As our 40th anniversary celebrations end, we couldn’t be more thrilled to announce the launch of our 50th Anniversary Cask Club, setting the stage for an exciting new decade ahead.  

We’re extending this exclusive opportunity to our valued members, granting you the chance to own a piece of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s future by embarking on a remarkable journey with a cask, witnessing its transformation over 10 years from cask to bottle.

To curate this unparalleled experience, we’ve carefully hand-selected batches of new-make spirit from two prestigious Scottish whisky distilleries, placing them into casks where they will mature into remarkable, one-of-a-kind whiskies. Once bottled, the whisky from these casks will form part of a unique 50th Anniversary range in 2033, only available to those members who are part of this programme.

Whether you’ve dreamt of maturing your own whisky or are simply looking to deepen your connection to The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, this is your chance to be part of something truly remarkable.

Don’t let this exclusive opportunity slip away! Visit the website to discover everything you need to know about the 50th Anniversary Cask Club

FIND OUT MORE

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

Introducing the Spirit of Toronto 2023 Holiday Edition

Never say never: it was difficult to imagine yet another slate of virtual tastings after our last one in the fall of 2022, given the logistics of producing such a comprehensive series of at-home masterclasses.

While we appreciate the convenience it offered, the time and effort involved was immense, and coordinating so many schedules across different time zones was challenging. Nevertheless, we thoroughly enjoyed connecting with whiskymakers and whisky fans beyond the live show, so we went back to the drawing board to find a new way for people to bring Spirit of Toronto home.

I believe we’ve succeeded, but ultimately you’ll be the judge:

Our workaround for 2023 has been to double the number of samples on offer while making half as many tasting kits, and then pre-recording the tutored tastings between our team and the participating distillers and blenders who generously made time to talk and taste with us. We had fun filming these sessions, and somehow managed to fit in a cocktail, a blind tasting, and a food pairing for the epicureans among you.

These will be archived on our website for the next 365 days, giving tasters a chance to sit in on an exchange between our team of whisky lovers and the people who make the whiskies that make us smile.

Packaged in a gorgeous, handmade wooden giftbox, the result is the Spirit of Toronto Holiday Edition, which we’ve lovingly nicknamed “Spirit-of-Toronto-in-a-box” – our at-home version of Canada’s premiere whisky show, boasting an impressive selection of whiskies from Scotland, Ireland, India, USA and Canada. Each 20ml sample features a QR code linked to its respective tasting ‘conversation’, so that the opportunity to taste and learn from whiskymakers is kept intact.

In short, our hope is that these whiskies and tastings mimic a similar vibe to attending Spirit of Toronto in person — put out a cheeseboard with jazz in the background and you might even come close!

The Spirit of Toronto Holiday Edition goes on sale Friday November 24 at 10:00am ET, and will begin shipping across Canada the week of December 11. If you’re subscribed to this list then expect an automatic notification on Friday morning.

And… because we love a Black Friday deal as much as anyone, we’ll be offering shipping at no charge until Sunday November 26 at 11:59pm ET.

In the best of spirits,

Johanna Ngoh
Founder and Executive Producer

BRUICHLADDICH 2011 Single Cask

£185 / $192* / c$262* / €176*

Micro Provenance Series 12 Year old, 2nd fill AMF Amarone #0300 distilled with Bere barley bottled at 61.7%. Bruichladdich 12 Year Old 2011 vintage Islay single malt Scotch whisky. Single cask 2nd Fill AMF Amarone #0300 distilled with Bere barley January 2011 bottled May 2023. Selected for the United Kingdom market just 288 numbered bottles. This bundle includes TWO bottles: 1x bottle of Bruichladdich 12 Year Old 2011 Micro Provenance #0300 1x botte of Bruichladdich Classic Barley

Sold as a bundle with The Classic Laddie

Bruichladdich Distillery was established in 1881 by the Harvey family of distillers based in Glasgow. Situated on the Rhinns peninsular on the island of Islay close and close to the sandy bays of Loch Indaal. Re-opened in 2001 with much of the original Victorian equipment restored to working order. The first release of Bruichladdich’s new whisky was the highly acclaimed PC5, the first release in the limited Port Charlotte range. Also producing very highly peated Octomore, Organic using Islay grown barley, and triple and quadruple distilled single malt and single cask releases. Bruichladdich distillery participates in Feis Ile, the annual Islay Whisky Festival.

