ralfy review 980 Extras – The ‘Stages’ of whisky.

 

Top whiskies for Father’s Day 2023

Independent distiller Loch Lomond Group reveals its ultimate gift guide of whiskies including Glen Scotia, Loch Lomond Whiskies and Noble Rebel

Glen Scotia, Loch Lomond Whiskies and Noble Rebel have recommended a range of Father’s Day expressions, perfect for whisky-loving dads and father figures across the country.

With a range of expressions from light and floral to heavily peated, across a variety of budgets, there’s something to suit all dads’ tastes this Father’s Day.

GLEN SCOTIA

For dads who enjoy their history, Glen Scotia is the perfect choice. Once known as the Victorian Whisky Capital of the World, Campbeltown was previously home to more than 30 distilleries. Now, only three remain including the award-winning Glen Scotia, whose range of exceptional single malt whiskies perfectly encapsulates the essence of the area and reflects the centuries of craftsmanship and experience associated with Scotland’s smallest whisky-making region.

Glen Scotia 15 Years Old – £68 – 46% ABV 

An exceptional single malt whisky intended to deliver a true taste of Campbeltown in its most beautiful simplicity.

Unpeated and matured in first-fill bourbon and re-fill American Oak casks, this rich and smooth single malt scotch whisky boasts hints of vanilla, sea spray and spicy aromatic fruits including apricot and orange blossom. A short finish in Oloroso casks ensures the classic regional traits shine through, for a warm, spicy and dry finish. 

Available at www.glenscotia.com and specialist whisky retailers.

Glen Scotia 21 Years Old – £265 – 46% ABV 

An elegant addition to any whisky connoisseur’s collection, the Glen Scotia 21 Year Old single malt is a smooth and aromatic dram.

Aged in a combination of refill bourbon barrels and refill American oak hogsheads, before a six-month finish in first-fill Oloroso sherry casks which adds perfumed floral notes to the signature distillery character of rich fruits and Atlantic Sea spray.

The liquid has been matured to bridge the gap between Glen Scotia’s 18 Year Old and its 25 Year Old, which won the ‘Best in Class’ and therefore Best in the World, at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2021 out of 3,800 entrants.

An elegant metal coin of the Glen Scotia logo is set into the shoulder of the premium bottle, which is presented in a solid display box ideal for collectors or gifting to someone special this Father’s Day. 

Available at www.glenscotia.com and specialist whisky retailers.

Glen Scotia Harbour Whisky Gift Set with Glasses – £50 – 40% ABV

The Glen Scotia Harbour Whisky Gift set is the perfect introduction to a whisky region rich in heritage and the perfect gift for a whisky lover looking to delve into the world of Campbeltown whisky.

It features two beautifully presented branded Glencairn whisky glasses and a bottle of Glen Scotia Harbour, a classic Campbeltown single malt that pays tribute to the small harbour town that went onto become the Victorian Whisky Capital of the World.

Glen Scotia Harbour has a distinct as distinct coastal influence of sea salt and gentle smoke, balanced with soft peach and vanilla custard that leaves a tangy peat on the finish. A gift that truly keeps on giving.

Available at www.glenscotia.com and specialist whisky retailers.  

LOCH LOMOND WHISKIES

Those looking for innovation should look no further than Loch Lomond Whiskies. The award-winning independent distiller features expressions created by the distillery’s unique combination of straight neck and swan neck stills. This year’s collection includes one of the distillery’s most popular expressions, as well as two limited edition single malts created specially to mark the 151^st year of golf’s prestigious The Open Championship, of which Loch Lomond Whiskies is the official spirit partner.

Loch Lomond Open Course Edition 2023 – £240 – 48.2% ABV 

Loch Lomond The Open Course Edition is a celebration of The Open’s 151^st golf championship, a monumental and prestigious event that will bring together the best golfers in the world this July.

