KILLOWEN POITÍN NOW RELEASE – DAGDA’S OATS & NEW 700ML RUM&RAISIN

This weekend is Poitín Now weekend – a weekend where the best of Irish spirit enthusiasts descend on Dublin from all over the country & world and celebrate our native spirit – Poitín

For one day & two sell out shows Bar 1661 becomes Nerdistan for us like minded poitín lovers. As is becoming tradition Killowen has thought long and hard, and created a poitín suitable for the occasion.

The Dagda’s Oats

The Dagda is Irelands Zeus, Thor or Oden – and aside from reproducing, killing, and flattening mountains he was famed for carrying a pot of oats that never emptied, enabling him to feed people endlessly. Only fitting that we should make a wonderful peated oaten poitín in his name and memory.

FLAVOUR EXPECTATIONS

Imagine a peaty crème brûlée, with white chocolate sauce and potstill spice – all these come together in this chewy alcoholic custard. A spirit fit for the king of the Gods.

Killowen’s signature Rum & Raisin is growing

Killowen Rum and Raisin has grown so much in popularity in the past 3 years that it has now grown in bottle size too. This jump in size from 500ml to 700ml means that we still have all the same great flavours and high strength of 55%, the only difference is you get more in your bottle. This delicious single malt is finished in our own Rum casks and PX sherry casks to give an amazing flavour profile that delivers long into the nose pallet and finish.

This Bottling, although large, will carry the same RRP – we know that will make you happy coming into Christmas.

Available everywhere in a store near you, right now or very soon.

Créatúr

For those who don’t know of Fionnán O’Connor yet and his wonderful new book project the following is for you:

Quote from Fionnán’s website

Nearly 10 years in the planning, Créatúr is the second book by Irish whiskey historian and A Glass Apart author Fionnán O’Connor.  Scheduled for publication in 2026, you have a chance now to purchase a bottle of his whiskey and book in advance

Créatúr is a book about whiskey and the people who make it. And the people who made it. And the making of it too. It’s a book about the way we drank and the ways we just might. In 2024 it’s one for the road. No bullshit, just the créatúr. Along the way, we’ll be talking to some wonderful friends doing things that I admire, as well as with some folks who don’t always get a look-in: barley farmers, publicans, tillage researchers, ethnomusicologists, lab analysts, mixologists, folklorists, a Phylloxera historian, a peatland scientist, Willie Murphy, all sorts… Ultimately, Créatúr is a little bit fluid and hopefully no less pungent for it either.

As connoisseurs of Irish Whiskey – we owe it to those carrying out independent research so if you wish to support by buying a bottle and copy and signed book in advance, jump on the following link: https://creatur.ie/shop/

Sláinte

The Killowen Distillery Team

Celebrate HM King Charles III 75th Birthday with Highgrove’s Exclusive Commemorative Whisky

This limited-edition blends heritage Plumage Archer barley from Highgrove Estate, matured in Bourbon, Port, and ex-Red wine casks. We will be bottling on His Majesty’s birthday on 14th November 2023. Adorned with a commemorative label and presented in a royal blue tube, this collector’s item offers a sensory journey befitting of this special day.

Highgrove King’s 75th Birthday Vatting Whisky

Tasting Notes
Nose: Star Anise and Blackcurrant
Palette: Custard, Nutmeg and Red Fruits
Finish: Lingering Spices and Dark Chocolate

Highgrove King’s Birthday Single Malt Whisky ABV: 50% | RRP £175 for a bottle.

Available exclusively to purchase from: www.highgrove.com

CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER

Cotswolds Distillery

Phillip’s Field, Whichford Road Stourton Shipston-on-Stour,

Warwickshire CV36 5EX

Laphroaig Elements 1.0

This new Laphroaig Elements 1.0 is the first release in the iconic Islay distillery’s new experimental Elements series. Made in two sizes of mash tun, with two types of wort, cloudy and semi-cloudy, and matured in bourbon casks. Bottled at 58.6% abv.

£170.00

The Macallan Harmony Collection Amber Meadow

We are pleased to share the third release in The Macallan Harmony Collection Amber Meadow is available to purchase from our online boutique, with limited availability. Created in collaboration with Stella and Mary McCartney, Amber Meadow takes inspiration from natural Scottish grasslands, and is a single malt redolent of warm meadows and mature barley fields, with a rich, citrus scented finish. The presentation box features photography by Mary McCartney of The Macallan Estate.

