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Mac-Talla unveils Cognac cask expression to mark 40 years of Fèis Ile – Scotch Whisky News

Mac-Talla unveils Cognac cask expression to mark 40 years of Fèis Ile

Islay single malt brand Mac-Talla has launched a limited edition Cognac cask-finished whisky to commemorate the 40th edition of Fèis Ìle.

Owned by Perth-based Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers, Mac-Talla draws on four generations of Islay heritage, sourcing single malts matured exclusively from various distilleries on the island.

Created to mark the milestone edition of Islay’s renowned festival, the new expression combines the brand’s signature coastal peat smoke with a rich, fruit-forward influence from Cognac cask finishing. The whisky began its maturation in first-fill Bourbon barrels before undergoing a further two years in Cognac casks.

The resulting liquid offers a balance of tropical sweetness and gentle smoke, reflecting both Islay tradition and a more experimental cask approach.

Now in its 40th year, Fèis Ìle is one of Scotland’s most prominent whisky festivals. The 2026 edition will run from 22–31 May, featuring an extended 10-day programme of distillery open days, tastings, music and cultural events across the island.

Graeme Mackeddie, Production Director at Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers, said: “Fèis Ìle is a moment of real significance in the whisky calendar, and for its 40th anniversary, we wanted to create something that both honours Islay tradition and showcases a more progressive side of Mac-Talla. The Cognac cask finish brings a vibrant, fruit-led character that works beautifully alongside the whisky’s natural peat smoke and sweetness, resulting in a dram that is both distinctive and celebratory.”

Tasting notes: 

  • Nose: sweet almond croissants with a hint of sweet orchard fruits
  • Palate: Freshly baked pastries with poached pears, warm pineapples and toasted coconut. On the finish, there’s a hint of peat smoke and winter spices.
  • Non-Chill Filtered, no added colour
  • ABV: 52.4%
  • RRP: £78

Mac-Talla Cognac Fèis Ile 2026 is exclusively available from May 14th across the UK and EU. https://mactallawhisky.com/stockists

ABOUT MSWD

Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers (MSWD) is an independent, family-owned company based in Perth, Scotland. Rebranded in 2020, MSWD represents five generations of Morrison whisky heritage under one name, with a focus on single-malt production, brand development, blending, and bottling. Its flagship brands include Aberargie, Old Perth, Mac-Talla, Càrn Mòr and Bruadar.

Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers is solely owned and operated by one of Scotland’s oldest and most prominent whisky families, Jamie and Brian Morrison. There have been over five generations of the Morrison family involved in the whisky business, including grocers, brokers, blenders, bottlers and distillers, making them one of Scotland’s oldest whisky families.

Their heritage gives them access to a wide variety of unique casks from pedigree distilleries across Scotland. Their family’s values run through everything they do, and they proudly showcase them beneath each of their bottles, reiterating their commitment to Patience, Intuition and Integrity.

In every whisky they release, they are committed to continue to impart the knowledge that has been passed down from generations of family whisky makers. Our chairman’s great-grandfather, William Walker, one of the pre-eminent whisky brokers of his era, worked closely with various distilleries on the island, even advocating on behalf of the Islay whisky trade to American businesses on the repeal of US prohibition in 1933.

Walker grew very fond of Islay, where he eventually purchased a home, and played an integral part in developing transport, trade and marketing of the Island’s produce.  His philanthropic nature was deeply appreciated by Islay residents – with the Glasgow Islay Association (of which he was a life member and chairman) noting in 1934 “In the Island itself, he has closely identified himself with every cause worthy of support”.

In 1963 a chance lunchtime encounter at a Glasgow restaurant led to Stanley P Morrison, the son-in-law of William Walker, purchasing Islay’s oldest distillery — Bowmore (established in 1779) — that evening. Morrison Bowmore Distillers was created and emerged as a globally recognised brand of quality Single Malt Scotch

Whisky, producing a characterful spirit with some legendary bottlings. Morrison Bowmore Distillers was acquired by Suntory in 1994.

To find out more about Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers visit www.morrisondistillers.com or for MacTalla visit www.mactallawhisky.com

Thompson Bros. Tullibardine 19 Years Old 2006 – Scotch Whisky News

 

Thompson Bros.

