Archive for 2023

Why Whiskies Like This Glendronach Are To Thank For The Creation of Signatory Vintage – Scotch Whisky News

Why Whiskies Like This Glendronach Are To Thank For The Creation of Signatory Vintage 

Prestonfield House Hotel in Edinburgh and the independent bottler, Signatory Vintage, have an interesting, shared history. 

This Glendronach 1970 18 Year Old Prestonfield House may be, in part, to thank for the creation of one of the most iconic independent bottlers in the Scotch whisky industry.

Prestonfield House Hotel is a 5-star luxury hotel in the heart of Edinburgh and has intrinsic links to Signatory Vintage through the founder of the independent bottling company, Andrew Symington. Symington worked at Prestonfield House as the Assistant Manager in the 1980s, when the hotel had a number of single malt whiskies bottled especially for the hotel and its exclusive clientele.

In the 1980s, single malt, single cask whiskies were not the done thing, and were relatively uncommon. As such, the Prestonfield House bottlings were something of an innovation, and allowed the hotel to offer something select for their guests. With the help of Andrew Symington, Prestonfield House bottled some incredible cask strength whiskies, and Symington found a new passion. Soon after, Signatory Vintage was established.

Since its inception in 1988, Signatory Vintage has bottled some very impressive whiskies including this stunning Rosebank 1960 32 Year OId and a 1967 30 Year Old Ardbeg matured in an Oloroso butt.

In 2023, Mark Littler Limited was contacted by a private client who was lucky enough to own one of the bottlings that started it all. This Glendronach 1970 18 Year Old was bottled for Prestonfield House in the same year that Signatory Vintage was born, elegantly tying together the history of the two companies. The whisky was bottled from casks 542-558 and is bottle number 2142 of a limited edition.

If you are a fan of Signatory Vintage, then this bottle truly is a piece of Scotch whisky history. Who knows, without bottlings such as this, would Signatory Vintage exist at all?

BUY NOW: Glendonach 1970 18 Year Old Prestonfield House 

About Mark Littler Limited

Mark Littler is an independent whisky broker, market analyst and consultant with over a decade of experience in the industry. Each week he publishes new videos on his YouTube channel about topics such as cask investment fraud (and how to avoid it), the history of distilleries and bottles, debunking whisky investment myths and much more. For more information visit www.marklittler.com

If you are interested in the Glendronach 1970 18 Year Old Prestonfield House, or would like to chat to one of the team about our other services, please get in touch.

Email: whisky@marklittler.com

Telephone: 01260 218 718

A Highly Allocated Anniversary Edition from a NorCal Spirits Pioneer – K&L California Whiskey News

Collectible Whiskey at One-Time Pricing
St. George “40th Anniversary Edition” Single Malt Whiskey (750ml) (Elsewhere $585) ($399.99)

We’ve always had a strong affinity for everything that this beloved NorCal distillery produces. Today we’re featuring this anniversary single malt at one-time pricing for our spirits Insiders. In addition, we also have a limited number of St. George Single Malt Collector’s Packs containing this special anniversary edition, plus one bottle each of Lot 20, 21, 22, and the excellent Baller Single Malt. In one fell swoop, you can knock out several years’ worth of collecting!

Item Name Retail Link
St. George “40th Anniversary Edition” Single Malt Whiskey (750ml) (Elsewhere $585) $399.99 View
St. George Single Malt Collector’s Pack (5x750ml) (Previously $800) $699.99 View

St. George “40th Anniversary Edition” Single Malt Whiskey (750ml) (Elsewhere $585) ($399.99)

K&L Notes: When St. George Distillery opened up shop in Alameda in 1982, there was no intention to spearhead a craft whiskey boom in the United States, but that’s exactly what transpired over the next 40 years. Since then, founder Jörg Rupf’s visionary project has brought us everything from best-selling gins and vodkas to award-winning whiskeys. In celebration of four decades of excellence in the California craft spirits scene, they’ve turned out a highly limited 40th anniversary single malt that’s unlike anything else you’ll find in American whiskey.

