A Taste Of The Extraordinary

One lucky reader will experience an exclusive tasting of 

House of Hazelwood’s 2024 Collection

Step into a legacy nearly a century in the making, where generations of the Gordon family have meticulously preserved a remarkable collection of aged Scotch whisky.

 Now, you have the opportunity to be a part of this extraordinary heritage. House of Hazelwood, named after the family’s historic Dufftown residence, is offering connoisseurs and collectors a rare chance to taste whiskies from this unrivalled cask collection.

To celebrate the launch of its Third Collection, House of Hazelwood is giving one lucky Whisky Magazine reader an exclusive invitation to WIN a private tasting of this year’s releases.

Don’t miss your chance to sample these extraordinary whiskies—follow the link below to discover more about House of Hazelwood and enter this exclusive competition.

ENTER NOW

A Partnered Promotion* with House of Hazelwood.

THE SINGLE CASK ANNOUNCE CHARITY BOTTLING IN SUPPORT OF THE DRINKS TRUST

Award-winning independent bottler The Single Cask is donating an ‘Ultra Rare’ single malt scotch whisky from their Glenrothes-based warehouse in a special first-time collaboration with The Drinks Trust.  

The Single Cask – home to a warehouse in Glenrothes of over 3000 casks – has collaborated with drinks and hospitality charity The Drinks Trust to release an ‘Ultra Rare’ single cask whisky from Teaninich Distillery. Priced at £79.00, the charity bottling will be released via The Single Cask website on Monday 26th August with all proceeds to support The Drinks Trust.

Born from The Single Cask’s Family Series, the 10-year-old bottling from Teaninich Distillery is 1 of only 54 bottles, finished in a Madeira wine barrel and falls under The Single Cask’s ‘Playful’ mood category. The striking label design merges casks with pineapples to highlight the fruity notes in the whisky, while using bright colours to bring a sense of happiness, inclusiveness and a warmth.

The ‘Ultra Rare’ whisky has been taste-tested by The Single Cask’s expert team of Taste Masters; bright copper in colour with a fresh, fruity nose of passion fruit, drizzled in honey syrup. In taste it’s sweet blossom honey, with a citrus tang of blood orange, delicate spice, orange zest, and crème brûlée. Full tasting notes can be found on The Single Cask’s website: https://www.thesinglecask.co.uk/

The whisky bottler recently took on the challenge of demystifying whisky flavour as they relaunched their brand. By using five mood categories, whisky fans can quickly navigate to whichever whiskies they are in the mood for. Every one of the 3000 casks in The Single Cask’s Glenrothes warehouse fits within one of their five mood categories: Cheerful, Playful, Bold, Curious and Easy-going.

The Drinks Trust is a charity dedicated to the drinks and hospitality workforce. It strives to empower the drinks industry and offers services including financial assistance, wellbeing support and industry training. In 2023,  The Drinks Trust supported over 5,400 beneficiary acts and spent nearly £720,000 on support services.

Jan Damen, General Manager at The Single Cask, said: “Charities like The Drinks Trust offer outstanding support to our industry. We are very proud of our collaboration and delighted to help wherever we can. We love working with inspiring people doing good for the drinks industry and that’s exactly what The Drinks Trust does. The Single Cask only bottles exciting and entertaining whiskies worth talking about, and this ‘Ultra Rare’ release is definitely worth talking about!”

Ross Carter, CEO of The Drinks Trust added: “Our collaborations with donors, including The Single Cask, are rapidly evolving and enabling the delivery of crucial funds and services to our beneficiaries facing hardship. These partnerships also assist businesses in achieving their CSR goals, benefiting the entire industry and raising the charity’s profile, allowing us to extend our reach and impact even further. We couldn’t be more grateful to The Single Cask team for their generous support.” 

The Single Cask pride themselves on bottling only the most outstanding, characterful, and distinctive single casks of whisky. The company values the distinct personality and cherishes the individuality of every

The Single Cask
The Single Cask was founded in 2010 by Ben Curtis, built on the belief that the search for the ultimate dram never ends. Bottling unique spirits, hand-picked one cask at a time – The Single Cask bottles award-winning whiskies at natural cask strength, without any intervention such as chill filtration or artificial colours.

