Toast those special moments this month with the spectacular explosion of flavour found in our brilliant display of new casks. In the week where our friends in the US will be marking the 4th of July, we’re bringing you 23 colourful whiskies and an exciting new gin that are guaranteed to make any celebration sparkle.

VIEW NEW OUTTURN              VIEW ALL WHISKIES

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

New release alert:
Loch Lomond 12 Year Old Open Edition

Introducing this delicious 12-year-old dram, made with spirit from Loch Lomond Distillery’s straight neck pot stills and fermented using Chardonnay yeast. The Open may have been cancelled this year, but this tasty tipple allows you to be there in spirit!

Loch Lomond 12 Year Old Open Edition
£54.95

Buy now ›

INTRODUCING THE MACALLAN DOUBLE CASK 15 YEARS OLD AND 18 YEARS OLD – THE PERFECT HARMONY OF AMERICAN AND EUROPEAN OAK

The Macallan has released Double Cask 15 Years Old and Double Cask 18 Years Old in a significant expansion of the highly successful range.

First introduced in 2016 with The Macallan Double Cask 12 Years Old, the enticing collection is formed from a harmonious union of American and European oak sherry seasoned casks. Together they combine to create a perfectly balanced single malt Scotch whisky with a distinctive warm character that is punctuated with a contemporary soft sweetness.

Double Cask tells the story of a journey which brings together two different worlds. The voyage begins in the vast green forests of northern Spain and the French Pyrenees, where The Macallan sources its European oak. New oak from the lush forests of Ohio, Missouri and Kentucky in America is also transported thousands of miles to Spain, where both types of oak are hand crafted into casks that are filled with sherry.

Once seasoned, the casks are shipped to The Macallan Estate on Speyside where they are filled with new-make spirit. Following years of slumber, The Macallan’s Whisky Mastery Team use their skill and expertise to select the best balance of spirit from both the American and European oak sherry seasoned casks to create Double Cask.

The result is a perfect partnership, with the sherry seasoned American oak imparting delicate flavours of vanilla, while the European oak delivers the subtle and unmistakeable spice and classic style of The Macallan.

The incredible wood journey which underpins Double Cask was recently showcased by a collaboration with iconic Magnum photographer Steve McCurry, who travelled across continents to witness The Macallan’s decisive story unfold. His exclusive photographic journal documents the people, places, skills and processes involved in the production of The Macallan’s exceptional oak casks.

The new expressions will significantly enhance the existing Double Cask range, which lies at the heart of The Macallan’s portfolio of single malts and is a popular choice with whisky lovers around the world.

Displaying a golden butterscotch hue, The Macallan Double Cask 15 Years Old imparts aromas of dried fruit, toffee and vanilla, and delivers a warming finish with a creamy mouthfeel.

The Macallan Double Cask 18 Years Old has a rich amber honey tone, and imparts notes of dried fruits, ginger and toffee. A warm oak spice finish is balanced by citrus flavours of sweet orange.

Kirsteen Campbell, Master Whisky Maker, The Macallan, said: “Bringing together American and European oak sherry seasoned casks to achieve the perfect balance of flavours is incredibly exciting for the Whisky Mastery Team, and we are proud to offer two new expressions to this distinctive range for The Macallan Double Cask fans to explore.

“With Double Cask 15 Years Old, the delicate and indulgent flavours of American oak including honey, citrus and chocolate balance The Macallan’s more traditional characteristics of rich fruits, sherry and wood spice. The Macallan Double Cask 18 Years Old offers slightly more complexity, with rich raisin and sultana subtly balanced by warming oak spice.

“Oak influence is the single greatest contributor to the quality, natural colour and distinctive aromas and flavours at the heart of The Macallan’s single malts.”

The new Double Cask expressions demonstrate The Macallan’s enduring desire to go beyond the ordinary, to seek out the extraordinary, and create peerless single malts.

