#Ardbeg #Islay #ArdbegAnthology #ArdbegTheUnicornsTale

EXPERIMENTAL WHISKY CROSSES MADEIRA CASKS’
SWEETNESS WITH ARDBEG’S CLASSIC SMOKE

< Aged 14 years, The Unicorn’s Tale is the second release
in Distillery’s Anthology Collection of rare and strange malts >

Ardbeg Islay single malt whisky today reveals a beguilingly sweet and smoky bottling – the second release in its Anthology Collection of rare and strange single malts. Ardbeg Anthology: The Unicorn’s Tale is Ardbeg’s first whisky matured in a marriage of Madeira wine casks and bourbon casks. Aged 14 years, this intriguing limited edition whisky takes smoky-malt lovers on a flavour-filled canter through powerful bursts of smoke, notes of banana, menthol and lime.

The Ardbeg Anthology Collection comprises unusual single malts from the Distillery, which cross classic Ardbeg with experimental stock for new flavour combinations. In homage to these whiskies’ outlandish “hybrid” style, each malt’s name and packaging are inspired by a different mythological creature, which some say they have glimpsed on Islay (although others are understandably sceptical…).

A dark horse of a dram, The Unicorn’s Tale fuses the tropical sweetness of whisky aged in Madeira casks with Ardbeg’s trademark zesty, smoky notes, resulting in a fruity, aromatic and smoky creation. It follows Ardbeg Anthology’s inaugural release, The Harpy’s Tale, which marries classic Ardbeg with the Distillery’s first whisky aged in Sauternes sweet white wine casks.

Dr Bill Lumsden, Ardbeg’s Director of Whisky Creation, said: “At Ardbeg we love to experiment with how we can push our spirit’s smoky balance into new worlds of flavour. Some time ago, we decided to try maturing Ardbeg in unusual cask types for the distillery to create sweet and smoky ‘hybrids’– and so the Anthology Collection was born.

“The Unicorn’s Tale is the second release in this series, which has been created by marrying classic Ardbeg matured in bourbon casks with a parcel of whisky wholly matured in sweet Madeira wine casks. The outcome is a whisky bursting with notes of banana bread and tropical fruit, fused with Ardbeg’s hallmark flavours of camphor, lime zest and wood smoke. This 14-year-old whisky may appear sweet in nature, but its smoky side is not to be underestimated!”

Priced at £130 with an ABV of 46%, Ardbeg Anthology: The Unicorn’s Tale will be available for purchase on ardbeg.com, in Ardbeg Embassies, at the Distillery Visitor Centre on Islay and in selected whisky specialists.

RRP: £130 

For exclusive Ardbeg news and releases, fans and whisky lovers can sign up to the Ardbeg Committee by visiting www.ardbeg.com/ardbeg/committee . Membership is free, and all Ardbeg fans are welcome.

www.ardbeg.com

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Tasting notes

ABV: 46%

Colour Pure Gold

Aroma Rich, sweet, aromatic and fruity, baked banana bread and syrupy sponge pudding fill the senses. Notes of treacle trot into a distinctive suggestion of burning cedarwood. A splash of water releases a bounty of tropical fruits. Eucalyptus oil mingles with soft, aromatic smoke.

Taste Zesty notes of lime and sweet peaches canter across the palate. A burst of rich smoked fruit and baked bread prance into antiseptic lozenges, creosote, and aniseed. Soft barley malt combines with nutmeg and peat smoke.

Finish The influence of these rare Madeira casks is undeniable. A whimsically smoky finish welcomes a long and lingering aftertaste of menthol, clove, wood smoke and camphor.

Ardbeg:

Ardbeg prides itself on being The Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky. Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts. Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’. During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future, and it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction. Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well-established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following. Today, Ardbeg is one of the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whiskies.

Ardbeg Committee:

The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded in 2000 by the formation of the Ardbeg Committee. The Committee is made up of thousands of Ardbeg followers worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”. Today there are more than 180,000 members of the Ardbeg Committee in over 130 countries. Committee Members are regularly consulted on new bottlings and expressions and are offered exclusive Committee bottlings. Members also receive invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events. The Committee, chaired by Jackie Thomson, is free to join at Ardbeg.com.

