ralfy review 1047 – Balblair 15yo @ 46%vol: (2024)

Fettercairn’s Annual 18 Year Old Release is

A Celebration of Scottish Provenance

Highland distillery Fettercairn has released the latest edition of its 18 Year Old Single Malt Whisky. Available annually, Fettercairn 18 Year Old is finished in responsibly-sourced, native Scottish Oak and shines a light on provenance and innovation.

Nestled in the foothills of the Cairngorm Mountains, the team at Fettercairn, which this year celebrates 200 years of imaginative whisky making, are pioneers of provenance, with the quality and extra effort to use locally sourced ingredients evident in every drop.

Only locally-sourced barley from farms within a 50 mile radius of the distillery is used and, when it comes to distilling, Fettercairn’s stills are crowned with unique copper cooling rings, which cascade ice cold water from the nearby mountains down the outside. This innovation cools the stills, and allows only the lightest vapours to rise, creating the whisky’s characteristic tropical house style.

For Fettercairn 18 Year Old, this effort also extends to the cask, as part of an ongoing new initiative. Fettercairn’s Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass first started to implement the award-winning[1] Scottish Oak Programme eight years ago, bringing a new approach to whisky making. This innovative programme has been developed to ultimately future-proof the industry, whilst creating a circular economy by encouraging the use of 100% native wood in whisky making.

The small batch Fettercairn 18 Year Old is the first expression of the programme, released annually as a limited-edition due to its rarity. First unveiled in 2022, this is only the third time the expression has been made available.

Fettercairn 18 Year Old is fully finished in responsibly sourced Scottish Oak, after an initial maturation in handpicked first fill and refill ex-bourbon American White Oak barrels, to produce a beautiful depth of flavour.

Perfect for curious whisky lovers who look for innovation and value skilled craftsmanship, Fettercairn 18 Year Old is non-chill filtered, offered in its natural colour and at an ABV of 46.8%.

Golden amber in colour, Fettercairn 18 Year Old has notes of sugared almonds, baking spices, passion fruit and guava on the nose. To taste, expect exotic syruped fruits, patisserie sugars, brioche and spices, with soft hints of berry fruits, flowing through to a cacao, and natural vanilla finish.

Fettercairn’s future-facing attitude, commitment to progressive whisky making and celebration of local provenance and produce, aligns beautifully to the conscious movement that many are following – to be more aware, to eat with the seasons, shop locally and cook from farm-to-table.

With game season well underway, Fettercairn 18 Year Old’s fruity notes will pair effortlessly with game birds such as duck, partridge or grouse in both taste, as the whisky will enhance the sweeter flavours of the game, as well as in ethos, given game’s managed farming.

Equally, for keen foragers, Hen of the Woods mushrooms, often found growing amidst oak trees themselves, or Chanterelles would also make for an intriguing pairing with Fettercairn 18 Year Old.

Whilst tropical desserts shine alongside the matching notes of the whisky, more traditional autumn flavours, like apples dusted with cinnamon, custard infused with vanilla and Chelsea buns, will also complement brilliantly.

Award-winning[2] Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass comments:

“The Scottish Oak Programme is one of my proudest achievements and the annual release of the Fettercairn 18 Year Old is a regular reminder of the journey our team has gone through so far, to bring this to life. 

“Over the last three years, we’ve gained a loyal following for this special whisky and our hope every year is for more people to experience how truly special Scottish Oak is and the incredible flavours it can impart to Scotch.

“So the diverse flavours of Scottish Oak can be enjoyed for generations to come, in 2021 we replanted an ancient forest at Fettercairn. The saplings are growing well, with many now visible from the distillery. We’re still generations away from these trees being used in whisky making, but having them there to watch over our distillery offers an important reminder that our work isn’t just for the present, it’s for the future.” 

Fettercairn is celebrating its landmark 200^th anniversary in 2024. Earlier in the year, the distillery announced refreshed ranges in both domestic and global travel retail markets. The domestic core range now features a 12 Year Old, 16 Year Old and 24 Year Old, while global travel retail will exclusively offer Fettercairn 14 Year Old, 17 Year Old and 25 Year Old.

