CHIVAS XV JOINS THE BALMAIN ARMY FOR AN EXCLUSIVE DROP OF SCOTCH WHISKY

This fall, two legendary houses, Chivas and Balmain, join forces to drop an exclusive, limited-edition Balmain x Chivas XV collection. Bringing a Parisian savoir-faire to Chivas’ 15 year old blended Scotch, the collaboration takes the form of two limited-edition bottle designs, developed by Chivas in partnership with Balmain Creative Director, Olivier Rousteing.

A partnership built on the authentic fusion of heritage, boldness and innovation, the Balmain x Chivas XV collection embraces the shared vision of two pioneering houses – Balmain’s daring outlook on fashion alongside Chivas’ disruptive approach to Scotch. Just as Chivas XV brings a contemporary twist to Scotch by selectively finishing its aged whisky in Cognac casks, the Balmain x Chivas XV collaboration brings a modern twist to Scotch by blending the spirit of luxury French fashion with an icon of luxury Scotch whisky.

Olivier Rousteing explains:

Just like Balmain, Chivas has always adhered to the highest standards with neither house being afraid to push boundaries and break with outdated conventions. Those already familiar with the Balmain universe will note that this unique collaboration includes a signature motif of the house—the oversized golden chain. Whenever I’ve included that eye-catching adornment in my collections, it has served as a bold symbol of the defiant spirit of our rebellious and inclusive Balmain Army – a bold and audacious attitude that both Chivas and Balmain celebrate.

The collection, dropping globally from October 5^th, features bold designs from Balmain and Chivas that embody the iconic codes and legendary success associated with each house. The First Drop, an extremely limited and individually numbered gold bottle, is adorned with metallic armour and chains in a nod to Balmain’s signature runway pieces, whilst the Second Drop brings to life Balmain’s recognisable silhouette, through a symmetrical design of chains and belts directly inspired by the house’s recent collections.

To celebrate the launch, Chivas and Balmain will be inviting fans to join the Balmain Army through a series of exclusive and vibrant activations. Shining a light on the collection’s motifs, Balmain x Chivas XV billboards will be unveiled in numerous cities alongside an iconic fashion film following the Balmain Army as they journey through a night of celebration. A Balmain x Chivas XV bottle bag, designed by the Balmain accessories team, will also be gifted to the Balmain Army for the launch. For those wanting to try the product firsthand, a series of Balmain x Chivas XV pop-up bars serving a range of exclusive cocktails will also be appearing worldwide and at select Fashion Weeks.

The Balmain x Chivas XV collection drops October 5^th via select high-end retailers, ephemeral stores and Chivas.com with a RRP of:

First Drop – £160 / €175 / $217

Second Drop – £70 / €84 / $104

For more information, visit www.chivas.com.

Strathisla 35 Year Old – 1985

£939.00

This 1985 vintage Strathisla was distilled Friday 14th June 1985 and matured in a refill bourbon barrel for 35 years before being bottled Tuesday 27th April 2021. Only 104 bottles filled from single cask 1482 at 57.8% vol. Another stunning and very rare single malt release from independent Scotch whisky bottlers Gordon & MacPhail. This 1985 vintage Strathisla was distilled Friday 14th June 1985 and matured in a refill bourbon barrel for 35 years before being bottled Tuesday 27th April 2021. Only 104 bottles filled from single cask 1482 at 57.8% vol and released as part of the excellent Private Collection.

The Old Particular Single Casks are a particularly sought-after range of individually-selected Single Malt and Single Grain Scotch Whiskies from all over Scotland. Each is bottled exactly the way the Distiller intended: without colouring or chill-filtration, and at high alcohol strength. This combination allows the cask to retain the naturally present oils, fats and enzymes in the spirit that enhance the quality of the nose, the mouthfeel and flavour profile of the Whisky

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Final release in the No Name Trilogy

Pre Order No Name 3

£99.00

Pre order now

No Name was not supposed to become a series, but Compass Box have enjoyed showcasing different heavily-peated malt whiskies within a consistent recipe structure. The interplay of smokiness between all three is completely different, showing that peat is far from one-dimensional. This completes a compelling trilogy. It boasts high density phenols with tarry notes that fans of the series will recognise from the original No Name. At the same time, it boasts a flamboyant fruitiness that builds on that of No Name, No. 2.

