#ardbeg #untamed #islay #shortie #weebeastie 

ARDBEG WEE BEASTIE – THE DISTILLERY’S LATEST SMOKY WHISKY IS WREAKING FLAVOUR IN ITS PATH 

Ardbeg launches a new permanently available 5 Year Old expression – Ardbeg Wee Beastie

From April of this year, whisky lovers around the world will get the chance to experience the latest permanent expression to join the Ardbeg core range – Ardbeg Wee Beastie. And at just 5 years old, this feisty and intensely powerful smoky whisky is untamed by age.

From elusive sea creatures to eerie hillside half-breeds, the Ardbeg Distillery has a history of exploring inexplicable legends in their bottlings. However, their next unearthly expression is said to have emerged from the peat bogs of Islay themselves. Ardbeg Wee Beastie has been described as a ‘monster of a dram’… with a formidable bite.

Matured in ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks, Wee Beastie bristles with intense aromas of cracked black pepper, sappy pine resin and sharp tangs of smoke. An explosive mouthfeel bursts forth with chocolate, creosote and tar. As savoury meats sink into the palate, the long salty mouth coating finish slinks away.

Ardbeg’s Director of Whisky Creation, Dr Bill Lumsden, said: “I’m in no doubt that Ardbeggians will love this tongue-tingling expression. The casks chosen for its creation make it ideal for enjoying neat or as the mouth-watering main ingredient in a powerfully smoky cocktail.”

Mickey Heads, Ardbeg Distillery Manager, said: “A new permanent expression in the core range is always momentous for the Distillery, but Wee Beastie is a particularly special dram. As it’s a younger whisky, it means we’re able to get as close to the still as possible. So it’s safe to say this is a ferociously good wee nip!”

Wee Beastie will be available in the UK from May onwards, RRP: £39.

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NOTES 

Tasting Notes:

Colour:           Bright Auric 

Nose:              Very bright, fresh and herbal, with hints of vanilla, pear, freshly cracked black pepper, honey-glazed ham. Rich Turkish coffee, sappy pine resin.

With water, more herbal top notes like vetiver and fennel, along with aniseed, green apple and leather. 

Taste:              A rich, explosive mouthfeel with lots of chocolate, tar, creosote and smoked bacon, followed by a burst of antiseptic lozenges, eucalyptus and more aniseed. 

Finish:              A long, salty and mouthcoating finish with hints of cocoa, fudge and savoury meats.

Casks:            Ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry

RRP: £39 

Ardbeg:

Ardbeg prides itself on being The Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky.  Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts.  Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’.  During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future and it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction.  Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following.  

Ardbeg Committee:

The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded in 2000 by the formation of the Ardbeg Committee.  The Committee is made up of thousands of Ardbeg followers worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”.  Today there are more than 100,000 members of the Ardbeg Committee in over 130 countries.  Committee members are regularly consulted on new bottlings and expressions and are offered exclusive Committee bottlings.  Members also receive invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events.  The Committee, chaired by Mickey Heads, is free to join at ardbeg.com.

Awards:

Ardbeg is the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whisky.  Since 2008, Ardbeg has won more than 50 gold and double gold medals in key whisky competitions.  Ardbeg was voted ‘Scotch Whisky of the Year’ twice by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible (2008, 2009) and has twice been awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards (2010, 2013).  At the 2014 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, Mickey Heads was voted ‘Distillery Manager of the Year’.  The following year, Ardbeg’s expressions took the top three spots in Whisky Advocate magazine’s review of the best single malt Scotch whiskies under US$100.  Meanwhile, both Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Ardbeg Uigeadail have been awarded gold medals at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. In 2019, Dr Bill Lumsden was awarded Master Distiller of the Year for the third time in four years. Ardbeg 10 Years Old also won the Best Single Malt Scotch 10 Year Old at the International Whisky Competition 2019, while the Ardbeg Distillery was named the Distillery of the Year 2019.

The Glenmorangie Company:

The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton.  Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay Malt.

Responsible Drinking:

Ardbeg and The Glenmorangie Company advocate responsible drinking and suggest that drinkers savour Ardbeg whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

One of the Year’s Best Single Malt Buys
1997 Ledaig 21 Year Old “Chieftain’s” K&L Exclusive Single Sherry Butt Cask Strength Unchillfiltered Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($149.99)
“…this is sure to become a collectors item.” — Andrew Whiteley, K&L NorCal Spirits Buyer

NOTE: In accordance with local directives, our walk-in retail locations are currently closed. We have low cost and 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.