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

The Art of Ardray 🥃 – The Whisky Exchange News

A BLEND OF TRADITION:
ARDRAY BLENDED SCOTCH WHISKY

A century ago, Shinjiro Torii set out to create a complex whisky inspired by those made in Scotland but with a distinctly Japanese character. Laying down roots in Yamazaki, Suntory Whisky was born and so was a tradition of dedication, passion and innovation in flavour.

The latest product of this legacy is Ardray, a blended whisky that is shaped by Scotland’s rugged landscape and refined by the precision and skill of Suntory’s blending team. Made with malt and grain whiskies from all across Scotland – from the Highlands to the Islands – Ardray is a harmonious medley of flavours that balances fruity, malty, spicy and smoky elements.

SHOP NOW

ralfy review 1,000 (1/5) – Return To Springbank. – Scotch Whisky News

The Dalmore unveils the first in a four-year programme of rare whisky collections – Scotch Whisky News

The Dalmore unveils the first in

a four-year programme of rare whisky collections 

The Cask Curation Series Sherry Edition marks the first release in a series

celebrating The Dalmore’s whisky making artistry and the role exquisite casks

play in the creation of the iconic Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Dalmore Distillery, Scotland

October 2023. The Dalmore’s Cask Curation Series will feature celebrated makers and their partnerships with The Dalmore. The 2023 release – The Sherry Edition – features renowned fifth-generation winemakers González Byass, of Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. Each set in the collection comprises three exceptional aged-statement whiskies finished in the finest of González Byass casks, available exclusively to the whisky makers of The Dalmore.

Strictly limited to just 150 sets worldwide, The Sherry Collection is beautifully presented in a bespoke leather-finished travel case hand-crafted in Florence, Italy – perfectly framing the trio of new expressions. Each age-statement whisky is housed in the iconic Dalmore bottle adorned with a matching collar;

  • The 26 Year Old, finished in rare González Byass 2002 Vintage, Cask No.4
  • The 28 Year Old, finished in very rare González Byass 30 Year Old Matusalem Sherry Cask
  • The 43 Year Old, finished in very rare González Byass 30 Year Old Apostoles Sherry Cask

Each expression in the collection represents The Dalmore Single Malt finished in González Byass Sherry Casks in its purist form; natural colour, non-chill-filtered, and cask-strength.

97 years of whisky making artistry are captured in this collection, created at The Dalmore Distillery, Scotland, by Master Whisky Makers Gregg Glass and Richard Paterson OBE. The Sherry Edition celebrates The Dalmore’s century-old exclusive partnership with the finest winemakers of Jerez de la Frontera – González Byass. This fifth-generation winery is led today by Master Winemaker Antonio Flores, and his daughter Silvia Flores.

González Byass bodega exterior

The four master makers of Spain and Scotland, each at the top of their craft, inherit a time-honoured collaboration between the two noble houses of wine and whisky making. The Sherry Edition is an expression of the whisky making artistry of this truly special relationship between The Dalmore and González Byass. The collection encapsulates their shared pursuit of the perfect composition.

The Sherry Edition story is born on the vine in sun-drenched Andalucia, a tale of the finest winemaking in a place whose character is shaped by the Easterly Mediterranean breeze and Atlantic winds from the West. Sherry wine is laid down here to develop its character over time, alive as it serpentines from cask to cask.

Each Sherry cask resides in a magnificent bodega, a spiritual place with a unique impression of peace, light, and space. On their regular visits to these hallowed winemaking spaces, The Dalmore’s whisky makers pick out those casks with the perfect potential for maturing whisky. Each cask has already lived a lifetime under the watchful eye of the winemakers at González Byass, before being selected for their new role as vessels for the finest Single Malt Scotch at The Dalmore. The Sherry Edition features three whiskies which have enjoyed a cask maturation between them of 80 years drenched in González Byass wines.

