NEWS ABOUT VAULTS MEMBERS’ ROOM RENOVATIONS

The renovation of our Members’ Room upstairs at The Vaults is progressing well and we can’t wait to see you again soon in the new space.

We will be ready to welcome you back from Tuesday, 26 September.

It has been great to host so many of you in the pop-up Members’ Room on the ground floor over the last few weeks. The team very much appreciates your feedback. Throughout September, you can continue to join us for drams, food from an adapted menu, or to pick up whiskies from the Bottle Shop from 5pm to 10pm, Wednesday to Friday and 12 noon to 10pm, Saturday and Sunday. Our Courtyard outdoor space will remain open, as will our pop-up Members’ Room on the historic ground floor of The Vaults. Our Live Music nights will continue to take place in the pop-up ground floor space on a Wednesday night.

We look forward to welcoming you to the newly refurbished Members’ Room upstairs from 26th September – click here to book your visit to The Vaults.

And don’t forget The Gathering is officially upon us! You are in for a treat as we have a PACKED calendar of tastings and events at our venues, partner bars, Members’ Rooms and more throughout the month. It’s a great time to get involved and make the most of your membership.

JOIN THE GATHERING

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

Angel’s Envy “K&L Exclusive” Cask #230367 Private Select Port Finished Kentucky Straight Bourbon 

$89.99

View

(750ml)

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

ralfy review 994 – Glen Wyvis 2018 vintage @ 46.5%vol:

INTRODUCING MAKER’S MARK® CELLAR AGED, AN INSPIRED NEW TAKE ON OLDER AMERICAN WHISKY

Matured in a Limestone Whisky Cellar, Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged is Aged to Taste, Not Time

London, UK (August 2023) – Maker’s Mark® is proud to debut Maker’s Mark® Cellar Aged Bourbon, an annual, global limited-release expression that proves whisky aging is about more than just a number. Featuring a marriage of 11- and 12-year-old bourbon, Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged delivers the distillery’s highly anticipated oldest release, stemming from the question: What if age isn’t just about time, but instead about how you use that time to evolve, develop and mature? 

Since its founding in 1953, Maker’s Mark has aged its whisky to taste – not time – to achieve the vision set by its founders: bourbon without the bite that’s always smooth, soft, and creamy. Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged stays true to this philosophy, delivering a richer, deeper, and more complex older bourbon, free from the harsher tannic effects commonly found in extra-aged American whiskies, as a result of our innovative maturation process that starts in traditional Kentucky warehouses and finishes in the distillery’s one-of-a-kind limestone whisky cellar.

“For more than 65 years, aging our whisky for a decade-plus wasn’t something we did,” said Rob Samuels, 8th generation whisky maker and grandson of the founders at Maker’s Mark. “It’s not that we didn’t believe in it; we simply hadn’t found a way to do it that didn’t compromise on our taste vision – until now. Cellar Aged embodies an older whisky that’s distinctly Maker’s Mark. One rooted in challenging convention, delivering new flavour experiences from the environment that surrounds us, and building on a taste vision that’s been generations in the making.”

To become Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged, barrels of the distillery’s classic distillate first spend approximately six years aging in traditional bourbon warehouses, where they endure the Kentucky climate and its temperature swings season after season until they reach full maturity and can be called “Maker’s Mark.” Barrels are then moved into the distillery’s proprietary whisky cellar for an additional five to six years of aging before being blended to taste and bottled. Built into the natural limestone shelf of the Kentucky hills, the cellar’s consistently cool environment slows down the tannic impact that occurs during maturation, while allowing the bourbon to develop a deeper, darker flavour with hidden depths, but no bitterness.

This innovative and taste-led approach in pursuit of an older Maker’s Mark expression continues the boundary-pushing mindset that has shaped the brand since the beginning. Founders Bill and Margie Samuels challenged category norms when they burned their 170-year-old family recipe, choosing to use red winter wheat instead of rye in their mashbill for a softer, smoother bourbon. This spirit of asking “what if?” was present in the introduction of Maker’s Mark 46, which is crafted using a proprietary wood-stave finishing technique, and in Maker’s Mark Private Selection, which became the industry’s first custom barrel program upon its launch in 2016.