As one of the last great finds from the now retired Chieftain’s label, this 21 Year Old from Ledaig has all the makings of a collector’s favorite. Hailing from Tobermory, the only distillery on the Isle of Mull, this single malt exclusive is not only exceptionally rare but it is also very sharply priced. While we have offered Ledaigs before, rarely, if ever, do we find one that’s been aged in a sherry cask. Such a treatment takes this spirit to a whole new level, offering an engaging interplay of smoke, sherried richness, and a whirl of exotic spice. Simply put, it is downright delicious. Ledaig is one of the world’s great peated whiskies, and this a gorgeous example of the style. Savvy collectors have already added this charmer to their collection, and we expect what remains won’t last long. We are sad to see these fine expressions from Chieftain’s go, but what a brilliant conclusion to such an exceptional run of independently bottled whiskies.

1997 Ledaig 21 Year Old “Chieftain’s” K&L Exclusive Single Sherry Butt Cask Strength Unchillfiltered Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($149.99)

The odd and wonderful Tobermory distillery is one of Scotland’s most picturesque and divisive. Only the Jura Distillery has more disperate opinions of their products. But something that almost every peat lover can agree on is the fact that the distiller’s peated line, Ledaig, is an absolute dream. And it’s remained in relative obscurity until recently. We’ve had a good deal of independents offer us Ledaig over the years, but it’s almost always young stocks in very quiet hogsheads. That’s simply because the mark is only produced a few weeks out of the year and is turning out to be pretty sought-after by drinkers across the world, so we’re not seeing high quality older expressions very often. When we do it’s NEVER in sherry. This distillery needs these barrels for their limited releases and rightfully so – there’s nothing better than an old smoldering Ledaig in an active sherry. No cask this year will offer more deliciousness for your dollar. Old, peated, cask strength sherry butt from a tiny distiller for under $150.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 07, 2019

This absolutely gorgeous Ledaig is going to easily qualify as one of the best buys of the year. It’s hard to argue that Ledaig isn’t one of the most exciting spirits coming out of Scotland these days, but the distillery bottlings are getting more and more expensive. The Tobermory Distillery has also been closed for the last two years, which doesn’t do anything to ease the price pressures of this small operation. Regardless of the incredible price compared to distillery bottlings, this cask will almost certainly be a total sleeper. Not because it lacks merit in any sense, but simply because it’s not as flashy or obvious as the rest of the line up from Chieftain’s. Nonetheless, for those who take the plunge they’ll be rewarded with one of the most complex whiskies in our portfolio this year. A nose of smoldering cigars and high-end soy sauce. It’s not so abruptly peaty on the nose, but deeply umami with wide range of savory aromas that make you instantly salivate. The sherry is definitely there, but we’re on the sweet roasted orange peel side of the spectrum rather than the raisins and roasted nuts. On the palate the saltiness starts to take over and definitely more obvious peat. Smoked fish, smoked herbs, smoked meats, salty, dense, sooty and savory. Some dried citrus, nut butter and sweet barrel spice to balance out the absurdity of it all. This one may not be for everyone, but it’s goddamned delicious and absolutely unique.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 03, 2020

One of the great peated whiskies of Scotland, but sadly often overlooked. This particular cask is an incredible rarity and smells of apple crisp and quality tobacco burning hot. Cooked fruits mingle with caramel, burnt orange peel, nutmeg, a sprinkling of seasalt and a faint background of iodine and herbs. A bit of water and it opens into more of a saddle shop complexity of leather and oil. The savory components make this a perfect whiskey for deep contemplation. It’s more subtle than many an Islay dram. A dream for any lover of island malts. Add to the exquisite nature of the whisky itself that Chieftain’s is no longer in the independent bottling business and this is sure to become a collectors item.

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 22, 2019

This cask of Ledaig from Tobermorey Distillery is expressive, interesting and inviting. Without water there are smoke, malt, and a hint of mineral-like flavors. With a little water it opens up and comes together. In the nose there is smoke with aromas of brine and malt. In the mouth, the smoke, malt, and brine flavors create a single malt that is delicious and lively. This cask of Ledaig is something to sip and think about.

Jackson Lee | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 15, 2019

This dram from Ledaig was extremely robust. The aromas from the glass dominated the room with iodine, tanning leather, Baker’s chocolate and preserved cherry. I got an undertone of funk mixed with the iodine, which dissipated with time and caused me to revisit the glass a few times. The palate still exhibited signs of iodine detected in the nose but added in pencil shavings and peppered jerky. After the addition of water, sweet Schezuan peppers and cherries appeared but for a brief moment. As expected from the nose, the finish was long and reminded me of fruity Korean beef jerky.