Caol Ila 14 Year Old “Dramfool’s Middle Cut” Cask #313329 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) ($139.99)

K&L Notes: The first pair of Caol Ila casks in Dramfool’s new Middle Cut private cask line is a doozy. We’ve partnered with Dramfool to be able to give our customers one of the coolest Caol Ila tastings you could ever hope to put together. These compelling casks were part of the legendary Jim McEwan’s retirement plan—the choicest of barrels from Bruichladdich’s early revival days personally selected and owned by Jim himself. This year’s pair of Caol Ila casks, bottled at 14 years old, were finished in McEwan Release 1.2 and 2.2. Barrel #313329 was reracked into release 2.2, the Port Charlotte release that had been aged in a first-fill bourbon barrel from Beam. The result is a smokier and sweeter version of Caol Ila thanks to the additional Port Charlotte influence and an extra bump from what is effectively a super high-quality, now second-fill, Bourbon barrel.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: April 22, 2023

Cask #313329 is a beauty. It is more classic Caol Ila than #313321, and perhaps that’s no surprise as there is no wine influence here, just Caol Ila’s famous fruit, grass, and smoke paired with a sweet bourbon barrel and an extra hit of smoke. Upfront notes of vanilla custard, peat, and gummy peach rings. Butterscotch. Salty, smoky, rendered bacon fat. Golf course. Honey graham crackers. It’s got it all and is a great contrasting cask to #313321. The palate is weighty and sweet with a mouth-coating smoke and a balancing herbaceousness. It finishes very clean and sweet. Medium length. If you love the OB Caol Ila 12 year, you’ll flip over this bottling at two more years and cask strength.

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

HISTORIC WHISKIES ENCAPSULATE DISTILLERY’S ROLLERCOASTER PAST 

Irreplaceable bottlings from the 1980s celebrate Ardbeg’s survival – against the odds 

Ardbeg today releases two historic whiskies created at the most pivotal moments of the Islay single malt’s past. Uniting irreplaceable stock from the Distillery’s most turbulent time, Ardbeg The Rollercoaster uniquely captures its lows and highs. Contained within 143 sets, these two rare cask single malts are time capsules of a bygone Ardbeg. One was distilled in 1981 when the Distillery closed, many feared forever. The other in 1989, as its hope-filled revival began. Together, they embody the irrepressible spirit of Ardbeg, which has survived against the odds.

Founded in 1815 on the remote Scottish island of Islay, Ardbeg is famed for creating the world’s smokiest drams. But while this whisky is today revered around the world, its path has been strewn with challenges. In the 1970s, with fashion favouring blended whiskies, just a few casks each year were set aside to be matured as single malt. As a result, stock from that decade is exceptionally hard to come by. Then during the 1980s, the Scotch whisky industry suffered a downturn, which left Ardbeg in a perilous state. On 25^th March 1981, the Distillery and on-site maltings closed, and it seemed the iconic name of Ardbeg might be lost for good. Over the next eight years, the Distillery stood silent, its future hanging in the balance. Eventually, as the outlook for Scotch improved, Ardbeg’s fortunes changed. And the Distillery re-opened under new ownership in October 1989, to begin a brave new chapter.

Created two weeks before the Distillery’s closure, The Rollercoaster’s first whisky is from the last cask remaining from the stock of 1981. This 42-year-old bottling was created from a blend of heavily peated malt (up to 110ppm) from Ardbeg’s own malting floors, as well lightly peated malt, only used at the Distillery for a very short period to create “Kildalton-style” Ardbeg. Aged in bourbon casks, then transferred into a single Oloroso sherry cask for rich, spicy notes, it is an unrepeatable taste of Ardbeg’s past.