Cellar Aged will be an annual, limited release available in specific markets around the world. The unique maturation approach of Cellar Aged will be consistent every year, but the specific blend of aged bourbon will vary based on which barrels are ready, by taste. The inaugural release of Cellar Aged is a marriage of 12-year-old and 11-year-old whisky – 87% and 13%, respectively – bottled at cask strength (115.7 proof).

Cellar Aged will be available in the UK from October 2023 at £145 RRP at retailers including Berry Bros & Rudd London.

For more information about Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged, please visit www.MakersMark.com.

About Maker’s Mark® Bourbon

In 1953, in Loretto, Ky., Bill Samuels, Sr., fulfilled his dream to create a handmade and delicious bourbon. He decided to make his whisky in small batches, using soft red winter wheat to enhance the softness and sweetness. He then rotated each barrel by hand for consistency and, finally, aged each barrel to taste. Bill Samuels, Sr., transformed bourbon from a “commodity” into a premium handmade spirit, and today Maker’s Mark continues to make its bourbon the same way. That time-tested approach seems to still be working just fine 60+ years later, as Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon was awarded a Gold medal at the esteemed International Spirits Challenge in 2022. In recent years, Maker’s Mark has introduced thoughtful, super-premium innovations to its portfolio, including Maker’s Mark 46, Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series, Maker’s Mark Cask Strength and Maker’s Mark Private Selection, the brand’s first-ever custom barrel program. Today, Maker’s Mark is the largest bourbon distillery in the world to achieve B Corp Certification and the first distillery to achieve Regenified certification, a reflection of the brand’s dedication towards building a more inclusive and sustainable economy. For more information, visit www.makersmark.com.

About Edrington UK

Edrington UK is the UK’s number one whisky supplier, part of the global Edrington family and responsible for the UK sales, marketing and distribution of a portfolio of premium brands including The Macallan, Highland Park, The Famous Grouse, Naked Malt and Brugal. As a distribution partner of Beam Suntory, Edrington UK also represents many of its brands in the UK marketplace, such as Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Bowmore, Laphroaig, Courvoisier and The House of Suntory range of Japanese craft spirits.

WE MAKE OUR BOURBON CAREFULLY. PLEASE ENJOY IT THAT WAY.
Maker’s Mark® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky, 45% Alc./Vol. ©2023 Maker’s Mark Distillery, Inc., Loretto, KY.

https://www.makersmark.com/

Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame® Inducts

Eight New Members

NEW HAVEN, Ky. – The Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame® today inducted eight luminaries into its elite ranks, including distillery founders and craftsmen, influential government leaders, a groundbreaking activist and the first father and son to share the prestigious honor in the same class.

An all-time high of 300 guests attended the luncheon ceremony at The Legacy at Log Still Distillery in Nelson County. The invitation-only event, known for attracting the industry’s most revered legends and champions, is held annually in conjunction with the Kentucky Bourbon Festival.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear congratulated the inductees and thanked the packed crowd for investing billions of dollars to grow the global industry here at home while building and strengthening local communities in every part of the Commonwealth.

“Kentucky’s signature Bourbon industry employs thousands of our people to produce a product that is known and loved around the world,” Gov. Beshear. said. “The Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame ceremony is a great chance to celebrate this industry and the innovators whose vision keeps pushing Kentucky Bourbon to new heights.”

Created in 2001 by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame® recognizes individuals and organizations that have made a significant and transformational impact on Bourbon’s stature, growth and awareness. It is the highest honor given by the signature industry.

KDA President Eric Gregory said, “The Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame is always my favorite event of the year. It’s the one time where we all gather together to share our successes and toast the lives, legacies and journeys of those who have forever changed our timeless craft and played a major role in building a stronger Kentucky for generations to come.

“On behalf of the KDA, we offer our deepest thanks and heartfelt gratitude to this year’s inductees for their distinguished service to our industry and our beloved Commonwealth. We are an industry built on friendship and collaboration, and this year’s class is a testament to that tradition.”

This year’s inductees are, in alphabetical order (full bios, as provided by each inductee, are attached):

• Jerry O. Dalton, retired Master Distiller, Jim Beam. A 22-year industry veteran, Dalton worked as a chemist for Barton Brands before moving to Jim Beam where he spent 12 years, finishing out his career as Master Distiller succeeding the legendary Booker Noe.

