One man, a dram and a mountain

Local medical charity Cobalt supporter Philip Pinchin is going to great heights to raise money for the charity.  On 6 April, Philip will set off on an expedition to summit Lhotse at 8,516m, the fourth highest mountain in the world. As part of the challenge Philip plans to share some drams of Bimber whisky at Camp 2 situated at 6,553m, which if successful would beat the current highest whisky tasting record by more than 1,100 m.

Kirsty Bradbury, Supporter Engagement Officer, Cobalt said “We hope that Philip’s exceptional challenge will help us raise much-needed funds to provide the very latest diagnostic imaging for people with cancer, dementia, and other conditions.  It’s an extraordinary undertaking and we are very grateful; for Philip’s support.  We will be following his progress up the mountain and hope to share photos of his climb along the way”.

Philip Pinchin

Supporting Philip’s expedition are Dunphail and Bimber whisky distilleries. Bimber will launch a rare London single malt – The Lhotse Challenge 2023. This incredibly special Bimber will be an entirely unique marriage of three different cask types, including some of their oldest and finest stock.

The miniatures will each possess a stunning hand-painted artist label.  One bottle plus seven 5cl miniatures will be offered via a raffle to raise funds towards Philip’s trip.  Tickets will cost £10 each and are available to purchase from the Bimber web shop until Wednesday 29 March.  The lucky winners will be revealed in a live draw on the Bimber Facebook page on Thursday 30 March at 9pm.

One miniature will hopefully summit and return with Philip. This miniature along with a bottle will be sent for a special charity auction upon Philip’s return to England. All proceeds from the auction will be presented to Cobalt.

Cobalt provide support to the NHS and invest in the latest diagnostic imaging technology.  They have supported over 59 research studies and clinical trials and completed over 700 research scans per year. Cobalt support the NHS England Targeted Lung Health Check Programme. Cobalt is the leading provider of the programme and supports seven TLHC services across England with over 50,000 CT scans.

For more information on medical charity Cobalt go to www.cobalthealth.co.uk/support-us/  or follow @CobaltSupporters on Facebook.

Charity information 

Cobalt

Cobalt pioneer innovation in medical imaging diagnosis by investing in equipment, integrated research and education to improve outcomes for patients now and in the future.

Each year Cobalt provides diagnostic imaging for over 130,000 patients at Imaging Centres in Cheltenham and Birmingham and with a fleet of mobile MRI CT and PET/CT scanners supporting hospitals across the UK.

The Charity participates and funds research mainly in the areas of cancer and dementia and provides training for healthcare professionals on a local, national and international basis.

For every £1 raised through voluntary income, 88p is spent on charitable work.

Follow Cobalt on Twitter @cobaltfr or like @CobaltSupporters on Facebook.

www.cobalthealth.co.uk 

Bimber Distillery 

Bimber Distillery produces world-class single malt whisky, handcrafted with passion in West London. As a leading distiller of English whisky, we combine generations of rich distilling heritage with the finest quality ingredients to create the ultimate craft whisky experience.

www.bimberdistillery.co.uk

Dunphail Distillery 

Our firm belief in the importance of high-quality barley and the use of onsite floor malting and kilning ensures that Dunphail’s spirit is a product of uniqueness, shaped by generations of rich distilling heritage. We craft the finest whisky the way it used to be made – taking the traditions of the past to shape the whisky of tomorrow.

www.dunphaildistillery.com

SAVOUR THE SKYSCRAPERS
OF SMOKE

It’s the 20th anniversary of The Peat Monster. And to mark this momentous occasion, we’re going back to where it all began. Introducing our next limited edition – The Peat Monster Cask Strength: Origin Story. Follow us on a flavoursome homecoming journey to New York City, the place where the monster first came to life.

HOW THE PEAT MONSTER
CAME TO BE

While its components are sourced from Scotland, our beloved blend, The Peat Monster was born in the USA, as a whisky made in collaboration with Park Avenue Liquor Shop. After adapting and refining the recipe to get the right level of smokiness, we created something very special. The bottle was sent to Park Avenue Liquor Shop with a note, which simply read: “It’s a monster”.

Now the monster returns from Scotland to New York City, bringing skyscrapers of smoky flavour to the glass.

BIGGER. BOLDER. SMOKIER.

At 56.7% ABV, The Peat Monster Cask Strength grows into something stronger and more expressive. A blend both smokier and peatier than the original. On the nose, expect wisps of sooty barbecue smoke, green apple, and aromatic citrus oils, all underpinned by a gentle cinnamon warmth. On the palate, there’s a dazzling metropolis of flavours – from tarry smoked almond, to seaweed, to cayenne pepper – all made more industrial and more intense by the whisky’s higher ABV.

