We’re encouraging you to get creative in the kitchen this month, using the endless flavours found in Society whiskies to match to – well, whatever food you fancy really!

Whether you’re making the most of having more time in the kitchen at the moment, or just getting to grips with store cupboard basics, we’ll have a recipe to suit you.

This week, we’ve enlisted our executive chef James Freeman, head of the award-winning team at 28 Queen Street, to suggest some impressive dishes and whisky matches to excite your taste buds this weekend.

OUTTURN HUB            ALL OUTTURN BOTTLINGS

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

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

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

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

One of only 26 Decanters, this was distilled back in 1978, and matured in refill casks, then was matured in a personal Spanish sherry octave cask of Bunnahabhain’s Master Blender Kirsty McCallum! The Decanter is inspired by the Waves that you can see at Bunnahabhain.

The tasting notes:

Rich and fruity with Figs, toffee, espresso, toasted oak and roasted nuts on the nose.
A definite PX influence with more roasted nuts, toffee and dark chocolate.
The finish is long and oaky with chocolate nuts!

From Bunnahabhain Distillery, one of the rarest Bunnahabhain whisky releases available

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY RELEASES FOURTH INSTALLMENT IN OLD CHARTER OAK SERIES, CHINKAPIN OAK 

New Addition will Continue the Exploration of the Role Oak Plays

in Making Great Whiskey

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (April 2, 2020) – Buffalo Trace Distillery continues its exploration into oak tree varietals with the release of its Old Charter Oak Chinkapin Oak.  This species of oak is native to the Midwest United States. These large Chinkapin Oak trees are often found in parks and on large estates.

The Chinkapin Oak joins the three previous releases in the Old Charter Oak series, a collection exploring the different taste profiles of barrels obtained from trees grown in different countries, climates and soil.  The Old Charter Oak collection explores, honors, and celebrates the role of oak in making great whiskey. The oak trees used for this brand vary by country of origin, or species, or U.S. state. Some barrels are even made from century old trees that grew for 100, 200 and 300 years.

For the newest release, Buffalo Trace obtained a small number of barrels with staves air dried for 24 months before assembling into barrels.  Most barrel staves air dry for three to six months, but the additional time spent air drying eventually allows the whiskey to extract more rich and complex flavors deep within the oak. “The extra seasoning of the wood allows it to break down and we then capture the flavors when the barrel is charred.  The extra time caramelizes wood sugar and reduces some of the tannic flavor,” said Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley. Buffalo Trace traditionally burns the inside of their barrels for 55 seconds, known as a number four char. For an additional twist, these Chinkapin Oak barrels were charred slightly less. A number three char was used, charring just enough at 35 seconds to caramelize the wood sugars and unlock the flavor in the oak.

After the Chinkapin barrels were filled with Buffalo Trace Mash #1, they were then aged for nine years before being bottled at 93 proof.

  Tasting notes describe this bourbon as having a nose of cherries and spearmint with hints of floral.  On the palate, fresh herbs and honey abound, before a finish of warm baking spices, followed by dark chocolate.

This is the fourth release in the Old Charter Oak Collection and the first in the species series.  The other releases were Mongolian Oak, French Oak, and Canadian Oak.  Subsequent releases are planned a few times each year, indefinitely.

By federal standards, bourbon is required to be aged in a new, charred oak container. While there is no specification these containers must be American white oak barrels, nearly all bourbons made today are aged in white oak barrels.

The Old Charter brand dates back to 1874 and it has changed owners a few times, until it was purchased by Buffalo Trace Distillery in 1999.  The existing Old Charter Bourbon is still produced by parent company Sazerac and there are no plans to discontinue it. The Old Charter Oak series is an upscale brand extension, much like Buffalo Trace has done with its E. H. Taylor, Jr, line.

