Archive for 2024

BENROMACH DISTILLERY LAUNCHES LIMITED-EDITION WHISKY MATURED IN AMERICAN VIRGIN OAK CASKS – Scotch Whisky News

BENROMACH DISTILLERY LAUNCHES LIMITED-EDITION WHISKY MATURED IN AMERICAN VIRGIN OAK CASKS

Benromach Distillery in Speyside has launched the latest addition to its Contrasts range – a 10-year-old limited-edition single malt whisky matured in the finest Virgin American Oak casks.

The Contrasts range features whiskies designed as a twist on the delicately smoky profile of brand’s core range, with other releases including Contrasts Triple Distilled and Contrasts Double Matured Bordeaux Wine Cask.

The unseasoned casks featured in this release were handmade by expert coopers in Speyside, then gently charred before being filled with Benromach’s signature subtly smoky spirit. The result is a fragrant whisky with dried banana aromas and lemon and fudge on the nose. Bursting with Seville orange zest combined with butterscotch and smooth smoke on the palate, it finishes with long-lasting citrus.

With an ABV strength of 46%, this whisky is currently available for purchase via independent whisky specialists at a recommended retail price of £60.

Keith Cruickshank, Distillery Manager at Benromach, said: “Every drop of this single malt whisky is made by hand using the sharpened senses of our distillers who put their heart and soul into creating our whisky. Having matured for ten years in Virgin American Oak casks, the result is liquid that is packed with fruity aromas from the offset, followed by zesty citrus and sweet butterscotch flavours. It’s a cracking dram.

“With a limited number of bottles available for purchase, this is the perfect dram for whisky enthusiasts looking to explore something a bit different.”

For more information on Benromach Distillery or Benromach Contrasts Virgin Oak, please visit: www.benromach.com

Tasting Notes: 

Benromach Contrasts Virgin Oak

  • RRP: £60
  • ABV: 46%
  • Nose: Fragrant dried banana aromas with lemon and vanilla fudge.
  • Taste: Seville orange zest flavours combine with butterscotch and smooth smoke.
  • Finish: Long-lasting citrus and mature oak on the finish.

About Benromach Distillery

Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life by owners Gordon & MacPhail in 1993.

At Benromach, the team keep things simple: a handful of distillers relying entirely on their expertise and senses to make the finest handmade whisky.

Their processes honour the knowledge and experience used to make Speyside whiskies decades ago, because at Benromach they believe making whisky by hand delivers genuine character.

For more information, visit: www.benromach.com

About Gordon & MacPhail

Gordon & MacPhail is a family-owned premium spirits company based in Elgin, Scotland. Owner of Scotch whisky distilleries, Benromach and The Cairn, Gordon & MacPhail is also a Scotch whisky maturation expert, and the owner of Scottish Gin brand, Red Door.

Strathmill 33 Years Old Warehouse Reserve Woodrow’s of Edinburgh – Aberdeen Whisky Shop News

Strathmill 33 Years Old Warehouse Reserve

Woodrow’s of Edinburgh
ABV: 49.7% VOL: 70 cL

This single malt was distilled in 1991 at Strathmill Distillery, located in the Speyside whisky region. It was aged for 33 years in a single Sherry Hogshead and finished in a Refill Hogshead before being bottled at natural cask strength of 49.7% ABV. Bottled by Woodrow’s of Edinburgh for their Warehouse Reserve collection without chill-filtration or artificial colouring. Only 157 Bottles have been produced.

TASTING NOTES:

NOSE: Musky barrel bouquet contrasting with baked apples and honey.
PALATE:A velvety texture with tobacco, citrus zest, sultanas and nutmeg.
FINISH:Bitter orange peel, figs and red berries.
Tax included.

Whisky Myths: Does darker = older? – Edinburgh Whisky Academy News

Whisky Myths: Does darker = older?

It sounds simple; the darker the colour, the longer it must’ve spent in the cask. But it just doesn’t work like that!📖

Read the Post

Study whisky: explore your passion, kickstart your career.

We are the leading provider of certified Scotch whisky education. 10,000+ candidates globally enjoy our SQA-Approved courses. Learn directly from the experts when you study online or in-person.

Edinburgh Whisky Academy 15 Fountain Road Bridge of Allan, Scotland FK9 4ET

Perfect Father’s Day gifts for whisky lovers – Scotch Malt Whisky Society News

Father’s Day is just around the corner on Sunday, June 16th, and what better way to show your appreciation than with a gift that speaks to the heart of every whisky-loving dad? Introducing our exclusive “A DRAM GOOD DAD” Whisky Trio – a fantastic journey through different styles and flavours of single malt whiskies, perfect for making this Father’s Day truly special.

