Last Chance at Retail for a Groundbreaking American Whiskey Icon
High West “Campfire” American Whiskey ($54.99)
“…the sheer boldness of mixing high quality American whisky with heavily peated Scotch… truly put these guys on the map.” — David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

A blend of bourbon, rye, and peated Scotch, High West’s now-iconic “Campfire” American Whiskey started as an idea that no other blender had the fortitude to take on, as it was yet unproven in the market. Over the years, though, the “Campfire” has more than vindicated the wisdom of High West’s gambit, as it’s found immense favor with whiskey lovers everywhere. The fine, seamless expression of all the best qualities of each of its component whiskies “offers something that few else can,” as spirits buyer David Othenin-Girard puts it. When the brand recently announced that the whiskey would no longer be sold in the retail market but only through the distillery in Utah, we knew what we had to do. We secured as much of it as we could get our hands on, and we’re letting High West fans everywhere know that this is your last chance to pick some up, unless of course you have a road trip to Park City on your schedule. There’s no telling how long it’ll be available in California (hint: not long), so stock up while you can.

High West “Campfire” American Whiskey (750ml) ($54.99)

91 points Whisky Advocate: “An oddball that crosses the divide between American whiskey and scotch by literally mixing the two, Campfire combines straight Indiana rye, straight Indiana bourbon, and peated blended malt scotch, marrying them together in heavily toasted French and Hungarian oak wine barrels. The scotch adds hearty, meaty flavors to the dry, spicy, and rich bourbon and rye. This is a robust and beefy whiskey, with smoke reminiscent of Southern barbecue. Earlier releases of this ambitious whiskey didnt quite hit the mark. Now, its right on target. *Top 20 Whiskies of 2017* (AP)” (12/2017)

91 points Wine Enthusiast: “An unexpectedly wonderful pairing with a sweet chocolate or a sticky caramel dessert, Campfire blends straight rye whiskey, straight Bourbon and blended Scotch. Altogether, its big and smoky, with lots of iodine, but doesnt completely overwhelm, settling into a pleasing mix of toffee and peat. Gift a bottle to a Scotch lover to introduce the joys of American whiskeys. (KN)” (07/2013)

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: May 26, 2021

To say this is the end of an era is an understatement. High West “Campfire” has long stood as a symbol of the risks that the special Utah distiller was willing to take as well as their prowess as blenders. It is indeed their ability to acquire and expertly blend whiskies that made High West the exceptional property that it is today. But the sheer boldness of mixing high-quality American whisky with heavily peated Scotch to create a new category of whisky truly put these guys on the map. Many were skeptical at first, writing off their efforts as a gimmick or a novelty, but ultimately this product has been embraced by so many in the whisky community who appreciate its balance and versatility. Now, with word that they’ll be transitioning this product to a distillery-only release, there’s been a renewed sense of urgency from many of those who have come to rely on this bottle when they found themselves craving something, shall we say, “in between” categories. Still now, years after its initial release, the “Campfire” offers something few else can. The nose is a luxurious amalgam of sweet new oak, tangy rye spice, and deep, sooty smoke. On the palate, the wood does a lot of the talking and falls distinctly in the texture range of a good straight bourbon or rye. The sweetness is tempered perfectly by the top note of clean Islay peat, while twinges of ash and iodine don’t distract at all from the gorgeous caramel and spice. Altogether an idiosyncratic expression that won’t necessarily make everyone happy all the time, but for times when you’re in the mood and there’s nothing else that can quite scratch that itch, it’s probably a good move to grab one or two just in case, since you’ll have to head to Utah to get this one in the future.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: May 26, 2021

Word on the street is that High West is transitioning “Campfire” to be a Utah-only product. They’re not going so far as to yank product from other markets but will just naturally let it run dry and no longer replenish it after March 2021. This means unless you’ve got a post pandemic trip to Park City in the works, you’ll have to stock the bar now. It’s what we did. There’s no telling when it’ll be sold out in CA for good, but the end is near. It’s a tragedy for whisk(e)y lovers without ties to Utah, as “Campfire” has been one of the more creative and interesting whiskies available for quite some time. It’s a beautiful mélange of bourbon’s classic highlights of sweet corn, vanilla, caramel, and butterscotch mixed with an impossibly complex rye profile. Cracked pepper, sweet cinnamon, nutmeg, spicy black pepper, and cut grass all work harmoniously with the bourbon. The kicker, though, is the peated Scotch. This component really ties it all together in an unexpected way that just works. The slightly salty and robustly smoky elixir makes its presence known from nosing through to finish, but it never overwhelms. The “Campfire” name really is perfect. If you’re dying to get outside and have a drink around the fire with friends, this is a great place to start.

WATERFORD DISTILLERY ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH ARTIST LEAH HEWSON FOR THE LAUNCH OF ITS FLAGSHIP WHISKY: THE CUVÉE

Leading Irish visual artist, Leah Hewson, has released her latest work, but you won’t find it in a gallery or exhibition.

