Whisky Club Update
Release 01 from the Whisky Club has been bottled and we will be sending it out to members next week. We have been delighted with the response we’ve received and can’t wait to hear what members think of the Tequila Cask finish when they receive it. If you haven’t joined yet and would like to be a part of this first release, now is the time.
BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY PRESENTS COLONEL E.H. TAYLOR, JR. BARREL PROOF RYE BOURBON WHISKEY
This uncut, unfiltered offering allows fans to enjoy the beloved E.H. Taylor Straight Rye recipe in its most natural and untouched form
FRANKFORT, KY (June 27, 2024) – Buffalo Trace Distillery is thrilled to announce Colonel E. H. Taylor, Jr. Barrel Proof Rye Bourbon Whiskey, a new uncut, unfiltered rye recipe bourbon joining the Colonel E. H. Taylor, Jr. Collection. Aged at Buffalo Trace Distillery, this limited-edition release is bottled at 126 proof and crafted with the highest standards of quality and innovation first introduced to the industry by its namesake.
Highly regarded as the “Father of the Modern Bourbon Industry,” Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr. purchased O.F.C. Distillery (now Buffalo Trace Distillery) in 1869. Here, the whiskey trailblazer crafted straight rye whiskey over 100 years before its resurgence in the American whiskey landscape. He made an immediate mark on the industry by modernizing, expanding, and upgrading the plant with state-of-the-art grain equipment and a first-of-its-kind steam heating system still used in barrel warehouses in Buffalo Trace Distillery today. Taylor is celebrated for, among many things, playing an instrumental role in the passage of the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897.
“Colonel Taylor’s impact on the bourbon industry is immeasurable and, more than 130 years after the construction of his famous and innovative Warehouse C, Buffalo Trace Distillery remains committed to producing exceptional whiskey with the finest quality ingredients,” said Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director at Buffalo Trace Distillery. “Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Barrel Proof Rye Bourbon Whiskey is an exceptional uncut, unfiltered expression that pays homage to the E.H. Taylor’s pioneering vision.”
This expression of Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. is the ideal blend of barrel proof strength and fresh rye spice. On the nose it has an aroma of white pepper and nutty undertones, with a touch of fresh floral and candied apricot. A sip brings a range of complex flavors, balancing the sweet, dried stone fruit with pepper and oaky dryness. The lasting finish is full and sweet as honey, concluding an exceptional experience.
“Bourbon enthusiasts know that there is no experience quite like tasting a whiskey in its truest, untouched form – straight from the barrel,” remarked Buffalo Trace Distillery Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley. “Barrel Proof Rye takes the beloved recipe of Colonel E.H. Taylor Straight Rye Whiskey to a new level and brings a new release that perfectly complements the E.H. Taylor, Jr. Collection.”
The Barrel Proof Rye Bourbon Whiskey is the 13th release to join the Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Collection. Others include Single Barrel Bourbon, Sour Mash Bourbon, Warehouse C Tornado Surviving Bourbon, Four Grain Bourbon, and more. Consistent with previous releases in the collection, the whiskey is stored in the well-recognized E.H. Taylor Jr. canister, which showcases a vintage label.
Colonel E. H. Taylor, Jr. Barrel Proof Rye Bourbon Whiskey is available now, though quantities are limited. The suggested retail price is $77.99 (750ml); state taxes and fees will vary by market.
About Buffalo Trace Distillery
Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and it is a National Historic Landmark, as well as listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its history includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site. The Distillery has won more than 40 distillery titles since 2000 and garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. Its George T. Stagg was named Best Bourbon Whiskey at the 2023 International Whiskey Competition (USA) and its W.L. Weller 12 YO received double gold at the 2023 International Spirits Challenge. Buffalo Trace Distillery has a deep commitment to supporting charitable initiatives. Nonprofit organizations interested in learning more about the Distillery’s efforts are encouraged to register their charity here. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery, visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.