AN ODE TO AMERICAN ART

This limited edition is a celebration of The Peat Monster’s American roots – from the cooperage behind the barrels it was finished in, to the illustration on the label. The whisky in the bottle was part-finished in seasoned virgin American oak barrels made specially for us in Missouri, which brings an increased presence of vanilla and cinnamon.

The label design, created by American artist Marc Burckhardt, shows the monster returning to its birthplace of New York City, surrounded by its iconic skyscrapers and steam grates.

CLICK ABOVE TO SHOP FOR THE PEAT MONSTER CASK STRENGTH AT COMPASSBOXWHISKY.COM

Caol Ila 10 Year Old “Hart Brothers” Single Hogshead Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $69.99 View

Dalmore 10 Year Old “Hart Brothers Finest Collection” K&L Exclusive Cask Strength First Fill Sherry Butt Unchillfiltered Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $69.99 View

Aberlour 11 Year Old “Hart Brothers Finest Collection” K&L Exclusive Cask Strength First Fill Sherry Butt Unchillfiltered Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $89.99 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

We’re honouring our landmark 40th anniversary with a collection of exciting new casks. Our ‘New Wave’ series celebrates new distilleries and hidden gems – a symbol of everything that the SMWS is all about. Trying new whiskies has always been part of the endless discovery journey for our members, and that’s as true today as it has ever been.

Each bottling within the series has been illustrated by the Society’s original illustrator, Bob Dewar – the artist who was instrumental in defining our look when we started out 40 years ago, and whose artwork still adorns the ceiling of our spiritual home at The Vaults. Our ‘New Wave’ is a look forward, with an interpretation of flavour by our old master on each bottle label.

FOUR NEW FLAVOURS…we’ve just released the first batch of bottlings from our ‘New Wave’ series. Click on over to our website to BUY NOW or keep on scrolling to discover more.

NEW WAVE BOTTLINGS

ONLINE SHOP

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

Three features in one day today! Whiskies from Caol Ila, Ledaig and Williamson today. A three feature set this week from Loch Fyne Whiskies! Single casks from Caol Ila (Islay), Ledaig and Laphroaig (Williamson), all bottled at cask strength and presented in their natural states. All very potent whiskies from the west coast that are distinctive in character and have some very interesting scents and tastes. Please enjoy the reviews and head over to Loch Fyne Whiskies to check out the range.

https://youtu.be/ZyooxRq_djw

https://youtu.be/IpvT8cUyhp0

https://youtu.be/GhMuljutdzw

The Epicurean Lowland Malt Pledges Donation to the BEN Society

Douglas Laing & Co are proud to be continuing their relationship with the Benevolent Society for the Licensed Trade of Scotland, pledging their third annual donation on behalf of their Lowland Malt Scotch Whisky brand, The Epicurean.

2022 proved to be another challenging year for the on-trade with the aftermath of COVID-19 highlighting the many challenges to overcome. However, Douglas Laing & Co. remain committed to the industry and strongly believe in the importance of giving back, donating a sum upwards of £10,000 to the BEN Society and continuing the partnership established in 2020.

Providing crucial financial, social and emotional support to those who have committed more than three years to working in Scotland’s licensed trade, The BEN Society is immensely important to the Scottish drinks and hospitality industry.

Cara Laing, Marketing Director, commented: “We are extremely proud to continue our partnership with The BEN Society in 2023. They are such an important organisation within the industry, giving vital support to thousands of people from the Scottish drinks & hospitality industry who are most in need. With The Epicurean brand gathering momentum and demonstrating considerable year on year growth, we’re excited to see the donation continue to increase as the partnership prospers over many years to come.”

Commenting on the long-term partnership, President of The BEN, Warren Paul, said “I would like to express my sincere thanks to all the team at Douglas Laing for their continued support, especially during these difficult times. Their commitment to the BEN is fantastic and will help assist many people from our Scottish drinks and hospitality industry.”

Chris Gardner, Chief Executive of The BEN, also commented “We are so grateful for the continued support from the industry in what is a very difficult time, going from Covid to the cost-of-living crisis, we still need your assistance as much as ever and thanks to everyone at Douglas Laing & Co. once again for your generosity and for remembering the BEN.   It means so much to so many.”

The 142nd auction is now live with more than seven thousand quality bottles to choose from.  With such a bumper auction we thought we’d save you some scrolling time and highlight a few interesting expressions to get you started.

Karuizawa 29 Year Old Single Cask #8897

Bottled for The Whisky Exchange’s 2014 Whisky Show this is the Karuizawa 29 Year OId Single Cask #8897.  One of a pair released with the now iconic Geisha design work, this a fantastic bottling from the celebrated silent distillery, Karuizawa.  Aged in a single bourbon cask for the better part of three decades this exceedingly rare expression is an excellent example of Japanese distilling at its finest.