• The late Mrs. Dixie Sherman Demuth, Owner, Dixie’s Elbow Room. A bar owner in the 1950s, Demuth took her fight for women’s rights to the Kentucky Court of Appeals, which overturned a 200-year-old law to allow women to serve and enjoy alcohol in a public bar.

• Greg Fischer, former Mayor of Louisville, Ky. As a three-term mayor, Fischer is hailed for coining and promoting “Bourbonism,” a burgeoning hospitality movement focused on Louisville’s leading position in the Bourbon, tourism and local food scenes.

• Pete Kamer, Owner, Distillery Engineering. After retiring from a 45-year industry career with Seagram’s and Barton Distillery, Kamer started a leading consulting business that has helped launch dozens of distilling companies, including many Kentucky craft distilleries.

• Joseph J. Magliocco, President & CEO, Michter’s Distillery. Celebrating an industry career that spans 40 years, Magliocco resurrected the storied Michter’s brand and brought it to Kentucky, helping to lead the Whiskey Row renaissance in downtown Louisville.

• Dean Watts, Former Nelson County Judge-Executive. As the longest serving judge-executive in Nelson County history, Watts created a hospitable economic environment for the industry to flourish and welcomed several new distilleries during his 28 years in office.

• Chester ‘Chet’ Zoeller, Author, Historian and Co-founder, Jefferson’s Bourbon. After years of research, Zoeller wrote Bourbon in Kentucky, a comprehensive publication of his findings, cataloging nearly 1,000 distillers and brands across the Bluegrass State.

• Trey Zoeller, Founder, Whiskey Maker & Chief Strategist, Jefferson’s Bourbon. Since founding Jefferson’s Bourbon in 1997, Trey has developed dozens of award-winning Bourbon and rye expressions using unique blending and maturation techniques.

Candidates are nominated each year by the KDA and its member distilleries. A blue-ribbon committee – including all living recipients of the Parker Beam Lifetime Achievement Award – painstakingly reviews and selects applicants in three categories: Industry, Roll of Honor and Lifetime Achievement.

Representatives of the prestigious Parker Beam award include Jimmy Russell, Master Distiller of Wild Turkey; Bill Samuels, Jr., Chairman Emeritus of Maker’s Mark; Max Shapira, Executive Chairman of Heaven Hill Brands and Even Kulsveen, Executive Director of Willett Distillery.

Other member of the 2023 selection committee were Chris Morris, Governor of the Order of the Writ and Master Distiller Emeritus at Brown-Forman Corp.; Kevin Smith, immediate past chair of the KDA Board and Vice President of Kentucky Bourbon Affairs for Beam Suntory; and noted author Dixie Hibbs of Bardstown, who was appointed by KDA President Gregory.

Since the event was sold out, the KDA worked with noted Bourbon author Fred Minnick for day-of-event live streaming coverage in celebration of the ceremony, which can be viewed and shared at Live Stream Event  @FredMinnick.

The 2023 Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame® ceremony was sponsored by Blue & Co., LLC, Independent Stave Company, Joseph & Joseph Architects, Mint Julep Experiences, Shepherdsville/Bullitt County Tourism, and Vendome Copper & Brass Works Corp.

Bardstown-Nelson County Tourist and Convention Commission was the presenting sponsor of the luncheon and the signature toast with spirits from the annual Bardstown Collection of hand-picked expressions from local distilleries celebrating the rich heritage of Bardstown and Nelson County.

The KDA once again commissioned glassblowing artist Brook Forrest White, Jr. of Flame Run in Louisville to craft unique and contemporary awards that incorporate Bourbon-inspired motifs such as amber colors, copper and water.

For the first time ever, the award bases are made of Kentucky limestone from Kentucky Cut Stone in Lancaster, Ky. Limestone is one of the chief reasons why Kentucky continues to produce the overwhelming majority of America’s only native spirit.

Limestone acts as a natural filter for water used in the Bourbon-making process, removing iron and other impurities that could damage the whiskey’s color and taste. It also adds important minerals that are used by the yeast during the fermentation process.

Visit www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com to learn more.

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

This wonderfully rich and chocolatey whisky has spent it’s entire life maturing in a Virgin Oak cask, having been made from totally unpeated malted barley. Try it neat, but a little splash of water really allows this whisky to open up.

