Orkney 15 Year Old 2002 Sherry Cask Exclusive

From the secret Highland Park distillery, the chaps at Berry Bros & Rudd selected a rather special sherry butt of the Orcadian single malt which matched our request for the tricky balance of peat and sherry beautifully; delivering a near perfect orcadian whisky. Highland Park 15 Year Old 2002 vintage Orcadian single malt Scotch whiskey. Single sherry cask #3 bottled 2018 by Berry Bros & Rudd exclusively for The Whisky Barrel. 180 bottles at cask strength. This sherry butt has archived the tricky balance of peat and sherry beautifully. Aromas of cigar box, leather and honey abound. The palate delivers a near perfect orcadian whisky, combining dried figs, dates and runes with peat smoke and complex floral notes. The is superlative whisky finishes with clove rock and more rich fruit. Mystery single malt that don’t want to reveal their true identity. Rummage around and with a bit of investigation you are sure to find a rare unspecified bottling from independent bottler.

Buy – £79.96

Gordon & MacPhail unveils oldest Longmorn single malts ever released

’Twin’ Longmorn whiskies selected by identical twins from Gordon & MacPhail’s owning family

Single malt Scotch whisky creator Gordon & MacPhail is releasing two decanters as part of its ‘Private Collection’, single cask releases personally selected by members of the family that owns the company.

The ‘twin’ whiskies – the oldest Longmorn single malts ever released – were selected for bottling by identical twin brothers Stuart and Richard Urquhart from stock originally laid down to mature by their grandfather George Urquhart in 1961.

Sold as a pair, only 97 sets of twin decanters are available worldwide with a UK recommended sales price (RSP) of £30,000. Both single malts were matured in first fill Sherry hogsheads and bottled at cask strength. Richard Urquhart’s whisky from the European Oak Cask 508 was bottled at 45% abv, while the whisky from American Oak Cask 512, selected by Stuart Urquhart, was bottled at 40.8% abv.

Each individually numbered hand-blown decanter of Longmorn is beautifully presented in award-winning packaging, which includes a book written by renowned writer and rare whisky specialist, Jonny McCormick, along with a personally signed certificate of authenticity from each brother.

The Longmorn twin casks offer a unique opportunity to explore the effects of different oak types on spirit during maturation.

The whisky selected by Richard Urquhart, nurtured in European Oak, is mahogany with red highlights; it has a rich, abundant nose, with complex aromatic flavours and perfumed top notes.

The whisky selected by Stuart Urquhart is slightly lighter in colour, rich chestnut with ruby and amber highlights. Matured in American Oak, it is sweeter on the nose and fruity on the palate with notes of black cherry, raspberry, and dried vanilla.

Stephen Rankin, Gordon & MacPhail’s Director of Prestige, fourth generation member of the Urquhart family and himself a father of twins, said: “This is a unique and exclusive opportunity to taste a remarkable piece of Scotland’s liquid history. Owners of these twin decanters will be able to explore the similarities and nuances of the oldest Longmorn single malt Scotch whiskies ever bottled.”

Stuart Urquhart, Gordon & MacPhail’s Associate Director of Whisky Supply, added: “As someone whose day-job is applying the family’s knowledge of how to match spirit with the perfect cask, the nuances of our Longmorns, distilled 57 years ago, were especially intriguing. For example, the whisky I selected has a slightly spicier finish.”

Richard Urquhart, Gordon & MacPhail’s International Sales Manager for Asia & Americas, said: “For much of our lives, Stuart and I have shared similar environments, growing up together and sailing competitively as a team, as well as working under the same roof. However, as we’ve matured it’s intriguing to see how our individual characters, much like the whiskies, have differed.”

To mark the launch, Professor David Purdie, a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, has worked with Gordon & MacPhail to uncover what shapes character in twins – the effect of heritage, environment, and location.

Professor Purdie said: “It is remarkable to observe how the identical spirit filled into the casks all those years ago has been altered by the natural environment of the casks themselves – one crafted from European Oak and the other from American Oak.

