We are delighted to introduce A. D. Rattray’s 73^rd Cask Collection release, a smaller curation of six casks for summer 2024.

Each distillery in Scotland has its own spirit character; the nature of the distillate that runs from its stills. At A. D. Rattray, our aim is to provide a window into that spirit character of a distillery, unravelling the wider narrative to get to the very heart of the distillate.

Rather than seek to imprint our own identity on a cask, we take a spirit-forward approach to selection and maturation. That’s why our Cask Collection is (stylishly, yet) simply presented at cask strength, with nothing added or taken away at bottling. Especially when employing a finishing cask, we believe the wood should always enhance the spirit, and never conceal quirks. Our aim is not to craft or shape the character of single cask whisky, but simply to allow it to flourish.

Our selection for Cask Collection 73 demonstrates this ethos, with a strong focus on the spirit, ensuring the fingerprint of each distillate is clearly evident in the liquid. As a bottler, we may be somewhat quiet in the vibrant and boisterous world of Scotch whisky. But with such vivid and characterful single malt spirits distilled throughout Scotland, sometimes it’s best to let others do the talking.

73rd CASK COLLECTION RELEASE

2008 Aultmore 15 Year Old “Single Malts Of Scotland” Single Sherry Butt #900273 Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)

$179.99

Distilled at Aultmore distillery in 2008 and aged for 15 years in a single Sherry Butt, which yielded a total of only 422 bottles. Situated on the edge of the Foggie Moss just north of Keith in the heart of Speyside, Aultmore’s fermentation process lends itself to the identifiable ‘fragrant on the nose, substantial on the palate’ characteristic. Tasting notes from the bottler: C O L O R Rich Mahogany NOSE A private library complete with worn leather couch and a scented cinnamon candle burning on a desk. Chewy gingerbread and toffee pieces are amplified with spicy sandalwood and sawdust. PALATE This is a warming dram that develops into spicy ground ginger and cigar leaf. FINISH Spice fades into dark cacao and fresh mint leaves.”

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

Killowen Distillery & The Wine Centre, Kilkenny’s Killowen Barántúil – An Irish Rye. 

This lightly peated rye whiskey spent it’s whole life in a 70L Cab Sav. Some long standing Killowen fans may remember the notorious ‘Paddle Breaker’ from the same batch. This Small single cask offers the same sense of suffrage but with a different joyful expressions of flavour in only 121 bottles.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE

Established in 1965 The Wine Centre is a multi-award-winning specialist independent off-licence, boasting one of the largest whiskey selections in the country – and have recently partnered with Killowen Distillery to launch a very limited new Whiskey: Barántúil Cask #KD026 Rye Irish Whiskey. 

Made from a mash bill of Malted Rye and Malted Peated Barley and milled on site at Killowen Distillery during mash in. Locally sourced Irish Rye and Barley originating in Scotland have been hand selected, and aged for 3 ½ years in a French Limousin Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Firkin with heavy charring – used to allow for caramelisation of tannins and preservation of the wine flavours beyond the char.

A very limited release bottled at a cask strength of 54.1% abv, with each bottle individually numbered.

This exclusive single cask is available from Friday 21st June 2024, at The Wine Centre 15 John Street, Kilkenny and online on www.thewinecentre.ie  priced at €120 with free shipping throughout the island of Ireland. International shipping options are also available.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE

Brendan Carty, Killowen Distiller: 

“We are delighted to have worked with the team at The Wine Centre on this latest Barántúil release. This one is a well-balanced, vibrant whiskey that offers fruits, mints and spices within an oily background – it’s a real treat that any whiskey lover would be proud to have on their shelf.”

Darren Meehan, The Wine Centre manager: 

“Here at The Wine Centre we are Celebrating 700 years of Irish Whiskey in Kilkenny and in collaboration with Killowen we are very excited to be involved with the Barántúil series with our very first single cask release. We are very proud of this whiskey and hope everyone will love it as much we do! Thanks to Brendan and all of the team at Killowen for their help on this journey. Sláinte!

Official tasting notes:

Nose: 

Blackcurrant, fresh mint, faint smokiness, wood spice and a hint of brandyballs sweets.

Palate: 

Opens with Strawberry jam then hints of dried chili flake with spearmint and caramel.

Finish: 

Hints of Cranberry juice, leaning back towards mint, sage and caramel along with just a kiss of peat.

Sale price €120 instore or online

For more information please contact: 

Simon Hawkins, The Wine Centre.

+353868400150 / simon@thewinecentre.ie 

Sinead Tohill, Killowen Distillery.
+447468843838 / sinead@killowendistillery.com

NEW PRODUCT RELEASE

EQUINOX & SOLSTICE SUMMER EDITION 2024:

MORTLACH 16 YEAR OLD

This year’s Summer Edition of Equinox & Solstice is a single refill hogshead of 2007 Mortlach, bottled at 16 years of age and reduced to this series’ trademark easy drinking strength of 48.5%.

