KILBEGGAN DISTILLING COMPANY INTRODUCES

KILBEGGAN® SINGLE POT STILL IRISH WHISKEY 

Double distilled and matured in Ireland’s oldest continually licensed distillery,
Kilbeggan® Single Pot Still features a rare oats-based mash inspired by late-1800’s recipes

Chicago, IL (February 6, 2020) – Kilbeggan Distilling Company continues to revive Irish whiskey history and tradition with the limited-edition release of Kilbeggan® Single Pot Still, a mixed mash whiskey featuring oats, which were used at Kilbeggan Distillery in the 19^th century. Pot Still whiskey is significant, as it is the traditional and distinctive style of Irish whiskey that was first produced in Ireland. The limited-edition Kilbeggan® Single Pot Still Irish whiskey will be available in the United States starting February 2020 with a suggested retail price of $44.99 (750ml).

“This remarkable whiskey is a glorious tribute to the traditional Irish pot still style and the community that kept Ireland’s oldest continually licensed distillery alive over centuries of trial and triumph,” said Michael Egan, U.S. Irish Whiskey Brand Ambassador for Kilbeggan Distilling Company. “It is a truly unique spirit, with a rare mash that has produced a flavor unlike anything available today.”

Featuring a unique mash of malted barley, raw barley and 2.5 percent oats, the whiskey was inspired by recipes used at Kilbeggan Distillery through the late 1800s. In those times, oats were grown across the Midlands Region of Ireland and were commonly used by distillers like the Locke family at Kilbeggan for filtration purposes. The grain also imparts a unique flavor and creamy texture not typically found in Irish whiskey. The subtle influence of oats in this Kilbeggan Single Pot Still expression results in a whiskey that is soft and mellow, with a fresh, fruity palate. It has a light, lingering spice and a rich, creamy mouthfeel.

Double distilled to 86 proof in Kilbeggan’s old copper pot stills – one of which is the world’s oldest working whiskey pot still today – the new spirit is the second limited release to be 100 percent distilled and matured at Kilbeggan Distillery since its restoration in 2010. Kilbeggan Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks due to its soft and round character. It follows the release of Kilbeggan Small Batch Rye, another groundbreaking release and the first modern Irish whiskey of record to feature such a high quantity of rye within its mash.

KILBEGGAN® SINGLE POT STILL | 43% ABV

AROMA               Initial fresh crisp aroma followed by apple, pear, and melon. Jasmine and hazelnut notes combine with a hint of honeycomb sweetness.

TASTE                  Spice becomes apparent, but not overbearing, with summer fruits and citrus. Warming mid palate with a fresh mint leaf flavor leading on to a rich creamy mouthfeel.

FINISH                  Initially soft, mellow, and smooth, with a creamy finish. Lingering spice and a dryness as the oat influence become evident.

Limited Edition Kilbeggan® Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey joins the U.S. portfolio alongside permanent expressions Kilbeggan® Blended Irish Whiskey (40% ABV) and Kilbeggan® Single Grain Irish Whiskey (43% ABV).

Note to Editors: What is Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey?

A single pot still Irish whiskey is produced only in Ireland, at a single distillery that is double- or triple-distilled in copper pot stills from a mix of malted and unmalted barley and up to 5% of other grains.

About Beam Suntory Inc.

As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands, Suntory whisky Kakubin and Courvoisier cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek, Basil Hayden’s and Legent bourbon; Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Toki Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Laphroaig and Bowmore Scotch whisky; Canadian Club whisky; Hornitos and Sauza tequila; EFFEN, Haku and Pinnacle vodka; Sipsmith and Roku gin; and Midori liqueur.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good.  Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.  For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com

Stunning Old & Rare Whisky

Laphroaig, Highland Park, Bunnahabhain and more🥃

Big Vintages. Big Ages. Great Value

The Old & Rare series from Hunter Laing & Co. offers some of the very finest in single cask whisky from some of Scotland’s best loved distilleries.

