R&B Distillers gets go ahead for Machrihanish Distillery in Campbeltown

R&B also announces the acquisition of a controlling stake in Caskshare.com

William Dobbie, Managing Director of R&B Distillers: “Our Machrihanish Distillery news and Caskshare majority stake puts us on a clear track towards achieving our vision of becoming the leading new wave spirits business in Scotland.” 

Edinburgh, Isle of Raasay, London, 22^nd April 2024 – R&B Distillers has secured planning permission from Argyll and Bute Council for its Machrihanish Distillery, the first farm-to-bottle distillery in Campbeltown in over 180 years. R&B purchased the Dhurrie Farm in Machrihanish in 2021, and having received the green light for the distillery development – starting with whisky production followed by a full visitor experience, shop, and tasting room – will now work with various stakeholders around environmental guidelines and other conditions before beginning construction on the site next year.

The Machrihanish Distillery will deliver a new single malt Scotch whisky for R&B, who already own the award-winning Isle of Raasay Distillery, of which R&B says: “while different in style of spirit and region, will exhibit a similar philosophy around provenance, quality, and community regeneration”.

R&B plans to develop a sustainable net zero distilling model that removes any fossil fuel use from the whisky distilling process, using regenerative, environmentally friendly farming practices and creating greater biodiversity in the surrounding area. Up to 20 new jobs will be created in the region over time, having a positive impact on the local economy.

William Dobbie, Managing Director of R&B Distillers, said: “The rubber stamp for the distillery marks a major milestone on our journey in Campbeltown. When the whisky becomes of age our investment will go beyond production, attracting visitors to the region and supporting the local economy in a similar way to our existing distillery on Raasay.”

“We are excited to be making this investment in Campbeltown and supporting the local economy through jobs and visitors. This milestone has particular significance to our family as my father Bill’s family come from Drumlemble, a small village in between Machrihanish and Campbeltown.”

“We would like to thank everyone who has helped us get to this stage – including Argyll and Bute Council, neighbouring whisky producers Glen Scotia and J&A Mitchell, and most importantly our customers and partners for continuing to support R&B and our brands.”

R&B Distillers is also announcing the acquisition of a controlling stake in Caskshare.com, a global eCommerce platform and bottler of single cask spirits. Caskshare specialises in offering whisky fans single cask whiskies by the bottle, including Scotch whiskies, R&B- owned brands, and world whiskies, and enables producers to sell directly to consumers worldwide. R&B plans to add other cask-aged spirits like rum and cognac over time and will initially target markets in Europe and the United States.

William Dobbie added: “Our Machrihanish Distillery news and Caskshare majority stake puts us on a clear track towards achieving our vision of becoming the leading new wave spirits business in Scotland.”

R&B Distillers reported revenue of £5.0 million in the year ended 31st December 2023, and now sells in 40 markets worldwide after launching the Isle of Raasay Gin in mid-2019 and the Isle of Raasay Single Malt at the end of 2020. The company has set its sights on growing sales to over £25 million in the next decade.

THE MACHRIHANISH DISTILLERY 

The first farm to bottle distillery in Campbeltown in more than 180 years. A different style of whisky from a different whisky region in Scotland to complement our existing Isle of Raasay Single Malt.

Growing barley on Dhurrie Farm and have already malted and distilled some on Raasay.Will be a future special release. Predominantly unpeated spirit being produced and 100% sherry maturation, however using different types of sherry and production two different spirit types – a ‘lighter’ and a ‘heavier’ spirit, one targeting shorter and one targeting longer ageing.

Similar underlying philosophy of provenance, authenticity and community. Planning permission was granted in April 2024. Targeting construction to begin in March 2025 after planning conditions have been addressed. Targeting production starting in 2026 First Machrihanish Single Malt sometime in the future…

TyndrumWhisky.com
The Green Welly Stop
Tyndrumwhisky, Tyndrum
Crianlarich, Perthshire FK20 8RY
United Kingdom

BERRY BROS. & RUDD ANNOUNCES CLASSIC RANGE REFRESH
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Berry Bros. & Rudd, renowned as the UK’s oldest wine and spirits merchant, has refreshed its popular range of ‘Classic Single Malt Whiskies’ in a move which cements the brand’s commitment to upholding a legacy of tradition and  innovation.

