Staff Pick #7
James is back for our 7th staff pick.

Ben Nevis 2012 9YO

Ben Nevis 2012 9YO TyndrumWhisky Exclusive Cask #1683

James has selected our very own Ben Nevis for this weeks staff pick. Their whisky creations team have filled this rich highland malt from Ben Nevis Distillery into a specially selected barrique sourced from the iconic Premier-cru vineyards in Pauillac, Bordeaux. Maturing for an additional three and a half years within the prestigious red wine cask, has produced an opulent style of Ben Nevis like no other – a coming together of sublime Scottish spirit and prestigious French oak.

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Their whisky creations team have filled this rich highland malt from Ben Nevis Distillery into a specially selected barrique sourced from the iconic Premier-cru vineyards in Pauillac, Bordeaux. Maturing for an additional three and a half years within the prestigious red wine cask, has produced an opulent style of Ben Nevis like no other – a coming together of sublime Scottish spirit and prestigious French oak.

Murray McDavid’s whisky team have selected this outstanding cask of single malt exclusively for TyndrumWhisky. Expertly matured within Their traditional dunnage warehouses at Coleburn and bottled at an untamed strength of 57.6%. This special selection is amongst their most distinctive drams and boldest creations.

Initially matured in a bourbon hogshead before spending 3 and a half years in a Premier-Cru Classé cask.Cask #1683. Distilled 2012. Aged for 9 years. Non chill filtered and natural colour. One of only 324 bottles available exclusively from TyndrumWhisky.

Tasting notes:

Nose: rich malt, blossom, fruity.

Palate: Chocolate, currants, spice.

Finish: Long, creamy malt, floral.

Distilled at Ben Nevis Distillery and bottled by Murray McDavid exclusively for TyndrumWhisky.

LAPHROAIG

CASK STRENGTH – BATCH 015

ISLAY SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

70cl | 56.5% ABV

Original Cask Strength is an uncompromising and genuine taste. It’s a powerful, pungent and rich character where the peat smoke, heather and sea salt notes of Laphroaig run wild. Laphroaig don’t chill-filter their Original Cask Strength, and don’t reduce its natural strength. So what you pour is what they draw from the barrel — the heart of charred seasoned oak barrels, blue peat smoke and nutty barley, in a truly natural experience.

£73.95

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NOSE

Sweet cereals with biscuit notes, fresh oak, smoked cedar and Manuka honey. Amsterdam pipe tobacco, shoe polish and old leather combined with a touch of waxy church candle, vanilla cream, nutmeg and oak extracts.

TASTE

Sweet and spicy, with burnt oak staves, barbecued marshmallows, toffee and sea salt, vanilla and Belgium caramel waffles. Roasted coffee fudge cream on sticky toffee pudding, with a hint of white pepper and crushed cinnamon.

FINISH

Floral with spicy oak tannins, iodine and sea salt.

ralfy review 946 – Braeval (Braes Of Glenlivet) 13yo @55%vol: (North Star)

THE MACALLAN RELEASES NEW COLLECTION TO CELEBRATE

THE 60^TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE JAMES BOND FILM FRANCHISE 

The Macallan James Bond 60^th Anniversary Release has been unveiled to mark The Six Decades of James Bond films.

The remarkable collection comprises six limited edition bottles encasing a single malt whisky in unique packs, each featuring an original illustrative design and colour to denote the decade it represents. The distinctive packaging brings to life the creative development process of the films in a behind the scenes exploration of the James Bond archives.

A celebration of 007 and The Macallan as modern innovators linked by their Scottish heritage, the release showcases a timeless and graceful spirit balanced by incredible strength and depth of character.

The exceptional single malt whisky has been created by The Macallan Master Whisky Maker, Kirsteen Campbell to reflect the enduring character of James Bond, a force of nature defined by his Scottish heritage, who carries himself with modesty and humility. Like James Bond, the expression exudes a sense of style and maturity which has evolved over the years. It has a natural colour of Suisse gold and an ABV of 43.7% as an homage to James Bond’s agent number, 007 and is consistent across all six packs in the collection.