Tullibardine 19 Years Old 2006

ABV: 52.5% 70 cL

This single malt was distilled in 2006 at the Tullibardine Distillery, known for their honeyed, creamy, oaky Highland single malt. It was aged for 19 years, including 9 years in a single Pedro Ximenez Hogshead, creating a rich palate with cloves, dried figs and chocolate.  Bottled by Thompson Bros. without chill-filtration or artificial colouring.

Nose Black cherries growing in a dunnage warehouse. Very deep and earthy, with almond flakes, wicker log basket, cranberries and raspberry jam.
Palate The PX really shows off here with lots of cloves, dried figs, coffee and chocolate, but all balanced by a pleasant cranberry acidity.
Finish Long with a black pepper spice and Cafe Patron.

£95.00

How does PX sherry cask influence Scotch Whisky?

Pedro Ximénez (PX) casks play a vital role in shaping Scotch whisky, delivering an extraordinary burst of sweetness, a stunning rich color, and layers of complex flavors like raisins, figs, and dates. These casks are often employed for full maturation or finishing, resulting in a luxurious, syrupy mouthfeel that beautifully complements notes of chocolate, molasses, and coffee, creating a delightful balance with peated malts.

Region Highland
Distillery Tullibardine
Cask type Pedro Ximenez Sherry Finish
Bottling company Thompson Bros.
Outrun 194 Bottles
Whisky type Single Malt

Tullibardine Distillery, sitting at the gateway to the Highlands in the town of Blackford, traces its roots back to 1949 and is known for a clean, malty style shaped by gentle production methods and soft local water. The spirit is naturally sweet and creamy, often showing notes of vanilla, honey, cereal, and light orchard fruit, and the distillery leans heavily into cask finishing, using everything from sherry and port to Burgundy and Sauternes to layer on extra character. With its mix of modern equipment, a quirky post-war origin story, and a flavour profile that’s easygoing but adaptable, Tullibardine has built a reputation for approachable single malts with interesting cask-driven twists.

Ichiro’s Malt Chichibu “The U.S. Edition 2025” Cask Strength Single Malt ~ Japanese Whisky News

Ichiro’s Malt Chichibu “The U.S. Edition 2025” Cask Strength Single Malt Japanese Whisky (700ml) $249.99 View

It is no secret that we consider Ichiro Akuto to be the most important figure in modern Japanese whisky. While the “big guys” are busy navigating supply shortages and label law changes, Ichiro is at Chichibu, quietly pushing the boundaries of what wood can do to a malt. This year’s U.S. Edition is a total curveball, and frankly, it is one of the most exciting things we have tasted from him in years. While previous editions leaned into the elegant Mizunara or subtle peat, the 2025 release is a masterclass in beer-cask maturation. Vatted from a tiny lot of just 16 barrels, this is a blend of 5 to 9-year-old whiskies aged in a combination of ex-bourbon, ex-IPA, and ex-Imperial Stout casks. That IPA influence is the “X-factor” here; it doesn’t make the whisky taste like a beer, but rather integrates a vibrant, citrusy “zip” that electrifies the Chichibu house style. This is bottled at a sturdy 52.5% ABV, non-chill filtered, and naturally colored. As always, the label is a work of art, this year featuring Mark Twain—a man who famously noted that “too much of anything is bad, but too much whisky is barely enough.” We couldn’t agree more.

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

Douglas Laing ‘The Epicurean Three Wood Edition’ – Scotch Whisky News

The Epicurean

Three Wood Edition

The Epicurean has always been the life of the party – versatile, charming and full of surprises.

Now, he’s showing off his most daring side yet with the new Three Wood Finish. This limited-edition Lowland Malt is matured in a trio of casks: Virgin Oak for bold spice, ex-Bourbon for smooth vanilla and honey, and Sherry for a rich, fruity depth.

The result? A lively, layered Whisky bursting with bright citrus, silky vanilla cream, and a gentle oak warmth.

Enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail. We don’t judge.

LEARN MORE

Glenmorangie The Thirty is a Rare Celebration of Age and Imagination – Scotch Whisky News

Glenmorangie The Thirty is a rare celebration of age and imagination

 — Distillery’s oldest core range whisky is a deep and compelling single malt —

Glenmorangie Highland single malt Scotch whisky today releases the deep and compelling Glenmorangie The Thirty – now the oldest whisky in the Distillery’s core range. Nurtured to its best by imagination and skill, this spicy, berried single malt is a celebration of the art of cask finishing and long maturation. In stunning contrast to the Distillery’s signature style, The Thirty combines a parcel of rare whisky which has been long finished in Burgundy red wine casks with classic bourbon-cask matured Glenmorangie, for notes of dark fruits, cumin and clove.