Limited Edition: Only 2800 bottles released.

Non-chill filtered. Natural colouring.

70cl

TASTING NOTES

Maker’s Mark Private Selection “Take the Cannoli” K&L Exclusive Stave Finished Cask Strength Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey

(750ml)

$69.99 View

The Good Dram Show – Episode 525 ‘German Whisky’

Welcome to this week’s episode of the show in which I’ll be taking a look at some bottlings from three German distilleries. St Kilian Distillers, Hercynian Distillery and the Feinbrennerei Simon’s Distillery.

The Good Dram Show with Chris Goodrum Episode 525 – Nur zu Unterhaltungszwecken.!

Filmed in The Study Nottingham

Featuring

Hercynian Distilling Co. ElsBurn ‘The Journey Edition 2022’ 43%

Hercynian Distilling Co. Emperor’s Way ‘The Imperial Abbey’ 48%

Hercynian Distilling Co. ElsBurn Exceptional Collection 2013 (6 year old) Single Sherry Octave V13-67 57.2%

St Kilian Distillers Ambassador’s Choice III ‘Private Cask Mario Rudolf & Gavin Ryan Thomson’ 63.3%

St Kilian Distillers Turf Peak – Master Distillers Selection 60.2%

Simon’s Whisky Is Art Bavarian Single Malt Cask No2 (5 year old) 48% 

Ross & Squibb Distillery Honors the Repeal of Prohibition with September Release of Remus Repeal Reserve Series VII

Latest edition features a medley of five rare bourbons aged since 2007-2014

ST.LOUIS (Aug. 24, 2023) – Ross & Squibb Distillery Master Distiller Ian Stirsman announced the upcoming release of Remus Repeal Reserve Series VII Straight Bourbon Whiskey this September. The limited-edition bourbon is the seventh-annual offering of the distillery’s award-winning Remus Repeal Reserve Bourbon collection. Bottled at 100 proof/50% ABV, Remus Repeal Reserve Series VII retails for a suggested $99.99 per 750-ml bottle and will be available in limited quantities starting in September in honor of National Bourbon Heritage Month.

Created by Stirsman and the distillery’s team of master distillers and master blenders, Series VII is comprised of barrels aged between 9-16 years from its 175-year-old Lawrenceburg, Indiana, distillery. Made in Ross & Squibb’s signature high-rye style, Remus Repeal Reserve features a new medley of bourbons each year, allowing Stirsman and his team to experiment with their various mash bills and aged reserves. Remus Repeal Reserve Series VII is comprised of 6% 2007 Bourbon (21% Rye), 26% 2013 Bourbon (21% Rye), 26% 2013 Bourbon (36% Rye), 21% 2014 Bourbon (21% Rye) and 21% 2014 Bourbon (36% Rye). Series VII leads with aromas of caramelized pecans, candied cherry and maple syrup. The taste begins with rich caramel, maple and candied raisin, leading to a candied cherry, barrel char and rich cinnamon body. The finish delivers intense cinnamon and peppermint spice, with lingering notes of vanilla, caramel and oak.

“We believe we have some of the best whiskey in the world aging here at the Ross & Squibb Distillery. The Remus Repeal Reserve series allows our team the opportunity to showcase these great spirits, as well as showcase our expertise at blending our best barrels to create a special medley each year,” said Stirsman. “As the latest in this award-winning collection, Series VII is certain to be a highly sought-after and much-enjoyed member of the Remus Repeal Reserve family.”

Previous releases of Remus Repeal Reserve have achieved some of the highest recognition in the bourbon category, including winning Best Of Class at the 2021 Sunset International Spirits Competition, being named among the Top 5 American Whiskeys of 2021 by Fred Minnick, and earning 98 points from Tasting Panel Magazine (for both Remus Repeal Reserve Series IV and V). Remus Repeal Reserve Series VI earned a Master medal in The Spirits Business’ 2022 American Whiskey Masters competition, received the Double Platinum medal in the 2023 ASCOT Awards and was named among the top 10 whiskeys for 2022 by both Drinkhacker and The Whiskey Wash. 

Click here for a video of Ross & Squibb Distillery Master Distiller Ian Stirsman discussing this year’s release of Remus Repeal Reserve Series VII.