“Just like twins who start life at the same time and place, each whisky has then been shaped and developed by a multitude of separate factors to create these subtle differences.”

For more information, please visit www.gordonandmacphail.com.

#GordonandMacPhail

Notes

Images shows Stuart (left) and Richard Urquhart and Longmorn.

In two three-minute ‘twin’ films, Professor Purdie meets Gordon & MacPhail’s Director of Prestige, Stephen Rankin, to explore the subject of human twins and ‘twin whiskies’ www.gordonandmacphail.com/longmorns.

The twin decanters complete the release of four extremely rare single cask bottlings unveiled as part of the ‘Private Collection’ range. The first, Private Collection Glenlivet 1943 by Gordon & MacPhail, a rare wartime cask, was released in October 2017 and the second, Private Collection from Linkwood Distillery 1956 by Gordon & MacPhail, was released in February 2018.

Gordon & MacPhail Whiskies

Established in 1895, family-owned Gordon & MacPhail is curator of some of the world’s finest and rarest single malt Scotch whiskies from over 100 distilleries. Four generations of the Urquhart family have continued to pursue the perfect partnership between spirit and cask.

Since its foundation, Gordon & MacPhail has carefully matched spirit to the highest quality oak casks which are sent to distilleries throughout Scotland, filled with new-make spirit, and matured either at the distillery of origin or in the firm’s own bonded warehouses in Elgin.

It is this simple but endlessly complex pairing that creates an intriguing and unique portfolio of expressions – single malts that Scotch whisky lovers will not find anywhere else.

In 2018, the company unveiled its new portfolio:

• Discovery – Utterly dependable, this flavour-led range is the perfect introduction to our portfolio of quality single malt Scotch whiskies.
• Distillery Labels – A range celebrating our long-standing relationships with Scotland’s distilleries.
• Connoisseurs Choice – The heart of our portfolio – always unique, these non-chill-filtered, natural coloured, small batch expressions are genuine one-offs.
• Private Collection – Greatly-aged single malts from celebrated, little-known, or closed distilleries specially selected by members of the Urquhart family.
• Generations – A prestigious collection of old, rare, and exclusive masterpieces.

Hi everyone its been some time since we had a major release like this one so sit back and take your time reading through the lists. This release is a two parter with a stunning collection of single cask malts followed by the latest Rum release by Cadenhead’s.

Lets look at a few of the latest releases from the single malt range, from the history of the distillery to the latest bottling.

Aultmore

First off the block is Aultmore distillery always a firm favourite here in the London shop. The Distillery was established in 1896 by Alexandre Edward who had a few other distilleries under his kilt! (Lets assume he wore one) including Benrinnes and Craigallachie! Another two distilleries we love here in London. After full production started at Aultmore around 1897 its output was soon doubled.

Around 1923/4 the distillery is sold to John Dewar & Son then after several decades of changes and mergers we reach the early 1970’s. The number of pot stills are doubled from 2 to 4 during a rebuild of the distillery.

As demand for the top quality distillate increased for the Blending market so did interest from Malt whisky drinkers. Its one of those best kept secret whiskies that those who have tried it in the past came back for more each time letting more people in on the secret.

Tullibardine

Next lets look at Tullibardine another distillery thats been kept secret by some malt fans with more people finding it around the whisky world its now become a must have here in London.

The distillery was founded 1949 by Delmé-Evans soon afterwards it was sold on to Brodie Hepburn Ltd, between 1971 to 1993 work continued as did a few changes inc ownership! In 1994 the distillery was mothballed until around 2003 due to social and economic conditions many distilleries closed for a short time some for ever and other for a few years.

Thankfully Tullibardine is now open producing a smooth delicate yet flavoursome single malt that has quality through its core.

We often use Tullibardine in the tasting room with some great feedback from fans of Lowland and Highland styles.

THE NEW RANGE​!

Single Cask Whisky Range September 2018

 AULTMORE 1997 21 Years Old 52.1% 70CL Speyside Single Cask

NOSE: oranges, vanilla, marshmallows, foam bananas, toffee yoghurt and pine needles.

