An Unforgettable Evening with an Iconic Distillery
Ross & Squibb (MGP) Dinner
Featuring Master Distiller Ian Stirsman ($100.00)
Tuesday, February 7th, 2023, 7:30PM-10:00PM
Bar Moruno, Los Angeles

Join us in welcoming Ross & Squibb Distillery’s Master Distiller Ian Stirsman at Bar Moruno in Silver Lake on the evening of Tuesday, February 7th. We’ll sit down with the facility’s first official Master Distiller to discuss this incredibly historic site. Ian knows the facility and its operations like the back of his hand as he is the person piloting Ross & Squibb to take its rightful place as one of the country’s great legacy distillers. This is the perfect opportunity to learn all the behind-the-scenes details that only a Master Distiller can share.

Ross & Squibb (MGP) Dinner with Master Distiller Ian Stirsman ($100.00)
Tuesday, February 7, 2023, 7:30PM-10:00PM
Bar Moruno
3705 W. Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90026

Please pick “Will Call Hollywood” as your shipping option at checkout to avoid additional charges. Our apologies, we’re in the process of applying a software patch to handle this more elegantly. We’ll have your name at the door next week, no tickets will be mailed.

Ian will lead us through a flight of some of the core range of products (Rossville Union & George Remus), as well as the super-rare expressions that have become so elusive. Along with the tasting, you’ll enjoy a family-style meal of Moruno classics—candied olives and almonds, Gildas, Pan con Tomate, marinated feta, Mejadra Rice, and Beef Maruno! Seats are extremely limited so please secure your spot now.

*PLEASE NOTE: K&L is marketing this event on behalf of Bar Moruno, who receives all revenue from ticket sales.

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

The Macallan Reveals Distil Your World New York Single Cask Edition For Charity Auction

Sotheby’s to auction one of the two Distil Your World New York Single Cask Edition bottles, with proceeds to benefit ChaShaMa, a non-profit arts organization based in New York City.

On January 30th, The Macallan in partnership with Sotheby’s unveiled Distil Your World New York Single Cask Edition for auction, a limited edition bottle from The Macallan’s recent release of Distil Your World New York, a whisky that captures the essence of one of the most iconic cities in the world.

Estimated at $30,000 – $80,000, the extraordinary multi-component lot includes the Distil Your World New York Single Cask Edition bottle housed in a striking blue presentation box featuring an engraved aerial map of New York, a booklet about the bottle and Distil Your World New York series that is signed by the talent featured in the Distil Your World New York documentary that aired with the release of the original bottle, and a dining experience at El Celler de Can Roca for the lucky collector and three guests. Bidding for the sale began on Monday, January 30th and ends on Friday, February 10th.

An exceptionally rare and special whisky, this Distil Your World New York Single Cask Edition single malt has been created to take consumers on a sensorial journey through one of the world’s most iconic cities. In collaboration with the Roca brothers, owners of El Celler de Can Roca, The Macallan explored the mastery behind the city and created an innovative whisky that embodies and celebrates New York as a dynamic metropolis of art, creativity and visionary talent.

Distil Your World New York Single Cask Edition is a single cask whisky from a European Oak Sherry Puncheon from 2002. This limited edition bottle delivers a quintessential New York flavor note of chocolate covered peanuts, along with a new taste of sweet candy and a hint of cherry blossom. A rare chocolate flavor which has been uncovered from a single cask, each sip takes taste buds and imagination on a journey of discovery, bringing the unique character of the city to life.

The auction offers collectors the only, rare opportunity to acquire one of two bottles created of this limited edition whisky, as the second bottle will be kept in The Macallan archive.

Geoff Kirk, Channel Director Secondary Market at The Macallan remarked “We are delighted to continue our long association of partnering with Sotheby’s to present very special releases that raise funds for charitable organizations around the world. The Macallan Distil Your World New York Single Cask Edition bottle pays homage to one of the world’s most iconic cities, with proceeds benefiting New York City artists through the ChaShaMa charity. This unique auction, of one of two bottles created and an exclusive dinner with the Roca brothers at their world-renowned restaurant, will appeal to whisky enthusiasts, collectors, and philanthropists alike.”