The Classic Range showcases the essence of various regions and distinct cask styles, each whisky chosen by Spirits Curator Felix Dear, for its enduring quality, then aged in their own casks to their exact specifications.

The existing range, which includes expressions hailing from Islay and Ireland, has now been enhanced with the introduction of age statements for the very first time.  The brand new complex yet approachable Speyside Traditional Cask 16 year old Single Malt Scotch Whisky joins the collection accompanied by a luxurious and indulgent flavourful Speyside Sherry Cask 12 Year Old.

Standing alongside the two Speyside Single Malts within the range is the Islay Traditional Cask that embodies the classic characteristics of its region with soft peat smoke and complex fruity palate and the Irish Reserve Single Malt Irish Whiskey with its grassy and herbaceous yet zesty notes hailing from the iconic Great Northern distillery in Dundalk.

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

“The refresh of our Classic Range of Single Malt Whiskies marks a new chapter for Berry Bros. & Rudd. It is the touchstone of our whisky offering for whisky explorers and connoisseurs alike, and testimony to our constant pursuit of excellence and innovation.

All four whiskies in the range have developed distinct intricate flavour profiles, perfect for everyday sipping.  Designed to be complex yet versatile and will pair perfectly with food or if you’re feeling adventurous – great also in a cocktail.”

The Classic Range, featuring Speyside Sherry Cask 12 Year Old, Speyside Traditional Cask 16 Year Old, Islay Traditional Cask and Irish Reserve will be available from Berry Bros. & Rudd (bbr.com) and other selected retailers from the 22nd of April.

TASTING NOTES

Speyside Sherry Cask 12 Year Old

This full, deep, and brooding whisky possesses a wonderfully rich texture, each sip offering a well-balanced and heartwarming experience that captivates the senses. Aromas of sun-dried fruits meld with baking spices. The palate is an exploration of richness, layers of spiced fruit cake and honey toast, hints of brown sugar, orange & dark chocolate add complexity on the finish.

ABV: 45.3%

RRP: £45

Speyside Traditional Cask 16 Year Old

This subtle yet complex whisky presents a blend of butterscotch and hazelnut, with subtle hints of dried flowers and wood bark. On the palate a honeyed sweetness creates an effortlessly enjoyable sipping experience, gradually evolving to reveal an ever-deepening character. A complex yet approachable whisky, perfect for those who appreciate depth and refinement.

ABV: 48.2%

RRP: £100

Islay Traditional Cask

Soft peat smoke characterises this Islay single malt, setting the foundation for its rich, complex profile.  Aromas of smokiness give way to reveal distinctive green orchard fruits.  The palate is an interplay of flavours; sweet honeydew melon interacting with comforting notes of Malted Barley & dry earthy undertones and finishing with sweet smokiness.

ABV: 45.3%

RRP: £45

Irish Reserve

Grassy and herbaceous notes introduce this delightful Irish whiskey, setting the stage with a fresh and invigorating profile. The nose unfolds with a blend of custard cream, lively spice, and zesty lime, deepening into the enticing aroma of succulent, ripe apples. On the palate, a harmonious mix of vanilla and soft fruits creates a creamy, well-rounded sensation.

ABV: 44.2%

RRP: £45

Berry Bros. & Rudd

Tracing its history back to 1698, when an enterprising woman called the Widow Bourne started an “Italian grocers” at No. 3 St James’s Street in London, selling tea, snuff, spices and the most fashionable drink of the day, coffee. In due course, the focus shifted to something a little bit stronger As wine became important to the business, so too did spirits and Berry Bros. & Rudd started bottling casks under its label in the early 19th century, making it Britain’s oldest independent spirits bottler.

bbrspirits.com

J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery Celebrates Derby Week with Special Whiskey Releases and On-Site Events

“The Greatest Two Ounces in Bourbon” Available in Three Varieties On-Site and Online

FRANKFORT, KY (April 30, 2024) – J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery, created by Jeff Mattingly, a descendant of distilling pioneer John Graves Mattingly, is releasing three whiskeys to celebrate the greatest two minutes in sports, called The Greatest Two Ounces in Bourbon.  The three releases will be available at a festival held at the Distillery in Frankfort on May 3rd and 4th to celebrate Kentucky’s famous horse race.