Recently awarded Double Gold at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Awards, the highly exclusive certified organic single malt is a rare expression which captures the distillery’s spirit of exploration and unique whisky-making style.  Having distilled for over 22 years, it delivers notes of tropical fruit, pineapple and vanilla with a hint of toasted oak, ginger and cinnamon on the finish.

The Open Course Edition 2023 is presented in a striking black case and boasts an elevated bottle design, making it the perfect Father’s Day gift which will stand out on any whisky cabinet.   

Available at www.lochlomondwhiskies.com and specialist whisky retailers.   

Loch Lomond Open Special Edition – £45 – 46% ABV 

The ideal gift for golf fans, Loch Lomond The Open Edition marks the 151^st year of golf’s most prestigious championship which will take place at Royal Liverpool this summer.

Recently awarded Double Gold at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Awards, it has been crafted in partnership with Loch Lomond Whiskies’ long term golf ambassador, Colin Montgomerie – one of Scotland’s most legendary golfing figures.

The whisky was aged in American Oak casks before finishing its maturation journey in the rich red wine Rioja Alta Reserva cask which brings out the whisky’s unique notes of red berry, orchard fruit and creamy vanilla with dark chocolate, which complement the soft smoke on the finish.

Montgomerie’s signature appears on each bottle, adding an extra special touch to this wonderful Father’s Day gift.  Available at www.lochlomondwhiskies.com and specialist whisky retailers.

NOBLE REBEL

Finally, for any dram-loving dads who like to experiment with new flavours, there’s no better time to introduce them to Noble Rebel. An innovative and bold new blended malt Scotch whisky brand from Loch Lomond Group, Noble Rebel creatively pushes boundaries in the pursuit of flavour creation, combining the nobility of single malt whisky with the rigour of craftmanship. The flavours of Noble Rebel are brought to life through a series of vivid illustrations that detail the intricate stories, layers and tasting notes of each blend.

Noble Rebel Whisky Orchard Burst – £40 – 46% ABV

Noble Rebel was created to bring new ideas to old ways and traditions, so to create modern masterpieces that welcome newcomers with open arms and delight old friends alike.

Matured in ex-bourbon casks, Orchard Outburst balances crisp, ripe orchard fruits with surprising flavours of crashing salty ocean waves, resulting in an explosion of zest with hints of zingy lemon and lime.

This intriguing malt contains whisky distilled with Chardonnay wine yeast, an unusual ingredient in whisky distillation which helps to intensify fruit and citrus flavours in the finished blend.

It’s a beautifully balanced blend that is ideally suited for the main man in your life this Father’s Day. 

Available at www.noblerebelmalts.com and specialist whisky retailers. 

Noble Rebel Whisky Smoke Symphony – £40 – 46% ABV 

Smoke Symphony weaves threads of peat and smoke with hits of chilli. Lightning bolts of rich red body married with subtle berry tartness create a truly intriguing dram. Finished in Rioja wine casks, Smoke Symphony conveys notes of smoke, spice and dark berries.

Like its Noble counterparts, Smoke Symphony is non-chill filtered which adds to its rustic and rugged charm and natural colour.

Far from your everyday dram, surprise your peat whisky-loving father with this excellent dram that’ll leave a lasting impression.

Available at www.noblerebelmalts.com and specialist whisky retailers.

Noble Rebel Whisky Hazelnut Harmony – £40 – 46% ABV 

Hazelnut Harmony is a sweet and inviting all-rounder which mingles nuts with a hint of sweet honeycomb, with subtle pear undertones meeting imprints of warm oak.

Completing the trio of expressions, Hazelnut Harmony is finished in toasted American oak casks, which adds a sweet flavour of honey, vanilla and hazelnut to the whisky.

The vivid illustrations on the premium embellished bottle detail the intricate stories, layers and tasting notes of the expression, making it the perfect gift which will stand out on any whisky cabinet.  

Available at www.noblerebelmalts.com and specialist whisky retailers.