Celebrating Ardbeg’s 1989 revival, The Rollercoaster’s second whisky is one of the Distillery’s final casks left from that year. It was distilled on 6th December, just weeks after production restarted. By then, malt was supplied by Islay’s Port Ellen Maltings. And to create spirit more suitable for blends, the peating level was lowered to 30-35ppm (today it is a minimum of 50ppm). After an initial maturation in bourbon casks, the whisky was later reracked into a single refill bourbon cask to enhance its subtle peated style. Aged 33 years, its unique flavours capture a singular moment in the Distillery’s history.

As its fans know well, however, Ardbeg’s tumult did not end in 1989 – and the Distillery closed again in 1996. Yet, saved from extinction a year later, it has gone from strength to strength. Ardbeg now has a near-cult following and is one of the highest-awarded smoky malts. Leaving its darkest days far behind, Ardbeg has shown itself to be among the world’s most collectible whiskies. And its core range has won legions of fans around the globe for its signature smoky and complex style.

CEO Caspar MacRae said: “From our Distillery’s most perilous low come two unrepeatable bottlings which take Ardbeg to new heights. Ardbeg The Rollercoaster shows just how far our Distillery has come since its uncertain past. Today, Ardbeg is one of the world’s most collectible whiskies. And as its fanbase continues to grow, we are more invested in our Distillery and our island community than ever before. We have built a new stillhouse to ensure the future of Ardbeg’s legendary smoky spirit, and we have recently invested in a well-known hotel on Islay, so we can create a world-class hospitality experience for residents and visitors alike. Here’s to the future of Ardbeg!”

Ardbeg’s Director of Whisky Creation, Dr Bill Lumsden, said: “Ardbeg The Rollercoaster is a unique opportunity for collectors to experience two very different tastes of Ardbeg’s heritage, and acquire a set of bottlings with an incredible story. The 1981 expression was made from some of the last malt ever to emerge from our maltings as Ardbeg teetered on the brink of closure. It is a beautiful combination of sweet and spicy sherried notes and hints of Ardbeg’s savoury side. Distilled soon after spirit flowed from the stills again, with a radically different malt, the 1989 is an equally singular Ardbeg. Classic notes of lime and vanilla combine with sea spray and very subtle, smoky tones. A snapshot of the contrasting spirits of those days, the time capsule whiskies of Ardbeg The Rollercoaster will go down in Ardbeg history.”

Whisky Expert and Writer, Charles Maclean, who tasted the whiskies with Dr Bill Lumsden, said: “The Rollercoaster’s two whiskies vividly embody the up-and-down fortunes of Ardbeg Distillery during the 1980s. With their rich historical provenance, intriguing stories and exceptional flavour, these rare, limited editions will be highly sought after by collectors.

“While these single malts are quite different to each other in taste and aroma, both are created from more lightly peated malt than the Ardbeg of today – and so have a gentler phenolic style. I find the 1981 whisky unusually mentholic and cooling, and the 1989 particularly elegant and reserved. Both are fascinating representations of highly significant years in Ardbeg’s history.”

Beautifully encased in a presentation box crafted from solid Scottish oak by renowned designer John Galvin, Ardbeg The Rollercoaster’s 143 sets will be offered to collectors and connoisseurs through the Moët Hennessy Private Client channel, across the world.

To register interest in purchasing Ardbeg The Rollercoaster, visit ardbeg.com or enquire at the Distillery Visitor Centre on Islay. Price on application.

www.ardbeg.com

Twitter: @Ardbeg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ardbeg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ardbeg/

The Rollercoaster’s first whisky: Ardbeg Cask No.1 1981

This whisky was distilled 11^th March 1981, from a rare union of malts. It was produced using a heavily peated malt (up to 110ppm) – some of the last ever made in Ardbeg’s own maltings – as well as very lightly peated malt, used to create “Kildalton-style” Ardbeg. This was produced at the Distillery owner’s maltings in Kilgour, Fife, in the east of Scotland, and only used at the Distillery from 1978-1981. This intriguing spirit was laid down bourbon barrels – some of the final casks filled before the Distillery closed on 25^th March that year. The whisky was then transferred into a refill Oloroso sherry cask on 30^th August 2006, to bring subtle sherried notes to its classically smoky style. It was bottled on 20^th June 2023 at 47.3% ABV.

