Archive for 2024

Gleann Mòr A Rare Find Glenlossie 30 Year Old at Inverurie Whisky Shop – Scotch Whisky News

Gleann Mòr A Rare Find Glenlossie 30 Year Old

£399.99

Bottling Notes:

Single cask bottling from Gleann Mòr Rare Find range of a 30 year old Glenlossie 1992. An exceptionally well balanced whisky, this Speyside Single Cask release, like many of this age, has been matured in a refill Hogshead, allowing the fruity flavour of Glenlossie spirit to age slowly and patiently into this wonderful expression.

Distilled: 1992 Bottled 2023

Cask: #3501

Limited: 272

Non Chill Filtered  | Natural Colour | Cask Strength

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Crisp green apple and cut grass.

Palate: Golden syrup, buttered bread, lychee and breakfast tea.

Finish: Medium dry finish with a touch of white pepper.

55.2% ABV

The Good Dram Show – Episode 539 ‘Lady of the Glen’ – Scotch Whisky News

The Good Dram Show – Episode 539 ‘Lady of the Glen’

Welcome to this week’s episode of the show in which I’ll be taking a look at some releases from Hannah Whisky Merchants in their Lady of the Glen Range. The Good Dram Show with Chris Goodrum. Episode 538 – Clearing Out The Notebook…! Filmed in The Study Nottingham

Featuring

Lady of the Glen ‘Rare Cask’ Knockdhu 2012 (10 year old) 58.2%

Lady of the Glen ‘Rare Cask’ Blair Athol 2013 (10 year old) 57.7%

Lady of the Glen ‘Rare Cask’ Teaninich 2010 (13 year old) 58%

Lady of the Glen ‘Rare Cask’ Dailuaine 2013 (10 year old) 59%

Lady of the Glen Rare Cask Dufftown 2008 (13 year old) 54.7%

Lady of the Glen ‘Rare Cask’ Caol Ila 2013 (10 year old) 56.7%

Lady of the Glen

Johnnie Walker partners with James Jean for Lunar New Year – Scotch Whisky News

Johnnie Walker partners with James Jean for Lunar New Year

New Johnnie Walker Blue Label Limited Edition Design is created by one of the worlds’ most influential visual artists, James Jean

Johnnie Walker, the world’s number one Scotch Whisky[1], today announces an intricate new Johnnie Walker Blue Label Lunar New Year Limited Edition Design created by one of the most influential visual artists in the world, Asian-American artist James Jean.

The vivid design for the Year of the Dragon features an innovative and dynamic interpretation of 2024’s Zodiac animal, the noble Wood Dragon. Regarded by many as the mightiest of all the Zodiac animals, the dragon is symbolic of life and creativity as well as a portent of future prosperity in traditional Asian culture, echoing the defiant optimism of the Johnnie Walker motto, Keep Walking. In James’ layered illustrations the evergreen Wood Dragon springs from bountiful flora and fauna, and bursts to life with auspicious ambition.

Renowned for his ability to work across different genres with an imaginative and multifaceted approach to image making, James fuses contemporary subjects with aesthetic techniques inspired by traditional Chinese scroll paintings, Japanese woodblock prints, and Renaissance portraiture.

Recently James worked closely with a number of Hollywood directors on promotional posters for several award-winning high-profile films.

James, who was born in Taipei and raised in New Jersey and attended the School of Visual Arts in New York, says: “With Johnnie Walker Blue Label Lunar New Year, we wanted to create a dragon that felt different, new and innovative – respect for the past but also looking into the future with optimism; in the same way that Johnnie Walker stands for progress through that incredible Keep Walking spirit.”

“The Year of the Dragon is rich in symbolism and tradition in Asia. Many consider the dragon the most powerful animal in the Chinese Zodiac and the Wood Dragon felt remarkably close to me because of the natural elements prevalent in my own work. Evolved from traditional depictions of Chinese dragons, my dragon is composed of flowers and organic elements, from which emerge tendrils and arcing lines, evoking the idea of roots and connection.”

James, who currently lives in Los Angeles, sought inspiration for his designs from the layers of incredible flavour that Johnnie Walker Master Blender Emma Walker and her team bring to Johnnie Walker Blue Label – a whisky made using some of the rarest whiskies from the unparalleled Johnnie Walker reserves of maturing Scotch, including some irreplaceable casks sourced from long-closed ‘ghost’ distilleries.

