Welcome to this weeks episode of the show, in which I’ll be reviewing some of the spring 2022 releases from independent bottler James Eadie.

https://youtu.be/AmPbT0_JVKI

‘The Pioneers Experience’ to take centre stage at The Macallan Estate this summer

The Macallan Estate has announced the return of its spectacular immersive theatre experience, as the first single malt Scotch whisky distillery to tell the story of its rich heritage through live performance.

The Macallan Estate Pioneers Experience theatrical journey explores The Macallan’s 485-acre Estate, bringing to life notable characters from The Macallan’s illustrious history who have informed the Estate’s past and played a role in shaping its future.

Launching on Saturday 16 July and running until Sunday 7 August, and available to book now, this exclusive outdoor experience delves into The Macallan’s heritage and depicts the dedication to incomparable craftmanship and creativity, whisky-making process and pursuit of uncompromised excellence which The Macallan is renowned for.

The Macallan Estate Pioneers Experience transports guests back in time to be met by some of the most notable characters from the distillery’s history, including Captain John Grant. A pioneer in The Macallan’s story, Captain Grant realised the potential of Easter Elchies Estate in 1700; the land that has been home to The Macallan Distillery since 1824.

These characters and their stories are shared through a promenade theatre experience on the banks of the River Spey, moving through time and transporting guests to rarely-seen locations throughout the Estate.

Theatre-goers can enjoy a picnic lunch with pioneers Roderick and Katherine Kemp, who took over The Macallan Distillery in 1892. Guests also have the opportunity to meet Janet Harbinson, who guided The Macallan through trial and tribulation in the early 1900s.

As part of the experience, guests will explore The Macallan Estate while savouring special drams of The Macallan single malt Scotch whisky along the way.

The Macallan Estate Pioneers Experience is brought to life through the talents of professional actresses and actors.

Stuart Cassells, General Manager at The Macallan Estate, said:

“The Macallan Estate Pioneers Experience is one of the most exciting events in our calendar, and we’re proud to announce its return for 2022. Last summer’s run was a huge success, with plenty of fun along the way, and we’re sure this year will be no exception.

“There is no finer way to delve into our fascinating heritage here at The Macallan, with the help of Debora Weston and a team of extraordinary actors from across Scotland.

“Debora is perhaps best known for her work in films including Patriot Games and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and we’re honoured that she has written our theatre play for The Macallan Pioneers Experience. It’s a privilege to see her vision come to life on the banks of the River Spey, right here at The Macallan Estate.”

As part of the exclusive, three-hour experience, guests will explore areas of The Macallan Distillery not usually open to the public, including Warehouse No 7, one of The Macallan’s oldest traditional dunnage warehouses.

Located amidst breath-taking natural landscapes in the heart of Speyside, The Macallan Estate is a world-leading hospitality destination.

Home to every bottle of The Macallan’s incomparable single malt whisky since 1824, the serene countryside estate offers much more than just a whisky experience, with fine-dining, private shopping and fishing all available on site.

The Macallan Estate Pioneers Experience is priced at £70 per guest and is available to book for a limited period, taking place twice daily each Saturday and Sunday, running from Saturday 16 July until Sunday 7 August 2022 inclusive.  All experiences must be booked in advance with The Macallan Estate team.

To book an experience, please visit www.themacallan.com/en/the-macallan-estate-pioneers-experience.

For further information, visit www.themacallan.com or contact estate@themacallan.com.

About The Macallan

Founded in 1824, The Macallan is renowned worldwide for its extraordinary single malt whiskies. Their outstanding quality and distinctive character reveal the uncompromised excellence pursued by The Macallan since it was established by Alexander Reid, on a plateau above the River Spey in north-east Scotland.

In 2018, The Macallan opened a new chapter in its history with the launch of its award-winning Speyside distillery. Designed by internationally acclaimed architects to promote sustainability, the building takes inspiration from the surrounding ancient Scottish hills. It stands nearby Easter Elchies House, the Highland Manor built in 1700 which is The Macallan’s spiritual home and remains the heartbeat of The Macallan’s beautiful 485-acre Estate.

Crafted without compromise. Please savour The Macallan responsibly.