The curation of exquisite casks is intrinsic to the whisky making artistry for which The Dalmore has become world renowned. The Dalmore distillery was established to create a Single Malt like no other, leading to the pioneering of multi-cask maturation in 1868. Led today by Gregg Glass and Richard Paterson OBE, The Dalmore is home to an unbroken chain of visionary whisky makers, curating the rarest of casks in pursuit of creating truly exceptional whisky.

The Dalmore distillery’s collection of idiosyncratic stills creates a New Make spirit of unique character and depth – robust and fruity, particularly well-suited to longer and more complex maturation. This allows The Dalmore whisky makers to develop spirit over longer periods, and inspires them to seek out the finest and rarest casks from the world’s greatest vineyards and bodegas. Each of these exquisite casks offers unique potential, its characteristics influencing the personality of the Single Malt as it quietly matures over the months, years, and decades.

This collection is the first chapter. In 2024 the second release in The Dalmore Cask Curation Series will shine a light on the influence Port pipes have on the spirit, and celebrate our partnership with a famous Port wine maker. The third release arrives in 2025, followed by the fourth and final release concluding the series in 2026. Each release will celebrate The Dalmore’s exclusive relationships with the world’s finest makers of wine and spirits.

The Dalmore Cask Curation Series – The Sherry Edition is a story of the unique potential for whisky maturation offered by rare González Byass casks. The Sherry Edition, launches 3rd October, and is available worldwide in select outlets.

For more information: www.thedalmore.com/

About Cask Curation Collection: Sherry Edition

26YO Vintage Sherry Finish   

Cask strength, natural colour and non-chill filtered 

“This cask is a true reflection of the natural beauty, balance and charm that The Dalmore offers.  A one-off expression that radiates with a myriad of exotic flavour experiences with sensory evolutions unique to and within our house style. It is an expression of our cask curation at its finest” Gregg Glass, Master Whisky Maker​

The 26 Year Old Vintage Sherry Finish is matured in American white oak ex-Bourbon casks and finished in Cask #4 – a 2002 Vintage Sherry Cask

26YO / 1996 / ABV 48.2%

THE AROMA

Orange blossom honey, apricot, Madagascan vanilla, and cacao

ON THE PALATE

Golden raisins, mandarin citrus, iced cherry cake, and sugared almonds

FINISHING NOTES

Fresh baked brioche, light roasted coffee, crystalised ginger, and warm vanilla  

28YO Matusalem Finish  

Cask strength, natural colour and non-chill filtered

“A melody of flavours brought together in pure harmony through the classic influence of our renowned 30 Years Old Matusalem Oloroso Sherry butts – the result is a treasure chest of pure liquid gold.” Richard Paterson OBE, Master Blender​​

The 28 Year Old Matusalem Finish Matured in American white oak ex-Bourbon casks and finished in Cask #73 – a very rare 30 Year old Matusalem Sherry Cask

28YO / 1994 / ABV 55.3%

THE AROMA

Rich dark fruits, Manuka honey, liquorice, sweet tobacco, and star fruit

ON THE PALATE

Antique Sherry-soaked raisins, Old English marmalade, marzipan, and liquorice

FINISHING NOTES

Waves of dark cherries, molasses, dark chocolate, and cassia bark

43YO Apostoles Finish   

Cask strength, natural colour and non-chill filtered 

“The Dalmore 43 Year Old is a timeless classic. This noble spirit was nurtured and finished over many years, creating an unsurpassed journey of pure charm and sophistication.” 