PALATE: Very fresh, juicy fruits, gooseberries, peaches, kiwi and mango. Clotted cream, mashed bananas and lemon curd.

FINISH: Delicate creamy fruits with hints of pebble beaches and honeycomb.

BENRIACH 2008 10 Years Old 56.5% 70CL Speyside Single Cask

NOSE: Creme brûlée, hints of white pepper, hard boiled sweets, toffee popcorn and all spice.

PALATE: Baked apples, fresh ginger, toffee, brown sugar, over ripe bananas, lemon olive oil and faint hint of oily smoke.

FINISH: Lingering creamy notes with kiwi and green apple skins.

CANADIAN 1985 32 Years Old 62.1% VOL – 70CL – Canadian Single Barrel

Nose: Spicy rye notes, buttered biscuits, lemon drizzle cake with peaches, raisin butter and honey.

Taste: Thick and chewy, warming spices, cayenne pepper, paprika and aniseed mixed with white chocolate and golden syrup.

Finish: Big wood spice, butterscotch, dried fruits, hints of salt and lots of fresh vanilla.

NOSE: Fruity and syrupy, peaches, mango with toffee sauce and barley sugar sweets.

PALATE: Pears, dried ginger, hints of nutmeg and then more flaked almonds and white chocolate.

FINISH: Lemon cheesecake with soft spice and butterscotch.

GLENBURGIE 1992 26 Years Old 50.2% VOL – 70CL – Speyside Single Cask

NOSE: Pineapple, cinnamon buns, passion fruit and traditional cloudy lemonade.

PALATE: Peaches, apricots and lashings of cream. Becoming oiler with marzipan and steamed milk.

FINISH: Long and creamy with bags and bags of fruit.

TOMATIN 2008 10 Years Old 53% VOL – 70CL – Highland Single Cask

NOSE: Fresh cut grass, engine oil, lemon grass, chives and lemon thyme.

TASTE: Coconut, buttery, shortcrust pastry, grape skins, strawberry milkshake and raspberry sauce.

FINISH: Mixed fruits in syrup with mustard seeds and lemon zest.

TULLIBARDINE 1993 25 Years Old 40.7% VOL – 70CL – Highland Single Cask

NOSE: Spearmint, rosemary and thyme followed by bubblegum and greengages.

TASTE: lemon and lime juice, more minty notes along with caramel, plums and sponge cake.

FINISH: Hints of aniseed giving way to plums, bakewell tart and toffee sauce.

TAMNAVULIN 1992 26 Years Old 51.3% VOL Speyside Single Cask

NOSE: Juicy and oily, dusty, hay lofts. Lemon meringue pie with green bananas and grapes.

PALATE: Green apple skins, dunnage warehouses, flint, almond butter, pears and hints of dry cider.

FINISH: Floral and grassy with growing satsumas, fennel and peaches

GLEN SCOTIA 1992 26 Years Old 47.3% VOL – Campbeltown Single Cask

NOSE: Oily and grassy, charcoal, soft briny notes, then custard creams and lime marmalade

PALATE: Coal dust and hints of tarmac, grenadine, olive oil, shortbread and hazelnuts.

FINISH: Initially soft and creamy, distant smoke and becoming drier and flinty.

SPEYSIDE Distillery 1994 23 Years Old 50.9% VOL – 70CL – Speyside Single Cask

NOSE: Honeycomb, geraniums and salted popcorn. With faint whiffs of blackcurrant jam.

PALATE: Ginger beer, apple crisps, faint liquorice and then gooseberries and chocolate ice cream.

FINISH: Praline, soft grassy notes and then cloves and lime zest.

And finally for the whiskies…

WILLIAM CADENHEAD SHERRY CASK MATURED BLENDED SCOTCH WHISKY 20 YEARS OLD 46% VOL

A bit of a surprise release with this rather stunning dram that will take your breath away with its amazing richness. Check the web site for the full details.

Did I say finally for the whiskies! Well we have one last addition.

We have been allocated 1 last case for 2018 of this years Springbank 21 year old. The price is the same unlike a few other sites who seem to hike the price up we will keep it at normal retail.

