STUDENTS HELP FUEL ENERGY TRANSITION

AT WHISKY MAKERS – WHYTE AND MACKAY 

Students from the University of Highlands and Islands are taking on the Fuel Change ‘Challenge Programme’ to pit their wits against solving real business problems around sustainability and to provide executive leadership teams with new solutions to add a new perspective to how they deliver their net zero future.

The challenge, which has been set by whisky makers Whyte & Mackay, based in Invergordon, will last for 18 weeks during which the 15 students will focus on three key steps:

1. Discovering and understanding the journey that whisky makes from Acorn to Cask, across the breadth of whisky making facilities at Invergordon Distillery.
2. Learning about the practical application of sustainability in a leading Scottish business
3. Through collaboration, learning how to develop creative solutions that help improve environmental practices at the site

This Fuel Change Challenge is the 17^th since the initiative launched in 2020 and is focused on engaging the next generation workforce to drive a positive transition to Net Zero. It has already attracted partnerships with some of the most critical industries from energy, transport and construction.

Jen Tempany, Chief Operating Officer, said: “At Fuel Change we believe true engagement of the next generation will drive a positive transition to net zero. The Fuel Change Challenge is about systematically creating a future workforce who are equipped with the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed to positively drive that transition.

“It’s the organisations that are investing in their employees and creatively tackling sustainability issues that are going to have the most success in years to come. We partner with employers and education providers to provide 16-24-year-olds with the opportunity to take on a real-world climate challenge within a business. They’ll work as a team to find a sustainable solution which can be adapted for the long-term benefit of the business.

“Our Challenges are having a huge impact on those are taking part. So far, over 2000 participants have gone through the challenge programme gaining experience across a variety of industries and sectors, developing themselves and in many cases gaining promotion or even employment, as well as having the opportunity to influence how businesses in Scotland adapt to meet the climate challenge. I’m proud to see our 17^th challenge start today and look forward to seeing the progress which the students make with a leading Scottish brand.”

Lisa Munro, Project Engineer on behalf of Whyte and Mackay, said:

“Whyte and Mackay have been fortunate to participate the Fuel Change challenge at COP26 in Glasgow. This new challenge is our first opportunity to invite a fresh perspective on how we fuel our energy transition here in the beautiful North Highlands.

As whisky makers we laid out our vision for a sustainable future in The Whyte and Mackay Green Print. Invergordon Distillery is nestled alongside the Cromarty Firth, Scotland’s great natural waterway, which the First Minster announced of Scotland’s first Green Port. It is an exciting time to be leading the way in sustainability here, and the Fuel Change project is a fantastic initiative that will shine a light on how we deliver a green future.

Professor Chris O’Neil, Principal and Chief Executive of UHI Inverness, said “UHI Inverness is pleased to join Whyte and Mackay in the first Fuel Change Spotlight Challenge in the Highlands. This is a fantastic opportunity for our Engineering, Built Environment and Science students to create solutions which incorporate their developing technical skills with sustainable, circular economic and net zero understanding.

“With our drive towards Net Zero by 2040 and the growing local opportunities in developing green technologies, we cannot wait to see what our students develop with Fuel Change over the next few months.

“We at UHI Inverness are pleased to be working in collaboration with a creative and imaginative partner, such as Whyte and Mackay.”

Mechanical electrical engineering student, Nadia Johal, 26 from Inverness, is taking part in the Challenge. Nadia said: “I remember hearing that Waste is a Design flaw, and if I was to sum up what drives my love of engineering, it’s designing solutions to difficult problems. When this opportunity appeared, I knew it would be a great chance to challenge myself towards using my technical experience and further my skills in the circular economy and sustainability, toward solving a real world problem. With the support of Fuel Change & UHI Inverness, I believe that my Team & I will innovate at Invergordon Distillery, and really push a new brilliant green solution to their carbon challenge!” 

SVQ student Brandon Platt,18 from Inverness, is also taking part in the Challenge, said: “This opportunity to dive into a project which incorporates the circular economy in my Engineering learning with a big local company (we all know Whyte and Mackay!) was something I couldn’t pass up. I want to create new solutions to the problems we are facing in the highlands, and I think everyone my age wants to make the world a better place, that’s why I went into engineering and this project is that chance!” 

The students will now begin their 18 week challenge which ends with them presenting their proposal solutions to the Whyte and Mackay Distillery leadership team in later April.

