Why you need Japanese Mizunara Oak Casks

Japanese Mizunara Oak is perhaps one of the rarest oaks used in storing whisky, indeed more scarce than European or American, and so much more expensive than the rest…

The wonderful story of Mizunara Oak…

Its story begins in World War Two. During the war, much like most other countries, Japan had no access to imports, making whisky maturation from ‘traditional’ barrels nearly impossible. Although whisky itself was not of the most importance during this time, its consumption levels increased as it was becoming the main drink consumed by the Japanese army. Therefore, producers had an increase of demand and little imported oak to mature whiskies.

Japanese whisky distillers had to find an alternative, which lead to using Japanese Mizunara oak. This alternative made perfect sense, why import when you could just use local oak instead. This eventually led to the widespread use of Japanese oak within the whisky world, or better known globally as “Mizunara Oak”.

The supply of this oak was not without its initial struggles; the two hundred year wait to make a proper cask, the shape of the tree and whether it is more prone to leakage are just some examples of what the Japanese had to deal with. Up until very recently, Mizunara oak was deemed to be below the standard of American and European oaks. Ask any self-proclaimed whisky expert and they’ll tell you Mizunara oak is at the highest level of prestige and is deemed the finest oak to mature whiskies. 

Why is Mizunara Oak so different (and so much more expensive) than traditional oaks?!?

Firstly, its flavour profile widely differs from that of a traditional barrel. When left to mature correctly, a Mizunara aged whisky offers predominantly fresh fruit, cocoa nibs, coconut, vanilla, floral honey, and blossom. It also contains a subtle hint of Japanese incense (known as “Kara”) and spices, including nutmeg, mace, clove, which all get added to the whisky. To achieve this, maturation takes roughly twenty years but can be much lower.

Its expense comes purely from its prestige and rarity. Mizunara oak is extremely well-regarded and seen as very luxurious and superior. Limited supply is also an issue regarding its price, as Mizunara oak is tough to source, even in Japan. The Whisky Cask Company offers virgin Mizunara casks, which will genuinely enhance and greatly increase the value of any whisky matured within the casks. It is also one of the only companies that offer an investment into this cask, which should lead to even higher returns. 

Why is it good for keeping whisky? 

The unique flavour profile previously stated is a good start, combine this with the exclusivity of the wood makes it the best option for storing whisky. Its exclusivity helps increase the selling price, as even partly blending the Mizunara whisky with another significantly increases its cost and appeal. Pure bottles can sell for $1000+. Most of the whisky matured in Mizunara oak is sold exclusively in Japan, meaning casks and bottles outside of Japan will sell for much more.

The Whisky Cask Company brings the Finest Scotch to a Global Market. For additional information, visit www.whiskycaskcompany.com.

Deep Discount on an Impeccably Crafted Campbeltown Malt
2003 Glen Scotia “Malts Festival 2019 Limited Edition” Rum Cask Finish Peated Campbeltown Single Malt Scotch Whisky (Elsewhere $109) ($69.99)
“While most other places are selling this at $110 bucks, we backed up the truck and are able to offer it at just $69.99! I suggest you do the same since this limited Malts Festival release won’t be around for long.” — Andrew Whiteley, K&L NorCal Spirits Buyer

We absolutely love the unique single malt expressions out of Campbeltown, and this holds especially true when it comes to Glen Scotia. So, imagine our excitement when we happened upon a limited edition bottling priced at 35% less than the rest of the market. The 2003 Glen Scotia “Malts Festival 2019 Limited Edition” is about as handsomely crafted a peated malt as you’ll find anywhere. Aged first for fifteen years in American hogsheads and finished in demerara Guyana rum barrels, it is an engagingly complex affair while remaining infinitely sippable. Delivering a mélange of tropical notes, baking spice, brown sugar, and subtle smoke, it glides effortlessly across the palate. $110 is the right price for a dram of this caliber, but a one-time deal allows us to offer it for a fraction of that. This is easily one of the finer values we’ve found out of Campbeltown and is a must-have for any collector of peated malts. Buy a bottle to carry you through the coming holidays and another simply because the price is too good not to.

