ARDNAMURCHAN

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This single malt whisky, distilled at Ardnamurchan Distillery is the newest part of their core range. It was created by combining peated and unpeated Ex-bourbon and sherry casks. Bottled without chill-filtration or artificial colouring.

NOSE: Toasted marshmallows on a pebbled Fascadale beach, minerals, orange oil and popcorn.

PALATE: Salted popcorn, smores, pebble beach, mineralic, sea salt, briney, lime cordial, charred marshmallows, bitter orange, dark chocolate, smoky old fashioned cocktail.

£45.00

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https://youtu.be/AN6n2emwXro

This is a bottle I’ve been chasing since receiving a sample from a viewer, always very kind this community!

The smell of this thing is so alluring that it made me think that it could be a top 5 whisky ever. The development from smell to taste is so hefty and oak driven, spicy and sumptuous with caramel, tobacco and menthol. A finish that is a little bit of damp squib compared to the rest of the whisky, but either way, at £60 a bottle it doesn’t break the bank, and it’s a smaller/lesser known brand of cask strength bourbon. It is certainly worth checking out if you’re a fan of bottles like Elijah Craig, Stagg and Kentucky Owl.

Cheers

Topping out ceremony takes place at The Cairn

Andy Kitchin (Visitor Experience Manager), Alasdair Manson (Distiller), Paul McWhirter (stone mason), Mhairi Winters (Distillery Manager), Chaz Horne (3rd year apprentice), Hugh MacKay (1st year apprentice).

The traditional “topping out” ceremony, which marks the completion of external construction has taken place at The Cairn Distillery at Grantown-on-Spey

Hugh MacKay, 1^st year apprentice from AB Masonry, and Mhairi Winters, Distillery Manager, did the honours of placing a bottle of whisky in a cavity in the stonework.

The Cairn is a second distillery for renowned whisky experts Gordon & MacPhail, the family firm based in Moray. Appropriately, it was a bottle of Benromach which was used for the ceremony, acknowledging the company’s first distillery at Forres.

In a tradition thought to have been brought here by the Vikings, the topping out ceremony used to mark the installation of the final beam in a building. But it has developed over the years to mark completion of the external construction work and now, in Scotland at least, it’s traditional to include the use of Scotch whisky.

The ceremony usually involves the youngest on the site and in this case Hugh MacKay 1^st year apprentice was given the task. He commented: “It’s been great to be involved in a project of this size in my first year and I have really enjoyed being part of the team constructing such a unique building. I can’t wait to see what the whisky is like in many years’ time.”

Distillery Manager Mhairi Winter said: “it’s wonderful to take part in this traditional ceremony which dates back so many centuries. And it marks another milestone as we move towards completion, ready to open later in the year.”

Planning permission for the distillery was granted in 2019 and work started on site once COVID restrictions on construction were lifted in July 2020.

Opening to the public later this year, The Cairn Distillery overlooks the River Spey towards the Cairngorms.  It will offer a selection of immersive visitor experiences, whisky tastings and carefully selected gifts.  Visitors will also be able to eat @ The Gathering and experience the finest produce sourced from throughout Scotland. It has been designed to sit within this world class setting with features including a “green” sedum roof which was recently installed.

Gordon & MacPhail has built strong relationships with its local communities in Forres and Elgin and is determined to maintain that tradition in Grantown on Spey. The distillery will become a major tourist destination on the outskirts of the town and act as a gateway to Speyside.

Notes 

Gordon & MacPhail is a family-owned premium spirits company based in Elgin, Scotland. Owner of Scotch whisky distilleries, Benromach and The Cairn, Gordon & MacPhail is also a Scotch whisky maturation expert, the owner of Scottish Gin brand, Red Door and the operator of a wholesale business in the United Kingdom selling premium Scotch whiskies and spirits, along with a high-quality retail outlet.

