, said:
“The GlenDronach Aged 50 Years is the most prestigious expression of what this timeless, richly-sherried Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky has to offer.
“At 50 Years Old, it is exceptionally rich and seductive, with mellow layers of alluring complexity. On the nose, ripe dark cherry and plum are the preludes to the harmony of rolling stone fruit, while the palate brings an exquisite overture of flavour with dense undertones of dark chocolate, tobacco, and cocoa.
“It has been a privilege to be the final custodian of our oldest expression to date, passed down through generations. The result is a hand-crafted Highland Single Malt that tells a story of rare dedication, of which The GlenDronach Aged 50 Years is the rarest of them all.”
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Antique mahogany chestnut
Nose: Ripe dark cherry and plum are the preludes to a harmony of rolling stone fruit, gentian, and a plume of smouldering tobacco – lifted by lilting notes of bramble, orange, and cranberry.
Palate: Dense undertones of dark chocolate, tobacco, and cocoa form an exquisite overture of flavour. A perfect counter comes in a crescendo of elegant plum and luxurious black cherry, enrobed in a swathe of velvet espresso.
ABV: 43.8%
RRP: £20,000 GBP (including all taxes. Global markets may vary.)
Each hand-numbered bottle of The GlenDronach Aged 50 Years is presented in a luxurious, genuine leather case accompanied by an embossed leather booklet detailing the distillery history, tasting notes, and unique craft.
Bottle No. 1 of The GlenDronach Aged 50 Years was proudly donated to the inaugural Distillers’ One of One Auction in December 2021, raising £40,000 in support of disadvantaged young people in Scotland.
The GlenDronach Aged 50 Years is bottled at 43.8% ABV, and as is the case for all The GlenDronach expressions, has developed its deep colour naturally over time from the Spanish oak in which it has rested. The GlenDronach Aged 50 years will be available to purchase from selected specialist retailers worldwide from January 2022 (global markets may vary).
About The GlenDronach Distillery:
Nestled in the valley of Forgue, deep in the East Highland hills, is The GlenDronach, one of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland. The GlenDronach is of true Highland style: a complex and full-bodied spirit, perfect for slow maturation in Spanish sherry oak. At The GlenDronach Distillery, we have carried forth the tradition of our founder James Allardice since 1826, maturing our Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky in the finest Spanish Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks from Andalucía in Spain.
Our richly-sherried Highland Single Malts are recognised for their deep colour and complex flavour profiles, which range from the sweet fruity flavours of the Pedro Ximénez casks we select, to the dry and nutty notes of our Oloroso casks.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT:
www.glendronachdistillery.co.uk
Facebook: /TheGlenDronach
Twitter: @Glendronach
Instagram: @Glendronach
A Can’t-Miss New Contender in the Japanese Whisky Scene
Kirin Fuji Japanese Single Grain Whisky (750ml) ($94.99)
“An excellent choice for anyone looking to try something new in the category or trying to fill a Coffey Grain-shaped hole in your heart.” — David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer
Our spirits team loves the challenge of sourcing the very best Japanese whiskies available in the U.S. market, but this can be a daunting task due to the fact that many “Japanese” products are actually bulk-produced in other countries and simply marketed as Japanese. It’s made all the more difficult because most truly authentic Japanese whiskies are in such high demand that availability is often non-existent. When one such favorite, the Nikka Coffey Grain, went into strict allocations, it was a tough pill to swallow. But thanks to Kirin Fuji Gotemba, an under-the-radar distillery run by the renowned Japanese beer giant, we have a stellar new alternative to the Coffey Grain that will thrill fans of genuine single-grain whisky from the Land of the Rising Sun. Our buyers were duly impressed by what they found—Andrew Whiteley notes that the Fuji “rivals the best grain whiskies we’ve ever bottled from Scotland,” and David Othenin-Girard declares, “What’s most striking about this product is simply how overtly delicious it is … it’s simply a wonderful thing to have in your glass.” Long-time fanatics and newly curious explorers of Japanese whisky can all rejoice in this stellar new entry to the market, so stock up while you can.