I hope that you and your contacts are safe and well, and that you are able to manage disruption to your business as well as possible during these difficult days.

Like everybody, our priority is to ensure the wellbeing of our people, our customers, our clients and their families. To ensure this, we have taken the difficult but important decision to postpone our whisky Diploma courses in April and May and until such time as it is safe to run them again.

But, as we continue to navigate this challenge together, we at the Academy are reminded and inspired from all around us that now is the time to come together in other ways and support one another more than ever. To this end, we would like to offer you and all of your employees free access to our online ‘Focus on Flavour’ module in the hope that it provides a helpful and useful way of maintaining your whisky knowledge and education, wherever you are in the world.

If this offer can be of support, just follow (or copy and paste) this link  https://www.edinburghwhiskyacademy.com/online-courses/focus-on-flavour

From all at the Edinburgh Whisky Academy we send you our best wishes, support and spirit of togetherness until we can connect again,

Ian McKerrow

Edinburgh Whisky Academy

Douglas Laing Announces Old Particular Easter Limited Edition Bottling

Scotch Whisky specialist Douglas Laing & Co has unveiled an exciting new bottling exclusively for DouglasLaing.com. With only 155 bottles released, this very limited edition Old Particular Single Cask celebrates the arrival of Spring and (much needed) hope. 

The Single Cask selected for this special bottling is an Invergordon 22 Years Old Single Grain at a natural cask strength of 48.9%. The Whisky, bottled without colouring or chill-filtration, is said to pair perfectly with your Easter chocolate! 

The concept is brought to life by intricate illustrated labels featuring Springtime flowers, bees and bunnies. The packaging includes a hand wax-dipped bottle with wooden gift box.

Director of Whisky and third generation in the family business, Cara Laing, commented: “Our Old Particular Spring bottling celebrates the hope and green shoots that Springtime brings. With notes of cinnamon and chocolate, we selected this Single Cask for bottling many months ago on the basis it would be the perfect accompaniment to some Easter chocolate indulgences. It now seems particularly fitting that it also marks the coming of Spring and hopefully brighter days.”

Old Particular The Easter Edition is available exclusively on DouglasLaing.com, with delivery available across the UK, Europe and selected Asian markets. UK retail price is £85 + shipping, whilst other countries will vary due to local taxes. 

ABOUT DOUGLAS LAING:

www.douglaslaing.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/douglaslaingwhisky

Instagram: @dlaingwhisky

Established over 70 years ago, Douglas Laing & Co. is a leading creator and purveyor of the finest Scotch Whiskies, specialising in Single Cask Single Malts and Small Batch Malt Scotch Whiskies. The company was founded by Fred Douglas Laing in 1948 and is still owned and run by the Laing family – Fred Laing Jr and his daughter Cara Laing.

The company philosophy is to bottle the way the distiller intended – at a high strength and non-chill-filtered to preserve the robust and unique character of the Whisky. Douglas Laing’s industry reputation and many awards is testament to this ethos.

In 2015, the firm announced the launch of its first “umbrella” brand – Remarkable Regional Malts – a collection that encompasses Timorous Beastie (Highlands), Scallywag (Speyside), The Gauldrons (Campbeltown), Rock Island (Islands), and Big Peat from Islay, offering the consumer The Ultimate Distillation of Scotland’s Malt Whisky Regions.  The firm’s second umbrella brand, Exceptional Single Casks, launched in 2015, with Provenance, Premier Barrel, Old Particular and Xtra Old Particular

A Bourbon Distillery on a Tear Rolls Out Three More Stunners
“Bardstown is manufacturing hit after hit with every new release.”
— Andrew Whiteley, K&L NorCal Spirits Buyer

NOTE: In accordance with local directives, our walk-in retail locations are currently closed. We have low cost and 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.

