The Arran Distilleries
Tasting Event
10th May 2024
7pm

Discover the new and the old from the Isle of Arran as we bring together expressions from both distilleries in this exciting tasting event. Lochranza and Lagg Distilleries are owned by Isle of Arran Disitllers and we are very pleased that Mariella Romano will be joining us in her role as Brand Ambassador to showcase some excellent whisky, including some great limited editions.

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Loch Lomond Whiskies introduces two new single malt whiskies to celebrate The Open

Dual release marks golf’s most prestigious tournament at Royal Troon this July

Loch Lomond Whiskies, the official Spirit of The Open, has unveiled two limited-edition single malt whiskies to mark The 152^nd Open at Royal Troon this summer.

The Open Special Edition 2024 (RRP £45; 46% ABV) and The Open Course Collection 2024 (RRP £290; 47.1% ABV) have been released to commemorate the prestigious golf tournament, and will pay tribute to the people, players and courses throughout the history of The Open.

The Open Special Edition 2024 has been crafted by Loch Lomond Group’s Master Blender, Michael Henry, in collaboration with Loch Lomond Whiskies ambassador Colin Montgomerie.

The exquisite single malt explores the influence of aromatic French Chardonnay casks on the Loch Lomond signature style. Matured in American Oak casks, to create the fruit, honey and soft smoke style only found in Loch Lomond single malt whisky, it is then finished in the finest hand-selected Chardonnay wine casks, creating additional depth of aromatic and luscious flavour.

These exceptional Chardonnay Wine casks play an integral role in crafting a subtle whisky with notes of honey blossom, vibrant orchard fruit and toasted oak that perfectly complement the soft smoke on the finish.

Each pack carries Colin Montgomerie’s signature and is presented in a striking deep blue premium display case. It is also available in a gift pack with two dual-branded Loch Lomond Whiskies and The Open glasses, retailing for £50.

The Open Course Collection celebrates every Open championship over the past three centuries, from the first tournament at Prestwick in 1860 to the present day.

Distilled in 2000, it has been matured in American Oak casks for 23 years before a six-month finish in the finest Manzanilla sherry casks from Jerez. The result is a single malt which is natural in colour and perfectly encapsulates Loch Lomond Whiskies’ signature style alongside notes of baked apple, nutmeg, lime and cinnamon and hints of marzipan and toasted oak. This rare 24-year-old single malt is limited to only 4,500 bottles worldwide.

Both whiskies have been crafted in a combination of Loch Lomond Distillery’s unique Straight-Neck pot stills and traditional Swan Neck stills. Each expression is non-chill filtered to be enjoyed as nature intended.

The Open is the oldest golf tournament in the world and the sport’s original championship, which brings together professional players from across the globe to compete for the coveted Claret Jug.

Returning to Scotland this year, The 152^nd Open will be held from 14-21 July 2024 at Royal Troon in Ayrshire. Founded in 1878, Royal Troon is renowned as one of the world’s greatest links courses, and last hosted The Open in 2016.

Michael Henry, Loch Lomond Whiskies Master Blender, said:

“Our 2024 golf editions showcase the complex flavours we can create at Loch Lomond Whiskies, and are prime examples of our distilling capabilities. Our Straight-Neck pot stills are essential to our whisky-making approach and allow the character of the whisky to be shaped at the point of distillation.

“It has been a privilege to continue our work with Colin Montgomerie ahead of his return to his home course at Royal Troon this summer, and we’re proud to see the product of our collaboration reach the shelves.”

Colin Montgomerie, professional golfer and Loch Lomond Whiskies ambassador, said:

“I’m proud to see The Open return to Royal Troon this year. It’s a course which will always hold great personal memories for me.

“Golf and whisky making are both intricate pursuits, so I feel a natural synergy with the craft and passion of the team at Loch Lomond Whiskies. I’m looking forward to continuing my partnership with the distillery this summer as an official ambassador.”

