Romania’s first ever single malt whisky kick-starts the Alexandrion Group’s worldwide tour on World Whisky Day
by © Ciprian Vladut – www.cipane.com
To mark ‘World Whisky Day’ on the 21st May, the Alexandrion Group kick-starts their world tour for their ‘Carpathian Single Malt’, the first ever single malt whisky produced in the history of Romania. This refined drink will place Romania on the global map of producers and its continued success will also contribute towards the humanitarian efforts of the ‘Foundation Alexandrion’ (the philanthropic arm of the business) in helping Refugees and Students affected by the war in Ukraine.
Alexandrion Group, the largest Romanian spirits and wines producer and distributor, introduces to the world Carpathian Single Malt. The first single malt whisky ever produced in the history of Romania, will tour the world in a very exclusive limited edition of 930 bottles, starting from this May. The first stop of Carpathian Single Malt’s global journey will be in USA, where the product will be showcased in a lavish event organized at the residence of the Romanian Ambassador to the USA in Washington, on the 25th of May. The tour will continue with another event organized in UK, in the first half of this year. This will be followed by a commercial launch in Romania, featuring 10,000 bottles, in the last quarter of 2022.
Under the stewardship of Alexandrion Group’s Founder & Chairman Mr. Nawaf Salameh and his master distiller with Irish and Scottish heritage, Allan Anderson, the group has produced a high-quality product, which single malt aficionados will soon discover is world-class.
There is growing excitement about this tour based on:
Made using 100% malted barley produced in Romania, the single malt is distilled, matured and bottled at the Alexandrion Saber 1789 Distilleries, located near the Carpathian Mountains. Carpathian Single Malt is made with pure sub-Carpathian water, is natural coloured, unchill filtered and bottled at 46% Alc.
Three expressions of the first Romanian single malt will be presented to the world during the tour: Feteasca Neagra & Pinot Noir, as part of the Romanian Wine Cask Selection, and Madeira, as part of the Spanish & Portuguese Wine Cask Selection. Feteasca Neagra and Madeira finishing were initially matured in first-fill Bourbon casks, while the Pinot Noir expression was exclusively matured in Romanian Pinot Noir casks.
“We have been quietly distilling and maturing the single malt whisky liquid since 2017, sourcing casks from all over Europe and the USA. This is the first chance single malt enthusiasts will have to enjoy a Carpathian whisky”, said Nawaf Salameh, the Founding Chairman of the Alexandrion Group.
The first single malt whiskey matured in Romanian wine casks
Carpathian Single Malt was matured in Romanian wine casks, a world premiere in terms of single malt production, as well.
Romania has more than 2,000 years of wine production history and is one of the largest wine producers in the world. Alexandrion Group, through Alexandrion Rhein Domains 1892, its wine division, produces some of the best award-winning wines in Romania and has been a supplier of the Royal House of Romania for the oldest sparkling wine produced in Romania, Rhein, since 1904. The Group’s vineyards are located within the Dealu Mare region, on the 45th parallel similar to the Bordeaux region. Earlier this year, the Feteasca Neagra variety was awarded the Double Gold medal in one of the most prestigious international competitions, Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, and is considered the best red Romanian wine, exhibiting spicy, smoky fruit characters and good tannin structure. Alexandrion Group becomes therefore one of the few companies in the world that uses casks from its own wine production facilities to age single malt whiskey, a unique collaboration that will be further enhanced in the coming years.
The malted barley for this inaugural edition was harvested in 2016, distilled in 2017. The first maturation was done in first-fill Bourbon casks, wine casks and a range of finishing casks.
Carpathian Single Malt production coordinated by a Scottish-Irish Master Distiller
The Master Distiller of the Carpathian Single Malt is Allan Anderson, with both Scottish and Irish heritage, who has more than 30 years of experience in producing both Scotch whisky (Loch Lomond, White & Mackay, Aberargie) and Irish whiskey (The Great Northern Distillery). He also designed the distillery of Slane Castle Ireland.
