Archive for 2023

Experience Finn Thomson’s New Release Today! – Aberdeen Whisky Shop News

New Limited Releases from Finn Thomson

Caol Ila 11 Years Old

This cask bottling from Caol Ila Distillery was bottled at its prime after 11 years and 11 months of maturation in a single First-Fill Bourbon Barrel. Distilled on 18th of May 2011 and bottled on 10th of April 2023 without chill-filtration or artificial colouring.

£79.99

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Mannochmore 13 Years Old

The humble bourbon cask aged whisky is often overlooked these days in favour of sherried and heavily peated malts. New, alternative casks took the industry by storm. This Mannochmore is a classic bourbon maturation since well-matured bourbon cask malts are still a joy to drink. Mannochmore has a very light style of whisky, which marries beautifully with delicate notes produced by bourbon casks.

£84.99

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Benrinnes 11 Years Old

This 11-year-old Benrines single malt whisky offers a unique combination of savoury spirit and sweet finish. Matured in a Pedro Ximenez sherry cask, this whisky is sure to provide a balanced and enjoyable flavour. Perfect for whisky connoisseurs looking for something special!

£79.99

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Royal Brackla 10 Years Old

This single malt is a throwback to the original style of the distillery, taking us back to 1835 when Royal Brackla was the first to receive a Royal Warrant and was renowned for its peatiness. Unlike in olden times, when smokiness came from peated barley, here the peat comes from a full maturation in an ex-Islay cask.

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£74.99

Discover the heritage of nine generations.

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof & John E. Fitzgerald “Larceny A123” at K&L California – American Whiskey News

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof “Batch A123” Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $69.99 View

Elijah Craig creates a few barrel-proof spirits each year. According to Whiskey Wash, “Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon A123 is a fiery hot whiskey that will satisfy the quench of an experienced palate….the proof is in the proof! At 125.6 proof, this bourbon packs a punch and delivers a spicy, full-mouth-experience. Although the heat is intense, it drinks consistent with a high end bourbon and is well-worth it’s price.”*4.5/5 stars

John E. Fitzgerald “Larceny A123” Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $69.99 View

93 points Whisky Advocate

Outer quote mark Larceny’s first barrel proof release of 2023 makes a big splash with a bold whiskey that stands among the best bottlings in the series. The nose is layered with sweet cinnamon, oranges, cloves, and a sweet nuttiness. This never hides its proof but is well integrated from its nose through the long finish. On the palate, the nuttiness is even more evident with pistachio ice cream, toasted walnuts, pecan pie, and butterscotch. (SE) Inner quote mark (3/2023)

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

Whisky Wednesday Reviews Midleton Very Rare 2023 – Irish Whiskey News

https://youtu.be/uDVWxK5zonU

I’ve not been able to get ahold of Midleton Very Rare for a while. With new master distillers coming in, and demand for the product seeing unprecedented new heights, I’m rather thankful to a customer for loaning me this bottle to review.

A combination of rather well aged single grain and single pot still whiskies, even at just 40% ABV, Midleton Very Rare is a rather special and very tasty option when it comes to premium blended whiskies.

With a nose that is dense with the most tangy, exotic fruits that I’ve come across for a while. All backed up by a drier, richer palate of coffee, soft oak, Xmas spices, and white chocolate.

A whisky that I would take over Johnnie Walker Blue Label in a heartbeat, here we have the 2023 release.

New CEO takes the reins at Glenmorangie & Ardbeg – Scotch Whisky News

New CEO takes the reins at Glenmorangie & Ardbeg amid record sales

 — Caspar MacRae comes to the helm, as Thomas Moradpour assumes Dom Pérignon Presidency —

After five record-breaking years at the helm of The Glenmorangie Company, President and CEO Thomas Moradpour is moving on to take the lead at prestigious champagne brand Dom Pérignon, also part of LVMH. He will be succeeded in post by Caspar MacRae, currently Global Marketing and Business Development Director, from July 3.

