Scottish Independent Bottler Announces Addition to its Award-Winning Range of Whiskies in the US with Import Partner ImpEx Beverages

August 2023. Adelphi Distillery Ltd and ImpEx Beverages are proud to announce the release of Maclean’s Nose, a new blended Scotch whisky. Adelphi has been one of Scotland’s most acclaimed independent bottlers since 1993, producing a wide range of whiskies, from iconic Single Casks to a quality blend. It is also the parent company of the Ardnamurchan Distillery.  The new addition to Adelphi’s range is Maclean’s Nose, a traditional blend, with some modern twists, which takes its name from a rocky outcrop not far from the Ardnamurchan Distillery.

What sets Maclean’s Nose apart is its high malt content of 70% and the significant presence of ex-Sherry casks, which imparts a rich depth of flavor. This unchill-filtered whisky showcases its natural color and is bottled at 46% abv, allowing the true essence of the spirit to shine through. The first batch of 25,000 bottles is available worldwide now, 3,384 of which were shipped to the US.

Enchanting the senses, Maclean’s Nose reveals a captivating array of tasting notes. Expect the delightful interplay of burnt citrus peel, invigorating sea salt, indulgent white chocolate, and the smoky essence of a bonfire by the beach. This deluxe blend encapsulates the rugged and alluring spirit of the Scottish West Coast.

A prominent feature of the Ardnamurchan coastline and only a short distance from the distillery, Maclean’s Nose is a bit of a geological and historical wonder. Its wild, rugged beauty inspired the creation of this new blend, Maclean’s Nose, as well as Adelphi’s link with well-known whisky specialist, Charles MacLean.

The Ardnamurchan Team Discuss Maclean’s Nose

Alex Bruce, Managing Director of Adelphi Distillery Ltd says: “I remember at the opening of our new distillery in Ardnamurchan in July 2014, our longstanding sensory mentor, Charlie MacLean, telling me that we were now officially the closest distillery to his nose. It didn’t sink in until sometime later that he was actually referring to the famous promontory off Ben Hiant just a few miles down the coast.

Formed some 60 million years ago from a giant volcanic eruption, Maclean’s Nose has long been used as a navigational aid by passing boats. The multi-colored agglomerate, once lava flow, also inspired our slate-blue Ardnamurchan Single Cask bottle color.

We are really proud to now be able to celebrate both our chief nose and our neighboring nose together in this exciting new West Coast blend. As with all things Adelphi, it is an unashamedly flavor-first whisky, and we hope that you enjoy it as much as we do.”

Carl Crafts, Sales Executive added, “The team from Ardnamurchan Distillery in partnership with ImpEx Beverages are thrilled to announce the arrival of its new Blended Scotch, Maclean’s Nose, to the United States! We have created a whisky that we hope reminds all of us that blended scotch does not equal a poor-quality experience. In reference to the iconic and characterful Western Highland blends of decades past, we flip the script as far as standard blend proportions go by using 70% malt whisky, sourced exclusively from Western Highland and Campbeltown distilleries, along with 30% grain whisky from the Lowlands – much of the maturation comes from Sherry casks as well.

We hope you all enjoy Maclean’s Nose and can’t wait to hear what you think. Our tremendous thanks go out to our US importer, ImpEx Beverages, for continuing to represent our products throughout the United States.”

Sam Filmus, President of ImpEx Beverages said, “The addition of Maclean’s Nose to the ImpEx portfolio was a no-brainer.  The quality we have come to expect from Adelphi and Ardnamurchan continues through to this amazing blend.  Seeing something that showcases the talent and sophistication of the team at Ardnamurchan Distillery coming through in such an approachable whisky (both from the price and taste perspective) is a real win for fans across the US.  This combined with the approval of the Chief Nose himself, Mr. Charles MacLean has brought together something truly spectacular in Maclean’s Nose.”

