Widely considered one of the best Canadian whiskies on the market, Pike Creek 10 Year Old is a warming dram finished in rum barrels with layers of dried fruit, toffee and rye spice.
The Good Dram Show – Episode 519 ‘Old Islay’
Featuring
Scotch Malt Whisky Society 53.141 1989 (20 year old) ‘Chinese food in an old-fashioned hotel’ 52%
Mackillop’s Choice Laphroaig 1990 (22 year old) 52.1% | Wilson & Morgan ‘Barrel Selection’ Caol Ila 1984 (25 year old) 46% | Gordon & MacPhail ‘Connoisseurs Choice’ Port Ellen 1982 (27 year old) 43%
Single Malts Direct ‘Whiskies of Scotland’ Caol Ila 1980 (29 year old) 55.1% | Berry Bros & Rudd ‘Berrys’ Own Selection’ Caol Ila 1979 (30 year old) 53.1%
Loch Lomond Wins “Most Awarded Distillery” At San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Independent Distiller Gains Huge Momentum Worldwide for its Exceptional Whiskies
The Loch Lomond Distillery has won “the most awarded distillery” at the globally renowned San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2023, picking up multiple Double Gold and Gold Awards for its collection of malt whisky brands.
Located just off the banks of Scotland’s iconic Loch Lomond, the Loch Lomond Distillery can trace its roots back over 200 years. Today, it crafts three distinctive whisky styles including its flagship Scotch single malt brand Loch Lomond Whiskies; its single grain whisky, Spearhead; and its latest creation Noble Rebel, a range of blended malt Scotch whiskies.
Together, these brands have received a total of 21 accolades at the industry leading San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2023, winning the highly coveted ‘Most Awarded Distillery of the Year’.
Loch Lomond Distillery has been gaining huge momentum in recent years, with a refreshed focus, and increased investment leading to exceptional growth in markets around world.
This latest acknowledgment from the industry underlines its growing credibility as one of the most exciting distillers of the time. Judges praised the distillery for its consistency, quality and innovation.
In total, it scooped up nine highly coveted Double Gold Awards, seven Gold Awards, and five Silver Awards, for a selection of core range and limited-edition products. Amongst the Double Gold winners were the Open Course Collection and the Open Special Edition, two new releases this year to celebrate the partnership between Loch Lomond Whiskies and The Open Golf Championship which is a fitting way to kick off a second five-year deal between the two organisations
Inspired by its surroundings and fuelled by an eternal spirit of exploration, the distillery takes a bold and inventive approach to whisky making, using incredible feats of engineering to craft exceptional flavour profiles in a unique way.
While all follow their own unique journey and whisky making process, Loch Lomond Whiskies, Spearhead and Noble Rebel, are bound by their innovative style. The Loch Lomond Distillery is the only one of its kind in Scotland to use a combination of traditional Swan Neck Stills and unique Straight Neck stills to craft its whisky. These Straight Neck Stills are a defining feature of the distiller and allow the Master Blender to manipulate flavour at the point of distillation, creating a lighter spirit characterised by a distinctive fruit flavour. As one of only four distilleries in Scotland to have an onsite cooperage, it can also take complete control over the whisky making journey ensuring that barrel repairs and charring are carried out to an exacting standard.
Colin Matthews, Chief Executive Loch Lomond Group, said: “Loch Lomond Distillery has received significant investment in recent years allowing us to expand our whisky making capabilities and develop new styles in the single grain and blended malt categories.
“It is one of the most innovative in Scotland, using bold techniques to explore flavour creation in an inventive and creative way. We have been distilling whisky this way for generations, but are only just starting the realise the potential of our capabilities.
“To receive over 20 individual awards for our whiskies underlines the work that has been delivered in recent years to define our ranges. It is a huge step forward in our growth plans and something we are incredibly proud of.
“This is the start of an exciting journey for Loch Lomond Distillery and we have a number of exciting releases and initiatives in the pipeline.”
One of the fastest growing top 25 single malt brands in the world, Loch Lomond Whiskies is a range of classic single malt Scotch whisky, known for its distinctive house style of fruit, honey and soft smoke. The Official Spirit of The Open, Loch Lomond Whiskies has crafted a number of limited-edition golf-inspired single malts, which received exceptional feedback at this year’s San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2023.
Spearhead is a single grain whisky, made from 100% malted barely and distilled in a copper coffey still, rather than a traditional pot still, before being finished in infrared toasted barrels.
Noble Rebel is the last brand to launch from Loch Lomond Distillery; a collection of blended malt Scotch whiskies that seek to break the norm by combining new ideas with deep-rooted traditions in whisky making. Launched in February 2023, in just a few months it has been an extraordinary success in the UK.