Kirin Fuji Japanese Single Grain Whisky (750ml) ($94.99)
K&L Notes: Produced by the Japanese brewing giant Kirin in the Fuji Gotemba distillery situated on the southeastern side of Mt. Fuji, this single-grain whisky is Kirin’s entry into the U.S. market. The distillery houses an unusual still setup. They have pot stills in addition to a column/doubler setup similar to what you’d see in Kentucky, allowing them to produce a wide range of styles in one facility. By having multiple types of distillate at their disposal, the facility can produce a complex single grain. The end result is a grain whisky that offers a wider range of flavors, weights, and textures than you’re likely to find in any Scottish single grain that has been produced to simply bulk out single malt when making blended Scotch. If you’ve loved Nikka’s Single Grain in the past, this whisky is for you.
Andrew Whiteley | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: January 18, 2022
Japanese whisky is one of the most complicated categories in the spirits world thanks to lax regulation on how things are labeled and a plethora of less-than-scrupulous actors hoping to make a quick buck. However, the fact remains that there are a number of extraordinarily high-quality producers of spirits in Japan who are committed to delivering nothing but the best. The Kirin Fuji Gotemba distillery is one such producer. It has been in operation since 1973 and quietly produced excellent spirits in a variety of styles for many years. The distillery makes both grain and malt distillates on a number of different still setups giving them tremendous flexibility. The new release under the Kirin Fuji label is a Japanese single grain that rivals the best grain whiskies we’ve ever bottled from Scotland. Bottled at 46% ABV, it is a miraculous combination of sweet and spicy. It’s a lovely rose gold color in the glass and gives rich vanilla barrel notes on the nose. Sweet stone fruit mixes with cinnamon and fresh ginger root. The nose also presents a distinct wood profile that shows there is some significant time in barrel, although we are lacking an age statement. The palate is soft and supple. Fresh fruits dipped in whipped cream and drizzled in maple syrup come to mind. There is a whiff of cocoa. On the backend, more spice comes out. Nutmeg, cinnamon, rye grass, ginger snap cookies, and a lengthy profile of sweet wood seems to linger for minutes. It’s an impressive showing for the first U.S. import under this label and a welcome addition to the Japanese portfolio at K&L.
David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: January 05, 2022
Many people are rightfully skeptical of new Japanese whisky. Indeed, there are so many fake and/or low-quality products on the market, the industry has collectively agreed to stop the obfuscation that has led to multitude of sub-par “Japanese” whiskies. But ultimately the great distillers of Japan make exceptional whisky across the board, even when they might blend in a bit of Scotch. The few distillers that do release Japanese-distilled whisky are often times extremely hard to get. There are several famous names that were once very available that are now ultra-allocated. One of the saddest departures from regular appearance on our shelves is the wonderful Nikka Coffey Grain whisky. That lovely, high-quality grain whisky was many drinkers’ introduction to the category. Now, we have very little non-imported grain available, and most are usually made using sochu-style methods. That’s where this excellent whisky comes in. The Fuji Gotemba distillery has long been prized in Japan thanks to it’s high-quality techniques and pure water source. Located at the base of Mt Fuji, the label has rebranded for the release of this highly anticipated grain and is known simply as Fuji. What’s most striking about this product is simply how overtly delicious it is. Not as wood-driven or nutty as the Nikka Coffey, but with much more texture or character than any Scottish grain, it’s simply a wonderful thing to have in your glass. Let’s taste it! The color is yellow gold. Immediately, a pungent basket of fresh ripe stone and citrus fruit. Subtle, nutty character and hints of both vanilla and cinnamon. The entry is honeyed and very sweet before adding some baking spice, gingersnap cookies, fresh biscuits, and a touch of licorice bark. It’s so easy to drink, but not at all boring or monodimensional. An excellent choice for anyone looking to try something new in the category or trying to fill a Coffey Grain-shaped hole in your heart.
Samaroli 2021 bottling single cask #6440. Only 319 numbered bottles. Glen Grant 1998 vintage Speyside single malt Scotch whisky. Single cask #6440 bottled 2021 by Samaroli. 319 numbered bottles. Spicy and dusty tips such as chopped pink pepper are the background to a reassuring nose that inspires protection a range of floral scents alternating with fruit notes.