FATHER’S DAY AT SMWS

A DRAM GOOD DAD PACK

This limited-edition gift pack features three distinct 50ml single malt whiskies, each carefully selected to offer a unique tasting experience. Each bottle is a celebration of craftsmanship and flavour, making this trio an ideal gift to explore and enjoy:

Cask No. 39.284: Push pineapple, shake a bee – Dive into tropical notes with this vibrant whisky, evoking a sense of summer with every sip.

Cask No. 55.85: Passionate desire – Rich and complex, this whisky brings a depth of flavour that’s both intense and satisfying.

Cask No. 137.20: Potted shrimp and smoked salmon terrine – An intriguing blend with a hint of the sea, perfect for dads who enjoy a savoury twist.

BUY 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

Whisky Club – Release 01 Shipping Soon – Shelter Point Distillery Canadian Whisky News

We are delighted to share an update from the Whisky Club…

The whisky from the selected tequila cask had an amazing aroma as it came out of the barrel, with a wonderful golden colour. We’re getting ready to bottle it now. It’s 63.2% ABV and aside from a screen filter to remove any charcoal from the barrel it’s passing straight from the cask to the bottle. Members can expect to receive this in the first week of July.

Here is a short video from when I took a quick sample while it was still in the cask. If you are not a member the only way for this whisky to be a part of your collection is to join our Whisky Club. Click the link below to find out more.

Join the Whisky Club

When you join the club you will receive three releases at cask strength every year in 375ml bottles, two Shelter Point glencairns and the official SPDWC badge that will allow you VIP access at whisky events and tours of the distillery….and of course the right to buy our club member exclusive ‘Unicorn’ bottlings.

The distillery is now open 7 days a week and we look forward to welcoming you this Fathers Day weekend. We’ll have a special re-release of our Evans Rum Cask Finish and more of our 12 Year Old available. There will also be a prize draw for one lucky visitor to win membership of the Whisky Club.

Compass Box ‘Dive into our archive’ – Archival Whisky News

Recently, Whiskymaking has been sharing tales of past Compass Box blends, rediscovering interesting and thought-provoking tasting notes from years gone by. We are always delighted when we are able to open an archive bottle we might not have tasted in a while, or that some newer team members are yet to try.

In the spirit of reminiscing, we wanted to share a discount on some of the archive bottles available from our website. Use the code CBARCHIVE20 at checkout for 20% off.

If you have any questions about bottles past or present, feel free to email us – we’d love to chat!

SHOP NOW

The Good Dram Show – Episode 558 ‘The Single Cask Ltd’ – Scotch Whisky News

Welcome to this week’s episode of the show in which I’ll be taking a look at a selection of releases by the Independent bottler, the Single Cask.

The Good Dram Show with Chris Goodrum Episode 558 – Can You Have Enough Typicity?

Filmed in The Study Nottingham and  Featuring

The Single Cask Auchentoshan 2010 (12 year old) 57.7%
The Single Cask Mannochmore 2016 (8 year old) 59.1%
The Single Cask Auchroisk 2015 (9 year old) 61.1%
The Single Cask Dailuaine 2013 (11 year old) 58.9%
The Single Cask Inchgower 2013 (11 year old) 60.4%
The Single Cask Ledaig 1993 (29 year old) 44%

www.thesinglecask.co.uk

Glenmorangie Takes its Single-Estate Whisky’s Creamy Style to New Heights – Scotch Whisky News

Glenmorangie takes its single-estate whisky’s creamy style to new heights

Field-to-glass series’ fourth release bottles the taste of the Distillery’s Highland homeland

Astonishingly rich and silky, the latest release of Glenmorangie The Cadboll Estate takes the single-estate whisky’s creamy character to new heights of deliciousness. Crafted from barley grown in just eight fields on Glenmorangie’s own Estate located near the distillery, this grain-to-glass series bottles the spirit and flavour of the Highland single malt Scotch whisky’s homeland for whisky lovers everywhere. Aged for 15 years in designer bourbon casks to magnify its acclaimed creaminess, the fourth batch limited release is silky, rich and rounded, with notes of fruit and honey.

