INTRODUCING THE MACALLAN DISTIL YOUR WORLD: THE LONDON EDITION

An extraordinary new collaboration with the Roca brothers  

The Macallan has unveiled Distil Your World: The London Edition, a unique limited edition single malt whisky providing a sensorial journey through one of the world’s greatest capital cities.

Marking the first global release in a ground-breaking series in collaboration with the Roca brothers to discover the essence of some of the world’s greatest cities, Distil Your World: The London Edition embodies London’s special charisma, and captures the people, experiences, colours and history that ultimately define the city.

United by an insatiable curiosity, quest for knowledge and dedication to mastery, The Macallan and the Roca brothers, owners of El Celler de Can Roca in Spain, twice named Best Restaurant in the World, explore different cultures and source inspiration for their own worlds of whisky-making and gastronomy.

Distil Your World: The London Edition is inspired by the long-standing partners’ journey and exploration through an uncharted London, with the purpose of distilling its soul and capturing the unique essence, aroma and flavour of the city in an exceptional single malt whisky.

In homage to its birthplace, the edition will be unveiled to the world in a highly coveted window display in Harrods’ world-famous flagship store in Knightsbridge, London on 1st November 2020. Over the years the renowned Hans Crescent window has hosted iconic displays from some of the world’s leading luxury brands and will showcase The Macallan’s remarkable whisky on a global stage.

During their adventure, The Macallan’s Whisky Maker Steven Bremner and Joan, Josep and Jordi Roca spent time with the craftspeople and creators who fuel London’s inimitable creativity and entrepreneurial drive; the committed leaders who add to its vibrancy; and the special thinkers who understand its past and anticipate its future. They truly immersed themselves by discovering emblematic buildings and going behind the scenes to uncover the unique flavours and scents that define London and unearthing its vibrant community spirit.

Ultimately, this journey led them to their own complex and sensorial map of the city and with this map as inspiration, they masterfully selected the perfect combination of six first fill European oak Oloroso seasoned casks to translate London’s values into an extraordinary single malt with unique tasting notes representing the spirit of the city.

A character led whisky with encapsulating nuances of orange caramel, curry spice and Earl Grey tea, rare to find in The Macallan single malts, this expression takes the taste buds and imagination on a journey of discovery, bringing London’s soul and unique character to life, while retaining The Macallan’s renowned signature taste. Seeking out these distinctive flavours among thousands of casks was a complex and highly skilled process, but Steven Bremner and the Roca brothers’ mastery of flavour, aroma and craftsmanship enabled them to distil the essence of London into a remarkable whisky.

Steven Bremner, Whisky Maker at The Macallan, said: “London is an international city, a melting pot of culture, cuisine, architecture, and art and its rich heritage and myriad of cultures, combined with a timeless spirit and an innovative nature, made it the ideal playing field for this journey of mastery. It is not just about being there, but about immersing yourself and dedicating time to understand what’s underneath everything you see, and we are proud to have collaborated with the Roca brothers on this exploration.

“Like the London soul, our single malt whisky, matured in its unique sherry seasoned oak casks, delivers rich complexities, harmonious flavours, and vibrant aromas. This whisky is something new – with London notes like curry or the sweetness of Earl Grey tea – but it keeps The Macallan’s signature taste, and that’s the difficult part.”

Josep Roca, said: “The places we visited, the people we met, all that now takes shape in this whisky – our own distillation of the London essence. There is part of umami, the subtle touch of curry, orange, vanilla and raisin. There are some special notes that are really rare to find.”

Distil Your World: The London Edition is housed in a striking presentation box featuring a triangular engraving design to represent the map of London and red detailing inspired by the city’s red bricks. As well as the limited edition whisky, the box contains a luxurious book capturing the different inspirations behind this single malt, alongside rich London photography, which combined, form a picture of London as created by Steven Bremner and the Roca brothers. 

The Macallan Distil Your World series is the next step in the brand’s long-standing partnership with the Roca brothers. They have previously worked together on a range of ventures, including The Macallan Edition No.2 which was inspired by the brothers’ distinctive and dynamic characters and Distil Your World Scotland, a culinary journey through Scotland to explore the country’s rich cuisine tapestry which resulted in an innovative publication and documentary.

Limited to 2,000 bottles worldwide, Distil Your World: The London Edition has an RRSP of £2,630 and will be available globally from November 2020, including in Harrods, The Macallan Boutique in London Heathrow and The Macallan Estate Boutique.