The company owns Benromach Distillery located in Forres in Moray.  Benromach Single Malt Scotch Whisky is handcrafted using traditional methods by a small team of distillers using the finest Scottish barley and the purest spring water from the nearby Romach Hills. The multi award-winning portfolio of single malts is enjoyed by whisky drinkers worldwide.

The company launched Red Door in the summer of 2018. Created at Benromach Distillery, this award winning, small batch Scottish gin now forms a strategic part of the company’s product portfolio.

Work commenced in July 2020 on The Cairn, the company’s second distillery, overlooking the River Spey towards the Cairngorms.  The new site will add further distillation capacity and brand ownership to the company’s asset base and is a key part of the plans to continue building a long-term sustainable business.  A high-quality visitor experience offering tours and tastings will also attract visitors from around the world.

Since the founding of the business in 1895, Gordon & MacPhail has sent casks to Scotch whisky distilleries throughout Scotland to be filled with new-make spirit, before being left to mature for many years either at the distillery or in their bonded warehouses in Elgin.  The Gordon & MacPhail portfolio offers some of the world’s rarest and most sought-after Single Malt Scotch Whiskies to discerning whisky drinkers globally.

The company’s wholesale business serves customers throughout the United Kingdom selling Benromach Single Malt, Red Door gin and Gordon & MacPhail whiskies into the on and off trade. The business also exclusively represents a number of ‘distributor’ brands and stocks premium whiskies and spirits.

The retail shop in Elgin remains the ‘spiritual home’ of the business, 127 years after it was first established in 1895.  The shop is home to a large selection of Single Malt Scotch Whiskies and is a destination for many whisky aficionados from around the world.

The Maltstock venue

As you might know, this year we have a different venue. After 13 years in the forest near Nijmegen, we now head to the beautiful Dutch country side near Lievelde. Next year we expect to be back at our regular venue, when the Ukranian refugees have hopefully returned home safe.

Bob, Klaas, Stan & Teun

New venue

Last week we visited this year’s venue for a second time. And we’re still very happy! It’s a very relaxed and suitable accommodation. We have great indoor and outdoor space. We have even more beds available, and we have a campground on site as well, for those of you who prefer camping.

There’s a very relaxed outdoor area where we can all gather, share drams and meet old and new friends. We’ll have masterclasses and “drinks with…” session as usual. Wullie from the Hielander in Alkmaar will provide us with a relaxed Scottish breakfast again.

There’s food, drinks, a detox walk, a raffle and of course there will be a midnight café as well!

So new venue, new dates, same relaxedness!

Please check our website for more info on the venue: https://www.maltstock.com/venue-beusink

Program

In the next few weeks we’ll be telling you more about the Maltstock program. Follow us on Facebook to stay updated. Some very relaxed people have already confirmed their presence. So as always we’ll have plenty of very relaxed masterclasses and “Drinks with… “ sessions for you to choose from. And of course these are included in your ticket. How very relaxed!

New dates

The venue we found had only one weekend still available in September. This means that this years Maltstock will be held from 23 to 25 September.

Tickets

Quite a few tickets have already been sold, but it’s not too late for you to join the relaxed fun. You can get your ticket here: www.maltstock.com/shop

Looking forward to meeting you all!

A MAGICAL WHISKY WAVE

We’ve just released a magical wave of new whisky, four enchanting characters including the mesmerising Vaults Collection bottling Cask No. 24.163: A wizard’s spell. Prepare your taste buds for a magic carpet trip with luscious layers of flavours to taste and explore. We hope you enjoy the ride

BROWSE THE NEW WHISKY

VAULTS COLLECTION:
A WIZARD’S SPELL

Incredibly gentle but still with a ‘tannic grip’, this whisky is malt mastery. With alluring rich aromas, frankincense, fragrant herbs, resins and the perfect marriage of dark chocolate, Grand Marnier, candied orange rind and truffle on the taste, we were completely spellbound.