Glenmorangie’s Cadboll Estate lies just moments from the Distillery on the fertile Easter Ross Peninsula, which divides the Moray and Dornoch Firths. Few live in this world of wide-open skies, endless barley fields and beautiful beaches. And since it is far off the beaten track, only so many can visit. Inspired to share the essence of Glenmorangie with fans around the world, its whisky creators set about crafting a whisky from field to glass, and so the Cadboll Estate series was born. Each release begins with barley grown in only 26 hectares – eight fields – on the Estate. Planted and harvested precisely as the Distillery specifies, this small plot brings forth a spirit of rich creaminess.

To celebrate the Cadboll harvest of 2007, Glenmorangie’s whisky creators matured its precious spirit in their renowned designer casks. Hand-hewn from select American white oaks, air-dried and seasoned with bourbon to their exacting specifications, these casks are custom-made to bring Glenmorangie’s soft spirit to its best. Aged 15 years in that wood, the fourth batch release of Glenmorangie The Cadboll Estate is uniquely full and silky, enriched with notes of honeycomb, apricots and pears.

Director of Whisky Creation, Dr Bill Lumsden, said: “Grown in just eight fields near the Glenmorangie Distillery, Cadboll barley brings our spirit even more creaminess. To accentuate its incredible softness, we aged the fourth batch release of Glenmorangie The Cadboll Estate in our renowned designer casks. Bespoke from field to glass, this 15-year-old single-estate whisky is alive with rich, silky flavours. Honeyed aromas of apricots and pears, and tastes of butter candy, orange and melon gives whisky lovers a delicious taste of our Highland homeland, wherever in the world they happen to be.”

Glenmorangie Cadboll Estate Batch 4 is now available to purchase online at Glenmorangie.com, the distillery visitor centre in Tain and at other select retailers, RRP: £76.

https://www.glenmorangie.com/

For exclusive access to new whiskies, news and events, join Glenmorangie’s World of Wonder

Follow Glenmorangie on:

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glenmorangie

RRP: £76.00 

Tasting Notes:

Glenmorangie Cadboll Estate fourth batch release is bottled at 43% ABV

Colour: Deep gold.

Aroma: Beautifully aromatic, honeyed and sweet, with tastes of almond, marzipan, honeycomb, melon and pear. Vanilla crème anglaise is present, along with a touch of mint. With a small splash of water, some classic floral notes emerge, with jasmine, lavender and rose, along with a fresh burst of mandarin orange and apricot.

Taste: The texture is smooth and creamy, and is immediately followed by an explosion of complex, colourful flavours: zesty lemon and mandarin orange, menthol and eucalyptus, vanilla and honeycomb, ripe pear and melon. Sweet spices tempered by butter candy.

Finish: Full and rich, but gentle and soothing at the same time, rounded off by a lingering mentholic note. 

About Glenmorangie:

Glenmorangie’s whisky makers use endless imagination and five key ingredients – wood, water, barley, yeast and time – to dream up delicious single malt whiskies. They’ve been honing their craft for 180 years. They create a delicate and fruity spirit in stills as tall as an adult giraffe to allow for more taste and aroma. Led by Director of Whisky Creation Dr Bill Lumsden, this crackerjack crew are on a mission to bring new flavours and possibilities to the world of single malt.

Glenmorangie celebrates the joy of delicious single malt in every part of its universe, from its boutique hotel Glenmorangie House to its colourful brand campaign, shot by famed photographer Miles Aldridge. With its tagline “It’s Kind of Delicious and Wonderful”, Glenmorangie invites whisky lovers old and new to see themselves in Glenmorangie’s world.

About The Cadboll Estate series:

This unique series of field-to-glass whiskies was created to share the spirit and flavour of Glenmorangie’s ruggedly beautiful, yet remote homeland with whisky lovers old and new. It began with the first release of Glenmorangie The Cadboll Estate in 2020, a deep and creamy single malt distilled in 2004 and aged in first-fill American white oak bourbon casks. The release was named Best Single Malt 15 Year Old at the International Whisky Competition (IWC) in 2021 and won a double gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), and gold at the International Spirits Challenge (ISC) that year. The silky richness of the second batch, distilled in 2005, wonderfully reflected the subtle changes each year brings to the Highlands. It was awarded gold medals at the IWC, SFWSC, ISC and Scottish Whisky Awards. The nutty, spicy and creamy notes of the Amontillado-cask-matured third batch release, which won Gold in the 2023 International Spirits Challenge, are a deliciously sherried take on the series’ style.