Karen Somerville (left) and Helen Kerr (right) of Angels’ Share Glass meet film star Karen Gillan at the NYC Tartan Day Parade

SCOTS BUSINESS LEADERS JOIN NEW YORK TARTAN DAY PARADE

Proud Scots from a whisky-related glassmaking firm joined Hollywood star Karen Gillan at New York’s famous Tartan Day Parade.

Karen Somerville and Helen Kerr from Stirling-based Angels’ Share Glass sported the firm’s bespoke Whisky and Water Tartan as they marched along 6^th Avenue to cheers from New Yorkers.

The pair also met Marvel actress and fellow Scot Karen Gillan, the Parade’s Grand Marshal, and gifted her one of the company’s signature line of glass angels filled with whisky to remind her of home.

Inverness-born Karen began her career in television starring in Doctor Who and Rebus before making her Hollywood breakthrough and achieving global recognition for her roles in Jumanji and Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy.

Karen Somerville, Managing Director of Angels’ Share Glass, said: “Spending Tartan Week in New York was a dream come true and a lifelong ambition for me and taking part in the Parade was quite surreal.

“It was an amazing experience to walk through Manhattan along with more than 2,000 lovers of all things Scottish and get waves and cheers from New Yorkers as we showed off our tartan banner.

“Having the chance to meet Karen Gillan made the whole experience even more memorable and she was delighted to receive one of our whisky angels.

“She was lovely and said she was pleased to have something to remind her of home.”

Karen and Helen, the firm’s Customer Service Manager, travelled to New York as part of a trade mission aimed at forging new transatlantic links between Scottish and US businesses.

They spent Tartan Week liaising with US retailers, showcasing their products and enjoying the various festivities including a Ceilidh.

Angels’ Share Glass was among 14 Scottish companies selected to travel to New York on a trade mission run by Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with Scottish Business Network and Visit Scotland.

FVCC President Lynn Blaikie said: “We were delighted that Forth Valley Chamber member Angels’ Share Glass were part of the trade mission.

“They took centre stage along with 13 other exciting and innovative Scottish businesses who flew the flag very high for Scotland! 

“The New York mission aimed to help Scottish businesses establish new trade links and meaningful partnerships in the US. This was certainly the case with the delegation who never stopped and had back-to-back meetings from the moment they touched down on American soil. 

“Karen and her team, along with the rest of the delegation, were all fantastic ambassadors for Scotland and took New York by storm with their enthusiasm and determination to maximise their time on the mission and make as many business connections as possible. 

“I am immensely proud of every business in the delegation and know we have done Scotland proud and will see many of their products on US shelves shortly.” 

During the trade mission, business owners from the companies, which included Ardgowan Distillery, Ochil Fudge Pantry and Quirky Chocolate, took part in meetings and networking sessions with US retailers.

Angels’ Share Glass also had the chance to showcase their creations, which include handmade whisky water droppers, in a display at a Scotland House pop-up and an exhibition at New York’s Glasgow Caledonian University campus. 

Mrs Somerville said: “The trade delegation was a fantastic opportunity for Scottish business owners to forge connections with American retailers and business leaders. 

“The mission was well organised by Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce and gave us the opportunity to extend awareness of our brand. 

“We also met people from several organisations, including the St Andrews Society and New York Distilling Company, who I hope we will be able to develop future business relationships with.”

Angels’ Share Glass specialises in crafting whisky-based gifts and launched in 2013 with the creation of handmade glass angels filled with the ‘Angels’ Share’ of whisky.

Last year, the family firm created its own tartan – Whisky and Water by Angels’ Share Glass – which reflects the glassmakers’ story and is used to complement its products.

For more information, visit www.angelsshareglass.com

Notes Angels’ Share Glass is a family-run business based in Bridge of Allan, near Stirling. The firm was co-founded by Karen Somerville and her father Tom Young MBE – a world-renowned Master Craftsman who has been glassblowing and making lamp-work glassware for 60 years. More information about the company can be found at www.angelsshareglass.com

The Lakes Whiskymaker’s Reserve No.5 52% – (Bottle – 1/70cl)

£69.95

MAXIMUM 2 PER CUSTOMER

Kavalan Solist “Moscatel” Cask Strength Single Barrel Taiwanese Single Malt Whisky

(750ml) (Previously $500)

$299.99

View

SKU #1294529

93 points Whisky Advocate

 Rich and intense nose, with paradise cake, honey, dried apple, plum, and crème d’abricot. The mouthfeel is dry, nutty, and fruity, with a silky consistency. The cask strength is more noticeable here, but as it dissipates, there is some late complexity of plum skin and coffee bean with wave after effortless wave of flavor lasting for minutes on end. Finish is hot and nutty, with moist coffee grains. (JM)  (4/2017)

Embrace the optimism of spring and dive head-first into fresh flavour frontiers. Our Dram-cierge Team have been relentlessly exploring and have selected five of their favourite flavours available NOW in our online shop. This week we’re also delighted to announce an outstanding NEW Vaults Collection bottling. Keep scrolling to discover more.

