CHIVAS BROTHERS HOSTS OVER 130 INDUSTRY PEERS AT GLENTAUCHERS DISTILLERY ‘OPEN HOUSE’, SHARING ITS CARBON-CUTTING SUCCESS

Chivas Brothers, the Pernod Ricard business dedicated to Scotch whisky, has opened the doors of its Glentauchers distillery to the wider spirits industry to share its successful implementation of heat recovery technology at the company site.

The two-day Open House event (31^st October – 1^st November) took place after the Scotch distiller made the design and implementation findings of this technology open source in July, inviting other players in the industry to learn from its journey to net zero. In the pursuit of a collaborative effort, more than 130 industry peers spanning sustainability, manufacturing and engineering roles from distilleries large and small attended the event.

Participants learnt about the deployment of heat recovery technology at Glentauchers distillery to capture and recycle the heat generated in distillation that would otherwise go to waste, as well as its potential to reduce energy and save carbon emissions.

Glentauchers distillery, located near Keith in Speyside, recently reduced its total energy consumption within the distillation process by almost half (48%), and decreased the site’s total carbon emissions by 53%, following the successful implementation of Mechanical Vapour Recompression (MVR) and Thermo Vapour Recompression (TVR).

Chivas Brothers estimates that if applied by the wider industry’s malt distilleries alone, these technologies could equate to a saving of some 1,756Gwh per year – enough to power 605,000 average homes for a year, more than the number in Edinburgh and Aberdeen combined.

Commenting on the Glentauchers Open House event, Brian MacAulay, Malt Distilling & Operations Director at Chivas Brothers, said:

“Meeting so many people from across the industry facilitated discussions about the ways in which we can learn and evolve to benefit each other, the industry at large, and of course reduce our impact on the planet. Although not every distillery will be able to implement heat recovery technologies, they have huge potential to accelerate our collective journey to net zero. As a business, we’re committed to opening up to shape the future of whisky; industry collaboration will be vital in creating a sustainable home for Scotch in the years to come.”

Chivas Brothers is committed to achieving carbon neutral distillation by the end of 2026. The business most recently announced £60 million in planned investment over the next three years to accelerate the roll-out of MVR across its distilleries.

This article appears here well after the original publication date and as a matter of interest.

Our 153rd auction is ticking along nicely but will soon be approaching the end point, so time to get those bids in.  Here are a few more highlights in this month which you might have missed to help you in your search.

Macallan 1950 Exceptional Cask #13 2018 Release

One of the finest bottles in the series this is the Macallan 1950 Exceptional Cask #13 2018 Release.  An expression of unbridled class and exclusivity the whisky contained herein was distilled in 1950 and sat patiently maturing in a 1st fill sherry butt for north of six decades before finally being bottled in 2018.  One of only 336 bottles in the release this whisky has few peers, even within the hallowed territory of the widely respected Macallan Exceptional Cask series.

Daftmill 2005 Inaugural Release

From one of the new upstarts in the whisky industry this is the Daftmill 2005 Inaugural Release.  Daftmill have been making waves with their light and airy lowland whiskies and this is the one which started it all.  Given that Daftmill is a working farm distillery it produces precious few casks of whisky per year which only adds to the rarity of this inaugural release.  One of 629 bottles released this a chance to own a little piece of lowland whisky history.

Macallan 52 Year Old 2018 Release

Now this one really is a bit special, this is the Macallan 52 Year Old 2018 Release.  A wonderfully rare single malt this bottling was released in 2018 to a much deserved fanfare.  With over five decades of maturation this delightful dram has undoubtedly been imparted with tremendous character from the ancient sherry wood it has rested in for all those years.  One of only 250 bottles released this one is as rare as they come and comes hand-signed by Macallan whisky maker Sarah Burgess.

Glenfarclas 1954 Family Cask #1253

Finally we have another cracker from a Speyside giant, this is the Glenfarclas 1954 Family Cask #1253.   Distilled almost seventy years ago this delicious looking whisky was matured for almost six decades in a single sherry butt before finally being bottled in 2013.  The Family Cask line from Glenfarclas has produced some truly astounding drams over the years and this beauty is right up there with the best of them.  One of only 424 bottles produced this fabulous rarity would sit pride of place in even the finest of collections.We still only charge 10% buyers commission and zero sellers commission, so for buying and selling bottles this is the place.

We still have plenty of time left in the auction but now is definitely the time to get moving picking out your own personal favourites and making bids.  Best of luck to everyone in the auction, and as always………..don’t lose your bottle.

The perfect sweet whisky pairings

Exploring whisky pairings extends beyond traditional boundaries, delving into a realm of where flavours, both bold and subtle, meet. This Mother’s Day, our focus is on pairing the complex and nuanced profiles of whisky with a variety of sweets. This isn’t about adhering to stereotypes or assuming preferences; it’s about celebrating the diversity of whisky and matching with sweet delights. Simply creating signature moments with loved ones.

