TOMATIN

1977 VINTAGE – 42 YEAR OLD WAREHOUSE 6 COLLECTION 4TH EDITION

Single Cask | Single Malt | 49% ABV | 70cl

In the heart of the distillery grounds there is a quiet corner. In these sacred surrounds sits a traditional dunnage warehouse. Within, Tomatin’s most treasured casks. These exclusive casks enjoy a magnificent atmosphere, laid low on antique wooden rails above cool earthen floor and stacked single level – unencumbered – so Tomatin’s warehousemen may keep vigil on the gently maturing spirit.  At Tomatin’s very core, Warehouse 6 is a truly special place.

With patience, comes reward. After forty-two years, Master Distiller Graham Eunson has declared that the spirit in cask 38863 is in its prime, and ready to be savoured.

This Luxury Whisky is the first in the Distillery’s history to be matured in a sauternes wine cask, resulting in an exceptional explosion of tropical flavours.

Limited Release: Only 390 Bottles

£2,999.95

ADD TO BASKET

GLENGLASSAUGH RELEASE COASTAL CASK COLLECTION TO CELEBRATE DISTILLERY REAWAKENING

Glenglassaugh Distillery, standing at the edge of Sandend Bay on the Moray Firth coast of Scotland, lay silent for over two decades before reawakening in 2008. Since then, the small, coastal distillery has gone on to release a range of award winning boutique younger whiskies and now celebrates the release of a collection of cask bottlings all aged between 10 and 11 years.

The collection, hand selected by Master Blender Dr. Rachel Barrie, captures the lush, coastal character of this traditionally-crafted Highland single malt, defined by its location and elemental influences. As time passes and character evolves, the full collection has taken all of its deepening colour from coastal maturation in oak. The coastal warehouses benefit from the invigorating North Sea air which influences the cask maturation, creating Glenglassaugh’s signature colour and palate.

Each cask bottling in the collection was distilled shortly after the distilleries re-awakening and by its very nature, is an exclusive one-off: bottled from a single cask, individually hand-numbered and with only a limited number of bottles available.

Glenglassaugh Master Blender Rachel Barrie said: 

“No matter what is happening in the world around us, each day the surf rolls in on Sandend Bay and the invigorating North Sea air passes through our coastal distillery and warehouses. That’s the beauty of Glenglassaugh’s coastal casks, each truly a distillation of nature’s elements, come wind, rain or shine. 

Over a decade since the spirit reawakened in 2008, Coastal Casks is the first global release of a selection of Glenglassaugh cask bottlings at 10 and 11 years old. Like the surf in Sandend Bay, each cask brings rolling waves of flavour that intensify and evolve in each and every sip.  

Nurtured by the coast, each Glenglassaugh Coastal Cask shares a unique and luscious sweetness. With tasting notes ranging from raspberry fruit jam to salted caramel; tropical fruit syrup to chocolate profiterole and clotted cream,  this collection is a celebration of Glenglassaugh’s coastal malt journey, which I hope you will savour to the full.” 

The Glenglassaugh Coastal Casks collection are of natural cask colour, bottled at 51.1% – 57.9% ABV, non chill filtered, prices range from £89 for a 10 year old cask to £99 for an 11 year old bottling. Each coastal cask will be made available in a different location worldwide. Global pricing and date availability may vary.

Notes:

Glenglassaugh Tasting Notes:

Cask R11-008-1 (Australia/New Zealand/Canada/India/Middle East/Africa)

Aged: 11 Years Old

Cask Type: Madeira Puncheon

Spirit Type: Classic Unpeated

Colour: Sunset gold

Nose: Dried apricot and mandarin with oregon pine, salted caramel and toasted almond

Palate: Burst of tropical fruit syrup with papaya, lychee and the lingering balance of pine nut oil

ABV: 54.7%

Cask 957 (Poland & Eastern Europe)

Aged: 10 Years Old

Cask Type: Sherry Puncheon

Spirit Type: Classic Unpeated

Colour: Mellow gold

Nose: Buttered raisin brioche with baked pineapple and lingering raisin fudge

Palate: Toasted nutmeg, rich cocoa, salted butter and Seville orange marmalade

ABV: 57.9%

Cask 888 (South East Asia)

