INTRODUCING METHOD AND MADNESS MULBERRY WOOD

WORLD FIRST IN IRISH WHISKEY JOINS THE EXPERIMENTAL COLLECTION

Irish Distillers, makers of some of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys, has unveiled a new single pot still Irish whiskey finished in virgin Mulberry Wood into its celebrated and innovative METHOD AND MADNESS range.

In a world first for Irish whiskey, the limited-edition release has been finished in White Mulberry Wood felled in central Hungary, where the local climate creates the perfect growing conditions. The wood is then harvested and air-dried for two years at the Kádár sawmills in Tokaj before being transferred to a cooperage in Budapest. The relatively high porosity and medium toasting of the exceptional Mulberry Wood casks impart elevated flavours of wood spices and enhanced toffee sweetness, along with a natural golden hue to the whiskey.

The whiskey, a single pot still distillate, was first matured in a combination of first fill and re-fill American Oak barrels, before being left to finish in 50-litre Mulberry Wood casks. Bottled at 46% ABV, the resulting whiskey is wonderfully complex with notes of smoked paprika, flavours of sweet toffee apple and a freshly cut wood character imparted from the virgin Mulberry Wood.

First launched in 2017, METHOD AND MADNESS continues to push the boundaries of Irish whiskey through innovative releases by harnessing the experience and creativity of the masters and fresh thinking of the apprentices at Midleton Distillery and Micro Distillery. Just as the spirit of exploration and experimentation has guided the collection to date, this new release was born out of trials dating back to 2019, when Midleton’s Wood Planning and Maturation Team Lead, Finbarr Curran, sourced the rare Mulberry Wood casks from Budapest.

Back in Ireland, the team at Midleton experimented with different whiskey styles and maturation times for the perfect marriage between liquid and cask. Just 50 litres in size and conducive to accelerated maturation, given the large surface-to-volume ratio, the Midleton Masters and Apprentices kept a close eye on the whiskey before finally settling on a finishing period of between three and eight months for a perfectly balanced wood contribution.

Finbarr Curran, Wood Planning and Maturation Team Lead, comments: “We are delighted to launch our limited-edition Mulberry wood finish, a world first for the category and the third world first in the METHOD AND MADNESS range. So far, our commitment to wood experimentation and maturation has taken us all over the world and led to the development of some of the most exquisite Irish whiskeys. It’s been a joyous journey of discovery and we look forward to continuing this exploration as we keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in Irish whiskey.”

Anna Lazaridou, Maturation Research and Innovation Technologist adds: “With its unusual wood structure and small cask size, there’s no doubt that Mulberry Wood presented its challenges, with early trials failing. But in the ethos of the METHOD AND MADNESS range, our relentless dedication to trial and error has produced a beautifully balanced whiskey. And it’s with great pride that we share this with the world today.”

METHOD AND MADNESS Mulberry Wood is available to purchase online now and on shelf in Ireland and Finland from tomorrow at an RRP of €95.

https://www.methodandmadnesswhiskey.com/en

@METHODANDMADNESSWHISKEY

#MMETHODANDMADNESS

#MulberryWood

Tasting Notes

Aroma:

Caramelised Toffee Apple.

Freshly Cut Wood.

Toasted Pine Nuts.

Taste:

Sweet Pear.

Green Apple.

Smoked Paprika.

Finish:

Deep & Mellow.

Lingering Fruits

Intense Wood Spice.

Notes:

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers is Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits and wines, and producer of some of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys. Led by Jameson, our brands are driving the global renaissance of Irish whiskey. Jameson is the world’s bestselling Irish whiskey, experiencing 30 years of consecutive growth up to 2019 and hitting sales of 7.6m cases in 2020. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets.

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

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

About Pernod Ricard 

Pernod Ricard is the No.2 worldwide producer of wines and spirits with consolidated sales of €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.

DISCOVER

The dramatic Scottish landscape plays an important role in creating a fascinating spectrum of Scotch malt whiskies, but it is also the perfect place to enjoy them. Take to the great outdoors with one of the 22 exhilarating casks from the April Outturn, and watch how the situation in which you enjoy them can enhance your tasting experience.

Our whiskies will be let loose into the wild at 9am (UK time) this Friday, 2 April but if you can’t wait until then, you can stroll through the Outturn in full over on the website.

READ OUTTURN

VIEW ALL WHISKIES

SLOW DOWN YOUR SHOPPING

We wanted to remind you that a basket timer is now in place on our website, meaning items added to your basket are fully secured for 10 minutes ensuring they will not go out of stock while you continue your shopping. Please just remember to keep an eye on the timer and check out in time to guarantee your bottles.

