New Products

New Ardbeg Single Casks…at The Whisky Barrel – Scotch Whisky News

Ardbeg Single Casks

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Double trouble! Two new single cask Ardbegs from Ian MacLeod bottled 2018.

Ardbeg 12 Year Old 2005 Dun Bheagan – £137.08

Ardbeg 12 Year Old 2005 vintage Islay single malt Scotch whisky. Single cask hogshead #700161 bottled 2018 by Ian MacLeod for the Dun Bheagan series. 356 bottles.

Ardbeg 13 Year Old 2005 Chieftan’s – £156.58

Ardbeg 13 Year Old 2005 vintage Islay single malt Scotch whisky. Single cask hogshead #700192 bottled April 2018 by Ian MacLeod for the Chieftan’s series. 327 bottles.

Ardbeg Distillery was established in Ardbeg on the Kildalton Peninsular on the Isle of Islay in 1815 by John McDougal. Ardbeg Distillery draws soft peaty water from Loch Uigeadail and Loch Airigh nam Beist up amongst the hills behind the distillery to produce it world renowned range including Ardbeg Uigeadail and Ardbeg 10 Year Old. Ardbeg Distillery is a participant in the world famous Feis Ile, the annual Islay Festival of Malt and Music. Visitors are welcome at the distillery visitor center which offers Ardbeg Distillery tours and serves delicious Scottish fare in the Ardbeg Old Kiln Café.

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THE MACALLAN SHOWCASES STUNNING NEW SPEYSIDE DESTINATION THROUGH MASTERS OF PHOTOGRAPHY: MAGNUM EDITION – Scotch Whisky News

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THE MACALLAN SHOWCASES STUNNING NEW SPEYSIDE DESTINATION THROUGH

MASTERS OF PHOTOGRAPHY: MAGNUM EDITION

CRAFTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE ACCLAIMED PHOTOGRAPHERS AT MAGNUM PHOTOS

New York, August 10, 2018The Macallan has revealed its latest Masters of Photography edition whisky in collaboration with Magnum Photos, the world’s most famous photographic cooperative. Marking its seventh limited edition release, The Macallan Masters of Photography: Magnum Edition celebrates the construction and opening of the new Macallan distillery and visitor experience through never-before-seen imagery and a liquid inspired by the photographers that brought the project to life. This limited edition release spectacularly illustrates The Macallan as it embarks on a new era.

The Macallan Masters of Photography: Magnum Edition builds on previous releases in terms of both the art and whisky components. The whisky is crafted from a vatting of eight casks all differing in character, to reflect the photography style of each of the Magnum photographers and to represent Magnum itself. In addition to the liquid, each pack comes with an awe-inspiring collection of images, taken by six world renowned photographers, as they capture different aspects of the new Macallan distillery and visitor experience.

While prior collaborations include partnerships with notable photographers such as Steven Klein, Mario Testino and Annie Leibovitz, for the first time in the Masters of Photography series, The Macallan partnered with multiple artists. Acclaimed photographers – Steve McCurry, Martin Parr, Paolo Pellegrin, Mark Power, Gueorgui Pinkhassov and Alec Soth – worked to capture the images that will tell the story of the new Macallan distillery and the people behind it, taking it from genesis to completion.

As for the liquid, Macallan Whisky Maker, Sarah Burgess, has crafted a single malt from a combination of eight casks, all differing in character to reflect the photography style of each of the Magnum photographers and to represent Magnum itself.

  • A spicy gingered cask reflects McCurry’s bold and brave style.
  • A cask of age where oak influence prevails over individual characteristics symbolises Parr’s oblique view of the world.
  • A classic cask with an intense black cherry note complements Pellegrin’s forceful black and white pictures.
  • Two casks reflect Power’s photography which captures the familiar, but from an often obscure point of view.
  • An ex-European red wine cask imparting a rich mahogany red colour represents Pinkhassov’s contrasting and brightly coloured work.
  • A first fill American barrel with its delicate citrus notes captures Soth’s heritage and spirit of adventure.
  • The final cask is an intensely sweet yet classic Macallan with edge and depth, bringing the whole creation together and representing the imagination and brilliance of Magnum.

Ken Grier, Creative Director for The Macallan, said: “Magnum individuals are the ultimate masters of their medium, offering incredible diversity and distinction within their ranks and capturing all aspects of human life around the world with an unparalleled sense of vision, imagination and genius. They are the greatest collective of documentary photographers in the world and their partnership with The Macallan reflects our shared values of craftsmanship and commitment to excellence.”

Tim Paton, Global Head of Commercial Assignments for Magnum Photos, notes: “This project has been a wonderful assignment for both the photographers and the Agency. To be given this amount of creative freedom on a commercial project is very rare. The photographers were literally shown the building site and told to shoot whatever they liked.”

This magnificent and world class collectible set of images comes together as a limited edition objet d’art presented in a stunning archive style gift box. It is complete with a limited release whisky encased within the new heavyweight Macallan bottle and engraved with The Macallan and Magnum Photos logos as well as the names of the six Magnum photographers, a selection of six 11×14 inch signed prints (one from each photographer) and an exclusive book of photography. This coveted item shows history in the making against the backdrop of The Macallan’s ongoing commitment to mastery.

The Macallan Masters of Photography: Magnum Edition will be available globally from August 2018, priced at USD $3,500 and limited to 2,000 editions worldwide. For purchasing inquiries, please email: Inquiries.us@themacallan.com

For further information visit: https://www.themacallan.com/en-us/

Whisky Makers Notes:

ABV: 43.7%.