Collector Favorites from One of America’s Most Exciting Whiskey Brands
“These coveted High West Single Barrels never disappoint…”
— Andrew Whiteley, K&L NorCal Spirits Buyer

If you are a fan of High West, or even more generally American whiskey, then you simply have to experience these single barrel exclusives. These meticulously crafted blends were specifically selected for a unique wood treatment. The first, a double rye, spent its time in a Scotch cask, while the second, a bourbon blend, was finished in an Armagnac barrel. These results are, in a word, transcendent. Profoundly engaging, strikingly complex, and undeniably delicious, this pair over-delivers in a big way. As one would expect, the Scotch-finished double rye offers a distinctly smoky element, reminiscent of High West’s wildly popular Campfire bottling. Graced with enticing notes of vanilla, cinnamon, and mint, it also delivers just the right amount of heat. The Armagnac-finished bourbon bottling for its part offers a panoply of exotic spices and a pleasing sweetness that carries from the first sip to the last. $55 is a very small price for whiskeys of this caliber. We’ve already sold through a significant portion of our allocation, so you’ll want to act now to secure these resplendent expressions.

This incredible single cask of High West’s famous Double Rye spent one year and 11 months finishing in a Scotch barrel that previously held the mysterious whisky that is added to their Campfire blend. While High West declines to share the source of this magical smoky dram, it’s a fair bet it’s from everyone’s favorite Scottish island famous for peat smoke. Basically this drinks like a spicier and cask strength version of Campfire, and it’s incredible. The double rye is made up of MGPs classic 95% rye, 5% malted barley and High West’s own 80% rye, 20% malted rye distillate ranging from 2-7 years old. The younger whiskey provides the spice and heat, and the older whiskey provides the mellow sweet vanilla components. With nearly two additional years in a Scotch barrel to bring it all together and impart that special salt and smoke, this barrel is a unique twist on High West’s classic Campfire Whiskey.

High West “Double Rye” K&L Exclusive Barrel #9281 Scotch Cask Finished Rye Whiskey (750ml) ($54.99)

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

Upon the first pour the nose doesn’t display a ton of smoke, but after letting it coat and mellow in the glass, it shows up in a big way. It’s a rich smoke, heavy and lingering, but not overwhelming. The pervasive intensity of High West’s Double Rye stands up like a brave cowboy in a gunfight ready to duel the smoke from the barrel. A sweet eucalyptus/mint note cools the situation off. A little bit of salt plays well with the cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and caramel that abound. The finish really highlights the smoke beautifully—just a whisper of the peat that created it is to be found, a mossy and cool ground under a canopy of higher-toned flavors. These coveted High West single barrels never disappoint, but if you’re a Scotch lover, this may just be the best one you’ll see.

Stefanie Juelsgaard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 05, 2020

This incredibly unique bottling of High West incorporates pretty much every element you could want in a great whiskey. High West starts with a blend of two ryes, one younger and one older, each with their distinct flavors to balance each other. The younger rye adds anise, eucalyptus, and cinnamon, while the older rye gives classic vanilla and caramel to fluff it out a bit. The nose is soft and sweet without much hint of smoke. If double rye wasn’t impressive enough, it’s finished in an old Scotch whisky barrel. The Scotch barrel lends a sweet, earthy smoke note on the back end. This results in an incredible blend of sweet and slightly peaty whiskey with great depth and length. This is one of the better whiskeys I’ve come across in a while, and I was truly impressed by its complexity.

