Archive for July, 2024

How is Scotch whisky made? 🤔 🥃 – Edinburgh Whisky Academy News

How is Scotch whisky made?

While each distillery in Scotland will have their own nuances regarding production, malt Scotch whisky is made through a meticulous process that typically involves six key steps that are explained in this blog post.

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Loch Lomond Whiskies unveils new limited-edition 50-year-old single malt – Scotch Whisky News

Loch Lomond Whiskies unveils new limited-edition 50-year-old single malt

Release of Loch Lomond 50 Year Old is five decades in the making

Independent distiller, Loch Lomond Whiskies, has unveiled a new 50-year-old single malt, the latest addition to the brand’s premium portfolio.

A whisky five decades in the making, Loch Lomond 50 Year Old is drawn from Loch Lomond Distillery’s oldest reserves and is exclusively limited to 100 individually-numbered bottles worldwide.

Distilled in 1973 in the distillery’s unique straight neck pot stills, using 100% unpeated malted barley, this distinctive single malt whisky has been aged in a combination of refilled American oak casks, first fill bourbon casks and Oloroso sherry hogsheads.

The maturation process is carefully managed by Loch Lomond Whiskies’ master blender, Michael Henry, who joined Loch Lomond Distillery in 2007. The distillery’s oldest and rarest whisky casks remain exclusively under his personal care.

Loch Lomond 50 Year Old was initially crafted with gentle maturation in refilled American oak casks, providing the spirit with enough time to develop a rich character. Additional maturation in first fill bourbon casks in 2011, followed by a re-cask in Oloroso sherry hogsheads in 2017, have further enhanced the complexity of this elegant single malt.

The spirit’s six years in bourbon casks has imparted a rich, creamy vanilla flavour that complements the whisky’s fruity aroma. The influence of the final six years in an Oloroso sherry cask is evident on the nose, with notes of nutmeg developing into a warming cinnamon flavour that leaves a long finish of woody spice.

The result is a light whisky with notes of white flesh fruits, crisp citrus and a tropical character that pays testament to its remarkable age.

Since production began in 1966 at the current Loch Lomond site, ingenuity has been at the heart of the distillery’s methods. It is home to Scotland’s only set of straight neck pot stills, installed as part of its founding and exclusively responsible for the first 30 years of production, which allows Michael Henry and his team to carefully shape the character of the whisky at the point of distillation, creating a lighter spirit with a distinctive fruit flavour. To taste the Loch Lomond 50 Year Old is to go almost right back to the beginning of this distillery’s incredible journey – one defined by innovation and exploration in its craft.

In homage to these unique stills, a careful selection of copper finishings and touches have been woven into the design of the 50 Year Old’s lead crystal decanter, crafted by Glencairn Crystal Studio in Scotland, and the external wooden display cabinet. The natural oak finish nods to Michael Henry’s careful selection of casks and the beauty of the surrounding forests of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Contour lines and the deep turquoise colours outlining the shape of the loch from which the distillery takes it name, further pays respect to the hidden depths of this remarkable whisky’s history and heritage. Hidden within the display cabinet is a 50ml sample of the liquid and a hardback book that provides its lucky few owners with an in-depth account of the liquid, its distinctive flavour and distillation and maturation journey.

Michael Henry, master distiller at Loch Lomond Group, said: “Loch Lomond 50 Year Old is a rare example of our timeless distillation innovation.

“The decision to re-cask a whisky of this quality and age is not something I take lightly. However, the complexity and depth of flavour brought by the first fill bourbon​ and the Oloroso sherry casks have made this a truly special single malt, which provides a window into our past and captures the original style of whisky making at Loch Lomond Distillery.

“The expectations are high when you are working with liquid as special and as scarce as this, but it is a true honour to be the final custodian of such a special piece of history.”​

Non-chill-filtered and natural in colour, Loch Lomond 50 Year Old is bottled at cask strength (42.6% ABV) and is available to purchase from the Loch Lomond Whiskies online store (www.lochlomondwhiskies.com) and worldwide through specialist retailers, priced at £25,000.