Aged: 10 Years Old

Cask Type: Spanish Wine Hogshead

Spirit Type: Classic Unpeated

Colour: Varnished cherrywood

Nose: Chocolate toffee, hazelnut, sultana with raisin and berry fruit

Palate: An explosion of ripe and stewed fruit, blackberry, sultana, chocolate cream and lasting salinity

ABV: 56.7%

Cask 7497 (China/Japan/Korea/Hong Kong)

Aged: 11 Years Old

Cask Type: Pedro Ximénez Butt

Spirit Type: Classic Unpeated

Colour: Stained teak

Nose: Waxed cherry and fruitcake laced with brandy and salted olive oil, filled with raisin and sultana

Palate: Date and prune oil with notes of dark vanilla, salted black olive and a lingering sherry sweetness

ABV: 55.8%

Cask 559 (UK)

Aged: 10 Years Old

Cask Type: Bourbon Barrel

Spirit Type: Peated

Colour: Harvest gold

Nose: Fruit syrup and salted sea samphire with smoked barley and rhubarb

Palate: Rhubarb custard and salted mango puree with lingering pineapple, toasted sesame and coconut

ABV: 55.9%

Cask 1830 (Belgium/Netherlands/Germany/Nordics)

Aged: 11 Years Old

Cask Type: Port Pipe

Spirit Type: Classic Unpeated

Colour: Ruby

Nose: Blackcurrant jam and clotted cream with raspberry, treacle and buttered pastry

Palate: Full bodied richness of blackberry pie with macadamia nut and lashings of custard cream

ABV: 55.4%

Cask 1346 (Distillery exclusive)

Aged: 10 Years Old

Cask Type: Bourbon Barrel

Spirit Type: Classic Unpeated

Colour: Light gold

Nose: Bourbon vanilla, apple and crisp pear with buttercream and tropical fruit syrup

Palate: Pineapple, grapefruit and chocolate profiterole pastry with almond butter and lingering trace of fresh sea salt

ABV: 54.7%

Cask 1138 (Taiwan)

Aged: 11 Years Old

Cask Type: Oloroso Sherry Butt

Spirit Type: Classic Unpeated

Colour: Darkest mahogany

Nose: Sun-dried raisin bread with black treacle syrup, liquorice, sultanas and brown sugar

Palate: Full-bodied with treacle, luscious sherry oils and lingering dark honey and walnut

ABV: 55.7%

Cask 2428 (France, Italy, Iberia, Mediterranean)

Aged: 10 Years Old

Cask Type: Pedro Ximénez Butt

Spirit Type: Classic Unpeated

Colour: Walnut brown

Nose: Dried fruit and candied pineapple with dark molasses, treacle toffee and espresso

Palate: Baked pineapple and dark chocolate with a drizzle of olive oil and salted date caramel

ABV: 57.8%

Cask R12-213-1 (USA)

Aged: 11 Years Old

Cask Type: Oloroso Hogshead

Spirit Type: Classic Unpeated

Colour: Honeyed gold

Nose: Chocolate ganache, caramel roasted coffee and seaside toffee and pistachio nut brittle

Palate: Orange and sherried fruit explosion with sun dried raisin and buttered croissant with lashings of chocolate spread

ABV: 51.1%

About Glenglassaugh Distillery:

On the crescent beach of Sandend Bay stands Glenglassaugh Distillery, producing a luscious coastal malt, shaped by the rich abundance of land and sea, with rolling waves of flavour. A complete distillation of its natural surroundings. A whisky whose essence is distilled from the visible and invisible influences of land, sea, air and spring water. Its heritage stretches back to 1875 when the distillery was founded by Colonel James Moir. It was on the banks of Glassaugh stream that the distillery was built, and its name ‘Glenglassaugh’ – meaning ‘valley of the grey-green place’ – has been taken from its beautiful surroundings. Despite being mothballed for over twenty years, the distillery has a history of elegant maturation, with award-winning old vintages dating back to the 1960s, and an award winning range of boutique younger whiskies, released in the years following the distillery’s reopening in 2008. As this jewel of a coastal malt is discovered and enjoyed, it promises to become a cult, contemporary classic.