Both expressions are available to purchase from Loch Lomond Whiskies online store from specialist whisky retailers, and from Loch Lomond Whiskies’ stand at The 152^nd Open at Royal Troon from 14-21 July 2024.

To find out more about Loch Lomond Whiskies, visit www.lochlomondwhiskies.com.

Tasting notes

Loch Lomond The Open Course Collection 2024

• Nose: Honey, vanilla fudge, pineapple, candied citrus peel.
• Taste: Salted caramel, baked apple, lime, nutmeg and cinnamon.
• Finish: Long with marzipan and soft smoke.

Loch Lomond The Open Special Edition

• Nose: Lemon citrus, green apple, pear, vanilla.
• Taste: Vibrant orchard fruit, fresh peach and pear, blossom honey and toasted oak.
• Finish: Medium length with cinnamon spice and soft smoke. 

About Loch Lomond Whiskies

Loch Lomond Whiskies is an award-winning, independent Scotch whisky distiller which has been producing the finest single malt whiskies since 1814.  As a Highland malt, it is part of the largest and most diverse whisky-making region in Scotland.

The original site of the Loch Lomond Distillery was established near Tarbert, towards the northwest end of Loch Lomond. In the 1960s, under the leadership of American entrepreneur and chemist, Duncan Scott (who was instrumental in the ongoing success of Scotland’s oldest licensed distillery, Littlemill), a new site was created in Alexandria, which began a move to a more innovative philosophy and style of whisky-making that is still used today.

Located only a few miles from the famous loch, the distillery has a whisky-making capability like no other, using a combination of traditional swan-neck and its signature straight-neck-stills, which are unique to Loch Lomond Whiskies.

The straight-neck stills give Master Blender Michael Henry greater control over the distillation process, allowing him to carefully manipulate the flavour profile of each whisky, and providing a signature fruit, honey and soft smoke flavour profile.

Loch Lomond Whiskies is one of only four distillers in Scotland to have its own onsite cooperage, ensuring that barrel repairs and charring are carried out to an exacting standard, so every cask is perfect for maturing whisky.

The distillery’s multi-award-winning range includes Loch Lomond Original; Loch Lomond 12 Year Old; Loch Lomond 12 Year Old; Loch Lomond Inchmoan 12 Year Old; Loch Lomond Inchmurrin 12 Year Old; Loch Lomond 18 Year Old; Loch Lomond 21 Year Old and Loch Lomond 30 Year Old, as well as Loch Lomond Single Grain (peated and unpeated) and the deluxe blend Loch Lomond Signature.

In 2023, it was recognised as the ‘Most Awarded Distillery’ at the globally renowned San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2023, achieving multiple Double Gold and Gold Awards for its collection of malt whisky brands.

Last year, Loch Lomond 18 Year Old was revealed as The Whisky Exchange’s coveted ‘Whisky of the Year 2024’, achieving superior scores from the judging panel for its full-bodied and fruity character.

Our first outrun of 2024 is here!

2023 is well and truly behind us and we have just released our first outrun of the year. In line with our goals we released an older dram,a ‘sherried’ dram and the lower cost dram. In a happy coincidence we have released another Ardmore barrel which we last released in Q1 2023.

For the first time we are a releasing a Braeval and a Glen Ord under the Lady of the Glen brand. We also have the second batch of the St Bridget’s Kirk Solera which is proven very popular!

We hope you enjoy this selection and as always your feedback is most welcome! Please note that in order to better support our retail partners this outrun and future outruns will not be sold through our website.

Links to stockists can be found via the tab on our homepage.

Lady of the Glen

Royal Brackla 2008 – Refill Barrel
Glenrothes 2006 – Refill Hogshead
Glen Ord 2012 – 1st Fill Bourbon Barrel
Craigellachie 2013 – Recharred Oloroso Hogshead Finish
Braeval 2009 – Refill Butt
Benrinnes 2011 – Oloroso Hogshead Finish
Ardmore 2013 – Refill Barrel

St Bridget’s Kirk
Solera Batch #2

All releases were bottled at our site in Dalgety Bay by hand.