Partnering with Waterford Distillery, Hewson has created Binary Assimilation – an original artwork for the bottle label of the distillery’s flagship single malt whisky coming this autumn: The Cuvéee.

Hewson’s aim was to celebrate the ‘many layers and complexities within Waterford’s distillation process and the immense sensory experience of consumption’.

Waterford’s unique methodology is terroir-driven. The concept, which is commonly practised by the world’s greatest winemakers, is based on the principle that factors such as weather, soil, and microclimate influence the flavours found in barley and the whisky made from it.

To make its multiple award-winning Single Farm Origin whiskies, Waterford Distillery maintains the integrity of each crop of barley by harvesting, storing, malting and distilling it separately. Each Single Farm Origin has been produced separately using barley grown only on individual terroirs throughout the South of Ireland.

This individuality can be celebrated in its own right, but the ultimate aim is to layer these component spirits together – in precisely the same manner as a Grand Vin in Burgundy, or Grand Cuvée in Champagne – for ultimate complexity. The whole, greater than simply the sum of its parts.

This means – for the first time in whisky production anywhere – Waterford Distillery is assembling 23 different Single Farm Origin component single malts to create the definitive Waterford Whisky: The Cuvéee. It is a lodestar for the brand and a milestone bottling.

Leah Hewson’s original artwork reflects the intricate nature of such a milestone product. Two computer-generated images that are depicted in paint have been divided into strips and overlaid with opaque and transparent red and green stripes, and a neon squiggle in to create ’ambiguity and illusion’.

Leah Hewson said: ”Binary Assimilation celebrates the many layers and complexities of Waterford’s approach to whisky production. The brand’s scientific and methodical approach reflects my own and this provided an inspiration to sync art, flavour and character into something visually striking. By building the piece in layers through colour, I was able to create new dimensional effects to match the concept of The Cuvéee.”

Mark Reynier, Founder and CEO of Waterford Distillery said: “This is no ordinary whisky – it’s our lodestar, a key milestone on our terroir-driven journey – our raison d’etre. Its vision, evolution derived from unprecedented logistics, merits an equally outstanding label. We commissioned one of Ireland’s leading artists, Leah Hewson, to create a contemporary image that was unlike another whisky label. One that shared the elemental construct, evoking vibrancy, a bold statement and a multi-layered feel. A label unlike any other, for a whisky unlike any other.”

ABOUT WATERFORD DISTILLERY 

Influenced by the world’s greatest winemakers, Waterford Distillery obsessively brings the same intellectual drive, methodology and rigour to single malt whisky.

Using 100% Irish barley, widely considered to be the world’s finest, its Single Farm Origin series is an uber-provenance range of limited-edition natural whiskies that explore Irish terroir one farm, one place, at a time. They are expressions of precision and rarity, showcasing barley flavours derived from individual Irish farms and harvests. The distillery’s aim is that these component single malts come together to create the world’s most unique, complex and profound whisky.

ABOUT LEAH HEWSON

Hewson has a First-Class BA (Hons) degree in Fine Art from IADT. She has accomplished four solo exhibitions, the most notable of which were ‘Ammo Veil’ at The Hillsboro Fine Art gallery in July 2018 and ‘Scintilla’ at The Royal Hibernian Academy, Dublin in February 2017. This was the culmination of work produced during a six-month residency at The Royal Hibernian Academy School.

Other residencies include a six month residency at the NARS Foundation in Brooklyn New York in 2018, SIM Residency in Berlin in 2019 and Wilton Park Studios Residency, Dublin in 2019/2020.

Hewson won the Whyte’s Award for painting at the 190th RHA Annual Exhibition, was shortlisted for the Hennessy Craig Biennial Award in 2019, is accredited with the Elizabeth Fitzpatrick Travel Bursary Award 2018 and won the ‘Special Prize for Contemporary Art’ at the ‘Biennial of Humour and Satire in Art’, Bulgaria in 2017.

Her work continues to be internationally collected by private collectors in New York, Australia, Germany, France, Norway, and Spain. Public collections include The Trinity College Dublin History of Art collection, The Office of Public Works, Dublin, The Law Society of Ireland, and the Microsoft Collection. Other recent activity includes the commissioning of ‘Abiding Traces’, by IPut. This 8 x 27 metres piece was exhibited on Sir John Rogersons Quay from May 2019 to August 2020. Hewson was also in the group exhibition ‘Assemble’ at Atelier Maser in August 2020.

Two New Collections Land At Mark Littler LTD

Mark Littler LTD continues to bring to market unique collections and verticals and this month have listed two new collections, each offering the buyer a unique collecting or drinking opportunity.

