Benromach Abbey Whisky Exclusive

£69.99

Benromach 11 Year Old – 2010 | Cask 388 | Abbey Whisky Exclusive

It’s no secret, we love Benromach. The spirit they produce at the distillery is fantastic and their cask management is superb. This 11 year old Speyside malt has been fully matured in a first fill bourbon barrel, resulting in a delightful combination of sweet smoke, toasted almonds, spice and tropical fruit. Cask 388 has been selected exclusively by Abbey Whisky with 228 bottles filled. We’re delighted with this latest offering.

ralfy review 920 Extras – Bottling variations, consistency OR quality

BUFFALO TRACE NAMED THE GLOBAL

DISTILLER OF THE YEAR BY WHISKY MAGAZINE

Blanton’s Named World’s Best Single Barrel Bourbon

A Buffalo Trace Distillery advertisement with no bottles and no words intended for media kit usage.

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (March 29, 2022) – The National Historic Landmark, Buffalo Trace Distillery, has claimed the coveted global title of Distiller of the Year at the 2022 Icons of Whisky awards presented by Whisky Magazine.

After being named the American Distiller of the Year in February, Buffalo Trace went on to compete against distilleries from all over the globe to receive this honor. Similarly, the Distillery’s Blanton’s Bourbon was named the World’s Best Single Barrel Bourbon by Whisky Magazine’s World Whiskies Awards held at the same ceremony. These awards were presented March 24 in London at the competition’s first in-person ceremony in three years.

Buffalo Trace, which is undergoing a $1.2 billion expansion to make more whiskey, continues to underscore its commitment to quality despite the growing demand for its whiskeys.

“Everyone on our team plays an important role in ensuring total quality, and these awards speak to that dedication,” Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley said.  “We are absolutely thrilled to receive these awards and feel honored that our commitment to producing top-quality spirits is being recognized internationally.”

The Distillery, which welcomed more than 340,000 visitors in 2021, is also a big community supporter. In 2021, Buffalo Trace donated a half million dollars to local and statewide initiatives such as its annual Great Buffalo Chase 5k, in which more than $21,000 went to the city of Frankfort, Kentucky’s VFW Post 4075, which used it to fund the annual July 4^th community fireworks show, and $15,000 to God’s Pantry Food Bank to support the local Franklin County community. The Distillery also donated $80,000 to local non-profit organizations at its annual Contribution to the Community ceremony and raised funds through an auction of some of its most rare bottles for The Red Cross Ky Region for Western Kentucky after tornados ravaged the state.  These donations were among a number of other community programs the Distillery supported in 2021.

For more information about the World Whiskies Awards visit www.worldwhiskiesawards.com, and for more information about the Icons of Whisky visit www.iconsofwhisky.com.

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 George T. Stagg was named World Whiskey of the Year for 2022 and its Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye was named 2^nd Finest Whiskey in the World for 2022.   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.

Buffalo Trace Distillery Raises nearly $65k for Kentucky Tornado Victims through Online Auction

Monies Raised support American Red Cross KY Region tornado relief efforts

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (March 23, 2022) – The teams at the American Red Cross Kentucky Region and Buffalo Trace Distillery, like so many others locally and across the world, were devastated to hear of the losses and damages caused by the tornadoes that tore through the Midwest and South in early December.

To help raise funds, the American Red Cross Kentucky Region and Buffalo Trace Distillery teamed up to provide disaster relief to Kentuckians affected by the tornados. Through an online auction, $64,432.33 was raised.  All proceeds are being distributed by the Red Cross KY Region for Western Kentucky disaster relief.

Buffalo Trace and the Van Winkle family partnered with Menish Productions to auction two very rare and unique whiskey flights, which included a complete set of Pappy Van Winkle and Buffalo Trace’s Antique Collection. Two rare Van Winkle decanters were also donated by a private individual, which were included in the auction.  The online auction went live Monday, Dec. 20 at 9 a.m. and ran through Thursday, Dec. 23 at 7 p.m.

“I am so thrilled with the generosity of Buffalo Trace Distillery and our outstanding partnership,” said Lynne Washbish, executive director of the American Red Cross Bluegrass Chapter. “What a difference we made together to help many that have lost everything.”

Sara Saunders, vice president for whiskey and consumer marketing at Buffalo Trace stated, “Some of our team members’ extended families were affected by these tornadoes, including loss of life. We are fortunate and thankful our 2,300 area team members and 10 local operations were spared. We are pleased to partner with Red Cross and humbled to play a role in raising money for the victims of this disaster.”

