ralfy review 1031 – Glen Scotia Double Cask @46%vol:

A Legacy Reborn: 

Rosebank Distillery celebrates landmark reopening after 30 years 

 Rosebank Distillery has welcomed its first guests after being miraculously restored in an ambitious four-year project that pays homage to the original site.

 The new distillery has been hailed as a tremendous addition for the Falkirk community, stimulating tourism, generating employment, and significantly boosting the local economy.

The revival has transformed the previously mothballed site into a beautiful new working distillery that celebrates dynamic new architecture intertwined with the original infrastructure.

To mark the occasion, Rosebank Distillery has launched its first distillery exclusive, and its oldest expression to date, a 1989 Vintage, 33 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky.

Known as a “Sleeping Giant of Scottish Distilleries”, the highly anticipated Rosebank Distillery has finally reawakened, opening its doors today to welcome whisky enthusiasts from around the globe, for the first time ever.

After more than 30 years of closure, Ian Macleod Distillers has lovingly brought back to life the “ghost” distillery, previously thought to be lost forever. The meticulous restoration has spanned the last four years, and the stunning new distillery has returned as an iconic landmark for the Falkirk community. The striking new distillery retains some key original features, which are complemented by contemporary, state-of-the-art elements.

The newly restored home of Rosebank also offers a world-class visitor experience for guests – a first in the distillery’s history. With the doors now open, the distillery is expected to stimulate tourism and generate employment, significantly boosting the local Falkirk economy.

Commonly referred to as “The King of the Lowlands”, spirit once again flows at Rosebank Distillery, and the first cask was filled in June 2023. Paying respect to the historic site, the characteristic three copper stills have been lovingly crafted to replicate their historic shape based on original distillery drawings. They now stand proudly in the stunning glass-fronted still house and distil the famous elegant, and floral signature Rosebank spirit.

Stuart Hendry, Brand Homes Director at Ian Macleod Distillers, said: “This is a huge moment for the people of Falkirk and the global whisky community. It has been an absolute pleasure watching Rosebank reawaken, with its original, unique distillation methods now sitting at the heart of inspiring new buildings that respect the original setting. The sense of pride that the people of Falkirk have in Rosebank is very much felt by all of us at Ian Macleod Distillers and to be custodians of such an iconic distillery is a dream come true.

“Opening the doors today to visitors marks another historic chapter in the incredible story of Rosebank and we are excited to welcome whisky lovers from around the world into this incredible cathedral of distillation.”

To mark the distillery’s full revival, Rosebank has released its first distillery exclusive, and its oldest expression to date, Rosebank Vintage 1989. The 33 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky, bottled at its natural strength of 47.5% ABV, is from the oldest year of the legacy stock. The new expression is a limited run of 650 bottles, and only available to buy from the  distillery gift shop, priced at £3,200. As an extra-celebratory opening day memento, distillery manager Malcolm Rennie will be on-site signing bottles after purchase.

On the nose, the whisky presents a combination of tropical fruits, vanilla, aged oak, white grape, melon, upside down cake, custard, maple syrup and hints of liquorice. While the palate reveals flavours of bright lemon, peach, sweet menthol, gentle coriander and pepper spice.

Emma Oakes, Blender at Rosebank said: “Such a grand occasion calls for an exceptional whisky, and our Rosebank Vintage 1989 is just that. We have had the unique opportunity to assess each of the rare Rosebank casks that have survived since the distillery’s closure in 1993. It was clear from the start that our 1989 casks, the oldest in our archive, would be perfect to create this incredibly special dram to toast to the revival of such a well-loved distillery.”

Whisky lovers looking to visit Rosebank Distillery in Falkirk can choose from three tour options; Rosebank Reawakening, Rosebank Rekindled and Rosebank Revered. Each tour starts with an immersive animation that recounts Rosebank’s miraculous tale of turbulence and triumph, all brought to life in the original distillery buildings.

A detailed tour of the distillery and still house follows, as well as the opportunity to taste Rosebank’s new make spirit and the award-winning expressions from Rosebank’s sister distilleries Glengoyne and Tamdhu. The Rosebank Revered tour offers a tutored tasting of three exceptionally rare and specially selected Rosebank expressions.

Rosebank distillery tours are available from today and can be booked directly via www.rosebank.com.

About Rosebank 

Owned by Ian Macleod Distillers, one of Scotland’s leading independent family-owned distillers, ‘The King of the Lowlands’ makes a highly-anticipated return.