The suggested retail pricing for the Chinkapin Oak is $69.99. Like the other releases in this series, supplies will be limited. Packaging for the Chinkapin Oak will remain consistent with the other releases, with an upscale look consisting of a glass bottle with a cork finish. Each bottle has an oak medallion on the front depicting the Charter Oak tree.  This Chinkapin Oak bourbon will be available in limited quantities starting in April.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1773 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 35 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon was named World Whiskey of the Year by Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible 2018.  Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

‘Wild Water’ for Whisky Larkfire Launches Multi-Pack Due to Demand

‘Wild water’ for whisky Larkfire has launched a new multi-pack to give consumers a taste of the Outer Hebrides at home as demand for the product rises.

Larkfire has developed a 4-pack which is now available to order online, priced at £4, via www.larkfire.com/buy.

Larkfire – a natural ‘wild water’ that brings out the full flavour of whisky – is stocked by prestigious venues including Boisdale Group venues in Mayfair, Belgravia, Canary Wharf and Bishopsgate. Soho Whisky Club also uses Larkfire for its tasting events, and Islington restaurant Frederick’s offers Larkfire alongside its range of world whiskies.

James McIntosh, co-founder of Larkfire, said: “Anyone wanting to enjoy a drink at home shouldn’t have to compromise on quality. We’ve recently seen a surge in demand and want to make sure we’re catering for our loyal customers as well as those new to Larkfire, or those buying it as a gift.

“Die-hard whisky fans know that tap water and bottled water interfere with the delicate flavours of whisky, due to the mineral content and added chlorine or fluoride. But Larkfire is a pure, naturally soft ‘wild’ water from Scotland that creates a natural chemistry, offering the very best for those enjoying a dram at home.”

James and his team travelled the length and breadth of Scotland to create award-winning Larkfire, which was named Best Premium Drink at the World Beverage Innovation Awards.

Larkfire was launched after a study by Swedish chemists Björn Karlsson and Ran Friedman in the Scientific Reports journal helped prove that water boosts the concentration of flavour compounds at the surface of whisky, enhancing the flavour.

A percentage of Larkfire sales flow back into the Outer Hebrides via a partnership with The Stornoway Trust – a community landlord that looks after 69,000 acres of land on the Isle of Lewis, where the water is sourced.

To find out more or to buy Larkfire online, visit www.larkfire.co.uk.

The Society kitchen is open for business, serving up 20 flavourful casks that pair perfectly with food. We’re taking inspiration from our Danish friends and exploring the concept of smørrebrød – an open sandwich with endless flavour combinations, much like the Society whiskies! And for those of you who aren’t able to get out just now, we even have some inspiration on how to get creative with foods that you’ll find in your store cupboard. Click over to the Outturn Hub now to find out more.

OUTURN HUB         ALL OUTURN BOTTLES

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

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

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

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

Blair Athol 30 Year Old

1998 vintage single cask bottled for the the Signatory Vintage 30th Anniversary series. Blair Athol 30 Year Old 1988 vintage Highland single malt Scotch whisky. Single cask refill sherry butt #6847 bottled December 2018 for the Signatory Vintage 30th Anniversary series. 519 bottles.

Blair Athol Distillery was established in 1798 in Pitlochry and with footprints in four centuries it is one of oldest working malt whisky distilleries in Scotland. Purchased by Arthur Bell & Sons in 1933 it is the spiritual ‘home’ of Arthur Bell’s range of blended scotch whisky complete with distillery visitor centre and Blair Athol Distillery tours. Although a large proportion of Blair Athol’s malt whisky cascades into blends, Bell’s to be precise, independent bottlings of Blair Athol single malts feature in the popular Connoisseurs Choice and Signatory Vintage ranges.

Shop £375.00

“UMIKI – Ocean Fused Whisky From The Heart of Japanese Pine” by Yoshino Spirits Co.

Osaka, JAPAN, 20th March 2020– Yoshino Spirits Co. has added UMIKI Whisky – “World’s First Ocean Fused Whisky” to its portfolio, initially available in North American, Asian markets in April and rest global markets after May and onwards.

The ocean is known as the source of life and the ever-green pine tree is known as the symbol of life in Japan.