About Cadboll barley:

Grown only in eight fields, covering 26 hectares of Glenmorangie’s Cadboll Estate, Glenmorangie’s own barley is grown and harvested just as its whisky creators wish – even down to the barley variety and the fields in which it is planted. When the barley is harvested, they arrange for it to be malted exactly as they choose, to bring even more creaminess to Glenmorangie’s wonderfully delicate spirit. Only enough barley can be harvested from the Estate each year for one or two weeks of production at the Distillery, meaning it is exceptionally precious.

About Glenmorangie’s designer casks:

Crafted each year in very small numbers, these casks are designed to be the perfect vessel for Glenmorangie’s spirit. They begin life in the forest’s northern slopes of Missouri’s Ozark Mountains. There, slow-growth American white oaks have a particularly porous structure. Inviting greater synergy between wood and spirit, they magnify Glenmorangie’s creamy character.

Only the best trees are selected to be cut into staves. Their wood is allowed to dry slowly in the open air, rather than a kiln, for two years, delivering gentler, sweeter flavours. Hand-crafted to Glenmorangie’s exacting specifications, the casks are then heavily toasted, and lightly charred to augment their natural wood notes. Seasoned with bourbon for four years to bring smoothness, they offer Glenmorangie the ultimate journey to maturation.

About Glenmorangie’s Whisky Creators:

Glenmorangie’s Whisky Creation Team’s favourite phrase is “What if?”. And they are constantly challenging themselves to take whatever captures their imaginations and turn it into whisky – be that their memories of a favourite place (Glenmorangie A Tale of Tokyo), a cup of coffee (Glenmorangie Signet) and more.

At the helm of the team is Dr Bill Lumsden, Director of Whisky Creation. With a PhD in biochemistry and decades of experience, Dr Bill has all the skills needed to bring these ideas to life. Already, he has earned the admiration of his peers many times over. For instance, he has taken his place in the Icons of Whisky Hall of Fame. He has won the International Whisky Competition’s award for Master Distiller of the Year more times than anyone else. And he has been named Master Blender/Distiller of the Year by the International Spirits Challenge twice.

Working hand-in-hand with Dr Bill is Gillian Macdonald, The Glenmorangie Company’s Master Blender and Head of Whisky Creation. Gillian combines art and science in her role, with her main responsibilities including the daily sensory analysis of the new-make spirit, core range recipes and the co-ordination of the Company’s sensory panel. Gillian manages the New Product Development pipeline for Glenmorangie which involves nosing hundreds of casks a year for final recipe selection.

Responsible Drinking:

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

GLASGOW’S BLUE LAGOON & FIFE WHISKY BOTTLER TEAM-UP TO GIVE AWAY 50 FISH SUPPERS WITH WHISKY-INFUSED SAUCE

GLASGOW’S BLUE LAGOON & FIFE WHISKY BOTTLER TEAM-UP TO GIVE AWAY 50 FISH SUPPERS WITH WHISKY-INFUSED SAUCE

Glasgow institution Blue Lagoon has partnered with The Single Cask to celebrate International Fish & Chip Day on Thursday 6th June – offering 50 free Fish Suppers with whisky-infused sauce to take-away from their famed city-centre Gordon Street venue. 

To celebrate International Fish & Chip Day on Thursday 6th June, Scottish Whisky bottler The Single Cask announces a special partnership with Glasgow’s iconic fish & chip shop Blue Lagoon.

Located next to Glasgow Central Station, Blue Lagoon Gordon Street will give 50 take-away Fish Suppers with whisky-infused sauce to the first customers who walk through the venue’s doors and ask for a ‘The Single Cask Saucy Sensation’ – with the offer lasting until the 50 are gone.

Fife-based The Single Cask have been working with local supplier The Whisky Sauce Co to create a range of delicious single cask whisky sauces*. The bottles will be on offer at The Single Cask events throughout the year and are available to buy online now from The Single Cask.

The Single Cask ‘Chippy Sauce’ is made using a 9-year-old single cask whisky from Benrinnes Distillery and uses balsamic vinegar of Modena to create that classic sweet & spicy flavour. Often associated with Edinburgh residents, The Single Cask are confident that Glaswegians will approve of their delicious single cask whisky ‘Chippy Sauce’.

Blue Lagoon has been a Glasgow phenomenon for nearly 50 years. Italian born entrepreneur Ersilio Varese & childhood sweetheart Edda Varese opened the first Blue Lagoon fish and chip shop on Glasgow’s Sauchiehall Street in 1975. The company is now headed up by Director Alessandro Varese, who manages venues across the city.