Colour: Deep amber with rose gold hues

Nose: Light hints of peat layered into warm spiced ginger with mellow oak notes. Gently coming behind these notes, are an almost tangerine citrus and caramelised apple

Palate: Candied dried fruits and a butterscotch sweetness with a tickling of spice that moves into a honeyed nut note

Finish: Medium to long finish ending in sweet earthy peat notes

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ABOUT THE MACALLAN

Founded in 1824 in the heart of Speyside, The Macallan is one of the world’s’ most admired and awarded single malt whiskies. The reputation of The Macallan is based on a product of outstanding quality and distinctive character, founded upon a set of guiding principles, the Six Pillars. An unrivalled obsession with quality has been the hallmark of The Macallan since its’ founding by Alexander Reid on a plateau above the river Spey in north-east Scotland. The distillery is surrounded by the 390 acre Macallan estate, with Easter Elchies House at its center, a Highland Manor built in 1700.

For more information visit www.us.themacallan.com. The Macallan can also be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

JACK DANIEL’S BOTTLED-IN-BOND NOW AVAILABLE – American Whiskey News

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JACK DANIEL’S BOTTLED-IN-BOND NOW AVAILABLE

New 100-Proof Tennessee Whiskey Launches Worldwide as a Global Travel Retail Exclusive 

LYNCHBURG, Tenn. (Aug. 1, 2018) – The Jack Daniel Distillery is honoring its commitment to quality with the release of a new 100-proof Jack Daniel’s Bottled-in-Bond Tennessee Whiskey. Jack Daniel’s Bottled-in-Bond is a global travel retail exclusive, now available at select airports worldwide.

A permanent line extension in the Jack Daniel’s Family of Brands, Jack Daniel’s Bottled-in-Bond will be available in major airports and other international points of departure and arrival around the world, making it a perfect gift for yourself or others.

“Whiskey-making in the 1800’s too often produced a hodge-podge of sub-par, counterfeit and even dangerous spirits. Whiskey drinkers at times weren’t sure of what exactly they were drinking or being served,” said Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller Jeff Arnett. “To bring a high level of safety and consistency to American whiskies, the United States Congress passed the Bottled in Bond Act which certified the quality of whiskey carrying that designation. It had to be aged at least four years and bottled at 100 proof at one distillery during a single season. The Bottled in Bond Act was passed in 1897. Mr. Jack began putting his Tennessee Whiskey in the now-familiar square bottle two years earlier in 1895. This new offering replicates those rules that were set more than 120 years ago.”

Every drop of Jack Daniel’s is made in Lynchburg, Tennessee, charcoal mellowed and then matured in new American oak barrels crafted by its own coopers. At 100 proof, Jack Daniel’s Bottled-in-Bond is a bold Tennessee whiskey with rich flavors complemented by classic Jack Daniel’s smoothness.

“One of Jack Daniel’s most famous sayings was, ‘Every day we make it, we’ll make it the best we can,’ and the distillery in Lynchburg has been making the iconic Tennessee whiskey that way every day for over 150 years. In many ways, the introduction of Jack Daniel’s Bottled-in-Bond is a step back into the early days of the distillery when Jack Daniel was pioneering the craft of making Tennessee Whiskey,” said Marshall Farrer, senior vice president and managing director of Brown-Forman Global Travel Retail. “We think so much of this whiskey that we are making it a permanent member of the Jack Daniel’s Family of Brands – a cautious step we take only with the most special of new products.”

The rich, bold, 100-proof Tennessee Whiskey has an aroma of caramel with mild hints of banana and balanced caramel, vanilla and toasted oak flavors with a full-bodied mouth feel leaving a creamy, warm finish. Jack Daniel’s Bottled-in-Bond hits shelves this summer in select duty-free outlets in a 1-liter bottle size and will be offered at a suggested retail price of $37.99.

About Jack Daniel’s

Officially registered by the U.S. Government in 1866 and based in Lynchburg, Tenn., the Jack Daniel Distillery, Lem Motlow, proprietor, is the oldest registered distillery in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Jack Daniel’s is the maker of the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Rye and Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails.

Best sipped with the same care that Jack put into making it.

JACK DANIEL’S and OLD NO. 7 are registered trademarks. ©2018 Jack Daniel’s. Tennessee Whiskey 50% Alcohol by Volume (100 Proof). Distilled & Bottled by Jack Daniel Distillery, Lynchburg, Tennessee. JackDaniels.com

A Rare Twelve-Year-Old Cask Strength Single Malt from Tullibardine – Scotch Whisky News

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A New Must-Have Single Malt from a Resurgent Highland Distillery

2005 Tullibardine “The Murray” Single Malt Scotch ($74.99)
“A screaming deal for beautiful cask strength whisky.” – Andrew Whiteley, K&L NorCal Spirits Buyer

“The Murray” is the newest addition to Tullibardine’s impressive portfolio. A cask-strength single malt that was aged for twelve years in first-fill Bourbon barrels, it is a classic Highland malt that will make collectors swoon. Since its resurrection in 2003 (the distillery was mothballed back in 1994), Tullibardine has been on an upward trajectory, culminating in this outlandishly good single malt. Clocking in at a whopping 56.3% proof, there’s no shortage of richness and power, making this one of the most thrilling Highland malts on our shelves.