Awards:

Ardbeg is one of the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whiskies.  Since 2008, Ardbeg has won more than 50 gold and double gold medals in key whisky competitions.  Ardbeg has twice been awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards (2010, 2013).  At the 2014 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, Mickey Heads was voted ‘Distillery Manager of the Year’.  The following year, Ardbeg’s expressions took the top three spots in Whisky Advocate magazine’s review of the best single malt Scotch whiskies under US$100.  Meanwhile, both Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Ardbeg Uigeadail have been awarded gold medals at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Ardbeg 10 Years Old also won the Best Single Malt Scotch 10 Year Old at the International Whisky Competition 2019, while the Ardbeg Distillery won the Distillery of the Year 2019. In 2020, the International Whisky Competition awarded Ardbeg Corryvreckan first place for Best Single Malt Scotch, Best Single Malt Scotch (No Age Statement), Best cask Strength (Over 57% ABV), Best Peated Scotch and Best Islay Single Malt. Ardbeg Wee Beastie also earned first place for Best Single Malt Scotch Under 10 Year Old and The Ardbeg Distillery achieved another Distillery of the Year award. In 2021, Dr Bill Lumsden was awarded Master Distiller of the Year for the fifth time, and Ardbeg Uigeadail won World Whisky of the Year in the International Whisky Competition. In 2022, at the International Whisky Competition, Ardbeg was awarded The Distillery of the Year Award, while Ardbeg Ardcore won first place in Best New Scotch Release, Best Peated Single Malt and Best Islay Single Malt. In 2023, Ardbeg was awarded four Gold and eight Silver medals at the International Spirits Competition, Silver in the International Wine & Spirits Competition and Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Ardbeg Anthology Collection:

This experimental collection comprises rare and experimental Ardbegs, each created from intriguing cask combinations entirely new to the Distillery. Each whisky in the series takes its name from a mythological creature.

The Harpy’s Tale: The series’ first single malt was released in August 2023. Aged for 13 years in a combination of classic bourbon and sweet Sauternes wine casks, this unique Ardbeg is characterised by a tussle between powerful smoke and rich sweetness.

The Unicorn’s Tale: The second whisky in the collection combines classic Ardbeg aged in bourbon casks with whisky fully matured in Malmsey Madeira casks – the sweetest and most prized of the Madeira wines.

The Glenmorangie Company:

The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay Malt.

Responsible Drinking:

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

INTERNATIONAL BRAND AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR AWARD 

GOES TO CALLUM A FRASER

Callum A Fraser was named Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival International Ambassador at the Touch of Tartan opening dinner, joining a prestigious list of whisky personalities. Despite being kept busy in his role as Production Manager, Callum always finds time to engage with whisky lovers both at home and abroad – anyone who has had the pleasure of meeting him certainly won’t forget it. He is an amazing ambassador for both Glenfarclas and Speyside and we are absolutely thrilled to see this recognised by our peers.

Congratulations Callum!

LOOKING BACK AT THE 2024 SPIRIT OF SPEYSIDE WHISKY FESTIVAL

This year’s festival was as busy as ever, and saw us hosting a fun mix of events, from old favourites such as the Family Cask Selection and Managers Tour to new events including the 107 distillery exclusive mini launches and the first Glenfarclas eight decades tasting. One of the highlights was the introduction of the Big Glenfarclas Barbecue which featured fantastic food from Martin’s Catering, a performance from local musicians as well as beer from the local Spey Valley Brewery not to mention a dram or two of our fine whisky!

We also officially launched a new addition to our permanent tour lineup – the 1950s experience. With the unique opportunity to learn more about older style whiskies, this experience offers guests a chance to try five different vintages whiskies from the 1950s. After an overwhelmingly positive response to the first tour which we launched as part of the festival, we will be running this very exclusive experience subject to availability and by prior appointment only. This one of a kind experience is aptly priced at £511.19p, the same amount our Chariman’s great-great-grandfather paid for the distillery in 1865. For further information please contact the Visitor Centre direct by email at visitorcentre@glenfarclas.com.

2024 MARKET VISITS

The first half of the year was a busy time for our sales colleagues, visiting markets and distributors all across the globe. The team’s travels have taken them to Sweden, Finland, The Netherlands, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Bulgaria, The USA, Canada, Austria, Germany, Italy and Denmark. The rest of the year holds some very exciting events, festivals and visits and we are looking forward to sharing these with you later in the year.

THE LAUNCH OF THE 105 16 YEAR OLD

At the beginning of this year we were delighted to announce the release of our 105 16 year old. 5,280 bottles were released worldwide and we are delighted to say that it has had some incredible feedback. For markets that are further afield it will only just be making it onto your shelves. We hope everyone that tries this limited edition bottling enjoys it!

THE BIG GOLF RACE 2024

Recently, a group of golfers from the Scotch Whisky Industry took part in The Big Golf Race 2024 – the challenge is 100 holes in a single day to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK. Amongst the golfers were Glenfarclas team members Douglas and Duncan, who played through the adverse weather conditions to complete the challenge in 17 hours. A huge well done to everyone who took part.

