Welcome to this week’s episode of the show in which I’ll be taking a look at the first batch of releases in the Whisky of Voodoo range created by Brave New Spirits.
COLLECTION OF AMERICAN BOURBON GREATS TO GO UNDER THE HAMMER THIS INDEPENDENCE DAY
A collection of bourbon whiskies from past and present American greats is set to go under the hammer on Independence Day by specialist whisky auction site, Whisky Hammer.
A unique selection of bourbon and other sought-after American whiskies will be put up for auction on Monday 4th July as part of Whisky Hammer’s The Spirit of America Whiskey Auction – coinciding with Independence Day.
With one bottle valued up to £25,000, many of the desirable expressions hold an illustrious position in American whiskey history from brands such as Pappy Van Winkle, Old Forester, Stitzel-Weller, EH Taylor and Willett Family Estate.
E.H Taylor Old Fashioned Sour Mash will also go under the hammer, with a price estimate of £13,000. This bourbon was created by Buffalo Trace retirees using a method used for making ‘old fashioned sour mash’ whiskey – a technique used by Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr in the late 1800s.
Private sellers can add bottles to the auction by getting in touch with Whisky Hammer before the submission deadline of Monday 27th June – contact details can be found at www.whiskyhammer.com.
Daniel Milne, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Whisky Hammer, said: “This is an exciting collection for us to be auctioning – and not just because of the variety of bourbon on offer. Some of the stories behind these bottles are fascinating and give an insight into different time periods in American whiskey.
“Many bourbon collectors have never taken part in an auction before, so this is their chance to bid on and secure a drop of bourbon history.”
Online whisky auction business Whisky Hammer was started in 2016 by brothers Daniel and Craig Milne who are originally from Macduff, near Speyside, an area renowned for the production of Scotch whisky.
Whisky Hammer re-located in 2019 to a new, purpose-built facility in Aberdeenshire, which is also home to Still Spirit – a whisky shop, e-commerce site and dram bar offering over 100 rare whiskies to taste while overlooking the beautiful Scottish countryside.
The business hosts monthly auctions dedicated to whisky and other fine spirits, which attract more than 200,000 buyers and sellers from every corner of the globe. It has auctioned a wide range of whiskies, both bottles and casks, recently achieving the world record for the highest value cask ever sold at auction.
The Spirit of America Whiskey Auction will go live on Whisky Hammer from 7pm (BST) on Monday 4th July. For further information or to register interest, visit whiskyhammer.com
Follow Whisky Hammer on @whiskyhammer on Facebook and Instagram.
With June bringing us the first day of Summer there are so many amazing reasons to celebrate with friends and family. All the more reason to enjoy one of the fantastic new drams from GlenAllachie that just arrived to the US!
The GlenAllachie Virgin Oak Series
The GlenAllachie Virgin Oak Series brings us three new expressions to delight and impress the palates of the US consumer. A 10 year old Chinquapin Virgin Oak, 10 yo French Virgin Oak, and 15 yo Scottish Virgin Oak expression comprise this Series.
The whisky was first matured in American Oak (Quercus Alba) ex-Bourbon Barrels. To add a delicate and distinctive twist, the whisky then underwent additional maturation for approximately 18 months in specially selected Virgin Oak Casks. The subtle flavor differences in this series are led by a variety of influences: the Oak species, the local terroir, and the period of natural air drying; along with the toasting, charring and coopering of the casks. Each of these reacts uniquely with the GlenAllachie spirit, adding superb texture, depth and variety.
Two new Single Casks selected by a panel of discerning palates from the ImpEx Beverages team have also arrived:
2008 12 yo Marsala Barrique Cask #607
Bottled at 58.6% alc
202 Bottle US Exclusive
2008 13 yo Chinquapin Cask# 6913
Bottled at 58.2% alc
259 Bottle US Exclusive
Introducing Batch #7 of the 10 yo Cask Strength GlenAllachie
• Bottled at 56.8%
• Limited Release: 1,000 cases for the US
• PX and Oloroso Puncheons, Virgin Oak, & Rioja casks
If you have any questions or would like any additional information, please don’t hesitate to email Office@ImpExBev.com.
ImpEx Beverages Inc.
360 Swift Ave
Side B # 9
South San Francisco, CA 94080
Our June Auction is now LIVE!
Auction closes from 8pm (BST) Tuesday 28th June.
www.speysidewhiskyauctions.co.uk
Macallan
Distil Your World
New York Limited Edition
Distil Your World New York is a unique single malt whisky, created in partnership between The Macallan and The Roca Brothers.
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Email info@speysidewhiskyauctions.co.uk
What is a Silent Distillery?
Distilleries that are no longer in operation are known as silent or ghost distilleries. While some have been mothballed for an indefinite period, others have been permanently closed or completely demolished. Once production has ceased, any remaining Whisky from these distilleries becomes highly sought after.
