Redwood Empire Emerald Giant Rye, 45%

https://youtu.be/5akw3dJo8qc

It’s taken me a while to jump back into the world of rye, but I’ve taken the challenge on with gusto! For some reason, I have neglected this rather wonderful side of whisky, but Redwood Empire has been at the forefront of my new adventure, and I couldn’t have wished for a better kickstart to the style.

Situated in Sonoma County, California, the distillery’s moderate climate and rather lush surroundings allow for a gentle maturation in virgin oak. The Emerald Giant Rye, with its 95% rye mash bill, has catapulted me back into a world of whisky that can be very complex and often misunderstood. Most folks assume that rye is just one dimensional and a little spicy. You couldn’t be more wrong about the style as a whole. This long travelled bottle of whisky is lathered with gentle minty notes, tropical citrus, classic cocktail orange oil garnish, and an ever so faint smell of chocolate and soft baking spices.

A rather well-rounded and affordable expression of rye whisky that shall be sitting on my shelves for as long as it is available in the UK. Congratulations to Redwood Empire for a rather stunning example of their craft, I look forward to trying more of their stuff in the future. Cheers!

Timorous Beastie Highland Malt launches second addition to its ‘Cheese Cellar Collection’ with the release of a Madeira Finish Limited Edition.

Douglas Laing & Co. today releases the second bottling under its Timorous Beastie ‘Cheese Cellar’ Collection. This collection sees the award-winning Highland Malt enjoy a selection of cask finishes, chosen specifically for unique characteristics, in search of discovering the ultimate flavour profile to accompany Artisan cheeses.

Meticulously finished in Madeira casks sourced from sunnier climates, this latest edition offers “an unparalleled depth of flavour and complexity to the already formidable spirit.” Tasting notes are said to bring:

“Nose: Ripe orchard fruits, honeyed sweetness, toasted almonds, and a subtle floral bouquet.

Palate: Toffee, caramelized apples and juicy plums with a gentle spiciness and silky mouthfeel.

Finish: A symphony of sweet vanilla, orange marmalade, and a gratifying warmth.”

The perfect cheese pairing for this new release is said to be “Gruyère due to the complementary flavours, contrasting textures and balanced intensity. The whisky’s notes of dried fruits and caramel balances perfectly with the nutty sweetness of the cheese, allowing each element to shine without overpowering the other.”

Displayed in the same tall black bottle as the first release, this new edition includes the signature mouse character in green colourways alongside premium gold foil finishing and a forest green wax dip seal. It also comes with a premium foiled neck tag providing more information around the flavour profile as well as the ‘Cheese Cellar’ collection.

Bottled at 48% ABV and without colouring or chill-filtration, this bottling stays true to the Douglas Laing family philosophy to provide Scotch Whisky “as natural as it gets.”

Commenting on the new release, Scott Morrison, Timorous Beastie Brand Manager said:

“We’re thrilled to unveil the latest gem in our Cheese Cellar Collection. Showcasing our iconic Highland Blended Malt finished in exquisite Madeira casks, this unique bottling embodies the perfect harmony of tradition and innovation, offering connoisseurs a sensory journey like no other.”

The new release is strictly limited to just 4,000 bottles globally. Timorous Beastie ‘Madeira Edition’ is expected to retail at £60.00 / €70.00.

ABOUT DOUGLAS LAING & CO.

www.douglaslaing.com

Douglas Laing & Co. is a leading independent Scotch Whisky distillery, blender and bottler specialising in the selection and release of Single Cask Single and Small Batch Malt Scotch Whiskies.

The company was founded by Fred Douglas Laing in 1948 and is still owned and run by the Laing family – Fred Laing Jr and his daughter Cara Laing.

The company philosophy is to bottle the way the distiller intended – at a high strength and without chill filtration to preserve the robust and unique character of the Whisky. Douglas Laing’s industry reputation and many awards are a testament to this ethos.

Douglas Laing’s Remarkable Regional Malts, the Ultimate Distillation of Scotland’s Malt Whisky Regions, encompasses The Epicurean Lowland Malt Scotch Whisky, Timorous Beastie (Highlands), Scallywag (Speyside), The Gauldrons (Campbeltown), Rock Island (Islands) and Big Peat (Islay).

