TAMNAVULIN ANNOUNCES NEW DISTILLERY MANAGER

Leon Webb joins Tamnavulin following distillery’s success at

Spirit of Speyside Festival

The award-wining Speyside distillery Tamnavulin has appointed experienced whisky maker Leon Webb as its new Distillery Manager. His arrival further bolsters the distilling team at the world’s fastest growing Single Malt[1], which recently won gold at The Spirit of Speyside Awards for Tamnavulin Spanish Grenache Cask.

Leon joined the team in early May, returning to his native Scotland following a period of five years in Canada, working as Master Distiller and Blender for the well-respected Shelter Point Distillery on Vancouver Island, B.C.

Leon, second right.

Originally from Aviemore in the Scottish Highlands, Leon graduated with an MSc in Brewing and Distilling from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, before embarking on his distilling career in both Scotland and Canada, producing a number of award-winning liquids.

He joins Tamnavulin’s Distiller Sam Douglas and Blender Kirsty Hodge, who has been working closely with the distillery in recent years, as part of the wider Whyte & Mackay Distilling Team, which is headed up by Master Whisky Maker and Blender Gregg Glass.

Shane Healey, Distillery Director at Whyte & Mackay, said: “Leon will be a fantastic addition to Tamnavulin and our Distilling Team. I am confident he will build on all the great work already done at the distillery and make a great contribution to the extraordinary growth of the Tamnavulin brand around the world. Leon joins Tamnavulin at an exciting time, fresh after the Spirit of Speyside Festival.”

The single malt brand was brought back to life in 2016 as a quintessential signature Speyside malt whisky. The fruit-forward liquids produced are all double-matured and enhanced through wine cask finishes, released at an affordable price point.

Numerous award wins later – coupled with a rapid growth in demand from consumer and trade alike  have quickly established Tamnavulin as a leading example of quality Speyside whisky – testament to a distillery and whisky making team that will be further bolstered by Leon’s experience.

Tamnavulin recently announced the addition of a White Wine Cask Edition to its core range, building on the popularity of the brand’s Red Wine Cask Editions.

About Tamnavulin

On the Southern edge of Speyside, in the foothills of the Cairngorm Mountains, lies Tamnavulin Distillery. Built in 1966, the Distillery takes its name from the Gaelic for ‘mill on the hill’, the distillery was named after the historic woollen mill which still sits next to the distillery. After closing in 1995, the distillery underwent a major refurbishment before it was re-opened in 2007. The first whisky from the newly opened distillery was launched in 2016, much to the anticipation of whisky fans.

Tucked away on the edge of the River Livet, set on the bank of the Allt’ a Choire, Tamnavulin draws water from underground springs in the Easterton hills formed by snowmelt from the surrounding mountains. This water is naturally filtered through ancient limestone rock before reaching the distillery, resulting in some of the purest spring water to be found in Scotland.

The small group of skilled, time-served craftsmen began creating Tamnavulin’s signature Speyside malt whisky over fifty years ago using the finest ingredients combined with age-old distilling expertise and sophisticated techniques.

Since its launch in 2016, Tamnavulin has driven a successful path which has seen it become the fastest growing single malt globally in 2020 (IWSR ‘000’s 8.4L cases) and the no.4 brand by volume in the UK (Nielsen Scantrack/Kantar date to 9^th of October 2021).

www.tamnavulinwhisky.com

[1] *IWSR 2019-20, largest growing Single Malt

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

2006 Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Bourbon Barrel Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $109.99 View

2005 Glengoyne 16 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Hogshead Cask Strength Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $79.99 View

The Glengoyne distillery straddles the official dividing line between the lowlands and the highlands, but the famous distillery’s credentials have never been questioned. Founded in 1833 and not ceasing operation during the several industry crises and closures, the Glengoyne Distillery has long been associated with sherry matured single malt production. The distillery name, an anglicization of the term Glen Guin, means to the valley of the wild geese. The distillery received the Royal Warrant to supply the household of the Queen Mother in 1984 and the distillery’s current bottlings still feature the warrant prominently. The distillery boasts long fermentation and a very slow distillation intended to enhance the sweet fruity character of the spirit. While the distillery is typically filling European and American Oak seasoned with sherry, this unusual expression exemplifies the true nature of the spirit perfectly. At a lovely point in its maturation with a nice somewhat active hogshead not completely masking the character of the spirit, few single casks will offer as much inviting fruity character and approachable flavors. A particular strong value considering the current prices of the core range and while some Glengoyne lovers might prefer this whisky matured in Sherry, few would plausibly deny the inherent quality of this exceptional spirit in this rarely seen style.