About the Fuel Change National Challenge

Many businesses see sustainability as a cost. We’ve proven that it is an opportunity. Having founded Fuel Change in 2020, we have already worked with 2000 participants and established partnerships with 115 organisations to solve decarbonisation challenges and unleash talent within the Next Generation.

We do this through engaging the skills and talent of the next generation in the workplace.

We take real world problems set by industry and create a range of sustainability focused ‘challenges’ which are worked on by teams of young people. Their solutions hold the potential to alleviate and address the problems faced by many businesses, creating a more integrated and connected workforce. It also identifies and develops young talent, providing the next generation with the opportunity for significant personal and career development.

The Challenge Programme runs for 16 weeks, 2 hours per week. The teams work through three ‘sprints’ where they research the problem, create potential solutions and present their findings. Participants will develop practical skills in innovation, problem solving, teamwork, critical thinking and resilience, all whilst building their knowledge and understanding of sustainability.

Whyte and Mackay – Award-Winning Whisky Makers 

Whyte and Mackay are a famed whisky house, home to an award-winning collection of Single Malt Whiskies, led by The Dalmore. The collection includes Jura, the UK’s Number 1 [1] Single Malt, Tamnavulin [2], the world’s (IWSR, 2021)Single Malt and Fettercairn, home to enlightened whisky making.

The Whyte and Mackay Green Print laid out their vision for a sustainable future as whisky makers. In addition each Whyte and Mackay distillery has been inducted to their Scottish Oak Programme, a whisky making initiative that seeks to harness the potential of native, local sourced, Scottish Oak in the whisky making process.

In 2020 the company were publicly recognised by the First Minister of Scotland for their support of the national pandemic response. Whyte and Mackay are official partners to SAMH – Scottish Association for Mental Health, which saw Whyte and Mackay employees worldwide complete a virtual-race-around-the-world to raise awareness for the charity.

Founded in Glasgow 1844, the whisky makers recently celebrated their 175 year anniversary, and were recognised as Distiller of the Year 2021. Today Whyte and Mackay have offices from New York to Singapore. In Scotland, Whyte and Mackay operate a state-of-the-art Bottling Hall and Distribution Centre in Grangemouth and a Whisky Production and Warehousing Centre in Invergordon – The Invergordon Distillery is home to Whyte and Mackay Blend, as well as contemporary Scotch Whiskies – Shackleton and Woodsman.

[1] Neilsen UK Off Trade MAT 26.03.22

[2] IWSR 2020

BERRY BROS. & RUDD 2023 SPRING RELEASE

CELEBRATES UK SPIRIT

With two Royal Warrants and more than 300 years of history, Britain’s original wine and spirits merchant, Berry Bros. & Rudd, is celebrating the breadth and depth of UK spirit making with the launch of their 2023 Spring Release.

Featuring Berry Bros. & Rudd’s first ever bottling of an English whisky, the collection also includes  a Portsmouth Rum and six Scotch single malt whiskies.

The Spirit of Yorkshire 2017 PX Finish Cask #2237 celebrates the fertility and rich biodiversity of the Yorkshire Wolds, producing spirit from barley cultivated in-house. Using the iconic Scottish Forsyth stills, the distillery has been making sweet, soft Single Malt since 2016.

 Joe Clark, Whisky Director at Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery, said:

“There are some things in whisky that you can only do once and this special bottling is definitely one of them. When this delicious, rich and fruity cask of field-to-bottle whisky was bottled it became not only our very first independent bottling but also the first English whisky bottled by Berry Bros. & Rudd. To work with Britain’s oldest wine and spirits merchant for this momentous release is nothing short of an honour and a privilege.”

Jonny McMillan, Reserve Whisky Manager at Berry Bros. & Rudd, added:

“This first ever English Single Malt bottling by Berry Bros. & Rudd is a nice little piece of our history, and is happily an excellent whisky also. It is the first of four English Single Malts we will be bottling this year as part of our very special 325th anniversary of Berry Bros. & Rudd,  so watch this space for more.”

The Portsmouth 2019 Cask #5 rum marks a debut offering from Portsmouth Distillery, a craft rum distillery founded by two ex-Royal Navy officers. Matured in ex-Bourbon barrels for three years, this golden rum offers an insight into how small English producers are exploring the beguiling spirit.