GLENGLASSAUGH DISTILLERY:

www.glenglassaugh.com

Twitter: @Glenglassaugh

Instagram: glenglassaugh

Facebook: /GlenglassaughDistillery

 

The autumn leaves drift by my window  

Authentic collection

Here we are finally at the doorstep of autumn, beholding its glorious colours and stories to tell of a summer that seemed to pass quicker than we always think. Autumn is an interesting in-between season of many happenstances, and I do have to say that our autumn release will echo these warming thoughts very well. As usual, we hope that all of you have been able to relax, sit down, and pour a dram of your choice over these recent times. Of course, it is crucial to keep you fine people supplied and to reflect the current season of a variety of flavours and colours, so let’s take a good look at the outside and see whether you can find your new favorite.

In this new upcoming Authentic collection- release we have a good variety of ages and different maturations, which will surely intrigue your eyes and taste buds! For instance, if you are looking for something older, but are in between peated and non-peated; we are going to have a 25-years-old Longrow and a 31- years-old Fettercairn. Both of these drams are obviously different in their profiles, yet will satisfy a friend of well-rounded mature flavours; Fettercairn will provide chewy fruitiness, whereas Longrow’s soft campfire blessed toffee apples will dance on your tongue.

As the weather gets colder and rain drops down your window, there is nothing better than have something to warm you up and enjoy the cozy atmosphere of the moment. I think for occasions like these, sherry, port, and wine cask matures whiskies are the best. The darker, dry tones of these drams elevate you well above the seasonal darkness and wetness; a truly cheery bomb of aromas and tastes. Now you might be asking, what on earth do we have to offer this time?

First, of all, we have a wonderful Craigellachie, which has been finished in a fresh PX Sherry hogshead. Needless to say that this one here is thick as coffee chocolate, bold like a marzipan decoration on your aunties’ birthday-cake and delicately cherried.

Well, how about something that is sherry cask matured, but tells a different story? Well, I got you covered there as well, as you don’t have to look at any further than the 10-years-old Glentauchers that has been finished in Manzanilla sherry cask! This beauty here gives an incredible balance of sweetness and a hint of saltiness, reminding me of fruity cakes, salted caramel, and a hint of elegant spices.

There has to be a third one of course! And of course, it is a grain whisky, but please don’t stop reading there! This one here has been matured in a Madeira cask since 2017, and gives a blast of flavours! We are talking about the new Girvan 14-years-old grain whisky, which offers a great taste of somewhat plum-jammy loveliness, covered in rich vanilla and toffee; a nice little break from its malty siblings!

I wonder what autumn is like in Canada? I might never find out truly, but at least I can try and offer you some Canadian whisky! This 34-years-old gentleman has been matured in a bourbon barrel, giving it an intense set of flavours and character. It tells me a story of woody spiciness, hints of raisins, cola, and a groovy touch of creamy fruits! I think this autumn is the time to get a new friend and you will definitely find a friend in this bottle, what a great bottling!

However, if you want to keep things somewhat traditional and head your feet and backpack towards the west; towards the tides of Islay, we got you covered there as well! As the winds and rain ease down, on the horizon you shall see an 11-years-old Bunnahabhain, which will as expected is a surge of oily saltiness, dark chocolate mixed with layers of honey glazed nuts! This captain will make you get through the dampest of seasons for sure!

Then again, if you like spending time inside warehouses full of whisky, the profile of the 12-years-old Deanston is a must-have. It indeed provides that set of the aroma of dunnage warehouse and earthiness. The flavours are actually rather surprising turning into something sweeter, well described as fresh fruits, yet finishing in something dry like blackcurrants. All in all, a great dram to take your imagination to several places at once!

A Little Announcement

The release becomes available this Friday 23/10/2020

If you wish to reserve anything, please send us an email to the following address: wishlist@whiskytastingroom.com Please be aware that some bottles may be balloted. The release date on all the new Cadenhead’s bottlings is Friday 23rd October 2020. We are unable to allow pick up in store or ship until Friday 23rd October.

