KAMIKI DRINKS AND DISARONNO INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCE NEW DISTRIBUTION PARTNERSHIP FOR UK AND BENELUX MARKETS

Amsterdam, NL- 20th May. 2024

Kamiki Drinks BV is delighted to announce a strategic distribution partnership with Disaronno International BV and Disaronno International UK, marking a new era in our route-to-market strategy across several key European regions.

This exciting collaboration will facilitate the distribution of Kamiki Drinks’ premium products, including Kamiki Whisky, Umiki Whisky, and Minoki Rum, across the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg.

Effective Dates and Markets:

Disaronno UK will begin distributing Umiki Whisky and Minoki Rum from July 1, 2024, onwards.

This partnership signifies a major milestone in our growth strategy and underscores our commitment to enhancing access to our unique spirits for consumers in these important markets.

Disaronno BV will commence distribution of Kamiki Whisky, Umiki Whisky, and Minoki Rum starting August 1, 2024, in Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg.

About Kamiki Drinks:

Kamiki Drinks, a distinguished beverage company, is dedicated to curating an exceptional portfolio of high-quality spirits. With an unwavering commitment to excellence and a drive for innovation, Kamiki Drinks continuously pushes the boundaries of the industry. As part of its impressive lineup, Kamiki Drinks proudly presents brands such as Kamiki Whisky (www.kamikiwhisky.com), Umiki Whisky (www.umikiwhisky.com), Minoki Rum (www.minokirum.com) Oakpacker Whiskey (www.oakpacker.com), Aqvaranch Vodka & Gin (www.aqvaranch.com) and Montebrisa Tequila (www.montebrisatequila.com)

About Kamiki Shuzou Co & Kamiki Single Malt Whisky

Kamiki Shuzou Co has transformed a century-old building into a modern distillery. It stands as a testament to sustainability and as a pioneering whisky facility which has woven together the rich, historical narrative of Japan with modern distillery practices. Kamiki Shuzou’s first Japanese single malt whisky is distilled and aged for a minimum of three years in oak barrels in Japan. The malt whisky is later finished in a Japanese Cedar cask, making it the world’s first Yoshino Sugi, or Japanese Cedar Cask Finish Single Malt Whisky.

About Disaronno International:

Disaronno International BV and Disaronno International UK are part of ILLVA® Saronno Holding, an Italian multinational with a strong strategic business diversification, is a leader in the world of spirits thanks to Disaronno, “the world’s favourite Italian liqueur”, distributed in over 160 countries and with five centuries of history behind it, along with other prestigious products such as Tia Maria, The Busker, Sagamore and Engine. Disaronno International BV is based in the Netherlands and has expanded its operations to Belgium and Luxembourg. Disaronno International UK is a premium spirits and wine business based in London. Both subsidiaries are involved in expanding and enhancing the distribution of their brand portfolios, which include a range of spirits such as whiskies and liqueurs, as well as engaging in new partnerships and collaborations to enhance market presence.

For further information, please visit Disaronno International and Kamiki Whisky

Longmorn 1968 SMWS 38 Year Old 7.39

In an exciting development, Whisky Auctioneer, the leading global online spirits auction platform, is set to feature several compelling Scotch Malt Whisky Society of America US import bottlings in its May 2024 Auction, currently live and ending on Monday June 10th, 2024. These offerings include releases from esteemed whisky brands like Macallan, promising a true exploration of Scotch whisky preferences in the US market. Other exciting bottlings include:

• Whisky from lost grain distilleries including Caledonian, Cambus & Carsbridge
• Rarely seen among independent bottlers – releases including whisky from Glenkinchie, Glencraig, Cragganmore, Glenmorangie, Kilchoman & Talisker

More info on the bottlings available can be found here.

We also have an interview carried out with Alan Shayne, the founder of Scotch Malt Whisky Society of America where his insights can provide valuable context on the society’s history, its evolution into a global entity, and further details on the exclusive bottlings showcased in the May auction.