The first collection contains something for everyone, featuring bottlings and vintages from a wide range of distilleries. Comprising 44 bottles dating from the 1980s to the 2000s the collection includes a mix of discontinued and now scarce bottlings, with the majority enjoyed by whisky lovers when they were first released. With many of these bottlings produced as the whisky industry sought to revive itself following distillery closures during the 1980’s ‘Whisky Loch’, production from the majority of distilleries was small scale using traditional floor-malting methods and high-quality casks for maturation. A number of these classic bottlings are either early vintage expressions or the inspiration for now renowned single malt whiskies, released at a time when the historic blending powerhouses of Scotland slowly adapted to the newly buoyant single malt market.

The collection features a selection of bottlings from ranges including the Classic Malts of Scotland and the Flora & Fauna collection introduced by blending groups and spirit companies to promote single malts to the mass market. Introduced in 1988, the Classic Malts of Scotland was a selection of six single malt whiskies released by United Distillers (later Diageo) to showcase the range of flavours available in single malts whiskies produced across Scotland’s whisky regions. The Cragganmore 12-Year-Old and Dalwhinnie 15-Year-Old representing the Speyside and Highland whisky regions respectively, are vintage expressions of popular single malts still widely available today. The Glenkinchie 10-Year-Old which originally represented the Lowland region was discontinued in 2007, and replaced by a 12-Year-Old expression.

In the early 1990’s, United Distillers released a new range to showcase whiskies from its lesser-known distilleries whose output was normally destined only for blends. The Flora & Fauna range, nicknamed by the late whisky writer Michael Jackson, was a themed series of single malt releases each depicting the image of a local animal or plant on the label. Gradually as distilleries were commercialised, closed or sold, the Flora & Fauna range contacted with discontinued bottlings becoming increasingly collectable. The collection features two Flora & Fauna early vintage bottlings distinguished by their wooden presentation boxes depicting the same label images, the Dailuaine 16-Year-Old and Bladnoch 10-Year-Old. The Dailuaine 16-Year-Old is one of the few official bottlings released from the distillery, and while still popular amongst whisky enthusiasts later batches are sold without the presentation box. The Bladnoch 10-Year-Old was the only bottling the distillery produced under the ownership of United Distillers, who acquired Bladnoch in 1989 and decommissioned the distillery in June 1993. Depicting a Broad Leaved Helleborine wild orchid on the label which grow behind the Bladnoch distillery, this vintage expression represents a past incarnation of whisky from a distillery which has redefined its malt style since revival under new ownership.

Echoing the Flora & Fauna range, the collection also includes bottlings from independent bottler Signatory’s Scottish Wildlife series. Released in collaboration with the Scottish Wildlife Trust from the early 1990’s to 2000, bottles from each distillery depicted images and descriptions of Scottish wildlife with a donation from each sale going to the Trust. The collection features bottlings released as part of this series from the Strathmill, Balmenach, and Mortlach distilleries all with an age statement of 10 years. Scottish wildlife depicted on these bottles are the Red Squirrel, the Capercaillie, and Hen Harrier bird of prey respectively.

Available now for £4,618

Buy here: https://shop.marklittler.com/product/44-bottle-collection/

This second collection features a number of limited and commemorative bottlings from Islay’s Ardbeg and Kilchoman distilleries, and Campbeltown’s Springbank distillery. Individual special releases from distilleries including Ben Nevis, Glenfiddich and Talisker, ensure this collection offers the opportunity for any whisky collector to acquire bottlings from a diverse group of renowned distilleries.

The Ardbeg bottlings include the first release following Ardbeg’s revival in 1997 when the distillery was purchased by Glenmorangie for £7 million, a 17-Year-Old bottling. As Ardbeg was refurbished to resume full production, Glenmorangie sought to re-establish the Ardbeg brand creating this 17-Year-Old expression from the existing maturing whisky stock distilled prior to Ardbeg’s closure. Ardbeg Renaissance is a conclusion of the Very Young, Still Young, and Almost There series, a quartet of commemorative limited bottlings following the maturation of Ardbeg’s malt first distilled after the distillery revival. Released in 2008 the Ardbeg Renaissance was the first 10-Year-Old bottling of the distillery’s ‘new’ spirit, and the basis for popular core range Ardbeg 10-Year-Old.

A Committee Release bottling, Ardbeg Rollercoaster commemorates the 10th Anniversary of the Ardbeg Committee, a worldwide group of fans and enthusiasts officially founded on the 1st January 2000. The Committee’s aim is to ensure Ardbeg never closes again, with members promoting knowledge and enjoyment of Ardbeg amongst whisky drinkers. The Committee Releases are highly sought bottlings of Ardbeg’s rare or experimental casks only available to members. First released on 15th February 2010, Ardbeg Rollercoaster was meet with considerable excitement as 50,000 Committee members attempted to purchase the limited release of 15,000 bottles, crashing Ardbeg’s website for hours. Ardbeg Rollercoaster was created using a portion of Ardbeg’s malt distilled every year between 1997 – 2006.