We’re always on the look out for casks that go against common expectations of certain distilleries. In the case of Mortlach, we often associate this distillery and its notoriously meaty and full-bodied distillate with sherry casks. So, we were very pleased to find this refill hogshead matured example that shows this wonderfully fat and oily distillate in all its natural glory. Rich, naturally sweet, waxy, fruity and well-balanced, this is perfect for easy summer sipping or, as is often the case with this series, makes a terrific highball too.

£95.00

SHOP NOW

 Glengoyne unveils first exclusive bottling in new Solstice Series

Inspired by the movement of the sun in a full year, Glengoyne’s Solstice Series comprises two bottlings, of which the first launches this month.

Glengoyne Summer Solstice is the first expression to be shared exclusively with the Glengoyne Family. 

Glengoyne Highland single malt Scotch whisky has unveiled the first in their exclusive single cask ‘Solstice Series’ comprising two beautiful single cask bottlings inspired by the movement of the sun.

Glengoyne Summer Solstice came to life following a project true to the distillery’s reputation of being Scotland’s slowest distilled whisky. Over a year in the making, 12 pinhole cameras were installed at Glengoyne Distillery to track the sun’s path through the sky and watch its influence on the maturation of the casks.

After patiently waiting, the cameras captured imagery of Glengoyne through sun, wind, ice and snow and created beautiful solargraphy to show the path of the sun over Glengoyne, inspiring the creation of the new series.

Launching Glengoyne’s Solstice Series is Glengoyne Summer Solstice, a limited edition expression of only 168 bottles available to purchase, with an ABV of 59%. The bottling is the first to be exclusively available to Glengoyne Family members.

To create the expression, Single Cask Bourbon Barrel no. 294 was hand-selected by Distillery Manager Robbie Hughes, as he believed the cask perfectly reflected the light and fruity flavours that encapsulate a Scottish summer. The cask, which had been maturing since 2008, delivers a deliciously fruity expression that offers notes of vanilla, strawberry coulis, banana, apricot and white chocolate.

On the nose, the Glengoyne Summer Solstice presents a combination of raspberry, desiccated coconut, white grape, lime, soft oak, Swiss meringue and dark coffee beans. The palette reveals a fruity and syrupy taste before revealing a beautiful finish with notes of toffee and biscuit, paired with refreshing notes of citrus and gooseberry.

Robbie Hughes, Glengoyne Distillery Manager, said: “I’m so pleased to unveil the first expression in Glengoyne’s Solstice Series, with our Summer Solstice expression. Inspired by a solography project that took place at our distillery over 12 months, the expression celebrates the movement of the sun between the summer solstices, signifying long summer evenings and the journey we’ve travelled from darkness to light. 

“Everything we do at Glengoyne, we do with patience, dedication and the understanding that perfection takes time. We’ve a wonderful community of whisky lovers who appreciate and understand Glengoyne’s unhurried philosophy, so sharing this special release exclusively with our Glengoyne Family members is our way of thanking them.”

Glengoyne’s Solstice Series celebrates both the longest and shortest days of the year and the second expression, Glengoyne Winter Solstice, is set to launch this December.

Glengoyne Summer Solstice is an exclusive release available only to Glengoyne Family members and will be available to purchase online from 13:19 on the 20th of June, to celebrate when the sun reaches its meridian point – the highest point in the sky.

Glengoyne is part of Ian Macleod Distillers, one of Scotland’s leading independent family-owned distillers. With family at the heart of the brand, Glengoyne invites whisky aficionados who enjoy and celebrate Glengoyne all over the world to become part of the Glengoyne Family. Joining the family allows exclusive first access to rare bottlings, such as the Solstice Series and invitations to unique events. Members of the Glengoyne family can expect exclusive access to the Winter Solstice expression, coming in December.

Glengoyne Summer Solstice has an RRP of £260 and is available to purchase HERE

For more information on Glengoyne see: www.glengoyne.com. To join Glengoyne’s Family, visit: glengoyne.com/join-our-family

Tasting Notes

Nose

Raspberry and vanilla, desiccated coconut, white grape, lime, soft oak, Swiss meringue, and dark coffee beans.

Palate

Fruity and syrupy, vanilla, strawberry coulis, banana, apricot and white chocolate.

Finish

Toffee and biscuit with refreshing citrus and gooseberry.

THE WHISKY EXCHANGE PRESENTS

New and exclusive to The Whisky Exchange, The Seasons is a series of 12 single cask whiskies chosen to tell the story of the passing seasons. The first three single malts in the collection were selected by our team to reflect the feel and flavours of a long, sunny summer. These are the perfect drams to enjoy on a warm evening – or at any time of year when you need a taste of sunshine.

