Yellowstone Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Rum Casks now available

New variant is second release within Yellowstone’s Special Finishes Collection

ST. LOUIS (March 11, 2024) – As it continues to meet demand for innovative expressions of bourbon, Kentucky-based Limestone Branch Distillery has announced the second release in its Yellowstone Special Finishes Collection: Yellowstone Rum Cask Finish. This is the latest inspiration from Limestone Branch Distillery Master Distiller Stephen Beam, and it is set to hit retail shelves in March. Aged four years and bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV), Yellowstone Rum Cask Finish will be available nationwide at a suggested retail price of $49.99 per 750-ml bottle.

The new release starts with Yellowstone’s traditional bourbon mash bill and then is aged for nine weeks in casks that previously held rum distilled using molasses from sugarcane grown in the rich, fertile soils and tropical Caribbean climate of Cuba. The resulting bourbon features a flavorful blend of spice and tropical sweetness; a medium body with notes of toasted marshmallow, crème brûlée and toffee toasted oak; and the finish is highlighted by tobacco, clove, cocoa seasoned oak and honey.

“Rum has the sweetest notes of all the casks we’ve used for secondary finishing, and it was an ideal choice for the next adventure in our Special Finishes Collection,” said Beam. “Rum is an exceptional compliment to bourbon, and they come together to create subtle notes of sweetness and brown sugar, which are soaked up and stored within the staves and perfectly complement the vanilla, caramel and rye flavors of Yellowstone. Our four-year bourbon is a classic Kentucky bourbon and makes for a fantastic base. This allows me to go in many directions with the finishes while remaining true to or original profile.”

The packaging for Yellowstone Special Finishes Collection features the brand’s iconic bottle and Roosevelt Arch artwork, as well as a more prominent version of the Yellowstone brand name and a Special Finishes Collection call-out. The bottle’s blue top-wrap helps to differentiate Yellowstone Rum Cask Finish from other Yellowstone variants. The Special Finishes Collection launched in October of 2023 with the release of Yellowstone Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Toasted Staves.

About Limestone Branch Distillery

Stephen Beam opened Limestone Branch Distillery in 2011, with the goal of crafting the finest spirits in small batches. Stephen is a seventh-generation distiller with a history of distilling on both sides of his family – Beam and Dant. In 2015, he brought the Yellowstone brand back to the family. The distillery is now home to Yellowstone Select, Yellowstone American Single Malt Whiskey, Yellowstone Limited Edition, Minor Case Rye Whiskey and Bowling & Burch Gin. For more information on Limestone Branch Distillery and Yellowstone, please visit www.limestonebranch.com, www.yellowstonebourbon.com or https://www.instagram.com/yellowstonebourbon/.

A wee reminder for those who haven’t heard…the team in Harris are proud to announce the date of our next release of The Hearach single malt whisky.

Batch No.s 09 / 10 / 11 / 12
TUESDAY 26TH OF MARCH 2024
10.00 GMT

All batches will be on sale through our online store and at the distillery shop here in Tarbert that morning while stocks last. You can also buy bottles from our network of specialist retailers and independent stores across the UK from that date as well.

Our global friends can also find this new release of batches as they begin appearing in their countries from this month onwards. The next release is as delicious as the first, but don’t take our word for it, here’s what some of our respected whisky friends had to say…

“This whisky is a wonderful new addition to a new generation of distillers…” 
– Dave Broom, whisky writer

“Spoiler alert: it’s tremendous.” 
– Douglas Blyde, Evening Standard

“It’s an absolute cracker.” 
– Neil Ridley, whisky writer

“I have never tasted a whisky like it, and have rarely been so impressed by a first release.” 
– Charles MacLean MBE , whisky writer

“Beautifully rounded, balanced, creamy texture, polished. Absolutely delicious” 
Tom Bruce-Gardyne, whisky writer

“It’s an absolutely deserved hype. As soon as I had a sip, batch 1 was in the basket!” 
Ian Robinson, Posh Scotch

It’s hard to argue with them, so we’ll just drink to their kind words instead!

Le gach deagh dhùrachd,

Mike Donald, Chief Storyteller

Torabhaig Cnoc Na Mòine 

The Legacy Series Chapter 3

Inspired by the spectacularly rugged coastline on which Torabhaig Distillery sits on the Isle of Skye. They have taken heavily peated grains to produce an elegantly rugged dram that balances strength with refinement to accentuate the floral, fragrant character of their whisky. Cnoc Na Mòine is aged in Bourbon, American Oak, Oloroso, and Pedro Ximenez Casks. The sherry casks in this new release lend a sweeter, richer flavour and a darker colour. The name Cnoc Na Mòine translates as ‘hill of peat’ and is geographically located in Knoydart, which can be seen across the Sound of Sleat from the Distillery.  Peat level 19.7 ppm

NOSE: Slightly subdued peat smoke backed by hints of orange peel, tangy fruit, and a whiff of dying embers. A touch of vanilla sweetness, and some freshly sawn oaky spice.