Powered by the incredible sense of togetherness whisky creates and a growing fascination with the one-of-a-kind personality of single cask bottlings, the passion soon led to the launch of their first bar in Singapore.

Now with a Glenrothes-based warehouse home to over 3000 casks, new retailers, on-trade partners and importers (such as the newly appointed High Spirits in the Netherlands) they are creating an ever-growing fan club family.

The Single Cask’s expertise is in the sourcing of casks and in the maturation – a bold pursuit to uncover whiskies that are both of exceptional quality and character. All their bottlings are tasting panel approved by The Single Cask Taste Masters – an exclusive panel of experts who seek out the thrill of the taste, helping it to become the best experience possible.

The Drinks Trust
The Drinks Trust is the charity dedicated to the drinks and hospitality workforce. It strives to empower our industry people through services designed to assist financially, restore well-being and develop skills, and to do so with compassion and respect. In doing so, The Drinks Trust seeks to create an equitable industry where opportunities to thrive are open to all. To find out more, please visit www.drinkstrust.org.uk For media enquiries, please email Alessandra Brugola, Marketing Manager, at alessandra@drinkstrust.org.uk

Website – https://www.thesinglecask.co.uk/

Social media:

Facebook – @thesinglecaskuk

Twitter – @thesinglecask

Instagram – @thesinglecask_official

The Certificate in American Single Malt Whiskey, our brand-new online course created in partnership with the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission (ASMWC) is now available!

The format is short, easy-to-follow multimedia lessons over seven modules:

💜 1: The History of American Single Malt Whiskey
💜 2: The Business of American Single Malt Whiskey
💜 3: Raw Materials
💜 4: Production Process (From Grain to Liquid)
💜 5: Maturation
💜 6: Blending & Bottling
💜 7: Sensory
Final Assessment

Opt to receive six 30ml American single malt whiskey samples – from Virginia Distillery Co., Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey, Boulder Spirits by Vapor Distillery, Andalusia Whiskey Co., Whiskey Del Bac and Clear Creek Distillery (McCarthy’s) – to accompany the Sensory module (USA & UK only).

With expert insights from Steve Hawley (ASMWC), Matt Hofmann (Consultant), Joe O’Sullivan (Minden Mill), Murphy H. Quint (Cedar Ridge), Tyler Pederson (Westland), Jared Himstedt (Balcones), Caitlin Bartlemay (Clear Creek), Ty Phelps (Andalusia), Stephen Paul (Whiskey Del Bac), Emma Crandall (Balcones) & Todd Olander (Root Shoot Malting), you’ll master the craft roots and innovative techniques at the heart of this exciting new category.

So, whether you’re a whiskey lover or industry professional, hop on the American single malt whiskey bandwagon today and get started with this new course! ✊

Learn More

Sláinte To Six! Stephanie Macleod Wins ‘Master Blender of the Year’ For Record-Breaking Sixth Time

We’re hosting a special Gathering Dram-Along livestream, and we’d love for you to be part of the fun!

Join us at 8pm on Wednesday, 4 September on our Facebook page or YouTube channel for a special evening where we’ll unveil our exclusive Gathering bottlings live! Be among the first to discover these drams, hear the fascinating stories behind them, and share in the excitement as they’re revealed.

But that’s not all – we’ll have some quizzing, Gathering stories and plenty of chances to raise a glass with fellow members from around the world. It’s shaping up to be an unforgettable night!

So, mark your calendar, grab your favourite dram and get ready for a fantastic evening!

MEET YOUR DRAM-CIERGE

To help make the most of your SMWS membership, we’ve introduced a whole new level of tailor-made member services and personal guidance. With our members at the heart of everything we do, our DRAM-cierge is here for friendly advice, whether it’s a question about us, your membership or if you’d like us to share some whisky wisdom and recommendations. And if we don’t know the answer – we’ll track it down like a whisky ninja!