The collection features the four earliest bottlings from Kilchoman distillery, which first began production in December 2005. Kilchoman is unique for completing all aspects of the whisky making process, from growing and malting barley to distillation and maturation on Islay. Initially a small-scale artisan distillery with a production capacity of 90,000 – 100,000 litres, the success and demand for Kilchoman’s early bottlings have prompted an expansion to increase capacity. Kilchoman Anticipation was released in 2006 aged 2 years as a new make spirit, as the minimum maturation period for Scotch whisky is 3 years Anticipation cannot legally be termed as whisky. The first Kilchoman single malt bottling is the Inaugural Release, released in 2009 and matured for up to 3 years in ex-bourbon barrels and finished in a sherry cask for 6 months. Kilchoman’s following Autumn 2009 and Spring 2010 releases were both released with 3-Year-Old age statements, and further experimented using ex-bourbon casks for maturation and oloroso sherry casks for finishing.

The Springbank bottlings featured in this collection both date from 1989, the year Springbank resumed full production after being mothballed for much of the 1980s during the ‘Whisky Loch’ period. The Springbank distillery actually produces three contrasting styles of whisky, including the medium-peated Springbank and heavily peated Longrow. An Islay style malt, Longrow was first distilled at Springbank distillery in 1973 and is named after the neighbouring Longrow distillery which closed in 1896. Springbank’s Wood Expressions series experiments with a mix of cask and spirit types on the distillery’s three styles of whisky for maturation to produce a range of limited editions. Springbank 1989 12 Year Rum was matured in a combination of rum hogsheads and barrels, with 5700 bottles filled in April 2002. Longrow 1989 13 Year Sherry Wood was matured in ex-sherry casks, with 2350 bottles filled in November 2002.

The collection features a number of individual limited distillery bottlings, each with distinctive vintages and stories. Ben Nevis 1984 25-Year-Old originates from the Ben Nevis distillery which sits at the base of its namesake, Scotland’s highest mountain. First distilled in December 1984 this limited edition Highland single malt was double matured, firstly in an ex-bourbon barrel for 14 years and re-racked into a sherry cask in October 1998 for a further decade before being bottled in January 2010.

Glenfiddich Snow Phoenix is the commemoration of an extreme weather accident at the Glenfiddich distillery. In 2010, heavy snow caused the partial collapse of Glenfiddich’s warehouse roof exposing maturing casks to the elements, and -19°C temperatures. Glenfiddich staff worked around the clock to save the casks, leading the Malt Master to select and marry oloroso and American oak from amongst the rescued casks to create Snow Phoenix.

A mysterious bottling from Douglas McNiven & Co 80/20 Scotch Whisky is the result of a mistake from Glenmorangie. In 1999, a blending error led to casks of Glenmorangie 21-Year-Old getting accidentally mixed with an undisclosed 3-Year-Old blend at the bottling plant. The proportions were 80% Glenmorangie to 20% mystery whisky.

An annual release from Talisker the oldest distillery on Skye, the Distillers Edition is double matured for up to 6 months in ex-amoroso sherry casks. Diageo’s Distillers Edition range showcase regional whisky styles presenting a new perspective of single malts from popular distilleries through cask finishing, giving a new dimension to well loved drams. As just one batch of each Distillers Edition is produced annually, this Talisker which was distilled in 1988 and bottled in 2001 represents a vintage expression.

Available now for £5,125

Buy here: https://shop.marklittler.com/product/18-bottle-collection/

ABOUT MARK LITTLER LTD

Mark Littler LTD are whisky brokers based in the North West of England.  With a wealth of expertise of the secondary market they are able to provide their clients with the insight and analysis they need to make informed purchases and sales.

PERFECT FOR FATHER’S DAY

Each of Jonnie Walker’s core expressions is available in a handsome gift pack, accompanied by two whisky tumblers, perfect for reuniting with loved ones and sharing a drink.Johnnie Walker is perhaps the world’s best-known whisky. From the delicious Johnnie Walker Green Label – a well-loved 15-year-old blended malt – to the velvety Johnnie Walker Gold Label – a soft, fresh whisky founded on flavours of vanilla and sweet citrus – and the exclusive Johnnie Walker Blue Label – the world’s first and perhaps most sought-after premium blended Scotch whisky – it is a name inseparable from the global growth and success of whisky.

Here at The Whisky Exchange, we also offer engraving services, so you can put your own message on a bottle, or even personalised labels, so you can adorn a Johnnie Walker label with an image of your choice.

Such acclaimed and beautifully-packaged drams are worthy of great occasion – just the thing with which to say ‘cheers!’ to dad this Father’s Day.