Founded in Fife, The Whisky Sauce Co specialises in creating the best whisky sauces in the country – creating a single cask range for the first-time which were debuted to lucky whisky fans at Feis Ile whisky festival on Islay at the end of May.

The Single Cask recently took on the challenge of demystifying whisky flavour as they relaunched their brand. By using five mood categories, whisky fans can quickly navigate to whichever whiskies they are in the mood for.
Helen Stewart, Brand Marketing Manager at The Single Cask, said: “Glasgow is such an exciting city and to partner with someone with the legendary history of Blue Lagoon is really special. We believe this collaboration showcases both flavour and character extremely well, two things that are very important to us at The Single Cask.

“We are always searching for the ultimate single cask experience and we really believe this can be found in so many different and innovative ways. Our brand new approach to flavour profiling is where each whisky we bottle is allocated to one of five moods. Partnerships like this really show the variety of possibilities when exploring, tasting and enjoying the ultimate single cask experience.”

Adding his thoughts on the partnership, Alessandro Varese, Director at Blue Lagoon said: “We strive to give the people of Glasgow the best fish and chips in the city. The Single Cask whisky is exceptional. It works deliciously in the ‘Chippy Sauce’ they have created. Their approach to flavour lends itself perfectly to our Fish Suppers at Blue Lagoon.

“As we always say, think fish and chips, think Blue Lagoon – this partnership will definitely get people thinking about our fish suppers on International Fish & Chip Day!”

The Single Cask pride themselves on bottling only the most outstanding, characterful, and distinctive single casks of whisky. The company values the distinct personality and cherishes the individuality of every single cask – celebrating whiskies that start conversations through their irresistible attraction: https://www.thesinglecask.co.uk/

*Full single cask sauce details: 

CHIPPY SAUCE – THE FRENCH POLISHER

Created using a 9-year-old single cask whisky from Benrinnes Distillery.

With burger sauces also available: 

SPICY TOMATO CHUTNEY – THE DANCING HONEYBEE

Created using a 34-year-old single cask grain whisky from North British Distillery.

BBQ SAUCE – THE CHEEKY CAMPFIRE KIPPER

Created using The Single Cask’s OFFICIAL FEIS ILE 2024 release, a 12-year-old single cask whisky from Bruichladdich Distillery.

HOT SAUCE – THE JOLLY APPLE

Created using a 14-year-old single cask whisky from Linkwood Distillery.

The Single Cask
The Single Cask was founded in 2010 by Ben Curtis, built on the belief that the search for the ultimate dram never ends. Bottling unique spirits, hand-picked one cask at a time – The Single Cask bottles award-winning whiskies at natural cask strength, without any intervention such as chill filtration or artificial colours.

Powered by the incredible sense of togetherness whisky creates and a growing fascination with the one-of-a-kind personality of single cask bottlings, the passion soon led to the launch of their first bar in Singapore.

Now with a Glenrothes-based warehouse home to over 3000 casks, new retailers, on-trade partners and importers (such as the newly appointed High Spirits in the Netherlands) they are creating an ever-growing fan club family.

The Single Cask’s expertise is in the sourcing of casks and in the maturation – a bold pursuit to uncover whiskies that are both of exceptional quality and character. All their bottlings are tasting panel approved by The Single Cask Taste Masters – an exclusive panel of experts who seek out the thrill of the taste, helping it to become the best experience possible.

Website – https://www.thesinglecask.co.uk/

Social media:

Facebook – @thesinglecaskuk

Twitter – @thesinglecask

Instagram – @thesinglecask

Laphroaig Elements 2.0 – Loch Fyne Whiskies News

Laphroaig Elements 2.0

Laphroaig Elements 2.0 pushes fermentation to its limits, by taking the distillery’s standard of 55 hours, and lengthening it with of a range of longer fermentations, all the way up to 115 hours. Bottled at a cask strength of 59.6% abv.

£170.00

SHOP NOW

Hamish Says…

Our Hamish has had a sip and jotted down his thoughts.

Nose: apple, vanilla, orange peel and subtle peat

Palate: green apple, runny honey, cream soda and smouldering bonfire

Finish: sweet, warming and smoky

12 months of unlimited next day delivery & more! Exclusive access to Ballots as you enjoy free next day delivery on all your orders for a whole year – only £14.99! Geographic restrictions apply, see full T&Cs.


Powered by WordPress