 DISCOVER NOW 

LOWLAND SINGLE MALT
2012 12 YEAR OLD

The Scottish Lowlands often bring to mind light, floral and refreshing single malts like this one from a mystery distillery. Filled with bright notes of stone fruit and a hint of vanilla, this is the perfect dram to serve at your summer party.

  SHOP NOW  

BENRIACH 2008
15 YEAR OLD

One of Speyside’s great old distilleries, Benriach is known for its generous notes of soft fruit and citrus. We selected this cask from 2008 for its summery notes of mango sticky rice, vanilla ice cream and warm toffee.

  SHOP NOW  

ARDMORE 1997
26 YEAR OLD

This well aged Ardmore is waxy and honeyed, with tropical notes that made us think of summer holidays on the beach. It might be the oldest whisky in the collection, but this still has plenty of freshness, with notes of peach and pineapple.

  SHOP NOW  

Bunnahabhain 30 Year Old “Rites of Passage” 1st Fill Oloroso Barrel Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

$599.99

Rites of Passage is a new independent bottler committed to the old way of doing things. Lamenting the loss of medium- to long-term aged single casks, they only bottle superlative quality casks in premium barrels with a minimum age statement of 12 years old. Many of their casks will greatly surpass that – like this 30 year first-fill sherry cask from Bunnahabhain. Double barreled in first-fill Olorosso this particular whisky was distilled on December 2nd, 1991 and filled into first-fill sherry and was reracked into a new first-fill sherry cask in 2017 by Epicurean Selection, the company behind Rites of Passage. It was finally bottled on October 5th, 2022. It is dark as chocolate and clean as a whistle. Bottled at 47.3% ABV natural cask strength with no added color or chill filtration. Only 249 bottles produced.

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

DOUBLE PRODUCT RELEASE

ISLAY SPONGE PART VI CAOL ILA 13-YEAR-OLD

This is the last of the ‘low hanging’ distilleries in our Islay Sponge series; the jury remains out on just when exactly we’ll bottle a Port Ellen or Lagavulin… For now though, this is a gorgeous multi-vintage and nicely sherried Caol Ila 13-year-old that perfectly represents this Islay stalwart in our Islay Sponge series. A 50/50 mix of a 2009 refill sherry hogshead and 2010 1st fill sherry hogshead, this shows off the Caol Ila distillate in full, peaty glory, while gently draping everything in a gentle tinge of clean sherry.

SHOP NOW

WHISKY SPONGE WEB EXCLUSIVE – DEANSTON 2012

As we near the grand milestone of our 100th edition, we’re pulling out all the stops to bid farewell to the era of The Sponge! And what better way to celebrate than with a Special Whisky Sponge Exclusive, handpicked with our Decadent Drinks followers in mind! We’ve selected a naturally low volume, 1st fill barrel of Deanston, from 2012, bottled at natural cask strength. This classic, modern, highland-style Deanston, is oozing with character and charisma!

SHOP NOW

These bottles all reminded us of various escapades across these islands and will have you traveling through Scotland with every sip. If you’re in need of some inspiration for your next whisky adventure – look no further. Get ready to toast a fantastic staycation! Dive into a world of delightful drams and irresistible discounts. It’s the perfect time to treat yourself and your friends, PLUS save big on your favourite bottlings!

SHOP ALL THE BOTTLES

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

The House of Suntory Announces the Launch of Its Groundbreaking 2024 Tsukuriwake Series

The unique and exclusive four-expression series further explores diversity, innovation, and craftsmanship at the Yamazaki and Hakushu Distilleries.

NEW YORK, US, JUNE, 2024 — Today, The House of Suntory announces the launch of the 2024 Tsukuriwake Series – showcasing the exceptional blending and diversity of Japanese whisky. The series is comprised of Yamazaki Golden Promise, Yamazaki Islay Peated Malt, Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt, and Yamazaki 18 Year Old Mizunara.

Tsukuriwake (pronounced soo-koo-ree-wah-keh) means ‘artisanship through a diversity of making,’ and the limited-edition 2024 Tsukuriwake Series is a true reflection of this. Suntory’s 5th Generation Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo has pushed the boundaries of whisky making with this series by using ingredients like wood, and processes that expand the previous Tsukuriwake range to showcase the diversity of whisky making.

Following last year’s milestone 100th Anniversary of pioneering Japanese whisky, The House of Suntory continues to innovate the category with the 2024 Tsukuriwake Series. The previous selection was released in 2022.