SIGNATURE SINGLE MALT WHISKY

This whisky’s maturation in highly active STR (Shaved, Toasted, and Re-charred) ex-red wine barriques imparts rich and bold fruity notes. These flavours align seamlessly with the vanilla and lemon brioche.

Signature boasts vanilla undertones, which resonate with the sweet, buttery essence of brioche. The vanilla’s warmth complements the pastry’s delicate crumb, enhancing both elements.

The lemon brioche introduces a zesty twist. Its bright lemony notes dance alongside the whisky’s complexity, adding a refreshing layer. Imagine sipping the whisky and taking a bite of the brioche—the interplay of flavours dance beautifully on your palate.

SHOP FOR SIGNATURE MALT WHISKY

FOUNDER’S CHOICE SINGLE MALT WHISKY

Founder’s Choice Single Malt Whisky boasts rich and intense flavours. Its maturation in highly active STR casks, designed by the late Dr. Jim Swan, imparts delightful notes of toffee, chocolate, and red fruits.

The whisky’s toffee and chocolate notes resonate with the croissant’s buttery layers and cocoa richness. The croissant’s flaky, melt-in-your-mouth texture complements the creamy, rich flavours.

SHOP FOR FOUNDER’S CHOICE

PEATED CASK SINGLE MALT WHISKY

The robust, smoky character of peated whiskies, reminiscent of bonfires and coastal breezes, finds a harmonious companion in the deep, bittersweet notes of dark chocolate.

The notes of Cotswolds Peated Cask Single Malt Whisky stand up boldly to the richness of dark chocolate. As you sip the whisky, its earthy, smoky undertones intertwine with the cocoa’s complexity, creating an intense flavour combination.

The whisky’s warmth and depth contrast beautifully with the chocolate’s bitterness. The slight sweetness of the Dark Chocolate Torte tempers the whisky’s peatiness, resulting in a balanced experience on the palate.

So, as you raise your glass and indulge in that velvety slice of Dark Chocolate Torte, let the Cotswolds Peated Whisky envelop your senses. A double delight.

SHOP FOR PEATED CASK

We are thrilled to announce that Savona Communications has been named the US agency of record to represent Hatozaki Whisky, produced at the Kaikyō Distillery, located on the coast of the Seto inland sea in Hyogo, Japan.

Hatozaki is named for the Hatozaki Lighthouse sitting on the bay of coastline near the distillery. It is the oldest stone lighthouse in Japan, built in 1657, and serves as the namesake and inspiration for the whisky – a beacon of welcoming to all who visit and taste Hatozaki. The maritime climate and seaside terroir are ideal conditions for fine whisky maturing.

Master Distiller Kimio Yonezawa is a 4^th generation family distiller from a long line of shochu distillers since 1917. In 2017 he began producing Hatozaki whisky to honor the centennial of his family’s distillery and to carry on the tradition of Japanese distilling to a dynamic, evolving category he is most passionate about – whisky.

The Hatozaki whisky portfolio includes two permanent expressions and a line of Limited Edition expressions, including the Hatozaki “Omakase” whiskies – hand selected by Yonezawa-san to create unique cask finishes that have included Mizunara, Sakura and other Japanese oak influence.

CORE RANGE

Hatozaki Finest Whisky ($45.99 a 750-ml. bottle, 40% abv)

A blend of premium malt whiskies aged for up to 12 years in oak barrels, yielding an approachable, lightly colored blend with a rich malt whisky backbone. Cereal notes and a light sweetness allow for the whisky to be ideal for highballs or sipped neat or with ice.  

Hatozaki Small Batch Whisky ($65.99 a 750-ml. bottle, 46% abv)

A vatting of 100% malt whiskies aged in imported bourbon casks, imported sherry casks and native Mizunara oak barrels, yielding a rich profile of sweet cereals and malty dried fruit, with a light touch of smoke and honey on the finish.

Hatozaki represents a new wave of Japanese producers that are combining the unique heritage of Japanese hospitality, precision and blending technique with new territories of spirit innovation for exciting results for whisky lovers and novices alike.

Stay tuned for news, limited edition releases, and more to come from this exciting Japanese spirit.

www.hatozakiwhisky.com

@hatozakiwhisky

We are live!

Browse our listings to bag a bottle worth bragging about!
Bid now!

Auction closes from 8pm (GMT) Tuesday 12th Match  

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Highland Park – 30 Years Old

The Highland Park 30 year old deserves your time and consideration. Having matured for three decades, treat it with reverence, and you’ll encounter its distinctive fudge sweetness intertwined with intricate aromatic spices and notes of dark chocolate orange. The experience concludes with a drying finish, leaving behind a subtle smoky essence and a mildly salty aftertaste, a testament to its 30 years of aging in the embrace of Orkney sea spray.

