HIGHLAND PARK 50 YEAR OLD

From the far-flung corners of the country on the remote Orkney Isles comes a whisky that has been preparing in the depths of a warehouse for half a century. With the angels taking their fair share there are only 274 bottles available.

Nine refill casks, originally laid down in 1968, were married together in 2008 and re-racked into several first-fill sherry seasoned traditional oak casks. After a further 12 years of maturation, just one sherry seasoned European oak butt was selected and a small quantity of the whisky it contained was married with some of our 2018 batch of 50 Year Old.

Highland Park gain their unique flavour through the use of five traditional keystones of production, unchanged in over 220 years – aromatic peat, hand-turned floor maltings, sherry seasoned oak casks, cool maturation and cask harmonisation.

Here is a look through the years leading up to this release, and a more detailed look at this glorious bottle and presentation case:

Nose: Delicate aromas of ripe black cherries, sweet Muscovado sugar, peaches and rich dark chocolate are conveyed on a whisper of new leather and soft peat smoke.
Palate: A complex and vibrant intensity of flavours follows with exotic spices, candied orange peel, toasted oak and ripe apricots delivering a deliciously rich yet fragrant sweetness.
Finish: Dry spices and the impression of dark espresso coffee linger at the finish, enrobed in aromatic peat smoke.

Here is a another great video of Highland Park’s Master Whisky Maker, Gordon Motion, taking us through the process and his decision making when creating this special expression:

Highland Park
50 Year Old
2021 Release

70cl / 43.8% ABV

£25,000

If you would like information on this release when it becomes available very soon then sign up to register your interest at this link below.

Register Your Interest

SCOTTISH GLASSMAKING FIRM LAUNCHES BESPOKE TARTAN

An award-winning Scottish glassmaking firm has created its own Tartan – Whisky and Water by Angels’ Share Glass.

The Stirling company developed the unique tartan with the help of the team at Prickly Thistle who specialise in creating bespoke designs.

Angels’ Share Glass Managing Director Karen Somerville worked closely with Clare Campbell, founder of Highlands-based Prickly Thistle, to come up with a design which would reflect the glassmakers’ story and complement its products.

Three designs were shortlisted and put to a public vote which led overwhelmingly to the choice of the teal blue and gold option – Whisky and Water.

Karen says: “As a proud Scottish business, it was only fitting that we would one day produce our very own tartan to reflect our heritage and the story of how our brand has developed since we launched eight years ago.

“We were delighted with the ideas generated by Prickly Thistle and loved all of the designs Clare developed – but we agree with our supporters and customers that the Whisky and Water design is the best fit for us.”

Prickly Thistle is the firm behind the creation of Outlander star Sam Heughan’s Sassenach tartan and designed the limited-edition tartan weaved for the National Trust for Scotland’s Save Our Scotland Appeal.

Clare says: “It was an absolute joy to work with Karen and hear the lovely stories behind Angels’ Share Glass.

“We worked together to create a flagship tartan using the iconic colours which reflect the brand and all the wonderful imagery and connections inspired by the colours of whisky and glass and by Karen’s father Tom Young’s glassmaking legacy.

“I’m thrilled that everyone loved the Whisky and Water design which was chosen and really enjoyed going on the journey with Karen and her team which led to the creation of the tartan which tells their story.”

Angels’ Share Glass specialises in creating whisky-based glass gifts, many of which include tartan in their presentation, and Karen had been considering producing a bespoke tartan for some time.

She says: “Customers would often ask us if we had our own design to include in the gift sets and staves where we use tartan and it’s something I’ve always wanted to do as a Scottish company which is proud of its heritage.

“Working with Clare to develop the perfect design was fantastic because she is so passionate about storytelling and was determined to find out all about us so she could weave our history and our stories into the design.”

Clare came up with a series of designs for the firm which the team narrowed down to three tartans – Whisky and Wood; Whisky and Water and Whisky and Nature.

These options were voted on by the firm’s many customers, supporters and social media fans with more than 1,000 people completing the survey and a massive 70% voting for Whisky and Water.