Beyond its Blended Malts expertise, the award-winning Douglas Laing portfolio also includes Provenance, Premier Barrel, Old Particular, Xtra Old Particular, and XOP Black, collectively known as the firm’s “Exceptional Single Casks”.

NEARLY £50K RAISED IN FIRST AUCTION RECOGNISING

WOMEN IN WHISKY 

The Demeter Collection – created to recognise the work of women in the whisky sector – has raised nearly £50,000 at auction for the OurWhisky Foundation.

The inaugural Demeter Collection hosted by the leading global whisky auction platform Whisky Auctioneer, achieved a final hammer price of £43,614 from 19 specially curated lots. Alongside waiving their auction seller fees, Whisky Auctioneer’s buyer’s commission was donated to the OurWhisky Foundation, bringing the total to £49,065.75.

Winning bids came from the UK, USA, Ireland, Latvia and Belgium. The prestigious top bid was claimed by a rare 44-year-old Dalmore, created to honour Margaret Nicol’s remarkable five decades of dedication to the whisky industry as a blend controller at Whyte & Mackay. This exclusive bottle achieved a hammer price of £12,500, marking a fitting tribute to Nicol’s illustrious career.

Funds raised will be donated to the OurWhisky Foundation to help further its work providing initiatives and projects that support women working in whisky. Ongoing projects include its widely acclaimed mentorship programme, which by the end of this year will have directly supported 200 women in their careers; a new, enhanced series of trade and consumer networking and tasting events; and the development of its online magazine, The Cut, into a valuable educational resource. Applications for the next mentorship intake have opened this week.

Joe Wilson, Head Curator and Spirits Specialist at Whisky Auctioneer, said:

“It has been a privilege for us to support the OurWhisky Foundation in providing not just a platform for this ground-breaking sale, but also to promote the contributions of women to the industry as a whole. From the distilleries and independent bottlers who generously donated to the bidders from across the world, it is incredible to see whisky lovers come together to make a real difference.”

The OurWhisky Foundation is the world’s first non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting, recognising and empowering professional women in whisky across the globe, while advocating for a more inclusive and diverse industry.

Previous OurWhisky mentorship programme graduates

Becky Paskin, founder of the OurWhisky Foundation, added:

“We’re blown away by the fantastic amount raised from the inaugural Demeter Collection. The OurWhisky Foundation provides much-needed support and guidance for women in whisky as well as the wider industry, but we are in desperate need of funding if we’re to continue providing our services. Thanks to Whisky Auctioneer, all our lot donors and the hundreds of bidders coming together over a shared love of a dram, the fantastic amount raised will help us continue making whisky an inclusive space for everyone.”

Among noteworthy outcomes was the hammer price of £9,700 for a unique 20-year-old Ardbeg, crafted as a tribute to the 20-year legacy of master blender Gillian MacDonald. In addition, the first bottle drawn from the inaugural cask at Derbyshire’s White Peak Distillery, Wire Works’ Love, Sweat & Tears fetched an impressive £3,350 and the Loch Lomond Sonata Collection, a creative trio of whiskies curated to explore peat, sold for  £2,200.

Atonia’s Legacy, the inaugural blend in a series of whiskies to celebrate the Demeter Collection, reached a hammer price of £1,650. Blended by Sarah Burgess of The Lakes Distillery, it marks a strong start to this innovative, groundbreaking series.

Full lot listing:

• Aberfeldy 40 Year Old
• Ardbeg Twenty
• Arbikie Farm Experience + Hand-filled Rye Whisky
• Atonia’s Legacy: The Sarah Burgess Edition
• Cooper King Cask No. 1: Inaugural Release
• Cotswolds Distillery One of One
• CRN57
• House of Hazelwood:  The Long View
• JJ Corry x Tipperary: The Founders Bottles #1
• Laphroaig 25 Year Old: The Bessie Williamson Story
• Loch Lomond Sonata Collection
• Nc’nean Aon 17-302
• SMWS Christmas on the Beach
• Strathearn Single Malt Scotch Whisky
• The Borders Distillery IWD Quarter Cask
• The Dalmore 44 Years Old
• The GlenDronach 30 Year Old Single Cask
• Wire Works Love, Sweat & Tears

For more information on the lots, see here.  