DISCOVER

ARRAN THE SIGNATURE SERIES EDITION 1

SOLD OUT!

The Signature Series from Arran distillery, a brand new limited edition series comprising of four special bottlings, specially chosen by Lochranza Distillery Manager, Stewart Bowman.

First in this series is ‘Remnant Renegade’, the casks used for this expression containing whisky from as far back as 1997 right up until more recent casks filled in 2017. Ex-Sherry hogsheads and butts along with ex-bourbon barrels, with the largest percentage of whisky used coming from 2010 – 2012 vintages.

The Signature Series has been created with having an ‘investment’ into opening and enjoying whisky. An interesting and exciting limited edition release but still affordable!

Arran Remnant Renegade is presented, non-chill filtered, without additional colouring and at 46% vol.

Free UK Shipping on orders over £95

Fast EU & Worldwide, Tax Free Shopping

Slàinte

BENROMACH DISTILLERY LAUNCHES LIMITED-EDITION WHISKY DOUBLE MATURED IN FIRST-FILL BOURBON AND BORDEAUX WINE CASKS

Benromach Distillery in Speyside has launched the latest addition to its Contrasts range – a 12-year-old double matured limited release which has been matured in both first-fill bourbon and Bordeaux wine casks to create an imaginative twist on the signature Benromach style.

This whisky started out in first-fill bourbon barrels before a final five years maturation in Bordeaux red wine casks, creating delicate honey and floral notes, with zesty tangerine, dark forest fruits and toasted oak flavours on the palate. A medium-bodied finish is complemented by Benromach’s signature soft peat smoke.

Keith Cruickshank, Distillery Manager at Benromach, said: “Creating the newest Benromach Contrasts release has been a very exciting project – allowing us to add another intriguing whisky to our range.

“Double maturing this whisky in both bourbon and Bordeaux wine casks has helped create an interesting depth of flavour, balancing both sweet and fruity notes with our signature soft smoke brought about by our lightly peated malt. It has also influenced the colour of the whisky itself, producing a much darker, richer dram.

“There’s a very limited number of bottles available for purchase. We expect this whisky to be a popular dram so urge those looking to sample the whisky to be quick to secure their bottle.”

With an ABV strength of 46%, this whisky is available for purchase via Independent Whisky Specialists at a recommended retail price of £59.99.

For more information on Benromach Distillery or Benromach Double Matured Bordeaux Wine Cask Finish, please visit: www.benromach.com

Tasting Notes:

 Benromach Bordeaux

RRP: £59.99

ABV: 46%

Nose: Subtle hints of rose followed by honey and ripe red fruits.

Taste: Smooth and sweet with flavours of zesty tangerine and dark forest fruits are balanced by toasted oak.

Finish: Medium-bodied and fruity finish underpinned by subtle peat smoke.

About Benromach Distillery

Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life by owners Gordon & MacPhail in 1993.

At Benromach, the team keep things simple: a handful of distillers relying entirely on their expertise and senses to make the finest handmade whisky.

Their processes honour the knowledge and experience used to make Speyside whiskies decades ago, because at Benromach they believe making whisky by hand delivers genuine character. For more information, visit: www.benromach.com

About Gordon & MacPhail

Gordon & MacPhail is a family-owned premium spirits company based in Elgin, Scotland. Owner of Scotch whisky distilleries, Benromach and The Cairn, Gordon & MacPhail is also a Scotch whisky maturation expert, and the owner of Scottish Gin brand, Red Door.

The Fisherman’s Retreat Edition 13 (Ben Nevis)

COMING SOON!!!!!

The Fisherman’s Retreat Edition 13 (Ben Nevis) will be available to purchase on pre-sale this coming Friday 17th November at 10am The Fisherman’s Retreat journey into cask exploration has entered new heights with our latest release of this Scottish, single cask, single malt whisky!

Edition 13 is almost here and we didn’t have to wait long for this juggernaut of a dram to come to fruition. At only four years of age this Ben Nevis single malt whisky has matured beyond its years after being carefully nurtured in a first fill American oak, ex-Yalumba fortified wine barrel which has led to a truly remarkable transformation. The journey from newborn spirit to bottle has taken less time than usual thanks to this casks unique size which has given a greater spirit on wood contact. We can only describe this single malt whisky as a thing of beauty, not only pleasurable on the eye, but it will dazzle your senses and entice your tastebuds with every sip.

At 54% Abv and with only 173 bottles produced it won’t be around for long!