High West “American Prairie” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Armagnac Finish Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) ($54.99)

The fabulous whiskies coming out of High West have long been regulars on our shelf, but it’s the single barrel offerings that really take it to the next level. Each year they come through with a smattering of hand-selected casks. These are unusual for a number of reasons. First, they are actually finished blends re-casked in various oak. For instance the standard American Prairie is a blend of 2 to 13 year old straight bourbons from several distilleries. The blend is then re-casked for marrying purposes before bottling. After the marrying period, this whisky—likely two barrels worth were dumped in to an old Armagnac barrel for almost two years before bottling. We’re pretty picky about barrel finishes, but High West is consistently knocking it out of the park. The old Gascogne oak does a lot to frame the excellent bourbon flavors without masking or marring the inherent goodness that the High West blending team has created. Add the fact that she’s clocking in at a healthy 102.2 proof cask strength and you’ve got one of the most exciting whiskies of the season. For once we’ve got decent stocks of a single barrel, because since the Armagnac cask can hold two whole bourbon barrels, we were able to secure over 400 bottles of this beauty. Nonetheless, it will be years until we see another whisky quite like this one coming out of Utah. Expect unctuous sweetness and powerful vanilla pointed by exotic spice from the rare French oak.

Douglas Laing Concludes

Old Particular “Elements” Single Cask Scotch Whisky Collection

Leading Scotch Whisky specialist, Douglas Laing & Co, today unveils the concluding chapter in the Old Particular “Elements” Series: Jura 12 Years Old “Water” Edition.

The limited edition Single Cask series, unveiled in 2019, celebrates the natural elements of earth, air, fire and water, and the invaluable contribution each makes to Scotch Whisky. The latest and final edition was finished in a Pedro Ximénez Sherry butt, imparting warming winter spiced and chewy toffee notes to the salty, maritime Jura spirit within.

Proudly offered at natural cask strength and, in line with the Douglas Laing family philosophy, without colouring or chill-filtration, the Old Particular Elements Series is said to epitomise Scotch Whisky that is “truly as natural as it gets”.

The concept is brought to life by intricate illustrated labels, with the latest release featuring crashing waves in honour of the wild waters surrounding the Isle of Jura.

Director of Whisky and third generation in the family business, Cara Laing, comments on the conclusion of the series: “Our Old Particular Elements Series celebrates the natural elements that, combined with human care and attention, produce the Scotch Whiskies that are celebrated the world over. Our cask selection for the Elements Series seeks to embody each of the Elements individually, with the maritime qualities of this particular cask neatly personifying the small but mighty Isle of Jura and its surrounding wild seas.”

The complete Old Particular Elements Series comprises Craigellachie 12 Years Old “Fire” Edition, Cameronbridge 27 Years Old “Air” Edition, Caol Ila 8 Years Old “Earth” Edition and the newly-released Jura 12 Years Old “Water” Edition.

ABOUT DOUGLAS LAING:

www.douglaslaing.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/douglaslaingwhisky

Twitter: @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.

With love in the air this month, February Outturn sees us celebrating Valentine’s Day by exploring the influence mood has on our drinking pleasure. We’re embracing all things amorous this First Friday, delving into the French love affair with whisky.

Don’t miss out on your first love, click over to our website now to read the new Outturn.

CHECK OUT OUTTURN      SHOP 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

THE JUBILANT RETURN OF VELVET FIG, AGED FOR 25 YEARS IN SHERRY CASKS

2020 marks the 15th anniversary of Wemyss Malts and as such we have created some remarkable releases to celebrate this milestone. Following on from the release of Black Gold in January, we are delighted to share with Cask Club members the exciting return of Velvet Fig now aged for 25 years in sherry cask.

Velvet Fig was first released back in 2014 and was Wemyss Malts first foray into both limited editions and sherry cask matured blended malts. The release was hugely successful and Velvet Fig later went on to win the Best Scotch Blended Malt at the 2015 World Whisky Awards. The original Velvet Fig is now sadly finished (except perhaps for a few bottles squirreled away by savvy whisky fans) and is still often fondly remembered and talked about among Wemyss Malts fans. With such fan reverence we tasked ourselves to bring back Velvet Fig and continue our exploration into sherry cask matured malt whiskies.

In 2019, Isabella Wemyss, Production Director for Wemyss Malts secured 5 casks of exceptional 1994 vintage sherry cask matured malt whisky from undisclosed Highlands and Speyside single malt distilleries. We then set about blending the whisky to add a velvety body, richness and complex wood tannin.

