Wild Water With Whisky – New ‘Natural Chemistry’

Mixer Drink To Launch In The UK

A new, wild water is being launched for whisky drinkers who prefer a splash of H2O with their scotch – Larkfire is naturally-sourced water from the Outer Hebrides.

The high quality natural water – which has the ability to enhance the flavour of whisky – taps into the growing trend of ‘premiumisation’ in the drinks industry, where consumers take great pride and care in the preparation of their chosen drink, often prioritising quality above quantity.

Larkfire is the only known canned water specifically for whisky, and has been developed by two whisky enthusiasts who observed people drinking wild water from streams in Scotland.

It will appeal to the expanding premium whisky market, which sees 41 bottles of scotch shipped every second, from Scotland to importers around the world, totalling more than 1.2bn bottles every year or around 30billion servings.^[1]

A percentage of the sales from all Larkfire water will flow back into the islands via an agreement with The Stornoway Trust which looks after 69,000 acres of land on the Isle of Lewis from where the water is sourced.

The launch comes after two Swedish chemists published a paper in the Scientific Reports journal in 2017 to prove why whisky tastes better when water is added.

Björn Karlsson and Ran Friedman’s research revealed that adding water boosts the concentration of flavour compounds at the surface of the drink, helping to unleash the rich mix of aromas.

Co-founder James McIntosh said: “Having spent a lot of time in Scotland and its islands, we saw time and again how locals would drink wild water straight from the ground, then back in Edinburgh and London we’re watching people adding tap water to an expensive scotch.

“If you think about how many times tap water has been recycled before it reaches a bar or restaurant and how much chlorine and fluoride is added, particularly in London, there’s no way it should be going anywhere near a good whisky.

“Consumers have now bought into the idea of making sure the tonic in their G&T is the best they can have, and this is exactly the same concept.  Whisky drinkers might pay £20, £30, or even more for a single glass of scotch in a bar, and then they’re adding chlorine-heavy tap water to a wonderful drink.  It doesn’t make sense.

“In Scotland we have a law specifying how whisky should be made, yet we’re willing to dilute this centuries-old craftmanship by allowing bog-standard tap water to be added to our great drink.

“Many whisky drinkers also incorrectly assume that using bottled water is better, but its high mineral content interferes with the aroma and taste.

“We wanted Larkfire to be as close to the perfect water for whisky we could find in the UK and we think we’ve got that.  We travelled the breadth of Scotland looking for the very finest water to mix with whisky, consulting master blenders, professors, chemists and geologists en route.

“We learnt that the Isle of Lewis is made up of some of the oldest rock in the world, Lewisian gneiss, and that this rock is metamorphic and non-soluble meaning the water there is pure, soft and really low in mineral content.  The Outer Hebrides is home to 15% of the UK’s freshwater surface area – something we saw first-hand during our many visits – so water supply is regular and plentiful.

“Mixing this water with whisky creates a natural chemistry – the water complements the whisky unlocking its hidden complexities and creating a drink that is more enjoyable and has greater depth.”

James added: “We’re excited to expand the market with an innovative, quality product that will make whisky more accessible and appealing to a wider audience, whilst having wide-reaching benefits for our producers and stockists.”

Larkfire is sourced on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. The climate of the Isle of Lewis is characterised by short, cool and windy summers and extremely wet and windy winters – this wild climate and Scottish wilderness come together to produce the purest wild water.

The water is held on the surface by 3-billion-year-old Lewisian gneiss rock, among the oldest rock in the world. This non-soluble metamorphic rock is part of the reason for the water’s purity and lack of mineral content – it is naturally very soft and retains a slightly golden hue.

Larkfire will be available from September. For details, visit www.larkfire.com.

Notes 

Whisky is chemically very complex; ethanol attracts the flavour compounds and at full strength the flavour is locked into the drink in clusters away from the surface. Adding water releases these flavour compounds from the ethanol to the surface of the drink, aiding taste and smell.