Perfectly balanced with aromas and flavors of dried apricot, tangerines, caramel, shortbread, oats, and Christmas spice, it’s hard to believe a whiskey this complex can be had for under $75. This twelve-year-old is unpeated, so its maltiness and floral tones really shine through. If this is a sign of what’s to come from Tullibardine, sign us up for the long haul, as this is about as perfect a whiskey you’ll find under the $100 mark. A special release bottling with limited distribution in California, there isn’t a ton of “The Murray” to go around. This, coupled with its excellent price, means it won’t be around for long. Don’t miss out on what is one of the finest Tullibardines we’ve had since their impressive run in the 1960s and ’70s.

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2005 Tullibardine “The Murray” Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($74.99)

A classic Tullibardine whisky, “The Murray” is named for Sir William Murray, Scotland’s second Marquess of Tullibardine. Murray was part of the Jacobite army and fought in the battle of Sherrifmuir on the hills above the distillery. The Murray is the first cask strength whisky made by the distillery this century! 12 years old and bottled at full cask strength this first-fill bourbon dram is a dream. It’s full of intense tropical aromas, sweet vanilla, malt cookies, and has an incredibly lengthy finish thanks to the 56.3% proof. A limited release of 14,000 bottles. Distilled in 2005, bottled in 2017.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 31, 2018

A screaming deal for beautiful cask strength whisky. The Tulli Murray is bottled from a select few first fill bourbon barrels after 12 long years. It’s really Tullibardine taking a stand in the modern whisky market and the care they took in crafting it shows. The richness of the first fill barrels stands up perfectly against the full 56.3% proof. It’s loaded with peaches, apricots, vanilla, cinnamon, and shortbread. The finish lasts for minutes and the high alcohol almost hides in the background. For a serious whisky drinker, this bottle becomes a perfect go to. It hits all of the hallmarks of your special collection: rare, exceptional flavor, cask strength! The only difference is it comes in at 75 bucks!

Joe Manekin | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 31, 2018

At a full cask strength of 56% abv, this beauty manages to be aromatically compelling as well as exquisitely balanced – even before a drop of water is added. Aromas of dried apples, apricots and vanilla pastry cream lead to intense, delicious flavors, featuring plenty of ripe stone fruits that really grip the palate. Without a doubt, this is as original and tasty a highland single malt as I have had in quite a long while. Really good.

Gary Westby | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 31, 2018

The Murray from Tullibardine is one concentrated, delicious malt! If you like whisky with high class sweetness, beautifully balanced barrel spice and a finish that goes on forever, this is a great choice. I love an unpeated malt that still has complexity, and this has captivating layers of flavor.

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 03, 2018

This is one to set back and enjoy. It is soft and round and medium bodied with juicy malt flavors and no smoke. There is a long finish to complete the package.

Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
Email: wine@klwines.com
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

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Heaven Hill Distillery Announces Fall 2018 Edition of the Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Series – American Whiskey News

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Heaven Hill Distillery Announces Fall 2018 Edition of the Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Series

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Distillery announced today the release of the fall 2018 edition of Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Comprised of barrels produced in October of 2008, and bottled in August of 2018, the second release ushers in the latest hallmark series to the bottled-in-bond legacy.

Bottled in an ornate decanter, the fall edition denotes a black label, which will stay consistent across all fall releases. As was the case for the spring edition, this edition’s tax strip, which has always been a signature of transparency on bottled-in-bond products, will disclose when the liquid was produced and bottled. The Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond fall edition will be available in the 750ml size on an allocated basis. It meets the strict requirements of a bottled-in-bond: the product of a single distillery from a single distilling season, aged a minimum of four years, and bottled at 100 proof or 50% alcohol by volume. The second edition is available at a suggested retail price of $90.

As a leader of the Bottled-in-Bond category, Heaven Hill is proud to offer a premium, allocated product within this special class that showcases the authenticity and quality of the American Whiskey portfolio. Acquired in 1999 by Heaven Hill, the legendary Old Fitzgerald line is well-known for its distilling pedigree and intriguing story behind its namesake, John E. Fitzgerald.

About Heaven Hill Distillery
Founded in Kentucky by the Shapira family in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery continues its legacy as one of the foremost American Whiskey producers. Heaven Hill has cultivated the traditions and history of America’s Native Spirit with its fierce independence, passionate family ownership, dedication to quality, and thoughtful innovation. Today, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains over 1.3 million barrels aging in 55 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Larceny Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Pikesville Rye Whiskey, Rittenhouse Rye Whisky and Parker’s Heritage Collection. Heaven Hill Distillery currently holds the title of 2017 Whisky Advocate Whisky of the Year, and previously held the titles of 2016 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year, 2016 Whisky Advocate American Whiskey of the Year and 2016 Rye Whiskey of the Year from “Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.” For more information, please visit www.heavenhilldistillery.com.

The Macallan Edition No.4 at The Whisky Shop – Scotch Whisky News

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Something for the Collection

Every now and then there comes a whisky that you think ‘this is too good to drink’. Well we have a few of those for you today; from the latest release in the Macallan’s Edition Series and a 17 year old Japanese blend, to exclusive single casks from Kilchoman and The Macallan, these great additions to your collection are just waiting to be snatched up!

Explore our range of rare and collectable whisky

Next day UK delivery available
International shipping
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The Macallan Edition No.4

The fourth release in the Edition Series from The Macallan, this Speyside single malt is a celebration of the distillery’s whisky making heritage, combining a unique selection of oak cask styles. Edition No.4 reflects the craftsmanship and pioneering design of the new Macallan distillery.

The nose is bold and rounded with honey and sweet apples atop orange zest, ginger, nutmeg and polished oak. The palate has rich nutmeg and wood spice to the fore, with sweet vanilla emerging to coat the mouth, before a fruity oak finish.