The Company, which owns Glenmorangie Highland single malt Scotch whisky and Ardbeg Islay single malt Scotch whisky, has thrived under Thomas’s leadership. Since he joined the Company in 2018, it has more than doubled profits, delivering unprecedented year-on-year growth each year. Despite global instability, Thomas has created a stronger, more sustainable business, championing innovation and successfully executing ambitious expansion plans. Ably supported by Caspar and the executive team he has:

  • Launched Glenmorangie’s ground-breaking innovation Distillery;
  • Overseen the expansion of Ardbeg Distillery;
  • Doubled the Company’s bottling capacity;
  • Transformed Glenmorangie’s boutique hotel and purchased a hotel near Ardbeg;
  • Established the Company’s prestige strategy, including the record-breaking £16million sale of Ardbeg Cask No. 3
  • Set the Company on course to become one of the best places to work in the UK, with a raft of life-friendly policies and a culture which fosters creativity and innovation.

Caspar, who has worked hand-in-hand with Thomas, is committed to continuing the Company’s upward trajectory, in line with its long-term vision for growth. With 20 years’ industry experience, he has already played an instrumental role in the Company’s success. As head of its marketing and commercial teams since 2018, Caspar has overseen the transformation of the Glenmorangie and Ardbeg brands, and the development of award-winning campaigns for both whiskies. And he has super-charged its e-commerce business which has grown seven-fold since 2020.

Jonas Tåhlin, President and CEO of the Spirits Division at Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits arm of LVMH, said: “Congratulations to Thomas for his achievements at Glenmorangie and Ardbeg. Driving innovation and excellence, he has enabled the brands to flourish and grow, more than doubling their profits. I wish him success as he moves on within the LVMH family to Dom Pérignon. Caspar has already demonstrated his exceptional talent and leadership skills, and I have full confidence that the business will continue to thrive with him at the helm.”

Thomas said: “I’m very proud that since I joined The Company we have made it a more sustainable business, a greater place to work and the business is in even better shape. With Caspar’s leadership abilities and vision, I’m sure Glenmorangie and Ardbeg will raise the bar ever higher in the next chapter.”

Caspar said: “I have always dreamed of leading brands as renowned as Glenmorangie and Ardbeg, so I am thrilled to take the baton from Thomas. I look forward to working with the teams here in Scotland and around the world as we continue on our mission to ensure the success of our brands, our workforce and the communities around our Distilleries, long into the future.”

About Thomas Moradpour’s achievements:

  • Opened Glenmorangie’s ground-breaking innovation Distillery, the Lighthouse, in 2021. This  multi-million-pound  facility promises to bring wondrous new tastes to single malt;
  • Oversaw the expansion of Ardbeg. Including a new stillhouse, the expansion doubled the Distillery’s capacity when it opened in 2021;
  • Built a new bottling line at the Company’s plant near Edinburgh. Operational from 2023, this has doubed the Company’s bottling capacity;
  • Transformed Glenmorangie’s boutique hotel Glenmorangie House, in line with its wondrous brand positioning in 2021. The following year, the Company purchased a well-known hotel on Islay, giving the brand the opportunity to create a world-class whisky and hospitality experience;
  • Established the Company’s prestige business, which offers rare limited editions to collectors, as well giving private buyers the chance to purchase single and rare casks. The private cask programme led to the record-breaking sale of Ardbeg Cask No. 3, which made headlines around the world when it sold to a private buyer for £16million.
  • Set the Company on course to become one of the best places to work in the UK, with a raft of life-friendly policies and a culture which fosters creativity and innovation.

 About Caspar MacRae’s achievements:

  • Championed the Company’s e-commerce business, which has seen a seven fold increase in profitabilty since 2020, and launched a new e-commerce experience and CRM programme in 2022.
  • Led the transformation of the Glenmorangie and Ardbeg brands, and developed award-winning brand platforms for both whiskies. Glenmorangie has delighted audiences with its technicolour campaign featuring photography from Miles Aldridge. Meanwhile, Ardbeg has leaned into its cult status and idiosyncratic personality with brand campaign ‘Planet Ardbeg’, developed in partnership with renowned graphic novel creators.Leading the marketing and commercial divisions of the business resulting in a more than doubling of profits since 2018.

