Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 550: Numero Dertien PX versus Virgin Oak

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tries two very young, Dutch whisky expressions. What if a father, son, and son-in-law acquire an iStill and have their own farm? That’s right, they start making whisky. Together with his son Arend Jr. and son-in-law Jaap, Arend van Nieuwland, born in Breda, gets to work on farm De Wieke in Veendam, where they make whisky using their own home-grown barley – once malted – with an iStill. Last summer, the first two expressions were released under the label ‘Numero Dertien,’ the name of the farm. The whisky is, of course, young – specifically 3 years old – and matured in a PX cask and a Virgin Oak cask. Mark puts them head-to-head.

https://youtu.be/nEvlWnQ4vQE

Victoria’s Macaloney’s Island Distillery wins CANADIAN WHISKY OF THE YEAR at 2025 CANADIAN WHISKY AWARDS

In all, 45 Canadian whisky producers were honoured at the prestigious 15th annual event

VICTORIA, B.C. (January 17, 2025) – Macaloney’s Island Distillery took home Canadian Whisky of the Year honours for its Peat Project Moscatel Barrique single malt, at the 2025 Canadian Whisky Awards, held Thursday, January 16, in Victoria, B.C. The 100% malted barley whisky received the top overall score from a panel of 14 judges, who tasted and scored around 200 competing whiskies in blind tastings.

The whisky was distilled using local barley and peat-smoked at the distillery, then matured in a European Moscatel wine barrique. “This remarkably well-balanced whisky, fully matured while brightly youthful, shows a tightly woven interplay of sweet malt, discrete fruitiness, brisk peppers and of course, peat smoke,” says Davin de Kergommeaux, chair of the judging panel and author of Canadian Whisky: The Essential Portable Expert.

De Kergommeaux added: “Canada’s distillers are bringing new practices, sensibilities and flavours to the Canadian whisky landscape, and now, for the first time ever, a Canadian peated single malt whisky distillery has won Canadian Whisky of the Year.”

Canadian Whisky of the Year was just one of more than two dozen awards presented at this year’s 15^th annual edition of the Canadian Whisky Awards. A selection of the honours includes:

• Alternative Grain Whisky of the Year – Wayne Gretzky Distillery Single Grain Oats – Craftsmanship Series
• Blended Whisky of the Year – Signal Hill Founders Select Overproof Whisky
• Corn Whisky of the Year – Bearface Triple Oak Canadian Whisky
• Best Barrel Finished Whisky and Limited Expression – Bridgeland Distillery Glenbow, Canadian Single Malt Whisky, Port Finish
• Rye Whisky of the Year – Sons of Vancouver Distillery Realms of Rye – Release No. 01 ‘Citrus & Botanicals’
• Best Whisky, International Market – Crown Royal Hand Selected Barrel
• Best Whisky Aged 9-15 Years – Alberta Distillers Rare Batch Issue No.1
• Best Cask Strength Whisky – Two Brewers Release 45
• Brand Ambassador of the Year – Chris Thompson, Forty Creek
• Best Whisky Broadcast, Podcast, or Video Series – Mark Gillespie, WhiskyCast

Held annually since 2010 during Victoria Whisky Festival, the Canadian Whisky Awards recognizes the very best Canadian whiskies. An independent panel of experts scores each whisky in blind tastings, based on ranking criteria that reflect the industry’s highest standards.

The Canadian Whisky Awards is fully independent of the Canadian whisky industry. Only whiskies that were distilled and matured in Canada are eligible to compete. The Canadian Whisky Awards Gala in Victoria is grateful to this year’s presenting sponsor, Spirits Canada.

For more information and the full results of the 2025 Canadian Whisky Awards, visit canadianwhiskyawards.com.

CELEBRATING

 25 YEARS 

OF COMPASS BOX  

Since 2000, we’ve been on a mission to make the world of Scotch a more interesting place. To challenge, to experiment, and to push the boundaries of what blended whisky can be – from the liquid on the inside, to the design on the outside and beyond.

Today’s note is a recap of last year and a preview of what is to come. It’s our way of saying: thank you for being part of our first 25 years, here’s to everything the next 25 will bring.