Six Scotch single malt whiskies make up the remainder of the collection, including two vibrant bottlings from Benriach Distillery, located near Elgin in Speyside. The single cask Benriach 2010 PX Finish Cask #08037 is abound with traditional character, offering a deliciously rich and vigorous malt, whereas The Benriach 1991 Exceptional Cask #46507 demonstrates the older side of the Scotch coin, resulting in a liquid with an incredibly deep and aged flavour profile.

Also deriving from Speyside, the small batch release of a Glen Elgin 2013 showcases the characterful liquid from the unassuming distillery. Other single cask releases focus more on the Scottish Highland region, including Glencadam 2011 Muscat Finish Cask #800216, Ardmore 2012 Cask #9 and Glen Garioch 2011 Oloroso Finish Cask #08028.

Doug McIvor, Reserve Spirits Manager, commented:

“The 2023 Spring Release is heavily centred on Britain and the talent that can be found on our shores. Whether it be the traditional character of casks from Speyside and the Highlands or exploring the boundary pushing techniques of English distilleries, whisky lovers are sure to be both intrigued and inspired by this release.

We are very pleased to welcome both the Spirit of Yorkshire and Portsmouth distilleries into this release. The 2019 Portsmouth rum is indicative of the promise to be found in Britain’s burgeoning rum scene, and our first foray into English whisky really encapsulates the spirit of its Yorkshire setting.”

The 2023 Spring Release which comprises of Spirit of Yorkshire 2017 PX Finish Cask #2237 (£125.00), Portsmouth 2019 Cask #5 (£69.00), Glen Elgin 2013 (£70.00), Ardmore 2012 Cask #9 (£75.00), Glencadam 2011 Muscat Finish Cask #800216 (£86.00), Benriach 2010 PX Finish Cask #08037 (£96.00), Glen Garioch 2011 Oloroso Finish Cask #08028 (£96.00) and Benriach 1991 Cask #46507 (£800.00), will be available from 6th April 2023 at bbrspirits.com.

TASTING NOTES

Spirit of Yorkshire 2017 PX Finish Cask #2237

The spirit was poured into first-fill ex-bourbon wood in February 2017, then re-racked for two and a half years into rich Pedro Ximénez wood. As with many bottlings from this brilliant distillery, the joy here is the interplay between cask and barley. Unlike most whisky-makers, our friends at Spirit of Yorkshire grow all their own barley and take an immense pride in doing so. Starting from such impeccable raw material in any endeavour gives the greatest chance of success. Here, paired with a potentially domineering ex Pedro-Ximénez Sherry cask, the rich, oily, grain sweetness is a delight. A scant few drops of water release even more sweetness alongside the opulent spice.

RRP £125.00

Glen Elgin 2013 Cask
The nose opens with Glen Elgin’s trademark burnt marmalade notes, alongside some apples and pears. A little time in the glass brings forward notes of crème brûlée with spiced cream. The palate is muscular, reminding us of Glen Elgin’s traditional worm tubs, while a perfect balance of fruit and oak waltz over the tongue. With characterful liquid like this, it’s hard to fathom why Glen Elgin isn’t one of the biggest names in Scotch whisky.

RRP: £70.00

Ardmore 2012 Cask #9
The unique earthy wood smoke drifting out of the glass can only announce the arrival of Ardmore, one of the Highland’s most characterful drams. Ash, hessian, kippers and digestive biscuits mingle with great balance, with a hint of tobacco and fruit cake appearing after some time in the glass. The palate is tremendously smoky, yet still very subtle, with notes of cedar, smoked straw, pipe tobacco and lime zest. Woodland bonfire smoke lasts long on the palate. This is the perfect hill-walking dram – enjoy it at cask strength in gale force wind and rain.

RRP: £75.00

Glencadam 2011 Muscat Finish Cask #800216

A final year maturing in ex-sweet wine casks has brought out the playful fruitiness of this delightful Glencadam. Apricots, peaches, orange blossom and honey yoghurt all flutter out of the glass, making for a wonderfully refreshing nose. The palate is gloriously thick, bringing more bright fruits along with mango syrup, chewy dried pineapple and a hint of drying wood varnish. All of this is wrapped up on the lingering palate by further notes of fruit syrup. This is amazingly fresh and floral.