£175 Buy Now

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PURITY IS A RARE THING – WORTH STRIVING FOR – Scotch Whisky News

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PURITY IS A RARE THING – WORTH STRIVING FOR

Fettercairn Distillery announce re-launch with release of four new whisky expressions and design for award-winning Highland Single Malt maker

Today, Wednesday 1st August 2018, Fettercairn Distillery proudly announce the global re-launch of their premium Highland Single Malt whisky with the release of four new expressions. Reflective of the distillery’s unique production method and befitting of its stock of rare and aged whiskies the exceptionally refined new range of single malts is a must try for all whisky connoisseurs.

Located in the picturesque village of Fettercairn at the foothills of Scotland’s Cairngorm Mountains, this hidden gem is found among some of the finest and most fertile farming land in the North East of Scotland. With the purest of mountain water as an ingredient, it is almost no surprise that when the distillery was established by Sir Alexander Ramsay in 1824, the enterprising pioneer chose this location. In the mid-1950s, the whisky-makers at Fettercairn experimented, seeking ways to create a purer expression of their spirit. They found that pouring water down the still cooled the copper, increasing condensation inside so only the lightest vapours could rise for collection. With this knowledge they fashioned a unique copper cooling ring around the neck of the stills drenching them with crystal clear mountain water – an ingenious and practical solution to creating their exceptional whisky, a technique which remains unique in Scotch whisky-making to this day.

Not only beautiful to watch and a highlight of the distillery’s breath-taking still house, the technique creates a striking oxidation ‘patina’ on its copper, with colours of teal, white and brushed copper making the stills at Fettercairn a spectacle in their own right.

Featuring four new expressions, the new Fettercairn range boasts a house style of tropical fruits, soft spice and sweetness – showcased in melon, pineapple, banana, clove, ginger, treacle, toffee and caramel.

We start with Fettercairn 12 Year Old priced at £48 RSP, followed by the 28 Year Old; at the top of the range the 40 Year Old and 50 Year Old, with the latter retailing at RSP £10,000 and both non-chill filtered and natural colour. Already award-winning, Fettercairn 28 Year Old was presented with Gold at IWSC 2018, and the 40 Year Old Gold awards at ISC 2018 & IWSC 2018.

Each product in the range begins its life in American White Oak ex-bourbon barrels with the 12 and 28 Year Old expressions resting here until maturity, while the 40 Year Old features a finish in an Apostoles Sherry Cask (no. 6) and the 50 Year Old in a Tawny Port Pipe (no.1). The progression of age and finishing designed to take drinkers on a journey of elegant, tropical fruit flavour intensity.

Indicative of its history, the brand logo has been refreshed to hero the Ramsay Clan unicorn and nod to the copper cooling ring, while each new expression is presented in stylish new bottle and pack designs that feature oxidised copper. The 40 Year Old and 50 Year Old are presented in hand-crafted wooden presentation boxes to reflect their value and prestige.

Speaking about the announcement, Distillery Manager Stewart Walker commented, “Fettercairn is simply a beautiful distillery with a treasure trove of aged and rare stocks. I’ve worked here since 1990 and most of the team that started with me then are still on this journey with me today.

‘It’s a pleasure crafting Fettercairn Single Malt together and we are immensely excited to finally share our exceptional whiskies with enthusiasts the world over.”

Fettercairn 12 Year Old and 28 Year Old is available from all good whisky specialists including The Whisky Shop, Whisky Exchange and Amazon from August 2018; Fettercairn 40 Year Old and 50 Year Old will be available late August. Prices range from £48 RSP to £10,000. The Fettercairn Distillery welcomes visitors during the summer months.

www.fettercairnwhisky.com

Facebook & Instagram @fettercairnwhisky // Twitter @FettercairnWh // #FettercairnWhisky

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Fettercairn Core Range

Priced from RSP £48.00 to £10,000 the new range will roll out in key markets (UK, France, Germany, Taiwan) from August 2018.

The new whiskies are:

• Fettercairn 12 Year Old (40% ABV): RSP: £48 / $60. Aged in American White Oak ex-bourbon barrels, Fettercairn 12 Year Old is the colour of sunlight and amber honey, with vanilla, pear and soft spices on the nose and refreshing nectarine, tropical fruit and roasted coffee to taste. To finish, memorable flavours of sultanas and black toffee.

• Fettercairn 28 Year Old (42% ABV): RSP: £500 / $675. Aged in American White Oak ex-bourbon barrels for 28 years, this expression from Fettercairn is deep shimmering gold in colour. With initial bursts of pineapple and melon on the nose before giving way to treacle and banana, and hints of warm ginger and liquorice; this expression opens up to citrus peel and black pepper on first taste, followed by tempered walnuts, coffee, apricot, and a touch of sweet balsamic for a rewarding drinking experience.
• Fettercairn 40 Year Old (48.9% ABV): RSP: £3,000 / $4,000. Distilled on 23rd December 1977 and laid to rest in American White Oak ex-bourbon barrels with a finish in an Apostoles Sherry Cask No.6 for a truly dark and intense whisky with dazzling amber highlights. On first nose, honey, molasses, and ginger, then overtaken by toffee apple, thick treacle, and sherry. To taste liquorice and balsamic vinegar, are balanced with citrus, toffee and raisin for a glorious finish of soft spice and tropical fruits. This forty-year old expression is non chill-filtered with no added colour.
• Fettercairn 50 Year Old (47.9% ABV): RSP: £10,000 / $13,500. Distilled on 11th June 1966 and laid to rest in American White Oak ex-bourbon barrels with a finish in Tawny Port Pipe (Cask No1). This refined single malt showcases a dark and rich colour, like the night enlivened with stars. Enticing aromas begin the drinking experience with ginger, spices, citrus peel, and apple; preceded by nuances of Morello cherry, over-ripe plums, and blackcurrant. A whisper of coconut and a hint of pineapple provide an unforgettable close. To taste warm spiced citrus, ground coffee, and toffee apple, give way to rich notes of port wine and sweet almond; burnt caramel and soft chewy liquorice notes round out this timeless treasure. This fifty-year old expression is non chill-filtered with no added colour.