“This whisky perfectly showcases our distillery terroir. The huge flavor impact of our malted barley, the pure sub-Carpathian water combined with the unique flavors of Romanian and Portuguese wine casks make Carpathian Single Malt an exquisite whisky, which without doubt will become one of the best in the world as it further matures. The maturation in warmer climate regions vs Scotland (+5⁰C on average) might explain the unique, milder character of this superb whisky” Allan Anderson.
Carpathian showcases this great potential and the clear quality advantage that we have vs other single malt whiskies of the same age, and we wanted to share our enthusiasm with whisky connoisseurs worldwide. The mash was double distilled in our distillery’s custom-made stills” added Allan Anderson.
Designed in Paris by luxury agency and available in exclusive limited edition
The design of the Carpathian Single Malt bottle was made in Paris by the luxury design agency.
The combination of Irish and Scottish know-how, Romanian malt pure sub-Carpathian water and superb wine casks make Romania a perfect country to produce high-quality single malt, that single malt aficionados will soon discover.
Carpathian Single Malt will launch its commercial edition of 10,000 bottles on the Romanian market in the final quarter of 2022. This edition will feature up to 11 finishings some of them in world premiere.
About The Alexandrion Group:
Alexandrion Group is leader in the production and distribution of spirits and wines in Romania and the only single malt producer in the country. The group has a history of over 200 years in the local spirit industry, producing some of the strongest brands in Romania, at THE ALEXANDRION SABER 1789 DISTILLERIES, recognized both nationally and internationally for their quality and refinement. The product portfolio includes traditional Romanian drinks and international products. Alexandrion 5 * and 7 *, the famous Brâncoveanu XO, VS and VSOP vinars, SABER Elyzia fruit liqueur, Zolmyr fruit distillate, Kreskova Vodka and other products have ensured the Group the leading position of the Romanian spirit and traditional drinks market. Starting with 2018, the Group expanded its activity, completing its portfolio with award-winning, still and sparkling wines.
TALISKER MADE BY THE SEA
In 1825, the brothers Hugh and Kenneth McAskill rowed north from the Isle of Eigg, across the Sea of the Hebrides, to acquire Talisker House on the formidable shores of the Isle of Skye. For nearly 200 years, their distillery has been standing proudly by the sea, embracing the elements in a land of extremes. This is the inspiration for the Whisky Talisker crafts.
THE EXPEDITION OAK SERIES
The Talisker Expedition Oak Series is a new adventure entirely: A WHISKY SHAPED BY NATURE. The series was born to celebrate wild whisky-making with a collection of rare single malt scotches that have been shaped by the natural elements – finished in casks that include staves stressed by a wilderness journey to reveal a truly rare and unique whisky, accentuated by its exposure.
TALISKER FOREST OF THE DEEP
In their second Adventure, they have partnered with Parley to “Rewild Our Seas” with a limited release of 44 year old rare whisky, finished in casks charred by flames fuelled by a mixture of worn oak from their oceanic adventure and sustainably harvested kelp.
£3,799.95
This Saturday is World Whisky Day, encouraging distilleries and fans alike to come together, celebrating all things whisky! To celebrate World Whisky Day 2022, we’re offering a FREE Wemyss Malts water bottle (worth £20) when you purchase a 70cl bottle from our Core Range. Whether you fancy a hot toddy or a Hiveball on the go, our stainless steel water bottle is perfect for summer.
Simply add your 70cl bottle of choice into your basket along with a water bottle & voila! the discount with automatically be applied at checkout.Offer running Thursday 19th May 2022 to 23:59 on Sunday 22nd May. Limited to 1 water bottle per order. Unfortunately this offer is only available to customers based in the UK while stocks last.
Big Wins at the International Spirits Challenge 2022
We’re thrilled to share the news that Smoky Shores, our latest limited release, and Spice King have both been awarded gold medals at the ISC 2022, alongside silver medals for Peat Chimney and The Hive. We couldn’t be happier to see this recognition not only for our Core Range malts but also the first win for Smoky Shores. Please join us in raising a dram tonight in celebration! Slainte!