To further mark the milestone, The Fettercairn 200^th Anniversary Cabinet was unveiled in June, with just ten sets to ever be created. The handmade, bespoke cabinets are crafted from Scottish Oak, sourced from the distillery’s estate, and each hold six bottles of incredibly rare whisky. The six bottles combined total 200 years and each mark a significant moment in the distillery’s history. The collection includes a 60 Year Old, the oldest ever to be released by Fettercairn and the birth year of Distillery Manager, Stewart Walker, and a 3 Year Old which has been fully matured in 100% Scottish Oak, a look to Fettercairn’s future.

Fettercairn 18 Year Old is non-chill filtered and bottled in its natural colour, with an ABV of 46.8%. An annual, limited release, the 2024 edition will be available in specialist retailers from October, with an RSP of £212.

About Fettercairn

Fettercairn Distillery is a hidden gem – a Single Malt Scotch Whisky Distillery located in the heart of a thriving agricultural community, Aberdeenshire – ‘The Garden of Scotland’.

A spark of whisky making ingenuity is what makes Fettercairn special. A sense of wonder has been a constant theme back to 1824, as illustrated by our beautiful copper cooling ring, which produces a uniquely tropical style of new make spirit, and our Scottish Oak Programme from which we developed our Fettercairn 18 Year Old Scottish Oak.

Today, as we celebrate 200 years, we continue to take a progressive outlook and make new unexpected journeys in flavour led whisky making. We invite curious whisky lovers and connoisseurs to explore and enjoy Fettercairn Single Malt.

www.fettercairnwhisky.com

About Gregg Glass- Master Whisky Maker

Icons of Whisky Distiller of the Year, Scotland 2023

Respected whisky maker Gregg Glass joined Whyte and Mackay in 2016, where he has been a leading light in the rejuvenation of Fettercairn alongside Distillery Manager Stewart Walker.

Gregg enjoyed a childhood in the heart of whisky making country, the Black Isle. With 22 years in industry notably 11 years at innovative whisky maker Compass Box, Gregg joined Whyte and Mackay in 2016 to work alongside renowned Master Distiller Mr Richard Paterson OBE.

Gregg has enjoyed 15 years career as a blender and whisky maker. At Whyte and Mackay Gregg has led whisky development for Fettercairn Single Malt Whisky, Jura Single Malt Whisky and in 2017 launched Whisky Works – an independent innovation wing of Whyte and Mackay.
Gregg is devoted to his craft and believes in flavour-led hands-on whisky making. Gregg is
passionately involved in every aspect of the whisky making process from ‘acorn to glass’ and since 2020 leads whisky making across the Whyte and Mackay portfolio.

Award-Winning Whisky Makers Whyte and Mackay

Whyte and Mackay is home to a collection of multi-award-winning Single Malt Whiskies including The Dalmore, Jura and Fettercairn. With a premium spirits portfolio that includes contemporary whisky brands Shackleton, Woodsman and John Barr, alongside popular alcohol brands Wildcat, Fundador, Harveys Bristol Cream and Aperitivo.

In the UK the company produce Whyte & Mackay, an award-winning ever-popular Blended Whisky, which recently launched the market-leading ‘Whyte & Mackay Light’ – a lighter spirit drink from Scotland, bottled at a lower ABV.

Founded in Glasgow 1844, the whisky makers celebrated their 175 year anniversary in 2019. Today Whyte and Mackay have offices from New York to Singapore. In Scotland, Whyte and Mackay operate a state-of-the-art Bottling Hall and Distribution Centre in Grangemouth and a Whisky Production and Warehousing Centre in Invergordon.

Whyte and Mackay’s whisky making is led by Master Distiller Richard Paterson OBE and pioneering Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass.

[1] The Spirit’s Business Award for Innovation in Production in 2022

[2] Icons of Whisky Distiller of the Year, Scotland 2023

Talnua celebrates launch of “The Acorn Project” philanthropic mission with first 6 year old, bottled-in-bond special release whiskey.

Talnua Distillery has had many things to celebrate over the years, but this October 5th, 2024 marks two distinct celebrations.

As a way to celebrate Co-Founder & Head Distiller, Patrick Miller’s, 40th birthday, Talnua is launching its philanthropic wing, aptly named “The Acorn Project: a Talnua Initiative.”  The Acorn Project will focus Talnua’s philanthropic efforts on the natural resources that allow its whiskey and products to come to fruition. Learn more about The Acorn Project here.