A few of our favourite things. Tasting room & Staff archive picks from our stack and keep back range.

We have a lot of single casks and small batch whiskies come out over the year some old some young and some mid age ranges each is unique.

LINKWOOD 11 YEARS OLD 59.3% VOL

We liked this one because its big and powerful from the bottle but leave this to sit in the glass it then becomes one of the most complex after dinner drams in its age group.

As a contrast

TOMINTOUL 11 YEARS OLD 56.1% VOL

This dram is sublime with a sweetness thats never too sweet but allows some subtle spices to come though.

Can be enjoyed from the first pour with no need to add water if you want it as an after dinner dram or let it open with a drop of water and a pre dinner dram.

So thats it for our first release of the new season.

If you want to keep up with us on instagram find us at @WHISKY1842 Have a great month from all at Cadenheads London

Cadenhead’s London

Red Fife Whisky Presale

Whisky, Whisky, Red Fife Whisky!

We are thrilled, that our small batch of whisky will be ready to be released in February 2019!  313 bottles!

We are preselling this limited Whisky…the price includes one bottle of Whisky (available in Feb 2019), with the addition of a Whisky T-shirt and tasting book…click below for more info!

PURCHASE WHISKY

262-6731 West Coast Rd
Sooke, BC, V9Z 0S9

NEW RELEASE ARDBEG TWENTY SOMETHING IS A VINTAGE FROM THE DISTILLERY’S DARKEST DAYS 

— This rare 22 Year Old whisky pays tribute to those visionaries who helped keep Ardbeg’s spirit alive. — 

In October of this year, whisky lovers will have the opportunity to experience the third release in Ardbeg’s exclusive Twenty Something collection – a superb 22 Year Old single malt bottled in honour of the handful of visionaries who helped keep the Distillery alive.

This is a whisky that was born during a time when the iconic Ardbeg Distillery name was almost consigned to the history books.  In the 1980s and 1990s, production at the Ardbeg Distillery slowed to a trickle and its future hung in the balance. However, while the stills were often empty and the filling store silent, a small number of casks were tucked away by a handful of whisky enthusiasts with the belief and vision to keep Ardbeg alive. A young Mickey Heads, now Ardbeg’s Distillery Manager, was among them.

Today, Ardbeg’s spirit endures thanks, in part, to the efforts of that small group of dreamers who believed in the Distillery. The loyal Ardbeg Committee, founded in 2000, also deserve recognition for their unwavering dedication to ensuring the doors of Ardbeg never close again. In honour of their support, it is Committee Members who will have the opportunity to experience Ardbeg Twenty Something, when a limited number of bottles go on sale in October 2018.

Mickey Heads, Ardbeg Distillery Manager, said: “A sense of immense pride, hope and a touch of idealism were key ingredients in this whisky. Created with spirit from the retired Still which now stands in the Distillery courtyard, this bottle is a magnificent reminder as to why Ardbeg should never be allowed to disappear. Ardbeg Twenty Something is for those who believed wholeheartedly in the Ardbeg Distillery, which is why it’s fitting that this rare whisky – a 22 Year Old – will be enjoyed by our loyal Committee Members, who maintain that same belief.”

Dr Bill Lumsden, Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation & Whisky Stocks at Ardbeg, went on to say: “The ex-Bourbon casks I selected for Ardbeg Twenty Something have delivered a beautiful dram, bursting with deep tropical aromas. It offers an incredibly flavourful, silky quality which is exceptional. I can think of no better way to celebrate those whisky lovers who helped keep Ardbeg alive during its darkest days.”

Ardbeg Twenty Something 2018 release will be available exclusively to Committee Members through www.ardbeg.com launching on 4^th October, RRP: £440.

#ardbeg #islay

www.ardbeg.com

Follow us on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ardbeg

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ardbeg_com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ardbeg/

NOTES: 

Tasting Notes:

Casks: Ex-Bourbon

Age:                22 Years Old

ABV:                 46.4%

Colour:            Pale gold

Nose:  Luscious tropical fruits give way to sweet smoke, soot and tar.