GLEN SCOTIA GLOBAL GATHERING LIVE VIRTUAL TASTING
Join live (or catch up via recording) a tasting of five Glen Scotia drams with Master Distiller Iain McAlister and renowned whisky legend Charlie Maclean on Thursday 26th May 2022 at 17:30 BST. Live streamed directly from the distillery, the tasting marks the end of the 2022 Campbeltown Malts Festival and celebrates an incredible 12 months of achievements for Glen Scotia.
£40.00
W Club Exclusive
Buy Now
We are delighted to announce Glengoyne scooped four gold awards at this year’s International Spirit Competition. Now in its 27th year, the International Spirit Competition continues to promote outstanding quality spirits from across the globe, and Glengoyne’s 12 Year Old, 18 Year Old, 21 Year Old and 25 Year Old were all awarded Gold.
GLENGOYNE AWARD-WINNING COLLECTION
2010 Blended Malt (Miltonduff) 11 Year Old “Redacted Bros.” (Thompson/Dornoch) First Fill Bourbon Barrel Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $54.99 View
Old Potrero 6 Year Old Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml) $59.99 View
2010 Pulteney 10 Year Old “Hart Brothers Finest Collection” K&L Exclusive Cask Strength Single Hogshead Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $79.99 View
1995 Strathmill 26 Year Old “Hart Brothers Finest Collection” Cask Strength Single Sherry Butt Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $249.99 View
1997 Mortlach 24 Year Old “Hart Brothers Finest Collection” K&L Exclusive Cask Strength Single Sherry Butt Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $279.99 View
1991 Isle Islay Malt 29 Year Old “Redacted Bros.” (Thompson/Dornoch) K&L Exclusive Single Refill Hogshead Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $299.99 View
Redbreast 21 Year Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey (750ml) $299.99 View
1995 Glenallachie 26 Year Old “Hart Brothers Finest Collection” K&L Exclusive Cask Strength Single ex-Bourbon Barrel Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $379.99 View
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
Always an exciting day, the annual release of Loch Gorm from Kilchoman Distillery!
Crafted from fresh and refill sherry butts from Bodega Jose y Miguel Martin, Spain – founder Anthony Wills specially selected these casks for their ‘rich fruity character which balance beautifully with classic Kilchoman peat smoke and citrus flavours’. The 2002 annual release of Loch Gorm from Kilchoman distillery, Islay, crafted from fresh and refill sherry butts from Bodega Jose y Miguel Martin, Spain. Founder Anthony Wills specially selected these cask for the latest Loch Release, ‘Rich fruity character which balance beautifully with classic Kilchoman peat smoke and citrus flavours’.
Available now for immediate dispatch, limited numbers available.
Slàinte
£73.90
WHISKY GREAT BILLY WALKER MARKS
50 YEARS IN SCOTCH WHISKY WITH CELEBRATORY SERIES
Distinguished whisky master Billy Walker reaches a half-century’s tenure in the Scotch whisky industry, spanning 6 distilleries and countless brands
World-leading whisky maker Billy Walker this year celebrates a remarkable 50-year spell in the Scotch whisky industry by announcing a limited edition series of GlenAllachie Single Malts.
Renowned for his role as Master Distiller at The GlenAllachie Distillers Company, Walker has spent the past five decades creating some of the world’s most coveted whiskies, achieving the fiercely contested title of World’s Best Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards 2021.
The landmark year sees the release of a celebratory trilogy of Speyside Single Malts; The GlenAllachie Past, Present and Future Series. The momentous whiskies represent key milestones throughout Walker’s vibrant career.
The first instalment, The GlenAllachie Billy Walker 50th Anniversary Past Edition, is unveiled today as a fully Sherry matured 16-year-old Single Malt (UK RRSP £225). This bottling represents Walker’s past when he made a name for himself by releasing heavily Sherried expressions to great acclaim, with many Scotch fans believing he played an instrumental role in developing this style category.