For more than 180 years, Glenmorangie’s whisky creators have been relentlessly imaginative in their pursuit of excellence. Led by Director of Whisky Creation Dr Bill Lumsden MBE, they distil their spirit in uniquely tall stills to create Glenmorangie’s hallmark elegance. Their mission is to elevate their favourites and bring new possibilities to whisky. Aged to perfection, The Thirty is testament to their vision and expertise.

To build The Thirty’s character over three decades, Dr Bill draws on his unparallelled knowledge and expertise in wood finishing and cask selection. At this whisky’s heart is a parcel of rich, berried single malt, finished in Burgundy red wine casks for more than 15 years. Comprising two-thirds of the recipe, it reflects Dr Bill’s love of this French wine region – and his renowned experiments with Burgundy casks. Dr Bill balances the wine casks’ richness with another parcel of Glenmorangie wholly aged in classic bourbon barrels, to create a rich and spicy whisky with hints of the Distillery’s house style. The Thirty’s flavour profile is full of cherries, berries, cumin and clove, subtly threaded with more familiar notes of orange and peach.

Glenmorangie The Thirty is contained in a presentation box of rich, purple tones, which reflect the luxurious hues of Burgundy red wine. This colour is complemented by copper accents – a nod to the distillery’s uniquely tall stills – and hints of Glenmorangie’s signature orange.

Dr Bill said: “When time and the alchemy of whisky are brought together in exactly the right way, incredible single malts like Glenmorangie The Thirty are born. It takes three decades to nurture this whisky to its full potential – and we select only the casks which can stand the test of time. Showcasing a whisky long finished in Burgundy casks, The Thirty balances richer, fruity flavours with hints of our signature, elegant style. Unexpected aromas of raspberries and cherries lead into tastes of ripe peach and candied orange cut through by leather and spice. This single malt is our celebration of age and imagination, 30 years in the making.”

Glenmorangie The Thirty will be available to purchase from the end of March at glenmorangie.com, the Distillery Visitor Centre in Tain and Glenmorangie’s London Heathrow Boutique, with other markets launching throughout the year, RRP: £740/ €850.

https://www.glenmorangie.com/

Follow Glenmorangie on: Instagram and Facebook: @Glenmorangie

For exclusive access to new releases, news and events, join Glenmorangie’s community

RRP: €850

TASTING NOTES

Glenmorangie The Thirty is bottled at 43% ABV

Colour: Russet tones

Aroma:  Aromatic, deep and mysterious. Think chocolate truffles, honeycomb, cherry and raspberry, joined by baking bread, linseed oil and toffee apple. A splash of water releases more herbaceous top-notes of orange blossom, heather honey and hand-rolled tobacco.

Taste: A burst of fruits such as ripe peaches and apricot, honeydew melon, toffee apples, blackberries, and candied orange. Tannins are silky and well-integrated, mingling with hints of fudge, eucalyptus and leather.

Finish: Bold but mellow, revealing some gentle spices like aniseed, cumin and clove.

About Glenmorangie:

Glenmorangie’s whisky makers use endless imagination and five key ingredients – wood, water, barley, yeast and time – to dream up delicious single malt whiskies. They’ve been honing their craft for 180 years. They create a delicate and fruity spirit in unusually tall stills to allow for more taste and aroma. Led by Director of Whisky Creation Dr Bill Lumsden, this pioneering crew are on a mission to bring new flavours and possibilities to the world of single malt.

In 2025, Glenmorangie unveiled a new brand campaign, Once Upon a Time in Scotland, fronted by Harrison Ford. Taking the form of 12 episodes, the series explores Glenmorangie’s authentic truths, from its stunning Highland surroundings to the real people who create its complex and elegant whiskies.

About Glenmorangie’s whisky creators:

Glenmorangie’s Whisky Creation Team’s favourite phrase is “What if?”. And they are constantly challenging themselves to take whatever captures their imaginations and turn it into whisky – be that their memories of a favourite place (A Tale of Tokyo), the beguiling flavours of freshly brewed coffee (Glenmorangie Signet) and more.