RRP: £86.00

Benriach 2010 PX Finish Cask #08037

This vibrant Speysider has spent the last two years of its life in a sweet ex- Pedro Ximénez butt, giving a spicy nose full of sticky gingerbread, clove rock and liquorice. A little water coaxes out some juicy pear notes and a touch of underripe mango. The palate is a touch drying at full strength, offering ginger, pepper and sweet plum wine. A little time and dilution show a more complex dram, with layers of fruit, spice and a touch of oak. This is a vigorous whisky perfect for enjoying after dinner alongside dessert.

RRP: £96.00

Glen Garioch 2011 Oloroso Finish Cask #08028

Glen Garioch and Sherry wood are one of the finest matches in the whisky world – which is why this robust malt has spent the last two years building some extra muscle in a first-fill butt. The bouquet offers dark chocolate and tea leaves, with prune cake and spiced sultanas appearing with time. Glen Garioch has incredible body, and the palate is notably thick as dried fruit, wood smoke, brambles and oak spice all demand your attention. The finish lasts long, showing a perfect balance of fruit, spice, smoke and Sherry wood. It’s a perfect marriage of wood and distillate.

RRP: £96.00

Benriach 1991 Cask #45607

Like a good book, this elegant old Speysider builds with time and grows in character – be prepared to give it a good hour in the glass to open up. Aromas of banana bread, musty attics, leather and wax blend with fresher fruit notes to create an incredibly deep nose. This theme continues on the palate, which displays a beautifully aged character, with notes of spiced custard, cardamom fudge. Hints of praline build alongside dried apricot and something pleasingly musty. Lingering spice and fruit show with an unexpected puff of wood smoke on the back palate. This is a marvellous example of aged Speyside whisky.

RRP: £800.00

Berry Bros. & Rudd
Founded in 1698, Berry Bros. & Rudd is Britain’s oldest family-owned wine and spirits merchant. The brand boasts two Royal Warrants, more than 300 years of history and six Masters of Wine, resulting in a world-class reputation for exceptional wines and spirits. Not just a fine wine retailer, spirits have long been central to the business. Alongside award-winning Speyside single malt whisky The Glenrothes, the spirits portfolio includes the classic No.3 London Dry Gin, Mauritian rum Penny Blue and the unique and historic The King’s Ginger liqueur, while the brand’s acclaimed and award-winning Own Label collection of wines and spirits includes special bottlings from some of the best winemakers and distillers in the world.

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2011 Bruichladdich 11 Year Old “Dramfool’s Jim McEwan Signature Collection 5.1” First Fill Bourbon Cask #2477 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $324.99 View

According to the distillery: “Distilled on 11th July 2011 this whisky spent its whole 11-year life maturing in cask #2477. This maturation took place in a 1st fill bourbon cask from an unknown American Distillery. Bottled in July 2022 as Release 5.1 of the Jim McEwan Signature Collection, like all bottlings within the collection, it was bottled un-chill filtered, with no added colour, and at natural cask strength of 59.0% (as we always say, Jim would have it no other way!), it yielded only 238 bottles.”

2002 Bruichladdich 20 Year Old “Dramfool” Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $349.99 View

Jim McEwan

 Cask Type – First Fill Bourbon Barrel – ABV 59.0%. Colour – Harvest Gold. Body – Smooth Mellow and in prime condition. Aromas – Classic Islay without the smoke which allows the barley/oak notes to shine and highlights that brilliant Atlantic freshness. Hints of ripe Guava & melon work in harmony with the crispness of the malt & the oak which brings that mellow soft sweetness. It’s an irresistible combination, almost like an Atlantic rainbow of aromatics in harmony with the Island & its unique location. Taste – Wow!! Its so clean and flavourful. The texture is amazing giving the taste buds a spiritual experience like no other. The sweetness of the malt sugars is held beautifully in a cradle of spicy oak from the Bourbon cask. The fruitiness is down to slow distillation and long fermentation, and the fresh vibrant mouthfeel due to its maturing on the Atlantic Coast. The main prize here goes to the Distillery team who truly understand the art of distillation.. 