Loch Lomond Distillery received the following accolades at San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2023;
Double Gold Award
Loch Lomond Whiskies
Noble Rebel
Gold Award
Loch Lomond Whiskies
Noble Rebel
Spearhead
Silver Awards
Loch Lomond Whiskies
Noble Rebel
* IWSR, Drinks Market Analysis 2021
About the Loch Lomond Group
1993 Springbank 25 Year Old “The Perfect Fifth” First Fill Sherry Butt No. 315 Cask Strength Single Malt Campbeltown Scotch Whisky (750ml)
$1,500.00
An absolute gem in the Perfect Fifth line up. At 96 points it’s close to the legendary Highland Park they’ve also bottled, but for half the price. Jim Murray says, “Anyone who remembers the old Springbank 25-year-olds of the early 1990s will recognize this aroma as a direct descendent – indeed it is near enough identical in both weight and character. The huge, nuggety oak is faultless (this must have come from a cask which had been seasoned in the old – virtually lost – style). Salt dominates but there are dried apricots and spiced pear, too. Meanwhile the vaguest of peaty notes (and I mean the odd atom here and there!) teases away as a barely audible background noise, which automatically becomes louder the moment you spot it. Taste: A malt on the threshold of perhaps dallying too closely with the oak. But that coastal-style bite makes just the right contact with the salty tannins and cocoa-laden phenol to make a course for more complex and satisfying port. Just enough oil makes the middle rich and promises a long finale. Finish: Drier, as is to be expected, as the tannins raise their game. Still salty, but a little barley sugar and lemon juice lightens the intensity, though – happily, but not too much; the residual oils ensure the finish is of extraordinary length. Balance: A real return to the past here with Springbank in its most full-bodied, uncompromising and complex style which those of us who discovered the distillery in the 1980s remember with great affection.”
Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA
Commanding smoke, indulgent Oloroso
Islay single malt Williamson 10 Year Old joins the Milroy’s line-up
We’ve teamed up with Berry Bros. & Rudd for our latest exclusive bottling – a thunderous dram from the iconic isle.
We’re proud to source thrilling releases from the world of spirits, bottling them exclusively to share. Our latest find is here: the unapologetically bold Williamson 10 Year Old Oloroso Finish.
For this expression, we joined forces with fellow London drinks merchants Berry Bros. & Rudd. While we can’t share exactly which Islay producer it came from, those in the know will certainly recognise its ‘trade name’.
What we can say is that it’s a stunning release. Its ashy spirit pairs perfectly with rich fruits for a sumptuous Islay drinking experience. From powerful smoke to elegant spices, it’s a dram with a lot to say. Try a dram at our Soho bar or secure your bottle today.
– Wolfcraig 14 Year Old Deluxe Blend –
The second release from Wolfcraig’s rare and aged Premium Blend series
Revealing the new bespoke Wolfcraig bottle design with a tactile diamond emboss
The inaugural Wolfcraig label to feature the signatures from the ultimate partnership of Master Blenders
Launching in August 2023, RRP £80
Master Blender Notes
by Richard Paterson and Ian Macmillan
An outstanding premium blended whisky with a minimum age of 14 years old, crafted with freshly emptied bourbon barrels along with aged sherries from Amontillado, PX and Muscatel from Bodega San Andreas.
Another aged expression from Wolfcraig which must be sipped and savoured and held long in the mouth to appreciate these enticing flavours.
Nose
Warm and appealing.
Enchanting and exhilarating as gentle hints of sunkissed raisins, fresh peaches, tangerines and lemon grass evoke a sense of tranquility as they pleasingly drift in perfect harmony.
Exciting aromas quickly follow on with nuances of creamy caramel and vanilla delicately dance in the background to complete this portrait of beauty.
More information on the Wolfcraig 14 Year Old Deluxe Blend and how to get your hands on it will be released soon. As always, please get in touch with any questions on info@wolfcraig.com.
Slainte mhath,
The Wolfcraig Team
A 2005 vintage first fill sherry hogshead #14600206 bottled exclusively for the UK market in June 2022. Yielding just 315 bottles at 57.1% this has a beautifully rich colour, complimented by a profile of fruitcake, apples and milk chocolate followed by orange marmalade, stewed summer berries, and a light spice and citrus.
Classic sherried Speyside
Shop – Glen Grant 16yo – £142.80 | u$152 | €139
Glen Grant 16 Year Old 2005 vintage Speyside single malt Scotch whisky. Single cask refill fill sherry hogshead #14600206 bottled June 2022 for the United Kingdom market by Gordon & MacPhail for the Connoisseurs Choice series. 315 bottles.
Nose: Light fruitcake aromas accompanied by nutmeg, red apple and milk chocolate.