The Macallan Double Cask 15 Years Old has an RRP of £100 and The Macallan Double Cask 18 Years Old has an RRP of £250.  They will be available from specialist retailers such as The Whisky Exchange, Master of Malt and The Whisky Shop.

For further information visit www.themacallan.com 

Whisky Maker’s Notes: The Macallan Double Cask 15 Years Old

ABV: 43%

Colour: Golden butterscotch.

Aroma: Dried fruits, toffee and vanilla with smooth oak and baked apple balanced with notes of honey and chocolate.

Palate: Sweet raisin and sultana builds with hints of vanilla, wood spice and citrus.

Finish: Warm ginger turning to caramel and citrus with a creamy mouth feel.

Whisky Maker’s Notes: The Macallan Double Cask 18 Years Old

ABV: 43%

Colour: Amber honey.

Aroma: Dried fruits, ginger and toffee with rich orange and hints of clove with nutmeg.

Palate: Rich raisin and sultana with notes of caramel, vanilla and ginger balanced by wood spice and zesty citrus.

Finish: Warm oak spice with ginger turning to sweet orange.

Notes 

About The Macallan

Founded in 1824, The Macallan is one of the worlds’ most admired and awarded single malt whiskies. The reputation of The Macallan is based on a product of outstanding quality and distinctive character. An obsession with excellence has been the hallmark of The Macallan since its founding, by Alexander Reid, on a plateau above the river Spey in north-east Scotland.

In 2018, The Macallan unveiled its new £140 million distillery and visitor experience on its Speyside estate, increasing investment in whisky, warehousing and in The Macallan’s signature sherry-seasoned oak casks.  The striking contemporary architecture, cut into the slope of the land, takes its cues from ancient Scottish hills.  It stands nearby Easter Elchies House, the Highland Manor built in 1700 which has been The Macallan’s spiritual home since 1824.  The new distillery marks an important milestone, recognising the significant journey of The Macallan since 1824 and marking an exciting new chapter in the evolution of the luxury single malt.

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 spirit brands in categories including:

Blended Scotch (The Famous Grouse, Naked Grouse and Teacher’s)

Malt whisky (Highland Park, Laphroaig, The Macallan and Ardmore)

Japanese whiskies (Yamazaki, Hibiki, Hakushu, Toki and Chita)

Bourbon (Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark and Knob Creek)

Imported whiskies (Canadian Club and Kilbeggan Irish whiskey)

Gin (Roku and Larios)

It also handles UK sales and distribution for Courvoisier cognac, Snow Leopard vodka, Brugal 1888 rum and a portfolio of liqueurs and specialities (including Sourz, Bols liqueurs, Galliano and After Shock).

Miltonduff and a Chocolate Caramel Crunch

Not many words required here. But once you have stopped salivating we’re delighted to present the wonderful Whisky & Donuts™, featuring our TWB Originals once more. This time our Miltonduff 10 year old. “…speysider tastes of sun soaked peaches and fermented dates…” Miltonduff 10 Year Old 2009 vintage Speyside single malt Scotch whisky. Single cask first fill Oloroso sherry hogshead #TWB1007 bottled 2019 for The Whisky Barrel ORIGINALS series. 254 numbered bottles. Nose: Pear drops, milk chocolate, banana skin, cinnamon, honey and Allspice. Taste: Brandy Snaps, vanilla pods, honey, milk chocolate and sweet sherry. Finish: Honey roast almonds, soft, dry, spicy and warming.

MILTONDUFF SINGLE MALT WHISKY

Miltonduff Distillery was established by Andrew Peary and Robert Bain in 1824 on the site of an old meal mill which once belonged to Pluscarden Abbey. In 1964 a pair of Lomond stills was installed and operated until 1981 at which time they were sliced and diced and partially incorporated into new pot stills. Whilst the whisky produced from the pot stills at Miltonduff is called Miltonduff the malt whisky produced by the Lomond stills is called Mosstowie. Miltonduff Distillery is a Speyside malt whisky distillery and a contributor to Ballantine’s blends of scotch.