Taste:  At first, fresh green apple with a crumble topping. Notes of peppermint tea and sweet vanilla toffee flow into white pepper, clove, aniseed and eucalyptus oil. Then finally, some salty, woody tones.

Finish: A long lingering, mouth-watering sweet smoke finish.

RRP: £440 

Ardbeg:

Ardbeg prides itself on being The Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky.  Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts.  Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’.  During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future and it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction.  Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following.

Ardbeg Committee:

The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded in 2000 by the formation of the Ardbeg Committee.  The Committee is made up of thousands of Ardbeg followers worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”.  Today there are members of the Ardbeg Committee in over 130 countries.  Committee Members are regularly consulted on new bottlings and expressions and are offered exclusive Committee bottlings.  Members also receive invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events.  The Committee, chaired by Mickey Heads, is free to join at ardbeg.com.

Awards:

Ardbeg has been named ‘world whisky of the year’ more than any other smoky single malt.  Since 2008, Ardbeg has won more than 50 gold and double gold medals in key whisky competitions.  Ardbeg was voted ‘Scotch Whisky of the Year’ twice by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible (2008, 2009) and has twice been awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards (2010, 2013).  At the 2014 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, Mickey Heads was voted ‘Distillery Manager of the Year’.  The following year, Ardbeg’s expressions took the top three spots in Whisky Advocate magazine’s review of the best single malt Scotch whiskies under US$100.  Ardbeg was named ‘Distillery of the Year’ for 2018 at the IWC (International Whisky Competition). Meanwhile, Ardbeg Corryvreckan, Ardbeg Uigeadail and Ardbeg An Oa have been awarded gold medals at the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

The Glenmorangie Company:

The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton.  Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay Malt whisky.

Responsible Drinking:

Ardbeg and The Glenmorangie Company advocate responsible drinking and suggest that drinkers savour Ardbeg whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

The Whisky Barrel releases their latest exclusive bottling, an Orcadian Blended Malt Scotch Whisky. 

Specialist online whisky shop, TheWhiskyBarrel.com, is proud to release a new mystery malt. This time it is an exclusive malt from Orkney bottled by Berry Bros. & Rudd.

The Orkney Islands, located off the north coast of Scotland, are full of mystery and intrigue. There are age-old tales of Viking settlers, the striking St Magnus Cathedral (or ‘Light of the North’) and even Pictish ruins.

Berry Bros. & Rudd was founded by Widow Bourne in 1698 when she opened her first shop opposite St James’s Palace in London. Today the family-owned business is managed by the present generation of Berrys and Rudds at 3 St James’s Street, London.

Following on from the very popular exclusive St Ola ® earlier this month, TheWhiskyBarrel.com now introduces the Orkney 15 Year Old 2002 Berry Bros Exclusive #3. This whisky has a definitive, bold character. With an ABV of 56.8% and just 180 bottles at cask strength 56.8%, this malt is sure to be just as popular as the last Orcadian malt.

Available exclusively from The Whisky Barrel, shipping to customers Worldwide including the United States of America, Canada and Japan.

Orkney 15 Year Old Berry Bros Exclusive #3|2002| TheWhiskyBarrel.com| 56.8%

Tasting notes 

Colour: Warm gold.

Nose: Cigar box, leather and honey. 

Palate: A combination of dried figs, dates and prunes with peat smoke and complex floral notes. 

Finish: Notes of cloves and rich dried fruit leading to a very satisfying finish. 

Price: £79.96 GBP / $87.74 USD (+ P&P) 

Notice:-

1. Q) What is the product called?
   A)  Orkney 15 Year Old 2002 Berry Bros Exclusive #3
2. Q) When will this product be released/was it released?
   A) Wednesday 26^th September 2018
3. Q) Where is it available?
   A) Scotland, off-trade, TheWhiskyBarrel.com.Q) Is this product already available in other markets?
   A) Scotland only, TheWhiskyBarrel.com ships worldwide.