The birthday party and Acorn Project launch will come with a special bottle release.  “This single barrel was the 100th barrel filled at Talnua and will be our oldest whiskey release to date.  It is a 6 year old Bottled-in-Bond single barrel,” says Miller.  “Not only are we proud to release this limited whiskey, we are elated to launch The Acorn Project to support our friends and grain suppliers at Root Shoot Malting / Olander Farms.”

Olander Farms will be the first benefactors of the funds raised through The Acorn Project.  Olander Farms is a family owned farm out of Loveland, CO focused on regenerative farming, land conservation, and a truly local supply chain.

Recently, the family farm endured a hail storm that destroyed over 500 acres of crops.

The October 5th celebration will consist of music from local bands, a special pop-up menu from Stone Cellar Bistro, Trinity mobile cigar lounge, a pipe and drum band, and many specialty cocktails and whiskey drams. This event is for 21+ individuals.

About The Acorn Project Special Release Whiskey

Talnua will be releasing their very first 6-year-old bottled-in-bond whiskey to celebrate; a testament to the years of dedication and expertise they have put in. This exceptional bottle is a single barrel selection, drawn from the historic barrel #100, and proudly bottled-in-bond to signify its unparalleled quality.

Release date: October 5, 2024, at the Talnua Harvest Festival
Mashbill: Malted & Unmalted Barley
Aging: Single Barrel new American white oak for 6 years
Bottled-in-bond
Cost: $150 per bottle with $25 from each bottle donated to Olander Farms
Proof: 100 | ABV 50%
Limited release: 220 bottles available
A distillery exclusive whiskey, not available for shipping

For additional information, interview inquiries, photos, or brand assets please contact us at connect@talnua.com.

We are live!

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

Auction closes from 8pm (BST) Tuesday 8th October

www.speysidewhiskyauctions.co.uk

Glenfarclas
The Family Casks – 1954 – 2003 Miniatures (50 x 5cl)

Quite simply put, this is the absolute pinnacle for any whisky collector. Within this custom built cabinet you’ll find fifty 5ml bottles that feature every Glenfarclas Family Cask release from 1954 to 2003.

With only 8 of these cabinets in existence this is definitely not something that comes to auction often if ever. Do not miss out on your chance to own a little bit of history.

Interested in Selling Whisky?

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4.9 / 5 | 615 reviews

2005 Secret Orkney (Highland Park) 19 Year Old “Signatory” K&L Exclusive #DRU 17/A63 #28 First Fill Oloroso Sherry Butt Cask Strength Non Chillfiltered Orkney Single Malt Scotch Whisky

(700ml) $179.99 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

Over 30 Independent Bottlers Available

We are proud to support our Independent Bottlers as they continue to thrive in a competitive and exciting market. ‘Indies’ are truly what gives the Scotch Whisky Industry an endless supply of new whiskies, with each owner or cask selector (often the same person!) putting their individual taste profile across into our famous Scotch Spirit.

Distillery bottlings are great, and the lifeblood of the industry, however for something that stands out as unique and different, and quite often a once in a lifetime release, look no further than our great Indy range.

We’ve recently added some great lines to our range, including Tri Carragh, North Star, Great Drams and Glaschu amongst others, joining favourites and old hands alike, such as Little Brown Dog, Murray McDavid, Fragrant Drops and Gordon & MacPhail.

Below are some of our new releases as well as some favourite bottlings just waiting for their new home!

See all our Indy Listings Here

Inverurie Whisky Shop 1 Burnside, Burn Lane, Inverurie, ENG AB51 3RY

Why Attend a Master Class at WhiskyFest?

WhiskyFest is a whirlwind! There are so many fabulous whiskies to taste and, seemingly, so little time! We really think it’s worth your while to consider attending a Master Class. They are a fun way to boost your knowledge on a specific brand and taste some exceptional whiskies. Master Classes are included with the price of a ticket and seating is on a first come basis.

This year, we are thrilled to welcome speakers from such brands as Bruichladdich, Heaven Hill, Middle West Spirits, The Glenturret, Komoro Distillery, and Compass Box, just to name a few. Visit our website to see which Master Classes will be held in each city, and for the most up to date information.

