COMPLETE YOUR COLLECTION WITH A WORLD’S FIRST FOR WHISKEY

-Blacks Launch 18 Year Old Single Malt with Irish Rum Cask Finish-

Just as 18 is a monumental age in a young person’s life, opening the doors to adulthood, it also holds a very special significance in the whiskey world, indicating a level of maturity and commitment to patience and craft.  For whiskey connoisseurs, in order to curate the perfect collection, they are constantly on the hunt for that special spirit which is rare and unique – a one of a kind.  The newest addition to the Blacks Brewery & Distillery portfolio, 18 Year Old Single Malt with Irish Rum Cask Finish, answers this brief.

Over the years Blacks have become accustomed to setting the industry trends and securing their place in history books with a number of firsts.  Located on the Wild Atlantic Way in Kinsale, Blacks are Ireland’s first co-located brewery & distillery. In 2018, husband and wife duo of Sam and Maudeline Black launched Ireland’s first-ever spiced rum, Blacks Spiced Rum, made entirely from start to finish in Ireland. Continuing to expand their offering Blacks Golden Rum hit the shelves and in 2020 took home the coveted gold award at the World Rum Awards.

With one simple mission, to escape the mundane of the mass market by producing beers with passion, personality and lots of hops, while also pushing the boundaries of flavour when crafting their range of award-winning spirits, Blacks are once again bringing us a world’s first.

Securing a limited amount of aged Single Malt that would complement the characteristics of their rum casks, which previously held their award-winning liquid gold, Blacks began the process of maturing a single malt whiskey with a unique twist.  After continuous sampling and endless hours of profiling, in April 2021 this treasure had reached peak maturation.

It is a whiskey lover’s dream come true! A world’s first for Irish Whiskey – an Irish Rum Cask finish. There are only 563 bottles of this limited edition 18 Year Old Single Malt, each individually numbered. For many whiskey collectors their collection remains unopened for many years, and so with every purchase Blacks are providing these whiskey fanatics with a free 20ml spirit sample so that they can also sip and enjoy this new Irish spirit.

Speaking in relation to this exciting new launch, founder Sam Black commented, “The idea stemmed from our desire to push the boundaries for Irish spirits and continue to bring about new and innovative releases.  We are very familiar with this rum cask style here at Blacks, but it is something completely new to even the most renowned whiskey connoisseurs.”

Presented in a bespoke treasure chest style box, this cask strength beauty comes in at 56% ABV and will transport you to a world never explored before by a whiskey drinker.

Tasting Notes:

Aroma: Opens with confected aromas of vanilla maple syrup, sticky toffee pudding and candied fruit. Slight hints of coffee beans are set aside by the oak wood undertones before being reminded of banoffee pie and tropical desserts.

Palate: A velvet soft, toffee rich mouthfeel gives way to notes of caramel coated nuts and butter baked biscuits. Sweet malt and rum spices then demand your attention, as exotic fruit notes push to the forefront of your palate.

Finish: An amazingly complex finish with lingering nutmeg spices and dried sultanas fading out before being left with the oak wood undertones that characterised this whiskey for the first 18 years of its life.

Retailing at €500 per bottle, this matured one-of-a-kind whiskey is available exclusively through the Blacks online store, www. blacksbrewery.com/shop/

To find out more about Blacks award-winning spirits and craft beers, or for more brewery and distillery offers and exclusives follow Blacks online at Facebook/BlacksOfKinsale, Instagram/blacksbrewery and Twitter @BlacksBrewery

For this month only, you have the option to purchase, on a  ‘buy it now’ basis, a bottle of Glenfarclas 1991 30 year old. EXCLUSIVE FROM US it’s from a 2nd fill Hogshead and rich in colour. We’ve had a little swig of the stuff and believe us, it’s a cracker! You’ll have to be quick though as there are only 539 bottles produced with many already sold. Once they’re gone, they’re gone!

Grab one whilst stocks last and please note there is ZERO BUYERS PREMIUM on these bottles! It’s an absolute BARGAIN!

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Join the Springbank Society Ballot for

28yo Springbank Tasting Pack
& Springbank 8yo Fresh Oloroso

The Ballot Opens Monday 7th June, 12pm BST

On the 7th and 8th of June we are running ballots for our Springbank 28yo Tasting Packs and our new Springbank 8yo fresh oloroso release.  These products are exclusive to society members through our Experience.Springbank.scot website.