The distinct set tells the story of innovation over 60 years and the pioneering character attributes of James Bond and The Macallan.

Scotland is renowned for its inventors and 007’s gadgets are a hallmark of the films’ popularity, while The Macallan has unwavering character, deep roots, and a continuous pursuit to innovate.

James Bond’s roots are unmistakeably British – his heritage Scottish – yet he is the very definition of a man of the world. Born to a Scottish father, Andrew Bond from Glencoe and a Swiss mother, Monique Delacroix from the Canton de Vaud, he spent much of his childhood at Skyfall Lodge – his family’s Scottish Estate in Glencoe.

In recent years, The Macallan has become James Bond’s whisky of choice, reflecting his appreciation for the finer things in life. They have shared many moments together on screen, including in Skyfall when James Bond drinks The Macallan Fine & Rare 1962 as an ode to the 50^th anniversary.

Jaume Ferras, Global Creative Director for The Macallan, said: “This October, James Bond will celebrate its 60^th anniversary, making it the longest running and one of the most loved franchises in the world of entertainment, comprising 25 films over six decades and six lead actors over time. The Macallan is James Bond’s whisky of choice and as two renowned global brands, we share many synergies, most notably as modern innovators linked by our Scottish heritage.”

The Macallan has also created a series of immersive experiences to celebrate the 60^th anniversary of James Bond including a unique exhibition – The Macallan in Cinema – at The Macallan Estate, which will take viewers through The Macallan’s history on film and transport them through the six decades of James Bond. A selection of films from across the years will also be shown at The Macallan Estate during a series of exclusive screenings.

The Macallan James Bond 60^th Anniversary Release will have an RRSP of US$800 / £600 and will be available from The Macallan Online Boutique, The Macallan Estate Boutique, the global network of domestic and travel retail Boutiques, and in premium and specialist retailers and bars in countries around the world from September 2022. There will be limited availability worldwide. For further information, visit www.themacallan.com

Whisky Maker’s Notes:

The Macallan James Bond 60^th Anniversary Release

ABV: 43.7%

Nose: Fresh and vibrant notes of lemon and lime, a sprinkle of sherbet, leading into a sweet vanilla and coconut, with a hint of dried fig and raisin.

Palate: Orange zest and fizzy sherbet with a lemon freshness, gentle oak and subtle ginger spice, leading into a deep dark chocolate, figs and baked apple tart with a honey drizzle.

Finish: Sweet and long with complex layers.  

About The Macallan

Founded in 1824 on a plateau above the River Spey in north-east Scotland, The Macallan is renowned globally for its incomparable craftsmanship, creativity and innovation with each bottle of single malt whisky revealing its unique mastery of wood and spirit.

Social and environmental sustainability is at the heart of The Macallan, and as part of its commitment to establishing a positive legacy it revealed its award-winning new Distillery in 2018. Designed by internationally acclaimed architects, the building takes inspiration from the surrounding ancient Scottish hills and is located on The Macallan’s beautiful 485-acre Estate. To this day, the single greatest influence on The Macallan’s sought after portfolio of single malts is its sherry seasoned oak casks from which its whiskies derive their distinctive flavours, aromas and natural colour. Crafted without compromise. Please savour The Macallan responsibly.

About EON Productions

EON Productions Limited and Danjaq LLC are wholly owned and controlled by the Broccoli/ Wilson family. Danjaq is the US based company that co-owns, with Metro Goldwyn Mayer Studios, the copyright in the existing James Bond films and controls the right to produce future James Bond films. EON Productions, an affiliate of Danjaq, is the UK based production company that has made the James Bond films since 1962 and together with Danjaq controls all worldwide merchandising. For more information, visit 007.com & 007Store.com

Five New MASTERS OF SCOTCH Announced by THE COUNCIL OF WHISKEY MASTERS

Speyside, Rothes Glen Castle

Group photo of judges

The COUNCIL OF WHISKEY MASTERS, a U.S. education body dedicated to whisk(e)y, has conducted its first global MASTER OF SCOTCH examination and named 5 new MASTERS OF SCOTCH in a historic announcement.