At the helm of the team is Dr Bill Lumsden, Director of Whisky Creation, MBE. With a PhD in biochemistry and decades of experience, Dr Bill has all the skills needed to bring these ideas to life. Already, he has earned the admiration of his peers many times over. For instance, he has taken his place in the Icons of Whisky Hall of Fame. He has won the International Whisky Competition’s award for Master Distiller of the Year more times than anyone else. And he has been named Master Blender/Distiller of the Year by the International Spirits Challenge twice. In 2025, Dr Bill was made an MBE (Member of the British Empire) for services to the Scotch whisky industry. This prestigious British honour is awarded by His Majesty The King.

Working hand-in-hand with Dr Bill is Gillian Macdonald, The Glenmorangie Company’s Master Blender. Gillian combines art and science in her role, with her main responsibilities including the daily sensory analysis of the new-make spirit, core range recipes and the co-ordination of the Company’s sensory panel. Both Bill and Gillian manage the new whisky creation for Glenmorangie which involves nosing hundreds of casks a year for final recipe selection.

The art of creating aged whiskies such as The Thirty:

It takes experience, skill and perseverance to recognise which casks of whisky will benefit from a particularly long maturation. In the case of Glenmorangie The Thirty, this involves building character over time with techniques such as wood finishing, as well as marrying different casks together before bottling, to create a balanced flavour profile.

Responsible Drinking:

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

Ruth Mulcare

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY ADVANCES BOURBON EXPERIMENTATION WITH DEBUT SINGLE OAK RELEASE AND NEWEST ADDITION TO EXPERIMENTAL COLLECTION – American Whiskey news

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY ADVANCES BOURBON EXPERIMENTATION WITH DEBUT SINGLE OAK RELEASE AND NEWEST ADDITION TO EXPERIMENTAL COLLECTION

The releases include Single Oak Rye Bourbon – the winning Barrel #80 from the Single Oak Project – and the 28th release in the Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection: Low Entry Proof Wheated Bourbon Whiskey

FRANKFORT, KY (April 7, 2026) – Two of Buffalo Trace Distillery’s most ambitious and long-running experimental programs – the Single Oak Project and Buffalo Trace Distillery Experimental Collection – are debuting new releases this spring: Single Oak Rye Bourbon and Low Entry Proof Wheated Bourbon Whiskey. More than a decade in the making, these releases reflect the Distillery’s long-standing commitment to studying the variables that shape bourbon’s flavor as they “Honor Tradition, Embrace Change” in pursuit of creating the “world’s best whiskey.”

The Single Oak Project began in 1999, marking the Distillery’s first and most comprehensive experiment to date as it explored the impact of seven variables including mashbill, entry proof, aging location and barrel construction. The experiment comprised 192 unique bourbon barrels, each crafted from specific sections of hand-selected oak trees and filled with either a wheat or a rye recipe before undergoing varied maturation approaches. Consumers were invited to taste and evaluate the resulting bourbons, ultimately selecting Barrel #80 as the standout expression in 2011.

Today, Buffalo Trace Distillery builds on this landmark experiment with the introduction of Single Oak as a permanent, continuously-released whiskey brand. Its inaugural release, Rye Bourbon, faithfully recreates the precise mashbill and barrel aging conditions that defined the celebrated Barrel #80, offering enthusiasts the opportunity to experience the result of one of the industry’s most extensive bourbon studies to date.

The Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection, first introduced in 2006, will debut its 28th release with Low Entry Proof Wheated Bourbon Whiskey. This innovation explores how lower barrel entry proof influences wood interaction over extended aging, with the wheated bourbon distillate entered at 105 proof – noticeably lower than its traditional 114 proof. Inspired by historical records indicating that pre-Prohibition barrel entry proofs were often lower than modern standards, it represents a clear example of how the Distillery honors tradition while embracing change.

“Experimentation has always been at the core of what we do at Buffalo Trace Distillery,” said Buffalo Trace Distillery Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley. “These releases represent years of patience, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to learning. From the Single Oak Project, where we studied every detail of oak to better understand maturation, to our exploration of entry proof in the latest Experimental Collection, each experiment helps us further our understanding of how individual variables shape flavor and push the boundaries of what bourbon can be. We’re excited for fans to experience the results.”

More about Single Oak Rye Bourbon

The Single Oak Project began in 1999, when 96 oak trees were hand-selected from the Missouri Ozarks. Each tree was cut into a top and bottom section, yielding 192 unique pieces of wood and transformed into 192 individual barrels.