Those polled were also asked to put forward name ideas for the tartan before Karen decided on `Whisky and Water by Angels’ Share Glass’ as the perfect title.

She says: “The three designs were all wonderful with the Whisky and Wood colours representing the oak of the whisky barrel which is the wood we use for our staves and Whisky and Nature featuring the black and gold of the flames we use in glassmaking and the black fungus sometimes associated with The Angels’ Share.

“But the Whisky and Water design, representing our brand colours of teal and gold, was the standout winner and a great choice which all of us at Angels’ Share Glass agreed with.

“We’re grateful to all those who voted and quite overwhelmed by the positive response we received as well as some of the unusual entries which were suggested for the tartan names including Greedy Angels and Tartan McTartanFace.

“We’re now looking forward to having our very own tartan woven and using it to complement our products.”

The tartan will now be produced by the Prickly Thistle team at their tartan weaving mill and is expected to be completed by the summer.

It will be used in the presentation of existing products and packaging as well as for creating a range of new gifts including tartan napkins with handmade glass rings, a tartan flat cap and hipflask covers.

For more information about Bridge of Allan-based Angels Share Glass, visit www.angelsshareglass.com

Notes: Angels’ Share Glass is a family-run business based in Bridge of Allan, near Stirling. The firm was co-founded by Karen Somerville and her father Tom Young MBE – a world-renowned Master Craftsman who has been glassblowing and making lamp-work glassware for 60 years. More information about the company can be found at www.angelsshareglass.com

Bardstown Bourbon Co. Shares a Modern Take on the Mint Julep Recipe

Bardstown Bourbon’s National Brand Ambassador Samantha Montgomery created these updated adaptations just in time for the biggest horse race of the year.

Located in the heart of Bourbon Country, Bardstown Bourbon Company is one of the country’s most modern and technically advanced whiskey distilleries.

Mint Juleps with a Twist

Cherry-Thyme Julep

 2 oz Bardstown Bourbon Company Fusion #4

 0.5 oz Rich Syrup (2:1 white sugar:water)

 2 sprigs of thyme

 2 fresh cherries

 Strip all the leaves from a sprig of thyme into a julep tin / add rich syrup / add cherries and muddle / add bourbon / stir / add crushed ice / garnish with thyme and cherry

Strawberry-Basil Smash (Julep, if you prefer)

 2 oz Bardstown Bourbon Company Fusion #4

 0.5 oz Rich Syrup (2:1 white sugar:water)

 3 basil leaves

 2 strawberries

 In a julep tin, combine the rich syrup, basil leaves, and strawberries and muddle / add bourbon / stir / add crushed ice / garnish with basil and strawberry

AVAILABLE NOW

Laphroaig 10 Year Old is undoubtedly one of the best-loved – and most divisive – single malt whiskies on the market. Its powerful, peaty flavour has become synonymous with Islay, and has caused many a budding whisky fan to either fall head-over-heels in love, or recoil in horror, never to raise a dram again.

This newest incarnation of such a legendary whisky is sure to interest and divide whisky fans even further. Classic Laphroaig 10 Year Old, aged for most of its life in ex-bourbon casks before a finishing period spent in ex-oloroso sherry casks, this is a beautiful balance of punchy peat flavour and rich, fruity sherry-cask influence.

The result of such a combination is a richly-flavoured whisky, laden with notes of seaweed, dark fruits, honey and well-cured bacon. We’re fans, but will it be for you? There’s only one way to find out.

BUY NOW

GLENALLACHIE UK SINGLE CASKS

The latest batch of single casks from GlenAllachie distillery, bottled exclusively  for the UK market. Four very special single casks, ranging from 11 to 35 years! We’ve only got a small qty of bottles left from this series.

BUY NOW

NEW HEAVILY PEATED, CASK EXPLORATION SPECIAL ‘PORT CHARLOTTE PAC:01 2011’ RELEASED FROM BRUICHLADDICH DISTILLERY

Parma ham, Champagne, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Balsamic vinegar of Modena, and Bordeaux winehave all built a signature status based on regionality, with labels protected by law. Their pedigreeis celebrated with geograp hical indicators,such as ‘appellation d’originecontrôlée’(AOCs) that convey the quality of ingredients and the origins of their making.