An early version of the Society Logo

Alan Shayne founded the Scotch Malt Whisky Society of America (SMWS) in the US, bringing the international private membership club to American shores and with it some of Scotland’s finest whisky. We sat down with him to discuss that journey…

First of all, can you tell us a bit about SMWS?

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is a prestigious, international, private membership club, whose members are discerning enthusiasts of the finest single cask, cask strength, single malt Scotch whisky.

How did you first encounter SMWS?

My first encounter with the Society was in 1993 when an industry associate introduced me to Mr. Philip “Pip” Hills, the founder of the Society.

There are many whisky clubs in the US and throughout the world – what drew you to the SMWS in particular?

At the time there were no other “whisky clubs” in the USA. I was particularly attracted to the Society because they were the real thing! They were a members’ club that one was pleased to pay to join, because of the quality of the whisky and the ethos and integrity of the organization.

How did the SMWS start in the USA? Was there initially big interest or was it a challenge?

We launched the Society in America, with the understanding that US regulations regarding beverage alcohol were challenging, in respect to offering our whiskies to members only. Having figured it out with the help of the best liquor attorneys, I inherently knew this was a great opportunity. When the Forbes Magazine family heard of what I was doing and we formed a strategic alliance. They published articles about us, which resulted in a demand for memberships, beginning the journey. The challenges were many, however we overcame them, membership grew and we created the first national series of whisky tastings of Single Malt Scotch throughout the country, The Whisky Extravaganza, focusing on the entire category. Naturally, many attendee’s chose to join The Society.

How has that evolved today?

Although I no longer serve in a business capacity with the Society, I’m pleased to participate in Society members events . The Society continues to grow and now offers its members, fine spirits at cask strength, from
other categories of distilled spirits.

How is whisky selected for SMWS America? Are there trends we wouldn’t be familiar with in Scotland?

The Society selects casks in the original manner, by our tasting committee, who blindly tastes the malts we have access to. Once selected, for the most part, a portion of those casks are offered to each branch throughout the world.

Do you have a most memorable whisky moment?

Fortunately, I’ve had a great many whisky moments. The one I recall most vividly was when Pip invited me to visit The Society in the UK. My first stop was London, to attend a members tasting at the Plaza Athenea. I t blew my mind to see members interactions with each other and then purchase bottles of the tasted whiskies at the event. We then traveled to various coastal distilleries on a very old trawler. After enjoying a tour of the Springbank Distillery in Campbelltown and a lovely dinner at local pub afterward, we headed back to the boat. There was a raging storm in progress and I suggested we sleep dockside on the boat. Having been overruled, we set sail for Islay. It was a very scary experience, so I went below deck and consumed a good amount of a Society Caol Ila bottling, then passing out. Awakening at daybreak, I put on a pot of strong coffee, went above deck and encountered a cold and shivering crew. I sent them below, and maneuvered the boat to the harbor at Port Ellen. We docked the boat and enjoyed a warm, welcoming traditional Scottish breakfast and went on to visit a number of Islay’s foremost distilleries.

What do you find most exciting in the world of whisky at the moment?

The most exciting thing about whisky today is that those new to experience, are still attracted to the category despite the continual changes that occur. American Bourbon, over the past 20 years has been quite the rage on our side of the ocean. I’ve been in the industry for over half a century and changes are constant. The goal of whisky enthusiasts is to sample expressions from all the categories. Yet somehow, a great many will revert back to Scotch whiskies, as their flavors, unique characteristics, and cultural connections remain most alluring. Whisky is far more than a drink, it’s an opportunity for camaraderie, to connect and share experiences with likeminded people.

An incredible selection of SMWS US import bottles are available in our May 2024 Auction, offering the chance to explore US taste in Scotch whisky.

