To celebrate England reaching the UEFA EURO 2020 Final this weekend, we’re offering you the chance to receive 10% off our Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky – a rich and fruity single malt hand crafted in the heart of England. What better way to toast the best of English spirit?

Offer ends midnight on Sunday 11th July. Simply enter code COMEONENGLAND during checkout. Offer available online and in-store.

SHOP NOW

£45 off Jura The Loch in our Flash Sale!

This expression from Jura has been enhanced in rich fruit flavour thanks to a maturation in casks which previously held a 30-year-old Pedro Ximenez from a single estate bodega in Jerez – this one is something a bit special! Save some cash and pick this up for £45.

Buy Jura The Loch →

Hamish’s Hidden Malt Jack: Win a Jack Daniel’s bundle!

Off the back of Independence Day celebrations in the States at the weekend, we have decided to feature some whiskeys from across the pond in our latest edition of Hamish’s Hidden Malt Jack! You could win a super prize bundle of Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Select Gift Tin, complete with a personalised engraving, two branded nosing glasses and a Jack Daniel’s barrel-shaped Bluetooth speaker!

To be in with a chance of winning this Tennessee treat all you have to do is purchase any of the featured Jack Daniel’s bottles below between now and 11th of July to automatically enter into our giveaway. One lucky winner will be chosen from all these orders and sent this prize in addition to their order.

Take a gander here and enter before Sunday 11th July is up. All orders from now until then will be in with a chance of winning. Good luck!

HOUSE OF SUNTORY ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF EXCLUSIVE TRAINING PROGRAM LED BY UK BRAND AMBASSADOR JAMES BOWKER 

The DOJO program will return for a second year and aims to educate select bartenders on the art of Japanese bartending 

London, 2^nd July 2021 – House of Suntory has announced the return of its advocacy programme which will educate bartenders on their premium portfolio of craft spirits Toki Whisky and Hibiki Whisky.

DOJO, which translates as ‘a place to master the way’, is a first-of-its kind program that seeks to engage with bartenders to not only improve their skillset, but deepen their understanding of the philosophy and customs that embody The House of Suntory’s roots in Japanese craftsmanship.

Led by House of Suntory’s Brand Ambassador, James Bowker, the DOJO programme will be supported by traditional Japanese Craft Masters. Together they will provide best-in-class education in Japanese culture, craft and bartending, centring on the three key pillars of House of Suntory: Hibiki, Omotenashi and Monozukuri.

Between June and September, the Japanese Craft Masters will each present an online masterclass with James Bowker.

Hosted by renowned Ikebana Artist, Keiko Smith, the Ikebana Masterclass took place on 21st June 2021, focusing on Japanese aesthetics and beauty.

On the 19th of July 2021, Master Sushi Instructor Izumi Nakamura and Japanese seasoning expert Stuart Turner will host a Sushi Masterclass exploring balance and seasoning.

23rd August 2021 will see Sake Sommelier, Erika Haigh, owner of Bar Moto, and Head Sommelier of Restaurant Story, Jonathan Kleeman, combine forces to teach the art of flavour matching during the Pairing Masterclass, which will also include a tasting of the blending components of Toki

To conclude the DOJO Masterclass Series on 20th September 2021, House of Suntory are collaborating with leading Urasenke Tea Master, Genshitsu Sen, to curate a Tea Ceremony Masterclass, centering on hospitality and guest experience. In addition, James Bowker and Zoran Peric will host a tasting of Hibiki components following an advanced ice carving tutorial.

In addition to this and in the spirit of traditional DOJO training, participants will also be able to take part in Kaizen Challenges, inspired by the idea of Kaizen – continual refinement – wherein participants will demonstrate their newfound skills and apply them to a classic cocktail. The participants who display the most commitment and personal development will be invited to a grand finale where House of Suntory will select the strongest DOJO apprentices to join them for a one-of-a-kind trip to Japan.

Commenting on the re-launch, James Bowker, UK Brand Ambassador for the House of Suntory said: “We are extremely proud to bring back DOJO for a second year. The programme is a great opportunity to engage with bartenders across the country and share with them the three pillars behind the House of Suntory brand that makes it so unique. Educating bartenders on Japanese culture has always been a passion of mine and I cannot wait to welcome the next cohort of Dojo ambassadors.”

For more information on DOJO, please visit www.suntorydojo.com  

Notes

The three pillars of House of Suntory include:

Hibiki – being in harmony with Japanese nature

Omotenashi – the enjoyed experiences of Japanese Hospitality and culture

Monozukuri – elevated Japanese Craftsmanship; and this programme will educate bartenders on all of these principles

About Edrington-Beam Suntory Distribution UK

Edrington-Beam Suntory Distribution UK is one of the UK’s biggest sprits sales, marketing, and distribution companies. It is a joint-venture company jointly owned by Edrington and Beam Suntory.