Appearance:

What an amazing colour for a whisky of this age, getting it in a glass is the first priority! Beautiful deep rich tones of mahogany, orange bronze, and deep red autumnal leaves. A roll of the glass reveals a waterfall of natural oils slowly creeping down to rejoin this mesmerising liquid.

Nose:

Wow! Everything that makes me want to drink whisky is in this glass! Rich, fruity notes take the lead, raisins, figs and Christmas pudding all standout, a few more swirls of the glass release toffee, bananas and hints of vanilla and marzipan. With every pass this dram becomes more intriguing.

Palate:

This is one powerful dram, at 54% abv it doesn’t hold back, big bold flavours take charge from the start, the initial hit of fruit is sublime, figs, raisins, and more vanilla than on the nose, the sweetness is incredible but yet not overpowering the spirit that it came from, an oily and creaminess encompasses the whole of the mouth with a finish that is gentle and lasting throughout.

Finish:

A fantastic and flavoursome whisky that works its magic from nose to palate and does not disappoint. Both the Ben Nevis spirit and Yalumba’s Fortified Wine cask have given their all to produce a dram of outstanding quality. A 4-year-old whisky that can go toe to toe with the big boys all day long.

Fisherman’s Retreat Edition 13 (Ben Nevis, Yalumba Fortified Octave) will be available to purchase at £80 (Normally £90) from Friday 17th November at 10am on our website

The Grand Whisky Auction is now LIVE!

There are 2600+ lots to browse and bid on this month with one of the highlights being the new Macallan Mexico!

Interested in selling whisky in our next auction?

T.+44 (0)1463 210 427 – sales@thegrandwhiskyauction.com

Our 2023 Whisky Magazine Christmas special.

Perfect for anyone on your Christmas list!

This Christmas, give the gift that any whisky enthusiast would love – Whisky Magazine! Whether you want to treat yourself or surprise someone special, we have an exclusive offer just for you.

For a limited time only, enjoy 3 ISSUES of Whisky Magazine for just $5! That’s right, three jam-packed issues filled with the latest news, expert reviews, and captivating stories from the world of whisky. But that’s not all -as an added bonus, you’ll also receive a Whisky Tasting Journal and Tasting Poster absolutely FREE.

But wait, there’s more! As we approach a significant milestone, we want you to be a part of the celebrations. We have exciting plans for 2024, including big competitions and amazing giveaways. By subscribing to Whisky Magazine today, you’ll be joining us in the festivities and not miss out on any of the incredible experiences we have in store.

Don’t miss out on this incredible offer – it’s the perfect opportunity to share the joy of whisky this Christmas.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY

Great Reasons to Subscribe

• Enjoy 3 Print issues

• Receive FREE Whisky Tasting Journal & Tasting Poster

• Full access to every digital edition of your subscription via your desktop, iOS or Android device

• Receive FREE magazine delivery direct to your door

• Automatic Entry into 25th Anniversary Competitions

JOHNNIE WALKER
BLUE LABEL
YEAR OF THE DRAGON
70cl | 40% ABV

The Johnnie Walker Blue Label Lunar New Year is the perfect way to mark the beginning of a prosperous year ahead, making it a precious and memorable gift this Lunar New Year. Designed by the contemporary artist James Jean this year’s release is a dynamic interpretation of 2024’s zodiac animal the noble Wood Dragon. Regarded as the mightiest of all the Zodiac animals, the dragon is a symbol of life, creativity and future prosperity in traditional Asian culture, echoing the defiant optimism of the Johnnie Walker motto, Keep Walking.

£224.95

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James Jean is a world-renowned, celebrated contemporary artist and bold cultural pioneer. His hyper-stylized aesthetic floats between dream like fantasies with emotional undertones, he imbues his worlds with multiple references — from traditional Chinese scroll paintings to more modern movements, such as anime and comics. Just as maturing whiskies blossom into life after careful aging in wooden casks, in 2024 the Year of the Wood Dragon helps good fortunes flourish.

Re-imagined by James Jean, the evergreen Wood Dragon springs from bountiful flora and fauna, and bursts to life with auspicious ambition. His artwork of the mythical dragon, interwoven and layered with botanical elements, echoes the visceral flavour experience of this exceptional Scotch.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Take in the wonderfully mellow, rounded nose – replete with dry smokiness artfully mixed with the sweetness of raisins.

Palate: Layers of dried fruits, citrus smoke, which then evolves into notes of honey, sweet spice, and vanilla.

Finish: You’re rewarded with velvety chocolate and a rounded smoky finish.