The Greatest Two Ounces in Bourbon is available as a Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey, a  Light (Corn) Whiskey, and a Small Batch Rye Whiskey.  All three bottles are available online and at the Distillery upon opening at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 3rd  at a suggested retail price of $120 for a 750 mL bottle.  Details of each release are as follows:

J. Mattingly 1845 The Greatest Two Ounces in Bourbon Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey is a six-and-a-half-year-old bourbon bottled at 117 proof.  After undergoing J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery’s proprietary double staving process, the nose on this bourbon is described as breakfast in a bottle – sweet smoke and bacon with oak and stone fruit.  The palate is said to have brown sugar and pancake, with hints of maple and savory smoke and leather.

J. Mattingly 1845 The Greatest Two Ounces in Light Whiskey is a corn whiskey aged nine years and bottled at 125 proof.  After the Distllery’s signature double staving process, smokey candy, fruit and butterscotch can be found on the nose, and the taste reveals butterscotch upfront with hints of sweet smoke and oak.  The finish is filled with creamy baking spices.

J. Mattingly 1845 The Greatest Two Ounces in Rye is a small batch rye whiskey comprised of a combination of four-and-a-half and six-and-a-half-year-old barrels.  After the double staving process, this whiskey was bottled at 116 proof.  Notes of sweet, earthy maple and bright citrus can be found on the nose.  On the palate, one will find butterscotch and herb notes balanced with sweet citrus which lingers with hints of smoke.

The bottles will make their debut at a festival to celebrate Kentucky’s highly anticipated horse racing event which will include customizable, double-staved mint juleps for purchase, a custom wax station for your mint julep cup, games, outdoor seating and snacks.  The festival will run May 3rd and 4th from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

While on-site, visitors can also enjoy J. Mattingly 1845’s three tasting options, its Heritage Tasting Experience, which is a tasting of up to six pours for $20 and lasts about 20 minutes; the Single Barrel Tasting Experience, allowing guests to taste from up to seven single barrels, each of which has undergone the proprietary double-staving process, for a cost of $55 and lasting for one half hour; and the VIP Custom Bourbon Blending Experience, which allows the visitor to custom blend their own bourbon and choose their preferred bottle shape, custom label and wax color for the top.  This experience is $175 and lasts approximately one hour.  Reservations are recommended for the custom blending experience.

“We’re looking forward to celebrating Kentucky’s famous horse races on Friday and Saturday with our three new whiskey releases and a festival at our new location in Frankfort,” said Harry Richart, president and chief operating officer, J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery.  “We’ll have custom mint juleps for sale, you can dip your mint julep cup in wax afterward as a special memento, and also snacks, games, outdoor seating and the races televised so you can hang out here and root for your favorite horse.”

There is no cost to attend the festival on either day.  J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery is located at 20 Reilly Road in Frankfort, Ky.  https://jmattingly1845.com

About J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery

The Mattingly family has been synonymous with distilling in Kentucky for more than two centuries, having a hand in the development of at least nine separate distilleries in the Commonwealth, and with connections to some of the most illustrious names in the distilling industry, including George Garvin Brown, the Willetts and the Samuels.

It all started in 1845, with John Graves Mattingly’s first distillery in Marion County, Kentucky, Registered Distillery #2.  Many historians today believe his distillery was the first registered distillery in Kentucky.

In 2010 Jeff Mattingly took up the family mantle and started his own craft bourbon business.  Today, Jeff’s son Cameron has joined the team as Vice President of Production, continuing the legacy into the latest generation for J. Mattingly Distillery 1845 in Frankfort, Kentucky. For more information about J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery visit www.JMattingly1845.com.

Ardnahoe Islay Single Malt
Inaugural Release

Matured in a combination of bourbon and oloroso sherry casks for five years, the whisky has been bottled at 50% abv, free from artificial colouring or chill-filtration. Ardnahoe, the ninth distillery in Islay, will launch its much-anticipated Inaugural Release next week.   Available from Friday 10th May from a small number of select retailers, make sure that you are first in the queue by registering your interest on the Ardnahoe page. As you wait for this new Islay expression, you can explore our range of incredible drams from the Queen of the Hebrides

On General Sale Friday 10th May 2024.