Oran Blended Scotch Whisky Wins Silver Medals at
International Spirits Challenge
Blend No. 1 and Blend No. 2 Both Take Home Silvers
NEW YORK (June 4, 2024) – Oran Blended Scotch Whisky, introduced by The Perfect Fifth in late 2023, has won silver medals at the International Spirits Challenge for its Blend No. 1 and Blend No. 2 bottlings.
Whisky expert Jim Murray blended both Scotches for The Perfect Fifth and remarks, “There is a temptation to disregard blended Scotch in this time of single malt, yet the blend of grain whisky and malt is a creation which offers myriad possibilities. The objective in the creation of Oran is to offer delicate complexity and finely tuned balance, which I believe we achieved.”
Both releases are 50-50-50 blends, 50 percent single malt Scotch Whisky, 50 percent single grain Scotch Whisky, and 50 percent alcohol by volume (ABV). Both blends are limited releases, containing only 465 bottles each.
Murray designed Oran to be an “old school” blend recognizable to whisky lovers of the heyday of blended whisky some 100 years ago. Oran’s grain and malt components are created separately but ultimately combined as the perfect complement to one another.
A total of 11 different casks were used to make both blends. Some of the casks were split between both blends but with differing ratios. Blend No. 1 is composed exclusively of Ex-Bourbon casks while Blend No. 2 distinguishes itself with the addition of a sherried cask component.
Oran Blend No. 1 and Blend No. 2 are available in limited quantities at retailers in New York, New Jersey and California. It is also available online at www.theperfectfifth.com. Suggested retail pricing is $189 per 700 mL.
The International Spirits Challenge is the premiere event for promoting outstanding quality spirits from more than 70 countries. The competition is founded on a rigorous and independent judging process, which encourages the high caliber of spirits entered each year.
About The Perfect Fifth
The Perfect Fifth was created in 2019 by Karl Schoen, who was inspired by watching his family members toast milestones with Scotch Whisky as he grew up. As Karl began his own exploration into the world of Scotch Whisky, he enjoyed finding stellar single cask bottlings and sharing them with others. This led to the formation of The Perfect Fifth, where Karl and his brother Ben source the best quality whisky from all over Scotland. Together they travel throughout Scotland, sampling cask after cask until they find those worthy to be selected for The Perfect Fifth. Few casks make the cut, which is why The Perfect Fifth releases are limited editions. Like the musical interval, The Perfect Fifth releases consist of multiple layers, each one broad and deep, which when combined, make a beautiful assembly meant to be shared with family and friends.
Kilchoman 16 Year Old 2023
Discover the pinnacle of Kilchoman’s craftsmanship with the Kilchoman 16 Year Old Limited Edition (2023), a rare and exquisite single malt Scotch whisky that celebrates over a decade and a half of maturation and expertise. This exceptional release marks a milestone for the Kilchoman distillery, offering whisky aficionados a unique opportunity to experience one of their oldest and most refined expressions.
Nose: The aroma opens with a captivating bouquet of dried fruits, including figs and raisins, intertwined with rich notes of vanilla and honey. Subtle hints of citrus zest add a refreshing touch, while a gentle peat smoke provides depth and complexity.
Palate: On the palate, this whisky is luxuriously smooth and full-bodied. It features an intricate blend of caramel and dark chocolate, enhanced by spiced oak. Sweet sherry notes are beautifully balanced with the distinctive Kilchoman peatiness, creating a harmonious interplay of sweet and smoky elements.
Finish: The finish is exceptionally long and warming, leaving lingering notes of toasted oak and sweet malt. A delicate smokiness gradually fades, offering a lasting impression of elegance and sophistication.
