Archive for April, 2025

The A–Z of Scotch Whisky – Edinburgh Whisky Academy News

The A–Z of Scotch Whisky

Whether you’re swirling your first dram or are already deep in your whisky journey, our A–Z is your gateway to better understanding the world of Scotch. Featuring 150+ words every whisky lover needs to know, you’ll find a list of clear, concise definitions of the most important terms in the industry.📖  Read the Post

ralfy review 1072 – Jura Perspective No:1 16yo – Scotch Whisky News

Jack Daniel’s Introduces 14-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey for the First Time in Over a Century – American Whiskey News

Jack Daniel’s Introduces 14-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey for the First Time in Over a Century

Jack Daniel’s latest in its annual award-winning Aged Series features Jack Daniel’s 14-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey along with 12-Year-Old Batch 3 and 10-Year-Old Batch 4

Lynchburg, Tenn. – The Jack Daniel Distillery today announced the release of its Jack Daniel’s 14-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey, marking the first time since the early- to mid-1900s that Jack Daniel’s has offered an expression at this age. This year’s Aged Series also includes Jack Daniel’s 12-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey Batch 3 and 10-Year-Old Batch 4, the latest in the annual release that nods toward the history of the Jack Daniel Distillery.

“When we released our first Jack Daniel’s 10-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey a few years ago, we set out to honor the legacy of Jack Daniel himself and replicate the lineup of age-stated whiskeys available during his time,” said Chris Fletcher, Master Distiller at the Jack Daniel Distillery. “This year’s releases build upon that as we re-introduce our new 14-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey, the oldest age-statement for Jack Daniel’s in the last 100 years or more. These whiskeys really showcase how a little extra time in our barrels is capable of producing something so special.”

Jack Daniel’s 14-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey, offered at 126.3 proof (63.15% abv), begins with Jack Daniel’s classic Tennessee Whiskey mash bill of 80% corn, 12% malted barley, and 8% rye, is distilled in Lynchburg, Tennessee, and is mellowed drop by drop through 10 feet of sugar maple charcoal, just like the classic Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey. The additional years of aging for Jack Daniel’s 14-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey bring forward notes of sweet bakery spices with layers of oak. The palate opens with cinnamon and creamy butterscotch balanced with rich leather that lingers into aged oak and pipe tobacco.

Jack Daniel’s 12-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey Batch 3 is offered at 107 proof (53.5% abv) and has sweet and creamy notes of pipe tobacco, seasoned oak, and butterscotch.

Jack Daniel’s 10-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey Batch 4 is offered at 97 proof (48.5% abv) and is oak forward with layers of dark fruit and bittersweet cocoa.

Jack Daniel’s 14-, 12-, and 10-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskeys will be available this month in limited quantities across the U.S. in 700 mL bottles with suggested retail prices of $149.99, $94.99 and $84.99, respectively.

Additionally, Jack Daniel’s 10-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey will be available in select countries internationally beginning this summer.

For more information, visit www.jackdaniels.com.

About Jack Daniel’s

Officially registered by the U.S. Government in 1866 and based in Lynchburg, Tenn., the Jack Daniel Distillery is the first registered distillery in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Jack Daniel’s is the maker of the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, Gentleman Jack Double Mellowed Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple, Jack Daniel’s Bonded, Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select and Jack Daniel’s & Coca-Cola. Today, Jack Daniel’s is a true global icon found in more than 170 countries around the world and is the most valuable spirits brand in the world as recognized by Interbrand.

Please Drink Responsibly.

Jack Daniel’s 14-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey, 63.15% alc. by vol., Jack Daniel’s 12-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey, 53.5% alc. by vol., and Jack Daniel’s 10-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey, 48.5% alc. by vol. Distilled and bottled by Jack Daniel Distillery, Lynchburg, Tennessee. JACK DANIEL’S is a registered trademark. ©2025 Jack Daniel’s. All rights reserved.

Highland Blended Malt 1994 30 Year Old, Woodrow’s Cask #10 – Tyndrum Whisky News

Highland Blended Malt 1994 30 Year Old, Woodrow’s Cask #10

Components include Dalmore, Glenmorangie, Glenturret and Clynelish. | Matured in a Sherry Casks | Finished in a 1st Fill Bourbon Barrel | Distilled: 20th January 1994 | Bottled: 19th November 2024 | Cask No: 10 | One of only 252 bottles produced. | Natural colour and non-chill filtered.

Nose: Golden Syrup, oranges and raisins accompanied with an oily musk.
Palate: An oily and silky mouthfeel with citrus zest and dried fruits. White chocolate butter cream, malt cake and toasted almonds.
Finish: Medium in length with aniseed and nutmeg.

£164.00

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

The Whisky Barrel “Benrinnes 11 Year Old 2013 Lady of the Glen (2025)” – Scotch Whisky News

 

£73.27 GBP

Discover the spirited elegance of this Benrinnes 11 Year Old 2013, bottled by Lady of the Glen from a First Fill Bourbon Barrel (#311808) in February 2025. With just 214 bottles drawn from the cask, this limited-edition Speyside single malt captures Benrinnes’ signature balance of fruit-forward sweetness and soft spice, all elevated by the vibrant influence of fresh oak. Unchill-filtered and bottled at natural color, this dram showcases the true essence of Benrinnes in its purest form.