The addition of several casks of unpeated 1988 vintage, sherry matured Bunnahabhain malt whisky was at first an unexpected addition but once added imparted amazing woody aromas and a full, velvety mouthfeel.

The total of 20 casks were blended together and transferred into 14 refill hogsheads to marry for a total of 16 months.

The result is a exquisitely fruity, rich and complex malt whisky with aromas of antique wood, vintage leather and velvety flavours of dark fruits and chocolate.

COLOUR: Polished mahogany

NOSE: Rich blackcurrant preserve and maple toffee balance against complex wood aromas and aromatic spices that remind one of an antique humidor.

PALATE: Rich fruit notes of dried figs, maraschino cherries, dates, plums and dried apricot alongside premium milk chocolate creates a flavour reminiscent of Black Forest gateau. Subtle wood spices and a leathery meatiness adds depth to the whisky and an unctuous, velvety mouthfeel.

FINISH: A subtle sweet and floral note like gourmet Turkish Delight.

As of 12pm today Velvet Fig Aged 25 Years has been preview released exclusively to Wemyss Malts Cask Club members via www.wemyssmalts.com/cask-club  and is priced at £126.95 for the 700ml bottle and gift box. Membership to the Cask Club is free to join and can be signed up to from the same website.

Cask Club members will require there login password: CSKCLB19SN

Discover our full range of Whiskies from Gordon & Macphail HERE

Old Pulteney Connoisseurs Choice – 199919 year oldA 19 year old single malt whisky from the Old Pulteney distillery in the northern highlands. Bottled after 19 years maturation in a single refill sherry butt. Rich Sherry aromas with hazelnut and milk chocolate. Smooth and sweet with stewed fruit flavours, almond, and a hint of black pepper. Long and gentle with warming spice on the finish. One of just 554 bottles produced at cask strength of 56.5% ABV.

£139.95

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BIG PEAT COMPLETES VINTAGE TRILOGY WITH ULTIMATE RELEASE

Big Peat’s Aged Trilogy Series is now complete, as “his” 27 Years Old Black Edition reaches shelves and homes all over the world.

The ultimate release in the Limited Edition collection completes the series of collectable, aged bottlings, also comprising the Gold Edition, aged 25 years and launched in 2017, and 2018’s 26 Years Old Platinum Edition. The premium trio charts the journey of a unique marriage of Islay’s finest aged and rare Single Cask Single Malts over a three year period.

Each is bottled at high alcohol strength – the Black Edition at 48.3% – and proudly offered without colouring or chill-filtration.

Cara Laing, Director of Whisky, said “In 2017 we selected a number of sister casks that were all destined to be bottled within Big Peat’s Vintage Trilogy. Back then we set out bring to life the journey of the spirit with each year that passed, and the experiment has been a fascinating one. Big Peat’s signature sweet smokiness has remained at the heart of the Gold, Platinum and now the Black Edition, but this latest release displays a new complexity that has deepened with the passing of time. This “grown up” limited edition within the Big Peat portfolio will serve to add further credibility to what is undoubtedly a fun brand with very respectable credentials.”

The new Big Peat 27 Years Old Black Edition is available now from specialist spirits retailers globally. Just 3,000 bottles exist.

Big Peat Black Edition 27 Years Old Tasting Notes

Allow a heady, chimney-smoked nose to whisk you off to Big Peat’s Islay home, with hints of briney sea air, chewed leather and a honey sweetness. The refined palate shows a complex amalgam of barbequed meats, coal dust and rock salt, running to a long and satisfying finish with drifting puffs of peat smoke.

ABOUT DOUGLAS LAING & CO:

 www.douglaslaing.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/bigpeat

Twitter: @remarkablemalts

Instagram: @remarkable_malts

 Douglas Laing & Co. is a leading independent Scotch Whisky blender and bottler specialising in the selection and release of Single Cask Single 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 without chill filtration to preserve the robust and unique character of the Whisky. Douglas Laing’s industry reputation and many awards is testament to this ethos.

