Glen Scotia partners with award-winning chef Gary Robinson to explore
‘perfect pairings’ with its new Seasonal Release single malt whisky

– Distiller teams up with The Balmoral Hotel’s Executive Chef to promote its limited-edition 12-year-old release, out now –

Campbeltown-based distiller Glen Scotia has partnered with Gary Robinson, Executive Chef at The Balmoral Hotel, to promote its new 12-year-old Seasonal Release, and explore the perfect pairing of whisky and food.

In a short new film captured at the hotel’s SCOTCH Bar and kitchens, the chef is joined by Glen Scotia ambassador Gary Mills as the maestros combine their expertise to discuss process, flavour and provenance while enjoying three new dishes created by Gary using the new limited-edition liquid.

Inspired by classic seasonal flavours including toffee, apple, orange citrus and warm spice, the Seasonal Release (54.7% ABV), uses a series of unpeated distillations from 2009 matured in first-fill Bourbon casks and American Oak hogsheads. After maturation for eleven years, the liquid is then transferred and finished in first-fill Oloroso hogsheads and heavily charred American Oak barrels for its final year, before marrying the casks together and bottling at cask strength. It follows the success of the distillers’ limited-edition Sherry Double Cask Finish last year.

The Seasonal Release menu from Gary includes:
• Whisky-cured salmon with apples and celery
• Barbequed pork belly with a sticky whisky-honey sauce & braised pearl barley
• Poached pear salad, whisky caramel and pecan toffee

Gary Robinson arrived at The Balmoral in June 2019 having travelled the world – gaining over 25 years of global culinary experience, most notably in the honourable position of Head Chef to HRH the Prince of Wales. Gary strongly believes in creating dishes that are as meaningful, sustainable and authentic as possible. Showcasing excellence within hotels, restaurants, private households and clubs, he is a strong advocate for classical cooking techniques that retain the natural goodness of homegrown ingredients.

Perfect pairings and the sense of uniting are intrinsic to Glen Scotia, from its whisky-making process where it combines casks and finishes to deliver classic Campbeltown flavours, to its role in the region where the whisky industry has helped to bind the small community together throughout centuries, who have in turn ensured the distillery endured.

Glen Scotia brand ambassador, Gary Mills, said: “The 12-year-old Seasonal Release is another fine dram that brings together those unmistakably seasonal flavours with Glen Scotia’s subtle maritime style, and the result is something very special indeed.
“While the concept of food and drink go hand in hand, it’s been eye-opening to collaborate with Gary Robinson to delve deeper into flavour profiling and consider how they marry together to enhance ingredients on the plate and in a dram – or even better to be enjoyed together.

“This sense of ‘togetherness’ is woven throughout Glen Scotia, which for centuries has endured by virtue of the unique spirit of its community. Food and celebrations, often centred around the town market cross, are part of the history of our tight-knit community in Campbeltown. We hope this partnership will provide some wonderful inspiration for our fans to make at home alongside a dram”

Executive Chef Gary Robinson added: “I’m always excited to get into the kitchen and experiment, especially with a fine dram from Glen Scotia. The new 12-year-old Seasonal Release is a hero ingredient in the three dishes I’ve created. Each dish showcases an indulgent seasonal flavour profile, with the whisky really enhancing each ingredient.

“I created these dishes with the vision that they are the perfect recipes to bring people together – not too complicated to recreate at home and each offers a really special meal for friends and family to come together, gather around a table and enjoy.”

The latest 12-year-old Glen Scotia is another unrivalled issue from the region steeped in so much history with whisky production. In the Victorian age, Campbeltown was known as the whisky capital of the world, with over 30 distilleries packed into the town and neigh on every inhabitant involved in its creation. Only three distilleries endured and prevailed to the present day, and Glen Scotia stands proudly among the last of the many. It benefits from years of local knowledge, experience, craft and whisky passion distilled down into the present Glen Scotia team of today The brand achieved global recognition this year after its 25-year-old single malt whisky was crowned Best in Show and thus Best Whisky in the World at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

The Seasonal Release retails at £75. It is available for purchase now from the Glen Scotia website (www.glenscotia.com) and through UK specialist retailers.