Tasting Notes

Glen Scotia 15 Years Old

Nose: Citrus peels, ginger snap biscuits, and baked fruits

Taste: Plump fruits with a surprising dry finish, apricots, fruit salad, caramelised sugar and oak

Finish: Warm spicy, honey smoothness, oak and a dry finish

Glen Scotia 21 Years Old

Nose: Sweet perfumed oloroso, spiced red apple, peppercorns with a soft signature Campbeltown aroma

Taste: Baked red apples, plump raisins, a journey of cloves, star anise, cinnamon and spice. Soft creamy vanilla, toffee and sea spray

Finish: Long, complex and incredibly balanced, with a lingering touch of sea salt and sherry dryness

Glen Scotia Harbour

Nose: Briny sea spray, violet and lavender and vanilla

Taste: Soft peach, crisp green apple, chewy fudge and vanilla custard

Finish: Medium length, dry with gentle smoke, tangy peat and maritime sea spray

 Loch Lomond Open Course Edition

Nose: Honey, peach, melon, lemon, stem ginger

Taste: Grapefruit, vanilla, caramel, pineapple, mango

Finish: Long spicy finish with ginger, cinnamon and toasted oak

Loch Lomond Open Special Edition

Nose: Floral notes of rose, soft fruits, peach and pear

Taste: Red berry and orchard fruit. Raspberry and peach, creamy vanilla and dark chocolate

Finish: Medium length, a touch of smoke gives way to lasting fruit notes

Noble Rebel Whisky Orchard Outburst

Matured in ex-bourbon casks, Orchard Outburst balances crisp, ripe orchard fruits with surprising flavours of crashing salty ocean waves, resulting in an explosion of zest with hints of zingy lemon and lime.

Noble Rebel Whisky Smoke Symphony

Smoke Symphony weaves threads of peat and smoke with hits of chilli. Lightning bolts of rich red body married with subtle berry tartness create a truly intriguing dram. 

Noble Rebel Whisky Hazelnut Harmony

Hazelnut Harmony mingles nuts with a hint of sweet honeycomb, with subtle pear undertones meeting imprints of warm oak.

About Loch Lomond Group 

• Loch Lomond Group is an independent distiller based in Alexandria and is home to several award-winning brands that are sold in more than 125 countries worldwide.
• Loch Lomond Distillery has been producing the finest single malt whiskies since 1814.
• Images and interviews with key staff from the Group are available upon request.
• For further details, please visit: lochlomondgroup.com

About Loch Lomond Whiskies  

Loch Lomond Distillery has one of the oldest heritages in the industry. It was founded by American, Duncan Thomas, the owner of the Littlemill Distillery which was licensed in 1772. In the 1930s Duncan Thomas was at the forefront of innovation within the Scotch whisky industry and his innovative philosophy is ingrained into everything that is done at Loch Lomond to this day.

In 1814, the original site of the Loch Lomond Distillery was established near Tarbet, towards the north-west end of Loch Lomond; an area which has been at the heart of the whisky industry for centuries. With at least nine distilleries around the loch lost over the years, Loch Lomond Distillers has maintained a proud local tradition into the 21st century.

About Glen Scotia 

Distiller Glen Scotia has been producing single malt whisky in Campbeltown since 1832 and is one of three surviving distilleries in Campbeltown.

Producing peated and non-peated whiskies, the distillery still maintains much of its original design, including the fermenters, the stillroom, and the dunnage warehouse dating from the 1830s.To this day, the distillery team follow in the footsteps of their founders, using traditional methods, and carefully creating the subtly maritime Campbeltown style the brand has become world-famous for.

Recognition of Glen Scotia’s style and craftsmanship continues to be acknowledged globally.