Fettercairn 31 years old – 54.7% – 70CL

Nose: Key lime pie, grapefruits, biscuit cereal notes.

Palate: Chewy. Pumpkin seeds, hoppy notes.

Finish: A pleasant sourness. Earthiness and honey comb.

Longrow 25 years old – 52.1% – 70CL

Nose: Red apples, coal dust, dunnage earth floors.

Palate: Campfire smoke, rock salt, plums and berries.

Finish: Soft toffee, marzipan, bramble jam and burnt toast.

Craigellachie-Glenlivet 12 years old – 53% – 70CL

Matured in PX Sherry cask since 2019

Nose: Brown sugar, cinnamon, gingernut biscuit, marzipan.

Palate: Very chewy and oily. Raisin and rum ice cream, coffee cake.

Finish: Flinty. Peppercorns, gingerbread, hard boiled cherry sweets.

Canadian 34 years old – 60.5% – 70CL

Nose: Pear drops, wet wood, yeasty, tree sap.

Palate: Rum spice, sweet, root ginger and cola.

Finish: Buttercream, pancake batter and molasses.

Bunnahabhain 11 years old – 57.3% – 70CL

Nose: Salty. Freshly cut hay, pebbles, barley water.

Palate: Oily with slight peppery notes, chocolate and golden syrup.

Finish: Soft marshmallow, cashews nuts, liquorice sweets.

Deanston 12 years old – 53.9% – 70CL

Nose: Dunnage warehouse, mild paprika, cloves and fresh cut grass.

Palate: Fruit crumble, icing sugar, Scottish tablet.

Finish: Blueberries, currants and chocolate profiteroles.

Glentauchers-Glenlivet 10 years old – 53.2% – 70CL

Matured in Manzanilla sherry barrel since 2019

Nose: Very sweet. Candy apples, fruit crumble and Madeira cake.

Palate: Vanilla, salted caramel, and a hint of black pepper.

Finish: Cinnamon, sour grapes then fading out with a lovely drying finish.

​

Girvan 14 years old – 54.6% – 70CL

Matured in Madeira hogshead since 2017

Nose: Fruit loaf, orange peel and gooseberry jam.

Palate: Stewed fruits, chewy toffee, pomegranate, red currants.

Finish:  Unusually long, Madagascan vanilla ice cream, grapes and burnt sugar.

Cadenhead’s London

Cadenheads Whisky Shop & Tasting Room
26 Chiltern Street, London, W1U 7QF

Live GlenAllachie Tasting With Billy Walker!

Thursday 12th November 7pm (UK GMT) | Live on Facebook | Billy Walker

Tasting Kits Available Now!

We are delighted to have available a limited number of tasting kits for this exciting online event where Master Distiller, Billy Walker, takes you through a flight of brand new GlenAllachie whiskies.

Including the wonderful 10 Year Old Cask Strength Batch #4 at 56.1% and 3 releases from the brand new Limited Virgin Oak Finish series:- French, Spanish & Chinquapin.

The tasting kits contain 25ml samples of each whisky, offering a great opportunity to try each of them while Billy talks you through them.  A fun evening no doubt!

Shop – GlenAllachie Tasting Kit – £15 / $16.13* / €16.54*

Paul John Whisky unveils newest addition to its

 Christmas Series – Christmas Edition 2020.

            Paul John Whisky unveils its newest addition to the popular Christmas Series – Christmas Edition 2020, an exotic 3rd limited Christmas release from the sunny shores of Goa.

Created from an exclusive blend of single malts matured in ex-Bourbon, Oloroso and Virgin oak casks; Christmas Edition 2020 greets you with delicate aromas of orange peel and honeycomb enhanced with sweet oak. The rich, long lightly peated flavours of creamy dark chocolate feels like you are sipping on a dram of Christmas itself.

Bottled at 46% ABV, this new limited release Christmas Edition 2020 will be available in select markets across USA, UK, Europe and India from October 2020.

Paul John Whisky released its first Christmas Edition in 2018 to delight whisky enthusiasts during the holiday season. With a blend of unpeated and peated single malts and finished in Oloroso casks, the expression was one of the most preferred whiskies of the year.