After being mothballed in 1993, Rosebank has re-opened in 2024, with a renovation that breathes life back into this esteemed Scottish distillery and the surrounding community in Falkirk.

Regarded as one of the lightest, most floral Scotch whiskies ever made, Rosebank whisky is a non-peated, triple distilled, Lowland Single Malt. Its fruity floral style is achieved through a combination of triple distillation and worm tub condensers – a production technique that is unique to Rosebank Distillery.

Tour details:

Rosebank Reawakening has been designed to appeal to everyone from aficionados to novices, and includes a detailed tour of the distillery and still house. There will also be the opportunity to nose the new make spirit, along with tastings of expressions from Rosebank’s sister distilleries Glengoyne and Tamdhu. Tours will be available every day of the week, costing £25 per person.

For those keen to experience the aged Rosebank in one of our private tasting rooms, the 90-minute Rosebank Rekindled is available for £95 per person. Visitors embark on a guided tour of the distillery, warehouse and still house before nosing the new-make spirit and enjoying a tasting of the vibrant Rosebank 31 Year Old which was produced in the original distillery, alongside some award-winning drams from Glengoyne and Tamdhu distilleries.

Rosebank Revered is for true whisky aficionados, and includes a welcome reception in the beautifully designed, vaulted ceiling, Rosebank Lounge where tales of Rosebank old and new are shared, over served coffee and tea.  From there, a detailed tour of the distillery including the magnificent glass-fronted stillhouse and warehouse.  Then to Rosebank’s Academy Rooms where guests will discover how the new make spirit is crafted, while hearing back tasting notes from Distillery Manager, Malcolm Rennie.  The experience will end with a tutored tasting of a flight of three exceptionally rare and specially selected Rosebank expressions, in one of the impressive private tasting rooms. The Rosebank Revered tour costs £300 per person.

To find out more about Rosebank Distillery, please visit www.rosebank.com

Keep up to date with Rosebank Distillery on social: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Lux Row Distillers introduces Rebel 10-Year Single Barrel Bourbon

Highly-anticipated award-winning annual release delivers a rich and rebellious flavor

ST. LOUIS (June 3, 2024) – Lux Row Distillers® announced the introduction of Rebel® 10-Year Single Barrel Bourbon, meticulously aged and hand bottled independently at 100 proof (50% ABV) for a unique flavor profile specific to each batch. The annual release will be available in a limited allocation later this month at a suggested retail price of $99.99 per 750mL bottle.

Rebel 10-Year Single Barrel is hand crafted according to Rebel Bourbon’s original, time-honored wheated recipe since 1849 and bottled one barrel at a time for a uniquely rebellious experience. With a golden amber glow, Rebel 10-Year delivers a nose that opens with vanilla and dark fruits followed by citrus and oak, a palate of caramel and citrus, and a velvety smooth oak finish with a hint of spice. Each bottle includes the barrel number and ‘aged since’ date.

The release of this annual offering is the latest demonstration of Rebel Bourbon’s commitment to building an award-winning portfolio of quality bourbon while expanding its reach and engagement with consumers and retailers. Rebel 10-Year was recently awarded Double Platinum by the American Spirits council of Tasters (ASCOT) Awards in the single barrel bourbon whiskeys up to 10 years category. In addition, the SIP Awards, the only internationally recognized consumer judging spirits competition, awarded Rebel 10-Year the top honor of Platinum – Best of Class in the single barrel American whiskey up to 10 years category for 2024.

Earlier this year, Rebel Bourbon became the official bourbon of Richard Childress Racing, the No. 8 Chevrolet and NASCAR® Cup Series champion Kyle Busch. Rebel Bourbon also offers two new barrel programs for retailers – Rebel Full Proof Single Barrel in person at Lux Row Distillers or via a mailed sample kit, and Rebel Stave Finish Collection Single Barrel in person at Lux Row Distillers.

“This annual Rebel 10-Year Single Barrel shows how Rebel is bridging the gap between its heritage and modern tastes,” said Lux Row Distillers Master Distiller John Rempe. “I think consumers will appreciate the hand-crafted single barrel process when they experience the robust, rebellious flavor and mature finish of this extra smooth sipping whiskey.”

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.

FOUNDER’S PRIVATE CELLAR – 16 YEAR OLD PORT CASK

DESCRIPTION

Our Founder’s Private Cellar is an incredibly rare release of some of our most individualistic casks. We are incredibly proud each time we release a cask from the cellar, which was first started by James Nelstrop, our founder.