2003 Glen Scotia “Malts Festival 2019 Limited Edition” Rum Cask Finish Peated Campbeltown Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) (Elsewhere $109) ($69.99)

Once hailed as the whisky capital of the world, Campbeltown has seen its number of distilleries reduced to just three. All three make peated and unpeated whisky in a unique style that gives credence to Campbeltown’s designation as a unique whisky producing region in Scotland. This 2019 limited release for Cambeltown’s Malts Festival spent 15 years in American oak hogsheads and then an additional eight months in demerara Guyana rum barrels. The results are stupendous—sweet peat jives with malty goodness loaded with orange peel and sweet baking spices. The mellow smoke goes perfectly with the caramel and brown sugar notes of the American hoggies. Bottled at cask strength and unchillfiltered with no coloration, this is a pure celebration of Cambeltown from Glen Scotia.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 11, 2019

I fell in love with this whiskey months ago when I tasted a preview sample. Now that’s it’s here I simply cannot get enough of it. It’s the perfect sweet peater, in fact it should be the definition of “easy peat.” There is just enough smoke to frame the presentation of the other aromatics and to bolster the intensity of the wonderful citrus and tropical fruit that takes over the nose. Sweet baking spices and molasses coat your palate. There is a bit of salinity, particularly on the finish, that leaves you satisfied and yet going back for sip after sip. While most other places are selling this at $110 bucks, we backed up the truck and are able to offer it at just $69.99! I suggest you do the same since this limited Malts Festival release won’t be around for long.

Alex Schroeder | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 12, 2019

This is the most expressive, balanced peated single malt I’ve tasted in a while. Aromas of bright tropical fruits like pineapple and mango mixed with honeycomb, wet gravel, toasted wheat, and scorched earth, with a rich mouthfeel and super-smooth profile. What a pleasure to sip!

Neal Fischer | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 11, 2019

Bountiful butterscotch and wisps of earthy smoke characterize this tasty Scotch. Glen Scotia is one of only three operational distilleries in the Campbeltown region, and I’m very happy they’re carrying on the tradition and keeping distillation alive in this historically important area in Scotland. Of course, none of that history matters much if the whisky isn’t good, and thankfully this bottling is great. The peat is very moderate (unlikely to scare away too many folks) and exquisitely proportioned with the influence of the rum cask finishing. Tropical aromas of freshly-opened vanilla bean morphs into salted caramel that then becomes rich butterscotch. Scents of buttery dessert biscuits topped with pepper-peach jelly make my mouth water. The palate has more dessert flavors without becoming cloying at all. Then that peat comes in, yet it always stays in check and never dominates the other flavors. It’s earthy, robust, and leathery with just a little medicinality. The rum and peat continue to roll over each other again and again on the palate, and it seems like there’s just no stopping this Scotch. There’s not really a finish in a sense because the whisky just melts into the tongue and stays with you.

Explore our interactive Christmas Catalogue featuring a huge selection of Whisky, Advent Calendars, and festive Gifts.

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Hanson of Sonoma Distillery Introduces Japanese-Inspired 

Single Malt Double-Barrel Whiskey

Sonoma, CA | October 23, 2019 – Hanson of Sonoma Distillery, known for its small batch organic grape-based vodkas, has recently released an American single malt double-barrel whiskey. Initially release to members only, starting Nov. 15 Hanson’s whiskey will be available to the public for purchase.

Hanson Whiskey is a blend of tradition and technique from both Scottish and Japanese whiskeys. They start with a mash of four distinct malted barleys, imparting notes of caramel, biscuit, and chocolate. The whiskey is aged for four years in bourbon barrels, giving it a rich and balanced blend of soft vanilla and sweet barley. Adhering to Japanese whiskey finishing techniques, Hanson Whiskey is then cask-finished in a variety of different barrels, including Spanish Oloroso sherry casks. The sherry barrels, which have been aging wine for several years, impart a sweet and subtle flavor to the whiskey.

Hanson Whiskey is bottled at 100-proof in a black antique-colored wide-shouldered 750ml bottle. The striking dark metal plate label design was influenced by the artwork of distillery co-owner Scott Hanson, a metal sculptor, and artist.

Hanson of Sonoma Distillery Single Malt Double-Barreled Whiskey is a limited production and available for purchase at the Sonoma Distillery and Sausalito tasting room locations. Each 750ml bottle retails for $125. Tastings are also offered at both locations.