Jonny Fowle, Sotheby’s Head of Whisky & Spirits, North America and EMEA, said “It is always a huge event in the world of collectible whisky when Sotheby’s partners with The Macallan to release an exclusive whisky. Owning a unique bottle is the ultimate goal for whisky collectors, and this is the only opportunity for the world’s most dedicated collector to obtain an elevated single-cask, high strength version of the venerable Distil Your World New York.”

The Macallan has a longstanding history celebrating artistry and supporting the arts. In that spirit, all proceeds from the sale will benefit ChaShaMa, a non-profit arts organization based in New York City that nurtures artists by transforming unused real estate into affordable work and presentation spaces. Support from The Macallan will benefit small businesses, underserved NYC communities, and the arts in NYC.

To view The Distil Your World New York Single Cask Edition auction, please click HERE. To learn more about The Macallan visit TheMacallan.com.

Whisky Maker’s Notes:

The Macallan Distil Your World New York Single Cask Edition:

Color: Maple

Nose: Peanut brittle, candy, sweet oak and poached pear, with a hint of cherry blossom

Palate: Chocolate covered peanuts with syrup sponge, raisins, sweet oak and lemon peel

Finish: Medium sweet with peanut and oak

ABV: 55%

About The Macallan 

Founded in 1824 on a plateau above the River Spey in north-east Scotland, The Macallan is renowned globally for its incomparable craftsmanship, creativity and innovation with each bottle of single malt whisky revealing its unique mastery of wood and spirit.

Social and environmental sustainability is at the heart of The Macallan, and as part of its commitment to establishing a positive legacy it revealed its award-winning new Distillery in 2018. Designed by internationally acclaimed architects, the building takes inspiration from the surrounding ancient Scottish hills and is located on The Macallan’s beautiful 485-acre Estate. To this day, the single greatest influence on The Macallan’s sought after portfolio of single malts is its sherry seasoned oak casks from which its whiskies derive their distinctive flavours, aromas and natural colour.

Crafted without compromise. Please savour The Macallan responsibly.

About Sotheby’s

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate. Sotheby’s believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.

Sotheby’s Wine’s annual worldwide auction sales of wine and spirits achieved a record total of $150 million in 2022, a 14% increase from 2021. Sotheby’s currently holds the world records for any whisky collection ever sold at auction, any private wine collection ever sold at auction, the most valuable bottle of wine ever sold at auction and the most valuable bottle of spirits ever sold at auction, in addition to the highest ever total for a charity wine auction.

About ChaShaMa

Chashama is a nonprofit organization that transforms unused real estate into spaces for artists, small businesses, and community-centric art classes. Since 1995, Chashama has provided 30,000 artists with space to create, rehearse, and present their work. By transforming unused space, Chashama creates a more equitable, vibrant future for local artists, the neighborhood, and the property owners. Learn more at www.chashama.org.

Whisky Live London 2023

Have you secured your tickets yet?

As a Whisky Magazine newsletter subscriber, we are offering an exclusive discount of 10% off ANY ticket to Whisky Live London 2023!

Our tasting event gives you unlimited access to some of the biggest brands in the industry.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity and join us on 1 April 2023!

BUY TODAY

The Highland Whisky Academy

September Dates Now Available

We are fully booked for the March 2023 Highland Whisky Academy, however you can still secure your place at the September Course, which runs from the 3rd to 9th of the month. An incredible, all inclusive experience, getting you behind the scenes of some of whiskies iconic names. The Highland Whisky Academy is a unique, experience driven week fully immersing you in our favourite spirit.

Meet your whisky heroes, previous guests include Billy Walker, Stewart Buchanan, Juliette Buchan, Alastair Longwell and Robin Laing to name but a few.

We are delighted to be able to add the Whisky Ambassador Qualification to our courses, following our recent collaboration with Jo and the team. This gives all our attendees the opportunity to sit the exam as part of your course and get an accredited whisky qualification to take home!

To sign up to the September Academy please click below, or for further information and to join our waiting list for 2024 dates, please email info@highlandwhiskyacademy.com

Experience whisky with us

CAMPBELTOWN MALTS FESTIVAL 2023
EVENTS SCHEDULE AND INFORMATION 

We are pleased to announce the dates and schedule for the Springbank, Glengyle and Cadenhead’s events held as part of the Campbeltown Malts Festival, which will be hosted from Wednesday 24th May – Friday 26th May.