Last week, a remarkable group of candidates and judges took residence at Rothes Glen Castle in Speyside, Scotland, to undergo 3 intensive days of masterclasses, tasting and examination that led to the identification of an inaugural class of MASTER OF SCOTCH titleholders.

The examination included a comprehensive blind tasting of single malt scotches, a detailed oral theory exam, as well as a 6-question essay exam. Candidates were examined on all aspects of the world of Scotch whisky, covering history, production, regions, trade, tasting, presentation, and more.

The international judging panel consisted of the Council’s advisory board members, featuring globally acclaimed whiskey authorities. This year’s judges in residence were Tobias Gorn, Charles MacLean, Arthur Nägele, Hans Offringa, Bernhard Schäfer, as well as Rebecca Offringa, who was officially appointed as a new advisory board member during the event. A majority of this judge group holds Keeper or Master of the Quaich designations.

Judges evaluated all candidates independently and elected new MASTERS OF SCOTCH based on agreed-upon standards developed and upheld by the Council. To become a candidate in the MASTER OF SCOTCH program, individuals must first pass the CERTIFIED SCOTCH PROFESSIONAL exam, and in a second step pass the CERTIFIED WHISKEY SPECIALIST exam to demonstrate global knowledge. The study program is open to all individuals, around the world, through enrollment at www.WhiskeyMasters.org.

Today, THE COUNCIL OF WHISKEY MASTERS congratulates the following professionals on their monumental achievement in Scotch whisky:

Daniel Crowell, Master of Scotch

Dan Crowell is the Glenmorangie brand ambassador for the United States. With nearly 30 years of spirits experience, Mr Crowell is one of the most highly decorated professionals active in the whisky industry today, holding awards from countless respected institutions. Mr Crowell lives in Omaha, Nebraska.

Jerad Justesen, Master of Scotch

Jerad Justesen has been a dedicated analyst and advanced student of Single Malt Scotch for several decades, with outstanding articulation of flavor components, as well as deep competence in the causality of production methods. He lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Guy Sporbert, Master of Scotch

For many years, Guy Sporbert has served as a Scotch Ambassador at the Westin Kierland Resort’s Scotch Library, in Scottsdale, Arizona. Mr Sporbert gathered several decades of expertise in the spirits business, after transitioning from a accomplished career with the U.S. Air Force.

John Wabeck, Master of Scotch

John Wabeck serves as the beverage director for the Richard Deshantz Restaurant Group in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Mr Wabeck has dedicated several years of professional study to the understanding and appreciation of Scotch whisky.

Samuel Wright, Master of Scotch

Sam Wright has studied the production, history and profiles of Scotch whisky for several decades while continuing an accomplished career in engineering. Mr Wright lives in Colorado.

As of September 10th, 2022, the above individuals have joined the COUNCIL OF WHISKEY MASTERS as members for life, subject to the Council’s code of ethics. Those candidates who did not pass all parts of the exam will be supported and mentored by the Council toward success in later examinations.

The COUNCIL OF WHISKEY MASTERS currently consists of 36 full members, including existing advisory board members, executives, and the new MASTERS OF SCOTCH. Since 2019, the Council has developed and served thousands of certification candidates, located in 45 different countries.

The next MASTER OF SCOTCH exam will take place in Bardstown, Kentucky, between April 25th and April 28th of 2023, at a private ranch in the heart of Bourbon country.

During those days, the first global MASTER OF BOURBON examination will also be held on site, judged again by the globally respected members of The COUNCIL OF WHISKEY MASTERS. The Council expects a total of 25 candidates to be examined at the Master level during this event.

Enrollment is now open for the 2023 Master examinations. To be eligible for either exam, candidates must first take levels 1 and 2 of the Council’s certification program.

All program and contact information can be found at www.WhiskeyMasters.org

The full list of board members is published at www.whiskeymasters.org/whiskey-masters

SHIRAKAWA (SILENT)

1958 VINTAGE

JAPANESE SINGLE MALT WHISKY

70cl | 49% ABV

Discover the remarkable story of Japan’s rarest Single Malt Whisky, from the long lost Shirakawa distillery.