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

Lots of amazing new Signatory whisky including Glenallachie, Old Pulteney, Benriach, Mortlach, Strathmill, Royal Brackla, Caol Ila and more! Andrew and Brian Symington established their bottling business in 1988. They were based at Newhaven on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth, to the north and within shouting distance of Edinburgh. Having taken over the business in 1997 and purchased Edradour Distillery near Pitlochry in Perthshire in 2002 Andrew Symington move his bottling business into new premises next to the Highland distillery. Brands include Cask Strength and Unchillfiltered.

Shop – Latest Signatory Vintage

Built in 1965 Tomintoul Distillery lies in the heart of the stunning Cairngorms National Park, located close to Tomintoul, the highest village in the Highlands of Scotland. Situated in the ancient Glenlivet Estate, the distillery takes its water from the pure, natural Ballantruan Spring, nestled in the Cromdale Hills. The natural environment, high altitude and exclusive use of the Ballantruan water source combine to produce the smooth and well balanced single malt that is Tomintoul, known as “the gentle dram”.

Shop All Tomintoul Whisky

Label under Ambient Light Source

APRIL FOOLS WHISKY: A SURPRISE REVEAL

The Whisky Exchange introduces an exclusive, extra special whisky for April Fool’s Day. And like the best jokes, it may look simple upon first glance, but there’s a lot going on underneath…

The famed spirits retailer is keeping key elements of this limited edition whisky hidden until 6.00am on 1 April when all will be revealed to its customers. Maintaining the mystery, the label of the bottle has been printed with an ink sensitive to UV light, hiding details until a torch, included with every purchase, reveals the hidden text.

A visible statement declares ‘Extremely young, I wish I were older’ as a tactic to retain the illusion of the whisky’s true age which is really 30 years old. (Embargoed until 6am on 1^st April)

Details 

• 7% ABV
• Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
• Available to purchase from thewhiskyexchange.com on Thursday 1^st April, 6am-12pm, while stocks last
• https://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/feature/aprilfools
• 30 years old
• Priced at £150
• Just 869 bottles are available to buy
• Matured in first-fill Bourbon casks
• Tasting notes from Billy Abbott, Brand Ambassador at The Whisky Exchange: 

Nose: A complex cake to start: layered lemon drizzle and victoria sponge, filled with butter cream. Notes of gummi bear and mint imperial float in around the sides, accompanied by growing pineapple and pear. Spicy notes of black pepper and nutmeg build through the middle, leading to sweet, butterscotch-and-orange-studded sugar cookies.

Palate: The lemons are back and lead the way – lemon drizzle cake topped with candied lemon slices. The gummi bears sit alongside the citrus, joined by spiced spongecake and white chocolate. Sweet cream and milk bottle sweets follow, with slowly developing mint fondant. The leafy and spicy notes round things out, with hint of aniseed and a handful of herbal lozenges.

Finish: Sweet and buttery to start, with aniseed and nutmeg building before fading to leave vanilla butter cookies and a hint of mint cream.

Comment: Don’t let the date fool you – this whisky is not only real, but it shows its true colours in the glass.

Label under UV Light Source

Website link : https://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/feature/aprilfools

Introducing video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNrJxnRztWQ

ABOUT THE WHISKY EXCHANGE

Founded in 1999, The Whisky Exchange is the leading global retailer of whiskies and fine spirits, with an award-winning online shop and three shops located in the heart of London at Covent Garden, Great Portland Street and London Bridge.

As a family company, The Whisky Exchange believes in excellent products at competitive prices and exceptional service. The company’s philosophy is simple – never rest on your laurels. The team, led by founders and brothers Sukhinder and Rajbir Singh and buyer Dawn Davies MW, is constantly trying to find new products with genuine heritage and quality in all drinks categories, while continuing to innovate and ensure its website and shop are the best in the business. Above all, the company is built on its amazing range and its people, and is responsible for the loyal and ever-expanding fan base from around the world.

The Whisky Exchange in numbers: 4,000 whiskies including 3,000 single malt Scotch whiskies; 500 Cognacs and Armagnacs; 600 rums; 300 gins; 200 bourbons; 150 Tequilas; three shops.

London Shops

2 Bedford Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9HH / Tel: 020 7100 0088

90-92 Great Portland Street, Fitzrovia, London W1W 7NT / Tel: 020 7100 9888

(New) 88 Borough High Street, London Bridge, London, SE1 1LL / Tel: 020 7631 3888

Online

www.thewhiskyexchange.com / Tel: 020 8838 9388

UNIQUE WHISKY WAREHOUSE OPENED IN THE ARCTIC

The northernmost distillery in the world opens a new, Viking inspired warehouse.

Aurora Spirit, the worlds northernmost distillery is pleased to announce the completion of their new warehouse, situated at 69 degrees north in Arctic Norway.

The distillery already uses ex NATO / WW2 bunkers to mature its spirits underground, however the new warehouse is situated above ground to deliberately face more exposure to the Arctic elements.