To find out more about Loch Lomond Whiskies, visit HERE

  • Nose: Refreshing orange and mint, sweet fruit of grilled peach and mango, nutmeg.
  • Palate: Beautiful depth of flavour, melted brown sugar, tangy orange marmalade and dark fruits, plum and cherry before creamy vanilla fudge and warming cinnamon spice.
  • Finish: Long, mouth-watering watermelon and kiwi with a grapefruit citrus edge, some green tea and lasting wood spice.

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 – Thomas (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.

Mull’s Finest 2014 ~ 9 Year Old, TyndrumWhisky Exclusive – Island Whisky News

Mull’s Finest 2014 9 Year Old, TyndrumWhisky Exclusive

Murray McDavid filled this Hebridean malt into a 64-litre PX Octave for its final 9 moths. The sundried grapes at the heart of the PX sherry, introduce a delicious cloak of silkiness, beautifully balancing the power of this smoky spirit – a mystery malt to really get the juices flowing.

This release, a peated single malt from a famous distillery on Mull, is an absolute cracker, so much so, we just had to have it bottled exclusively for us! This release was distilled in 2014 and bottled in 2024 from a Pedro Ximenez Sherry Octave. Only 89 bottles have been produced of this exemplary single malt.

Murray McDavid filled this Hebridean malt into a 64-litre PX Octave for its final 9 months. The sundried grapes at the heart of the PX sherry, introduce a delicious cloak of silkiness, beautifully balancing the power of this smoky spirit – a mystery malt to really get the juices flowing.

£72.00

Tasting notes:
Nose: Vanilla, barbeque, smoky honey.
Palate: Juicy raisins, stone fruit, fresh peat.
Finish: Brine, campfire, sweet oak spice.

Bottles exclusively for TyndrumWhisky by Murray McDavid

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

Douglas Laing Old Particular Pre Arrivals at K&L California – Scotch Whisky News

2011 Jura 12 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single First Fill Bourbon Barrel Cask Strength Isle of Jura Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $59.9 9 View

2010 Tormore 13 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Refill Bourbon Barrel Cask Strength Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $59.99 View

2014 Arran (Peated) 9 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single 2nd Fill Bourbon Barrel Cask Strength Isle of Arran Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $64.99 View

2009 Ardmore (Peated) 14 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Refill Bourbon Barrel Cask Strength Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $69.99 View

2014 Bowmore 9 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Refill Bourbon Barrel Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $74.99 View

2002 Girvan 21 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Refill Hogshead Cask Strength Single Grain Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $74.99 View

2008 Dailuaine 15 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive First Fill Sherry Butt Cask Strength Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $99.99 View

2005 Glenrothes 18 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive First Fill Sherry Butt Cask Strength Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $109.99 View

2006 Mortlach 17 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Refill Hogshead Cask Strength Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $109.99 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

The Glen Grant 25 Year Old – Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky News

 

25 YEAR OLD

70cl | 46% ABV

The Glen Grant 25 Year Old is an evocative spirit. Exquisitely matured in a combination of Bourbon barrels and Oloroso Sherry casks for over a quarter of a century, this Whisky promises discovery and delight. Velvety smooth, there are definitive notes of dried stone fruit and toffee. Sweet aromas open up to rich dark chocolate flavours and a lingering warm spice and soft smoke finish. Glen Grant 25 Year Old is a rare and exquisite single malt Scotch whisky, boasting intricate layers of complexity, natural in colour and matured for over a quarter of a century, this unique expression encapsulates the exceptional character of The Glen Grant. Engaging all the senses with its aromatic and floral notes and culminating in a velvety smoothness that is sure to delight whisky connoisseurs.

£734.95

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Let’s Talk About… Categories of Scotch Whisky – Edinburgh Whisky Academy News


Let’s Talk About… Categories of Scotch Whisky

Ever been bamboozled by malts, blends, blended malts and grain whiskies? You are not alone. We’ve put together a quick guide to help you decipher the differences and navigate your way through the legal definition of Scotch whisky and its different classifications.📖  Read the Post

Isle of Arran Whisky COMPETITION TIME! – Scotch Whisky News

BUY ARRAN WHISKY NOW!