Established in 1840 by brothers James and John Grant, the business prospered and in 1897 Glen Grant No. 2 Distillery was established across the road in order to meet the high demand for Glen Grant whisky. During the late nineteenth century a Victorian garden was laid out in the valley behind the distillery and is now open to distillery visitors. Glen Grant is a Speyside malt whiskey distillery situated in Rothes equipped with eight stills and an on-site bottling plant. Gordon & MacPhail has released some rare vintage single malts dating back to the 1950s.
We’re incredibly proud to be able to list this fine expression as our latest Malt of the Moment. A local distillery to us, we’ve enjoyed watching the distillery grow, exciting times ahead if this release is anything to go by!
We sold out of our initial allocation, however we’ve managed to source a limited number of bottles, which we’d like to offer to our loyal customers as our Malt of the Moment at this superb price, for a limited time only. (Or while stocks last).
As ever if you have any questions or queries, please just get in touch.
Slàinte
Whisky Presentation Box Humidors by Dave
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Have your favourite scotch whisky presentation box upgraded to a cigar humidor!
US$220
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Price does not include shipping or the presentation box.
The Proof is Here®: Bourbon Pours Billions into Kentucky Economy
Study Shows More Distillers, Jobs, Investment – and Competition
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky Bourbon is expanding its status as a premier signature industry, now pouring $9 billion into the Bluegrass economy every year and generating more than 22,500 jobs with $1.23 billion in payroll, Gov. Andy Beshear and legislative leaders announced today.
Distilling also contributes more than $285 million in local and state tax revenue and is in the middle of a massive $5.2 billion capital investment spree that is creating more good-paying jobs and opportunities for supply chain partners, farmers, communities and tourism than ever before.
“We all know that Kentucky crafts 95% of the world’s Bourbon, and 100% of the Bourbon worth drinking,” Gov. Beshear said. “But today’s news proves that our signature spirit is so much more, and the growth is simply staggering.
“Distilleries, jobs, wages, revenue and investment are up triple digits across the board in the last 12 years. In turn, this amber wave has spurred more corn production, barrel cooperages and other supply-side manufacturers that are sustaining families and adding vibrancy to local communities.
“I’m thrilled Team Kentucky is part of this growth and am glad to help move it forward for the decades to come,” Gov. Beshear said.
The news comes from the biennial report conducted by noted economist Dr. Paul Coomes and commissioned by the non-profit Kentucky Distillers’ Association trade group. This is the sixth report since 2009 that charts growth and challenges facing Bourbon and distilled spirits.
KDA President Eric Gregory said the study highlights how the industry has effectively transformed itself into a global and economic powerhouse over the past 12 years. “Leadership, partnership and a focused mission on working together and growing the pie,” he said.
That has included promoting Kentucky as the gold standard for distilling, research and responsibility; expanding the popular Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tourism attraction; welcoming and mentoring craft distillers as the next generation; and working with elected officials to modernize alcohol laws and remove barriers to growth.
“We’re thrilled that Bourbon is at an all-time high since the glorious Repeal of Prohibition, but we can’t let success or complacency curtail this strong momentum,” he said. “We have more jobs and distilleries than ever before, but we also have more competition from all 50 states.”
The study notes there are now more than 2,200 distilleries in the U.S. due to the booming craft movement. That has slashed Kentucky’s share of distilleries nationwide from 24% to 6%, and jobs from 43% to 30%. Ten states have more licensed distillery operations than Kentucky.
“Bourbon is a great investment for Kentucky, and this study proves that,” Gregory said. “But more than 2,000 distilleries have made the decision not to locate in Kentucky, despite our rich traditions and ready-made infrastructure.
“It is critical that distillers, partners and elected officials continue to work together to eliminate artificial and unnecessary barriers to growth. Doing so will attract more distillers and investment to the Commonwealth. Our economic future is in our hands.”
