No review this week but Phil will return next week…

The Oldest Whisky Ever Offered at Auction Sells for £300,000

at Sotheby’s in London

Proceeds from Sale of One-of-a-kind Special Edition of

The Macallan The Reach 81 Years Old

To Benefit The Macallan Artisan Apprenticeship Fund

LONDON, 5 October 2022 – Today at Sotheby’s in London, a one-of-a-kind special edition of The Macallan The Reach 81 Years Old single malt, the oldest whisky ever to come to auction, sold for £300,000* ($325,740), almost tripling its estimate (£110,000-200,000). Acquired by a UK private collector, the decanter was presented in a special single-lot sale, with proceeds raising funds for The Macallan’s recently established Artisan Collective forum, to benefit The Macallan Artisan Apprenticeship Fund. The previous highest price paid at auction for a bottle of the world’s oldest whisky was established at Sotheby’s in Hong Kong in October 2021, when Decanter #1 of the Gordon & Macphail Generations 80-Years-Old, sold for £142,000 ($193,000).

Jonny Fowle, Sotheby’s Head of Whisky & Spirits, North America and EMEA, said: “This extraordinary result for the oldest whisky ever to come to auction is thoroughly deserved. One of one versions of special Single Malts are highly coveted, and we saw competitive bids playing out as the sale began to close, pushing the final price ever higher, to nearly three times over estimate. Age, rarity and provenance – once again, the holy trinity for collectors.” 

Crafted from a single, sherry seasoned oak cask, The Macallan The Reach is encased in a decanter created from mouth-blown, hot glass, cradled on a bronze sculpture of three hands representing characters in The Macallan’s history. Unveiled in February 2022, this release from the distillery reflects an extraordinary moment in time, the liquid laid down during a period of increasing hardship during the Second World War, just before The Macallan was compelled to close its doors for the first time in its history.

The cabinet housing the decanter has been crafted using wood from a fallen elm tree which is thought to have been on The Macallan Estate in 1940, the year the spirit was distilled. The decanter itself is encased in a display cabinet lined in red leather – reflecting the red thread that has run through The Macallan’s branding since it was founded almost 200 years ago – rather than the traditional cream leather which features on the original whisky release.

Synonymous with age in the whisky world is rarity, since not many barrels in bonded warehouses in Scotland make it to the age of 50 due to the rate of alcohol evaporation. The Macallan The Reach represents the age and quality that the world’s leading spirits collectors look for in ultra-rare whiskies.

The winning bidder will also enjoy an exceptional distillery experience at The Macallan Estate, including a tasting of this extraordinarily rare 81-year-old single malt whisky.

The Macallan | The Reach 81 Years Old: The World’s Oldest Whisky

*Excluding VAT

Whisky Maker’s Notes – The Macallan The Reach

Colour: Deep auburn

ABV: 41.6%

Nose: Dark chocolate, sweet cinnamon, aromatic peat, plums, leather, pink grapefruit, redcurrant jelly and a rich resinous note.

Palate: Treacle toffee, bramble jam, liquorice, crystalised ginger, nutmeg, charred pineapple, pecans, woodsmoke.

Finish: Intensely rich, sweet and smoky.

The Macallan Artisan Collective is a creative forum for likeminded master makers to network, exchange ideas, innovate and collaborate via live gatherings and digital events. Established in 2021, it champions and celebrates the artisans, their philosophies, knowledge, skills and their critical role in our local and global economies.

In the same year, The Macallan created The Macallan Artisan Apprenticeship Fund in recognition of the need to preserve and safeguard legacy crafts, trades, skills and values to support employment for generations to come.

Introducing House of Hazelwood — A new rare whisky bottler

For the better part of a century, generations of the Gordon family have steered the fortunes of two of the world’s most well-known Speyside whisky distilleries and some of the world’s leading Scotch whisky brands. During these long years, Hazelwood House, the family’s home near the distilling capital of Dufftown, has been a quiet retreat for contemplation, recreation and, of course, the sharing of a dram or two from the Gordons’ personal casks with friends and special associates.

In honour of its Speyside home and the fond memories made there, the family has recently introduced House of Hazelwood, a new standalone bottler that has brought the Gordons’ private stocks of old and exceptionally rare Scotch whisky to market for the first time. Following the immense success of its first release and to celebrate the new Autumn collection, now available online at House of Hazelwood, Whisky Magazine is delighted to offer readers the chance to win a taste of House of Hazelwood’s whiskies.

To learn more about House of Hazelwood, read our full editorial by Gavin D Smith.

