DEWAR’S® BLENDED SCOTCH WHISKY LAUNCHES ‘COLLECTOR’S SERIES’ WITH 37 YEAR OLD BLENDED MALT

The first in the Collector’s Series of blended malts pays homage to the whisky-making tradition of Speyside

DEWAR’S® BLENDED SCOTCH WHISKY has unveiled its highest age expression released to date – DEWAR’S Double Double 37 Year Old – a rare, limited edition. The first in the brand’s Collector’s Series, it is one of four blended malts in the set, with each expression finished in a unique and innovative way.

 DEWAR’S Double Double 37 Year Old is the first in the collection, honoring the whisky-making traditions of Speyside. A blended malt – it was made from a combination of single malt whiskies – it has been finished in Oloroso sherry casks that once held AULTMORE® Single Malt, a Speyside whisky. The result is a profile rich with notes of cinnamon, honey, and vanilla, with a finish that borders on decadent. The natural color and non-chill filtered whisky has been bottled at a natural strength of 48%.

 Created by DEWAR’S award-winning Master Blender Stephanie Macleod and her team, the new whisky has already achieved remarkable recognition, scoring #12 on the International Whisky Competition’s list of Top Whiskies of 2023, and is the highest rated Blended Scotch at 93.8 points.

 Available for $1,799, every 375ml bottle of this rare, limited-edition whisky will be presented with two exquisitely crafted Baccarat Massena Tumblers to further elevate each tasting experience into a celebration.

 Stephanie Macleod, Master Blender for DEWAR’S commented: “The team and I are driven by creating new and exciting whiskies – interesting flavors and experiences that make our loyal drinkers excited for what we might come up with next. With the Collector’s Series we wanted to take our award-winning Double Double series to the next level with a set of blended malts and, with this first expression, to pay homage to the style of a specific Scotch whisky region, all in one bottle. We’re excited to hear what our whisky connoisseurs think, and to reveal more about the rest of the collection in due course.”

 The four rare whiskies in the Collector’s Series will be released over consecutive years, with the second in the series due to launch in 2024, the third in 2025, and the fourth and final in the series in 2026.

Brian Cox, Vice President of DEWAR’S North America commented: “This extraordinary whisky is a testament to the talent of Stephanie Macleod and the team of blenders. Exquisite whisky also deserves exquisite glassware and so each bottle of Double Double 37 Year Old comes with a matching pair of Baccarat crystal glassware to savor every drop in luxury. So, raise a glass of DEWAR’s Double Double 37 Year Old this season and toast to the bonds that whisky helps us forge, the stories it helps us share, and the joy it brings to our lives. Slàinte mhath.”

 Inclusive of the Baccarat Massena Tumblers, the set is available in limited quantities, sold at select fine wines and spirits retailers as well as online HERE.

 The Dewar’s Double Double range, introduced in 2019, boasts a distinctive four-stage aging process.  Double Double 37 is the latest addition to this award-winning range, which already includes the acclaimed Double Double 21 Year Old, 27 Year Old, and 32 Year Old, with Double Double 32 Year Old named World’s Best Whisky by the International Whisky Competition in 2020.

 About DEWAR’S

Founded in 1846 by John Dewar, DEWAR’S® has grown from a small wine and spirits merchant shop in Scotland, to one of the largest Scotch whisky brands in the world. Best known for its iconic DEWAR’S WHITE LABEL, it has expanded its family to create a portfolio of premium and super premium whiskies including DEWAR’S 12-Year-Old, DEWAR’S 15-Year-Old, DEWAR’S 18-Year-Old, DEWAR’S Double Double Series, DEWAR’S Caribbean Smooth and the exclusive DEWAR’S 25.  These whiskies are crafted using the DEWAR’S oak marrying ageing process, which involves returning the hand-crafted blend to vintage oak casks for further maturation. The result is a smoother taste with a long, lingering finish; a taste that wins medals and applause, making DEWAR’S the world’s most awarded blended Scotch. The DEWAR’S brand is part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited.