About Fettercairn (www.fettercairnwhisky.com)

Our founder, Sir Alexander Ramsay, was one of the Scottish landowners who campaigned for the licensing of Scotch Whisky distilling. In 1824 Fettercairn he established the Fettercairn Distillery, in the North East of Scotland; it was to become one of the first licensed single malt distilleries. Despite his campaigns for regulation, Ramsay recruited illicit whisky makers as his first stillmen, knowing only they had the knowledge and experience required to make great whisky. From our very beginnings, we’ve been doing things a little differently in the pursuit of great whisky.

In the mid-1950s, the whisky makers at Fettercairn experimented, seeking ways to create a purer expression of their spirit. They found that pouring water down the still cooled the copper, increasing condensation inside so only the lightest vapours could rise for collection. They fashioned a copper tube around the top of the still to continually douse it with crystal clear mountain water. This simple yet ingenious engineering feat not only creates a purer expression of our whisky, but beautiful oxidized patina of the copper with shades of teal, brushed cooper and white proudly marking our stills. To this day our copper cooling ring remains unique in Scotch whisky making.

Fettercairn Distillery, Distillery Rd, Fettercairn, Laurencekirk, Scotland AB30 1YB
+44 (0)1561 340205

Key Information

Location: Located at the foothills of the Cairngorm Mountains on the Fasque Estate, within the village of Fettercairn, Aberdeenshire, north-east Scotland. At one time the distillery grounds were sold to The Gladstone family whose most famous son was William Gladstone – British Prime Minister four times during the late nineteenth century. Warehouses: 14 Dunnage warehouses | The story goes that the builders put a good luck charm into the warehouse walls – a full bottle of whisky, hidden somewhere within the stones. Number of stills: Four in total – two wash and two spirit. Number of washbacks: Eleven| The distillery features a stunning washback room – recently rebuilt with tall windows offering a view up into the hills. Current production capacity: 2.2M litres of alcohol, in 2018 we’ll produce circa 1.5M. Production: 24 hours a day / 7 days a week / 41 weeks per annum. Distillery Manager: Stewart Walker – biography available on request. Number of staff: 17

Brand New Tasting Notes & free HL coaster with any purchase at Bartells Whisky – Scotch Whisky News

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We have some brand new Tasting Notes we would like to share with you. 

All tasted by Chris Goodrum @ Gauntleys

Please read on for Tasting Notes on
GLEN ORD 2010

DALMORE 2007

BUNNAHABHAIN 1991

For this month only get a
FREE MARBLE HIGHLAND LAIRD COASTER
with ANY purchase.

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Glen Ord 2010
Aged 8 Years   SPEYSIDE REGION   61.6%vol

Nose: The nose displays a smoky Mezcal-like character, which is a little unusual for Ord, along with some intense oak char, gooseberry, lime and barley. The sweetness of the barley and a touch of honey balance. With time hints of straw, apple and alcohol! Palate: The palate is quite rich and barley’d. Lightly oiled with hints of apricot, apple, straw and sweet honey. The alcohol, although high is well contained. The Finish is a little masked with lingering citrus, earth and charred oak.Finish:A drop of water opens the nose beautifully, bringing a real juiciness to the citrus (lime, lemon, tangerine) along with a slight sugar coating. The oak has become creamy and buttery and creamy. The palate is soft and buttery, but like the nose wonderfully citric. The middle has filled out well and showcases the barley, honey, lemon, lime and oak. Long, juicy and vanilla’d with hints of sweet rummy fruit and spice.
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Dalmore 2007
Aged 11 Years   HIGHLAND REGION   64.4%vol
Nose: Now, that is an intensely alcoholic nose, which isn’t a surprise with almost Column still-like dried fruit, straw, apricot, honey, vanilla, barley and hints of lime, ginger and honeysuckle. Palate: The palate is denser and oilier with more noticeable vanilla and toffee’d oak. Hints of apricot, lemon, honeysuckle, lime and ginger. The Finish is quite masked but does show a touch of raw, toasty oak.Finish:Diluted the nose becomes quite floral – honeysuckle and orange blossom, even the honey seems perfumed! The oak displays a real tannic grip, almost akin to French oak, but some buttery vanilla softens. On the palate the emphasis still is on the grippy, toasty and creamy oak, although the fruit is still there and slightly fleshy in character. Long, vanilla’d and slightly citric. For an American oak aged expression of Dalmore the spirit is very clean and quite vibrant.
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Bunnahabhain 1991
Aged 26 Years   ISLAY REGION   50.3%vol
Nose: A full on sherry monster nose! Herbal Oloroso, raisinated fruit, prune, stem ginger, French coffee, stewed apple, salt and hints of smoked bacon and green nuts. For an old Bunnah there is quite a prominent sooty peatiness. Stunningly deep, but apart from the peat the aromas are all wood derived. Palate: The palate is like the nose, but there is a lovely citric note which lightens the heavy, mature Oloroso character. Liquorice, prune, raisin, walnuts, green nuts, stewed apple notes are all describable, but the citrus and light saltiness add a pleasant vibrancy.Finish: For an old sherry monster it is surprisingly soft on the wood notes with lovely supple tannins on the finish along with dark coffee, green nuts and wood smoke.