TyndrumWhisky.com
The Green Welly Stop
Tyndrumwhisky, Tyndrum
Crianlarich, Perthshire FK20 8RY
United Kingdom

Here’s Why Scotch Whisky Distilleries Have Pagodas On Their Roofs 

Think of the quintessential image of a scotch whisky distillery, and likely it includes a pagoda roof rising above a cluster of stone buildings. This architectural feature, which was introduced at some 56 distilleries, is a signature of scotch whisky distilling. Here’s everything you need to know about these iconic structures, from their role in the kilning process to which distilleries still have them.

READ MORE

ralfy review 1030 – Bunnahabhain 12yo @60.1%vol: (2023 Edition)

Laphroaig Scotch Whisky Introduces Càirdeas 2024 Cask Favourites

We are pleased to announce the introduction of the new Laphroaig Càirdeas 2024 Cask Favourites Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Available in US as of late June, the bottle is offered at 52.4% ABV and at a suggested retail price of $109.99 (700ml). Available on ReserveBar, preorder is live now.

For more than two centuries, Laphroaig’s master craftsmen have worked to shape this richly flavored Scotch whisky. This 10-year-old Càirdeas edition was created by Master Blender, Calum Fraser, to pay homage to the first Càirdeas offerings that made Laphroaig what it is today – a rich and distinct Scotch whisky.

Laphroaig Càirdeas 2024 Cask Favourites celebrates 30 years of friendship, a ten-year-old expression that pays homage to Laphroaig’s well-loved releases: 2019’s Triple Wood and 2021’s PX Cask. Married together by Master Blender, Calum Fraser, as an aged statement celebrating the very first Càirdeas expressions.

Developed in ex-Bourbon barrels, this single malt combines the distinctive peaty flavor of Laphroaig with notes of freshly ground ginger, charred citrus fruits, and a whisper of bonfire notes embers through on the finish. The celebratory malt is bottled at a fixed strength for a memorable experience to share with friends.

Laphroaig is one of the few distilleries that still uses a traditional malting floor, and this is where Laphroaig’s Càirdeas malt starts its life. It begins as malted barley, gently dried and infused by the thick smoke from our signature cold smoking process in our ancient peat kilns. It’s then mixed with the crisp waters of the Kilbride Stream, one of Islay’s unique natural features, before being distilled. The spirit is matured twice — first in over-charred first and second-fill ex-Bourbon barrels and quarter casks before being finished in PX casks, adding fruity sweetness, resulting in a whisky of greater depth, designed to be savored.

TASTING NOTES

Bold, pale gold in color.

Packed with quintessential smoky peat and charred citrus fruit aromas.

With notes of caramelized sugar and cinnamon dominate the nose.

Followed by delicate notes of hazelnut and honey sweetness.

A tannic oak paired with earthy peat and subtle sea-salt bring the whisky to a finish.

Laphroaig Scotch whisky has been dividing opinions since 1845, when Donald and Alexander Johnston first opened their distillery on the Isle of Islay. Its unique smoky taste can be attributed to the island’s peat. Rich in moss, lichen and heather, this peat is unlike anything found on the Scottish mainland. Good whisky needs good water, and the distillery has its own supply in the Kilbride stream which flows through the peat beds. It also needs experience, and with the wisdom of two centuries of craftsmanship, each expression of Laphroaig is a true masterpiece.

CELEBRATE LIFE’S GOLDEN MOMENTS WITH BALLANTINE’S 23 YEAR OLD GOLDEN HOUR EDITION, A LIMITED RELEASE EXCLUSIVE TO GLOBAL TRAVEL RETAIL

Ballantine’s captures meaningful moments through expertly crafted blends in a new collection, with each Scotch fully finished in a different type of French oak casks.

Ballantine’s, the world’s second-largest Scotch whisky*, announces the release of its new 23 Year Old Golden Hour series, capturing the magnetism of the ‘golden hour’ and recognising the importance of marking special moments. The new collection is rooted in Ballantine’s ethos of “Time Well Spent”, a concept which highlights the importance of making time to create moments that truly matter. Exclusive to global travel retail, each expression released in the series will complement the original Ballantine’s 23 Year Old, offering a unique twist on the Scotch’s much loved signature style through different French oak cask finishes.