SHOP SILENT DISTILLERY SINGLE MALTS
Family Silver Blended Scotch Whisky 1984
A unique blend of fifteen different single malts and 3 single grains, including Balblair, Blair Athol, Glen Garioch, Linkwood, Mortlach and Cambus distilleries. Lovingly matured for over thirty-eight glorious years in a first-fill Oloroso Sherry Cask. This is a truly exceptional dram, bursting with sherry, dried fruits, dark chocolate, old leather and delicious spices. Bottled from cask number VMW51 in 2022.
Only 408 bottles were produced.
£159.99
Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 448: Caol Ila 2010 Signatory Vintage Cask Strength Collection
Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tries a very sherried Caol Ila. A few weeks ago his whisky buddy Rainer sent Mark a message about this bottle. And whether he would be allowed to come by to have it tasted and whether Mark would like to make a Rambling about it? Yes & yes. And so here we are.
Elixir Distillers to buy Tormore Distillery from Pernod Ricard
Independent whisky specialist, Elixir Distillers, has today signed an agreement to buy the Tormore distillery and brand from Pernod Ricard.
The acquisition is the latest move from co-founders and owners Rajbir and Sukhinder Singh to develop Elixir Distillers into a world-leading brand owner, distiller and independent bottler.
Sukhinder Singh explained: “Tormore is one of the most visually stunning distilleries in Speyside. It produces a beautiful spirit and fits in perfectly with the Elixir Distillers flavour-first philosophy to bottle only the very highest quality whiskies. We are hoping to build on the work that’s been done by Pernod Ricard to bring to life the magic of Tormore and show consumers around the world just what a hidden gem it is. We are humbled to be the new custodians of Tormore; we couldn’t have asked for a better distillery to welcome to the Elixir family alongside our new Islay distillery, Portintruan.”
Tormore distillery was built in 1960, designed by renowned architect and President of the Royal Academy, Sir Albert Richardson, whose style combined neoclassicism with modernism. Historically known as ‘the pearl of Speyside’, the beauty and uniqueness of its architectural design were recognised in 1986 when the distillery was granted listed building status. It is one of the first distilleries you encounter when you travel north to Speyside and is located close to Cragganmore, Ballindalloch and Glenfarclas distilleries.
Tormore distillery has been owned by Pernod Ricard since 2005. It is among one of the larger distilleries in Scotland with a capacity of just under 5 million litres of alcohol per year, providing the potential for long term growth. The deal with Elixir Distillers includes inventory of aged stock.
Alexandre Ricard, Chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard, stated: “Active portfolio management is an integral part of our long-term strategy. The sale of the Tormore brand and distillery follows the recent announcement of our investment behind the Aberlour and Miltonduff facilities, which will increase our Scotch production capacities by 14 million litres of alcohol per annum. We are delighted to be handing Tormore over to Sukhinder and Rajbir, two friends and truly creative entrepreneurs and look forward to finding new ways to collaborate in the future.”
Sukhinder and Rajbir foresee a bright future for Tormore: “We’re committed to creating a new era for Tormore. Our goal is to establish the reputation of Tormore on the global stage to match the special quality of the whisky. We want Tormore to stand shoulder to shoulder alongside the biggest names in single malt whisky and we plan to release a brand range that Scotland will be proud of. We want to make this a real destination for all visitors to Speyside; we will be refurbishing the distillery and we also plan to build a visitor centre.”
About Elixir Distillers
Founded by Sukhinder and Rajbir Singh, Elixir Distillers is a creator, blender and bottler of fine spirits, combining delicious, characterful liquid with beautiful design. Their expertise is Scotch whisky and rum but they also work with Japanese whisky, tequila and other spirits. Their core brands include Port Askaig, Elements of Islay, Single Malts of Scotland and Black Tot which they export to more than 30 international markets around the world. They are building a new distillery on Islay, Portintruan, which is due to open in 2024, which will perfectly complement Speyside’s Tormore distillery in their portfolio.
About Pernod Ricard
Pernod Ricard is the No.2 worldwide producer of wines and spirits. The Group, which owns 16 of the Top 100 Spirits Brands, holds one of the most prestigious and comprehensive portfolio in the industry with over 240 premium brands distributed across more than 160 markets. Pernod Ricard’s portfolio includes Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute, and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Malibu liqueur, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard’s strategy focuses on investing in long-term and sustainable growth for all its stakeholders, remaining true to its founding values: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust, and strong sense of ethics.
Lux Row Distillers Introduces Ezra Brooks 99, Rebel 100 in 1.75L Bottles
Brands expand offerings to meet increasing consumer demand for premium and super-premium bourbons
St. LOUIS (June 8, 2022) – Lux Row Distillers – the Bardstown, Kentucky, home of the Ezra Brooks, Rebel, Daviess County, David Nicholson and Blood Oath bourbon brands – has added two SKUs to its repertoire of offerings at retail. Beginning in June, the distillery’s Ezra Brooks 99 and Rebel 100 brands will be available in 1.75L bottles at a minimum suggested retail price of $44.99 and $35.99, respectively.
