Archive for 2023

The Harmony Collection Amber Meadow is Available to Purchase – Scotch Whisky News

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.

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Abbey Whisky “Delightful whisky from Arran Distillery!” – Island Single Malt Whisky News

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.

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

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) – Scotch Whisky News

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 November 2023 Auction is Now Live! – Auction Whisky News

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

Get a Head Start on Your Holiday Shopping! – Whisky Magazine News

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

New Hard To Find Whisky Release: Johnnie Walker Blue Label – Year of the Dragon – Scotch Whisky News

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.

Two brand new single casks from Loch Fyne 🔥 – Scotch Whisky News

We have new treats added to our ‘New’ section of the website! A couple of cracking treats, these are winter warmers you must have for beside the fire, to see you through the blustery next few weeks!

The Loch Fyne Knockdhu 12yo #3201

Bottled as part of our single cask collection, we have treated this 12-year-old expression from Knockdhu distillery to a finish in a single Ximenez-Spinola sherry cask. Limited to just 421 bottles, with a huge strength of 61.1% abv. You’ll need a few drops of water with this robust Speyside wonder.

£120.00

Hamish Says…

Our Hamish has had a sip and jotted down his thoughts.

Expect deep sherried fruit flavours, balanced by Indian spices and fresh honey.

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The Loch Fyne Glenallachie 10 Year Old #33061

From our single cask collection, we have treated this 10-year-old Glenallachie expression to a finish in a single Ximenez-Spinola sherry cask, before bottling at a bold 54.4% abv. Just 438 bottles were decanted from this spectacular cask.

£99.00

Hamish Says…

Our Hamish has had a sip and jotted down his thoughts.

toffee apple, treacle and stewed berries.

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ralfy review 1003 – Blue Spot Pot-Still Whiskey – Irish Whiskey News

ralfy review 1003 – Blue Spot Pot-Still Whiskey @ 58.9%vol:

EXCEPTIONAL GLEN SCOTIA SINGLE CASK WHISKIES STAR IN BONHAMS WHISKY SALE – Scotch Whisky News

EXCEPTIONAL SINGLE CASK WHISKIES STAR IN BONHAMS WHISKY SALE

Left to right: Glen Scotia 2000-23-year-old-Cask-22/61-3. Estimate: £63,000-85,000 (HK$ 600,000-800,000).  Loch Lomond 2012-11-year-old-Cask #21/946-9. Estimate: £21,000-32,000 (HK$200,000-300,000)

Hong Kong – Two exceptional casks of distinctive single-malt whisky from renowned Scottish distilleries, Glen Scotia and Loch Lomond, will star in Bonhams Fine & RARE Whisky Sale at Hong Kong Admiralty on 17 November 2023.

Diego Lanza, Head of Whisky, Asia and Head of Sale for Whisky auctions in the UK and Europe comments, “Owning a cask from a distinguished distillery is every whisky connoisseur’s dream. While private and individual cask ownership is still relatively new, it is fast gaining momentum in the whisky world and beyond. It is a fantastic opportunity to own casks offered directly from the producers, providing impeccable provenance and outstanding storage and exclusive bottling customisation. This is a rare opportunity to acquire some exceptional Campbeltown and Highland Single Malts, owning your personal distillery bottlings.”

The 23-year-old single cask of Glen Scotia, distilled in 2000 and aging in a 1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Cask, at the Glen Scotia distillery, Campbeltown, Scotland, famed for its whisky-making, is offered with an estimate of £63,000-85,000 (HK$600,000-800,000). The purchase includes bottling and packaging costs, allowing you to brand and personalise your own whisky, together with distillery warehousing storage up to twenty years and an exclusive distillery experience, tour and tasting among many other benefits.

The 11-year-old cask of Loch Lomond single malt whisky distilled in 2012 and aging in a 1st Fill Sauternes Cask, at the Loch Lomond Distillery on the Lomond Estate with an estimate of £21,000-32,000 (HK$200,000-300,000) is also offered with bottling and personalised packaging, together with storage up to fifteen years.  Since 1814, the Loch Lomond Distillery has been crafting the finest Single Malt Whiskies where craft and style are intrinsically linked. Collecting by casks offers a high degree of customisation in the bottling of the whisky, which is very rare, as well as the unique experience of collaborating directly with two very prestigious distilleries.

Left to right: Examples of customised bottling and packaging from the Glen Scotia and Loch Lomond distilleries.