Edrington-Beam Suntory UK represents leading spirit brands in categories including:

• Blended Scotch (The Famous Grouse, Naked Grouse)
• Malt whisky (Highland Park, Laphroaig, The Macallan and Bowmore)
• Bourbon (Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark and Knob Creek)
• Imported whiskies (Canadian Club and Kilbeggan Irish whiskey)

ABOUT SUNTORY 

Suntory was established in 1899 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Since 1923, as the pioneer of Japanese whisky, Suntory Whisky has been renowned for its House of Master Blenders and for their Art of Blending. The founding father of Japanese whisky, Shinjiro Torii, built Japan’s first malt whisky distillery in Yamazaki. Nestled in the outskirts of Kyoto, this region was the birthplace of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony and is known for the purity of its waters. Torii dreamt of creating an authentically Japanese whisky by choosing a terrain and climate completely different to that of Scotland, thereby cultivating unique conditions for maturation.

In 1972, Torii’s son Keizo Saji, Suntory’s second master blender, built the Chita grain distillery near Nagoya to produce more of their own high-quality grain whiskies. In 1973, Saji founded the Hakushu distillery amidst the deep forests of Mt. Kaikomagatake in the Japanese Southern Alps with the goal of producing malt whiskies distinct from those made at Yamazaki. Its high altitude and lush environment are what differentiates Hakushu from other distilleries.

At each of these distilleries, a diverse array of whiskies are produced through various fermentation techniques, shapes and sizes of giant copper pot stills, and the wide variety of cask types used. Today, roughly 1,200,000 casks of whisky are quietly maturation in Suntory’s aging cellars. This tsukuriwake—variety in the making—allows for the blending opportunities that are essential to achieving the subtle, refined yet complex taste signature to Suntory Whiskies.

With respect to heritage and a commitment to innovation, third generation master Blender Shingo Torii, and grandson of Shinjiro, now leads this most highly awarded house of Japanese Whisky. The House of Suntory Whisky has been named four-time Distiller of the Year at the International Spirits Challenge in London, UK (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014).

The House of Suntory portfolio includes two single malt whiskies:  Yamazaki – the pioneer of Japanese Single Malts, multi-layered and profound, and Hakushu – verdant, fresh, and delicately smoky; a single grain whisky: Chita—sublimely smooth, versatile and complex; and two blends: the noble blend, Hibiki – Japan’s most highly awarded blended whisky, and Suntory Whisky Toki – ideal for Japanese highballs.

2021 MASTERCLASSES

Whisky Show is back at Old Billingsgate for 2021, and with it come our legendary masterclasses – in person! Led by some of the whisky world’s brightest stars, our tastings are an incredible way to experience the very best of whisky and Whisky Show. Read on for more details and how you can snag a ticket to these limited sessions.

Mark your calendars: each Tuesday and Thursday we will release tickets for one Whisky Show masterclass.

Please note: you must have a valid ticket to the appropriate day of Whisky Show to attend a masterclass.

Ian Macleod: From Glengoyne and Tamdhu to Rosebank
with International Brand Ambassador Gordon Dundas and UK Sales Manager Alan Wardrop
Saturday 2 October
3.30pm-5pm
£150

While you maybe unfamiliar with the Ian MacLeod name, you will have heard of its single malts: Tamdhu and Glengoyne, as well as fabled lost distillery Rosebank. Join Gordon Dundas and Alan Wardrop for an exploration of the company’s whiskies and to learn more about the revival of Rosebank. Learn more 

First Releases
with The Whisky Exchange Ambassador Billy Abbott
Sunday 3 October 2021
12.30pm-1.30pm
£55

Investing in Whisky
with The Whisky Exchange co-founder Sukhinder Singh and Whisky.Auction director Isabel Graham-Yooll.
Friday 1 October 2021
7pm-8pm
£95

Highland Park Masterclass
with senior brand ambassador Martin Markvardsen
Saturday 2 October 2021
12.30pm-1.30pm
£85

Martin Markvardsen is one of the best-known and loved ambassadors in the business, with more than 30 years of experience in the drinks world. Join him for a journey through the lesser-seen, upper end of the Highland Park range, including not only the excellent 40yo, but also a new upcoming cask-strength release… Learn more 

Finding Peat Masterclass
with Diageo ambassador Colin Dunn
Sunday October 3 2021
3.30pm-4.30pm
£85

Caol Ila and Lagavulin sit at opposite ends of the island of Islay and make quite different spirits. How do they make their whisky so different? Fortunately, we have Diageo’s irrepressible brand ambassador Colin Dunn to lead us through six great drams to find out. Learn more 

Food Pairing Masterclass
with The Whisky Exchange head buyer Dawn Davies
Friday 1 October 2021
6.30pm-7.15pm
£35