NEW PRODUCT RELEASE

Whisky Sponge Edition No.90 Bladnoch 34-Year-Old 

To mark the milestone that is Whisky Sponge Edition No.90, we have bottled the remainder of our Bladnoch 1990. It is 34 years old, has spent the entirety of its life in refill barrel and has been bottled at natural cask strength.

We bottled a small amount of this as a Special Edition last year and left the remainder to continue maturing with additional head space in the cask to enhance the oxidative aspects and fruity qualities. We think the result is stunning and this is a whisky for anyone who loves old fruit bombs.

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Morrison Distillers
Tasting Event
Thursday 2nd May 2024
6pm

Kick off your Spirit of Speyside weekend with this great line up of fascinating whiskies. Morrison Distillers have one of the most fascinating histories in the world of whisky, going back over 60 years. Join in the journey with their range of single malts in the Carn Mor range, as well as a focus on what makes Old Perth one of the most sought after ranges of blended whisky on the market.

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PIONEERING SHERRY CASK SERIES UNVEILED BY GLENALLACHIE

Acclaimed single malt brand introduces groundbreaking Sherry cask-finished limited editions to The Wood Collection

Prominent Scotch whisky maker The GlenAllachie rolls out its first newly packaged limited-release Wood Collection expressions: three Sherry cask-finished whiskies.

The brand is set to debut six single malts matured in different Sherry cask types over two instalments this year, aiming to explore the contribution offered by each style.

The first trio of new bottlings include a 9-year-old Fino Cask Finish (UK RRSP £60), a 9-year-old Amontillado Cask Finish (UK RRSP £60) and a 9-year-old Oloroso Cask Finish (UK RRSP £60).

Under the leadership of industry stalwart of 52 years, Billy Walker, the distillery – known for its rich Sherry maturations – has until now focused on ‘traditional’ Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso Sherry casks prior to this release.

Dubbed the ‘Sherry Series’, each expression spent an initial period in American oak ex-Bourbon barrels before being transferred to the expertly selected Sherry casks.

Known for its pale appearance, Fino – the driest Sherry style – must be biologically aged for at least two years under a yeast layer that prevents oxidation. Maturation in former Fino hogsheads has delivered a limited edition Scotch whisky “overflowing with poached pears, vanilla custard and sugared almonds”.

The Amontillado Cask Finish enjoyed secondary maturation in hogsheads that previously held this drier style of Sherry, which undergoes biological and oxidative ageing to develop a richer colour and more robust characteristics. The subsequent spirit is said to “deliver notes of dark cherries, toasted hazelnuts and caramel sauce”.

The darkest dry Sherry style, Oloroso is subjected to extensive oxidative ageing and is renowned for its pronounced nutty, dried fruit qualities. Using Oloroso butts to age The GlenAllachie has resulted in a single malt “bursting with dried cranberries, ginger biscuits, dark chocolate and almonds”.

The trio of Wood Collection limited editions are proudly bottled at a high strength of 48% ABV, at their natural colour and non-chill filtered.

Remarking on the launch, Master Distiller and Blender Billy Walker shares:

“This wood management project has been one of the most enjoyable in a long time. We’re exploring the influence of different Sherry cask types with whisky of exactly the same age and cask history. The lengthy secondary ageing period brings the incredible nuances and variations delivered by the Sherry maturations to the forefront.

“With the ‘Sherry Series’, we’re trying to achieve something special that would create intrigue and provoke discussion. Integrating the personality of six Sherry styles with The GlenAllachie’s heather honey DNA delivered a spectrum of aromatic and flavour characteristics that has exceeded our expectations. The first three expressions are truly exceptional – we can’t wait to share part two in a few months.”

The launch follows the recent introduction of the brand’s refreshed visual identity, with the core range available now. Released last month, the fourth batch of The GlenAllachie 30-year-old Cask Strength (UK RRSP £705, 49.1% ABV) combines five Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso Sherry casks.