To honor the life-giving ocean and the long-living pine tree that graces the coasts of Japan, filtered desalinated ocean-water from depths of Pacific ocean is blended with Japanese ocean-side distilled malt whiskies and grain whiskies in reserve after the curation is finished in Japanese Pine barrels.

This unique production process gives UMIKI its name; whereby UMI means OCEAN and KI means TREE in Japanese.

UMIKI is “World’s first Japanese Pine barrel aged whisky” and “World’s first ocean water fused whisky that uses only renewable water source for blending”

This sustainable process brings an exceptional smoothness with sea-breeze on the nose, rounded floral taste on the palate and a soothing freshness in the finish to UMIKI.

UMIKI has already picked up awards, winning Double Gold Awarded from China Wine & Spirits Awards 2020 and Gold Medal from World Spirits Award 2020.

For more information please visit www.umikiwhisky.com

About Yoshino Spirits Co.

Yoshino is a private company based in Osaka, exporting finest Japanese whisky, wine and spirits to the world. For more information please visit www.yoshinospirits.com

Whisky for Collectors
Final Bottles…

Rare & Limited Edition Whiskies

We’ve got some legendary bottles of single malt, grain and blended Scotch whisky. Here is a choice selection of the last few bottles of these remaining lines including Ardbeg, Clynelish and Imperial.

Shop – Collectable Scotch Whisky

Favourite Whisky Returns to Boost Spirits

Available April 23rd

There is nothing more reassuring in any down time than to see an old favourite back on the shelf. Originally known as chapter 7, and these days quite a bit older and far more refined, the Small Batch Rum Cask single malt whisky from The English Whisky Co. has been lovingly created by the team to keep you company in these trying times.

Bottled by the expert team at The English Whisky Co.; The Rum Cask release is available in two options: 156 bottles of 59.9% Single cask, cask strength (RRP £75) and 300 bottles at 46% strength Small Batch rum cask whisky. (RRP £47.50).

The English Rum Cask single malts have arrived just in time to toast St George’s Day on 23^rd April.

Distilled in March 2014 and produced in rum casks, The English Rum Cask whiskies are sweet, soft and slightly spicy on the nose, with a mixture of vanilla and rum and raisin ice cream. They are fresh and citrusy with notes of tropical fruits, oaky and slightly nutty with a hint of marzipan.

On the palate the rum cask is soft, oily and spicy, again with citrus notes. The spice is slightly peppery with a hint of raisins, malty with fresh oak and salty and dry on the finish.

“We are very pleased to be able to reintroduce The English Rum Cask editions, which are a huge favourite and remind me of rum and raisin ice cream!” explains Andrew Nelstrop, managing director at The English Whisky Co. “At times like these, it’s nice to be able to do something positive and give whisky fans something to enjoy whilst spending more time at home. We’ve also launched them just in time for us to all raise a glass to St George on 23^rd April,” he adds.

A family-owned and run business, The English Whisky Co. was the founder of English whisky when it opened its doors 14 years ago. As the industry leader it uses locally sourced ingredients to produces the finest English Single Malt at its distillery in Norfolk.

The English Cask Strength Rum Cask and 46% strength small batch rum cask are available to order online from www.englishwhisky.co.uk,

Highland Park 27 Year Old

1991 vintage single cask bottled for the the Signatory Vintage 30th Anniversary series. Highland Park 27 Year Old 1991 vintage Island single malt Scotch whisky. Single cask Palo Cortado sherry butt #15086 bottled June 2018 for the Signatory Vintage 30th Anniversary series. 545 bottles.

Highland Park Distillery is the most northerly malt whiskey distillery in Scotland and thus the closest Scottish distillery to the Arctic Circle. Highland Park was established on the periphery of Kirkwall in the Mainland of Orkney in 1825-26 by Robert Borwick, a merchant and straw plaiter in Kirkwall, and John Robertson who owned the land previously known as Rosebank but by 1825 known as Highland Park. Whisky had been distilled illicitly in the vicinity of the Parks of Rosebank by Magnus Eunson least as far back as 1798. Highland Park 12 Year Old, 18 Year Old and 21 Year Old are popular releases.

Shop £550.00