PALATE: Peat returns on the palate with more of a BBQ note, before the spirit brings in some pepper, a light balsamic acidity and more sweetness and gentle spice. Fragrant touches of cedar and leather, with the sherry casks adding some depth.

FINISH: The sherry influences are a wonderful light touch, showing themselves in harmonious balance with Torabhaig’s integrated peat and spice structure which shines through.

£57.95

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ABERFELDY® COLLABORATES WITH ARGENTINIAN WINERY FOR ITS LATEST WINE CASK EDITION

Hamilton, Bermuda, 12th March 2024 – ABERFELDY® Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky has announced a partnership with Argentinian Winery, Finca Ambrosia for the most recent edition to its Wine Cask Collection*.

ABERFELDY 21 Year Old Malbec Cask Finish is a celebration of two crafts coming together and two like-minded master craftspeople: a Malt Master and a Winemaker. This is the first partnership of its kind for ABERFELDY.

Located at the foothills of the Andes Mountains at an altitude of 1250m, the Finca Ambrosia estate uses organic practices and observes moon cycles for optimum harvest, to produce terroir-driven wines with flavours that express the intricacies and nuances of the district of Gualtallary, in the heart of Mendoza’s Uco Valley, considered to be the finest terroir in Argentina.

Such has been the rise of Finca Ambrosia’s reputation that, as well as producing their own signature wines, their fruit has now become some of the most sought after in the region, and the casks they use for ageing these fine wines, are equally desirable.

Distilled on 14th November 2001 and matured for over two decades in Sherry and Bourbon re-fill barrels and hogsheads, the limited edition ABERFELDY 21 YEAR OLD is finished for around 8 months in the winery’s Malbec French Oak wine casks.

The finishing casks previously held Finca Ambrosia’s, Viña Unica, a wine which represents their Winemaker, Daniel Pi’s constant search for identity and harmonious use of oak. It is a purely fruited, gently oaked red wine that delivers complexity and length, having spent 15 months in used French oak barrels. The barrels are created by a small family-owned cooperage in Burgundy, France called Mercurey, and are secured from four sustainably managed forests. They undergo a distinct toasting process to season the oak.

Combining their skills, Malt Master Stephanie Macleod and Winemaker Daniel Pi worked together to select these particular casks for finishing as they bring classic Malbec notes of blackberry, plum and black cherry. Nuanced flavours of cocoa powder, violet flowers, leather and sweet tobacco spice to the maturing whisky.

Stephanie comments: “This delicate yet complex Finca Ambrosia cask finish opens with intriguing notes of sweet, toasted cereal, herbal sage and hints of rosemary. It then begins to develop with ripe strawberries, drizzled in Aberfeldy’s signature Highland honey notes and then it’s delicately sharpened with notes of blackcurrant. Melting to floral notes of rose and violet, and a background hint of cinnamon spice. Settling on the palate the fruit sings and rejoices, soothing to a creamy vanilla and endlessly smooth finish.”

ABERFELDY 21 Year Old Malbec Cask Finish is bottled at 46% ABV, non-chill filtered and has natural colour. Priced at RRP: £230 / $279.99 USD, the expression is now available direct from the distillery shop and in the following key markets:  Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Luxemburg, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Singapore, Taiwan, UK, AMEA and​​ USA.

www.aberfeldy.com/shop/

About ABERFELDY Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Founded in 1898 where Perthshire’s tallest mountain, deepest loch, and longest glen meet, the Aberfeldy distillery is at the ‘Heart of Scotland’. Established by John Alexander Dewar, the distillery was built in sight of his father’s humble beginnings, strengthening the foundations of the family’s whisky legacy.

ABERFELDY is a Classic Central Highland Single Malt with signature soft, honeyed fruity notes, gentle spice and a malty backbone. Harnessing four styles of the finest quality oak casks for ageing: first-fill Sherry, first-fill Bourbon, refill and rechar, Malt Master Stephanie Macleod and the team of whisky-makers craft a RICH, ROUND and INDULGENT dram.

The brand’s core portfolio is comprised of ABERFELDY 12 Year Old, ABERFELDY 16 Year Old and ABERFELDY 21 Year Old.

The Single Malt brand of ABERFELDY is part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited.