But not all water is equal. There are currently two bad choices: tap water and mineral water. While tap water is convenient, it has many different additives such as chlorine and fluoride which affect the delicate and complex composition of whisky. If you have bought a beautiful, organic whisky why would you add the equivalent of diesel to it?

Likewise, the high mineral content of many mineral and spring waters also affects the aromas and taste. The best water to mix with whisky is naturally low in minerals and has no additives.

Larkfire is a beautifully natural wild water which opens up and extends the true flavour of whisky. There are no minerals affecting the flavour.  The water opens the whisky and allows you to enjoy the full flavour of the whisky you are drinking.

We like to think of it as natural chemistry, nature does its work with as little human intervention as possible.

Discover an adventurous selection of single casks which boldly strike at the senses.

THERMONUCLEAR BANANA

GOLD MEDAL WINNER – INDEPENDENT BOTTLERS CHALLENGE

CASK NO. G15.4

CASK:  2nd fill hogshead

AGE:  10 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Juicy, oak & vanilla

PUTTING ON THE RITZ

CASK NO:  35.211

CASK:  1st fill barrel

AGE:  22 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Juicy, oak & vanilla

TEASING TANGO OF FRUITS AND FLOWERS

CASK NO:  48.93

CASK:  1st fill barrel

AGE:  9 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Young & spritely

00:30:SPEYSIDE-PEKING DIRECT

ORIGINALLY IN DEC 2018 OUTTURN BUT LOST IN THE BCLDB WAREHOUSE UNTIL NOW

CASK NO:  108.12

CASK:  1st fill barrel

AGE:  10 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Sweet & spicy

PARADISE IN A PARADIS

GOLD MEDAL WINNER – INDEPENDENT BOTTLERS CHALLENGE AND FIRST RELEASE FROM DISTILLERY 136 FOR SMWS CANADA

CASK NO:  136.2

CASK:  1st fill Oloroso hogshead

AGE: 3 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Deep, rich & dried fruits

FRENCH FLAIR

CASK NO:  53.254

CASK:  Refill hogshead

AGE:  11 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Lightly peated

THE LEVIATHAN WAKES…

CASK NO. 10.152

CASK:  Refill hogshead

AGE:  10 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Peated

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada
Suite 160
104 – 1240 Kensington Road NW
Calgary, AB  T2N 3P7
403-969-8225
curious@smws.ca
www.smws.ca

CHOOSE A SPECIAL
GIFT THIS FATHER’S DAY

Show the special man in your life how much you care by getting him a gift that keeps on giving with a Society membership. You’ve not left it too late – buy a membership online today and download an exclusive gift certificate to present on the big day. Or if you’re near our Members’ Rooms, pop in and speak to our staff for special gift offers.

BUY GIFT MEMBERSHIP

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

TOKYO — Monday 10 June 2019 – The world’s foremost online retailer of Japanese whisky, dekantā, have revealed a Mizunara Japanese oak finished private label Japanese whisky, inspired by a Japanese military leader, to mark their fourth anniversary.

This private label, single cask whisky from dekantā, home to the world’s largest online inventory of Japanese whisky, has spent time maturing in a cask freshly emptied of Scotch whisky from the closed Port Ellen distillery, before being finished in a cask of Japanese Mizunara oak. The Eigashima 2011 Kigai – Ki Series (¥82,000 / USD $749.99; 60% ABV) is a highly limited release of only 352 bottles. dekantā unveiled the design of the new bottling as part of an exclusive event in central Tokyo, which was streamed to their online audience. It is the second release in the Ki Series of Japanese whiskies, the first of which was the Eigashima 2011 Kikou – Ki Series.

The Eigashima 2011 Kigai is the second in the Ki Series of independently bottled Japanese whiskies from dekantā, so called because each whisky in the series will explore an aspect of life imbued with the Japanese concept of Ki – one of the most meaningful words in the Japanese language. The label and packaging is inspired by a Shōgun military leader of the Samurai caste, and is so named Kigai, meaning ‘strong, willful and unshakeable’ in Japanese.

