2000 Glen Scotia 18 Year Old “Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseur’s Choice” K&L Exclusive Cask #326

Single Refill American Oak Hogshead Nonchillfiltered Cask Strength Campbeltown Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)

$199.99 View

A STORY OF RARE DEDICATION: THE GLENDRONACH UNVEILS
OLDEST EXPRESSION

The GlenDronach is today announcing the limited release of its first-ever 50 Year Old Single Malt; the Highland Distillery’s oldest and rarest whisky to date. Distilled in 1971, this expression represents a milestone in the near two-hundred-year history of The GlenDronach Distillery.

The GlenDronach Aged 50 Years has quietly slumbered over five long decades in rare Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks, from the Spanish bodegas of Jerez in Andalucía. Personally selected by Master Blender Rachel Barrie, these exquisite casks have been married for a final maturation in a single Pedro Ximénez cask. Only a small number of casks are chosen to reach such a celebrated age, and just 198 bottles will be available worldwide of The GlenDronach Aged 50 Years.

Protected and nurtured in The GlenDronach’s traditional dunnage warehouses for over half a century, this rare liquid has survived floods and howling Highland winters, as well as being haunted by the legend of a Spanish ghost. This expression tells a story of the rare dedication and mastery of those custodians who have devoted their lives, through highs and lows, to protecting and nurturing this exceptionally rare Single Malt.

Master Blender, Rachel Barrie, said:

“The GlenDronach Aged 50 Years is the most prestigious expression of what this timeless, richly-sherried Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky has to offer.

“At 50 Years Old, it is exceptionally rich and seductive, with mellow layers of alluring complexity. On the nose, ripe dark cherry and plum are the preludes to the harmony of rolling stone fruit, while the palate brings an exquisite overture of flavour with dense undertones of dark chocolate, tobacco, and cocoa.  

“It has been a privilege to be the final custodian of our oldest expression to date, passed down through generations. The result is a hand-crafted Highland Single Malt that tells a story of rare dedication, of which The GlenDronach Aged 50 Years is the rarest of them all.”

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Antique mahogany chestnut

Nose: Ripe dark cherry and plum are the preludes to a harmony of rolling stone fruit, gentian, and a plume of smouldering tobacco – lifted by lilting notes of bramble, orange, and cranberry.

Palate: Dense undertones of dark chocolate, tobacco, and cocoa form an exquisite overture of flavour. A perfect counter comes in a crescendo of elegant plum and luxurious black cherry, enrobed in a swathe of velvet espresso.

ABV: 43.8%

RRP: £20,000 GBP (including all taxes. Global markets may vary.)

Each hand-numbered bottle of The GlenDronach Aged 50 Years is presented in a luxurious, genuine leather case accompanied by an embossed leather booklet detailing the distillery history, tasting notes, and unique craft.

Bottle No. 1 of The GlenDronach Aged 50 Years was proudly donated to the inaugural Distillers’ One of One Auction in December 2021, raising £40,000 in support of disadvantaged young people in Scotland.

The GlenDronach Aged 50 Years is bottled at 43.8% ABV, and as is the case for all The GlenDronach expressions, has developed its deep colour naturally over time from the Spanish oak in which it has rested. The GlenDronach Aged 50 years will be available to purchase from selected specialist retailers worldwide from January 2022 (global markets may vary).

About The GlenDronach Distillery: 

Nestled in the valley of Forgue, deep in the East Highland hills, is The GlenDronach, one of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland. The GlenDronach is of true Highland style: a complex and full-bodied spirit, perfect for slow maturation in Spanish sherry oak. At The GlenDronach Distillery, we have carried forth the tradition of our founder James Allardice since 1826, maturing our Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky in the finest Spanish Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks from Andalucía in Spain.

Our richly-sherried Highland Single Malts are recognised for their deep colour and complex flavour profiles, which range from the sweet fruity flavours of the Pedro Ximénez casks we select, to the dry and nutty notes of our Oloroso casks.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT:

www.glendronachdistillery.co.uk

Facebook: /TheGlenDronach

Twitter: @Glendronach

Instagram: @Glendronach

A Can’t-Miss New Contender in the Japanese Whisky Scene
Kirin Fuji Japanese Single Grain Whisky (750ml) ($94.99)
“An excellent choice for anyone looking to try something new in the category or trying to fill a Coffey Grain-shaped hole in your heart.” — David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

Our spirits team loves the challenge of sourcing the very best Japanese whiskies available in the U.S. market, but this can be a daunting task due to the fact that many “Japanese” products are actually bulk-produced in other countries and simply marketed as Japanese. It’s made all the more difficult because most truly authentic Japanese whiskies are in such high demand that availability is often non-existent. When one such favorite, the Nikka Coffey Grain, went into strict allocations, it was a tough pill to swallow. But thanks to Kirin Fuji Gotemba, an under-the-radar distillery run by the renowned Japanese beer giant, we have a stellar new alternative to the Coffey Grain that will thrill fans of genuine single-grain whisky from the Land of the Rising Sun. Our buyers were duly impressed by what they found—Andrew Whiteley notes that the Fuji “rivals the best grain whiskies we’ve ever bottled from Scotland,” and David Othenin-Girard declares, “What’s most striking about this product is simply how overtly delicious it is … it’s simply a wonderful thing to have in your glass.” Long-time fanatics and newly curious explorers of Japanese whisky can all rejoice in this stellar new entry to the market, so stock up while you can.