About The Demeter Collection:

The OurWhisky Foundation is delighted to introduce the Demeter Collection, the world’s first auction of whiskies celebrating female achievement, held in partnership with Whisky Auctioneer.

Named after the Greek goddess of grain, the Demeter Collection will highlight unique and exquisite whiskies crafted and inspired by some of the industry’s most talented women, maintaining a particular focus on the compelling stories of those involved in their creation.

The inaugural auction will be hosted 29 March- 8 April 2024, coinciding with Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, as well as the OurWhisky Foundation’s second anniversary. The carefully curated Collection will be held every two years with all proceeds donated to the OurWhisky Foundation.

Demeter (Duh-mee-tuh) was the Greek goddess of the harvest and agriculture, presiding over crops, grains and the fertility of the earth. Known as the ‘good goddess’, she gifted humankind with the knowledge to grow and harvest their own crops. Such was her deep connection to the planet that she is often likened to Gaia, while some claim her name translates to ‘Mother Earth’.

According to legend, her daughter Persephone was abducted and held hostage in the underworld by Demeter’s brother, Hades. Racked with grief, Demeter plunged the world into a deep famine as she searched far and wide for her lost daughter. Ultimately Hades allowed Persephone to return to the surface for just eight months a year. It was only during this time that Demeter allowed crops to grow once more, thereby creating the seasons, a continuous evolution of time that symbolises the eternal cycle of life and passing of knowledge from generation to generation.

About Whisky Auctioneer

Whisky Auctioneer is the global market leader and trusted authority on the buying and selling of whisky and spirits at auction. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Perth, Scotland, Whisky Auctioneer utilises its expertise and knowledge combined with its auction platform to increase interest and passion in the whisky and spirits community. The business currently sees over 150,000 bids per month and has conducted deliveries to 74 countries across the globe.

The central Scotland headquarter’s success paved the way for international expansion with secondary offices now located in central London and the Netherlands.

Whisky Auctioneer endeavours to make the secondary market more accessible for buyers and sellers of any background and demographic, wherever in the world they are based. Its monthly global auctions feature the most comprehensive selection of old, rare and collectible whiskies and spirits online, and are unmatched in volume, variety of bottles offered and prices achieved. Alongside an unrivalled selection of rare Scotch whisky and Irish Whiskey, Whisky Auctioneer has also established the business as the market-leading specialist in presenting world whiskies for sale; from rare American whiskey and bourbon to iconic Japanese whiskies.

In February 2021, the online auction house made history during the iconic sale of The Perfect Collection, when a bottle of The Macallan 1926 Fine and Rare 60 Year Old sold for a hammer price of £1 million. This was the first time a single bottle of whisky has sold at an online-only auction for one million pounds.

About The OurWhisky Foundation:

The OurWhisky Foundation is the world’s first non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting, recognising and empowering professional women in whisky across the globe, while advocating for a more inclusive and diverse industry.

Founded in 2022 by drinks journalist Becky Paskin, the UK-based organisation works with the global drinks industry to provide diversity and inclusion consultancy, as well as surveys, reports, events and initiatives that inspire change.

Its ground-breaking mentorship programme, which pairs mentees with some of the biggest names in whisky while providing free workshops and networking opportunities, has so far guided 175 women and non-binary individuals toward reaching their goals, with many securing new jobs and promotions as a result.

In 2023 the Foundation introduced the Modern Face of Whisky stock image library, an evolving, free-to-use collection of professional photography enabling the media and wider industry to more accurately represent the diversity of today’s whisky drinker beyond the masculine stereotype. Within its first eight months, the library received 10 million views and 100,000 downloads with the images featured across global print and digital media.