K&L Notes

According to the distillery: “The 55th Dramfool release (perhaps) crowns a year of remarkable bottlings, but who knows what December might hold! We are proud to be bottling our 20 year old Bruichladdich distilled in 2002, just one year after the re-opening of the distillery we all have come to love so much. Following on from our sister 20 year old Port Charlotte’s earlier this year what more can we say but we are delighted to share these all with you. Fully matured in 1st fill bourbon barrel, it has worked some magic over the decades. Thanks to Bruichladdich’s policy of filling casks at a higher than industry norm of 63.5% it has still retained a high strength of 59.0%! A powerhouse whisky from the, then, newly reinstated team of Bruichladdich Filled on 26/08/2002 and bottled on 11/10/2022 at 20 years old.”

2004 Port Charlotte 18 Year Old “Dramfool” Bourbon Cask Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $359.99 View

Jim McEwan

 Colour – Harvest Gold Body- Mellow & Mature Aromas – Beautiful oak, peat & hints of Atlantic swells leading onto Coastal Flora & Fauna. It has a true Hebridean DNA that works beautifully with the spice from the Bourbon that first filled the cask. Little hints of Jupiter & Pine drift by on a classic Islay marine overture all held in the warmth of a peat fire. Palate – The texture of the spirit is beautiful, viscous, mellow and brimming with all that makes Islay malts so unique. Flavours of melon & pear emerge held beautifully by the oak & peat smoke, the crisp sweetness of the malt works well with the oak which delivers a beautiful spicy drift as the oak expands releasing gentle hints of bourbon spices. This spirit is at its very best. The finish is long and mellow, a true son of Islay!! 

K&L Notes

The official bottlings of Port Charlotte top out with a 10 year age statement, but there are indeed casks from the early days of Bruichladdich’s modern renaissance which occasionally make their way to market. The sister cask to Dramfool’s 18 Year old Sherry aged Port Charlotte this cask was filled into first fill Bourbon on 10/27/2004 and bottled 11/3/22 after coming of age. Like so much of the IB market in Scotland, it’s all about who you know – Dramfool is plugged in with the best of ’em and able to score this privately owned cask. As this was a private cask, a few bottles went to the original owners, but the remainder that went up for sale totaled just 207 bottles. Bottled at a cask strength of 52.7% ABV without color or chill filtration.

2009 Port Charlotte 12 Year Old “Dramfool’s Jim McEwan Signature Collection 5.2” First Fill Bourbon Cask #1440 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $374.99 View

According to the distillery: “Distilled on 28th April 2009 this whisky spent its whole 13-year life maturing in cask #1440. This maturation took place in a 1st fill bourbon cask from the Clear Springs Distillery. Home of iconic bourbons owned by the famous Buffalo Trace their bourbon number many including Black Ridge, Stone Hammer, Two Stars and Wolcott Kentucky Straight. We have no indication of the bourbon this previously held but the Buffalo Trace cask policy is one that never wavers from quality! Bottled in July 2022 as Release 5.2 of the Jim McEwan Signature Collection, like all bottlings within the collection, it was bottled un-chill filtered, with no added colour, and at natural cask strength of 62.9% (as we always say, Jim would have it no other way!), it yielded only 197 bottles.”

2011 Octomore (Bruichladdich) 10 Year Old “Dramfool’s Jim McEwan Signature Collection 5.3” First Fill Bourbon Cask #4556 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $429.99 View

According to the distillery: “Distilled on 21st December 2011 this whisky spent its whole 10-year life maturing in cask #4556. This maturation took place in a 1st fill bourbon cask from an unknown American Distillery. Peated to a whopping 150.2PPM it is another ‘velvet fist in an iron glove’ which surely packs a punch. Bottled in July 2022 as Release 5.3 of the Jim McEwan Signature Collection, like all bottlings within the collection, it was bottled un-chill filtered, with no added colour, and at natural cask strength of 61.0% (as we always say, Jim would have it no other way!), it yielded only 202 bottles.”

Port Charlotte 18 Year Old “Dramfool” Sherry Cask Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $429.99 View

According to the distillery: “We can’t quite believe we can say this, but for the third time this year we are excited to release sister casks, and the second time from Port Charlotte. The reception our 20 year old sisters had earlier in the year was superb, and we are sure these 18 year old sisters will get similar reviews. Dramfool release #60 is a Port Charlotte distilled on 27th October 2004 and filled into cask #RO8-258-23, it lay undisturbed in a first fill oloroso hogshead until being bottled 3rd November 2022. Originally purchased by private cask buyers direct from the distillery we were privileged to be chosen to bottle it after their ownership was complete, being sure some bottles made it to the sons they had been bought with in mind! As always this spirit has been treated with the greatest respect and bottled at natural cask strength of 57.7% without added colour or chill filtration giving the truest representation of this rare whisky we can. This is surely the darkest bottling we have ever released – let us reiterate ALL natural colour! – and proves what a dream peat and sherry can be! With only 227 bottles it might last longer than her sister but we doubt much longer!!”