Why We Think You’ll Love It:

  • 11-year Speyside malt that highlights Benrinnes’ naturally balanced, fruity-spicy character
  • First Fill Bourbon Barrel maturation imparts lively vanilla, caramel, and orchard fruit notes
  • A small outturn of 214 bottles, ensuring exclusivity for collectors and connoisseurs
  • Bottled by Lady of the Glen, reflecting a dedication to quality and craft in each unique release

Elevate your whisky collection with this delightful Benrinnes, a testament to Speyside’s enduring allure and the refined touch of a first fill bourbon cask.

Nose: Bright aromas of green apple, vanilla custard, and freshly cut sweet grass, intertwined with a gentle floral lift Palate: A silky wave of buttery toffee, ripe pear, and subtle hints of coconut, underscored by a mild peppery warmth from the bourbon cask influence Finish: Medium-length and warming, with lingering traces of oak-spice, caramel, and a final flourish of fruity sweetness

 

The Whisky Exchange ‘New and exclusive: Signatory Vintage Fortified Casks Series’ – Scotch Whisky News

INTRODUCING: SIGNATORY VINTAGE FORTIFIED CASKS SERIES

We’re delighted to unveil three new and exclusive single cask whiskies, bottled exclusively for The Whisky Exchange by Signatory Vintage.

Signatory Vintage is one of the most respected independent bottlers of Scotch whisky there is, and our new collection showcases the power of fortified wine casks to mature and finish three exceptional single malts from lesser-seen distilleries Blair Athol and Edradour, as well as an unspecified ‘Whitlaw’ from an Orkney distillery.

 DISCOVER MORE 

Edinburgh Whisky Academy ‘Whisky Words’ – Scotch Whisky News

Whisky Words: Bung Hole

Ever heard of a Bung Hole? It’s the small hole on top of the cask where the bung (usually a piece of wood) is hammered in after filling the cask with spirit. It’s a small detail, but it’s crucial to whisky maturation.🎬 Watch the Video | 📖 Read the Post

ralfy review 1071 Extras – What I’m thinking right now about whisky. – erudite whisky news

Dhavall Gandhi unveils The YUKARI Collection – Whisky News

Dhavall Gandhi unveils The YUKARI Collection

 Avant-garde whiskymaker and artistic director Dhavall Gandhi is set to embark on an exciting new chapter in 2025 with the unveiling of the YUKARI Collection. The Japanese word YUKARI means connection and is often used to describe deep bonds between people, places and things.

Known for his unrivalled expertise and visionary approach to whisky-making, Dhavall has built a remarkable career, from his award-winning work with The Macallan to his instrumental role in establishing The Lakes Distillery and their award winning house style. His eponymous firm, DHAVALL GANDHI, is considered as the “haute couture” of the whisky world.

Driven by a passion for cultural sustainability, he founded KANDOBLANC to preserve & promote heritage art forms on the brink of obscurity. The Maison’s inaugural creation, AGA, was unveiled at the prestigious Distiller’s One of One auction in 2023, breaking two world records and marking Dhavall’s debut as an artistic director.

The YUKARI Collection will feature three one-of-a-kind pieces inspired by Japanese art and cultural icons, each showcasing a rare heritage technique and an exceptionally rare single malt whisky as its crown jewel. Much like the craftsmanship behind each creation, Dhavall has meticulously selected these whiskies, weaving together narratives of tradition, identity, and resilience – elements that shape the rich tapestry of human culture.

Dhavall commented, “KANDOBLANC was founded on the principle of harmony – cultivating an equal creative dialogue between diverse arts and cultures while serving as a beacon for artistic preservation. Following in the footsteps of our icon, AGA, the YUKARI Collection embodies our unwavering commitment to this mission.”

The first piece of the YUKARI Collection will be donated to The Worshipful Company of Distillers and The Distiller’s Charity to be auctioned at the Distiller’s One of One auction in October this year. All proceeds from the sale will be donated to charities supporting disadvantaged young people in Scotland. The other pieces will be available for acquisition directly through KANDOBLANC.

In the lead up to the Distillers One of One auction, more details will be revealed about each element within the series.

For more information about KANDOBLANC & Dhavall Gandhi, visit: www.KANDOBLANC.com

The IWSC Returns to Kentucky for the North American Whiskey & RTD Judging, June 4-7 in Bardstown

The Olympics of the Drink Industry accepting entries through late April

LONDON (April 2, 2025) — Spirits industry professionals from around the world will descend upon Bardstown, KY, the “Bourbon Capital of the World,” to judge the International Wine & Spirits Competition’s (IWSC) North American Whiskey and Ready to Drink (RTD) competition June 4-7, 2025.

Although the IWSC was founded in 1969, this is only the second year the North American Whiskey and RTD categories have been judged in the United States, and IWSC’s only North American event held this year.

The judges, who represent the worldwide standard of beverage excellence, give North American whiskey and RTD producers a unique opportunity for international recognition from the competition known as the ‘Olympics of the drinks industry.’