2024

IN REVIEW  

We unveiled a new Core Collection of four whiskies to bring balance and complexity into sharper focus. The collection is a journey through the flavour territories of Scotch, with each whisky available year-round.

We start with Orchard House, a spirit-driven blended malt that invites you for a drink outside amongst the fruit trees. From there we move to Nectarosity where whisky meets patisserie to take our long-held reverence for American oak casks further than ever before. Our journey then sweeps us back to the rugged Scottish coast for The Peat Monster, a graceful colossus enveloped in smoky whispers and velvety richness. Before we finally arrive at Crimson Casks, a king of whiskies that showcases the transformative power of Oloroso sherry casks.

With this new chapter underway, The Spice Tree and The Story of The Spaniard have gracefully entered retirement and Hedonism has stepped back from its daily duties. For the hedonists among you, rest assured that the first whisky from Compass Box endures as a Limited Annual Release, the first of which launched in February 2024, adorned with captivating artwork by Stephanie Rew. More soon on what 2025’s Hedonism will bring.

2025

IN PREVIEW 

This year’s Limited Edition releases will push what’s possible to the extreme. Our aim with these whiskies is to create interesting things, because interesting rules. It’s good, it’s provocative, it’s delicious and it matters.

Interesting comes from being curious, going against the grain, and finding ideas in divergent worlds: art, music, metropolises, science, food, places and people. These are just some of the areas we take our Whiskymaking inspiration from and, moving forward, this newsletter will be your window into that world of interestingness. It will provide a collection of thoughts, stories, and secrets that overthrow the boring, ditch the vanilla, and dive straight into the colourful detail.

This year, we say Long Live Interesting. Embrace the bold and the unexpected, because when you do, the world becomes infinitely interesting. As does your whisky glass.

INTERESTED?

The best way to be interesting is to be interested. And so, what’s interesting you at the moment? A song, a design, an idea, a dish, a city, a craft? This is your invitation to come and tell us…

Compass Box Whisky 3 Water Lane, Richmond, TW9 1TJ

Our New Film Is A Must-Watch For Bowmore’s Fans

The latest documentary from Whisky Magazine, Bowmore: The Making Of A Legend, explores the origins of whisky making on Islay and charts the history of Bowmore Distillery from its earliest beginnings to today.

With interest in Bowmore more intense than ever before, we thought the time was right to sit down with the educators, visionaries, makers, and locals who know the story best to discover how this small Islay distillery became a Scotch whisky icon.

Click the button below to watch the film today. Don’t forget to comment on the video and give it a thumbs up—we’d love to hear your thoughts. Your feedback helps us create content you’ll enjoy.

WATCH NOW

Loch Lomond 152nd Open – Royal Troon Limited Edition Whisky 29 Year Old · 1995 Vintage

This Loch Lomond 29 year old Whisky is a premium exclusive Single Malt, released to celebrate the 152nd open. Master Blender Michael Henry hand selected this Whisky to be finished in French Sauternes casks, which adds layers of sweet honey and a subtle spice to the typical orchard fruit notes of the Loch Lomond character.

Nose: Blossom honey, peach and apple, with lemon citrus.

Palate: Maple syrup, tropical fruit, mango and pineapple, candied orange and vanilla.

Finish: Long with subtle ginger and cinnamon spiciness.

£1,499.95

Fettercairn 10 Years old Provenance

This single malt was distilled in 2010 at the Fettercairn Distillery, located in the Highland region of Scotland. It was aged for 10 years in a single refill hogshead before being bottled without chill-filtration or artificial colouring by Douglas Laing for their Provenance series. £55.00

Shop now

ralfy review 1061 – Bunnahabhain 12yo @60.1%vol: (2023 Edition)

KENTUCKY DISTILLERS’ ASSOCIATION WELCOMES BALANCE DISTILLING COMPANY AS NEWEST MEMBER

VETERAN-OWNED DISTILLERY TO REVIVE MAMMOTH CAVE BOURBON

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced Balance Distilling Company in Warren County as the newest member of the non-profit trade group that unites and leads Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.