• In 2021, Glen Scotia’s 25-Year-Old Single Malt whisky was awarded ‘Best In Show Whisky’ at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Over 3,800 entries across thirty-one categories were judged with Glen Scotia being awarded the overall winner across all countries and styles. Only seven months later, Glen Scotia was also named Scottish Whisky Distillery of the Year at the Scottish Whisky Awards 2021.
• In 2022, Glen Scotia’s Victoriana won Best In Class in the Distillers’ Single Malt Scotch – No Age Statement category at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
• In 2023, Glen Scotia won ‘Best Single Cask Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards 2023 for a single cask bottling distilled in 2009 and aged for 13 years exclusively in a first-fill bourbon barrel.

About Noble Rebel 

Shaped by expertise and expressivity, Noble Rebel is a blended malt Scotch whisky unlike any other.  Skillfully curating the finest malts, each with a history of their own, and artfully blending them into striking whisky masterpieces, Noble Rebel pushes the boundaries of flavour with courage, craftsmanship and creativity. Respectful of tradition and inquisitive about the future, Noble Rebel heralds a new dawn of whisky mastery.

Killowen’s tiny team of 3 staff are very proud to see some of their most favored casks introduced as USA exclusives. To be released Saturday 6pm Irish time.

Killowen White Cognac Cask ‘Single Pot Still’ Irish Whiskey
&
Killowen Coconut Rum and Raisin Inspired 5yr ‘Single Malt’ Irish Whiskey

We realise that much of our beloved supporters might find it difficult to get some of these unique whiskeys and we know that some of you guys are organizing to sneak them back home form friends in the USA whiskey community and that’s cool with us also. We simply couldn’t refuse the challenge at the time to provide the USA with the most complex yet delicate Single Pot Still ever produced. While also considering a creamy luxurious Single Malt that leaves you salivating every time you think about it afterwards.

Lets look at just some of the geeky information we love to show you on our packaging:

Killowen White Cognac Cask Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey

• This is Killowen’s own very rare distillate.
• The mixed mash bill consists of: 8 bags Malted Barley, 1 bag Maris Otter Malted Barley, 4 ½ bags Unmalted Barley, ¼ bags Oat & ¼ bag Wheat.
• The fermentation was open top, natural & wild initially, with domestic yeast added after 1 week to complete the fermentation.
• The cask was initially used for Hennessy Pure White Cognac and was American Oak. The cask was not re-charred but instead was delivered fresh & wet.
• This was a full term aged – Single Cask.
• Cask strength bottling, no added colouring, no chill filtration.

Distillers Comment: We where sad to see this cask go but we wanted our first USA Barántúil to be something very special. The balance within this whiskey makes it sing far beyond its age, with a sophistication of spice that can only further champion the ‘Single Pot Still’ category internationally. This is our native spirit so we are proud to put its best foot forward in America.

Killowen Coconut Rum and Raisin Inspired 5yr Single Malt Irish Whiskey

• A proudly sourced Whiskey – originating in Cooley distillery aged for 5 years in Bourbon
• The Barrel Used for finishing was a West Indies Coconut Rum Cask
• Cask strength, no added coloring & no chill filtration

Distillers Comment: The palate is rich, oily and even silky. The coconut flavors are much more evident than we anticipated with heaps coming toward the finish which really complements the apple of the original distillate. We could drink this by the gallon at home but sadly the Americans have it all now, the likes of which will never be seen here again.

Please open and share these bottles with your fiends and family, we have put so much effort into them so that you can make many more memorable moments.

Release Date: 10/06/2023 link will be made live during 6pm Instagram live 6pm Ireland, 1pm ET  & 10am PST
Webshop: eversonroyce.com
Price:
Barántúl, White Cognac Cask ‘Single Pot Still’ $106 /375ml
Bonded Exclusive Series, Coconut Rum 5yr Single Malt $69 /375ml

Beannacht

Brendan Carty
Founder / Master Distiller

Killowen Distillery Ltd
29 Kilfeaghan Road
Rostrevor
Newry, County Down BT34 3AW
United Kingdom

Two Old & Rare
American Oak Whiskies
16 Years Old

On Tuesday we release two 16 year old single cask whiskies. Our Old & Rare whiskies have a depth and complexity made possible by patient maturation. When oak and spirit are fully integrated, and the interactive reactions have taken hold to create new flavour and aroma compounds, that is where the magic is. Magic takes time – 16 years to be exact.