Authentic Collection Summer Malts – Scotch Whisky News

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THEY’RE HERE!

NEW YEAR (ALREADY!)

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It’s going to be a long hot summer with the latest Authentic collection release from Cadenhead’s. Single cask malts from Scotland & England with a rather special single cask Rum from France make this release one to watch! A rare and big Islay deliver the smoke and peat of Islay, while the English whisky 8 years old has a hit of campfire elements with an English twist.

Before we head into the tasting notes including the London Tasting Panel’s additions, lets look at one of the distilleries in this release.

ORD Distillery Established 1838 Muir of Ord. Ross-shire Founded by Thomas Mackenzie

After a few years operation and changes in owners, expansion plans lead to the distillery having a new still house built. Sadly a fire engulfed the site before it had time to open again in 1878.

As time moved on, the distillation continued with their two stills, which both operated till 1966. In the same year the still house grew in size from two stills to six and even further site expansion took place in 2014/2015. Ord has always made a quality malt whisky as both; a single malt and a major component of some of the worlds biggest blends.

We have always liked the range and quality of distillate made at the famous distillery, because they deliver a finely balanced and exciting stories of taste. For instance, subtle citrus notes, coca and hints of honey in the core of the distilled spirit are only one of the few wonderful elements which Ord provides. Also each cask then adds the final layer of taste depending on how active the oak is. Our new 10 year old is delivering across the palate in much the same way as some of our past 12 year old drams of the previous seasons.

Finding the taste with a panel of like minded whisky fans

Here in London we prefer to do blind tastings, as it makes one concentrate on the actual flavour above all else. We have occasionally been tricked by the young whiskies from smaller distilleries, which sometimes might have been overlooked. Time after time, we have become wiser and more knowledgeable regarding younger malts and once again this newsletter contains a few new exciting young ones.

2018 to 2018 Begins

Its New year for us here in Cadenhead’s, when we traditionally shift gears from the previous 12 months to the year to come. 2017/18 has been one of change and challenge, as each month a whole range of new single malts or Rums hit the stores. We have seen younger whiskies coming on the top of the in rankings of our customers, as better woods have crafted some of the most memorable drams of all time.

Whiskies from closed distilleries have caused a few moments of madness, as have those rare Islay drams, each small batch or single cask seeing demand outstrip supply by 200% or more at times.

We have gone through more ballots to buy for Cadenhead’s club members, who get advance warning of new products. Goes without saying that some folks have missed some of the popular ones, whereas some have been lucky ones. Nevertheless, do not worry, as we keep getting new wonderful drams sooner or later.

My advice is simple; you ought to look a little deeper into the whiskies, those at first sight might not be the rarest, trendiest or oldest, but might have the potential to become a future classic.

THE NEW RANGE!

ARDBEG 24 Years Old Distilled 1993 54.6% – 70CL – Islay 138 BOTTLES WORLD WIDE

NOSE: Wet coal, barbecued bananas, buttered toast

(LTP) NOSE: very Islay with charcoal and smoked cheese, some fruity notes but generally typical Islay

PALATE: Stewed rhubarb, woodiness with some a little spice

(LTP) PALATE: Kind of sweet fruity notes coming in but this almost burning embers and all spices add to the great mix on the palate.

FINISH: Wet smoke, burning wood, faint ash notes and liquorice toffee.

(LTP) FINISH: Warming smoke and peat some sharp edges that catch the side of the palate before a more dark berry and smoked fruit notes kicks in. A fuller mouth feel than most Islay’s

With the Ardbeg being so rare its going to be 1 bottle per customer! Before we process an order we will check the data for bottles on hold in other shops to avoid issues around customers missing out while others get more than 1 bottle.

BALMENACH 13 53.5% 2005 (Young and balanced) 294 BOTTLES WORLD WIDE

NOSE: Red apple peel, lemon zest and ripe kiwis

(LTP) Very rich and fruity nose with some tangy citrus and autumnal orchard fruits

PALATE: Freshly cut grass, strawberry & raspberry yoghurt

(LTP) A clean start to the palate with sweet cut grass some berries and a rather enjoyable creamy mid palate leading to some soft red fruits like strawberry and pomegranate.

FINISH: Elderflower, gooseberries

(LTP) Wow a sudden impact here of soft white fruits a little ripe apple and tangy fruits with a little sweet & sour jelly sweets

BENRINNES 14yo 56.9% 70CL – 294 BOTTLES IN THE WORLD Single Malt Whisky from Speyside 294 BOTTLES WORLD WIDE

Nose: Salted caramel, warm milk chocolate with hazelnuts.

(LTP) The nose gave us a very sweet flavour with baked apple and tropical fruits to add to the salted caramel and chocolate notes.

Taste: Peaches & mango with vanilla yoghurt. Dry oat biscuit & root ginger.

(LTP) Again that fruity nose is arriving on the palate with what we felt was a hint of sweet light smoke like richness. Fresh baked biscuits and oatmeal.

Finish: Ginger nuts, clementines & barley water.

(LTP) The finish is sweet and spice with the added bonus of some sweet fruity notes like apple and peach. This is a great all round dram that will be perfect for seasoned and new whisky drinkers alike.

BLADNOCH 26 YEARS OLD 49.3% 1992 – 70CL – LOWLAND SINGLE CASK 246 BOTTLES WORLD WIDE

NOSE: Heavy floral notes e.g. roses watermelon and peaches

(LTP) A rather surprising full nose with lots fruity and rich aromas like castor sugar dusted Turkish delight, sweet juicy summer fruits.

