Decadent Drams Mortlach 19 years old

This totally magic Decadent Drams bottling is a single 1st fill barrel of Mortlach, distilled in 2005, aged for 19 years and bottled at natural cask strength. Come be bewitched by this latest Decadent potion, let us wave a whisky wand and allow yourself to become spellbound by this weighty, fruity, sweet, oily and fantastical single cask Mortlach. Other atrocious witch-themed patter available for free on the rear label.

ralfy review 1064 Extras – Independent Bottler ‘Forensics’

Seven in 10 Brits concerned about health of their local river, Chivas Brothers survey finds

Seven in 10 (69%) Brits are concerned about the health of their local river while 84% are concerned about the health of UK waterways more generally, according to a new survey of 2,000 people conducted by Chivas Brothers, the Pernod Ricard business dedicated to Scotch whisky.

Despite this, awareness and understanding of the specific issues facing rivers and the associated solutions is limited among the general public.

While more than seven in 10 (74%) are aware that rising temperatures negatively impact river health, three in 10 (31%) incorrectly believe that decreased water flows lower the impact of pollution and nearly a quarter (23%) incorrectly believe that tree planting on the banks of rivers is detrimental to river health. When presented with six images of rivers – three healthy and three unhealthy – just 8% of the public were able to identify all correctly.

According to a report from The Rivers Trust – the umbrella organisation for 65 member Rivers Trusts across Britain, Northern Ireland and Ireland – large stretches of these vital networks have deteriorated due to the combined impact of human intervention and climate change.

While significant efforts are underway to protect and restore the rivers and waterways of the UK, more than three quarters (76%) of people believe that not enough is being done. This demonstrates the critical need to raise awareness of the work being undertaken by the charitable organisations dedicated to safeguarding these vital ecosystems.

In March 2024, Chivas Brothers launched The River Within, a long-term programme in partnership with three Scottish river trusts – the Deveron, Bogie and Isla Rivers Charitable Trust, Findhorn, Nairn and Lossie Rivers Trust, and the Spey Catchment Initiative – to support the delivery of habitat restoration projects to ultimately preserve, protect and improve the health of Scotland’s rivers and waterways.

Elle Adams, Strategy Lead at Findhorn, Nairn and Lossie Rivers Trust commented:

“Many of the issues faced by rivers, burns and waterways are not obvious without an understanding of the wider landscape. One of the key ambitions of The Findhorn Watershed Initiative is to inspire a local culture of nature connection. Enhancing peoples’ understanding of, and connection to, their local river environment is fundamental to our nature restoration work.”

The survey also highlighted how important rivers are to the public. For 92% of respondents, rivers are critical in making their country a beautiful place to live and visit. Over one in five people (22%) visited their nearest river in the past week, while more than three quarters (76%) have done so in the past year. Whether for relaxation and mental well-being (37%), exercise (36%), or wildlife observation (23%), rivers play a vital role in the daily lives of many.

Ronald Daalmans, Sustainability Director at Chivas Brothers commented: “Water is one of just three ingredients used to make whisky and the lifeblood that runs through the communities of which we are a part. As a business with a vision to safeguard the future of Scotch whisky, we must work to protect the environments we rely on, not only for ourselves but all those around us.

“Therefore, its responsible use is integral to our efforts to become the leaders of whisky’s waste-free future, along with energy reduction and decarbonisation, regenerative agriculture and reimagining our packaging.

“We acknowledge that increasing education is essential to build stronger support to protect and enhance our rivers and waterways. Programmes like The River Within will bolster public awareness of the issues faced and act as the catalyst for continued change in this area.”

Since The River Within launched, Chivas Brothers has been working closely with its partners to target projects that will improve river resilience and biodiversity. Three projects have begun including a fluvial audit & topographical study, riparian planting, woodland restoration and fencing to promote natural regeneration of an ancient riverine woodland, the outcomes of which will help to mitigate the impact of climate change and biodiversity loss on Scotland’s waterways and riverbanks.

More information on the projects in development will be shared in the near future.

Methodology

Between the 9th and 13th August 2024, Chivas Brothers commissioned Opinium to conduct an online survey of:

• 2,000 UK adults (weighted to be nationally representative)

Iron Gate’s Spirits Auction Ends Monday!

Fine Spirits Auction from February 3-10, 2025.  Only in Canada.

Iron Gate is excited to kick-off the 2025 auction season with a selection of rare and collectible spirits, including several first-time appearances in Canada. Highlights include Talisker Xpedition Oak 43-year-old, Glenmorangie Truffle Oak 26-year-old, and Kweichow Moutai 30-year-old. Collect a collection, like the Bowmore Devil’s Cask Trilogy, Game of Thrones complete set or one of the 4 bottles in the “Renaissance” Series from Ardbeg. Cozy up by the fire, browse and bid on exceptional spirits.

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SCOTCH WHISKY?  SCROLL BELOW!