  JOHNNIE WALKER GIFT PACKS  

 PERSONALISED JOHNNIE WALKER LABELS 

  SHOP ALL JOHNNIE WALKER PRODUCTS  

  ENGRAVED JOHNNIE WALKER BOTTLES  

1998 Inchgower 22 Year Old “Sovereign” K&L Exclusive Single Refill Sherry Butt Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky (750ml) (Pre-Arrival) $109.99 View

A Diageo blending workhorse, Inchgower is a principal component (along with Blair Athol) of the Bell’s blend which we sadly don’t see here in the United States. Due to a cloudy wort and a slightly unusual middle cut that runs from 70% all the way down to 55% in the spirits run Inchgower tends towards the fuller spicier side of things and away from the high toned fruits found early in the spirits run. Couple that with 22 years in a refill sherry butt and we’ve got a decadent spicy whisky on our hands with the mellowness of long aging. A wonderful combination and a screaming deal at just over a hundred bucks.

1997 Hector Macbeth (Glenfiddich) 23 Year Old “Hepburn’s Choice” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) (Pre-Arrival) $129.99 View

We’ve had a consistent run of excellent casks under the Hector Macbeth brand over the last few years. This lot of ’97 teaspooned hogsheads from the Glenfiddich distillery have been consistently exceptional. Many people loved last years expression which had spent over three years in an old sherry barrel, but others missed the purity and malty complexity of the unadulterated Wardhead that we’d bottled each of the previous two campaigns. Those whiskies, sold to our bottler under the Wardhead brand, were all distilled in February of 1997 and declassified by the distiller to be sold off to blenders. The Scotch industry is full of these unusual quirks and part of the industry’s charm arm the complicated relationships between various distillers, blenders and bottlers. In the end, even a great brand like Glenfiddich, the world’s best selling single malt, needs occasionally to generate cash flow in the moment. That’s why they’re willing to sell off tankers of their prized spirit under a different name, but we don’t really care what it’s called or that it’s listed as Blended Malt. All that matters to us is that it’s absolutely delicious. Expect a similar profile to previous casks in this lot, but here with more depth and richness. Expect orchard fruit, sweet malt, honeysuckle and pink peppercorn. Delicious and complex with a vivid delineated fruit that seems to be a hallmark of these gorgeous old ‘Fiddichs.

1992 Plausibly Speyside’s Finest (Glenfarclas) 28 Year Old “Old Malt Cask” K&L Exclusive Single Refill Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) (Pre-Arrival) $159.99 View

The wonderful family-owned distillery in Ballindaloch virtually never sells whisky to the independent bottling market, and on the rare instances they do they are quite careful to cover their legal tracks so their name may not be used on the bottle. When we were offered a parcel of casks from what we believe to be Speyside’s best distillery (subject to debate, yes, but are they near the top of the list – without question) we jumped and bought every single one of them. If you snagged a bottle in 2020 of the similarly named whiskies, this is the remainder of that same parcel. This exceptional whisky is bottled under the Old Malt Cask banner and comes from a refill cask with just enough character to frame the gorgeous 28 year old malt. Flavors dance between northern latitude stone fruit and golden apple, and the more tropical coconut and pineapple realm.

1994 Tomatin 25 Year Old “Hunter Laing Old & Rare” Single Sherry Butt Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $249.99 View

Tomatin is a fascinating distillery with a unique history and many incarnations, from starting as a bulk blender and supplier and eventually shifting to a steadfast focus on quality single malt production. From the early 1900s through the mid ’70s, Tomatin grew continuously. They added stills multiple times as demand for their product increased exponentially. By 1975, they were the largest single malt production facility in Scotland. Sadly due to market forces they never operated at their full capacity, and by the mid ’80s the massive bust in the market for Scotch was impossible to ignore. Tomatin was liquidated and became the first of many Scottish distilleries to be purchased by Japanese companies. Today owned by the company known as Takara Shuzo, Tomatin has many bottlings on the market, but it is the choicest single casks that command the most attention. Here we have an incredible single cask of sherry-finished Tomatin 25 Year Old at a natural strength of 49.3% ABV. Expect a great value single malt with tropical and stone fruits in abundance, melded with sherry spice and orange peel dipped in chocolate.

M&H DISTILLERY LAUNCHES APEX SERIES,

A NEW LINE OF LIMITED-EDITION WHISKIES 

The Apex Series is the most coveted release of the company’s portfolio, representing the best of both M&H Distillery’s old and new world whisky making techniques

Tel Aviv – May 2021: M&H Distillery, Israel’s first whisky distillery, is proud to launch the Apex Series, an ongoing series of small-batch whiskies. For the inaugural release, M&H Distillery has unveiled four expressions from different unique cask types: Pomegranate Wine Cask, Chardonnay White Wine Cask,  French Limousin Cognac Cask and Fortified Red wine Cask.

This past year’s successful launch of M&H’s first core range of single malt whiskies resulted in prestigious honors including “Craft Producer of the Year” in Whisky Magazine’s 2021 Icons of Whisky (Rest of World) and Whisky Advocate’s “Top 20 Whiskies of the Year 2020” for the Classic Edition.