 About Bacardi Limited

Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held international spirits company in the world, produces and markets internationally recognized spirits and wines. The Bacardi Limited brand portfolio comprises more than 200 brands and labels, including BACARDÍ® rum, GREY GOOSE® vodka, PATRÓN® tequila, DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch whisky, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, MARTINI® vermouth and sparkling wines, CAZADORES® 100% blue agave tequila, and other leading and emerging brands including WILLIAM LAWSON’S® Scotch whisky, ST-GERMAIN® elderflower liqueur, and ERISTOFF® vodka. Founded more than 162 years ago in Santiago de Cuba, family-owned Bacardi Limited currently employs approximately 9,000, operates production facilities in 10 countries, and sells its brands in more than 160 markets. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited. Visit http://www.bacardilimited.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram or X, formerly known as Twitter.

This article appears here well after the original publication date and as a matter of interest.

Our 155th auction started with a bang with loads of bids flying in early, so if you’ve got your eye on a bottle it might be the time to get bidding or risk losing out.  There is however still plenty time to get that winning bid in with the auction not closing until Sunday night.  With so much to choose from we’ve put together another wee highlight reel of some fantastic bottles you might have missed on your first scroll through.

Macallan M Copper 2023 Annual Release

First up is a finely crafted release from one of Speyside’s most collectable distillers, this is the Macallan M Copper 2023 Annual Release.  In a break from the norm this a peated Macallan, though still aged exclusively in sherry casks like the vast majority of Macallan’s output.  Presented in a hand crafted golden glass decanter, with a matching stopper this is a handsome expression which showcases the best of Lalique craftsmanship.

Karuizawa 1999 Artist #10 La Maison du Whisky

Next up we have a striking and highly sought-after release from Japan, this is the Karuizawa 1999 Artist #10 La Maison du Whisky.  Distilled at the tail end of the 20th century and aged exclusively in sherry casks this powerful dram weighs in at an impressive 58.8% ABV despite its nearly two decades of ageing.  Bottled by La Maison Du Whisky as part of the Artist Series this releases feature a bold artwork by Singaporean artist Warren Khong.

Highland Park 1988 Vintage Release

Before the days of 40 Year Olds, this was the flagship expression from arguably Orkney’s finest distillery, the Highland Park 1988 Vintage Release.  As the title suggests this was distilled in 1988 before finally being bottled in 2023 and the whisky has been aged in both European and American oak.  One of only 625 bottles released this a fine example of Orcadian distilling and is presented in a rather hefty and unpretentious oak box.

Macallan 1950 Exceptional Cask #13 2018 Release

Finally, we started with one so let’s finish with another, this beauty is the Macallan 1950 Exceptional Cask #13 2018 Release.  Distilled way back in 1950 this marvellous dram has spent the best part of seven decades ageing in a 1st fill sherry butt made of American oak and has taken on a rich golden hue as a result.  One of the jewels in the crown of the Exceptional Cask Series this a special bottle indeed, and as one of only 336 bottles released, incredibly rare.As always, we have a wide range of drams with something to suit everyone, so now is the time to get moving picking out your own personal favourites for your watchlist.  Best of luck to everyone in the auction, and as always………..don’t lose your bottle.

Our May 2024 collection schedule has been finalised. Please click HERE to see the list of dates, locations and to register your interest in the  collection service.

The deadline for collection requests is 12noon on Monday 13th May 2024.

Home collections are available for those customers sending 10+ bottles or bottles to the value of £1000. Lots can be split over the next three auctions. Unfortunately this service is not available in London or to those customer who live within 10 miles of a collection point.

Collections are limited and offered on a first come first served basis. It is essential that a submission sheet is completed, you can find the link to do so under the selling section on your ‘My SWA’ page.

It would be appreciated if bottles could be packed for uplift with your name clearly marked on the front of the box. A winner in our auction? We are now offering a delivery service to customers who are dropping bottles off for a future auction. This service is charged at £12 (inc VAT), optional loss and breakage cover is available.

Submission Form & Label

We’re raising a dram this weekend to the fantastic news that we have won not one, but two gold medals from the American Distilling Institute Drinks Awards for the taste and packaging of our Harvest Series 2 Flaxen Vale whisky.

Fancy trying this award winner for yourself? Buy yours below or in our shops this weekend whilst stocks last.