PALATE: Real vanilla, green tea, spicy dried pears and very smooth

(LTP) A good start with creamy vanilla and scones some fruity peach and pear drops add to the most incredible tasting lowland we have had for some time.

FINISH: Beeswax, forest honey with orange oils and more green tea

(LTP) This is a good finish with citrus and creamy honey like notes the hints of green tea on the bottle notes can really be found in the finish along with the mid palate especially on a second round sip as this dram grows with each pour.

Bladnoch distillery is now fully operational with some great whiskies coming from this iconic lowland distillery. This new 26 year old single cask has an amazing layered taste profile. Ideal for anyone looking for a great tasting summer malt or pre dinner dram.

CAMERONBRIDGE 34 YEARS OLD 50.3% 1984 – 70CL – VINTAGE SINGLE CASK GRAIN 180 BOTTLES WORLD WIDE

NOSE: Dried plums and apricots, clove oil and hints of cardamon

(LTP) Amazing rich smooth nose for sure, lots of rich damson and peach notes, glazed apricots a little mint like richness and spices.

PALATE: Raisin butter, vanilla, burnt sugar, sponge cake and butterscotch.

(LTP) Danish pastry rich and yes smooth! Mouth coating creamy with hints of vanilla and crispy waffles

FINISH: Big sweet finish, with grapefruit and rye spices

(LTP) The finish mingles in perfect harmony with the mid palate before its becoming tangy citrus with a rich oak complexity.

A truly amazing Cameronbridge rare vintage delivering a classic whisky that will deliver on taste for all whisky fans.

The ENGLISH Distillery Co. 8 Years Old 61.9% 2009 – 70CL – Peated English Whisky 228 BOTTLES WORLD WIDE

NOSE: Smoky , ashy notes with smoked salmon and citrus notes.

(LTP) Wow this is english whisky? Everyone wanted us to confirm this several times! Smoke and peat from the off in the glass, bonfire ashy with a subtle fruity tone.

TASTE: Autumnal forests, medicinal peaty notes with lots of menthol.

(LTP) The warming smoke from the nose is here on the palate, Soft fruits like ripe pears, some berries but not over sweet just perfectly balanced on the palate.

FINISH: Long dry-smoke finish with growing lemon thyme and dried herbs

(LTP) A stunning whisky finished off with coastal notes wet rope seashells hens and spices with a final hint of ash and peaty notes.

So you think you have had a peated whisky before well don’t miss out on this stunning peated English whisky.

GLENFARCLAS 1988 30 years old 50.9% Vintage Speyside single Cask 222 BOTTLES WORLD WIDE

NOSE: Peppermint tea, red apples, hints of tobacco and dry grass

(LTP) A lovely aroma of sweet mints and apples an almost dusty bonded warehouse aroma.

TASTE: Vanilla, toasted brown bread, hints of old leather and red apples

(LTP) Balanced with rich tea biscuits and fresh baked sponge with hints of maple syrup, some old style flavours are here like leather bound books and fruit cake.

FINISH: Strawberry shortcake, apricots and pears.

(LTP) Another stunning vintage with more rich fruits in the finish vanilla and fresh cream with some sweet spices.

GLEN MORAY 25 YEARS OLD 52.5% 1992 – 70CL – VINTAGE SPEYSIDE 204 BOTTLES WORLD WIDE

NOSE: Zest of orange, dark chocolate, lychee and almonds

(LTP) Very velvety aromas like chocolate and crispy wafer, Jaffa cake honey and nutty with a touch of sweet oak.

PALATE: Oregano, strawberries, brambles and caramel wafers

(LTP) Very very rich with toffee and caramel, some spice edges and sweet orchard fruits.

FINISH: More zesty notes, with toffee and hints of dried earth

(LTP) A balanced finish rounds off this amazing Glen Moray, a fresher finish with some soft fruity citrus notes, whipped fudge and a hint of dunnage warehouse richness take us to the end of this long dram.

One to watch with this stunning Glen Moray 25 On taste it will be hard to beat as it delivers taste and balance. As an after dinner dram its perfect with the richness and complexity you would enjoy on much older whiskies than even this 25 years old.

GLENROTHES 2001 16 YEARS OLD 52.6% – 70CL – CLASSIC SPEYSIDE SINGLE CASK 210 BOTTLES WORLD WIDE

NOSE: Floral and fruity. Fresh strawberries, green apples and a touch of lemon zest

(LTP) Avery sweet start to the nose, red fruits, strawberry jam creamy Victoria sponge cake, orchard fruits with some zesty notes coming through.

PALATE: Brown sugar, butterscotch on poached pears

(LTP) This is another cracking Rothes with a rich creamy mid palate some soft fruits and hints of whipped toffee and popcorn.

FINISH: Walnuts with chewy toffee, dried almond with baked apple crumble

(LTP) A perfect finish for a perfect dram, lots of creamy richness from the mid palate glide across the palate to delivery some sweet hints of pear and apple with a sweet pastry crust, and a soft Pantone fruit cake ending.

Glenrothes has now become a must have Speyside pushing aside some other more famous distilleries that have become out of reach for the majority due to high demand! Lets hope this distillery keeps its secret a little longer. Glenrothes whiskies suit most highland Speyside fans thanks to the hight quality liquid they produce.

LINKWOOD 2006 11 YEARS OLD 59.3% – 70CL – SPEYSIDE SINGLE CASK 294 BOTTLES WORLD WIDE

NOSE: Light, citrus, yuzu (Asian citrus fruits) and floral notes.