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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, is a National Historic Landmark, and 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 George T. Stagg was named World Whiskey of the Year for 2022 and its Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye was named 2^nd Finest Whiskey in the World for 2022.   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.

Grown, Malted, and Distilled in Northumberland – The Perfect Provenance for Northumberland’s Ad Gefrin Whisky Distillery

Ad Gefrin is delighted to announce that the inaugural barley growers for making its Northumbrian Whisky, will be farms all within 10 miles of the Distillery itself.   The barley will be stored locally, and malted in Berwick Upon Tweed, by Simpsons Malt, before delivery to Wooler. Fully traceable the whole operation is happening within a 20-mile radius of Ad Gefrin!

Northumberland is renowned for producing the very best quality  barley and it is in demand throughout the world.  The type of barley chosen for Ad Gefrin is Diablo, the highest yielding spring barley on the market.  The four farmers selected to grow in the region of 400 tonnes between them for Ad Gefrin, are Tom Jackson, growing at Northfield Farm, Lowick, George Farr of Pallinsburn, David Warcup of Letham Hill Farm, Etal and Cameron Shell of Brandon near Powburn.

Ben Murphy, Head Distiller at Ad Gefrin said, “It is so exciting to be able to produce a malt which will be grown by local farmers, and malted by Simpsons Malt, who are literally just up the road.  The relationship with growers will be collaborative, as the barley is grown and malted specifically for us.”

Barley is not the only ingredient that will be entirely local – perhaps the most important by volume is the water.  This will be drawn from a borehole on site which will deliver its ancient waters from a depth of 200m which has come directly from the nearby Cheviot hills themselves.  Keen to do all they can to  help the environment, energy for the process will also be sourced locally, with electricity generated from Ad Gefrin’s extensive rooftop solar panels.

Ben concludes: “A whisky is of course not just about the barley; the barley is just one of many factors.  There is the water, and the years required for maturing, the wood chosen for the casks, and of course the careful handling by the stills’ team.   Ad Gefrin will be a Northumbrian Whisky, through and through, grown, distilled and nurtured in the shadow of the Cheviot Hills.”

The relationship with Simpsons Malt is also vital to Ad Gefrin, as the fifth-generation, family business has the infrastructure in place – through its position as both a malting and agricultural merchanting company – to connect the grower to distiller, showcasing supply chain traceability from seed to spirit. It has formed this partnership for supplies to Wooler’s new distillery that helps guarantee their local provenance and quality throughout the world.

“It is really exciting to be part of such a major milestone for Wooler and north Northumberland.” enthused grower Tom Jackson, “Normally our malting barley goes to Scotland, so we are pleased and proud to be part of this new enterprise to produce a genuinely local product.”

Tim McCreath, Simpsons Malt Managing Director, added: “It has been fantastic to work so closely with Ben as the exciting developments at Ad Gefrin have progressed over the past 12 months.

“The distillery’s high-quality Northumbrian spring barley has been sown at farms less than 10 miles from the site and we’re now counting down the days until harvest. From there, we will collect and store the barley before transporting it to our Tweed Valley Maltings for malting and subsequent delivery, passing a couple of the farms during the 17-mile journey.”

Ad Gefrin will be the first ever commercial whisky distillery in Northumberland and will be opening its doors to the public in the Autumn of this year.  As well as creating the first Northumbrian Single Malt Whisky, and in the region of 50 jobs, this £10.4m development will include a world class cultural visitor experience celebrating Northumbria’s Golden Age.

Ad Gefrin opens in Autumn 2022.

Ad Gefrin Single Malt Whisky will mature from 2025 onwards.

For more information visit adgefrin.co.uk.

About Ad Gefrin

Ad Gefrin is a £10.4m world-class visitor experience and whisky distillery that will reveal the fascinating history of Northumberland’s Anglo Saxon ‘Golden Age’. Informed by one of the 20^th century’s most remarkable archaeological finds – the internationally renowned archaeological site, Yeavering – the centre will recreate the Great Hall of the royal summer palace of the 7^th century Northumbrian kings and queens. Ad Gefrin is funded by the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, the North East Rural Growth Network – Strategic Economic Infrastructure Fund (SEIF), North East LEP and Northumberland County Council. 