Led by Dawn Davies, Master of Wine and head buyer with the United Kingdom distribution company Speciality Drinks and retailer The Whisky Exchange, a panel of spirits experts from America and the U.K. evaluate entries based on in-depth knowledge of the North American whiskey and RTD markets, their innovations and their most recent developments.

In addition to Davies, other judges included for the North American juncture of the prestigious competition are:

  • Bridget Albert, Senior Director, External Communications and CSR, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits
  • Ryan Chetiyawardana, drinks industry veteran, creator and host of “Mr. Lyan’s Taste Trips” television show
  • Frank Dobbins III, freelance writer, Uproxx and Drinkhacker
  • Bill Lumsden, director of distilling, whisky creation and whisky stocks, Glenmorangie Company
  • Millie Milliken, freelance drinks and hospitality writer
  • Ryan Mills, founder, Amber and Ash Consulting, @thatoneduderyan
  • Reece Sims, owner, SIP Spirits Consulting, shortlisted for the 2025 IWSC’s Emerging Talent in Spirits Communications Award

“The IWSC is the oldest, largest and most influential international wine and spirits competition and was the first to bring panels of international experts to judge in situ,” says IWSC Chief Executive Officer Christelle Guibert. “We offer much more than medals, and pride ourselves on the support we provide to both categories and entrants during and after the competition. We are delighted to return to Kentucky in 2025.”

Elevate Your Brand and Open New Doors 
Kentucky is one of just seven global locations where the IWSC replicates its London competition via its global judging initiatives. As in London, the scene in Kentucky combines judging sessions with activities that showcase the people, places, and spirits unique to Kentucky’s rich whiskey culture.

By entering the IWSC North American Whiskey & RTD Judging, producers get unparalleled recognition from key industry decision-makers, including master sommeliers and distillers, masters of wine and senior buyers. Judges from the IWSC shape market trends and foster global reach. Entrants connect with other experts, producers and consumers to foster collaboration in the beverage industry. Winners receive post-competition support and promotion via year-round global media campaigns, international trade fair presence and tastings. Award-winning whiskeys are showcased at the U.K.’s leading consumer event, The World Whisky Experience.

The heart of the IWSC’s reputation is its unparalleled judging process. Every sample is evaluated double-blind, with no judge assessing more than 65 products per day, ensuring fresh and focused decision-making. Judging is conducted in a controlled environment, with discussions among panel members helping to refine and validate the final scores.

The IWSC judging process is really strict, and it needs to be because you’ve got real experts within the industry here,” Davies says. “From distillers to retailers to bartenders, everyone looks at the product from a slightly different angle. It’s about collaboration and having the best of the business judging the drinks.

Single Malt Surge 
Founded in 1969, the London-based IWSC evaluates more than 12,000 entries annually from 90-plus countries. After the IWSC’s first appearance in Kentucky last year, Davies said in Forbes the event opens doors for U.S. whiskey producers and encourages the production of premium American whiskey. We are really seeing customers step outside their comfort zones and look to other areas of the world for better deals than are being afforded by ever-rising Scotch whisky prices,” Davies says. “We have witnessed a surge in American single malts and bourbon entries since the launch of our judging event in Kentucky.”

Entrants in the IWSC North American Whiskey & RTD Judging event will be eligible for Bronze, Silver, Gold and Gold Outstanding medals. Top-scoring products advance to the prestigious Trophy Judging round, where the best of the best are recognized. Top-performing producers are shortlisted for the highly coveted producer trophies and invited to complete a short questionnaire for the Judging Committee to review. Winners are revealed at the IWSC Awards Celebration in November.

How to Enter: Visit the IWSC North American Whiskey & RTD Judging page. Entry deadlines are April 10 for Canadian Whiskies and April 25 for U.S.Whiskies and RTD’s. The award winners will be announced in early June.

About the International Wine & Spirits Competition
Since 1969, the IWSC has set the global standard for beverage excellence. Known as the “Olympics of the drinks industry,” the IWSC evaluates more than 12,000 entries annually from 90-plus countries. Judges are key decision-makers in the industry including Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers, Master Distillers and Senior Buyers. These experts assess wines, spirits and alternative drinks using a rigorous panel process that ensures fair evaluation. The IWSC stands out for its expert judging, consistent attention, comprehensive categories and global recognition. For producers, its offers benchmarking, recognition and business connections. For consumers, IWSC medals guide excellence in a wide selection of drinks. As part of The Conversion Group, the IWSC mission is to use competition as a catalyst for community and connection across all levels within the industry.

About the International Wine & Spirits Competition Global Judging
Since 2022, the IWSC has held in situ Global Judging events, an initiative introduced by CEO Christelle Guibert. The IWSC is proud to be the first international drinks competition to institute a series such as this. Until today wine and spirits have been judged in Italy, Austria, Georgia, Turkey, Argentina, Australia, the United States, South Africa and China. The competition is committed to the initiative due to the opportunities it gives all producers in a region to take part, no matter what their size is, and allows for the drinks entered to be judged in context by judges who are up to date with the region and its most recent developments.


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