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The competition will include all the purchases made from the 16th of July to the 16th of August

Over 18s Only

Entries from outside of the UK will not be accepted

One entry per order

You can enter only via online orders. In-store purchases will not be included in the draw

Machrie Moor and Lagg bottlings are not eligible

The competition will be drawn on the 17th of August

The total prize will consist of one 70cl bottle of each of the following:

    Arran 10 Years Old,

    Arran Bodega Sherry,

    Arran Quarter Cask,

    Arran Sauternes Finish,

    Arran Amarone Finish,

    Arran Port Finish

James B. Beam Pennsylvania Whiskey Heritage Center Opens at Historic West Overton Village & Museum

James B. Beam Pennsylvania Whiskey Heritage Center Opens at Historic West Overton Village & Museum

The updated museum floor and new exhibition at West Overton Village invite the public into the past, present and future of Pennsylvania whiskey  

Scottdale, PA – Today, West Overton Village & Museum and Suntory Global Spirits announced the opening of the James B. Beam Pennsylvania Whiskey Heritage Center, a celebration of whiskey’s roots in Pennsylvania and its impact on the American Whiskey landscape and industry. The Center is a reimagined and updated second floor of the Museum at West Overton Village in Scottdale, Pennsylvania, a historic site where guests can uncover the storied legacies of American Whiskey alongside Pennsylvania history.

This project was made possible by Suntory Global Spirits’ strategic partnership with the West Overton Village & Museum, a nonprofit historic site. Suntory Global Spirits produces the Overholt™ whiskey brand under James B. Beam Distilling Co., which continues to honor the art and craftsmanship of whiskey making and premium spirits. Overholt™ is recognized by whiskey historians as the longest standing American whiskey brand with an unbroken chain of ownership, production and sale since Abraham Overholt began distilling in 1810. While the brand is produced today in Clermont, Kentucky, West Overton is considered the “spiritual home” of Overholt™, where Abraham and his family established roots, helped build their community, and grew their business enterprise. For more Overholt™ brand information, visit https://www.overholtrye.com

“Overholt whiskey is deeply woven into the culture and history of Pennsylvania and American whiskey,” said Aaron Hollis, West Overton’s Co-Executive Director. “We are thrilled that, in partnership with Suntory Global Spirits, the James B. Beam Pennsylvania Whiskey Heritage Center makes the rich legacy of this iconic American whiskey brand and the full breadth of Pennsylvania whiskey history accessible to the public.”

West Overton

James. B. Beam Pennsylvania Whiskey Heritage Center

The James B. Beam Pennsylvania Whiskey Heritage Center features a variety of guest experiences, creating a new attraction for West Overton Village & Museum. The Museum is housed in the former distillery / grist mill built in 1859. Here, visitors can engage with the 120-year history of West Overton Village, including the birthplace of Overholt™, one of America’s most enduring whiskey brands.

Within the new Heritage Center, the Sam Komlenic Gallery is home to the largest publicly accessible collection of artifacts related to Pennsylvania’s deep history of whiskey production, with more than 450 objects on display. The centerpiece of the Sam Komlenic Gallery is a striking display of 250+ whiskey bottles from the late 19th to late 20th centuries. The bottles represent some of the most successful distilling companies in Pennsylvania history, including Overholt, Dillinger, Large, Gibson, Guckenheimer, Sam Thompson, Schenley, Continental, and many more. Additional artifacts include historic barrels, crates, advertisements, documents, and memorabilia. An in-gallery app will help visitors explore the more than 40 Pennsylvania distilleries featured.

Many artifacts from West Overton Village’s vast museum collection are also housed and displayed in a publicly accessible, climate-controlled environment. Visitors will be able to explore the region’s agricultural, industrial, and cultural heritage through the collection, including farm equipment, folk art, antique coverlets, pipe organs, medical tools, and more.

The Overholt Stateroom, a vintage-inspired lounge that pays homage to the origins of Overholt™ whiskey, features a modern bar, antique furniture and decor, vintage and modern bottlings, and a mural of Abraham Overholt. The Stateroom is available to rent through West Overton Village and will be open to guests during special private events.

West Overton Village reopened to the public on May 2, and will be open through the end of October from Thursday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST in addition to special events throughout the year. Admission includes the Museum, Heritage Center, a guided tour of the 1838 Overholt Family Homestead, and a visit to West Overton’s educational distillery.