Tasting notes

Colour: Burnt Orange

Aroma: A beautiful combination of Brazil-nut-flavoured toffee, orange syrup, linseed oil, the gentlest hint of woodsmoke, some touches of grilled asparagus and pepper, and a soft but distinctively savoury note like sourdough bread. A few drops of water releases more toffee notes, a touch of Viennese coffee and some distant herbs.

Taste: A rich, warming and peppery mouthfeel leads into a symphony of incredible flavours – soft burnished leather, aniseed, toffee, demerara sugar, and a gentle tarry smoke flavour. Then the spices appear: clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, with some soft, sweet malty biscuity notes.

Finish: Soothing and gentle, goes on forever, with a balanced combination of dates, toffee, leather and creosote.

The Rollercoaster’s second whisky: Ardbeg Cask No.17 1989

Distilled on 6^th December 1989, this whisky was among the first single malt to be laid down after Ardbeg re-opened in October that year. With malt now supplied by Port Ellen maltings at 30-35ppm to make it more suitable for blending, its spirit was much more lightly peated than had formerly been traditional for Ardbeg – or is today. From 1989-1996, production was intermittent, as Ardbeg only operated for two months each year. This spirit was initially laid down in bourbon barrels, and transferred into a refill bourbon cask on 11^th August 1999, to enhance its gently peated character. It was bottled on 20^th June 2023 at 45.3% ABV.

Tasting notes

Colour: Deep Gold

Aroma: Sooty and drying, with wax crayons, fennel, mustard seed and toasting bread, along with that most distinctive of Ardbeg aromas, like pine resin or smoked lime skins. A splash of water releases a creaminess, with a gentle touch of vanilla and smoked pear, along with some briny sea spray.

Taste: A creamy and effervescent texture is followed by a burst of aniseed toffee, hints of smoked popcorn, smoked paprika and gentle, soothing antiseptic lozenges.

Finish: Tarry smoke is present and beautifully integrated with sweet vanilla and Viennese coffee.

Ardbeg

Ardbeg prides itself on being The Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky. Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts. Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’. During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future, and it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction. Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well-established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following. Today, Ardbeg is one of the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whiskies. 

The Ardbeg Committee

The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded in 2000 by the formation of the Ardbeg Committee.  The Committee is made up of thousands of Ardbeg followers worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”. Today there are more than 180,000 members of the Ardbeg Committee in over 130 countries.  Committee Members are regularly consulted on new bottlings and expressions and are offered exclusive Committee bottlings.  Members also receive invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events.  The Committee, chaired by Jackie Thomson, is free to join at ardbeg.com.

Awards

Ardbeg is one of the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whiskies.  Since 2008, Ardbeg has won more than 50 gold and double gold medals in key whisky competitions.  Ardbeg has twice been awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards (2010, 2013).  At the 2014 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, then Distillery Manager Mickey Heads was voted ‘Distillery Manager of the Year’.  The following year, Ardbeg’s expressions took the top three spots in Whisky Advocate magazine’s review of the best single malt Scotch whiskies under US$100.  Meanwhile, both Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Ardbeg Uigeadail have been awarded gold medals at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Ardbeg Ten Years Old also won the Best Single Malt Scotch 10 Year Old at the International Whisky Competition 2019, while the Ardbeg Distillery won the Distillery of the Year 2019. In 2020, the International Whisky Competition awarded Ardbeg Corryvreckan first place for Best Single Malt Scotch, Best Single Malt Scotch (No Age Statement), Best cask Strength (Over 57% ABV), Best Peated Scotch and Best Islay Single Malt. Ardbeg Wee Beastie also earned first place for Best Single Malt Scotch Under 10 Year Old and The Ardbeg Distillery achieved another Distillery of the Year award. In 2021, Dr Bill Lumsden was awarded Master Distiller of the Year for the fifth time, and Ardbeg Uigeadail won World Whisky of the Year in the International Whisky Competition. In 2022, at the International Whisky Competition, Ardbeg was awarded The Distillery of the Year Award, while Ardbeg Ardcore won first place in Best New Scotch Release, Best Peated Single Malt and Best Islay Single Malt. In 2023 to date, Ardbeg has been awarded four Gold and eight silver medals at the International Spirits Competition, Silver in the International Wine & Spirits Competition and Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Ardbeg Rollercoaster’s presentation box