This single malt whisky was distilled in early August 2007 and was one of the first port casks we ever filled. 16 years later, the whisky is delightful, with a hint of smoke and a wonderful taste of juicy dark fruits, ginger biscuits and a lovely oily texture creating a good long finish.

This sublime bottling is testament to the quality of whisky produced by The English Distillery. and a celebration of our Founders dream to make whisky in England. Winner of Silver in the ‘Single Cask Single Malt, 13 – 20 Years’ category at the World Whiskies Awards.

TASTING NOTES

A hint of smoke and a wonderful taste of juicy dark fruits, ginger biscuits and a lovely oily texture creating a good long finish.

Hotaling’s 16 Year Old “Old Potrero” Bottled In Bond Single Malt Rye Whiskey (700ml) ($229.99)

K&L Notes: Fritz Maytag, the visionary who ushered in the craft beer movement, is also responsible for a resurrection of pot-distilled whiskey in America. Not satisfied with merely rescuing Anchor Brewing in 1965 and resuscitating its iconic steam beer, he expanded to spirits in 1993. Fritz established Anchor Distilling Company in the back of the beer brewery and propelled the return of pot-distilled whiskey to the United States. Inspired by the rye whiskeys being made at America’s founding and Scotland’s finest single malts, the San Francisco distillery on Potrero Hill dedicated itself to a mash of 100% rye malt. Since the first barrels were laid down in 1994, Bruce Joseph has been manning the stills and producing the finest pot-distilled whiskey in the country. While they lost the use of the Anchor name in the ill-fated brewery sale, Hotaling, as it’s now known, is still producing the same whiskey under Bruce’s watchful eye. This long history makes Hotaling one of the few small distilleries in the country capable of releasing a 16-year-old, bottled-in-bond rye. It’s a true rarity and one of the most complete whiskies we’ve ever tasted. Only 432 bottles produced. Aged 16 years in once used, charred, fine-grain, American oak barrels. 50% ABV and non-chillfiltered.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: May 09, 2024

If I were inclined to give numeric scores to whiskey, this would surely earn a 99 or 100 from me. Whiskey being subjective, it’s hard to say something is perfect, but this rye is full of flavor, complex, nuanced, balanced, and outright delicious. There are precious few boxes left to check after that. Aged in once-used barrels of fine-grain American oak, this was set up for success over its long 16 years of aging, more like a Scottish single malt in many ways than most rye whiskeys. The color is a gorgeous bright gold. The nose is expansive, sweet, and easy to get lost in. Vanilla, creamed butter, cinnamon, fresh-cut grass, molasses, caraway, coriander, soft caramel candy, saddle leather, mahogany, mint, and so much more. In some combination of the malting and the long aging, the sharper grassy and hotter spice notes of the rye have been tamed into something sweeter and rounder. The proof is perfect. Robust enough carry tons of aromatics but not overwhelm with alcohol. On the palate, the aromatics are repeated and then spread even further into black tea, toasted coconut, honey, and granola. The finish is lengthy, full of warm baking spices and showing a surprising red fruit kick toward the very end. While it’s shockingly easy to down a glass of this in pure hedonistic enjoyment, it’s the kind of spirit for a night where you really want to delve into and marvel at the complexities that can be coaxed out of one bottle.

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

SPRINGBANK
30 YEAR OLD  46%

UK RRP £850 – £860

NOSE
Ripe bananas, clotted cream and butterscotch sauce notes are prominent in the introduction to this dram.

PALATE
A tropical note familiar to Springbank comes through on the palate in notes of juicy fruits and coconut. There are notes of blood orange, nectarine and rose water balanced with light peat smoke.

FINISH
The fruitiness of the nose and palate remains, with the inclusion of a gorse note and a touch of mint leaf in the finish.

Cask Type: 100% Refill Bourbon

Bottled: 2024

Strength: 46% ABV

70cl Bottle

The Good Dram Show with Chris Goodrum Episode 559 – Where Has The Last Ten Years Gone..!