“In releasing our fourth anniversary whisky, we wanted to bring together Japanese whisky history with powerful aspects of wider Japanese cultural history,” said dekantā director Makiyo Masa. “The Kigai pays homage to the Scottish education of the ‘Father of Japanese Whisky’ Masataka Taketsuru with its smoky Port Ellen influence, while bringing the whisky firmly back into Japanese territory by the influence of the archetypal Japanese Mizunara wood. The Mizunara tree is the warrior of the Japanese forest, a difficult oak to work with, but a rare jewel imbued with Kigai, and so it brings the spirit of the Samurai to our second private bottling.”

Tasting notes: The nose offers up buttered toast, lemon zest, cereals, unripened pineapple and varnished oak. Sweet poached pears warm the palate, followed by fruit pastilles, sugared almonds and chilli jam. The sweetness is balanced by gentle hints of peat smoke and subtle wasabi spice that grow in the background. A touch of water brings juicy peach and bolder peaty notes. Building smoke carries a finish of gentle oakiness, hints of green chilli and white pepper spice.

Eigashima 2011 (Kigai – Ki Series) is priced at an introductory offer of  ¥72,000 / USD $649.99 (which will increase to  ¥82,000 / USD $749.99 after 3 days), available for worldwide delivery from dekanta.com.

Notes:

About dekantā

dekantā offers the world’s largest online selection of authentic Japanese spirits and, since the opening of its online store in 2015, has delivered to 127 countries across every continent in the world. A family owned and run business, dekantā’s founders have been selling collectibles since 1985 and specialize in rare, collectible, and new release single malt Japanese whisky. dekantā offers worldwide delivery on an extensive range of Japanese single malt whisky, Japanese grain whisky and Japanese blended whisky, in addition to Scottish whisky released for the Japanese market only. More recently, Japanese wine has been introduced through the dekantā Cellar, and spirits from wider Asia through dekantā Oriental.

About Eigashima Distillery

Fewer than 100 yards from the Harima-nada sea, Eigashima Shuzo is the closest whisky distillery to the coast in Japan, and this is reflected in the savoury, saline pure character of the distillery’s produce. A family owned distillery that has been producing traditional Japanese alcoholic beverages for over three centuries, Eigashima Shuzo was the first Japanese whisky to be granted a license to produce whisky in 1919. Eigashima is still Japan’s smallest whisky producer, with a team of just five people and very limited production.

dekanta.com

Follow dekantā on Twitter: @dekantawhisky 

Like dekantā on Facebook: facebook.com/dekantawhisky/

HOW TO CHOOSE………

WHISKY FOR YOUR FATHER

Compass Box whiskies are designed to be shared. With Father’s Day coming up, we have some suggestions for how you can introduce your father to Compass Box, whether he is currently a whisky drinker or not…

FOR A WINE BUFF

If your father is fond of pulling the cork on a special bottle of white Burgundy every so often, Juveniles would be a smart choice to introduce the wonders of Scotch whisky.

Taking inspiration from the world of wine, Juveniles was created for the Parisian restaurant and wine bar of the same name. An assemblage of single malts from four distilleries, Juveniles is a bright, fruity whisky made to partner great food and great company.

Try sipping it from a wine glass with an ice cube ahead of a fulfilling roast lunch.

FOR A BEER LOVER

Has dad ever tried sipping his favourite lager, IPA or wild-fermented farmhouse ale alongside a whisky? Long popularised in the United States as the boilermaker and fondly known in Scotland as the “hauf ‘n’ hauf”, serving a beer together with a glass of whisky is a terrific prelude to a sociable evening.

We have discovered that sweeter whiskies, matured in American oak barrels, make superb companions for brighter beers such as pilsners and pale ales. Great King Street Artist’s Blend, Oak Cross and Delilah’s XXV – delicious whiskies in their own right – also make for superb boilermaker material.

Whatever beer dad is partial to, after a delicious boilermaker he may end up preferring the whisky.