2010 Octomore (Bruichladdich) 12 Year Old “Dramfool’s Jim McEwan Journey’s End 3” First Fill Bourbon Barrel Cask#4525 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $499.99 View

Just 222 bottles of this stunning Scotch were ever made! A rare blend that spent its entire life aging in a single cask, this is a stellar rare release from Octomore. According to the distillery, “Distilled on 12th June 2010 this whisky spent its whole 12-year life maturing in cask #4525. This maturation took place in a 1st fill bourbon cask from an unknown American Distillery. Peated to a more delicate – than some Octomore but still outrageous to many others – 96.9PPM it is classic of this rare spirit. Bottled in July 2022 as the final Journey’s End release, like all bottlings within the collection, it was bottled un-chill filtered, with no added colour, and at natural cask strength of 58.6% (as we always say, Jim would have it no other way!)”

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
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Our April auction is now LIVE!

Place your bids from Friday 21st April until Sunday 30th April 2023.

www.whiskyhammer.com

Every month, we present an incredible selection of whiskies and other fine spirits to our members right across the globe. You will find everything here from limited edition releases and vintage bottles to whole casks of rare whisky. There is certainly something for everyone – whether you are looking to collect, invest or enjoy!

Macallan – 40 Year Old (2005 Edition)

Suntory – The Owner’s Cask Bottlings

Dalmore – 45 Year Old (2018 Release)

Hanyu – Ichiro’s Malt Nine of Clubs (1991) Single Cask #401

Glenmorangie – 34 Year Old (1978) Pride (1 Litre)

Selling whisky? Why not arrange the pick-up of your bottles using our global courier service? If you’re based in Scotland, you might want to arrange the personal collection of your bottles. Wherever you’re based in the world, we will make getting your bottles into our monthly auction as simple as possible. Get in touch with the Whisky Hammer team now by dropping them a message at sales@whiskyhammer.com.

AUCTION ENDS SOON!

ENDS SUNDAY 23^rd APRIL FROM 8PM

A Stunning 1965 Speymalt

We have several bottles of Macallan in our April Auction, which is now LIVE, including this vintage offering from bottling giants Gordon & MacPhail. Boasting an incredible minimum age of 46 years before bottling, this Macallan would be a great addition for any collector or connoisseur.

A Great 1970 Glen Ord

Bottled by Douglas Laing & Co. for the Old Malt Cask Range. A rare, well-aged single cask expression from this Highland distillery. One of a few bottles from the 1970’s that feature in this month’s auction.

Quality and Quantity!

There is only one thing better than a full case of 12 Aberlour – that’s TWO full cases of 12 Aberlour, which we are delighted to say we have in our auction this month. These were originally bottled by the distillery to mark the arrival of the new Millennium. A rare chance to buy a full case, or rather two rare chances!

Register now at www.clickwhiskyauctions.com to bid on these fantastic bottlings and many more besides.

Master new skills this spring 

As the days get lighter for longer, it can feel like there’s more time to explore the things you love. Martijn van Opstal tagged us on Instagram this week, sharing his completion certificate from our entry-level online Irish whiskey course. The caption read: “It was an absolute joy to follow these courses and I’m very proud and happy to be certified, which gives me a nice confidence boost for my tastings.” (You can read more from Martijn below.)

Whether you’re new here or have been with us a while, we invite you to take the next step and sign up for that course you’ve been considering. Save 15% when you enter the code SPRINGINTOSTUDY at checkout – but hurry, you only have until Sunday 30 April.

Browse Courses

ralfy review 973 – Luvians Glenlivet 2019 @46%vol:

LOST LANTERN INTRODUCES NEW SINGLE DISTILLERY SERIES

Independent Bottler Showcases a New Side of Top American Distilleries

WEYBRIDGE, VT (April 4, 2023)—Lost Lantern, the award-winning independent bottler of American whiskey, is excited to announce the launch of its new Single Distillery Series. For its debut, Lost Lantern closely collaborated with two of the most exciting names in American single malt whiskey: Balcones Distilling in Waco, TX, and Whiskey Del Bac in Tucson, AZ.