About Yeavering (the archaeological site of Ad Gefrin) 5 miles from Ad Gefrin Visitor Experience and Distillery

Internationally renowned, Yeavering is the most thoroughly excavated Anglo Saxon palace complex in Europe and the only archaeological site to have evidence of a timber grandstand and gathering place. This was the 7^th Century royal summer residence of early Anglo-Saxon kings and queens including Aethelfrith, Edwin and Aethelburga, the saintly Oswald and his younger brother Oswy.  Discovered in 1949 through aerial photography, and excavated by Brian Hope-Taylor in the 1950’s and 60’s, the scheduled archaeological site is today under the ownership and management of The Gefrin Trust. The Trust  was formed to ensure the future preservation of the site through sympathetic management, conservation and investigation. Ad Gefrin Visitor Experience and Distillery is working in partnership with The Gefrin Trust to further illuminate the importance of the archaeological site within the exhibition at the Visitor Centre.

About Borderlands Partnership

The Borderlands Partnership consists of Carlisle City Council, Cumbria County Council, Dumfries and Galloway Council, Northumberland County Council and Scottish Borders Council. The Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal was agreed between the Borderlands Partnership, the UK Government and the Scottish Government in March 2021. The Deal will deliver up to £350 million investment in projects across the region from the UK and Scottish Governments alongside local investment of £100 million. More information can be found at www.borderlandsgrowth.com

About the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP)

The North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is a public, private, and education sector partnership that covers Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Sunderland local authority areas.

LinkedIn: @adgefrin

Facebook: @AdGefrin

Instagram: @adgefrin

A Thrilling Speyside Exclusive Cask from the Coveted BenRiach
2009 BenRiach 12 Year Old “Hart Brothers Finest Collection” K&L Exclusive Cask Strength Single Sherry Butt Unchillfiltered Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky 
“This distillery has been absolutely on fire recently … No one will be disappointed with this exceptional cask. It’s fabulous!” — David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

As our Exclusive Cask program hums right along, the spirits team has just taken in another incredible haul from one of the most compelling and in-demand Speyside distilleries in operation today. Our long-time single malt fanatics have caught on to the utterly thrilling whiskies coming out of BenRiach, and word of the genius of master blender Rachel Barrie is reaching all corners of the Scotch world. So, imagine our out-and-out joy when we secured three individual 12-year-old casks from this dynamic powerhouse through our connections with the ever-amazing Hart Brothers Finest Collection. We’re firm believers that you can never have enough BenRiach on hand, and three casks in one swoop is a good place to start. On offer today is the 12 Year Old Sherry Butt, a monumental jaw-dropper that brings all the punch and power that sherry cask fanatics’ crave. Buyer David Othenin-Girard describes a truly multifaceted stunner in his review below, and all for a sub-$100 price. Even with the kaleidoscopic complexity from the aging vessel taking center stage, the now-famous, robust BenRiach malt still manages to make its presence known in a full-throttle style. This is the single cask we’ve all been waiting for, and now is the time to get a hold of it.

2009 Benriach 12 Year Old “Hart Brothers Finest Collection” K&L Exclusive Cask Strength Single Sherry Butt Unchillfiltered Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) ($99.99) *Pre-arrival item is expected to be available for shipment or pickup in summer 2022.

K&L Notes: Benriach is quickly becoming one of the most attractive names in Scotch. They’ve won some huge awards, particularly for their slightly smoky 12 Year Old expression designed by the illustrious Rachel Barrie. Rachel is extremely adept at developing products that offer nuance and complexity, while not compromising on flavor. What we don’t see much out of most distilleries these days are LOUD whiskies—ones that step up and shout at you. And while we don’t always want to be screamed at, it’s impossible to deny the thrilling feeling of getting packed into a sweaty club and having a heavy metal band blow your socks off. It’s ok to enjoy it and still want to go to the symphony next weekend. You don’t have stop liking Guns N’ Roses because you love Tchaikovsky. This is bold, unabashed Benriach with 12 years in Sherry butts, bottled at cask strength without chill-filtration or coloring. It might not be as punk rock as Ardbeg, but it’s still pretty cool. Most importantly it’s absolutely delicious and totally worth the door fee. We must thank Alistair Hart and his good reputation for getting us backstage passes to this event.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: December 02, 2021