To join the Springbank Society contact them at society@springbank.scot

EXCLUSIVE SOCIETY TASTINGS

WEDNESDAY 24th MAY 2023 AT 11AM & 2PM

Springbank Society members are invited to join us in the Malt Barns on Wednesday 24th May for our exclusive annual Society Tasting, hosted by the Springbank Sales Team. Members will have the choice to join either the morning or afternoon session, but are not permitted to attend both tastings. Each tasting will follow the same format and include the same whisky line up. The Springbank Society Tasting will be free to attend but advance booking is essential as places are limited.

THE MALT BARNS DINNER

WEDNESDAY 24th MAY 2023 AT 7PM

We are delighted to announce the return of our Distillery Dinner for 2023. Our dinner will take place on Wednesday 24th May. Guests will be treated to a champagne and canape reception followed by a four course set dinner in our traditional Malt Barns at Springbank Distillery.

Whisky will be drawn from a selection of casks to be sampled by all guests before voting for their favourite to be bottled. To round off this special experience, each attendee will be presented with their own exclusive 70cl hand drawn bottle which was selected earlier to take away.

OPEN DAY SCHEDULE
SPRINGBANK DAY – THURSDAY 25TH MAY 2023
GLENGYLE/CADENHEAD’S DAY – FRIDAY 26TH MAY 2023

Our Open Days will begin each day at 10am when the sale of our special bottles will commence. Events will conclude at around 6:30pm.

To join the Springbank Society contact them at society@springbank.scot

Springbank Distillers Ltd, 9 Bolgam Street, Campbeltown, Scotland, PA28 6HZ

As we fall into February, we’re sharing a new collection of casks that we utterly LOVE. Find your perfect partner ahead of the release this Friday (today), with 17 NEW bottlings there’s something special for all tastes, occasions and gifting.

Click on over to our website to have first sight of the new Outturn before bottles go on sale on Friday, 3 February. OR keep on scrolling for our drams of desire…

READ NEW OUTTTURN

BROWSE ALL BOTTLINGS

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

We hope this finds you well and enjoying the first few weeks of 2023. Helen and I are just back from the Central Florida Highland Games where we were the ‘honoured guests’. The games are extremely popular with visitors coming from all over the States to attend; in fact there were over 30,000 at the event, sharing a passion for all things Scottish and it was a privilege for us to be able to spread the Lindores word to such an engaged audience. Our hosts were incredibly welcoming and keen to promote Lindores at all times for which we were extremely grateful.

Turning to matters closer to home, we are delighted to announce the release of the Friar John Cor Cask Strength Congregation Batch Chapter 1. A combination of Bourbon, Monbazillac, STR and Sherry casks, it is an absolutely delicious dram. Congratulations to Gary, Lorena and the distillery team for bringing it to life, we are sure it’s going to be a great success. It will be available from mid February, from your local stockist.

As we continue into 2023 let’s raise a glass of our award winning Lindores Abbey whisky and toast to a healthy and successful year to come.

Slàinte

Drew McKenzie Smith
Managing Director of Lindores Abbey Distillery
& Custodian of Lindores Abbey

DISTILLERY NEWS

Let’s start with the highlights of 2022! They include moving over to Crisp Malting to reduce our road miles; our new warehouses were built; we filled some truly excellent casks; we launched some fantastic bottlings, some as distillery exclusives on sale only in our Visitor Centre, and some as celebration of our monks’ home town of Tiron Gardais; and we had Thomas our Belgian intern exploring alternative uses of draff and distillers’ yeast. We also won some great awards!

Over Christmas we had a well-earned festive shutdown and the time off was enjoyed by all! But what is 2023 bringing? It started with a special run of malt through the distillery: we are running through 10t of Scotch Annat Malted Barley, grown and malted by the Crafty Maltsters over in Auchtermuchty. This is what we would call a heritage grain and I think we will be the first distillery in Fife to use it in a long, long time. It’s not a high- yielding strain, but that’s not why we are running it. Rather, it’s to give us a slightly different flavour profile to be working with. Here we have quality, nurtured materials from the past – on the nose as described by Lorena, very floral and sweet – very much like a wild flower meadow.