This final version has been based around malt whisky from the Laphroaig Distillery (74.7%), aged in recharred hogsheads. Compellingly waxy, fruity and sooty malt whisky from the Bowmore Distillery supports this. Fruity and silky unpeated malts, and a little of our Highland Malt Blend, complete the recipe. Full recipe details can be found here

Please welcome to the stage No Name, No. 3, a rock opera of a whisky.
If the original No Name was whisky as thrash metal, and No Name, No. 2 showcased the flamboyance of progressive rock, this final creation in our trilogy takes peat to an OTT operatic crescendo.

From the wizards at Compass Box

INTRODUCING JAMESON BLACK BARREL PROOF

50% ABV REVEALS ADDED DEPTH AND RICHNESS TO MULTI AWARD-WINNING[1] JAMESON BLACK BARREL

Hot on the heels of its recent ‘Best Irish Whiskey’ trophy at the 2021 International Spirits Challenge, Jameson is launching a 50% ABV, or 100-proof[2], limited edition of its triple-distilled Black Barrel whiskey – great to gift (and even better to keep) this Christmas.

Jameson Black Barrel Proof is made from pot still and grain whiskey matured in a combination of American oak, sherry casks and double charred ex-bourbon barrels to give an even deeper flavour experience. Uniquely, this expression will be bottled at 50% ABV and without chill filtration. The result is a rich, smooth expression that showcases the benefit that the tradition of barrel charring can add to the world’s favourite Irish whiskey[3].

“Jameson Black Barrel is a triple distilled blend of our small batch grain and traditional single pot still Irish whiskey and boasts a robust spiciness, with flavours of butterscotch and fudge. Paying tribute to the cooper’s skill, maturing a portion of our whiskey in double charred barrels brings out sweet and spicy characteristics in abundance as it penetrates deeper into the charred oak,” explains Irish Distillers’ Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman.

“Like every family, Jameson is made up of individual characters with their own distinct personalities. Bottling Jameson Black Barrel at a higher strength is a great way to accentuate the already beloved characteristics of this unique whiskey to create a totally new experience for whiskey enthusiasts.

“So, if a full strength whiskey that’s bursting with aromas of toffee and fudge, complemented by a spicy character and a rich vanilla finish, sounds like it’s for you – or maybe even for someone you know –

then you’ll find that Black Barrel Proof is a great addition to the Jameson family this Christmas. Slainte!”

Set to appeal to whiskey fans seeking to explore a more intense flavour experience this Christmas, the limited-edition release of Jameson Black Barrel Proof will be available online at JamesonWhiskey.com and via select outlets in Ireland and at Dublin Airport from early November at RRP of €60. 

Best served in a cocktail or maybe over ice, but always with friends!

Tasting notes by Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman:

Nose: Butterscotch sweetness and creamy, toffee, fudge aroma.

Taste: Rich smooth taste with a deep intensity and dialled up spicy notes, complemented by vanilla sweetness.

Finish: Smooth and rich finish with a hint of vanilla lingering on the palate. 

@JamesonWhiskey

#BlackBarrelProof

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers is Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits and wines, and producer of some of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys. Led by Jameson, our brands are driving the global renaissance of Irish whiskey. Jameson is the world’s bestselling Irish whiskey, experiencing 30 years of consecutive growth up to 2019 and hitting sales of 8.6m cases in 2021. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets.

Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and Cork Distilleries Company. In 1988 Irish Distillers joined Pernod Ricard, gaining access to unprecedented levels of investment and an extensive global distribution network. Since 2012, we have invested over €400 million to double our production and bottling capacity to meet global demand for our products.

We employ over 600 people across our operations in Cork and Dublin.

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the No.2 worldwide producer of wines and spirits with consolidated sales of €8,824 million in FY21. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has developed through organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard, which owns 16 of the Top 100 Spirits Brands, holds one of the most prestigious and comprehensive brand portfolios in the industry, including: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute, and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Malibu liqueur, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard’s brands are distributed across 160+ markets and by its own salesforce in 73 markets. The Group’s decentralised organisation empowers its 19,000 employees to be true on-the-ground ambassadors of its vision of “Créateurs de Convivialité.” As reaffirmed by the Group’s strategic plan, “Transform and Accelerate,” deployed in 2018, Pernod Ricard’s strategy focuses on investing in long-term, profitable growth for all stakeholders. The Group remains true to its three founding values: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust, and a strong sense of ethics, as illustrated by the 2030 Sustainability and Responsibility roadmap supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), “Good times from a good place.” In recognition of Pernod Ricard’s strong commitment to sustainable development and responsible consumption, it has received a Gold rating from Ecovadis. Pernod Ricard is also a United Nation’s Global Compact LEAD company.

Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN Code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 and Eurostoxx 50 indices.