DRAM-cierge FAVOURITES

ALL WHISKY

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

SPRINGBANK 21 YEAR OLD LIMITED EDITION
IN SUPPORT OF UKRAINE 
BIDS WELCOME FROM MID DAY (BST) MONDAY 25TH APRIL

You may be aware that recently we bottled some of our 10 Year Old whisky with special limited edition labels in support of the DEC Ukraine Appeal. This was produced initially to allow a large number of people to buy a bottle of Springbank at a reasonable price while supporting a very important cause. We are grateful to everyone who purchased a bottle and supported the initiative, helping us raise over £11,000 for the fund.

We are now embarking on a second round of fundraising. This time, we are auctioning six individual bottles of Springbank 21 Year Old. ALL proceeds from this auction will go to the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Appeal.
The bottles have been drawn from an individual cask of Springbank and so are completely unique.

BIDDING INSTRUCTIONS AND TERMS ARE GIVEN BELOW. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY. 

YOU SHOULD ONLY PLACE A BID IF YOU ARE IN A POSITION TO COMPLETE THE PURCHASE AND ACCEPT THE STATED TERMS AND CONDITIONS.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

• Six bottles of a special edition Springbank 21 year old single malt are available to purchase through our auction only.
• AUCTION OPENS: midday (BST) on Monday 25th April and the bidding will start at £1,000.
• AUCTION CLOSES: 3pm (BST) on Friday 29th April.
• Bids should be made by emailing: ukraineappeal@springbank.scot
• Please include your bid, full name, postal address and contact number.
• We will announce only the current highest bid every day at midday until the auction closes on our website and on our social media channels. Links are provided at the bottom of this email.
• No bids will be accepted after 3pm (BST) on Friday 29th April when the auction closes.
• The six highest bidders at the close of the auction will receive a bottle on receipt of payment.
• If the number of successful bidders ending the auction on the same bid is greater than the number of bottles available, a ballot will determine who receives a bottle.
• Full payment will be required by 5pm (BST) on Tuesday 3rd May.
• If we are unable to send the bottle to the successful bidder’s country due to shipping restrictions etc, Springbank Distillers will retain the bottle until we are able to arrange safe delivery or pick up.
• Shipping costs will be applicable and duties and taxes are the sole responsibility of the bidder.

PLEASE ONLY PLACE A BID IF YOU ARE IN A POSITION TO COMPLETE THE PURCHASE AND ACCEPT THE STATED TERMS AND CONDITIONS. 

Noble Oak Commits to Plant 1M Trees by 2023

Award-winning Whiskey Brand Celebrates Earth Month by Planting Two Trees for Every Bottle Sold Through  Partnership with One Tree Planted 

New York, NY (April 21, 2022) – Noble Oak, an award-winning whiskey brand with a noble heart, celebrates Earth Month in partnership with One Tree Planted by doubling down on its efforts to revitalize the planet by planting trees. From now through the end of June, Noble Oak will plant two trees for every bottle of Noble Oak sold. Through the partnership, Noble Oak has so far committed to plant close to 600,000 trees, driving projections to plant 1 million trees by the end of 2023.

“Noble Oak was founded on two principles– great whisky and giving back to the communities in which we live and work,” comments Jack Bauer, Brand Manager, Noble Oak. “Our inspiration is the mighty oak tree and what better way to give back to the planet than through planting trees in communities across the United States.”

Since 2017, Noble Oak has worked with One Tree Planted to plant trees in areas of need around the country. The program’s efforts have spanned from the Redwood Forest in California to Detroit, Michigan, to the Finger Lakes in New York, and everywhere in between. The planting projects are chosen along with local tree-planting organizations that best understand the specific needs of each community.