   Q) How much is it?
   A) £79.96 GBP / $87.74 USD (+ P&P)

6. Q) Who handles the product’s distribution?
   A) In-house at TheWhiskyBarrel.com.Q) What is the ABV of this product?
   A) 56.8% ABV natural cask strength.
7. Q) Why has this product been launched?
   A) Limited Edition single cask distillery exclusive for The Whisky Barrel. 

The Whisky Barrel is a specialist online whisky and spirits merchant based in Fife, Scotland and  was established in 2007. The Whisky Barrel won Whisky Magazine Online Retailer 2018 and was International Wine & Spirits Competition runner-up in 2016.

N.B. Prices correct at the time of publishing and are subject to currency fluctuation.

Compass Box Great King St Single Marrying Cask – For this limited edition offering Compass Box starts off with their Great King Street Blended Scotch Whisky. It is bottled from a single marrying cask used to mature the whisky after the initial blending. This marrying process has become a lost art over the past 100 years or so.

We used a Sherried Marrying Cask that carefully aged and enhanced this blended scotch an additional seven months. This resulted in a rich and round style typical of many Sherry finished Scotches, but solely unique to the Great King Street Artist Blend. The palate is teased with delicious notes of dark fruit, spice, and fruitcake. This is a great addition to Compass Box’s already amazing line of blended Scotch Whiskies.

COMPASS BOX BLENDED SCOTCH WHISKIES

MAKER’S MARK PRIVATE SELECT COLLABORATION

We’ve teamed up with our friends at Pompilio’s and selected an amazing barrel of Maker’s Mark Private Select – “Pomp’s Bocce Barrel“. Together we chose an excellent representation of Maker’s Mark that delivers something special.

To celebrate this outstanding selection Pompilio’s is hosting an amazing event on Saturday, September 29th, starting at 3:00 pm.

3:00 PM – Closest to the Pallina

The party starts with Closest to the Pallina games every hour until 6:00 pm. Gift Baskets for the hourly winners and grand prize winner receives a bottle of the new Maker’s Mark Private Select.

4:30 – 5:00 PM – Tasting of “Pomp’s Bocce Barrel” 
(Must have purchased a cocktail prior to tasting)

5:00 PM – Toast
This toast includes a dipped Maker’s Mark glass (RSVP required). Limited to the first 25 RSVPs. RSVP to larry@pompilios.com
(Must have purchased a cocktail prior to tasting)

Drink Special will be on hand featuring Maker’s Mark Private Select “Pomp’s Bocce Barrel”.

Bunnahabhain 18 Year Old, 46.3%

 £104.95

(Customers outside the UK please contact the shop for shipping costs)

Buy Bunnahabhain 18

Bunnahabhain is situated on the Islay. Unlike the majority of its neighbours, the distillery does not make use of exclusively heavily peated whisky. The 18 Year Old is a shop favourite, which displays a flavour profile of black cherry, honey, dried fruits and sea salt. This is a must for your whisky shelf, especially as the weather gets colder. Enjoy with oysters, dark chocolate or cheese….

New edition of Malt Whisky Yearbook

The Distillery Section completely revised with all the latest news

New exciting articles by distinguished writers such as Charles MacLean, Gavin D Smith, Neil Ridley, Jonny McCormick, Joel Harrison, Becky Paskin, Ian Buxton and Ian Wisniewski

Completely new Japanese chapter by Stefan Van Eycken

More than 250 tasting notes, including Japanese malts and independent bottlings

New feature – Whisky, the way I see it

A listing of more than 150 of the world´s greatest whisky shops

The Whisky Year That Was – the most comprehensive summary you´ll find of the news and trends in the industry

All the latest info on bottlings, web sites, books as well as the latest statistics and figures

More than 500 colour photos All in all – the most updated whisky book on the market!

This year covering 526 distilleries around the world!

Published by MagDig Media Ltd.
Publication date; 1 October 2018
Number of pages; 300
ISBN 978-0-9576553-5-5
Recommended retail price in UK; £13.95
Contact; ingvar.ronde@magdig.com
www.maltwhiskyyearbook.com