Richard Paterson & Gregg Glass

The 43 YO Apostoles Finish is matured in American white oak ex-Bourbon casks and finished in Cask #1 – a very rare 30 Year Old Apostoles Sherry Cask

43YO / 1979 / ABV 46.8%                                   

THE AROMA

Warm honey, roasted chestnuts, sun-kissed raisins, and Seville orange

ON THE PALATE

Sweet Madagascan vanilla, dark forest fruits, crushed almonds, and dark chocolate

FINISHING NOTES

Fresh baked brioche, grilled pineapple, and blood orange with a long sweet cinnamon finish  

Pricing (per set)

$37,500 £30,000 €35,500

About The Dalmore:

Founded in 1839 on the banks of the Cromarty Firth in the Scottish Highlands, the Dalmore has been making masterpieces of whisky for over 180 years.

The 12-point silver stag which proudly adorns each bottle was bestowed upon the first chieftain of Clan Mackenzie in 1263 by King Alexander III of Scotland. The stag became the whisky’s emblem when descendants of the clan took over the distillery in 1878.

The Dalmore distillery’s collection of idiosyncratic stills creates a New Make spirit of unique character and depth – robust and fruity, particularly well-suited to longer and more complex maturation. This allows renowned Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass and his team to develop spirit over longer periods, continuing a tradition of visionary whisky-making as they fully express their art using rare casks from some of the world’s finest wineries and bodegas.

About González Byass: 

It was 1835 when a youthful Manuel María González Ángel embarked on a long career in the world of wine. Tradition, innovation, sustainability, and the search for excellence are his legacy.

The young entrepreneur Manuel María González started his career in the world of a wine as a trader, working with Juan Bautista Dubosc and Francisco Gutiérrez de Agüera. However, his company grew successfully so quickly that he soon deemed it necessary to become involved in production too. He did so with the help of his maternal uncle, José Ángel, nicknamed ‘Tio Pepe’, who taught him everything he knew. He named the very first solera “Tío Pepe’s Solera” in his honour. This was the origin of the world’s most famous Fino, which in 1854, just 20 years later, became one of the leading players in and first exporter of Sherry, a privileged position that it would keep for a long time.

The first bottles of Tío Pepe were sent to the United Kingdom on the advice of Robert Blake Byass, the company’s agent in England, to whom Manuel María sent a letter with the recommendation of selling an “exceptionally pale” wine. The successful uptake of the wine led the two businessmen to form a partnership to promote exports, and the González Byass name was born.

This period saw the construction of La Constancia winery, the first winery in Jerez, which has been followed by the acquisition of others, both in Spain and internationally. Today, the 5th generation of still run it as a family business and spread their passion for wine to more than 100 countries all over the world.

At González Byass we have stayed true to our roots whilst also moving forward to offer the best wines and spirits all over the world. This commitment has seen us grow to 14 wineries in Spain, Chile, and Mexico, as well as producing a range of prominent spirits.

In recent years we have purchased Veramonte in Chile, Pedro Domecq in Mexico, and our latest acquisition, Dominio Fournier, in the heart of the Ribera del Duero. Over this period we have increased the spirits family through the creation of our premium gin ranges, The London Nº 1 and MOM, and Nomad, our whisky made and aged in Scotland and finished in Jerez.

KNOB CREEK® BOURBON PARTNERS WITH SMITHEY IRONWARE® TO RELEASE A LIMITED EDITION CAST IRON SKILLET IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS – Holiday Whiskey News

KNOB CREEK® BOURBON PARTNERS WITH SMITHEY IRONWARE® TO RELEASE A LIMITED EDITION CAST IRON SKILLET IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

 Honoring the brands’ shared commitment to the art of craftsmanship, the Knob Creek x Smithey 18x Seasoned Limited Edition Cast Iron Skillet Set celebrates the re-release of Knob Creek® 18 Year Old Bourbon

 

CLERMONT, KY – October 20, 2023 – Knob Creek®, a leader in the Small Batch Bourbon category, announces a partnership with Smithey Ironware, premium manufacturer of artisanal cookware, to create a limited edition high-quality cast iron skillet. To celebrate the re-release of Knob Creek 18 Year Old Bourbon, the skillet is seasoned 18 times, 15 times more than Smithey’s traditional skillets, creating a naturally non-stick cast iron with a rich, deep copper color and easy-to-clean finish.