Last year’s Christmas Edition 2019 nosed aromas of luscious baked apples along with pleasant flavours of fine raisins and dry plum. On the palate, notes of light mocha and a lighter smoke led to a long Pedro Ximinez finish of spicy French toast and delicious smoked nuts. 

About Paul John Indian Single Malts

The Paul John Single Malts were launched in the UK in 2012 and were soon acclaimed to be equal to or even better than single malts produced elsewhere. Approval from single malt enthusiasts and innumerable global awards further proved our excellence and encouraged us to take our single malts across the world.

Craft, skilfully chosen indigenous ingredients, and the warm environs of Goa create the magic that is Paul John whisky.

A conscious decision was taken to create high quality single malts at affordable prices allowing us to introduce many more to the flavourful taste of single malts.

The range of Paul John Single Malts include an entry level expression, 3 flagship expressions, 4 select casks, and the occasional limited, single cask and special editions.

Today, the Paul John Single Malt is present in over 38 countries.

Laphroaig 16 Year Old “Limited Edition” Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) (Limit 1 per customer)  $139.99 View

The whisky’s maturation in ex-Bourbon barrels is said to have softened “the famously rich peat smoke” and added flavors of leather and sweet vanilla. John Campbell, Laphroaig distillery manager, said: “Laphroaig 16-year-old is the perfect illustration of how our rich whiskies mellow as they mature. Whilst this expression carries the iconic smoke of Laphroaig, this is married with sweeter notes of honey and caramel, creating a remarkable dram that’s perfect for the long evenings of late summer and into cosier nights of autumn. On the nose, the 16-year-old whisky has notes of sweet leather, oaky spices, vanilla, and wood character, while the palate is sweet with treacle and caramel, Manuka honey and thyme, but also intense wood smoke, creosote, lots of floral notes of heather and bergamot, and a chili mouthfeel”.

Celebrating 200 Years of Johnnie Walker 🥃

Johnnie Walker Blue Label
200th Anniversary Limited Edition

Johnnie Walker Blue Label 200th Anniversary Limited Edition celebrates the whisky’s 200-year journey from Scotland to the four corners of the world, including Sydney, London, San Francisco and New York. The beautiful and bespoke illustration on the pack design pays homage to these cities that have been part of Johnnie Walker’s story since it began.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label is a big flavoured whisky that reflects the Walker family’s belief that neither whisky age alone, nor whisky from a single location, is enough to achieve the creation of an unrivalled masterpiece today.

£195.00
Buy Now ›

A bespoke bicentenary blend

John Walker & Sons 28 Year Old
Bicentenary Blend

Johnnie Walker founder, John Walker, first opened the doors of a small grocery store 200 years ago in Kilmarnock that would go on to change the world of whisky forever. John Walker & Sons Bicentenary Blend is an exclusive whisky that celebrates this journey that began in 1820.

To create this limited and luxurious blend, Master Blender Jim Beveridge and his team of whisky makers have drawn inspiration from the thrilling flavours listed on an original inventory from John Walker’s store.

Rare and exceptional whiskies, including ghost stocks from the distilleries of Pittyvaich, Cambus and Port Ellen, all at least 28 years old, have been explored to craft a whisky that reimagines the exotic flavours of the 1820s.

£740.00
Buy Now ›

The Pinnacle of Irish Whiskey, MIDLETON VERY RARE,

releases exceptional 2020 vintage

Final Midleton Very Rare vintage from Former Master Distiller Brian Nation is unveiled

Irish Distillers, maker of some of the world’s most enjoyed whiskeys, has unveiled the eagerly awaited Midleton Very Rare 2020, a unique parting gift from former Master Distiller Brian Nation.

In his final days as Master Distiller, Brian continued the long-standing tradition of hand-selecting whiskeys reserved for this coveted annual expression from Midleton Distillery’s exceptional inventory for the last time. The result heralds the 37th edition in the world-renowned range.