*About ABERFELDY Wine Cask Collection

ABERFELDY’S Limited Edition series is curated by Malt Master Stephanie Macleod. Being highly accomplished in the sensory analyses of whisky, this collection was born through passion for maturation and flavour development.

Inspired by her adoration of fine wine, Stephanie began the exploration of how flavours from wine casks interact with and elevate ABERFELDY’S aged malt. Painstakingly nosing each cask to monitor maturation development within ABERFELDY’S inventory, ensuring that every whisky in the series has been expertly finished, is perfectly balanced and brimming with distillery character.

FROM SPEYSIDE TO SWEDEN:

BERRY BROS. & RUDD UNVEILS 2024 SPRING RELEASE

Berry Bros. & Rudd, the leading wine and spirits merchant, continues to demonstrate its commitment to celebrating the finest spirits from around the world with the launch of its 2024 Spring Release. Building upon a rich history and tradition of excellence, the latest  spirits lineup showcases an exceptional selection of whiskies from both emerging and iconic regions, including Sweden, Speyside and the Scottish highlands.

Renowned for their elegance and complexity, single malt Scotch whiskies hailing from Speyside take centre stage with releases from Knockdhu, Craigellachie, Glenlossie sitting alongside a Benrinnes distilled in 1979 from Berry Bros. & Rudd’s  highly coveted Exceptional Cask Collection. Accompanying the Speyside single malts is a peated Madeira cask finish from highland distillery Ardmore, offering earthy aromas that merge seamlessly into notes of sweet apricot and gummy fruits.

Representing the pinnacle of Swedish whisky craftsmanship and its flourishing distilling scene is a High Coast Peated 2012, a bottling with unmistakable nordic character that delivers an exceptional sensory experience.

Felix Dear, Spirits Curator for Berry Bros. & Rudd, commented:

“Building on the success of previous releases within our seasonal portfolio, we continue to pour our expertise and passion for spirit into selecting each bottle and curating these collections, with a goal of showcasing a diversity of flavour and makers. The 2024 Spring Release is no exception.

‘It is always a pleasure to shine a light on distilleries from the iconic Speyside and Highland regions, many a stone’s throw from where I have hosted whisky tastings in the past, and representing the burgeoning Swedish distilling scene.”

The 2024 Spring Release, featuring Benrinnes 1979 Exceptional Cask, Small Batch Glenlossie 2013, Craigellachie 2013, Knockdhu 2012, High Coast Peated 2012 and Ardmore 2009 will be available from 19th March 2024 at bbrspirits.com.

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TASTING NOTES

Benrinnes 1979 #62 Exceptional Cask

The crescendo of aromas in this whisky begins with musty hessian and attics before rising into honey-soaked pineapple and peaches. Magnificent hints of leather and elderflower soon follow. The palate expands on this theme with apricot jam, stewed apple and lychee before developing into antique oak, cigar boxes and musty earth. The finish offers dried fruits and aged tea. This kind of complexity requires nearly half a decade of quiet ageing so accept no substitute.

ABV: 42.1%

RRP: £1,800.00

Small Batch Glenlossie 2013

Aromas of spiced vanilla yoghurt open the nose of this Glenlossie leading to warm orchard fruits and green boiled sweets. The palate is fresh with flavours of apples and pears with honey, caramel, and clove rock. A long finish brings waves of sweet fruit and lingering wood spice.

ABV: 46%

RRP £70.00

Craigellachie 2013 #302040
Craigellachie’s muscular spirit shows emerging aromas of fresh hay, malt and fireworks, before orchard fruits and a softer floral side of rose petals and Port. The palate is notably thick, with more barley, eau de vie, underripe vanilla and blackberries before a puff of wood smoke and digestive biscuits appear. The finish is long and one can feel the spirits oils lingering and showing a touch of peppery spice.

ABV: 55.4%

RRP: £90.00

Knockdhu 2012 #7127
This Knockdhu has a dry, nutty nose expanding with time in the glass. It shows almonds and walnuts before green fruits and banana bread notes appear. The palate is an equally complex meeting of fruits, wood spice and distillate-driven nuttiness, offering an excellent mouthfeel. A little tobacco dances across the finish, with a burst of citrus and some honeyed green fruits.

ABV: 58.8%

RRP: £75.00

High Coast Peated 2012 #4333
The nose on this whisky is unmistakably High Coast. Opening with clean, chiselled peat smoke then fresh orchard fruit and icing sugar showing with time. The palate is powerful yet sophisticated and everything we’ve come to expect from this distillery. Peat smoke, crisp green apples, wood ash and some nice minerality shine through. The two years in an ex-Islay cask bring out a little more peat reek on a long finish. This is a wonderful dram from one of Sweden’s best.