Designed and crafted by John Galvin Design, the wooden gift edition which houses this set of bottles is inspired by Ardbeg’s rollercoaster history. Its contemporary design has been created using a fusion of hand-crafted techniques and precision engineering. On the front of the gift box, made from Scottish oak, an undulating copper-coloured line reflects the track of a rollercoaster. It opens up to reveal an interior with details in copper and leather, reminiscent of a rollercoaster car – complete with the traditional bumper. Behind the bumper sit the two bottles, side by side, as if ready to begin a hair-raising journey at the funfair. Meanwhile, on Ardbeg’s classic green bottles, the dates 1981 and 1989 are playfully picked out in a rollercoaster track design. The stoppers are also copper in colour, with wavy lines evoking a rollercoaster motion. On each label, the outlook for Ardbeg at the time is depicted – on the 1981 is written: ‘The End Was Nigh’ and on the 1989 ‘A New Beginning’.

Ardbeg’s barley

Ardbeg malted its own heavily-peated barley on site until 1981 until the distillery was mothballed. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Distillery was also producing unpeated “Kildalton-style” Ardbeg, using unpeated malt from Kilgour Maltings in Fife. As a result, Ardbeg’s peating style was varied. When it re-opened in 1989, the Distillery began using barley malted at Port Ellen Maltings on Islay. Ardbeg uses the same maltings today, with malt created to its exact specifications. 

Ardbeg’s Collectability

Rare Whisky 101 produces in-depth reports of the rare whisky market. In a recent report, its Collectors Ranking table shows Ardbeg as the second-most collectable whisky, equally weighting volume and value data for whisky sold in the UK at auction. https://www.rarewhisky101.com/intelligence

The Glenmorangie Company

The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay Malt.

Responsible Drinking

Ardbeg and The Glenmorangie Company advocate responsible drinking and suggest that drinkers savour Ardbeg whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

Classic Lowland elegance meets rich fruit and spice in our next exclusive, limited-edition Black Friday whisky. Our 2023-release lands at 6am GMT on 24 November and only 2,000 bottles have been produced so when they’re gone, they’re gone.

GET READY!

SPRINGBANK 10 YEARS
PALO CORTADO 55%
6 Years in Bourbon/4 Years in Palo Cortado

UK RRP £90 – £95

Nose
There are notes of parma violets, buttercream icing and peaches on the nose, along with hints of cola and grated ginger.

Palate
Soft peat smoke comes through on the palate, complemented by notes of red velvet cake, strawberry laces and icing sugar.

Finish
There is a waxiness in the finish with notes of orange rind and the continuation of the peat smoke.

Available via ballot from various retailers

BRUICHLADDICH DISTILLERY 24 Year Old Black Art 11.1 (2023)

The new 2023 release from Bruichladdich.Black Art 11.1 is a limited release. A beguiling dram shrouded in mystery with details only known the the Head Distiller. Matured for 24 years and bottled at 44.2%.