Notes

Glen Scotia Seasonal Release tasting notes
• Nose: toffee, apple, seaspray, vanilla
• Palate: warm spice, nutty, floral, orange citrus, melted brown sugar
• Finish: long nutty finish with pears & dried peel

About Glen Scotia

Distiller Glen Scotia has been producing single malt whisky in Campbeltown since 1832 and is one of three surviving distilleries in Campbeltown. The distillery still maintains much of its original design, including the fermenters, the stillroom and the dunnage warehouse dating from the 1830s.To this day, the distillery team follow in the footsteps of their founders, using traditional methods, carefully creating the unique Campbeltown maritime style the brand has become world-famous for.

In 2021, Glen Scotia’s 25-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch whisky was awarded ‘Best In Show Whisky’ at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Over 3,800 entries across 31 categories were judged with Glen Scotia being awarded the overall winner across all countries and styles.

Twitter: @GlenScotiaMalts
Instagram: @glenscotiamalts
Facebook: @GlenScotiaWhisky

About The Balmoral Hotel

Many hotels claim to have landmarks on their doorstep, few can say their doorstep is a landmark. The Balmoral is a grand railway hotel located at Edinburgh’s most prestigious address, No 1 Princes Street. The Balmoral began life as a grand railway hotel in 1902 and offers 187 contemporary rooms and opulent suites. Excellent cuisine is guaranteed in the Michelin-starred Number One restaurant as well as the hotel’s all-day dining venue Brasserie Prince. Afternoon Tea is served in Palm Court and the hotel boasts a collection of over 500 single malt whiskies at SCOTCH.

Facebook – @BalmoralEdinburgh
Instagram – @thebalmoral
Twitter – @The_Balmoral

A Brilliant Blended Scotch from a True Innovator
Compass Box “Orchard House” Blended Scotch Malt Whisky (750ml) ($49.99)
“Orchard House delivers the goods … It’s a masterpiece at a bargain price and fully deserving of a prominent spot in the core lineup of Compass Box.”
— Andrew Whiteley, K&L Spirits Buyer

Since it burst onto the scene twenty years ago, John Glaser’s Compass Box has come to redefine the Scotch business. Emerging at a time when single malts reigned supreme, Glaser took a gamble that the right Scotches, well-chosen and carefully blended, could find a broad and captive audience. Glaser, as it turns out, was right on the money, as Compass Box is among the most sought-after and celebrated brands in the world of whisky. The Orchard House is a new entry in the permanent range, and it’s made big waves since its debut. The value on offer here is simply second to none. Andrew Whiteley describes it as “a blended malt that highlights all of the beautiful ripe fruits in the pantheon of Scotch flavors … a full and complete whisky.” Expertly aged in Oloroso butts, this dram boasts a kaleidoscope of opulent complexity that could easily command twice the sub-$50 price. As it stands, Orchard House is one of the biggest bangs for the buck in our entire spirits inventory, a not-to-be-missed specimen for collectors and fans of all stripes.

Compass Box “Orchard House” Blended Scotch Malt Whisky (750ml) ($49.99)

K&L Notes:Few things in the whiskey world are as exciting as a new addition to the Compass Box core lineup. Known for phenomenal and creative blends and exceptional value, the Compass box team has knocked it out of the park with Orchard House. This essentially replaces the old Oak Cross that was discontinued several years ago, but it’s really a completely different whisky all together. It’s 100% malt whisky selected from distilleries known for their fruitiness. Lively and fragrant with a gentle oak influence, Orchard House was greatly influence by the late Dr. Jim Swan. His research inspired CB to fill their barrels at 58% ABV instead of the nearly ubiquitous 63.5% ABV in Scotland. This lower proof filling extracts more sugar from the wood than the higher proof fill. It also allows for less dilution of the aged spirit when bottling below cask strength. Two-thirds of the Orchard House blend is derived from these 58%-fill casks, adding more creamy vanilla, sweet citrus, and stone fruit components. Orchard House also features the effects of a changing barrel market. These are sort of like 1.5-fill barrels. It is now standard practice in the bourbon world to rinse down freshly emptied barrels with water. This allows for the maximum alcohol yield before final blending and bottling. It also takes a bit of the rougher edge off the oak for Scotch maturation. This change in practice has led to a serendipitous, gentler aging of Orchard House that really allows the CB team’s expertise to shine.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 21, 2021