READ FULL

The Loch Fyne Fynest
Glen Grant 24 Year Old

With a year finish in a Sauternes cask, this rich and floral Glen Grant is best in class. At 24 years old its impressive cask strength of 61.8% abv is a testament to the tightness of the cask staves, locking in all that flavour. Expect to encounter notes of exotic fruits, dark chocolate and toasted marshmallow.

From one of the oldest malt distilleries in Speyside, this rich and floral Glen Grant, this is best in class. At 24 years old its impressive cask strength of 61.8% abv is a testament to the tightness of the cask staves, locking in all that flavour. Expect to encounter notes of exotic fruits, dark chocolate and toasted marshmallow.

This was matured in a bourbon barrel until 2020 and was then finished in a 1st fill sauternes cask for approximately one year.

£299.00
BUY NOW

Stellum “Leo F3” K&L Exclusive Cask Strength Single Barrel Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $54.99 View

Knob Creek “Single Barrel Select” K&L Exclusive Barrel (Distilled 6/10/2016, Warehouse N, Floor 05, Rick 18) Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml) $59.99 View

Get ready to take taste to another level…buckle up and enjoy the ride. Our latest experimental small-batch release Marmalade overdrive has arrived in top gear. Similar in character to our Deep, Rich & Dried Fruits flavour profile but with BIG notes of oranges and candied peel this rare release has that lovely dark colour that makes your mouth-water. The whisky and its casks have been on quite a journey giving an experience not to be missed…and all for just €83.30.

Go fast track and buy now OR click over to our website to read the adventures behind the bottling. Our own Julien Willems has suggested some sweet and savoury pairing suggestions to stir the senses into complete overdrive.

Discover that flavourful blast below.

VVVroooooooommm!

DISCOVER MORE

SEE ALL WHISKIES

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

OSWA Voting ended 16/10/22

THE HOUSE OF SUNTORY INTRODUCES

HIBIKI^® BLOSSOM HARMONY™, A LIMITED-EDITION BLENDED WHISKY

AND HIBIKI® 30 YEAR OLD IN THE U.S.

 The U.S. welcomes Hibiki® Blossom Harmony™, a blended whisky finished in Sakura (cherry blossom) casks for a limited time this fall, and Hibiki® 30 Year Old, a rare annual release. 

CHICAGO, IL (October 4, 2022) – The House of Suntory, the founding House of Japanese Whisky, announces the release of Hibiki® Blossom Harmony™, a limited-edition blend featuring whiskies finished in Sakura casks and for the first time Hibiki 30 Year Old will be available in the U.S. 

Hibiki® Blossom Harmony™

Sakura Blossom season in early spring has always been an occasion for celebration in Japan, with many gathering around the beautiful flowering Sakura trees that inspire the Japanese to appreciate life as it blooms. Hibiki Blossom Harmony captures this joyful spirit by blending a rare selection of whiskies finished in Sakura wood casks with diverse matured malt and grain whiskies to create this particular Hibiki.

This limited-edition bottle will be available beginning in October in select global markets including in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, France, Spain, Austria, United Arab Emirates, Netherlands, Italy, Turkey, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam. The expression is bottled at 43 percent ABV and has a suggested retail price of $160 USD.

Inspired by Sakura

Hibiki is a harmonious blend of various malt and grain whiskies from Suntory’s Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries. Constantly pushing the boundaries of what Japanese Whisky can be, the House of Suntory continues to explore and experiment with various wood types. The Sakura cask was one that intrigued Fifth Generation Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo.

“I have been mesmerized by the Sakura cask for the last five years now due to its symbolism, but also because of its distinctive, subtly floral and spicy aroma and flavor notes,” says Fukuyo. “There have been many experiments with malt and grain whisky components, and we found that there was a special alchemy between the grain whiskies and the Sakura cask. It is this special relationship – harmony – that inspired me to create this blend.” 

Achieving the right balance and orchestration proved to be a great challenge from the start since the Sakura cask is one with strong character that can easily become overbearing. After a period of trial and error, Fukuyo found that the grain whiskies finished in the Sakura cask best elevated the overall balance.

TASTING NOTES: HIBIKI BLOSSOM HARMONY – 43% ABV

Color: Amber

Nose: Wafting floral scents, sakura, fragrant olive

Palate: Smooth mouthfeel, expanding fragrance, acacia honey, French pear and a refined sweetness suggestive of sakura mochi

Finish: Long-lasting rich and brilliant aftertaste 

Meaning “Resonance” in Japanese, Hibiki embodies the Suntory philosophy To Create Harmony with People and Nature. As a House of Master Blenders, the House of Suntory has gone to great lengths to explore the breadth and depth of what Harmony can mean for a blend. Hibiki 30 Year Old and Hibiki Blossom Harmony celebrate this particular kind of Harmony.