The Apex Series come to reinforce M&H’s continued commitment to experimentation and innovation without compromising craftsmanship and tradition. Matured under the unique Mediterranean climate at the Tel Aviv-based distillery and crafted by Head Distiller Tomer Goren, the Apex Series is the result of years of meticulous experimentation with special casks and celebrates Israel’s forward-thinking ingenuity, rich terroir and unique climate.

Apex’s first series includes a local Chardonnay Wine Cask from the renowned Castel Winery which brings forward earthy and grassy flavors; a Pomegranate Wine Cask, the first and only single malt whisky in the world aged in a rare variety of pomegranate wine casks, that was already awarded Category Winner at World Whiskies Awards 2021. The third offering, Cognac Cask, comes to reveal the finest flavors of French Limousin oak casks, and the last batch showcases a single malt whisky aged in a Fortified Red Wine cask.

The Apex Series is a great opportunity for us to showcase our innovative and out-of-the-box approach”, said M&H Head Distiller, Tomer Goren. “Along with maintaining the standards of the traditional industry, we are always looking for ways to express our creativity and show the world the uniqueness of whisky making in Israel. 

The Apex collection, starting with the pomegranate and chardonnay wine casks whiskies, will be available from this month in limited quantities at select specialist whisky stores and e-commerce platforms. The cognac and fortified red wine casks whiskies will be available from June 2021.

The first markets to receive the Apex Series include the Netherlands, Germany, France, UK and the U.S.

For more information on M&H Distillery, please visit www.mhdistillery.com

About M&H Distillery: M&H Distillery (Milk & Honey), established by entrepreneur and investor Gal Kalkstein, is Israel’s first whisky distillery and produces high-quality distillates. All raw materials, equipment, casks and processes were selected to ensure that the final product – whether white distillates or aged whisky – meets the highest quality standards. M&H Distillery received guidance and advice from Dr. Jim Swan, a world-renowned master distiller. All the products of the distillery are kosher.

Heaven’s Door Whiskey™ and Redbreast Irish Whiskey® Announce First Ever Collaboration:

The Master Blenders’ Edition

A Tribute to American and Irish Artistry

NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 19, 2021 – Heaven’s Door Whiskey™, Bob Dylan’s evolving collection of American whiskeys, and Redbreast Irish Whiskey®, the world renowned Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, proudly announce the release of a limited-edition 10-Year Aged Bourbon finished in Redbreast casks. This first ever collaboration for both brands was created in tandem by Master Blenders, Ryan Perry of Heaven’s Door and Billy Leighton of Redbreast Irish Whiskey, and has been aptly named, “The Master Blenders’ Edition.” Marrying the best of American and Irish whiskey, The Master Blenders’ Edition has already been awarded a Double Gold medal in a blind tasting in the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

A collaboration more than two years in the making, Perry and Leighton worked together on a multitude of blends and barrel finishes to arrive at their final whiskey profile. As a lover of Irish Whiskey and of Redbreast in particular, Heaven’s Door Founder, Bob Dylan, worked closely with the Master Blenders and sampled over a dozen blends before settling on the final selection. “Mr. Dylan is a perfectionist and knows his whiskey,” said Billy Leighton. “His engagement and enthusiasm for this collaboration made this project even more special.”

The Master Blenders’ Edition features Heaven’s Door 10-year aged Straight Bourbon finished in Redbreast’s signature Single Pot Still Casks for 15 months, extracting flavor from single pot Irish whiskey and formerly Spanish sherry. The end result is a taste profile unlike any American whiskey and delivers prominent notes of nuts, spice and leather, as well as the influence of sherry, citrus, dark fruit, and a subtle sweetness of Yellow Man from the Redbreast casks.

“We’re honored to have had the opportunity to work with Billy and the rest of the Redbreast team to bring The Master Blenders’ Edition to life,” said Ryan Perry. “Heaven’s Door was founded around the spirit of collaboration, and this was a dream partnership for our brand. I can honestly say that the final flavor profile blew us away.”

“The Master Blenders’ Edition allows both the American and Irish Whiskey distilling traditions to shine through,” said Billy Leighton, Redbreast Irish Whiskey’s Master Blender. “We think fans of Redbreast, Heaven’s Door, and whiskey enthusiasts everywhere will be delighted with what they taste with this product.”

The Master Blenders’ Edition is offered in Heaven’s Door’s signature bottle, featuring a new gate design created by Bob Dylan in his Black Buffalo Ironworks studio, as well as Redbreast’s iconic Robin. Available in very limited quantities on ReserveBar.com and at select retailers, The Master Blenders’ Edition is being released in the U.S. just in time for Father’s Day. It will also be available in limited quantities in September in the UK and Ireland. With a suggested retail price (SRP) of $99.99 for a 750ml bottle and a single limited bottling, once this release is gone, it is gone for good.