Compass Box strikes again. It was a devastating loss when Oak Cross was cut from their core lineup, but the gaping hole that was left behind has finally been filled. Orchard House delivers the goods—a bushel full of them. This whisky has been purpose-driven since being laid down in barrel to showcase the incredible fruit profile of the distillery components. It’s a blended malt that highlights all of the beautiful ripe fruits in the pantheon of Scotch flavors. Its branches sit heavy with apples of every shade, stone fruit from succulent apricots and peaches to candied nectarines. Ripe pear abounds. It’s truly incredible. All that fruit, however, is still grounded by a full and complete whisky. This is where Compass Box really shines. Their mission is to build a whisky that is more than the sum of its parts. In a classic 1+1=3 magic trick, they’ve paired all that fruit with ex-Oloroso sherry butts and their custom French oak barrels for a robust palate with more than a sprinkle of spice. Cinnamon and nutmeg, a touch of ground black pepper, rancio complexity in just enough force to be the perfect touch, like that extra pinch of salt from a chef. Vanilla and honey pair perfectly with the malty goodness that is, of course, the foundation for any Scotch. It’s a masterpiece at a bargain price and fully deserving of a prominent spot in the core lineup of Compass Box.

Neal Fischer | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 06, 2021

Such a beautiful and inviting Scotch! As soon as you pour a dram of this, you can tell that you’re in the company of a friend. True to its name, Compass Box’s new blended malt, Orchard House, is redolent of multiple orchard fruit aromas. Apple, pear, peach, and cherry step to the front of the line. When nosing this, from time to time it almost smells like Calvados, though never fully giving up its base cereal notes. Whipped buttercream floats through, cut by just enough spice (one of the contributions of Clynelish in the blend, I’m guessing). The palate keeps playing with the fruit and ups the ante with a bright citrus pop, though they are certainly grounded by earthy and leathery flavors providing excellent balance. I hear that Orchard House will be replacing Oak Cross in Compass Box’s core lineup, so while I was sad to see Oak Cross go, I’m pleased that it’s being replaced by this absolute stunner of a blended malt.

Gary Westby | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 02, 2021

I would have bought this whisky at double the price. This offering from Compass Box is one of my biggest surprises of 2021—so much gentle fruit, deftly balanced with concentrated, natural malt and subtle rancio complexity. This is so much better than most single malt at the price and my favorite new release in many years. This is seamless and involved stuff!

HOLYROOD x HARD TO FIND WHISKY

PRIVATE CASK PROGRAMME 2021 HARD TO FIND CHRISTMAS OFFER

Interested in the Holyrood x Hard to Find Christmas cask offer and want to discover more? In this document, we’ve answered some of the frequently asked questions. If your question isn’t covered or you would like to order your cask, please get in touch. lucy@holyrooddistillery.co.uk

  COSTS

The barrel purchase price is £4,000 and the hogshead purchase price is £5,000. The purchase price includes the spirit production and cask filling, as well as warehousing and insurance for up to 10 years. The purchase price does not include bottling, labelling, duty, tax and VAT costs which will be due at the time of bottling.

We have illustrated an estimation of the full cask cost for a hogshead. In total, the estimated costs are £11,579 and with an estimated 300 bottles per cask, the price per cask strength 70cl bottle would be £38.60. Please note this is only an illustration of full costs.

Note: The bottling, duty & VAT costs outlined above are only incurred should you bottle your cask. These costs would not apply if you choose to sell your cask.