BRUICHLADDICH 24YO BLACK ART 11.1
£420 / $425* / c$595* / €400*

Nose: Dried fruits, leather and a hint of citrus immediately open on the nose, followed by a fresh sea breeze. Sweet fruit and floral notes come to the fore, with poached pear, delicate rose hip syrup, black cherry, and sweet mango. The complexity of the single malt is apparent as the aromas continue to open, with cedar and mellow oak complemented with butterscotch, praline, honey, and a hint of cinnamon. Warming oats are balanced with fragrant notes of rose and pear drops.

Taste: Dried fruits, dates, raisins, barley sugar, leather and oak open on the palate, followed by butterscotch sweetness, praline and hints of coconut and fresh citrus. Sweet apple and pear are married with toasted oak, warming wood spice, dark plums and marzipan, with layers of depth opening with each sip.

Finish: Oak and dried fruit come to the fore, with Christmas cake notes of sultanas, fig, marzipan, and lingering honey adding to the beautifully rounded finish.

Bruichladdich Distillery was established in 1881 by the Harvey family of distillers based in Glasgow. Situated on the Rhinns peninsular on the island of Islay close and close to the sandy bays of Loch Indaal. Re-opened in 2001 with much of the original Victorian equipment restored to working order. The first release of Bruichladdich’s new whisky was the highly acclaimed PC5, the first release in the limited Port Charlotte range. Also producing very highly peated Octamore, Organic using Islay grown barley, and triple and quadruple distilled single malt and single cask releases. Bruichladdich distillery participates in Feis Ile, the annual Islay Whisky Festival.

BOWMORE® AND ASTON MARTIN ANNOUNCE US DEBUT OF NEWEST BOTTLE COLLABORATION: MASTERS’ SELECTION THIRD EDITION 

Masters’ Selection Third Edition Celebrates Unity and Constancy 

NEW YORK, NY – November 1, 2023 – Bowmore® Islay Single Malt Scotch is pleased to unveil the latest bottle in the storied collaboration with fellow iconic luxury brand partner, Aston Martin: Bowmore Masters’ Selection Third Edition.

The 22-year-old single malt is crafted in the spirit of intentionality by both brands’ creative masters: Bowmore Master Blender Ron Welsh and Aston Martin Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman. It has been double matured in purposefully selected European Oak, and Oloroso Sherry seasoned casks along with an optimal mix of American Oak hogsheads. The result yields the definitively constant character of Bowmore.

Now available in the US for an SRP of $400 per 750-ml. bottle, Bowmore Masters’ Selection Third Edition arrives to the US after a global rollout in markets including the UK, Germany, Canada, and China. Marking the fifth bottle collaboration in a series of marvellous releases since 2020, Masters’ Selection Third Edition represents a partnership driven by a constancy, inherent in each of the Masters’ own approach that comes to life, informed by beauty, knowledge, and inspiration.  Strength and depth unite, just as sweetness and intensity combine to create a powerfully rich and captivating symphony of flavors.

Ron Welsh, Master Blender, Bowmore, said of the latest release: “In the creation of every individual Bowmore, we undertake an endless search for depth; of character, of flavour and with every step we capture the very essence of the past 240 years. This stunning whisky celebrates this defining constant which drives, inspires and immerses us in this quest. Working with Marek and his team has highlighted how this is fundamental to both our creative processes and outcomes.  It is my absolute pleasure to be able to work with Aston Martin as we challenge ourselves and our perceptions together, learning and growing as we go, this is without doubt the most exhilarating and rewarding of collaborations.”

Crafted with consideration over 240 years, Bowmore has an inherent appreciation as to how each moment comes to bear on the character of the whisky, and how time past has shaped today.  Rooted in intentionality, Bowmore’s whiskies are made with purpose, shaping every drop, adding depth and distinction of flavor to shape each single malt. It is this precise ethos which drives the collaboration: sharing the intention to manifest beautiful, timeless creations that define a collaborative legacy, with a firm eye on the future, inspiring what comes next.

For Aston Martin it is restless perpetuity which defines the ambition, the vision, and the focus in the creation of the world’s most desirable, ultra-luxury British performance sportscars, capable of unimaginable feats of engineering and breath-taking performance.