A veteran-owned and operated distillery, Luke Jean founded Balance Distilling in 2020 and began production in 2022. Starting with batches of rum, gin, moonshine and whiskey, Balance is resurrecting the historic Mammoth Cave Bourbon brand that dates back to the 1860s.

The brand will also be found at The Lodge at Mammoth Cave, where many visitors who have traveled to experience the world’s longest cave system begin their journey. This partnership will highlight the history of local moonshiners who have used intricate cave systems throughout Kentucky for generations.

Located at 3558 Bohannon Road in Smiths Grove, the distillery has the ability to produce 5,000 proof gallons annually. Balance Distilling is currently the only operating distillery in Warren County, which began allowing legal alcohol sales in 2019.

A public affairs officer with the Army Reserve and a graduate of Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Jean said joining the KDA is a significant moment that symbolizes upward growth for Balance Distilling and the Western Kentucky region.

“We built our distillery and revived an important Bourbon brand on the heritage and legacy of one of the great wonders of the world — Mammoth Cave,” he said. “Our products and our business will continue to build on those attributes, integrating what we learn from our new Bourbon family with the KDA.”

KDA President Eric Gregory said, “We are thrilled to welcome Balance Distilling as our newest member and a shining example of how Bourbon curiosity continues to drive new tourism, new businesses, new jobs, and new opportunities to communities across the Commonwealth.”

As proof of how Bourbon Builds Kentucky®, Gregory said the Western Kentucky region now features 18 distilleries responsible for 1,300 jobs carrying an $80 million payroll, generating $443 million in annual economic impact and $10 million in local and state tax revenue.

Learn more about Balance Distilling Company at www.balancedistilling.com.

Balance Distilling Company joins KDA as a “Craft” level member, aging between 1 and 1,000 barrels per year. The KDA now has over 120 members, including 70 distilling members and more than 50 industry partner and champion members.

Visit the KDA and its Kentucky Bourbon Trail® adventure at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com for more information and details on how to join the KDA’s growing Bourbon family.

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA)  is the Worldwide Voice of Bourbon™.

About the Kentucky Distillers’ Association:

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the legendary voice for Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s landmark economic engine and its thriving, timeless craft. Member benefits include media relations, international trade development, private sampling events, technical assistance, economic development support, networking, legal defense, marketing strategies, governmental and regulatory advocacy and innovative tourism experiences through the KDA’s world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® adventures. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com

Springbank Signatory Vintage Symington’s Choice Single Cask Whisky 35 Year Old · 1989 Vintage

Nose: Deep and complex with rich dried fruits, dark chocolate, and a hint of spice.

Palate: Full-bodied with flavors of raisins, prunes, and a touch of oak.

Finish: Long and smooth, with a lingering sweetness and a subtle smokiness.

£1,999.95

Bowmore 18YO Whisky Sponge Edition No. 74

This is a sibling cask to the 17 year old Bowmore they bottled as Whisky Sponge Edition No.50, except this time it has an extra year of maturation under its belt and – as this is the last cask of this parcel of stock – they’ve bottled it at natural cask strength. Whisky Sponge Edition No.74 sees them returning to one of their most beloved distilleries: Bowmore!

This is an 18 year old Bowmore. It was distilled in 2003 and matured in a refill sherry butt, however a few years ago its maturation was ‘broken’ by spending some time out of cask. It was then put back into a different refill sherry butt to continue maturing. Hence the age being 18 years old.

This cask isn’t quite as sherry-forward as its sibling. It’s a more exuberantly fruity and classical modern Bowmore with beautiful inflections of soft, dry peat smoke, a wealth of coastal freshness and mineral character and lighter background hints of leather, tar and eucalyptus from the refill sherry influence. Beautiful, powerful, chiselled and complex.

No soap was detected or utilised during the shepherding into being of this bottling.

The entire Decadent Drinks team would like to thank Rembrandt for kindly dying in 1669, thus allowing us to riff on his masterpiece ‘The Storm on the Sea of Galilee’ without fear of legal reprisal.

They hope you enjoy this very special bottling, it’ll probably be their last Bowmore for quite a length of time.

£299

TyndrumWhisky.com
The Green Welly Stop
Tyndrumwhisky, Tyndrum
Crianlarich, Perthshire FK20 8RY
United Kingdom