About Luxco

Founded in St. Louis in 1958 by the Lux Family, Luxco is a leading producer, supplier, importer and bottler of beverage alcohol products. Our mission is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of consumers, associates and business partners. Merged with MGP Ingredients, Inc. in 2021 (Nasdaq: MGPI), Luxco operates as MGP’s Brands Division and manages all MGP/Luxco brands. This extensive and award-winning spirits portfolio includes well-known brands from four distilleries: Bardstown, Kentucky-based Lux Row Distillers, home of Ezra Brooks, Rebel, Blood Oath, David Nicholson and Daviess County; Lebanon, Kentucky-based Limestone Branch Distillery, maker of Yellowstone Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey and Bowling & Burch Gin; Jalisco, Mexico-based Destiladora González Lux, producer of 100% agave tequilas, El Mayor, Exotico and Dos Primos; and Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Rossville Union Straight Rye Whiskey are produced. The innovative and high-quality brand portfolio also includes Penelope Bourbon, Everclear Grain Alcohol, Pearl Vodka, Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream, The Quiet Man Irish Whiskey, Green Hat Gin and other well-recognized brands. For more information about the company and its brands, visit luxco.com.

September brings seven new treats, including “Maverick” – bottled for the Society’s 40th anniversary this year and named not only for our maverick founder Pip Hills, but in honour of our members, whose maverick approach to whisky has brought the Society to where it is today.

There’s also a Global Gathering bottle – Cask no. 42.81 “Remember remember” (bottle name and tasting note written by our Victoria ambassador Adam Bradshaw!); a distillery we’ve seen only three other times in SMWS Canada’s 12-year history, Cask no. 6.64 “Spanish castanuts;” and a stunning rum that will be the perfect accompaniment to an evening by the fireplace!

Lots to explore so gather your friends and get into the spirit!

PERFECT FOR TANNIN’

CASK NO. 64.138

REGION:  Speyside

INITIAL CASK:  Ex-bourbon hogshead

FINAL CASK:  1st fill hybrid hogshead

AGE:  13 years

BOTTLE NOTE:  “Bags of intricate wood influence contribute to a luxuriously creamy, rich and heady dram full of complex spice, chocolate and fruit flavours.”

MAVERICK

SMALL BATCH SINGLE MALT

REGION:  Speyside

INITIAL CASKS:  Ex-bourbon hogsheads

FINAL CASKS:  1st, 2nd & refill sherry hogsheads

AGE:  12 years

This expression is a celebration of the iconic sherry cask, bottled to honour not only our maverick founder Pip Hills, but all the maverick members around the world.

THE WESTERN SHORE OF THE KITCHEN SINK

CASK NO. 93.200

REGION:  Campbeltown

CASK TYPE:  1st fill ex-bourbon barrel

AGE:  9 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Oily & coastal

BOTTLE NOTE:  “An excellent and typical example of this cool Campbeltowner; abundantly coastal and medical, with pickled exotic fruits and plenty of sweetness.” 

SPANISH CASTANUTS

CASK NO. 6.64

REGION:  Speyside

INITIAL CASK:  Ex-bourbon hogshead

FINAL CASK:  1st fill Oloroso hogshead

AGE:  16 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Deep, rich & dried fruits

BOTTLE NOTE:  “Hazelnuts, walnuts and figs played the castanets while rhubarb crumble and cured ham danced the paso doble with black cherries and praline.”

PARTICULARLY PECULIAR POTPOURRI

CASK NO. 4.361

REGION:  Highland Island

INITIAL CASKS:  Ex-bourbon hogsheads

FINAL CASK:  1st fill ex-bourbon barrel

AGE:  11 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Lightly peated

BOTTLE NOTE:  “Dark sweetness, delicious teasing smoke and a very fancy potpourri. Single malt originally from bourbon hogsheads, married in this cask.”  

REMEMBER REMEMBER

CASK NO. 42.81

REGION:  Highland Island

CASK TYPE:  Refill ex-bourbon hogshead

AGE:  14 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Peated

BOTTLE NOTE:  “Memories of Bonfire Night; burnt toffee, old woollen jumpers and a peat-fuelled fire next to a table with candy, smoked cheese and seafood.”  

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada
Suite 160
104 – 1240 Kensington Road NW
Calgary, AB  T2N 3P7
403-969-8225
curious@smws.ca
www.smws.ca