The Master Blenders’ Edition is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks or with a splash of water and features the following characteristics:

• Age: 10 Years
• Proof: 100
• ABV: 50%
• Nose: Full and complex body with notes of red apples, figs and dates
• Palate: Marzipan and walnut with buttery ground nut sweetness, raisin, and nougat
• Finish: Delicate with a touch of honey and coconut and subtle sweetness from Irish honeycomb

The Heaven’s Door portfolio of whiskeys includes Straight Bourbon Whiskey (92 proof, $49.99 SRP), Double Barrel Whiskey (100 proof, $49.99 SRP), and Straight Rye Whiskey finished in cigar barrels from Vosges, France (92 proof, $79.99 SRP), as well as various limited time offerings, including the annual Bootleg Series of rare whiskeys. First introduced in 2018 to wide acclaim, Heaven’s Door is an ever-evolving line of handcrafted whiskeys which are the perfect melding of art and craft, as each bottle features Dylan’s unique ironwork sculptures.

Heaven’s Door’s portfolio of whiskeys is available nationwide and online via Reservebar.com/collections/heavens-door, and globally in Canada, Germany and the U.K.. For more information about the brand visit www.heavensdoor.com or engage with the brand on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.

The Redbreast portfolio of Single Pot Still Irish whiskeys includes Redbreast 12 Year Old, the definitive Redbreast expression matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks ($70), also available in Cask Strength ($90), Redbreast 15 Year Old ($120), Redbreast 21 Year Old ($230), Redbreast 27 Year Old which includes whiskey matured in ruby port casks ($500) and Redbreast Lustau Edition born from a unique collaboration between the Bodegas Lustau and Midleton Distillery ($85).

About Heaven’s Door Whiskey

Heaven’s Door Spirits is a collaboration between legendary artist Bob Dylan and Spirits Investment Partnership (“SIP”). Heaven’s Door Spirits is Bob Dylan’s first and only consumer brand partnership in his 50 years as a worldwide cultural icon, which makes this collaboration unique and important – a true interplay of art, craft and commerce. Website: www.heavensdoor.com. 

About Spirits Investment Partners:

Spirits Investment Partners (“SIP”) is a boutique spirits innovation company comprised of a team of highly seasoned spirits professionals with expertise in new product development, branding, global sales and distributor management,  strategic marketing, fundraising, and finance.

About Redbreast Irish Whiskey

For more than a century, Redbreast has stayed true to the single pot still whiskey making tradition and today is considered to be the definitive expression of this quintessential style of Irish whiskey. Crafted by Master Blender, Billy Leighton, at Midleton Distillery in County Cork, Redbreast offers a rich, full-bodied flavour profile with a signature sherry influence, and is growing in popularity in key Irish whiskey markets around the world including the US, UK and Ireland. The most-awarded single pot still Irish whiskey range in the world demonstrates a clear commitment to age, quality and innovation in Irish whiskey, and features; Redbreast 12 Year Old, 12 Year Old Cask Strength, 15 Year Old, 21 Year Old and 27 Year Old; Redbreast Lustau; and limited editions such as Redbreast Dream Cask.

www.redbreastwhiskey.com

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the No.2 worldwide producer of wines and spirits with consolidated sales of €9,182 million in FY19. 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 three-year 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 roadmap supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), “We bring 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 and is ranked No. 1 in the beverage sector in Vigeo Eiris. 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 index.

Live Virtual Tasting

The GlenAllachie

Tasting Packs to be enjoyed live with Billy Walker, Master Distiller

Join industry legend and proprietor of GlenAllachie distillery Mr Billy Walker on Facebook live for a virtual/live tasting event of the new Wine Cask Finish series plus a MacNair’s Lum Reek 12 Year Old on Thursday 24th June 2021 at 7pm GMT with this tasting kit.

A limited number of packs containing:

1x 25ml GlenAllachie 11 Year Old Grattamacco Wine Cask

1x 25ml GlenAllachie 12 Year Old Sauternes Wine Cask

1x 25ml GlenAllachie 13 Year Old Rioja Wine Cask

1x 25ml MacNair’s Lum Reek 12 Year Old

BUY NOW – GlenAllachie Tasting Kit

Inaugural Release: A Revival of a Pre-Prohibition-Era Rye
Leopold Bros. “Collector’s Edition” Bottled In Bond Three Chamber Rye Whiskey (750ml) (Pre-Arrival) ($249.99)

This incredible project has been brewing for almost half a decade. This unbelievable product is the result of one man’s conviction. Todd Leopold has been on a mission to recreate the flavors of the Rye whiskies of old. There are many questions about why Rye whisky doesn’t seem to taste quite like it once did, and as it turns out, almost all the country’s rye was once produced on stills like the one Todd had commissioned by Vendome Copper Works in Louisville. The exact specifications of the still were pieced together from the scant historical record, but the results ultimately speak for themselves.