Just last week we launched our latest bottling – Friar John Cor Chapter 1 – what a dram that is, a blend of 4 different casks and bottled at cask strength, it’s Lindores at its very best! Here’s to 2023

Slàinte
Gary Haggart
Distillery Manager

CASK SAMPLES

The best part of my job is Sensory Analysis, that is my passion, and that is why I chose to study it in my last year of University in Chile. When I arrived in Scotland and discovered the beauty of Scotch Whisky I couldn’t ignore this unique product with all the compounds formed during the process that contribute to its aroma and flavour.

Last month I had the pleasure of trying our Lindores Single Malt matured in different types of casks filled in 2019.

My favourites casks were : Cask# 190699 Ex-Calvados @ 61.7%abv, a French cask with just three years of maturation: evolving as a complex, pleasing Single Malt with a burnished colour, mellow ripe red apples, sweet pears and floral notes on the nose. On the palate, nutmeg, cinnamon spices combined with sweet vanilla , fruity apples, some nuttiness and pleasant dark chocolate on the back of the tongue. Finished with a smooth vanilla and a touch of spice finish. Nice.

The next cask is outstanding : Cask# 190540, ExManzanilla Sherry (Spanish cask subcategory of a Fino Sherry) @ 60.9 %abv: yellow gold in colour, a beautiful cask giving green grapes, with citrus floral notes on the nose; a sea breeze and a subtle oak aroma. A great combination, on the palate releasing clean green fruitiness, sweet orchard fruits and salty marine notes with a hint of vanilla oak. Just right.

Every cask tells its own story; but I must say that Lindores New Make Spirit is getting better and better over the years. The ongoing, developing relationship between whisky and wood in the warehouse is fascinating.

Slàinte
Lorena Baez
Product Development

LINDORES WORLDWIDEE

We are working hard to get Lindores to all corners of the globe, and are hoping to be able to give you some good news about the USA in the next few weeks. We’re also about to do a launch in Norway, at the end of February and I recently visited the West Coast of Canada (Vancouver, Vancouver Island, North Edmonton, and Calgary) back in November and spent time with Pacific Wine and Spirits sales team, conducting tastings, and generally educating them on the Lindores brand.

I have also done market visits to Denmark and Germany and I am going back out to Germany again soon, so the word is certainly spreading!

Elliot Wynn Higgins
Export Manager

‘The Cask Strength Congregation Batch’
Chapter 1

Our newest release was matured in a blend of Bourbon, Monbazillac, STR, and Sherry casks. As with all Lindores bottlings it has no added colouring, is non-chill filtered and bottled onsite at the batch cask strength of 60.2% ABV. The introduction of the Monbazillac casks gives a sweetness and complexity that compliments perfectly the classic Lindores style.

The design of the unusual black bottle, mirroring the Exclusive 1494 First Release Bottle, draws on several elements of Lindores Abbey’s history, most obviously the dramatic black colour which is inspired by the black cloth tunics worn by the Lindores monks back in 1494. This unique bottle shape is also in homage to the magnificent stone pillars which would have been found throughout the Abbey, the remains of which can still be found in the ruins today.

These bottles will be available from mid February through selected stockists, so get in touch with your local bottle shop to reserve your bottle!

STOCKISTS

 Lindores Abbey Distillery
Abbey Road
Newburgh, Fife KY14 6HH
United Kingdom

Speyside Whisky Festival to make a spirited return in 2023

Internationally renowned Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival has announced its return in spring 2023 – with the highly coveted tickets going on sale this Friday (27 JAN).

Taking place from 26^th April to 1^st May, this annual celebration of Scotland’s national drink has become one of the largest events of its kind anywhere in the world, bringing thousands of visitors to Speyside each year since its creation in 1999.

With ticket previews available from Wednesday 25^th January, this year’s event will offer a bumper programme of whisky-inspired events designed to entice and inform the most experienced of connoisseurs, to the whisky novice.

From distilleries to village halls, to local whisky bars, historic castles and the great outdoors, a range of events will take place throughout the scenic region of Speyside – the biggest whisky producing region in Scotland – located in the Moray area in the north-east of the country.

Supported by Speyside businesses, communities, members and locals, it is this master blend of talent from the iconic whisky making region that makes the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival each year. Platinum partners include Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Festival Ambassadors of the Year 2022, Steph & Lauren Murray at the Dowans Hotel, as well as some of whisky’s most distinguished brands like The Glenlivet, Diageo, Craigellachie, Benromach, and newcomer to the festival, Speyburn.