BOTTLES 

Within our Hard to Find offer, we have two options for you to choose from – a peated 200L bourbon barrel or a specialty 250L sherry hogshead. There are a number of factors which affect the number of bottles per cask, but as a typical estimate, you could get 250 bottles from the barrel and 300 bottles from the hogshead.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS 

Holyrood reserves the right of first refusal, should you wish to sell your cask. This enables Holyrood purchase the cask back into Holyrood stock, before a third party has the opportunity to do so. If we choose not to exercise our right of first refusal, you will be able to sell your cask elsewhere, with our approval and with the understanding that the new owner accepts the terms set out in the Spirit Agreement. The full terms and conditions of Holyrood cask ownership are set out in our Spirit Agreement.

WHISKY INVESTMENT 

According to the Drinks Business [18.02.21] London broker ‘VCL Vintners reports that over half (56%) of all whisky casks sold in the past three months were to clients aged 18-44, with 52% looking at medium term investment of

5-10 years.’ Over the past decade, whisky has seen appreciation at a rate which out-performs diamonds, wine, art and watches [Knight Frank Luxury Index].

We’ve found the real investment for our cask owners is the opportunity to create their own spirit and to share this with their loved ones. Our cask owners have casks with us to celebrate their marriage, the birth of their children and many other life events. We have cask owners who have bought as couples, a family or larger group and here at Holyrood, we love this interest in cask ownership as a shared experience.

Alongside this, we know our cask owners have joined the Holyrood family because they believe, as we do, that whisky is an incredibly interesting spirit. Despite using the same ingredients, each cask we create will make a unique spirit that differs from the next. Cask owners have joined to come along the maturation journey with us.

WILL I GET A CERTIFICATE?

Yes, we issue a certificate once the cask has been filled so that the certificate can outline the cask fill details.

WHAT % IS THE NEW MAKE SPIRIT?

The new make spirit will be filled to cask at 60%. This is because we believe (and studies determine) that 60% is the optimum ABV for cask fillings for congener and sugar production.

ARE THE CASKS FIRST FILL?

Yes, each of the six casks we offer are first fill.

WHAT SIZE ARE THE CASKS?

Within our Hard to Find casks there are two options – the peated 200L bourbon barrel or the specialty malt 250L PX hogshead.

WHO IS THE CASK DUTY REP?

As per our Spirit Agreement, the legal title to the spirit stays with Holyrood so that we can insure the spirit and manage all HMRC commitments. This is a standard across the industry, as it enables the HMRC responsibilities to remain with the producer, for the ease of the private owner.

CAN I VISIT MY CASK?

Yes, with due notice and subject to Holyrood’s availability. This also depends on the easing of Covid restrictions.

CAN I REQUEST SAMPLES?

Three samples are already included – these are outlined in the Spirit Agreement. We will take samples at 1 years old, 3 years old and 10 years old. Should you wish any further samples, this would be for discussion at the time and may be subject to further charges.

WHAT WILL THE BOTTLE AND LABEL LOOK LIKE?

Bottling and labelling are not included in the cask purchase price and would be due at the time of bottling. As this is a way off (at least three years!), the bottle and label options we will have on offer will be confirmed in the coming years.

Having said that, we will create a template label design which includes the details required by Scotch Whisky Association rules. We believe that this label will offer a degree of customisation, to allow you to tailor it to your cask and personal details.

We would also be able to help you create a more bespoke label and bottle, however there would likely be further costs associated with this. Certain information must be on the label to meet Scotch Whisky Association standards and we would ensure these requirements were met.

CAN I CHOOSE THE BOTTLE ABV?

Yes, we have included calculations for cask strength bottles in our full price estimation, as this is generally what our cask owners prefer. However, we could reduce the spirit if this is your preference.

CAN I USE HOLYROOD ON THE LABEL?

Yes, subject to how this is used. More information on this is available in our Spirit Agreement. As above, we have not yet finalised the label options but we will likely have some templates for you to choose from which offer some personalisation.

WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS FOR SELLING THE CASK?