SHOP HERE

Cotswolds Distillery Phillip’s Field, Whichford Road Stourton Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire CV36 5EX

TAMDHU LAUNCHES TWO NEW EXCLUSIVE BOTTLINGS FOR SPIRIT OF SPEYSIDE WHISKY FESTIVAL 2024 

Tamdhu Single Malt Scotch Whisky has announced its two latest expressions, exclusively released for the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival in May 2024.

In keeping with tradition, the two exclusive festival bottlings include the next chapter in the well-loved Dalbeallie series, and a specially selected Single Cask chosen by the Tamdhu Dedication Society. Both expressions will be available to purchase at the Tamdhu Distillery pop-up shop at the Dalbeallie Station on 3rd and 4th May, and offered to Dedication Society members for early access online purchase from today and to the public online from 3rd May while limited stocks last.

Dalbeallie Dram VII (£100, 61.8% ABV)

Tamdhu was born over 125 years ago, in 1897, on the banks of the River Spey. Two years later, Dalbeallie station was completed on site, bringing barley, passengers, and the finest sherry casks from Spain to Speyside. The Dalbeallie Dram series takes its name from this iconic Victorian train station, in honour of its pivotal role in shaping Tamdhu.

Tamdhu exclusively matures all its whisky in the finest Oloroso sherry casks from beginning to end, and Dalbeallie VII is no exception. Each of the 1,000 bottles available is individually numbered, bottled at batch high strength (61.8% ABV) and is non-chill filtered, retaining its natural amber colour.

On the nose, the whisky presents a bittersweet combination of vanilla, a hint of clove, raspberry jam, dark chocolate and orange peel. The first sip reveals flavours of rich demerara sugar, toffee, dark berries and toasted oak, paired with shortbread and baked fig. On the finish: a long, warming sherry note, gentle spice and lingering fruit.

Dalbeallie Dram VII will be available to purchase exclusively at the Dalbeallie Station during the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival and from Tamdhu’s online shop. Dalbeallie Dram VII is available for £100 per 70cl bottle. Due to very high annual demand, Dalbeallie Dram VII will be on allocation, one bottle per person this year.

Dedication Society Single Cask Vintage 2003 (£379, 55% ABV)

Tamdhu’s Dedication Society is for true whisky aficionados who appreciate the deep, rich flavour that the finest Oloroso sherry casks create. 15 members were chosen from a ballot to visit the Tamdhu Distillery in August and taste a series of carefully-selected single casks. Together, they chose our Dedication Society Single Cask for 2024, they directly influenced the outstanding flavours and characteristics of this year’s expression.

There were 4 casks, specially selected by Sandy McIntyre, Distillery Manager from our traditional dunnage warehouses to choose from. Two were American Oak and two European Oak, but after the members’ tasting the clear winner was a European Oak Butt, cask number 5986.

The aroma reveals soft ginger spice, a twist of orange, stewed fruits and caramel, with frangipane and aged oak giving depth. To taste, there are notes of dry sherry and shortbread, with subtle layers of vanilla and cola. The finish offers hints of apple, toffee, dark cherries, oak and leather, synonymous with Tamdhu’s signature sherried body.

During the festival, only 568 individually numbered bottles of the Dedication Society Single Cask Vintage 2003 will be available to purchase exclusively at Tamdhu Distillery. It will also be available from our online shop for £379 per 70cl bottle. Cask strength and natural colour.

Sandy McIntyre, Tamdhu Distillery Manager, said: “The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is a yearly highlight of the Tamdhu calendar. It brings together whisky lovers across the globe to visit world-renowned distilleries and witness the stunning landscapes that Speyside has to offer.

“We’re excited to unveil two new exclusive launches for this year’s festival. The Dalbeallie Series is always a favourite with our Tamdhu family and we’re confident the seventh one will be no exception. We’re also very pleased to introduce the ultra-rare expression chosen by our Dedication Society. It’s a stunning dram which we’ll be celebrating with the society’s members themselves.” 

 For more information on Tamdhu see: www.tamdhu.com/our-collection

Tasting Notes

Tamdhu Dalbeallie VII

Nose

Vanilla, hint of clove, raspberry jam, shavings of dark chocolate and orange peel.