A WIZARD’S SPELL

Cask No. 24.163

Age: 31 years

Cask: First Fill Pedro Ximénez Sherry Butt

ABV.: 50.8%

GIVE INTO THE MAGIC

AMAZING SMWS TASTING EVENTS

Don’t miss out on the early summer tastings, gatherings and events

SEE ALL EVENTS ONLINE

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

BAD NA H-ACHLAISE 

Madeira Cask Finish

A Highland Single Malt Whisky, this gem is a combination of Bourbon barrels, finished in very carefully and individually selected Maderia Casks.

NOSE: Figs, large flame raisins, orange peel, and very ripe fruits, the light peating evokes fond memories of wild camping.

PALATE: Full and sweet, hazelnuts, spices, golden syrup, lots of light peaty sweetness.

FINISH: Spiced candies and nuts, long-lasting barbequed tropical fruits.

 £55.00

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ralfy review 931 Extras – My Journey with Bunnahabhain.

The Dalmore Principal Collection Comes of Age with

21 Year Old 2022 Edition Highland Single Malt

Distinguished by a 100% finish in Rare Matusalem Oloroso Sherry Casks

The 21 Year Old epitomises the meticulous craft and curation of casks synonymous with The Dalmore

The Dalmore Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky has introduced a new 21 Year Old, set to become the pinnacle of The Dalmore Principal Collection. This elegant expression showcases the care taken to nurture The Dalmore Single Malt Whisky across 21 years of whisky making artistry. This new annual release is strictly limited to 8,000 bottles and available to purchase and enjoy in select locations worldwide.

The Dalmore 21 is a celebration – 21 years in the making.  It captures the essence of the carefully composed spirit produced by The Dalmore’s symphony of stills, with a character developed over 21 years. The Dalmore’s whisky artistry team takes exceptional care to balance the influence of the rare casks and ensure that the character of The Dalmore 21 Years Old shines through.

A toast to the refinement that comes with age, The Dalmore 21 Year Old is a celebration of exceptional character and showcases the potential that emerges at this milestone, evolving to create a true masterpiece worth commemorating.

The Dalmore distillery produces a spirit renowned for depth and finesse, perfectly suited to maturation in carefully curated casks. This new expression rests for an initial period in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels. The whisky is then matured in specially selected rare casks sourced from esteemed sherry makers Gonzalez Byass, of Jerez. These casks were previously used within the unique solera system to produce the distinguished 30 Year Old Matusalem oloroso sherry.

The Dalmore 21 Year Old composition features a refined house style of bitter chocolate, Seville blood orange and subtle spice. The Dalmore whisky artistry team has sought to create harmony in this expression, balancing the characteristics of Columbian coffee on the nose, sweet liquorice on the palette and peaches on the finish.

Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass explains: “Only after 21 years can a whisky of this quality and depth emerge, creating a delectably distinguished Single Malt.

“The Dalmore 21 Year Old is a result of patience and craftsmanship which we’re tremendously proud to celebrate. We created this spirit for those looking for the finest of whiskies, whilst also creating an opportunity for those embarking on their whisky journey to try something truly inspirational and remarkable from The Dalmore.”

The Dalmore Principal Collection is an exceptional collection of eight Single Malt Whiskies, each an expression of The Dalmore’s signature depth and finesse. The Dalmore 21 Years Old will become the pinnacle of the collection that features the iconic The Dalmore King Alexander III and The Dalmore 18 Years Old.

The Dalmore 21 Years Old (bottled to be enjoyed at ABV 43.8%) is available from select retailers worldwide with an RRP of £575.

Tasting notes 

Aroma – Generous and full as appealing aromas of dark bitter chocolate, overripe Seville oranges, Colombian coffee and vanilla come into play. A whisper of toffee apple and pecan pie dance in the background with great charm and persistence.

Palate – Explosive, heart-warming as a cascade of alluring flavours roll over the palate; sweet liquorice stick, grippy Black Forest fruits, roasted walnuts and thick marzipan make their presence felt before another level of luxury follows on – succulent peaches in a thick syrup, ginseng, pear tarte tatin and Sanguinello blood oranges.