For a few years now, we’ve enjoyed tremendous success with the line-up of highly unique, expertly crafted whiskeys from Bardstown Bourbon Company. Eponymously named for the town at the epicenter of the Kentucky bourbon tradition, this distiller maintains a healthy respect for its roots while also pushing the innovative envelope in its blending practices and collaborative ventures. The second releases of the Discovery and Fusion Series represent some of the most distinctive profiles in their respective classes. The Discovery #1 thrilled us and anyone we turned on to it, and the #2 has seemingly set a new bar for that already impressive collectible bottling. The Fusion Series #2 is just about the greatest sequel you could wish for to follow the Fusion Series #1, which was Whiskey Advocate’s #11 whiskey of 2019. If these two weren’t enough, Bardstown also carries out a truly inspired collaborative program, sourcing barrels from top-notch breweries, distilleries, wineries, and cideries across the U.S. This newest edition features barrels that once aged the world-famous Prisoner red wine, and the result is nothing short of pure hedonism. Those who’ve partaken of the previous Bardstown releases will know what’s on offer here, and those who haven’t should pay serious attention to these stupendous new editions. The quality curve is exponential here, and Bardstown Bourbon Company is a name to follow.

Bardstown Bourbon Company “Fusion Series #2” Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) ($59.99)

The new release of Bardstown’s Fusion delivers the goods. While series #1 won big accolades as Whiskey Advocate’s #11 best whiskey of the year in 2019, we expect big things for Series #2. We here we have the same 60% Bardstown whiskey to 40% 12 year old sourced juice (74% corn, 18% rye, 8% malted barley). Bardstown delivers 18% of their wheated bourbon and 42% of their high rye recipe to the blend, but in this series, the BBC whiskies have grown a little older. The rye component is more assertive, yet so is the wheat. It’s a spicy and creamy combination that drinks easy. The edges of series #1 have been rounded off and the whisky feels more complete.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 05, 2020

The Bardstown collaborative approach extends well beyond their unique finished barrels. They involve the entire Bardstown team in the blending process, bringing together their distilling, culinary (they operate an exceptional restaurant) and beverage (and a top notch bar program) teams to make sure they have a blend that truly reflects what they’re trying to accomplish. They’ve succeeded in a big way. The first release of Fusion won major accolades, both from us here at K&L, and folks like the Whisky Advocate – who named it #11 on their top 20 whiskies for 2019. I daresay, that Fusion #2 is a better whiskey. It makes use of 40% 12 year old KY Bourbon and the 60% remainder is a combo of Bardstown’s wheat and high rye distillate. The whisky is very similar to series #1, but the hard edges have been sanded down. It’s more round and supple. The rye component stands out a little more in flavor, but it really maintains the supple creamy wheat texture. It is an impeccable blend of different ages and mashbills in one of the best new bourbons to hit the market in 2020.

Andrew Tobin | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 10, 2020

Bardstown’s Fusion Series 1 was one of my favorite bottles of bourbon we carried while it lasted. I went through 2 or 3 of them easily and the rest of the staff in SF was equally fond. When the series 2 came in I eagerly bought a bottle as I wanted to see what their evolution as distillers and blenders was going to be like. A little tight when I first opened it. I let the bottle sit for a few days (yes, whiskey too can benefit from breathing). Upon second approach the bottle was much more aromatic with notes of baking spice, cherry and apricot, roasted almond and hazelnut. This has to be one of the softest palates of any bourbon at nearly 100 proof. The mouth explodes up front with fruit and spice and sits soft and round on the mid palate with the roasted nut, and toffee. The finish is full of burnt caramel, Baker’s chocolate, and tons of wood spice. Very different from the original offering, you can really see what an extra year of maturation does to their own distillate and makes me excited for what they have to come!

Bardstown Bourbon Company “Collaboration Series – The Prisoner” Red Wine Barrel Finished Bourbon (750ml) ($129.99)

The next in line from Bardstown’s epic collaborations is “The Prisoner.” This world-famous Napa Valley red blend meshes perfectly with the 9 year old Tennessee distillate over 18 months of finishing. Bottled at an even 100 proof, it’s everything you love about The Prisoner delivered into whiskey form. It’s rich and complex – a hedonistic combination of blackberries, cherries, honey, vanilla, oak, baking spice, and a touch of grape sweetness.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 05, 2020

Bardstown is manufacturing hit after hit with every new release. The Prisoner Collaboration is sure to be no different. The world famous Prisoner Red Blend is a wine that smacks of sweet red fruits and barrel spice. These things play perfectly with the 9 year old Tennessee mashbill. The whisky shows gobs of black cherries, honey glazed corn, peanut butter nuttiness, tons of vanilla and complex wood. It’s a big, sweet, luxurious bourbon.