In addition to the remarkable whisky within, Maclean’s Nose embraces sustainability in its packaging. The Whisky is presented without a gift box, simply in a clear 700ml glass bottle with a label made from Crush Barley, the newest sustainable paper available to print. This innovative material is crafted from a combination of post-consumer waste and barley draff, which would otherwise end up in landfills. The back label features a QR code which tells the story of the whisky and its make up. By prioritizing the circular economy and responsible packaging, Adelphi sets a new standard for eco-consciousness across the whisky industry.

Adelphi worked in collaboration with young Scottish artist – Reuben Sian de Gourlay, to create the artwork for the front label. Born in Dundee in 1998, Reuben recently graduated from UAL Camberwell College of Arts with 1^st class honours. In 2020, he was awarded ‘Young Fine Artist of the Year’ in the Scottish Portrait Awards.

Maclean’s Nose is available at specialty retailers across the country, please reach out to Office@ImpExBev.com for more information on where to locate this truly lovely dram.

About Adelphi Distillery Ltd
Adelphi is the parent company of the Ardnamurchan Distillery and Adelphi Selection, Scotland’s most acclaimed independent bottler of rare Scotch whisky. The award-winning distillery produces world class whisky on the remote Ardnamurchan peninsula, Scotland’s rugged west coast. They apply a sustainable approach to distilling and were awarded the VIBES Good Practice Award in 2021.

About ImpEx Beverages
ImpEx boasts an impressive portfolio, including some of the most notable small to medium sized distilleries and independent bottlers.
ImpEx Beverages imports Whisky, Gin, Rum, and Mezcal from Scotland, Wales, Japan, Israel, Mexico, England, the Caribbean, India, and New Zealand with future anticipated additions from unexpected destinations. We also feature a fine line of Liqueurs and Cordials produced in the US.
Regardless of your preference, you are sure to find something that pleases from the ImpEx Beverages Portfolio.

St. Magdalene 40 Years

1982 vintage from the lost distillery at Linlithgow, Edinburgh. Refill hogshead #2100 at 54.5% and just 150 bottles of history. St. Magdalene 40 Year Old 1982 vintage Lowland single malt Scotch whisky. Single refill American hogshead #2100. Distilled 1st July 1982 & bottled 6th February 2023 by Gordon & MacPhail for the Private Collection Lost Distilleries Recollection Series #2 . Just 150 hand-blown crystal decanters have been produced.

Buy St Magdalene 46yo

£3,000.00

Nose: Clove-studded orange aromas combine with sweet red apple and a hint of grapefruit. Butterscotch develops alongside subtle cocoa powder and mature oak.

Tatse: Sweet, smooth citrus fruit flavours are balanced by buctle black pepper. Poached pear comes to the fore, leading to walnut and subtle marzipan.

Finish: Full and spicy finish with lingering ainseed.

St. Magdalene’s malt whisky distillery was established by Adam Dawson at Linlithgow in 1824 and opened shortly thereafter. The Union Canal flowed right by on its southern doorstep and the Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway steamed right past on its northern flank ensuring easy access to rapidly expanding markets. St. Magdalene’s Distillery closed in 1983, later converted into private housing and is now a lost Lowland malt whisky distillery. All the whisky from St. Magdalene’s four stills went into blends during its working life, the few single cask bottlings are a modern development and listed amongst their limited number is Carn Mor’s 1982 vintage.

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 498: Unnamed Orkney 16 Year Old 2006 The Ultimate

Mark Dermul, Belgian whiskyblogger, tastes an undisclosed malt from Orkney. When the label says ‘Unnamed Orkney’, we all know what’s inside the bottle and it isn’t Scapa. In this case it’s a malt from 2006 matured for 16 years on a sherry cask and then bottled by the Dutch company van Wees in their famous The Ultimate series. Bit of a quirky nose, but lovely on the palate.

https://youtu.be/nuRzFy-iEZ4

ARDBEG EXPERIMENTS WITH SAUTERNES CASKS TO CREATE A NEW

13 YEAR OLD WHISKY

< Distillery launches The Harpy’s Tale, a smoky-sweet ‘hybrid’, as the first release in its new Anthology Collection of unusual maturation styles >

22 August, UK – Islay distillery and smoky malt, Ardbeg has unveiled the first experimental and rare release in its new Anthology Collection – Ardbeg Anthology: The Harpy’s Tale.