If you feel you are able to support them please use this link to donate to the team’s Just Giving page.

The 25

An Evolution of Flavour

After a quarter century of waiting, making room for beauty only time can touch, the elegance of our whisky intensifies. Flavour and fragrance mingle and melt in sumptuous harmony.  Fruit becomes more aromatic, vanilla notes more decadent, delicate nuttiness more luxurious and fragrance intensified.

 Our delicate spirit ages in a distinctive way.  Over time, bold, bright, fruity notes progressively become more refined and fragrant.  It is a distinctive alchemy which is illustrated perfectly in The 25.

Whilst wood plays a key role in maturation, by the time our whisky gets to 25 years, the evolution of the new make spirit itself starts to have a significant impact on the overall flavour profile, developing fragrance, refinement and an aromatic quality which complements the wood derived flavours.

Find Out More

The 25 is available at selected specialist retailers throughout the world.  Find your local stockist on our website

Springbank 1993 21 Year Old Open Day 2015

Distilled at the iconic Springbank distillery, this expression was produced for their 2015 Open Day. It was laid down to mature in 1993, having spent some time maturing in a refill claret wine cask. Free from chill filtration, at natural colour and presented at 46% abv. Only 264 bottles were made.

Please note: this bottle is from a private collection.

£1,850.00

SHOP NOW ❯

I WON A BOTTLE OF LONGROW!

Longrow 2024 Pinot Noir, 57.1%

Well, I entered a ballot and won the opportunity to buy it…and here it is!

The 2024 release of Longrow Red has been matured for four years in ex-bourbon casks, then transferred into single estate French Pinot Noir casks for three years.

Bottled at 57.1%, natural colour and non chill filtered, this is first cask strength Longrow that I’ll ever get to work with in a bottle. Seeing how it develops and opens over time. When it was first cracked it had no sweetness at all, thankfully it has gained some nice red fruit and caramel notes – with the smoke playing a rather subtle role further back on the palate.

Check the video out and tell me what you think about this years release. Is it better or the same, or worse as others?

Big thanks to Royal Mile Whiskies for putting on a ballot so I could get this!

Cheers!

BOWMORE® AND ASTON MARTIN; THE MASTERS’ SELECTION FINALE 

Fourth and final edition signals crescendo of collaborative Series 

24 June, 2024, ­– Crafted with intent, Bowmore® has an inherent appreciation as to how each moment comes to bear on the character of the whisky.  We make our whiskies this way on purpose, shaping every drop, adding depth and distinction of flavour to shape our multi-dimensional single malt.

It is this precision which shapes and drives our collaboration with ultra-luxury British brand, Aston Martin. Together intent on realising beautiful creations which are timeless; capable of transcending the moment and the vision of their own Masters.  Each individually shaping the path of creativity, and together defining a collaborative legacy, with a firm eye on the future, inspiring what and who comes next.

As the path of our collaboration evolves over time, so too does the ability to truly understand, appreciate and respect one another.  For our two Masters, the journey which has been enlightening and rewarding on many levels, from education, exploration, and interrogation to bring the journey to this conclusion.  Now as we reveal the final edition in this landmark Series, the collaboration comes full circle in celebrating the collective spark and chemistry of the Masters, working in unison to bring each of their unique perspectives to life.

For Bowmore, each whisky is a chapter in our story, shaping the legacy from character and flavour; heritage and innovation; exceptional ageing and whisky making skills – to bring us to an end point, a finale where all the different parts align in total harmony.  

Ron Welsh, who created the whisky for Bowmore, said, “This fourth and final edition of Masters’ Selection defines the journey of this collaboration to date with absolute perfection.  We’ve brought together components of the previous three releases to realise the finale of the Series to celebrate both flavour and complexity. Uniting the spirit of both Bowmore and Aston Martin has been an honour and a privilege for everyone involved and I am confident this shows in the quality of what we have created together.  We look forward to continuing to explore and stretch the possibilities of this incredible partnership for many more years to come.”

For Aston Martin, each car plays a vital part in the story, building an intensity and desire through cutting edge design, groundbreaking engineering, and a rich evolutionary legacy – to reach the pinnacle where this vision becomes reality.

Marek Reichman, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer, Aston Martin, said, “Working on the Masters’ Selection has been both inspiring and enlightening over the past four years. The whisky-making process, with its attention to detail and depth, has enriched my understanding and appreciation for this craft. The final edition, showcasing flavours from roasted hazelnuts to grilled Seville orange zest, matured in carefully selected Tawny Port American oak casks and Oloroso Sherry butts, demonstrates the complexity and richness we aimed to achieve. This partnership with Bowmore highlights our shared values of precision and excellence, resulting in a whisky that truly stands out. I am proud to have played a role in creating this exceptional whisky.”