For further information visit www.themacallan.com

Whisky Maker’s Notes:

ABV: 57.5%

Colour: Autumn chestnut

Aroma: Nutmeg, sweet Earl Grey tea, orange caramel, lemongrass, kaffir lime, soy sauce and polished oak

Palate: Wood and curry spice, Earl Grey tea, treacle sweetness, aniseed. Slightly salty with a complex umami feel

Finish: Long, viscous, complex and savoury 

Notes  

About The Macallan

Founded in 1824, The Macallan is renowned worldwide for its extraordinary single malt whiskies. Their outstanding quality and distinctive character reveal the uncompromised excellence pursued by The Macallan since it was established by Alexander Reid, on a plateau above the River Spey in north-east Scotland.

In 2018, The Macallan opened a new chapter in its history with the launch of its award-winning Speyside distillery. Designed by internationally acclaimed architects to promote sustainability, the building takes inspiration from the surrounding ancient Scottish hills. It stands nearby Easter Elchies House, the Highland Manor built in 1700 which is The Macallan’s spiritual home and remains the heartbeat of The Macallan’s beautiful 485-acre Estate.

NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT

Today we are excited to reveal some “unhurried” options for this year’s festive whisky gifts from Glengoyne. Celebrating our unique connection to time, we have created the Time Capsule gift box sets and teamed up with renowned Scottish artist John Lowrie Morrison (Jolomo) to produce our jigsaw puzzle featuring his ‘Heavy Snow at Glengoyne Distillery’ painting.

Taking inspiration from the time we take to create our whisky and from knowing when to press pause in this fast-forward world, our Time Capsule gift sets allow you to capture moments to be enjoyed and remembered.

Each Glengoyne Time Capsule gift set features three distinctive Glengoyne expressions: the award-winning 12 Year Old, 18 Year Old and limited edition Legacy Series: Chapter Two.

Available in 20cl and 5cl size bottles, the Time Capsule gift sets make for the perfect stocking filler.

THE MISSING PIECE TO AN ‘UNHURRIED’ CHRISTMAS

The limited edition 500-piece puzzle features the striking painting of our beautiful distillery by Jolomo, titled  Heavy Snow at Glengoyne Distillery. Taking approximately 4-6 hours to complete, the jigsaw is free with any purchase of a 70cl bottle with a value of more than £100, or for £10 you can include with any 70cl bottle with a value of less than £100.

It’s back! Laphroaig 30 Year Old
The Ian Hunter Story Book Two

This 30-year-old single malt is the second chapter in The Ian Hunter Story from: a fifteen-part series of rare aged single malts, celebrating chapters in the life of Ian Hunter, the last member of the distillery’s founding family to own and manage Laphroaig and the person responsible for launching Laphroaig as a single malt.

 Aged for thirty years in Spanish oak oloroso sherry oak barrels and bottled at a strength of 48.2% VOL, the nose has dried dates, figs, toffee and dark chocolate, with smoke and manuka honey on the palate, before a long finish.

£760.00
Buy Now ›

“The one that got away”

It was a rainy evening, as Chiltern street’s rooftops were drummed by deep boom of thunder. The relentless water was driving people inside the shops to seek shelter. This was the evening when a clandestine man entered our shop and the call of mystery followed after him!

From his bag (that definitely was older than his convincing facial hair), the man grabbed a forgotten bottle of Caol Ila! This beauty was like the jewel of the depths, and I could almost hear the gnarly wood of an old boat in the seas! Rarely had I seen the spirit of the ocean’s storms inside a such a small glass object. Nevertheless, I looked deeper inside the bottle and behind its reflection our front door opened – showing us many familiar faces shouting “We are here for the Call of Ila!”

We smiled, for they had not forgotten, and they were here to claim their treasure!

Erm, in reality we can make things slightly easier for you, and offer you a magnificent opportunity to get a bottle of a new Original collection Caol Ila 12 years old, bottled by William Cadenhead’s.

Caol Ila 12yo Original Collection – available to reserve from 11th November for launch on Friday, 13th November

Caol Ila 12 years old – 46% – 70CL

Nose: Faint candle smoke, peppermint, toasted marshmallows

Palate: Stewed apples, vanilla yoghurt, kiwi fruit

Finish: Burning coals, honey ham, salted caramel

BUY TODAY!

The Macallan Distil Your World: London

Introducing The Macallan Distil Your World: London – the first release in a series of limited edition bottlings in collaboration with the world-renowned Roca brothers of El Celler de Can Roca – named Best Restaurant in the World on two separate occasions. This spectacular new series seeks to capture the essence of some of the world’s greatest cities.