BROWSE THE CATALOGUE

Secure Shipping Coast to Coast

Iron Gate Auctions is pleased to continue working with our partners at Calgary Shipping to handle the safe and effective shipment of your auction winnings across Canada. Offering flat rate shipping to select cities, Multi-Day Refrigerated shipping and more.

Calgary Shipping can be contacted by email at info@calgaryship.com or by phone at 587-887-1943.

Penelope Bourbon expands its award-winning portfolio with Wheated

New expression’s proof and price points make it a quality everyday bourbon for all

ST. LOUIS (Jan. 29, 2025) – Penelope Bourbon introduced a new addition to its Core Series of bourbons with Penelope Wheated Bourbon. The latest innovation expands the Penelope lineup with an approachable wheated bourbon that delivers on versatility due to its proof and price points. Penelope Wheated is bottled at 95 proof (47.5% ABV) and available nationwide in February at a suggested minimum retail price of $39.99.

As the fifth core expression in Penelope’s Core Series, Wheated Bourbon diversifies the portfolio that includes award-winning Architect, Barrel Strength, Four Grain and Toasted. Wheated complements the existing expressions with a profile that strikes the balance between robust flavor and smooth drinkability.

“Wheated bourbons are more popular than ever, and we think we hit the mark with this one, from flavor to proof to price,” said Michael Paladini, Penelope founder and vice president of strategy for MGP. “It’ll be a welcomed addition to our core line up.”

With a carefully balanced mash bill of 74% corn, 16% wheat, 7% rye and 3% malted barley, Wheated delivers a rich, sweet character with a smooth finish. The touch of rye adds just the right hint of spice, resulting in an inviting bourbon with depth and complexity. Wheated opens with aromas of light oak, sweet corn, apple and pear; and includes flavors of vanilla, honey, caramel apple and hints of orange zest. The finish features lingering brown sugar, toasted oak and a touch of cinnamon spice.

“Wheated is the perfect addition to the Core Series portfolio,” said Danny Polise, Penelope founder and master blender. “With its 95 proof point, Wheated brings full-bodied depth and complexity. A balance in blending we’ve been looking forward to releasing.”

A product locator for the Penelope family of bourbons can be found here.

ABOUT PENELOPE BOURBON

Founded in 2018, Penelope Bourbon has become one of the country’s fastest-growing whiskey brands. Named after founder Michael Paladini’s daughter, Penelope Bourbon offers a range of uniquely blended and finished straight bourbon and rye whiskey expressions, known for their smoothness and rich flavor, perfect for sipping neat or mixing in cocktails.

Penelope’s core expressions, including Four Grain, Barrel Strength, Architect, and Toasted Bourbon, have won more than 40 awards across the spirits industry. In 2024 alone, Penelope won Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for Barrel Strength and Toasted Rye, alongside innovation awards for limited releases such as Rio.

Penelope Bourbon continues to innovate within its Cooper Series, Limited Releases, and Estate Collection, further establishing its place among the top premium whiskey brands. Today, Penelope is available in 49 states and seven countries, proving that with passion, dedication, and love, anything is possible.

For more information, visit penelopebourbon.com or follow us on social media @penelopebourbon (Instagram/Facebook).

WHISKYLAND CHAPTER NINE GONE GRANT – 30 YEAR OLD

A single 2nd fill barrel of ‘Gone Grant’, which is our code for Caperdonich. Distilled in 1994 and aged for 30 years before bottling at natural cask strength, this is a superbly fruity, rich and magnificently waxy old example of this distillery.

Recalls much older school Speysiders in profile.

Get up close and go under the microscope with Chapter Nine of Whiskyland. It’s a beautiful 2nd fill barrel of ‘Gone Grant’ single malt, a beautiful whisky from a sadly lost distillery that rhymes with ‘tap her scone twitch’.

Distilled in 1994, aged for 30 years and bottled at natural cask strength. This is a whisky about beauty, finesse and detail. The kind of surprising detail and fascinating beauty you find when you put Whiskyland under a microscope. Join us in a world of Dramblemites, old outbid notification emails and strange matter…

£495.00 incVAT

Our collection schedule for February 2025 has now been finalised. Please click HERE to see the list of dates, locations and to register your interest in the collection service. We can collect lots for up to three auctions.

The deadline for collection requests is 12noon on Monday 10th February 2025.

Home collections are available for those customers sending 10+ bottles or bottles to the value of £1000. Lots can be split over the next three auctions.  Unfortunately this service is not available in London or to those customer who live within 10 miles of a collection point. Although we do have four collection points in London.

Collections are limited and offered on a first come first served basis. It is essential that a submission sheet is completed, you can find the link to do so under the selling section on your ‘My SWA’ page.

It would be appreciated if bottles could be packed for uplift with your name clearly marked on the front of the box. A winner in our auction? We are now offering a delivery service to customers who are dropping bottles off for a future auction. This service is charged at £12 (inc VAT), optional loss and breakage cover is available.