Just as the Series reaches a crescendo, this single malt captures this same spirit through its character, as is classically Bowmore. Matured in Tawny Port American oak casks and Oloroso Sherry butts, specially selected to create this apex moment.  This 21-Year-Old whisky unites the three predecessors of Masters’ Selection yet adds a further dimension to show just how multi-dimensional and expressive Bowmore can be.

Merging nutty sweetness on the nose then opening with a rich and spicy flair, this single malt gathers momentum, flavour, and intensity at every stage.  Honey sweetness comes together with rich salted toffee, orange zest and thyme alongside sultanas, oak spices and velvety milk chocolate leading to a crescendo velvety mouthcoating finish, warmth followed by long drying light medicinal and peat smoke notes.

Bowmore Masters’ Selection Edition 4 is available in key global markets including UK, Germany, Canada, USA, and China at an RSP of £425 (ex VAT/duty) from July 2024 onwards.

Bowmore and Aston Martin are committed to responsible drinking and advocate that no one should drink and drive.

Drink Smart® messaging will be integrated into all brand activations around the partnership; while the dedicated Drink Smart® platform ensures communication with legal-purchase age adults about making informed, responsible choices. 

www.bowmore.com

Facebook.com/BOWMORE
Twitter.com/BOWMORE
Instagram.com/BOWMORE

Tasting notes

COLOUR: Mahogany

NOSE: Rich and complex, balanced between nutty character and sweetness with initial notes of roasted hazelnuts, leather, fresh pipe tobacco, dark chocolate and oak spices, followed by dark maple syrup, liquorice and charred peaches, with a background of Crème Anglaise, bergamot in syrup and subtle sandalwood and light peaty notes. 

TASTE: Roasted chestnuts, honey sweet with rich salted toffee, grilled Seville orange zest and dry thyme, with sultanas, oak spices, velvety milk chocolate and peat smoke.

FINISH: The finish starts with a velvety mouthcoating, then a mouth warming with long drying finish of light medicinal and peat smoke notes.

ABV: 51.4%

ABOUT BOWMORE®

For over 240 years, the Bowmore Distillery has been capturing the essence of Islay from the shores of its remote island home. Shaped by centuries of skill and tradition, Bowmore’s single malt harnesses the power of this time in every single drop, defined by the past and savoured in the present.

Time is defining at Bowmore® and we tirelessly harness the power of time to shape our whiskies. Our distillery’s adherence to traditional production methods helps to shape the character of our fruity and smoky single malts. Today, we are amongst one of a few distilleries which still produces its own floor malted barley, hand-turned by a traditional wooden malt shovel and hand drawn machinery.  Water for the whiskies is specially drawn from the Laggan River, with its rich peaty overtones – the same Islay peat that fires the malt-drying kiln.

Bowmore® Distillery’s proximity to the sea is also vital in determining the final character of its spirit and gives a hint of sea air to the character. The legendary Bowmore® No. 1 Vaults is where most of the whiskies spend their long lives resting quietly in the cool, dark, damp cellars below sea level, oblivious to the waves thrashing the vault’s sea-facing wall.

Matured in oak casks, previously used for bourbon, sherry, or claret, over time developing rich and mellow flavours until the expertise of our whisky makers deems them ready for bottling.  It is this combination of peat, barley, sea breeze, water, wood, people, and tradition that makes Bowmore the exceptional single malt it is today.

Time is marked on each and every bottle of Bowmore, proudly and boldly as a marker of where and when each one’s journey began.  This is our story of time. This is Bowmore; the Art of Time since 1779.

www.bowmore.com

ABOUT SUNTORY GLOBAL SPIRITS

As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life by delivering great consumer experiences through its world-class portfolio of brands.  Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam®, Maker’s Mark®, Basil Hayden® and Knob Creek® bourbons; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Teacher’s, Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as Tres Generaciones®, El Tesoro® and Hornitos® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, Canadian Club® whisky, 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 more than 30 countries, one of Suntory Global Spirits’ core values is Growing for Good and through its Proof Positive sustainability strategy, the company has committed to ambitious goals and investments to promote environmental sustainability in its operations, ensure the company has a positive impact on the communities where employees live and work, and programs to educate and inform consumers to make the right personal choices about drinking. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Suntory Global Spirits, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com

Bowmore® Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 43% Alc./Vol. ©2024 Beam Suntory Import Co., Chicago, IL.