Each release in the Single Distillery Series is a blend of multiple casks all sourced from a single distillery. These whiskies allow the Lost Lantern blending team to deeply explore what makes a distillery unique and special, often by bringing together flavors in a new way and showing a new perspective on a distillery. “Balcones and Whiskey Del Bac are two of the leading voices in American single malt, and both have continuously broken new ground for over a decade,” said Lost Lantern Founders Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski. “We were thrilled to work closely with the Balcones and Whiskey Del Bac teams to create the inaugural releases in our Single Distillery Series.” These limited-edition bottlings will appeal to whiskey enthusiasts seeking new flavor combinations and fans of Balcones and Whiskey Del Bac excited to explore the breadth of what those distilleries have to offer.

The new series launches with three whiskies, all American single malts: “Gentle Giant” Balcones Distilling Texas Single Malt, “Desert Dessert” Whiskey Del Bac Arizona Single Malt, and “Mega Mesquite” Whiskey Del Bac Arizona Single Malt, all priced at $100/750ml.

The bottlings will be available for purchase starting April 26th online at LostLanternWhiskey.com and Seelbachs.com, as well as at select retailers in California, New York, and Alberta, Canada.

The new Single Distillery Series builds on Lost Lantern’s long-standing Single Cask series, which showcases unique whiskies from well-known distilleries and highlights distilleries that are otherwise difficult to access. “By bringing together several different casks, the whiskies in the Single Distillery Series allow us to explore the full range of flavor a distillery can offer,” commented Ganley-Roper. The series aims to showcase the versatility, breadth, and depth of some of Lost Lantern’s most beloved partners.

The Single Distillery Series will also enable Lost Lantern to make its whiskey more widely available. While all the releases in the series are still limited editions, with the largest being just over 1,000 bottles, the volume of the new series will help Lost Lantern ensure that whiskey lovers can access their releases more easily.

2023 is shaping up to be an exciting year for Lost Lantern. In addition to releasing the new Single Distillery Series, Lost Lantern has unveiled a new look, was named the 2023 American Independent Bottler of the Year at the Icons of Whisky Awards America in February and on March 30th was named the global Independent Bottler of the Year at the worldwide Icons of Whisky Awards Gala in London. This spring also marks the first time Lost Lantern will be available at select brick-and-mortar retailers in both New York and California.

LOST LANTERN SINGLE DISTILLERY SERIES WHISKIES:

Balcones Distilling is best known for big, bold, rich whiskies born in the Texas heat, yet it also produces elegant and delicate whiskies, often aged in used oak. Gentle Giant shines a light on this side of the Texas pioneer.

1. Lost Lantern “Gentle Giant” Balcones Distilling Texas Single Malt: a fruit-forward whiskey with notes of fresh apple, soft oak, dry spice, and a long finish. This single malt includes whiskey aged in European oak casks, an ex-bourbon barrel, and ex-apple brandy casks.

Proof: 115.2 | Bottles: 1,100 | $100

Named “Best American Single Malt Aged Under 12 Years” at the 2023 World Whiskies Awards 

Whiskey Del Bac’s mesquite-smoked Arizona single malts are a distinctly Southwestern answer to the worldwide tradition of peated whiskies. These two releases show two markedly different sides of what mesquited whiskey can be: boldly and powerfully smoky for “Mega Mesquite,” and rich, bright, and unctuous for “Desert Dessert.”  

2. Lost Lantern “Desert Dessert” Whiskey Del Bac Arizona Single Malt: a smoky, nuanced, and elegant whiskey with notes of roasted orange, apricot, sweet nectarine, and golden raisin. Made with Whiskey Del Bac’s mesquite-smoked mashbill and partly finished in Sauternes and Pineau des Charentes casks.

Proof: 113.8 | Bottles: 450 | $100

Named “Best American Single Malt” at the Fall 2022 John Barleycorn Awards 

3. Lost Lantern “Mega Mesquite” Whiskey Del Bac Arizona Single Malt: an intense and fiery whiskey with notes of burnt orange, full oak, fiery spice, and rich, savory smoke. A blend of three heavily mesquite-smoked casks, this is one of the smokiest whiskies ever to come from Whiskey Del Bac.