Ballot 1

4 x 2cl samples of 28yo Springbank &
1x Springbank 8yo Fresh Oloroso 57.3% (70cl)

Ballot Opens Monday 7th of June

Quantity: 610

£90 (inc VAT)

Ballot 2

1x Springbank 8yo Fresh Oloroso 57.3% (70cl)

Ballot Opens Tuesday 8th of June

Quantity: 1,220

£55 (inc VAT)

The first ballot for 610 bottles and tasting packs will open on Monday 7th June at 12pm BST and close 24 hours later. You can enter the Ballot 1 at any time throughout this 24 hour period – all entries will have an equal chance of being successful. If you are unsuccessful in Ballot 1 you will have the opportunity to enter Ballot 2 for one of the remaining 1,220 Springbank 8yo bottles. Similar to Ballot 1, you will also have 24 hours to enter Ballot 2. Duplicate entries will not be accepted – members making multiple entries for a single ballot will be disqualified from all ballots. On entry of the ballot, you will follow the standard checkout process and prepayment will be taken from your card for both the product and the shipping to your address. All successful entries will be notified via email and payment taken automatically from the card used for guarantee. If there is an issue with your payment or payment method you will be emailed to confirm payment information, and you will have 24 hours to respond to the email and complete your order. The ballot process for Canadian members will run separately. If you are based in Canada, please do not enter this ballot.

To join the Springbank Society contact them at society@springbank.scot

The past few decades have seen huge changes in whisky and this carefully curated tasting set dives into that recent history and gives you the chance to taste your way through the special spirits that have created the modern whisky world. Twenty whiskies, a tasting book and a pair of glasses – the perfect set to help you embark on a journey of whisky exploration and discovery.

20 Whiskies that Changed the World can serve as an educational whisky guide or a delicious whisky cabinet to dip into and enjoy whenever the mood takes you. The whiskies are grouped into four themes and are arranged in tasting order, so you can either enjoy them at your leisure or taste them in four flights alongside the tasting book and specially made video guides.

20 carefully curated 3cl Perfect Measure samples of some of the finest whiskies available today from around the globe. A 52-page full-colour book with details of all the whiskies and why we chose them, as well as space for your own notes. A pair of Perfect Measure tasting glasses to make sure you can get the most out of each whisky – each sample is the perfect size to share.

Join us on a journey of discovery, finding out what makes old favourites special and uncovering new whiskies to continue your exploration of the world of fine spirits.

£160

New Bourbon Trail™ Passport & Field Guide Offers Visitors The Ultimate Kentucky Bourbon Experience

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour is celebrating its 22nd birthday with a new Bourbon Trail™ Passport & Field Guide to help visitors plan and prepare for the ultimate journey behind America’s only native spirit.

The comprehensive guide contains 150 pages of information about the attraction, from maps and suggested itineraries to cocktail recipes, helpful tidbits, tasting notes and, of course, key data about participating distilleries on the KBT® and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour®.

And here’s the best part — Passport stamps now unlock access to special collectible bottles and private barrel selections, souvenir barware, tastings and other unique rewards at the 18 Kentucky Bourbon Trail® participating distilleries.

“This new guide is a must-have resource for Kentucky Bourbon tourists as they explore the rich history and heritage of our signature spirit,” said Eric Gregory, president of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association that founded the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® adventure in 1999.

“We’re really excited about all the rewards that now come with your Passport stamp. Visitors are clamoring for distinct bottles and exclusive souvenirs that they can only get in Kentucky. We listened, and our distilleries have worked hard to elevate their Kentucky Bourbon voyage.”

Adam Johnson, Senior Director of the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experiences, said Passport owners will be able to register their Field Guide online to receive the latest news and events happening at their favorite distilleries.

The guide also has detailed information about each distillery that will help visitors tailor their trip, such as whether the distillery has an on-site restaurant or cocktails available, accepts online reservations, produces other spirits besides Bourbon and more.

“The KBT program has evolved so much over the last 22 years,” Johnson said. “It’s more about savoring the Bourbon journey than a race to complete your Passport. This new book is a perfect companion piece that allows guests to celebrate our legendary Bourbon culture with ease.”

The new Passport & Field Guide is for sale starting Thursday at participating distilleries for the suggested retail price of $5.99. Passport & Field Guides also can be ordered now at the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® online shop at https://www.kybourbontrailshop.com.

“We are pleased to share with you an easy-to-use, fit-in-your-pocket, guide where you will discover Kentucky Bourbon is more than just a drink. It’s a way of life,” said Dee Ford, Chairwoman of the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail® Advisory Panel.