The Macallan Distil Your World: London is a Speyside single malt that has been matured in six first-fill European oak Oloroso sherry-seasoned casks specially selected by the Roca brothers to represent the spirit of the UK capital.

What does it taste like? Joan Roca describes the taste as “slightly umami, with the subtle touch of curry and the sweetness of Earl Grey tea, as well as keeping The Macallan’s signature taste of orange, vanilla and raisin. There are some special notes in there that are really rare to find.”

The unique release is presented in a stunning presentation case engraved with a stylised map of London and is accompanied by a luxurious book documenting the inspirations behind the expression.

£2,630.00
Buy now ›

TyndrumWhisky.com

Brings you our GlenAllachie

Trilogy Part II

Part II of our GlenAllachie Trilogy has arrived, and yes, it’s everything we remembered it to be. A big sherrybomber (again)! To taste this trilogy of bottles, you’ll be treated to three very different releases, each with their own uniqueness, to have so many variances when they’ve been virtually sitting beside each other is quite incredible.

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We’re delighted to announce that the latest edition of Whisky Magazine, issue #171, publishes today!

Benriach’s Rachel Barrie graces our cover, as Dr Chris White delves into the history of the distillery. The feature examines Benriach’s less-than-auspicious beginnings in the late 1800s, and how it’s risen to become the brand we know today. Benriach’s storied past, combined with its rich stock of both spirit and cask types, means the distillery has not only resisted being pigeonholed by its whisky, but also offers a “world of flavour” for the team at the distillery to play with. But we’ll let you read what Rachel has to say about that part…

Let us know your thoughts on Twitter or Instagram @Whisky_Magazine, or on Facebook @WhiskyMagazine.

Christopher Coates
Editor
Whisky Magazine

Subscribe today!

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Samuel Gelston’s Launches Irish Whiskey Finished in Sam Neill’s Pinot Noir Casks

Samuel Gelston’s has announced the launch of its latest expression – a Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, matured in actor Sam Neill’s Pinot Noir casks.

The new release is the result of collaboration between Gelston’s owner, Johnny Neill and Sam, who is based in New Zealand. It sees the cousins bringing together the two sides of the family, whilst also merging the brilliant flavours and aromas of the two hemispheres.

The liquid has been triple distilled and matured for 19 months in ex-bourbon casks, before spending a further 21 months maturing in Sam’s French oak casks, which had previously held his prestigious Central Otago Pinot Noir.

It is malty on the nose with hints of strawberry, nutmeg and tropical fruit. On the palate it is big, rich and sweet, with a hint of dryness, a note of blackcurrant and dash of spice – all with sweet, jammy notes on the finish.

Johnny Neill

Johnny Neill, owner of Samuel Gelston’s Irish Whisky, said; “The Neill family have been making quality spirits for generations. My Great, Great Grandfather Harry Neill set up the successful McCallum Neill & Co in Australia in 1851, and Percival, one of his younger brothers set up Messrs Neill & Co in Dunedin in 1882 – Percival was Sam Neill’s Great Grandfather.

Sam Neill

“Sam and I have continued this legacy in our respective sides of the world – I’ve been focused on the creation of artisanal spirits using local ingredients, whereas he has dedicated nigh on 30 years winegrowing super premium pinot noir. For the first time in 150 years, we’re bringing together the expertise from both sides of the family  – the result being an incredibly exciting sweet, honeyed and very inviting Single Pot Still Whiskey”.

Samuel Gelston’s Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey finished in Pinot Casks (40% ABV, 70cl), is available via the Drop Store now.   

NOTES

More about Samuel Gelston’s Irish Whisky

Samuel Gelston’s Old Irish whiskey was founded in 1830 by Samuel Gelston. It was a time when Irish whiskey was famous around the world.

Samuel, a wine and whiskey merchant from Belfast, made it his mission to source, blend and bottle the best Irish whiskey from across Ireland. At the time there were 88 licensed distilleries on the island, and Samuel selected the very highest quality liquids for each bottle.

In 1869, upon Samuel’s death, the business was bought by Harry J. Neill. Harry had previously left Ireland’s shores with his younger brother Percival in order to make their fortunes in the Australian Gold rush of 1851. Having set up and subsequently sold his successful provisions business in Melbourne & Geelong, Harry returned to Belfast and purchased Gelston’s. His brother travelled on to New Zealand to set up Messrs Neill & Co in Dunedin in 1882.