16 Year Old American Oak ex-Bourbon TD0134

Presenting a harmonious interplay between bold spice, luscious sweetness, and intriguing nuances. Pairs well with crisp nights, a crackling fire, and your favourite chair. Matured for 16 years in a first-fill 200L American oak ex-Bourbon cask, yielding just 191 bottles of Sullivans Cove single cask whisky.

Read the full tasting notes here

16 Year Old American Oak Second-Fill TD0047

A captivating blend of honeyed florals and stone fruits, accompanied by savory notes of tobacco and cinnamon. The finish, fittingly described as a “velvet hug.”  – Sullivans Cove tasting panel

Matured for 16 years, in a second-fill 300L American oak cask, yielding just 436 bottles of Sullivans Cove single cask whisky.

Read the full tasting notes here

These whiskies will be released via ballot. The ballots will open for 24 hours from 10am Hobart time on Tuesday 13th of June. Further details will be sent via email prior to the ballots opening. A note on our ballot system. Our policy is one entry per person, per household, per ballot. Our fraud detection algorithm detects multiple entries and removes them to ensure our whisky lands in the hands of our genuine supporters, so to ensure your entry counts, please enter each ballot once only.If you have any questions around our ballot process, you can email us at info@sullivanscove.com Successful entries will be notified shortly after the ballots close.

First Release Wins Gold Medal

Gold Medal Winner

19-30 Year Old Blended Category

Spirits Business Global Scotch Whisky Masters 2023

Master Blender, Richard Paterson, on the announcement of the award said: “Ian and I knew how important this first release was for setting the benchmark for Wolfcraig. After our fantastic write up in Forbes a few weeks ago and now this gold medal, we feel the message is becoming very strong about the impeccable quality to expect from our collaborative series of rare and aged blends”.

Fellow Master Blender, Ian Macmillan, added: “Our first release for Wolfcraig is such a special bottle. Richard and I travelled all over Scotland, and had a wonderful time nosing and tasting some exceptional quality parcels to carefully select and debate what went into this rare blend. It is fantastic for us to see it getting the recognition it so richly deserves”.

Our Gold Medal winning Limited Edition First Release is available to purchase here.

An Unbelievable Price on a 96-Point Japanese Whisky
Hakata 16 Year Old Sherry Cask Aged Fukuoka
100% Barley Japanese Whisky (750ml) ($149.99)
“A spectacular drink…” — Jonny McCormick, Whisky Advocate

We didn’t envision being able to offer a 16-year-old Japanese whisky with a 96-point Whisky Advocate score for $150. After all, the Hakata 16 Year Old Sherry Cask is one of only eight whiskies this decade to notch 96 points or more, and all of the others range in price from $2,600 to $50,000. Quite the opportunity for Japanese whiskey fanatics, and for any serious collector of the world’s finest spirits.

Hakata 16 Year Old Sherry Cask Aged Fukuoka 100% Barley Japanese Whisky (750ml) ($149.99)

*This product will ship after June 9th and is available on a special order basis. Please allow 5-7 business days after that date for shipments to arrive.

96 points Whisky Advocate: “A spectacular drink that opens with aromas of Seville orange marmalade, milk chocolate, ground pepper, barley, and soft rounded oak, with an underlying dryness from the sherry. The umami notes are there, but are more integrated than other Hakata. An oily texture bursting with bitter plain chocolate, citrus oil, fresh walnut, black cherry, pepper, and ground ginger, develops an underlying creaminess and serves up a hazelnut finish. (JM, Summer 2023)”

K&L Notes: The Hikari Distillery on Fukuoka has been distilling since 1912. This wonderful product is produced from 100% barley using koji to break down the complex carbohydrates into simple sugars for the yeast to consume. The conversion using koji is more efficient than malt enzymes and adds a distinct umami character to the spirit. The high-quality barley spirit is aged in fresh sherry butts in traditional warehouses, some openly exposed to both the humid 95°F summer weather and the cold winter temps. The exceptional 16-year version of Hakata achieved an incredible 96 points from Whisky Advocate!