There are a number of options for you, should you

wish to sell the cask in the future:

• You can sell the spirit back to us – we can agree a price at the time and there would be minimal fees involved as the stock is and would stay in our warehouse

• You can sell it to a third party – we would option our right of first refusal clause and potentially seek to match the sales price if we are looking to buy back liquid. If we can’t match the price or don’t wish to exercise our right of first refusal, you would then be free to proceed with the sale. In this instance, costs are minimal as transport, insurance costs etc. are usually passed as a buyers

• Auctions – we have included a clause where the casks going to auction need Holyrood approval – this is to ensure that the right value bar is set for our stock and that a failed auction doesn’t devalue our

Options 1 & 2 are definitely our preferred routes and something we would be more than happy to help with later on.

CAN I SELL MY CASK / TRANSFER OWNERSHIP AT ANY TIME?

Yes, subject to the above and the terms of our Spirit Agreement. Our Spirit Agreement has been made to protect the Holyrood brand in a market which can change quickly.

ARE WHISKY CASKS SUBJECT TO CAPITAL GAINS TAX?

Whisky is classified as a wasting asset, which means it is not subject to capital gains tax.

Countdown to Christmas

ADVENT CALENDARS

Get into the festive spirit by sipping on something special each day with our premium drinks-filled advent calendars. Discover a new sample behind each of the twenty-four doors, from both world-renowned brands and smaller, boutique producers, carefully selected to showcase the diversity of your favourite spirit. Our advent calendars include Whisky, Premium Scotch Whisky and Irish Whiskey.

EXPLORE NOW

BOWMORE® SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY INTRODUCES

BOWMORE® MASTERS’ SELECTION

AND UNITES THE WORLDS OF WHISKY MAKING AND AUTOMOTIVE DESIGN 

Islay, Scotland (November 8, 2021) – A shared commitment to heritage, craftsmanship and innovation unites the worlds of whisky making and automotive design with the creation of the new limited edition Bowmore® Masters’ Selection, the latest single malt whisky to be made by Bowmore® Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky in collaboration with Aston Martin. This whisky also marks the first time Bowmore has adopted the “Golden Ratio” principle to create a new whisky. It will be available in the US as of January 2022.

Imagined and defined by two Masters, Bowmore Master Whisky Blender Ron Welsh and Aston Martin Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman, Bowmore Masters’ Selection bridges two distinct worlds in a powerful, yet inspiring way. At its heart is a mutual trust and respect for one other’s worlds and a passion to discover and learn from each other. Each Master imparts their own creativity and character, but also makes an indelible mark, like leaving their own unique fingerprint, on every single creation.

Marek Reichman, has often spoken about the concept of the ‘Golden Ratio’ – the mathematical ratio found in nature that creates aesthetically pleasing compositions – which sits at the heart of the design of every Aston Martin. Absolute beauty can be created when you achieve a perfect relationship between each proportion of the car.

Reichman explains: “Proportionality defines every precise detail of designing an Aston Martin. We are constantly striving to achieve the Golden Ratio, the optimal of proportions. And it is this force which guides the creation of absolute beauty. To achieve this, we must combine our skill, passion and experience. Coming together with Ron just brings a whole new perspective on this and is hugely inspiring and enlightening. This whisky perfectly and harmoniously brings us together to create a beautiful, yet powerful equilibrium.”

For Bowmore, proportions define character and shape flavor combinations; from cask selection and age to blending. Ron Welsh, Master Blender, Bowmore, explains, “For the first time with this whisky, we have adopted the Golden Ratio to inspire each of the elements bringing their own unique flavors and selecting the optimal casks to forge the desired character, taking inspiration from Marek and his team.  What seems totally contrasting is, in fact, perfectly balanced and proportionate. Working with Marek has given me a new lens from which to explore whisky making.  This whisky serves as a celebration of our unified knowledge and experience; our shared passions, values and ideas.”

Taking inspiration from an engineered approach, this whisky incorporates the divine proportion of 61.8% formed from a base of 21 year old Bowmore matured in first fill Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso sherry casks. The remaining parts are made up of exact ratios of each other, in line with the Golden Ratio theory, and include exceptionally aged Bowmore matured for over 35 years.

