ARDBEG’S FIRST GRAPHIC NOVEL WILL EXPLORE ‘OUT OF THIS WORLD’

WHISKY TALES

<Sci-fi anthology is inspired by distillery’s smoky single malts>

In September 2022, Islay single malt distillery Ardbeg will take its first foray into the world of graphic novels, with the launch of Planet Ardbeg, a 40-page sci-fi anthology created by three cutting-edge artists. This limited edition publication is inspired by the unique flavours and ‘origin stories’ of three Ardbeg expressions – Ardbeg Ten Years Old, Ardbeg An Oa, and Ardbeg Wee Beastie – and features cameos from some of the Islay distillery’s best-known characters.

Planet Ardbeg was conceived by award-winning New York cartoonist Ronald Wimberly in collaboration with fellow artists Emma Ríos and Sanford Greene, each bringing their own distinctive voice and style to the project. Using Ardbeg’s core range as their creative launchpad, together they have produced a triptych of fantastical tales as bold and unique as Ardbeg itself.

“Guardians of Oa” by Sanford Greene, which draws its influence from the rounded balance and smoky power of Ardbeg An Oa, is an action-packed epic about a copper city coming under attack from a monstrous creature. Meanwhile, Ronald Wimberley’s “The Best Laid Schemes”, which channels the feisty and formidable flavours of Ardbeg Wee Beastie, is a fast-paced neo-western featuring giant botanicals and even bigger beasts. Finally, “Take it with a Grain of Sand” by Emma Ríos, captures the complex peaty essence of Ardbeg Ten Years Old, and tells of a mystical quest through a land lost to time.

Ronald Wimberly, creative director on Planet Ardbeg, said: “When we first started thinking about making this graphic novel, I thought about Planet Ardbeg as a time machine. Time is important with whisky, and with Ardbeg An Oa, Ardbeg Wee Beastie and Ardbeg Ten Years Old what you’re talking about is three different time experiences.”

Colin Gordon, Ardbeg’s Distillery Manager, said: “It’s amazing to see the different smoky characteristics of these whiskies brought to life in graphic novel form. Each story in Planet Ardbeg is brimming with imagination and creativity. It’s a must-read for Ardbeg fans everywhere.”

Planet Ardbeg will be available to buy at the Ardbeg Distillery Visitor Centre, in selected comic book shops, as well as via Ardbeg.com in certain markets. A digital version will also be available exclusively for members of the Ardbeg Committee to read for free at;

www.ardbeg.com/planet-ardbeg

There will also be a full Planet Ardbeg campaign in the UK taking place in October 2022 so that consumers can explore and enjoy it in person – more details on the campaign will be revealed in the coming weeks.

The Ardbeg Committee comprises more than 160,000 Ardbeg followers worldwide. Committee Members receive exclusive benefits, including invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events. Anyone can join the Committee by signing up for free at ardbeg.com/committee.

For more information about Planet Ardbeg visit ardbeg.com

ardbeg.com

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Facebook: facebook.com/Ardbeg

Twitter: @Ardbeg

Instagram: @Ardbeg

 Ardbeg:

Ardbeg prides itself on being The Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky. Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts. Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’. During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future, and it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction. Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following.

About the artists:

Ronald Wimberly, the creative director on this project, is an award-winning American cartoonist, designer and founder of LAAB, an annual art tabloid examining race, gender, identity and visual culture. He has published several graphic novels, as well as shorter works for The New Yorker, DC/ Vertigo, Nike, Marvel, and Dark Horse Comics.

Emma Ríos is a Spanish comic artist, writer and editor with an international presence in the comics industry. She has worked for some of the largest American comics publishers, including Marvel, Image, and Boom! Studios. Her artwork has also appeared in such titles as Runaways, Amazing Spider-Man, and Girl Comics.

Sanford Greene is an award-winning American comic illustrator whose work has been published by DC Comics, Dark Horse, Image Comics, and others. He is best known for his work on Bitter Root, a dark fantasy/action comic series set during the Harlem Renaissance, which is now being adapted into a major feature film. 

Planet Ardbeg retail info:

Planet Ardbeg will be stocked at a number of independent comic book shops and can be purchased online via the Ardbeg web store (see the link) in selected markets. It is priced at £8 in the UK and $10 in the US. A digital version is available free to all Ardbeg Committee members at www.ardbeg.com/planet-ardbeg

Ardbeg Committee:

The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded in 2000 by the formation of the Ardbeg Committee. The Committee is made up of thousands of Ardbeg followers worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”. Today there are more than 160,000 members of the Ardbeg Committee in over 130 countries. Committee Members are regularly consulted on new bottlings and expressions and are offered exclusive Committee bottlings. Members also receive invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events. The Committee, chaired by Jackie Thomson, is free to join at Ardbeg.com.