“There are hidden elements in the picture as well – layers to be discovered, just like the layers in this incredible whisky. I included chrysanthemums, from which flow liquid gold – inspired by Johnnie Walker whiskies – and hummingbirds sipping on the precious nectar. I want the viewer to peel back the layers and discover more about the image. I want my work to function from far away but reveal more details the more closely you explore the imagery.”

Johnnie Walker Global Marketing and Innovation Director, Joao Matos, adds: “James Jean’s remarkable interpretation of the Wood Dragon for Johnnie Walker Blue Label Lunar New Year captures the essence of tradition and innovation. Just as Johnnie Walker embodies progress with our ‘Keep Walking’ spirit, James has beautifully blended respect for the past with an optimistic look towards the future. His dragon, crafted from flowers and organic elements, is a symbol of the power of creativity and connection. We’re thrilled to celebrate the Year of the Dragon with this exquisite, limited edition design.”

James Jean also designed incredible artwork for the Lunar New Year John Walker & Sons XR 21 limited edition design. All Johnnie Walker Lunar New Year limited edition designs are available in selected markets globally.

[1] IWSR 2022

The Ultimate January Whisky Gift – Scotch Whisky News

The Ultimate Whisky Gift

Wolfcraig Luxury Collection

At Wolfcraig we are constantly searching for that new and innovative experience to further our Scotch Whisky appreciation, enjoyment and knowledge. Take yourself or a fellow connoisseur on their next steps with the opulence of the full Wolfcraig series.The Wolfcraig Luxury Collection re-imagines the traditional whisky miniature with a sustainable and modern approach, placing whisky pouches inside recyclable card sleeves.Simply slide out the whisky pouch from the sleeve, cut the corner and pour a large dram that you won’t want to end.

Shop the Wolfcraig Luxury Collection as seen being held by Richard

Rare Value

The collective bottle cost inside the Wolfcraig Luxury Collection is over £850, containing incredibly aged whisky from two of the industry’s greats.

Enjoy a large 50ml dram of:
Wolfcraig 30 Year Old Premium Blend, Limited Edition First Release
Wolfcraig 14 Year Old Deluxe Blend Triple Sherry Cask Finish
Wolfcraig 35 Year Old Blended Grain

Purchase the Wolfcraig Luxury Collection as a special gift today, RRP £65

Speyside 12 Year Old – Ferg & Harris at Aberdeen Whisky Shop – Scotch Whisky News

 

Ferg & Harris have taken a light and fruity Speyside, aged for 12 years in ex bourbon casks, and finished it for six months in a first-fill Pedro Ximénez sherry hogshead. Producing a rich burnt umber colour, and lovely sweet and fruity notes. Bottled at cask strength of 55.7% with no chill filtering. Only 582 Bottles have been produced.

£7000

NOSE: Toffee, baked figs and rich raisins.
PALATE: A quick hit of sherry sweetness, with lighter fruitier notes to follow. Vanilla, figs, roast almonds and orange peel.
FINISH: Warm and smooth, with stewed raisins and simmering fruits. Robust sweetness and subtle woody notes.

K&L Exclusive: “Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseur’s Choice” 14-Year-Old Islay Icon in Refill Sherry Cask – Scotch Whisky News

2009 Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old “Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseur’s Choice” K&L Exclusive Cask #18600103 2nd Fill Sherry Hogshead

Nonchillfiltered Cask Strength Highlands Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($149.99)

“This is a singular cask that offers so much to the drinker in a single bottle. A classic Islay malt that is not to be missed.” — Andrew Whiteley, K&L Spirits Buyer

Is there any distillery in Scotland bringing us more consistently amazing hits than Bunna? We can’t think of one right now. After a series of truly stunning casks in 2023, the new year starts with a bang in the form of this 14-year-old refill sherry hoggie from the Islay icon. With unparalleled complexity from the first nose all the way through the finish, it belongs on the short list of any serious Scotch afinicionado, no matter what your stylistic preferences are.