£70.00

REGISTER NOW ❯

‘PYXIS NAUTICA’
Stephanie Rew Limited Edition Prints

We’re delighted to share that we have produced a small run of fifty prints in collaboration with Stephanie Rew, the artist behind this year’s Hedonism. The prints are available from Stephanie’s website now.

SOLD OUT

Compass Box Whisky 3 Water Lane, Richmond, TW9 1TJ

BALLINDALLOCH DISTILLERY 8 Year Old 2015 Single Sherry Cask UK Exclusive Cask #114

Sherry Butt2015 single Oloroso sherry butt #114 bottled March 2024. 648 bottles exclusive to the United Kingdom market.Unveil the rich tapestry of flavours with the Ballindalloch 8 Year Old 2015 vintage, a splendid single malt Scotch whisky hailing from one of Scotland’s newest distilleries. This exclusive expression, available only in the UK, is matured in a single sherry butt #114, imparting an extraordinary depth and complexity to the whisky. Bottled March 2024 yielding 648 bottles.

£108.29

TWB Tasting Notes:

Nose: The aroma seduces with rich dried fruits, notably raisins and figs, layered over a backdrop of sweet toffee and spicy nutmeg. Hints of orange zest and dark chocolate weave through, offering an enticing complexity.

Palate: On the palate, this whisky is sumptuously rich and velvety, featuring a medley of dark cherries and stewed plums. The sherry cask’s signature emerges with robust notes of sweet sherry, leather, and a whisper of smoky oak.

Finish: A long, luxurious finish continues the theme of richness, leaving behind traces of spiced fruitcake and a lingering sweetness that subtly fades to a pleasing dryness.

Ballindalloch Distillery, nestled in Scotland’s Speyside region, is renowned for its commitment to traditional single malt Scotch whisky production. Offering a blend of heritage and craftsmanship, this family-owned distillery invites visitors to explore its rich history and experience the art of whisky making through guided tours and tastings. Perfect for whisky enthusiasts and travellers seeking a genuine Speyside experience.

Saltire Rare Malt to launch at Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival

Falkland, Fife / Archiestown, Speyside – Thursday 2 April 2024

Independent bottler Saltire Rare Malt Ltd will present its first 3 releases celebrating the 25^th edition of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival. The company was originally founded by Keith Rennie and Nigel Heywood, two Scottish friends from Falkland in Fife.

Keith Rennie comments: “We wanted to honour the pedigree of Scotland’s liquid pride and started to quietly buy casks of maturing whisky over the past decade. Now, 530 years after the official birth of Scotch in 1494, coincidentally at Falkland Palace, we thought it was the right time to release the first bottlings of Saltire Rare Malt. In the Whisky Couple, we have found the perfect team to curate our stock.”

The Whisky Couple, Hans & Becky Offringa, are honoured to have been appointed curators of the entire stock, consisting of over 250 casks, and growing. Each bottle will carry a small statement about their involvement. “We’ve never before connected our name so clearly to a specific whisky company, but really felt this is the time and the opportunity to do so. The stock is of excellent quality and from a wide variety of distilleries’ adds Hans.

David McCallum has been appointed UK & Europe Brand Ambassador, and he will focus on introducing the brand to consumers and the trade. David comments “I am excited to join the project to bring a new independent bottler to the market, with Saltire Rare Malt single cask bottlings released only when ready, at a minimum of 48.8% abv or higher and at 14 years old or older.”

Saltire Rare Malt will be initially available in the UK and The Netherlands with other countries planned to follow soon after, such as Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, Japan, New Zealand and the USA amongst others.

The Saltire Rare Malt Aultmore 14 years old and Tamnavulin 15 years old bottlings will be presented during four sessions at the Dowans Hotel in Aberlour on the Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoon from 3 to 5 pm, as part of “A History of Scotch”. Limited places are still available and can be booked HERE 

The Saltire Rare Malt Glen Moray 17 years old bottling will be presented at the Glen Moray Distillery on Saturday evening at the Star Wars Event Return of the Jedi, limited tickets available HERE 

During the Spirit of Speyside Festival, bottlings of all three Saltire Rare Malt single cask whiskies will be available to purchase at Hotel 1881 in Archiestown and The Dowans Hotel in Aberlour.