Seven variables were intentionally manipulated to study their impact on the final whiskey:

  • Mash bill (wheat or rye recipe)
  • Entry proof (105 or 125 proof)
  • Stave seasoning (six or 12 months of air drying)
  • Wood grain size (tight, average or coarse)
  • Barrel char level (number three or number four char)
  • Tree cut (top or bottom half)
  • Warehouse type (wooden rick floor or concrete floor)

Single Oak Project Barrel #80 entered the barrel at 125 proof and was aged in oak harvested from the bottom half of the tree, featuring average grain wood, staves seasoned for 12 months and charred at a level four. The bourbon was aged in a concrete floor warehouse for eight years before bottling at 90 proof.

For the inaugural release of the Single Oak Collection, Rye Bourbon opens with a delicate yet expressive nose of caramel and vanilla, layered with light baking spice, toasted oak and subtle hints of orchard fruit. The palate is rich and beautifully balanced, unfolding in layers of toffee, vanilla cream and honeyed sweetness, accented by seasoned oak and baking spices. The finish is long and elegant, lingering with warm oak, soft spice and a mellow caramel sweetness.

Each 375ml bottling of Single Oak Rye Bourbon will be available in limited quantities through Sazerac’s national distributor network as well as the Buffalo Trace Distillery Gift Shop as of April 2026 at a suggested retail price of $74.99 (local taxes and fees apply). For more information, please visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com/single-oak-project.

More about Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection: Low Entry Proof Wheated Bourbon Whiskey

Buffalo Trace Distillery has several thousand experimental barrels that are currently aging at the Distillery. In keeping with its commitment to crafting fine products, only the most compelling results are selected for bottling and released periodically in limited quantities. The 28th offering in the Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection, Low Entry Proof Wheated Bourbon Whiskey represents a first of its kind innovation, examining the impact of barrel entry proof on flavor development.

While previous Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection releases present at 90 proof, Low Entry Proof Wheated Bourbon Whiskey is bottled at 107 proof to better capture and highlight the bourbon’s complex flavor profile. The nose features rich layers of caramel and warm brown spice that are balanced by subtle leather and tobacco notes. The palate delivers full-bodied flavors of oak, earth and dried fig, mingling with a leathery depth and rounded sweetness. The finish is long and warming, where spice and fig linger alongside a grounded, oaky character.

Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection: Low Entry Proof Wheated Bourbon Whiskey will be available through the Buffalo Trace Distillery Gift Shop in limited quantities beginning in April at a suggested retail price of $46.99 (375ml; taxes and fees vary by market). For more information, please visit https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/experimental-collection.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery  

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and it is a National Historic Landmark, as well as listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its history includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site. The Distillery has won more than 40 distillery titles since 2000 and garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. Its William Larue Weller, Stagg, Eagle Rare 10, and Thomas H. Handy received Gold Awards at the 2025 International Wine & Spirits Competition and its flagship Buffalo Trace Bourbon received a Master Medal at the 2025 Global American Whiskey Masters. Buffalo Trace Distillery has a deep commitment to supporting charitable initiatives. Nonprofit organizations interested in learning more about the Distillery’s efforts are encouraged to register their charity here. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery, visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

Aberdeen Whisky Shop ‘Explore the New Osprey Collection!’ – Scotch Whisky News

Braeval 10 Years Old Osprey

Deep in the wilderness of Scotland, where the mighty River Spey cuts through rock and mist lingers from ancient pines, the fabled Osprey reigns—an emblem of grace and power. Created in mighty copper stills, set in the rolling hills of Speyside, this osprey-inspired spirit takes flight after being enriched in luscious Oloroso Sherry casks for 10 years. Cocoa and stewed fruits soar from the glass with flavours of walnuts, dates and allspice, that hover elegantly on the palate with every savoured sip.

Bottled by Aceo Spirits at natural colour and no chill filtration.

£39.00

SHOP NOW

Glentauchers 15 Years Old Osprey

High in the skies, where Speyside’s famous glistening rivers meet the sandy bays and moving tides of the sea, Scotland’s iconic Osprey hunts — a powerful yet graceful fish hunting eagle. Born in shimmering copper stills, this cherished osprey-inspired spirit has taken flight after 15 years in classic Bourbon barrels. Waves of tropical fruit and honey linger in this Speyside single malt Scotch whisky, while fresh pastry, creamy malt and citrus flow in harmony with every sweet and satisfying sip.

Bottled by Aceo Spirits for Osprey collection at natural colour and no chill filtration.