“This has been a year in the making and we appreciate all the passion and energy that KDA members have devoted to making it come true,” said Ford, who is Brand Home Manager at Angel’s Envy in Louisville . “We can’t wait for you to meet our makers and be our tasters.”

Proceeds from the sale go directly to KDA responsibility and sustainability initiatives. The Bourbon Trail Passport & Field Guide emphasizes the KDA’s commitment to responsible consumption with transportation tips, tasting guidelines and visitor best practices.

“The KBT may have just come of legal age, but our industry has a long-standing commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of alcohol,” said Sara Barnes, KDA Director of Industry Responsibility and Sustainability.

“Visitors can purchase one of our new guides knowing that proceeds will help continue that pledge and also fund research and initiatives to ensure the sustainable stewardship of wood, water and grains that are vital to our communities and our future.”

The new Bourbon Trail™ Passport & Field Guide also features the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour®, which the KDA created in 2012 as the nation’s first and only tourism attraction to showcase the state’s flourishing boutique distilleries.

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® includes 19 participating distilleries, with many more on the way. Visitors who complete each of its four territories earn a collectible challenge coin.

Fans who tour all stops get a custom barrel stave to display their coins.

“The new Passport & Field Guide also will serve as a go-to planning tool for our Craft Tour visitors as well,” Johnson said. “The challenge coins have been very popular for people who are taking the deeper dive into our craft distilleries.”

Johnson said visitors have until Dec. 31 to use old Passports to both the KBT® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® experiences. For more information on the Passport programs, go to https://kybourbontrail.com/field-guide/.

KDA President Gregory said look for more news soon as the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tours continue to expand with more stops, more merchandise for visitors (and finishers) and more benefits for Passport holders.

“There are so many ways to enjoy Kentucky Bourbon and even more to experience our culture and craft. As Adam said, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® is a journey, a quest. And there’s only one true and authentic home for Bourbon – Kentucky. The proof is here.”

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the legendary voice for Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s landmark economic engine and its thriving, timeless craft. Member benefits include media relations, international trade development, private sampling events, technical assistance, economic development support, networking, legal defense, marketing strategies, governmental and regulatory advocacy and innovative tourism experiences through the KDA’s world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® adventures. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com 

It’s a big month for whisky – the legendary Brora distillery, dormant since 1983, has reopened its doors and fired up its stills once more.

To mark the occasion, Brora’s parent company, Diageo, has released the extremely limited-edition Brora Triptych – a trio of whiskies carefully crafted to showcase three different facets and eras of Brora’s smoky, Highland style: 1982 The Timeless Original, 1977 The Age of Peat and 1972 The Elusive Legacy.

Joining this impressive set of whiskies are a number of its compatriots from some of Diageo’s best-known distilleries, including a pair of well-aged drams from Talisker and a brand-new 54-year-old single malt from Singleton.

Released in 2021 to mark the momentous re-opening of Brora distillery, Triptych contains three incredible, rare whiskies from this legendary distillery.

1982 The Timeless Original is a 38-year-old single malt that shows off the distillery’s famous waxy character, with a very delicate low level of peat. Aromas of sherbet lemons and fresh green grass fill the nose, complemented by notes of oak spice, beeswax, citronella candles and gunpowder throughout the palate.

1977 The Age of Peat is from a time where Brora increased the amount of peat used in making their whiskies to meet the rising demand for blended whisky. Elegant aromas of creamy vanilla, beeswax and crunchy green apples fill the nose, complemented by notes of smouldering peat smoke, ginger cake, oak spice and heathery smoke throughout the palate.

1972 The Elusive Legacy is a 48-year-old single malt that shows off an elusive and rarely seen style of earthy, peaty whisky only made in a few brief periods throughout the distillery’s history. Aromas of oaky spice and peach cobbler fill the nose, complemented by notes of rich malt, serrano ham, tobacco, coal dust and earthy smoke throughout the palate.

Evan Williams Bourbon Announces Major Redesign of

Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch

Bourbon returns to original proof with new, premium packaging

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Evan Williams Bourbon, the second largest selling Bourbon in the world, today announced a major redesign of Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch. Named after the year Evan Williams first opened his distillery on the banks of the Ohio River, the Bourbon’s new, premium package celebrates Kentucky Bourbon’s first licensed endeavor. Returning to the original 90 proof, as denoted on the new bottom face label, the small batch Bourbon is the second highest proof in the Evan Williams Bourbon family.

Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch will be relaunched in a new proprietary glass bottle with the Evan Williams signature blown in across the top. ‘1783’ is prominently displayed in gold foil accent across the top label, as well as ‘small batch’ to signify the Bourbon inside is a mingling of 300 barrels or less. The bottle is crowned by an upgraded capsule finish featuring the same Evan Williams signature repeated in the background. Crafted with Heaven Hill Distillery’s traditional Bourbon mashbill of 78% corn, 12% malted barley, and 10% rye, Evan Williams 1783 also retains an extra-aged quality as it is a marriage of barrels aged six to eight years, providing a smooth, rich, and bold flavor.

“Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch pays homage to some of the earliest years of licensed distilling in Kentucky, and an important year for Bourbon and the Commonwealth’s signature industry,” said Julie Cole, Evan Williams Senior Brand Manager. “With a return to the original 90 proof, the award-winning mashbill of Evan Williams 1783 is full-flavored and works both as a cocktail base and stand-alone sipper. We are excited to bring more focus to what is known as the ‘best kept secret’ in the Evan Williams Bourbon family.”

Evan Williams, who also served as an early Trustee of the City of Louisville, served as wharfmaster, and built the first county clerk’s office and city jail, set up his early distillery in 1783. As the first licensed commercial distiller in Kentucky, Evan Williams laid the initial groundwork of entrepreneurial success for the Kentucky Bourbon industry. The award-winning Evan Williams Bourbon Experience invites hundreds of thousands of visitors to Downtown Louisville each year to walk through the same hand-crafted process Evan Williams began in 1783.

The Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch relaunch will feature a new commercial called “Our Kind of People,” premiering this fall on national broadcast TV and connected TV. New point-of-sale will also feature the tagline, “When you do Bourbon right, people notice,” highlighting recent awards, including the 2019, 2020 and 2021 Consumers’ Choice SIP Award, winning Gold the first year and Double Gold the two consecutive. The brand will also be prominently featured in digital, social media and in-game advertising for the brands Major League Baseball post-season partnership. The new Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch ships nationwide in May with an SRP of $19.99.

ABOUT EVAN WILLIAMS: The flagship Bourbon of Heaven Hill Distillery, Evan Williams is among the leaders in the rapidly growing American Whiskey segment as the world’s second largest-selling Bourbon. Evan Williams is a proud sponsor of Major League Baseball and the World Series, first forming a partnership with the national pastime in 2016. As an American-made and American-owned brand, Evan Williams has recognized true American heroes through their exceptional stories of honor and bravery on special edition American-Made Hero labels for the past seven years, now supported by the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund. The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience (www.EvanWilliamsBourbonExperience.com) celebrates the legacy of Evan Williams through an immersive visitor’s center experience which brings to life the history and tradition of Kentucky’s native spirit as an official stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

New indie bottlings

WATT WHISKY

New in form but not in spirit, Watt Whisky is the brainchild of whisky industry power couple Mark and Kate Watt – previously of Glenfarclas, Cadenhead’s, Springbank, Duncan Taylor and The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, among others. With a focus on quality over flamboyance, this carefully-curated selection of whiskies showcases some delicious and lesser-known drams.

  SHOP NOW  

James Eadie Whisky

James Eadie was born into a family of brewers and blenders. So when the famed whisky critic Alfred Barnard visited him in 1889, it was no surprise that they bonded over a dram.

The whisky in question was James Eadie’s family blend. Passed down by his father, it was known as James Eadie’s Trade Mark X from 1877, when it was registered as one of the world’s first brands.

 Last bottled in the 1940s, the components of the blend were unknown until Rupert Patrick, James Eadie’s great-great-grandson, made the chance discovery of his 19th-century ledgers.

These records laid bare the spirits that were used to make his family’s celebrated Scotch. Pieced together, they revealed a forgotten blend from a distant era, in which the diverse flavours of every whisky-producing region of Scotland were expertly combined.

Two centuries on, using only whiskies from distilleries which James Eadie himself had purchased from, Norman Mathison, one of Scotland’s finest Master Blenders, was entrusted to revive this ancient Scotch. And so, after a lengthy slumber, James Eadie’s name was brought back to life with a great range of single cask and small batch whiskies.

Have a look at our great range from the latest Independent Bottling company to grace the shelves of the Inverurie Whisky Shop.

Whatever you choose, you won’t be disappointed.

James Eadie Whisky