Pennsylvania Whiskey History

Whiskey distilling in Pennsylvania dates back to at least the 18th century before the American Revolutionary War. And over the 19th century, whiskey production by the likes of Abraham Overholt and others pioneered and transformed it into a sophisticated industry. This spirit has remained resilient throughout history through companies and brands such as Overholt™. The 21st century is experiencing a revival of whiskey distilling and heritage efforts in Pennsylvania, which Suntory Global Spirits is proud to help foster through the opening of the James B. Beam Pennsylvania Whiskey Heritage Center.

About West Overton Village & Museum 

West Overton is a historic village that grew and industrialized around a whiskey distillery. Beginning as a family farm in 1803, the community boasted 50 buildings, including a general store, school, and post office by 1870. 250 people lived in West Overton and worked for the Overholt company’s distillery, grist mill, coal mine, farm, and other businesses. Abraham’s grandson, industrialist Henry Clay Frick, was also born in the village in 1849.

Today, West Overton Village preserves 19 historic buildings across 40 acres and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The site is a rare surviving example of a rural industrial community. Visitors can tour the Overholt Homestead, the museum, as well as its educational distillery in which West Overton Village produces its own Monongahela rye whiskey for the first time since Prohibition. West Overton Distilling is not affiliated with James. B. Beam Distilling Co. nor does James B. Beam Distilling Co. produce any West Overton product. For more information, including holiday hours & winter programing, visit https://www.westovertonvillage.org

About Suntory Global Spirits

As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands, including Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as Tres Generaciones® and El Tesoro® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196 and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare and Giving Back to Society. The company’s Proof Positive sustainability strategy includes ambitious goals and investments to drive sustainable change and have a positive impact on the planet, consumers, and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com

Scotch Malt Whisky Society ‘Unleash the zing’ – Scotch Whisky News

As summer unfolds, the season’s flavours burst forth with vibrant, here-and-now zest – mirroring the spirited essence found in every drop of our latest small-batch bottling, Citrus Reveries!

Crafted in partnership with King’s Inch whisky, this unique Lowland distillate, matured in first-fill bourbon barrels, offers flavours of lemon and star anise posset with liquorice biscotti and chocolate chip cake with sambuca-mascarpone cream.

CITRUS REVERIES

READ THE ARTICLE 

CITRUS REVERIES

Batch 25

Age: 8 years

Cask: First Fill Bourbon Barrels

BUY NOW

To celebrate this zesty addition, why not explore more whiskies with refreshing citrus notes? Here are some must-tries.

PICKLED IN AN ORCHARD

Cask No. 9.154

Age: 14 years

Cask: First Fill Charred Red Wine Barrique

FRUITFUL MELLIFLUOSITY

Cask No. 6.72

Age: 17 years

Cask: First Fill Oloroso Hogshead & First Fill PX Hogshead

OAK-FIRED FRUIT COCKTAIL

Cask No. 55.89

Age: 15 years

Cask: Second Fill STR
Barrique

A FORAGE INTO ORANGE

Cask No. 44.180

Age: 18 years

Cask: #4+ Char New Oak
Hogshead

Uncover unique small-batch releases that you won’t find anywhere else! Check them out now.

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

SMWS LOGO 2017 NEW

Ardbeg 15 Year Old Palo Cortado, TyndrumWhisky Exclusive – Islay Single Malt News

The first Ardbeg Single Malt Whisky release from Murray McDavid for 13 years. This boisterous spirit, specially selected by the team here at TyndrumWhisky.com, was initially filled in to a traditional FIRST FILL Sherry butt where it matured for nearly 15 years. The precious Single Malt Scotch Whisky from Islay was then re-racked into a range of small Octave casks, this was finished for 8 months in a Palo Cortado Sherry Octave to tame the untameable.

Distilled 2008
Bottled 2024
Bottled exclusively for TyndrumWhisky.com
One of only 98 bottles produced from a Palo Cortado Octave.

Nose: Salted caramel, mocha, creamy peat.
Palate: Kippers, oily barley, smoky sea salt.
Finish: Lingering brine, cigar embers, oily.

Distilled at Ardbeg Distillery, and bottled Murray McDavid for TyndrumWhisky

£279.00

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


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