ralfy review 1021 Extras – More about Yoichi.

CHIVAS BROTHERS LAUNCHES NEW SUSTAINABILITY PARTNERSHIP TO GIVE BACK TO THE RIVERS THAT HELP MAKE ITS SCOTCH

The Scotch whisky producer announces its partnership with three River Trusts to improve the health of rivers and waterways in Scotland 

Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky business of Pernod Ricard and maker of global Scotch whisky brands including The Glenlivet and Aberlour, today unveils a new, long-term programme to preserve, protect and improve the health of some of Scotland’s iconic rivers and waterways.

The partnership, called ‘The River Within’, is a collaboration between Chivas Brothers and The Deveron, Bogie and Isla Rivers Charitable Trust, Findhorn, Nairn and Lossie Rivers Trust, and the Spey Catchment Initiative. Chivas Brothers’ investment will help protect and restore the select waterways within the Trusts’ combined catchment areas in North-East Scotland – a total of 5,566 km2, some of which flows through Chivas Brothers-owned land – by focusing on enhancing biodiversity, limiting rises to water temperature from climate change and strengthening the longer-term resilience of the rivers.

This partnership is important not just for Scotland’s natural landscapes, but also its heritage industries. Currently 34% of Scotland’s rivers are in compromised ecological health, meaning by the end of this century as a result of climate change, they could face three times as many droughts and up to 40% more flooding, threatening the diversity of life in and around the waterways. Yet waterways are a vital source of life for Scotland’s rich wildlife, as well as a key component and ingredient of whisky making, which depends on the health of the nation’s rivers, banks, burns and springs.

Julie Gallacher, Head of Sustainability & Responsibility at Chivas Brothers, said:

“Scotland’s waterways are the lifeblood of whisky production, so while we use this precious resource responsibly, returning 96% of what we use to its source, we like to think there’s a ‘river within’ each bottle. Many of our distilleries are built on the banks of treasured Scottish rivers and it’s from these waters that our renowned whiskies are endowed with their unique spirit, essence and even their names.“

“Just as we rely on the rivers, the rivers rely on us. The art of whisky making is a delicate balance, so too is the Scottish landscape in which we craft it. That is why we are proud to launch this partnership with the three River Trusts to protect and build a resilient network of Scottish rivers and riverbanks that support biodiversity for generations to come​.“

Richard Miller, Director at The Deveron, Bogie and Isla Rivers Charitable Trust, commented:

“Many of the species Scotland is known for and their habitats are currently facing unprecedented challenges. One of these is the Atlantic Salmon which was recently reclassified by the IUCN from ‘least concern’ to ‘endangered’ in Great Britain.“

“We are delighted to be a partner in ‘The River Within’ programme which will provide essential resources to ensure Deveron fish stocks have free access to cold, clean, water. This will be achieved by removing obstacles to fish passage, creation of 3D buffer strips along field margins, riparian planting, fish refuge creation and habitat restoration. We very much look forward to working with Chivas Brothers on this new and exciting project.“

Bob Laughton, Director at Findhorn, Nairn and Lossie Rivers Trust, commented: 

“We are delighted to welcome this new partnership with Chivas Brothers, and the support it will provide towards our nature recovery ambitions for our river catchments. The aims of ‘The River Within’ are closely aligned with the work on our new flagship project, the Findhorn Watershed Initiative. Chivas Brothers’ support will ensure riparian woodland and river restoration schemes that are currently in development are resourced, helping them to be turned into reality and delivered on the ground.“

“We have been impressed by the leadership being demonstrated by Chivas Brothers and Pernod Ricard in committing significant investment to support the health and resilience of our rivers and look forward to working with them over the years to come.“

Roger Knight, Chief Executive at the Spey Catchment Initiative, commented:

“Spey Catchment Initiative are delighted to join forces with Chivas Brothers in this groundbreaking partnership, ‘The River Within’. This collaboration marks a significant step towards safeguarding and enhancing the vitality of the Spey catchment’s rivers and waterways, which are not only crucial for our native wildlife but also for the communities that live alongside them and industries that thrive because of them.“

“Through this exciting partnership, we are poised to implement targeted projects that will not only address immediate concerns, such as biodiversity enhancement and climate change mitigation, but also ensure the long-term resilience and health of our rivers.“

A range of specific waterway projects are currently being developed in close partnership with the three River Trusts, to commence later this year. These will focus on direct activity along riverbanks and waterways designed to help increase biodiversity and overall health of the river ecosystem. This in turn will help limit the rise of water temperatures, restore floodplain resilience and increase river security. For example, simple practical interventions such as planting new trees along rivers can provide additional shade that helps limit river temperature rises and strengthen riverbanks.