Aged for 13 years in a combination of classic ex-bourbon and sweet Sauternes wine casks, this whisky presents a completely unique Ardbeg, characterised by a tussle between powerful smoke and rich sweetness. In homage to this unusual ‘hybrid’ style, its packaging takes inspiration from the fabled half-human and half-bird Harpy – an elusive, winged beast from ancient mythology.

Ardbeg The Harpy’s Tale is the inaugural whisky in the distillery’s new Anthology Collection: a range of experimental single malts that will present rare and exceptional Ardbegs, each matured in cask types that are completely new to the distillery.

Dr. Bill Lumsden, Director of Distilling and Whisky Creation, said, “We have embarked on a bold maturation experiment to fuse Ardbeg’s signature smokiness with more nuanced, sweeter notes for our new release The Harpy’s Tale – resulting in a very unusual and complex breed of Ardbeg. This is a dram that represents a battle between sweet and smoke – one I believe fans are yet to experience in an Ardbeg dram, and one that I’m sure they will be excited to taste for themselves.

“Collectively, the whiskies in the Anthology Collection will form a legendary, perfectly balanced and delicious series of rare and unusual Ardbegs, rich in both lore and taste. We look forward to revealing more in the Collection in the near future.”

Priced at £141 with an ABV of 46%, Ardbeg Anthology: The Harpy’s Tale will be available for purchase on Ardbeg.com, in Ardbeg Embassies, at the Distillery Visitor Centre on Islay and in selected whisky specialists.

RRP: £141 

For exclusive Ardbeg news and releases, fans and whisky lovers can sign up to the Ardbeg Committee by visiting www.ardbeg.com/ardbeg/committee . Membership is free, and all Ardbeg fans are welcome.

www.ardbeg.com

Follow us on:

Instagram: @ardbeg

Facebook: @ardbeg

Tasting notes

SOARING ARDBEG SMOKINESS… WITH SWOOPS OF SAUTERNES 

SWEETNESS

ABV:               46%

Colour Amber

Aroma            Distinctively oily with touches of extra virgin olive oil, sweet briar wood and aromatic herbs, such as coriander and sage, come to the fore. A gentle suggestion of smoked lemon peel appears for a brief moment. A splash of water reveals more oiliness, with linseed oil and an ever so slight waxiness. A burst of perfumed carbolic soap takes flight, leaving behind it a faint whiff of crème brûlée.

Taste               A soft, oily mouthfeel leads the way into a rich, woody sweetness in dark treacle and balsamic. Hints of oak moss break free as smokier notes begin to emerge. Aniseed lozenges, smoked apricots and eucalyptus oil merge in a unique and contrasting patchwork of flavours.

Finish              Finally, a long and lingering aftertaste of sweetness and smoke. A touch of cumin, cardamon and the merest hint of coconut bring this incredible dram to a close.

Ardbeg:

Ardbeg prides itself on being The Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky. Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts. Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’. During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future, and it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction. Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well-established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following. Today, Ardbeg is one of the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whiskies. 

Ardbeg Committee:

The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded in 2000 by the formation of the Ardbeg Committee. The Committee is made up of thousands of Ardbeg followers worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”. Today there are more than 180,000 members of the Ardbeg Committee in over 130 countries. Committee Members are regularly consulted on new bottlings and expressions and are offered exclusive Committee bottlings. Members also receive invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events. The Committee, chaired by Jackie Thomson, is free to join at Ardbeg.com.