ABOUT HANSON OF SONOMA

Hanson of Sonoma is a family-owned small-batch distillery. Owned and operated by four siblings – Chris, Brandon, Alanna, and Darren – and their parents Scott and Judy, Hanson of Sonoma has been making organic vodka since 2015. In the fall of 2019, Hanson launched its first 100 proof single malt double-barrel whiskey. Hanson of Sonoma’s line of infused vodkas includes Original, Cucumber, Ginger, Mandarin, Habañero, and Meyer Lemon, plus rotating seasonal flavors, including Boysenberry and Espresso. Hanson of Sonoma’s wine country tasting room offers a unique experience to visitors, including vodka flights, expertly-crafted cocktails, distillery tours, and special tastings such as Martini and caviar pairings, vodka and chocolate truffle pairings, and more. Hanson of Sonoma Distillery is located at 22986 Burndale Road in Sonoma, CA. The Sonoma tasting room is open every day from 11 am – 5 pm. Hanson of Sonoma’s Marin County tasting room is located within the Hanson Gallery of Fine Art at 669 Bridgeway in Sausalito, and is open on Thursday – Saturday from 11 am till 7 pm, Sunday – Wednesday from 11 am – 6 pm.  More information can be found at HansonofSonoma.com.

HOW WE DRINK

THE STORY OF THE SPANIARD

When we released The Story of the Spaniard a little over one year ago, we designed it to be charming and sumptuous. After two further batches, as well as plenty of casual sipping and experimentation, we have discovered it to be extraordinarily versatile too.

Built around four distinct styles of maturation (first fill red wine casks, Sherry butts, American oak barrels, and custom-made casks with heavily-toasted French oak heads), balancing the influence of each ensures that The Story of the Spaniard stands apart in the world of Scotch whisky.

Here are two of the numerous serves that we have discovered for The Story of the Spaniard.

MANIPULATE THOSE BOLD FLAVOURS

The Story of the Spaniard boasts flavours of spices, honey and dried fruits and will satisfy those searching for a classic digestif.

Playing with temperature alters the aroma and texture of the whisky: chilling it will emphasise the baking spice notes from the French oak, while warming the glass in your hand unleashes the jammy fruit character supplied by the red wine casks.

BRING OUT THE CHEESE

As we discovered during our 2019 Yearbook research, with the help of food writer Elisabeth Luard, The Story of the Spaniard excels as a cheeseboard accompaniment.

Match it with members of the Camembert family and prepare for pleasure. Our favourite is Tunworth, a British example of this mould-ripened cheese. Soft-centred, buttery and grassy, the textures and flavours of the cheese combine with the whisky to outstanding effect. The whisky’s mouthfeel is heightened, and sweeter notes emerge.

A WORD FROM OUR WHISKYMAKER

For John Glaser, The Story of the Spaniard represented a new challenge.

“Launching a widely-available whisky with prominent wine-style maturation was a significant departure for us; it needed to be both delicious and distinctive from sherried malt whiskies already available. We chanced upon an exceptional parcel of red wine-matured single malt whisky from the Teaninich Distillery and just had to create a whisky that could benefit from it.

“As we use the last of this parcel, we will look to discover more ways in which former wine casks can play a role for us at Compass Box for future batches of The Story of the Spaniard. Whiskies matured in them can prove extremely adaptable, with a boldness and deliciousness that wants to be shared.”

These are just two of our favourite ways to enjoy The Story of the Spaniard. You have our permission to invent your own.

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Speymalt from Macallan

Available for Preorder now

A 14 year old Macallan bottled by Gordon & MacPhail for the Speymalt series.

Distilled 2005 in refill sherry hogsheads and refill sherry butts.

Bottled 2019

PREORDER NOW

Macallan Edition No.5

Don’t miss out on the highly anticipated Macallan Edition No.5. Limited to 1 per customer, guarantee yours today!

🚚 Free Standard UK Delivery on Orders Over £99 📦
🌎 We also ship to the USA! 🌎

Macallan Edition No.5

70cl / 48.5% abv

£98.50

Pre-order Now

The temperature is dropping, the nights are drawing in and First Friday is quickly approaching so it’s time to settle in with our new November Outturn and explore the 21 warming single casks which will get you ready for winter.

November Outturn will be released on Friday, 1 November at 9am. Get ready to order your favourite bottling.