For this single malt, a powerful and complex yet sweet warming dram, the creators seem to have created absolute contrast but in reality, they have captured perfect balance and proportion. With a clear nod to Aston Martin in the very creation of this Bowmore whisky, it exudes a sophistication and complexity which is truly considered yet promises a thrilling taste experience.

Powerful yet elegant; from sweet to spice; sherry to coffee; honey to pepper – the perfect proportions to achieve absolute depth and balance.

Bowmore Masters’ Selection is available in key global markets including the United States, UK, Germany, Canada and China. In the U.S., available as of January 2022 with a suggested retail price is $400.

Tasting notes: Bowmore Masters’ Selection, 51.8% ABV

COLOR:                Mahogany

NOSE:                  Sweet and nutty with notes of Manuka honey and maple syrup with praline and grilled hazelnuts; combine with rich aromas of freshly tanned leather, cigar tobacco, licorice roots, dried thyme and heather blossom.

TASTE:                 Richly elegant sherry merges with raw Islay peat, while bitter dark chocolate, black pepper, butterscotch sauce unites with vanilla and coffee beans and a fruity flair is defined by Morello cherries and a touch of papaya.

FINISH:                Sweet, spicy and mouth warming, with notes of oak spices, chestnut cream and coconut lingering.

About Aston Martin Lagonda

Aston Martin Lagonda is a luxury automotive group focused on the creation of exclusive cars and SUVs. The iconic Aston Martin brand fuses the latest technology, exceptional hand craftsmanship and timeless design to produce models including the Vantage, DB11, DBS Superleggera and the new SUV, DBX.  Based in Gaydon, England, Aston Martin Lagonda designs, creates and exports cars which are sold in 55 countries around the world. Lagonda was founded in 1899 and Aston Martin in 1913. The two brands came together in 1947 when both were purchased by the late Sir David Brown.

About Bowmore®

For more than 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 and uses Islay peat to fire 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 human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands and Courvoisier cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Basil Hayden, Knob Creek and Legent bourbon; Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Toki Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Laphroaig and Bowmore Scotch whisky; Canadian Club whisky; Hornitos and Sauza tequila; EFFEN, Haku and Pinnacle vodka; Sipsmith and Roku gin; and On The Rocks Premium Cocktails.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good.  Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, 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

Glenfiddich releases an exclusive 26 Year Old whisky to mark COP26,

in partnership with Stop Climate Chaos Scotland 

The limited-edition single cask whisky was laid down 26 years ago in 1995, when the first COP climate summit took place in Berlin.

100 bottles will be available from 22^ndNovember for a charity auction with Royal Mile Whiskies, raising funds to tackle climate change.

This follows Glenfiddich’s sustainable transport initiative, launched earlier this year. 

Monday 8^th November, 2021: Glenfiddich, the world’s most awarded single malt whisky*, has created a limited-edition 26 Year Old whisky – in partnership with Stop Climate Chaos Scotland – to commemorate the climate change summit, COP26, in Glasgow this November.

The partnership enables Stop Climate Chaos Scotland and Glenfiddich to raise awareness of the active steps Scotland is taking to tackle climate change. These include the brand’s recently launched, pioneering ‘closed loop’ sustainable transport initiative, ‘Fuelled By Glenfiddich’. This involves converting production wastes and residues into Ultra-Clean Low Carbon fuel that is starting to be introduced to some of its transport fleet.

World leaders and COP26 conference attendees will have already had a chance to taste the one-off Glenfiddich 26 Year Old whisky at a series of COP26 events during the summit with Mark Thomson, the Glenfiddich Ambassador to Scotland, leading guests through exclusive tastings.

Whisky enthusiasts and sustainability supporters alike will have the chance to bid on a true collector’s item, one of 100 bottles, via a charity auction through Royal Mile Whiskies. The auction is raising money for Stop Climate Chaos Scotland and will be live from Monday 22^nd November, concluding on Monday 29^th November 2021.