Chosen from the most outstanding quality single pot still and single grain Irish whiskeys laid down over the past four decades in Midleton, Co Cork, Midleton Very Rare 2020 showcases an expression of whiskeys aged from 13 to 35 years in lightly charred ex-bourbon American oak barrels.

This year, Brian Nation selected a higher pot still inclusion when compared to previous vintages, while also increasing the use of refill barrels amongst his choice of casks. The result is a luxurious and balanced whiskey with rich pot still notes and elegant grain distillates that take centre stage thanks to the inclusion of refill casks – a fitting legacy from one of Irish whiskey’s great Master Distillers.

Kevin O’Gorman, newly appointed Master Distiller at Irish Distillers, and long-time collaborator of Brian Nation, comments:

“As a colleague and friend to Brian for many years, I could not be prouder to present his final Midleton Very Rare vintage and his legacy as Irish Distillers’ Master Distiller, to consumers across the globe.

“Selected each year with passion and precision, this expression offers an initial burst of tangy fruity sweetness on the palate, with pot still spices building over time to add a mild prickle of chili oil. Indeed, Brian’s love of a single pot still is reflected in this exceptional whiskey, while preserving the balance and beauty for which Midleton Very Rare is renowned.”

Bottled at 40% ABV, Midleton Very Rare 2020 is available online and in Ireland now, and will hit shelves in the UK, USA, Global Travel Retail, Australia, Germany and Canada in the coming months at the RRP of €180.

In a break from tradition and in response to consumer demand for the annual vintage to be made available earlier in the year in question, newly appointed Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman will reveal Midleton Very Rare 2021 in spring next year, honouring a rare changing of the guard at the iconic Midleton Distillery.

Only the third Master Distiller to influence one of the world’s most sought-after whiskey collections, the unveiling of Midleton Very Rare 2021 will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the world of Irish whiskey.

#MidletonVeryRare

IG: @MidletonVeryRare

Shop online: https://www.midletonveryrare.com/en-EN/midleton-very-rare-vintage-release

Tasting notes:

Aroma
Initial top notes of cane sugar and vanilla intertwined with pepper and nutmeg spices, complimented by sweet orchard fruits and white chocolate fudge all layered over polished antique wood notes, showcasing an intriguing balance between spirit and wood thanks to the complex interaction from the many years spent in the finest oak casks.

Taste
Initial burst of tangy fruit sweetness of orange peel and sweet pear creating a succulent texture while the pot still spices build overtime adding a mild prickle of chilli oil. The presence of the charred oak remains constant in the background adding balance to the fruits and spices.

Finish
Satisfyingly long finish with the fruits slowly fading, allowing the oak and spices to linger until the very end.

Notes: 

About Midleton Very Rare

Midleton Very Rare is the ultimate expression of craftsmanship from Irish Distillers’ Midleton Distillery. Released once a year, Irish Distillers’ Master Distiller hand-selects the finest and rarest whiskeys from the inventory of Midleton Distillery before blending them to create a true whiskey masterpiece, often referred to as the ‘pinnacle of Irish whiskey’.

Created in 1984 by Master Distiller Emeritus Barry Crockett, to date only two Master Distillers, Barry Crocket and Brian Nation, have had the privilege of preserving its legacy.

In June 2020 Kevin O’Gorman was appointed Master Distiller at Irish Distillers, becoming only the third guardian of Midleton Very Rare, with his first release due in 2021.  

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers is one of Ireland’s leading suppliers 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 and hitting sales of 8m cases in 2019. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets, with over 70 of those experiencing double or triple-digit growth.

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.

New Release: The Next Limited Batch of a Bourbon Bestseller
Doc Swinson’s 15 Year Old “Rare Release Batch #8” K&L Exclusive Exploratory Cask Series Nonchillfiltered Small Batch Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) (Pre-Arrival) ($149.99)

“There’s not much more I can say about this awesome bottle except that it tastes damn good. I highly doubt we’ll find many to disagree.” — David Othenin-Girard, K&L SoCal Spirits Buyer

NOTE: Our walk-in retail locations are currently closed. We have curbside pickup and low cost (often free) delivery options available in ZIP codes where we can ship lawfully, including anywhere in California. We can also include any new or existing will call orders in your delivery batch. Choose local delivery at checkout to learn if you qualify.