Bardstown Bourbon Company “Discovery Series #2” Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) ($129.99)

It’s hard to imagine an improvement over Discovery Series #1, but Bardstown has done it. Number two is a blend of whiskies all over 10 years old. The make up is 44% 10 year (75% corn, 13% rye, 12% barley), 39% 12 year (74% corn, 18% rye, 8% barley) and 17% 14 year old whiskey (78% corn, 10% rye, 12% barley). The blend here shows more wood and intense rye spice than Series #1. It’s a big whiskey in a big bottle that delivers a big value for the most discerning bourbon drinkers.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 05, 2020

Discovery Series #1 was a huge hit with staff and customers alike. I think batch #2 will shake the bourbon industry. It’s exceptional. Everything in the blend is over 10 years old. The rye in the mashbills really stands out. It’s a large-and-in-charge whiskey that carries a ton of spice. Yet it doesn’t lack for sweetness. It’s full of caramel, maple syrup, and vanilla notes. The oak is very pretty and well integrated. A sweet cherry cola profile fills the middle of the palate. It’s balanced and very sippable at 122.2 proof. A supremely high quality whisky that is worth buying in multiples. You’ll definitely want one or two to drink now and a couple to stash in the collection for later.

Arran 1995 Single Cask #217
The Whisky Shop Exclusive

The latest Whisky Shop Exclusive Single Cask is here. This single cask expression from Arran’s eponymous distillery has been specially selected and bottled exclusively for The Whisky Shop as part of The 1995 Collection, celebrating the distillery’s founding.

Free UK delivery on all orders over £25 for a limited time

Distilled in November 1995 and matured in a single cask (#1995/217) for almost a quarter of a century, this expression was bottled in January 2020 at a strength of 51.7% abv. Just 294 bottles have been produced, each one presented in a beautiful trapezoidal bottle.

£179.00

THE ISLAY PRELUDE

GREEN ISLE

The allure of Islay begins long before one makes the pilgrimage.

GREEN ISLE

Deluxe
Blended Scotch Whisky

40% ABV · 70cl

£34.95

ADD TO BASKET

No. 1 Spencer Street · The Jewellery Quarter · B18 6DD · Birmingham · UK

Rare & Collectable Whiskies

Take a look at our most prized whiskies in our Collector’s Loft. Order today for free UK delivery on all orders over £25

🚚 Free UK Delivery on all orders over £25 📦
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Daftmill 2007 Winter Release

£165.00

Limited to 1 per customer

New and Exclusive!

+ Free UK Shipping over £100

JJ Corry Bonders Blend:

The Bridie

The second and final drop of the Milroys exclusive Bonder’s Blend is now online!

This is the last of our stock, so get it while you can!
£79.95 + shipping

Buy now!

Mackmyra Exclusives

At the end of last year, the Milroys team went to Sweden to sample some of the delicious whiskies made by Mackmyra, and stumbled into a room full of 30 litre casks that had been seasoned carefully with a multitude of wines, beers and different oaks. After much deliberation, we decided that these three were our favourites.

1) Grande Cuvée

2) Pedro Ximinez

3) Cloudberry Wine

****************

All Exclusives

Double Cask Batch DC105

Our latest batch of Double Cask Tasmanian Single Malt Whisky is finally ready for release to our mailing list members.

Batch number DC105 is a marriage of portions of eight different casks, ranging in age from 10 to 14 years. As well as portions of American oak ex-Bourbon casks, this batch also contains a high proportion of ex-tawny casks and portions of two French oak casks previously used to mature Australian white wine for a complex, lively and fruit-driven character.

TASTING NOTES

NOSE: Dried apple and ripe pear, custard with nutmeg on top and homemade apricot jam cooking on the stove. Vanilla bean, gingerbread, and a deep, floral toffee fill the nose, with notes of lemon verbena and mint offering brightness.

PALATE: Initially, a big wave of toffee and candied orange with lots of berry jam. Warm, ripe citrus flavours and a medley of dark, sweet notes like preserved plums, honey straight from the comb, burnt sugar and molasses with a huge, dreamy texture.

FINISH: Vanilla sponge with blackcurrant jam, liquorice, coriander seed and ginger. Lingering, ripe, tropical fruits like mango, who sits and watches the warm citrus notes sink into the sea like a sunset.

Please Note: 
We have also made an update to our shipping system and rates: All domestic parcels will now be shipped via Australia Post Express, and charges will be based on actual shipping costs plus a small handling fee. This change has been made to improve shipping times and to decrease the incidents of lost and damaged packages. If you have any questions about this change, please don’t hesitate to email us!

Click the link below to purchase.

PURCHASE NOW