Holyrood Embra

This whisky is a testament to their dedication to flavour above all else. It’s an unapologetic embrace of the natural results of the whisky making process, an invitation for drinkers to experience whisky with transparency and a departure from the norm. This release is lightly peated and has been matured in a mix of bourbon casks, peated Islay quarter casks and American new oak casks. Non chill filtered and natural colour.

Tasting notes:

Nose: Lemon zest, horse chestnut pith, with hints of peppermint and light hickory smoke.

Palate: Wafer biscuits, dark chocolate mousse and notes of earthy Highland peat smoke.

Finish: Light stew pears with a well rounded clean finish.

£62.50

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

Save 27% (that’s £20) on Jura 18 Year Old! This expression won Silver at the IWSC 2024 Awards so if this isn’t a winner – we don’t know what will be! The oldest expression in Jura’s new signature range, this 18 year old Island single malt is matured in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels and enriched in Premier Grand Cru Classe red wine barriques from France.

Our Hamish has had a sip and jotted down his thoughts.

Nose: sweet toffee and cinnamon spice.

Palate: rich and deep with Black Forest fruits and some smoky aspects.

Finish: bitter chocolate and freshly brewed espresso.

[Tailored Team; L: Tom Costello, M: Carl Johnstone R: Adam Harding | The Experimental Series; Photo Credit: Jacek Hubner]

Set to revolutionise the private whisky bottling world, Edinburgh’s Tailored Spirits Co. has launched their first-ever series of whiskies marking a milestone moment for Scotland’s latest team of ambitious, passionate and meticulous whisky professionals. 

Single malt whisky-lovers are raising a glass as there’s an innovative new spirits start-up in town; Leith-based Tailored Spirits Co. today launch their first-ever whisky range under the brand name The Experimental Series. The whisky bottler’s inaugural release aims to ‘redefine tradition’, with a belief that single cask spirits are not just about heritage, but also ‘curiosity, exploration and innovation’.

The Experimental Series* are one-of-a-kind micro-batch experiments, limited-edition whiskies chosen to push the boundaries of what a single cask whisky can be. The series consists of a Croftengea Loch Lomond 7-year-old costing £59.50 producing only 52 bottles, a Fettercairn 13-year-old release of 84 bottles priced at £74.50, and an Ardmore 8-year-old limited to just 60 bottles priced at £64.50 each – all available on the company’s website: https://www.tailoredspirits.co.uk/shop

The meticulous design style is inspired by travel luggage labels, provoking memories of places whisky-lovers have visited, with the bottle shape being a nod to those found in a scientific lab. A removable tab or ‘lab ticket’ containing a four-letter-code in alphabetical order per release, offers a collectors item for spirits enthusiasts to track each experiment. The company has announced that customers who collect six of the The Experimental Series lab tickets will gain exclusive access to a very special upcoming experimental release.

Tailored Spirits Co. is a groundbreaking new start-up that specialises in privately owned whisky casks. The company has been tipped by business leaders to transform the way owners of single cask whisky understand and realise the value of their rare spirits. After launching in 2024, Tailored Spirits Co. immediately gained recognition and momentum by winning the top spot at the coveted Scottish Edge nation-wide entrepreneurial competition, landing the business with funding of £100k.

The line-up of Founders are a trio of industry professionals who all bring their own unique expertise to the table; Tom Costello covers all things Brand & Creative, with Carl Johnstone managing Commercial & Operations and Adam Harding leading the Spirits, Sales & Strategy. The highly-experienced team stand by one clear mantra ‘From the warehouse to your house’ with one very clear vision – ‘to bridge the gap between the commercial scale of whisky and the needs of a single cask owner’.

Commenting on their first-ever whisky launch, Adam Harding, Co-Founder & Director, said: “We are beyond delighted to release our first-ever whisky range. This release is all about redefining tradition, honouring heritage but championing curiosity, exploration and innovation. Since launching Tailored Spirits Co. in 2023, we’ve been overwhelmed by the response from the whisky industry. It is such a warm & welcoming environment and we are so excited to release our first spirits into the whisky world.”

Adding his thoughts on the meticulous bottle design, Tom Costello, Co-Founder & Director, said: “We love making whiskies look as attractive and eye-catching as possible. The Experimental Series was a dream to design. It showcases the beauty of experimentation, something that’s not bound by tradition, a true exploration of flavour and design. For me the fact they can never be replicated made our first release really special.”

Carl Johnstone, Co-Founder & Director, gave his vision for the future of the company: “As a business, our story is one of continued growth and development. We have an awareness of a growing demand in a rapidly changing industry. This allows us to work closely with private clients all over the world. Our business started with a dram, and that’s exactly where our clients’ dreams and passions begin. Our role is to make the journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible.”

Tailored Spirits Co. are experts in spirits, specialising in whisky supply, creating exceptional brands and bottlings. An Edinburgh-based, global-serving company who guide clients through the complexities of spirits bottling projects and ensure their dreams are achieved.