It’s a Sherry Butt from BenRiach! This distillery has been absolutely on fire recently thanks to master blender Rachel Barrie and all these awards. But the thing that people really want from the excellent Speysider, one of the few to operate its own malt floors in Scotland, are single casks. So we bought 3 of them, not including the one the distillery lost in transit. Having three different casks to offer captures the quintessential essence of BenRiach in my opinion, which is a distillery that’s hard to pin down in the first place, so why not highlight its diversity. This sherry butt will be the most appealing on paper, thanks to the continued obsession with sherry casks. Let’s have a taste! The color is a vibrant tawny. A nice, dark one here! I let it rest for 10 minutes before first nosing. OMG, the nose has that perfect oloroso spice and nutty richness. Immediately we get old saddle leather, the darkest cacao, stewed red fruit, and candied citrus. On the palate, liquified Christmas pudding, sweet and richly spiced. Big notes of cola, sarsparilla, shoe polish, red currants, and a slight flinty character (not quite gunpowder). This absolutely loves water as well, which softens the savory leathery nose and opens the jammy red fruit. The bold ‘Riach malt still manages to poke through the rich wine and wood flavors. Tasting these three casks in succession is a truly eye-opening experience. No one will be disappointed with this exceptional cask. It’s fabulous!

The 130th auction, is live as of April 1st, is already shaping up to be a memorable one.  Here’s a peak at a few interesting bottles that’ll soon be going under the hammer, including over 250 charity bottles commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War.

Falklands War Charity Bottles

To mark the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War, this month we will be auctioning 255 bottles of a Glen Moray 2008 13 Year Old Pauillac Single Cask with all proceeds going to The Falklands Veterans Association and The South Atlantic Medal Association.

All bottles are individually signed by Nigel Phillips CBE (Governor of The Falkland Islands and High Commissioner of South Georgia & Sandwich Islands) and Major General Julian Thompson (CB, OBE– Commander 3 Commando Brigade).  A number of bottles also have additional signatures signed by key figures in the engagement.

Macallan 617 Squadron Disbandment Edition

Following on the military theme this Macallan 617 Squadron Disbandment Edition, as the name suggests, was bottled to commemorate the disbandment of RAF Squadron 617.  Famous for their ‘Dambusters’ raid during WWII the unit was disbanded in March 2014 and this retro Macallan Special Edition was released in honour of their exploits.

Glenrothes 1954 28 Year Old Connoisseurs Choice 75cl

1954 was notable for a few things, Bill Haley & his Comets recorded their seminal hit “Rock Around the Clock”, William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies” was first published and all the while the good folks at Glenrothes Distillery were busy creating this Glenrothes 1954 28 Year Old Connoisseurs Choice 75cl.  Bottled by Gordon & MacPhail this is an exceptionally rare dram and rarely seen at auction.

We’ll have thousands more bottles to whet your appetite once the auction starts so stay tuned for more updates, and we’ve recently revised our remote area fee structure within the UK, please find all the details here.

Our Easter Outturn will be released this First Friday with 18 new bottlings, including our latest small batch single malt release FULL BLOOM. This is a really exciting bottling, where we teamed up with our friends at Nebb Whisky Barrels to source some beautiful barriques to mature this whisky. We’re sure you’ll agree that the results give an outstanding experience.

To read more and browse our new bottlings, click over to our website. OR keep on scrolling…our spirits manager Euan Campbell gives his thoughts on the bottles you must track down.

READ NEW OUTTURN

VIEW NEW BOTTLINGS

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

We couldn’t be more proud to announce that we have received an outstanding gold medal and gold medal at the International Wine & Spirits Competition 2022. Our 12 Year Old was marked an extraordinary 98/100, which earned an outstanding gold medal.

Lemon zest, toffee apples – and a scent of coconut. Hand-selected sherry casks help create this paradise of flavours and rich, golden colour. It’s the taste of Scotland’s slowest distillation, and our insistence on barley dried by air – never peat.

SHOP OUR 12 YEAR OLD

The Glengoyne 30 Year Old was also successful this year, with a score of 95/100, earning a gold medal. Intense sherry trifle – the rich complexity of cinnamon, cloves and tangy marmalade. Matured in hand-selected sherry casks of exceptional character, this is the taste of 30 years, held in a single dram. It was an honour to win not just one, but two prestigious gold awards this year.

VIEW OUR 30 YEAR OLD

Speyside Distillers launches Speyside’s Artist Trio of SPEY single malts for spring 2022

A trio of limited edition single malts has been launched by a multi-award-winning Speyside distillery to celebrate the arrival of spring, each featuring specifically commissioned artwork.