While whisky is often seen as either an aperitif or digestif, book-ending meals rather than getting involved with the main course, the past few years have seen a boom in the ways that adventurous drinkers have been matching whisky and food. In this class, Dawn Davies MW will be flexing her sommelier muscles to give you not only the skills to create your own pairings, but also a selection of her own to tantalise the taste buds. Learn more 

with The Whisky Exchange co-founder Sukhinder Singh and head buyer Dawn Davies MW, and guests Dave Broom, Serge Valentin and Charles MacLean MBE
Saturday 2 October
4.30pm-6pm
£150

Blind tasting is really hard – it’s a skill that takes years of ‘practise’, also known as ‘drinking whisky’. Do you think you’ve got what it takes to go up against the experts? This tasting will give you the opportunity to find out… Learn More 

Springbank Masterclass
with ambassador Grant Macpherson
Sunday 3 October 2021
1pm-2pm
£60

In this class, Grant Macpherson will be leading us through three of the distillery’s most sought after expressions – the 21-year-old releases of each type of spirit. Not only that, we’ll get a sneak preview of a very special whisky that won’t be available on the shelves until 2022: the upcoming Springbank 30 Year Old. Learn more 

Finding Flavours Masterclass
with The Whisky Exchange ambassador Billy Abbott
Saturday 2 October 2021
12:45pm-1:30pm
£35

Billy Abbott has been classifying whiskies by flavour for The Whisky Exchange for years, ever since he helped create the Whisky by Flavour categories. In this class he’ll talk through the flavour camps, looking at what creates the flavours we can taste and finding ways to jump from whisky to whisky without taking too many chances on whether you love your next choice. Learn more 

Show Details
1-3 October 2021
11.30AM – 6.30PM

Old Billingsgate
1 Old Billingsgate Walk
London EC3R 6DX

BOOK NOW 

One remarkable bottle,
one very special cause.

In February this year, the last drop of The Glenrothes 50 Year Old went under the hammer. This was no ordinary decanter, and this was no ordinary auction.

The bottle was embellished with gold from Scotland’s only gold mine, beautifully crafted by Hamilton & Inches, and all proceeds were to go to a charity personally selected by the winning bidder.

The one-of-a-kind decanter eventually sold for £39,000, and we can now reveal the chosen charity.

Lead Scotland help those who are eager to learn but face barriers to education. With 150 volunteers all over the country, they support the learning needs of disabled people and carers to learn in homes, online and in their communities.

The £39,000 raised from The Glenrothes 50 Year Old will specifically benefit Moray, the community in which The Glenrothes Estate is based. It will ensure that up to 100 local people are supported over a period of 18 months, helping to build their confidence and attain qualifications.

Previous learners have gone on to become writers and entrepreneurs, work in local politics and campaign for the rights of disabled people.

Community and knowledge are two very important principles of The Glenrothes, so we’re delighted and honoured to support a charity who hold both in such high regard. Ensuring local disabled people and carers in Moray will have an equal opportunity to learn, participate and achieve their potential.

And then there were none

Being able to support such a wonderful Scottish charity is the perfect ending to a memorable chapter in our history.

Discover the full story of the 50th of 50 below.

THE 50TH OF 50

#SpiritOfRothes

Time for Music

If you are in the mood for some music this World Music Day (June 21st ~ apologies for the late publication ~ WI), take inspiration from our Glengoyne colleagues. Together, we have compiled a playlist consisting of our go to songs to accompany a dram of Glengoyne.

From the psychedelic sounds of Pink Floyd to the mellow tones of Billie Holiday, we think there’s something for everyone – just like our whisky.

Listen Now

We have some very relaxed news for you: Maltstock 2021 is on!

Last year we obviously could not do Maltstock. You have very relaxed kept your ticket for this year. Safe and relaxed!

And we still have some tickets available in our webshop: https://www.maltstock.com/shop

The safety of our crew and our guests is our number one priority. We will only host Maltstock if we can do it in a safe and relaxed way. And of course, it’s also important we can have a normal Maltstock. So no social distancing rules and a very relaxed program. We have a green light for both now! We are really looking forward to seeing you all again in September!

How will this be safe and relaxed?

With the current regulations in place regarding covid-19 in the Netherlands we can make sure we can provide a safe and relaxed Maltstock. We can create a safe, relaxed bubble. This means EVERYBODY on the Maltstock premisses will have to be either vaccinated or have had a recent negative covid test. Nobody will be allowed on the premisses if they can’t show either one of these. And with nobody we mean absolutely nobody. No exceptions. The safety of our crew and guests is our number one priority.

How does it work?

If you have been vaccinated, you can simply register it in the Corona check app. When you arrive at Maltstock you will have to to show the Corona check app.