Marek Reichman, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer, Aston Martin, said, “Our quest is without compromise and could be called obsessive, but that is what makes us relentless in our approach. Like Ron and his team, we push the bespoke nature of our craft to the limits in our pursuit of perfection. We never stop short or settle for anything but the best to achieve the beauty which defines us. This whisky is testament to their passion, talent and human skill.  I remain eternally inspired by the whisky making process and believe this masterpiece of flavour creation perfectly captures the spirit of Aston Martin.”

For more information, please visit:

www.bowmore.com

Facebook.com/BOWMORE
Twitter.com/BOWMORE
Instagram.com/BOWMORE

Tasting Notes:

COLOR: Russet.

NOSE: Rich and sweet, with initial notes of lemon peel, poached peaches and vanilla giving way to indulgent tones of treacle, salted toffee, antique oak, roasted chestnuts and soft leather.

TASTE: Rich and intense. Sherried, complex and nutty in character, with hints of cocoa beans intermingled with sundried raisins, Muscovado sugar, red berries and an elegant layer of peat smoke.

FINISH: Long and sweet with lingering oak spices and sea salt.

ABV: 51.0%

ABOUT BOWMORE®

For over 240 years, the Bowmore Distillery has been capturing the essence of Islay from the shores of its remote island home. Shaped by centuries of skill and tradition, Bowmore’s single malt harnesses the power of this time in every single drop, defined by the past and savoured in the present.

Time is defining at Bowmore® and we tirelessly harness the power of time to shape our whiskies. Our distillery’s adherence to traditional production methods helps to shape the character of our fruity and smoky single malts. Today, we are amongst one of a few distilleries which still produces its own floor malted barley, hand-turned by a traditional wooden malt shovel and hand drawn machinery.  Water for the whiskies is specially drawn from the Laggan River, with its rich peaty overtones – the same Islay peat that fires the malt-drying kiln.

Bowmore® Distillery’s proximity to the sea is also vital in determining the final character of its spirit and gives a hint of sea air to the character. The legendary Bowmore® No. 1 Vaults is where most of the whiskies spend their long lives resting quietly in the cool, dark, damp cellars below sea level, oblivious to the waves thrashing the vault’s sea-facing wall.

Matured in oak casks, previously used for bourbon, sherry, or claret, over time developing rich and mellow flavours until the expertise of our whisky makers deems them ready for bottling.  It is this combination of peat, barley, sea breeze, water, wood, people, and tradition that makes Bowmore the exceptional single malt it is today.

Time is marked on each and every bottle of Bowmore, proudly and boldly as a marker of where and when each one’s journey began.  This is our story of time. This is Bowmore; the Art of Time since 1779.

www.bowmore.com 

ABOUT BEAM SUNTORY

As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires the brilliance of life by delivering great consumer experiences through its world-class portfolio of brands.  Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam®, Maker’s Mark®, Basil Hayden® and Knob Creek® bourbons; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Teacher’s, Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Beam Suntory also produces leading brands such as Courvoisier® cognac, Tres Generaciones®, El Tesoro® and Hornitos® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, Canadian Club® whisky, 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 more than 30 countries, one of Beam Suntory’s core values is Growing for Good and through its Proof Positive sustainability strategy, the company has committed to ambitious goals and investments to promote environmental sustainability in its operations, ensure the company has a positive impact on the communities where employees live and work, and programs to educate and inform consumers to make the right personal choices about drinking. Headquartered in New York City, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com 

ABOUT ASTON MARTIN LAGONDA

Aston Martin’s vision is to be the world’s most desirable, ultra-luxury British brand, creating the most exquisitely addictive performance cars.

Founded in 1913 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford, Aston Martin is acknowledged as an iconic global brand synonymous with style, luxury, performance, and exclusivity. Aston Martin fuses the latest technology, time honoured craftsmanship and beautiful styling to produce a range of critically acclaimed luxury models including the Vantage, DB12, DBS, DBX and its first hypercar, the Aston Martin Valkyrie.