“Knob Creek fans appreciate the quality of intentional workmanship, and we’re excited to re-release our extra-aged Knob Creek 18 Year Old for a limited time,” said Seventh Generation Master Distiller Fred Noe. “The partnership between Knob Creek and Smithey Ironware came from the passion that both brands have for the details, whether it’s with cooking or in a fine glass of bourbon. With this special 18x seasoned cast iron skillet, we were able to come together and create a product that celebrates those fine details, alongside the re-release of Knob Creek’s oldest release to date.”

Savoring the aging process, Knob Creek transforms as it matures in its oak barrels and a cast iron’s performance improves as layers of seasoning build with each use. Aged twice as long as its flagship bourbon, Knob Creek 18 Year Old is a complex yet balanced bourbon with deep flavors of caramelized oak and sweet vanilla with a warm finish. Just like the deep flavors that are developed when cooking with a cast iron skillet, Knob Creek 18 Year Old has exceptional full flavor.

“The partnership between Knob Creek and Smithey came together seamlessly. Both brands stand on the pillar of detailed craftsmanship, so creating a product together that demonstrates that was only right,” said Smithey Ironware Founder, Isaac Morton. “We’re excited to offer this exclusive cast iron skillet to compliment the 18 years that Knob Creek’s expertly aged limited edition bourbon, and we know culinary and bourbon fans alike will really appreciate what we’ve designed together.”

For home cooks and bourbon aficionados, Knob Creek and Smithey Ironware worked with Brian Landry, Executive Chef The Kitchen Table, QED Hospitality, to create three unique recipes with the 18x seasoned cast iron skillet in mind. Each dish incorporates Knob Creek expressions as an integral ingredient and highlights the whiskey’s robust flavors, giving fans the opportunity to experience the ultimate sipping and savoring experience. These recipes will be available with purchase of the Knob Creek x Smithey Cast Iron Skillet Set at https://smithey.com/products/knob-creek-x-smithey-18x-seasoned-cast-iron-skillet-set.

For those looking to experience artisanal craftsmanship, the Knob Creek x Smithey 18x Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet Set is here just in time for the holidays. Starting on October 20, the set will be available in limited quantities at https://smithey.com/products/knob-creek-x-smithey-18x-seasoned-cast-iron-skillet-set, for $300.00. Each set features the limited edition 12-inch 18x seasoned cast iron skillet, two custom Clayton & Crume leather coasters and Knob Creek-inspired recipes. Knob Creek 18 Year Old is also available in limited quantities at nationwide retailers with an SRP of $169.99 for a 750mL bottle.

About Knob Creek® Bourbon

Knob Creek has set the standard for super-premium whiskey for three decades by crafting extraordinary full- flavored bourbon with a rich taste. Knob Creek bourbons and ryes are patiently aged to perfection in new, maximum charred American Oak barrels to impart the biggest and fullest flavor on our whiskey. No matter the expression, Knob Creek is crafted without shortcuts and embodies the pre-Prohibition style that founding distiller Booker Noe created in 1992. Since then, Knob Creek has lived up to such standards with the introduction of Knob Creek Straight Rye Whiskey in 2012, and later on, Knob Creek Single Barrel Select Rye Whiskey. In recent years, Knob Creek announced the permanent addition of Knob Creek 12 Year Old Bourbon to its portfolio, launched two limited releases, Knob Creek 15 Year Old Bourbon and Knob Creek 18 Year Old Bourbon, and announced the addition of an age statement to its flagship rye whiskey, Knob Creek 7 Year Old Rye Whiskey. 