K&L Exclusive: An Islay Icon Hits a Grand Slam

2009 Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old “Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseur’s Choice” K&L Exclusive Cask #18600103 2nd Fill Sherry Hogshead Nonchillfiltered Cask Strength Highlands Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)

($149.99)

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

While I love a sherry bomb if I’m in the right mood or a first-fill bourbon cask when I want something punchy yet sweet, it is the classic, refill sherry hogshead that has my true heart. When you get an active one such as this impeccable Bunna cask, it’s irresistible. Bunnahabhain’s soft peat smoke and succulent fruits meld perfectly with the raisin and berry compote and nuttiness of the pristine sherry barrel. The individual salt notes, sea spray from the whisky, salt rocks from the sherry, blend in perfect harmony to support the entire profile. Golden straw at the edges and deep red copper in the core, the color is beautiful. The aromas start with grilled peaches and move into expressed citrus oil and a small sugar cane grass fire. Tempering dark chocolate and lemon icing work together in unexpected ways. Raw peat, freshly cut, brings an earthiness that binds to the sweet spices of the barrel—nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, and cracked pepper of the oak itself. This is a dram that is hard to move past the nose because it’s so intriguing. When you do convince yourself to taste it, the tempest rages. You feel wrapped in a dizzying array of flavors. Sweet, salty, fruity, nutty, smoky, earthy, herbal, it has it all. Chocolate-dipped, dark cherries topped with fleur de sel. Maple glazed almonds. Abba-zaba candy. Unlit cigar, fresh from the humidor. It’s a trip in every sip. At 55.3% ABV, it is the epitome of easy drinking. With a few drops of water more herbal notes are released on the nose, but the palate leans into the sweet nuts, more creamy peanut butter than herbal walnut or almond. The smoke fades more into a background cloak rather than an upfront screen. This is a singular cask that offers so much to the drinker in a single bottle. A classic Islay malt that is not to be missed.

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

ralfy review 1010 – Arran 10yo (OSWA winner 2023) – Scotch Whisky News

ralfy review 1010 – Arran 10yo @46%vol: (OSWA winner 2023)

Cask Trade Named Among UK’s Most Innovative New Businesses – Cask Whisky News

Cask Trade Named Among UK’s Most Innovative New Businesses

Cask Trade listed in the prestigious Startups 100 Index

Startups 100 Index has previously identified brands including Monzo, Deliveroo and HelloFresh

Index finds the top 100 start-ups with the most growth potential for the year ahead

The UK’s longest running index of disruptive new start-ups, the Startups 100, has released its 2024 line-up and Cask Trade has made the list.

Run by the UK’s most established website for entrepreneurs, Startups.co.uk, the Startups 100 offers a showcase of new businesses that demonstrate innovation, solid financials, opportunity in their market, a great concept, and a strong customer base or following. The list has previously identified brands including Monzo, Deliveroo and HelloFresh.

Founded in 2018, Cask Trade is run by passionate spirits industry professionals. Built upon honesty and transparency, we created an open cask marketplace where the end goal of selling casks is as important as buying them. The foundation of this is a trusted relationship with collectors, investors, and independent bottlers within the industry. We are proud in our belief that by owning all the casks we sell, customers have 100% transactional guarantee.

In five years Cask trade has successfully grown to become a Sunday Times Top 100 Business in Britain for 2023. Offices in the UK and Hong Kong, alongside agents in Australia, Singapore, India, and the USA, allow us to cater for a diverse range of customer needs. As a result, we have sold approximately 9000 casks to over 1800 private customers and around 150 independent bottlers spanning six continents.

The casks we have sold cover 50 years’ worth of age statements from 1973 to 2023, with an astonishing 170 distilleries represented across the world of whisky and other spirits.

Managing Editor of Startups.co.uk, Richard Parris, comments: “The ingenuity and innovation of the brands featuring in our annual Startups 100 index never ceases to amaze, and this year is no exception. Despite the crises of the past couple of years, we’ve seen some incredible businesses from every corner of the UK in our rankings. They may be tackling different challenges to one another, but there’s a shared mood of opportunity and an optimism for the year ahead that’s invigorating to see as we begin 2024.”

Commenting on the achievement, Simon Aron, founder and CEO of Cask Trade says: “This is truly a pleasant and unexpected achievement to be 24 out of 100 start-ups, alongside so many fantastic companies. I’ve had the pleasure of turning my personal passion into a fast growing business, with success down to the hard work and dedication from co-directors and our fabulous team.”

About the Index:
The Startups 100, run by Startups.co.uk, showcases the top 100 new UK businesses based on five key areas of analysis: finance, external validation, size of opportunity, innovativeness of idea and strength of concept.

As well as celebrating the best small businesses in the UK, the list is also an opportunity to grow a community of like-minded entrepreneurs and business owners who support and advocate for each other.

Notes to editors:
To feature, all businesses in the index had to have launched in the last 5 years, be UK-based, and be privately owned (at the time of entering). The winners of the Startups 100 Index are chosen by a specialist panel of judges.