£49.00

SHOP NOW

Rittenhouse “K&L Liquors Exclusive – 8244541” Bottled in Bond Single Barrel Kentucky Rye Whiskey – American Whiskey News

Rittenhouse “K&L Liquors Exclusive – 8244541″ Bottled in Bond Single Barrel Kentucky Rye Whiskey (750ml) $34.99 View

Rittenhouse is one of the most recognized names in rye whiskey. Starting in Pennsylvania in the 1930s, it made a name for itself as a Bottled-In-Bond powerhouse, showcasing a slightly sweeter profile than its high-rye Monongahela counterparts. While many Pennsylvania ryes historically used 100% rye, or the 95/5 mash bill popular on the market today, Rittenhouse is “barely legal” rye. Its 51/35/14 mash bill strikes a perfect balance of spice and sweetness, making it a perennial favorite for cocktails and boilermakers. For this particular single barrel, we secured an extra three years of aging over the standard offering, adding significant depth and nuance to the classic profile. The nose opens with that expected Rittenhouse maple spice, along with green pepper, dried mulberries, roasted nuts, banana candy, burnt marshmallow, and warm toffee. On the palate, you are introduced to the nutmeg and ginger so characteristic of the standard bottling, but with added layers of anise, oak tannin, Mexican chocolate, and dark berry jam. This leads right into a long, woodsy finish. This whiskey is absolutely perfect for any rye cocktail, maintaining that ideal 100-proof weight while offering a much broader palette of flavor. This isn’t just a Rittenhouse; it’s a Rittenhome. ~ Josh Gelfand

Another phenomenal private barrel from the legendary bottled-in-bond rye, Rittenhouse. This one came from the 4th floor of rickhouse 1K from our friends at Heaven Hill, barrelled in December of 2018 and aged for 7 years before arriving here for your enjoyment. Always one of the best valued rye whiskies on the market, this one takes it up a notch with an extra 3 years in cask. Expect heavier spice, more roasted caramel, and more overall depth of flavor than the classic offering, ready to give your favorite cocktails a welcome added boost.

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, Culver City

Long-lost Japanese Whisky Back at the Top Table after Gordon Ramsay Selection – Japanese Whisky News

Long-lost Japanese whisky back at the top table after Gordon Ramsay selection

A £25,000 Japanese single malt is on the menu at Gordon Ramsay’s recently opened Lucky Cat restaurant, creating a unique opportunity to experience whisky history and showcasing Highland distillery Tomatin’s remarkable role in recovering a long-lost and exceptional spirit.

At £2,300 a dram, Shirakawa 1958 is Japan’s rarest whisky and is the most premium spirit offered at the new Asian-inspired dining restaurant in the sky, Lucky Cat, which opened at 22 Bishopsgate in London last year.

It also plays a starring role in Being Gordon Ramsay, Netflix’s six-part documentary series following the acclaimed chef in the creation of his new venture.

During an episode about Lucky Cat, Shirakawa 1958 is featured in an image of the bar with the construction team discussing their fears about the shelf being knocked down at the busy site.

Shirakawa 1958 is a single malt whisky from the lost Japanese distillery, Shirakawa, which was located 200km North of Tokyo, Japan. It is the only official single malt ever to be released from Shirakawa Distillery and the earliest known single vintage Japanese whisky ever bottled.

Built in the Fukushima Prefecture, in 1939, the Shirakawa Distillery operated for more than six decades and crafted malt whisky from 1951-1969 – becoming one of the first to do so in Japan. Most of the whisky produced was used in owner Takara Shuzo’s flagship ‘King’ blended whisky brand.

In 2003, the Shirakawa Distillery was demolished, and its legacy drew to a close, until, more than a decade later, Tomatin Distillery’s managing director Stephen Bremner became intrigued by owner Takara Shuzo’s malt-making past.

After piecing together a complex trail of clues, he identified the existence of Shirakawa stock at Takara Shuzo’s Kurokabegura distillery in 2019. The spirit had been distilled in 1958, aged in cask, then transferred to ceramic jars at the distillery. When Shirakawa shut down, the whisky was put into stainless steel tanks at Takara Shuzo’s factory in Kyushu where it had lain untouched until his discovery.

Stephen said: “Tomatin Distillery Co. Ltd was bought by Takara Shuzo in 1986, but it was only in recent years that I became fascinated by the story of Shirakawa and its history of whisky production and embarked on a journey to find out more.