Water stewardship is a critical part of Chivas Brothers’ vision to shape the future of sustainable Scotch. In line with its commitment to preserving and restoring water resources, the company continually monitors water consumption and implements new solutions such as water-cooling technology throughout its operations to prevent waste.

To learn more about the threats facing our waterways, please visit www.chivasbrothers.com/theriverwithin.

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

Hard Truth Distilling Co. & Mellencamp Whiskey Co.

Release Farmer’s Reserve

Farmer’s Reserve Launch Party Set for Saturday, April 6 at Hard Truth Distilling Co.

Nashville, IN (March 25, 2024) – Hard Truth Distilling Co., an award-winning craft distillery located in Brown County, Indiana announced the introduction of Farmer’s Reserve — the second in a series of four collectible whiskeys in collaboration with Mellencamp Whiskey Company.

Farmer’s Reserve will be officially introduced on Saturday, April 6 at the Hard Truth distillery campus, starting with a bottle signing by the makers at 10 a.m. that day — part of a full weekend of live music and events leading up to a party celebrating the Monday, April 8 total solar eclipse.

Like Harvest Rye before it, and each of the four collector’s series whiskeys from Hard Truth and Mellencamp Whiskey, Farmer’s Reserve features a unique whiskey expression created by Hard Truth’s Master Distiller Bryan Smith with Hud Mellencamp and Levi Collison, the co-founders of Mellencamp Whiskey Co.

Each bottle’s label in the series features original artwork by John Mellencamp. Farmer’s Reserve showcases a 1991 painting called American Boy And Girl. The two figures in the oil-on-canvas are a nod to the composition of Farmer’s Reserve, which brings two very different whiskeys together in one bottle.

According to Smith, the new Mellencamp Whiskey Co. expression is a perfect marriage of Hard Truth’s Chocolate Malt Rye and Sweet Mash Bourbon, which has then been rested on toasted Amburana, a Brazilian wood that has seen recent popularity in finished whiskeys.

“Farmer’s Reserve builds beautifully on our mission to produce great whiskeys in collaboration with Hard Truth and the local farmers that will produce the highest quality regional flavor profiles,” said Hud Mellencamp.

Farmer’s Reserve will be available at the Hard Truth distillery campus starting Saturday, April 6, and out in the greater market over the weeks following. It is 106 proof (53% ABV) with a suggested retail price of $69.99.

As for Harvest Rye, the first collaboration whiskey from Hard Truth and Mellencamp Whiskey, it’s all been shipped out, though a limited quantity of bottles are still available for stores to reorder through distributors. Collison said once it’s gone, it’s gone for good, although he admitted keeping a few in his collection that will be “sipped slowly.”

“The success of Harvest Rye has us energized for our second release and the amazing whiskey that’s coming next,” said Collison. “Farmer’s Reserve is an exceptional new whiskey, and fans of the first release will love this one.”

About Mellencamp Whiskey Co.

Mellencamp Whiskey Co. has partnered with Hard Truth Distilling Co. to release a limited series of collectible sweet mash whiskeys in support and celebration of America’s heartland farmers. This collaboration is founded on the deep friendship between the founders of Mellencamp Whiskey Company, Hud Mellencamp and Levi Collison, and Hard Truth Distilling Co. Master Distiller, Bryan Smith.

Hud’s connection to farming communities runs deep as he is the son of one of the founders of Farm Aid, a charity that assists farmers across America. In alignment with this is Hard Truth’s Grounded in Truth initiative, which supports local farmers in collaboration with partner organizations like Farm Aid, its current giving partner. This commitment to supporting local farmers and sourcing top-notch ingredients perfectly aligns with their values.

Together, the two companies are producing whiskeys that are crafted with the finest locally sourced ingredients, a testament to their shared values and dedication to their beloved home state. They look forward to sharing this unique collaboration with whiskey enthusiasts worldwide. 

About Hard Truth Distilling Co.

Hard Truth Distilling Co. is an industry leader in the production of sweet mash whiskey. Headquartered in Nashville, Indiana, they produce more than 20 premium craft spirits, including the critically acclaimed Hard Truth Sweet Mash Rye Whiskey and top-selling Hard Truth Cinnamon Vodka, Hard Truth Maple Bourbon Cream, Hard Truth Toasted Coconut Rum, and Hard Truth Toasted Coconut Rum Cream.