To mark the distillery’s 125^th Anniversary, Speyburn is joining the Spirit of Speyside Festival and opening its doors to the public for the first time. During the festival, Speyburn will be running two tours, three times a day, led by its Distillery Manager and Senior Brand Ambassador. Guests will discover the history and heritage of Speyburn, and of course, enjoy a dram or two of Speyburn’s award-winning single malt.

With over 500 events planned for this year’s Festival, other highlights include:

• Raise A Barrel: Join Balvenie Distillery’s expert cooper Ian McDonald for a morning learning to raise your own barrel. Afterwards share a dram with Ian and hear a story or two.
• Tamnavulin Discovery Tour and Tasting Experience: Join Distillery Manager Leon for a guided tour and explore where they craft their exceptional single malt whisky, usually closed to the public. Then enjoy a guided tasting of 4 Tamnavulin expressions and their perfect pairing, complete with a signature Speyside cocktail.
• Keith & Dufftown railway “Dram Tram” evening journey: Take a two-hour evening return train journey from Dufftown station and sample five specially curated whiskies associated with the railway’s original route stations Dufftown, Drummuir, Auchindachy, Earlsmill, and Keith.
• 19 Holes of Golf and Whisky with Glenfarclas: An exclusive opportunity to play 18 holes of golf at the Elgin Golf Club Championship Course with Glenfarclas manager Callum Fraser, enjoy a tasting in the clubhouse before a two course meal provided by Hardhillock Bar and Bistro.

George McNeil, Chairman of The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, said: “Whether you’re a dram expert or just entering the world of whisky for the first time, we will be delighted to welcome you to Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival in spring.

“Taking place across Elgin, to Kingussie, to Forres, our comprehensive programme of events brings the journey of Scottish whisky to life for visitors, creating truly world-class and unforgettable experiences set among spectacular scenery.

“Our visitors travel from as many as 35 different countries, bringing everyone together over a shared passion and interest for whisky.  I can think of no better antidote to the various challenges of the past few years.”

Tickets for the festival’s top events will be available at the time of launch on 27^th January, with previews beginning the 25^th.  Visitors are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment and ensure their spot in popular and exclusive activities.

For more information, visit https://www.spiritofspeyside.com

Spirit of Speyside

Spirit of Speyside organises some of the world’s premier whisky events, welcoming visitors to the beauty of Speyside from across the globe each year.. The organisation is responsible for the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival each year with hundreds of events incorporating the Whisky School and Whisky Awards. The same team also hosts Spirit of Speyside: Distilled exclusively for whisky distillers.

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival

First launched in 1999, the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival’s annual celebration of Scotland’s national drink has developed into one of the largest events of its kind anywhere in the world. With a programme of over 700 whisky-inspired events over 6 days, the Festival is a mecca for the curious beginner and the whisky connoisseur alike. Festival events take place throughout Speyside, the biggest whisky producing region in Scotland, located in the Moray area in the North-East of the county between Aberdeen and Inverness. Over the years, the Festival has developed close links with many Speyside businesses and communities who help to fund the festival. It is a true team effort to deliver an ever-improving range of events and services to make the six days of the Festival a truly unforgettable experience.

Spirit of Speyside: Distilled

The team behind the annual Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival brings another fantastic event to the sampling table – Spirit of Speyside: Distilled. Where the world’s best whisky distillers unite under one roof on their own doorstep. At the festival, Speyside’s whisky distillers are accompanied by award-winning brewers, gin crafters and there will be lots of local food on offer.

WIN 12 BOTTLES OF
SECRET SPEYSIDE WHISKY

This January we’re offering our customers the chance to win £3,000 worth of whisky with every purchase of a selected bottle of Longmorn. Order one of the Longmorn single malts below before 23.59pm GMT on 31 January 2023 and you’ll be entered into the prize draw to win 12 exceptional whiskies from the Secret Speyside series.

This mixed case contains single malts – all at least 18-years-old – from some of Scotland’s finest distilleries, including Glen Keith, rare peated expressions from long-lost Caperdonich, alongside some more mature releases from a connoisseurs’ favourite, Longmorn.

SHOP LONGMORN