Archive for 2023

Ardmore Gordon & MacPhail 2003 Strath 20th Anniversary Single Cask – The Unbottling – Scotch Whisky News

Ardmore Gordon & MacPhail 2003 Strath 20th Anniversary Single Cask – The Unbottling

It’s time to release the showpiece of The Strath’s 20th Anniversary series of Single Casks – it’s from Adam’s favourite distillery and was distilled on the year our store was founded!!  

Buy this whisky now at our online store 

 

Essentials for your drinks cabinet 🥃 – The English Distillery News

PX MARKS THE SPOT “Events at The Whisky Exchange” – Scotch Whisky News

Sherry Cask Exclusives from The Whisky Exchange

PX marks the Spot

On Thursday 26 October, our own Billy Abbott will be hosting a tasting of Sherry Cask Exclusives from The Whisky Exchange at our Great Portland Street store. This tasting will feature our Lagavulin 1991 Cask of Distinction alongside some other highlights from our range of exclusives.

Billy is an award-winning drinks communicator passionate about all things whisky and this is a great way to discover more about this incredible style.

Sherry cask-aged whiskies are some of the most exciting and most celebrated of drams, and at The Whisky Exchange we are fortunate to have an incredible selection of exclusives. These range from more traditional examples which balance barley, warming spice and dried fruit, classic peat and sherry combos and more contemporary examples which are pushing the boundaries of flavour. On Thursday 26 October, Billy Abbott will be hosting a tasting at our Great Portland Street store featuring our Lagavulin 1991 Cask of Distinction to celebrate these brilliant drinks.

Book now 

The Details
Venue: The Whisky Exchange Great Portland Street
90-92 Great Portland Street
London
W1W 7NT
Date: 26 October 2023
Time: 7.30pm – 9.30pm
Price: £75

Book now

Torabhaig New Release at Inverurie Whisky Shop – Scotch Whisky News

 

 

Torabhain Allt Gleann Batch Strength

Skye’s newests distillery, Torabhaig has captured the imagination of the whisky industry with some incredible new spirit and brilliant cask maturation. The traditional Allt Gleann is one of our favourite new distillery releases, capturing the heart of island life with sweet notes and briny falvours creating a wonderful dram. The team have ramped things up somewhat with this new release, the Allt Gleann Straight from the Cask Edition.

Bottled at a natural cask strength of 61.1%, this final batch of Allt Gleann completes the current chapter of the Distillery’s Legacy Series. Aged purely in American Oak casks, previously holding Bourbon, for around 60 months, the bottle was distilled at a hefty peat level of over 78PPM, and bottled at 22.8PPM.

Torabhain Allt Gleann Batch Strength

ralfy review 998 – Glen Scotia 11yo White Port – Scotch Whisky News

Old Pulteney Reveals Second Expression within Limited Edition Coastal Series with Old Pulteney Port – Scotch Whisky News

Old Pulteney reveals second expression within limited edition Coastal Series with Old Pulteney Port

 

Old Pulteney has announced the latest expression in ‘The Coastal Series’, a collection which comprises four exciting limited-edition whiskies matured in casks from seaside locations around the world, the first launching last year.

Old Pulteney Port features Pulteney distillery’s award-winning single malt, further matured in Ruby Port Pipes and Ruby Port Barriques from the Douro Valley wine region of Northern Portugal.

The single malt expertly intertwines the coastal flavours of fruity, rich Port wine and The Maritime Malt. 

Old Pulteney Port will be available in the UK from September 27th via Old Pulteney’s website and distillery shop, before rolling out to specialist whisky retailers. 

Old Pulteney, The Maritime Malt, has announced the second expression within its limited edition Coastal Series: Old Pulteney Port.

The Coastal Series takes whisky drinkers on a voyage of exploration with cask maturations from around the world. To create the Series, Old Pulteney has partnered with spirits makers from coastal locations across the globe, further maturing its much-loved whisky in a specialist selection of casks and creating four beautifully unique, limited edition expressions that bring wonderful new coastal flavours to ‘The Maritime Malt’.

Old Pulteney Port is a wonderful marriage of flavours from two iconic spirits, both found close to the sea – single malt Scotch whisky from Wick in the Scottish Highlands, and Port from the Douro Valley of Northern Portugal. Carefully matured in second-fill ex-bourbon casks, the expression was then further matured in both hand-selected Ruby Port Pipes and Barriques, absorbing the rich flavours of the delicious, fortified wine. Like Old Pulteney, the creation of Port goes back centuries and plays a huge part in the history of its region.

The American oak casks, Ruby Port Pipes and Ruby Port Barriques come together beautifully, showcasing their coastal heritage and resulting in a stunning single malt, balanced with sweet and spicy notes and a touch of minerality, of which Old Pulteney is known for.