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

Distillery Corner: Loch Lomond

Known for its innovative approach to whisky production, Loch Lomond produces a wide range of whiskies, including single malts, blended malts and grain whiskies. Vic says: “This is an unusual grain whisky because it was made in a continuous Coffey still but with 100% malted barley. A lot of influence comes from the wood because grain spirit typically has less congeners (less flavour) than malt spirit. I think cask finishes with grain whisky are going to be the next big thing in the market.”

🎬 Watch the Video | 📖 Read the Post

Course Spotlight: Wake Up Your Whisky Nose

Embark on a sensory journey that will transform the way you experience Scotch whisky, ensuring that your future tastings become a sensory adventure that you can unpick, analyse and enjoy. Wake Up Your Whisky Nose is a theory-based module packed with practical tips that will awaken your senses to the rich, aromatic world of whisky tasting.

💻Read More

Vic Cameron, one of our whisky lecturers says: “Toasting is one of the heat treatments that we can do to the inside of a cask. It’s when we heat the wood to breakdown some of the lignin in there to release compounds like sugars and aldehydes that can then go into the spirit.”

🎬 Watch the Video | 📖 Read the Post

Edinburgh Whisky Academy Launches Online Certificate in American Single Malt Whiskey

The Edinburgh Whisky Academy, in partnership with the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission, proudly announces the online Certificate in American Single Malt Whiskey will launch on Monday 19 August. This groundbreaking online course is designed for whiskey enthusiasts and industry professionals eager to deepen their understanding of the dynamic and emerging category of American single malt whiskey.

Course Overview

The Certificate in American Single Malt Whiskey is a self-paced online course created in partnership with the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission. The course features short, easy-to-follow multimedia lessons over seven immersive modules. Upon completion of the final assessment (a 50-question multiple-choice test) participants will receive an EWA digital completion certificate and digital badge for immediate sharing. A printed copy and a physical purple lapel pin are available to purchase.

Authored by Industry Experts

Embark on a voyage through this exciting new category with experts who are truly at the forefront of the industry. They’ll help you master the craft roots and innovative techniques at the heart of American single malt whiskey production.

Contributors include:

Steve Hawley (President, American Single Malt Whiskey Commission)

Joseph O’Sullivan (Master Distiller, Minden Mill Distilling)

Tyler Pederson (Master Distiller, Westland Distillery)

Jared Himstedt (Head Distiller, Balcones Distilling)

Murphy Quint (Master Distiller, Cedar Ridge Distillery)

Matt Hofmann (Consultant, American Single Malt Whiskey)

Clay Risen (Journalist & Author)

Kirsty McKerrow, Founder and Managing Director of Edinburgh Whisky Academy, said:

“We are thrilled to introduce the first course of its kind with our Certificate in American Single Malt Whiskey. This category is new, exciting, and growing rapidly, and our partnership with the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission allows us to pioneer a new standard of whiskey education. At the Edinburgh Whisky Academy, we believe that you never stop learning about whiskey, and this course is a testament to our commitment to providing cutting-edge and comprehensive education for whiskey enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.”

Steve Hawley, President of the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission, said:

“We’re excited to partner with the Edinburgh Whisky Academy to offer this comprehensive and pioneering educational opportunity. The category of American single malt whiskey is an intriguing blend of tradition and innovation, capturing the essence of both worlds. This course furthers our mission to establish American single malt whiskey as a recognized and celebrated category among global whiskey consumers.”

Curriculum

Module 1: The History of American Single Malt Whiskey

Module 2: The Business of American Single Malt Whiskey

Module 3: Raw Materials

Module 4: Production Process (From Grain to Liquid)

Module 5: Maturation

Module 6: Blending & Bottling

Module 7: Sensory

Final Assessment: 50 questions, multiple-choice format

Interactive & Engaging Learning Experience

In addition to engaging multimedia lessons, participants can opt to receive a tasting pack containing six American single malt whiskeys (Virginia Distillery Co., Stranahan’s, Boulder Spirits, Andalusia, Whiskey Del Bac, and McCarthy’s) to accompany the Sensory module.