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LOST IN TIME
SINGLE CASK SERIES

There are millions of casks of whisky maturing in warehouses across Scotland. Many are destined to become part of signature single malts or fine blended whiskies, while others are left to mature indefinitely, lost in time as they await their destiny. This collection contains eight single cask whiskies, each one bottled at a point where distillery character and the influence of ageing are in perfect balance.

These eight casks, selected by Chivas Brothers and The Whisky Exchange, showcase some of Speyside’s great distilleries. As casks filled before the great single malt boom of the early 2000s become increasingly scarce, we are proud to offer a snapshot of these Speyside distilleries at the turn of the millennium.

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The Single Cask Benrinnes 10 Year Old

£91.34 / $96* / c$130* / €89*

Benrinnes 10 Year Old 2012 Speyside single malt Scotch whisky. Single First Fill Ruby Port Wine Barrel #313795F bottled 2022 by The Single Cask. 65 numbered bottles. 2012 vintage single ruby port cask selected for the Connections series. Just 65 bottles.

A Celebration of the Deliciousness of Grain Whisky

Last week, Hedonism 2024 – the first of its kind in a series of limited annual releases – was unveiled to the world.

As the calibre of whiskies we need for Hedonism have grown ever harder to find, we’ll be releasing a limited number of bottles each year. In the 2024 release where we’ve utilised the last of our stocks of grain whiskies distilled in the 1990s, a period when some of the distilleries featured still used maize in their mashes.

Order today to secure your own bottle of Hedonism 2024

“Recognisably Hedonism, this is quite a gorgeous whisky.”

Whisky Advocate

Tasting Notes

Enjoy a complex array of patisserie aromas, with exotic vanilla and clove-infused caramel. Layers of creamy custard arrive on the palate, with accents of honey and mascarpone. A delicate citrus accent appears on the finish.

Serving Recommendations 

Ideal enjoyed neat and slightly chilled. Alternatively, add an ice cube or splash of water and serve in a large wine glass. Works both before and following a meal.

Technical Details
Bottled at 43% ABV.
Natural colour.
Not chill-filtered.
A limited release of 7,746 bottles.
February 2024.

Lead Whiskymakers
John Glaser & James Saxon

BUY HEDONISM 2024

Glenglassaugh 12 – The Unbottling & Tasting Announcement

The wait is over here in BC for fellow lovers of Glenglassaugh! The 12 has landed, and Adam is overcome with joy. Come and taste it with him and a room full of other whisky enthusiasts at The Whisky Arrival Showcase or pick up a bottle now instore or online – links below.

Whisky Arrival Showcase

Glenglassaugh 12 Year Old

Lux Row Distillers introduces Rebel 100 6-Year Bourbon

Handcrafted from Rebel’s traditional wheated mash bill, new extra-aged bourbon boasts a full flavor and smooth finish

ST. LOUIS (March 7, 2024) – Lux Row Distillers announced the introduction of Rebel 100 6-Year Bourbon, handcrafted according to the original, time-honored wheated recipe since 1849. The new addition will be available nationwide later this month at a suggested retail price of $59.99 per 750 ml bottle.

Rebel 100 6-Year Bourbon champions authenticity while defying uniformity. Bottled at six years and 100 proof (50% ABV), the golden amber bourbon features an aroma containing rich scents of vanilla and honey; a palate of dark fruits followed by citrus and oak; and a velvety smooth finish with just a hint of spice.

“Rebel 100 6-Year demonstrates that age is never a bad thing,” said Lux Row Distillers Master Distiller John Rempe. “The combination of spotlighting our original recipe and aging it for six years resulted in a rich and rebellious, full flavor bourbon that I think will resonate with consumers. Six years is a long time to wait, but the wait was worth it.”

About Luxco

Founded in St. Louis in 1958 by the Lux Family, Luxco is a leading producer, supplier, importer and bottler of beverage alcohol products. Our mission is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of consumers, associates and business partners. Merged with MGP Ingredients, Inc. in 2021 (Nasdaq: MGPI), Luxco operates as MGP’s Brands Division and manages all MGP/Luxco brands. This extensive and award-winning spirits portfolio includes well-known brands from four distilleries: Bardstown, Kentucky-based Lux Row Distillers, home of Ezra Brooks, Rebel, Blood Oath, David Nicholson and Daviess County; Lebanon, Kentucky-based Limestone Branch Distillery, maker of Yellowstone Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey and Bowling & Burch Gin; Jalisco, Mexico-based Destiladora González Lux, producer of 100% agave tequilas, El Mayor, Exotico and Dos Primos; and Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Rossville Union Straight Rye Whiskey are produced. The innovative and high-quality brand portfolio also includes Penelope Bourbon, Everclear Grain Alcohol, Pearl Vodka, Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream, The Quiet Man Irish Whiskey, Green Hat Gin and other well-recognized brands. For more information about the company and its brands, visit luxco.com.