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About The Dalmore

For 180 years The Dalmore has been a masterpiece in the making. A Single Malt Whisky like no other, overseen by an unbroken chain of visionary whisky artistry teams, whose entrepreneurial spirit and restless pursuit of the perfect whisky endures today. Current Master Distiller, Mr. Richard Paterson, celebrates his sixth decade at The Dalmore in 2020. Richard Paterson continues to hand-select rare casks from the world’s finest bodega and wineries in which to mature the carefully composed sprit. This commitment is at the heart of our exceptional whiskies.

When asked what the greatest Dalmore he has ever made is; our Master Distiller, Richard Paterson responded: “We haven’t made it yet.”

The Dalmore Single Malt Whisky is available worldwide in the finest outlets, from Harrods, London, Galleries La Fayette of Paris, Beverly Wilshire of Los Angeles, and Shangri-La, Shanghai. For those that enjoy fine travel, The Dalmore is now available at 40,000 feet with Emirates First Class, and onboard Queen Mary II of Cunard.

Worldwide demand for The Dalmore by consumers and collectors alike has continued to grow. The Dalmore is now the fastest growing single malt whisky worldwide[1] and a Top Three Whisky Investment.[2]

[1] [1] IWSR 2021 Absolute volume growth, Malt Scotch Category

[2] Citation 2: Rare Whisky 101: The 2016 Collectors and Investors Single Enjoy responsibly, Malt Scotch Review

Buying a cask is a great way to secure a personal supply of fine Scotch Single Malt Whisky. Buy a freshly filled cask from Holyrood, and they will mature it in specially selected casks at their distillery in the heart of Edinburgh. Purchasing and owning a cask is a hassle free process which can be done from anywhere in the world. Our Whisky specialists are happy to advise and assist you throughout.

EXCLUSIVE PRICE FOR

HARD TO FIND WHISKY CUSTOMERS

RAUCH MALT PORT BARRIQUE

LIMITED SUPPLY | 250LITRES

£3,250

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EXCLUSIVE PRICE FOR

HARD TO FIND WHISKY CUSTOMERS

HEAVY PEATED PX HOGSHEAD

LIMITED SUPPLY | 250LITRES

£4,750

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EXCLUSIVE PRICE FOR

HARD TO FIND WHISKY CUSTOMERS

LIMITED SUPPLY | 250LITRES

£4,750

Request More Information

Old & Rare 16 Year Old
Second Fill American Oak
TD0048

Tomorrow we release our very first Old & Rare from a second fill cask: TD0048.

A second fill barrel is the podium on which the character of our distillery can stand. It is the instrumental version of your favourite song – the notes you’ve never heard. The flavours of the oak are less prominent in a second fill cask, so by achieving a long maturation in one, we are looking behind the ‘curtain of oak’ at the full potential of our DNA.

Something magical happens to Sullivans Cove whisky once it passes 16 years old, and this is the first time we get to taste that magic without the influence of first-fill oak.

American Oak Refill Old & Rare: TD0048

Warm, round notes of caramel fudge, cantaloupe and custard announce the arrival of Sullivans Cove spirit character. The second fill of this cask means there’s very little ‘oak grip’ to speak of – and structure wise, the thick, silky texture offers more than any oaky grip does.

A tropical blast of dried mango, guava, sherbet and citrus rest above chocolate panforte, milk biscuits, dark cherries and earthy truffle. An impeccably layered palate.

16 years old, matured in a 300L second fill American oak cask, TD0048 yielded 406 bottles.

Read the full tasting notes here

This whisky will be released via ballot. The ballot will open for 24 hours from 10am Hobart time on Tuesday 21st of June. Further details will be sent via email prior to the ballot opening.

A note on our ballot system. 

Our policy is one entry per person, per household, per ballot. Our fraud detection algorithm detects multiple entries and removes them to ensure our whisky lands in the hands of our genuine supporters, so to ensure your entry counts, please enter each ballot once only. If you have any questions around our ballot process, you can email us at info@sullivanscove.com Successful entries will be notified shortly after the ballot closes.