• For our Dutch readers: https://coronacheck.nl/nl/ 
• For those who prefer the English language: https://coronacheck.nl/en/ 

If you not have had your vaccination yet you can get tested before you arrive at Maltstock. If you get negative result you can enter it in the corona app.

More information, in Dutch and English, look here: https://www.testenvoortoegang.org

Please note this is how the current regulations work. Of course we will keep you updated if anything changes.

We are so looking forward to share a few drams and stories with you all. That’s what Maltstock is all about. Meeting old and new friends, in a very relaxed way. Over the next few weeks we will be working on a very relaxed program. We will keep you updated through our newsletters and of course our Facebook page (you’ll probably will see a slight increase in our postings over the next few weeks…).

Maltstock 2021 tickets

Almost everyone who had already bought a ticket for last year’s edition has kept it for this year. But fear not, we still have a few more tickets available. You can get yours and be relaxed again now in our webshop: https://www.maltstock.com/shop

In a very unlikely worst case scenario where we would have to postpone Maltstock once again, your ticket will remain valid for a future edition. Because of the corona app, which helps to make sure everyone is safe, events are not likely to be cancelled anytime soon though.

I know I’m repeating myself, but we will only host Maltstock is we can do it in a safe and relaxed way!

Maltstock 20201 is 10 – 12 September

If you have any questions, please just contact us. See you all in September!

Stay healthy stay relaxed!

Annette, Bob, Klaas, Stan & Teun

On sale now

First Releases: Torabhaig, Dornoch Distillery and Ardnamurchan

Scotland is seeing a boom in new distilleries and the first of the new wave have recently come of age and started to bottle whisky. In this session we’ll be chatting with the people behind three of the most anticipated distilleries in Scotland, and tasting not only their sold-out first releases, but also something special they’ve found just for us.

First Releases Masterclass
Host: Billy Abbott, The Whisky Exchange ambassador
Sunday 3 October
12:30pm-1.30pm
£55

In this masterclass we’ll be tasting whiskies from these three distilleries:

Torabhaig: the second-ever legal distillery to be built on the Isle of Skye, its first release flew off the shelves when it finally landed in early 2021. This is a rare chance to try not only that first sold-out release, but also a specially selected cask sample to see what’s coming next.

Dornoch Distillery: the Thompson brothers are well known in the whisky world for their curation of the excellent Dornoch Castle Hotel whisky bar, and their distillery is hidden at the back of the hotel in an old fire station. They’re focused on old-fashioned whisky made slowly and with the finest ingredients. We’ll be trying their first release – from the first cask they ever filled – as well as something special from the warehouse.

Ardnamurchan: Adelphi have been known for independently bottling some of Scotland’s finest whiskies for decades, but after years of planning and waiting they have now started bottling their own. Hiding on the remote Ardnamurchan peninsula, the eponymous distillery is already turning heads with its early releases, and we’ll be trying the inaugural bottling. Along with that, they’ll also be bringing something special to show us what’s in store.

line up

Torabhaig Legacy Series 2017
Torabhaig Cask Sample
Dornoch Distillery First Release
Dornoch Distillery Cask Sample
Ardnamurchan Single Malt AD:09.20:01
Ardnamurchan Cask Sample

Book now

Please note: you must have a Sunday ticket to Whisky Show to attend this class.

Show Details
Friday 1 October 2021: 4pm-9pm
Saturday 2 October 2021: 11.30am-6.30pm
Sunday 3 October 2021: 11.30am-6.30pm

Old Billingsgate
1 Old Billingsgate Walk, London EC3R 6DX

Book now

Golden Dram: USA Independence Day Special!

With 4th of July celebrations this weekend we wanted to showcase the fantastic whiskeys we stock from across the pond. We are kicking things off with the chance to win Sazerac 18 Year Old (worth over £1000!) in our latest giveaway upon purchase of Sazerac Rye…

Enter Golden Dram now →

Win Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old
Golden Dram Giveaway

If you purchase a bottle of Sazerac Rye, on sale at £36.70, between now and Wednesday 7th July you will be entered into our Golden Dram giveaway draw and could also be sent a bottle of Sazerac 18 Year Old from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection 2020 worth over £1000.

Sazerac 18 Year Old is an incredibly balanced and mature whiskey, and the oldest rye on the market, with rich notes of cinnamon, vanilla, molasses, oak, leather and lingering black pepper balanced with fresh mint and eucalyptus. For those of you into your American drams you’ll know a whiskey of this age is pretty rare and exceptional.

Good luck and happy 4th of July to all of our American friends for this weekend!

Sazerac Rye … £36.70 … Buy Now →

The one and only New Orleans original, Sazerac Rye whiskey symbolises the tradition and history of the vibrant and colourful New Orleans. This rye is named after the famous art deco Sazerac Bar – the home of America’s first cocktail…The Sazerac!