Introduced in early 2021, Ezra Brooks 99 is a pure, oak-barrel-aged Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey elevated to 99 proof. Charcoal filtered for a smooth, mellow finish, Ezra Brooks 99 features the same spicy, ryed-bourbon-mash-bill taste as the original Ezra Brooks, but with an enhanced flavor profile delivered by the higher proof. Introduced in 2019, Rebel 100 is a smooth wheated bourbon that offers the same round body and full flavor of the original Rebel Bourbon but takes it a step further by dialing up the proof to 100.
The level of sales success enjoyed by both Ezra Brooks 99 and Rebel 100 is a key factor in the decision made at Lux Row Distillers to expand these brand offerings by including both variants in 1.75L bottles.
“Since their respective launches in 2019 and 2021, Rebel 100 and Ezra Brooks 99 have been very popular with our customers,” said Eric Winter, whiskey brand manager for Lux Row Distillers. “Our decision to include both brands in 1.75L bottles is a reflection of their continued popularity, as well as our ongoing effort to give our customers what they are looking for.”
According to research provided by Mintel (source: Lightspeed/Mintel – US Dark Spirits Report, Nov. 2020), consumers are seeking spirits they consider “premium,” as defined by a combination of superior taste, heritage, price and awards won, among other factors. This research is supported by recent Nielsen market data (source: Nielsen 52 wks 9L cases, week ending 1-1-2022), which indicates consumer movement away from value brands and toward more premium offerings.
“Over the years Luxco has innovated within the whiskey category to keep up with the demands of the changing consumer by introducing more unique premium offerings,” said Luxco VP of Marketing Fletcher Buchman. “Over the past five to seven years, the demand for – and growth of – the premium and super-premium bourbon categories continue to grow, and we are prepared to grow along with it.”
About Luxco
Founded in St. Louis in 1958 by the Lux Family, Luxco is a leading producer, supplier, importer and bottler of beverage alcohol products. Our mission is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of consumers, associates and business partners. Merged with MGP Ingredients, Inc. in 2021 (Nasdaq: MGPI), Luxco operates as MGP’s Brands Division and manages all MGP/Luxco brands. This extensive and award-winning spirits portfolio includes well-known brands from five distilleries: Bardstown, Kentucky-based Lux Row Distillers, home of Ezra Brooks, Rebel, Blood Oath, David Nicholson and Daviess County; Lebanon, Kentucky-based Limestone Branch Distillery, maker of Yellowstone Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey and Bowling & Burch Gin; Jalisco, Mexico-based Destiladora González Lux, producer of 100% agave tequilas, El Mayor, Exotico and Dos Primos; Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where the George Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Rossville Union Straight Rye Whiskey are produced; and the Washington, D.C.-based Green Hat Distillery, producer of the Green Hat family of gins. The innovative and high-quality brand portfolio also includes Everclear Grain Alcohol, Pearl Vodka, Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream, The Quiet Man Irish Whiskey and other well-recognized brands. For more information about the company and its brands, visit luxco.com
The joy of whiskymaking often comes from unexpected combinations. For our latest Limited Edition, we’ve taken this idea further than ever before, with a creation that blends the senses.
The Circle, No. 2 is a whisky made through Synaesthesia: the phenomenon of experiencing multiple senses at once. It can involve hearing shapes, tasting days of the week, or smelling colours and is as varied in its forms and intensities as the people who experience it.
This Limited Edition is the second release to come from The Circle, our global bartender competition.
We were inspired by the creativity of 2019 winner Mannie Monaghan (owner of Below Stairs bar, Leeds, UK) whose idea was guided by his rare synaesthetic experience of the world. As a synaesthete himself, Mannie was able to bring the full force of his taste buds and personal colour palette to the Compass Box Blending Rooms, fostering a unique creative process for our whiskymaking team.
To create The Circle, No. 2, and its flavour of Living Coral, our whiskymaker James scoured the shelves of our whisky library, sourcing different parcels based on the colours Mannie sensed in each sip and translating this into a recipe that would express the positivity and vibrancy of this Pantone colour.
More than half of the recipe is tropical, pineapple-accented whisky from the Glen Elgin Distillery, while whiskies aged in Sherry casks lend warmth, energy, and a clinging texture. Dashes of a peated whisky, and a little malt whisky further matured in STR (shaved, toasted and recharred) wine casks, bring contrast and depth.
Watch James and Mannie deconstruct the components of this whisky even further, and dive into how each one informs the whisky’s ‘palette’.
An ideal serve for the summer, The Circle, No. 2 was created as an outdoor whisky to be enjoyed with friends, lounging on a lazy afternoon as the sun sets. It is available now from our web shop and select specialist spirits retailers and in the US from July. Please get in touch if you would like help locating your nearest stockist.
Share & Enjoy!
The Compass Box Team