Combining nine 2005 vintage Spanish Sherry butts personally selected by Walker, the resulting liquid exudes opulence and indulgence with enticing layers of dark chocolate and glazed fig, alongside a banana bread and espresso coffee character.
Said to be “the archetypal Billy Walker style”, the sentimental limited edition of only 4,000 bottles is proudly presented at a cask strength of 57.1% ABV, natural colour and non chill filtered.
Walker, who is a qualified chemist, has been at the helm of The GlenAllachie for almost five years, having previously led an illustrious and expansive career across numerous household name brands and companies. His enviable experience spans iconic names including Ballantine’s, Deanston, Tobermory, BenRiach, GlenDronach, Glenglassaugh and The GlenAllachie.
From his time working on these world-renowned brands, Walker has acquired an extensive understanding of whisky maturation; selecting the finest casks, continually evaluating the aging spirit, re-racking into new wood to elevate the flavour experience, and determining the perfect time for bottling. This incredibly broad spectrum of experience has translated into an unrivalled reputation amongst his peers and exceptional quality whiskies enjoyed across the globe.
Walker has achieved some exceptional accolades, most recently including:
In addition, Walker was inducted into Whisky Magazine’s prestigious Hall of Fame last year – a permanent tribute to the lasting contribution he has made to the world of whisky.
Business partner Trisha Savage, who has worked beside Walker for the majority of his career, comments:
“Working alongside Billy for 35 years has been a total pleasure. I can honestly say I’ve never come across anyone with his level of drive, dedication and passion for Scotch whisky.
“His focus has always been to achieve ‘perfection’; only using the highest quality of wood and monitoring the spirit every step of the way. Nothing leaves the cask until it’s deemed to be exceptional.
“I would personally like to congratulate Billy on his 50th Anniversary year. You’re a true industry legend, and I was lucky enough to share the journey with you for 35 incredible years.”
Reflecting on his colourful career, Walker added:
“I’m incredibly lucky to have been involved in the fascinating Scotch Whisky Industry for 50 long years. What a privilege it has been to have worked alongside some truly amazing people, and indeed to have been involved with some world-leading brands.
“Of course, there are some great memories and I truly pride in many of the achievements which our teams have achieved over the past half-century.
“The latest adventure is The GlenAllachie Distillery, and without question, we are so very fortunate to be steering this great distillery into the future, introducing its whisky to an ardent international audience.”
The GlenAllachie Billy Walker 50th Anniversary Past Edition is available to purchase through global specialist retailers, with a UK RRSP of £225.
ABOUT BILLY WALKER’S CAREER:
Graduating from the University of Glasgow in 1967 with a BSc Honours Degree in Chemistry, a youthful Billy Walker had the perfect foundations to enable him to build an intimate knowledge of the science behind whisky making and flavour development.
Billy’s whisky journey began in 1972 at Hiram Walker & Sons – the company behind Ballantine’s at the time – where his role covered almost all aspects of production. After four years, he moved on to Inver House Distillers, taking up the position of Master Blender in 1976.
Fast-forward to 1982, Billy joined Burn Stewart Distillers where he went on to spend two decades, most notably playing a key part in the resurrection of Deanston and Tobermory Distilleries. When the company was sold, an entrepreneurial Billy was left to decipher his next move.
The next twelve years saw him acquire BenRiach, GlenDronach and Glenglassaugh Distilleries, each of which were either mothballed, closed or under exposed to the market. It was at this point in his career where Billy truly made a name for himself within the industry, leading the brands’ rejuvenation and subsequent phenomenal success.
Billy’s next move was to his current position as owner and Master Distiller at The GlenAllachie Distillers Company, encompassing The GlenAllachie single malt, White Heather blended Scotch and MacNair’s Boutique House of Spirits. 2021 saw Billy delve into a new spirits category for the first time, releasing a new experimental rum line under the MacNair’s label; Exploration Rum.
It’s from this incredible record of success that Billy has earnt widespread acclaim and recognition for being one of the most prominent whisky figures of his generation.