About 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 

About Glenmorangie:

Glenmorangie’s whisky makers use endless imagination and five key ingredients – wood, water, barley, yeast and time – to dream up delicious single malt whiskies. They’ve been honing their craft for more than 175 years. They create a delicate and fruity spirit in stills as tall as a giraffe to allow for more taste and aroma. Led by Director of Whisky Creation Dr Bill Lumsden, this crackerjack crew are on a mission to bring new flavours and possibilities to the world of single malt.

Glenmorangie celebrates the joy of delicious single malt in every part of its universe, from its boutique hotel Glenmorangie House to its colourful brand campaign, shot by famed photographer Miles Aldridge. With its tagline “It’s kind of delicious and wonderful”, Glenmorangie invites whisky lovers old and new to see themselves in Glenmorangie’s world.

About 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.

Responsible Drinking:

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

Maltstock 2023 – Whisky Gathering News

Relaxed new names

Maltstock is getting nearer! Just 10 weeks until the start of our 14th edition! With just a few tickets left, there’s still time to join the relaxed whisky fun. But please do not wait too long. You can get relaxed and get your tickets here: https://www.maltstock.com/shop

Maltstock program

Soon we will have our full program online. Please keep an eye om our Facebook page and newsletter for updates. We have already communicated some very exciting names that will be joining Maltstock this year, like Yumi from Chichibu and Iain, the master blender at Angus Dundee. Time to add a few more to the list!

Whisky Concerto

A name perhaps that doesn’t immediately ring a bell with everyone, but that will for sure be different after this Maltstock. We love the whisky Concerto team! And we’re very happy these relaxed people will come to Maltstock.

They are a relatively new independent bottler, based in Hong Kong. Apparently, concerto means gathering in Italian. How fitting. We have had the great pleasure of meeting Winnie, Richard and Michael a couple of times at various whisky fairs (Boy they travel).

Not only are they fun, relaxed and true whisky enthusiasts, they also bring excellent whisky every time! Be sure to visit one of their tastings at Maltstock. More on whisky concerto here: https://whiskyconcerto.com/

Milk & Honey

These Israeli hardly need any introduction anymore. Earlier this year they even won the single malt world’s best award at the Whisky Awards. And with a very relaxed welcome dram by Milk & Honey the past two editions, we have had first had experience in how good their whisky is.

Rumor has it there might be another (very, very) limited Maltstock edition this year. Watch this space. This year Jonny, who works in the production at the distillery, will come over and tell you all about their wonderful distillery and give you a taste of the relaxed Milk & Honey whisky.

As always, Maltstock not only provides great food, excellent tastings, but above very relaxed people! We hope to see you all in September.

Have a wonderfully relaxed day!

Bob, Klaas, Stan & Teun

Shop

Want get relaxed NOW and enjoy Maltstock in September?

Simply get your ticket here: https://www.maltstock.com/shop

Duality Now Available – Dual Whisky News

DUALITY NOW AVAILABLE

The wonderful people at Bimber Distillery have been making exceptional single malts since 2016. Working with Matt McKay from Bimber, we have created a whisky built around a ‘teaspooned’ Islay Blended Malt, enriched by the inclusion of Bimber London Single Malt aged in Pedro Ximenez casks.

We have named it Duality on account of the delicious dance it embodies; between peat and sherry, Scotland and England, young and old.

Bimber are also launching their take on peat and sherry under the same name. A duo of dualities for whisky lovers to share and enjoy.

James Saxon
Whiskymaker

K&L Exclusive Single Barrels x 2 – American Whiskey News

Barrell Craft 9 Year Old K&L Exclusive Single Barrel #Z6B4 Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $99.99 View

Nashville Barrel Company 8 Year Old “K&L Exclusive” Single Barrel #2770 Cask Strength Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $119.99 View

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

BASTILLE WEEK BEGINS – Scotch Malt Whisky Society News

In honour of Bastille Day, we’re celebrating ALL WEEK the best way we know with a selection of NEW DELICIOUS whiskies perfect for any Parisian-themed picnic.

VIVE LA FRANCE! Tempt your tastebuds, keep on scrolling to discover more or click over to our website to explore our entire cask collection.

NEW OUTTURN

ALL BOTTLINGS

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

SMWS LOGO 2017 NEW

The Good Dram Show Episode 516 ‘Glen Scotia’ – Scotch Whisky News

The Good Dram Show with Chris Goodrum Episode 516 

A Viewers Choice Episode..!