Awards:

Ardbeg is the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whisky.  Since 2008, Ardbeg has won more than 50 gold and double gold medals in key whisky competitions.  Ardbeg has twice been awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards (2010, 2013).  At the 2014 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, Mickey Heads was voted ‘Distillery Manager of the Year’.  The following year, Ardbeg’s expressions took the top three spots in Whisky Advocate magazine’s review of the best single malt Scotch whiskies under US$100.  Meanwhile, both Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Ardbeg Uigeadail have been awarded gold medals at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Ardbeg Ten Years Old also won the Best Single Malt Scotch 10 Year Old at the International Whisky Competition 2019, while the Ardbeg Distillery won the Distillery of the Year 2019. In 2020, the International Whisky Competition awarded Ardbeg Corryvreckan first place for Best Single Malt Scotch, Best Single Malt Scotch (No Age Statement), Best Cask Strength (Over 57% ABV), Best Peated Scotch and Best Islay Single Malt. Ardbeg Wee Beastie also earned first place for Best Single Malt Scotch Under 10 Year Old and The Ardbeg Distillery achieved another Distillery of the Year award. In 2021, Dr Bill Lumsden was awarded Master Distiller of the Year for the fifth time, and Ardbeg Uigeadail won World Whisky of the Year in the International Whisky Competition. In 2022, at the International Whisky Competition, Ardbeg was awarded The Distillery of the Year Award, while Ardcore won first place in Best New Scotch Release, Best Peated Single Malt and Best Islay Single Malt.

The Glenmorangie Company:

The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Highland Single Malt whisky and Ardbeg Islay Single Malt. 

Responsible Drinking:

Ardbeg and The Glenmorangie Company advocate responsible drinking and suggest that drinkers savour Ardbeg whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

2022 Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame®

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the historic voice for Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Its diverse and growing membership produces 90 percent of the world’s Bourbon, from legendary, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s timeless craft and treasured economic engine. Member benefits include media relations, international trade development, private sampling events, technical assistance, economic development support, networking, legal defense, marketing strategies, governmental and regulatory advocacy and innovative tourism experiences through the KDA’s world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® adventures. The KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.

THOMPSON BROS.

TB/BSW Blended Scotch Whisky 

over 6 Years Old

This small-batch blended scotch whisky is composed of carefully chosen single-malt and single-grain whiskies. They have all been aged for more than 6 years before being blended and rested, and then bottled by Thompson Bros. at Dornoch Distillery. It has been selected to celebrate sherry maturation, and its character is inspired by the sherry-forward blends of the past. Once rested, the whisky was slowly diluted to 46% – an excellent balance of easy-drinking quaffability and flavour-forward intensity. It was then bottled without chill-filtration and no colouring is added.

TASTING NOTES

NOSE Plum sauce, miso, maggi, golden sultanas, cinder toffee, coffee crèmè pâtissière.

PALATE Golden sultanas, raisin loaf, buttered jamaica cake, maple & toasted cinnamon.

FINISH Soft warm spices, allspice, nutmeg and cinnamon. Orange peel and dried figs.

£34.00

Shop now

As We Get It – Highland Cask Strength – 60.6%

A mysterious single malt release from the ‘As We Get It’ series from Ian Macleod & Co Ltd. Bottled straight from the cask from an undisclosed Highland distillery and bottled at an impressive, 60.6% vol!

£62.50

Masterclass preferences

Meeting old and new friends, sharing relaxed drams. That’s what Maltstock is all about! But we know our guests are really keen on attending our masterclasses and Drink with… sessions as well! Last Monday we’ve sent an e-mail to all ticket holders to ask them which masterclass they want to attend, and 61 of them have already chosen! You have until the 3rd of September to let us know, and if you don’t have a ticket yet… now would be a great time! So get the most out of your relaxed whiskyweekend experience and join us for this relaxed edition!! Which masterclass and Drinks with… sessions would you attend?