Hard Truth Sweet Mash Rye Whiskey is a culmination of years of careful planning and precise crafting. The result is a complex, pleasant, high-quality rye that has garnered numerous honors including Hard Truth’s first batch of Sweet Mash Rye Whiskey which was named in the top 50 of Fred Minnick’s Top 100 American Whiskeys of 2021, and since then has taken home a gold medal in USA Spirits awards, double platinum medal in the Ascots, and scored a 93 by Whiskey Advocate. Most recently, a barrel-finished expression of Sweet Mash Rye was named the #34 best American Whiskey from over 900 whiskeys tasted in Fred Minnick’s Top 100 of 2023.

Hard Truth is currently celebrating a milestone with the release of its first bourbons all produced grain-to-glass. According to Hard Truth co-founder and Master Distiller Bryan Smith, this moment marks a new chapter in the Hard Truth story. The new bourbons include Hard Truth Sweet Mash Bourbon, Wheated Bourbon, and Four Grain Bourbon. The Sweet Mash Bourbon was released at 90-proof, and both Wheated Bourbon and Four Grain Bourbon are 100-proof and bottled-in-bond.

Hard Truth’s spirits are distributed in Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Washington, D.C., and the Bahamas.

March 2024 Auction ENDS TONIGHT- 08.04.24

ENDS TONIGHT: March Auction

Our March auction ends tonight! Featuring over 7000 rare whiskies and fine spirits, this is a unique opportunity to bid on some of the world’s most sought-after bottles. We’re excited to share the inaugural Demeter Collection in partnership with the OurWhisky Foundation. Featuring 18 singular lots crafted and inspired by the industry’s most talented women, proceeds from the auction will go to the OurWhisky Foundation.

Cadenhead ‘dumpie’ selection

Karuizawa 1986 Single Sherry Cask #2399 / Scotch Whisky Research Centre – One of 15

The Demeter Collection

For a full lot guide, see our digital magazine 📖

Lost Inverness Distilleries

Club delle Fattorie Connoisseur’s Choice

Gleann Mòr Rare Find has produced this 34 year old Blended whisky from casks selected by Greg Urquhart. Blended at birth and rested in a Sherry Butt for its full maturation.

Cask Type: Sherry Butt #114

Distilled: 1989 Bottled: 2023

Non-chill Filtered | Natural Colour | Cask Strength

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Light smoke, caramel chews and custard

Palate: Toasted marshmallow, salted caramel and milk chocolate covered peanuts

Finish: Soft notes of cigar ash, milky coffee and pepper.

54.9%

£285.00

Imperial 26 Year Old – 1995 | Single Malts of Scotland – Marriage of Casks

This very rare expression has been created from single malt distilled in 1995 at the Imperial distillery and matured in American oak refill barrels for 26 years. Only 198 bottles have been produced of this well aged Imperial, from the sadly now lost distillery. Imperial distillery closed its doors in 1998 and was demolished in 2013. Bottled by Elixir Distillers as part of the excellent Single Malt of Scotland series.

£828.00

SHOP NOW

NOSE

A freshly opened bag of lemon bon bons, with all the vanilla and citrus dust spilling out. A richness akin to juicy, honeydew melon, plays against notes of meadow flowers on a warm day.

PALATE

At first it is beautifully delicate with an interplay of light custard, strawberries, and mint. With time in the glass, ginger spice balances the sweet vanilla while a dusty milk chocolate note creates depth.

FINISH

The warm summers day feel continues into the finish with dried grass and haystacks with a touch of blossom honey.

Is a $2000 Scotch better with Coca-Cola than Jack Daniels!?

My guilt is immeasurable.

THE VIDEO

The details we await…

ROYAL SALUTE DROPS NEW EXPRESSION IN ITS FASHION COLLECTION, CO-CREATED WITH ICONIC BRITISH DESIGNER, RICHARD QUINN

Royal Salute, the master of exceptionally aged Scotch whisky, has expanded its Fashion Collection, partnering for the second year with celebrated star of British fashion and long-standing brand collaborator, Richard Quinn. The all-new limited edition, Royal Salute 21 Year Old Richard Quinn Edition II, perfectly marries cutting-edge creativity in fashion and expert luxury Scotch whisky blending, making it a true collectable.

The latest Fashion Collection expression catapults the collaboration to new creative heights with Royal Salute Master Blender, Sandy Hyslop, and Richard Quinn co-crafting the exquisite new blend together in Strathisla Distillery, in Speyside, Scotland, where the most precious Royal Salute whiskies are safeguarded. Through meticulous testing and creative development, the pair has created an exceptional new Scotch with a twist, that brings out depth and maturity, and reflects the growing relationship between Royal Salute and the acclaimed British designer.