Awards:

Ardbeg is one of the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whiskies.  Since 2008, Ardbeg has won more than 50 gold and double gold medals in key whisky competitions.  Ardbeg has twice been awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards (2010, 2013).  At the 2014 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, Mickey Heads was voted ‘Distillery Manager of the Year’.  The following year, Ardbeg’s expressions took the top three spots in Whisky Advocate magazine’s review of the best single malt Scotch whiskies under US$100.  Meanwhile, both Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Ardbeg Uigeadail have been awarded gold medals at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Ardbeg 10 Years Old also won the Best Single Malt Scotch 10 Year Old at the International Whisky Competition 2019, while the Ardbeg Distillery won the Distillery of the Year 2019. In 2020, the International Whisky Competition awarded Ardbeg Corryvreckan first place for Best Single Malt Scotch, Best Single Malt Scotch (No Age Statement), Best cask Strength (Over 57% ABV), Best Peated Scotch and Best Islay Single Malt. Ardbeg Wee Beastie also earned first place for Best Single Malt Scotch Under 10 Year Old and The Ardbeg Distillery achieved another Distillery of the Year award. In 2021, Dr Bill Lumsden was awarded Master Distiller of the Year for the fifth time, and Ardbeg Uigeadail won World Whisky of the Year in the International Whisky Competition. In 2022, at the International Whisky Competition, Ardbeg was awarded The Distillery of the Year Award, while Ardbeg Ardcore won first place in Best New Scotch Release, Best Peated Single Malt and Best Islay Single Malt. In 2023 to date, Ardbeg has been awarded four Gold and eight silver medals at the International Spirits Competition, Silver in the International Wine & Spirits Competition and Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

The Glenmorangie Company:

The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay Malt.

Responsible Drinking:

Ardbeg and The Glenmorangie Company advocate responsible drinking and suggest that drinkers savour Ardbeg whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

Time to Taste the
Wolfcraig 14 Year Old Deluxe Blend

– Triple Sherry Cask-

Revealing the delectable tasting notes for our second release, composed by our expert Master Blenders, Richard and Ian.

Generous and satisfying….

There is true elegance in its muscle as succulent figs, sweet sultanas and Napoleon cake reward the palate, with a hint of demerara sugar and molasses.

Rich and intense at first but like all good things you must wait; after all it has taken many years to consummate this loving union of different seasoning from the selected casks.

The aftertaste of glazed tangerines, marzipan and chocolate mousse with fresh hints of spicy ginger and nutmeg provide the perfect finish to this luxurious blended whisky.

Register your interest

Coming August 2023, RRP £80
Limited to 4500 bottles

Key features:

– The second release in Wolfcraig’s rare and aged collectors series

– Revealing the new bespoke Wolfcraig bottle design with a tactile diamond emboss

– The inaugural label to feature the signatures of both of our globally renowned Master Blenders

More information on the Wolfcraig 14 Year Old Deluxe Blend and how to get your hands on it will be landing in your inbox each week.

As always, please get in touch with any questions on info@wolfcraig.com.

Have a fantastic week,

Slainte mhath,

The Wolfcraig Team

We are preparing to celebrate our BIGGEST birthday bash yet in our 40^th Year. Assemble your whisky-loving friends, flavour enthusiasts or anyone you’d like to share a dram with because it’s almost time for The Gathering. YOUR local Members’ Rooms are preparing quite a party, sure to get your tickets soon to avoid missing out. Click over to our website NOW to explore what’s happening this month and next.

WORLD’S BIGGEST ONLINE TASTING: coming live and direct to you at home, help us create a new record this September. Simply buy your virtual tasting pack, with three incredible 50ml samples, and join the party. See you soon.

VIRTUAL TASTING

EXPLORE ALL BOTTLES

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

INDIE BOTTLERS

TO DISCOVER THIS YEAR

Independent – or ‘indie’ – bottlings refer to whiskies that are typically selected and purchased (by the cask or in larger quantities) from a distillery or vendor by a company who wishes to bottle them. For whisky lovers, these present a stellar opportunity to examine your favourite whiskies from different angles or get your hands on hard-to-find single malts.