[1] Best Irish Whiskey trophy at International Spirits Challenge 2021, Double Gold Medal from San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2021, Gold Outstanding and 98 points from International Wine and Spirits Competition 2021

[2] Proof is twice the measure of alcohol content by volume. For example, a whiskey with 50% alcohol is a 100-proof whiskey.

[3] Jameson is the world’s bestselling (IWSR 2020) and most awarded Irish whiskey based on the tasting results of the six most influential tasting competitions over the past ten years (2011-2021), including The Irish Whiskey Masters, IWSC, ISC, Beverage Testing Institute, San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Ultimate Spirits Challenge.

Glenburgie 1995 25 Year Old Connoisseurs Choice

G&M present this single cask showcasing red apple, lime, honeysuckle, black pepper and tropical fruits. A limited-edition bottle, exclusive to The Whisky Shop, this single cask from Glenburgie is limited to only 137 bottles. Bottled by independent bottler Gordon & MacPhail, this Speyside single malt whisky has been carefully matured a single ex-bourbon barrel, filled in 1995 and bottled in 2021 at a cask strength of 55.8% abv. It is free from chill-filtration and exhibits a natural colour. This exceptional one-off whisky offers notes of red apple and lime zest on the nose, complementing a subtle honeysuckle. Flavours of cracked black pepper give way to tropical fruits on the palate, before a medium finish with lingering hazelnuts.

£250.00
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COMPASS BOX – NO NAME NO.3

LIMITED EDITION SCOTCH WHISKY

70cl | 48.9% ABV 

No Name was not supposed to become a series, but Compass Box have enjoyed showcasing different heavily-peated malt whiskies within a consistent recipe structure. The interplay of smokiness between all three is completely different, showing that peat is far from one-dimensional. This completes a compelling trilogy. It boasts high density phenols with tarry notes that fans of the series will recognise from the original No Name. At the same time, it boasts a flamboyant fruitiness that builds on that of No Name, No. 2.

This final version has been based around Malt Whisky from the Laphroaig Distillery, aged in recharred hogsheads. Compellingly waxy, fruity and sooty Malt Whisky from the Bowmore Distillery supports this. Fruity and silky unpeated malts, and a little of the Compass Box Highland Malt Blend, complete the recipe.

£89.95

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Released recently, we have the second flagship single malt from Hebridean distillery Isle of Raasay. The R-02 is created from two peated and unpeated spirits that have been matured separately in three different types of casks — fresh Chinkapin oak, first-fill rye whiskey and first-fill Bordeaux red wine — before being married together.

The result is a lightly peated dram with subtle smokiness, balanced by rich dark fruit flavours, including blackberry, raspberry and plum. This naturally golden whisky was produced using mineral-rich water from their distillery well and bottled at 46.4% ABV. A first of this cask combination and a bold entry into the core range of Raasay’s first legal distillery.

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R-02 is a lightly peated, fruity single malt from Isle of Raasay distillery, made with a blend of peated and unpeated spirit that has been matured in a combination of first-fill ex-rye whiskey casks, virgin Chinkapin oak and first-fill Bordeaux wine casks. The result is notes of dark berries, earthy smoke, subtle sea salt and juicy plums throughout the palate.

Hamish’s Highlights:
The Loch Fyne Caol Ila 10 Year Old

The Loch Fyne Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2010 + free glass!

[FREE GIFT ~ ONLY AVAILABLE ONLINE WHILE STOCKS LAST]

One of our very own; so we can make some guarantees with this one. This Caol Ila single cask whisky was aged for 10 years, and has a yield of only 414 bottles. This one is of course free from chill filtration and artificial colouring and presented at a hearty 57.2% abv. Bottled by none other than yours truly, we couldn’t be happier to celebrate this number from one of Islay’s great historical distilleries.

Nose: herbaceous, smoked meats, oily.
Palate: big body, confectionary, a waft of smoke.
Finish: peppery warmth, smoke lingering.

£60.00
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Pittyvaich – the latest in the Ghost & Rare series

Johnnie Walker have unveiled their latest Blue Label offering – a ghostly dram with Pittyvaich spirit at its heart, blended with seven other rare whiskies. Known as one of the shortest-lived distilleries in Scotland, Pittyvaich gained a lasting legacy since its closure in the early 90s.

Butterscotch, apples, pears, and cinnamon on the nose leads to a tantalising palate with hints of orchard fruits, dark fruit, and sweet berries. The finish is beautifully balanced, with supple notes of honeycomb and oak warmth.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost & Rare: Pittyvaich Description

Discover more here →