FOR A SHERRY AFICIONADO

For many years Scottish distillers have used Sherry butts in which to age their spirits.

Made from either American or European oak, Sherry butts typically impart rich fruit-forward flavour notes to maturing Scotch whisky. However, the style of Sherry previously matured in the cask can have its own subtle influence too, with Amontillado and Fino giving different characteristics to Oloroso or Pedro Ximenez.

The Story of the Spaniard offers a unique interpretation of this bolder style of whisky, highlighting the fruitful crossovers between Scotland and southern Spain. Full, soft and sumptuous, The Story of the Spaniard bursts with notes of citrus peel, toffee, and pears poached in red wine.

At Compass Box, we love to explore the parallels that exist in the world of drinks. If your father has adventurous tastes but has never dabbled in quality spirits, introduce him to the delicious and varied world of Scotch whisky this Father’s Day. Share our brilliant newsletter with your friends

Our mailing address is:

Compass Box Whisky Co.
Chiswick Studios
9 Power Road
London, England W4 5PY
United Kingdom

Scarabus

Launched from the scenic Ardnahoe Distillery on Islay at the 2019 Feis Ile, this is now available to Pre-order. Stock expected in the next 5-7 days. A Single Islay Malt, with sea salt and peat smoke on the nose, you need to seek, and you shall find!

PRE ORDER NOW

A Unique and Delicious Expression of a Special Islay Malt
Ardbeg “Drum” Limited Edition Islay
Single Malt Whisky (750ml) ($109.99)

Every year the whisky world waits with bated breath for the release of Islay’s Ultimate Whisky. This malt at the end of the road just a mile before the Cross of Kildalton has been reborn over the last two decades. What was once almost certainly destined to become a living relic of a different era in Scotch production has transformed into one of the most exciting, dynamic, and sought-after malts. Yet, we don’t see a huge amount of new releases or unique expressions from the famed distillery, instead they release just ONE experimental batch a year. The Limited Edition is Ardbeg’s chance to offer its loyal followers a new take on this peaty monster. Each year, its esteemed Whisky Creator Dr. Bill Lumsden and Head Distiller Mickey Head join forces to find a new way to present this magnificent malt. Each year we receive a small allocation of the unique collaboration, which sells out without questions and becomes a must have for collectors, but also represents some of the most interesting Islay Malt we sell.

This year’s release is no less intriguing than ever before. Finished in fresh rum casks, the resulting whisky has the heady brine and deep smoke you’d expect from Ardbeg, plus a bountiful treasure of dense tropical fruits and Islay spices. We love the confluence of two very distinct and disparate Islays coming together in this magical product. Once this dram of Drum is done, we’ll have another one.

Ardbeg “Drum” Limited Edition Islay Single Malt Whisky (750ml) ($109.99)

The wonderful Limited Edition Ardbeg gives us a reason to celebrate the impending arrival of summer when the bottles are released on Ardbeg Day—June 1st. The Limited Edition bottling is one of the most-anticipated offerings every year and this year’s “Ardbeg Drum” has taken the line to a whole new level. Matured in ex-bourbon oak for presumably 10 years before being transferred entirely to ex-rum casks sourced from somewhere in the “Americas,” the Ardbeg Drum is a totally new expression of the unique flavors of Islay’s Ultimate Malt. Instead of the typical fresh lemon peel, we get ultra-ripe banana and zippy fresh pineapple. On the palate, Ardbeg’s rich briny smoke is pointed with spicy ginger, sweet vanilla bean, and deep baking spice. These extremely limited expressions always sell out, but we’re hoping these don’t end up sitting in the back of a collector’s cabinet because it’s such a unique and delicious expression of this special Islay malt.