The Royal Salute 21 Year Old Richard Quinn Edition II marries the finest hand-selected Scotch whiskies, including some from Braeval, Strathisla and Caperdonich, and all matured for a minimum of 21 years, resulting in a bespoke blend with rich fruity notes, elevated with hints of spice and gentle smoky characteristics, making it wonderfully balanced and opulent.

The exclusive blend is housed in Royal Salute’s signature flagon, which has been adorned with three striking designs by Richard Quinn, each showcasing his characteristic bold style and love of colliding patterns. While one depicts a print reflective of some of his most famous work with rose petals and white polka dots against a black backdrop, another features a striking white daisy against a forest green background. Completing the trio and available exclusively in Global Travel Retail, the final floral pattern uses vibrant purple, yellow and green shades against a pristine white background.

Speaking of his ongoing collaboration with Royal Salute, Richard Quinn said:

“I get inspired and motivated by someone who has something new to say, who brings a new perspective, or pushes boundaries to create something new and Sandy Hyslop does this in incredible fashion when it comes to crafting outstanding Scotch. Spending time with him at Strathisla Distillery was a stand-out highlight for me and the creative journey we’ve been on together has been incredible. We both brought a really clear vision to the table, and seeing these collide, merge and build into the finished edition was a thrill to be a part of. Extending the collaboration with Royal Salute was a no-brainer for me, and I love the idea that our collaborative effort will find its way into the hands of appreciators of craft across the world.”

The Royal Salute 21 Year Old Richard Quinn Edition II will be released on 2^nd October 2023, and will be available at select luxury retailers worldwide, including at www.thewhiskyexchange.com at an RRP of $222 USD.

For more information, visit www.royalsalute.com and follow @royalsalute online.

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

Welcome one and all to our now live 154th auction!  Spring has sprung, the nights are brighter and what better way to celebrate than by snaffling a bottle of something special from the fantastic selection we’ve got for you this month.  We have bottles of every style and profile, and from every known whisky-making region on the planet, so if you can’t find something you like in here then you just haven’t scrolled far enough yet.  To help you out we’ve plucked a few great bottles from the throng to get you started.

Springbank 20 Year Old Celebrating 1000 Reviews at Ralfy.com

First up we have a bottle from a long-time friend of Scotch Whisky Auctions, the irrepressible Ralfy of ralfy.com fame.  The bottle in question is a mighty fine 20 year old Springbank and is one of only 2 bottles created to celebrate Ralfy’s 1000th review.  One is going behind the bar at The Bon Accord in Glasgow (a regular haunt of ours here at SWA), which makes this bottle the only one on the planet available to buy in its entirety!  If that doesn’t qualify it as a bona fide rarity of the highest order then I don’t know what does.  Even better all the proceeds are going to charity so you can feel good about yourself at the same time as securing a one-off bottling the likes of which may never be seen again.

For a fuller description here is the man himself telling the story of the bottle.

Macallan 1946 52 Year Old Select Reserve with Certificate and Keys 75cl

This Macallan 1946 52 Year Old Select Reserve really looks the part, presented in a simple and understated locking wooden box, which could come in handy for keeping this beauty away from prying eyes.  The whisky itself has been waiting patiently in a sherry cask for 52 years prior to being bottled. No fancy packaging or bling, this is one classy act. We would say that it’s a must have for Macallan collectors but that’s too obvious. This is a bottle for connoisseurs of whisky.

Hanyu Ichiro’s Malt King of Diamonds 2nd Edition

Next up we have a great bottle all the way from the land of the rising sun, this is the Hanyu Ichiro’s Malt Card King of Diamonds 2nd Edition.  This series was a marketing masterstroke and featured a different playing card on the label of each release, 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.  While not quite as coveted as the 1st edition this is still one of only 555 bottles released making it rather rare indeed.

Springbank 1996 27 Year Old JJ Adams ‘Mouse Fight’ Series 1 with Prints 50cl

Finally we have a particularly nifty little bottling, the Springbank 1996 27 Year Old JJ Adams ‘Mouse Fight’ Series 1 with Prints 50cl.  Bottled by Rare Whisky in collaboration with celebrated British pop artist JJ Adams this a well-aged Springbank that comes with a rather nice print which aims to settle the age-old question of who would win in a transatlantic square go between Mickey Mouse and Danger Mouse.  I mean, Danger Mouse, obviously.  One of only 290 bottles released this is a great wee collaboration between one of Scotland’s best distilleries and one of the UK’s coolest artists.As always, we have a wide range of drams with something to suit everyone, so now is the time to get moving picking out your own personal favourites for your watchlist.  Best of luck to everyone in the auction, and as always………..don’t lose your bottle.