Kilchoman Distillery was established by Anthony Wills in 2005 at Rockside Farm near the centuries old Kilchoman Cross and the old Kilchoman Church on the west side of the Isle of Islay. Kilchoman is a malt whisky distillery which malts barley grown in Rockside fields on Kilchoman’s malting floor and bottles Kilchoman single malt whisky at the distillery using local Islay water; field to bottle. Kilchoman is the newest and most westerly of Islay’s distilleries and with just two small stills it is one of the smallest working distilleries in Scotland. Distillery bottlings include Kilchoman Loch Gorm and Kilchoman Sanaig.
From the forest to the cooperage, each cask type brings its own character to the whisky. Our specialist casks include a variety of wood types and treatments, each contributing unique notes and complexities. Experience the diversity that these casks offer, from rich and spicy to smooth and fruity. Experience the rich complexity of our specialist and experimental casks, each adding its own character to our exceptional whiskies.
Explore our specialist casks, the best examples of the vast variety we offer, where different wood-types add unique flavours and complexities to the whisky. These casks are crafted with specific toasting and charring levels, unlocking new flavour possibilities through innovative wood treatments.
SPECIALIST & EXPERIMENTAL CASKS
Ever wondered about the origins of our casks? At the Society, we guarantee the quality of each cask used for sherry maturation. From the heart of the forest to the artistry of the cooperage, get the full scoop with Richard Goslan.
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
Introducing the second of Arran’s Signature Series, this 11yo Single Malt. 42ppm peated Arran spirit was filled into Ex-Bourbon Barrels for five and a half years, followed by a secondary maturation of five and a half years in 115 ltr Quarter Casks, specially selected by Stewart Bowman bearing his seal of approval. Distilled and matured at Lochranza Distillery. Only 14,822 were produced.
TASTING NOTES
The distillery team have been getting their gladrags on and enjoying the glitz and the glory of some glamorous award ceremonies recently. We’ve been delighted to add to our already over-burdened award cabinet over the last few months with a slew of new trophies and medals for our island spirits.
The Hearach Single Malthas been recognised by professional judges and juries from across the world and we’re very proud to be putting Harris on the map in this way.
Here’s the accolades so far this year…
Berlin International Spirits Competition 2024: The Hearach – GOLD
London Spirits Competition 2024: The Hearach – GOLD
World Whisky Awards – Best Islands Single Malt – GOLD
San Francisco Spirits Awards 2024: The Hearach – SILVER
International Spirits Challenge 2024: The Hearach – SILVER
International Wine & Spirit Competition 2024: The Hearach – SILVER
Oran Mor Whisky Awards 2024: The Hearach – BEST NEWCOMER WHISKY
Oran Mor Whisky Awards 2024: The Hearach – BEST MALT (ISLAND)
The Scotsman Scran Awards 2024: The Hearach – BEST WHISKY
Slàinte to continued success!
J.Mattingly 1845 Distillery Gives Back to Veterans with
Two Commemorative Bourbon Releases
Tenth Mountain Division and POW/MIA Veterans Honored with Bottles Launches July 3
FRANKFORT, KY (June 27, 2024) – J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery, created by Jeff Mattingly, a descendant of distilling pioneer John Graves Mattingly, is honoring military veterans with the release of two limited edition bourbons – 10th Mountain Division Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey and POW/MIA Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey. Both bourbons are limited editions that go on sale at the Distillery in Frankfort on July 3rd, and are available now for pre-order online.
Only 310 bottles of each expression are available for purchase. A portion of sales from each bottle will go towards Kentucky area Gold Star families, through the nonprofits Three Rangers Foundation and Good Skies for the Good Guys and Gals.
Details for each bourbon are as follows:
The 10th Mountain Division Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey is a blend of seven-year-old barrels bottled at 116 proof. The nose consists of seasoned oak, mellow baking spice, smokiness, almonds and cashews. On the palate, the bourbon is nice and viscous, with caramel and vanilla sweetness up front. Mid palate is characterized by cashews and almonds with nice barrel spice notes. The finish is mid-length, marked by a return of the caramel sweetness, more seasoned oak, and a small hint of the malted barley.