Read the full paring and see more images in our latest blog HERE
Follow Whisky & Donuts™ on Instagram @whiskyanddonuts

ALL PHOTO CREDIT WHISKY & DONUTS™

BUY – Miltonduff 10 Year Old Originals®

The Biggest Name in Collectible Scotch Strikes Gold Once Again
Macallan 18 Year Old “Annual 2019 Release” Sherry Oak Cask Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky ($299.99)

NOTE: In accordance with local directives, 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.

There isn’t much that needs to be said about this astounding whisky. Macallan’s 18 Year Old Sherry Cask Highland Single-Malt has long stood as a titan in the collectible Scotch category, and each year aficionados are left chomping at the bit for the day when retailers bring the next iteration into the market. Aged in hand-selected Sherry casks to bring about the classically Highland yet utterly distinctive Mac 18 profile and bottled with no additive color or other adulteration, this is a collector’s trophy for which whisky fanatics will go to extraordinary lengths. Available in limited quantity, now is the time to secure this iconic Highland malt.

Macallan 18 Year Old “Annual 2019 Release” Sherry Oak Cask Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($299.99)

The Macallan’s benchmark excellence is nowhere more evident than in the 18 year old, which is matured for a minimum of 18 years in seasoned sherry casks. Classic Macallan, with aromas and flavors of dried apricots and figs, spice, chocolate and orange zest. Made exclusively in hand-picked sherry oak casks from Jerez, Spain. As always, the Macallan is bottled with its natural color. This is the new package but the same old Mac 18!

Also available from Macallan:

New Releases from 
The Macallan Double Cask Range

Discover the new 15 Year Old and limited annual release 18 Year Old expressions in the Double Cask range from the renowned Speyside distillery; crafted without compromise from American and European oak sherry seasoned casks.

Learn More ›

Bimber partners with Selfridges to launch

González Byass Oloroso Sherry Finish

London’s Bimber Distillery today announced the upcoming release of an exclusive single malt whisky created in partnership with high-end department store Selfridges.

The Bimber González Byass Oloroso Sherry Finish was initially matured in ex-bourbon casks before being finished in an outstanding 2010 vintage oloroso sherry butt from renowned Spanish sherry producer González Byass.

936 bottles have been produced and will be available directly from Selfridges (both in all stores and online) from Monday 6^th July. Retailing at £79.99, the limited edition release is adorned with artwork inspired by the work of Dutch artist and sculptor Eelke van Willegen.

The expression was crafted to Bimber’s exacting standards. The spirit was produced from the distillery’s single farm barley and malted on a dedicated floor at Warminster Maltings, before being fermented for seven days in bespoke on-site constructed American oak washbacks. Distillation took place in Bimber’s customised stills which possess an increased copper surface area, resulting in a light, fruit-forward, layered new make spirit.

The spirit was initially matured in four 1^st fill American oak ex-bourbon casks. These casks were then expertly married and finished in a single oloroso sherry butt from González Byass – one of the most renowned and celebrated Spanish bodegas. The result is an adventure through richness and spice with layers of jammy red berries and plump raisins enlivened by delectable cinnamon and nutmeg spices.
Speaking of the release, Bimber Distillery spokesperson Matt McKay said “We’re extremely proud that our first retail partnership is with a brand of such high esteem. As a London-based distillery, we’re thrilled to be working with a retailer whose history has been inherently tied to our capital city for over a Century.

The Selfridges exclusive Bimber González Byass Oloroso Sherry Finish showcases our versatile fruit-forward single malt, whilst celebrating our shared London heritage.”