Claudia Falcone, Glenfiddich’s global brand director, commented: “Glenfiddich is a brand that encourages us to individually and collectively push boundaries and always consider the next step. It has taken more than a decade for Glenfiddich to become the first global spirits brand to process its production wastes and residues into biogas fuel to power some of its trucks. We’re honoured to support the wider sustainability agenda. By releasing the 26 Year Old in partnership with Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, we hope to bring attention and inspiration to continued climate change progress through our one-off auction of the limited-edition commemoration bottle.” 

Stop Climate Chaos Scotland is a diverse coalition of over 60 civil society organisations in Scotland campaigning together on climate change. Alistair Dutton, Board member of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland added: “We’re pleased to be working with Glenfiddich and hope this incredible whisky will raise funds to tackle the climate emergency. The proceeds from the Royal Mile Whiskies auction will help Stop Climate Chaos Scotland members in their work to create a greener future for Scotland.”

Scotland has set an ambitious target to cut emissions by 75% by 2030, and to become Net Zero by 2045. With whisky forming such a large part of Scotland’s identity, the Scotch Whisky Association has outlined its ambitious and impressive vision for the future with a focus on four main areas for industry action:

• Tackling climate change by having net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040;
• Moving to a circular economy by making all packaging reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025;
• Hitting responsible water use targets by 2025; and
• Caring for the land through the active conservation and restoration of Scotland’s peatland by 2035.

The Glenfiddich 26 Year Old whisky will be available to bid on from Monday 22^nd to Monday 29^th November via Royal Mile Whiskies: https://www.royalmilewhiskies.com/glenfiddich-auction/

Notes 

*The Glenfiddich range has received more awards since 2000 than any other single malt Scotch whisky in two of the world’s most prestigious competitions, the International Wine & Spirit Competition and the International Spirits Challenge.  

ABOUT STOP CLIMATE CHAOS SCOTLAND

Stop Climate Chaos Scotland is a diverse coalition of non-profit organisations from across Scottish civil society who provide a coordinated and authoritative voice on the issue of climate change, with the aim of seeing Scotland flourish as a just and sustainable nation, consistent with a climate-safe future at home and abroad, having encouraged others towards the same goal.

ABOUT GLENFIDDICH

Founded in Dufftown, Scotland by innovator William Grant, Glenfiddich first ran from the stills on Christmas Day, 1887. Adopting revolutionary methods and practices Grant’s maverick attitude to whisky production saw Glenfiddich excel for over a hundred and thirty years, becoming the first single malt whisky to be promoted outside of Scotland, and ultimately, the best-selling and most awarded single malt whisky in the world. While Glenfiddich is now sold in over 180 countries across the world, the brand is one of the few single malt distilleries to remain entirely family-owned and is still produced in the same distillery which William Grant and his children hand-built.

William Grant, founder of Glenfiddich, was one of the pillars of the Dufftown community in 1887. He is most famous for owning his own distillery, but he also had a wide range of interests beyond whisky. He was a Major in the local Volunteer Militia (forerunner of the Territorial Army), which was a popular activity throughout Banffshire in the Victorian era. He was also Precentor (the person who led the singing in church) at their local Dufftown church. As time went on, he was one of the biggest employers in the area.

ABOUT WILLIAM GRANT & SONS

William Grant & Sons, Ltd. is an independent family-owned distiller headquartered in the United Kingdom and founded by William Grant in 1887. Today, the luxury spirits company is run by the fifth generation of his family and distils some of the world’s leading brands of Scotch whisky, including the world’s favourite single malt Glenfiddich®, The Balvenie® range of handcrafted single malts and the world’s third largest blended Scotch Grant’s® as well as other iconic spirits brands such as Hendrick’s® Gin, Sailor Jerry®, Milagro® Tequila, Tullamore D.E.W Irish Whiskey, Monkey Shoulder and, most recently, Drambuie and Hudson.

SOCIETY BALLOT ANNOUNCEMENT
LIVE FROM MONDAY 15TH NOVEMBER AT NOON (GMT)

This Springbank 28 Year Old is a vatting of four casks sampled at the latest online society tasting.