In the same year, the Foundation surveyed over 600 women for its Do You Even Like Whisky? report – the world’s first survey of women in whisky, which revealed the extent of sexism and unconscious bias prevalent in the industry. The report has since led to policy changes within many whisky organisations. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Visit:  www.whiskyauctioneer.com

Instagram: whiskyauctioneer

Facebook: WhiskyAuctioneer

X:  Whisky_auction

Wildmoor is a new range of high-aged prestige whiskies from William Grant & Sons, inspired by the Scottish wilderness. Wildmoor combines malt and grain whiskies drawn from the Grant family’s ancient reserves – a collection of the rarest old stocks from Scotland’s finest distilleries, some of which have been lost forever. Crafted under the watchful eye of Master Blender Brian Kinsman, these exceptional whiskies encapsulate the elemental majesty of the Scottish wilds.

DARK MOORLAND

AGED 23 YEARS

70cl | 42% ABV

A decadent blend of Highland and Speyside malts combined with Lowland grain Whisky. Matured in a combination of American and European Oak, and finished in Oloroso sherry casks for a rich flavour that evokes the wind-swept moorlands of Scotland. An epic landscape of rich oak, deep vanilla and mellow sherry spice.

£184.95

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RUGGED COAST

AGED 30 YEARS

70cl | 42% ABV

Inspired by Scotland’s rugged western coastline; sea air, crashing waves and notes of peat. This elegant Whisky is matured in American oak with an Oloroso sherry cask finish. Experience waves of bonfire smoke, sea salt, vanilla sweetness and sherry spice. Smoke meets rich stone fruit for a lingering finish.

£549.95

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BLACK MOUNTAIN

AGED 40 YEARS

70cl | 46% ABV

Drawing inspiration from the imposing dark mountains of Northern Scotland. An extraordinarily intense blend of rare grain and Highland malts enhanced by the addition of Ghosted Distillery stock. This luxurious, rich, and elegant Whisky is finished in a Pedro Ximenez cask. A towering peak of flavour, where vanilla and caramel notes meet an indulgent sherry richness.

£959.95

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Cult-Favorite, Exclusive Single Malts from Gordon & MacPhail

With unparalleled complexity from the first nose all the way through the finish, the 2009 Bunnahabhain belongs on the short list of any serious Scotch afinicionado, no matter what your stylistic preferences are. Next up, from the treasured Tobermory distillery on the far-flung Isle of Mull, the 2005 Ledaig has everything that a proper Ledaig should, from powerful peat to off-the-charts complexity to perfectly integrated barrel character from the refill sherry butt. Finally, Clynelish’s star has taken off like a rocket in recent years, and we were thrilled to source this second-fill sherry hoggie for what is, in all regards, a steal for the juice in the bottle. Given the rarity of fever-pitch cult following this distillery, any sharp connoisseur who gets their hands on this will count themselves lucky down the road.

2009 Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old “Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseur’s Choice” K&L Exclusive Cask #18600103 2nd Fill Sherry Hogshead Nonchillfiltered Cask Strength Highlands Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $149.99 View

2005 Ledaig 17 Year Old “Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseur’s Choice” K&L Exclusive Cask #18600201 2nd Fill Sherry Hogshead Nonchillfiltered Cask Strength Highlands Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $160.00 View

2007 Clynelish 16 Year Old “Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseur’s Choice” K&L Exclusive Cask #311259 Single Refill Sherry Hogshead Nonchillfiltered Cask Strength Highlands Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $180.00 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

DOUBLE PRODUCT RELEASE

WHISKY SPONGE ED.91 GLEN GARIOCH

Here at Decadent Drinks we are big fans of Glen Garioch and have bottled a number of quite varied casks from this distillery throughout our short history. This latest one is a 1st fill hogshead of 2003 Glen Garioch, matured for 21 years and bottled at natural cask strength. It has everything we love about classic, highland style makes like Glen Garioch: abundant waxy texture, luscious fruitiness and fulness of body. This one is a terrific and extremely satisfying dram that should be perfect for anyone seeking a rich and hearty modern highland single malt with plenty of personality and distillery character.