ABOUT ASTON MARTIN LAGONDA

Aston Martin’s vision is to be the world’s most desirable, ultra-luxury British brand, creating the most exquisitely addictive performance cars.

Founded in 1913 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford, Aston Martin is acknowledged as an iconic global brand synonymous with style, luxury, performance, and exclusivity. Aston Martin fuses the latest technology, time honoured craftsmanship and beautiful styling to produce a range of critically acclaimed luxury models including the Vantage, DB12, DBS, DBX and its first hypercar, the Aston Martin Valkyrie. Aligned with its Racing. Green. sustainability strategy, Aston Martin is also developing alternatives to the internal combustion engine, with an ambition to create the world’s most thrilling and highly desirable electric performance cars, the first of which is targeted for launch in 2026.

Based in Gaydon, England, Aston Martin Lagonda designs, creates, and exports cars which are sold in 56 countries around the world. Its sports cars are manufactured in Gaydon with its luxury DBX SUV range proudly manufactured in St Athan, Wales. The company is on track to deliver net-zero manufacturing facilities by 2030.

Lagonda was founded in 1899 and came together with Aston Martin in 1947 when both were purchased by the late Sir David Brown, and the company is now listed on the London Stock Exchange as Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings plc.

2020 saw Lawrence Stroll become the company’s Executive Chairman, alongside significant new investment. This coincided with Aston Martin’s return to the pinnacle of motorsport with the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One^® Team and commenced a new era for the iconic British marque.

Kentucky Bourbon Trail® Celebrates 25th Anniversary and Ushers in Adventurous New Era of Bourbon Tourism

Federal, State, and Local Officials Join Celebration of Industry’s Impact Across Kentucky Through its Thriving Global Tourist Attraction

FRANKFORT, KY.— In celebration of its 25th anniversary, the world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour is getting a bold new look, a sleek new digital experience for visitors to build their own amber adventure, and a reimagined future by combining the original excursion with its Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour®.

Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, Congressman Andy Barr, co-chair of the Congressional Bourbon Caucus, and Kentucky Sen. David Yates of Louisville unveiled the newly reimagined Kentucky Bourbon Trail® before 200 Bourbon luminaries at the Frazier History Museum along historic Whiskey Row in Louisville.

The new-look Bourbon Trail™ experience will showcase 46 of the Commonwealth’s finest distilleries, giving visitors more options to plan their trip and fully focus their attention on the laid-back hospitality, local culture and cuisine, scenic hidden gems and natural wonders on their journey.

The Kentucky Distillers’ Association created the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® pilgrimage in 1999 to educate visitors on the art and science behind making America’s only native spirit.  It was America’s first spirits tour and has since welcomed more than 18 million visitors from all 50 states and dozens of countries.

“We knew we had something special, but we never could have dreamed it would evolve from a simple industrial tour of distilleries into an international bucket list experience filled with rare and behind-the-scenes adventures,” Gregory said.

Following rapid growth and innovation by distillers, the KDA created the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® in 2012 to showcase smaller distilleries. Its 28 craft distilleries will now join the 18 members of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour, forming one statewide Bourbon Trail™ experience.

“All Kentucky distilleries – big and small have invested hundreds of millions of dollars into their tourism experiences, resulting in record-breaking economic development, jobs, tax dollars, restaurants, hotels, and more that build off of Bourbon’s popularity.

“It’s a lucrative path for Bourbon to give back to local communities.”

Elected Officials Toast the Past and Cheer the Future

Congressman Barr’s Congressional Bourbon Caucus is a bipartisan group of members that are dedicated to strengthening the Bourbon industry and educating other Representatives on legislative and regulatory issues that impact it.

“As we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, we honor the tradition, craftsmanship, and economic vitality that Bourbon brings to our Commonwealth,” said Rep. Barr, who is from Lexington, one of the KBT’s official Gateway communities.

“This milestone underscores our rich heritage and the global recognition of Kentucky as the true home of Bourbon. Cheers to another 25 years of excellence and innovation in one of our homegrown signature industries!”

Rep. Morgan McGarvey, co-chair of the Congressional Bourbon Caucus, was scheduled to participate in the event but had an unexpected emergency. Sen. Yates, the chamber’s Minority Whip and former President of the Louisville Metro Council, stepped in to discuss the KBT’s local and state impact.

“It’s been amazing to see how the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Bourbonism has revitalized tourism in Louisville, especially on our historic Whiskey Row,” Sen. Yates said. “Bourbon is unique to our Commonwealth and important to its future.  I’m proud to work alongside legislators on both sides of the aisle and each level of government to protect and elevate its importance in Kentucky.”