ABV: 59.8%

RRP: £110.00

Ardmore 2009 #709317

This peaty Highlander has spent years luxuriating in a sweet Madeira cask. Its earthy aromas mingle nicely with sweet apricot notes and plenty of gummy fruits. The palate is wonderfully viscous with hugely chewy notes of fruity smoke, plums, charcoal, earthy peat, peaches and oak spice. There is huge complexity here. Lingering smoke comes in waves against an oily fruitiness.

ABV: 54.2%

RRP: £96.00

Berry Bros. & Rudd
Berry Bros. & Rudd has been a trusted merchant since 1698 and this year it celebrates 325 years in business. It’s survived over the centuries because, as a family business, it has always operated with family values in mind. Recognised as the global destination for fine wine and spirits, Berry Bros. & Rudd still operates from its historic home at No. 3 St James’s Street and are committed to helping customers drink better now, and in the future. As it marks its 325th year, it continues to collaborate with our community of customers, producers, and colleagues to help create a sustainable future so it can confidently raise a toast to the next 325 years.

bbrspirits.com

Benriach 12 Years Old Infrequent Flyers 

Aberdeen Whisky Shop Exclusive

Our next exclusive comes from the Benriach distillery, located in the Speyside region of Scotland. It has been distilled in 2011, matured for 12 years and bottled from Pedro Ximenez Hogshead, without chill-filtration or artificial colouring by Alistair Walker, exclusively for our shop.

 TASTING NOTES 

NOSE: Raisins with dark muscovado sugar, followed by walnut oil and figs.

PALATE: Delicate aniseed leads to rich espresso with buttery hot cross buns.

FINISH: Longing and moreish.

Only 328 bottles were produced.

Glasgow Distillery 1770 Manzanilla

A limited-edition release as part of The Glasgow Distillery’s Small Batch Series, this single cask utilises their unpeated double distilled single malt, which has been matured for over 5 years in a Manzanilla Sherry Butt, that previously held peated single malt whisky.  Only 813 Bottles have been produced.

NOSE: Notes of salinity, subtle smoke and dried apricots complement the toffee and a delicate floral honey sweetness.

PALATE: Rich and full-bodied with notes of orange rind, tobacco and salted caramel alongside rich tropical papaya, mango, and plums, with hints of fresh ginger, floral honey and chamomile.

FINISH: Big and bold with notes of dark chocolate, apple, vanilla, espresso, and light peppery spice.

£57.99

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A limited edition release as part of The Glasgow Distillery’s Small Batch Series, this single cask bottling showcases their delicate and floral triple distilled whisky. Initially matured in 1st fill ex-bourbon before being finished in a Tequila barrel for two and a half years.  Only 272 Bottles have been produced.

NOSE: Notes of rich homey, lemon and lime citrus, hints of vanilla and soft floral under tones.

PALATE: The palate explodes with fresh tropical fruits; pineapple, white grapefruit, and fresh honeydew melon balanced against vanilla, creamy maltiness and hints of lemongrass.

FINISH: Long and pronounced with delicate notes of fresh coconut, milk chocolate and a subtle white pepper spice.

£57.99

Glasgow Distillery 1770 Calvados Finish

A limited edition release as part of Glasgow Distillery’s Small Batch Series, this single cask showcases their first use of French Apple Brandy Casks with their unpeated double distilled whisky. Initially matured in a first fill ex-bourbon cask for nearly 4 years before being finished in a Calvados Barrel for nearly 2 and a half years.  Only 270 Bottles have been produced

NOSE: Fresh green apples and poached pear on the nose complemented by vibrant vanilla and citrus, with hints of baking spices and dark fruits.

PALATE: The palate is packed with freshly sliced apple, tropical fruit, hints of kiwi, vanilla custard, stone fruits and a slight oak spice.

FINISH: Long and satisfying with notes of caramel and baked apple pie with a dusting of nutmeg.

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MIDLETON VERY RARE

FORÊT DE TRONÇAIS

70cl | 48% ABV

Midleton Very Rare Forêt de Tronçais is a harmonious fusion of Irish and French luxury and craftsmanship. This exceptionally small batch release showcases Ireland’s most renowned Whiskey, matured in the finest French oak casks sourced from the Tronçais Forest in France.

This release features Midleton single grain and pot still whiskeys matured from the 1980s to 2000s in American oak casks. The Whiskey was finished for three years in bespoke French Oak to create the most elegant Midleton expression ever released.