Under Scotch whisky regulations, the island of Islay is a protected locality for single malts. Whisky must be distilled on Islay in order to bear its name, but the makers of Port Charlotte heavily peated Islay single malt question whether this is enough?With no mention of where the ingredients should come from, or the location of maturation and bottling, a whiskycan, in theory, be created in as little as four days and still be called an ‘Islay’ single malt.

In contrast, French vintners have protected the reputation of their national drink for centuries. They have built a system where appellation is strictly controlled and is a source of pride. With the Islay distillery’s philosophy largely inspired by the world of wine, these French values are readily practiced in all Port Charlotte whiskies. Always matured, distilled and bottled on Islay, these single malts ensure the Islay name respects the wealth of work that made the island famous, and that the benefits of their making are shared into the local community.

In this new Cask Exploration edition, Port Charlotte PAC:01 2011 celebrates the convergence of French and Scottish provenance. Scottish barley, trickle distilled in 2011, has matured for a minimum of six years in American oak casks, before spending the remainder of its life in casks which previously held red wine from the Gironde left bank, north of Bordeaux. Its resultant character is vibrant and full-bodied, with an understated balance of barbeque smoke and an abundance of berry notes.

Bottled at 56.1% abv and available globally from April 2021, the Port Charlotte PAC:01 2011 will replace the Port Charlotte OLC:01 2010 within the Port Charlotte range of Islay single malts.

On Bruichladdich Distillery:

• Bruichladdich Distillery is located on the remote Scottish island of Islay and was built in 1881

• Bruichladdich Distillery crafts four different spirits: o Bruichladdich, unpeated Islay single malt Scotch whisky

• Port Charlotte, heavily peated Islay single malt Scotch whisky (40PPM)

• Octomore, the world’s most heavily peated Scotch whisky series (80+PPM) o The Botanist Gin, the first Islay dry gin

• Bruichladdich Distillery matures and bottles all their single malts on the island of Islay. They are due to install on-site maltings in the near future, which will enable them to complete a proportion of their annual production on the island.

• Bruichladdich Distillery is the largest private employer on the island of Islay

On the Port Charlotte range:

• The current Port Charlotte range explores the influence of barley origin, cask exploration and the passing of time. The Port Charlotte PAC:01 2011 will replace the Port Charlotte OLC:01 2010 alongside current Port Charlotte 10 and Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2012 listings.

• Port Charlotte spirit was first distilled in 2001, when Bruichladdich Distillery was resurrected after seven years of closure. The single malt whisky is named after the village of Port Charlotte that lies two miles south of Bruichladdich.

BACK IN STOCK!
Wonderful whiskies from Japan 🇯🇵

We have just received a delivery of new stock from Japan that I have a funny feeling won’t be around for long! There is the beautifully balanced and complex Hibiki Japanese Harmony blend, and two Distiller’s Reserves: the first from the number one single malt in Japan, Yamazaki, and the other is the herbal and gently smoked Hakushu.

Take your pick and add something from overseas to your collection!

Hibiki
Japanese Harmony

A blend of more than 10 malt and grain whiskies to create a harmony of flavours and aromas.

WAS £95.00
NOW £68.99

Buy Now ›

Yamazaki
Distiller’s Reserve

The Distiller’s Reserve is mild and fresh with fruity notes and aspects of the Mizunara oak casks.

WAS £95.00
NOW £68.95

Buy Now ›

Hakushu
Distiller’s Reserve

The Distiller’s Reserve is a refreshing whisky, with a crisp and vibrant feel, using water from the Southern Japanese Alps.

WAS £85.00
NOW £65.99

Buy Now ›

THE COMPARISON SERIES

Two exciting new single casks released as part of ‘The Comparison Series’ from Kilchoman distillery, launched Spring 2021. This unique offering from Kilchoman was created to showcase the different qualities from single casks produced at the distillery. To enjoy this series as it’s been designed, each single cask should be enjoyed side by side.