Notes

Bimber González Byass Oloroso Sherry Finish

Nose: Bright, jammy red berries sit with gingerbread and a slice of rich fruit cake, whilst stewed apples and pear juice are lifted by cinnamon and nutmeg spices

Taste: Velvety in texture with pineapple cubes and sliced bananas served alongside plump raisins, sultanas and fig rolls. Vanilla cream is enlivened by piquant pepperiness, stem ginger and cinnamon sticks with a perfect balance throughout

Finish: Enduringly rich with opulent fruitiness tempered by aromatic oak

936 bottles

70cl

51.5%

RRP £79.99

Available exclusives from Selfridges (in stores and online) from 6^th July 2020

About Bimber

Bimber Distillery produces world-class single malt whisky, handcrafted with passion in West London. As a leading distiller of English whisky, we combine generations of rich distilling heritage, with the finest quality ingredients to create the ultimate craft whisky experience.

Online whisky initiative Craft Whisky Club has created the ultimate whisky lovers subscription service, for those who not only want to discover a new world of craft, artisan and innovative whisky-making but get a chance to try them too.

From casks to pairings, locally-produced to the exotic, learning and exploring the world of whisky is a fundamental part of the whisky experience. Resident experts at the Craft Whisky Club handpick the finest small batch and artisan whiskies, carefully selecting exciting and innovative distillers from Scotland and beyond. Each box includes up to two full size bottles, as well as a specially selected food pairing to match with the whiskies, alongside plenty of information about the distillery and how the whiskies are matured, developed and brought to life.

Choose from either 1 bottle or 2 bottles of whisky every 2 months. Bottles come from award winning distilleries from all over the world such as American Whiskey, Rye and Bourbon producer High West from the Rockies, to independent bottler and blender extraordinaire, Douglas Laing who has just launched The Epicurean Edinburgh Edition, which pays homage to Scotland’s historic capital. From £29.95 per month. For further information on how the membership works and pricing please see here.

For those looking for something more unique, Caskshare allows whisky lovers to reserve ‘shares’ of whisky casks from their favourite distilleries, choosing between a wide variety of wood types and ages as the whisky matures. Single cask bottles will then be sent directly to buyers upon maturation, or even traded between them on this new leading-edge technology platform. This allows whisky-lovers the chance to experience different cask variations by lowering the financial barrier to cask-ownership. Customers pre-order cask ‘shares’ from their distillery of choice via the Caskshare online platform. Once the ageing process is complete, whisky allocations are bottled and distributed to ‘shareholders’.

NOTE: In accordance with local directives, 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.