“When I discovered that the last remaining stock was distilled in 1958, I was astounded. It was a genuine ‘wow’ moment as I realised very quickly that what we were dealing with was extremely rare.

“Crafted in the early days of malt production in Japan, it has a distinctive flavour profile, with aromas of exotic incense giving way to grass and fruits before a hint of mint on the finish. It is truly extraordinary and conveys the evolving character of Japanese whisky, which is now acclaimed worldwide.

“We are incredibly honoured that Gordon Ramsay has selected Shirakawa 1958 as the pinnacle of his whisky menu at Lucky Cat. Diners who try it will be transported back to a pioneering era of Japanese whisky as they enjoy one of the rarest drams in the world.”

While the age and cask type cannot be fully determined, Shirakawa 1958 was crafted at a time when the distillery used predominantly Japanese malted barley and Mizunara oak casks.

The expression, which has an ABV of 49%, was bottled by Takara Shuzo Co Ltd in Japan. Just 1,500 bottles were released in 2022 and distributed worldwide by Tomatin Distillery, with an RRP of £25,000 per 70cl bottle.

Shirakawa 1958 single malt Japanese whisky tasting notes – created by internationally acclaimed whisky writer Dave Broom

Nose: Resinous, slight dry earth, dried citrus peels, a hint of wax. Aromatic. A drop of water makes it more vibrant and also shows clear maturity as well as a hint of incense. Exotic.

Palate: The palate is expansive with a succulent texture and hints of fragrant grass. Fruits emerge in the middle. Layered, spiced, and dry. Water brings out ash from an incense burner, a satisfying mouthfeel and surprisingly perky acidity.

Finish: Nicely balanced and persistent on the finish which picks up mint flavouring and makes it more camphor-like.

Shirakawa Distillery

Shirakawa Distillery was built in the Fukushima Prefecture, 200km North of Tokyo, in 1939 by Daikoku Budoshu and demolished in 2003. Even though Shirakawa Distillery was one of the pioneers of malt whisky making in Japan, it was never officially available as a single malt. That category didn’t take off in Japan until the mid-80s, and by that time, Takara Shuzo’s focus lay elsewhere. The land where Shirakawa Distillery once sat was subsequently gifted by Takara Shuzo in 2011 to build emergency housing to accommodate the locals who had been displaced by the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.

Tomatin Distillery Co. Ltd

In 1897 Tomatin was nothing but an isolated and idyllic setting for a distillery. With the new Highland Railway came opportunities, and so the distillery was born. Since then, the distillery has been at the heart of the community and the community at the heart of the distillery. Today, the Tomatin legacy lives on in the form of an exciting and varied range of Highland single malt Scotch whiskies.

https://tomatin.com

Takara Shuzo Co.,Ltd

Takara Shuzo Co.,Ltd produces sake, other alcoholic beverages, and seasonings. This division comprises the original business; the holding company including it was formed in 2001 as Takara Holdings Inc. Takara Shuzo, one of Japan’s leading manufacturers of traditional alcoholic beverages since sake brewing operations in 1842, acquired Tomatin Distillery Co. Ltd in 1986.

In 1951, Takara Shuzo became one of only a handful of distilleries in Japan to produce malt whisky and it continued to do so uninterrupted until 1969. The vast majority of this malt whisky used in Takara Shuzo’s flagship ‘King’ blended whisky brand.

https://www.takarashuzo.co.jp/english

Blue Spot 7 Year Old Cask Strength Single Pot Still ~ Irish Whiskey News

Blue Spot 7 Year Old Cask Strength Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey

 $149.99

Whisky Advocate ~Spot whiskeys inhabit a flavor profile between Redbreast’s fruitiness and Powers’ muscularity, and this feisty newcomer completes the family with its nose of baked apple, spiced nuts, toffee, very crisp spices, and cool mint. The creamy palate of melted toffee and condensed milk layers on tangy citrus, bitter peels, baked lemon, apple, dried cherry, and walnut, with peppery pot still spices running amok at full strength. (JM, Spring-2021)
The long awaited Blue Spot makes the return of the final Spot Whiskey of yesteryear. Extraordinarily limited and one of the very few cask strength offerings from the famous Midleton distillery in Cork. Just 7 years old and unadorned with the typical dessert wine casks featured on the other colored Spot whiskies. This is Irish Spot whisky in its purest form.

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


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