To celebrate the 25th anniversary and all that is to come, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® received special recognition from the federal and state government. U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell’s tribute in the Congressional Record honored the success of the Kentucky landmark.

 “I want to thank all those involved for their stewardship of Kentucky’s heritage and their work to build our State’s vibrant Bourbon industry,” McConnell said. “As the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® celebrates its silver jubilee, I’d like to extend my best wishes to its dedicated team and all the hard-working Kentuckians who have contributed to the enduring popularity and legacy of Bourbon whiskey.”

Additionally, Governor Andy Beshear proclaimed June 20, 2024, as “Bourbon Trail™ Day in the Commonwealth.” Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman delivered the proclamation and offered a toast to the KBT’s past and future.

“For years, Kentucky’s signature spirit has spurred tourism and economic development helping build our communities,” she said. “With billions in Bourbon investments underway and a bright new future for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour, the world will continue to know that the Commonwealth of Kentucky is the undisputed home of Bourbon.”

A Global Bucket-List Future for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® Adventure

To plan for the future of the behemoth tourist attraction, the KDA engaged IQS Research to personally interview thousands of KBT® visitors over the last year. The findings clearly proved that the Bourbon Trail™ is elevating Kentucky tourism with an affluent demographic featuring:

• 76% of visitors come from outside of Kentucky;
• Visitors are coming in packs and staying in the region for 3 to 5 days;
• Guests typically spend between $600 and $1,400 on dining, entertainment, lodging, and transportation.
• More than 60% have incomes above $100,000;
• 60% of visitors are male, 36% female, 4% non-binary;
• 12% identified as a racial minority and 7% identified as LGBTQIA+;
• 91% discovered a new product or Bourbon brand during their trip; and
• 97% were highly satisfied with their distillery experience, and 96% would recommend the KBT® to their family and friends.

Following a nationwide search for a marketing partner to help formulate the Bourbon Trail’s future, the KDA began working with Nashville-based agency Lewis.

Utilizing the IQS data and the KDA’s biennial economic impact report, the Lewis team held in-depth interviews with leadership and frontline employees at Kentucky Bourbon Trail® attractions and conducted further in-depth research in key feeder markets to collect potential visitors’ impressions.

The impressive result is an all-new brand identity that is modern, adventurous, and reflective of the new and elevated offerings at distilleries. The new logo embraces the rich colors and textures of the Commonwealth’s Bourbon legacy and features typography that’s symbolic of iconic trailhead signs, evoking a keen sense of adventure.

Recognizing the Trail™ experience can no longer be completed in a long weekend, the reimagined Kentucky Bourbon Trail® will shift away from incentivizing the desire to quickly finish the journey to instead slowing down, savoring the adventure and exploring the possibilities.

Visitors will begin to see the changes throughout the summer, including:

• A fresh new look that conveys a sense of discovery, elevated adventure and attainable luxury;
• A combined Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® into one Bourbon Trail™ program;
• An all-new digital experience to help guests explore and prepare for their trip like never before;
• Ability to Build Your Own Bourbon Trail®, allowing visitors to imagine and explore a wide range of possible itineraries before they ever arrive in Kentucky. #BYOBT

“Our guides on the frontline of the Bourbon Trail™ know there is an experience that’s perfect for each and every visitor, and the reimagined Kentucky Bourbon Trail® will be even easier to explore and discover,” said Jes Pendergrass, Chair of the KDA Board of Directors and General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer at Heaven Hill.

“Just as every Bourbon is a unique expression, each distillery brings its own personality to the visitor experience, and the Bourbon Trail™ has more offerings than ever before. We encourage our visitors to take their time, sip and savor each moment, and come back often to relax and enjoy our laid-back Kentucky Bourbon culture.”

Katie Peninger, Vice President of Account Service at Lewis, said, “What we learned is that Bourbon tourists know what they want, why they’re here, and what their priorities are. With #BYOBT, the visitor decides what’s important, and the website presents them with the distilleries, hotels and restaurants that match their preferences.”

Visitors can follow Kentucky Bourbon Trail® on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date and be the first to know when the new digital experiences are ready for use. For more information, go to www.kybourbontrail.com.

The Franchino

After the successful launch of ‘The Patchett’ and ‘The Alice’, we are excited to launch ‘The Franchino’ named after our Production Director, Nick Franchino. Matured in a first-fill Bourbon cask, this whisky has notes of apple, cereal and vanilla, just like an Apple Cruffin (which is a cross between a croissant and a muffin). Made with 100% locally grown barley from the Cotswolds, The Franchino was matured full-term in a single (first-fill ex-Bourbon) cask. Filled on the 14th November 2015 and bottled on-site at 51% ABV on the 12th June 2024. Don’t miss out on The Franchnio. Limited bottles available.