2008 Glendronach 11 Year Old K&L Exclusive First Fill Single Oloroso Puncheon #2988 Cask Strength Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky ($99.99) After a nearly half decade hiatus, we’re back with a distillery-bottled exclusive single cask of ‘Dronanch. This delicious barrel was selected by our two spirits buyers, Andrew and David, way back in May of 2019. This Oloroso puncheon was filled September 17 of 2008 and bottled at the beginning of 2020 at cask strength without chill-filtration. Glendronach has become one of Scotland’s most well regarded and consistently delicious producers. The distillery was officially founded 1826, just outside the town of Huntley in a hidden valley in the rolling hills of the Eastern Highlands. The distillery was refurbished with two additional stills in the ’60s and was one of the last distilleries to stop using coal to fire the stills. The floor maltings continued to operate until 1996. GlenDronach had long been renowned for its use of sherry casks, but not until the BenRiach company purchased the distillery in 2008 did it become a serious contender in the eyes of whisky aficionados. This would have been one of the first whiskies distilled by the new owners. In 2016, Brown-Forman purchased Glendronach and its sister distilleries. Now, we finally have access to single casks from this special distillery once again. Holding nearly 100L more than a standard sherry butt, this first fill sherry puncheon has everything you’ve come to expect from this excellent distillery – bold, rich, and powerful. There are few better on the market than this special malt from the Valley of the Brambles.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 24, 2020I’ve always had a soft spot for this wonderful distillery. It was one of the first distillers to sell us single casks way back in 2011. Then they had significant old stocks at outrageously low prices. Part of what made Glendronach a household name was access to these stocks, a fact I try to impress on every distillery trying to make waves in today’s cutthroat Scotch market. There is in fact very little room for BS any longer in this category. Things that aren’t priced fairly or don’t have the provenance to garner high prices simply don’t sell. As Glendronach became more prominent and it’s older stocks dwindled, our access did as well. Now products that we once sold for $150, would cost us $3-400. So we took a step back. And when Glendronach sold in 2016 we were prepared to say good buy to the single cask program forever. Amazingly, the new owners have refreshed attitude toward this program and acknowledged immediately that continuing the line would be a crucial aspect of their marketing strategy. But, we were still seeing single casks in the over 18 year range priced well over $400 so we were skeptical that we’d find something that worked. So, when we dropped by the distillery in the Spring of 2019, we weren’t sure what would be on offer. Our only stipulation was that it be less than $100 on the shelf. I was prepared to taste through 5-6 year old stock, but our old friend Rachel Barrie instead offered us two choices, PX and Oloroso Puncheon just under 12 years old. These were some of the first stocks distilled after Billy Walker had taken over the distillery and a perfect example of the quality the new owners had brought to the old distillery. Both were excellent, but we were only allowed one. It wasn’t an easy choice, but we ended up going with the puncheon because it more than exemplified the “classic” ‘dronach flavor profile. And while this is a first fill it’s not one of the motor oil dark malts. Instead its full of nuance, depth and balance. Over a year after our original selection, this cask is finally here. Even with tariffs, Glendronach honored their commitment to keep the price under $100 and we couldn’t be more proud to be selling this gorgeous cask of this special malt. IT’s difficult to find a better OB in the shop right now and for $100 this a no brainer for any lower of high proof sherry. The color is deep copper. The nose is a heady mixture of medium roast coffee beans, fig jam, jamon, burnt orange peel and graphite pencil shavings. The palate is surprisingly sweet considering the strong oloroso influence – full of dried apricots, plums, old leather, dark chocolate, roasted almonds and fudge candy. Chewy and textured, the finish builds into a long spicy beast. I wouldn’t add more than a drop or two of water, but if you do you’ll find the dark roasty flavors take a back seat to the fruit, followed by more exotic wood and spice. I rarely perfer young cask strength whisky with out ANY water, but this one I think doesn’t benefit much from the addition. The sweetness on the palate totally hides the 60% abv, but the big spicy finish keeps you from forgetting what you’re drinking. It’s a lovely example of what’s going on at this special distillery in the modern era and a great sign for what is to come of the next decade. They’re still making some serious juice here and hopefully we’ll continue to be able to offer casks that deliver on the promise of value and quality that built the Glendronach name.

Loch Lomond Whiskies pay tribute to 149^th Open

Independent distiller adds special edition to range

Loch Lomond Whiskies, the Official Spirit of The Open, has unveiled a new special edition single malt to mark the Championship that was due to take place in July this year.

The Loch Lomond 12 Year Old The Open Special Edition 2020 was created to celebrate The 149^th Open at Royal St George’s in Kent, which has been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It is the first time since WWII that the Championship will not be played.

The special edition, crafted by master blender Michael Henry, showcases Loch Lomond’s unique straight neck pot still, and is created from a Chardonnay wine yeast, a fermentation process that’s rarely used in whisky distilling as it requires greater time to achieve the final liquid. Full of lively flavour, hints of grapefruit and vanilla syrup are balanced with cinnamon and lime juice.

Priced at £50 RRP with an ABV of 46%, 3,000 limited-edition bottles will be released globally in early July, giving both whisky and golf fans the opportunity to experience The Open in spirit from their homes.

Loch Lomond Whiskies’ became The Official Spirit of The Open in 2018, and although the Championship will not be played as planned in 2020, Loch Lomond’s Open Special Edition pays tribute to golf’s original championship. The 149^th Open will now be played at Royal St George’s in July 2021, with The 150^th Open at St Andrews moving to 2022.

Colin Matthews, CEO of Loch Lomond Group, said: “Of course we, like thousands of golf enthusiasts around the globe, were disappointed to learn of the cancellation of The Open this year, but given the current circumstances, it’s absolutely the right decision.