Harry was the son of a Belfast merchant and French wine importer and was passionate about whiskey – indeed his grandfather and great grandfather had been whiskey distillers in Comber in the 1750s and 1760’s. He therefore continued their and Samuel Gelston’s legacy of sourcing, blending and bottling the very finest whiskeys, and developed the Gelston’s Irish whiskey brand around the world.

However, the Irish Whiskey landscape faced serious challenges as it entered the 20^th century, and the combined effects of World War I, the Irish War for Independence and finally Prohibition, resulted in the near collapse of the Irish Whiskey industry – which, in turn, led to the demise of Samuel Gelston’s Irish Whiskey.

The brand remained with the Neill family, and five generations on it has now been brought back to life by Harry’s great great grandson, Johnny Neill. Johnny and well-known master distiller Frank McHardy made it their mission to journey across Ireland again to source, bottle and blend the best liquids they could find and Samuel Gelston’s Old Irish Whiskey was reborn.

The current collection includes Samuel Gelston’s Single Malt, Single Pot Still, 5 Year Old Single Malt, 10 Year Old Single Malt, 15YO Single Malt, 26 Year Old Single Malt. Cousins, Johnny & Sam Neill, descendants of Harry and Percival have joined forces on the latest launch that marries Johnny’s Irish Whiskey with Sam’s Pinot Noir New Zealand Wine Casks.

This exciting brand is back doing what it did best.

More about H J Neill Ltd

HJ Neill Ltd are craft spirit purveyors responsible for Samuel Gelston’s Irish Whiskey, The Pleasure Gardens Distilling Company, Mary-Le-Bone Gin, Yattendon Distillery and the Berkshire Botanical artisan spirit collection. 

Drinkaware is an independent UK-wide, alcohol education charity with the objective of positively changing public behaviour and the national drinking culture. It aims to reduce alcohol misuse and minimise harm by helping people make better choices about their drinking. It achieves this by providing impartial, evidence-based information, advice and practical resources; raising awareness of alcohol and its harms and by working collaboratively with partners (including the medical community, public health, third sector organisations, local authorities, police and the drinks industry).

Drinkaware has more than 100 funders, including UK alcohol producers, retailers in the on-trade and off-trade, and wholesalers.

Enjoy shelter from the storm with our curl-up collection of new whiskies. The perfect remedy for the season.

VITAMIN DE TABLE

CASK NO. 35.246

CASK:  1st fill barrel

AGE:  23 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Sweet, fruity & mellow

JUICY FRUIT MEETS BIG RED

CASK NO. 71.68

CASK:  1st fill barrel

AGE:  8 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Light & delicate

CURRY CORNER

CASK NO. 58.23

CASK:  1st fill barrel

AGE:  9 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Spicy & dry

NEW ACQUAINTANCE

CASK NO. 10.188

CASK:  Refill sherry butt

AGE:  14 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Deep, rich & dried fruits

PEATABIX

CASK NO. 66.144

CASK:  Refill hogshead

AGE:  12 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Lightly peated

ANTHRACITE SEASONING DUST

CASK NO. 53.314

CASK:  Refill hogshead

AGE:  10 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Peated

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT ADAM’S REVIEW OF THE OUTTURN

SO YOU CAN PICK YOUR FAVOURITE BOTTLE AND CURL UP WITH A DRAM!

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada
Suite 160
104 – 1240 Kensington Road NW
Calgary, AB  T2N 3P7
403-969-8225
curious@smws.ca
www.smws.ca

Bunnahabhain 11 year Old 2009
68.4%!!

Matured in a single 1st fill sherry butt this is another monster ABV from Signatory Cask Strength. Cask #900081 bottled October 2020. Bunnahabhain 11 Year Old 2009 vintage Islay single malt Scotch whisky. Single cask first fill sherry butt #900081 bottled October 2020 by Signatory Vintage for the Cask Strength Collection. 600 bottles.

Shop – Bunnahabhain 11 Year Old 2009 Signatory

BUNNAHABHAIN SINGLE MALT WHISKY

Bunnahabhain Distillery was established in 1881 on the north eastern tip of the Isle of Islay by the shore of Bunnahabhain Bay and overlooking the Sound of Islay. All the building materials were transported by puffer and unloaded at the distillery pier. Now tucked away at the end of the single track ‘main’ road with spectacular scenery all the way. Bunnahabhain Distillery is equipped with four huge pear shaped stills and produces Scottish malt whisky which is released in blends and in single malt and single cask bottlings. A participant in Feis Ile, the annual Islay Festival of Malt and Music. Core editions include Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old and 18 Year Old.