Kirin Fuji Japanese Single Grain Whisky (750ml) ($94.99)

K&L Notes: Produced by the Japanese brewing giant Kirin in the Fuji Gotemba distillery situated on the southeastern side of Mt. Fuji, this single-grain whisky is Kirin’s entry into the U.S. market. The distillery houses an unusual still setup. They have pot stills in addition to a column/doubler setup similar to what you’d see in Kentucky, allowing them to produce a wide range of styles in one facility. By having multiple types of distillate at their disposal, the facility can produce a complex single grain. The end result is a grain whisky that offers a wider range of flavors, weights, and textures than you’re likely to find in any Scottish single grain that has been produced to simply bulk out single malt when making blended Scotch. If you’ve loved Nikka’s Single Grain in the past, this whisky is for you.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: January 18, 2022

Japanese whisky is one of the most complicated categories in the spirits world thanks to lax regulation on how things are labeled and a plethora of less-than-scrupulous actors hoping to make a quick buck. However, the fact remains that there are a number of extraordinarily high-quality producers of spirits in Japan who are committed to delivering nothing but the best. The Kirin Fuji Gotemba distillery is one such producer. It has been in operation since 1973 and quietly produced excellent spirits in a variety of styles for many years. The distillery makes both grain and malt distillates on a number of different still setups giving them tremendous flexibility. The new release under the Kirin Fuji label is a Japanese single grain that rivals the best grain whiskies we’ve ever bottled from Scotland. Bottled at 46% ABV, it is a miraculous combination of sweet and spicy. It’s a lovely rose gold color in the glass and gives rich vanilla barrel notes on the nose. Sweet stone fruit mixes with cinnamon and fresh ginger root. The nose also presents a distinct wood profile that shows there is some significant time in barrel, although we are lacking an age statement. The palate is soft and supple. Fresh fruits dipped in whipped cream and drizzled in maple syrup come to mind. There is a whiff of cocoa. On the backend, more spice comes out. Nutmeg, cinnamon, rye grass, ginger snap cookies, and a lengthy profile of sweet wood seems to linger for minutes. It’s an impressive showing for the first U.S. import under this label and a welcome addition to the Japanese portfolio at K&L.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: January 05, 2022

Many people are rightfully skeptical of new Japanese whisky. Indeed, there are so many fake and/or low-quality products on the market, the industry has collectively agreed to stop the obfuscation that has led to multitude of sub-par “Japanese” whiskies. But ultimately the great distillers of Japan make exceptional whisky across the board, even when they might blend in a bit of Scotch. The few distillers that do release Japanese-distilled whisky are often times extremely hard to get. There are several famous names that were once very available that are now ultra-allocated. One of the saddest departures from regular appearance on our shelves is the wonderful Nikka Coffey Grain whisky. That lovely, high-quality grain whisky was many drinkers’ introduction to the category. Now, we have very little non-imported grain available, and most are usually made using sochu-style methods. That’s where this excellent whisky comes in. The Fuji Gotemba distillery has long been prized in Japan thanks to it’s high-quality techniques and pure water source. Located at the base of Mt Fuji, the label has rebranded for the release of this highly anticipated grain and is known simply as Fuji. What’s most striking about this product is simply how overtly delicious it is. Not as wood-driven or nutty as the Nikka Coffey, but with much more texture or character than any Scottish grain, it’s simply a wonderful thing to have in your glass. Let’s taste it! The color is yellow gold. Immediately, a pungent basket of fresh ripe stone and citrus fruit. Subtle, nutty character and hints of both vanilla and cinnamon. The entry is honeyed and very sweet before adding some baking spice, gingersnap cookies, fresh biscuits, and a touch of licorice bark. It’s so easy to drink, but not at all boring or monodimensional. An excellent choice for anyone looking to try something new in the category or trying to fill a Coffey Grain-shaped hole in your heart.

Glen Grant 1998

1998 Samaroli (2021)

Cask #6440

£768.35

Samaroli 2021 bottling single cask #6440. Only 319 numbered bottles.  Glen Grant 1998 vintage Speyside single malt Scotch whisky. Single cask #6440 bottled 2021 by Samaroli. 319 numbered bottles. Spicy and dusty tips such as chopped pink pepper are the background to a reassuring nose that inspires protection a range of floral scents alternating with fruit notes.