Hibiki® 30 Year Old in the U.S.

Released in 1997 as a rare, limited edition, Hibiki 30 Year Old represents the paragon of the Hibiki brand and the art of Japanese craftsmanship. For the first time, this exquisite bottle will be available in the U.S. as of October for a suggested retail price of $5,000.

Hibiki 30 features a select blend of Yamazaki® malt whiskies that are 30 years and older from Suntory’s treasured historic collection, with mild grain whiskies that have also matured at least 30 years. With a mere few thousand bottles produced each year, each is bottled by hand. This luxurious liquor has received accolades and awards from whisky connoisseurs around the world and it represents the pinnacle of whisky making at Suntory. 

TASTING NOTES: HIBIKI 30 YEAR OLD – 43% ABV

Color: Deep amber.

Nose: Leather, raisin, prune, sweet chestnut.

Palate: Brown sugar, dried fig, apricot jam, cedar and pain d’epices (gingerbread).

Finish: Extremely rich, cinnamon and Mizunara (Japanese Oak) 

ABOUT HIBIKI

The Hibiki brand was introduced to the world in 1989 and since then has been embraced as the paragon of The Art of Japanese Whisky, the very product of Japanese nature and people. It is not only Japan’s most highly awarded blended whisky, but also among the most prestigious and honored whiskies in the world. Hibiki is a harmonious blend of various malt and grain whiskies from House of Suntory Whisky’s Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries. This delicate blend creates a oneness unfolding a full orchestra of flavors and aromas. Today Hibiki is one of the most awarded blends in the world. For more information on Hibiki brand, visit https://whisky.suntory.com/en/na/products/hibiki.

ABOUT HOUSE OF SUNTORY

Since 1923, Suntory has been renowned as the pioneer of Japanese Whisky for its House of Master Blenders and for their Art of Blending. Founder Shinjiro Torii built Japan’s first malt whisky distillery in Yamazaki, and the Suntory legacy continued with Torii’s son and Suntory’s second Master Blender, Keizo Saji, who continued to establish distilleries including the Hakushu distillery. As the generations of Suntory’s master blenders carry on, Suntory Whisky remains committed to heritage and innovation. The House of Suntory has been named four-time Distiller of the Year at the International Spirits Challenge in London, UK (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014). Suntory Whiskies are subtle, refined and complex. The portfolio includes two single malt whiskies: Yamazaki—Japan’s number one single malt, multi-layered and profound, and Hakushu—verdant, fresh, and delicately smoky; and two blends: the noble blend, Hibiki—Japan’s most highly awarded blended whisky and Suntory Whisky Toki. The House of Suntory portfolio also offers Roku Japanese Gin and Haku Japanese Vodka. Created from Japanese ingredients by the master artisans at the House of Suntory, Roku Gin and Haku Vodka represent the nature and spirit of Japan.

whisky.suntory.com                #SuntoryWhisky                     @SuntoryWhisky

ABOUT BEAM SUNTORY

As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark® bourbon brands and Courvoisier® cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Basil Hayden®, Knob Creek®, and Legent™ bourbon; Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™ Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Laphroaig® and Bowmore® Scotch whisky; Canadian Club® whisky; Hornitos® and Sauza® tequila; EFFEN®, Haku® and Pinnacle® vodka; Sipsmith® and Roku™ gin; and On The Rocks® Premium Cocktails.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good, which now includes its transformative sustainability strategy, Proof Positive. Headquartered in New York City, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com

A Benromach Tasting Experience with Alastair Milligan Saturday 29th October 2022 7pm

£30.00

Join us for an exceptional tasting event with Alastair Milligan from Gordon & MacPhail, owners of the classic Speyside Distillery of Benromach.  Having undergone a brand change recently, Benromach is in high demand at the moment and features proudly as our Malt of the Month for October.

Your line up will include 6 wonderful and unique expressions, including a special secret dram. (These may be different from the pictured whiskies) Explore the traditional ways of the age old techniques still used at Benromach, providing a unique, mulit-award winning whisky in the Heart of Speyside.

Our unique hybrid style event combines the best of our virtual experiences with our in house event located above the Inverurie Whisky Shop in our beautiful Whisky Bar.

Select from the drop down menu whether you would like a tasting pack sent out to you, or you would like to join us in house.

Limited tickets available

Over 18’s Only

7pm for 7.15pm Start

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