Old Pulteney Port emerges rose gold in colour, enticing the senses with a combination of fragrant and rich aromas. On the nose, the dried fruits are unmissable, with notes of sultanas and buttery vanilla. These make way for candied orange, marzipan cherries and cinnamon swirls on the palate. The rich fruity flavours of the Pipe and Barrique maturation complement the lightly sea-salted notes that come from the influence of the Caithness Coast, where Old Pulteney calls home.

Presented in a sleek ruby red box which reflects the deep colours of Port, the packaging features an elegant illustration of the Portuguese coast and a luxurious golden trim. Non-chilled filtered to enjoy as nature intended, Old Pulteney Port will launched on the 27th September in the UK, rolling out to specialist whisky retailers from Monday 2nd October. The European release will follow shortly after before launching in the US in 2024.

Malcolm Waring, Distillery Manager at Pulteney said: “It’s a true honour to welcome the second expression in Old Pulteney’s Coastal Series – Old Pulteney Port. A delicious balance of the rich, juicy flavours that comes from Port with the sea-saltiness that Old Pulteney is known and loved for, the result is an exceptional single malt that deserves to be savoured.

“Old Pulteney Port is a wonderful addition to our series of limited editions, shining a spotlight on another coastal region through a beautiful cask maturation, and follows from the success of our first CoastalSeries expression, Old Pulteney Pineau des Charentes, perfectly.”

The first expression of The Coastal Series, Old Pulteney Pineau des Charentes, brought flavours of the French coastline to The Maritime Malt, through the use of ex-Pineau des Charentes wine casks, which brought echoes of the iconic, sweet aperitif native to the Charente-Maritime region of France and intertwining them with the flavours of Old Pulteney. Following the success of the initial expression, Old Pulteney continues to celebrate its maritime links, with further expressions launching in 2024 and 2025.

Old Pulteney Port is available to purchase from Old Pulteney official website, The Whisky Exchange and other specialist whisky retailers at £75.

About Old Pulteney

Old Pulteney’s story, distillery, and whisky is shaped by the sea itself. The unique combination of brisk sea air and meticulous cask selection makes its flavour unlike other single malt Scotch whiskies.

The Coastal Series is a collection of whiskies that have been matured in seaside casks. The series is made up of four expressions, which will be released annually from 2022. The first expression to be launched is Old Pulteney Pineau des Charentes.

Old Pulteney will be showcasing Old Pulteney Port at Whisky Show London from 29th September – 1stOctober, followed by Whisky Live Paris from 21st to the 23rd October, for whisky lovers across Europe to sample and enjoy.

Tasting Notes

Colour: Rose gold with a peach highlight.

Nose: Rich sultana sweetness with vanilla and buttery notes, candied orange peel and hints of gingerbread. Undertones of cherries, marzipan and dark chocolate add depth and balance.

Palate: Sweet and spicy with notes of baked apples, caramelised sugar and cinnamon swirl pastries. Opens up further with vanilla custard, a touch of rose water and The Maritime Malt’s signature minerality.

Finish: The taste continues into delicate and fruity notes, warming spices and plum jam sweetness.

MICHTER’S BRINGS EAGERLY AWAITED LIMITED-EDITION WHISKIES TO THE UK – American Whiskey News

MICHTER’S BRINGS EAGERLY AWAITED LIMITED-EDITION

 WHISKIES TO THE UK

Michter’s, the renowned, award-winning American whiskey producer, is thrilled to announce the launch of two highly anticipated limited-edition releases to the UK market: 10 Year Kentucky Straight Rye and 10 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon, exclusively distributed in the market by Speciality Brands.

These sought-after whiskies mark the return of the 10 Year Bourbon after its last unveiling in 2021, while also reintroducing the 10 Year Rye following its success in July 2022.

These two whiskies are the result of over a decade of patient ageing in specially chosen, new fire-charred American white oak barrels, developing layers of rich flavour and character. The Rye showcases deep notes of vanilla and toffee, toasted almonds and cinnamon with a kick of crushed pepper, brightened by a hint of orange citrus. The Bourbon boasts a robust flavour profile, with dominant notes of dark toffee, caramel, and charred oak, rounded off beautifully with a touch of maple syrup and vanilla.

“I thought that the 10 Year Old Bourbon we are now releasing was drinking beautifully last year, but our Master Distiller Dan McKee and our Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson told me that with one more year of maturation it would be extraordinary,” stated Michter’s President Joseph J. Magliocco. “At Michter’s the goal we strive for is to produce the greatest American whiskey. We’re grateful for all the understanding and patience that our loyal Michter’s fans have shown in waiting an additional year for the release of our 10 Year Bourbon.”