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DOUBLE PRODUCT RELEASE

ISLAY SPONGE PART V BOWMORE 2004

We probably won’t be able to do an Islay Sponge bottling from every Islay distillery, but we are going to do our best! We’re certainly very proud of this latest find: a single refill hogshead of 2004 Bowmore that is an unashamed tropical fruit bomb, bottled at 20 years old and natural cask strength. Stunning fruitiness, layers of soft, wispy peat smoke and a huge coastal freshness. Everything we love about this incredible distillate and a perfect entry for the latest Islay Sponge bottling.

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Decadent Drinks Ltd DECADENT DRINKS LTD, WEST BUILDING RUTHVENFIELD GROVE, INVERALMOND

INDUSTRIAL ESTATE PERTH, Highlands PH1 3FN United Kingdom

Ready for a flavour adventure? Say hello to Cask No. 68.121: Sunseeker – a whisky bursting with excitement thanks to its short fermentation! But what’s all the fuss about fermentation lengths?

Let’s break it down: fermentation, the magical process where yeast works its alchemy on the wort created during mashing, is key to converting sugar into alcohol, generating carbon dioxide and heat in the process. Up to 80 per cent of the character of new-make spirit can come from fermentation, making it a crucial step in whisky production. As the old saying goes: ‘You can’t make good whisky without a good wash’, highlighting the importance of what happens during mashing and fermentation in creating quality spirits. And that’s just the beginning of our flavour journey!

In Montilla-Moriles, we dried grapes in the sun, producing a rich, fruity taste akin to sweet wine from a damp cellar, before crafting sun-baked bread, sipping prune wine from a leather wineskin, and aging our whisky in bourbon casks for 11 years before transferring it to PX barriques. Our 68.121 embodies this vivacious spirit, packing a punch of zesty goodness that’ll make your taste buds dance.

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The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

LIMITED-EDITION WHISKY’S SPECTACLE OF FLAVOURS
BRINGS THE SPIRIT OF THE CIRCUS TO ARDBEG DAY

–First Ardbeg aged in port casks sets the stage for a show stopping celebration in 2024-

Held annually on the final Saturday of Islay’s Festival of Music and Malt (Fèis Ìle), Ardbeg Day is a global celebration of all things Ardbeg. This year, festivities will take a show-stopping turn at the Distillery and around the world on Saturday 1^st June, as Ardbeg marks the occasion with one of its most eclectic experiments to date – Ardbeg Spectacular.

The Distillery’s first whisky aged in port casks, this avant-garde limited edition showcases a spectacle of flavours never before tasted at Ardbeg. Vaulting on to the shoulders of classic bourbon-matured Ardbeg, whisky wholly matured in these port barrels brings a tumbling richness and an acrobatic twist of colour to the Islay malt. Dark chocolate cartwheels across the palate, mint walks the high wire, while aromas of candied fruit, incense candles and smoked pecans swing by on the trapeze.

Taking inspiration from the whisky’s deep, dark cavalcade of flavours — as sensational as any carnival act — the Islay single malt is inviting fans to join its very own “Dark Circus” on Ardbeg Day. For one day only, at the Distillery and at local events across the globe, whisky fans can delve into an offbeat and smoky Ardbeggian take on the circus, through intriguing tastings, outlandish games and an extravaganza of peaty delights.

Gillian Macdonald, Ardbeg Master Blender, said: “Ardbeg Spectacular is a high-flying spirit, very befitting of Ardbeg Day. Its years in bourbon and port casks create a spectacle of flavours, the like of which Ardbeggians will never have tasted before. We invite fans to roll up and feast their palates on its peculiar notes of mint chocolate, incense, lavender and smoked nuts, set off by a daring double act of salted caramel and tar. Like the finest performances in the circus ring, this is a whisky not to be missed.”

Jackie Thomson, Distillery Visitor Centre Manager and Ringmaster Extraordinaire, said: “This Ardbeg Day we will celebrate our whisky in the most spectacular style – from this new limited edition, to our core range favourites like Ardbeg Ten Years Old. I’m looking forward to entering into the spirit of the circus with fans at the Distillery, online and across the globe on 1^st June, as we come together to juggle big, bold smoky flavours and marvel at the phenolic phenomenon that is Ardbeg!”