About Beam Suntory

As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires the brilliance of life by delivering great consumer experiences through its world-class portfolio of brands.  Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam®, Maker’s Mark®, Basil Hayden® and Knob Creek® bourbons; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Teacher’s, Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Beam Suntory also produces leading brands such as Courvoisier® cognac, Tres Generaciones®, El Tesoro® and Hornitos® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, Canadian Club® whisky, and is a world leader in ready-to-drink cocktails, with brands like -196 and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in more than 30 countries, one of Beam Suntory’s core values is Growing for Good and through its Proof Positive sustainability strategy, the company has committed to ambitious goals and investments to promote environmental sustainability in its operations, ensure the company has a positive impact on the communities where employees live and work, and programs to educate and inform consumers to make the right personal choices about drinking. Headquartered in New York City, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com. 

About Smithey Ironware

Smithey Ironware Company crafts premium quality cast iron and carbon steel cookware in the USA. Smithey makes cookware that is as beautiful as it is functional with smooth interior surfaces that are naturally non-stick and easy to clean. Every Smithey is designed to become a family heirloom and will last lifetimes.

Knob Creek® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 50% Alc./vol. ©2023 James B. Beam Distilling Company, Clermont KY.

The Grand Whisky Auction October 2023 Auction ENDS TODAY! – Auction Whisky News

The Grand Whisky Auction ENDS TODAY!

There are 2600+ lots to browse and bid on this month with one of the highlights being Ben Nevis Butt!

Interested in selling whisky in our next auction?

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

Dailuaine 25 Years Old Mission Gold Aberdeen Whisky Shop Exclusive – Scotch Whisky News

Dailuaine 25 Years Old Mission Gold Aberdeen Whisky Shop Exclusive

This unique malt was bottled exclusively for our shop. Distilled in 1997 at Dailuaine Distillery, known for its oily, orchard fruit-filled spirit and aged in a bourbon hogshead for two decades before finishing in a compact bourbon cask from Koval Distillery.  This is an unprecedented example of Koval cask maturation. Never before has an older single malt rested for so long in those small casks. Nearly six years in the bourbon cask resulted in a wonderful balance between elegant old spirit and vibrant American oak.  Bottled by Murray McDavid at natural cask strength without chill-filtration or artificial colouring.

NOSE Poached pears, grilled apple and baking spice.

PALATE Green orchard fruit, fresh nuts and mellow oak.

FINISH Warming malt, herbal, gentle sweet spice.

Only 137 bottles were produced.

£180.00

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Hard To Find Whisky “New Release: Glenmorangie – A Tale of Tokyo”- Single Malt Scotch Whisky

A TALE OF TOKYO

70cl | 46% ABV

A Whisky born out of Master Distiller Dr Bill Lumsden’s obsession for the culture, fashion and food of Japan. The contradictory and multi-faceted nature of Tokyo inspired Dr Bill to reflect it into a Whisky.

After a decade of searching, Dr Bill finally managed to source some casks from one of Japan’s most sought-after trees, Mizunara oak. The result is a Whisky designed to bottle some of the wonders of Tokyo – multi-faceted, contradictory and always surprising!

Aged in Mizunara, Bourbon and Sherry casks. Dr Bill says: “This liquid is crazy. Its flavour notes are insane, dissonant and impenetrable.”

£74.95

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TASTING NOTES:

NOSE
Pungent and herbal, with hints of incense and toffee, along with a curious herbal top-note, like saddle-soap or beeswax, followed by wood resin and a touch of cedar wood.

TASTE
A peppery mouthfeel leads into the flavour of chewy oak, fennel or vetiver root, ground white pepper, tangy oranges, bitter cherries, almond and wood resin.

Redacted (Thompson) “SRV5” and “TB/BSW” Blended Malt Scotch Whiskies at K&L California – Scotch Whisky News

Redacted (Thompson) Bros 8 Year Old “SRV5” Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $49.99 View

Redacted (Thompson) Bros 6 Year Old “TB/BSW” Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $54.99 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


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