Taste: Smooth and rich orange marmalade flavours. Stewed summer berries give eay to hints of commee bean and toasted oak.
Finish: Medium, spicy with lingering oak and citrus.
Established in 1840 by brothers James and John Grant, the business prospered and in 1897 Glen Grant No. 2 Distillery was established across the road in order to meet the high demand for Glen Grant whiskey. During the late nineteenth century a Victorian garden was laid out in the valley behind the distillery and is now open to distillery visitors. Glen Grant is a Speyside malt whiskey distillery situated in Rothes equipped with eight stills and an on-site bottling plant. Gordon & MacPhail has released some rare vintage single malts dating back to the 1950s.
Scotch Whisky
The Whisky Magazine Annual
Get ready to dive into the 3rd edition of Scotch Whisky, packed with distillery focus features, blind tasting reviews, and interviews with leading figures in the Scotch whisky world. In this year’s edition, look behind the scenes at Torabhaig Distillery and Glasgow Distillery, tour the Johnnie Walker Princes Street experience, and read about F1 champion Jenson Button’s Scotch whisky project. Created by the team behind Whisky Magazine, Scotch Whisky is a valuable addition to any whisky lover’s bookshelf.
ralfy review 988 – Hellyers Road Peated @46.2%vol:
Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® Adds Four New Distilleries to Amber Adventure
Kentucky Distillers Continue to Build New Bourbon Experiences and Tourism Across the State
FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® is embarking on its largest expansion in its history, welcoming four distilleries to the nation’s premier adventure showcasing micro-distilling craftsmanship, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association announced today.
The newest additions include two in Northern Kentucky, and two in Lexington:
Augusta Distillery | 207 Seminary Ave., Augusta, Ky. | augustakydistillery.com
Fresh Bourbon | 377 E Main St., Suite 100, Lexington, Ky. | freshbourbon.com
Pensive Distilling Co. | 720 Monmouth St., Newport, Ky. | pensivedistilling.com
RD1 Spirits | 1170 Manchester St., Suite 190, Lexington, Ky | rd1spirits.com
KDA President Eric Gregory said the new members swell the ranks of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® to an all-time high of 28 distilleries. The KDA created the statewide journey in 2012 as the nation’s first attraction to feature the burgeoning boutique distilling movement, and more than a decade later, its impact continues to grow, bringing all the benefits of the Bourbon economy with it.
Coupled with the 18 larger-scale distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour, the KDA now boasts a record 46 immersive experiences for Bourbon and spirits lovers to enjoy when visiting the Bluegrass state. The KDA founded the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® in 1999.
“Our Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experiences continue to elevate and grow tourism at an astounding pace, educating visitors from around the world about our signature spirit and pouring millions of dollars of revenue into local communities and coffers,” Gregory said. “In the last 10 years, attendance has skyrocketed by a phenomenal 370%. The diversity of experiences available at these new stops is outstanding — from secret speakeasies to pairings of delicious Bourbon and bites all the way to full dining experiences. Bourbon has really proven itself over the last couple of decades and has enabled many communities to be a part of its growth. We’re thrilled to welcome these four new distilleries to our amber adventure and encourage visitors to discover the intriguing experiences that each of them has to offer.”
Augusta Distillery Founder and Board Vice Chairman Judd Weiss said, “Being included on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® puts Augusta Distillery in an even better position to share our charming town, distillery and award-winning Bourbon.”
Fresh Bourbon Distillery Founder Tia Edwards expressed excitement to being added as a destination on the Craft Tour. “We believe in bringing a unique approach to the Kentucky Bourbon experience by hosting guests in our elegant distillery and having them experience Bourbon luxury.”
Pensive Distilling Co. owner Scott Quigley said that joining the Craft Tour shines a spotlight on their establishment and helps grow tourism in Northern Kentucky. “The Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® spreads our open invitation for all to come and enjoy Newport and the Pensive experience.”
RD1 Vice President of Marketing Chris Tetterton said, “It is an awesome privilege to be a part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour. This group of distilleries tells the story of America’s native spirit along with the proud history, tradition, and future of Kentucky’s leading role in Bourbon.”
About the Kentucky Distillers’ Association:
Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the legendary voice for Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s landmark economic engine and its thriving, timeless craft. Member benefits include media relations, international trade development, private sampling events, technical assistance, economic development support, networking, legal defense, marketing strategies, governmental and regulatory advocacy and innovative tourism experiences through the KDA’s world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® adventures. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.
KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL CRAFT TOUR®, KENTUCKY BOURBON AFFAIR™, KBT®, BOURBON TRAIL™ and KENTUCKY BOURBON HALL OF FAME® are trademarks/service marks owned by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association.