These aged bourbon releases from Doc Swinson’s are the best thing to have happened to whiskey collectors in a long while. It’s no secret that finding bourbon with any kind of substantial age statement is not an easy accomplishment. The bourbon market continues to be red hot, with the best bottlings selling for top dollar and in the blink of an eye. This small Washington State bottler has somehow landed on a treasure trove of 15-year bottlings that rank among the best we’ve had. Remarkably, they are strikingly affordable and constitute the sharpest buys going in American whiskey. As David Othenin-Girard’s tasting note below will attest, Batch #8 is superb, offering a potent and attention-grabbing delivery that’s sure to earn legions of fans. The #6 and #7 releases sold out in record time, and we fully anticipate much the same here. World-class bourbon for under $150 is practically unheard of these days, making this an exceptionally rare opportunity that no collector will want to miss.

Doc Swinson’s 15 Year Old “Rare Release Batch #8” K&L Exclusive Exploratory Cask Series Nonchillfiltered Small Batch Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) (Pre-Arrival) ($149.99)

The return of the wonderful and mysterious Doc Swinson’s 15 Year is upon us. This newest batch is from the same unnamed source and continues to represent some of the best value available for old cask strength bourbon anywhere in the world. The Doc Swinson’s brand was started by a small (and very lucky) bottler in Washington state who’d made a name for themselves finishing Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee whiskies in various wine casks. When they had an opportunity to secure some high-quality mature Kentucky straight bourbon, they jumped at the chance and so did we. The source of this excellent bourbon is so concerned about its identity being revealed that the barrels are dumped in Kentucky before being transported to the bottler in anonymous totes. Usually we insist on having some idea of where the products we sell are produced, but one taste of this stuff and those standards get thrown out the window, as it’s just too good to care to argue with. We will likely never know exactly where it was made, but as long as it keeps tasting this good, we won’t complain. The most special bourbons from Doc are under their “Rare Release” line. This is the 8th release of this truly small batch line, but only the third batch of the unbelievably popular 15 year. This batch contains just 27 barrels and is bottled at 114.2 proof. Another example of why this whisky is one of the most exciting new bourbons on the market today. We love being the California exclusive for this special bourbon.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 22, 2020

Well, you animals absolutely decimated the Rare Release #7 in record time. The obvious first thing I did when I saw how unbelievably well our second batch had done, was to call our friends at Doc and start begging for more! These guys are no dummies. They already had another batch on a truck out from the distillery the first chance they got. The only bottleneck is getting labels and bottles and I know they’re doing that as quick as humanly possible. If you don’t already know the Doc Swinson’s story, I’ll give a little recap. Tiny bottler in Washington state, Distiller’s Way. They clearly know someone at one of the big Kentucky bourbon distillers. Who that is, we might never know. I’ve pressed them on it. The only info we do have is an unhelpful mashbill and the knowledge that previous batches have been excellent. Anyways, you’ve probably realized that there’s no old bourbon available and when you see anything that’s even remotely old, it’s either cut down with water, marked up through the roof, or from Tennessee. No offense Tennessee, but we want old Kentucky bourbon, first and foremost. To our continued astonishment, Doc Swinson has done it again. If there’s an endless supply of old whisky coming through this label, it might be the best news of 2020. But it’s 2020, so don’t count on it. What you can count on though is another twenty-seven-barrel batch here, bottled without chill-filtration or reduction. This time, it is back up to nearly 115 proof. Closer to the profile of batch #6 (the first batch of 15 year), than the previous batch (#7). Immediately, there’s a freshness on the nose that’s so inviting. It starts with big red cherries, old leather, sandalwood incense, lacquer box, touches of licorice and citrus oil. On the palate that great freshness comes through again, with lots of red fruit offset perfectly with candied cinnamon and building peppermint. Medium to full bodied, thanks likely to the higher proof, and both sweeter and longer than the first batch. The finish meanders between pungent warming spice, wild honey, toasted vanilla and antique wood. There’s not much more I can say about this awesome bottle except that it tastes damn good. I highly doubt we’ll find many to disagree.