The inaugural release in the collection, expertly crafted by Master Blender Sandy Hyslop, offers a unique taste experience with the award-winning 23 Year Old blend being fully finished in former Cognac casks – a first in the Ballantine’s portfolio. The finest French oak casks were meticulously hand-selected to trial innovative ways of bringing a captivating new depth of flavour to an already outstanding whisky. The result is a stunning Scotch, with subtle sweet and fruity notes of juicy peach on the nose, and sweet toffee with hints of honey blossom on the palate to create a whisky that is rich and long-lasting.

Reflecting on the release, Sandy Hyslop commented:

“Introducing an unexpected twist to our widely loved Ballantine’s 23 Year Old is a big responsibility, and this exclusive new release caters for aficionados searching for a new drinking experience with a sweeter profile. Pushing our cask diversification into ex-Cognac barrels is an exciting innovation in Ballantine’s history, and the result is a luxurious and vibrant Scotch, bursting with fruity notes and a sweetness that feels like it is an exuberance to be shared.”

The inspiration of the ‘golden hour’ is echoed onto a collectable bottle design, with contrasting elements representing the harmonious meeting of day and night, past and future, and Scotch whisky and Cognac.

Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail will mark this launch with a special retail experience offering shoppers the opportunity to explore the characteristics of Ballantine’s 23 Year Old Golden Hour Edition in selected airports around the world.

Ballantine’s 23 Year Old Golden Hour Edition is bottled at an ABV of 40% will available in selected Asia Pacific airports at a RRP of $279 USD.

For more information, visit ballantines.com or follow @ballantines on social media.

*Source: IWSR 2022

Our second outrun of 2024 is here!

Summer is almost here and Q2 is being released into shops and with exporters.

We have six Lady of the Glen single rare cask releases coming and a new variant of St Bridget’s Kirk.

The six Lady of the Glen range from an old single grain in the form of a 30 year old North British to heavily peated Bruichladdich Lochindaal with a unique tawny port finish!

In between we have an elegant 16 year old Glen Elgin, a sweet and fruity Aultmore with rum finish, an Auchroisk bursting with notes of orange marmalade and a Blair Athol fully matured in a bourbon barrel for traditional vanilla and powdered chocolate notes.

Auchroisk 11yo. 59.2%                #802860 – Rivesalts Finish

Aultmore 11yo 55.4%%               #300445 – Rum Finish

Blair Athol 10yo 56.6%                 #302915 – 1st Fill Bourbon

Bruichladdich (Lochindaal)       16yo 59.4% #3372 – Tawny Port Finish

Glen Elgin 16yo 16yo 58.8%      #800178 – Tawny Port Finish

North British     30yo 43.9%        #52716 – Refill Bourbon Barrel

St Bridget’s Kirk 35yo                    Refill Blend

Finally, we are proud to release a Refill Butt of 1988 Blended Whisky. The youngest component being from 1988, this well matured 35 year old dram brings, Crème Brulee, cola cubes, nutmeg, pencil shavings, walnut and apple strudel. Only 450 bottles and we have presold around 400 so we expect this to be popular release. This new ‘blend’ variant of St Bridget’s Kirk is presented in Red label as opposed to ‘Blended Malt’ which is Blue and the ‘Solera Blend’ which is packaged in Tawny colour.

Over the coming weeks we’ll share more details of each cask.

Paul is currently on Islay at the Fèis Ìle and will then be off to London for The Whisky Event, come and say hello if you can!

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.

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

Outrun 2 2024
Below are some selected highlights from our new outrun.
There are 7 bottlings in this outrun.
you can check them all out here.
Find out where to buy here.

Bruichladdich (Lochindaal) 2007, 59.4%

DISTILLED on 29th November 2007 and BOTTLED on 11th April 2024.