£4,274.95

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NEW MAC-TALLA LIMITED EDITION

Introducing our newest Mac-Talla Limited Edition – Mac-Talla Oloroso. Peated whisky lovers, this one’s for you. This is a heavily peated whisky has spent its life in Oloroso Sherry Butts. With a big and bold nature you can expect robust peat smoke, baking spices and almonds. Available on shelves from the 21st March at select retailers.

Colour: Rich Amber

Nose: Peat smoke, phenols and spice

Palate: Warm spice, rich dark fruits & a big dollop of peat. Brown sugar and baking spices reminiscent of Christmas with a peat fire burning in the background.

FÈIS ÌLE 2024

Fèis Ìle 2024 is gearing up to be a fantastic week! We have lots of fun events planned from a Journey of Taste walk, a festival day full of games and drams to a cinema masterclass with head distiller at MSWD.

Mac-Talla – Journey of Taste Walk
Join us on a guided walk along Islay’s coast with 4 accompanying drams influenced by the Landscape. We’ll enjoy 4 distinctly different Islay Single Malts, while learning about how the location and landscape of the Island influences the whisky produced there.

Date: Monday 27th May 2024
Time: 14:00 – 16:30 approx.
Click here for a ticket.

*ticket price also includes branded hipflask.

Indie Whisky Festival

The Indie Whisky Festival is back this year with lots of exciting indie bottlers! Hosted by Dramfool it’s an event that’s not to be missed! We will be going along and showcasing our core range, alongside our more limited releases and of course our 2024 festival bottling.

Date: 28th May 2024
Time: Several sessions throughout the day
Location: Ramsay Hall, Port Ellen
Click here for a ticket

Mac-Talla Cinema Masterclass
Join Mac-Talla for an immersive journey of taste in the Machrie Cinema. Hosted by the man behind the liquid – Graeme Mackeddie, explore a selection of varied drams that showcase the diversity of the Island.

Date: 28th May 2024
Time: 14:00 – 16:00
Location: The Machrie Hotel
Click here for a ticket

Journey of Taste Whisky Dinner
Enjoy a welcome reception in the Machrie’s screening room, where Brand Ambassador Thomas Cuthbert will take you through the Mac-Talla range. Following the reception, we’ll enjoy a four course dinner, served alongside hand-picked whiskies, including a new, limited edition and Morrison Family cask sample whiskies.

Date: 28th May 2024
Time: 18:00 – 22:30
Location: The Machrie Hotel
Click here for a ticket

Journey of Taste Festival Day
We are delighted to host a tropical Journey of Taste Whisky Festival at the Machrie Luxury Golf Hotel Courtyard. You can expect a welcome dram in a complimentary branded glass, delicious BBQ, a dram token for an additional whisky  while you enjoy live music by the amazing Tàlan and fun lawn games to some prizes!

Date: 29th May 2024
Time: 16:00 – 19:00
Location: The Machrie Hotel
Click here for a ticket

Lochside Bar Takeover
Join us for one night only as we take over the Lochside side bar for cocktail imbibing in Caribbean style. Brand Ambassador, Thomas Cuthbert, will be flexing his mixology skills with a Caribbean-themed cocktail menu. Please note that the free tickets are for event awareness only. No tickets required for entry.

Date: 29th May 2024
Time: 16:00 – 23:00
Location: Lochside Hotel
See event here

Islay Sea Adventures with Mac-Talla
Islay Sea Adventures and Mac-Talla Islay Whisky have teamed up for a whisky and wildlife tour, taking in the Island’s stunning scenery, paired with delicious whisky! Mark, from the Mac-Talla team, will be on board to enlighten guests all about our award winning whisky.  You will have the opportunity to purchase Mac-Talla products on return to the harbour from a pop-up shop.

Date: 27th May 2024
Time: 14:00 – 16:00
Location: Islay Sea Adventures
Please call Islay Sea Adventure on 01496 300129 to book tickets

Our Small Batch range of whiskies are not only a testament to the great work the distillers do but they are also great fun to create and normally involve plenty of tasting along the way. The release is no exception. After trying to marry lots of different casks together and ending up with lots of lovely whisky – it is incredibly satisfying when you find a marriage that just works better than others. This release is the result of a perfect union between single malts matured in Bourbon casks & Oloroso casks.

The process of taking cask samples and marrying them together in the glass is not a fast process and when you do finally get a winner, it is prudent to leave it in the glass for some time to see how it will develop. This whisky just got better and better. The end result is single malt whisky, limited to just 2100 bottles that is a joy to drink.

Non-chill filtered. Natural colouring.

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