“Tsukuriwake translates to ‘artisanship through a diversity of making’, which is truly what the 2024 Series represents with each of the four liquids included,” says Chief Blender of Suntory Shinji Fukuyo. “While past releases from the collection focused mainly on the details of the casks, The 2024 Tsukuriwake Series emphasizes the elements of whisky making, such as ingredient selection, peat, and cask. This series is the ultimate showcase of the incredible diversity of choices that goes into the making of Yamazaki and Hakushu whiskies.”

In previous years, the Tsukuriwake Series has mainly focused on the casks matured in the lands of Yamazaki. The 2024 Series reveals that the Tsukuriwake approach goes beyond diversifying the whiskies in multiple casks to  incorporate elements of whisky-making, such as ingredient selection, peat and cask. See below:

Yamazaki Golden Promise
Yamazaki Golden Promise is made from golden promise barley, a standout grain cultivated in Scotland in the 1960s. Distilled in Japan since 2009 and aged in American Oak casks, it delivers a maltier, richer Yamazaki profile. It is perfect for more mature whiskies and has been added to Yamazaki 12 Year Old, imparting its deep and rounded flavor. Yamazaki Golden Promise offers a rich and full palate featuring notes of orange marmalade, custard and a sweet, lasting finish.

Yamazaki Islay Peated Malt
Islay Peat is often recognized as a distinctive character amongst scotch, with a softer and sweeter mouthfeel than Scotland’s mainland peat. The water and maturation process used to create Yamazaki Islay Peated Malt yields a balanced sweetness that complements the smoke, that adds complexity to the long enduring finish of Yamazaki. On the palate, it has a smooth sweetness of brown sugar with hints of bitter orange citrus and a warm, smokey finish.

Both Yamazaki Golden Promise and Yamazaki Islay Peated Malt, enhance the intricate, multi-layered flavor profile of the Yamazaki core brand.

Yamazaki 18 Year Old Mizunara (Tsukuriwake 2024 Edition)
Yamazaki 18 Year Old Mizunara (2024 Tsukuriwake Edition) introduces a limited-edition label for Suntory’s flagship Yamazaki 18 Year Old Mizunara, celebrating The House of Suntory’s legacy of mastering Mizunara oak: a Japanese oak notoriously difficult to work with, but now known as a signature enhancer of Suntory whiskies. The complex, deep flavor of Mizunara gives depth to the multi-layered profile of Yamazaki. A long maturation period reveals its signature spiciness and incense-like sandalwood and aloe wood flavors that comprise this 100% Mizunara whisky. It offers subtly spiced orange notes and a long, lingering finish with hints of clove and dried coconut.

Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt (2024 Tsukuriwake Edition)
Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt (2024 Tsukuriwake Edition) introduces a limited-edition label for Suntory’s celebrated Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt. To honor the art of diverse blending at the Hakushu distillery, it enables The House of Suntory to produce more than 100 different malt whiskies and constant refinement of the Japanese peated malt whisky. The refined and elegant smokiness of Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt lends a refreshing quality to the liquid, evoking the essence of a serene forest. A lengthy maturation process in Hakushu’s pristine and pure water reveals a distinct smokiness with spicy, peppery notes, deepening to unveil herbaceous minerals and ripe apple undertones.

The Yamazaki 18 Year Old Mizunara and Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt, launched last year for the House of Suntory’s 100th anniversary and were continued due to their popularity among consumers.

For more information on the limited-edition whiskies, please visit us online here. All four are available in select markets around the world.

About The House of Suntory
Since 1923, Suntory has been renowned as a pioneer of Japanese Whisky for its House of Master Blenders and for their Art of Blending. Founder Shinjiro Torii built Japan’s first malt whisky distillery in Yamazaki, and the Suntory legacy continued with Torii’s son and Suntory’s second Master Blender, Keizo Saji, who continued to establish distilleries including the Hakushu Distillery. As the generations of Suntory’s master blenders carry on, Suntory Whisky remains committed to heritage and innovation. The House of Suntory has been named four-time Distiller of the Year at the International Spirits Challenge in London, UK (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014). Suntory Whiskies are subtle, refined and complex. The portfolio includes Yamazaki, Hakushu, Chita, Kakubin, Hibiki, Suntory Whisky Toki and Ao. The House of Suntory portfolio also offers Roku Japanese Gin and Haku Japanese Vodka. Created from Japanese ingredients by the master artisans at The House of Suntory, Roku Gin and Haku Vodka represent the nature and spirit of Japan. Last year, Suntory Whisky celebrated one hundred years of whisky innovation—a major milestone not only for the brand’s history, but for Japanese spirits culture as a whole. To mark this anniversary, The House of Suntory rolled out its centennial campaign throughout 2023.

About Suntory Global Spirits
As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as Tres Generaciones® and El Tesoro® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196 and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare and Giving Back to Society. The company’s Proof Positive sustainability strategy includes ambitious goals and investments to drive sustainable change and have a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information, visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com