Based in Gaydon, England, Aston Martin Lagonda designs, creates and exports cars which are sold in 56 countries around the world. Its sportscars are manufactured in Gaydon with its luxury DBX SUV range proudly manufactured in St Athan, Wales.

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The Perfect Fifth Introduces Oran Blended Scotch Whisky

Jim Murray, Famed Whisky Critic, Created Both Blends

NEW YORK (Nov. 16, 2023) – The Perfect Fifth, an American independent Scotch Whisky bottler known for its rare, ultra-premium single cask Scotch Whiskies, is introducing a new line, Oran, a blended Scotch Whisky created by whisky expert Jim Murray, author of “Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.”   Murray has long served as a behind-the-scenes blender for many distilleries world-wide, but his partnership with The Perfect Fifth is his first public foray into an official blending role with a company, allowing his 40 years of sensory experience as a whisky taster, blender, and evaluator to shine in his new position.

Murray designed Oran to be an “old school” blend recognizable to whisky lovers of the heyday of blended whisky some 100 years ago, Oran’s grain and malt components are created separately but ultimately combined as the perfect complement to one another.  Oran, which means “song” in Gaelic, is a harmonious blend of the finest grains and single malts, unveiling layers of flavor much like the musical layers in a melody.

“There is a temptation to disregard blended Scotch in this time of single malt, yet the blend of grain whisky and malt is a creation which offers myriad possibilities,” said Murray.  “The objective in the creation of Oran is to offer delicate complexity and finely tuned balance. I believe we have achieved that in the first two releases, and we look forward to creating additional bends in the future which showcase the same attributes.”

The first two releases, Blend No. 1 and Blend No. 2, are both 50-50-50 blends, 50 percent single malt Scotch Whisky, 50 percent single grain Scotch Whisky, and 50 percent alcohol by volume (ABV). Both blends are limited releases, containing only 465 bottles each.

A total of 11 different casks were used to make both blends. Some of the casks were split between both blends but with differing ratios. Blend No. 1 is composed exclusively of Ex-Bourbon casks.  Tasting notes for Blend No. 1 describe it as having a nose with the lightest of smokiness heralding the fruitier elements.  The taste has a beautiful mouth feel in which the malt and grains form juicy layers through which the spices easily permeate. The finish has a distinct chocolatey feel.

Blend No. 2 distinguishes itself with the addition of a sherried cask component.  It is described as having a sweet grassy and lush nose, followed by a salivating delivery with beautiful honeydew melon sweetness, giving the malt a pleasant softness.  The finish is described as being long and linear, with tingling spice.

“Throughout my travels to Scotland, I’ve always been touched by its beauty.  Not only the physical beauty in the landscapes but also the beauty in the craftsmanship of its whiskies and the flavor of its single malts,” said Karl Schoen, founder and chief executive officer, The Perfect Fifth.  “Oran is an extension of those experiences, meant to blend together the appreciation for the rugged beauty of the land with the homage to its whisky makers, united in perfect harmony.”

Oran Blend No. 1 and Blend No. 2 are available in limited quantities at retailers in New York, New Jersey and California. It is also available online at www.theperfectfifth.com.  Suggested retail pricing is $189 per 700 mL.

About The Perfect Fifth

The Perfect Fifth was created in 2019 by Karl Schoen, who was inspired by watching his family members toast milestones with Scotch Whisky as he grew up.  As Karl began his own exploration into the world of Scotch Whisky, he enjoyed finding stellar single cask bottlings and sharing them with others.  This led to the formation of The Perfect Fifth, where Karl and his brother Ben source the best quality whisky from all over Scotland.  Together they travel throughout Scotland, sampling cask after cask until they find those worthy to be selected for The Perfect Fifth. Few casks make the cut, which is why The Perfect Fifth releases are limited editions.  Like the musical interval, The Perfect Fifth releases consist of multiple layers, each one broad and deep, which when combined, make a beautiful assembly meant to be shared with family and friends.