For the full list visit: https://startups.co.uk/startups-100/2024/list-in-full/

Scotch Malt Whisky Society of Canada January 2024 Outturn – Scotch Whisky News

Happy New Year! We hope you had a wonderful holiday filled with warmth, laughter, and, of course, some sensational Society drams. As we start a new year, we’d like to invite you to join us in celebrating the pure pleasure of phenomenal whisky flavours, and we have 7 new bottles that will keep you riding the flavour wave!

PLEASING AND DELIGHTFUL*

CASK NO. G15.30

REGION:  Highland

CASK TYPE:  1st fill ex-bourbon barrel

AGE:  8 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Juicy, oak & vanilla

BOTTLE NOTE:  “Bourbon vanilla sweetness and light spicy pine wood were followed by crème caramel, shortbread, linden blossom essential oil and pineapple cubes.”

*GIVING SPIRIT BOTTLE:  100% of SMWS Canada’s profits from the sales of this bottle will go to UNICEF Canada. Read more about the Giving Spirit program here.

DIET PEAT

CASK NO. G15.34

REGION:  Highland

CASK TYPE:  2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel

AGE:  8 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Lightly peated

BOTTLE NOTE:  “A delicate peat profile that’s unusual and highly delicious, involving citrus fruits, grasses and various bandages and medical tinctures.”

DARK ‘N’ STORMY CRÈME BRÛLÉE

LIMIT ONE PER MEMBER

DISTILLERY G16 RARE RELEASE

REGION:  Lowland

CASK TYPES:  1st fill barrels #4 char

AGE:  6 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Spicy & dry

G16 is the result of a custom distillation that we carried out when we did a special project to distil our own bourbon-style mash bill at distillery no. 156. We created a mash bill of 58% corn, 21% malted barley and 21% unmalted rye; it’s certainly one of a kind, a custom distillation never to be repeated.

FIT FOR A KING

CASK NO. 95.86

REGION:  Speyside

CASK TYPE:  2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel

AGE:  12 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Spicy & dry

BOTTLE NOTE:  “Gooseberry, sherbet lemon and mint precede a chilli-ginger greengage chutney with artisan cheese and oatcakes accompanied by a nettle salad.”

“MY GRANNY’S OLD SHED”

CASK NO. 68.101

REGION:  Highland

INITIAL CASK:  Ex-bourbon hogshead

FINAL CASK:  1st fill PX hogshead

AGE:  14 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Spicy & sweet

BOTTLE NOTE:  “‘Granny’s shed on a hot day’, red wine spilled on leather and oak; prunes, chocolate raisins, crème brûlée, cinnamon pastries and ginger.”

WILL YOU JOIN THE WORM TUB CLUB?

CASK NO. 36.209

REGION:  Speyside

INITIAL CASK:  Ex-bourbon hogshead

FINAL CASK:  1st fill oloroso hogshead

AGE:  14 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Deep, rich & dried fruits

BOTTLE NOTE:  “This put a smile on our faces as we met cherry pie, sticky toffee pudding, cooked amarena cherries, beeswax, boysenberry chutney and orange pomander.”

DOWN WITH SUBTLETY!

CASK NO. 16.87

REGION:  Highland

CASK TYPE:  1st fill hogshead heavy char #4+

AGE:  9 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Heavily peated

BOTTLE NOTE:  “The fusion of wood power and peat power go head to head with thrilling and mind-mangling effect – like quaffing distilled hot sauce in a barbecue.”

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada
Suite 160
104 – 1240 Kensington Road NW
Calgary, AB  T2N 3P7
403-969-8225
curious@smws.ca
www.smws.ca

Scotch Whisky Auctions ~ Auction Fee Update – Auction Whisky News

We strive for continual growth and improvement in the service we offer and to make our auctions the best they can be we have made a small increase to our lot fee.

We have always aimed to be the most affordable option for selling your bottles and are still committed to this.  As such we haven’t raised our lot fee in the last 2 years, however in order to provide the best possible service going forward we are making a small increase from £6 to £8 per bottle from the 152nd auction onwards.

Unlike almost all other auction houses we are still committed to not charging commission to sellers who wish to sell their bottles with us, so even with this small fee increase we believe we are still the most attractive proposition for sellers in the current market.

Thank you for continuing to choose Scotch Whisky Auctions and all the best for 2024.

Scotch Whisky Auctions · Unit C · 139 Lancefield Street · Glasgow, Lanarkshire G3 8HZ · United Kingdom


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