“Loss of forests means loss of species so it’s critically important to work tirelessly to reforest the planet,” said Ashley Lamontagne, Forest Campaign Manager, One Tree Planted. “Noble Oak understands that and we are thrilled to partner with them in getting trees planted in the ground which in turn protects our planet for future generations.”

According to One Tree Planted, Trees help clean air, filter water, and provide habitats for more than 80% of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity. Additionally, forests provide jobs to more than 1.6 billion people, absorb harmful carbon from the atmosphere, and are key ingredients in 25% of all medicines.

To find out exactly where trees have been planted as a result of this partnership visit Noble Oak’s tree tracker on Nobleoak.com. 

Noble Oak

Noble Oak is an award-winning whiskey brand with a noble heart; every bottle plants a tree in partnership with One Tree Planted, an organization dedicated to sustainably reforesting our Earth’s green spaces. Noble Oak’s whiskeys are double oak matured – first aging in Charred New American White Oak barrels followed by a unique WoodCraft® finishing that delivers unrivaled body and flavor. Its Double Oak Bourbon is finished using Spanish Sherry Oak Cask Staves, offering notes of vanilla and dried fruit, whereas its Double Oak Rye whiskey is finished using Port Wine Oak Cask Staves, eliciting notes of toffee and allspice.

About One Tree Planted

One Tree Planted is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit on a mission to make it simple for anyone to help the environment by planting trees. Their projects span the globe and are done in partnership with local communities and knowledgeable experts to create an impact for nature, people, and wildlife. Reforestation helps to rebuild forests after fires and floods, provide jobs for social impact, and restore biodiversity. Many projects have overlapping objectives, creating a combination of benefits that contribute to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. To learn more, visit onetreeplanted.org

WhistlePig launches ‘No History No Rules’ inaugural UK cocktail competition

WhistlePig Rye Whiskey has launched its first ever UK cocktail competition, inviting bartenders across the country to explore the wonderful world of Rye whiskey.

The ‘No History No Rules’ competition has been borne out of WhistlePig’s ideology to rip up the rye rulebook and push the limitations of the category, rather than replicating what has been done in the past.

The inaugural competition is inviting bartenders to enter their cocktail creations that don’t conform to the norm, with the only rule being that WhistlePig 10 Year Old should feature in the recipe.

There will be five regional heats to the competition in London, Scotland, northern and southern regions and the midlands, with the final taking place on Monday 4^th July in London. The top scoring three contestants will all win a place on a superb VIP trip to Vermont to visit the home of WhistlePig later in the year, as well as receiving a special bottling from the distillery team in person. The overall winner will also receive a bottle of The Boss Hog VIII – WhistlePig’s stunning limited-edition Rye whiskey.

Dan Priseman, WhistlePig’s UK and European Steward of the brand said: “We are very excited to be launching our first ever WhistlePig Rye Whiskey cocktail competition for the UK and are hoping bartenders up and down the country will rip up the rule book and be as creative and trail-blazing as possible with their cocktail creations!”

“In the true spirit of WhistlePig, we will be celebrating the most unusual and inspiring drinks that bartenders can come up with – nothing is off the table and the only limit is your imagination.”

The competition is being hosted in partnership with BarLifeUK to help drive entries and raise awareness of the opportunity directly to the bartending community. Entrants have until 15^th May to submit their cocktail concepts online, before the regional heats begin later in May.

To find out more about the WhistlePig ‘No History No Rules’ cocktail competition or to enter online, visit HERE

A bit about WhistlePig Rye Whiskey:

On the 500-acre farm in Vermont where the distillery is located, the creative distilling team has reimagined what rye whisky could be, from finishing their 12 Year Old World Rye in a combination of wine casks, to having barrels custom made from their own Vermont oak trees to add depth of flavour to the 15 Year Old. Experimentation and innovation are at the heart of the distillery’s ethos and all the award-winning whiskies that they produce.

Our April Auction ENDS SOON!

Place your bids until Sunday 24^th April.

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!

Macallan – 52 Year Old (1946) Select Reserve

Macallan – 1988 (Refill Butt) Cask

Yamazaki – 25 Year Old

Macallan – 25 Year Old (1965) Tudor Crystal Decanter

Brora – 40 Year Old (1978 Year Old) 200^th Anniversary

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.