The study’s major highlights include:
· $9 billion in economic output every year
· More than 22,500 jobs, up 83% in last 20 years
· $1.23 billion in payroll, up 250% in last 20 years
· Average salary of $101,567 – the first time that amount has exceeded $100,000
· KDA distillers bought 17 million bushels of corn in 2020, with 75% coming from Kentucky farmers
· Corn production has tripled in many Kentucky counties where distillers are located
· All-time record of 10.3 million aging barrels of Bourbon, the first time over 10 million
· Bourbon production – number of barrels filled each year – is up 435% since 1999
· Kentucky distillers filled a record 2.4 million barrels in 2020
· $5.2 billion in capital projects completed or planned by 2025, including more than $100 million to build or expand Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experiences
· Investments between 2021-2025 will create 4,565 new jobs, $258 million in payroll and $29 million in tax revenue
· Distilling has the highest job spin-off factor among top 20 Kentucky manufacturers by employees; for every distilling job, three more are created
· Value of distillers’ real and tangible property has quadrupled in last 12 years to $1.49 billion
· Kentucky continues to tax distilling higher than all other large industries in the Commonwealth.
· Distilling production and consumption generates $286 million in local and state tax revenue annually. That’s $179 million more tax revenue a year versus 12 years ago.
· Kentucky has the fifth-highest Bourbon and spirits tax rate in the country, and the state’s distillers by far pay more in federal alcohol tax – $1.8 billion – than any other state
· The KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® experiences continue their rapid rebound from COVID and closures, up 160% in total attendance from last year and just down slightly from pre-pandemic record in 2019.
At a press conference announcing the study’s results, Gregory praised legislative leaders for revolutionizing Kentucky’s archaic alcohol laws and in many cases, “just getting government out of the way so our business can flourish.”
In the Senate, Gregory thanked Senate President Robert Stivers, Senate Majority Leader Damon Thayer, Senate Licensing & Occupations Chairman John Schickel and Senate Democratic Leader Morgan McGarvey for their bold leadership in advancing reforms.
Sen. Stivers created the Bourbon Barrel Reinvestment Tax Credit in 2014 to offset the discriminatory tax that distillers pay on aging barrels. Gregory said the credit stimulated barrel production leading to now-record inventories.
Sens. Thayer and McGarvey in 2020 championed landmark legislation to make Kentucky a model for direct-to-consumer spirits shipping around the country. In 2016, Sen. Schickel’s historic Senate Bill 11 authorized cocktail sales at distilleries and led to a surge of robust, immersive tourism experiences and record attendance.
Stivers, one of the longest serving senate presidents in the country, said, “We’ve seen first-hand how simply removing a tax or an outdated law leads to more high-quality jobs and record investment levels in our signature spirit. We also understand other states are watching Kentucky and desperately want what is unique to the Commonwealth.
“Make no mistake, though, the only place to experience the authenticity of Bourbon is right here in Kentucky and we must maintain our distilling dominance. For all of these reasons, I strongly encourage my fellow members of the Senate to do our part to keep this momentum flowing.”
In the House, Gregory applauded Speaker David Osborne, Majority Whip Chad McCoy, House Licensing & Occupations Chairman Adam Koenig and House Democratic Leader Joni Jenkins for their outstanding support.
Rep. Osborne’s pro-business tenure has paved the way for multiple reforms and protections, including Rep. McCoy’s “vintage spirits” bill in 2017 to boost hospitality and tourism and Rep. Koenig’s repeated success with direct shipping legislation (2020 and 2021). Rep. Jenkins has helped pass many Bourbon-related bills in an overwhelmingly bipartisan fashion.
Speaker Osborne said, “Kentucky has everything a distiller needs to grow and thrive,but we have some work to do in modernizing our tax code. Too often our laws restrict the free market when they could be spurring economic growth in all sectors. We are committed to this work and look forward to working with KDA and other stakeholders.
“It might take years to age a great Bourbon, but we can’t wait to leverage this momentum.We must continue to press forward, build on the tremendous growth announced today, and attract more jobs and investment for the benefit of all Kentuckians.”