2009 Talisker 11 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Hogshead Cask Strength Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $119.99 View

What can we say about these exceptional Talisker stocks except that we simply wish we could get more. The special distillery on Skye was once completely off limits for independent bottlers. We bottled the first IB Talisker we’d seen in decades back in 2014, a young 5 year old that was unbelievable good. Now more than a half decade later, those same stocks are incredibly still available and significantly more mature. This gorgeous Talisker exemplifies everything we love about the magical distillery. Truly born of the sea, the character of Talisker is distinct from all other peated malts. Wild and complex, it’s very difficult to get a similar experience from even the finest Islay distillery. This one does love water so don’t avoid a few drops or you’ll be leaving at intermission.

1991 North British 30 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Bourbon Barrel Cask Strength Single Grain Scotch Whisky (750ml) $149.99 View

Once a bastion of ridiculous value, the single grain market has seemingly jumped the shark over the past couple of vintages. Supplies are tight and prices are high, but occasionally we come across casks that still far outpace their price point in terms of quality. This 30 year old North British is exactly that. One of the more complex grains we’ve had in some time, it was aged for three decades in a fresh bourbon barrel, which likely accounts for the exceptional quality. The North British distillery was established in 1885 not far from Edinburgh Castle. Now controlled as a joint venture between Diageo and Edrington, it can produce upwards of 65 million liters of pure alcohol per year from mostly corn. The exceptional size of this distillery does not proclude it from making high quality grain and while most of the production is used in Famous Grouse and Johnnie Walker, we occasionally get access to product of high quality at reasonable prices. The key, it would seem, to producing high quality grain seems to be using high quality wood and allowing long maturation. This is exactly what we’ve got here. A gorgeous creamy and very approachable old grain for a very solid price.

1990 Isle Islay Malt 30 Year Old “Redacted Bros.” (Thompson/Dornoch) K&L Exclusive Single Refill Hogshead Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $299.99 View

The hits never end from the excellent team in Dornoch. This treble of casks from a famous, undiclosed distillery on the southern coast of Islay represents some of the finest values we’ve ever come across. Even considering the extreme inflation in prices on old Islay malts, we would have never previously been able to offer casks of this quality from this exceptional traditional distillery at this price. But thanks to the incredible network that the Thompson Brothers have developed we’ve been able to garner unprecedented access. An exceptional example of the heavily peated style after 3 decades in barrel, unsullied by wine barrels or finishes of any type. Few whiskies offer more distinctly charming examples of this sought-after style. This exceptional cask was distilled in November of 1990 and bottled just before it’s 31st birthday in 2021. It was bottled at cask strength without chillfiltration at 100.4 proof. Sold exclusively at K&L Wine Merchants, the old hogsheads turned out just 252 bottles.

We’re delighted to introduce you to our limited edition Platinum Jubilee Whisky, created to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II ascending the throne. On the 29th April 2016, we filled cask number 1952, a first-fill shaved, toasted and re-charred (STR) ex-red wine cask, which was left to mature at our distillery in the Cotswolds. Bottled especially to mark the Platinum Jubilee, this celebratory single malt offers deliciously sweet notes of orange, toffee and dark chocolate and is the perfect way to toast this very special occasion.

With only 350 bottles produced at 55.4% ABV, our Platinum Jubilee Whisky is now exclusively available to purchase on our website and in-store.

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Cotswolds Distillery
Phillip’s Field, Whichford Road
Stourton
Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire CV36 5EX
United Kingdom

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Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 443: Starward Left-Field

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, goes Down Under. In September 2021 he was – for the second time – a guest at the whisky festival in sun-drenched Toulouse. One of the booths represented Starward  (with a ‘d’ at the back, not to be confused with his favorite film series, please), the relatively young distillery from Australia – founded in 2007 and run by the sympathetic and we would almost dare say visionary David Vitale. This malt matured in French oak, barrels that had previously raised red wine. A strange idea. Unexpected. Something they describe in Australia as ‘left-field’, hence the name for this very affordable whisky.

https://youtu.be/Z37OlVkcPEY

New recruits join International Beverage as business builds team for growth

May 12, 2022—Acclaimed spirits producer International Beverage has today announced two key appointments to its Scottish team, as the business gears up to deliver ambitious global growth plans across its award-winning portfolio.