Bob, Klaas, Stan & Teun

Tickets

Get relaxed while you can!!  Tickets are available from:

 www.maltstock.com/shop

Looking forward to meeting you all!

https://youtu.be/GSB5Vb4hIz8

I’m pretty sure everyone I’ve ever met enjoys Bunnahabhain, I’m pretty sure of that?

The 18YO is a full maturation of ex-sherry casks and Bunnahabhain’s slightly salty spirit. Excellent companions! The unique way that sherry and Bunnahabhain’s spirit mix together makes for a very special style of whisky, and it isn’t something that is classically sweet and overly decadent.

It has balance of sweet, savoury, nutty, that all collide in the most wondeful way.

Much has been said about Bunnahabhain’s batch quality in the last few years, but having had the chance to try a few batches of the 18YO, the style seems more consistent in their older stocks. Prices are rising and this is now an allocated product on UK shores. But with the rising insanity of 18YO prices, and the way whisky is being gobbled up by anyone who can quote Peaky Blinders lines in your face, Bunnahabhain maintains a relative calm.

WATERFORD DISTILLERY BEGINS BOTTLING THE FIRST PEATED IRISH WHISKY MADE FROM IRISH BARLEY

Waterford Whisky has bottled the first Irish-peated whiskies in generations: Peated: Fenniscourt and Peated: Ballybanon

The products are two new bottlings in Waterford Distillery’s “Arcadian Farm Origins”, which explore the old ways of farming and whisky in search of real rarity and intense flavours

Both peated whiskies combine 100% Irish peat and Irish-grown barley – celebrating a return to traditional ways and flavours of Irish whisky production from over a century ago

24^th August 2022: Waterford Distillery has bottled the first modern Irish Peated whiskies in generations – Peated: Fenniscourt and Peated: Ballybanon, from barley grown on two distinct Single Farm Origins.

The new single malt whiskies use both Irish peat and Irish-grown barley – the first distillery in generations to do so – as part of Waterford’s quest to unearth whisky’s most natural flavours and commitment to Irish-only ingredients.

Both bottlings are the latest addition to Waterford’s Arcadian Farm Origins, which represent real rarity in whisky due to the scarcity of the raw materials. This range – which include Ireland’s only Organic whisky and the world’s first Biodynamic whisky – reimagines the old ways of production in the pursuit of flavour intensity over yield imperatives.

The arrival of the new Irish peat bottlings, spearheaded by CEO Mark Reynier, has been in development since 2017, though kept a secret until this year. The approach included selecting two Single Farm Origin barleys – from distinctive terroirs – to see if the flavour profiles could stand up to the smokiness of peat.

In true Waterford Whisky style, the approach needed a radical approach to ensure its Irish provenance. Irish peat has been redundant in whisky production since the turn of the 20^th century, which meant all knowledge of how to use Irish peat had passed out of memory. Therefore the project involved ambitious collaborators, as well as trial and error in sourcing the appropriate peat sources with the moisture levels appropriate for whisky production.

Waterford Distillery sourced small amounts of peat cut from County Kildare, and worked alongside their established malting partner, Minch Malt. Because there was no infrastructure in Ireland capable of peating barley, Waterford Distillery needed to ship small amounts of Irish peat and Irish barley to Scotland, iconic home to peated malt whisky, for the kilning process to take place – before being shipped back to Waterford for distillation.

Providing drinkers with full product transparency and traceability is Waterford Whisky’s trademark. Through TEIREOIR CODE technology, available on each and every bottle, drinkers can follow how the barley was harvested, stored, malted, and distilled – guaranteeing the integrity of each Single Farm Origin.

Neil Conway, Head Brewer of Waterford Distillery – explains: “Peat was a core part of Ireland’s heritage, whether that be commercially, for heating homes in rural countryside, or for the production of whisky. It was the ancient fuel source.

“At Waterford Distillery, since we place barley – the source of whisky’s natural flavour – at the centre of our universe, we are gathering the widest array of pure and natural flavour components. It felt only natural to nod to our cultural heritage, preserve old ways, and explore the peating process with modern varieties.

“Malt whisky is already one of the most complex spirits in the world because it is made from barley – the best in the world coming from Ireland. So combining this with ancient peated methods that are no longer widely available in Ireland, added intriguing new layers of flavour complexity. Cultivating Irish peat and learning how the impact of moisture levels can determine the whiskies smokiness is just another step to quest to unearth whisky’s most natural flavours.

“Of course it made little financial sense, but we did it for taste – and taste alone. Once we’d tried it, it was just too good to ignore and we thought that people really need to try this.”