Ashli Watts, President & CEO of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, echoed legislative leaders, noting that distilling’s high spin-off factor leads to a stronger economy. “It’s clearer than ever that Bourbon is a great investment for the future of Kentucky,” she said.
Tax reform is one of the Chamber’s top priorities this legislative session, and Watts said that includes final relief from the discriminatory barrel tax. Kentucky remains the only place in the world that taxes aging barrels of spirits, making it harder to lure new distilleries to the state.
Even with the 2014 tax credit, the escalating number of barrels – and therefore taxes – now far outpaces the amount of credit that distillers can take. Some large distillers now realize only 30% of the credit.
By law, distillers are required to reinvest that credit back into their Kentucky facilities. Watts encouraged the legislature to make the credit refundable or transferrable, which would lead to more investment, more distillers in Kentucky and more jobs.
“With so many beneficiaries of Bourbon’s success, why would we keep barrel taxes in place and leave additional growth on the table?” she said. “One sure way to encourage job creation and investment is to eliminate the burdensome barrel tax that shackles distilling’s growth.”
Kevin Smith, Chairman of the KDA’s Board of Directors and Vice President of Bourbon Affairs at Beam Suntory, thanked the state’s leadership for their commitment to the distilling industry.
“We are grateful that lawmakers and the Governor recognize the vital role our industry plays in jobs, revenue and tourism. And we look forward to working with them to continue this record momentum for generations of Kentuckians to come,” Smith said.“Working together, we are stronger. We are focused on the future and focused on creating a strong foundation that ensures Kentucky’s rightful place as the one, true and authentic home of Bourbon.”
VIEW THE FULL 2021 REPORT HERE.
The KDA is a non-profit trade association founded in 1880 to promote, protect and elevate Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Visit www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com to learn more. KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®, BOURBON TRAIL™, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL CRAFT TOUR®, KENTUCKY BOURBON AFFAIR™, KBT™, ORDER OF THE WRIT®, KENTUCKY DISTILLERS’ ASSOCIATION®, and KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL OFFICIAL SPONSOR® and associated designs and logos are trademarks/service marks of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. Please enjoy responsibly.
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BRAW BURNS CELEBRATIONS
With many of our Burns Night celebrations starting this weekend AND our virtual Big Burns Bash happening on Thursday, 27 January be sure to get involved and join us for a dram as we celebrate Scotland’s National Poet with the finest limited edition single cask Scotch malt whisky to be found anywhere in the world. Even if it’s simply to raise a Society toast on Burns Night itself on Tuesday, 25 January.
For those that can’t join us at a Society event, we’ve gathered some advice about how to make the most of Burns Night when we can’t get together in person. Click over to Unfiltered online to read our guide to hosting a digital Burns supper with people far and near.
BRAW BURNS SALE:
We’re celebrating Burns Night with a sensational seasonal sale. Enjoy a 15% saving on our Burns Night recommendations – order now for delivery before the big event.
Use code: (JOIN THE SOCIETY TO SEE THE CODE!)
Ends 1 Feb 2022 – Saving available online. Selected bottlings only and subject to availability. Coupon code must be applied to online basket before checkout. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers, applied retrospectively or exchanged for cash.
In Burns Week celebration, we’re releasing 10 braw bottlings for the occasion – including six different peated styles. Perfect for impressing the senses and your guests, click over to our website to discover more or explore our recommendations
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
The latest of this customer favourite, big sherry monster from Pitlochry’s very own Edradour Distillery. The epitome of heavily sherried single cask whisky. From single sherry butt #385 and bottled 5th December 2021 yielding 638 bottles at 54.8%
Buy – Edradour 12yo – £121/ €121* / $137* / c$171*
Edradour Distillery was formed in 1825 by a group of eight local farmers. Situated at Milton of Edradour near Pitlochry and still just a farm sized distillery equipped with a Morton refrigerator to cool the worts and two wee stills with their spirit cooled in a single worm tub. Whilst ranked amongst the small working distilleries in Scotland its owners Signatory Vintage have plans to increase its size and output. Official distillery releases include the Edradour 10 Year Old, Barolo Cask and Sherry Cask Ibisco decanters.