Palate

A richness of demerara sugar and toffee, mixed with shortbread, baked fig, dark berries and toasted oak.

Finish

Warming with long sherry notes, gentle spice and a lingering fruit finish.

Dedication Society Single Cask Vintage 2003

Nose

Soft ginger spice, frangipane, aged oak. With an orange twist, hint of caramel and stewed fruits.

Palate

Layered and warming notes of dry sherry and shortbread, with hints of vanilla and cola.

Finish

With a good sherried body, apple, toffee, dark cherries are met with oak and leather.

MAY 2024 AUCTION NOW LIVE!

As always, we have an interesting little auction for you this month, packed with an eclectic range of old, rare and limited bottlings, including this sought after 30 Years Old Dalmore. Released in 2015, this well-aged expression from the Highland distillery is highly regarded among whisky experts. Matured using a combination of Matusalem Oloroso and Amoroso Oloroso Sherry Butts formerly used by Gonzalez Byass. This is bottle number 286 of only 888 bottles produced.

Another limited bottling is this Glen Moray, distilled in 1975. Signed by distillery manager Ed Dodson, this is bottle number 82 of only 676 bottles produced.

Or, how about this incredible example of the highly revered, closed Islay distillery Port Ellen. Released in 2002 as the 2nd instalment of the hugely popular Annual Release series. Distilled in 1978 and then bottled at 24 years old in 2002 at Natural Cask Strength.

How about something from the iconic Highland distillery Brora. Distilled in 1982 and bottled by Douglas Laing in 2006 for their prestigious Old Malt Cask range. One of only 348 bottles produced!

These are only a few of the bottles in our May 2024 Auction, to view more wee gems visit clickwhiskyauctions.com. Register to bid. Remember, you’ve got to be in it to win it! Auction ends Sunday 19^th May from 8pm BST.

JURA DISTILLERY

30 Year Old 1994 Infrequent Flyers (2024)

Cask #806889

Jura 30 Year Old 1994 Infrequent Flyers #806889 Virgin Oak Barrel is an exceptional single malt Scotch whisky, meticulously aged for three decades on the remote Isle of Jura, a place renowned for its distinctive whiskies. As part of the Infrequent Flyers collection curated by Alistair Walker Whisky Company in 2024, this remarkable expression showcases the expertise and heritage of Jura’s whisky-making, coupled with the unique influence of virgin oak maturation. Bottled February 2024, 221 bottles.

Nose: Toasted oak, vanilla, cereal notes and lashings of buttery shortbread.

Taste: Intense coconut, almonds, marzipan and honeycomb. Mouth coating. Sweet viscosity and a definite spiciness. Brandy snaps and peanut brittle, drizzled with honey.

£331.63

The first Isle of Jura Distillery was built at Craighouse on the Isle of Jura off the west coast of Scotland in 1810 but closed in 1901 and was subsequently demolished. The present Isle of Jura Distillery, was designed by William Delmé Evans and opened in 1963, is equipped with four stills and produces mainly un-peated whisky with a little peated produced once each year. The Jura participates in Feis Ile, the Islay Festival of Malt and Music. Jura Superstition, Jura Prophecy and Jura 21 Year Old are included in the official distillery releases.

Black Friday 2023 Lowland 15 Year Old

Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Whisky Exchange

70cl / 54.2%

Our yearly tradition is back, and this Black Friday celebration hails from the Lowland distillery, Glenkinchie. It was aged in 60% ex-Buffalo Trace bourbon barrels and 40% refill oloroso sherry butts, imparting aromas of orchard fruit, lemon thyme and chamomile tea on the nose, followed by notes of tinned peaches and apple blossom throughout the palate.

£84.95

SPRING 2024: CASK FINISHING

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There might not be an official Highland whisky festival in May – but we’re celebrating the region in our own Society way, and you’re invited! The May Flavour Hunter festivities continue as we get ready to dive into a world of Highland magic as we’ve lined up three Highland rare release small-batch bottlings that’ll blow your socks off.

ALL EVENTS

ALL FESTIVAL BOTTLINGS

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