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GLEN GRANT DISTILLERY

Established in 1840 by brothers James and John Grant, the business prospered and in 1897 Glen Grant No. 2 Distillery was established across the road in order to meet the high demand for Glen Grant whisky. During the late nineteenth century a Victorian garden was laid out in the valley behind the distillery and is now open to distillery visitors. Glen Grant is a Speyside malt whiskey distillery situated in Rothes equipped with eight stills and an on-site bottling plant. Gordon & MacPhail has released some rare vintage single malts dating back to the 1950s.

We’re incredibly proud to be able to list this fine expression as our latest Malt of the Moment. A local distillery to us, we’ve enjoyed watching the distillery grow, exciting times ahead if this release is anything to go by!

We sold out of our initial allocation, however we’ve managed to source a limited number of bottles, which we’d like to offer to our loyal customers as our Malt of the Moment at this superb price, for a limited time only. (Or while stocks last).

As ever if you have any questions or queries, please just get in touch.

Slàinte

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Whisky Presentation Box Humidors by Dave

Humidors by Dave!

Have your favourite scotch whisky presentation box upgraded to a cigar humidor!

US$220

Contact Dave at daveswhiskyhumidors@gmail.com

Price does not include shipping or the presentation box. 

Edradour 12 Year Old IBISCO

Cask #385

The latest of this customer favourite, big sherry monster from Pitlochry’s very own Edradour Distillery. The epitome of heavily sherried single cask whisky. From single sherry butt #385 and bottled 5th December 2021 yielding 638 bottles at 54.8%

Buy – Edradour 12yo – £121/ €121* / $137* / c$171*

Edradour Distillery was formed in 1825 by a group of eight local farmers. Situated at Milton of Edradour near Pitlochry and still just a farm sized distillery equipped with a Morton refrigerator to cool the worts and two wee stills with their spirit cooled in a single worm tub. Whilst ranked amongst the small working distilleries in Scotland its owners Signatory Vintage have plans to increase its size and output. Official distillery releases include the Edradour 10 Year Old, Barolo Cask and Sherry Cask Ibisco decanters.

North British 30 Year Olds

TWB Exclusives

From our good friends at The Golden Cask, we selected two exclusive single cask from North British Distillery.  Very rare as official releases, independent bottlings like these are are exceptional opportunity for exploring well aged whisky. Matured in single bourbon barrels, natural colour and un-chillfiltered.

North British 30 Year Old Cask #CG001 yielding 115 bottles at 49.0%

North British 30 Year Old 1991 vintage Lowland single grain Scotch whisky. Single Bourbon barrel #CG001 distilled May 1991 and bottled September 2021 by House of Macduff for the Golden Cask series. 115 numbered bottles exclusive to The Whisky Barrel.

North British 30 Year Old Cask #CG002 yielding only 42 bottles carries a little more colour and oak influence.

North British 30 Year Old 1991 vintage Lowland single grain Scotch whisky. Single Bourbon barrel #CG002 distilled May 1991 and bottled September 2021 by House of Macduff for the Golden Cask series. Only 46 numbered bottles exclusive to The Whisky Barrel.

Buy – North British 30yo #CG001 – £99 / €99* / $113* / c$141*

Buy – North British 30yo #CG002 – £99 / €99* / $113* / c$141*

North British Distillery was established on farmland to the west of Edinburgh in 1885 by Andrew Usher, John M. Crabbie and William Sanderson. Since then the city has expanded ever outwards and now the distillery resides in the Gorgie area of Edinburgh. North British opened in 1887 to guarantee supplies of grain whisky for its owner’s cordials and scotch whisky blending businesses. It is equipped with four Coffey stills to produce grain spirit at 94.5% alcohol and multi-million litres of spirit annually. Whilst most of its whisky matures in racked warehouses in the central Lowlands, a small number of casks spend at least eight years at the distillery in dunnage Warehouse No.1. Official releases are very few but excellent independent ones are available from Hart Brothers and Hunter Laing.

This month, we’ve welcomed a rush of new delicious spirits, bottled exclusively for The Whisky Exchange. Our new exclusives include long-aged Speyside single malts from Caperdonich and Linkwood distilleries, a sherried 11-year-old Caol Ila and a heavily peated 2003 Ballechin for the peat lovers.

We’re also excited to share a 1991 Teeling Irish single malt whiskey, matured in a single rum cask and a special single cask of Taiwanese rum with a Fino sherry finish. Find even more unique discoveries in our full range of exclusive spirits.

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READY TO EXPLORE?
FLAVOUR OF THE MONTH: LET’S JUMP RIGHT IN

Deep, Rich & Dried Fruits offers a wonderful selection of aromas and flavours. Our Tasting Notes describe fruity whisky profiles on the nose such as marmalade, balsamic glazed fruits and demerara. If you discover flavours of rum truffles, treacle toffee and salted caramel, you’re probably not far off for this profile.

EXPLORE THE RANGE

EXPLORE ALL WHISKIES

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