General release online and in our shops will be Tuesday 2nd July. 

“Still waters run deep. They say that Bourbon casks, with their lighter impact on the whisky, help show the essence of the distillery character the most at there is less to hide behind. This should be not be taken to mean they are simple whiskies. I chose this cask because it allows one to really appreciate the underlying whisky in its most naked expression. Our whisky is light, bright and fruity at hear, and while this might give the impression of simplicity there has been a lot of learning and wisdom, and a courage to challenge traditional production techniques and thinking on the part of our mentor Dr Jim Swan to help create it.”

BUY NOW

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

Last Call on Cult-Favorite, Exclusive-Cask Rarities

2005 Ledaig 17 Year Old “Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseur’s Choice” K&L Exclusive Cask #18600201 2nd Fill Sherry Hogshead Nonchillfiltered Cask Strength Highlands Single Malt Scotch Whisky

“This is truly a special whisky … An easy slam-dunk for any peat lover and an absolute must-have for Ledaig people.” — David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

2007 Clynelish 16 Year Old “Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseur’s Choice” K&L Exclusive Cask #311259 Single Refill Sherry Hogshead Nonchillfiltered Cask Strength Highlands Single Malt Scotch Whisky 

“…if you’ve never experienced the wonder of Clynelish before, you’ll definitely want to capitalize on this rare opportunity.” — Will Blakely, K&L Spirits Specialist

We’re down to the last available stocks of two of the most compelling K&L exclusive casks we took in late last year from Gordon & MacPhail. These second-fill sherry hoggies are perfect examples of what makes these distilleries such coveted cult favorite among our Scotch clientele, and pricing remains a steal in both cases, considering the quality of what’s in the bottle.

2005 Ledaig 17 Year Old “Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseur’s Choice” K&L Exclusive Cask #18600201 2nd Fill Sherry Hogshead Nonchillfiltered Cask Strength Highlands Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($160.00)

K&L Notes: Ledaig Single Malt is a cherished gem from the Hebridean Isles and comes from one of the oldest distilleries in all of Scotland. Produced on again/off again since its founding in 1798 and licensed since 1823, the Tobermory Distillery on the Isle of Mull is known primarily for its two single malt marks. Tobermory, an unpeated dram and Ledaig, with its heavily peated characteristics. Both are widely regarded as malts of outstanding quality. Both malts owe their rich character to the unusual stills that lie at the heart of the distillery—bulbous stills and curvy lyne arms offer a huge amount of reflux. Ledaig’s heavily peated malt offers a rich array of flavors from smoky to fruity to meaty and with just a whiff of green grass. Pair the malt quality with the excellent wood management and exceptional pricing from the legendary Gordon & MacPhail and we have the first entrant for Best Cask of 2024! A very active refill sherry hogshead, Cask No. 18600201 comes in at 17 years old and 54.3% ABV. Yield 310 bottles. Bottled without chill-filtration and no added color.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: January 02, 2024

Liquid amber in color and boasting a nose equally full of fruit, charcuterie meats, and candied smoke. This is a Ledaig like we haven’t seen in ages. Active, clean sherry without a trace of sulfur really lets the fullness of the malt shine. First the fruit: crisp apple, dried orange peel, apricots, hoshigaki, and fruit leather—it smells ripe and sweet. The meatiness is intertwined with the fruit and the smoke, an array of cured and smoked meats. Applewood smoked ham hock comes to mind almost immediately. Candied and smoked nuts make the transition into more pronounced peat smoke, which really shines once you get the whisky on your palate. The wood and malt are so evenly matched it is difficult at times to tease apart which component is contributing which flavors. The palate is thick, a blanket of fresh peat and cold ash, saddle leather, and abundant ripe fruit. A blush of cool mint and dewy grass add lift and freshness. It goes on for days, and yet you can’t help but go back for more. Salted nuts slowly candied in honey and a kiss of sea spray top it all off. Proof positive that G&M still hold some of the finest whisky stocks in Scotland.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: January 02, 2024