A Spectacular Bourbon at an Unbelievable Price
McKenzie Bottled-in-Bond Wheated Bourbon ($44.99)
“The best wheated bourbon on our shelf. Full Stop.” —Andrew Whiteley, K&L NorCal Spirits Buyer

If you are a fan of wheated Bourbons, then you simply must try the McKenzie Bottled-in-Bond. Arguably the finest bourbon in its category, this New York state stunner has all the personality and charm of a Weller or a Pappy, but for a mere fraction of the price. This is the real deal, serving up loads of rich caramel tones along with toffee, vanilla, grain, and nut—all of which work together in perfect harmony. At 100 proof, you might expect something of a powerhouse, but everything is so well balanced, its approach is smoothly seductive. Demand for wheated bourbons remains at an all-time high, so finding this one for just under $45 is a boon. McKenzie has developed something of a cult following here at K&L, and we expect that enthusiasm only to climb, especially based on this truly remarkable bottling. Locally sourced grain and an unwavering commitment to producing the finest spirit possible are elemental in McKenzie’s success. Try a bottle and see for yourself!

McKenzie Bottled-in-Bond Wheated Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) ($44.99)

One of New York state’s best craft distilleries delivers a masterpiece with a bottled-in-bond wheated bourbon. Situated on the east shore of Lake Seneca in the heart of the Finger Lakes wine country, McKenzie has always made their whiskies with locally sourced NY grain and dedicated themselves to environmental stewardship. They were a huge hit here at K&L many years ago when they were brand new with baby aged whiskey. Today they’re better than ever. By law the bottled-in-bond is at least 4 years old, but some of the whiskey here is substantially older than that. The rich and creamy texture is perfect at 100 proof. With the sky high demand for wheated bourbon, I don’t expect us to be able to keep this in stock, but it would be unfair to compare it with Weller or Pappy. The real story here is in the curation of exceptionally high quality grains grown in the bread basket of New York. The distillation ends at a slightly lower proof to preserve more of the inherent wheat and corn flavors in the final product. The quality of the whiskey is superb. It’s dense, rich, smooth as silk, and wildly flavorful.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 05, 2019

The best wheated bourbon on our shelf. Full Stop. A few things are done differently in the production of Mckenzie that contribute to its full and intense flavor. All of the grain is grown locally in New York state before being distilled to a lower-than-normal proof, thus retaining more flavor. The second distillation is carried out on a thumper, an old school technique given up for modern efficiency by most Kentucky producers. It is then barreled at a ridiculously low 100 proof in barrels made from 36-month, air-dried staves. The end result of these expensive choices is that you need to add almost no water when it comes time to bottle – yet again, the result is MORE flavor. Just ask Michter’s, who barrels at 103 proof! Each of these production choices sets Mckenzie apart, but the true test comes down to what’s in the bottle. Pour a slug of this into a glass and let it sit for a moment. You won’t even have to nose the glass before you smell the rich caramel, brown sugar, dried fruits, and mellow grain wafting up. Put the liquid to your lips and the first thing you notice is the texture. It’s full bodied and creamy. The flavors expand across the palate as a repeat of the nose with the added complexity of cinnamon, nutmeg, and very gentle wood tannin. The finish flourishes into an array of pepper, cocoa, caramel, sweet tea, and caramelized sugar. The 100 proof ties every aspect together in harmony. A complete bourbon and an incredible showing for the Burdett, NY distillery.

Stefanie Juelsgaard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 05, 2019

Could this be the best wheated Bourbon in the store? You need to try it to find out, but everyone at K&L is on board with that statement. With some of the big names in wheated Bourbon, like Pappy and Weller, now impossible to come by, it’s really reassuring to know we can still find something of this incredible quality and taste available. It’s great to be able to support the craft distillers in this era of giant conglomerates, and McKenzie’s attention to detail and dedication to this spirit is evident in this bottling. Not too shabby at all.

Neal Fischer | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 04, 2019

A wheated Bourbon for all seasons! I normally gravitate toward high-rye American whiskeys, but I like this wheater because it’s no pushover. The nose begins with some of the more gentle scents one might expect from wheated Bourbon: breadiness, breakfast brioche, butter toffees, and baked fruits. However, this is not any old wheated Bourbon, because it happens to be bottled in bond, which ensures a decent level of maturity and 100 proof. Sandalwood pops out of the oak char notes and then the booze turns spicy (not into Rye territory, but enough to liven the glass). Clove begets allspice begets savory anise that reminds me of European black licorice candies. As the Bourbon ebbs to its long finish, the fruit flavors bob in and out between those spicy notes and polished wood tannins.