We have more than 1,200 independently bottled whiskies on our website, all the way from great value everyday treats to exceptionally mature expressions offering an elegant snapshot into a distillery. If you fancy exploring more of the world of independent bottlings, here are some of our favourite bottlers to get familiar with.

SHOP INDIE BOTTLINGS

Auction Wins #2

https://youtu.be/aYtXSgB8Czc

Welcome to another auctions haul here at Whisky Wednesday!

There were meant to be three bottles…but I was an idiot and dropped one. If you want to see what that should’ve looked like then please head over to our Instagram – @thisiswhiskywednesday.

Bottles one is a 1961 distilled, bottled 1967 bottling of Canadian Club. Picked up for an absolute bargain of £25 due to the possible issues faced with a damage seal and a torn label. Nonetheless, it tastes very good, almost like the modern bottling, but it looks incredible.

Bottle two is a classic and somewhat historical bottling of Clynelish 12YO, at 40% ABV, bottled fot Ainslie and Heilbron, bottled by Gordon & Macphail. A beautifully fruity, slightly sour example of vintage Clynelish from about four decades ago. Also attained for a bargain price of £25 a bottle, albeit a smaller one.

Looking forward to getting more cool stuff from auction sites in the future, but do let me know if there’s anything I should be looking out for. Cheers!

Heaven Hill Distillery Announces Spring 2023 Edition of the Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Series

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (August 15, 2023) – Today Heaven Hill Distillery announced the release of the Spring 2023 edition of Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey at 10 years old. Comprised of barrels produced during the Spring season lasting from January to June of 2013 and bottled in the Spring of 2023, the eleventh national release ushers in the latest edition to the decanter series which adds to the bottled-in-bond legacy.

Bottled in an ornate decanter, the Spring edition is denoted by a green label. As was the case for the past editions, this edition’s tax strip, which has always been a signature of transparency on bottled-in-bond products, will disclose when the liquid was produced and bottled. The Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond spring edition will be available in the 750ml size on an allocated basis. It meets the strict requirements of a bottled-in-bond: the product of a single distillery from a single distilling season, aged a minimum of four years, and bottled at 100 proof or 50% alcohol by volume. This edition is available at the suggested retail price of $139.99.

The Spring 2023 edition of Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey bares a bright burnished copper color, with a nose of brown sugar and molasses in addition to light baking spices with orange peel. The taste is gentle on the palate with notes of butterscotch, subtle oak, and cloves. Its finish is long and warm with tannins and a peppery tingle, followed by a hint of barrel char as the finale.

As a leader of the Bottled-in-Bond category, Heaven Hill is proud to offer a premium product within this special class which showcases the authenticity and quality of the American Whiskey portfolio. Acquired in 1999 by Heaven Hill, the legendary Old Fitzgerald line is well-known for its distilling pedigree and intriguing story behind its namesake, John E. Fitzgerald, whose legacy is also heralded by the Larceny Bourbon brand.

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERY: Founded in Kentucky by the Shapira family in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery continues its legacy as one of the foremost American Whiskey producers. Heaven Hill has cultivated the traditions and history of America’s Native Spirit with its fierce independence, passionate family ownership, dedication to quality, and thoughtful innovation. Today, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains over 1.9 million barrels aging in 63 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Larceny Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Pikesville Rye Whiskey, Rittenhouse Rye Whisky, Parker’s Heritage Collection, and Old Fitzgerald along with its extensive Bottled-in-Bond label collection. In 2023, Heaven Hill Distillery was named Magazine Icons of Whisky 2023 Global Distiller of the Year. Heaven Hill Distillery also holds the title of 2020 Whisky Advocate Whisky of the Year, the second Whisky of the Year for Heaven Hill Distillery in the past four years. In 2019 Heaven Hill Distillery was named San Francisco World Spirits Competition Distillery of the Year, Best in Show Whisky, and previously held the titles of 2018 San Francisco Spirits Word Spirits Competition Best Bourbon, 2016 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year. For more information, please visit www.heavenhilldistillery.com

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely.  Drink Wisely.”