Welcome to this week’s episode of the show in which I’ll be taking a look at a few Ardnamurchan releases. Filmed in The Study Nottingham. Filmed & Edited by Chris Goodrum

Featuring

Ardnamurchan AD/ Paul Launois Third Release 57.1%
Ardnamurchan AD/ Sherry Cask Release 50%
Ardnamurchan AD/09.22 Cask Strength 58.4%
Ardnamurchan AD/ Cask Strength Release 58.1%
Ardnamurchan AD/08:17 CSK.592 ‘Visitors Centre Edition’ 60.4%
Ardnamurchan AD/10:22 ‘Madeira Cask Release’ 58.2%

ardnamurchandistillery.com

Exceptionally rare 49 Year Old Single Malt Whisky

from The Dalmore, housed in a unique glass sculpture

co-created with Zaha Hadid Architects, sells for £93,750 / $117,400

The Dalmore to donate all proceeds to V&A Dundee

Luminary No.2 – The Rare co-conceived by Melodie Leung of ZHA and

award-winning Whisky Makers Gregg Glass and Richard Paterson OBE

LONDON, 31 MAY 2024 – – Today at Sotheby’s, a decanter of a 49 Year Old Single Malt from The Dalmore Distillery, housed in a unique glass sculpture co-created with Melodie Leung, director at Zaha Hadid Architects, sold for £93,750 / $117,400*.

The Dalmore Luminary No.2 ‘The Rare’ is the second release in The Luminary Series, a unique three-part partnership between The Dalmore and V&A Dundee. Melodie Leung is the esteemed talent and creative collaborator behind this unique and exceptionally rare release.

The Dalmore will donate all proceeds of the £75,000 hammer price from today’s sale to their long-term partner, V&A Dundee, Scotland’s design museum, in support of its mission to inspire and empower, through design.

V&A Dundee and The Dalmore have worked closely together since 2020. The support to date from The Dalmore, including a donation from Luminary No.1, has helped VAD to reach more people in the community with exciting exhibitions and activities that enhances creative opportunities and accessibility, including the current major free exhibition Photo City: How Images Shape the Urban World (until 29th October 2024).

Luminary No.2 ‘The Rare’ comprises a 49 Year Old Highland Single Malt, one of only three bottles to be made, uniquely housed in a striking glass sculpture, designed by Leung and made of one continuous piece of glass, inspired by and depicting the layers of age and the interactions of flavour found in the whisky making process and the whisky itself.

Incredibly high-risk and taking hundreds of hours of work, the creation of the glass work by Fiaz Elson from The Glass Foundry combined modern techniques with centuries-old craft to create the sculpture, placing it in kiln in a handmade mould and taking the glass to temperature before lowering one degree at a time across a tense 12 week period.  Weighing a substantial 80kg, the sculpture’s liquid-like texture and gloss finish comes from over 500 hours of hand polishing.

‘The Rare’ whisky itself was created in a collaboration between Leung and The Dalmore’s master whisky makers Gregg Glass and Richard Paterson OBE and was matured in American white oak ex-Bourbon casks and finished in an assemblage, encompassing a rare Port Colheita Pipe 1963, an exceptionally rare 30 Year Old Apostoles Sherry Cask and Select Bourbon Barrels. The whisky was further finished in a unique 1951 / Virgin oak hybrid cask, air dried at The Dalmore and bespoke hand-toasted by Gregg Glass himself.

Only three bottles and two sculptures have and will ever be created. In addition to the set sold at auction at Sotheby’s, a second complete set will be held in archive at the distillery’s Highland home and one further decanter will be saved for a final Luminary Series Compendium to come in the future, which will include all three releases.

Leonie Bell, Director of V&A Dundee, said: “The Dalmore and V&A Dundee partnership is ambitious. It brings our worlds of design, whisky, internationalism, innovation, and a deep commitment to celebrate Scotland’s unique icons, landscapes and crafts together. The Dalmore are generously donating the entire proceeds from the auction of the unique sculpture and decanter. This collaboration is invaluable to V&A Dundee and supports our work to generate joy, spark curiosity and to deepen our social impact through design.”

Melodie Leung, Luminary No.2, said: “Creating both the sculpture and whiskies with Gregg and Richard for the second edition of The Dalmore’s Luminary Series was a truly fascinating collaboration. I am delighted that collectively we’re supporting the V&A Dundee in their invaluable work inspiring the next generation of designers.”

Steven Pearson, Chief Marketing Officer of Whyte & Mackay, said: “The Luminary series offers The Dalmore the unique opportunity to not only support our long-standing partner V&A Dundee, but to collaborate with leading architectural figures to combine the art of whisky making and design, resulting in the creation of both a whisky and sculpture, that is not only exceptionally rare, but interesting and rich in story.