Proof: 120 | Bottles: 180 | $100 

The first three entries in Lost Lantern’s Single Distillery Series will launch on April 26th. Other releases in the series, which will range across all styles of American whiskey, will be released starting later this year.

ABOUT LOST LANTERN

Founded by Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski, Lost Lantern is an independent bottler of American whiskey. In 2023, they were named Independent Bottler of the Year at the Icons of Whisky Awards America. The company seeks out the most unique and exciting whiskies being made across the U.S. and releases them as single casks and blends, always with a deep commitment to transparency. Currently, the portfolio consists of American Vatted Malt Edition No. 1, an award-winning blend of American single malt whiskey made in collaboration with six U.S. distilleries, 40 single casks (14 of which are available now) and three whiskies from the new Single Distillery Series. Subscribe to Lost Lantern’s newsletter to learn about new offerings as they become available. Lost Lantern Whiskey is available for purchase at LostLanternWhiskey.com, at Seelbachs.com, and at select retailers in California, New York, and Alberta, Canada. 

Engage with Lost Lantern Whiskey on the following channels:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lostlanternwhiskey
• Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/lostlanternwhiskey
• Twitter:  https://twitter.com/LostLanternDram

We love this time of year, with all the new life springing up around the distillery, and the Abbey grounds are looking particularly Spring like!

This month’s biggest event locally has been the Fife Whisky Festival. We were delighted to be chosen again as the venue for the festival banquet, and sat 88 people down to dinner. With drams to match each course provided by our own Chef Wilkie, the event was hailed as a great success. The guest speaker was crime novelist Val McDermid, who grew up in Kirkcaldy. She described the dinner as ‘The best kind of night out—in beautiful surroundings with delicious food, lively conversation, and the perfect choice of drams to accompany each course.’

At the dinner, Murray, our UK Trade Manager proposed a lovely toast, acknowledging the sad passing of Aedan Burt (1993-2023). Aedan was a keen whisky enthusiast, a member of our sensory panel from the beginning, and co-founder of Fib Whisky—Fife Independent Bottlers. We mourn his loss. Fife Whisky Festival were also pleased to raise funds of around £1,000 for Age Concern Cupar during the course of the weekend.

We are in the midst of whisky show season and so Elliot, Murray, Dean, John, Scott and Matt have all been out and about across England and Europe spreading the Lindores word. We love getting to meet our Lindores fans in person whilst hopefully recruiting new ones along the way. We have already had Stirling and Fife, then Alloa and Speyside, with the incredible Islay Festival of Music and Malt from 26th May till 3rd June.

Internationally, Drew and I will be heading out to Limburg, which holds the biggest whisky festival in Germany—one of our key markets. The theme for this year’s Limburg Festival is ‘Feel the Celtic Spirit’, and we hope this bodes well for us. And Elliot has been in Nuremberg, to visit the second biggest Fair in Germany. Last week he showcased our spirits to a private whisky club, then ran our very busy stand at the three days of the Fair.

The Brand Home has leapt into Spring with both feet and it is already super busy with tours and tastings – after the long dark winter it’s always wonderful to see the place buzzing again.   We welcome our first wedding party next Saturday evening after which the events calendar swings into action with private tours, tastings, dinners, highland games, beatings of the retreat and much, much more.

We hope you are all looking forward to a wonderful Spring/Easter break, although on the personal front fortunately Friar John Claw and Vesper are blissfully unaware that their peace is about to be shattered with the arrival of Onion, a tiny terrier terror who is set to visit when part of the Lindores clan return home for the Easter break.

Slàinte, and Happy Easter!

Helen & Drew McKenzie Smith
Custodians of Lindores Abbey

CASKS OF LINDORES II BOURBON

We are very excited to be launching the latest release to the public on the 6th April, once again exclusively through selected stockists.

Step into the tantalizing world of Scotch whisky and discover the first instalment in our new Casks of Lindores II series. Aged in ex-bourbon casks and bottled at a limited-edition strength of 49.4% ABV, this whisky is bursting with flavour!

So get in contact with your favourite local independent specialist bottle shop to find out how and when you can get hold of a bottle!

STOCKISTS

Lindores Abbey Distillery
Abbey Road
Newburgh, Fife KY14 6HH
United Kingdom