Following the retirement of long-standing Speyburn Distillery Manager Bobby Anderson in April, former William Grant Distilleries Process Leader Euan Henderson has been confirmed as his successor. Having started his career at Edradour Distillery and Allied Distillers, Euan went on to work for Chivas Brothers at Aberlour, Tormore, Glenallachie, The Glenlivet and others in a variety of operational roles, before moving to William Grant to work at their Balvenie, Kininvie and Glenfiddich Distilleries.

“It’s an enormous honour to be taking the reins at Speyburn, after the long and distinguished service of Bobby Anderson,” commented Euan.” As well as being one of Scotland’s most picturesque distilleries, it produces a whisky of incredible character and quality, which has been justly rewarded around the world over the years. These are big shoes to fill, but I’ll be honouring Bobby’s legacy of craftsmanship and sustainability, working with the wonderful distillery team to hatch some exciting plans as we celebrate our 125^th anniversary in 2022.”

The business was also bolstered earlier this year with the arrival of Sean Priestley as Group Distilleries Manager. His remit is to oversee operations at the company’s five distilleries, which produce Old Pulteney, Speyburn, Balblair and anCnoc single malt whiskies, Hankey Bannister blended whisky and Caorunn Gin.

With a background in pharmaceuticals and 10 years’ experience at Diageo under his belt working in distilling and the malts team at Clynelish, Lagavulin and Caol Ila Distilleries, Sean is focusing on growth, people and sustainability in his new role.

“In my first few months with International Beverage I’ve been so impressed with the quality of their spirits, and also how ahead they are in terms of sustainability – a field in which they’re well on their way to being leaders in the sector. It’s very exciting to be part of business that doesn’t just talk, and isn’t afraid to innovate and take proper action to improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact, particularly at a time when consumers are looking for products made with the minimum impact on the environment,” said Sean. “International Beverage also understands the value of people, and in doing things with passion and authenticity to make great products and brands. It’s a real privilege to be working with their team of talented and committed distillery managers to achieve some exciting plans together.”

International Beverage is also boosting its flourishing graduate and apprentice program with an additional four roles currently being filled across its distilleries and at its Airdrie headquarters.

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL BEVERAGE HOLDINGS

International Beverage Holdings Ltd is one of the drinks industry’s most dynamic global businesses.  Established in 2006 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Thaibev, the company operates as its international business arm, specialising in the development of premium local spirits for the global market. Its success is built on a strong understanding of local cultures and markets within a worldwide business network. Based in Hong Kong with regional offices in Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, the USA and UK, the company is responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution of a portfolio of premium brands in over 85 markets. These brands are built on character, craftsmanship and quality, led by a range of award-winning Scotch whiskies and an array of vibrant beers and spirits. These include:

• Single malt Scotch whiskies Old Pulteney, Balblair, anCnoc and Speyburn
• Blended Scotch Hankey Bannister
• Caorunn, Scotland’s leading super premium gin
• Mekhong, ‘The Spirit of Thailand’ since 1941
• Chang Beer, Thailand’s iconic beer brand

Inver House Distillers is a wholly owned subsidiary of International Beverage Holdings Ltd, producing its Scotch whiskies and gin at five distilleries around Scotland: Pulteney, Speyburn, Knockdhu, Balblair and Balmenach. Inver House is also highly active in the warehousing and blending of Scotch whisky, with warehousing for 500,000 barrels and state of the art blending and laboratory facilities at its headquarters in Airdrie. The business has won many prestigious accolades over the years, including the Icons of Whisky Distiller of the Year Award for Scotland (2017).

www.interbevgroup.com

For the Scotch Lover:  Bowmore Single Malt Scotch Whisky    

Bowmore is a pioneering house and the oldest licensed distillery on Islay; they have been refining their craft for over 240 years, and they still do to this day. ‘The Art of Time’® is central to the way they make their whisky. They invest more time than necessary at every stage of their process. They have their own proprietary malt barns, hand-turning the barley. They allow for perfectly timed fermentation periods. And they take their time to hand-select casks, nosing every single one before it is filled with their new make. This care and attention to detail is what creates the complex balance of not just Smoke, but also rich fruit and sea salt which is so characteristic of their timeless house style. This is the reason why Bowmore ages like no other, the reason why it is the world’s most collectible Islay malt today. 