(LTP) Classic Linkwood with the most delightful fruity aroma, creamy like vanilla ice-cream lemon curd.

PALATE: Honey, more exotic fruits, over ripe bananas and hints of vanilla pods.

(LTP) Incredibly rich and smooth from the start with rich fruits vanilla pod and some creamy citrus notes.

FINISH: Soft spices, ginger with drying vanilla and marshmallows.

(LTP) The finish is a perfect balance between the nose and the palate that leads to the most balanced palate you might ever want, spice ginger honey and creamy to the last drop.

ORD 2008 10 YEARS OLD 58.3% – 70CL – HIGHLAND SINGLE CASK 264 BOTTLES WORLD WIDE

NOSE: Wood spice, autumn leaves, pressed apple juice

(LTP) The nose is rather interesting as it opens in the glass with no water the wood comes through with just a single drop of water the nose changes with a burst of tropical fruits and pine oil.

PALATE: Pomegranate, passion fruit and pineapple

(LTP) Superb richness with the tropical fruits across the whole palate, some red berries and soft fruit juice.

FINISH: Slightly drying, vanilla pods, wood shavings

(LTP) The finish has arrived with the same quality as the nose and palate, the hints of creamy vanilla and some sweet oak lead the taste to think the dram is older than 10 years!

Great as an after dinner dram for those of us who find the smoke and peaty styles a little over powering yet rich enough for those of us who do like fuller flavours to really enjoy this dram.

KILKERRAN 11 58.1% 2007 Sherry Butt matured Campbeltown Single Malt. 564 BOTTLES WORLD WIDE

his is a fist time single cask under the Cadenhead Range of whiskies.

NOSE: Milk chocolate fruit & nut, prunes and a hint of smoke

(LTP) Rich coca and berries on the nose with lots of flavours pushing forward with the hint of sweet smoke adding the most interesting layer to the nose.

PALATE: Oily, gentle wood spice, touch of smoke continuing

(LTP) Oh Campbeltown richness for sure with sweet smoke and hints of soft peat, chocolate and spices give a rich balance to the palate.

FINISH: Dark cherry, honey, golden raisin, mixed nuts.

(LTP) As expected the finish is amazing rich and nicely complex with hints of creamy nutty flavours with dark dried fruits.

LONGROW 18 YEARS OLD 46% VOL PEATED CAMPBELTOWN – 2017 RELEASE

Ok this might not be new given it was originally released in 2017 but those good folks in Campbeltown managed to get us a few more cases

NOSE: refined creamy fruity aroma to start with. Sea salt seaweed followed by pine cones, wood shavings and honey.

Palate: Rich and creamy with subtle peat and juicy sweet flavours. Salted popcorn, Tofu, Butterscotch and Vanilla. Tobacco leaf, wood shavings and Black Forest gateau.

Finish: Pecan nuts followed by soft peaty embers with rich almost creamy notes with a superb dark chocolate and earthy notes.

And finally lets look at the rest of our favourite drams some you know about some you might have missed.

From time to time we sell out of our original allocation so we get an availability list that might have a few bottles or cases we can get back in to fill our shelves, in 2016/17 we had a few weeks of rather empty shelves so the team in Scotland set about fixing the situation for our London shop customers.

The following are limited stocks but still available via our web shop.

LINKWOOD 1987 30 YEARS OLD 57.2% – 70CL – REFILL SHERRY CASK

MACDUFF 1989 29 YEARS OLD 55.1% – 70CL – REFILL SHERRY CASK

PORT DUNDAS 1988 29 YEARS OLD 50.7% VOL – 70CL – BOURBON HOGSHEAD CASK- CLOSED DISTILLERY Another truly outstanding dram.

CREATIONS 2007 10 YEARS OLD 59.2% – 70CL Light, Creamy, Vanilla Batch 4 Blended Grain (Voted No 1 during the club night blind tasting)

PAUL JOHN 2011 6 YEARS OLD 56.3% VOL – 70CL – FROM GOA INDIA The 2nd release from Cadenhead’s delivers a twist on the 5 year old from 2017, 1 year in Campbeltown has pushed this to another level.

GLEN SPEY – GLENLIVET 2001 16 YEARS OLD Authentic Collection – 54.7% – 70CL – SPEYSIDE A deeper tasting dram.

CALEDONIAN 1987 30 YEARS OLD 48.5% – 70CL – RARE SINGLE CASK GRAIN Demolished Distillery. One for those seeking rare and very tasty future classics

Thats it for the summer and the 2017/18 season. We will be back with a whole new range around September 26th just as we head into the new Autumn season (The Fall for our cousins across the pond).

We can’t say just yet whats coming but lets just say one thing that might help! The release will be a memory of summer flavours that will delight you for the new season.

If you guys need anything or would like us to check on archive stocks email us at info@whiskytastingroom.com

Cadenhead’s London

AA Cadenheads

 

Scotch Malt Whisky Society “August Outturn: Bold discoveries” – Scotch Whisky News

SMWS Aug 18

VOYAGE INTO FLAVOUR

Leave behind your preconceptions, open your mind and set your compass to intriguing adventure, August Outturn brings 19 out-of-this-world bottlings that indulge the senses. Discover new realms as we take a bold voyage into flavour, exploring casks from Campbeltown to the Orkney Isles, cognacs from France and rums from the lively Caribbean islands – this month make it your mission to try something different.

VIEW AUGUST WHISKIES       READ OUTTURN ON LINE

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

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