Other whisky highlights in the sale include:

  • The Macallan-52-year-old. 2018 Release. An exceptionally rare and limited release. Distilled and bottled by The Macallan Distillers, it is 116 of 250 bottles only. Estimate £42,000-53,000 (HK$400,000-500,000).
  • The Macallan-78-year-old-The Red Collection. A peerless single malt whisky matured over 78 years. Bottled in 2020. Distilled and bottled by The Macallan Distillers Estimate £68,000-90,000 (HK$650,000 – 850,000).
  • Karuizawa-1969-50-year-old Cask, # 538. One of 347 bottles. This small Japanese distillery, which no longer exists, was known for producing whisky of the finest quality, noted for its floral scent and maturity. Estimate £32,000-42,000 (HK£300,000-400,000).

Highly prized whiskies will also be offered in the Bonhams Fine Whisky sales in both Paris and Edinburgh.

Highlights from the Whisky sale in Edinburgh running from 27 November-5 December (online) include some exceptional Macallan whiskies to include:

  • The Macallan Lalique 50-year-old, distilled and bottled by The Macallan Distillers in Easter Elchies, Craigellachie and presented in its original case. Released in 2005, it is one of only 470 individually numbered decanters worldwide and the first decanter in the Lalique Six Pillars Collection. Estimate £75,000-90,000.
  • The Macallan Anniversary Malt-25-year-old-1974. Bottled in 1999 and distilled and bottled by The Macallan Distillers Ltd. Estimate: £2,500-3,500. 
  • Sherriff’s Bowmore.  Distilled and bottled by Sherriff’s Bowmore Distillery Ltd, Islay. Estimate: £800-1,000

Highlights from the Whisky sale in Paris running from 8-18 December (online) includes some of the most collectable and highly respected malts in the world from the Bowmore Distillery, famed for its iconic spirits produced during the 1960s.

  • Black Bowmore-42-year-old-1964. Estimate of €14,000-18,000
  • White Bowmore-43-year-old-1964. Estimate of €13,000-16,000
  • Gold Bowmore-44-year-old-1964. Estimate of €12,000-15,000

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest and most renowned auctioneers, offering fine art and collectables, collectors’ cars and a luxury division, which includes jewellery, designer fashion, watches, wine, and whisky. In 2021 and 2022, Bonhams made a number of important acquisitions which form the wider Bonhams network. These include: Bukowskis, Bruun Rasmussen, Bonhams Skinner and Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr.

There are 14 salerooms around the globe: UK: New Bond Street, London; Knightsbridge, London; Edinburgh. US: New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Marlborough. Hong Kong: Admiralty. France: Avenue Hoche, Paris; Rue de la Paix, Paris. Belgium: Brussels; Denmark: Copenhagen. Sweden: Stockholm and Australia: Sydney.

With a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 22 countries, Bonhams offers advice and valuation services in 60+ specialist areas.

In 2022, Bonhams held a number of important auctions and offered landmark single-owner collections, including the white glove sales of Sir Michael Caine: The Personal Collection, Sir Terence Conran: The Contents of Barton Court, Personal Property of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and The Robert & Jean-Pierre Rousset Collection of Asian Art: A Century of Collecting. Other notable single-owner sales included Style and Substance: The Collection of George and Charlotte Shultz and The Claude de Marteau Collection.

Top lots for 2022 included a 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder (Sold for US$4,185,000), a pair of blue and white octagonal candlesticks (Sold for HK$30,453,00/ US$3,911,913), La femme en rouge au fond bleu by Chaïm Soutine (Sold for £1,842,300/ US$2,236,940), and a rare emerald and diamond Cartier bracelet (Sold for US$3,240,375).

More information and highlights can be found HERE

For a full list of forthcoming auctions, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com

The Bonhams Network

Bukowskis

Established in 1870, Bukowskis is the leading auction house in the Nordic region, offering fine art and collectables from their salerooms in Stockholm and Helsinki, as well as online. During the spring 2023 fine art season, Bukowskis sold 7 of the 10 most valuable artworks in Sweden and 32 lots above one million SEK –– while their innovative digital presence attracts over one million web users every month and 200,000 app users overall. Bukowskis offer more than 70,000 lots each year across Art, Works of Art, Design, Jewelry, Watches, Asian Works of Art, Carpets, Glass & Ceramics, and Silver.

Bruun Rasmussen

From its Copenhagen saleroom and online, Bruun Rasmussen sells more than 75,000 lots each year across categories from furniture, paintings and modern design to silver, wine and collector’s items such as books, arms and armour, stamps and coins.

Bonhams Skinner

Renowned New England auction house Bonhams Skinner holds some 80 auctions a year in 20 collecting categories – including Americana, fine art, collectables and wine, and ranging from fine violins to contemporary paintings – at its salerooms in Boston and Marlborough, Massachusetts, as well as on its highly effective digital platform for online sales.

Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr

Established in 1973, Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr is famous throughout the auction world for its high-profile single-owner sales. With salerooms in Paris and Brussels, it holds auctions in more than a dozen categories, including fine art, haute couture, Asian art, collectable cars, jewellery, watches and more.


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