Ardbeg Spectacular will be available in the UK and on Ardbeg.com from 23^rd April, RRP: £110. It will then be available in other markets from late April onwards.

For more news on Ardbeg Day 2024 and events near them, smoky malt whisky fans can join the Ardbeg Committee at ardbeg.com/en-gb/committee

www.ardbeg.com

Follow us on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ardbeg

Instagram: @ardbeg

Ardbeg Spectacular Tasting Notes:

ABV:                46%

Colour:           Sunset Orange

Aroma:           Curiously perfumed and aromatic, a big top note of fragrant lavender tumbles into vetiver and incense candles. Down below, deeper notes of leather and wax dance alongside a rich almond nuttiness. A splash of water reveals gentle wisps of woodsmoke and damp peat moss. Hints of menthol hurl headlong into rich antique leather.

Taste:              A viscous mouthfeel bursts forth to introduce a sparkling array of salty, sweet, and savoury flavours. Peat smoke, eucalyptus oil, minty chocolate and toffee mingle with smoked pecans, creosote, and tar. Subtle sweet pear crumble and fudge lurk in the background.

Finish:              Finally, a long and lingering finale of salted caramel and cooling menthol brings this show stopping spectacle of flavour to a close.

Ardbeg

Ardbeg prides itself on being The Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky. Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts. Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’. During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future, and it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction. Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well-established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following. Today, Ardbeg is one of the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whiskies. 

The Ardbeg Committee

The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded in 2000 by the formation of the Ardbeg Committee.  The Committee is made up of thousands of Ardbeg followers worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”. Today there are more than 180,000 members of the Ardbeg Committee in over 130 countries.  Committee Members are regularly consulted on new bottlings and expressions and are offered exclusive Committee bottlings.  Members also receive invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events.  The Committee, chaired by Jackie Thomson, is free to join at ardbeg.com.

Awards

Ardbeg is one of the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whiskies.  Since 2008, Ardbeg has won more than 50 gold and double gold medals in key whisky competitions.  Ardbeg has twice been awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards (2010, 2013).  At the 2014 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, then Distillery Manager Mickey Heads was voted ‘Distillery Manager of the Year’.  The following year, Ardbeg’s expressions took the top three spots in Whisky Advocate magazine’s review of the best single malt Scotch whiskies under US$100.  Meanwhile, both Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Ardbeg Uigeadail have been awarded gold medals at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Ardbeg Ten Years Old also won the Best Single Malt Scotch 10 Year Old at the International Whisky Competition 2019, while the Ardbeg Distillery won the Distillery of the Year 2019. In 2020, the International Whisky Competition awarded Ardbeg Corryvreckan first place for Best Single Malt Scotch, Best Single Malt Scotch (No Age Statement), Best cask Strength (Over 57% ABV), Best Peated Scotch and Best Islay Single Malt. Ardbeg Wee Beastie also earned first place for Best Single Malt Scotch Under 10 Year Old and The Ardbeg Distillery achieved another Distillery of the Year award. In 2021, Dr Bill Lumsden was awarded Master Distiller of the Year for the fifth time, and Ardbeg Uigeadail won World Whisky of the Year in the International Whisky Competition. In 2022, at the International Whisky Competition, Ardbeg was awarded The Distillery of the Year Award, while Ardbeg Ardcore won first place in Best New Scotch Release, Best Peated Single Malt and Best Islay Single Malt. In 2023 to date, Ardbeg has been awarded four Gold and eight silver medals at the International Spirits Competition, Silver in the International Wine & Spirits Competition and Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. 

The Glenmorangie Company:

The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay Malt.