BEAM SUNTORY ANNOUNCES GLOBAL LAUNCH OF FIRST-EVER WORLD BLENDED WHISKY SUNTORY WORLD WHISKY AO, EXCLUSIVE FOR GLOBAL TRAVELLERS

A premium whisky from five of the world’s most renowned whisky regions 

Chicago, IL (October 15, 2020) – Beam Suntory has announced the launch of the first-ever world blended whisky – Suntory World Whisky Ao – exclusive to global travel retail. The whisky, which will be available in 16 markets with a suggested retail price of 65€ / $71, is the first innovative whisky launch in global travel retail since the coronavirus pandemic began.

Blended using whisky from five of the most renowned distilleries in Japan, Scotland, Ireland, Canada and the US, Ao Whisky, meaning blue, is named after the oceans that connect these distilleries together.

The one-of-a-kind whisky is a tribute to the liquids’ long history, perfectly capturing the heathery flavor of Ardmore and Glen Garioch in Scotland, the complexity of Cooley in Ireland, the smoothness of Alberta in Canada, the vibrance of Jim Beam in the U.S. and the subtlety of Yamazaki and Hakushu in Japan. With notes of vanilla, tropical fruit and cinnamon, it is the distinctive climate, fermentation and distillation processes in each whisky-making region that give the whisky its unique taste.

Fifth generation Suntory chief blender, Shinji Fukuyo, carefully selected the liquids used based-on Suntory’s globally recognized Monozukuri craftsmanship – a relentless pursuit of perfection, attention to detail and quality. Building on Suntory’s history of craftsmanship, this innovative, premium blended whisky embodies the spirit of Suntory and is a tribute to the liquid’s long history. 

Shinji Fukuyo said: “Ao is an exceptional whisky which, through the art of Suntory blending, allows you to enjoy the unique characteristics of all five major whisky-making regions.” 

Ed Stening, Global Head of Travel Retail Marketing at Beam Suntory International, said: “This is a truly innovative whisky that blends five very different distilleries’ greatest assets and unique crafts. We couldn’t be more excited to share this exciting innovation with global travel retail.”

Suntory World Whisky Ao is a unique addition to Suntory’s growing spirits portfolio. The Suntory whisky range includes Yamazaki and Hakushu, the pioneer of Japanese Single Malts, and Japan’s most highly awarded blended whisky, Hibiki.

Ao is a reference to the beautiful color of the ocean (碧, Ao in Japanese), a tribute to the crossing of oceans and seas taking place as these whiskies of the world and Japanese craftsmanship meet. The bottle is five-sided in honor of the five major whisky-making regions. The calligraphic lettering was written by Japanese calligrapher Tansetsu Ogino with an intent to represent the whiskies’ global origins and Japanese craftsmanship.  

Suntory World Whisky Ao will be available only in Global Travel Retail in these 16 countries: United States, Australia, Canada, China, Dubai, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Netherlands, Singapore, Taiwan, Turkey, UK, India and South Korea. 

TASTING NOTES – SUNTORY WORLD WHISKY AO, 43% ABV

Color – amber

Nose – profound vanilla, pineapple-like fruitiness on top, a creamy sweetness and depth with a lingering woody aroma

Palate – smooth and sweet mouthfeel, gradually followed with smokiness and cinnamon-like spiciness

Finish – sweet and smoky, spicy and woody, a many-layered complexity 

ABOUT BEAM SUNTORY

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 Midori liqueur.

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 and www.drinksmart.com. 

ABOUT HOUSE OF SUNTORY

Since 1923, Suntory has been renowned as the pioneer of Japanese whisky for its House of Master Blenders and for their Art of Blending. The founding father of Japanese whisky Shinjiro Torii, built Japan’s first malt whisky distillery in Yamazaki, and the Suntory legacy continued with Torii’s son, Keizo Saji, Suntory’s second master blender who continued to establish distilleries including the Hakushu distillery. As the generations of Suntory’s master blenders carry on, Suntory Whisky remains committed to heritage and innovation. The House of Suntory Whisky has been named four-time Distiller of the Year at the International Spirits Challenge in London, UK (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014).