A sherry hogshead, sherry butt, bourbon barrel and rum barrel have been vatted together to create this very special society exclusive.

2966 bottles available (20cl)
48.2% ABV
£110 (includes VAT) 

Contact the Springbank Society at society@springbank.scot to inquire about membership & future offers!

TASTING NOTES

Nose The nose has sweet characteristics of ripe tropical fruits, black forest gateau, and honey, nicely balanced with maple smoked bacon and applewood smoked cheese. An earthiness develops along with notes of old library books and kiln soot.

Palate The mouthfeel is velvety and smooth. There are hints of dark chocolate, rich dark fruits, marzipan and wholesome fruitcake. Subtle undertones of fennel and aniseed develop as well as delicious nutty flavours.

Finish Towards the end it evolves to become more salty and sweet. Caramel with a dusting of sea salt. Its complexity and maturity shine through as well as the typical Springbank coastal influence which you might expect from a 28 Year Old whisky, matured by the sea.

Glencadam 17 Year Old ‘Reserva De Porto’ Port Cask

Glencadam’s Limited Edition 2004 Port Cask Finished in the finest Port pipe casks sourced from Porto in Portugal.

NOSE: Rich and festive with aromas of cooked fruits and sweet spices mingled with strawberry tarts, boiled sweets and gingerbread.
PALATE: Layers of bramble and poached pears followed by black cherry, oat biscuits and chocolate ganache cushioned with oak spices.
FINISH: Rounded and long with notes of dark chocolate soufflé, berry coulis and coffee grounds leaving a sweet cinnamon linger

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Laphroaig 10 Year Old “Sherry Oak” Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($89.99)

K&L Notes: Laphroaig 10 is definitely in the running for Scotland’s most iconic bottling. After years of pining for a sherried version, it’s finally here. The 10 Year Old Sherry Oak is finished in Oloroso casks, providing a honeyed sweetness that perfectly complements the salty smoke of Scotland’s most richly flavored malt. While it’s our hope that this will eventually be a staple on the shelves, the initial release is extremely limited and will certainly sell out in minutes.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 08, 2021

The iconic Islay producer has long been a darling of the Scotch-loving world. There are fewer and fewer people out there who turn their nose up at the wildly peaty style that comes off the special stills at Laphroaig. Not only are they one of the few distillers to use their own malt, which is part of what many attribute to the unique flavors of their spirit, but they use a complex regime of seven stills to create a completely unique malt. While sherried Laphroaig is renowned historically, they rarely fill it into sherry butts. It’s a real treat if they can pull it off properly. Let’s have a taste. The color is amber/deep gold. OH THANK GOD! They haven’t totally neutered the fires of Islay with these sherry butts. It’s right smokey with plenty of oily smoke and sweet peat wafting from the glass. The sherry has drawn it slightly towards the BBQ flavors and away from the high-pitched medicinal flavors, which only the very pickiest Laphroaig lover will lament. Lots of roasted flavors—roasted wood, roasted earth, roasted meat, toasted pepper, roasted brush, ashy smoke. On the palate, it’s unctuous and mouth-coating, thanks most definitely to the higher-than-normal proof, bold and not at all unabashed with the sweetness of the sherry, it’s nutty frame just slightly taming the gamey peat character. We always worry that with these NAS bottlings they’ll try to sneak in some “under-mature” casks, but this feels extremely well composed and, dare I say, “older”? This is an absolutely perfectly executed expression, that offers so much enjoyment and complexity while slightly opening the door to those who might be otherwise afraid to dive into the South Shore smokies.

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

SPEAKEASY SPECIALS

Password please? Enter the Society speakeasy and let us delight you with our latest selection of 14 spectacular bottlings. Revel in seasonal favours with a Deep, Rich & Dried Fruits, satisfy your sweet tooth with something Sweet, Fruity & Mellow, or truly indulge yourself with an Old & Dignified bottling from our Vaults Collection, featuring a distillery very rarely seen at the Society. Whatever you choose, be sure to grab it soon before the secret gets out!

VIEW NEW BOTTLINGS

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