The design is based on a modern Viking longhouse, constructed in massive wood by local builders on solid rock foundations. Temperatures can be extreme in the Arctic with winters to minus 17 and summers, although short lived, peaking just above 20 degrees. A unique feature of the warehouse is the turf roof, harping back to traditional Viking / Norwegian buildings, this not only looks good but has a very practical use.

The turf, planted with local grasses and wild flowers, protects the building from the direct sunlight in the summer and insulates the building in the winter. The inside is almost cathedral like with strong arches
from floor to ceiling supporting the structure, subtle and atmospheric lighting also adds to the experience.

The design is not only based on efficient and effective maturation temperatures and air flow for the casks, but also designed to be a unique visitor experience. There is ample safe access to view the casks, take in the atmosphere and smell the aroma of maturing whisky. The tasting zone has displays of the casks used and an intimate bar area to relax and taste some distillery exclusive whiskies or enjoy a dram drawn directly from the cask. Again this area is constructed in wood using recycled off cuts from the construction, old casks and staves.

Inside the warehouse is now filling up, there are some unique single casks and a vast amount of experimental maturation going on. Lurking in corners you may find some Sauterne casks, Mezcal, Rum, Rye, Madeira and many others.

Contact info:
Tor Christensen, CEO
Aurora Spirit Distillery AS
Phone: (+47) 91904260
Epost: post@auroraspirit.com
Lyngseidet, 9060 Lyngseidet
NORWAY
www.auroraspirit.com

Limited Release:
Glen Scotia 10 Year Old Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Finish
Campbeltown Malts Festival 2021

Campbeltown may be the smallest of Scotland’s whisky regions yet it is steeped in the most history and at one point was known as the malt capital of the world. Locals speak of humorous tales of warehouse casks bursting and whisky flowing the streets, with neighbours out on the roads with pots and pans to pinch a taste. There are even songs sung from the region:

“Oh Campbeltown Loch, ah wish ye were whisky,
Campbeltown Loch, och-aye!
Oh Campbeltown Loch, I wish ye were whisky,
I would drink ye dry!”

Once a town full to the brim of some 30+ distilleries, there is a festival in May every year to celebrate this rich heritage.

Here is a lovely old photo from the port👇

This limited release 10-year-old is completely unpeated, firstly matured using first fill bourbon casks with a five month finish in Bordeaux red wine barrels from the Medoc region of France. Once the Master Blender, Michael Henry, is happy with the balance between the honey sweetness from the bourbon casks and the red fruit spice from the red wine barrels, the whisky is married in refill bourbon casks and then bottled at a cask strength of 56.1% ABV. Natural in colour and free from chill filtration.

On the nose there are crushed red berries, floral notes of rose and violet with heather honey and the classic maritime breeze typical of all Glen Scotia whiskies. The palate has a base of honey and plenty of vanilla sweetness, opening up in vibrancy with strawberry and apple, and lime citrus. The finish is long with spiced notes of cinnamon and star anise.

The sun has been peeking out from behind the clouds and slowly but surely, our social restrictions will soon be lifting. That can only mean one thing – April will be the month to get out and enjoy the great outdoors.

Next week’s Outturn will see us explore how outdoor pursuits can be a game-changer in how we taste and enjoy whisky. Whether you’re a fan of extreme sports or maybe more of a gentle stroll, we’re sure to have a whisky for you in our fascinating selection.

And if you can’t wait to get our exploring, we have five intriguing casks from the April Outturn available online in limited amounts at 4pm (UK time) this afternoon. Time to dust off the walking boots!

VIEW NEW BOTTLINGS

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

Laphroaig® Unveils 10 Year Old Sherry Oak

£65 | 48% | 700ml

Available from The Whisky Exchange, Whisky Shop and Master of Malt

London, 23^rd March 2021: Beam Suntory’s Laphroaig is excited to announce the launch of 10 Year Old Sherry Oak – a new take on its iconic single malt, and a welcome addition to the core range – available from Monday 12th April at The Whisky Exchange, Whisky Shop and Master of Malt.

Finished in Oloroso sherry casks for twelve to eighteen months, this new expression combines the unforgettable flavour of the Laphroaig 10 Year Old with the sweet and aromatic flavours of the sherry casks. Each cask has been carefully selected to compliment the distinct taste of Laphroaig, adding a complexity and balance which is sure to excite Laphroaig lovers everywhere.

Laphroaig Sherry Oak shines an auburn and tawny colour, and has a rich, full bodied flavour. The marriage of casks creates notes of Manuka honey, bacon, and maple syrup, alongside the classic smoke, seaweed, and hint of salt that Laphroaig is known and loved for. As with all Laphroaig expressions, the finish is long-lasting, sweet, and spicy.