Cameron Hoppas | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 04, 2019

A delicious bourbon. I love the rich texture and sweet cereal aromas that the wheat offers. Dried apricot and citrus come through the butterscotch and vanilla notes. Mild soft baking spices, and caramelized wood round out the finish. This whiskey tells a story with a beginning, middle, and end. Either sipping straight or in a classic Old Fashioned, this whiskey is a pleasure unto itself.

Robert Cash | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 11, 2019

Hailing from my home state, the McKenzie Bottled-in-Bond Wheated Bourbon is a fantastically smooth sipper. Made from a mashbill consisting of local corn (70%), red winter wheat (20%), and malted barley (10%), this is a solid effort rivaling what the best names in Kentucky are producing. I thought the nose was beautiful, with notes of vanilla, honey, and subtle spices. On the palate, it’s round, soft, and creamy with hints of caramel, a great mouthfeel, and a long finish. I really enjoyed this neat, but you could certainly add a few drops of spring water if you choose. This is a must have for any whiskey aficionado.

Will Blakely | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 29, 2018

From Larceny to Weller, David Nicholson to Pappy, wheated bourbon has always put a smile on my face. McKenzie’s bottled-in-bond offering makes an impressive addition to the list. Alluring aromas of nuts, bananas, and roasted corn make a pleasant enough first impression, but tasting this reveals a plethora of tropical fruits and soft spice. The sweet cereal grain is contrasted nicely by citrus peels and bright acid. With a good body and relatively long finish, this should fit nicely into any whisky collection.

INTRODUCING THE BALVENIE STORIES

A brand new series of single malts from the Balvenie distillery, inspired by the stories of a maltman, mashman and apprentice malt master.

“The Balvenie Distillery is built on the stories that are told from each generation of craftsmen to the next. They’re our lifeblood.”

BALVENIE 12 YEAR OLD – THE SWEET TOAST OF AMERICAN OAK
70cl
The first release in the Stories series is inspired by apprentice malt master, Kesley McKechnie, and her very idea of sourcing virgin oak… Read more

£44.95

BALVENIE 14 YEAR OLD – THE WEEK OF PEAT
70cl
The Week of Peat pays homage to the short period each year where they produce peated whisky… Read more

£64.95

BALVENIE 26 YEAR OLD – A DAY OF DARK BARLEY
70cl
The oldest in the trilogy, references the work of Brian Webster and Robbie Gormley, a mashman and maltman who once experimented… Read more

£599.95

THE BALVENIE STORIES TASTING
With UK Ambassador Alwynne Gwilt
24 October 2019

Join us to discover the tails behind the new Balvenie Stories range with UK ambassador, Alwynne Gwilt. We’ll also be tasting some other special whiskies from the distillery.

BOOK TICKETS NOW

Glengoyne 30 Year Old

2018 release matured in the finest sherry casks from the Highland distillery. Glengoyne 30 Year Old Highland single malt Scotch whisky. Matured in the finest sherry casks, limited release of 5,200 bottles. Black cherry, marmalade, rum & raisin, plum compote, cinnamon and cloves.

Glengoyne Distillery was established as Burnfoot of Drumgoyne Distillery in 1833 by George Connel in the Highland whisky region although its warehouses rest across the road in the Lowland region. Re-named Glengoyne in 1905, its stills were increased from two to three in mid 1960s and since all the malt used is dried by hot air so all Glengoyne malt whisky is unpeated. With maturation in sherry and bourbon casks in addition to some Japanese and Scottish oak casks Glengoyne offers a range of distillery releases including Glengoyne 10 Year Old, Glengoyne 21 Year Old and Glengoyne 25 Year Old.

Shop £699.95