PREVIEWS

READ OUTTURN

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

Decades of Success

Decades II, the new single malt that celebrates 50 years of excellence at Tomatin Distillery

24^th October 2019 – Award winning Highland distillery, Tomatin, has today announced the release of an exquisite single malt whisky: Decades II. The unique expression is a marriage of 21 casks, selected from key years throughout the last five decades. As a tribute to the Tomatin way of life, and the generations of staff that to this day remain custodians of this exceptional Scotch Whisky.

Decades II, bottled at 46%alc./vol and with a limited edition run yielding just 3,600 bottles will retail at £175.

With time spent maturing in a mix of traditional Scotch Whisky, ex-Bourbon, ex-Sherry and re-charred French oak casks from the last 50 years, Decades II is a rich and complex expression. With initial bursts of fruits giving way to hints of sweet pastry and wood shavings,  and aromas of both cooked fruits and floral coconut tones. The remarkable expression is unctuous, with notes of Christmas cake, maple syrup and fresh red berries giving way to tropical fruits ahead of a long waxy, tropical finish.

Graham Eunson, Distillery Operations Director at Tomatin said: “Balancing the flavour profiles of just a few casks can be a real challenge, so to marry five decades of Tomatin whisky in such a way that each cask compliments the next is a testament to the team, both those who work at Tomatin today and those that worked at Tomatin before us, who distilled and laid down some of the casks we’ve used. We’ve been the custodians of exceptional Scotch for generations, and that care and experience is really showcased by Decades II.”

As with the original Decades expression (released in 2011 to mark previous Distillery Manager, Douglas Campbell lifetime commitment to the distillery), Decades II combines some of the best whisky from Tomatin’s history, with each decade contributing a new flavour sensation:

1970s

Refill bourbon hogsheads: distilled on 23/02/1973, 10/07/1975 and 23/09/1977

Decades II’s robust flavour began by maturing in refill hogshead barrels. The malt has taken on very little oak influence, which has allowed the air and liquid in the casks to interact and develop a wide array of tropical fruit flavours.

1980s

Finished in first fill oloroso sherry butts: distilled on 02/12/1988

This 80s malt is sweet, fresh and has been finished for over three years in 1^st fill Oloroso Sherry Butts, resulting in a whisky reminiscent of aged Cognac. It complements the fruity notes of the previous casks by contributing tones of aged leather, polished oak and dark roast coffee to the finished expression.

1990s

First fill bourbon barrels: distilled on 04/10/1995 

Although well into its twenties, the characteristics of golden syrup and freshly baked pastries help make this bold malt stand up to the older casks. The use of 1^st fill Bourbon Barrels adds subtle spices and a layer of overall warmth to the expression, as well as being the source of Decades II’s long, waxy finish.

2000s

Recharred verdejo wine barrels: distilled on 28/01/2000 and 05/06/2009

Post 2000, Tomatin began to experiment with a wider variety of casks. The malt used from the 2000s onwards has been matured in Verdejo wine casks that have been re-charred to harness the full influence of the French oak. This flavour journey compliments the addition of the 1990s bourbon cask, adding additional notes of spice as well as a sweetness to the malt.

2010s

Second fill French oak barrels: distilled on 14/03/2013

The young Tomatin from this second fill cask imparts the fantastic distillery character to Decades II. Fresh green fruits and malty characteristics are at the fore with subtle spices and toffee in the background, resulting in a vivacious malt to balance the flavours of the older casks.

Notes: 

Tomatin Distillery has been producing and blending malt Scotch whisky since 1897. Over the last 50 years, the distillery has borne witness to vast change. At its peak in the 1970s, Tomatin was the largest distillery in the world operating 23 stills and producing 12 million litres of alcohol every year. Over the last decade, significant time has been invested in rediscovering the distillery, people and values, and in refining the business model to move away from the formerly lucrative bulk commodity market to now focus on Tomatin’s core range of single malts.

Tomatin is located in the Scottish Highlands (near Inverness) and is famous for its portfolio of soft and mellow whiskies, including a core range, a limited-edition range and a premium archive range (prices range from £35 – £10,000). Tomatin is one of the fastest growing whisky brands in the UK and ranks within the Top 10 Single Malt brands in the USA. Tomatin recently reported its turnover increased by almost 25% during the company’s most recent financial year (Dec 2016 – Dec 2017). Tomatin won Distiller of the Year 2016 and Brand Innovator of the Year 2017 at the Icons of Whisky Scotland Awards.