The trio of Sherry cask-finished Wood Collection bottlings will become increasingly available in specialist retail outlets worldwide over the coming weeks. A further three Sherry wood expressions are set to launch later this year.

ABOUT GLENALLACHIE:

At The GlenAllachie, each decision in creating our award-winning Speyside single malt merges logic with instinct. In the experienced hands of legendary whisky maker Billy Walker, a culture of precision, patience and perseverance has been instilled in his small yet accomplished team of whisky experts.

Being independent offers us the freedom to prioritise what matters most: quality. The pursuit is not of consistency, but perfection. Never resting on our laurels, we work tirelessly to refine and enhance each batch of whisky, striving to better the last.

The result of seamlessly coordinated collaboration is a range of carefully crafted and cask-perfected whiskies, each personally approved by Billy. With a quietly confident team of passionate whisky enthusiasts behind The GlenAllachie, you can be sure we have our whisky in good hands.

Our other brands are Meikle Tòir Peated Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky, MacNair’s Boutique House of Spirits – encompassing Lum Reek Blended Malt Scotch Whisky and White Heather Blended Scotch Whisky.

Further information on the distillery and company can be found at www.theglenallachie.com

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TASTING NOTES

The GlenAllachie 9-year-old Fino Sherry Cask Finish – 48% ABV (UK RRSP £60)

• Nose: Nutmeg, heather honey and vanilla extract, with butterscotch, green apple peel, stone fruits and roasted almonds.

• Taste: Dried apricots, honeycomb and butterscotch, followed by baking spices, marzipan and caramel, with orchard fruits and citrus on the finish.

The GlenAllachie 9-year-old Amontillado Sherry Cask Finish – 48% ABV (UK RRSP £60)

• Nose: Soft orchard fruits, cinnamon and heather honey, with butterscotch, hazelnuts and dark tobacco.

• Taste: Honeycomb, maraschino cherries and dried apricots, followed by poached pears, blood orange, mixed nuts and cinnamon.

The GlenAllachie 9-year-old Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish – 48% ABV (UK RRSP £60)

• Nose: Heather honey, mocha and dried apricots, with notes of cinnamon butter, red velvet cake and marzipan.

• Taste: Dark chocolate, honeycomb and butterscotch, leading to dried red berries, ginger and damsons, with poached apples and muscovado sugar.

The GlenAllachie 30-year-old Cask Strength Batch 4 – 49.1% ABV (UK RRSP £705)

• Nose: Dark chocolate, honeycomb and raisin butter, with hints of muscovado sugar, plum syrup and glazed almonds.

• Taste: Rich cocoa, heather honey and chocolate raisins, followed by baking spices and molasses, with notes of Black Forest gâteau, grape must and orchard fruits.

A big thank you to everyone who joined us at the distillery and online for our second release of The Hearach single malt whisky!  Batch 10 proved particularly popular on the day and is now sold out in our website store, but we still have a limited number of batches 9, 11, and 12 available.

You can also buy bottles from our network of specialist retailers and independent stores across the UK if buy a bottle in-store is more your thing. Our global friends can also find this new release of batches as they begin appearing in their countries from this month onwards.

Scroll down to discover the tasting notes on our remaining batches and if one takes your fancy then an online order is only a click away!

Le gach deagh dhùrachd,

Mike Donald, Chief Storyteller

VISIT THE HEARACH SHOP

HE 00009 24: Tasting Notes

“I get a light, fresh sort of woodsmoke on the nose straight away, it reminds me of campfires at Scarista beach on those long summer nights we get in Harris. I get cereal notes, and spiciness on the palate, a sort of pepperiness like rocket leaves. There’s not much smoke when I sip it, but there’s a nice clean greenness instead. A little water makes it very sweet, like the sticky toffee pudding I bake myself at home with dates. It’s smooth and there’s so many lovely flavours unfolding.”

GEMMA McNALLY, TARBERT, ISLE OF HARRIS