Still need a ticket? Don’t delay—buy yours today!

The Good Dram Show – Episode 567 ‘Woodrow’s of Edinburgh’

Welcome to this week’s episode of the show. As you can see I have returned to the newly improved study, complete with proper studio lighting! So in this return episode of the show I’m looking at a relatively new Independent bottling company called Woodrow’s of Edinburgh.

The Good Dram Show with Chris Goodrum

Episode 567 – Bottling Whisky Is Not Neuroscience..!

Filmed in The Revamped Study Nottingham

Featuring

Woodrow’s Warehouse Reserve Aberlour 2011 (12 year old) 55.3%
Woodrow’s Warehouse Reserve Royal Brackla 2008 (15 year old) 55.8%
Woodrow’s Warehouse Reserve Mortlach 2013 (10 year old) 59.5%
Woodrow’s Warehouse Reserve Teaninich 2013 (10 year old) 56.8% +
Woodrow’s Warehouse Reserve Strathmill 1991 (33 year old) 49.7%
Woodrow’s Warehouse Reserve Inchfad (Loch Lomond) 2019 (5 year old) 59.5%

www.woodrowswhisky.com

ICONIC SCOTCH WHISKY BALLANTINE’S TOASTS TO TWO MUSIC ICONS OF THE 20TH CENTURY: ELTON JOHN AND JOHN LENNON

Ballantine’s, the world’s second most popular Scotch whisky*, has revealed new additions to its True Music Icons collection, this year paying tribute to two of the most influential musicians of all time: Elton John and John Lennon.

The iconic artists, renowned for their unparalleled contributions to global music culture, inspired the collectable design for the iconic Ballantine’s Finest bottles, which will be available across the globe from this month.

This second release in the True Music Icons series follows the success of the inaugural collection last year, which paid homage to rock and roll legends AC/DC and Queen. This second edition comes hot on the heels of Ballantine’s celebrating a decade of its True Music platform, building on its rich heritage in music culture by celebrating artists who forge their own path, stay true to who they are, and do things their own way.

The new duo of limited-edition bottle designs has been perfectly crafted to capture the essence of the legendary musicians. Whilst one honours Elton John as one of the most iconic solo artists in history, known for his chart-topping hits, exceptional song-writing, and significant influence on popular culture, the other equally stunning bottle celebrates John Lennon, a writer and musician who changed history with his music. Both with The Beatles and as a hugely innovative solo artist, he challenged what rock music could be by constantly exploring and reinventing musical genres, while introducing the idea that music could be a vehicle for social and political change.

The editions also celebrate the friendship between Elton John and John Lennon, which culminated in John Lennon’s single release of ‘Whatever Gets You Thru The Night’, featuring Elton John, and their legendary performance together at Madison Square Garden exactly 50 years ago, in 1974.

Each bottle showcases the unique personalities of these two music legends and is a testament to Ballantine’s ongoing commitment to championing global music culture, offering whisky lovers and music fans alike collectable products and unforgettable experiences. The True Music Icons John Lennon Edition bottle design incorporates Lennon’s official logo, famous self-portrait sketch and iconography, reflecting his multifaceted artistic legacy, whereas the Elton John Edition is inspired by his legendary live performance at Dodger Stadium in 1975, with the design featuring a holographic version of his ‘E’ star logo mirroring the artwork on his Diamonds Greatest Hits collection

Paul-Andre Vacheron, Global Marketing Director for Ballantine’s at Chivas Brothers, commented: “Ballantine’s has a rich heritage in music and what better way to celebrate a decade of our True Music platform than by paying tribute to two of the 20^th century’s most revered music icons on our iconic Finest bottle. Both Elton John and John Lennon are artists who are all about doing things their own way. They have not only contributed to music culture, but defined it, by staying true to who they are – a mindset that reflects the spirit of what Ballantine’s stands for, inspired by our pioneering founder George Ballantine. We look forward to seeing these collectable designs rock out on shelves around the world.”

The Ballantine’s True Music Icons: Elton John and John Lennon limited-editions bottles will be available for purchase in markets across the globe and on The Whisky Exchange from Monday 23^rd September 2024. To stay up to date with all the latest Ballantine’s news, visit www.ballantines.com or follow us on Instagram @ballantines.