Tasting notes by Ned Gahan, Head Distiller at Waterford

While the Peated: Ballybanon has a stronger, smokier flavour and with an intense finish, the Peated Fenniscourt is a more subtle smokiness, with a softer finish.

PEATED: BALLYBANNON: Matured in a combination of 39% first-fill US oak; 21% virgin US oak; 21% Premium French oak; and 19% Vin Doux Naturel casks.

Colour: light gold with everlasting oils.

Nose: soft peat, almonds, lavender honey,

a seaside escape, driftwood fire smoke,

green apples.

Taste: peat kick, very chewable, BBQ fish by the

sea, buttery, samphire, warm apple and almond tart with honeycomb ice cream, endless finish.

PEATED: FENNISCOURT Matured in a combination of 37% first-fill US oak; 19% virgin US oak; 20% Premium French oak; and 24% Vin Doux Naturel.

Colour: rich buttermilk with fabulous oils.

Nose: turf! Saltiness, pear skin, woodland moss,

dried thyme, malted biscuits, marzipan,

baked banana.

Taste: dry rope, barbecue, bog myrtle, white  pepper, meaty; soft, earthy warmth, a dry finish in gentle waves.

About Waterford Distillery 

Waterford Whisky is on a quest to unearth whisky’s most natural flavours. Influenced by the world’s greatest winemakers, Waterford Distillery obsessively brings the same intellectual drive, methodology and rigour to single malt whisky.

Using 100% Irish barley, widely considered to be the world’s finest, its Single Farm Origin series is an uber-provenance range of limited edition natural whiskies that explore Irish terroir one farm, once place, at a time. They are expressions of precision and rarity, showcasing barley flavours derived from individual Irish farms and harvests. The distillery’s ultimate aim is that these component single malts come together to create the world’s most unique, complex and profound whisky.

For more information, visit https://waterfordwhisky.com/

SEPTEMBER TASTINGS

Milk & Honey Distillery construction began in June 2014.

Within a year the first spirit flowed from its pot stills, located in a former bakery in an urban neighborhood of Tel Aviv. There’ve been a few highly limited releases, but now Milk & Honey is finally ready to conquer the world of whisky with the release of its first widely-available single malt. Among the original Israeli dreamers is Milk & Honey Head Distiller Tomer Goren. Partly self-educated, Goren also spent time honing his craft at distilleries in Scotland, as well as at the British Institute of Brewing & Distilling. He quickly discovered that distilling in the hot Israeli climate is a far cry from the mild weather in Scotland. Goren talked with us to discuss the advantages and challenges of producing whisky in Israel. Shilton Almeida the Area Sales Manger and Brand Ambassador for Milk & Honey Distillery will be talking us through the following line-up:

Milk & Honey Classic
Milk & Honey Elements Sherry
Milk & Honey Elements Red Wine cask
Milk & Honey Elements Peated
Milk & Honey Apex Pomegranate
Milk & Honey Apex Dead Sea

Buy Now

The distillery, originally named Scotia, was built in 1832 by Stewart, Galbraith & Co who ran it until 1895. In 1919, it was one of the founding members of West Highland Malt Distilleries which brought together six Campbeltown distilleries in an attempt to share costs and stave off potential closure. Five of the six failed, but in 1924 when the axe was falling across Campbeltown, Scotia was purchased by Duncan MacCallum who had founded Glen Nevis. He was forced to close it in 1928, but it reopened in 1930. That year however, MacCallum committed suicide after owing his life savings in a scam (his ghost is said to haunt the distillery) and it was bought by Bloch Bros [see Glengyle, Scapa] which added ‘Glen’ to the name.

In 1994, Gibson’s whisky interests were bought by Glen Catrine Bonded Warehouse Ltd which promptly mothballed Glen Scotia once more. It worked intermittently until 1999, when it returned to fully staffed production. Although a 12-year-old was available, it was more widely available through occasional bottlings by independent bottlers. In 2012 however a new range, with striking wrap-around packaging featuring Highland cows, was launched. With Glen Catrine’s subsequent purchase in 2014 by private equity firm Exponent, there are hopes that there will be further investment in plant and brands.

The Master Distiller Iain McAlister will be coming down for this evening, with an unique cask tasting, all from never released stock. Reveal of the special casks on the evening, a night to don’t miss!!