Shirakawa Distillery was one of the pioneers of Japanese malt Whisky production, but the Whisky was never bottled as a Single Malt. The majority was used as a blending component for Takaro Shuzo’s King Whisky. The distillery produced malt Whisky until 1969, and was demolished in 2003.

In 2019, a vat of unblended Single Malt Whisky was discovered at one of Takara Shuzo’s production facilities in Japan. The Whisky was distilled in 1958, and was matured in oak (probably Mizunara) before being transferred into ceramic jars, and eventually stainless steel.

The discovery was the result of an extensive search through Takara Shuzo’s records and facilities. It is unlikely that any more exists, making this the first, last, and only Single Malt Whisky from Shirakawa Distillery.

THE TASTE OF LIQUID HISTORY

Award winning and internationally acclaimed Whisky writer Dave Broom presents his tasting notes for Shirakawa 1958 Japanese Single Malt:

Nose: Resinous, slight dry earth, dried citrus peels, a hint of wax. Aromatic. A drop of water makes it more vibrant and also shows clear maturity as well as a hint of incense. Exotic.

Palate: The palate is expansive with a succulent texture and hints of fragrant grass. Fruits emerge in the middle. Layered, spiced, and dry. Water brings out ash from an incense burner, a satisfying mouthfeel and surprisingly perky acidity.

Finish: Nicely balanced and persistent on the finish which picks up mint flavouring and makes it more camphor-like.

£25,000

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Meet The Maker:
Drew Mayville Master Blender of Buffalo Trace Tasting

Join us on Friday 30th of September for a peek behind the scenes of one of America’s most prestigious  whiskey brands!

We will be hosted by Buffalo Trace’s  one and only Drew Mayville, Master Blender and Director of Quality of Buffalo Trace. The only distillery to win “Distillery of the Year” an unmatched seven times!

At Sazerac, Drew has worked hands on with all the award-winning products produced at Buffalo Trace in addition to the other highly acclaimed spirit categories of the company. Drew is active in overseeing a number of award-winning products produced at various locations for Sazerac, and promoting and educating the public on some of the world’s finest spirits. His passion is not only to make the finest quality products but also to delight and excite the consumer with his work.

About the Evening

Friday 30th of September

19:30 – 21:00

£120 ticket price

You will be walked through this amazing line up by the man responsible for the blend in each bottle. You will also be given a sneak peak at a new blend that Drew has created.

Book Your Ticket!

THE CHESHIRE FIRST RELEASE

THE CHESHIRE FIRST RELEASE DESCRIPTION

A masterpiece sculpted by time

Founded in 1779, Bowmore is one of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland and the oldest surviving on the Isle of Islay. Remaining hand-crafted, Bowmore prides itself on its traditional techniques which honour past methods. Have a browse of the current range, and sign up for our upcoming ballot opening 27th September for the incredible ARC-52.

Discover Bowmore→

Bowmore 27 Year Old Timeless Series

Matured for 15 years in sherry and bourbon casks, the whisky was then finished for 12 years in first-fill Oloroso butts, then bottled at a cask strength of 52.7% abv. With just 3,000 bottles produced, this is a legacy-worthy dram packed full of grilled orange peel, smoked seaweed, chestnut honey and coffee beans covered in dark chocolate.

£1,800.00
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Bowmore ARC-52

Stop into our London Piccadilly shop to view Bowmore ARC-52 as pictured above! An outstanding collaboration between Bowmore and Aston Martin, ARC-52 represents imagination, evolution, and intensity. Past and present combine in this extraordinary release. Our ballot will open on 27th September – sign up below to stay in the know.

£55,000.00
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We are excited to share the first relapse in our new collection: Harvest Series Golden Wold. Limited to 5,000 bottles and featuring a painting by Cotswolds artist Josephine Trotter, this is a celebration of autumn in the Cotswolds.

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