FULL LIST OF AWARDS 2019 

Tomatin Core Range 

Gold Medal                     – Tomatin Legacy Single Malt

Double Gold Medal           – Tomatin 12 Year Old Single Malt

Gold Medal                     – Tomatin Cask Strength Single Malt

Double Gold Medal           – Tomatin 14 Year Old Single Malt

Double Gold Medal           – Tomatin 18 Year Old Single Malt

Gold Medal                     – Tomatin 30 Year Old Single Malt

Double Gold Medal           – Tomatin 36 Year Old Single Malt 

Tomatin Travel Retail 

Double Gold Medal           – Tomatin 8 Year Old Bourbon Single Malt Travel Retail

Double Gold Medal          – Tomatin 40 Year Old Single Malt Travel Retail

Gold Medal                     – Tomatin 15 Year Old American Oak Single Malt Travel Retail 

Tomatin US Exclusive

Double Gold Medal           – Tomatin 21 Year Old Single Malt (North America Exclusive)

WANT AN UNUSUAL WHISKY? THEN HEAD TO DEMIJOHN

Oct 19

Scotland’s first liquid deli, Demijohn, is something of a whisky lovers emporium, for they source and sell some really unusual and quirky whiskies that are often not available in traditional shops.

Stocked for the winter 19/20 season is a rare Glen Moray 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky from Speyside that has been bottled at its full cask strength of 56.4%. It’s the second Glen Moray cask Demijohn has stocked due to its popularity. It is strong to taste, yet delightfully smooth. An incredible hidden treasure priced at £17.20/100ml. 

A bestseller at Demijohn, is its Bramble Scotch Whisky Liqueur 23%. Made by two retired teachers near Edinburgh, this combines the rich fruit of brambles (blackberries to those outside Scotland) and Scotch Whisky to make a wonderful after dinner drink, or perfect in a hipflask when out and about on a cold day. Priced from £5.20/100ml.

Relatively new to the Demijohn emporium is Toffee Whisky Liqueur 20%, which was first created in Helensburgh on the coast north of Glasgow. Cleverly combining a blend of vanilla, caramel and Scotch Whisky into this unique liqueur, giving it an exciting sting in its tail. It will appeal to a whisky drinker and also delight those more nervous of whisky. Drunk as an aperitif or after dinner digestif, this also makes an indulgent sauce poured over a dessert such as ice cream. Priced at £5.20/100ml.

The uniqueness of Demijohn whiskies is that customers choose the size and shape of a re-useable bottle (from 40ml to 3 litres), which is then filled with the whisky of their choice from a demijohn, allowing them to choose exactly how much they would like. They can then return with the bottle to have it re-filled. And they can even have a personalised message added for free.

Demijohn was created in July 2004 by Angus and Frances Ferguson. They share a passion for fine food and drink and saw a need in Scotland for a European-style liquid deli selling products from large vats called demijohns. They now have two shops in York and Glasgow, a healthy online business and a number of concession outlets located within other independent retailers – www.demijohn.co.uk.

Angus Ferguson says: “The Scotch Whiskies we source and sell are very special. We always try to source products that are rarely available elsewhere.  Our 10 Year Old Glen Moray Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a good example of this, as it is 100% unique to us. This guarantees the quality which epitomises these drinks. As a gift or just to drink on your own, our whiskies are in a class of their own.”

Notes:

https://www.demijohn.co.uk/glen-moray-10-year-old-single-malt-scotch-whisky-56-4

https://www.demijohn.co.uk/bramble-scotch-whisky-liqueur-486

https://www.demijohn.co.uk/toffee-whisky-liqueur-20

https://www.demijohn.co.uk/demijohn-s-finest-blended-scotch-whisky-40

https://www.demijohn.co.uk/drinks/whisky 

Demijohn sources unusual, delicious artisan liqueurs, spirits, oils and vinegars from around the UK and Europe and sells them in a wide range of re-useable glass bottles. Each bottle can have a free personalised message added. Gift wrapping is also available. 

Demijohn

382 Byres Rd Glasgow G12 8AR

11 Museum St York YO1 7DT

   Tel: 0845 6048350

Open Mon-Sat 10-6pm, Sun 11.30-5pm   

www.demijohn.co.uk