Speyside Distillery, operated by Speyside Distillers, has announced the limited edition Speyside’s Artist Trio in conjunction with artist-in-residence, Joanna McDonough. The packaging and bottles will feature artwork that reflects the character of each expression, taking inspiration from the worlds of whisky, art and music.

The new range was launched last night with a tasting and art exhibition at the distillery’s visitor centre in Aviemore, The Snug.

Artist Joanna McDonough said: “I was delighted to be asked to develop paintings for Speyside’s Artist Trio to complement the Tenne, Trutina and Fumare SPEY single malt whiskies.

“While preparing to start work, I realised that artists, musicians and distillers are all working towards a very similar – if not identical – goal in their art and craft.

“My goal in my work is to express myself, my feelings and my emotions – and create art which, in turn, then causes an emotional reaction. Musicians, too, create an emotional reaction with their work.

“Similarly, distillers are masters at crafting whisky that creates an emotional reaction in the taster – taking the drinker on a journey of sight, smell and taste. We are all artists in our own way.”

The Speyside’s Artist Trio is limited to 1,500 numbered 70cl bottles of each expression, with some 20cl bottles also available.

The launch is the latest in a series of exciting announcements and achievements by the artisan distillery, including plans for a new distillery in the Speyside region; the creation of three new distiller positions; and SPEY being named the world’s best single cask single malt at the 2021 World Whisky Awards.

Speyside Distillers chief executive John Harvey McDonough said: “I am very proud to introduce the limited edition Speyside’s Artist Trio to our SPEY Collection. My wife Joanna has previously created stunning labels for our SPEY single malts and Byron’s Gin, but these new artworks truly encapsulate the joy of whisky.

“Our distillers have lovingly crafted these whiskies, and we are delighted to have collaborated with Joanna on artwork that has had equal love poured into it.”

Managing director Patricia Dillon added: “Joanna’s art has inspired me for many years and to see her representing the aromas, colours and flavours of our award winning single malts with this stunning new art collection makes me proud to be part of the SPEY family, and what we can achieve together.”

Speyside Distillers operates the boutique Speyside Distillery near Kingussie, nestled in the foothills of the stunning Cairngorms National Park. Exporting its high-quality spirits to 32 countries around the world, the distillery is well known for its single malt whiskies – SPEY and Beinn Dubh – made using traditional methods, as well as the popular Byron’s Gin. Although not open to the general public, the distillery’s award-winning spirits are available from its visitor centre, The Snug, in Aviemore.

For more information, visit www.speysidedistillery.co.uk and www.thesnugspeysidedistillery.co.uk or follow the distillery on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For trade enquiries, please contact karenann@speysidedistillers.co.uk.

Notes

Trutina Melody
Joanna McDonough: “My Trutina melody painting is like its accompanying whisky. The melody is the true tune of this spirit: it is honest and, like the tune, is a linear succession of notes which the listener perceives as the ‘music’ – the whisky is also a succession of tastes resulting in a ‘whole’ taste experience. The painting is honest and clear.”

Tasting notes: Pale gold / white wine appearance. A light nose, with an initial savoury top-note on a fruity base (white grapes, apple blossom, lychees in syrup), developing floral notes, with a hint of boiled sweets. Light texture, with a sweet start leading to crisp acidity and notes of scented sweets, with a finish of white chocolate.

Tenne Rhapsody
Joanna McDonough: “Tenne is more flamboyant in style, so it most naturally became my ‘rhapsody’. A rhapsody features intense variations of mood, colour and tonality. It is free flowing but with some structure. I aimed to reflect this nature in my painting, which is slightly freer in form – and like Tenne has my own touch of sweetness with its ruby hues and vibrancy.”

Tasting notes: Copper / rose wine appearance, with notes of faint raspberry jam and rose wine, pot-pourri and pale fruits on the nose. Light in texture, sweet & faintly fruity, before drying slightly, leaving a trace of almonds in the finish

Fumare Overture
Joanna McDonough: ”As Fumare was Speyside Distillery’s first peated whisky, naturally it was an overture, i.e. ‘an introduction to what is to come.’ The palette of this painting is taken from the tasting notes – in particular barley, caramel, orange and honey whisky – showing a gentle warmth which is given in the end notes of its special taste.”

Tasting notes: Light gold appearance, with a subtle nose. The smoke slowly builds in intensity, but with minimal medicinal notes, and increased sweetness. The addition of a few drops of water increase the complexity, and enhance the sweetness & vanilla notes that combine so well with the long, smoky finish