The POW/MIA Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey is a blend of five-year-old barrels bottled at 126 proof. Notes of caramel and crème brulee, along with apricot and plum can be found on the nose. The palate has a full-bodied texture, giving notes of dark chocolate nibs and roasted peanuts. There are slight notes of oak spice in the middle. The finish is long-lasting, with a return of the maple and caramel sweetness, and notes of stone fruit, particularly apple and pear.
Pricing is $155 for each 750 mL bottle with $20 from the sales of the 10th Mountain Division Bourbon going towards Three Rangers Foundation and $20 from the sales of the POW/MIA Bourbon going toward the Good Skies for the Good Guys and Gals nonprofit.
About J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery
The Mattingly family has been synonymous with distilling in Kentucky for more than two centuries, having a hand in the development of at least nine separate distilleries in the Commonwealth, and with connections to some of the most illustrious names in the distilling industry, including George Garvin Brown, the Willetts and the Samuels.
It all started in 1845, with John Graves Mattingly’s first distillery in Marion County, Kentucky, Registered Distillery #2. Many historians today believe his distillery was the first registered distillery in Kentucky.
In 2010 Jeff Mattingly took up the family mantle and started his own craft bourbon business. Today, Jeff’s son Cameron has joined the team as Vice President of Production, continuing the legacy into the latest generation for J. Mattingly Distillery 1845 in Frankfort, Kentucky. Together father and son offer their proprietary double staving process as well as a custom bourbon blending experience unparalleled in the spirits industry, available on-site in Frankfort or online at https://jmattingly1845.com/build-a-bottle/
For more information about J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery visit www.JMattingly1845.com.
This year, we’re celebrating the 20-year journey of ambassador Olaf Meier at the Society! For two decades, Olaf has been the embodiment of passion and knowledge, sharing the art and joy of whisky with seasoned enthusiasts and curious explorers worldwide. To add to the celebrations, we’re releasing a special 20-year-old bottling exclusive to the UK – Cask No. 3.351: Piers, papayas and pineapple pebbles.
Matured for 17 years in a bourbon hogshead followed by three years in a Spanish oak oloroso hoggie, it’s the perfect mix of sweet and savoury matured over two decades to celebrate Olaf’s own 20 years representing the Society.
PIERS, PAPAYAS AND PINEAPPLE PEBBLES
Cask No. 3.351
Age: 20 years
Cask: Second Fill Spanish Oak Oloroso Hogshead
SMWS ambassador Olaf is a fountain of knowledge, driven by a limitless number of whisky stories, who now finds himself celebrating his 20th year representing the Society. Despite having more than two decades of whisky experience, Olaf started his journey with humble beginnings, as Duncan Gorman finds out:
You can also tune into the Society’s podcast, Whisky Talk, to hear more about Olaf’s whisky adventures and Society memories:
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
LAPHROAIG
18 Year Old
70cl | 48% ABV
This exceptional Single Malt Whisky displays the robust, smoky character of the famous 10 Year Old, but with added complexity from extended maturation in ex-bourbon barrels. The vanilla note apparent at 10 years becomes amplified, complimented by the sweetness of ripe fruits and honey, alongside toasted oak spice, and abundant peat smoke. Laphroaig 18 Year Old is bottled at a high strength of 48% for greater intensity and a satisfyingly rich mouthfeel.
£179.95
SHIPPING FROM 2nd JULY
TASTING NOTES:
NOSE
Sweet, vanilla and soft toffee with soft gooseberry, Bramley apple and a touch of cinnamon and freshly baked apple tart.
TASTE
Oily, sweet and full bodied with an upfront fruitiness of oranges and nectarines followed by herbal notes of freshly cut mint and heathery honey with subtle ginger spice and peaty notes of iodine.
FINISH
Sweet and rich with a long savoury and smoky finish.