Welcome to another viewers choice episode of the show. This week I’ll be looking at a selection of releases including a very special, one-off bottling from the other Campbeltown distillery!

Featuring;

Glen Scotia Campbeltown Harbour 40%

Glen Scotia 18 year old 46%

Glen Scotia Victoriana ‘Cask Strength’ 54.2%

Glen Scotia 2019 ‘Dunnage Warehouse Tasting – Private Bottling’ 54.9%

Glen Scotia Seasonal Release 12 year old 54.7%

https://www.glenscotia.com

Three New Tour Areas Revealed at The Scotch Whisky Experience – Scotch Whisky News

Three New Tour Areas Revealed at

The Scotch Whisky Experience

 

Susan Morrison, Chief Executive of The Scotch Whisky Experience

The Scotch Whisky Experience has revealed three new immersive tour areas which will open to the public in mid-July.

Visitors will be transported to a peaceful Highland glen, leaving the bustle of Edinburgh’s vibrant Royal Mile behind them. Beautiful immersive technology creates a tranquil introduction to the elements and ingredients that shape the spirit. This is “Origins”. Famous for our “four seasons in one day” visitors can discover the secret of how the landscape enriches the soft Scottish water and undulating barley fields turn from green to gold before the grains are harvested.

From the Origins we move to “The Art of Whisky Making”, where visitors will discover how single malt Scotch whisky is made.  Mixing an enchanting kinetic sculpture with fascinating media, the distilling process can be seen from inside and out. The process is visualised in a way never seen before, embodying the art of whisky making.

The pure new spirit moves to “Maturation”.  Seated inside the cask visitors will witness the charring, firing and filling, allowing for a unique and magical view of how the cask changes the character of the whisky as the years tick past.

The three new immersive areas form part of the full tour experience. Setting the scene for how single malt Scotch is produced, before discovering the whisky producing regions, the art of blending, and tasting a dram in one of the world’s largest Scotch whisky collections.

Susan Morrison, Chief Executive of The Scotch Whisky Experience, said “We are so excited to share the new experience with our visitors. This is the culmination of three year’s hard work by our passionate team. The immersive storytelling and brilliant technology within the tour will offer visitors a real insight into Scotch whisky.”

Following three years of careful planning, the new experiences have replaced the “barrel ride”. The Scotch Whisky Experience has combined technologies in an exciting new way, not yet seen at a visitor attraction in the UK.

The story of whisky production has been brought to life. It will entertain and enchant new generations of whisky lovers discovering whisky for the first time.

The July launch of the new tour at The Scotch Whisky Experience will ensure even more visitors learn about the extraordinary world of Scotland’s whisky heritage.

“The maturation process is highly complex but this portrays it perfectly.”

Richard Paterson, Master Blender, Whyte and Mackay 

“There is nowhere you can see how whisky matures like this.”

Sandy Hyslop, Master Blender, Pernod Ricard 

“This newest addition to Edinburgh’s tourist attractions continues our mission of showcasing Scotland’s national drink in a very contemporary, modern way.”

Malcolm Leask, Managing Director, International Beverage and Chairman of The Scotch Whisky Experience

NOTES ~ The Scotch Whisky Experience                                                                               

The Scotch Whisky Experience has been sharing the delights of Scotch whisky to a global audience of 8.5 million visitors for more than 35 years and is one of Edinburgh’s five-star attractions.

The new tour experience is included in our Silver, Gold and Platinum whisky tours.

The Scotch Whisky Experience is a five-star visitor attraction, where visitors learn about all aspects of Scotch whisky, situated on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. As well as tours and tastings, guests can purchase whisky and souvenirs in the shop or enjoy a meal at the Amber Restaurant & Whisky Bar.

The Scotch Whisky Experience is also home to one of the largest whisky collections in the world, The Diageo Claive Vidiz Scotch Whisky Collection.

The Experience is available in 20 languages with family-friendly and tailored tours and is fully wheelchair accessible.

Open daily with tours available from 10:00 – 17:00

(extended hours at weekends and high season)

Tours range from £21.00 per person and are available to book online at: www.scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk


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