The peated malt from the gorgeous Tobermory distillery is known as Ledaig. It’s not just the same whisky with peated barley, but utilizes specific fermentation and distillation times to create one of Scotland’s most intensely flavored spirits. It’s for that reason and maybe some issues with cask management over the years that Ledaig has a bit of a love/hate relationship for some peat lovers. But when you get a great one, it’s absolutely undeniable. This is one of those barrels. Full term in high-quality (and active) refill sherry with some of Mull’s finest. Stupendous! Let’s taste it. The color is a splendid chestnut! On first nosing it’s big, meaty, sooty smoke. With a bit of air—this one needs air—we move distinctly into the old leather, kippers, sweet orange zest, marmite, apricot jam on pumpernickel, and burnt raisins. On the palate, it’s perfectly salty, savory, and sweet. Almost no sulfur but so much leathery smoke, it’s unbelievable. The long finish offers deep, billowing, ashy smoke along with powerful baking spices and nutty oloroso notes. This is truly a special whisky and highly undervalued thanks to our amazing relationship with Gordon & Macphail. Only rivaled as an exclusive Ledaig by the much more controversial and divisive Chieftain’s 21-Year, this one is so much easier to love. An easy slam-dunk for any peat lover and an absolute must-have for Ledaig people.

2007 Clynelish 16 Year Old “Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseur’s Choice” K&L Exclusive Cask #311259 Single Refill Sherry Hogshead Nonchillfiltered Cask Strength Highlands Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($180.00)

K&L Notes: The historic Clynelish distillery offers some of the most unusual spirit in Scotland. Distinctly waxy, as many old malts were, it is one of the few distilleries to have maintained this characteristic in the modern era. Long ferments and tons of copper contact lead to a surprisingly fruity flavor profile to accompany that mysterious waxy note. The combination is beguiling, and once bitten by the flavors, you’ll join the Cult of Clynelish in a hurry. Pair it with a subtle yet active refill sherry hogshead, as we have here from the legendary Gordon & MacPhail, and you have a surefire winner at 16 years old and 55% ABV natural cask strength. Expect toffee, stewed red fruits, baked apples, dark cherries, and candle wax. Sweet spices and candied citrus peel round out the rich palate and finish.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: January 20, 2024

16-year-old Clynelish from a beautiful, refill sherry hogshead that has transformed the whisky but not overpowered it. My first nosing immediately reminded me of Hawaiian Punch—a veritable fruit salad of red. Further passes yielded toasted granola and honey. A few minutes later the nose is all sweet milk chocolate followed by darker cocoa nibs. Coming back to the whisky after a few more minutes, jolly rancher hard candy in all the red flavors. While Clynelish is well known for its fruit, this one is particularly heavy in the cherry and raspberry realms. Many minutes in the glass will coax it all out. On the palate, soft ripe plums and other stone fruits come through, and the toasty granola of the nose stands out in a big way. It shows off the grain mixed with roasted nuts and fresh-baked shortbread cookies. A little sweet herbaceousness adds a fun twist, as alfalfa and licorice come to mind. Cinnamon makes a big appearance here along with candied citrus peel. The finish shows a little of that appealing Clynelish waxiness mixed in with the spicy cinnamon notes, like a Red Hots candy, all caramelized sugar and paraffin. With water, the nose moves into more crunchy green apple territory, and the palate shows more waxen with a bent towards graham crackers. At 55% ABV, it has lots of room for additions and experimentation. This is a bottle that will be fun to drink to the last drop and another excellent example of Gordon & MacPhail’s impeccable wood management.

Will Blakely | K&L Spirits Specialist | Review Date: January 19, 2024

Clynelish remains a favorite and highly sought-after distiller among single malt aficionados, and this bottling gives a compelling case as to why. The refill sherry cask was fairly active here, though you might not think it from the color. Even the nose is fairly restrained, offering only an oxidative, nutty, and yeasty tone on top of the pungent, sweet aromas of white flowers, cut hay, cherry compote, and ripe plum. On the palate is where it really sings—sumptuous, mouth-watering texture delivers wave after wave of dark, dried fruit, Christmas cake, and cocoa, all adorned with juicy blackberry and raspberry and just a hint of singed orange peel. This dram absolutely loves air and needs some healthy, hearty doses of oxygen to reach its full potential. The wealth of fruit and spice that come from sufficient time in the glass perfectly counter the savory, waxy character of Clynelish’s distinct malt combined with the rich, nutty sherry. For those missing the magic of our Signatory bottling a few years ago, this may be the closest thing we see for some time. And if you’ve never experienced the wonder of Clynelish before, you’ll definitely want to capitalize on this rare opportunity.

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ADELPHI SINGLE CASKS

Highly regarded and even more highly sought after, the latest releases of Adelphi Single Casks have arrived at Inverurie Whisky Shop and we’re delighted to have them on our shelves. These are very limited releases with only a handful of each available. With some brilliant Sherry Cask releases amongst the line up, as well as a few exciting releases from our neighbours in England and Wales, and beyond the British Isles, there’s sure to be something in the line up to tantalise your tastebuds.

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