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

Campbeltown Loch Blended Malt

All five malts from the region’s three distilleries have been used to produce this genuine Campbeltown blended malt. It’s an unmistakable Campbeltown whisky: Initial sweet, softer notes of fruit, honey and butterscotch give way to reveal more complexity with traditional maritime and spice notes combined with the subtlest touch of peat smoke. Matured in a combination of Ex-Bourbon and Ex-Sherry Casks. Vatted and bottled at Springbank Distillery, Campbeltown.

£38.99

Shop now

ralfy review 980 – AnCnoc 18yo @ 46%vol: (2023)

CHIVAS BROTHERS’ MASTER BLENDER, SANDY HYSLOP, CELEBRATES 40 YEARS IN THE SCOTCH WHISKY INDUSTRY

BALLANTINE’S, CHIVAS REGAL, ROYAL SALUTE, THE GLENLIVET NEWS

An icon of the world of whisky, industry legend Sandy Hyslop – Director of Blending and Inventory at Chivas Brothers – celebrates his 40th anniversary in the Scotch whisky industry this May.

Among his many prestigious achievements, Sandy holds the rare position of being only the fifth Master Blender in the distinguished history of Ballantine’s blended Scotch whisky. Progressing to Director of Blending in 2016 and Director of Inventory in 2018, Sandy now oversees the creation of all Chivas Brothers single malts and blended Scotch whiskies, including brands such as Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet.

With an emphasis on quality and consistency at all times, Sandy is passionate about opening up the whisky category to new audiences and pushing the boundaries of Scotch whisky crafting. Catering to the growing taste for bolder flavours, Sandy and his team launched the Chivas Extra 13 collection in 2019, an experimental 13 Year Old blend range which delivers extra flavour through the use of different casks.

Since Sandy took on this role, Royal Salute has undergone a major evolution, driven in part through the extension of the 21 Year Old range and innovations, such as rare cask finishes (the 26 Year Old Scottish Oak Cask Finish), alongside high-aged releases including the recent Forces of Nature by Kate MccGwire which includes a precious 53 Year Old blend.

Coinciding with Sandy’s anniversary, Ballantine’s unveiled its new 40 Year Old Masterclass Collection last month. This series will see the annual release over five years of five exceptional expressions of Ballantine’s 40 Year Old whisky, with each expression celebrating the five essential skills that former Ballantine’s Master Blender Jack Goudy passed on to his then apprentice, and now world-renowned Master Blender, Sandy Hyslop.

Congratulations, Sandy!

We’re delighted to tell you about this month’s auction, there plenty to be excited about! Here at Click Whisky Auctions we know that our auction may not be the biggest but this month it’s certainly packing a punch, with some genuine heavyweight whiskies. First up, the Highland Park 1958 must be one of the most iconic releases by the Orkney distillery, bottled in 1998 and limited to only 665 bottles!

Next up this absolutely stunning Old Pulteney, aged for 40 years and limited to only 493 bottles, the oldest whisky from this popular Highland distillery to date. The hand-crafted, hand-blown bottle has exquisite artwork and is presented in packaging that exudes pure class, a rare addition to any collection

First released in 2022, the Springbank 30 Years Old was received to great acclaim in the whisky world. An annual release available in very limited numbers, so we are very excited to be able to offer the 2023 release in this month’s auction.

These are only a few of the bottles in our June auction, to view more gems visit clickwhiskyauctions.com. Register to bid. Remember, you’ve got to be in it to win it! Auction ends Sunday 18th!