Andrea Wilson, Michter’s Master of Maturation, shared her enthusiasm, says “The 10 Year Rye release is elegant, yet full of herbal and honey characters with warm spice resulting in a captivating, rich, smooth drinking experience. I am hopeful that it will bring a smile to everyone who experiences it.”

Michter’s Distillery boasts a storied history of producing traditional American whiskeys of exceptional quality. Each offering is meticulously aged to achieve peak maturity, and their portfolio includes rye, bourbon, sour mash whiskey, and American whiskey.

Michter’s 10 Year Kentucky Straight Rye (46.4$ ABV, 70cl, RRP: : £181.52) and Michter’s 10 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon (47.2% ABV, 70cl, RRP: £141.53) will be available on allocation across all channels from September onwards.

About Michter’s:

The distillery’s commitment to excellence has garnered international recognition, with Michter’s being named the Most Admired American Whiskey in a global survey conducted in October 2022. Furthermore, the prestigious Drinks International Annual Brands Report crowned Michter’s as the #1 Top Trending American Whiskey brand in January 2023.

https://michters.com/

About Speciality Brands

Speciality Brands is an award-winning, premium drinks agency representing some of the world’s finest spirits. Its portfolio is solely focused on premium spirits and includes Michter’s, Camus, Nikka, Kavalan, Cocchi, Black Tot rum and Tapatio. A dedicated team of well-respected drinks industry personalities including award-winning mixologists, top brand ambassadors, experienced account managers and marketing experts is led by Managing Director Chris Seale. The agency’s passion is delivering first class products, in-depth educational trainings and impeccable service levels to the premium on-trade and retail sectors.

https://specialitybrands.com/

PHILOS: A story of balance – Glenrothes Single Malt News

Its name is inspired by Philo of Byzantium, the Greek engineer credited with inventing the gimbal around 250 BC.  But philos is also the Greek word that tries to capture the abstract, emotive notions of cherishing, friendship and love. As such, the name Philos represents both precision and poetry.

Philos is the balance between the two.

Tradition and innovation hang in perfect balance. Philo’s gimbal and Galileo’s armillary sphere are resurrected with new purpose. A whisky laid down more than half a century ago is presented through a first-of-its kind invention, designed to protect every precious drop.

Discover more

Demijohn 1969

Almost a decade ago, as part of our ongoing cask monitoring programme, a truly exceptional cask from 1969 was identified. Rather than risk losing quality or strength, the whisky was taken from its cask and transported into glass to make sure it stayed as it was, a moment suspended in time.

Described by our Master Whisky Maker as a “unicorn whisky” – one that stops you in your tracks, then haunts you with the knowledge you will never see it again. There is an undeniable aura of magic surrounding Demijohn 1969.

Scottish Whisky Awards “Isle of Raasay Distillery Of The Year Release” – Scotch Whisky News

Scottish Whisky Awards in 2022 where they were crowned the Distillery of the Year.

Distillery Of The Year Release

This whisky was created using unpeated spirit matured in ex-Four Roses bourbon casks before a second maturation in Quercus humboldtii oak. It offers delicious notes of vanilla and butterscotch with a long finish of crème brûlée.

Shop now

Richard Paterson – “The Cask is King” – Scotch Whisky News

The Cask is King

As Richard Paterson says, you will know that a famous line he emphasis in all of his tastings, is that “The Cask is King”. With this in mind, Richard travelled to Bodega San Andres in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, to visit his long term friends there, and assess their decadent sherry casks to finish his and Ian’s second release for Wolfcraig.

The Wolfcraig 14 Year Old Deluxe Blend
– Triple Sherry Cask Finish – 

After maturing the whisky in freshly filled ex bourbon barrels, Richard and Ian agreed on utilising the rich and distinct characters of three different types of sherry cask to craft a luxurious finish for their 14 Year Old release.

From the Amontillado casks we find dried fruits, tobacco and a range of nutty flavours. From Pedro Ximénez Oloroso casks we find intense raisiny, slightly dusty smokiness, rich fruitcake and dark chocolate. From the Moscatel casks we find dessert wine characteristics, some sweet citrusy flavours, candy floss and marmalade.

Enjoy the full tasting notes

After allowing all of these wonderful sherry characteristics to influence the whisky, Richard and Ian married them together in varying levels to shape the profile that they desired. Finally resulting in a totally unique Wolfcraig release with a rich and intense character.

Learn more about this latest release

If you are looking to gain priority access and discounts on every release going forward, check out our newly launching Luna Membership here.

Slainte mhath to raising a dram of this outstanding whisky,

The Wolfcraig Team


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