“Watching The Dalmore’s Master Whisky Makers, Gregg Glass and Richard Paterson OBE, work with the incredibly talented Melodie Leung was a sight to behold. It was remarkable to see the development of a whisky, through the eyes of an architect and watch the sculpture take shape, with Gregg and Richard’s influences incorporated. Luminary No.2 has been a true partnership between Melodie, Gregg and Richard and this project will have an everlasting influence on our design philosophy.”

Jonny Fowle, Global Head of Spirits, Sotheby’s, said: “This is a thoroughly deserved result for a true collector’s piece that combines to brilliant effect a highly aged liquid, a high concept design and a worthy cause. The Dalmore is an icon of the whisky world and this second iteration in their Luminary series encapsulates all the key elements collectors are looking for in today’s premium whisky market.”

*Please note this does not include Sotheby’s buyer’s premium on the final sale price. The hammer total was £75,000. 

The Dalmore Luminary – The Rare – 2024 Edition

TASTING NOTES

Aroma: Madagascan vanilla, rich dark berry fruits, cinnamon and dark cacao

Palate: Freshly roasted chestnuts, blackcurrant, Doyenné pears, and soft patisserie spices

Finishing notes: Sugared almonds, plums, roasted Colombian coffee with lifts to a subtle sweet wood smoke

Bottled at 40.6% ABV, natural colour, and non-chill filtered

MATURATION

The 49 Year Old was matured in American White Oak ex-Bourbon casks and finished in a blend of Port Colheita 1963, Apostoles sherry, select Bourbon and unique hybrid casks

A final flourish in a bespoke 1951/Virgin Oak hybrid cask air-dried at The Dalmore distillery and hand-toasted by Glass himself

THE DALMORE LUMINARY – THE RARE – 2024 EDITION GLASS SCULPTURE

The Dalmore worked closely with Fiaz Elson from The Glass Foundry – one of the few master glass artists with the necessary experience and vision to manipulate glass to the desired form – to combine modern techniques with a centuries-old craft to deliver this unique sculpture

The sculpture was in the kiln at The Glass Foundry for 12 weeks

The initial moulding was made at 890 degrees and held at that temperature for 15 hours to ensure all moisture and air bubbles were released. The temperature was then gradually lowered around a degree a day until it was at room temperature. After this proving period, it was lifted carefully from the kiln, weighing in at 80 kilograms

In a process that took over 500 hours, the sculpture was then fine-polished by hand across the entire surface area to achieve the liquid texture and gloss finish.

Whether you’re reminiscing about past travels or planning new ones, our June Outturn promises a whisky experience that will take you on a journey. This month we’re all about a sensory experience with our latest drams – perfect for summer sipping, enjoying with Dad on Father’s Day, or BBQs on Canada Day.

And be sure to download the pdf of this month’s Outturn from our website to read the latest installment of our year long look at Scotch and Sherry; you can also check out the Society’s new documentary “Scotch & Sherry: A Flavour Odyssey” on the SMWS YouTube channel, SMWSSilverscreen.

REDS, GREENS AND YELLOWS

CASK NO. 39.272

CASK:  1st fill ex-bourbon barrel

AGE:  11 years

LIME AND THYME

DISTILLERY 5 RARE RELEASE

CASKS:  1st fill ex-bourbon barrels

AGE: 18 years

RICH AS CAKE, A LITTLE SOURDOUGH

CASK NO. 94.41

CASK:  1st fill PX ex-bodega barrique

AGE:  14 years

PANEL PIGGIES’ PARADISE

CASK NO. 138.23

CASK:  1st fill ex-bourbon barrel #3 char

AGE:  5 years

TRULY A FLAVOUR BOMB

CASK NO. RW3.6

CASK:  1st fill ex-Applejack barrel

AGE:  5 years

SUPPING SHERRY FROM POLISHED WOODEN CUPS

CASK NO. 18.60

CASK:  1st fill oloroso hogshead

AGE:  15 years

SOUND OF SINGING SAND

CASK NO. 10.241

CASK:  2nd fill PX hogshead

AGE:  9 years

BROWSE JUNE OUTTURN HERE

VIEW ALL BOTTLINGS

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada
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104 – 1240 Kensington Road NW
Calgary, AB  T2N 3P7
403-969-8225
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The Grand Whisky Auction June 2024 Auction CLOSES TONIGHT!

FEATURING The Oldest Macallan Of Them All!!

The auction closes Wednesday the 12th of June 2024!

Interested in selling whisky in our next auction?

T.+44 (0)1463 210 427 – sales@TGWA.com