Responsible Drinking:

Ardbeg and The Glenmorangie Company advocate responsible drinking and suggest that drinkers savour Ardbeg whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

Lux Row Distillers Introduces Ezra Brooks 99 Port Wine Cask Finish

Award-winning brand extends its portfolio with unique new variant

ST. LOUIS (April 9, 2024) – Lux Row Distillers announced the latest addition to the Ezra Brooks brand family: Ezra Brooks 99 Port Wine Cask Finish. Finished in port casks from Portugal for six months, Ezra Brooks 99 Port Wine Cask Finish delivers the great spicy ryed bourbon taste and smooth finish Ezra Brooks is known for in its already bold 99 proof bourbon, with additional flavor notes. The new variant will start shipping to retailers later this month at a suggested retail price of $34.99 per 750 ml bottle.

With a mash bill of 78% corn, 10% rye and 12% malt, Ezra Brooks 99 Port Wine Cask Finish is distilled using the highest quality ingredients, aged the old-fashioned way and bottled at 99 proof (49.5% ABV). Distinctive packaging features prominent callouts and a special label color highlighting the port cask finish.

“We created Ezra Brooks 99 Port Wine Cask Finish for bourbon fans looking for an elevated taste profile and unique flavor option,” said Eric Winter, Ezra Brooks brand manager. “Lux Row Master Distiller John Rempe was intrigued by the juxtaposition of ryed bourbon’s spicy flavor profile and the sweeter, dark fruit notes often found in port wines.”

“This special finish brings notes of vanilla, tobacco and leather together on the nose, and sweet fruitiness and dark chocolate on the palate,” said Rempe. “We’re excited to share this special new variety with consumers as the first in a planned series of annual finishes for the Ezra Brooks 99 family.”

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 Gonzalez 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.

Get your taste buds ready, because the ultimate whisky extravaganza is coming your way this May – it’s time for the Flavour Hunters Festival! 

We’ve been on a mission since day one: to hunt down the most tantalising single cask single malts to make your palate dance and your senses sing. And guess what? We’re not just about serious sipping – we’re all about having a blast while we’re at it!

FLAVOUR HUNTERS FESTIVAL 2024

Now, if you’re nodding along like, “Count me in!” then you, my friend, are one of us – a certified Flavour Hunter. And guess what? It’s time to celebrate our shared love for the extraordinary at our Flavour Hunters Festival in May!

But wait, there’s more! We’re bringing the party to you with our special festival bottles, inspired by the diverse flavours, ages and distilleries that make Scotch whisky so irresistible. It’s like having a whisky festival right in your own living room!

This year, we’re throwing the spotlight on sherry cask maturation – prepare for a month-long sherry cask takeover like never before, filled with exclusive events, whisky releases that’ll make your taste buds tingle, and stories from the land of flamenco and fiestas.

WATCH THE VIDEO

24 April: Spirit of Speyside festival bottles hit the scene, kicking off our month-long celebration of whisky.

29 April: Immerse yourself in the Spirit of Speyside – we’re talking stories, entertainment and maybe even a kilt or two!

30 April: Scotch & Sherry tasting experience at The Craigellachie Hotel – because why choose between Scotch and sherry when you can have both?

10 May: Lowland and Highland Festival bottles are here to steal the show – get ready for a taste of the high life!

17 May: Raise a glass to Campbeltown – we’ve got exclusive bottle releases that’ll be sure to ignite your passion for whisky!

20 May: It’s Islay Week, baby! Build the anticipation for the grand finale with some smoky, peaty goodness.

17 May: Embrace the essence of Islay with our coveted bottle releases – because every good party deserves a killer finale!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your tasting glass and get ready to party with us at the Flavour Hunters Festival in May. It’s going to be a whisky-filled, flavour-packed, downright unforgettable adventure!

VIEW THE PROGRAM

Don’t miss this epic virtual hangout to dive into a world of flavour from the comfort of your own home with an unforgettable virtual event. Grab your favourite dram, settle in and let’s raise a glass together!

We’re not just inviting members from around the corner, but from every corner of the globe!

Here’s what you can expect:

• Engaging chat on festival adventures and this year’s upcoming events
• Exclusive insights into what SMWS has in store, including sneak peeks at festival releases
• Special guests
• Test your knowledge with a fun-filled quiz

Thursday, April 25th at 9pm BST

Tune in live on the SMWS UK Facebook page or our YouTube channel.

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video