ABOUT GLENALLACHIE:
One of Scotland’s few independently owned and managed distilleries, The GlenAllachie is led by industry veteran, Billy Walker, who boasts a 50-year tenure in whisky. With an emphasis on wood policy, The GlenAllachie’s cask budget for 2022 stands at an eye-watering £2m/$2.6m. With 16 on-site warehouses holding over 50,000 casks, we have complete control of the end-to-end maturation process.
The GlenAllachie focusses on quality over quantity, which is why we chose to reduce our production capacity from 4m to 500,000 Litres of Alcohol and increase our fermentation period to 160 hours for an ester rich, fruity spirit.
We believe age and integrity matter, which is why all our whiskies carry an age statement, and are bottled at a minimum of 46% ABV, natural colour and non-chill filtered for maximum flavour experience.
Our other brands are MacNair’s Boutique House of Spirits – encompassing Lum Reek Blended Malt Scotch Whisky and Exploration Rum – and White Heather Blended Scotch Whisky.
Further information on the distillery and company can be found at www.theglenallachie.com
Facebook – @TheGlenAllachie | Twitter – @TheGlenAllachie | Instagram – @theglenallachie_
TASTING NOTES:
The GlenAllachie 50th Anniversary Past Edition – 100% Sherry Matured 16-year-old – 57.1% ABV
Barley to glass dream becomes a reality as Clonakilty officially has its own Irish whiskey
Clonakilty Distillery are celebrating a significant business milestone this week as their own spirit legally became Irish whiskey, following a three-year wait since they filled their casks.
(As per legal Revenue requirements, Irish Whiskey must be matured for a minimum of three years and can be marketed with different maturities.)
Patiently maturing over the last three years in their Atlantic Ocean warehouse, the spirit was also distilled at the distillery in Clonakilty using their own copper pot stills.
To add a further local and Clonakilty connection, all the raw barley used within the distillation process was also from farmlands owned by the Distillery, in addition to neighbouring farms in the locality.
Clonakilty Distillery’s own whiskey has been much anticipated in the Irish whiskey community and within trade circles, having already won Best Irish New Make at the World Whiskies Awards in 2020.
Head Distiller Paul Corbett said that while this was in the pipeline for a number of years, it marked a significant turning point for the Distillery and the production of their own whiskey would solidify their position as one of Ireland’s leading distilleries.
He revealed the natural local surroundings of their Atlantic warehouse played a huge role in both the maturing and distillation process and were instrumental in creating a uniquely Clonakilty offering.
He said: “This Pot still Irish whiskey was triple distilled from a combination of locally grown raw barley and malt. Our stills with have long tall necks which produce an elegant spirit which help us to showcase the sweetness of the malt, as well as the spiciness of the barley and fruity flavours produced by the yeast.
“The spirit was then cut down to casking strength with mineral rich water from our well at our Atlantic Coast warehouse and laid to rest here for the last three years. The warehouse is perched 200ft above the ocean and is exposed to persistent howling Atlantic winds.
“The ever-changing climate the casks are exposed to will increase our angel’s share and concentrate the flavours in our spirit creating a whiskey with an unmatched depth of character.
“We have a passion for innovation, and we strive to use only the best cask finishes for our whiskey, and this will be a brilliant addition to our current range of European Oak, Port, Bordeaux and Cognac casks,” Mr Corbett concluded.
Founder of Clonakilty Distillery Michael Scully said he was delighted with this recent milestone, but added that the Distillery will continue to harness the flavours and allow them to mature for a further two years before releasing to the public:
Mr Scully said: We are delighted to have reached this three- year milestone for our single Irish pot still whiskey. The smoothness and intriguing flavour combination of fruit and spice is exactly as we wished for at this point in its development. This elegant whiskey will only get better, which is why we intend to wait for a further two years before release.
Whiskey fans can follow the journey and process of Clonakilty’s Single Pot Still through their social media channels – but can also buy a cask in advance through their Cask Keepers Club which allows buyers the unique opportunity to invest in their own cask of the premium Single Pot Still new make spirit, with further details on the website here – Cask Keepers’ Club – Clonakilty Distillery