The course includes video explainers, panel discussions, text, and quizzes, ensuring a rich and engaging learning experience. Each lesson features a Discussion tab for interactive engagement with peers and instructors.

Details
£125 (online course only), or £180 (online course + tasting pack)

LINK: CLICK HERE:

About Edinburgh Whisky Academy

Edinburgh Whisky Academy provides world-class whisky education, offering online and in-person whisky courses that are both rigorous and accessible. With a focus on the rich traditions and innovative practices of the whisky industry, the Academy is committed to nurturing the next generation of whiskey connoisseurs and professionals.

About American Single Malt Whiskey

American single malt whiskey is an exciting and rapidly growing category in the whiskey world, characterized by its unique production methods and diverse flavour profiles. This course provides an in-depth exploration of its history, production, and place in the broader whiskey industry.

Hidden Barn Bourbon Wins Double Gold

at Prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition

Series 1, “23B” Finalist for Best in Class Award

SPARTA, KY (July 24, 2024) –Hidden Barn Bourbon’s Series 1, Batch 23B has won a double gold at The Tasting Alliance’s San Francisco World Spirits Competition in the Small Batch Bourbon – up to 5 Years category and is a finalist for its Best in Class awards, which will be announced in October 2024.  The judges described 23B as “a perfectly balanced bourbon” and awarded it a score of 98 points.  This is the second year in a row a Hidden Barn Bourbon has won a double gold at the esteemed San Francisco award competition.

Batch 23B, released in the fall of 2023, was distilled at Neeley Family Distillery and blended by Jackie Zykan.  The two have paired up for six other Hidden Barn Bourbon releases, including a Seven-Year-Old bourbon, released on July 7th of this year.  Batch 23B is a blend of 20 barrels aged five to six years old using Neeley’s flagship mashbill of 70 percent corn, 20 percent rye and 10 percent malted barley.

Like all Neeley Family Distillery distillates, this bourbon was double pot distilled after fermenting with wild-crafted Appalachian yeast, a practice of the Neeley Family dating back generations.  Batch 23B was bottled at cask strength at 110.1 proof with only sediment filtration.

“We’re so humbled that Hidden Barn has won double gold medals back-to-back in 2023 and 2024, in what is one of the most distinguished and also largest spirits competitions,” said Master Blender Jackie Zykan.  “To have the judges describe it as ‘perfectly balanced’ is an enormous compliment as a blender, especially in such a crowded category as small batch bourbon.”

Zykan’s tasting notes for this bourbon call it rich and intense, with a buttery caramel corn base, dark fruit and florals, and significant baked apple.  A touch of pepper throughout ramps up into a robust finish complemented by dried peppermint and anise.

Suggested retail pricing for the Hidden Barn Series 1, 23B is $74.99. It is available at Neeley Family Distillery gift shop, online and at retail in Kentucky, Indiana, Georgia, Missouri, New Mexico and Oklahoma.

About Hidden Barn Bourbon

Hidden Barn’s name harkens back to the local communities who painted their barns black in solidarity with distillers during Prohibition.  This sense of community is continued today through the passion for quality whiskey and camaraderie shared by its three partners, Jackie Zykan, Royce Neeley and Nate Winegar.  Together, the three friends bring their own strengths – a superior palate, distilling prowess, and a powerhouse connector to form Hidden Barn Bourbon.  Previous Hidden Barn Series have earned Double Golds at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2023 and 2024 and Best Small Batch, 1st Place at the 2023 New Orleans Bourbon Festival.  Hidden Barn Bourbon is owned by Neeley Family Distillery.   The brand is available online and in select states. For more information visit hiddenbarnwhiskey.com

About The San Francisco World Spirits Competition 

The San Francisco World Spirits Competition was founded in 2000 and is the largest competition of its kind with nearly 5,000 entries.  Each entry is judged double blind by a panel of spirits experts.  A double gold medal is awarded when each judge on the panel gives a gold medal to the entry.  The SFWSC medal is a testament to the hard work of the spirits industry’s distillers and producers and is a universally recognized indicator of exceptional quality and craftsmanship.