BUY NOW

Cù Bòcan Unlocks the Unusual
with an Experimental Brand Film

Cù Bòcan has released a new brand film, designed to unlock the unusual, and bring the brand and product range to life on screen.

The experimental Highland Single Malt is distilled every winter in limited batches and made with lightly peated Scottish barley for its signature wisp of smoke. Cù Bòcan also explores innovative maturations, creating whiskies full of intrigue and surprise. The brand film set out to convey these messages within an abstract and modern story arc.

As well as the brand film, three short product films were also produced for each single malt within the range.

The current Cù Bòcan range comprises of three products, the Signature malt matured in Bourbon, Oloroso Sherry and North American Virgin Oak casks, and the first two creations, Creation #1 matured in Black Isle Brewery Imperial Stout and Bacalhôa Moscatel de Setúbal wine casks and Creation #2 matured in Japanese Shochu and European Virgin Oak casks. Each single malt offers an exploration in the subtleties of smoke, the character of the casks and the mastery of maturation. Bottled at 46% ABV, the range is non-chill filtered, natural in colour and carries a no age statement.

Cù Bòcan partnered with filmmaker, cinematographer and Director of Scene it Media, Scott Remy, to create a truly innovative and captivating cinematic experience. Scott, “I have always believed the most important aspect of film-making is emotion. Leaving an impression on the viewer and telling an honest story that is memorable. It’s been really fun making these for Cù Bòcan and so great to create something as unique as they have turned out to be.”

Speaking on the film, Brand Manager Julia Mackillop explains, “in the absence of being able to invite visitors to our brand home we wanted to deliver our story to a global audience in the most visual way possible, showcasing our Highland location, winter production but most importantly our experimental spirit. It was a pleasure to work locally with Scene it Media, who truly brought this project to life”.

Cù Bòcan is available in specialist shops worldwide with an RRP of £45 and £60 per 700ml bottle for the Signature, and Creations #1 and #2 respectively.

Notes:

1. Cù Bòcan is a Highland Single Malt distilled, matured and produced at the Tomatin Distillery (near Inverness), famous for its portfolio of brands including Tomatin Highland Single Malt, The Antiquary, The Talisman and Big T.

2. In 2005, the decision was made to produce a peated single malt and for the last week of production that year a batch of Optic Barley peated to 15ppm was used to produce about 60,000 litres of lightly peated spirit which was filled into a variety of different cask types.

3. Then, on September 3rd 2013 this lightly peated whisky produced at Tomatin was released as Cù Bòcan – A single malt at 15ppm matured in a combination of Bourbon, Sherry and Virgin Oak casks. Since then, the Cù Bòcan brand has grown with a number of vintage releases as part of the brand limited edition collection.

4. The rebrand, August 2019, positions the brand as a celebration in the subtleties of smoke and perfectly balanced sweetness. It is an experimental Highland Single Malt that explores innovative maturation to create whiskies full of intrigue and surprise. It is made with lightly peated Scottish barley, distilled every winter in limited batches and matured
in a variety of interesting casks to unlock unusual flavours.

5. The distillery is owned by Japanese company Takara Shuzo: http://www.takarashuzo.co.jp/english/index.html

6. Website: www.cu-bocan.com
a. Facebook: www.facebook.com/cubocan
b. Twitter: www.twitter.com/cubocanwhisky
c. Instagram: www.instagram.com/cubocanwhisky
d. Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFfCCt2Wkep2Z_pr3PnpVHw

This unique expression from Laphroaig combines the unforgettable flavour of the 10 Year Old Whisky with the sweet, aromatic flavours from the Oloroso Sherry casks.

This marriage of casks creates a rich, full bodied flavour with notes of Manuka honey, bacon and maple syrup alongside the classic smoke, seaweed and hint of salt that Laphroaig is known and loved for.

The additional sweetness and character of the Oloroso Sherry casks adds complexity and balance to create a unique and exciting expression, but one that stays true to the character of Laphroaig.

SHERRY OAK FINISH 10 YEAR OLD

Limited Edition | 70cl | 48% ABV

£64.95

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