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The Cotswolds Distillery was founded in 2014 by Dan Szor. A native New Yorker, Dan had been working in finance in London and was looking for a new direction that would let him move permanently to the countryside and do something he was passionate about. He began his production in September 2014, just a few months after the distillery was commissioned. Since then we have produced a number of different spirits and liqueurs, from absinthe to a rye whisky, whilst also steadily increasing production of our Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky.  Dan will be coming down to Soho for this evening, he will talk us through the line-up below:

Cotswolds Signature

Cotswolds Reserve 

Cotswolds Founder’s Choice

Cotswolds Sherry Cask

Cotswolds Bourbon Cask

Cotswolds Peated Cask

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The origins of distilleries are often, as they should be, obscured by the clouds of half-truth and myth. Such is the case with Highland Park. Was it founded by famed priest turned smuggler Magnus Eunson, or by farmer David Robertson in 1798? The distillery’s ornate wrought ironwork gate certainly attests to the 1798 story. It first appeared as single malt in the late 1970s, as an eight-year-old, but the packaging was revamped in the 1980s (and repeatedly ever since) when the 12- and 18-year-old expressions were introduced. It soon built up a strong, even cult, following with the range expanding continually. As well as a core range with age statements, various series have been released themed around Orcadian history and Norse gods. In this particular evening David Miles will be coming down talking us through the line-up below:

Highland Park 12Years Old
Highland Park 15 Years Old
Highland Park 18Years old
Highland Park Cask Strength

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Limited-Time Pre-Arrival Pricing: A Supremely Rare Sherried Malt
1995 Cragganmore 26 Year Old “Hunter Laing Old & Rare” First Fill Single Sherry Butt Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky (750ml) (Pre-Arrival) ($250.00)

It’s difficult to say which of our independent bottler partners is our favorite, but we may just have to give the crown to Hunter Laing if they keep bringing us showstoppers like this. We rarely see single casks of any age from this prized Speyside distillery, but this 26-year-old stunner takes things to a whole new level. An amazing tightrope balance between the cherished Cragganmore style and the first-fill sherry butt influence, it’s a primetime proposition for hardcore sherried malt fans everywhere. We cannot underscore enough how rare this oppportunity is, so much so that we’re comfortable in saying, if you must prioritize your collector’s acquisitions at all this year, this cask should take precedence over anything else on the market right now. It’s also worth emphasizing that this astounding pre-arrival pricing will absolutely not remain in place upon the cask’s arrival in our stores, so the savvy move is obviously to secure your desired allocation now, while it remains the most spectacular buy in luxury Scotch in our inventory.

1995 Cragganmore 26 Year Old “Hunter Laing Old & Rare” First Fill Single Sherry Butt Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky (750ml) (Pre-Arrival) ($250.00)

*Pre-arrival item is expected to be available for shipment or pickup in early 2023.

K&L Notes: This stupendously rare and delicious cask from one of Diageo’s most prized distilleries is a true diamond in the rough. The last time the owners of this special distillery released a malt of equivalent age, they asked over $500. Now we’re offering a single first-fill sherry butt from this famed yet under valued distillery for half that price. This special pre-arrival price will not remain in place on arrival, and we expect the price on the shelf to be easily $50 more and still well-worth the price of entry. A similar sister cask was on sale in the UK last year for nearly $400, and that sold out very quickly from the top retailers. We’re extremely lucky to have access to this incredible sherry butt from this exceedingly rare and undervalued distillery thanks to our good friends at Hunter Laing. This well-matured malt offers all the classic sherry bomb flavors—spiced plums, antique oak, raisins, wild honey, and more. We very rarely come across barrels like this and have never ever been offered Cragganmore of this quality and character. All who appreciate the majesty that the highest quality sherried malts can offer must consider this outstanding deal before any other. The tasting notes as follows: “Rich, fruity, and slightly spicy on the nose with plums, cherries, and walnuts and some leather. More spices on the palate with cinnamon, some ginger, walnuts, and dark chocolate-coated raisins leading into a long, peppery finish.”

We are pleased to introduce the visionary design for the first product collaboration between The Macallan and Bentley Motors, an inspirational and innovative limited edition single malt whisky. The product incorporates six unique upcycled, repurposed, or ethically sourced materials which are integral to both brands.

Extensive collaboration has led to the development of this product prototype, where purpose meets innovation, skilled workmanship, and beauty.

A fusion of traditional craftsmanship and unique materials, the cutting edge technology features an exclusive horizontal design and more details about the whisky will be shared prior to release in summer 2023.

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