Since 1815 Laphroaig has been creating premium single malt Scotch whisky, and the new Sherry Oak finish presents a new flavour profile for lovers of the Islay-distillery’s unforgettable flavour. For the discerning whisky lover, who is drawn to Laphroaig as the most richly flavoured of all Scotch whiskies, this is a must-have cabinet addition.

John Campbell, Laphroaig Distillery Manager, has said “We are so excited to announce the release of our unique and premium expression, Sherry Oak, taking our iconic Laphroaig 10 Year Old and finishing it with the sweet flavours of Oloroso sherry cask. This is a perfect accompaniment to any whisky collection and a celebrated addition to the Laphroaig range.”

Tasting Notes 

Nose:

Sweet and peaty with medicinal notes, Manuka honey, with strong clove aroma but also grilled smoky bacon, a distinctive character of sweet leather, iodine, and pine tar.

Palate:

Sweet and aromatic, with rich wax and furniture polish notes followed by treacle toffee, maple syrup, bitter dark chocolate combined with oak shavings, pine needle and cedar scented wood.

Finish:

The finish is long sweet and spicy with chestnut honey and antiseptic aroma lingering.

Colour:

Tawny, Auburn.

Maturation:

European Oak Oloroso Sherry Finished + Refill Oloroso Sherry matured + American Oka ex-Bourbon Matured.

Serving:

Best served neat, with ice or a drop of water.

ABV:

Bottled at 48% ABV

About Beam Suntory Inc.

As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands, Suntory whisky Kakubin and Courvoisier cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek, Basil Hayden’s and Legent bourbon; Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Toki Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Laphroaig and Bowmore Scotch whisky; Canadian Club whisky; Hornitos and Sauza tequila; EFFEN, Haku and Pinnacle vodka; Sipsmith and Roku gin; and On The Rocks Premium Cocktails.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good.  Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.  For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com

THE FAMOUS GROUSE REVEALS EPIC NEW LAUNCH: THE FAMOUS LIONS

The limited-edition bottle has been released to mark the brand’s role as Official Sponsor and whisky of the British and Irish Lions

Available exclusively at Tesco from March 30^th 2021 

March 2021, London: The Famous Grouse, the no.1 Whisky in the UK, has announced the limited-edition launch of The Famous Lions, to celebrate the brand’s role as the Official Sponsor and whisky of The British & Irish Lions.

The special bottle sees the iconic The Famous Grouse label transformed to read ‘The Famous British & Irish Lions’. Available exclusively at Tesco (RRP £17.00), customers can get their paws on a bottle from Tuesday 30^th March 2021.

As one of the world’s most popular blends, The Famous Grouse combines a creamy malt and biscuit flavour with a hint of spice to create a smooth, well balanced yet unique blend.

Scotland’s favourite whisky is best served neat, or as part of a ‘Grouse and Ginger’ cocktail, combining the blend with tangy ginger ale. The Famous Lions is the ideal dram to enjoy whilst watching the Lions tour at home or toast a try with friends once pubs and bars reopen later this year.

Chris Anderson, Head of Edrington Brands said: “The launch of The Famous Lions is an exciting addition to The Famous Grouse range, and demonstrates how the spirit of rugby and how much we value sport. We have been investing in the sport of rugby for the past 30 years, so we are extremely excited to announce our commitment to this great game through this partnership. We hope to engage with The Famous Grouse and Lions fans by offering a bespoke bottle to celebrate our coming together.”

For further information or to join the conversation, please visit @TheFamousGrouseUK on Facebook, @TheFamousGrouse on Twitter and on Instagram @TheFamousGrouseUK

RRP 1L: £17.00 with a clubcard
RRP 35cl: £9.00

ABV: 40%

Appearance: Full golden, clear, and bright

Aroma: Candied fruits, buttery shortbread, citrus peel

Taste: Dried fruit, soft spices (cinnamon/ginger), hint of oak

Finish: Smooth, well balanced

About The Famous Grouse

Founded in 1800, The Famous Grouse is smooth and perfectly balanced, proudly recognised as the UK’s no.1 Whisky and has been Scotland’s favourite whisky for over 40 years.

Scotland’s favourite blend of the finest malts and exceptional grain whiskies means 43 million bottles of The Famous Grouse are consumed in over 100 markets around the world each year.

About Edrington-Beam Suntory Distribution UK

Edrington-Beam Suntory Distribution UK is one of the UK’s biggest sprits sales, marketing, and distribution companies. It is a joint-venture company jointly owned by Edrington and Beam Suntory.

Edrington-Beam Suntory UK represents leading whisky brands in categories including:

• Blended Scotch (The Famous Grouse, Naked Grouse)
• Malt whisky (Highland Park, Laphroaig, The Macallan and Bowmore)