Douglas Laing’s Remarkable Regional Malts, the Ultimate Distillation of Scotland’s Malt Whisky Regions, encompasses The Epicurean Lowland Malt Scotch Whisky, Timorous Beastie (Highlands), Scallywag (Speyside), The Gauldrons (Campbeltown), Rock Island (from the Islands) and Big Peat (Islay). Beyond its Blended Malts expertise, the award-winning Douglas Laing portfolio also includes Provenance, Premier Barrel, Old Particular and XOP, collectively known as the firm’s “Exceptional Single Casks”.

Springbank Society 

2 New Releases – Available From Today

We are delighted to confirm that the new editions of the Springbank 12yo Cask Strength and Springbank 25yo are nearly here. Both bottlings will be available for purchase from tomorrow – Friday 7th February 2020. 

We have included all the bottle details below and we also have a little update regarding your Society bottles too.

Springbank 12yo Cask Strength 55.3% (Available from Friday 7th February 2020)

We are pleased to announce the upcoming release of the newest edition of the Springbank 12yo Cask Strength. This bottling of the Springbank 12yo CS has been matured in 65% Bourbon and 35% Sherry casks. The ABV is 55.3%

Tasting Notes

Nose: Fresh floral notes, white and green wine gums, wood chippings, candied ginger and black liquorice.

Palate: Initially rich & malty; spiced biscuit and salted caramel shortcake with a beautiful oily and chewy mouthfeel. Salted pretzels, Iberico ham and classic Springbank smoke follow.

Finish: The smoke continues alongside sea salt dark chocolate, freshly ground coffee and lemon sherbet.

This bottling will be available in the UK from Friday 7th February – please note that the release date in various markets and countries is likely to vary. For details on when the Springbank 12yo Cask Strength is available near you please consult your preferred Springbank retailer or visit the “Where to Buy” section of our website to find a Springbank stockist.

• The Campbeltown Cadenhead shop will be selling this bottle for £52.00
• The 10% Society discount can be applied to this bottling.
• This is not a Society exclusive release.

Springbank 25yo 46% (Available from tomorrow – Friday 7th February 2020)

That’s right, we have not one but two new Springbank releases to tell you all about! The new Springbank 25yo has been matured in 50% Bourbon casks and 50% Sherry casks and the ABV is 46%.

Tasting notes

Nose: Initially parma violets and rhubarb custard creams. A fresh spritz of grapefruit followed by a malty honeycomb sweetness.

Palate: Maturity and complexity at its best. A rich and chewy palate with vanilla, fudge, tobacco and cured meats.

Finish: Oh yes, it’s definitely a true Springbank with those coastal and earthy dunnage warehouse notes combining with honey glazed ham and waxy orange rind at the very end.

As with the 12yo CS, this bottling will be available in the UK from Friday 7th February – please note that the release date in various markets and countries is likely to vary. For details on when the Springbank 25yo is available near you please consult your preferred Springbank retailer or visit the “Where to Buy” section of our website to find a Springbank stockist.

• The Campbeltown Cadenhead shop will be selling this bottle for £370.00
• There will be a £10.00 Society discount available for this bottling
• This is not a Society exclusive release.

Society Bottles

We are pleased to say that your society bottles are now being despatched. If your bottle is being delivered to a private address then you will receive an email in the near future to say your bottle has been despatched  – along with a tracking number so you can monitor your delivery.
If your bottle is being sent to a Cadenhead shop we will notify you once your bottle is available for collection – these notifications should begin to appear next week.

Slainte

Springbank Society
The Springbank Team

Please contact the team in regards to membership of the Society at Springbank Society society@springbank.scot

With love in the air this month, February Outturn sees us celebrating Valentine’s Day by exploring the influence mood has on our drinking pleasure. We’re embracing all things amorous this First Friday, delving into the French love affair with whisky.

Don’t miss out on your first love, click over to our website now to read the new Outturn ahead of its full release at 9am on Friday, 7 February.

READ 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