The Bowmore portfolio of core products available in the U.S. includes: Bowmore 12 Years Old (40% ABV; SRP: $70), Bowmore 15 Years Old (43% ABV; SRP: $100) and Bowmore 18 Years Old (43% ABV; SRP: $160). 

For the Dad Who Loves a Good Collab:  Bowmore® Masters’ Selection 

Imagined and defined by two Masters, Bowmore Master Whisky Blender Ron Welsh and Aston Martin Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman, Bowmore Masters’ Selection bridges two distinct worlds in a powerful, yet inspiring way. At its heart is a mutual trust and respect for one other’s worlds and a passion to discover and learn from each other. Each Master imparts their own creativity and character, but also makes an indelible mark, like leaving their own unique fingerprint, on every single creation. This whisky also marks the first time Bowmore has adopted the “Golden Ratio” principle to create a new whisky.

51.8% ABV; SRP: $400 

For the Collector:  2022 Limited Edition Yamazaki Tsukuriwake Selection 

With the launch of the 2022 Yamazaki® Limited Edition Tsukuriwake Selection, the House of Suntory unveils a fundamental piece of its unrivaled craftsmanship and introduces the foundational pillars of Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky – Puncheon, Peated Malt, Spanish Oak and Mizunara. The collection honors Tsukuriwake, which means “artisanship through a diversity of making” and is embraced by the Founding House of Japanese Whisky.

For the Zen Dad:  Hibiki Japanese Harmony 

Hibiki® Japanese Harmony™ encapsulates the harmony that exists between Japanese nature and people. Inspired by the riches and subtleties of Japan’s 24 seasons of the traditional Japanese lunar calendar and mastered by Suntory’s Art of Blending, Hibiki Japanese Harmony is a meticulous blend of the finest select whiskies from the House of Suntory Whisky’s Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries. This delicate blend creates a oneness unfolding a full orchestra of flavors and aromas.

43% ABV; SRP: $80 

For the “High Ball-er”:  Suntory Whisky Toki 

Respectful of heritage, and inspired by reinvention, Suntory Whisky Toki™ expresses both what is authentic and what is next. Suntory Whisky Toki is a blend of carefully selected whiskies from the House of Suntory’s globally acclaimed Hakushu Distillery, Yamazaki Distillery and Chita Distillery. Traditionally crafted according to Suntory’s Art of Blending philosophy, the expression features the quintessential characteristics of a Suntory blend: exquisite balance, harmony and oneness.

43% ABV; SRP: $35

Our May Auction ENDS SOON!

Auction closes from 8pm (BST) Tuesday 31st May.

www.speysidewhiskyauctions.co.uk

Samaroli Magnifico
Macallan 1989

A monumental 1989 vintage from The Macallan. This single malt was exclusively matured in sherry wood for 33 years at the distillery. Bottled in Scotland in 2022 from a single cask by Samaroli for their Magnifico series.

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PEATY FESTIVAL FINALE

BOOM…our two Islay Rare Releases have landed, as a spectacular finale to our Flavour Hunters Festival. Islay is the only region where we’ve bottled two festival whiskies this year, and although they’re both in our Peated Flavour Profile, these whiskies show how different island drams can be.

Rare Release 53 brings a great mix of full-on Islay peaty character with dark, nutty and sweet oloroso sherry. Left to mature over the course of 17 years in less active hogsheads, Rare Release 3 is an elegant take on a Peated Islay whisky with beautiful herbal peat smoke along with exotic fruits.

Keep on scrolling to discover more or click over to our website to explore more peaty characters… or try something a little different from our Oily & Coastal profile.

PEATED

LIGTHLY PEATED

HEAVILY PEATED

OILY AND COASTAL

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