To find out more about Saltire Rare Malt, visit https://www.saltireraremalt.com/

About the Saltire Rare Malt Collection 2024 Releases:

Release No.1 – Saltire Rare Malt Glen Moray 17 years old

Region: Speyside

Distilled: 4^th May 2007

Bottled: 4^th May 2024

Cask: #800471

ABV: 48.8% abv

Notes: 2^nd Fill American Oak

Bottles in Batch: 310

RSP: £105

On the Nose and Palate:

A bit of a surprise on the nose and palate but very tasty with a gentle goodbye.

This whisky has a pale gold colour in the glass. The nose starts with aromas of stewed apples, tinned pears and pineapple chunks. A sturdy background of malty notes supports this fruit salad, which is laced with aniseed and crystalized ginger.

On the palate, what follows is a succulent burst with more fruit (ripe cherries) and shaved hazelnut.

The finish is slightly astringent and pleasantly reminiscent of bitter lemon soda. Adding water is not recommended since it slightly flattens the delicate experience of this fine malt.

Release No.2 – Saltire Rare Malt Aultmore 14 years old

Region: Speyside

Distilled: 25^th March 2010

Bottled: 26^th March 2024

Cask: #21250

ABV: 48.8% abv

Notes: 2^nd Fill Oloroso Ex-Agitator

Bottles in Batch: 380

RSP: £79

On the Nose and Palate:

A nice aperitif, elegant and accessible. This would be a lovely accompaniment to a summer fruit salad.

This whisky is pale gold in the glass. On the nose is an immediate hint of buttered banana bread surrounded by floral aromas of broom, honeysuckle and pansy, carried on a malty platform.

That malty character carries on in the palate with added notes of walnut and unsweetened citrus lemonade. A quiet finale, medium long and very pleasant. This dram really benefits from a dash of water to release a fresh floral note appearing next to more banana aromas.

Release No.3 – Saltire Rare Malt Tamnavulin 15 years old

Region: Speyside

Distilled: 2^nd April 2009

Bottled: 3^rd April 2024

Cask: #1975

ABV: 48.8% abv

Notes: 1^st Fill Ex-Rhum Agricole

Bottles in Batch: 296

RSP: £95

On the Nose and Palate:

A very agreeable aperitif that may serve as a companion with asparagus with a butter cream sauce and a dusting of celery salt.

This pale gold whisky is slightly mineral in the nose at first, then followed by toasted banana bread. Then the aromas remind one of walking on a green wet lawn while tasting fresh sour cherries. Later a clear vegetal note of cooked asparagus sprinkled with lemon juice arrives, over a background of wet sawdust.

On the palate it is really fruity and vegetal, with the emphasis on the latter. After a while longer, angelica appears during a pleasant, slightly bitter finish that does not linger. Add a few drops of water and notice an increased creaminess in the mouthfeel.

About The Whisky Couple, Hans & Becky Offringa:

Hans Offringa is an international author and whisky expert who has worked in the industry for over 30 years. An inductee of the Whisky Hall of Fame, a Kentucky Colonel and a Keeper of the Quaich, Hans is a judge at the Scottish Whiskies Awards and the World Whisky Awards and serves as Director on the Advisory Board of The Council of Whiskey Masters.

Becky Lovett Offringa is a Keeper of the Quaich and co-author of numerous whisky books. Becky is a well-respected judge at the Scottish Whisky Awards and the World Whiskies Awards. She also is a Member on the Advisory Board of the Council of Whiskey Masters.

Becky & Hans, internationally known as ‘The Whisky Couple’, are trusted partners of the Saltire family and with their guidance and advice we are proud to be launching our inaugural release in May 2024.

ARDBEG DAY 2024
ARDBEG SPECTACULAR

The next Ardbeg Day release has arrived and it’s one of the Islay distillery’s most innovative expressions to date – the first-ever Ardbeg whisky matured in Port casks. The result is a classically oily and heavily peated Ardbeg single malt with notes of eucalyptus, mint chocolate chip, mossy peat smoke and worn leather on the palate. A real treat for Islay fans.

 SHOP NOW