Springbank 30 Year Old Staff Only Countdown Collection

Up next is an incredibly rare and exclusive Springbank 30 Year Old Staff Only bottling, released in anticipation of Springbank’s forthcoming Countdown Collection.  Limited to one per staff member this bottle was never released for general sale, and as such is sure to be much sought-after in years to come.  The Countdown Collection itself will constitute 5 special annual releases leading up to the 200th anniversary of Springbank Distillery in 2028.

Hanyu Ichiro’s Malt Card Eight of Diamonds

Part of the legendary Malt Card series, this is the Hanyu Ichiro’s Malt Eight of Diamonds.  Closed in 2000 and dismantled in 2004, Hanyu’s legacy lives on thanks to Ichiro Akuto who purchased the remaining 400 casks and began releasing it in the Ichiro’s Malt card series. This marketing masterstroke featured a different playing card on the label, allowing people to easily remember their favourites and encouraging collectors to complete the full deck. There were only 17 years of production at Hanyu so stocks are limited and scarce.

Macallan 1989 33 Year Old ‘The World Is On Fire’ Burnobennie X Peter Howson

e>Finally, we have The Macallan 1989 33 Year Old ‘The World Is On Fire’  bottling, released by the newly inaugurated Burnobennie Distillery in collaboration with famed Scottish artist, Peter Howson.  As if the well-aged Macallan juice inside wasn’t enough this bottle features spectacular label art by one of Scotland’s most celebrated artists, and comes with a limited edition framed print.  If this release is anything to judge them by we can expect big things from Burnobennie when they finally start releasing their own malts.As always there are some pretty special drams available this month, but with well over 7000 lots available there is something to suit everyone.  So the time has come to delve into this month’s offerings, start building your watchlist, and the very best of luck to everyone in the auction.

First Look at a One-of-a-Kind Collectible Scotch
2010 Williamson (Laphroaig) 12 Year Old “Redacted Bros.” (Thompson/Dornoch) Single Refill Sherry Butt Islay Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) ($109.99)
“An absolute treat for lovers of quality peat.”
— K&L Spirits Buyers

One of the most exciting projects in our spirits program is back: Redacted Bros. These gems are from a famed bottler that can’t use their name stateside, hence the “redacted” name on our labels. But the combination of limited quantities, eye-catching artistic labels, and incredibly high-quality, unique bottlings have made every parcel of Redacted Bros. an instant best-seller. Today’s feature is an old-school 12 Year Old Laphroaig under the pseudonym Williamson. Call it what you will, but we’ll call it a brilliant opportunity from a fan-favorite distillery. While this gem is not to be missed, make sure to also check out our site for first dibs on the latest renditions from Redacted Bros.

2010 Williamson (Laphroaig) 12 Year Old “Redacted Bros.” (Thompson/Dornoch) Single Refill Sherry Butt Islay Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) ($109.99)

*Pre-arrival item is expected to be available for shipment or pickup in autumn 2023.

K&L Notes: This exceptional single cask was sold to this bottler as the “Williamson” blended malt and therefore cannot include the source on the label. But we have no problem telling you that this excellent whisky was distilled on the famous, little stills located just outside the seaside town of Port Ellen. Adorned in the throwback label, the Thompson Brothers are clearly giving the old “nudge-nudge, wink-wink” to the famous old bottling from nearly a century ago, with block letters and cursive writing. Filled into a used sherry butt in 2010, this excellent cask was transferred to Dornoch and bottled at a cool 100 proof without the use of coloring or chill-filtration. This is meaty, old- school Laphroaig with big herbal notes and wild tropical fruit aromas balancing the savory smoke and oceanic zest. An absolute treat for lovers of quality peat.

Thompson Bros. Tasting Notes: “Nose: Pickled walnuts, sweaty farm shed, game meat,s smoked pheasant, fatty & rich. Some old passive sherry notes. Cigar ends, a flinty minerality, antique books, clove cigarettes. Lots of generic modern Lp notes – it would be lazy for us to use them! Palate: Clove oil, eucalyptus, leather-bound books, waxed oak floorboards, pickled brine, smoked pineapple salsa. Finish: Menthol rolling tobacco, dry (peat) harth, sandalwood, camphor, chili oil.”

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

CHEERS!

Cheers to the Aussies for presenting Journeyman Distillery with five awards at this year’s Melbourne International Spirits Competition, including Rye Distillery of the Year!

The Good Dram Show – Episode 502 ‘Global Whisky/ Auld Goonsy’s’