Recognised for producing a dry, smoky distillate with floral hints. This release is from a rare heavily peated spirit run called Lochindaal. Matured in a first fill bourbon barrel with an ex-Tawny Port finish.

We are delighted to offer this modern rarity from this iconic distillery. Rumour has it that only 250 casks of Lochindaal were distilled between 2007 and 2009 making this one of the oldest bottled. Finished for around 8 months in a 2nd fill tawny port cask offering light fruit notes and with a peating level of 50ppm to sit in-between the core release Port Charlotte and Octomore levels.

Tasting revealed – sea spray, oyster and charred orange.

Glen Elgin 2008, 58.8%

DISTILLED on 9th January 2008 and BOTTLED on 19th March 2024.

A fruity, floral and honeyed distillate. Matured in a hogshead for 10 years and finished in a first fill ex-tawny port cask, sourced from J. Dias cooperage for the remaining years.

One of our favourite malts to work with due to its natural fruitiness and waxiness, this whisky has spent its final 6 years maturing in a Tawny port cask from J. Dias cooperage. This cooperage produces port casks that are less aggressive on the oak influence allowing a longer softer finish on the whisky, hence the reason that even after 6 long years, the Glen Elgin character isn’t overwhelmed.

Tasting revealed – Manuka honey, toffee apple and cassia bark.

Aultmore 2013, 55.4%

DISTILLED on 5th February 2013 and BOTTLED on 20th March 2024.

Founded in 1896 and noted for adopting a longer than average fermentation time resulting in a light, sweet and fruity distillate. Matured in a hogshead and then finished in an ex-rum cask for over 6 months.

Longer than normal fermentation time and wide middle cut distillation promotes the fruity notes in this classic Speysider. This combined with its 6 month finish in a very ‘oak forward’ rum barrel has created something truly memorable.

Tasting revealed – Jamaica cake, hazelnut and coconut.

View the full outrun

‘The only constant in life is change’ and in line with this we have made changes to our packaging. Lady of the Glen will now be packaged in boxes and in collaboration with Bespoke Atelier the distinctive lilac colouring and branding has changed to gold tones with an updated Scottish wild flower pattern.

Read the full blog here.

To see more of how we operate and our hands on approach please check out our video filmed on site. We would again like to thank the talented Cook Brothers for their efforts. To view the video please drop by the website or check out our Youtube page

And that wraps up this edition of the Lady of the Glen Newsletter. We hope it’s inspired you to try a dram! We always want to hear from you, so if you have any feedback, comments or suggestions, please feel free to email gregor.hannah@ladyoftheglen.com

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Don’t Miss Your Chance to Bid on Rare Whiskies!

Auction closes from 8pm (BST) Tuesday 11th June

www.speysidewhiskyauctions.co.uk

Springbank – Local Barley

Crafted with care and tradition, this exceptional whisky celebrates the essence of Campbeltown. Made from 100% local barley, it offers a unique taste of the region’s heritage. Don’t miss out on experiencing the rich, complex flavours that only Springbank can deliver.

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Wolfcraig x RREC 120 Years of Rolls Royce
Limited Edition Release

We are delighted to announce our partnership with the Rolls Royce Enthusiasts Club, supporting them in celebrating the 120th anniversary of Rolls Royce Motors Cars with a limited and special edition bottling.

The RREC are hosting a Luxury Showcase Ball in London in December where they will host 2000 esteemed guests to mark this rare occasion.

Wolfcraig Master Blenders, Richard Paterson OBE and Ian Macmillan, have specially crafted a bespoke release for this exceptional milestone, which will be bottled in November and launched at the Luxury Showcase Ball.

The Wolfcraig 33 Year Old Blended Malt Special Edition has been expertly shaped with the very finest aged malts to reflect the elegance and refinement that underpin the Rolls Royce name.

This special release also showcases a custom design, inspired by the new fully electric Rolls Royce Spectre.

Wolfcraig Distillers
5 Kirk Road
Bearsden
Glasgow, Lanarkshire G61 3RG
United Kingdom