“Our Loch Lomond 12 Year Old The Open Special Edition 2020 is a very special limited edition, showcasing Loch Lomond’s style beautifully, and will allow thousands of golf and whisky fans around the world to raise a dram during these difficult, unprecedented times.

“We are very proud of our partnership with The Open, allowing us to raise awareness of the Loch Lomond Whiskies range among golf lovers all over the world. We are very much looking forward to visiting Royal St George’s for the first time as the Spirit of The Open next year.”

Michael Henry, Master Distiller added: “It has been a real pleasure crafting this limited edition to mark The 149^th Open. We are one of very few distilleries

currently using wine yeasts in the fermentation process, which brings a unique and vibrant flavour to the finished liquid. As a distillery we are perfectly placed to be able to develop these rare expressions, which is ideally suited to our preference for longer fermentation times, combined with the control we have over the final character using our straight-necked stills.”

Loch Lomond Whiskies, based in Alexandria near Loch Lomond, agreed a five-year partnership with The R&A, organisers of The Open, in February 2018.  Known as “The One”, The Open is the most international of the major championships with qualifying events across five continents.

Neil Armit, Chief Commercial Officer at The R&A, said: “Loch Lomond Whiskies’ special edition products have already proven to be a hit with fans of The Open, bringing together two of Scotland’s greatest exports beautifully: golf and whisky.

“Although we will have to wait until next year to visit Royal St George’s, fans will still be able to enjoy a taste of The Open from home until we all meet again at the famous Kent links in 2021.”

The Loch Lomond 12 Year Old The Open Special Edition 2020 will launch for sale in early July. For more information, please visit www.lochlomondwhiskies.com

Tasting Notes:

Nose – Grapefruit, apple and vanilla syrup

Taste – Lively almost effervescent mouthfeel. Honey sweet, green fruits – apple, pear and kiwi, gentle cinnamon spiciness

Finish – Long finish with powdery sherbet and lime juice 

About Loch Lomond Whiskies

• Loch Lomond Distillery has one of the oldest heritages in the industry. It was founded by American, Duncan Thomas, the owner of the Littlemill distillery which was licensed in 1772. In the 1930s Duncan Thomas was at the forefront of innovation within the Scotch whisky industry and his innovative philosophy is ingrained into everything that is done at Loch Lomond to this day
• The multi award winning Loch Lomond whiskies range includes the Loch Lomond 12-Year-Old which has been awarded the Platinum Award in 2020, one of only 7 single malts to be awarded this honour at the San Francisco World Spirits Challenge 2020. Other expressions in the range are the single malts Loch Lomond Original; Loch Lomond Classic; Loch Lomond 18-Year-Old; Loch Lomond 50-Year-Old; the Loch Lomond Island’s Collection which includes the Inchmurrin and Inchmoan ranges as well as the deluxe blend Loch Lomond Signature and Loch Lomond Single Grain
• Loch Lomond Inchmoan 12-Year-Old has been awarded Best Highland Single Malt 12 Years and Under at the 2018 World Whiskies Awards and a Gold Medal at the 2020 San Francisco 2020 Awards
• Loch Lomond Whiskies was recently also awarded the following medals at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition:
  • PLATINUM: Loch Lomond 12 Year Old
  • DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL – Inchmurrin 12 Year Old
  • GOLD MEDAL – Inchmoan 12 Year Old
  • DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL – Loch Lomond 18 Year Old
  • DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL: Loch Lomond 10 Year Old
• Loch Lomond Whiskies signed a five-year partnership with The R&A to become The Spirit of The Open in February 2019. The period includes the playing of the landmark 150^th Open in 2021 at St Andrews, the home of golf.

• For further information visit Loch Lomond Whiskies on Twitter: @LochLomondMalts, Instagram: @lochlomondmalts Facebook: Loch Lomond Whiskies and at www.lochlomondwhiskies.com.