After years of research and planning, they’ve finally arrived at the final product, the closest approximation to what would have been the most popular spirit in pre-prohibition America, the Three Chamber distilled rye. This is similar to what distillers across the northeast would have used to make whisky at their farms in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and beyond. A modern resurrection executed with dazzling success, this limited production first release of this special rye reflects the incredible cost that Todd incurred to create it, but it’s ultimately well worth the price of admission considering the quality and complexity offered. We’re excited to see how this whisky continues to evolve as those first distillates continue to age, but they’ll always be among the country’s rarest and most sought-after whiskies.

ONE OF SCOTLAND’S OLDEST WHISKY FAMILIES LAUNCH CAREFULLY CURATED PORTFOLIO

Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers release range of whiskies

Thursday 20TH May 2021, Aberargie, Scotland – Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers have launched their awaited portfolio of brands which include a wide variety of unique and exceptional casks from pedigree distilleries across Scotland. Since coming under sole ownership of Brian and Jamie Morrison last year, Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers (formerly Morrison and Mackay) have completely refined their portfolio.

The Morrison family can trace their involvement in the whisky business for over five generations. This includes Brian’s grandfather, William Walker a pre-eminent whisky broker of his era and was succeeded by Brian’s father, Stanley P. Morrison. Stanley cemented the family’s roots in the industry when he purchased Islay’s oldest distillery — Bowmore, which Brian would later become managing director of before its sale to Suntory. In their new venture the family are committed to continuing to impart the knowledge that has been passed down to them from generations of whisky makers.

THE PORTFOLIO

Mac-Talla – Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
A taste journey across Islay, from Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers
Current Expressions: Terra and Mara
Upcoming: Strata launching May 2021
RRP: £42 – £58

Old Perth – Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
The finest sherry-matured whiskies, specially selected to honour the birthplace of blending
Current Expressions: The Original and Cask Strength
Upcoming: Aged Collection launching autumn 2021
RRP: £32 – £45

Càrn Mòr – Single Malt Scotch Whisky
As close to drinking straight from the cask as you can get
Current Expressions: Strictly Limited and Celebration of the Cask
Upcoming: Family Reserve launching autumn 2021
Prices from £47

Jamie Morrison, Chairman of Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers says: “As one of Scotland’s oldest whisky families, we can trace our involvement in the whisky business back five generations where we have held almost every role possible in the industry including licensed grocers, brokers, blenders, bottlers and distillers”.

Jamie further comments, “In the coming years we will release Aberargie Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Distilled in our purpose-built facility in Aberargie, just outside Perth, its release will mark the return to distilling after nearly 25 years for my Father and I”.

The distillers next launch will be from their Mac-Talla range. Strata is a 15-year-old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky and as the rocks Islay stands on. Strata has a velvety texture with earthy is complex and layered peat and winter spices, making it rich and warming with a lovely smoky  finish.

Available from late May 2021.

www.morrisondistillers.com

Jamie Morrison, Chairman of Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers says: “As one of Scotland’s oldest whisky families, we can trace our involvement in the whisky business back five generations where we have held almost every role possible in the industry including licensed grocers, brokers, blenders, bottlers and distillers”.

Jamie further comments, “In the coming years we will release Aberargie Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Distilled in our purpose-built facility in Aberargie, just outside Perth, its release will mark the return to distilling after nearly 25 years for my Father and I”.

The distillers next launch will be from their Mac-Talla range. Strata is a 15-year-old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky and is complex and layered as the rocks Islay stands on. Strata has a velvety texture with earthy
peat and winter spices, making it rich and warming with a lovely smoky finish. Available from late May 2021. www.morrisondistillers.com

Mac-Talla is a range of Single Malt Scotch Whiskies from the Scottish island of Islay. Created by one of Scotland’s oldest whisky families, it is a journey across this weather-beaten island through the eyes of the Morrison family. Mac-Talla, meaning “echo” in Scottish Gaelic, perfectly reflects the taste journey that the Morrison family take you on as they demonstrate the multiple dimensions that come from this complex, untamed environment. The range boasts a variety of strength and maturation style including one age statement. Each expression is Non-Chill Filtered with No Colour Added. www.mactallawhisky.com

The Scottish city of Perth was historically the home of many a whisky company. It was the blending capital of the world where many great blended malts were created however as they moved away, Perth became the forgotten whisky city. Old Perth is a range of Blended Malt Scotch Whisky which will restore tradition by blending in Perth and exclusively using sherry matured malt from a selection of Scotland’s finest distilleries, located in the Glenlivet region of Speyside. www.oldperthwhisky.co.uk

The Càrn Mòr range is a selection of whiskies from single or limited casks, each with their own individual character and story. Where many distilleries strive for consistency across larger batches, Càrn Mòr is able to release unadulterated expressions from these distilleries using traditional methods meaning it is as close to drinking straight from the cask as possible. www.carnmorwhisky.co.uk